#Now imaging writing while on retail

[t1meslayer]

I’ve been trying to write my Valentine’s Day story but work sapped all of my energy recently. Just the absolute most eeby sleeby. Insane bed boi behavior.

Pls lend me your strength 😔

[lazywitchling]

[This is a fictionalized account of something that was communicated between myself and J, my familiar spirit. For storytelling / convenience / communication's sake, I will write it out as a conversation with words as if he were a person standing next to me, but the reality of it was less tangible and more... woo-woo. While dialog is fictional, the message that was communicated is accurate.]

--

I had my recently purchased copper pendulum in the pocket of my work jacket, and was fiddling with it in stolen moments in between stocking the walk-in cooler. I wasn't divining with it, just playing with it like a fidget toy. I had a theory about the conductivity of copper being good for communication with spirits, and judging by how apparent J was making himself, the theory was pretty sound.

"Some materials are easier for me to touch than others," he said. "Metal, stones, sticks, feathers, seeds..."

"Natural materials," I summarized.

"Sort of, but not always." It didn't exactly explain much, and my confusion was evident. So J continued with an explanation. "Show me what's in your pockets."

I pulled out two of my pocket trinkets, knowing which ones he meant. In one pocket, a small potato that had fallen onto the deli floor. A good thing to have on me to absorb unwanted 'bad vibes', of which there were many in retail. In the other pocket, a plastic d20. Not a nice one, just the generic blue one from the starter kit, so that I wouldn't be sad if it fell out of my pocket.

J 'pinged' the potato first. A nice spiritual reverberation, a sharp crack like a heeled shoe hitting a marble floor. Then he pinged the d20. A dull thud, more like a boot in mud.

"So... natural materials," I repeated.

Head shake. He indicated a wooden crate on the shelf I was stocking, then gave me an image of one of the plastic action figures on my bookshelf at home. "The action figure is easier to touch than the crate."

He'd lost me now. I was trying to figure out what the copper pendulum had to do with an action figure.

"It isn't necessarily the materials," he explained. "Natural material is one factor, yes. But narrative is also a material."

"So... my Caduceus Clay figure isn't magically resonant because he's made of plastic, but is beause he's also made of story?"

Somewhere in woo-woo land, I got the sensation of the little bell and woosh sound of a character level up in an RPG, and approval from J. The idea started clicking into place less like a slow conversation now and more like a file upload.

I had a plastic Yoda figurine that I found in my basement. He had long ago lost his robe and walking stick. The painted details on him had started to fade a long time ago. But I decided he was my Lucky Yoda, and I carried him in my pocket for every theatrical production I was part of all throughout college. When one of my cast mates was nervous about their role, I would pass Lucky Yoda off to them. 'Here, take Lucky Yoda. He'll help.' Soon enough, people would ask for him for comfort, or start asking about him during tech week to make sure I was going to remember to bring him. On days when I forgot him, the production was worse, even when I didn't mention to anyone that I hadn't brought him.

Was Lucky Yoda more or less powerful than a four leaf clover would have been? Common advice I had seen from other witchy sources said that the closer an item is to its natural state, the more powerful it will be. A tree has more power than a log which has more power than lumber which has more power than a picnic table. By this logic, Lucky Yoda should have been far removed from any sort of magic. But there was no denying that he had an effect on myself and my cast mates. (Whether or not this effect was magical or psychological is not something I'm here to debate. Believe me or don't. I'm not your priest.) A clover would have had more 'nature' magic to it, sure. But Yoda had story, and that story gave him power. J might not have been able to 'ping' Lucky Yoda as well as a clover just by nature of its materials, but the narrative of him was something that J could ping.

The ethereal concept of 'story' seemed to have a more concrete physical substance in the world of spirits. And I am reminded of the folklore that angels or fairies cannot be creative, and that the ability to create is uniquely human, a little spark of the divine in us. And in the world of spirits where everything is intangible, why wouldn't the intangible nature of a story be just as concrete as everything else in their world?

"Now you're getting it."

I found myself standing stock-still in the cooler at work, staring blankly at a half-unloaded cardboard box of packaged soup while the vaguely blob-like form of a spirit bounced happily at his student's understanding.

I shook my head off and got back to unloading. "So... story: good conductor. Copper: good conductor. Plastic: bad conductor."

"Plastic without care and creativity, yes." J gave me the image of a flimsy, shitty, plain dollar store pencil box. One of those ones where the plastic didn't form correctly, so there's little bits of sharp plastic that you can break off of the edges. "If there's anything you don't want me to touch, you can put it in one of these. But don't put stickers on it, otherwise it starts to get easier."

"I think I get it. Thanks! Here, would you like some soup?" I place a plain plastic container of soup up on the shelf.

"Ha ha."

[foodfightnovelization]

My Foodfight! Collection: Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Foodfight!

So here it is, here's my Foodfight! collection. Since I've been writing this blog for over a year now, I thought it was worth finally showing off all the merchandise I've collected during that time, as well as talking about the relationship I've developed with the movie over the course of my many posts. But first, the collection- from left to right, we have the Cinnamon Sleuth cereal box (yes it's fanmade but I still think it looks cool enough to be included), the Junior Novelization that started it all, a Daredevil Dan plush, a Dex Dogtective plush, a copy of the movie on DVD, the Deluxe Sound Storybook, a Polar Penguin Plush, and 18 inches of Cheazel T. Weasel.

The plush toys are especially interesting- I don't think I've really discussed this before, but they all have a tag on the back stating they're not to be sold at retail... I guess these were only intended for arcades and carnivals as prizes, which is where they ultimately ended up, but I've heard at least one person who worked on the movie claim these were being sold in stores as well. So... chalk that up to another unsolved mystery, even if it's not a particularly interesting one. If I had to guess, the Playmates action figures and more detailed plush toys I talked about a while ago were meant to sold in stores, but the deal fell through and somehow these cheaper Nanco plush toys ended up there instead, on top of arcades and carnivals as originally intended. Maybe Nanco just produced so much stock, anticipating the movie to be a big hit, then when it got delayed time and time again they had to sell them off however they could. I know these Nanco plush toys come in a BUNCH of different sizes- for instance, I have an 18 inch Cheazel, but there are smaller variants that show up on eBay every now and then. Speaking of Cheazel by the way...

About 10 years ago, a small child in Nebraska got stuck in a claw machine trying to win a Cheazel plush, with the incident even making the local news. You can read all about it in the above link- thankfully he was fine and nobody was injured, but it's just crazy to me that something Foodfight!-related was picked up by the news media and that there was a kid out there who wanted a Cheazel plush so bad he was willing to crawl into a machine for it. It's also a testament to how, after the movie came out, these plush toys were EVERYWHERE- there are so many stories of people finding them at local carnivals, and it's why a lot of them are still showing up on eBay to this day. I wonder if the Cheazel plush I have now is the same one this child tried to win many years ago...? Probably not, but it's certainly a possibility.

One more thing about the toys while I'm still on the topic- I know I've mentioned it before, but a bunch of concept art and prototype images for the Playmates plush toys and figures were found among the recently shared files from the Foodfight! tie-in game, and I just thought I'd share them here for anyone who hasn't seen them yet. While I love the idea of Dex Dogtective's Price Gun and the Daredevil Dan Crash N' Spin Plane, I've gotta say.... the plush toys we actually ended up with are WAY cuter. I know they're just prototypes, but look at how bulbous Cheazel's eyeballs are, it's just offputting. Granted, the character is equally if not more offputting in the actual movie, but when you compare it to the Nanco plush...

I mean just look at him, he's adorable!! How could you not like him, how could anybody like him? The tongue sticking out, the dopey expression on his face...he's just a rascal, a scamp, a mischief maker. I think in general the Nanco plush toys are by far the most visually appealing versions of the characters, partly because they're soft and huggable, but also because they all look really friendly and gentle in a way the designs never really did onscreen, even in the early footage.

Anyway, as for the rest of my collection, there's not a whole lot TO say about it that I haven't already said- I've already discussed the novelization and Deluxe Sound Storybook at length, I made the Cinnamon Sleuth box myself, and the only notable thing about the DVD is that one of the Chapter Select options takes you straight to the end credits. And so I instead wanted to take this time to talk about how Foodfight! has affected me over the past year.

When I first found the novelization on eBay, I just KNEW I had to write about it. Nobody else was talking about it, it was the only copy available for purchase anywhere, there was no other mention of it on the entire internet, and it seemed like no-one else even knew it existed. I was inspired by Ryan North's B To The F blog, in which he reviews the similarly obscure Back To The Future novelization, feeling this could be my very own "B To The F" moment. That kind of moment only comes along once in a lifetime, and so even though I was in the middle of an incredibly stressful move at the time, I bit the bullet and started my blog anyway. Ever since then... it's like Foodfight! exploded, all over the internet. A large part of that was of course thanks to Ziggy Cashmere's incredible work on ROTTEN: Behind The Foodfight, but it still made me feel like writing about the novelization opened a Pandora's Box of Foodfight! material across the world, or like I was living through an ARG designed just for me. I made a fangame, interviewed a cast member, I even got a speaking line in the aforementioned ROTTEN, and the more I wrote the more Foodfight! news seemed to come out. Every time I thought we'd found everything there was left to find, something new would come up and I'd be pulled right back into it. And through all that...god help me, I actually started to like Foodfight!.

To be clear, I still think it's a bad movie. As a matter of fact, it's one of the worst movies ever made. BUT...it's the greatest movie STORY ever told. Everything that went on behind the scenes, all the scrapped tie-in products, videogames, crazy anecdotes about the director, it all coalesces into something much greater than itself. In the same way, it felt like writing about Foodfight! allowed me to be a part of something greater than myself too. I got involved with a community of like-minded fans, was lucky enough to able to share previously lost media with the entire world, connected to the internet in a way I hadn't in years, and did something nobody else had done before and will likely never do again. Maybe THAT'S the real Foodfight!...no, I really mean it. When you dedicate enough time and passion towards something forgotten and obscure, it takes you on this special kind of journey that's hard to describe, but you come out the other end with this genuine appreciation for it you couldn't have found anywhere else. Like if you didn't care so much then maybe you would never have got it, but you did and so you you really DO understand. Like at the end of Be Kind Rewind, when Jerry and Mike can't save the video store but it doesn't matter because through making their movies they brought the community together and shared a story in the way only they could. Maybe that's what this was for me, sharing a story in a way only I could. To date, not a single other copy of the novelization has surfaced anywhere... it really does feel like it was my destiny to write about it. Even if I stop updating this blog someday, I'll never forget about everything I went through writing about Foodfight! The Junior Novelization...but for now, here's to another year.

[hit-song-showdown]

Year-End Poll #65: 2014

[Image description: a collage of photos of the 10 musicians and musical groups featured in this poll. In order from left to right, top to bottom: Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, John Legend, Iggy Azalea, OneRepublic, Jason Derulo, Magic!, Meghan Trainor, Ariana Grande, Sam Smith. End description]

More information about this blog here

As mentioned in the previous poll, we're now seeing streaming services like Spotify taking over music consumption. Much like how Billboard had to adapt to individual retail sales in the 1950's, MTV rotation in the 1980's, Nielsen SoundScan in the 1990's, and YouTube views in the early 2010's, Spotify streams are now going to be incorporated more into Billboard's charts, with their album charts adapting to this shift in late 2014.

But before we welcome in another chart, 2014 is the year we'll also have to say goodbye to one. It feels like just yesterday we were talking about the rise of the ringtone. But as musical ringtones were starting to fall out of favor in the general public (with streaming people were growing accustomed to no longer having to pay 99 cents for a song -- they weren't going to pay 2 dollars for a snippet of one), Billboard's ringtone charts were retired in 2014, with Taylor Swift's Shake It Off as the final number 1 ringtone in America.

In 2014, we're seeing the continuing rise of retro-inspired production, with the neo soul of Pharrell Williams' Happy, the doo-wop pastiche of Meghan Trainor's All About That Bass, and the funk elements of Ariana Grande's Problem. And with Jason Derulo's Talk Dirty sampling its hook from Balkan Beat Box's Hermetico, it seems like this was a pretty good year for brass samples. Also fun fact about Happy, apparently that song was Pharrell Williams' tenth attempt at writing a song for the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack. Sadly, we will never hear those other 9 versions. Or else I would have put all of them on this poll.

Speaking of musical influence, we're also starting to see trap starting to rise in mainstream popularity. Trap music is a style of rap originating out of the southern hip-hop scene, notable for its 808 drums, snares, and triple-timed hi-hats. The origins of the style can be traced back to the 1990's during the rise of southern rap, with many trap acts coming out of Atlanta and Memphis. In fact one of the guest rappers on today's poll, Juicy J on Katy Perry's Dark Horse, is one of the pioneers of this style with his group, Three 6 Mafia. While Three 6 Mafia is associated with a variety of subgenres (gangster rap, horrorcore, crunk, etc), the trajectory of trap music can often be traced back to them. I don't usually give out homework on these polls, so instead I will just strongly suggest that you check out Mystic Stylez if you haven't already. We'll have to wait a few years until we see the explosive growth of the modern trap movement in the mainstream.

[thepeacockshallstrut]

Henry's Video Game Collection Wishlist

I like collecting trinkets and am always looking to collect additional trinkets. I thought it would be nice to write down what all I'm looking to obtain someday.

NOW DETAILED WITHIN: MOTHER 3, Octopath Traveler/II, Persona 3 Portable (the new releases), Pokémon Legends Arceus, Sam & Max Remastered

A WIP for now... ever growing, ever changing. Prices subject to an infinite increase until the eventual heat death of the universe. Let's dig in!

MOTHER 3 Deluxe Box

MSRP: 18,000 yen, or approx. $120

Market price: Enough to be somebody's rent payment

Image provided by STARMEN.NET.

I mean, what a beaut, right? Just look at her. I've longed for this extremely small Game Boy Advance with a minor difference in faceplate since I was a wee babe. (Or a sixth grader, I think.) Anyway, I remember the price on eBay being around $600 back then, and the price has gone up surprisingly not that much given inflation.

Speaking of, here's an interesting note about this item's retail price: the page on STARMEN.NET documenting this box around release put the cost of the item at "around $155." As suggested above, the value of yen in comparison to the value of the dollar has significantly depreciated in the past two decades. Also, accounting for inflation, 18k JPY in 2006 is about 20.2k JPY today... still closer to around $135 USD. Meanwhile $120 in 2006 money has the same buying power as $185 today, while $155 would be worth around $240 today. Depressing, right?

Looking around on Japanese listings, the price is about equivalent to US eBay listings... a small mercy if you ask me. I'm not sure how consoles like these ship overseas anyway, given the battery. Oh well.

Octopath Traveler - Wayfarer's Edition

MSRP: $90

Market price: $180ish with the game, $120ish without--though prices fluctuate pretty heavily

Come on, man. Comes in a little pop-up book. Ridiculous.

The box comes encased in one of those plasticky outer shells that scratch horribly, but it usually means that the box itself is in very good condition when sold secondhand. It's also not super clear in the promotional image, but the map of Orsterra is made of cloth.

Definitely lots of pointless trinkets here. Trinkets that I would just love to display. Hoo-ah!

Octopath Traveler II Steelbook (Switch ver.)

MSRP: That's a good question. I'm under the impression that you could get the Steelbook edition for an additional $10 when purchasing the game from select retailers.

Market price: $25 (game not included)

Prices for the game with the steelbook are ridiculous enough that I would advise just buying a secondhand copy of the game separately. I got my copy from a local game store for $35 and I've seen it for even cheaper online.

For those of you who prefer the Playstation versions, the PS4/PS5 steelbook appears more expensive on resale, but the games themselves are generally cheaper. Your mileage may vary.

In any case, it does pain me to forsake the Collector's Edition of this game, but the price just isn't worth it to me. $200 MSRP is already pretty steep. I would assume the included artbook does not showcase any work that isn't already present in the sold-seperately Octopath II artbook (well, actually, it sounds more like a Champions of the Continent artbook that happens to also have OT2 art in it, but that's besides the point), and the bust standees, while beautifully sculpted, are not my typical style of figure collecting... and they're not even actually metal! The box is indeed very pretty but I have to draw the line somewhere, and that line appears to stand around $300 cardboard. (The US release doesn't even get that damn tote bag...)

In any case, I love steelbooks. They're just too handsome. I've yet to find a fanmade OT1 one that I like, but maybe when that time comes it too will join my oddly-shaped collection.

Persona 3 Portable - Grimoire Edition

MSRP: $70

Market price: Something stupid, probably

I had actually intended on preordering one of these special editions back when they were announced... I just sort of forgot. Oops! Now I am subject to the whims of Limited Run aftermarket prices. Anything for such a pretty steelbook I guess.

I have mixed feelings about the full collector's edition for this game, AKA the "S.E.E.S. Edition." I think the thing I like most about it is the box it all comes in, which is generally a bad sign. I was very excited about the Evoker proplica until I realized it's only half of the gun trapped in the box forever... maybe I should just go hunt down that water gun. Regardless I'm not too torn up about passing that one up. (Well... except for the stupid briefcase box. I don't think it's a top-opener like the Scott Pilgrim CE was though. Which is just a shame!)

I guess I might also go for the "Grimoire Edition" of P4G if my pockets are feeling too heavy, but I'm not as jazzed about that game or its steelbook design. Also, I already ordered the collector's edition of Persona 3 Reload... it's too much, Atlus... it's just too much.

Pokémon Legends Arceus - Steelbook (UK Preorder Bonus)

MSRP: I think some shops charged an extra 5 quid for the steelbook

Market price: $25

PLA got some lovely preorder bonuses across the pond. Alongside this steelbook, depending on your retailer of choice, you could also get a Hisuian Pokéball replica or an Arceus statue (reminiscent of the HGSS preorder bonuses of old). Of course, you could also get the Arceus sitting cutie from the UK Pokemon Center, just like the US one... without the steelbook though? Alright. I do wonder if the UK release had the same supply chain issues for the Arceus plush as the US did. Anyway...

Lamentations about regional differences aside, I adore this steelbook! A lot of love in this artwork. The other Pokémon steelbooks, while cool, are mostly just cover legendaries but metal, or maybe gold... (and, frankly, some very ugly patterns on the inside of the box! Shameful!) It's OK though. PLA has had mercy on my soul.

I also think it would be super cool to get my hands on one of the SuMo/USUM steelbooks someday, if only for the novelty of having a steelbook for a 3DS game. Those resale prices though! Whew! Maybe someday...

Sam & Max Remastered

MSRP: $35 (standard), $75-80 (collector's), $5 (slipcover)

Market price: $50 (standard), $150 (collector's), $15 (slipcover)

These collector's editions are extremely cool historical pieces. Recreations of decades-old merch, wow! It's a shame I've never been able to get these retail price because Limited Run aftermarket is ridiculous. Still, I'd like to get my mitts on these someday.

My goal is to own all three collector's editions and display the three games in the slipcover. (Devil's Playhouse remaster coming soon! Any day now...)

Having the Hit the Road collector's edition would be cool but I'm not as set on it. If I had my way, I would start collecting the different physical releases of HtR/the original Telltale titles too! Restraint, restraint...

That's everything I can think of for now. I'll add more as it crosses my brainstream ^^

[mellow-strain]

Romwe x Corpse Bride: A Critical & possibly hypocritical review.

This review will be fast fashion negative, while giving credit to artistic aesthetics. I own some of the items mentioned (some of which, I regret).

A summary of my opinion: most of it is crap.

This is kind of becoming a series, with my previous Hello Kitty and Friends x Forever 21 review

Disclaimer: I do not like Tim Burton. I like a lot of his media (The Corpse Bride, Wednesday, Frankenwinie, etc.) but I do not agree with his attitudes (most notably towards POC inclusion).

If any Shien apologists come my way I will simply block them. This post is not about "is it ok to order from Shien ever?" Or about the accessibility of fashion or anything like that. Maybe I'm a future post, but for now, go read someone else's opinion piece about it

Why did I order this stuff?

The answer is very simple: Nostalgia and scarcity mindset. I've loved the Corpse Bride ever since I was younger. I owned the DVD and watched it more times than I can count. Additionally, I doubt that there will ever be any other affordable clothing collaborations with the Corpse Bride, at least, not for another while. But please send me other Corpse Bride official and unofficial collaborations if you see any. I'll put a little 🌠 next to anything I bought. Note: I may not include everything I bought from the Collab just because I may not have the strongest opinions on that particular garment or my other arguments may better explain.

What did I like?

The general aesthetics. Motifs of the flowers, butterflies, swirls, skeletons, colour pallets. I liked it all! Was it well executed? No. A lot of the patterns weren't done justice (as seen in the review photos)

The stock images were STUNNING. Which is the point, but still credit where it's due.

It appealed to my nostalgia. I think it was lazy, but it certainly did warm my inner baby bat heart.

Onto specifics. This capette

This capette is fun! I love a good capette! There's obvious flaws like how randomly the little pictures are chosen and I feel the white and black is just a little too high contrast, maybe black and light blue would have worked better?

5. This Graphic T. 🌠

I love this design so much I bought one in the black colour way too. Do I stand by that decision? Not entirely. But as a long-term Corpse Bride fan I feel that I will appreciate them for a very very long term.

6. The Legwarmers 🌠

They did these legwarmers so dirty! As seen in the stock images, the ends are rolling up! I need to reinforce them with my own hidden ribbing and also gently steam them. You may also note that those butterflies are PRINTED ON and it's pretty bad IRL.

7. jeans (?)

But if you see a pair of boring jeans in a charity shop that fit well, why not bring them home and customise them with paint, bleach, trims, embroidery or patches? Remind me to write a post on DIY jean ideas. Anyway, could be fun to browse Shien and Pinterest and steal their ideas! Maybe invite some friends and have some snacks and make it 'a little get together'?

I'm stealing the print of these jeans. A reoccurring hot take of mine is that I hate that EVERYWHERE sells jeans. Go into any high street retailer and they have a WHOLE SELECTION of jeans. From skinny to bootcut to mom to boyfriend to ripped and in black, acid wash, proper denim, super light blue and sometimes white. it's all far too much (in my opinion).

The reason why I feature the "?" in the title is because I don't really see jeans as very Corpse Bride, seems more fairy grunge (I've discussed fairy grunge lightly in the past but I do hope to make a longer opinion post about it)

General dislikes

106 listings. Why SO many graphic t-shirts? I need to count the specifics because there's just too many. And I counted roughly 24 hoodies/sweatshirts (given, there could be duplicates of the plus size and straight sizes) but my point remains. Why is there 106 listings?

Excessive reuse of certain designs and many of the designs are really similar.

No collection of that many pieces could ever be of decent quality or with a lot of thought and the proof is in the pudding (the garments). It simply isn't. Typical Shien. Bare basics stitching, low quality materials, etc.

Polyester for undergarments. Cotton, bamboo and hemp are just far superior fabrics for underwear and socks! I can't imagine polyester is good for the health of external private areas.

Objectively these are cute, but I have recently truly understood how dangerous synthetic materials can be especially for private areas.

I will be referencing this print in my future customised clothing.

Future post idea: Cotton vs. Polyester

At some point in the future, I do intend on posting more information about cotton/natural fibers vs. polyester. Including resources that further discuss the oppression of the Uyghur Muslims, modern cotton slavery, the mistreatment of garment workers. Then also, the production and manufacturing process on various fibers and their quality. Additionally, a bit about micro plastics and our clothes.

Most of it will just be directly referencing and providing information from creators who are more knowledgeable on the topic with minimal opinions and input from me, though there will be a sequel post that includes my opinions and a reflection on how I navigate the topic.

If anyone has any links and resources on that topic let me know!

Thanks for reading!

[itsmeanyango]

The Luckiest week in Astrology 2023: What is Jupiter in Taurus bringing you?

The Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter Uranus and North Node in Retrograde are in Taurus, the patient planet of beauty.

The Sun represents spotlight.

The Moon represents feelings and emotions.

Mercury represents communication and neighborhood.

Jupiter represents luck and expansion.

Uranus represents revolution. The type of change that brings restructure.

North Node represents whats meant to be, in retrograde it means review what is meant to be.

This energy with the sun in Taurus will last until end of Taurus season on May 21st.

The Moon will impact your feelings for three days until May 19th

Mercury will impact your communication and neighborhood until June 11th. Mercury was retrograde and you felt the stagnancy, resistance and strain then. Now you slow but surely will see the beauty of it all.

Jupiter will impact you until May 24 2024. Take advantage!

North Node in Retrograde will impact you until July 12th when it leaves Taurus.

Let's talk a little bit about the New Moon in Taurus.

On May 5th there was a Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio. I made a post about it here. Scorpio is directly opposite Taurus, they are in opposition. Go back to what the Eclipse brought, removed or taught you. Which house was the eclipse in? Now look at this Moon in Taurus and see what the new beginnings are, Taurus softens the harshness of that eclipse because the universe does not pelt rocks at her children. One hard transit does not mean it's over for you, the universe ALWAYS has your back and will ALWAYS bring softness and tenderness to you. All you have to do is pay attention.

There's a prayer that can help you, the serenity prayer. You can customise it to suit you but here is how it goes:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

This is what this transit may mean for you depending on the house you have Taurus in your chart using whole sign:

In the 1H: People's perception of you, spotlight on you, being talked to beautifully or longing kind words and encouragement,self image success, review who you really want to be known as.

In the 2H: Your money looks good, emotional spending or retail therapy,money mantras or being told how money you seem, growth in income, review your relationship with money.

In the 3H: Beautiful relationship with siblings/cousins or wishing for such,be careful not to butter up the wrong person, postive affirmations, reviewing your conversations and self talk.

In the 4H: Making a beautiful home, memories back then, My home essay, expansion in family whatever family means to you, review what family is to you.

In the 5H: Beautiful face because of hair, your hair is beautiful please don't believe the negativity,letter to my younger self, nurturingy inner child, review how I treated younger me and how younger me and as treated.

In the 6H: Creating beautiful routines,only seeing the good of something,writing down plans,I have grown and evolved from that, review how you do things and figure out how they have worked for you so far.

In the 7H: Spotlight on Beautiful relationships(not just romantic), feeling like the beautiful relationships are too good to be true, self sabotaging beautiful relationships because of old mindsets, relationships bringing growth but remember growth can be painful, review the growth you have gone through.

The 7H has a lot. When Jupiter was transiting your 6H(Aries), you really had a hard time because things were moving so fast and your health was not at its best then so many plans were burning down. While others were enjoying Jupiter in Aries, you were in a hot oven. It must have been very hard, you deserve comfort. You deserve a break. It's going to be slow, but you will heal and get back up. Get back up again from the animation Trolls(and sung by Anna Kendrick) would be a good song for you, have a listen or play it on repeat.

In the 8H: Noticing how beautiful others resources are, jealousy or gratitude, asking for help(might be talking to investors), receiving support that propels you,healing from trauma, review your perception of who deserves and who does not deserve to be wealthy.

Someone is healing from sexual trauma and shame. I'm happy you get to experience this peace and freedom ❤️

In the 9H: Learning about beauty,reviewing your perception of beauty, talking or writing about beauty standards, expanding your knowledge on beauty, review your beauty standards objectively

In the 10H: Spotlight on career, zero in on what is most attractive to you career wise, feeling called to a certain career direction, writing the most beautiful cover letters and applications,promotions or getting into the career you wanted,review your career choices, they keep changing, why do they?

In the 11H: Seeing and desiring beautiful networks, going to places around you to see if you can get networks or making beautiful networks around you, meeting someone and realizing you landed a stroke of luck, review your networks especially on social media, are your connections good for your wellbeing?

In the 12H: Being open to mental health practices, feeling the fog lift, journaling, realizing what seemingly beautiful thing is making your mental health tank, reviewing what works and what does not work for your mental health.

The Moon was in Taurus on Wednesday, a good day to communicate your feelings because Mercury rules Wednesday.

The Moon is still in Taurus on Thursday, a good day to get philosophical about what you love because Jupiter rules Thursday.

The Moon is still in Taurus on Friday, indulge in beauty self care because Venus rules Friday.

The New moon in Taurus is on Friday, a good time to start or restart something beautiful.

Taurus is also ruled by Venus, love yourself ×10

Taurus rules the voice, honor your voice.

You can book a reading with me here follow our Tiktok here our Twitter here our YouTube here and our Pinterest here

Astrology and Human Design Simplified. AHDSimplified.

[synthapostate]

WIP List Strikes Again

Because making lists helps my brain.

Resist Psychic Death - Possessed Newt. (Undergoing structural changes.)

The Tropes Nobody Asked For - A bodyswap AU. This would be complete if I could come up with a concluding paragraph to wrap things up.

I could be writing sweaty nerd sex like a normal person but no - Mostly a story about self-image. Angst. Fluff. There is no plot. Some kind of stream of consciousness BS. (Complete in the sense that anything can be complete given continuity of identity within linear flow of time.) It wasn't complete. Turns out I'm writing sweaty nerd sex but not like a normal person. Scrapped. Wtf I don't know. Maybe not everything needs to have a plot.

Heating Pad - A cat adopts Hermann.

Miserable, Lonely and Depressed (Pathetic) - The return of Cool Uncle Newt. (He's not cool, he's possessed.)

Vampire AU - I mean obviously I had to write a vampire AU at some point. (Comedy.)

Whump - Was supposed to be about a car accident, but it turned into emotional hurt/comfort. With pie.

Some Days You Just Can't Get Rid of a Bomb - Newt tries to solve capitalism. I don't think this is even going anywhere, but I like the title too much to let it go.

Retail Horror Stories - Newt and Hermann commiserate over the shitty jobs they worked when they were younger. (Maybe scrapped because honestly no one needs my nonfiction about MegaKaren.) Scrapped because people are gross.

The Graves Stood Tenantless - Comedy, it was SUPPOSED TO BE A COMEDY Death of a major character. 30k word novella about grief APPARENTLY. Still lacking final chapter and epilogue.

Nightmares - Ghost drift bleeds into their dreams. This would also be complete if I could come up with a concluding paragraph to wrap things up.

Cold as Ice - Hurt/Comfort? Something. Contains no hurt/comfort and has nothing to do with cold or ice, but...it's...something. A convergence of "whoever will take him" and (numbers) "will never betray me". Hurt people hurt people, but survivors can be kind.

Newt's Passion - A sex pollen fic. (No, it isn't.) (Zom com.)

Other, Funnier Ghost Story - Will it be a comedy this time? Let's find out. It is a comedy but it's about vampires now. OH GOD. Not a ghost story, not remotely funny. Vampires, full horror. I'm tempted to resurrect my old pen name for this one. (Y.A. Gorefest, Jr.)

Consent is Sexy - A team-building exercise leads to certain confessions that would not be made while sober.

Cold as Ice 2: Alaskan Boogaloo - Does have something to do with cold and ice.

The Worst Thing I Can Possibly Imagine - My genuine attempt to work through something, but then I thought of a punchline so now it's a funny little shitpost.

Splash - A...feelings thing. The first tentative steps toward getting along.

Caffeine Blues - I swore I would never write a coffee shop au, but...(One chapter to go. They were supposed to have a big fight in the final chapter, but they went ahead and did it early, so now I don't exactly know what happens. Also, it's no longer set in a coffee shop.)

Fields of Azure - Newt and Hermann are sent on an outdoorsy team-building retreat with some rangers (possibly by mistake) and both turn out to be full of surprises. Pure fluff.

Stop You Have Enough WIPs - Some silly fluff for these stressful times.

Shoes - Newt's past catches up with him. Hermann is intrigued.

Groundhog Day - Hey man, these sci fi tropes exist for a reason.

Turning Cursive Letters Into Knives - I swore I would never write a soulmate au, but...

Newt and Hermann Go On Six Dates - I write fluff now 😊💖

Hermann Gets Shot - It is so dangerous to start a fight in an elevator when one of the people you're fighting has a gun.

Return to Sender - Newt leaves Hong Kong to work for Shao. Angst. Uhhhhh I used that title for something else. What's another song about letters

Find Me in the Drift - Some very disorganized ramblings that might be a sequel to Dinner With a Friend.

The Curse of Gottlieb Manor - In which I actually try to write horror on purpose, and give myself the most intense nightmares I've had in years. I'm toning it down for the actual story.

Painting the Kitchen - About finding a future after the apocalypse is averted.

Total Eclipse of the Heart - Jake Pentecost doesn't trust Newt, decides to keep a close eye on him to guard Hermann's back, and accidentally ends up with two new dads.

Black and White Cookies - Birthday fluff.

A Kidnapping - Um...it's a kidnapping.

Wake Up, Dr. Jones! - More trauma. Possibly too much trauma actually. Scrap this why can't I type a question mark

Have a Cup of Cheer - So the truth is I hate Christmas, but this has been a year defined by my new willingness to embrace the things I was sure I would hate, starting in January with Pacific Rim. I haven't regretted it yet. So, to holly jolly hell with it, I'm writing Christmas fic.

Space Opera - When the first kaiju comes through the breach, Newt fires off a plea for help into deep space. There can't be just one alien race out there, right? Maybe some of them will be on our side.

Cherry Bomb - Apropos of nothing, Newt decides to bite the bullet and seduce Hermann.

Third Act Breakup - I also hate romcoms. Let's do this thing.

Sweet Siren Song - Newt is doing his biology thing in the Atlantic, Hermann is an inexperienced sailor who shouldn't be out alone on a day like this, they both get caught in a storm, turns out mermaids are real. (Romance.)

What's Your Angle - Turns out mermaids are real. (Horror.)

Etiquette and Protocol - Loosely based on a dream, the boys are forced to take an etiquette class because anger management isn't working. (Protip: if you encourage me to add something to my list, I probably will.)

Am I Blue - In which Newt learns how far Hermann is willing to go to save him.

Mr. Cellophane - Post-war, they go their separate ways, but when Newt is involved in an unlikely lab accident, obviously his first thought is to go to Hermann for help. Oh no, I just realized it would be funnier if they switched roles, DO I HAVE TO START THIS OVER FROM SCRATCH

Hanahaki - I never thought I would write a hanahaki fic, not because I hate the premise but simply because I had never heard of it until this year and it seemed too specific to intrude on. But when do I ever pass up the opportunity to gorge myself at the angst buffet

In Time - I could almost reuse the tag "Hermann Gottlieb bends all of time and space to his will for the man he loves," but this time it isn't on purpose and it's up to Newt to take charge of the situation.

Chuck Punches Hermann in the Face - He was aiming for Newt.

I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm - In which Newt owns a space heater, and Hermann does not.

Marriage of Convenience - Lars Gottlieb has a scheme, Hermann will do anything to get out of it, Newt is an agent of chaos, fake dating ensues.

Dream of Flying - I'm doing Secret Santa :]

[crazed-reviews]

Review: "Happy Holidays Barbie" Fashion doll from Mattel (1990)

So, I graduated from high school last month on May 3rd! I got some money as a graduation gift, and obviously, I spent it all on dolls.

The doll I'm reviewing today is the Happy Holidays Barbie doll from 1990. I'm unsure of what she originally retailed for, but I purchased her for $22 USD.

The top of the front of the box reads "Happy Holidays Special Edition 1990", as well as mentioning a keepsake ornament included with the doll. It has a large window to view the doll, which has become quite yellowed with age and sun exposure. The bottom has what looks like a gift tag, reading "Barbie", with mistletoe, green ribbon, and silver bells surrounding her name. There's a very small section to write the recipient and gift givers names.

The back has a large image of Barbie, and claims that there was the same photo inside for framing, but I assume it fell out, since the box had a plastic top and bottom glued to it, but the glue had worn off and the bottom in particular wouldn't stay on. The box completely fell apart once I began opening it.

Removing the outer shell of the box was a surprise, since you can see just how bright pink she is. With the yellowed plastic window, her dress looked red!

Here's everything Barbie came with: a doll stand, a doll brush, a pair of pink pumps, and an ornament.

Here are the accessories on their own. They are all a shade of pink that I think compliments Barbie's gown.

The stand has a shiny reflective sticker on the base that reads "Happy Holidays Barbie 1990" in pink. It's so reflective that it doesn't photograph well. It's designed for a doll to sort of sit on it while standing.

The brush's mold always reminded me of a shell. It's actually pretty decent as far as plastic doll hairbrushes go! It has a decent amount of bristles.

The pumps are basic pink 90s Barbie high heels. They aren't particularly unique, but they're cute and go well with Barbie's dress.

The ornament seems a touch fragile, but is cute. Maybe I'll put it on my family's Christmas tree this year. It's a three layered 3-D star, with a silver string at the top to hang on a tree.

Barbie uses the Superstar face sculpt, which a majority of Barbie dolls produced between 1977 and 1998 used. She has a broad smile with dimples on her cheeks. She's got a slightly orange tanned skintone.

She has bright blue eyes with blue eyelashes and teal eyeshadow. She has pink blush on her cheeks, and a slightly darker pink lipstick. She wears a pair of green stud earrings, a matching ring, and a green necklace with a silver string. There is no way to remove the necklace unless you remove her head, or cut or untie the string.

I think the green jewelry and eyeshadow is an interesting choice to be paired with her pink dress. Personally, I would have gone with silver to match the silver details on her dress and other accessories.

Barbie has voluminous, fluffy light blonde hair, with loose waves in it. She also has very 90s bangs, slicked up, and to her left. She has a hair accessory, a silver and pink star with pink tulle and a "B" in the center, tied into a small side ponytail on her right side with silver string.

The way Barbie was packaged for 30 years left her hair a bit flat and parted in the back, but this was easily fixed with some water and brushing. And, her hair also went back into that fabulous early 90s fluffy look.

Now, the real star of the show, Barbie's gown! The top of the bodice and sleeves are several layers of hot pink tulle, with silver specks and stars all over. They are GIANT, I tell you. The right side always wants to be in her face due to being crushed in the box, but I imagine it'll settle with time.

The bodice is a stretchy, spandex feeling material, in the same shade of pink, with silver stars and lines decorating it.

The skirt, like the top, has several layers of tulle, with the bottom layer being the same material as the bodice. It also has built-in underwear to prevent the skirt from riding up on her hips.

Barbie has 8 points of articulation, with movement at her:

Head

Shoulders

Waist, which twists

Hips, which can only go forward and back

Knees, which are rubber with an internal clicking mechanism

Barbie's arms are permanently bent at a 90 degree angle, and sit nicely on her hips.

Here's Barbie on her stand. She tends to float on it a bit, but it isn't a big deal to me since she still feels solid on it and her gown covers it. You can also see how her pumps look on her.

Overall, Barbie is a lovely doll, and a great addition to my collection. I definitely think she's worth the $22 I paid for her, and would recommend her.

[belle--ofthebrawl]

Tagged again by @anotherghoul666 , thank you so much! These are fun.

✨ Get to know me ✨

Current wallpaper: Planets. (Wallpaper and the lock screen are the same image.)

Last song you listened to: Death by Glamour (Metal cover - RichaadEB with familyjules7x)

Currently reading: On a re-read of Hunger Pangs: True Love Bites by Joy Demorra(@/thebibliosphere, don't want to actually tag her since this has nothing to do with her). The book her fanbase bullied her into writing a few years ago. Screenshots from her website I took earlier since I can't be bothered to type it all out.

Last Movie: LOTR - Extended edition marathon while petsitting last weekend.

Craving: Deep tissue massage and twelve hours of sleep on the perfect mattress in a room scented with lavender and cosmic white noise on surround sound speakers.

Currently wearing: Grey jeans, Return of the Living Papa Tshirt, the few pieces of jewelry I can actually tolerate wearing on a daily basis (devotional necklace, bracelet). A musky, suede cologne a cute girl once complimented me on so now it's the only cologne I want to wear. Extremely chipped dark purple nail polish. Pink slippers. Some kind of slutty little robe that doesn't even have pockets so I don't know why I have it. (It's a slutty little robe. That's why I have it.)

How tall are you: Not as tall as I want to be.

Piercings: Both earlobes done at Claire's (retail store that uses a piercing gun for any who are not familiar), nips done by a professional. Claire's healed beautifully, hardly needed to do anything. The nips lasted about a year and a half with intense babying, doing everything right before I threw in the towel and had to get them removed. I miss them so much, and I am Extremely Bitter about it.

Tattoos: None, but I have a whole list. Currently number one is Phedre's Marque on a bicep. Maybe with a little personal flair from the artist, I've seen a ton of variation online and wouldn't mind something unique!

Glasses/contacts: Glasses. I need new ones.

Last drink: Tropical Punch ZOA energy drink.

Last show: Metal Family (It's really cute.)

Last thing you ate: Buttered toast.

Favorite color: Still blue.

Current obsession: Ghost.

Unrelated Obsession: Skyrim (Ugh, Miraak, my love. We could have had so much if the devs weren't complete cowards. The First and the Last, fated to fight as the pawns of something bigger and inescapable. Doom-driven. We should have been able to hold hands and kiss about it.)

Pets: A nine year old bichon-frise/Shih-tzu mix named Honey Belle. She can't live in my apartment so she stays with my dad, who needs everyone to know he can't believe I'm naming myself after the dog. (I DIDN'T, IT WAS JUST A FUNNY COINCIDENCE INVOLVING SONG LYRICS AND AN INSTRUCTOR/FRIEND TRYING TO RAISE MY SELF-ESTEEM.)

Do you have a crush on someone: Everyone whomst is niceys to me and supports my silly little fics. (I promise I'll get back to Femslash February, I am not immune to writer's block.)

Favorite fictional character: I'm going to be incredibly egotistical here and say my DND character from an abandoned campaign, Tenacity (tiefling. Naturally). She was thrown off a cliff when she was a baby and somehow she STILL had the most normal backstory/childhood of the party. (Going through my notes app and found some WIPs of her and her adopted dad, a transmasc aasimar.)

Last place I traveled to: California, to visit family last September. More locally, the cemetery and my walking route. The land is waking up.

[nickgerlich]

Nice Model

While our initial reactions to AI-generated text have been mixed at best, ranging from concerns about accurate writing to fears among academics that they might be duped by machine-written papers, it is now proving possible that AI can be used for good.

Of course, we can still use our ChatGPT and Bard to write thank you notes and cover letters. But now, we can also leverage AI’s strengths with images that have been customized by users themselves. Levi’s is among the first to use AI to supplement the use of human clothing models, and instead rely on machine-generated images tweaked by users themselves.



And if I were a model, I would be scared right about now, too. This could displace a lot of primping, posing, and strutting people.

Levi’s latest effort allows users to effectively build their own model online so that it best resembles them, from skin tone to body type, and myriad other variables. You thus get to see clothing visually displayed on a “model” that more closely resembles you.



There are other considerations as well, most notably Levi’s commitment to DEI, which stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. While it has long been possible to accuse companies of biases in their use of models, now you can make your own. Talk about inclusivity! While there are state governors spending sleepless nights trying to figure out how to dismantle DEI initiatives, along comes a company announcing its intent to swim upstream.



Furthermore, Levi’s sees AI models as contributing to their sustainability commitment as well. Simply put, AI demands fewer resources, and once the online shopping experience is over, the avatar can vanish. What is uncertain at this time is whether your personal avatar can be stored for later use, so you don’t have to re-create it.



Levi’s has partnered with Lalaland.ai of Amsterdam to create the new AI models. Lalaland.ai is a digital fashion studio, and their work is so good that it is difficult to pick the AI model from the real one. Take a look at the photo comparing the two, and try to pick the AI. Good luck. I’ll let you know the answer at the end.

Selling clothing online has always been a challenge, because fit is a critical issue. While AI models do not solve all of the problems, it goes a long way toward helping answer the age-old question, “What will this look like on me?”



Companies have tried their hand at virtual models for much of this century, but with little success. Just last September, Walmart announced it was launching Virtual Try-On whereby customers could upload a photo of themselves, and then garments would be superimposed upon them.



Join me in saying, “Eeeew. This sounds creepy!” I would not want to do that. Walmart does not need a visual of me. There are plenty of photos of me on the interwebs, and if Walmart really wanted to see what I look like, they could just Google it. Never mind that I don’t buy much beyond groceries at Walmart, I would not be willing to do this. And that goes for any other retailer. You may as well put cameras inside fitting rooms.

As long as customers are comfortable manipulating the AI engine to create their own avatars, this is likely to fly. The push to achieve DEI goals is laudable. And when it comes to sustainability, this will do more than just go light on resources. It will save money in the long-run. Models aren’t cheap, nor are the photographers who shoot the photos and videos.



I suspect we are just on the cusp of where this AI thing will take us. We only thought—a few months ago, mind you—that this would be the end of us all. This is a model I can live with.

Dr “It’s The One On The Left“ Gerlich

Audio Blog

[fulfillplex]

Best Methods to Sell Print on Demand Gadgets Online (Part 2)

Do you adore Apple products? Perhaps you have a strong interest in the most recent laptops or a thorough understanding of cutting-edge smartphones. Whatever the reason, now could be an excellent time to launch an online gadgets store, especially given that the consumer gadgets industry in the United States alone is expected to be worth $2.06 trillion by 2023. However, selling online isn't always easy – and you might find yourself at a loss for where to begin. But don't worry; this ultimate guide to selling print on demand gadgets online will assist you. Continue reading to learn more.

 

How to Sell Print on Demand Gadgets Online? (Part 2)

 

3. Show Your Gadgets

When selling online, it's critical to present your products in a way that entices customers to buy. Although most online stores rely solely on images and product descriptions, using videos can be an excellent way to highlight the key features of the gadgets you're selling.

 

Product Descriptions

Your product descriptions should communicate important information like model numbers, key features, and functionality when selling gadgets online. Take the time to write excellent product descriptions; they will pay off in the long run. A good product description that includes keywords can help you improve your website's search engine rankings.

 

Product Photos

When it comes to customer gadgets, the product's appearance plays a significant role in the purchasing decision. Use well-lit images with a white background to make it easy to identify key product features. You can also take photos of the products being used to give viewers an idea of what they will look like once they have them.

 

Product Videos

Including a product video in your online store will provide customers with a better understanding of how it will work. Because many customers rely on different interfaces, you could also include videos to demonstrate how smooth and simple the products you sell are to use. Product videos are especially important if you're selling used electronics because they give customers peace of mind that the product is working properly.

 

4. Set a Price for Your Gadgets

When selling major brand names such as Apple, Microsoft, Dell, and HP, each product will typically come with a suggested retail price. It can make pricing your products much easier. You will, however, need to consider some factors to ensure that you are pricing your products competitively while also making a profit. While the consumer electronics industry is competitive, being the cheapest does not always guarantee success. You can often charge more for your product when you can leverage brand value, customer service, and overall dependability.

 

5, Pack and Ship Your Gadgets

Product packaging and shipping are critical aspects of any online business. It can account for a significant portion of your overall gadget-selling costs and, as such, should be thoroughly considered to avoid unpleasant surprises later on. Because the fragility of gadgets varies, it's important to assess your packing requirements. Fortunately, there is numerous print on demand fulfillment companies available to assist you in getting your gadgets to your customers. It is, however, critical to read their terms and conditions.

 

6. Promote your gadgets

No one will know about your business if you do not market it. And if no one knows about it, you won't be able to sell anything. In other words, no matter how good your online store is, if you can't attract traffic, you're doomed. It is why marketing is so crucial. There are numerous ways to market your business. When selling electronics online, it makes sense to concentrate on the most effective digital marketing and promotion methods.

 

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

The higher you rank in search results, the more people visit your website. So, if you can appear at the top of Google's search results for terms closely related to your products, you'll get many people who are ready to buy on your site. Great SEO is time-consuming and may necessitate numerous technical changes to your website.

 

Social Media

Social media is an excellent free tool for growing and engaging an audience. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have a lot of consumer attention and are great places to reach out to your target audience. Make use of these platforms to amuse and educate your customers. Don't always go for the direct sell; instead, get their attention and establish yourself, and they'll come to you with their needs.

 

Paid Advertisements

Paid ads are an excellent way to reach those important to your electronics business quickly. Unlike social media, SEO, and email marketing, the number of people you can reach with paid ads is only limited by your budget. You can use paid social ads for any online store, but they perform best when you own your website.

 

Email Marketing

Building an active email marketing list for your online gadgets business can be a time-consuming process. Still, it will eventually provide you with a ready-to-buy audience whenever you send them an engaging and compelling email. Finding incentives such as discounts and fresh and relevant content is a great way to grow your email marketing list.

 

 

It's your Turn to Start Selling!

It's not easy to sell electronics online. However, if you get it right, there are enormous opportunities to profit. Once you've mastered the preceding list, you're ready to begin selling print on demand gadgets online. On the other hand, doing it alone is not a good strategy. You need the services of a top eCommerce fulfillment company that specializes in print on demand services. You require Fulfillplex. Visit us now to learn more about how we can assist you with your online business and receive a quote.

[hit-song-showdown]

Year-End Poll #38: 1987

[Image description: a collage of photos of the 10 musicians and musical groups featured in this poll. In order from left to right, top to bottom: The Bangles, Heart, Gregory Abbott, Whitney Houston, Starship, Robbie Nevil, Whitesnake, Bruce Hornsby and the Range, Bob Seger, Bon Jovi. End description]

More information about this blog here

Lots of things happening this year. What I want to draw attention to first is the influx of glam metal (or hair metal). Heavy metal as a genre had existed for a few decades by this point, mostly branching off of the blues and psychedelic rock of the late 1960's. To avoid going on an overly-long tangent about metal, I'll leave it at that for now. Glam metal has its roots in the heavy metal sound while also (as the name would suggest) taking additional influences from the glam rock of the 1970's. MTV was very kind to this style of music, and glam metal reached a level of fame where you didn't have to be deep in the metal scene to be exposed to. Other subgenres like thrash and death metal would also grow in popularity around this time, but only to those who were aware of what was going on. Metallica would have to wait to breach the underground and MTV would probably have a hard time getting middle America on board with Necrophagia. So while there was a lot going on in metal throughout the 80s, there's a reason why when most people think of "80s metal", there's a very specific image that comes with that.

But that isn't to suggest that rock music in the mainstream was able to escape controversy by featuring more hairspray and less corpse paint, because there's another moment in music history that will culminate this year. In 1985, the PMRC (Parents Music Resource Center) put together a list called the "Filthy Fifteen", which listed fifteen songs thought to be inappropriate and damaging towards traditional family values. Songs on the list include Prince's Darling Nikki (which seemed to have raised the most ire out of the PMRC's co-founder, Tipper Gore), Mötley Crüe's Bastard, Twisted Sister's We're Not Gonna Take It, and Cyndi Lauper's She Bop. A senate hearing over the matter of explicit lyrics was held in 1985, with musicians Frank Zappa, John Denver, and Twisted Sister's Dee Snider speaking out in opposition to censorship. There is a lot behind this conflict, both inside the courtroom and outside, so I'm aware that I'm giving a very fly-over view of the events for the sake of this poll. I'll just mention that these hearings were sometimes dubbed "The Porn-Rock Hearings", the outcry from these concerned parents groups fit really well in Reagan's America, and Zappa gave this absolute bomb of a quote that has been sitting with me a lot as of late:

"Bad facts make bad law, and people who write bad laws are, in my opinion, more dangerous than songwriters who celebrate sexuality. Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religious Thought, and the Right to Due Process for composers, performers and retailers are imperiled if the PMRC and the major labels consummate this nasty bargain."

There are so many good quotes, so I linked to the Full Video and Transcript

To make a long story unfortunately short, something of a compromise was reached by requiring musicians and labels to put "parental advisory" stickers on their albums, alerting potential consumers of the "objectionable" material within. Some musicians found the label as a loss for free speech and another example of the U.S. government deciding whose voices get to be considered moral or not. Other musicians predicted that the parental advisory sticker would only make their music more appealing to young people. You probably didn't need me to tell you this, but Tipper Gore and the PMRC did not stop the "moral downfall of America", if such a thing could even be quantified.

So now we all have little black and white stickers on our albums, yay. But this is far from the last time we'll see a major court case over music and obscenity. But we'll go over that next decade.

[teamrushipandit]

Which Social Media Platforms Should You Use for Your Business?

Social media Marketing is no longer an option for businesses; it should be a part of every succcessful marketing campaign. However, with thousands of platforms to choose from it can also be a seemingly daunting task as well. Although it might seem like a very straightforward decision, given the fact that each has its own advantages, and tailored to different audiences.

However, by selecting those platforms selectively and using AI-powered tools strategically could help businesses to decide which is the right platform for them while also optimize their social media Platform strategies to have a competitive advantage. Why is social media important?

Social media are ideal for connecting people that have common interests, hobbies and backgrounds. However, there is absolutely no way to do it all when you have a small-medium business on your hands and limited time / resources. There is little point going for something that really does you no favours in reaching your goals.

Statista found that 86% of marketers have experienced increased lead generation on social media, almost three-quarters (73%) see more traffic to their websites from this source and just over two-thirds (64%) said it helped them increase sales. This illustrates how anything less than best use of social media can hold you back from massive opportunities.

People are using social media more and more. More than 5 billion people now spend an average of 2 hours and 20 minutes per day either scanning or interacting with content online. Additionally people are on more platforms, with the DIGITAL 2024: Global Overview Report stating that the average person uses 6.7 platforms per month.

YouTube is most popular social media, followed by WhatsApp Facebook Instagram. Here are the top channels which you can focus on to reach your target audience

Which Social Media Platforms Should You Use for Your Business?

After some time, handling social media Marketing for your business might turn into a real pain, considering the number of available platforms and their specific benefits. Read the following recommendation so that you will be able to make a secure path into using social networks for your service growth.1. The Social Media Giant, Facebook

1.Facebook

Industries:  Retail, Consumer Goods, Local Businesses, E-commerce, Entertainment,

 Why :   On account of Facebook’s user base being vast and the company be functioning in a chorus line, businesses from diverse sectors can harness this platform. The advertising functionalities along with elaborative targeting settings, and community-building options, for example, the feature Groups which can set up the community, are some of the main tools businesses garner that can potentially lead to both sales growth, Recognizing of the brand as well as building the community itself.

2. Instagram

Industries: Fashion, Beauty, Food, Travel, Fitness, Art & Design, Real Estate.

Why: Instagram is perfect for brands that want to convey their story through images. The formerly stated ones are some of the sectors that have shown great success rates on Instagram. Companies that produce material that is visually appealing, like fashion or food, often experience their products being the most popular. Features like Stories, Shopping, and Reels also help businesses connect with young consumers and convert them into buyers.

3. LinkedIn

Industries:  B2B Companies, Professional Services, Education, Finance, Technology, Recruitment, Healthcare.

Why:  LinkedIn is indispensable to companies engaged in B2B Marketing and other professional networking. It is a medium for you to share details such as the industry, recruiting the best talents, and writing on thought leadership. All of this put together makes LinkedIn a robust networking and professional branding platform for B2B Businesses or professionals.

4. Twitter

Industries :  News & Media, Technology, Startups, Public Relations, Politics,  Sports, Entertainment.

Why: Twitter is a tool for executing quick communication, participation in real-time conversations and social linkages with the customer base in industries. It isŽ a rundown on the most recent developments and is useful for sending updates promptly, joining in trending discussions, and attracting an audience through publishing immediate pieces of content. Also, startups can use it to connect with influencers and boost their visibility.

5.Pinterest

Industries: Home Decor, Fashion, DIY & Crafts, Wedding Planning, Food & Beverage, Photography, Health & Wellness.

Why: The visual search engine feature of Pinterest draws a big portion of its users from the population of creative industries posit Pinterest as the best platform for users receiving inspiration and ideas. For the businesses operating in the creative sectors like home decor and fashion, Pinterest is a social media platform that can drive the traffic to their websites and sales can be increased through visually attractive pins.

6. YouTube

Industries :  Education, Entertainment, Technology, Fitness, Beauty, Gaming, Product Reviews, Hospitality & Travel.

Why: The huge market that YouTube has and the effectiveness of video content is what makes the “The indispensability of Video in Tutorials, Product Demos and Brand Storytelling” achievеd. Also, it’s a Video that would be best for setting up a long-term association between businesses and the audience through the intriguing and educative content

7. TikTok

Industries: Fashion, Beauty, Entertainment, Music, Food, Fitness, Education (especially for younger audiences), E-commerce.

Why: TikToks unique algorithm and the rise of short video content give the users the opportunity to become an overnight sensation. For companies operating in education, the platform is already the best medium to promote products that would be highly wanted by the younger and teen generations. TikTok has been a game changer for brands that advertise to this age group or focus on a more light-hearted and entertainment based marketing. Besides the e-commerce step the platform is making which allows consumers to shop on the spot.

8. Pinterest

Industries: Home Decor, Fashion, DIY & Crafts, Wedding Planning, Food &Beverage, Photography.

Why: Pinterest is a type of visual search engine where the users go to for inspiration and ideas. The site is vastly useful in the industry it suits which helps it to succeed in the business. It is particularly good for those industries that can use high-quality images and creativity to lure visitors to their websites. They should have impressive websites which they can market using images and their imaginations to bring the enormous traffic they wish.

9. Snapchat

Industries: Fashion, Beauty, Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Travel, Automotive, Real Estate.

Why: Snapchat is a social media platform popular among young people. It is known for creating short, spontaneous and real-time content. Some of the industries that have the potential to create fun, engaging, and time-sensitive content on snapchat (like flash sales) include Snapchat. The AR (Augmented Reality) tools are also great for product demos and virtual try-ons that the platform has a place for.

10. Reddit

Industries: Technology, Gaming, Education, Entertainment, Consumer Electronics, Niche Markets.

Why: Reddit is a community-driven platform where users discuss niche topics. Brands that want to engage deeply with specific interest groups or conduct market research can benefit from Reddit. Industries that thrive on discussions, such as tech and gaming, can use Reddit to connect with highly engaged audiences.

11. WhatsApp Business

Industries: E-commerce, Retail, Hospitality, Customer Service, Travel.

Why: WhatsApp Business is one of the most important tools of the industries that utilize the direct mode of communication with customers. It becomes particularly handy when it comes to customer service, sending order updates, or even providing personalized assistance. E-commerce companies, on the other hand, can send WhatsApp messages or calls to inform customers about the latest deals. They can also touch base to answer questions, even assisting them in the buying process when they require the help to complete payment or filling out a form., undefined

12. Telegram

Industries: Technology, Cryptocurrency, Education, News & Media, E-commerce.

Why: Is known for its privacy features and is popular among tech-savvy users. It is ideal for companies that highly focus on security and privacy, like cryptocurrency and tech. Telegram channels and groups can be utilized for community building, updates, and customer engagement.

13. Quora

Industries: Technology, Education, Professional Services, Health & Wellness, Marketing, Consulting.

Why: Quora is a platform for inquiry and response, and a place where a brand can gain expertise by answering questions that pertain to their specific sector. It is perfect for sectors that thrive on zen of thought and content marketing, which entails the companies’ vision on how trust is created while the customers of the products/ services get persuaded to buy through the internet web page.

14. Medium

Industries: Technology, Education, Publishing, Professional Services, Health & Wellness, Startups.

Why: Medium is a blogging platform that’s the best for industries whose focus is on thought leadership and content marketing. Businesses can employ Medium for display deep articles, case studies, and the insights that and leaders who build credibility and widen the usage base will come. For building, credibility is Medium’s readership and the wider reach that comes along with it in the form of contributing to this integrated platform by commenting on articles

15. Clubhouse

Industries : Technology, Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Startups.

Why: Clubhouse, an audio-based social network, is a social network that uses the audio platform to allow users to host live discussions. It’s suitable for industries that may plateau tertiary institutions rise in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic through real-time conversations and networking, such as tech startups, education, and professional services. Clubhouse can be used for hosting panels, AMAs (Ask  Me Anything), and networking events.

Conclusion

Choosing the right social media platforms for your business depends on your target audience, content type, and business goals. Instead of spreading your efforts too thin, focus on the platforms that best align with your brand and where your audience spends their time. By strategically selecting and optimizing your presence on these platforms, you can effectively reach your audience and drive business growth. Choosing the right social media Marketing for your business is all about your target audience, content type, and business goals. Instead of spreading your efforts over too many channels, focus on choosing key platforms that best match your brand and where your audience already spends a significant amount of time. By strategically selecting and optimizing your presence on these platforms, you will surely reach the audience and grow your business. For more, Visit now

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Latest Top 5 SEO Trends: Tips from SEO Company Halifax

As a local business owner or marketer in Halifax, you know how important it is to stay on top of digital marketing trends. The world of SEO, or search engine optimization, is always changing. Many small businesses struggle to understand how to use SEO effectively, especially when competing with larger companies. If you’re feeling confused about SEO or how to improve your online presence, you’re not alone. I work at an SEO company Halifax, and I see many businesses facing these challenges.

In this blog post, I’ll share the latest top five SEO trends and provide simple tips that you can use. Whether you run a retail store, a restaurant, or an online shop, these insights will help you attract more customers and improve your online visibility.

What are the Top SEO Trends for Halifax Businesses?

Trend 1: Core Web Vitals

What Are Core Web Vitals?:

Core Web Vitals are important measures of how well your website works for users. They focus on three main areas:

Loading Performance: How quickly your page loads.

Interactivity: How fast your website responds when someone clicks or taps.

Visual Stability: How stable your content is while it loads, so nothing jumps around unexpectedly.

Tips to Improve Core Web Vitals:

You don’t need to be a tech expert to improve your Core Web Vitals. Here are some easy tips:

Optimize Images: Make sure your images are the right size and are compressed to load faster.

Use Browser Caching: This saves time for people visiting your site again, making it load quicker.

Reduce JavaScript: Cutting down the size of your JavaScript files can help your pages load faster.

Success Stories:

One local Halifax store we helped saw a 40% increase in traffic after improving their Core Web Vitals. This not only brought in more visitors but also led to more sales. By focusing on user experience, you can achieve great results too!

Trend 2: AI-Powered SEO

How AI Helps SEO?:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how businesses do SEO. It helps you analyze a lot of data quickly and understand what customers want.

Simple Ways to Use AI:

Use AI Tools: AI can help you find the best keywords and improve your content.

Automate Reports: AI can create regular reports about your website’s performance, so you don’t have to do it manually.

Improve Customer Interaction: Use chatbots to help answer questions from visitors instantly.

Challenges with AI:

While AI can help, it also has some downsides. You need to be careful about data privacy and not rely too much on machines. Balancing AI tools with your personal touch is important.

Trend 3: Voice Search Optimization

Why Voice Search Matters?:

More than half of all searches are now done using voice commands. Smart speakers and voice assistants are becoming more popular, so optimizing for voice search is key for local businesses.

Tips for Voice Search:

Write Like People Speak: Create content that sounds like how people talk.

Use Question-Based Keywords: Include questions in your content that users might ask.

Optimize for Local Search: Keep your business information up to date on Google My Business so local customers can find you.

Success Example:

A restaurant in Halifax saw more reservations after optimizing for voice search. By using conversational keywords, they reached new customers who were looking for dining options.

Trend 4: Local SEO

The Importance of Local SEO:

For businesses in Halifax, local SEO is crucial for getting noticed. It helps your business show up in local search results and on Google Maps, making it easier for customers to find you.

Local SEO Tips:

Claim Your Google My Business Listing: This helps your business appear in local searches. Make sure your profile is complete and optimized.

Get Customer Reviews: Ask happy customers to leave good reviews. This not only improves your local ranking but also builds trust.

Use Local Keywords: Include keywords that are relevant to Halifax in your content to attract nearby customers.

Success Story:

We helped a local service provider in Halifax increase foot traffic by 60% after optimizing their online presence for local searches. This shows how important it is to tailor your SEO strategies to your community.

Trend 5: E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness)

What is E-E-A-T?:

E-E-A-T is how Google judges the credibility of your website. It stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Showing your expertise can greatly improve your search rankings.

How to Improve E-E-A-T:

Create Quality Content: Write informative and engaging content that shows you know your stuff.

Show Your Credentials: Highlight your qualifications or awards to build trust with your audience.

Get Backlinks: Earning links from reputable sites will boost your website’s authority.

E-E-A-T Success Example:

A financial services firm in Halifax improved its search ranking by focusing on E-E-A-T principles. By sharing valuable content and showing their expertise, they not only got noticed more but also built trust with potential clients.

Conclusion

The top SEO trends for Halifax businesses include improving Core Web Vitals to enhance user experience, utilizing AI tools to boost efficiency, optimizing for voice search, focusing on local SEO to increase visibility, and strengthening E-E-A-T to build trust.

Ready to take your SEO efforts to the next level? Contact iQlance, the best SEO company in Halifax, for tailored strategies that fit your business needs.

Let’s work together to unlock your website’s full potential and drive more customers to your door! Call us at (+1) 647 637 9108.

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Optimizing E-commerce Product Listings with Data Entry Best Practices

In the bustling world of online retail, where competition is fierce and attention spans are fleeting, the success of an e-commerce store hinges on many factors. One of the most critical aspects of running a successful online business is ensuring that your product listings are optimized to attract and convert customers effectively. 

This is where data entry best practices come into play. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the importance of optimizing e-commerce product listings and delve into the best practices for effective data entry to drive sales and enhance the overall shopping experience.

Understanding the Importance of Data Entry in E-commerce

In the realm of e-commerce, data entry refers to the process of inputting and managing product information within an online store’s database. This includes details such as product titles, descriptions, images, prices, and variations. While it may seem like a mundane task, data entry services play a crucial role in the success of an e-commerce business.

Accurate and detailed product listings are essential for several reasons:

1. Impact on Sales and Conversions: Detailed product information helps customers make informed purchasing decisions, leading to higher conversion rates and increased sales.

2. Enhanced User Experience: Well-organized and optimized product listings contribute to a positive user experience, fostering trust and confidence in the brand and encouraging repeat purchases.

Best Practices for Optimizing E-commerce Product Listings

Now that you’ve laid the groundwork for effective data entry, let’s explore some best practices for optimizing e-commerce product listings:

1. Detailed Product Descriptions: Write clear, concise, and informative product descriptions that highlight key features, benefits, and specifications. Use descriptive language and bullet points to make information easy to digest.

2. High-Quality Product Images: Use high-resolution images that accurately represent the product and provide multiple angles or views to give customers a comprehensive understanding of what they’re purchasing.

3. SEO Optimization: Optimize product titles, descriptions, and metadata for search engines by incorporating relevant keywords and phrases that customers are likely to search for when looking for products online.

Conclusion

Optimizing e-commerce product listings with data entry best practices is essential for driving sales, enhancing the user experience, and gaining a competitive edge in the crowded online marketplace. 

By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide and leveraging the right tools and resources, e-commerce store owners and managers can create compelling product listings that attract and convert customers effectively. 

Read full article here: https://thetechmusk.com/optimizing-e-commerce-product-listings-with-data-entry-best-practices/