#Long Island Digital Marketing

[topnotchdezigns02]

Exploring Custom Web Design And SEO For Better Engagement

In the contemporary society, it is essential to have a good website appearance that is welcoming and simple to interact with. Nonetheless, web designing is not the only essential requirement for an efficient and effective website. 

Using SEO techniques is also paramount in order to direct traffic and conversion to the website. In this article, the author will discuss some of the important aspects regarding the web design that will improve engagement, as well as, some of the important tips concerning the SEO.

So, continue reading before you look for SEO company Long Island. 

Simplicity And Visual Design

When there is too much information crammed in a single page or there are numerous objects in the page that grab the attention, it becomes difficult for the visitor to get the information that he is looking for. 

However, large areas of white space, high contrast between elements, and well-placed pictures assist in giving direction. Also, synchronize the appearance of all pages with comprehensively matched colors, fonts, and menus. 

This aids branding while allowing the users to have an easy time when finding what they are looking for on the site. And most importantly, responsive design should always be the top priority so that the content will be easily readable on any devices.

Navigation Of The Website

Second, the approach to design achieved through simple and easy to understand navigation reduces confusion and the bounce rate. Texts should be comprehensible, communicative and placed on menu bar similarly in every page. 

Make utilization of site search bars to assist individuals in finding whatever they are searching for. Likewise, add buttons for seamless communication, and either sales or subscription paths depending on the business requirements. 

In other words, designing the site to be easily navigable and arranged in a way that meets the visitors’ requirements is helpful in enhancing the positive user experience.

Optimized Content

Now, let’s turn our attention to content, and ensure it contains useful information, relevant to answering a user’s question or solving a problem with the help of Long Island SEO companies. 

The properly done research blogs, eBooks, videos, and other material with a clearly stated and described benefits generate interest among the visitors. 

Reduce promotional material in order to provide useful resources that will help users trust the company and become loyal. Further, ensure that the page contains strong calls to action wherever possible to influence the audience towards the intended goal. 

Keyword Optimization And Quality Backlinks

Besides, website content should comprise of materials that are relevant to the website’s objectives and goals so that when users search for such topics online the website appears in the search list. 

Use the keywords to do research on other terms and questions that relate to a buyer’s needs and her problems. Then while writing content on web page it can be placed such that it is very much visible and at the same time it should not be used very frequently. 

Backlinks also enhance website quality for ranking optimization, therefore, partner with other industry websites seeking guest writers, sponsors, or other associations. 

Site Analysis And Control

Lastly, some basic specific actionable insights that can be derived are to use Google Analytics and similar tools to determine website visitor habits – peak hours, traffic vs no traffic content, high bounce rate meaning confusion etc. 

These should be used to improve the general design, design of content and sections that did not elicit positive responses so as to increase the chances of getting a positive response in other aspects that visitors come across. 

While doing it, you are developing the elements that are supported by analytics and users and end up with a website that converts and connects much more effectively in the long run.

Conclusion

An effective web presence both gets and keeps its target audience thanks to having a clean-cut design, easy navigation, content-centric and continuously enhanced approach. 

Combine this with keyword optimization plus high-quality backlinks and you have an SEO optimized website that can deliver value to the intended audiences. 

It is now time to apply the approaches discussed above to develop a site that will be interesting for the users and bring high conversion rates for your business.

[blogbound]

How Business Law Attorneys Can Create a Sustainable Stream of Leads

The lifeline of success of business law undeniably lies in the continuous flow of leads. These leads serve as the cornerstone for attorneys, paving the path towards sustainable growth and client acquisition. Picture this: a bustling marketplace where businesses navigate through intricate legal landscapes, seeking guidance and representation. Amidst this dynamic ecosystem, generating and nurturing leads isn't just a routine task; it's the essence of maintaining relevance and fostering long-term relationships.

For business law attorneys, the importance of this process cannot be overstated. It's akin to tending to a garden – diligently nurturing seeds of potential until they bloom into fruitful partnerships. Without a steady stream of leads, even the most skilled attorneys may find themselves adrift in a sea of competition, struggling to stay afloat. At its core, the significance of generating sustainable leads for business law attorneys lies in its ability to sustainably fuel their practice. Imagine a reservoir brimming with opportunities, where each lead represents a potential client seeking legal counsel. 

This reservoir isn't just a source of revenue; it's a testament to the attorney's credibility and expertise. By cultivating a steady influx of leads, attorneys not only ensure a consistent flow of work but also fortify their reputation within the industry. Moreover, in a landscape where client retention is paramount, nurturing sustainable leads fosters loyalty and trust. It transforms casual inquiries into enduring partnerships, where clients rely on their attorney not just for legal advice, but as a strategic ally in their business endeavors. In essence, the journey of generating sustainable leads isn't merely a business tactic; it's the cornerstone of building a thriving and enduring legal practice.

Defining Target Audience

In the realm of business law, understanding the intricacies of your target audience isn't just a strategic choice; it's the cornerstone of success. Picture this: a tailor crafting a bespoke suit, meticulously measuring every contour to ensure a perfect fit. Similarly, for business law attorneys, defining their target audience is akin to tailoring their services to meet the unique needs of their clients. It's about identifying and understanding the ideal client profile, a blueprint that guides attorneys towards fruitful partnerships and sustainable growth. Without this clarity, attorneys risk casting their net too wide, diluting their efforts and missing out on opportunities for meaningful connections.

Delving deeper into why this understanding is crucial, especially for the Long Island corporate attorney. Imagine navigating the bustling streets of Long Island, each business clamoring for attention amidst the vibrant tapestry of commerce. In this landscape, understanding the specific needs, pain points, and challenges of the target audience isn't just advantageous; it's imperative. It's about speaking their language, empathizing with their struggles, and offering tailored solutions that resonate on a personal level. By honing in on these nuances, Long Island corporate attorneys can position themselves not just as legal advisors, but as trusted allies in their clients' journey towards success. In essence, defining the target audience isn't merely about segmentation; it's about forging meaningful connections that lay the groundwork for lasting partnerships and mutual growth.

Building an Online Presence

In today's interconnected world, building an online presence is paramount for small business attorneys in Long Island. Think of it as laying the foundation for your digital identity—a virtual storefront that operates around the clock, showcasing your expertise and services to potential clients. A professional website serves as your digital business card, providing visitors with a glimpse into your legal prowess, the array of services you offer, and the satisfaction of past clients through authentic testimonials. It's like having a welcoming reception area where visitors can learn about your practice, fostering trust and confidence in your abilities right from the start.

Delving into the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) in enhancing your online visibility and attracting organic traffic. Imagine the internet as a vast ocean, with millions of websites competing for attention. SEO acts as your compass, guiding search engines like Google to recognize and prioritize your website amidst this sea of information. By strategically incorporating relevant keywords, creating valuable content, and optimizing your website's structure, you can improve your rankings in search engine results. This not only increases your visibility to potential clients but also drives organic traffic to your website, offering a steady stream of opportunities for engagement and client acquisition. For small business attorney Long Island, harnessing the power of SEO is essential for standing out in a crowded digital landscape and establishing a strong foothold in the local market.

Content Marketing Strategy

Content marketing isn't just a buzzword; it's a strategic cornerstone for the Long Island business dispute attorney seeking to carve out their niche in the legal landscape. Picture this: a library filled with resources, each page brimming with insights and solutions to common legal issues. That's the essence of content marketing—a vehicle for delivering valuable and informative content that educates, engages, and empowers potential clients. From insightful blog posts to in-depth articles, from comprehensive whitepapers to compelling case studies, content serves as a bridge, connecting attorneys with their audience in a meaningful way.

Imagine navigating the complex terrain of business disputes, each case presenting unique challenges and nuances. In this landscape, addressing common legal issues and providing actionable solutions through content marketing isn't just beneficial; it's essential. By offering valuable insights and practical guidance through blog posts, articles, and case studies, attorneys position themselves as trusted advisors, ready to assist clients in their time of need. In essence, content marketing isn't just about creating content; it's about building relationships, solving problems, and ultimately, positioning Long Island business dispute attorneys as indispensable allies in the pursuit of legal resolution.

Networking and Relationship Building

Networking isn't just about exchanging business cards at events; it's about cultivating meaningful relationships that serve as the bedrock of success for business law attorneys. Imagine a vibrant tapestry of professionals gathering at industry conferences and networking events, each interaction a potential opportunity to forge alliances and foster trust. These gatherings aren't just social occasions; they're fertile grounds for building connections with both potential clients and referral sources. From rubbing elbows with fellow attorneys to engaging with industry leaders, networking events offer a platform for attorneys to showcase their expertise and establish themselves as trusted advisors within their field.

Picture a seasoned navigator charting a course through uncharted waters, armed with a compass and a keen sense of direction. Similarly, attorneys can navigate networking events by prioritizing quality over quantity, focusing on building genuine connections rather than collecting business cards. By actively listening, offering value, and demonstrating genuine interest in others, attorneys can position themselves as trusted advisors, fostering long-term relationships based on mutual respect and reciprocity. Additionally, partnering with a New York digital marketing company can amplify these efforts, leveraging digital platforms to extend their reach and enhance their visibility within the legal community. In essence, networking isn't just a means to an end; it's a strategic endeavor that lays the foundation for lasting partnerships and sustained success in the competitive landscape of business law.

Utilizing Social Media

Harnessing the power of social media has become indispensable for businesses seeking to elevate their brand presence. Picture a bustling marketplace where conversations buzz incessantly, each platform teeming with potential connections and opportunities. Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook serve as virtual arenas where businesses can not only showcase their expertise but also engage directly with their target audience. From sharing industry insights to highlighting company achievements, these platforms offer a dynamic stage for building brand awareness and fostering meaningful interactions with followers.

Imagine a master storyteller weaving tales that captivate and resonate with their audience, sparking conversations and forging connections. Similarly, businesses can create compelling social media content by crafting narratives that resonate with their audience's interests and pain points. Whether it's sharing informative articles, hosting live Q&A sessions, or showcasing behind-the-scenes glimpses, the key lies in delivering value and authenticity. Moreover, fostering meaningful interactions with followers involves active engagement, responding to comments, and initiating conversations to cultivate a sense of community. By embracing these strategies, businesses can leverage social media not just as a promotional tool but as a platform for building lasting relationships and driving meaningful engagement.

Key TakeAways of How Business Law Attorneys Can Create a Sustainable Stream of Leads

The ability to consistently attract and retain clients is paramount to sustaining a thriving practice. By implementing a strategic approach to lead generation, business law attorneys can create a sustainable stream of leads that fuels long-term growth and success. Understanding the unique needs of their target audience, establishing a strong online presence, leveraging content marketing, networking effectively, utilizing social media platforms, and implementing targeted lead generation tactics are all integral components of this approach. By adopting these strategies and remaining proactive in their implementation, business law attorneys can position themselves as trusted advisors and thought leaders within their niche, ultimately driving sustainable growth and profitability for their practices. 

To create a sustainable stream of leads, business law attorneys must adopt a holistic approach that combines both traditional and digital marketing tactics. By focusing on building meaningful relationships, delivering valuable content, and leveraging the power of technology, attorneys can establish themselves as go-to experts in their field. By consistently refining their strategies, staying attuned to market trends, and adapting to the evolving needs of their audience, business law attorneys can ensure a steady influx of leads that fuels their continued success in the competitive legal landscape.

[anothermaletfwriter]

Invigorated Waters

(Long story ahead)

This vacation was supposed to fix their relationship, if only Jacob (on the left) had been more specific with his wish.

Jacob had planned out this trip with his long-time boyfriend, Adam. They had met on their sophomore year of college and were now both 35 years old. While the early times were sweet, Jacob found it difficult to maintain the same love he once held for over a decade. He had initially attributed it to their relationship stabilizing and becoming stable before he realized that it was physical attraction as well. Neither of them were as physically fit as they were back in college. They even admitted they hadn’t had good sex in years. Jacob felt even more guilty of his dying love especially after he accidentally spoiled himself of a planned engagement in the upcoming month on Adam’s phone.

After many nights researching how to revive a dead bedroom and ignoring the numerous suggestions, though most were demanding enough to be orders, of breaking up, he scheduled a two week long trip in the Palawan province of the tropical country of Philippines. It was an ideal place to resurrect his love. The warm weather would soothe any tensions and the novel experience a new country could spontaneously reignite his love for soon-to-be SO. He had planned out the entire itinerary: staying at the most expensive luxury hotel, island hopping via the boat tour, eating at local restaurants and exploring other tourist destinations. The costs of love necromancy slammed his savings he built up as a digital marketer.

Most of the vacation passed and it was days till they had to get to the airport and fly back home to the states. Jacob found himself somehow drifting even further apart from Adam. His passion was still dead. It wasn’t fixed by the countless colorful corals they snorkeled through, the sweetness of their halo-halos, the countless Filipino ballads playing throughout the whole beach town or even the cute tropical locally-made souvenirs he bought for Adam. He even downloaded Grindr for a week to find a 3rd but not even a third person could spice up the bedroom. His intrusive thoughts of sleeping other men only became more rampant.

The night after an uneventful day of scuba diving and street stall dining of fishballs and taho, Jacob stayed up to feel Adam’s warm hairy chest just for a slight chance of him rediscovering what made him fall in love with him in the first place but it was no use. It was a history of their touches and he felt the end was near. At this rate, he didn’t know what to do. Break up and re-do their entire lives separately? Or suppress his dead love pass the engagement and then the wedding and be miserable underneath to keep Adam happy? Maybe his façade would shatter during their marriage and a divorce would follow. His thoughts swirled around like a typhoon, wrecking his visions of an ending love life. The white noise of an inevitable disaster surrounded his ears, pushing him deeper into their waves until his phone dinged.

Jacob stared at the brightly notified phone with his tired eyes and read a Telegram message.

“I can help with your boyfriend problems,” It was sent by an unknown number.

“I don’t have a lot of money left. I spent it all on this vacation.”

“Don’t worry it’s free. Meet me outside your hotel lobby in 10 minutes.”

Jacob hesitated to respond. His gut told him against the offer. At best, it was a prank text and at worst, he didn’t want to imagine the worst. But he needed to do anything to bring back his love life so he reluctantly messaged, “Okay, I will. See you there.”

Before he went down to the lobby, he held Adam tightly and gave him a kiss on the lips. Despite him being a heavy sleeper, the kiss caused a smile to form. His sneakers shuffled on the brightly clean ceramic floors before they crunched on the gravel path out. The honks and roars of the jeepneys and clinks of other people’s flipflops collided in the warm humid air. An overhead purple mosquito zapper beeped, a few sparks coming out of it.

An attractive Filipino man, presumably in his early 20s, who wore a grey cap and a blue muscle tee that revealed his defined arms, approached him. Introducing himself as Joshua, he revealed he was the one texting him as he himself was an Engkanto, a human being with magical powers. He went on to list the many tourists relationships he had solved, and mentioned that problems like of Jacob and Adam were his bread and butter.

Jacob felt uneasy as the young man spoke to him. There was nothing off about his appearance, in fact he envied his physique as it reminded him of a younger, prime version of himself. There was an unexplainable chill and pang of distrust that rang through his bones yet he felt compelled to go with him.

He followed Joshua through the forest on the way to a hut, where he would perform the love ritual that was said to bring back any love, even if one of the partners was dead. Jacob’s heart fastened worriedly as he delved deeper into the jungle, damp grass brushing past his lower eggs and piercing through the eerie silence of the dark greenery. The small hut was made of bamboo, elevated a few feet off the ground. Jacob walked up the stairs, hearing Joshua shuffle through his pocket. The interior was dimly lit, with a purple candle in the middle, with nothing else. No sacred symbols or sacrificial totems or skulls.

Joshua motioned him to sit down, across from the candle. Jacob sat on the cold rickety floor.

Joshua followed after him, sitting opposite. He took out a small black canister from his pocket and opened it, scooping some of the purple goo. From the dim light, it resembled candle wax but of a thicker and more transparent consistency.

“This will bring back your love for your boyfriend,” Joshua said, his voice calm and deep. He brushed a generous amount on Jacob’s forearm, “Adam right?”

“Yeah his name is Adam,” Jacob didn’t even dare to ask him any rational questions, like how he figured his relationship problem all out or how he got his number. He chalked it up to Filipino magic. The goo felt warm on his forehead. He began to feel tired, though he was sure it was due to how late at night he was staying up, “How does it work?” He yawned.

“Some magical spirit energy stuff, it’s too hard to explain to normal humans,” Joshua brushed the goo on his own forehead as well, an evil grin that stretched past what a normal human could emote escaping through. It was last sight Jacob remembered before he fell asleep. There were no dreams of reuniting with Adam along the beach that represented his renewed love or flashbacks to his first date at the college town’s Waffle House, just darkness in his sleep.

Jacob woke up with an intense energy next morning. But his bedroom was different. He knew from the bright green walls and sturdy fan swaying that he was not at the luxury hotel with expensive AC and gigantic windows that overlooked the forest but at a house. He reached to grab to his side but Adam wasn’t there.

“Holy shit,” He exclaimed to himself, hearing his new voice and Filipino accent. He felt up and down his face, free from any facial hair and his Adam’s apple poking out more. He looked down on his stomach, differing from the white and flabby belly, it was smooth, tan and shredded with his abs. He glazed his soft hand across the crevices between his abs before he squeezed his bigger chest. He stroked his arms, admiring the craftsmanship of his biceps. He opened the phone camera, as muscle memory let him unlock it. His hair was short and jet black, face slimmer and youthful. It was real. He had swapped bodies with Joshua!

Jacob messaged him frantically, “Dude, give me back my fucking body.”

An instant response followed, like Joshua had been expecting it, “Relax. I’ll give it back once I fix your body’s love. It will take some time. While you wait, have fun in my body. I’ll let you know when we can swap back.”

Son of a bitch. Jacob searched his short’s pockets and found the container from last night, it felt lighter but he shook it, hearing the weird liquid droopy noises. He still had the swapping purple goo, ready to use to swap them to normal again, whether Joshua wanted to or not, “You better swap us back before we have to leave tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll hear back before sunset. Just enjoy yourself and your new body, I worked hard in building it :)”

Jacob shut off the phone and rubbed his hands on his forehead out of frustrations. Part of him believe he had been tricked but the optimistic portion of him expected a fixed relationship before he went to bed that night. He thought of how badly he was missing his boyfriend, planning not to sleep with anyone as he didn’t want to betray Adam.

He got off the bed and stood on the floor, realizing the world was shorter than he remembered in his old body. He was the only inhabitant of the house, hearing no one else except TFC on the large TV in the living room. More memories of the body permeated through his mind, as his hands and brains coordinated together through the fridge and cabinets to cook a typical Filipino breakfast of garlic fried rice, bangus, cherry tomatoes and tortang talong. The tangy savory flavors meshed well in his new tongue. Jacob hoped that when he returned to his original body, he would remember how to cook the Filipino food. While cleaning the dishes, his phone dinged.

Heart pounding from anxiety, he opened to Telegram. But he was disappointed that it was someone else. Jacob was surprised as he was able to understand the Tagalog frequently. The text came from Tomas, a 35 year old, also a local like Joshua, and one of his fuck buddies.

“Handa ka na ba para sa aming pre workout session?” (Are you ready for our pre workout session?)

Jacob was quick to nearly decline the message but before his smooth fingers could hit send, a surge of lust overpowered his body. More memories of Joshua started to infiltrate and even replace some of his own. Jacob was unable to recall the first few moments of relationship, not even during their college years. He was losing himself to the Joshua’s consciousness. Why wouldn’t he accept the offer? He was young and he had a terrific body that anybody would kill to have, let alone have sex with. That’s why he was popular in not only Grindr but on OnlyFans as well. Local neighbors to travelers from across the country and even internationally were common visitors to his bedroom. But that was Joshua, not Jacob. He was still Jacob, even if he wasn’t in his original body, unfortunately that didn’t matter as his fingers deleted the declining message and sent a thumbs-up emoji.

His fears of assimilation quickly dissipated when Tomas arrived at his front door for their ‘session’. He was a paler muscle daddy Tito that worked from home as an accountant, taking frequent breaks at work. Joshua-Jacob closed the door as he led him to his bedroom like it was a weekly routine. Quick to strip down, Joshua-Jacob ripped off his black shorts and underwear, unleashing the monster between his legs. He stroked it frantically before Tomas stopped any premature actions.

Tomas’ mature yet energetic face stared seductively at Joshua's eyes, stroking his tender jawline and playing with his straight black hair. Tomas whispered to him, smirking as he took off his clothes, down to his tight red thong that barely covered his older bubble butt, “Huwag sayangin ang iyong enerhiya” (Don’t waste your energy yet)

At first, Jacob returned to consciousness. He was a total sub bottom as the last time he recalled topping was before his first hookup with Adam. Now this body was a prime example of a dom top. With each thrust, more of Joshua returned back to form, getting more prominent. Joshua held on the older man’s wide muscular waist as he clapped his firm cheeks vigorously, causing the both of them to moan loudly, after all, their noises were drowned out by the vehicles on the road outside. Sweat dripped down from his pecs to his six pack and eventually to his double digit inch cock, shaved perfectly. A shot of dopamine hit through his system as he finished inside of the older man. His legs shook as he continued on for a second round on the hot piece of meat that posed in front of him, finally stopping after a few more minutes.

Tomas laid ass up on his bed with Joshua’s seed leaking from his looser hole. He caught his breath, sweating, “Wow, iyon ay mas kamangha-mangha kaysa sa karaniwan mong ginagawa.” (Wow that was more amazing than you usually do)

Joshua continued to flex his body for his cocky ego. He had the physique and libido e of a young God. Without thinking, words left his mouth, “Mas may energy ako ngayon.” (I have more energy today)

After they cleaned up, they went to the gym together, where Joshua snuck in a quick blowjob after doing a chest day that would have ended him in his original body. Once their pumps wore off and it was time for Tomas to go back to work, they went off separately for the rest of the day.

Joshua, whose heart and dick couldn’t stop pounding from the new lingering memories of pounding the bubble butt of the muscle daddy, sat on the beach shirtless, hoping to catch a few waves and perhaps a few more dudes. He relaxed as the sun reflected off his tan skin. He could get used to this carefree lifestyle, no worries about monogamy or the sorts. That was Joshua, though. Jacob yearned for the intimate warm touches that Adam used to give him, even if all he now remembered of him was of the past month. Time was running out.

Joshua-Jacob frantically spammed Jacob-Joshua, berating him for not telling him about the memory destruction result from body swapping. There was not even a left on read message. He must be having plenty of fun with Adam. His fears of not making it back to his old lifestyle and body vanished as a wave of libido and energy devoured him yet again. The once suppressed guilty desire of fucking other men other than his boyfriend conquered him again. Joshua's spirit took over again.

Joshua-Jacob began the rest of the day on Grindr, with the goals of finding more hookups and parties. It was a wonderful experience, fucking so many different men, from on a boat to a secluded spot on the beach and even in the hotels near the one he was staying in originally. He never tired out, often going for multiple rounds like he did with Tomas, with no need for breaks except for water. The men lusted him for his physique, youthful endurance and the powerful thrusts he made with his member and hips. Many of them hoping to see him again and continued to message him on social media.

Joshua finally rested at a bar. He had finished his American cheese burger and a healthy kale salad. His seat faced the ocean. The sun was orange, its rays glimmering on his glamorous muscles and on his deep dark brown eyes. He found it hard to imagine a life other than one of hedonism and freedom until his phone rang, revealing it was 6:00 pm.

Shit, it was sunset. There was a notification. Not from Telegram. It was Grindr. It was from the couple looking for a 3rd account. Thank fucking God.

“Free rn?” The account, likely Joshua, the imposter Jacob, in charge, messaged.

The real Jacob felt himself come back as he replied with a “Yes”. Memories of Adam and their entire relationship together returned, back to the beginning of when they ate undercooked chocolate cheesecake pancakes and had food poisoning the rest of their first date night. He realized that by not being with Adam, he had an affinity that he truly cared and loved him. It followed the old saying of not knowing what really matters until it’s gone. He was so close to getting home and being back with his loving boyfriend.

The account responded with a simple Thumbs-up. It was all Jacob needed as he ran to the hotel, careful to dodge other pedestrians and the rampant tricycles that carried the other tourists and their luggage. The hotel door was unlocked and the room was dark as Jacob entered. He could see Joshua and Adam were sitting on their bed naked.

Jacob introduced himself as ‘Joshua’ to the both of them, taking notable excitement in Adam. Without much speaking, likely from Adam’s awareness of the language barrier, they fucked. Despite Jacob’s attempts of meshing in between them, he was always pushed aside by both of them, always topping but never in the middle. Despite not bottoming as Jacob usually did with his boyfriend, the sex between them was spectacular, as he filled them up with bucket loads of his semen. His kisses with him were the most passionate he ever did in his life. He thrusted with soul and love into him. By the time that Adam fell asleep, the part of the bed they were doing it was soaked in their liquids intermixed with each other.

“Alright,” Jacob panted, sweat covering his glorious body, speaking to his former face, “Let’s swap back, now. I feel it again, thank you.”

Joshua shook his head, “Nope, thank you for giving me your wonderful life and your even better boyfriend. I can’t believe you gave all of it up,” The same grin he had recalled the night before now appeared on his face and mouth. He felt as if a demon possessed his body and was mocking him, it probably was at this point.

“You’re giving me back my body, my life and my boyfriend,” Jacob shouted, looming over his former body.

Joshua looked unimpressed with his threats, yawning slightly, “You should have known better than to trust an Engkanto, let alone of the trickster type,” He simply lied down on the bed and pretended to sleep, cuddling with Adam, in a cruel way of mocking Jacob.

Jacob thought fast, remembering the jar of purple goo in his pocket. He reached out and opened it to find nothing. Scooped empty. Entirely clean like it was never there. Despite his failure, he grabbed his body by the arm, which was lightwork due to his younger and powerful strength, “Swap us, now,” He demanded with rage in his smaller pupils.

Jacob was met with the torment of his own laugh cackling at him, with a deep undertone that caused shivers, like his original body was being corrupted, "You think you were clever thinking you could use the purple jelly against me?”

“But I shook it around earlier and I heard it. I didn’t lose or misplace it in between now and then” Jacob's skin grew bumpy from the goosebumps. He felt like he was in a nightmare, his stomach turning on itself as his old face morphed.

“Don’t forget I’m a trickster.” His grin grew unnaturally big, like his mouth was too big on his own face. “I like the attempt though, you really want to swap back. But I did notice how much fun you had in my body. I think even more than I did with your own body and your awesome boyfriend!”

“I just want to be back in my own body and be back with Adam. Nothing more! I want my life back, Joshua!!" Jacob screamed, hoping it would wake Adam up, but he didn’t.

“Joshua? I think you hit your head or something cause that’s your name, not mine. I’m Jacob,” His body taunted before he started to mutter an ancient language. Some remnants of it sounded Tagalog but the others sounded ancient, it was not human in origin.

“W-what, no. Don’t lie to me, Joshua, Jac—“ Jacob stopped speaking as he felt his own self merging with Joshua’s body. He looked at his own Jacob's face. He felt increasingly dizzy, as Jacob helped sit him down, who explained that he had fucked a bit too hard for his own good. Despite how hard he tried to shun him out, Joshua-Jacob’s post-college years of working in the field of marketing in America mutated into times living between popular touristy areas in the Philippines, only able to afford them from his OnlyFans income and sugar daddy money. His own personality and thoughts replaced by that of Joshua, as the familiar shock of testosterone and libido electrified his body. It caused Joshua to get a hard on and passionately kiss Jacob.

Jacob offered no resistance, allowing Joshua to feel every spot on his body with his tongue. It didn’t take long for Jacob to get onto his position with his jiggling white ass up in the air. Joshua slid in with ease, relentlessly hitting his prostate and causing the both of them to finish within minutes. In the release of his semen, the remnants of Jacob’s consciousness and personality drained out of his body. The transformation was complete. Joshua finished, collapsing on the soft mattress on his back, his bulky chest rising up and down. Jacob was generous enough to hand him a water bottle from America.

“Thank you, Kuya Jacob,” Joshua said as he gulped down his water, spilling some onto his abs and then using a clean towel to dry it up, “You guys are leaving for America tomorrow morning?”

Jacob nodded, as his supernatural grin turned into a generous smile. “Yeah. Don’t worry. I’ll let you know the next time we vacation here.”

Joshua whispered as he put on his shorts and black jersey, “Congrats on your future engagement. You two would make amazing husbands. You’re always welcome here in the Philippines!” He smiled.

“You’re a good young guy. Get home safe,” said Jacob, waving goodbye as he cuddled with Adam.

Joshua left the hotel with hope for the next day, with many collaborations and hookups he was going to perform that day as part of his typical life. The notion of finding a guy and settling down was foreign and too weird to him. Why should he only stay with one guy when he had such an irresistible and young body? He was young and he needed to enjoy that and pleasure himself.

[goblincow]

Here's the big dicebreaker interview with the designers & publishers whose names you know well.

Where do we go next?

I'm advocating for tumblr, and I'm in the PlusOneExp discord (just ask me if you need a link to what I'm finding to be a very welcoming island in the storm).

For now, that will suffice for me. I've tidied up my social links, I've sorted out my instagram and started making good use of the Stories feature, and I've long since given up on twitter. But I'm in a position that I'm yet to release my first project, so I've started at the bottom of the mountain and I won't be hit hard by the loss. I really feel for those who have lost years of hard work & struggle. It must feel like shit.

I appreciate this quote at the end of the article from Jess Levine:

“Every platform wants their walled garden, and the VC money that funded the existence of social media platforms that acted like a public is drying up as they realise maintaining what amounts to public infrastructure isn’t profitable,” Levine said.

“We're basically just speedrunning the neoliberal enclosure of anything resembling a public commons, this time with digital spaces rather than physical ones. As a creator and a generalist that markets their work online—and in some ways, even just as a person—that’s terrifying.”

[moonlight-bloop-rambles]

Big Wild west smp lore Theory

Spoilers for all recent Wild west smp lore! A few Disclaimers bevor:

I don’t know how coherent this will be as I do not keep up with all POVs but I has the theory for so long now and with the talk Spur, Jax and Olwyn had about what Sniper said in Jaxper’s last stream it just became more real.

This also might be a bit of a long one so it goes to Tumblr as to not overflow the Discord.

I hope this makes sense. It’s essencially a big brain dump because I need the theory out there in case I call it and in general. I apologize for grammar errors.

---

Alright here we go.

Things we know so far:

Ness has confirmed that he is a computer or something similar to at least Olwyn

Ness has also referenced to others as “players” and “entities”

There is a higher entity outside that can heat and see everything and is the reason Ness has to write certain things in Number code

Sniper consistently refers to themselves and a few other people on the island as “Not real”

Sniper said they are “as real as the ground they stand on”

Jay “became real”

Sniper says they were created

X is here to help the island

---

Now I want to mention a Film and a Series,

“The Trueman show” (should be familiar to people) and a series called “Westworld”

2 disclaimers:

Westworld is an ADULT SHOW if you are a minor PLEASE DON’T WATCH IT

I have watched neither of them, I just mention them here for what they are roughly about because its important

The Trueman show:

“The Truman Show is a TV classic all over the world. Since his birth, Truman Burbank has been the main character of the series without even knowing it. Producer Christof designed an artificial world in which Truman is observed by over 5,000 cameras 24 hours a day. To keep the facade from collapsing, his wife, friends and relatives are all actors. In episode 10,909, however, various accidental incidents occur that make Truman suspicious.” (google)

Westworld:

“In the 2050s, Delos Inc. operates several theme parks, including the American Old West-themed Westworld. Each environment is populated by the "Hosts", biomechanical robots indistinguishable from humans. The Hosts are programmed to fulfill the guests' every desire, and will engage in—and be subjected to—every kind of violent and/or sexual activity. However, the Hosts' programming makes it impossible for them to harm any living thing or allow the guests to be harmed. The park's operators create narratives for these Hosts to carry out while interacting with guests, but the Hosts' memories are wiped after each narrative is completed. Delos Inc. asserts that the Hosts, being machines and hence incapable of experiencing pain, cannot be truly harmed by these scenarios the same way that a human would be.“  (Wikipedia)

---

Now to my Theory:

I believe that the Island is somewhat of a Stage or something similar. Like a place marketed as “fun Wild West experience” to people. Be that an actual place or a digital world / game. The people that are “from the island” are either actors, robits or as we chat know “NPCs”.

The Cacti Hivemind

In my mind Senspa is already in a robots body and Ness and Senspa are like computer programs. That’s why the cactus hivemind exists. Its not real or magic in any way. Its just a “Senspa Programm” basically being installed into a new cacti body.

Jay

Jay “becoming real” is him gaining his own sentience that he was not supposed to have. Its what Sniper talks about when they have Jay. Jay is not supposed to have to eat, or sleep or love but because of the way Jay is he developed this love for the people around him and got sentience. Making him real. Now they still are linked to the others, able to sense Sniper, Jax and Spur and according to Sniper is something “in between”. Jay is not like the players. He is still and NPC or Programm. But he is no longer just that / mainly that.

Ness

The same thing happened to Ness. They where originally installed to help Senspa get back into the original program. To stop senspa from gaining consciousness too. That’s why it was also programmed with the sense of “Not interfering” as to not get attached and not develop that Love for the People.

Weird ways of talking / Not able to say certain things

Its also the reason why, I think, Scout talks so wildly and explaines things with analogys like the “Milktooth claw” thing and why Sniper, Senspa and Redbite could not say certain things. Not because something they are afraid of would hut them. No they can literally Not say certain things and Ness talks in code about certain things. It goes against their programming to say things so they have to talk around it.

Jaxper and Spur

Jaxper and Spur with the X in them are, according to Sniper, Something else. They are no like Sniper, mainly NPC/ Programm, or like Jay, between an NPC that is no longer mainly that. I think both Jax and Spur are still considered “players” that uploaded / created their own programming.

The “higher being / dangerous being ouside”

The being outside the border could very well just be a myth of the director / boss of whatever game the island is. Its called a Monster / higher being as to scare the “players” and keep them from escaping. Beckett did not know about that being and they were able to escape.

Redbite / The cicles

The people that came in on the train came in the first place to have fun and relax but it got out of control the Moment Redbite, also a Programm, gained a sentience she wasn’t supposed to have a long long time ago. She got attached to the players and changes the original main coding of the island creating the cicles.

This is the last cicle because the director being is unable to restart it as long as redbite is loged in the system. She is essencially a virus

The X

The X is here to fix the island and help it according to Sniper. I think is a different Programm / software trying to fix the damage Redbite did to it when making the cicles

The Biomes and Ruins

Because the Software / Island / Game is trying to fix itself with the X while the Virus is still there and has trapped the player inside the game. The Game is glitching and bringing back old elements from past cicles.

Ocie

Ocie was the first person to eat X. She put X a place where its no supposed to be. She was the only person to eat it and not immediately throw up or be at least somewhat uncomfortable. Spur and C.W., while not in absolute Pain like Jax and Josie after eating it, still said that it did not feel great. Ocie was fine while eating it till she wasn’t and switched to her alternative diet. I think because of for how long she has eaten X and how regularly she is eating it she glitched out part of her, giving her player stomach a virus essencially and putting her stomach on that level beyond player. Now with her alternative diet she is slowly putting it back to being a player.

At this point this is all I have on the Theory. If more comes up I will add onto this. I apologize for how long this is and how rambly. You are very welcome to add onto it and things.

[lillipad72]

Anne's World: A New Century of Anne of Green Gables

Part 1: Introduction (Irene Gammel)

"Anyone who has ever encountered her in one of L.M. Montgomery's novels will never forget her, for she is what we're not - and all that we long for and shall never become." - Jack Zipes on Anne Shirley

Key questions the book wants to answer:

"How do we read this early twentieth-century novel in ways that are relevant for readers of the twenty-first century?

How do the novel’s ethical dimensions fit into our own era?

Can Anne of Green Gables be read as a therapeutic text, capable of counteracting depression?

What is the power and danger of digital encounters with Anne?"

The goal of this book:

To consolidate and expand upon previous scholarship and information by placing Anne in its contemporary context while also exploring the reception and cultural impact, providing new references for future study.

The essays:

'Seven Milestones: How Anne of Green Gables Became a Canadian Icon' (Carole Gerson) "argues that Anne’s longevity is partly the result of a series of ‘institutional, commercial, and grassroots interventions."

'Matthew Insists on Puffed Sleeves: Ambivalence towards Fashion in Anne of Green Gables' (Allison Matthews, David and Kimberly Wahl) "argues that the text allows Anne Shirley to have it both ways: others want her to be fashionable and ambitious, whereas she wants to fit in."

'I'll never be Agelically Good: Feminist Narrative Ethics in Anne of Green Gables' (Mary Jeanette Moran) "reveals that the novel conforms to a feminist ethical paradigm because it tends to value those ethical choices that preserve or maintain relationships to support the principle that those who nurture others must also care for themselves, and to challenge the assumptions that women naturally care for others or that they alone bear the responsibility to do so."

'Too Headless and Impulsive: Re-reading Anne of Green Gables through a Clinical Approach' (Helen Hoy) "argues for the possibility of reading Anne Shirley as a psychological case study."

'Reading to Heal: Anne of Green Gables as Biblio-therapy' (Irene Gammel) "argues for reading Montgomery’s fiction within the important context of bibliotherapy, or the use of books in the treatment of personal and mental disorders."

'Reading with Blitheness: Anne of Green Gables in Toronto Public Library's Children's Collections' (Leslie McGrath) "examines how Montgomery’s literary reputation endured wide swings of critical opinion"

'Learning with Anne: Early Childhood Education Looks at New Media for Young Girls' (Jason Nolan) "looks closely at Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series, Anne’s Diary, and New Moon Girls as prominent examples of how Anne of Green Gables and the work of Montgomery in general have been taken up as locations for formal and informal learning, through the identifi cation of Anne as variously a marketing icon, as an ideal young girl, and through the way Montgomery constructed learning environments within her novels."

'On the Road from Bright River: Shifting Social Space in Anne of Green Gables' (Alexander MacLeod) "studies the ways in which the characters inside the novel, like the readers outside of the text and the real-world visitors to the Green Gables National Park site in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, are all engaged in a complex process of reading and rewriting social space"

'Anne in a "Globalized" World: Nation, Nostalgia, and Postcolonial Perspectives of Home' (Margaret Steffler) "explores the impact of the novel and character both outside and within Canada, arguing that the attraction of Montgomery’s work continues into the twenty-first century because it resonates with conditions in contemporary lives and culture, specifically the emotions and activity involved in migratory patterns of losing and creating home"

'An Enchanting Girl: International Portraits of Anne's Cultural Transfer' (Andrew O'Malley, Huifeng Hu, Ranbir K. Banwait, Irene Gammel) "shines a light on the crossover points from one culture to another, identifying cultures that have ‘appropriated’ Anne for very different purposes"

'What's in a Name? Towards a Theory of the Anne Brand' (Benjamin Lefebvre) "draws on film and cultural theories to consider paratextual Annes in terms of authorial ownership, control, and narrative pleasure"

'Mediating Anne' (Richard Cavell) (afterword) "closes off the book by providing a jumping-off point, looking forward to future research exploring the global Anne."

hi hi hi! I just discovered this book from 2010, which is a collection of essays on Anne of Green Gables, and I thought I might go through each essay and share my thoughts on the pieces! If anyone else has this book or access to any of the essays (some of which I think you can find online) I would love to discuss them with you! xoxo lily

[mostlysignssomeportents]

A link-clump demands a linkdump

Cometh the weekend, cometh the linkdump. My daily-ish newsletter includes a section called "Hey look at this," with three short links per day, but sometimes those links get backed up and I need to clean house. Here's the eight previous installments:

https://pluralistic.net/tag/linkdump/

The country code top level domain (ccTLD) for the Caribbean island nation of Anguilla is .ai, and that's turned into millions of dollars worth of royalties as "entrepreneurs" scramble to sprinkle some buzzword-compliant AI stuff on their businesses in the most superficial way possible:

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/08/ai-fever-turns-anguillas-ai-domain-into-a-digital-gold-mine/

All told, .ai domain royalties will account for about ten percent of the country's GDP.

It's actually kind of nice to see Anguilla finding some internet money at long last. Back in the 1990s, when I was a freelance web developer, I got hired to work on the investor website for a publicly traded internet casino based in Anguilla that was a scammy disaster in every conceivable way. The company had been conceived of by people who inherited a modestly successful chain of print-shops and decided to diversify by buying a dormant penny mining stock and relaunching it as an online casino.

But of course, online casinos were illegal nearly everywhere. Not in Anguilla – or at least, that's what the founders told us – which is why they located their servers there, despite the lack of broadband or, indeed, reliable electricity at their data-center. At a certain point, the whole thing started to whiff of a stock swindle, a pump-and-dump where they'd sell off shares in that ex-mining stock to people who knew even less about the internet than they did and skedaddle. I got out, and lost track of them, and a search for their names and business today turns up nothing so I assume that it flamed out before it could ruin any retail investors' lives.

Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory, one of those former British colonies that was drained and then given "independence" by paternalistic imperial administrators half a world away. The country's main industries are tourism and "finance" – which is to say, it's a pearl in the globe-spanning necklace of tax- and corporate-crime-havens the UK established around the world so its most vicious criminals – the hereditary aristocracy – can continue to use Britain's roads and exploit its educated workforce without paying any taxes.

This is the "finance curse," and there are tiny, struggling nations all around the world that live under it. Nick Shaxson dubbed them "Treasure Islands" in his outstanding book of the same name:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780230341722/treasureislands

I can't imagine that the AI bubble will last forever – anything that can't go on forever eventually stops – and when it does, those .ai domain royalties will dry up. But until then, I salute Anguilla, which has at last found the internet riches that I played a small part in bringing to it in the previous century.

The AI bubble is indeed overdue for a popping, but while the market remains gripped by irrational exuberance, there's lots of weird stuff happening around the edges. Take Inject My PDF, which embeds repeating blocks of invisible text into your resume:

https://kai-greshake.de/posts/inject-my-pdf/

The text is tuned to make resume-sorting Large Language Models identify you as the ideal candidate for the job. It'll even trick the summarizer function into spitting out text that does not appear in any human-readable form on your CV.

Embedding weird stuff into resumes is a hacker tradition. I first encountered it at the Chaos Communications Congress in 2012, when Ang Cui used it as an example in his stellar "Print Me If You Dare" talk:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njVv7J2azY8

Cui figured out that one way to update the software of a printer was to embed an invisible Postscript instruction in a document that basically said, "everything after this is a firmware update." Then he came up with 100 lines of perl that he hid in documents with names like cv.pdf that would flash the printer when they ran, causing it to probe your LAN for vulnerable PCs and take them over, opening a reverse-shell to his command-and-control server in the cloud. Compromised printers would then refuse to apply future updates from their owners, but would pretend to install them and even update their version numbers to give verisimilitude to the ruse. The only way to exorcise these haunted printers was to send 'em to the landfill. Good times!

Printers are still a dumpster fire, and it's not solely about the intrinsic difficulty of computer security. After all, printer manufacturers have devoted enormous resources to hardening their products against their owners, making it progressively harder to use third-party ink. They're super perverse about it, too – they send "security updates" to your printer that update the printer's security against you – run these updates and your printer downgrades itself by refusing to use the ink you chose for it:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/11/ink-stained-wretches-battle-soul-digital-freedom-taking-place-inside-your-printer

It's a reminder that what a monopolist thinks of as "security" isn't what you think of as security. Oftentimes, their security is antithetical to your security. That was the case with Web Environment Integrity, a plan by Google to make your phone rat you out to advertisers' servers, revealing any adblocking modifications you might have installed so that ad-serving companies could refuse to talk to you:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/02/self-incrimination/#wei-bai-bai

WEI is now dead, thanks to a lot of hueing and crying by people like us:

https://www.theregister.com/2023/11/02/google_abandons_web_environment_integrity/

But the dream of securing Google against its own users lives on. Youtube has embarked on an aggressive campaign of refusing to show videos to people running ad-blockers, triggering an arms-race of ad-blocker-blockers and ad-blocker-blocker-blockers:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/where-will-the-ad-versus-ad-blocker-arms-race-end/

The folks behind Ublock Origin are racing to keep up with Google's engineers' countermeasures, and there's a single-serving website called "Is uBlock Origin updated to the last Anti-Adblocker YouTube script?" that will give you a realtime, one-word status update:

https://drhyperion451.github.io/does-uBO-bypass-yt/

One in four web users has an ad-blocker, a stat that Doc Searls pithily summarizes as "the biggest boycott in world history":

https://doc.searls.com/2015/09/28/beyond-ad-blocking-the-biggest-boycott-in-human-history/

Zero app users have ad-blockers. That's not because ad-blocking an app is harder than ad-blocking the web – it's because reverse-engineering an app triggers liability under IP laws like Section 1201 of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act, which can put you away for 5 years for a first offense. That's what I mean when I say that "IP is anything that lets a company control its customers, critics or competitors:

https://locusmag.com/2020/09/cory-doctorow-ip/

I predicted that apps would open up all kinds of opportunities for abusive, monopolistic conduct back in 2010, and I'm experiencing a mix of sadness and smugness (I assume there's a German word for this emotion) at being so thoroughly vindicated by history:

https://memex.craphound.com/2010/04/01/why-i-wont-buy-an-ipad-and-think-you-shouldnt-either/

The more control a company can exert over its customers, the worse it will be tempted to treat them. These systems of control shift the balance of power within companies, making it harder for internal factions that defend product quality and customer interests to win against the enshittifiers:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/28/microincentives-and-enshittification/

The result has been a Great Enshittening, with platforms of all description shifting value from their customers and users to their shareholders, making everything palpably worse. The only bright side is that this has created the political will to do something about it, sparking a wave of bold, muscular antitrust action all over the world.

The Google antitrust case is certainly the most important corporate lawsuit of the century (so far), but Judge Amit Mehta's deference to Google's demands for secrecy has kept the case out of the headlines. I mean, Sam Bankman-Fried is a psychopathic thief, but even so, his trial does not deserve its vastly greater prominence, though, if you haven't heard yet, he's been convicted and will face decades in prison after he exhausts his appeals:

https://newsletter.mollywhite.net/p/sam-bankman-fried-guilty-on-all-charges

The secrecy around Google's trial has relaxed somewhat, and the trickle of revelations emerging from the cracks in the courthouse are fascinating. For the first time, we're able to get a concrete sense of which queries are the most lucrative for Google:

https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/1/23941766/google-antitrust-trial-search-queries-ad-money

The list comes from 2018, but it's still wild. As David Pierce writes in The Verge, the top twenty includes three iPhone-related terms, five insurance queries, and the rest are overshadowed by searches for customer service info for monopolistic services like Xfinity, Uber and Hulu.

All-in-all, we're living through a hell of a moment for piercing the corporate veil. Maybe it's the problem of maintaining secrecy within large companies, or maybe the the rampant mistreatment of even senior executives has led to more leaks and whistleblowing. Either way, we all owe a debt of gratitude to the anonymous leaker who revealed the unbelievable pettiness of former HBO president of programming Casey Bloys, who ordered his underlings to create an army of sock-puppet Twitter accounts to harass TV and movie critics who panned HBO's shows:

https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/hbo-casey-bloys-secret-twitter-trolls-tv-critics-leaked-texts-lawsuit-the-idol-1234867722/

These trolling attempts were pathetic, even by the standards of thick-fingered corporate execs. Like, accusing critics who panned the shitty-ass Perry Mason reboot of disrespecting veterans because the fictional Mason's back-story had him storming the beach on D-Day.

The pushback against corporate bullying is everywhere, and of course, the vanguard is the labor movement. Did you hear that the UAW won their strike against the auto-makers, scoring raises for all workers based on the increases in the companies' CEO pay? The UAW isn't done, either! Their incredible new leader, Shawn Fain, has called for a general strike in 2028:

https://www.404media.co/uaw-calls-on-workers-to-line-up-massive-general-strike-for-2028-to-defeat-billionaire-class/

The massive victory for unionized auto-workers has thrown a spotlight on the terrible working conditions and pay for workers at Tesla, a criminal company that has no compunctions about violating labor law to prevent its workers from exercising their legal rights. Over in Sweden, union workers are teaching Tesla a lesson. After the company tried its illegal union-busting playbook on Tesla service centers, the unionized dock-workers issued an ultimatum: respect your workers or face a blockade at Sweden's ports that would block any Tesla from being unloaded into the EU's fifth largest Tesla market:

https://www.wired.com/story/tesla-sweden-strike/

Of course, the real solution to Teslas – and every other kind of car – is to redesign our cities for public transit, walking and cycling, making cars the exception for deliveries, accessibility and other necessities. Transitioning to EVs will make a big dent in the climate emergency, but it won't make our streets any safer – and they keep getting deadlier.

Last summer, my dear old pal Ted Kulczycky got in touch with me to tell me that Talking Heads were going to be all present in public for the first time since the band's breakup, as part of the debut of the newly remastered print of Stop Making Sense, the greatest concert movie of all time. Even better, the show would be in Toronto, my hometown, where Ted and I went to high-school together, at TIFF.

Ted is the only person I know who is more obsessed with Talking Heads than I am, and he started working on tickets for the show while I starting pricing plane tickets. And then, the unthinkable happened: Ted's wife, Serah, got in touch to say that Ted had been run over by a car while getting off of a streetcar, that he was severely injured, and would require multiple surgeries.

But this was Ted, so of course he was still planning to see the show. And he did, getting a day-pass from the hospital and showing up looking like someone from a Kids In The Hall sketch who'd been made up to look like someone who'd been run over by a car:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/doctorow/53182440282/

In his Globe and Mail article about Ted's experience, Brad Wheeler describes how the whole hospital rallied around Ted to make it possible for him to get to the movie:

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/article-how-a-talking-heads-superfan-found-healing-with-the-concert-film-stop/

He also mentions that Ted is working on a book and podcast about Stop Making Sense. I visited Ted in the hospital the day after the gig and we talked about the book and it sounds amazing. Also? The movie was incredible. See it in Imax.

That heartwarming tale of healing through big suits is a pretty good place to wrap up this linkdump, but I want to call your attention to just one more thing before I go: Robin Sloan's Snarkmarket piece about blogging and "stock and flow":

https://snarkmarket.com/2010/4890/

Sloan makes the excellent case that for writers, having a "flow" of short, quick posts builds the audience for a "stock" of longer, more synthetic pieces like books. This has certainly been my experience, but I think it's only part of the story – there are good, non-mercenary reasons for writers to do a lot of "flow." As I wrote in my 2021 essay, "The Memex Method," turning your commonplace book into a database – AKA "blogging" – makes you write better notes to yourself because you know others will see them:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/05/09/the-memex-method/

This, in turn, creates a supersaturated, subconscious solution of fragments that are just waiting to nucleate and crystallize into full-blown novels and nonfiction books and other "stock." That's how I came out of lockdown with nine new books. The next one is The Lost Cause, a hopepunk science fiction novel about the climate whose early fans include Naomi Klein, Rebecca Solnit, Bill McKibben and Kim Stanley Robinson. It's out on November 14:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250865939/the-lost-cause

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/05/variegated/#nein

[cratesandmemories]

Debs Nieves: Bridging Music, Media, and Marketing With Purpose

Before she was producing music videos for icons or building digital strategies for businesses across the country, Debs Nieves was already making waves in Puerto Rico’s elite nightlife scene. At an age when most were still finding their footing, Debs became one of the youngest creatives to land a key marketing role at one of the island’s most prestigious night clubs. Under the mentorship of a legendary Puerto Rican businessman, she was entrusted with high-profile campaigns and brand projects that most professionals twice her age hadn’t touched. It was during this time she crossed paths with Latin music icon DJ Nelson, a meeting that would spark a career that has since spanned continents, industries, and cultural boundaries.

Debs naturally gravitated toward the creative side of music. She began working with filmmaker Carlos Martin of DG Films, immersing herself in music video production, visual storytelling, and content strategy. She helped shape the narrative and brand for rising artists, including early contributions to the rise of reggaetón star Jay Álvarez. Her work stood out for its style and emotional depth long before content marketing became an industry standard.

As a music video producer, Debs has brought powerful visuals to life for an impressive range of talent including Kendo Kaponi, Jowell y Randy, Zion, Baby Rasta y Gringo, and Daddy Yankee. Her reach extends beyond Latin music, she’s also produced videos for major alternative and rock acts like Of Mice & Men and Paramore, proving her versatility across genres. Later, she went on to collaborate with international stars such as French Montana, cementing her as a creative capable of moving fluidly through the global music landscape. These are just a few names in a much longer list of artists whose stories she’s helped translate visually for the world.

Currently, Debs continues to thrive in the music world, collaborating with trailblazing talents like Rome LMN, Dominican viral star El Cherry Scom, and the internationally recognized Beatz Akademy. In these roles, she leads creative direction, visual strategy, and digital branding for a new generation of global artists. Her recent projects include creative campaigns and content development for breakout stars like Chuck Liddell, Pablo Chill-E, D Smoke, Totoy El Frio, Casper Magico, Villano Antillano and Lil Jou Jou, among others. She’s not just producing content, she’s curating cultural footprints and helping artists turn their work into full-scale brands.

Her expertise doesn’t stop at music.

Debs has also made her mark in television and film, working behind the scenes as a trusted production coordinator and creative producer. Her credits span an impressive list of high-profile projects, including collaborations with Morgan Freeman (Story of God), Nicole Richie (Candidly Nicole), Abby Lee Miller (Abby’s Studio Rescue), T.I and Sia (Sound Clash) She’s contributed to large-scale productions for MTV Movie Awards, live at E3, VH1, Mun2, and more, juggling creative direction, logistics, and production coordination with skill and poise.

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the entertainment world, Debs shifted gears and focused her energy on helping small businesses stay afloat. She launched In-House Brand Lab, a boutique marketing consultancy project, rooted in storytelling, strategy, and community. What began as emergency support for local businesses evolved into a thriving agency offering services in SEO, social media marketing, content creation, digital branding, online reputation management, and growth consulting.

Her client roster is as diverse as her background, from restaurants, tire shops, and construction companies to retail boutiques, nightclubs, and Grammy-winning producers. She applies the same creative rigor and strategic thinking to a small-town business as she does to global artists, because for Debs, every brand has a story worth telling.

Today, Debs stands at the powerful intersection of music, media, and marketing. She builds bridges between culture and commerce, creativity and conversion, vision and visibility. Whether she’s directing a music video, leading an artist’s digital rollout, or building a brand campaign for a local business, her work is grounded in purpose and driven by impact.

Debs Nieves isn’t just a name behind the scenes, she’s the architect behind the movement. A creative force who continues to elevate the game in every industry she touches. She’s a peer connector, a trendsetter, and a storyteller who knows how to turn moments into momentum. With every project, every brand, and every beat, she’s not just building content, she’s building culture.

[yanxioustrikas]

this is long overdue but i'm just gonna share a chill idea of yet another oc for the supa strikas universe set in the future timeline lol

leon art #1

leon cyril archambault is a young man who is very passionate about creating digital content and is a semi-famous social media influencer. studying marketing at a university in prince edward island 🇨🇦, leon is currently doing an exchange (paid) internship at altivo entertainment (the headquarters is most likely in johannesburg 🇿🇦), where he is supervised and mentored by devon schumaker (who has been promoted, in this future timeline, as marketing manager).

yes, he wears his jacket like this sometimes

yes, he made the conscious decision to have his hair dyed like this

— info —

pronouns: he/him

age range: early 20s

height: 6’0 ft

birthday: november 21

nationality / ethnicity: canadian / acadian french

sport(s): competitive dance

hobbies: photography, journaling, gaming (he plays every genre), playing the guitar, indoor gardening

— traits —

energetic, kind, confident, passionate, creative

stubborn, reckless, smug

— family —

father: cyril archambault

mother: jeanne archambault (née thibodeau)

twin sister: genevieve archambault

maternal uncle: marc thibodeau

— additional info —

has a pet fish

staying with his uncle marc's family during his internship

loves noodles

leon and hiram both attended the same high school together, and while they are not super close, they still get along

[toxooz]

The canvases aren’t even safe 😭 they used the Boroque era as reference for their search engines. Like I’m losing my shit constantly over ai art so bad. Like this is totally gonna be a rant so forgive me but it’s driving up the WALLS. Ai art being readily available is killing the incentive for people to be creative. I cannot tell you how many times I think I’ve found a really cool fellow artist on tiktok and then see #midjourney. I take psychic damage every time that happens to me. And I’m starting to see it infiltrating business too where they generate ai images instead of hire photographers. I also saw someone selling tshirts with ai art on it at my local farmers market. MOTHERFUCKER THE FARMERS MARKET??? HAVE YOU NO SHAME????

NAW PREACH IT cause its become a nagging issue for me for a while that i simply try to not think about and dwell on but dear FUCKING god is it everywhere and it's painfully obvious too! just about every ad takes me 3 seconds to find damning evidence that its ai and im 99% ready to just delete facebook bc #1 i dont give a fuck abt anyone on there anymore and #2 Literally every other post is the most deplorable ai shit ive ever seen that everyone is carelessly oblivious to i mean total abominations that don't make any sense as an image but ppl share bc its the most bottom of the barrel ''relatable'' shit and that's just the sad reality of it is most people don't even give a shit what they're looking at as long as it looks pretty to their eyes for 3 seconds they don't give a damn

and that's just on basic everyday world shit like u said there's so many mfs i think are decent artists where i legitimately cant tell its ai until i read their fuckshit bio or somethin, like that midjourney i didnt even know it was an ai program i would've just thought it was the name of a video game or some shit! like I feel like I'm kinda turning my back on the whole art community involuntarily bc i just dont trust any image i see most of the time and its fukkin sad i ESPECIALLY feel for the real artists prior to this shitshow who have art styles that now look so much like ai that they basically hijacked to feed the machine like I couldn't imagine spending thousands of dollars on an art college and hours of practice just for your art style to be The Blueprint for empty soulless photos cranked out at inhuman rates by any stupid fucking lazy ass clown like Fuck Man it all sucks so much and the worst part is I just feel like it's one of those things where it will not stop until Something caves and i honestly dont know which one it will be but i just know its only going to get worse idk i try to remember that i can pick up a paintbrush or even whatever the hell i want and make something beautiful while 98% of these ai sacks of shit are just limited to stealing other peoples art on the internet and they couldn't even paint a damn flower if their lives depended on it and if i was stuck on a deserted island I'd probably still find ways to make art with whatever tools and resources i have cause that's an artist baybay but as far as The Internet and its grasp it has on the world and trying to make it as a digital artist and trying to make money from your homemade artwork is very grim man and dont even get me started on art and artists in just about every job field rn my heart goes out to them

[bongserrano]

Batangas: My Sky and Earth—An Intimate Recollection and Reflection of My Childhood in the Philippines

To celebrate the first anniversary of Batangas: My Sky and Earth, the author is thrilled to present a special Second Edition! The eBook and hardcover editions feature high-resolution photographs in both monochrome and color, while the paperback offers enhanced black-and-white images from the original release. This unique Second Edition is a heartfelt gesture of gratitude from the author to thank readers and commemorate this significant milestone.

About the Book

When Bong Serrano learned that his older brother, Boying, had cancer, the notes he had jotted down about his childhood took on new meaning. Memories of his time with his family in the Philippines came rushing back. At the center of those memories were the precious moments he'd spent with his Kuya.   Faced with his brother's impending death, Bong asked himself: "What if one day I lose my memories? Who will remember us?" Thus began Bong's yearslong journey of immortalizing not only his childhood but also his country's history and traditions.   Bong grew up in the southern province of Batangas, on Luzon Island. Batangas: My Sky and Earth is a celebration of that childhood. This memoir takes you into a world made rich by the intricate descriptions of life in the Philippines in the 1970s and '80s, where the family unit is close, and many households are multigenerational. From family dynamics to church duties to delicious food and the inevitable annual typhoons, Bong invites you to experience his culture from the inside.   Throughout this memoir, Bong honors his childhood home and country and the memory of his beloved brother. The choice to interweave Tagalog throughout this book's pages helps to steep the story in Filipino culture further. A whole village raised this boy, and as Bong looks back on his childhood, the lessons he learned come to the foreground: clarity, forgiveness, tradition, and love.

About the Author

Bong Serrano is a proud Batangueño, hailing from the picturesque and historic province of Batangas, Philippines. His debut memoir, Batangas: My Sky and Earth, not only pays homage to his roots but also takes readers on a nostalgic journey into the heart of Filipino heritage.

Bong completed his undergraduate studies with an academic scholarship at Ateneo de Manila University and was subsequently awarded a student exchange scholarship at International Christian University in Tokyo. After dedicating several years as an international flight attendant and Japanese speaker for American Airlines, immersing himself in diverse cultures around the world, he transitioned to roles as Digital Marketing Director at both a digital marketing agency and a not-for-profit organization for men’s health in Vancouver, contributing his expertise to both organizations over a twenty-seven-year career in digital marketing.

Though Bong has called Canada home for many years, his heart remains deeply connected to Batangas, where he frequently returns to visit family and friends. He cherishes the bonds he holds dear and finds joy in sharing stories, listening to music, taking long walks along the seawall, mastering the art of cooking adobo, indulging in Asian dramas during his leisure hours, and, naturally, pursuing his passion for writing and storytelling. Bong resides in Vancouver with his life partner of over thirty years.

Bong is currently immersed in his next project, which involves writing a historical fiction. Connect with him and explore more of his work on his website at bongserrano.com.

Watch the Video Trailer

The full-length video montage of my debut memoir, premiering on YouTube for the first book signing event at Indigo on Robson Street, Vancouver, on March 3, 2024.

Second Edition Now Available in Hardcover, Paperback, and eBook

Bong Serrano Media

Amazon.ca

Amazon.com

Barnes & Noble

[newstfionline]

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Florida neighbors band together to recover (AP) When ankle-deep floodwaters from Hurricane Helene bubbled up through the floors of their home, Kat Robinson-Malone and her husband sent a late-night text message to their neighbors two doors down: “Hey, we’re coming.” The couple waded through the flooded street to the elevated front porch of Chris and Kara Sundar, whose home was built on higher ground, and handed over their 8-year-old daughter and a gas-powered generator. The Sundars’ lime-green house in southern Tampa also became a refuge for Brooke and Adam Carstensen, whose house next door to Robinson-Malone also flooded. The three families met years earlier when their children became playmates, and the adults’ friendships deepened during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. So when Helene and Hurricane Milton struck Florida within two weeks of each other, the neighbors closed ranks as one big extended family, cooking meals together, taking turns watching children and cleaning out their damaged homes. “Everyone has, like, the chain saw or a tarp,” Robinson-Malone said Sunday. “But really the most important thing for us was the community we built. And that made all the difference for the hurricane rescue and the recovery. And now, hopefully, the restoration.”

Thousands march in Spain to demand affordable housing (Reuters) Thousands protested on Sunday in Madrid to demand more affordable housing amid rising anger from Spaniards who feel they are being priced out of the market. “Spaniards cannot live in their own cities. They are forcing us out of the cities,” said nurse Blanca Prieto, 33. Spain is struggling to balance promoting tourism, a key driver of its economy, and addressing citizens’ concerns over unaffordable high rents due to gentrification and landlords shifting to more lucrative tourist rentals. Residents of the Canary Islands and Malaga have also staged protests this year against the rise in tourist rentals. Seasonal hospitality workers struggle to find accommodation in these tourism hot spots, with many resorting to sleeping in caravans or even their cars.

Russian Strikes on Ukrainian Ports Target Shipping (NYT) Russia has stepped up its assaults on Black Sea port infrastructure and civilian shipping in recent days, in what Ukraine says is an attempt to disrupt its exports and damage its economy. The attacks are part of an intensifying campaign of strikes on the city of Odesa and the region along Ukraine’s southern coast. Since last Monday, Russia has carried out five attacks in the area, killing 14 civilians and injuring 28, the U.N.’s Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported on Friday, citing local authorities. The strikes on ships were mostly aimed at those flying flags of small countries unlikely to retaliate against Russia. Last Monday, a container ship under the flag of Palau was hit, Ukrainian official said. The day before that, a missile damaged a vessel under a Saint Kitts and Nevis flag, according to the regional military administration.

Pakistan’s internet slows to a crawl as blame falls on government (Washington Post) Mobile internet in Pakistan has been painfully slow for over two months. Now, technology experts and political activists are accusing the government of intentionally throttling the internet to suppress political protesters. Digital rights activists fear that Pakistani officials are installing new controls to more tightly monitor social media and to censor political content.

China’s ‘New Great Wall’ Casts a Shadow on Nepal (NYT) The Chinese fence traces a furrow in the Himalayas, its barbed wire and concrete ramparts separating Tibet from Nepal. Here, in one of the more isolated places on earth, China’s security cameras keep watch alongside armed sentries in guard towers. High on the Tibetan Plateau, the Chinese have carved a 600-feet-long message on a hillside: “Long live the Chinese Communist Party,” inscribed in characters that can be read from orbit. Just across the border, in Nepal’s Humla District, residents contend that along several points of this distant frontier, China is encroaching on Nepali territory. The Nepalis have other complaints, too. Chinese security forces are pressuring ethnic Tibetan Nepalis not to display images of the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, in Nepali villages near the border, they say. “This is the new Great Wall of China,” said Jeevan Bahadur Shahi, the former provincial chief minister of the area. China’s fencing along the edge of Nepal’s Humla District is just one segment of a fortification network thousands of miles long that Xi Jinping’s government has built to reinforce remote reaches, control rebellious populations and, in some cases, push into territory that other nations consider their own.

Sri Lanka closes schools as floods hammer the capital (AP) Sri Lanka closed schools in the capital Colombo and suburbs on Monday as heavy rains triggered floods in many parts of the island nation. Heavy downpours over the weekend have wreaked havoc in many parts of the country, flooding homes, fields and roads. Three people drowned, while some 134,000 people have been affected by flooding, according to the country’s Disaster Management Centre. Sri Lanka has been grappling with severe weather conditions since May, mostly caused by heavy monsoon rains. In June, 16 people died due to floods and mudslides.

Can the Government Get People to Have More Babies? (NYT) In 1989, Japan seemed to be an unstoppable economic superpower. Its companies were overtaking competitors and gobbling up American icons like Rockefeller Center. But inside the country, the government had identified a looming, slow-motion crisis: The fertility rate had fallen to a record low. Policymakers called it the “1.57 shock,” citing the projected average number of children that women would have over their childbearing years. If births continued to decline, they warned, the consequences would be disastrous. Taxes would rise or social security coffers would shrink. Japanese children would lack sufficient peer interaction. Society would lose its vitality as the supply of young workers dwindled. It was time to act. Starting in the 1990s, Japan began rolling out policies and pronouncements designed to spur people to have more babies. The government required employers to offer child care leave of up to a year, opened more subsidized day care slots, exhorted men to do housework and take paternity leave, and called on companies to shorten work hours. In 1992, the government started paying direct cash allowances for having even one child (earlier, they had started with the third child), and bimonthly payments for all children were later introduced. None of this has worked. Last year, Japan’s fertility rate stood at 1.2. In Tokyo, the rate is now less than one. The number of babies born in Japan last year fell to the lowest level since the government started collecting statistics in 1899. Now the rest of the developed world is looking more and more like Japan.

The Brewing War With Israel Is Boosting Iran’s Young Hard-Liners (Foreign Affairs) The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s influential, ideological armed force, has been riven by divisions between its older, conservative commanders and its younger, radical ranks. The former generally favor exercising some restraint when it comes to Israel, whereas the latter want to go directly after the Islamic Republic’s nemesis. Typically, the older elite have held more influence with the supreme leader. But as more and more IRGC commanders and partners have been killed, the younger generations have gained the upper hand. They have done so by questioning the competence of their elders but also by suggesting that some IRGC elites are actually Israeli assets, including Esmail Ghaani, the IRGC commander who controls Iran’s Quds force—which, in turn, controls Iran’s network of proxy militias. After Israel killed Nasrallah, Khamenei’s calculus appears to have been shaped by this younger cohort. It is part of why Khamenei launched the October 1 attack.

Netanyahu Is Killing Us To Set Us Free? Logic, Grief And Resistance In Beirut (Daraj/Lebanon) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed us, the Lebanese people, and offered us a gift: a massacre. He sent soldiers to the Lebanese border town of Maroun al-Ras, raised an Israeli flag there, and sent the picture to the whole world. Netanyahu, who has so far killed more than 40,000 Palestinians and about 3,000 Lebanese, addressed us directly—and said that he is killing us for the sake of our future [by destroying Hezbollah]. Netanyahu tells us that he wants to give us after killing us, a homeland, one that is no more than a graveyard and no less than a colony. This speech he addressed to us is truly amazing, a summary of what awaits us if Netanyahu, owner of the “massacre doctrine,” achieves what he wants.

U.S. to Deploy Missile Defense System and About 100 Troops to Israel (NYT) The United States is sending an advanced missile defense system to Israel, along with about 100 American troops to operate it, the Pentagon announced on Sunday. The move will put American troops operating the ground-based interceptor, which is designed to defend against ballistic missiles, closer to the widening war in the Middle East. It comes after Iran launched about 200 missiles at Israel on Oct. 1 and as Israel plans its retaliatory attack. The THAAD battery, a mobile defense system, will give the Israel Defense Forces another layer of protection to defend cities, troops and installations from short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles like those deployed by Iran in its last attack.

Netanyahu tells U.S. that Israel will strike Iranian military, not nuclear or oil, targets, officials say (Washington Post) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the Biden administration he is willing to strike military rather than oil or nuclear facilities in Iran, according to two officials familiar with the matter, suggesting a more limited counterstrike aimed at preventing a full-scale war. In the two weeks since Iran’s latest missile barrage on Israel, its second direct attack in six months, the Middle East has braced for Israel’s promised response, fearing the two countries’ decades-long shadow war could explode into a head-on military confrontation. It comes at a politically fraught time for Washington, less than a month before the election, and President Joe Biden has said publicly he would not support an Israeli strike on nuclear-related sites. When Biden and Netanyahu spoke Wednesday—their first call in more than seven weeks after months of rising tensions between the two men—the prime minister said he was planning to target military infrastructure in Iran, according to a U.S. official and an official familiar with the matter.

Is Israel deploying a ‘surrender or starve’ strategy in Gaza? (Washington Post) Northern Gaza, already pummeled by a year of ruinous war, is in the grips of a punishing new Israeli offensive. Israeli forces encircled the battered Jabalya refugee camp in a bid to “systematically dismantle terrorist infrastructure,” according to an IDF statement. Israel issued evacuation orders to some 400,000 remaining residents in northern Gaza, telling them to go to areas farther south that are already teeming with the displaced and still hit by Israeli bombardments. Airstrikes have killed dozens. Aid workers described a catastrophic scene. “It is like hell to be honest,” Fares Afana, the head of ambulance services in northern Gaza, told The Washington Post in a voice note on Sunday. Israeli forces were attacking the Jabalya refugee camp “for the third time and its surroundings in Beit Lahya and Beit Hanoun,” Afana said, and the camp was surrounded “from all sides.” Humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders said Friday that thousands of people—including five of its staffers—were trapped in the Jabalya camp. “Nobody is allowed to get in or out—anyone who tries is getting shot,” Sarah Vuylsteke, a project coordinator for the organization, said in a news release. The intensifying siege will “continue as long as required in order to achieve its objectives,” the IDF said in a statement. It comes alongside an apparent blockade. No food trucks have entered at all in October. Such a tactic may fuel further accusations that Israel is deliberately starving Palestinians in Gaza.

[digitmarketingexpert]

The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Thailand: Best Destinations for a One or Two-Month Trip

Southeast Asia is an incredibly diverse region with numerous destinations that are perfect for a solo traveler looking for an extended trip. One of the best destinations for a solo trip lasting one or two months is Thailand. Here’s why:

Thailand: The Ultimate Solo Travel Destination

1. Ease of Travel

Accessibility: Thailand is well-connected by air, with international flights landing in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. The country also has an extensive and affordable domestic travel network including buses, trains, and flights.

Tourist-Friendly: Thailand has a long history of tourism, and its infrastructure is well-developed. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, making navigation easier.

2. Variety of Experiences

Vibrant Cities:Bangkok: The bustling capital offers a mix of modern attractions and historic sites, including the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, street food, and shopping.Chiang Mai: Located in the north, Chiang Mai is known for its temples, night markets, and access to nature. It’s also a hub for digital nomads and offers numerous cultural experiences.

Island Escapes:Phuket and Krabi: These areas provide stunning beaches, water activities, and nightlife.Koh Samui and Koh Phangan: Famous for their beautiful beaches and the Full Moon Party.Koh Tao: Ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.

3. Cultural Richness

Temples and Historical Sites: Explore ancient temples and historical parks like Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.

Festivals: Participate in local festivals such as Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loi Krathong (Festival of Lights).

Cooking Classes: Learn Thai cooking and take home new culinary skills.

4. Affordability

Cost of Living: Thailand offers a wide range of accommodation options from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Food is also inexpensive, especially street food.

Activities: Many attractions and activities are affordable, making it easy to stick to a budget while still experiencing a lot.

5. Safety and Community

Safety: Thailand is generally safe for solo travelers. It’s important to take standard precautions, but overall, the country is welcoming and accommodating to tourists.

Solo Travel Community: Thailand is a popular destination for solo travelers, meaning you’re likely to meet other like-minded individuals. Many hostels and guesthouses have communal areas where you can socialize.

Suggested Itinerary for One or Two Months

Week 1-2: Bangkok and Surroundings

Explore Bangkok’s temples, markets, and nightlife.

Take a day trip to Ayutthaya.

Visit the floating markets.

Week 3-4: Northern Thailand

Travel to Chiang Mai: Visit temples, enjoy the night markets, and participate in a cooking class.

Take a trip to Pai for a laid-back experience with hot springs and waterfalls.

Visit Chiang Rai to see the White Temple and Blue Temple.

Week 5-6: Southern Thailand

Spend time in the islands: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.

Engage in water activities like snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.

Relax on the beaches and enjoy the island nightlife.

Week 7-8: West Coast Islands

Explore Phuket: Visit beaches, enjoy nightlife, and explore nearby islands.

Travel to Krabi: Discover Railay Beach, the Phi Phi Islands, and Ao Nang.

Tips for Solo Travel in Thailand

Stay Connected: Get a local SIM card or use a portable Wi-Fi device to stay connected.

Health Precautions: Make sure to have travel insurance. Stay hydrated and be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach.

Local Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting temples. Always remove your shoes before entering homes or temples.

Transportation: Use ride-hailing apps like Grab for convenience. Public transportation and tuk-tuks are also widely available.

Conclusion

Thailand is a fantastic destination for a solo trip lasting one or two months. Its blend of rich cultural experiences, natural beauty, vibrant cities, and welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for solo travelers. With its affordability, ease of travel, and extensive range of activities, you’ll have plenty to explore and enjoy in the Land of Smiles.

Notes (Important): If you wish to pre-book flight tickets and hotels online, please visit this website: Trip.com Official Site‎‎ | Travel Deals and Promotions

[xtruss]

The 10 Most Expensive Homes That Sold in 2023, From Jay-Z’s Malibu Manse to Jeff Bezos’s Miami Getaway

Waterfront properties were the star of this year's list, with coastal estates in the Hamptons, Palm Beach and Connecticut selling for blockbuster numbers.

— By James McClain | Robb Report

Daniel Milstein For Sotheby's International Realty

Don’t let these blockbuster numbers fool you. While 2023’s 10 priciest real estate transactions racked up a total sales volume of nearly $1.2 billion, slightly surpassing our 2022 list’s tally, these deals were the exceptions. In almost every luxury market across the country, overall volume declined by double-digit percentages compared to the prior year, driven by economic jitters and soaring interest rates. Among the most severely impacted markets was the greater Los Angeles area, where there’s currently a glut of luxury mansions up for grabs, many of them sporting heavily slashed listing prices. Even typically downturn-proof communities such as Aspen and Palm Beach were not immune to the slowdown.

As always, a majority of the top 10 deals were hush-hush transfers inked off-market. And it’s worth noting that all but two of the deals involved oceanfront—or at least waterfront—properties, suggesting buyers are still willing to shell out big for trophy vacation homes with direct beach access. Here’s our list of 2023’s priciest residential sales.

Top: Paradise Cove, Malibu—$190 Million

Coming in at the top of the heap, and the only California property to make the list, was this colossal blufftop complex atop Paradise Cove in Malibu, which sold for $190 million in cash. This year’s biggest real estate transfer was also likely the most highly publicized, thanks to A-list buyers Jay-Z and Beyonce. It’s the priciest-ever deal for a California home, and the second-priciest ever recorded nationwide.

First commissioned in the late 1990s by Bill and Maria Bell—he the son of the soap opera tycoons who created The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful—the house took 15 years to plan and build. Completed circa 2014, the monolithic fortress was created, at least partially, to display the Bells’ enormous collection of modern art, including numerous works by Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst and Marcel Duchamp. Though the property was never publicly marketed for sale, the Bells had reportedly shopped the place off-market with a whopping $250 million ask.

— Photo: Google Earth

Bottom: North Ocean Boulevard, Palm Beach—$155 Million

In April, New York-based car dealership mogul Michael Cantanucci broke the Palm Beach record with his $170 million purchase of this oceanfront estate, which features a nearly 25,000-square-foot, Tuscan-style mansion built in the 2000s. The house was never on the market, so further details are scant, but the seller was billionaire coffee entrepreneur Bob Stiller, who paid just $25 million for the estate in 2014.

— Photo: Google Earth

Copper Beech Farm, Greenwich—$138.8 Million

Photo : Daniel Milstein For Sotheby's International Realty

This year’s most out-of-left-field big transfer was likely the sale of Connecticut’s Copper Beech Farm, which recorded at a state record of nearly $140 million. The deal came even as the Greenwich real estate market has badly sagged in recent years. The seller, billionaire Ray Dalio, had paid $120 million for the place back in 2014, though that unconventional transaction reportedly included the assumption of tens of millions worth of debt on the estate. The all-cash buyer, who remains anonymous for now, is thought to hail from Mainland China. Copper Beech Farm features 50-acres of land with a 13,500-square-foot main house originally built in 1898, plus spectacular gardens and roughly a mile of private water frontage on Long Island Sound.

Meadow Lane, Southampton—$112.5 Million

Photo: Google Earth

New York’s biggest deal of 2023 was inked in the Hamptons, and it’s no surprise that the property in question is one of the largest estates on Southampton’s ultra-prime Meadow Lane—often called Billionaires’ Row. The titanic spread sold for $112.5 million to an as-yet-unidentified billionaire shielded behind a Delaware entity called Meerkat LLC, with the thrifty buyer negotiating a cool 36% discount off the estate’s $175 million original ask. Long owned by ad exec Marcia Riklis, the so-called Mylestone estate is anchored by an 18,000-square-foot manor house situated on 8-acres of land, with nearly 500 feet of ocean frontage.

Windmill Lane, East Hampton—$91.5 Million

Photo: Google Earth

Talk about a profitable flip. The seller of this two-parcel East Hampton compound, real estate investor Peter Fine, bought the property in 2020 for $45 million. Just three years later, without making any significant changes to the place, he flipped it for an eye-popping $91.5 million to an unidentified buyer. Still not crazy enough for you? There are rumors the new owner might tear down the estate’s current structures to build something more lavish, so that $91.5 million might’ve been for the land alone.

Great Island, Darien, Connecticut—$85 Million

Photo: Google Earth

Great Island, a 63-acre waterfront property on Long Island Sound, features a land bridge that connects to the mainland in Darien, Conn. For decades, the island served as the ultimate private compound since it was built at the turn of the century, with amenities such as world-class equestrian facilities (including a polo practice field), a private beach, and a secluded harbor with a dock and boat house. Owned for over 100 years by different generations of the same family and originally offered at $175 million, the giant estate was acquired by the town of Darien for a heavily discounted $85 million. At last check, the town was still deciding what to do with the island, which features a 13,000-square-foot historic mansion and multiple ancillary structures.

220 Central Park South, New York City—$80 Million

Photo: Google Earth

The two-building skyscraper at 220 Central Park South is famously a huge hit with billionaires, so it’s no surprise that New York City’s biggest residential deal of 2023 was recorded at the limestone complex. This time, it was a duplex penthouse at the shorter “villa” building that fetched $80 million in a staggering resale. While the unit itself was never on the market, sellers Suna Said and her husband Scott Maslin had paid about $66 million for the Central Park-facing apartment in 2020. The anonymous buyer, who may or may not be a big-name celebrity, has a Los Angeles mailing address.

Indian Creek Island, Miami—$79 Million

Photo: Google Earth

In October, two months after paying $68 million for an oceanfront estate on Miami’s Indian Creek island, Jeff Bezos dropped $79 million on the house next door. The lucky neighbor, who acquired the 19,000-square-foot mansion back in 2014 for just $28 million, remains unknown. Bezos reportedly plans to bulldoze both properties to make way for a custom compound of his own creation, so that $79 million was likely just for the dirt alone.

Ute Avenue, Aspen—$76 Million

Photo: Google Earth

Aspen’s biggest-ever home sale was unconventional in more ways than one. Unlike most of the other properties on this list, the $76 million deal was not an all-cash transfer. The buyer, car dealership mogul Terry Taylor, paid $51 million of the purchase price in cash but also gave the seller, real estate developer Leathem Stern, a smaller Aspen home valued at $25 million. The ski-in, ski-out house features four full floors totaling more than 20,000 square feet of living space. Not everyone who crossed paths with the property enjoyed the experience, however—a Christie’s real estate agent is currently suing Stern for $1.7 million in commission payments she claims were owed to her in the deal.

[satoshi-mochida]

Single-player action adventure game Jurassic Park: Survival announced for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC

Gematsu Source

Saber Interactive has announced single-player action adventure game Jurassic Park: Survival for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. A release date was not announced.

“As longtime fans of Jurassic Park, we’re truly honored to embark on this exciting journey,” said Saber Interactive chief operating officer Tim Willits in a press release. “Our goal is to capture the magic and wonder of the iconic film by bringing a blend of long-time development expertise and a genuine passion for the source material.”

Universal Games and Digital Platforms senior vice president of production and marketing Jim Molinets added, “We’ve consistently heard from our fans that they’ve been waiting for a game to immerse them in Jurassic Park like never before and, well, we found a way. We’re excited to finally reveal that the iconic film is coming to life in an all-new video game in partnership with the amazing talent at Saber Interactive and can’t think of a better way to culminate the year-long celebration of Jurassic Park‘s 30th anniversary than with this thrilling announcement.”

Here is an overview of the game, via Saber Interactive:

About

Welcome to Jurassic Park: Survival. Players will take on the role of Dr. Maya Joshi, an InGen scientist who was unable to evacuate Isla Nublar, in an original adventure made for fans of the Jurassic Park franchise and those who revel in narrative-driven games. They’ll be challenged to survive an intense mix of first-person stealth and action in thrilling encounters with dinosaurs, each with their own distinct and adaptive behaviors brought to life by John Hammond’s vision. Players will be able to dive into a lush world full of wonder, mystery, and danger as two species separated by 65 million years come face to face in an all-new adventure.

Key Features

Explore Isla Nublar – Players will venture through a fully realized Isla Nublar filled with reactive wildlife, dinosaurs, and other surprising threats. From the iconic towering park gates to the Visitor Center and beyond, Jurassic Park comes alive like never before.

Evade Prehistoric Predators – Players will outsmart, escape, and interact with the film’s iconic dinosaurs. They’ll use their ingenuity through distraction and stealth to navigate intense and unforgettable encounters in a journey to outlast some of the deadliest creatures to ever walk the earth.

Survive The Island – Players will be challenged to explore the park and face its dangers. They’ll use all the resources at their disposal to find intelligent solutions to endure the many threats lurking on Isla Nublar.

Watch the announcement trailer below. View the first screenshots at the gallery.

Announce Trailer

[enby-denby]

Seeing as I am in my late 20's, I'll go ahead and do one for the teens out there:

Remember the advice about your job? It is especially true for Part Time jobs. And NEVER work for just "experience". That is not a tangible payment method.

That being said: LOOK INTO TRADE JOBS. The posters glorifying how much more college grads make don't mention the high unemployment rate or the current job insecurity for new grads.

Your teachers are wrong: employers and all but the most elite colleges Do Not Care what your GPA was or what you did for your senior project. Employers will not throw out your application if they see the words "community college" on there either.

Similarly, most friendships and romantic relationships you form in high-school and early college will end up fizzle growing out. This does not make them less real and does not reflect badly on you.

But treasure the ones that don't.

You will have your whole life to develop addictions, including to things like caffeine. Don't start now, while your brain is still growing.

Every cringe moment you have today is going to be a funny story in a decade. Hindsight is funny like that.

You do not have to forgive your parents when you grow up.

You DO NOT have to forgive your parents when you grow up

Let me repeat: if your parents were unwavering in their abuse of you as a child (or did one thing that only a Shakespearian villain would do to their kids) and they start love-bombing you after you move out and set some boundaries, you are not evil or bad for being unwavering in your own self-love by rejecting their attempts to rope you back into a vulnerable dynamic "make amends"

But if your parents weren't shitheads? Call them, visit them, share your interests with them as you grow into an adult. Make the most of the time they have left with you. This goes double for Grandparents.

Don't talk about politics on social media. By this I don't mean don't engage in political discussions online (though be cautious there too), I mean don't discuss any ideas you have for direct action online. The cops can and will get you for digital thought crimes.

You really do need to clean your room, for your own sake as well as for any roommates you may have.

Related to the above: never split rent with a stranger. ESPECIALLY not a studio apartment.

What makes a party fun isn't loud music, alcohol, drugs, or sexy times. Its if one of the following things are there: a gregarious pet, a silly (or spooky) party game, themed snacks, a sports game/obscure anime on the tv, and an outdoor firepit people can throw stiff they want to burn into. The more of these things you can safely do at the same time, the better.

This was mentioned above but PLEASE develop a hobby that isn't a form of media consumption. The best advice I ever got from a teacher was my Spanish teacher breaking her "no English" rule to remind us that consuming products is not a personality trait. And though that was years ago, in the age of Andrew Tate that bears repeating for me.

No, you don't need to memorize the quadratic equation or the cycle of the Heroes Journey to be a functional adult. But they help.

Home Ec and Woodshop classes help a Hell of a lot more in your day to day.

Your parents will probably be more excited than you that you got your license. This is because they had places to go when they were your age and are excited to have a Designated Driver at home.

Speaking of Designated Drivers, here is my short list of Good First Drinks to celebrate your 21st birthday: Moscow Mule, Piña Colada, local craft beers followed by German or Mexican, saké, white wine, grasshopper, cosmopolitan or screwdrivers. A Long Island Iced Teas is NOT a tea and if you want to try only one drink but learn the taste of a lot of different alcohols at once, that would be it.

If you get a letter from a Company called Amway or Vector Marketing, throw it right in the trash. The "job" they're promising is a scam.

And finally: you are not defined by your lack of romantic experiences or the number of friends you have. You are defined by who you choose to be, every day. And you will always get better if you put in even a little effort every day.

I turn 30 next month so here’s what I learned in my 20s:

—don’t work for startups, they’re always one ‘innovative idea’ away adding ‘sell your kidneys on the black market’ to your job description.

—keeping a collection of basic OTC medicine on you will save your life one day. I recommend Advil, Imodium, and TUMS.

—those little single-use glasses cleaning wipes are 1000% worth the money

—overly self-depreciating jokes just make people uncomfortable, wean yourself off of them

—you can buy dehydrated mini marshmallows in bulk online and they’re a godsend for hot cocoa

—people don’t care if you have fidget toys on your desk they just want to play with them

—try to go to bed BEFORE the existential ennui kicks in