#must-watch movies for investors

[sims-himbo]

THE SIMS 4: BARBIE Legacy Challenge!

oh hi there! i haven't posted here in a while, but i just watched the barbie movie a few days ago and needless to say, it is now my entire personality. so here's my first ever legacy challenge based on barbie's many, many careers and achievements!

apologies in advance, this challenge uses a lot of packs! i'm sorry! i might try to make a base game version at some point

BASE GAME version

portuguese translation by @demaciana-sims

sims 3 version by @appaloosawhims

challenge rules below the cut

All heirs must be female and named Barbie. (non-heir children may have any name)

You may use the freerealestate cheat for your first house, but try not to use money cheats after that!

You are allowed and encouraged to use lot traits and rewards to boost skill gain, anything that’s in-game is fair game.

Packs you will need:

EPs: Get To Work, City Living, Cats & Dogs, Get Famous, Island Living, High School Years

GPs: Spa Day*, Parenthood

Optional packs (for the optional generations):

EPs: University, Cottage Living, Horse Ranch

GPs: Strangerville

*You only need Spa Day for the High Maintenance trait in one of the generations and nothing else, so it's fine to skip out on it.

You've been raised with traditional values: find a good man, start a family, be a homemaker... But you want your children to aim higher, so you'll make sure to set them up for success.

Complete Successful Lineage aspiration

Max Parenting and Cooking skills

Have at least 3 kids and 1 pet, each child must complete at least one child aspiration and they must all max out their grades in school

Must have Family-Oriented trait

Your mother was happy staying at home, but not you. You're ready to fight your way to the top and make enough money to support your family for generations to come.

Complete Fabulously Wealthy aspiration

Max Charisma and Logic skills

Max Business career (Investor branch)

Must have Ambitious trait

Your family is pretty wealthy, so you've used your funds to open up your very own vet clinic and follow your dreams of being surrounded by furry little guys all day! But it might be more difficult than you thought...

Complete Friend of the Animals aspiration

Max Veterinarian skill

Run a 5-star vet clinic

Have at least 3 pets and be good friends with all of them

Must have either Cat Lover or Dog Lover trait

You grew up surrounded by pets, and you now want to explore even more of the animal kingdom... So you're going underwater! What magical secrets will you discover on your journey?

Must live in Sulani

Complete Beach Life aspiration

Max Conservationist career (Marine Biologist branch)

Become a mermaid

Max Logic and Fitness skills

Must have Child of the Ocean trait

Your mother had an almost supernatural level of fitness at sea, so now you've been inspired to master fitness on land! You're determined to reach your full potential in physical performance and become a world class champion.

Join Cheer or Football team as a teenager and reach highest level

Complete Bodybuilder aspiration

Max Fitness and Charisma skills

Max Athlete career (Athlete branch)

Must have Active trait

Your family has achieved many, many accolades, and you've set out to capture all of it in an epic Tell-All novel that you spend your entire life writing!

Complete Bestselling Author aspiration

Max Writing skill

Write Book Of Life and bind it to your parent, use it to successfully bring them back from a premature death

Must have Creative trait

Movie stardom is the next logical step for your lineage, so you set out to conquer the silver screen. Will you catapult the family name into even greater heights, or will it now be associated with infamy?

Complete Master Actress aspiration

Max Acting skill

Must reach at least Proper Celebrity status

Must have a secret affair with a fellow Actor!

Must have High Maintenance trait

As the child of a successful actress, people may roll their eyes and immediately write you off as yet another nepo-baby trying to start a music career... So you must prove them all wrong by becoming a proper rockstar!

Complete World Famous Celebrity aspiration

Max Singing skill

Max skill in at least 2 instruments

Max Entertainer career (Musician branch)

Must have Music Lover trait

What's next after conquering so many careers and reaching worldwide fame for the family name? World domination, of course! Become the greatest Leader this nation has ever seen!

Complete Mansion Baron aspiration

Max Politician career (Politician branch)

Max Charisma skill

Must have Self-Assured trait

Now that you've conquered the world, it's time to venture out into Space! There's so much to explore out there, and Barbie must leave her mark all across the galaxy.

Complete Nerd Brain aspiration

Max Astronaut career (Either branch)

Max Logic and Rocket Science skills

Go to SIXAM at least once and bring a souvenir

Must have Genius trait

Still want more? Here's some extra Barbies that you can play with!

Secret Agent Barbie

Complete Bodybuilder aspiration

Must have Active and Geek traits

Complete Secret Agent career (Diamond Agent branch)

Max Logic, Fitness and Charisma skills

Become enemies with a Sim in the Villain branch of the Secret Agent career! (You may need to cheat this career level for sims outside your household)

Countryside Barbie

Complete Country Caretaker aspiration

Max Gardening skill

Must make all money from gardening, farming, wine making, etc. No day job!

Must own a horse and have it max every skill

Must have Animal Enthusiast trait

Army General Barbie

Must live in Strangerville

Complete Strangerville Mystery aspiration

Max Logic and Charisma skills

Max Military career (Either branch)

Must have Erratic trait

Scientist Barbie

Complete Nerd Brain aspiration

Max Scientist Career

Be abducted by Aliens at least once

Must have Genius trait

Ultimate Barbie

Set lifespan to long

Complete at least 2 child aspirations

Complete Renaissance Sim AND Academic aspirations

Max 10 skills

Have 12 or more traits

Graduate from college

Reach the top of any career

Have a house worth 1 Million Simoleons

Have at least 5 kids and max your relationship with all of them

that's about it! if you play this, please use #sims barbie legacy

have fun:)

[georgiapeach30513]

I know you’re past your post limit tonight but you are an unwavering ray of strength and sunshine on here. So calm so chill. That cookie jar though…😏

That being said…are yall not entertained????

For those of you who screamed PR for months (I’m talking about the crazy ones who freak out every five minutes about something new even though they claim they know PR and they know people and have sources (in their own heads LOLOL)) - you want it? YOU GOT IT. It’s been in your face for months and yall still can’t see it?

An article comes out every time ramen breathes. And soba must be inserted. Soba gets articles for IG posts…when does that happen to a third rate noodle brand who can’t even hit 1 million followers after buying bots for two years and marrying the sexiest noodle brand alive? (Just to be extra petty, Jenna Ortega got ten million new followers in a week after Wednesday launched on Netflix (same month someone’s else season two show launched and then got canceled but whoops) and she didn’t marry anybody famous. Soba isn’t even a notable brand in their home country. Soba’s name gets misspelled even in her own movie promo posts. Yet she’s getting us weekly and people articles written about her every movement now? Oh and she’s getting a square on us weekly about celebs who adopted pets - with ramen’s dog even though she didn’t adopt the dog? LOLOLOLOL ok!!

Nobody thinks that’s odd?

I’ll have to admit, I didn’t really want to believe in conspiracy theories for a long time. It felt too delusional and too qanon for me. But after ramen returned to IG and made a post about dogs - a people mag article pops up and inserts a line to make it about soba, unprovoked. Why? Almost like it was intentional to shoehorn soba in. Almost like that’s basically been the MO since this all started. The tabloids have changed but the narrative has not. The rumors turned to confirmation turned to more rumors to more confirmation but never really really by the horse’s mouth except kinda two ceremonies maybe yeah go physical therapy!!

The way that “wedding” announcement launched as an unconfirmed source from page six. Then went immediately viral. After a weekend of extreme social media breadcrumbing…it was almost like watching a puppeteer orchestrate a show in real time. I can’t be the only one…right?

They have continuously gone the route of most resistance repeatedly, for two years - and nobody thinks this is just inane? They are doing this on purpose and the more you overthink it, the more crazy and unsense it will make.

Like you mentioned many times before, people just have to wait and see. And be patient. Try not to overreact over every little thing. (Hard for some, but seriously!)

Fact is: ramen has publicly endorsed soba (well maybe not the name) and they are linked. So until this changes, why wouldn’t you expect soba to be around lurking? Ramen can’t be an investor in a brand and then not show up with it.

Though it would be funny if he was caught eating banza pasta while toting the soba brand, like Britney getting caught ordering a coke while she was a Pepsi girl. 😆

I’m totally half kidding about most of this. But I think you get what I’m trying to put down. Nobody has to agree with me. But the longer this goes, the easier it’s been to look back on how it all started and string the pieces together.

First off are the same anon who has been doing amazing with the pasta analogies?? Because if so can I call you, Mrs. Pasta??

This is what PR looks like. Articles upon articles over nothing. Pushing a name out there for what? You make some excellent points, completely. Now, I’m not confirming or denying anything. Just that this is pointed. The timing is interesting and the entertainment is amazing.

Banza past is an amazing option. Top ramen needs to add a little spice and change. Soba noodles on the regular isn’t good for everyone.

I’m just here ready for the show. I told y’all to keep your eyes open 😉

[liobi]

Smile 2; The commodification of trauma in the entertainment industry

Let’s just get this out of the way first. I liked Smile 2! I liked it a lot more than I thought I would! My criteria for if I would watch a third if one happens was that they add exactly Zero Lore to the film. The first one set up the rules and monster just fine. 

There is a demon/psychic parasite that is transmitted via trauma of either a intentionally ghastly murder committed by its host in front of a witness OR after eating your trauma and intrusive thoughts for roughly a week it finally manages to take you over and immediately makes you kill yourself, passing itself on to the witness to continue the cycle.

That’s it, that’s all the setup needed. There’s a contagious trauma demon, just wind it up and set it loose on a scenario. And, minor spoilers, they did! Zero lore was added! I’ll see the third if it happens and if not I’m just gonna pay attention to any project Parker Finn directs.

Things I continue to not SUPER love about the Smile franchise; there’s a good number of jumpscares. I’ll give them a pass here however because between the pacing and sound design and cinematography and the general mastery in which all these elements work together, the film is able to manipulate the tension in the audience like few others can. 

Okay now that all that stuff is out of the way…Let’s talk about why the Smile movies legitimately have something to say.

Smile 2 is about Skye Riley, a popstar with a troubled past riddled with tragedy, substance abuse, and being the product of a mother who “sacrificed everything” dance moms style for her. Right from the getgo we can see that despite the comeback tour planned and public appearances and public therapy and supportive staff, the support systems in place all exist for Skye Riley the popstar and not Skye Riley the person who shortly into the runtime gets hell’s worst roommate stuck in her greymatter.

And that’s an important thing to repeatedly come back to. At the end of the day, Skye has a staff and sponsors and investors and Appearances that must be kept, and thanks to a mid-movie speech we know that honestly it isn’t worth it for her! The industry took her in and chewed her up for years and years, invading her privacy and making every second of her life a product to be sold to anyone with even a passing interest. In the same year we had Chapel Roan rightly telling people to fuck off for invading her privacy, the criticism the film lays at the feet of the music industry for its commodification and treatment of musicians feels all that more poignant. 

Skye is never able to ask for help. She is a product first and a person second, and if the person thing gets in the way of the product then she’s in trouble. A comeback tour with millions on the line and a mother/manager focused on those logistics means that when Skye should be genuinely asking for help (such as with her intense pain from a car accident), she swallows it and pushes on because at the end of the day she doesn’t feel like she can get away from it all. She even says fairly early on to a friend over the phone that she just. Doesn’t have anyone she can lean on and be genuine with, everything else in her life is centered on the her that’s a business venture.

The thing that genuinely gets me about the Smile movies is that both movies focus on people whose environments and support systems fail them in very real, non-supernatural ways. Smile 1 examines the treatment of mental illness within the medical field and how difficult it can be to maintain your relationships when those mental illnesses put you in unflattering situations around people with no first hand context. Smile 2 looks at the fact that the road to recovery for substance abuse never really ends, even if people around you might act like once you “get sober” everything suddenly becomes “normal” again. These people heartbreakingly are also the first to blame you when your road to recovery inconveniences them. Then you take all those very real problems and put them in a blender with a psychic nightmare parasite and film what comes out.

The other thing I really like is that DESPITE all of that, despite the history the characters had and the failings of their environment for them, they are not denied the opportunity for personal growth. Despite the psychic goblin tormenting her, Skye continuously confronts her metaphorical demons, the things holding her back, the presence that keeps her a commodity rather than a person, and she doesn’t back down! It’s a horror movie through and through, so of course it has an unhappy ending, but the fact that it doesn’t take that chance to grow and heal and become better away from her means a lot to me. Even in the darkest parts of your life, you are allowed growth. 

Even if the demon wins in the end it doesn’t mean the growth you had was worthless.

And I think that sentiment matters.

[possumcollege]

Does the prospect of tailored, AI generated media where "YOU are the star" sound like a fucking nightmare to anyone else?

Everything about AI has the stink of depersonalization all over it. Maybe it's the ptsd talking, but the idea of watching a character with my face and voice doing things on TV is disturbingly close to the times when I couldn't recognize my own face in a mirror.

Like a dissociative episode with a laugh track.

Sounds like the narcissistic brainchild of someone who can't internalize anything that isn't literally about them.

"Everyone must want this too right? Especially people who aren't as interesting as me!"

I'm viscerally haunted by the presence of my own body on a daily basis. The thought of seeing it accurately scanned and pasted into a movie or skinned onto a more dashing frame makes me ill.

As does the way producers and executives want to use tech to circumvent fair labor practices, fair contracts, residual compensation, copyright law, employment benefits, and human performers to bring their absolute dogshit ideas to light.

AI devs want it to do everything "just like a person" when there ARE PEOPLE to do those things. The problem to be solved is that PAYING and supporting humans costs them money. Employees who don't want to be worked into the ground to bring their dream to life feels like someone eating their lunch.

So they imagine a future where we drive to a building, sit in a cubbie, wearing headsets so our hovering torsos can occupy a fun, budget-friendly, office of the mind for $15/hr 12hrs/day, sleep in the office during crunch time, and praise them for all their great and generous brain ideas!

AI kills jobs by convincing investors that it's cheaper than human workers, and that the remaining human workers will mostly be there for QC, which they don't consider skilled labor. We're the safety net for their machine.

By the time the consumers start realizing actually, AI support sucks, its products are either creepy or trash, and its judgment is dangerously inadequate, the developers have got their payday and aren't legally liable for the mess we made with their tools.

AI is wonderful for separating workers from profits, producers from criticism, manufacturers from liability, and people from each other. We don't share the profits because we just helped keep the Boss' machine from falling over. Our reward is pretending to be the person on a screen before we go back to work.

When we're the star of our own bizarre google-ads-ass media, we're robbed of the opportunity to see ourselves in someone who is not us. It makes us more of a puppet in someone else's play. Our Selves become another product we get to pay someone else to show us.

Why the everlasting fuck should we want to copy/paste ourselves into a product made by an industry that no longer places value on human creative labor? When the brains at the helm of these industries are stone blind to the reality of human experience?

These are the beautiful dreams of people whose lives are so irreparably insulated and disconnected from consequence and the reality of other people that they see "other people" as a problem to be solved.

I don't want a thing from those people.

[robothyenawasteland]

I think a contributing factor to this ongoing OGL mess is Hasbro/WotC higher-ups conflating “dnd” with “Dungeons & Dragons.”

We’re really talking about two things here. There’s one thing: a tabletop roleplaying rules system for playing out fantasy-themed scenarios with dice, figurines, and character sheets.

And then there is THE FORGOTTEN REALMS©, a proprietary fantasy setting featuring creatures like beholders©, Githyanki©, and the dreaded mind flayers©, not to mention fan-favorite characters like Drizzt Do’Urden©! THE FORGOTTEN REALMS takes place on the continent of Faerûn©, on the planet Toril©, which used to be called Abeir-Toril©, which was the case until the dreaded Spellplague©--

You get the idea. From the perspective of ‘the suits,’ they’ve watched DnD take off since the advent of 5th edition, as the game expanded beyond what was previously thought possible. What triggered it? The OGL, certainly, allowing people to make third-party content for the game (most of it not Forgotten Realms). Critical Role (also not Forgotten Realms) played a part. Probably, to a certain extent, sheer intertia. DnD, it turns out, is pretty good for playing fantasy-themed scenarios with dice, figurines, and character sheets. Incidentially, people sometimes pick-and-choose pieces of the Forgotten Realms(©) to include in their games. Sometimes people even use WotC’s first-party adventure books and tweak them to suit their needs. 

My sneaking suspicion is that the people at the top don’t really see it that way. To them, the visuals, the details, especially the Named Characters and Things, are one in the same with the rules system. The rules system is, indeed, quite secondary! Why, after all, would people be buying all these little WizKids DnD figurines, signing up for DnDBeyond, if they were not having canon-appropriate adventures in The Forgotten Realms©, in cities like Waterdeep© and Baldur’s Gate©?

To them, the OGL constitutes people being able to muck about and muddy the waters in their pond. Why, they might do things that cut against canon, possibly confusing readers who happen across them! This could be dreadful. This could damage the brand. And the brand is the Forgotten Realms and the characters, creatures, spells, and scenarios therein, all of which are ripe for further use in movies, novels, video games, comic books, NFTs, and other stuff.

You might say, “How does OGL content conflict with Hasbro/WotC’s official releases? It’s not like a third-party is going to release a competing film, or something that could challenge their market dominance.” You aren’t thinking like a corpo (that’s from Cyberpunk). Consider Nintendo’s highly litigious stamping-out of fan content. Disney’s ironclad control over images of the Mouse. Neither have anything like the OGL, of course, but similar logic animates the DnD situation: things which could pose a problem should be stymied before they can ever become a problem. An unsecure (from their perspective) OGL is a time bomb waiting to blow, with the potential for someone to make a lot of money using their rules (rules which, remember, exist in subservience to their copyrighted settings) in a way that undermines their careful image management.

So, I think that’s why they want to corral the OGL into something more secure, from their perspective. Why risk it, when the thing you want more than anything is a customer base that sees it the way you do, a rules-system and setting that cannot be unspooled from one another?

(If you want my other opinion, its that Hasbro is a publicly-traded company, and DnD is now a significant chunk of their revenue, and that means Line Must Go Up, or Investors Get Mad.)

[tutuandscoot]

I haven’t seen Moulin Rouge so I don’t know the storyline/characters well. How do you interpret Scott in the Roxanne portion? I’m asking about the Olympics version specifically, not the original version. Some people say he’s Christian the whole way through the program but that confuses me? In the Roxanne doc T says she’s “like his puppet” and that’s how I think of it. I think the first half of the program the focus is T’s character and S is more of a threatening figure/force/energy/idk rather than a character. Like he’s this “puppet master” figure and he’s playing off of her. Then somewhere around the Carmen rotational lift he slides into the character of Christian. But I could be way off. How would you best explain his part?

So I have talked about my take on this quite a few times but ofc I’m happy to explain again!

I only watched MR for the first time about 6 months ago and I saw the stage show about 1 year ago. VM’s moulin rouge was always amazing to me though I did find myself kinda making up my own story as a I watched it, now having seen the movie it makes so much more sense and the way I had mostly interpreted the program holds up.

(I’ll give a super brief synopsis first) In the movie Satine works at.. essentially a brothel that moonlights as a theatre company (set in the late 1800’s in Paris), the theatre (named The Moulin Rouge) is desperately bankrupt and may close down, leaving all the performers essentially homeless and forced out to work on the streets (you should know what I mean by that) Satine is the star of the show but nonetheless of it fails she will be helpless and left for dead too. Christian is an aspiring writer from London who shows up in Paris, gets taken to the MR and immediately falls in love with Satine. On this night, the man who runs the theatre has an investor there to watch and potentially fund the theatre, Satine is employed to seduce (F’ck him) to keep the theatre running.

Etc etc etc.. she meets Christian and they fall in love but the have to keep it secret bc she is still wooing the investor.

In the movie (not to spoil too much) but the scene where Roxanne is sung, Satine must ‘go through’ with letting the investor (he’s called the ‘duke’) r*pe her. It cuts between that scene and Christian fearful and heart broken at what Satine is going through, when really he and her could just run off together and never live this life again.

So, I have mostly always interpreted the first half of their program (so the part set to Roxanne) as Scott not actually playing any one character- not Christian but also not the duke. I view it as him playing a manifestation of the life Satine has lived, having to seduce these men and be abused just to stay alive, be this sparking light in this long running theatre production that everyone loves but in reality she is a terrified slave. She has never been allowed to love for the sake of love- she loves for money.

So there is choreography of him grabbing her and stalking her and getting in her face. There were more violent pieces of chore in the original version like in the circle step sequence where he’s just straight up choking her. It’s super upsetting makes your heart ache for T and the character she is playing (bc they are both such beautiful actors it feels so honest),

Sorry, we’re talking about the olys version.

So yes, I interpret it the exact same way as you. Between GPF and Nationals they softened his character a bit to make it more about T’s character- not ‘softened’ like as in their precious loving hugs, but made him less of a domineering presence and instead more of shadow/threat lurking behind her and controlling her every move- he’s controlling her like a puppet- she has no will of her own in the environment she’s trapped in, must perform (both on stage and in the bedroom) upon command. (The movie is not that dark graphically- only in context/undertone and VM definitely psychologically lean into those dark undertones in their program while not performing the most R rated chore possible).

In the olys version I feel his (lack of) character starts to shed from him as they finish the circle step sequence and he stars playing more into Christian’s character and the lyrics and singing get more desperate and it’s very reminiscent of the scene in the movie where he’s so desperate to help her (see my breakdown essay on the rotational lift I explain this part).

When they talk about the jealously in S’s acting I dont interpret so much as the jealousy of Christian but more of the duke being jealous that Satine doesn’t actually love him, even though he doesn’t actually care about that- he just wants attention and his d*ck handled and probs enjoys abusing women bc he can.

It is a bit confusing and I think to understand even the surface level nuances they were feeling and portraying takes multiple watches. It can also I think be interpreted different ways which is fine.

It never made sense to me, even without seeing the movie, that he would be playing the character of Christian the whole way through- I don’t see how she could fall in love with a man who has spent that whole time manipulating her/ abusing her/ playing with her heart.

But then if you did want to interpret it as that.. and just forget about the connection to the story of MR, it could be seen as a bit of a broad comment on the idea of Stockholm Syndrome.. or even a comment on domestic abuse in its self. I’m certainly not inclined to interpret the whole program like this, more so I feel they are themes that could be pulled from it depending on how you looks at- that’s the great think about art.

It does make me think a bit- going with a program like this that is based on a well known movie, well known music and very of the musical theatre genre.. it was a very risky direction to go in such an important season of competition bc while Moulin Rouge is well known, it’s more those two words that are well known- some associate it with the actual MR in Paris, some the movie, some the touring musical (I associate it with my first ever competition dance group where we did ‘Diamonds’), and so if you don’t know the story of the movie… like it’s pretty clear the general structure of the story and that they fall in love and she dies at the end, but the nuances no and then if you have seen the movie, how do you then interpret their characters??

That’s what’s hard and has always bothered me about figure skating- like when people use music from ballets- say for eg Swan Lake and they are dressed as either a white or a black swan but use random pieces of music from throughout the ballet. Swan lake is a 4 act ballet and odile (the black swan) doesn’t turn up till the 3rd act, but some skaters will come out dressed as a black swan but will be using music from the white swan pdd- which is a completely different part of the story and is a different character all together. It really bothers me. If they were to just use white swan (so act 2or 4) and dress as a white swan and they interpreted a specific part from the 3 hour ballet- that would make more sense to me.

What VM did I think now having seen different version of the MR story; they very start with the stat. lift is like a prologue- an introduction/sets the scene. Then moves through kinda what happens behind the scenes at the MR, not the flashy costumes and dancers- that’s where they really interpret the darker themes of the story. The end of Roxanne really encapsulates this pivotal scene in the movie, then Come What May is just all about them and celebrating their love (both in the story and VM..). The death scene in the Olympics version is a bit quick- I really liked the time they took and the emotion poor out of them in that chore earlier in the season, but the final lift in the olys is so iconic and you know exactly what it means- what has happened to her. I really love how they centred the story around T’s character and had her go through and portray all these emotions, while not it anyway was S a background player - it could not have been done with anyone else but those two. The story in this case works in a skating program format because they do manage to tell a story arc that respects the source material- without skipping over parts/ too many music changes.. it’s just extremely well designed and executed piece of art.

It was so incredibly brave of them to go this way bc it was truly something different not just for them but in the direction ice dance was going and has since gone- it really was (I think) the last true ‘showstopping’ program by far on par with and imo more iconic than Bolero and even their Mahler.. but it could’ve done so wrong in the hands of any other ID team, team of assisting coaches, choreographers. If they weren’t the best athletes their sport had ever seen with the skating elements executed near perfectly, then if they weren’t such beautiful actors and dancers with chemistry so hot it melts the ice… the judges may not have got it and it would’ve flipped- only in VM could this program not just flop, but be as iconic as the movie it’s based on (baz essentially said so) .

[dojae-huh]

[the anon from the "not-a-company-stan" answer] in the age where artists are getting their fame from tiktok (ice spice comes to mind) this idea of being in a notorious company really fades. there are artists in big companies that get nothing (be it kpop or apop), and artists without a company that go viral and famous and rich. ice spice has put out more music and getting more promo (a song in the barbie movie) in a shorter amount of time than some artists that have been stuck in a notorious label for years with no album (chloe, normani). i think it's just outdated to think an idol has to stay with their group company. blackpink didn't, CBX didn't, DO didn't, LAY didn't. they are proving it's perfectly doable to stay with their group work in their previous company but manage their own solo work separately. it seems a new paradigm is coming and idols aren't afraid to do what's best for them with the fear of being blacklisted by sm. i don't think they would take their solos elsewhere if sm was handling them well. there must be a good reason to leave for other companies, going as far as setting up a new whole company for themselves. in bp's case it's obvious, everyone knows that yg blocked work offers for the members, and they are huge now, so staying would be detrimental. if companies were stepping up and doing the best for an idol's solo work then they wouldn't leave, right? that's what sounds logical to me. also sm is so shady financially speaking lmao. maybe i don't pay taxes cuz i don't qualify for it, but i am trusting CBX knows what's best for them when they choose to leave. and if jaedo ever leaves with their solo work, i will know they are doing the best for themselves too cuz they know their reality better than we do.

Didn't I just say that staying with one's own company is not always the best solution? That both being in a big company and moving to a smaller company has its downsides? Where did I say that companies always do the best for their idols? Show me in my texts.

Lay was supported by LSM financially, he was given a company by him, plus Chinese market is a different from Korea thing. In the first place Lay left because of the Chinese ban on Korean companies and Korean idols. Lay had limited number of days he could leave his country. Do you know to what lengths Lay needs to go, how much to work, to stay relevant? Suju got their own Label SJ, but it was merged back to the main SM. BP members have the fame. They were approached by other companies and investors, them running their own companies for real is for PR. And we need time to see how well they will do. Though I agree, they will do better without YG.

TikTok fame is short-lived. While BoA is one of the richest woman among idols and will produce the upcoming SM gg.

I stated before that it is not always the right choice to stay with the company. I agree on that. However, fans like to say their bias needs to go all the time, with and without a reason for it. Changing a company is a big risk, a new beginning. And there are very few successful stories.

Just yesterday I watched a debut video of Yang Dongwha. I liked it. The video is good, the song as well, the concept. Apaprently, he was a winner of an idol-show and was supposed to debut in a group, but was evicted due to surfaces rumours about his behaviour in school. He changed companies. He was mistreated by his original company, he had the reason to start anew. He debuted. Good for him.

Now, back to Taeyong and JaeDo. Tae got two solos in a span of a year. With his own songs. Does he need to leave SM? JaeDo, a gay couple, got themselves a unit with only one additional member, Jaehyun can flirt with his bae openly without a break during their promotion. Both will get solos in 2024. Do they need to leave this year? Before enlisting and a break away from the public of 2 years?

SM is not just executives who steal money, it's personelle. Managers, choreographers, make up artists, songwriters and in-house producers like Kenzie and Deez - all those people who have seen neos grow up, who like them and go drinking with them, to whom neos send presents and go to their weddings, who can go an extra mile and write a personal song (Kenzie, MinGtion) or make BA ugly clothes presentable, fit to elevate the idol they like. It's a community. To uproot and go elsewhere is to leave most of them behind, start from scratch, waste years of earned advantage.

Ten recently said he doesn't know his schedule, he wakes up and goes where his manager tells him. You think it's because he is kept in the dark? Somehow Do knows his own schedule better than his own manager. No, it's because an idol has a ton of things to do, there is no room for other things like learning lore or itirenary.

Self-managing, being a CEO of one own's company sounds fancy, but what does it entail? Lay attened a business school, mind you. Where is the guarantee the financial guys you'll hire won't steal money from you? Or that the new producer will allow you creative freedom? Investors are the same, they want money, not art.

How many labels Jessi has changed?

It is known that right now SM is lacking personelle, it is in a transitional period. The dividion into centres, and tuning those centres will take time. Those, who can't wait or whom managers left to produce for newer groups, have reason to find a new team outside to manage their solo activities. Again, without breaking off of the awful SM completely. Kyuhyun was present on the last SMTown, what gives?

We don't know the future. SM can really change for the worse. However, currently it is far from the worst company to be in. Music wise the best among the biggest ones.

[nft-trends-news]

The NFT Video Games Revolution: What To Watch For In 2023 - GameTyrant

The next-gen of video games is going to blow players away: NFT video games. However, these have been around for quite a while, but 2023 will likely bring them the deserved attention. It is not surprising that NFTs have found their way into gaming since they have penetrated various industries, including fashion, movies, and real estate. Focusing on gaming, we will discuss how NFTs could shape this sector’s future and how players will benefit from this innovation. First, this kind of asset gives gamers a unique chance to increase their own profits, not those of the game’s developers. Second, players enjoy complete ownership of their digital assets regardless of what happens to the gaming company. Plus, enthusiasts can finally immerse themselves in a virtual world of thousands of possibilities, which allows them to take up even more exciting roles in their games, customize their experience and in-game items, and receive the rewards of their invested time and money. Without a doubt, blockchain is no longer just about virtual currencies. It has given rise to a range of digital assets, including NFTs representing in-game collectibles. Some of these assets have seen real success in the last few months as investors have noticed their gain potential. Therefore, when checking the Ethereum price, you may also want to look at gaming tokens. Apart from exposing you to new virtual lands, this is also an excellent method to diversify your investment portfolio. Here is what you need to know about gaming NFTs: You have probably heard that NFTs are the latest revelation in the gaming sector, and while it is indeed true, what are these NFT games after all? The simplest explanation would be that NFT games are blockchain-based, allowing players to exploit a new form of in-game collectibles. That being said, people can handle land, avatars, clothing pieces, or any other game features in the form of non-fungible tokens, use them to advance through the game, or further sell them on the marketplace to maximize their gains. Since NFTs have long been considered works of art, enthusiasts are now calling video games the ‘seventh art.’ NFT games are often called P2E games because they are based on a play-to-earn model. Thus, players can earn tangible rewards as they complete the various game missions. Collecting in-game items through the gaming journey is the main goal of people immersing themselves in this kind of activity, as this is generally the only way to cover their investments. The acceptance of NFT standards also lets developers preserve the uniqueness and rarity of these in-game collectibles, which is why some digital gaming goods are more expensive than others. As for how to access these assets, there are basically three strategies: unlocking and earning new items, purchasing items on third-party or native marketplaces, or breeding new characters. Whichever method you pick, we assure you that you will have exclusive ownership rights over these treasures. It is indeed possible to earn real-life money from these games, but we don’t recommend making this a top priority. Just like cryptocurrencies, NFTs are also volatile, so it would be all in vain to earn massive rewards as you complete tasks and missions if the assets start to lose their value due to developers failing to hold their gamer base. So, to put it simply, people in the Philippines making a considerable income playing Axie Infinity are a rather exceptional case. Earning money from games like Axie Infinity means you must recover your upfront cost first. Did you know that you need three Axies (the value of these cute little monsters can range from $30 to $100)? So yes, we advise you to play better for your own pleasure instead of making high expectations of gains. Since NFT games are all the rage in today’s playing environments, it becomes obvious that developers don’t cease to create more and more games. And while it’s excellent news that this area is expanding, it could be daunting for a newbie to navigate through the sea of NFT-related games available. Well, that’s why we’re here. Consider this round-up of definitely worth trying games in 2023 (apart from the ever-present Axie Infinity): Alien Worlds If you’re a fan of outer space and faraway galaxies, Alien Worlds might be your thing. This is a unique chance to explore planets, conquer lands, and engage in battles, which will eventually bring you revenue in the form of NFTs. Alien Worlds’ native token is Trillium (TLM), a valuable asset in this fascinating multiverse as it gives players access to additional gameplay and control over decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). The Alien Worlds metaverse is all about adventure, imagination, and perseverance, so if you boast any of these, ensure you give this NFT game a try. Dogami If you don’t dispose of enough room in your house to adopt a dog, Dogami is a viable solution for you. This ‘Petaverse’ allows animal lovers to own adorable dogs and nurture them to adulthood. And what makes this game stand out is that it boasts more than 300 distinct DOGAMI breeds, each distinguishing through its own traits (due to the NFT mechanic) and coming in four different rarities - diamond, gold, silver, and bronze. By playing Dogami and participating in the various game modes, you will earn rewards in the form of DOGA tokens. STEPN STEPN is the ultimate fitness game, so if you’ve always wanted to move by walking or running, this game is a great start. We know, we know - it’s all in a virtual world. But continually improving yourself in this video game will further motivate you to do the same in the real-life, tangible world. So, all you need to do to get started with STEPN is buy a pair of virtual sneakers inside this Web app. And don’t forget: the STEPN shoes not only lead you to massive potential gains but also to self-improvement. Let walks and jogs be part of your norm! So, are NFT games a thing or not? All names, trademarks, and images are copyrighted by their respective owners   ///   Copyright / DMCA Notice Copyright © 2015-2022 GameTyrant Entertainment LLC All Rights Reserved Read the full article

[carhatred]

But even if we get accessible robotaxis that can safely move around cities, around children, in all kinds of weather, that are miraculously affordable and serve lower-income and less dense communities, it’s critical to ask if this is actually the future we want. We need to proactively consider the larger land use and public health impacts if autonomous vehicles succeed. Just as wider roads and highways induce more driving, longer commutes and unsustainable, sprawling suburbs, making driving less stressful or attention demanding from drivers will likely induce longer commutes and trips (for example, if you can do a work call, watch a movie, or read a book to your kid while you drive, you may be willing to live forty miles away from where you work or the nearest grocery store). Such land use patterns that essentially require driving to access basic services will be seriously detrimental to those of us who can’t use or can’t afford autonomous vehicles. If we are serious about stopping climate change and creating more rollable, walkable communities with essential services within easy reach of every household, the acceptance and promotion of autonomous vehicles punishes us in exactly the opposite direction. We are accustomed to placing our hopes and dreams in new technologies that remove barriers and increase inclusion. We want this access. We dream of a day when our disabilities won’t prevent us from fully participating in our communities. And so when AV companies invest resources in outreach to the disability community, promising us a more inclusive future in exchange for our stories and our support, we want to believe they can deliver. But we need to remember these companies are ultimately answering to the interests of investors. If our needs are inconvenient or costly, we see how quickly they can be ignored. (...) Instead of allowing ourselves to be distracted by promises of future technology that will only exist if it generates profits, we must remember that we can create the change we need right now. It’s a matter of organizing, of building power and demanding that we can build and must build communities that are accessible to everyone.  

[jayconner-raisingprivatemoney]

Leveraging Private Money: Jay Conner on Strategic Real Estate Financing

https://www.jayconner.com/podcast/episode-208-leveraging-private-money-jay-conner-on-strategic-real-estate-financing/

***Guest Appearance

Credits to:

https://www.youtube.com/@duratusproperties

“Ep. 25 – How to Raise Private Money for Real Estate with Expert Guest Jay Conner”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSMuEeoodHM&t=23s

In a recent episode of the Raising Private Money podcast, Jay Conner joined Maura McGraw on her  Mastering Real Estate podcast and shared his invaluable insights on mastering real estate investment. The discussion was rich with practical strategies and personal anecdotes providing a roadmap for novice and seasoned investors. Here’s a comprehensive dive into the key takeaways from their conversation.

The Fallacy of “Get the Deal, Money Will Follow”

Both Jay Conner and Maura McGraw reflected on a pervasive piece of advice commonly given to real estate professionals: “Get the deal under contract and the money will show up.” Though well-meaning, this advice often leads to undue stress and poor decision-making.

Maura recounted her experience with her first coach who urged her to secure deals without first lining up the necessary funding. This led to precarious situations where she struggled to manage finances. Jay echoed her sentiments, emphasizing that a successful real estate strategy must start with securing money.

Building a Resilient and Strategic Mindset

Jay Conner detailed how his career was transformed by adopting a resilient mindset. After being cut off from banks during a pivotal moment, Jay didn’t despair. Instead, he pivoted towards private money. This mindset—converting setbacks into opportunities—is crucial for anyone in real estate.

He highlighted the importance of budgeting for unexpected costs, as the unpredictability of real estate projects is governed heavily by Murphy’s Law. Investors are bound to face unforeseen issues. Being mentally prepared and financially buffered for these hiccups sets successful investors apart.

From Humble Beginnings to Scaling New Heights

Jay Conner’s story is inspiring. He began his journey modestly by focusing on one house at a time. Through hard work and a systematic approach to building his team and automating his processes, he gradually scaled his operations. Technology played a crucial role in managing leads and streamlining team communication.

The Power of Private Money

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the advantages of private money. Jay Conner believes that securing funds before finding deals provides a solid foundation for growth.

For those interested in raising private money, Jay Conner suggests:

Defining Your Program: Establish key details like interest rates, loan length, and payment frequency.

Targeting Potential Lenders: Focus on individuals with idle retirement funds.

Partnering with Self-Directed IRA Companies: This facilitates easier transfer of funds for lenders.

The 7-Day Private Money Challenge

One of Jay’s major highlights is his 7-day private money challenge. This accelerated learning program provides daily actionable insights on attracting private money without directly asking for it. Jay outlines a revolutionary approach where the borrower sets the terms, separating the educational aspect from presenting actual deals. This method not only empowers investors but also builds trust with potential lenders.

Balancing Work and Life

Throughout the episode, Jay emphasizes the importance of balancing work and life. To reduce stress and create more freedom for himself, Jay automated as much of his business as possible. This transition allowed him to pursue other interests, including his passion for writing music with his wife. Notably, one of their songs, “It Was Time,” has even been featured in movies at Universal Studios.

Must-Read Resources and Recommendations

Jay Conner credits much of his success to continuous learning and mentorship. Among his top recommended resources are:

“University of Success” by Og Mandino: A life-changing book that offers timeless wisdom.

“The Go-Giver” by Bob Berg: A book that reinforces the value of leading with a servant’s heart.

Building Relationships with a Reliable Team: Real estate investment is a team effort. Having trusted professionals—realtors, attorneys, home inspectors, and general contractors—can make all the difference.

Takeaways and Further Learning

Listeners who want to delve deeper can join Jay Conner’s Private Money Academy or his 7-day challenge. They can also explore his book, “Where to Get the Money Now,” which offers extensive knowledge on raising funds for real estate deals.

For real estate professionals seeking property investment opportunities and partnerships, particularly in Alabama, Maura McGraw’s Doradus Properties is actively looking for collaborators.

10 Discussion Questions from this Episode:

Jay Conner and Maura McGraw both discussed the prevalent advice in the real estate industry about getting deals under contract without securing money first. How do you think this advice impacts new investors and their financial stability?

Jay emphasized the importance of having a successful mindset and taking 100% responsibility in real estate investing. What are some real-life applications of this mindset that you think are crucial for new investors to understand?

Maura mentioned the stressful money management situation she experienced with her first coach. How could her outcomes have been different if her coach had provided advice on securing funds first?

Jay shared his struggle of being cut off from bank funding and finding success through private money. How can investors prepare for such sudden changes in their financing options?

Both Jay and Maura agreed that real estate investments are unpredictable and require resiliency. What are some strategies they mentioned for managing unexpected costs, and how could they be applied in practice?

Jay recommends building relationships with a reliable team in real estate. How significant do you think these relationships are in the success of real estate investments, and why?

Jay Conner has diversified into various business ventures and emphasizes work-life balance. How can real estate investors scale their business while maintaining a healthy balance in their personal lives?

Jay provided a step-by-step approach to attracting potential private lenders. What are the key components of this approach, and which elements do you find most effective?

How does Jay Conner’s advice on prioritizing securing funds before finding deals differ from traditional real estate investment strategies, and what advantages does it offer?

The episode concluded with information on Doradus Properties’ interests in buying and flipping properties. How can listeners in the Birmingham, Mobile, or Baldwin County areas benefit from connecting with Doradus Properties, and what steps should they take?

Fun facts that were revealed in the episode:

Jay Conner has enjoyed writing music for Christians and the church with his wife since 1996, with their song “It Was Time” being featured in movies at Universal Studios.

Jay’s favorite book is “University of Success” by Og Mandino, which he finds life-changing.

Jay’s strategy for raising private money involves teaching investors about self-directed IRAs and private lending without directly asking for funds.

Timestamps

00:01 Raising Private Money Without Asking For It

05:53 Transition from mobile homes to single-family houses.

09:42 Real estate finance made accessible and manageable.

11:45 Private lenders learn about self-directed IRAs.

13:53 Pitching bank deals are different from private money.

18:36 Real estate investors must have a successful mindset.

20:19 Event plus response equals outcome, liberation through choice.

26:27 Entering business for freedom and wealth.

27:57 Transition from chaos to organization through systems.

32:49 Prioritize money first, unique real estate approach.

35:43 Establish a relationship with a self-directed IRA, copy program.

38:59 Build relationships with real estate attorney & team.

43:20 Podcast sponsored by Duratus Properties in Alabama.

Private Money Academy Conference:

https://www.JaysLiveEvent.com

Free Report:

https://www.jayconner.com/MoneyReport

Join the Private Money Academy:

https://www.JayConner.com/trial/

Have you read Jay’s new book: Where to Get The Money Now?

It is available FREE (all you pay is the shipping and handling) at

https://www.JayConner.com/Book

What is Private Money? Real Estate Investing with Jay Conner

https://www.JayConner.com/MoneyPodcast

Jay Conner is a proven real estate investment leader. He maximizes creative methods to buy and sell properties with profits averaging $67,000 per deal without using his money or credit.

What is Real Estate Investing? Live Private Money Academy Conference

https://youtu.be/QyeBbDOF4wo

YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/RealEstateInvestingWithJayConner

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-money-academy-real-estate-investing-with-jay/id1377723034

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/jay.conner.marketing

Listen to our Podcast:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2025961/episodes/15900655-leveraging-private-money-jay-conner-on-strategic-real-estate-financing

[agentcable]

Jurassic World (2015)

The Jurassic World resort off Costa Rica's coast is home to genetically engineered dinosaurs, including the vicious and intelligent Indominus rex. When the creature escapes, the other dinosaurs run amok. A former military man and animal expert must save two young brothers and the tourists from an all-out prehistoric assault.

If you want to watch the movie for yourself, stop reading! This post contains spoilers to the storyline.

Two dinosaurs are hatching.

Elsewhere, Zach and his brother Gray are going to spend Christmas at Isla Nublar, which has a theme park called Jurassic World.

Zach and Gray arrive at Isla Nublar by ferry. Zara, Claire Dearing's assistant, finds them. Claire is trying to get investors ot back the new attraction, a genetically modified dinosaur called Indominus Rex. Claire sees the boys in the Innovation Center before her next meeting. She promises to meet them for dinner and spend the next day with them. Zara is with the boys.

Claire meets with park owner Simon Masrani. Masrani, who is learning to fly, flies himself and Claire to the new Indominus Rex paddock. Masrani is surprised to learn that the dinosaur is white. Masrani is shocked when Claire says the I-Rex ate its sibling. He is impressed by the new dinosaur. He tells her to let Owen check the paddock for any weak spots the engineers missed.

Owen is a former Navy member who studies the behaviour of Jurassic World's four Velociraptors to help his work. He trains the raptors and is the "alpha" of the pack. Vic Hoskins thinks the raptors could be used for military purposes, which Owen disagrees with.

However, an accident shows the raptors are not tamed and Owen's influence is not complete.

Claire meets Owen at his trailer and asks for his help with the Indominus. Owen agrees to examine the paddock after Claire asks him to.

The animal is missing from the paddock. There is no sign of it. Owen sees claw marks on the wall. The Indominus Rex has escaped by climbing over the wall. Claire rides back to the control room to find the Indominus Rex. Owen, Nick Letting, and Nick Kilgore investigate the clawed wall in the paddock. In the control room, Lowery Cruthers and Vivian Krill see the Indominus Rex is still in the paddock. Owen and the workers try to escpae. The Indominus Rex reappears and eats Kilgore, then breaks through the gate. Owen hides under a vehicle and sprays himself with gasoline to mask his scent. Letting is eaten.

Claire sends the ACU to recapture the Indominus Rex. They're carrying non-lethal weapons because the Indominus Rex is expensive. Owen tells Claire to bring the team back because they don't know what the Indominus Rex is capable of, but she ignores him. The Indominus Rex has removed the tracking implant and ACU Commander Katashi Hamada sees the hybrid too late because it can camouflage itself. Hamada and most of the squad are killed or eaten.

Only a few survive without serious injuries. Claire decides to close all attractions north of the resort. Owen says they should leave the island. She gets a call from her sister, who is upset that she isn't spending time with Zach and Gray.

Zach and Gray left Zara to watch the Mosasaurus feeding show. On the monorail, Gray is upset. Zach asks why. Gray says their parents are getting a divorce. They've been getting mail from two divorce attorneys. Zach tells Gray to grow up. In a couple of years, he'll be leaving their parents anyway. The boys go on the Gyrosphere ride and see many dinosaurs. Zach leaves the fenced area and goes into the forest. They see an Ankylosaurus, but the Indominus Rex attacks them. The Indominus kills an Ankylosaurus as the boys run away and jump over a waterfall to escape.

Claire finds Owen to help her find her nephews. They get to the Gyrosphere and find the Indominus has killed several Apatosauruses without eating them. Owen thinks the hybris is killing for sport. They find the destroyed Gyrosphere. Zach and Gray find the old Jurassic Park Visitor Center, now ruined. They fix an old Jurassic Park jeep and drive it back to the park.

As they leave, Claire and Owen try to start a jeep, but the Indominus Rex attacks.

They escape, but the Indominus persues, distracted by a helicopter. Masrani's helicopter attacks the Indominus with a minigun, but the Indominus doesn't respond. The Indominus breaks through a wall and the pterosaurs escape. Owen and Claire watch the pterosaurus attack Masrani's helicopter and crash it, killing Masrani and the two people on board.

When the boys reach the nothern wall, they see a swarm of pterosaurus following them. Zara finds the two children on Main Street. A Pteranodon grabs her and drops her into the Jurassic World Lagoon. The Mosasaurus eats her, and a Pteranodon. Owen and Claire arrive and start shooting the animals. Owen is attacked by a Dimorphodon, but Claire saves him. They kiss as Zach and Gray arrive and reunite with their aunt.

After Masranis dies, InGen's Private Security Division, led by Vic Hoskins, takes control of the park. Hoskins plans to use the raptors to hunt the Indominus. Owen initially declines, but he agrees when threatened. They release the raptors and follow them into the jungle, where they find the hybrid. The hybrid talks to the raptors, which makes Owen realize she has Velociraptor DNA. The raptors attack the soldiers while the Indominus escapes. Owen finds Charlie, who seems to recognize him, but she is killed by a rocket. The soldiers run away, and Barry hides in a log while Blue tries to eat him. Owen distracts her, and she chases him.

Claire, Zach, and Gray are waiting in a vet vehicle when a soldier is killed by Delta. Echo attacks Claire through the truck window but falls out. Zach and Gray electrocute Delta when she jumps into the truck. Owen reappears, and they go back to the resort while the raptors follow their leader.

The four humans find Hoskins in the genetics lab trying to leave the facility. He says he tricked Masrani into making the Indominus so it could be used as a weapon instead of a theme park attraction. Delta appears and corners Hoskins. Hoskins tries to calm her, but she bites his arm and eats him. The four escape the Innovation Center but are cornered outside by Blue, Delta, and Echo. Owen reconnects with them. When the Indominus arrives, Owen and the raptors attack, but the raptors are killed.

They don't have the "teeth" to defeat the hybrid. So they have one last option: Claire calls Lowery and tells him to open the T-Rex's paddock. She lures the park's old T-Rex, Rexy, into a fight with the Indominus. She has the upper hand, but then she is overpowered and thrown to the ground. But before the Indominus can kill her, Blue attacks, giving the T-Rex time to wake up. The Indominus, unable to fight back, struggles wildly. The T-Rex gets up and bites her neck. The T-Rex and Blue corner the Indominus in front of the Mosasaurus Lagoon. The Mosasaurus drags the Indominus underwater and kills her.

Blue and the T-Rex look at each other, then go on. The group goes to the park visitor area. Zach and Gray are with their parents, while Owen and Claire leave.

On Isla Nublar, the T-Rex roars, claiming the island as hers once again.

[ks-group-zirakpur]

Zirakpur's Commercial Property is a Smart Choice for Investors

Zirakpur is a rising commercial hub of Punjab. This city is located a few kilometres from Chandigarh. That’s why it is an emerging business hub that many real estate investors eye. The city’s closeness to the capital also makes it a perfect investment location. It is not surprising that it attracts visitors from all over Punjab and Haryana for a casual weekend getaway. 

There has also been growth in other infrastructure in Zirakpur. It includes roads, highways, and gardens. Shopping malls are also being constructed at an unprecedented rate. These malls fulfil the recreational needs of urban families and young people. They can also have dinner, play video games at the video centre, and watch movies. Businessmen can also introduce new entertainment formats in their rented commercial property in Zirakpur. 

Commercial Property is a Good Investment

Commercial properties have historically been associated with stable returns. India offers an average of 8% to 11% return on investments to real estate investors. This amount is a good figure compared to other investment options. It is also risk-free if done at a strategic location like Zirakpur. Therefore, you should have no qualms about investing in commercial properties. 

A Look at Zirakpur's Commercial Real Estate Market

We have already explained why Zirakpur is a holy grail for real estate investments. It offers the demographics that a typical commercial real estate investor looks for. The location also allows it to have continuous water and power supply. The property tax rate is also lower compared to other prime locations. You can also find properties for all budgets. Thus, it is a fertile ground for new investors looking to enter the real estate market. 

Maximising Your Investment

Let’s discuss a few ways you can maximise your earning potential. Commercial properties can be tricky for a new investor. You won’t necessarily know the risk factors attached to such properties. You also have to assess the viability of your renter’s business. Therefore, you must invest in projects that offer a diverse range of opportunities. A good example is La-Mer, Zirakpur. It has everything from the retail sector to the banking sector, restaurants, gymnasiums, entertainment, and others. You can pick any property you like. 

Zirakpur's commercial property market is a promising avenue for investors seeking lucrative returns. Zirakpur offers a compelling investment opportunity due to favourable market conditions. As an investor, you can maximise your returns. Plus, you will build a successful commercial property portfolio in this thriving city.

[deshbandhu]

Hindi News Highlights: Major Stories of the Day

In today's fast-paced world, staying updated with the latest news is crucial. For millions of Hindi-speaking individuals, catching up on the top stories is a daily ritual. This article brings you the major stories of the day, featuring the most prominent news headlines in Hindi. From political developments and economic updates to cultural events and sports achievements, these news headlines in Hindi provide a comprehensive overview of the current affairs that matter most.

Political Developments

Government Policies and Reforms

Today's news headlines in Hindi are abuzz with discussions on the latest government policies and reforms. The government has announced a series of initiatives aimed at boosting the economy and supporting small businesses. Key policy changes are expected to have a significant impact on the agricultural sector, with new subsidies and support schemes being introduced to benefit farmers. These developments are among the most talked-about news headlines in Hindi, reflecting the government's focus on economic growth and development.

Election Updates

Elections are always a hot topic, and today's news headlines in Hindi cover the latest updates from various states. With upcoming elections, political parties are ramping up their campaigns, making promises to woo voters. The news headlines in Hindi highlight key campaign strategies, candidate profiles, and public reactions. The political atmosphere is charged with rallies and speeches, making it one of the most engaging sections in the news headlines in Hindi.

Economic News

Stock Market Trends

The financial markets are a staple in the news headlines in Hindi. Today's updates include significant movements in the stock market, with major indices showing volatility. Investors are keenly watching these trends, and the news headlines in Hindi provide detailed analyses of market performance, expert opinions, and forecasts. Understanding these trends is crucial for investors and businesses alike, making this a vital part of the daily news headlines in Hindi.

Economic Growth Projections

Economic growth projections are another key focus in the news headlines in Hindi. Reports from leading financial institutions suggest that the economy is on a path to recovery, with positive indicators across various sectors. The news headlines in Hindi delve into these projections, offering insights into factors driving growth and potential challenges ahead. This information is essential for policymakers, businesses, and the general public to understand the economic landscape.

Cultural Events

Festivals and Celebrations

India is a land of festivals, and the news headlines in Hindi often feature stories about ongoing and upcoming celebrations. Today's highlights include preparations for major festivals, with communities gearing up for grand events. The news headlines in Hindi provide a glimpse into the cultural richness and diversity of the country, showcasing traditions, rituals, and festivities that bring people together.

Entertainment Industry Updates

The entertainment industry is always buzzing with activity, and today's news headlines in Hindi cover the latest from Bollywood and regional cinema. From movie releases and celebrity interviews to box office collections and award functions, the news headlines in Hindi keep fans updated with all the glitz and glamour. These stories are a major attraction for readers who follow the entertainment industry closely.

Sports Achievements

Cricket Highlights

Cricket continues to dominate the sports section of the news headlines in Hindi. Today's top stories include match results, player performances, and upcoming fixtures. The news headlines in Hindi provide in-depth coverage of domestic and international cricket, making it a must-read for cricket enthusiasts. Highlights of today's matches and expert analyses offer a comprehensive view of the sport's current scenario.

Other Sports News

While cricket is immensely popular, other sports also find a place in the news headlines in Hindi. Today's coverage includes updates from football, hockey, badminton, and more. Achievements of Indian athletes in international competitions are prominently featured, inspiring young sports enthusiasts across the country. The news headlines in Hindi celebrate these accomplishments, highlighting the dedication and hard work of athletes.

Health and Lifestyle

Health Alerts and Tips

Health-related news is an important part of the news headlines in Hindi. Today's stories include health alerts, expert advice, and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The ongoing focus on public health measures, especially in light of recent health crises, is covered extensively in the news headlines in Hindi. These updates are crucial for keeping the public informed and promoting a healthier society.

Lifestyle Trends

Lifestyle trends, including fashion, travel, and wellness, are also featured in the news headlines in Hindi. Today's highlights include the latest fashion trends, travel destinations, and wellness tips that cater to a broad audience. The news headlines in Hindi offer readers practical advice and inspiration for improving their daily lives.

Conclusion Staying informed with the latest news headlines in Hindi is essential for understanding the world around us. Today's major stories span a wide range of topics, including political developments, economic news, cultural events, sports achievements, and health updates. By providing comprehensive coverage of these areas, the news headlines in Hindi ensure that readers are well-equipped with the knowledge they need to stay updated and make informed decisions.

[stockmarketanalysis]

15 Best Stock Market Movies To Watch: A Blend of Entertainment and Education

Introduction: Stock market movies offer a captivating blend of drama, suspense, and insight into the world of finance. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just curious about the intricacies of Wall Street, these films provide entertainment while shedding light on the complexities of the stock market. From tales of greed and ambition to stories of triumph and resilience, here are 15 must-watch stock market movies that will both entertain and educate.

The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this film is based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a wealthy stockbroker who engages in corruption and securities fraud. It's a wild ride through the excesses of Wall Street in the 1990s, offering a darkly humorous look at greed and moral bankruptcy.

Wall Street (1987): Directed by Oliver Stone, "Wall Street" stars Michael Douglas as the infamous Gordon Gekko, a ruthless corporate raider who epitomizes the greed of the 1980s. The film explores themes of ambition, ethics, and the moral dilemmas faced by those in the financial industry.

Boiler Room (2000): Inspired by real events, "Boiler Room" follows a young stockbroker who gets caught up in a high-pressure brokerage firm engaged in unethical practices. The film delves into the world of pump-and-dump schemes and the allure of quick riches, highlighting the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Margin Call (2011): Set during the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis, "Margin Call" offers a fictionalized account of a prestigious investment bank grappling with the impending collapse of the housing market. The film provides a tense and thought-provoking look at the ethical dilemmas faced by those in the financial industry.

The Big Short (2015): Based on Michael Lewis's book of the same name, "The Big Short" chronicles the events leading up to the 2008 financial crisis through the eyes of a group of investors who predicted the collapse of the housing market. With its star-studded cast and witty script, the film sheds light on the complexities of the financial system and the flaws that led to the crisis.

Trading Places (1983): This classic comedy stars Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd as a streetwise hustler and a wealthy commodities broker who unwittingly switch lives as part of a social experiment. "Trading Places" offers a humorous take on the world of commodities trading while addressing themes of class and privilege.

Rogue Trader (1999): Based on the true story of Nick Leeson, "Rogue Trader" follows the rise and fall of a young trader who single-handedly brings down Britain's oldest merchant bank, Barings Bank, through unauthorized speculative trading. The film offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of financial fraud.

Inside Job (2010): This documentary provides a comprehensive analysis of the 2008 financial crisis, examining the systemic corruption and regulatory failures that led to the collapse of the global economy. Through interviews with economists, politicians, and industry insiders, "Inside Job" offers a damning indictment of Wall Street's role in the crisis.

Too Big to Fail (2011): Based on Andrew Ross Sorkin's book, "Too Big to Fail" offers a behind-the-scenes look at the events surrounding the 2008 financial crisis, focusing on the efforts of government officials and Wall Street executives to prevent a complete meltdown of the financial system. The film provides a gripping account of the high-stakes negotiations and power struggles that defined the crisis.

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (2005): This documentary explores the rise and fall of Enron, once one of the largest and most respected companies in the United States. Through interviews with former employees and archival footage, "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room" exposes the corporate greed and accounting fraud that led to the company's spectacular collapse.

Barbarians at the Gate (1993): Based on the book by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar, "Barbarians at the Gate" tells the story of the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco in the late 1980s. The film offers a gripping portrayal of corporate intrigue and boardroom battles as rival executives vie for control of the company.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010): Directed by Oliver Stone, this sequel to the original "Wall Street" follows Gordon Gekko as he emerges from prison and attempts to rebuild his life and reputation in the aftermath of the financial crisis. The film explores themes of redemption and the changing landscape of Wall Street in the wake of the crisis.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006): While not strictly a stock market movie, "The Pursuit of Happyness" offers a powerful portrayal of the struggles faced by a single father trying to make ends meet while pursuing a career in finance. Starring Will Smith, the film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, who overcame homelessness and adversity to become a successful stockbroker.

Boiler Room (2000): Directed by Ben Younger, this film follows a young college dropout who lands a job at a shady brokerage firm that specializes in cold-calling unsuspecting investors. As he gets drawn deeper into the world of high-pressure sales tactics and dubious financial schemes, he must confront his own moral compass.

Moneyball (2011): Based on Michael Lewis's book, "Moneyball" tells the true story of Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane, who revolutionized the game of baseball by using statistical analysis to assemble a competitive team on a limited budget. While not directly about the stock market, the film offers valuable lessons about the power of data-driven decision-making and unconventional thinking.

Conclusion: Stock market movies offer more than just entertainment; they provide valuable insights into the workings of the financial world and the human psyche. Whether you're interested in high-stakes trading, corporate scandals, or the psychology of investing, these 15 films offer something for everyone. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be entertained and enlightened by the best that Hollywood has to offer in the realm of finance.

[mamun258]

Become a rule maker

As for the real investment leverage, it will only roll when a hit drama is born.

This is how a wealth-making myth HE Tuber was born. In the eyes of lay investors like Ma Chenggang, it is impressive and gorgeous. After the ROI is positive, investment companies continue to increase their weight, just like after the short drama "Wushuang" became popular, it set industry records every day and was online for 24 hours. 33 million, 55 million in 48 hours, and on the 8th day, the box office successfully exceeded 100 million.

But in the eyes of insiders, it is extremely weak. Li Tao explained more than once to the public that 90% of the more than 100 million box office of "Wushuang" was used for distribution costs, and the remaining profits were divided between the distribution company and the production company.

A leading person in the short drama industry told 36Kr that the method of short drama casting has actually appeared in major online movies around 2015. "Xuanfa Company had the advantage at that time, and the logic is the same as that of current casting companies. The final outcome was that a large number of production companies collapsed." He said.

In this sense, small program dramas only once again verify a law of capital, and its stories can even be called repetitive and cliché. The classic saying of the philosopher Heraclitus, "One cannot step into the same river twice." This philosophy was ultimately defeated in the face of the interests of the business world.

As someone who has also experienced the era of big online movies, Chen Wen also said that there are different shells but the same core, but there are always people who fall into them because of human nature, and he himself is no exception. "No one believes that they will be played."

After the short drama entered its second half, large streaming companies were no longer limited to the distribution of mini-program short dramas. They began to fully participate in the screening and production of short drama scripts, with the intention of generating hits from the source and maximizing profits. However, investment companies are very picky. "Fully-funded projects only target teams with big hits. For some new players, the producers bear the risk," said short play director Liu Tao.

Starting from April 2023, Liu Tao will begin to undertake the short drama needs of front-line streaming companies. This model is uniformly called "wholly owned by the platform (referring to the streaming company)" in the industry, that is, the casting company bears all shooting expenses, except In addition, the producer can also receive additional box office dividends, "generally around 5% of the box office," producer Chen Wen told 36Kr.

Not everyone can have such an opportunity. After all, there are many benefits to being favored by an investment company. The first is resources and money. Liu Tao has already released a science fiction mini-program short drama, which was funded by another company and cost a lot of money. The cost of a virtual studio is close to 200,000 yuan a day, and Liu Tao filmed it for three days.

More importantly,

No one knows better than a streaming company what the audience likes. Chen Wen once cooperated with a casting company. He mentioned that after investing in a short play, the casting company would send someone to the crew to make suggestions, with details including script changes, actor selection and even post-editing.

He also remembers an interesting example. Generally speaking, a mini program short drama will have 3-4 payment points. Whenever the last paid episode is approaching, a "hook" must be set, preferably enough to catch people and seduce them. When filming his last short play, Chen Wen set up an intimate sex scene as a hook. After watching it, people from the casting company told him that such a superficial hook could not be spread in actual casting, even if it passed The screen must be full of mosaics, which greatly affects the viewing experience.

At the suggestion of the other party, the hook was changed from the sex scene to the rape scene, and it was stuck on the close-up of the evil mother-in-law pushing open the door with an angry face. At this moment, emotional, moral and ethical conflicts all reach a high point.

The trend is becoming more and more obvious. When streaming companies have their own short dramas and their resources are centralized, small and medium-sized producers may be squeezed even more. In Liu Tao's words, "After all, why should the casting company be responsible for a small program drama that cost nothing of itself?"

Under this logic, if a small program short drama producer wants to survive smoothly today, it is a good choice to rely on a big tree. "Now I usually only participate in dramas that are opposed to investment companies, and everyone contributes half." cost," Chen Wen said.

There is another way to become a big tree and a rule maker.

But it turns out that this requires considerable cash flow. Wang Han, the founder of the short drama company, established a short drama company with several partners in November 2022. From casting, setting up small programs to short drama production, he connected the upstream and downstream.

They prepared 4 million. At that time, Wang Han was full of confidence. They had a trump card IP "Crooked Dragon King" - one of the earliest internet celebrities born in information flow advertising, who once starred in "Menghualu". Everyone believes that with this traffic IP and the fact that the mini program drama model has been used by some investment companies, the company has a high chance of success.

But Wang Han soon discovered that 4 million was just a drop in the bucket. At first, when building mini programs, the team chose to hire programmers to develop them on their own, which directly led to high costs. By the later stages of the mini program explosion, the backend of mini programs did not even need to be built, and could be purchased directly online at a cost of less than 50,000 yuan.

Secondly,

regarding the monetization of the Dragon King IP, after trying mini-program short plays, the team began to try to create a Douyin account for the Dragon King short play, trying to retain fans through the logic of live streaming to bring goods, but in the end, neither side was invested enough. In the end, the company no longer had enough cash flow in its accounts to make large-scale investments. Wang Han still remembers that the ROI value of their short play at that time was 115%, which was a profitable number. However, for 9 days, because of the rolling cash, The flow was only 40,000 yuan, and the final profit was only 5,000 yuan.

After all, winning or losing in a leveraged game is more than just the leverage itself. Sometimes, the size of the force really determines whether the stone can be lifted.

Soon, the cash flow was burned up. At that time, the box office explosion of the short drama had not been verified by the market, and the partners began to have conflicts over whether to stay or leave. The decision has been delayed, but the confidence is no longer what it used to be, people are scattered, and the company can only end up hastily with a loss of 4 million. We did a premature thing at the wrong node, "We are Tianhu opening the cards and finishing with garbage." Wang Han laughed at himself.

For individual players, the way to truly enter the chain of mini program short dramas is by no means as simple as 4 million. The founder of Jiuzhou Culture once said that in order to start the investment business, "it has to be upwards of 30 to 50 million, (otherwise) the gross profit margin, labor, and losses will not be appropriate."

It's just that the film and television industry naturally believes in Darwin's law. Wang Han's failure seems normal to Liu Tao. Natural selection depends only on the results.

"As many people stand up, so many people fall down," he said.

4. The Last Reaper

Today, for players of paid short dramas, a greater disruptive force is approaching.

As Li Tao, the head of Fengxing Culture, said, 90% of the box office is the cost of investment. Your cost is another's gain. Most of this crazy hot money will eventually flow into large-traffic platforms such as Douyin, Tencent, and Kuaishou.

As the largest carrier supporting mini-program dramas, when a short drama is cashed out at the box office, it needs to pay a technical channel fee to the WeChat mini-program, which was initially 1% and later 10%. The WeChat video account is also one of the main distribution channels for short drama companies.

Kuaishou disclosed a set of data in last year's Q3 financial report. In the third quarter of 2023, the consumption of paid short dramas on Kuaishou increased by more than 300% year-on-year and nearly 50% month-on-month. "In the media and information industry, paid short dramas have the best growth." Cheng Yixiao, chairman and CEO of Kuaishou, said.

But now, large traffic platforms are no longer satisfied with just selling traffic. They decided to go out and harvest it themselves.

Byte's Hongguo Short Drama APP will officially change its name to Tomato Short Drama in November 2023. It obviously has the ambition to unify the brand and accelerate its development. A person who has contact with Tomato Novel told 36Kr that Tomato short dramas have always been a business line under Tomato Novel in the past and were tepid. “It was not until mid-2023 that a new independent department was established.” Kuaishou has launched an independent short drama app Xifan, which is currently available on Android. Tencent Literature Group also released the "Short Drama Galaxy Incubation Plan" in December 2023, which will start with short dramas based on its own IP advantages.

But Byte is still the most ferocious one. A few years ago, Bytedance harvested traffic through free Tomato novels, and finally successfully snatched the cake from the Internet literature leader China Literature. Nowadays, the familiar plot is unfolding, and the Tomato short drama is also burning money to promote the free model. There are even rumors in the industry that "Byte has not made any money in five years of business in the same year."

“This has subverted the existing gameplay of the short drama industry, and 1/3 of the paid short dramas have been cut off at once.” An industry insider told 36Kr. In this new model, Byte, which has traffic, advertisers, and strong commercialization capabilities, will definitely gain greater profits.

For a large number of small and medium-sized producers, their situation is still a squeeze.

There are not many choices before Chen Wen. After all, the platform is engaged in traffic war, but he wants to survive. Now, Chen Wen has decided to build his own short drama company with several partners, taking over the investment and production chain. At the same time, he will launch mini programs and Douyin, try both, and seize the opportunity in his own hands.

At the end of December, there was still no news about investor Ma Chenggang's two mini-program short dramas, and he had given up his frequent inquiries. He decided to invest another 1 million and give it a final try.

However, it is not that easy for ordinary people to write rules. In a sense, even large-scale short drama companies with the capabilities of casting, production and distribution cannot guarantee a complete escape from the whirlpool of profit losses.

In early November, the leading short drama company Dianzhong issued a statement stating that there were 27 dramas on Byte's "Tomato Short Drama" and "Tomato Free Short Drama" APP platforms that were produced by Dianzhong but were first broadcast and enjoyed information. The network and broadcast rights for popular drama series have not been authorized by Dianduo.

In the new game, the traffic empire talker who holds the power of life and death appears again.

The market is still moving, the reapers are looming, investment companies are keeping a low profile, and producers are looking for a way out. Only those stories of making wealth in the past were secretly hidden one day.

(Wang Han, Ma Chenggang, Chen Wen and Liu Tao are pseudonyms in this article)

Author: Zhong Yixuan, Editor: Qiao Qian Yang Xuan

Source public account: 36氪 Future Consumption (ID: lslb168), see the future of consumption here.

This article is published with the authorization of Everybody is a Product Manager cooperative media@FutureConsumption. Reprinting without permission is prohibited.

The title picture comes from Unsplash and is based on the CC0 license.

The opinions in this article represent only the author's own. The Renren Product Manager platform only provides information storage space services.

[crwr2weeksnotice]

Nobody likes me, but I’m not in the business to be liked. If I wanted to be liked I would have become a movie star. I don’t need likes, I simply need people to do what I tell them to do.

“Beeston, where are we?” I tear my eyes off the road and look at Markus. The old fellow is as dumb as ever, scratching what's left of his white hair and looking around.

“It’s a retirement home,” I state blandly. “The place where young people dump their parents once they tire of them.” Like you.

“Son I know what a retirement home is, but why are we here? Kennedy said I have a meeting with investors at noon.” Markus glances out the window at the white building surrounded by flowers as if to disguise the rotting turnips called the elderly within.

“You do have a meeting at noon, unfortunately, it’s not with the investors.” You won't be seeing them for awhile. Grabbing a cloth from my pocket, I cover Markus’ nose and mouth. Despite his muffled screams he soon goes limp in his seat.

Two weeks ago my father disinherited me in favor of my younger brother. He claimed I was too volatile to deal with clients and investors, and that I couldn’t keep my mouth shut when needed. I beg to differ, my techniques while harsher, are more effective. I sent an email two weeks ago laying off my father's most senior employees. I knew that it would cause quite a ruckus, and since headquarters has turned into a science experiment gone wrong I'd wager my plan worked.

Remotely, I shut off the sprinklers and reset the lockdown mode, resulting in a temporary loss of power to the building. I can only assume this was the doing of Kennedy and Will, as they're the ones with enough clearance to pull off this tantrum. As for the notification about 2.5 million dollars in bonuses being sent out? I reworked it so it came out of my father’s personal funds, the employees can have it.

As for my father, well, murder is usually frowned upon… I glance from him to the senior home and smile. “Why Kennedy, perhaps you’re not as useless after all.”

Five flashing cameras and an interview later, it’s all settled. Too easy.

Climbing back into the driver's side of the car I head back to headquarters. Walking up to the entrance I adjust the tie on my suit as the automatic doors open. I step into a puddle and cringe.

“Beeston?” A voice calls from the right. Will is standing sopping wet with Kennedy by the elevator's shock covering his features. The song Never Gonna Give You Up is blaring at an alarmingly loud level over the speakers.

“It’s Mr. Galwick to you all, I'll be your new CEO. Now will someone tell me why there’s flame retardant dripping from the chandeliers?”

A brave soul yells, "It was raining foam earlier."

"I must have missed the forecast." From the corner of my eye, I see Kennedy and Will smirk. I turn towards them. "And what were you two up to while this was going on?"

They look at each other and then back to me. "Cat videos," they reply simultaneously as if watching feline antics was the logical thing to do at such a time.

Chaos ensued with a chorus of questions, dripping wet employees, and the lingering scent of wet dogs. Suddenly someone sneezes uncontrollably and I feel something tickling me feet. I look down and into the eyes of an orange Tabby cat. Unbelievable.

Welcome to the new era of Crescent Realtors.

Image of man citation

SanneBerg. Smart suite young man stock photo. 23 July 2019. iStock, istockphoto.com/photo/smart-suit-young-man-gm1163690293-319616021. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.