#the same thing goes to gen z making fun of younger people

[phantaloon]

millenials, please, i beg you

stop doing the same shit older generations did to you, to us gen z, like

we're supposed to be together in this fight to idfk restore the world, but yall be picking on everything gen z kids do except instead of it being a fight, yall just do passive aggressive stuff and joke about us :)

be the change guys wtf

[bisluthq]

Sorry but taylor absolutely was sloppy drunk towards the end. I'm not judging it like others do, but making your NFL boyfriend drink vodka on camera during the season is not rational and something you do impusively when really drunk.

Problem is most swifties are so defensive that unless she falls over or goes fully wild they don't want to see it, which is why for years the missed that she had a (minor?) problem with alcohol until she spelled it out in her songs, even though the signs were always there. Those who have been around know that Taylor had a complicated relationship with alcohol at least since 2015/2016.

Maybe she has it in control right now and those moments are exceptions, but ruling it out that she might not isn't really possible given her self-admitted history with it.

I mean as I’ve now said repeatedly I don’t want to say “Taylor had/has a problem” because that’s really not for us to say. What we know is Taylor drinks a lot and that’s not a new thing. What we know is historically Taylor’s been really fucking weird about alcohol which suggests a weird relationship with it. What we know is Taylor said Eras was the first tour (at least in a long time like idk about say Fearless) she didn’t “tour like a frat boy” on and she said she cut down drinking for it and I am not gonna say she’s a lying liar who lied about that which tells me if this is her having cut down lol then whatever was going on before was… a lot. I don’t think her music states she has a problem, I think her music states that she drinks a lot and worries about it on occasion which we know not just from the music but from this whole “I cut down” business.

Re this baseball game, I guess I should go look and decide for myself but also like Travis is a big boy too. If he’s being peer pressured into drinking vodka because of her that’s fundamentally his problem not mine or yours or even hers lol like idk lmao that’s really not something anyone except Travis (and maybe Andy) should worry about.

I also think, as I’ve stated repeatedly, that there’s just a cultural thing going on here and I don’t believe Taylor is gonna fix western society’s problem with alcohol. Something I’ve been noticing a lot since I’ve started questioning my relationship with alcohol is the sheer quantities of alcohol related merch in shops. People have written a lot about Mommy Juice culture and how fucked up that is (and it really is) but like I’d argue it’s worse for childfree millennials and Gen Xers because as much as it’s sorta normalized that mommies need wine to mommy, there is also stigma at mommy being out of it. The idea is mommy should be pleasantly tipsy. Childfree women can, and maybe even should, per society, drink a lot. I’ve seen so many tote bags, glasses, bottles, notepads, T-shirts, etc with slogans about like books and cats and wine and gin. And Taylor exists in that same societal milieu. We are repeatedly told that fun women, sophisticated women, interesting women, SUCCESSFUL women, intelligent women fucking DRINK. Taylor won’t fix that as a one woman project and frankly it’s not her job to.

Another thing to note though, and I’ll say this in her defense and with role model discourse in mind, Gen Z (and I think hopefully Gen Alpha) are drinking significantly less statistically than Millennials (I don’t have stats but I have a feeling we’re the worst) or Gen X. I know campus bars are closing, and there’s a vague disinterest from younger people regarding booze. Other mind altering drugs I think not so much lol - my feeling (this I haven’t read but from observation) is Gen Z is replacing booze with weed (in the form of vapes and edibles mostly). I tend to be pro this because weed is demonstrably and statistically less harmful for society lmao. No one kills their spouse because they’re stoned. They might be really fucking annoying but they’re at least not dangerous. Also weed does have mental health benefits and even physical health benefits. Alcohol does not. Alcohol is quite literally poison.

And like lmao I really want to stress that I’m not saying this in a holier than thou way. I’m saying this as someone who has been drinking since I was 15/16, drinking regularly since I was 17/18, and drinking to excess since I was 19/20. I say this as someone who, up until earlier this year, was a daily drinker. I say this as someone whose partner, while he’s also cut down dramatically, is more often than not a daily drinker (but like he really doesn’t drink a lot now - when I say “daily drinker” I mean like he’ll have a beer most days and/or a glass of wine. When I say I was a daily drinker I mean like I had 3-4 glasses of wine more days than not). I also say this as someone who may well drink again. I haven’t taken a vow of abstinence and I haven’t joined AA. I might decide I want a particular drink and shit like I might get over not drinking and go back to daily drinking idk. I’d be surprised if I do that though because I feel SO much better sober.

Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.

[eddieydewr]

A bit of a rant 'cause I just came across a tiktok that is something along the line of "that one actor who had 1 popular role 10 years ago and still makes it their whole personality", and treating that as something pathetic (not to mention the cmt that goes noah in 10 years, which is just ugh).

Ngl I used to have a somewhat similar sentiment (though tbh, I feel like it came from the need to follow the most popular narrative on the internet, instead of making my own judgements). But after having a job and actually struggling with competition and stuff, I'm like "if I were those actors, I probably would cling to some of the most memorable and validated moments of my life too". I now feel it weird that people, especialy gen z, try to paint it in a negative light, while they are also some of the loudest voices when it comes to "don't feel like a failure if you xyz". The hypocrisy is off the charts.

Hopefully this makes sense. English is not my mother tongue lol.

yes, i get you! are you talking about tom felton by any chance? lol. he’s one of the few celebs that people complain about for hanging on to their fame from when they were kids. i don’t think it’s anything to do with jk rowling because the complaints started way before that. but it’s weird that people seem to have a distaste for tom when it’s not just him from the movies who still participate in the fandom for money or nostalgia. it’s not just harry potter either, we have actors from star trek, the og star wars, lord of the rings, horror film legends like robert englund and tim curry, who still get involved with fans.

it’s bizarre that people already talk like this about noah when the show isn’t even over yet. be consistent at least. why not rag on the people who played tommy h, barb, and billy?? it’s transparent. and yeah, i don’t understand the one sided beef with tom felton bc most of the fandom love draco (tom helped humanise the character) and from what i remember when i was in the HP fandom, tom is kind and genuine. he makes time for fans, he’s even gentle when small children are intimidated cos they think he’s actually draco 😭

but yeah, i understand your frustration. i probably used to share the same sentiment you had when i was younger, wondering why some actors hold on to the roles that made them famous. but i kinda get it. fandom exists, and fans are lucky that they have actors who are happy to indulge, to give them the opportunity to meet the people behind the characters that obviously mean a lot to the fans :) even if they’re doing it for money, they still make time and effort for the fans. at the end of the day, the actors still have other jobs and hobbies; as do the adult fans. we need a bit of fun and nostalgia in our lives once in a while. idk why we have to be miserable or serious 24/7. creativity and community are good things and should be encouraged!

[p1harmonyofficial]

[📰] K-Pop Rookies P1Harmony Are Writing Their Own Coming of Age Story

By Crystal Bell

K-pop group P1Harmony debuted three months ago with their audacious single "Siren," and member Jiung is already dreaming of the perfect solo vacation. The 19-year-old singer wants to emphasize that this is a trip he'd like to — no, needs to — do alone, when he can safely do so. ("You need to bold the word 'alone,'" leader Keeho adds in English, a knowing glint of mirth in his eyes. "Put it in italics too.") So, more about this excursion: "If possible, I want to go to a foreign country," Jiung tells Teen Vogue from an office in Seoul, South Korea. He doesn't have a specific place in mind, just somewhere new and exciting and, most importantly, a place where he can be alone to freely organize his thoughts without any other responsibilities.

It sounds like a lyric ripped from the pages of his notebook, or the plot of a coming-of-age movie his 17-year-old groupmate Intak would enjoy: a young man on a voyage of self-discovery, chasing a feeling to a faraway land to escape his adolescent ennui. For now, however, it's just a lofty resolution for the new year.

"I also want to travel alone because I've never done it before," youngest member Jongseob, who recently turned 15, enthusiastically offers in Korean. Jiung, always one to help the younger sort out his feelings, is quick to quash the teenage rapper's theoretical plans. "That's not very realistic," he says. "You're too young to travel alone." Undeterred, Jongseob carries on: "Then my goal this year is to drink more milk."

"He wants to grow taller, but I don't think milk helps that much," Keeho comments, shaking his head while his teal quiff stays firmly in place. "I heard that's a myth."

Technically, they're not wrong. Unaccompanied minors can't travel internationally without a parent's formal consent in South Korea, and there's no proven scientific correlation between dairy and height. But spoken aloud, this interaction sounds more like playful goading among good friends. It's a testament to Keeho, Theo, Jiung, Intak, Soul, and Jongseob's comfortable dynamic as a group that the copper-haired youngest just earnestly smiles through the minor sting of his hopes being swiftly dashed.

For all of the training that goes into a K-pop artist's career, perhaps the most vital lesson is learning how to symbiotically coexist in close quarters with someone who is unfamiliar to you. Like most things, it is a process. Harmony isn't achieved overnight, especially among six teenage boys who have differing definitions of the word "clean." Cultural differences present unique challenges, too. When Keeho left his home in Canada to pursue his musical dreams as a trainee at FNC Entertainment in Seoul, he didn't have much trouble fitting in. Or so he thought. "He was funny," Jiung says in retrospect. "But I don't think we were able to communicate well." It wasn't that they couldn't understand what Keeho was saying — the soulful singer grew up speaking Korean with his family — but rather they couldn't understand him.

"Everyone would be stressed out, and I would be like, 'Guys, relax. Why are you stressing out over this?'" Keeho says animatedly with his hands. "They couldn't understand why I was so relaxed. How could I not care about anything? And I couldn't understand why they were always so stressed about things. It took a while to get on the same page."

That's where communication comes in. "The key is being honest," Jiung explains. "We have a lot of talks." These regular conversations allow the members to resolve potential issues before they spiral into larger, more disharmonious problems. Keeho is refreshingly open about this. "We're always stuck together," he adds. "We live together. We see each other 24 hours a day. Seeing anyone 24 hours a day, you'll eventually be, like, ugh, get away from me, but because we communicate so much, that [feeling] is reduced." Establishing rules and boundaries also helps. "We have a basic rule that you clean up the mess you've made," Jongseob says from where he's perched behind Jiung. (This rule is especially important to methodical Jiung.) And then there's vocalist Theo, the eldest member who also takes on the role of the group's even-keeled mediator because he's a good listener, and he likes giving advice.

"I'm not very opinionated," the blonde says. At 19, he's a few months older than Keeho but harder to read. He's both lighthearted and enigmatic. "I'm not good at expressing my feelings," Theo explains. "But the members are really good at expressing themselves and their emotions, so I'm learning how to open up because of them." According to Keeho, Theo is "bad at being serious," adding, "We'll have to have a serious talk, and he won't be able to take it. He's always trying to lighten the mood. He's the comedic relief."

Keeho makes a habit of describing the members' various idiosyncrasies in fervent detail. It's a very leaderly thing to do, to make sure that everyone feels understood. Occasionally, he also jumps in to help interpret their answers into English, or to encourage others to speak. Soul, who is half-Korean but was raised in Japan, could be described as a quiet person: an introvert who wears a lot of black, listens to metal, and has a particular obsession with massive skull rings and accessories. But he's also acutely perceptive. He'd rather listen and observe than be an active participant in the conversation. "I like when the rest of the members are discussing an idea," he says quietly in Korean (he's still learning the language). "I like watching them talk." It's not that he's not involved, but as Keeho puts it, "He's always supporting us silently and observing us." For Soul, it's more fun to sit and watch.

You can get a sense of these dynamics as they unfold on the last track of the group's debut EP, Disharmony: Stand Out. It's a skit, or audio recording of the members — then, just trainees — as they talk candidly about their dreams to perform and contemplate the implications of such aspirations. "I work hard here for the debut, but when I go to school, I wonder, 'What am I doing here?'" Intak says on tape, recalling how strange it feels to not have the same priorities as his classmates who are all preparing for their college admissions. Theo quells his concerns, telling him how lucky he is to already be working toward his dream. "That's a cool thing," Keeho adds, as Soul silently listens in the background.

While his peers prepared for their academic futures, Intak was spending his evenings dancing, rapping, singing, and writing lyrics, while also stunt training alongside his groupmates and preparing to become a… movie star. A few weeks before the release of their album, P1H: A New World Begins hit theaters across South Korea in early October. The first K-pop origin story to hit the big screen, the feature film introduced P1Harmony and their sci-fi lore to the masses. Long story short: After a deadly virus spreads chaos and violence around the globe, six boys with extraordinary gifts are humanity's only hope for survival. The filming experience was invaluable for the artists, who until that point had only ever studied music and performance. "Acting training really helped with my facial expressions," Intak says. "I learned how to portray my emotions on stage." Keeho agrees, adding, "We got very friendly with the camera."

Singers who rap, rappers who sing, dancers who act — the boys of P1Harmony forgo clearly defined roles in favor of being versatile and, well, good at everything.

As for their music, Disharmony: Stand Out is a snapshot of Gen Z unrest, simmering with angst ("Siren") and bucking wildly, vibrantly against convention ("Nemonade"). Teenage turmoil has been fueling the K-pop industry since the very beginning, and there's a certain nostalgia to P1Harmony's no-holds-barred approach. Members Soul and Jongseob both credit B.A.P and their hard-hitting style with inspiring them to become artists, with Zelo influencing Jongseob to pursue rap in elementary school. You can hear those more aggressive, hip-hop-tinged influences on Disharmony, as well as softer, more lyrical R&B flourishes ("Butterfly").

"We wanted to convey feelings and situations that are not harmonious," Jongseob says. "We want to say don't be afraid to stand out and to say what you want to say — speak your truth, and do it with courage and confidence." Despite his age, the young rapper carries himself like a veteran. By all accounts, he's earned the title, having won the competition series K-pop Star 6 at age 12 in 2017 and competed in YG Treasure Box less than two years later. These experiences, he says, helped him feel more comfortable performing. By the time he came to FNC, he was already a prodigy with the confidence and flow of a performer twice his age.

"There are so many people, our age especially, who aren't always able to speak courageously and confidently," Keeho adds. "So we wanted to encourage everyone, especially ourselves, to never be afraid to say what you want to say."

And they practice what they preach. All of the members are credited lyricists on the album, with all six collaborating on the roaring hip-hop track "That's It." Part cypher, part vibes, "That's It" is teeming with boyish swagger and possibility. "Even though it was the first time all six of us worked on a song together, surprisingly we were all on the same page from the very first meeting, and it came together quickly," Jiung recounts, adding that each member wrote their own verse. "It was fun," Keeho chirps.

That creative energy is also channeled into their performances. "Because we do take part in a lot of the songwriting, we also want to convey that in our dance," Intak explains. Though he's part of the group's rap line, his first love was dance. He started taking lessons as a child. "My mom is a dancer, so she's where I got my love of dancing," he says. As such, he's well-versed in conveying emotion through motion. "We always have an idea of how we want to portray these emotions with our bodies," he says. The members choreograph their own center gestures. These movements are a small but significant part of any performance, because this is where their charisma and individuality shine brightest.

"I wanted to become a singer because I wanted to perform onstage," Theo says. "So being able to be on music programs performing on real stages, surrounded by bright LED lights and visual backdrops, I feel like a main character. When all of the lights are on me, I feel like a star."

Unsurprisingly, even when he's offstage, he's still singing. He even likes to call his friends and take song requests. "I like to sing to my friends through the phone," he says. "I'll sing anything they want. I play piano for them, too. They're very open to listening to me." Next to him, Keeho adds, "My friends would not want me to sing to them." (The internet respectfully disagrees.) Meanwhile, Jongseob turns to making music and writing lyrics in his downtime. It's a great way to relieve stress, he says. These days, Intak turns to animated films to ease his mind. He's a fan of Studio Ghibli films, and he really likes the Japanese manga characters Doraemon and Shin Chan.

"I watch a lot of coming-of-age stories about these innocent kids who are in the process of becoming adults," he explains. "I get inspired by watching them. I don't want to lose that innocence, so watching those animations make me feel youthful." It's hard to imagine Intak without his boyish sensibility. It's seeped into every social media post and YouTube vlog (or, #PLOG). Yet, as an artist, as a teenager, it's an unusual phenomenon to be perceived by thousands of fans before having the clarity to perceive yourself. It's something no amount of Miyazaki or training prepares you for.

Initially, Theo had a hard time opening up on camera. The mere thought of it made him nervous, but the more he did it, the easier it was for him to parse his own feelings. "I'm not very good at expressing emotions like thank you and I love you," he says. "But it's a lot easier to express those feelings now because I feel them so sincerely. I can say thank you for loving me [to fans] because I truly mean it."

"There are people from all around the world who leave me messages, and that makes me so happy," Intak says. "It drives me to do more and to give more to them."

And there will be more to give. Disharmony: Stand Out was just the beginning, and Keeho already has some very big goals for 2021. At the top of the list? "Rookie of the Year, come on!" he says spiritedly of the K-pop industry's coveted award. "It's definitely possible. I'm manifesting it right now." He also wants to make more music, maybe release more covers. "We want to come back a lot," he smiles. "I'm thinking [of] at least three releases next year."

Then there are more personal goals, like Jiung's solo travels. "I want to take better care of my mental health," he adds, noting that it starts with a more positive mindset. "I want to be a better person overall." Intak wants to, for the first time in his young life, maintain a consistent routine for a healthier lifestyle. That includes getting enough sleep when there aren't any schedules. ("He could sleep, but he chooses not to," Keeho jokes.) After monitoring his fancams, Theo has decided that he wants to build more muscle. And Soul hopes to go home to Japan to see his dog, a Frenchie named Mochi.

As for Keeho, in true Libra fashion, he wants to maintain a sense of balance: "I want to stay true to myself," he says. "I don't want to be like, oh, the fame is getting to me. I don't want to change. I want to stay grounded and stay thankful and be grateful, always. I also want to make some more money." He laughs, then adds, "I can't lie!"

No, he can't. Honesty is the key to harmony, after all.

[okaywowcool]

Let’s Talk About ASOS’s New Sub Brand, Collusion.

ASOS just released a new sub brand called Collusion, a collaboration between ASOS and young influencers (who seem to be taking on some kind of design or curator role for their first collection, though to what extent is unclear) which purports to be specifically for young folks “coming of age,” which seems to be defined loosely--the 6 influencers involved at launch are 18 - 23, but older and younger faces seem to be featured in ad campaigns and on their social media accounts. 

first of all, the line itself is very cool. the brand immediately makes some bold claims...things we’re used to seeing at this point from a lot of brands looking to make a buck off of progressive millennial and gen z shoppers, about size inclusivity (which is what we’ll be tackling in the most detail for this little post), experimental fashion, and a vague statement about the collaborative aspect of the line. we also get some more concrete claims, that everything is animal free and that the “majority” of their cotton is sustainably sourced.

i of course was instantly interested, the website was cute...

and their mission for fashion was insanely close to things that i’ve written for my own brand on my website.

all the listings on the site immediately take you back through to ASOS’ page for adding to cart and checking out however, so you’re back to seeing the typical ASOS model look and product listing page there. 

the prices are also quite good (more could be obviously said to this subject, the cotton may be sustainable, but who knows the wages of the workers are making these products & i’m not aware of enough to even comment on it in more detail than that), with the most expensive pieces being still under $100 (for coats and jackets) but the majority of the line being well under $50, in the $20 - $40 range. 

the models being used in campaigns are cute and refreshing, i like that brands are willing to take risks on more “real” looking people right now, though plenty of indie brands have been doing this for years w/ zero accolades so i have to admit (as one of those indie brands) that it is frustrating to have fast fashion brands get rewarded for inclusivity that would be considered bare minimum for most actual artists. 

i like their choice of influencers for this first collection and feel like the actual pieces and concerns that the influencers are bringing up are timely and that the final result of their collaboration (to whatever extent they were involved) feels like it rings true from the statements in their bios on the collusion site. 

plus size representation (for a brand that specifically claims to be size inclusive) is strangely absent in their first group of influencers, and on their social media...it’s a hole that i feel like is very much felt once you start looking at their actual plus sized offering. 

there’s not really any across the board sizing, usually i would expect all pieces in a collection to come in at least a specific size range, but these are kind of randomly distributed where the pieces are true plus sized and where they are not. when you break it down, there are literally only 10 pieces total that come in a size US 16 and above...which is an XL in most retailers. 

(no, literally. that’s all of them. i’ve zoomed out so you’re able to see all of these pieces at once.)

20 pieces come in a 2XL (which is the highest size they list in most of their dialogue about the size inclusivity) that are all unisex, jackets and tops. 

(a little more fun at least, though i’m getting extremely sick of boring cishet people thinking “unisex” means “boxy top” and nothing else ever)

with many of the pieces designed to fit oversized, i feel like most folks would be able to fit in those 20 unisex pieces, but they’re not necessarily the best pieces in the line by my standards...with the Actual 10 plus sized garments being even more basic. 

now, i’ve gone and picked up two of the dresses from that list of 10 plus sized pieces (both shown in the header above), the stripe midi dress (plus version / straight sized version) and the black roll neck sweater dress (plus version / straight sized version). luckily the sizes aren’t priced differently, and i thought the price on both of those pieces was really good, so i’m eager to see how they actually fit IRL. but i thought from those photos that the pieces were actually sewn to fit pretty differently for a plus sized consumer, and i’m a bit baffled about why. 

i’ve seen on shows like project runway, tim gun faces the workroom during a “real bodies” style sewing challenge and says something about how plus sized bodies are different and so you should make different silhouettes for them, but it’s never been something i’ve personally subscribed to. if i buy an oversized smock dress, or an oversized sweatshirt, and it’s actually coming to me in plus sizes, i expect it to come looking the same on me how it does on the straight sized model, specifically in terms of the fit and drape. 

before one of y’all heathens comments some useless nonsense, let me explain what i’m talking about just with the two images above as a representative example. now obviously changes in height and body proportion are one thing, but the neckline on the straight sized dress looks higher, like a mock neck, the sleeves are slightly off the shoulder, the waist line is more dropped, the bodice fits more loosely, the sleeves appear longer (which might be accounted for by the plus model just having longer arms or being taller) and there’s enough fullness to the skirt for the straight sized dress that it almost appears pleated. the plus size silhouette is missing all of that, like almost looking like a designer knock off of the dress on the left and missing a lot of the charm that the dress on the left has in terms of what it is doing, visually. 

maybe it’s just me but it is almost wacky looking to me in terms of difference. i’m hoping half of it is the photos that they’ve selected for this plus sized model (which aren’t at all very fashion...y....if that makes sense lol) but it’s kind of an issue i noticed with all of the pieces that are truly “plus sized” in the line up. 

the sweater has a lot of the same problems, mostly in the fit through the torso in this case, but the slight bubble hem on the sweater dress on the left is something that seems that it would be accounted for by the actual cut and shape of the garment and something that shouldn’t be affected by the model’s body at all. 

why even advertise your line as size inclusive when you’re altering major selling points to the garments to put them on plus sized bodies? or even more seriously, why advertise your line as size inclusive PERIOD when only 30 (if you’re counting the unisex and the truly plus sized pieces, let’s be generous lol) out of 152 pieces are size inclusive?

ASOS might be gauging response to see how this line does before expanding their size range, who knows. but i also don’t really feel like i owe companies benefit of the doubt...especially when there are companies doing this. the response to target’s wild fable line within the plus sized community was immediately so passionate as well--brands who are actually doing this and coming out of the gate doing it are doing well, a huge brand like ASOS shouldn’t be that timid to begin with...if that’s even their reasoning. i don’t even know anymore with brands claiming this as a label, sometimes i feel like brands are claiming these socially-conscious labels just to appeal to specific types of consumers....like claiming the animal free label when your garments are majority cotton and synthetic fibers just seems kind of intellectually dishonest to me, but who knows. i know just personally i feel like i fall for these kind of things every time but then end up almost always disappointed once i go to the actual page and see all the listings--big brands love to claim these things but then the follow through always feels so low effort to me. maybe they’re just too big to care enough to try and also not afraid enough of the blow back, while the little guys like myself or someone like big bud press or premme are scratching w/ everything we’ve got to actually genuinely stay true to our word, who knows. 

regardles, i’m looking forward to these pieces coming in the mail, and also am interested in what this brand does next...if they stick to their claims and actually sell more plus size, affordable clothing, i think they could make some really cool stuff. i’m hoping to review these pieces for here when they come in, and will let you all know how that goes. 

what do you guys think about this brand? what do you guys think about brands hopping on the plus size train so late, and also so lazily? (looking @ you, dollskill’s plus size line lmao) are you planning to pick anything up for yourself? i’m interested in hearing others’ thoughts! <3 

[mentiormusa-blog]

The Portrayal of Satanism and How it Affects the Youth of Today

Preface

Growing up, I always had a pretty decent idea of what was good and what was evil. I knew that cops were the good guys and the robbers were the bad guys and I knew that Batman was the hero and the Joker was the villain. But I guess the most prominent example I knew of regarding the power struggle of morality was the battle between God and the Devil, with God being the bringer of life and the Devil being the evil incarnate. But, in more recent times, with society becoming more open when it comes to one’s belief, the idea of Satan or, more appropriately, Lucifer, being a misunderstood bringer of justice has become a more accepted concept among the younger population. This is only because of how he is presented in works of fiction like the Fox television show Lucifer, which is, in turn, based off of the DC comic series of the same name. The show follows Lucifer, the archangel who was cast out of heaven for refusing to follow his father’s orders,  as he sets out to bring justice upon the criminals of L.A. This backstory can also be seen in the television show, Supernatural, where he is still a villain of the story but is given a sense of humanity for the pain he feels for being cast out by the father he loved. 

Background

The Church of Satan, which is one of more the commonly referenced branches of Satanism, was founded in 1960 by Anton Szandor Lavey in the United States.  Laveyan Satanism has the core belief of more humanistic values, which prioritizes the betterment of oneself. Satan, being the symbol of the religion, represents self assertion, rebellion against unjust authority, vital existence, and “undefiled wisdom.”

Lavey learned much about the occult and ritual-magic teachings during his time as a carnival worker and, in 1966, incorporated them in the tenants of the church he founded on the Walpurgisnacht, or April 30th (which is referred to as May eve). In 1969, he sat down and recorded these beliefs and teachings in the Satanic bible. They also participated in rituals designed to encourage members to develop their sense of self-importance and to cast away their past lives full of submissiveness.

But what appeals to people the most are the Satanic Commandments that Lavey conjured up within this bible. The 11 Satanic commandments are:

Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked.

Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure they want to hear them.

When in another’s lair, show him respect or else do not go there.

If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat him cruelly and without mercy.

Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal.

Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a burden to the other person and he cries out to be relieved.

Acknowledge the power of magic if you have employed it successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of magic after having called upon it with success, you will lose all you have obtained.

Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself.

Do not harm little children.

Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for your food.

When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask him to stop. If he does not stop, destroy him.

Not only do these promote a more open religion for the impressionable gen z, but it also appeals to a more open society as a whole. These commandments are comparable to the ideals that have been seen more frequently within this evolving society, especially with the obvious disdain for sexual assault, child abuse, animal abuse, and being an overall nuisance.

Interview one (Axel Garcia, 17)

I was on the phone with my first subject, Axel Garcia, when the matter was brought up. Me and him have discussed both religion and the existence of an afterlife many times before this. Upon beginning the interview, I noticed that he was at ease and the topic itself did not bother him.  1

What is your Religious affiliation?

“I’m not a very religious person, I need evidence in order to believe in something so I’d say that I’m agnostic.”

When you hear the terms Satan and Satanism, what comes to mind?

“Evil and the flames of the hell for Satan and people who do not like God.”

How do you think media portrays Satan and Satanism?

“Some portray him as the king of darkness and the prince of all evil, while others portray him as this cool, chill guy who’s trying to become good.”

Would you say that this portrayal have affected the way you view them?

“As a kid, everytime he was mentioned, I thought, ‘Holy Crap, it’s the devil, he’s gonna punish me if I don’t behave,’ but as I got older, I started to think for myself and with shows like Lucifer and even kids shows sometimes painting him out to be just another person doing what he needs to do really impacted my views.” 

Interview two (Matthew Krug, 17)

The next person I interviewed was Matthew Krug. I asked him first if it was okay to interview him on the matter and, to my suprise, he was excited. The day of the interview, he kept texting me about how excited he was regarding it and how he could not wait to do it. 

What is your religious affiliation?

“I was born Roman Catholic but up until a couple years ago, I have not been as religious and I now recognize myself as agnostic.”

When you hear the term satanism, what comes to mind?

“When I was younger, Satanism was just...Satanism; they worship the devil, sacrifice babies and all that. But now, with the more that I have learned about them, I see them as more independent as anything else. The whole thing about Satanism is being independent from religion or God and that is really being a service to yourself than to a higher power.”

When you hear the term Satan, what comes to mind?

“Well, because of popular media and stuff like that, the term Satan and the Devil will obviously be coincided with evil and bad, but right now, Satan is just...Satan, I don’t really feel a certain way about the word or have any negative or positive connotations with it.”

How do you think media portray Satan and Satanism?

“Obviously, since the world is run by religion, Satan and Satanism are portrayed as the bad guys and evil.”

Would you say that this portrayal have affected the way you view them?

“No, because I know it’s just pop culture; it’s just media putting their two-cents in.”

If you had to stereotype a Satanist, how would you describe them?

“The stereotypical ones are the people who draw pentagrams in lambs blood and sacrifice virgins and babies. But, as I see them now, they’re just people trying to believe in and follow a certain ideological standpoint and deity just like everyone else. I’m not going to persecute them for that.

Interview three (Christopher Dellinger)

The next person I decided to interview was my father, who is active in the music scene. Having played in numerous rock and alternative bands for the past couple of decades, I decided to speak with him about the matter. When the topic was brought up, I noticed that he was passionate about it. The questions for this interview went more in depth than the other ones.

What is your religious affiliation?

“Christian.”

When you hear the term Satan, what comes to mind?

“The Devil, a two-horned man with red skin and a goatee. The father of evil, the one who crushes the universe.”

When you hear the term Satanism, what comes to mind?

“A group of impressionable people who made up their views based off of a fictitious book written by Anton Lavey (Satanic Bible) in the 1960 who don’t really have a clue on what goes on.” 

How would you say that Satan and Satanism is portrayed in media?

“It’s glorified, to make Satan seem like a superhero and is portrayed as something spooky, yet cool, which is not a good interpretation. Unfortunately, if there is a good and an evil, Hell is not going to be a party. If you go to Hell, you’re screwed; there is not this big rock and roll party in the streets where you get to hang out with your bros and jam out to Ozzy Osbourne and eat barbecue. So the portrayal is misguiding.”

Would you say that this portrayal has affected the way younger generations see him?

“Yes, because they blur the lines between good and evil and they glorify satan by thinking that Satan is actually good and could be something possible when it’s not.”

Would you say that this portrayal have affected the way you view them?

“Kind of, because it makes me dislike the fake Satanists, the people that believe in Anton Lavey, that do not have a good understanding of good and evil and think that they could have created a religion in the 1960’s. They claim that they are their own God and that they don’t believe in it while denouncing the bible.”

How do you feel about the younger generations viewing Satan as this anti-hero, in a way?

“Unfortunately, they’re just misguided, and don’t have a proper understanding of the religion or what Satanism actually is.”

Since you’re in the heavy metal scene and have been for awhile, how would you say that this portrayal has affected rock and roll?

“There’s a funness about it because there is rebellion such as ACDC’s Highway to Hell. Heavy metal has been associated with Satan. Members of Slayer have actually said that they’re catholics and it’s all for show. Marilyn Manson has had a career on being a priest at the Church of Satan and using Satan as a platform. But, in the end of the day, it’s all theatrics and, in that aspect, it’s fun for Halloween and shock rock. It’s fun as rebellion, but as long as the lines aren’t crossed and someone doesn’t commit an act of evil, then it’s fine. Partying with the devil seems like a great idea, but at the end of the day, as long as those lines aren’t blurred, it’s entertainment and shouldn’t be taken more than face value.”

Would you say that this portrayal is affecting the way kids see religion?

“Yes, it’s changing to an extent but there is always been young people that have rebelled against their parents. It’s just comes in different forms and now it might be more open, but it is what it is. Kids will always rebel against what their parents want for them until they are parents and the cycle just repeats itself.”

Conclusion

Going into this topic, I initially thought that Satanism and Satan were prime components of society that affected children but, the more research that I did, the more I realized that this issue could actually be viewed as an overlying theme and broken into a cluster of smaller pieces meant for a grander puzzle; glorification, societal acceptance, the change of religious importance, and rebellion.

With glorification and societal acceptance, which can both be tied into each other, one could infer that this type of response only happens when society allows for it. The idea of living in a society in which has become more accepting to unconventional practices, allows for this newer generation, who are leading members of this more liberal movement, to find an interest in a ideal that has previously been found as ludicrous and taboo. This, in turn, creates a worldwide mindset where people can, in a sense, exist in a moral purgatory; where life and, more specifically, morality, is not so black and white. Where something that should be inherently evil can have the possibility of being viewed as something else. And Laveyan Satanism caters to that by turning Satan into a symbol of acceptance.

As for teenage rebellion and religious importance, which can also be tied into each other, Satan is only an example of an outlet for children to rebel against an ‘unjust authoritarian figure,’ aka their parents (which correlates to the very symbolism this figure has within the religion). With Satan being such a prominent figure for being on the opposite end of the spectrum of conventional thinking and beliefs, teens are drawn to him for shock value. Plus, with how he is portrayed as this symbol of freedom, free thinking, and a live-for-yourself mentality, it is no surprise that teens wouldn’t see him as something entirely evil for they see a piece of themselves within the illusionary mask of the devil. And, if religion plays an important role within their upbringing, it is more likely for them to follow this path in order to spite their parents and drift away from family-set expectations.

[radramblog]

Album Discussion- Steal this Album!

I’ve delayed long enough. Too long, actually. I gotta start pumping through music posts if I want to gover everything I want to cover, and even then, I still may not make it. This is mostly on account of committing to a bunch of things at the start of the year, and not realising my completely fake deadline was a bit realer than I would have thought, right near the end of it. So maybe if you’re someone who’s here for that specifically (which I think statistically is…nobody?), then you might be in luck- more half-formed music thoughts inbound!

Anyway let’s talk about System of a Down.

The One Thing on the To Do list where I was like…yeah, I feel like talking about that now, System are kind of a classic at this point as far as 00s alternative metal (I refuse to refer to them as nu-metal) goes, though I can’t think of any that got as big as they did, nor any that got as outwardly political as they did. Like, there was Rage Against the Machine, but by the turn of the millennium, they weren’t exactly at their peak.

The obvious choice would be to talk about Toxicity, but who the fuck goes for the obvious choice? I’m going to talk about Toxicity 2 instead. Er, Steal This Album!.

(I’m not going to keep putting the exclamation point in, because Word will yell at me for it!)

Toxicity is pretty unquestionably System’s biggest album, what with it going triple Platinum in the USA and Australia (and double in Canada and the UK (and single in New Zealand and Italy)) and having massive smash hits such as the title track, Aerials, and, oh, fucking Chop Suey on there. Even despite (or even possibly as a result of) releasing exactly a week before 9-11, an event that led to Chop Suey getting pulled from a lot of stations and making System’s aggressive politics unpopular in America’s horrific cultural zeitgeist, this album was undeniably massive.

And so it should be no surprise that, when a bunch of unfinished “leftover” tracks leaked the year following under the name Toxicity II, people were pretty excited about it. Shit spread everywhere fast- at least, as fast as things could spread in the age of Napster and Limewire. The band themselves were like, well, sure, whatever, would like to actually finish that album, though- and so Toxicity II became Steal This Album.

The image above is the official album art, but it’s a bit of a cheeky render done for the internet- the actual disc itself is designed that way, to look like a stolen/pirated bootleg- but there, um. Is no cover. It’s a clear plastic case. There are special edition versions of the CD with sharpied art by the members of the band, but those are…actually a lot less rare than I thought they were, fuck, maybe I should grab one of those. Serj or Shavo, if I had to choose.

Anyway lets listen to some fucking music.

Steal This Album opens with Chic ‘N’ Stu, a track that somehow manages to be an obscure (to an Aussie Gen-Z, at least) basketball reference, a critique of American consumerism, and an banger of a track despite also having what sounds like a shopping list in the lyrics. I’m not sure I could pick a better opening song from any System album- not to keep bringing up Toxicity (it’s inevitable!) but while Prison Song very blatantly introduces their sound and political stylings, it doesn’t also expose you to just how goddamn silly these songs can get at times- not to mention the quiet section in the bridge, where Serj actually gets to flex his more subtle vocal muscles for a bit.

As a fun aside, Chick ‘N’ Stu might be the first System of a Down song I ever actually heard. When I was younger (say, late 00s) I spent a fair bit of time on Newgrounds, but very specifically watching Mario flash parodies. And somebody used this song in one of them (mostly for the PIZZA PIZZA PIE bit), and it stuck in the back of my mind for years afterwards. The only reason I don’t know whether it was first or not is because I’m also fairly sure someone (maybe the same person) used Chop Suey in one of those too. I’m sure if I really tried I could find that animation…but I’m not sure how much cringe I want to expose myself to in the process.

Moving on to the album’s first single, Innervision. Actually, it’s the only single, despite not being the one song on the album with a music video (it’s because it was a promo single). It definitely fits as a single- I do think it’s one of the better songs on here. A lot of really interesting guitarwork, with Daron’s signature chugging style working its magic, and the two getting some proper vocal harmonics going for much of the track. It also manages to have a bit of a groove to it, something a lot of System tracks don’t usually go for. I do kind of wish the drums were doing a bit more- there’s this particular style John Dolamayan ends up playing a lot, that I don’t know how to describe, but it’s something I associate a lot with some of the band’s works. Like, it sounds like the drums from Chop Suey, but playing a bit of a different rhythm, if you get me. Anyway, despite that little snag, it’s a good track, would recommend.

We next hit Bubbles, a short little uptempo ditty with guest vocalist Arto Tunçboyacıyan contributing for the third time (he’s on Aerials and…Science, apparently), though if you’re not paying attention, you’re going to miss it. Honestly, if you’re not paying attention, you might miss this whole track- it’s just shy of two minutes, after all, and it’s not quite as memorable as the songs surrounding it. But it’s a ride for those two minutes, so sure, thumbs up.

Ah, Boom!. Probably System’s least subtle track*, made much more obvious when the music video is literally filmed at a protest (with footage of several others) and with quotes from a bunch of people there (including some helping with the lyrics!). Honestly, it’s a pretty fun video! And I think the song still manages to hold up without it. It’s a bit unfortunate to have the song’s topic (that is to say, uh let’s not go to Iraq for war! Please!) be still relevant (if not more so) today, but that does make the utter righteous fury of the track ring even truer. There are a few times Serj goes for the spoken-word delivery, although this is more of a rant, and frankly I’m all here for it.

(god, I forgot about the animated bit, what the fuck)

*as a more general note, System tracks tend to flip between metaphor and subtlety versus blatant “lmao fuck this” on a song-by-song basis, so an unsubtle political rant isn’t exactly out of character. with that in mind, Boom! still stands out as really blatant for obvious reasons.

Basically, it sucks that the track is still basically completely true and necessary, but that does mean you can play Boom at anti-war protests still, so it’s impossible to say whether it’s bad or not.

There’s a few songs on this album I definitely forgot about, and Nuguns was one of them for sure. It’s an Album Track, babyyyyy. This one does have a solo by a very unique sounding instrument- an oud, apparently, the plucky, folky tones of which contrast really well against the angry instruments it’s backed by.

A.D.D. (American Dream Denial )(that’s not what that stands for) is a song I mostly remember for the prechorus and chorus vocals- because, uh, they’re really sicknasty. They’re also really fucking hard to sing along to, because it’s basically a rhythmic, constant flow with no actual break before the tempo shift into the much more rapid chorus. Many times listening to this in the car I definitely risked a bit of danger trying to hold my breath long enough to pull it off, so fun tip, don’t do that. Listening to the song again with fresher ears, yeah, still sicknasty, fuck, noticed the drum thing again. Moving on.

Track 7 (oh there are like 16 on this album btw) is Mr. Jack, and relistening to this song reminded me of one notable fact- I haven’t listened to this album in a while, and I am significantly more radicalised than I was then. The song is about police brutality, and while a younger me thought screaming “Fuck you, pig” four times to end your song was A Bit Much, the me of today gets it. Hard not to, in Current Year. Said track is fairly low and grim for most of it, but with this appropriately menacing vibe as it trudges steadily towards completion. There is then, of course, the rapid buildup of the bridge, that opens in literal whispers before very suddenly transitioning to the howling finale, which is probably one of the sickest moments on the whole album. I mean, I don’t know if I can recommend this track to anyone who isn’t thoroughly based, but if that’s you, then you know what to look out for.

Next is I-E-A-I-A-I-O, and in case Boom and Mr. Jack were too subtle, then here’s a song where you can’t understand half the lyrics and the bridge is literally a code. Possibly. It’s speculation. I kind of wish the chorus had a bit more going on, because said incomprehensible gibberish (actually a mix of tongue-twisters and…Night Rider references?) is impressive and neat, and the bridge is delightfully deranged. By contrast, the chorus is big, swelling, and notably more sing-along-able, but it’s just a bit less interesting instrumentally and vocally than the rest. A shame, but still one of my preferred ones.

Track 9, 36. Named such as it’s the 36th song in album order (…wow those first albums were really long too, huh?), and also only 36 measures long. And 46 seconds, god damnit guys, you could have sped this up. It’s short, it’s silly, but also wouldn’t go for this outside of the album probably.

Pictures would be notable exclusively for that little “ba-ba-ba-bahhhh!”, along with Serj singing the word real like it’s being censored. That’s, kind of the only reason this one stands out, actually. It’s another mix of silly and serious that you’re probably used to at this point if you’re listening along, so it again ain’t much to talk on.

Highway Song has, despite still having many of System’s trappings, a much more chilled, in some ways mysterious vibe running through it- chords left to hang in the air for a bit, Serj’s vocals sounding confused and a little tortured. It somehow manages to come out of left field and fit completely at the same time, not to mention the…okay, it’s not a harpsichord, but I don’t know what else to call that instrument popping in at the end of the first solo. There is definitely a piano behind the bridge, though, and it’s really subtle and really good. Honestly, so is the solo, so is everything else, I think this is the once-per-album-review song I forgot about and really like now.

F**k The System is the next track, and that censorship is not mine. I’ve always felt the delivery on this track was kind of making fun of the person who would read a title like that and go like damn that song must be intense, because it’s really fucking funny. Like, sure, the chorus goes fuck the system! a bunch of times, but the verses are downright cartoonish in places. It’s probably for the best that this song is relatively short, because it could very easily get old- it doesn’t really develop much beyond its Bit, with the bridge having the twist of saying that you need to fuck the system (and like, a cowbell?), but when you have a song that doesn’t break 2:30ish, you can kinda just run with the one idea you do have.

So Ego Brain has a theremin on it. This most accurately compares to Aerials in sound, with this very Big Thoughts, eerie sort of verses (though Ego Brain honestly sounds a bit more folky) building up to this big, harmonic chorus. Honestly, while the prechorus is kind of whatever, the chorus on this track is really good- the bendy riff works really well with the meter and it gives this whole lurch to it that I enjoy.

Track 14 is Thetawaves and it feels a bit weird in the middle here, since it’s a much more standard-sounding track in the middle of a more experimental second half. I remember really liking this, but I honestly couldn’t tell you why? I think it’s something to do with the bridge- the section where it all just cuts out into this very staccato plucking (with a triangle for some reason) is really cute? I dunno. I do like the way it just ends mid-sentence, though it’s so suddenly that it might genuinely be a mistake that got left in, so.

Roulette gets us back to more of the weird stuff, except in this case, weird for System of a Down is actually just a very normal song. The lyrics are literal, the instrumentation is acoustic guitar on strings, the vocals are calm. It’s pretty emotional- it turns out you get a lot out of switching “I know” to “I don’t know” between lines in the chorus- and the solo- because even though it’s an acoustic track you still gotta have a solo- is this very wistful thing. Honestly, my only gripe with this song is how nasally Daron is singing, because I have no idea why he’s doing that. Like, I don’t think he does that in any other song, System or not? Ah well, it’s a Choice, might work better for other listeners.

Finally, we reach Streamline, the last song. It’s kind of between the last song and the rest of them in terms of lyrical complexity, but it’s a similarly simple emotional track- just with a mix of that acoustic instrumentation and the rumbling metallics. Honestly, this song would probably sound really weird were it not for Roulette before it- like that song is very deliberately a shock to the system (heh), especially if the cutoff is intentional, dragging you into this surprisingly personal mood, and Streamline feels like that but with ideas and elements from a whole bunch of tracks dragged in. despite not having much emotional or lyrical connection to the album, it does genuinely feel like a culmination- especially with how massive the final moments feel.

Also, it’s always fun when you have something like this- an album that ends on a literal goodbye.

Thus, Steal This Album concludes. It’s kind of interesting, because even though it wasn’t really originally intended to be an album (I think?), it does flow very well as one- and I’m not going to discount one of a band this big’s very few actual albums on the basis that it may not have been quite as intentional. Steal This Album is something I’ve always felt was overlooked a little bit- Hypnotize and Mesmerize were obviouisly an intended double album, and tonally/sonically the self-titled lines up with Toxicity, which leaves STA somewhat on its lonesome. It’s kind of stuck halfway between them, too- a bit of the experimentality of the later era, a bit of the sound and theming of the earlier, but with enough of everything System to be absolutely worth the listen regardless.

It’s the only album not to have a song in the Spotify top listened to, also. Come on, that’s just mean. I mean I love Toxicity, and I love the songs on it, but is ATWA really that much better than the best Steal This Album has to offer? Which statistically, is, I-E-A-I-A-I-O, apparently, okay, sure, whatever. Go listen to this album if you haven’t already- though these days, with the power of the internet, you at least won’t need to steal it to do so.

[wolfliving]

Stacey’s IoT Xmas gifts

*I’m not gonna buy ‘em.  I’m safe in Italy.

The 2017 Internet of Things Holiday Gift Guide

By Stacey Higginbotham and Kevin Tofel

This Friday kicks off the holiday giving season, so my IoT Podcast co-host Kevin Tofel and I have pooled our experiences over the last year to create a list of tried and true devices that make a good gift. Some are for kids, some are for pets, and some are for the guy or gal who already has a connected home. I hope you can find something worth gifting or buying for yourself.

— There are so many connected options for gift giving. Let us show you.

Smart Home Picks

Wyze Camera

($19.99): For $20 you might expect this camera to be a piece of junk, but in our two weeks of testing we found it works really well. The camera offers two-way audio, night vision, 1080p resolution, 14-day cloud storage and motion detection. It’s wired and rated for the indoors, but if you want a simple security camera this one is an excellent place to start. With a microSD card (not included) you can even see a time lapse shot of the day, a feature that the more expensive Nest Cam also offers. The camera’s makers licensed the hardware from a Chinese company and have placed their bet on making good software while offering the cheapest prices they can. The team is based in Seattle and hail from Amazon. It doesn’t work with any other smart home platforms today, but Jessie Zhou, director of marketing at Wyze, says the company plans to add support for popular options over time. And for $20, the lack of integrations is not a huge deal killer.

Arlo Pro outdoor 2 cameras and hub

($349.99): For the security conscious homeowner and renters alike, these cameras make for a nice outdoor or indoor option. They are rechargeable, offer 720p video resolution, two-way audio, motion detection and night vision. We leave ours on the roof deck when we have parties and want to keep an eye on children from the Amazon Echo Show or from our phones and then toss them outside or on window ledges when we leave town for vacation. These are not always recording, so they aren’t foolproof. They have to detect motion in order to turn on, and one or two people have told me the cameras missed an event. If you want failsafe security, wired cameras are probably the way to go. That being said, these are good enough, durable, convenient and a decent price.

Google Home

($79 during the holidays): In the smart speaker category, our choice is the Google Home, which has managed to surpass the Amazon Echo at offering responses to everyday inquiries and has mostly met the challenge in the smart home. If you haven’t decided yet on a smart speaker option for the home, for $79 during the holiday season, you can pick up a decent-sounding device that can

control hundreds

of smart home devices and process almost any query you can think of. Plus, it can make phone calls, which turns the Google Home into a de facto land line for people as long as there is internet access and power. My only quibble with this device is that the slanted design of the top means that you can’t always see if the device “heard” your initial voice command.

Sonos One

($174 from 11/23 to 11/27): As an alternative to Google Home, we also recommend the new Sonos One for specific people. For example, this new hands-free speaker

supports Alexa voice controls for your smart home

, as well as for music playback on Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and more. Even better: You’ll have a choice of digital assistants in 2018 when Sonos adds support for Google Assistant. Sound quality is excellent on the Sonos One and you can combine multiple units for multi-room audio. Plus, the Sonos companion app includes a smart configuration option to optimize audio playback for your specific room set up.

Wink Hub 2 ($99): You can buy the Samsung SmartThings Hub for less, but we recommend the Wink Hub 2 for the extra money. This second-gen hub improves over its predecessor with a faster processor, more memory, and dual-band WiFi support. You don’t need to hardwire it to a router either, making it easy to place in the center of your smart home for maximum range of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, Zigbee and Z-Wave devices. It’s easy to use the Wink app to add new devices, create schedules or automate devices as well. Local processing means that even if your internet service goes down, Wink can still control your home; a feature that Samsung only just added to its hub. With broad device support, simple setup and the ability to work with either Alexa or Google Assistant, the Wink Hub 2 is a great choice to be the brains of your smartphone.

Ecobee 4 ($199 on sale): Nest may be the most recognizable smart thermostat brand but we think the Ecobee 4 is better. It’s just as easy to install and includes a Power Extender Kit for older HVAC systems. It also has two key benefits: Remote sensors — one included, additional sensors cost $79 per pair — to monitor temperature in additional rooms and a built in microphone/speaker combo that works with Amazon Alexa. The Ecobee 4 is compatible with Apple HomeKit so you’re covered regardless of your hub or smartphone platform.

Google Wi-Fi ($289 for a three pack / $249 on Black Friday at Best Buy): Unless you need super advanced router features, the Google Wi-Fi mesh network units are a great addition to any home. They’re simple to set up and less expensive than most other competing products. The three pack covers 4,500 square feet and creates a single network for your devices, making them a better choice than older network extenders. Although you use Wi-Fi to connect the units, each has an Ethernet port for wiring a device as well. Some standout features include scheduling a Wi-Fi pause for family time, guest network support and the ability to prioritize your wireless signal to a specific device for a certain length of time.

Nvidia Shield TV ($149 on Black Friday) and Samsung SmartThings Link ($39.99): This recommendation might seem like it doesn’t belong on an IoT gift guide but bear with us while we explain. The Nvidia Shield TV is primarily a powerful Android TV streaming box and Chromecast unit that supports 4K HDR playback with ease. You can also play Android games on your big screen with the optional (but recommended) game controller included in the $169 Black Friday bundle. Nvidia also offers 1080p console games through a monthly $8 subscription fee: These titles are played on Nvidia’s cloud servers and streamed to you without any noticeable lag, provided you have a fast enough broadband connection. Here’s where the IoT part comes in on this double-duty device. The Shield TV supports Google Assistant voice commands through a microphone found in both the remote and the game controller. And Nvidia also plans to sell small plug-in microphones you can put throughout your home to use Google Assistant in any room. Lastly, you can add the new Samsung SmartThings Link USB stick for $40 which adds Zigbee and Z-Wave support, turning the Nvidia Shield TV into a fully functional SmartThings hub. For the kids Kano motion sensor kit ($29.99): This gizmo is made by the same company that makes the Kano build-it-yourself computer for kids. The sensor plugs into the USB port on a computer and lets the user wave their hand in front of it to make music, control games and more. It’s designed for the younger set, with kids as young as five likely to understand what the device does and start interacting with it. My 11-year-old thought it was a little young for her and was not excited to see the coding challenges that Kano has set up to help youngsters learn how to program the games that use the sensor. “Oh no, coding again!” However, with a less jaded audience the games are fun, and the product is simple and intuitive to use. I’ll also add that the Kano community is wholesome and full of good child-safe computing activities.

Littlebits R2D2 Droid Inventor Kit ($99.95): I have not tested this device, but we’re huge fans of Littlebits in this house so I’m excited about this package. Basically, the company has combined several of its bits into a Star Wars-themed Droid to excite kids. It solves one of the challenges my daughter and I had with the original Littlebits package, which was we had all these servo motors, lights and computers, but no real plan on what to do with them. We overcame that, but the cool part of this toy is that once the magic of the Droid wears off, the nits can be used to build whatever your kid desires. Or not. Either way, they still have a fun toy to play with. I’d recommend this for older kids, roughly in the tween demographic. Stocking stuffers

TrackR Pixel ($49.99 for 5): Bluetooth tracking devices are ideal for purses, wallets, backpacks, keys and any other personal item you don’t want to lose. The TrackR Pixel is roughly the size of a quarter so it’s easy to attach to just about anything without calling attention to itself. Once paired with the TrackR app on your smartphone, you can use Bluetooth or even enable an LED or a sound on the TrackR Pixel to find that lost item. It works in reverse too: By pressing a button on the TrackR Pixel, your phone will sound a tone. No more searching around the house for your smartphone! If you leave something behind while on the go, TrackR crowdsources data so if another TrackR app user passes by your lost item, you’ll see where it is in the app.

Flosstime ($39.99): This might be an insulting gift for an adult but it makes a good gift for a teen or child. Basically, this is a connected dental floss dispenser that suctions to your mirror and has an LED smiley face or frowny face on it. When you grab the floss, it will dispense the right amount automatically and then the frown turns upside down to cheer you on for flossing. As someone who doesn’t floss like she should I look at this as something that would compel me to actually floss in ways that my thrice-annual dental check ups do not. A warning though, this does require special refills that cost $6 a pop. Fibaro Z-wave Button ($49.99) This is not a gift for the smart home novice. This is a stocking stuffer for the person who already owns a SmartThings hub or Fibaro’s own Home Center line of hubs. The button is a beautiful device that can be programmed to respond to 6 different types of touches to set a pre-programmed scene or action in motion. It comes in 8 colors (I have orange) and it’s basically like a magic wand (button) that your loved one can use to impress people with their existing smart home setup and scenes.

[childhoodandtech]

“Kids These Days” by Kayleigh Ryan

One day when I was about nine years old, I asked my mom if we could order pizza. She said yes and instructed me to find the phone number, and I immediately googled the information on our computer. After I’d done so, I had a realization and a question. 

“Mom, how did you order pizza before Google?” I asked her. She raised her eyebrows in smug disbelief. 

“We used the phone book, don’t you know what those are?” she replied, her voice dripping with condescension. 

 I felt shame in that moment. Of course I knew what a phone book was, and I didn’t like that she was trying to make me feel stupid, even if that wasn’t her intention. 

It’s been ten years since then, and though I was born in 2000, an era when home computers were already pretty commonplace, digital technology has already advanced far beyond what I ever could have imagined. I have no doubt the digital landscape will be completely different by the time I die. 

With time, I’ve gained some perspective on the pizza situation with my Mom. I’ve realized that I wasn’t being stupid. I knew what phone books were – there were several in my own house. But I really only understood them in theory. My entire life, I had never once had to resort to using a phone book, and even my parents had moved on from them by the time of this conversation. Phone books had never been considered as a valid option in my mind. The difference was that my parents remembered a time when they were a common source of information. They remembered a time before the internet. I didn’t. 

I find myself falling into this trap too, sometimes, in regard to the group of kids younger than me. I was born in 2000. My cousins were born in 2004, 2008, and 2011. We are all technically apart of Gen Z, but the rate at which technology accelerated between my childhood and theirs was enormous, a rate I don’t think has really been seen at other times in history. My cousins can’t remember a time before the introduction of smartphones. I can. I grew up playing games on our home computer, but my use always remained at home in my parents’ bedroom, not because my parents were necessarily trying to limit my screen time, but because that was the only option that existed. Now, kids can bring mobile screens everywhere. 

Once, when I was about thirteen, my younger cousin, age five, was watching me play a game on my laptop. She came over, interested, wanting to play. The problem was, she didn’t know how to use a keyboard or mouse. She swiped her hand across my laptop screen, not understanding that it wasn’t touch sensitive. She’d grown up on an iPad. For a moment, I felt myself reacting the same way my mom did that day when I wanted to order a pizza. I felt smarter, superior. But then I realized – she has never in her life had to use a laptop or desktop computer before. That didn’t make me better. It just made our experiences different. 

I’ve learned to get off my high horse. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have any worries about the younger generation’s use of technology. 

One example that is drastically different from my childhood is the way kids growing up today receive their digital entertainment. I had access to computer games, TV, DVDs, and VHS tapes. Now, kids get their entertainment primarily from the internet, and there’s nothing inherently wrong with that medium. Times change, and technology goes in and out of fashion. My main problem with kids getting their entertainment primarily from the internet – particularly YouTube – is that there are essentially no government regulations in place for kids’ content. Kids still watch television, of course, but television is regulated by the FCC, which sets rules in place about how many advertisements kids will see, the significance of educational content, and the appropriateness of kids’ content (“Children’s”). 

There are safe ways for children to consume digital media. The American Academy of Pediatrics, for example, advises that parents should “co-view media with children to help them understand what they are seeing and apply it to the world around them” (“American”). I know that my parents definitely didn’t always watch TV with my brother and I, but our screen time was regulated by the FCC and confined to our house, to the living room, where my mom was never really out of earshot. Over the years, I have seen young parents distract their children with mobile screens any time that they are antsy. I understand that that’s necessary sometimes; many parents don’t always have the time to sit and fully absorb what their kids are viewing. That said, I’m not sure that the parents of today’s young children completely understand what their kids are watching, coming from a lack of knowledge about YouTube, which was never initially designed for childrens’ entertainment. Furthermore, it’s not a very productive way to deal with behavioral problems.

The convenience of distracting kids with technology during times of boredom plays into another worry of mine: the state of attention spans. I worry about this with kids because I worry about it in myself, my parents, my grandparents – all of our brains are being affected by the ease of finding means to distract ourselves at all hours of the day (and quite frankly, I tire of my younger cousins asking to play with my phone at family gatherings). We distract ourselves not just because of ease, but because of compulsion; smartphones were designed to be addictive, and they tempt us with the promise of never-ending stimuli (Ehmke). I’ve noticed a significant decrease in my own ability to stay focused, and at least in my case, it strongly correlates with when I received my first smartphone in middle school. I can’t imagine having had constant access to smartphones at a younger age than that. Boredom is so necessary – it’s where many of our ideas come from and challenges us to make our own fun. Boredom is also something I see becoming more and more scarce with the younger generation.

I think technology is so amazing. I love social media. I love YouTube. I love being able to Google every question I could ever ask and find the answer within seconds. Even with all of my worries and the things I don’t like about technology, I still would never wish to grow up in any other time than the age of the internet. I recognize the privileges and ease of being born in 2000 instead of 1970, and I’m grateful for it. At the same time, there is a trade-off for everything. I think we’re only beginning to see what the cost will be, and I think kids and young people will probably pay the most. 

Still, in the future, I’ll be curious to see which devices I find myself laughing at my own kids over for not knowing how to use. I feel certain I will be just as annoying as the people in my own time who talk about “kids these days.” 

Works Cited

[jswdmb1]

Old Man

“Old man

take a look at my life 

I'm a lot like you”

- Neil Young

I seemingly have no skin in this dumb “OK boomer” thing, but I would argue that I have the most right to be offended by this generational nonsense. You see, no one has bothered to ask my opinion even though I, as a proud member of Gen X, am in the current position of what I like to call generation stuck in the middle. It’s like being on a bus in between two screaming lunatics who don’t even notice that I am there. Yet, no one is better equipped to help referee this dispute other than us in Gen X since we are the only ones who have actually talked among all of the current generations.  If you talk to anyone from Gen X, I think most would tell you that we are actually OK being left alone.  I mean, since we are the parents of Gen Z, bosses of Millennials, and the adult children of boomers, they all need us way more than we need any of them.  Now, I’m not trying to start a fight here, my point is that every generation thinks theirs is the best when it’s always somewhere in the middle.  Since middle is my game now, I am here to present the pros and cons of all our current generations:

The Greatest Generation: born before 1946

Pros:  Sadly, this generation is leaving us more and more each day, and we need them more then ever.  For me, this is the generation of my grandparents that was born in the 20′s and 30′s, lived through a depression and a world war, and then did their best to raise the next generation in a way that allowed them to succeed without ever having to go through what they did ever again.  Their bravery and willingness to sacrifice were at levels we will never see again.  We need to take as much advantage as possible of those that remain to gather whatever wisdom we can from them that can be applied to the troubles we face today and moving forward.  We cannot also forget to thank them for everything we have and generations of the future will have because of their efforts.

Cons: The greatest title unfortunately comes with an asterisk.  While this country fought oversees against bigotry, hatred and oppression so that all could live freely, many Americans were not so fortunate back home.  People were excluded from the “American Dream” based on race, ethnicity, gender and/or sexual orientation.  Often, this exclusion was carried out in brutal ways designed to oppress individuals of their rights not just as Americans but as human beings.  I am certainly not suggesting that every member of this generation is a racist or intolerant, but the significant pain caused in this country during the time that this generation was in full power cannot be ignored.

The Baby Boomers: born between 1946 and 1964

Pros: The contributions that the boomers have made to our world are almost immeasurable.  Where would we be without the technological advances that came along in the 70s, 80s, & 90s that set the stage for the world as we know it today.  Boomers were on the cutting edge of social change as well demanding the generation ahead of them include all Americans in the nation as full and equal members.  My parents were on the edge of the boomer generation, but I consider them a part of it and I identify now what they went through as a “sandwich” generation during the 70s and 80s.  People make fun of it now, but those days had a lot of stresses and pressures.  I would love to see how today’s world would react to the inflation and real unemployment of the late 70s or early 80s.  What would you do if gas prices doubled tomorrow?  They also took care of parents with many less resources and much poorer health than our older generation has now.  They were truly instrumental in the massive transition this country made to get us where we are at this point, and that should not be forgotten especially as many like my dad are leaving us far too soon.

Cons: Boomers made a lot of mistakes.  Even as kids, we knew it and wondered what exactly were they thinking sometimes.  Personally, I don’t fault the boomers for all the choices they made nor do I think that all our current problems are squarely on them.  What I think irks the younger generations is their general unwillingness to concede that they made mistakes which prevented them from learning how to help fix the messes they made.  Our president is a perfect example with this, and he is just a reflection of the group that was largely responsible for electing him.  The other issue with Boomers is that they refuse to step aside and give up the notion that this world is theirs forever.  The most ridiculous thing I heard with this OK Boomer thing was that is was bigoted and would hurt the prospects of many boomers who plan to be around for a lot longer (living off of Medicaid and Social Security we can’t afford, but I digress).  Boomers just can’t get that it is not all about them anymore.  Remember though, that they were initially part of the “Me” generation in the 70′s so we can’t be surprised by their behavior.  The problem now is that their unwillingness to cede power is hurting us.  That is why I think their should be an age cap on running for political office of any kind of 65 years old.  Agism you say?  I guess maybe, but I call it self protectionism.  It’s the same logic that sets floors to the age limits to prevent people from being too young to hold such important responsibilities.  I say, if you are between 25 and 65, you can be in politics, and after that step aside and let the generation who has everything at stake drive for a while.  

Gen X - born between 1965 and 1980

Pros: It’s hard to point to exactly what we in this generation have done so far, but I think as the current “sandwich” generation, we are doing our best to advance the concepts of inclusiveness and awareness of our impact on this Earth to the generations below us that we are either mentoring or raising.  I don’t think history is going to look back at us as the “greatest” and we don’t have the same flair as the boomers did, but I think we will be remembered as the generation that quietly did our part to set the table for those coming up behind us to be successful.  I also think many in our generation will gladly step aside much sooner than the boomers to let those we have nurtured take over.  I envision being the generation that really provides the mentoring and support needed to hopefully get us to the point where hope is restored in our younger generations.  Maybe the best thing we bring to the table is empathy and we can use that to bridge between a generation that seems to have lacked it and ones coming up that crave it.

Cons: Our cons are the same as our pros.  We have been too benign and let the boomers get away with far too much when we had a chance to stop some of the nonsense they are spewing now.  Protests and social activism were unheard of when I was in college in the early 90s and our focus was too much on being good students to get good jobs to become good corporate citizens when we needed to move out of our comfort zone more.  I also think we are the generation who is to be blamed most for the current state of the climate.  We are the main generation fueling the economy right now and have been for the past decade or so, yet we have not made the changes or demands to turn ourselves towards green practices.  The barriers to green technology have come down greatly during this time period and we have been slow to adapt.  We also didn’t put pressure on those above us when we were younger and science presented evidence that our earth was being destroyed, which they dismissed.  That goes way back and we were asleep at the wheel on what arguably is the most important issue facing us today.  That may stain our generation in a way that can never be repaired.

And the rest... - born after 1980 -

I know there are distinct generations within this group, but as an old fogey I get to lump them all together because those damn kids are all the same to me!  Besides, kids don’t use Facebook or read long-form essays on Tumblr so they’ll never see this anyway.  And, I’m not doing pros and cons for them because everyone gets the same grade in the post Gen-X generation: “meets expectations”.  That last part isn’t a joke as if I were evaluating the generations behind me that is the grade that I would give them.  I think they are doing a good job so far, but their immaturity and lack of experience holds them back from being great.  I actually see many of them fitting more into an “exceeds expectations” category if they continue with their true embrace of inclusion of all people and their commitment to the environment.  It is also a very service oriented generation, and I would argue far less materialistic than generations before them going back to the boomers.  They need to work on communication skills for sure and definitely need to learn how to develop a bit of a thicker skin, but I see a lot of hope in this group.  I am particularly excited to see them start taking control in politics and I hope it is sooner than later.  We cannot afford to wait for their innovation as our future lies in the balance with little hope if the status quo stays in place.  Let’s face it, whether I believe any of this or not, don’t we have to?  I mean if this is a horse race, I’m certainly putting my money on these kids to get the job done over anyone else.

And, I guess that’s the conclusion that I have come to as I reflect on this particular essay.  It’s that the youngest generation is always the most important as they have the most promise as well as the most at stake.  At the age of 47, I don’t plan to sit on the sidelines or not help out, but I can acknowledge that even at that relatively young age the spotlight is no longer on me.  Whether it be my music, or education, or technology skills (or lack there of), my opinions and tastes don’t matter anymore.  The other day, someone gave me an “OK Boomer” in jest and at first I took offense.  Mostly because I am not that old, but it initially stung to hear it directed at me even as a joke.  I soon realized though, that it is just that - a joke and that brings me to the best thing I think Gen X has going for it - our sense of humor.  So, if I have any advice for the Gen Zs or whatever they are called and the Boomers is to work together and laugh while you do it.  And quit yelling over Gen X while you fight.  I’m trying to watch Seinfeld reruns.

Cheers,

Jim

[hittingtheright-spot]

Episode 1 - The Making

To Sexualise or To Not Sexualise

Sohnny woke up one day and started to question every detail that goes on around in everyday life. He noticed that the society is so oversexualised to a point where people don’t bat an eye due to how familiar these small details are in the society. The episode starts with Sohnny and Kia having a casual conversation about the sexualised culture when he opens up to Kia about his addiction to porn. 

The included research and references for this episode were mainly done for the HTRS team to set the topics for the upcoming episodes. First setting the tone and elaborating on the definition of culture of sexualisation were seen as the best first course of action by the HTRS team before exploring other elements within the same theme - also providing an overall overview of the other topics. However, through that, we found out that there are actually many aspects of everyday life that have been sexualised, even to the most innocent things like food. There are also more explicitly sexualised parts of life such as dancing which is very apparent in our society right now since TikTok is on the rise amongst the younger generation, specifically the Gen Z. Dancing challenge becomes more acceptable and we can also see how family members also join in the fun with the TikTok videos that are made with parents and family members during Hari Raya celebrations. Besides that, memes that are shared amongst peers are also nuanced with sexualisation and it is usually passed off as a joke or just a simple meme without us realising how obscene those memes actually are. Aforementioned, innocent topics like food are not excluded in the long list of things that our society sexualises. With Internet culture of #foodporn and mukbang videos, they are similar representations to what is defined under sexualised cultures. 

In order to realise and come up with topics that we could cover for the whole of the podcast, we did a deep reflection and observed possible practices, elements, traditions, and other aspects that might have been/could be sexualised within the Malaysian context. All these topics are summarised and used as the opening teaser where we explain to the listeners exactly what entails in the sexualised cultures of everyday life. Sohnny and Kia had a casual conversation while reflecting on these topics which will then be explored more in-depth in other episodes.

[fdmc-media]

Instagram Tips For Branding

Want to make your business more memorable on Instagram? Looking for tips to boost brand loyalty with your audience? A lot of businesses still have not took a deep dive into Instagram and how it can help their business brand grow. They either think it has no value or simply, they just do not understand it. I would like to help you understand Instagram a bit more so I found these 5 tips that just might help your Instagram account stand out more.

#1: Give Your Instagram Personality

When developing an Instagram business profile, most businesses or companies focus on the visual impact of their brand. That approach is certainly understandable considering Instagram is the most visual social network. However, it’s also important that your communication style reflects your brand’s personality. The moment people read your copy; they should know who you are. You want your followers to embrace and approach your Instagram in the same way they would if someone were inviting them into their office or home. Give them a glimpse of who you are and what’s hiding below the organized appearance most people see on the surface. If you do that, your followers will get to know your brand on a human level that they can relate to. If they feel like they know you, they’ll gladly repost, share, and interact with your brand through their comments and likes. Your Instagram style guide should convey your brand’s communication style and personality so every content creator and community manager on your team is on the same page.

How and where you’ll use your marketing on Instagram:

Some brands prefer to keep the text short and limited to the photo caption. Others use text in their imagery as well. Keep in mind that crafting the perfect persona doesn’t necessarily mean your team will be able to execute it perfectly from the beginning. Whether you’re a one-person show or a team of 10, there’s bound to be some trial and error. Or you may need to get outside help to give your Instagram the time and attention it deserves.

#2: Establish Guidelines for Instagram Comment Moderators

Once you’ve fully developed your brand persona, make sure you stay on brand even when replying to your followers’ comments. In fact, staying true to your brand personality is crucial in these interactions because they’re more memorable to your followers. All of the regular advice about responding to your users’ comments on social media still goes. Put together an FAQ sheet so you know what to expect and how to respond. But also make sure you understand what the user is really asking and adjust your message accordingly. You don’t want to be accused of copying and pasting messages or come across as a heartless robot responding through automation. Remember: People connect with people, not corporations. Writing your initials at the end of your responses isn’t the only way to show a human side. If you’re communicating from a first-person perspective and using a relatable voice, you already sound human. If there’s a problem, don’t default to the standard business lingo; make sure to communicate empathy and care in your answers.

#3: Use Instagram Direct Messages to Personalize Outreach

Most companies do their best to answer user comments in a timely fashion and quickly resolve issues. However, being reactive in your Instagram efforts can only take you so far. While working on your next Instagram strategy, think of ways you can be more proactive.Rather than spend all of your time fixating on the number of your story views, venture into the unexplored storyland and see what’s out there. Chances are, the people you follow are already potential users of your products and services. I’m not suggesting that you spam everyone you follow with your products. Instead, make sure you’re providing real value and helping people in a completely non-intrusive manner.

.#4: Stay True to the Values of Your Company

Next time you start preparing content for a specific event, have yourself and your team answer these questions:

·        How is this connected to our brand?

·        What is this post saying about our company?

·        What values are we communicating?

Seemingly small gestures and ‘unimportant’ posts can say a lot about a company. However, you should do more than follow a prefilled calendar of fun dates. Stay on top of what’s happening in the world around you. Know where your company stands on important issues and take part in the conversation. Even if you don’t state your position, the way you talk about current issues will communicate your values. Now more than ever, younger generations appreciate brands that take a stand on important issues facing the world. Although not known for brand loyalty, A recent study showed that 89% of Gen Z buyers prefer to purchase products and services from businesses supporting social and cultural issues.

#5: Remember, Published Is Better Than Perfect

One of the greatest misconceptions in social media is that any videos you post must have serious production behind them and that all graphics have to be professionally designed or retouched. On the contrary, what really makes an impact is the story behind the video or image. A great idea is the most crucial thing to have. Everything else comes second. If you’re a small business with a limited marketing budget, don’t be discouraged. Simple posts and visuals with a great message are more than enough to connect with your audience. After all, few things are as popular as memes and they’re easy to create. When it comes to video, behind-the-scenes content you capture with your phone will still look great. In fact, the imperfections will make your video more authentic and engaging. So, when planning your Instagram content, don’t let the idea of perfection limit you. Stay focused on the key idea behind it.

Conclusion

While the tips and tricks in this article relate directly to Instagram, the underlying philosophies—keep things simple, focus on good ideas, and make your brand more relatable will work on any other social media channel. The hardest thing is letting go of the pre-existing idea of what business communication is in the first place. You don’t need to be formal to be professional. As you embrace the imperfections, remember they only make your brand more human and even more appealing. Once you have that conversation with your team, you’ll be able to take the next step toward finding your voice and engaging with your target audiences online in meaningful ways.

-Roy

[sustainhealthmagazine]

5 Tips To Get More Pleasure This Winter

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In the words of John Snow, Winter is coming / IT’s BLOODY HERE! 

With evenings getting darker, mornings getting wetter, the beloved annual leave quickly disappearing and Christmas not being close enough just yet to start getting excited.. Don’t despair, we have found the problem but also the solution!

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New research conducted by GALAXY has found we are struggling more than ever to find pleasure, with GEN Z being the biggest sufferers!

GALAXY wants to change this, so working with behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings, they have created a ‘Top 5 Ways to help yourself Choose Pleasure’,

Read on to find out how you can ‘winterproof’ yourself from the blues this season.

Women are choosing pleasure less than men on a weekly basis – missing out on a WHOLE DAY each week!

Younger people aged 18-34 are twice as likely to cancel a fun event or social occasion due to work commitments in comparison to baby boomers

The age Brits wring the most pleasure out of their life was revealed to be precisely 33 years and four months

We are rating ourselves 6.3 out of 10 in terms of happiness – are you happy?

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1. Write a ‘Not-to-do’ list. Or a ‘do less’ list so you can indulge in the pleasures of life. Whether it’s surfing the net, checking emails at bedtime or getting rid of clutter that takes ages to tidy up/clean before it’s untidy again – minimise it.

It’s hard to add thrills to your life if it’s overflowing with mindless tasks and chores. Can you simplify, delegate, or eliminate any of these boring tasks to make room for more excitement? Sometimes we fill our lives with these things in order to avoid allowing ourselves happiness in the first place, but being busy often creates behaviours that we do on autopilot.

2. Take a break from the norm. Try and establish the things you do regularly and make a conscious effort to do something entirely different from your routine. Get away from your devices, take a walk somewhere new, plan a trip!

A study published in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life showed that the highest spike in happiness came during the planning stage of a holiday, as people enjoy the sense of anticipation: so much so, it can boost pleasure for up to 8 weeks.

3. Find that ‘Feel Good Factor’. As simple as it sounds, volunteering or helping someone else can make a huge impact on our own happiness.

Sometimes after we’ve achieved our own personal goals, we still feel empty inside because we haven’t made a meaningful contribution to someone else’s life. When we volunteer or help others, it often feels good to just be of service to someone else. The impact we make feels fulfilling and is a big potential source for our own happiness.

4. Break-up with negativity. Become more aware of when you engage in this habit of negative thinking and make a conscious effort to replace it with positive thinking and positive people.

You already know that negative thinking will bring you down – but how do you stop it? One example is the fear of looking foolish in front of other people whether you know them or not. But the truth is, other people don’t think about you nearly as much as you think they do. Everyone has their own battle and chances are they’re preoccupied with their own thoughts! The same goes for people – spend less time with negative people, and more time with those who help you feel positive.

5. Act on impulse. If you’re a Type A person and love to plan for any eventuality, keep in mind that sometimes the most fun can be found in unplanned moments so take a risk and let things happen naturally.

Let yourself experience spur-of-the-moment adventures. Not only that – not everyday is filled with parties and parades; you can find pleasure in the small moments. If you think real pleasure only coincides with big gestures, you’re depriving yourself of potential ‘pockets’ of pleasure. Sometimes pleasure is best enjoyed at five or ten minute increments – try to stay in the ‘present moment’, and you’ll start to find a lot more joy.

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READ NEXT

[socialattractionuk]

Tinder is launching an apocalypse-themed interactive show that unlocks matches who make same choices

Because nothing is as romantic as the apocalypse (Picture: Tinder)

With the myriad dating apps on the market at the moment, it’s no wonder Tinder are trying to make theirs stand out from the rest.

Their latest effort aims to gamify the dating experience even more than it already has been, by creating an interactive choose-your-own-adventure type show.

Swipe Night, which will be available to all Tinder users, will premier on 6 October at 6pm, and be available in weekly installments on Sundays after that.

Themed around the apocalypse, daters will be asked to make a different choice every 10 to 30 seconds, with their answers dictating where they end up.

It’s not just for fun, though, as those who play are then able to unlock potential matches based on whichever choices they make.

So, if you’re ready to date someone who would also go to the Winchester, have a pint, and wait for it all to blow over, then get ready to be matched.

Match with someone who would also be unable to fight zombies (Picture: Tinder)

You’ll have six hours to play the game, after which it won’t be available anymore. For Tinder, this means that there should be plenty of people all on the app at the very same time (on Sunday night, when the dread, fear, and loneliness has really set in).

In an interview with CNBC, Tinder’s CEO Elie Seidman said: ‘It was informed by a really obvious thing, which is today’s content; whether that’s a meme, reaction through an emoji, visual content, short-form story — that’s the language of Gen Z,

‘They’re bonding over a shared experience.’

More: Football

Jordan Henderson picks out two Chelsea stars for praise ahead of Liverpool clash

Tinder is launching an apocalypse-themed game that unlocks matches based on choices

Zinedine Zidane responds to Jose Mourinho's link with Real Madrid

It was written by Karena Evans, who made such Drake videos as Nice for What, God’s Plan, and In My Feelings. Other writers come from shows like Big Mouth and Insecure, with the target market being firmly older Gen Z and younger Millennials. This demographic already makes up around half of Tinder users.

They may also do another one if this goes well. Perhaps the next one will have a slightly cheerier theme, but let’s not pretend the dating landscape is anything other than terrifying right now.

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