#updated outline for Highlight Reel

[tododeku-or-bust]

Locs: washed 👍🏾

Coffee: made

Hair dryer: on

Creation: in action

[mothandpidgeon]

The Outlaws (outlaw!Joel Miller x f!reader) - Chapter 4

Moth's Masterlist - follow @mothandpidgeon-updates an turn on notifications so stay updated with my fics!

SERIES MASTERLIST

pairing: Outlaw!Joel Miller x f!reader

rating: E (18+ MDNI)

wc: 3.2k

summary: Wanted for murder with a bounty on your head, your only hope of escaping the Pinkerton detectives is an outlaw named Joel Miller and his sidekick Ellie. But Joel has other plans for you.

tags: old west au, enemies to lovers, grumpy Joel, handcuffed together, only one bed, Tommy and Maria, morally grey characters, reader has backstory, masturbation, hand job, spitting, the Confederacy?, moth never uses y/n

authors note: I'm very happy to be coming back to these two after a long break. I have the rest of this fic outlined so maybe there will be more soon? Big big thanks for @moonlitbirdie and @schnarfer for betaing and letting me yap about this way more than is necessary. And thank you to YOU for reading. If you're enjoying it, I'd love to hear from you because I know this isn't super popular but it's my favorite.

Joel barely sleeps that night. 

The two of you manage not to cuddle up in the small bed but the chain between you means you move in tandem. Every so often, you pull Joel’s wrist towards you, inviting his fingers to brush your plush thighs. When he pulls back and your arm is yanked in his direction, you roll over with a sleepy moan and his mind is sent reeling. 

You’re doing it purposely, he’s sure of it, trying to get a rise out of him even as you sleep. Well, you’ve succeeded, he supposes. The sun begins to illuminate the room in the early hours of the morning and he’s painfully hard. 

He hasn’t been with a woman since Tess. With Ellie in tow, there’s no opportunity to visit the brothels in Jackson. He knows he wouldn’t even if he were on his own. A man like him doesn’t deserve such luxuries as pleasure. 

He punches his pillow for the hundredth time then tugs on his hair until the roots sting. Sleep eludes him as he spends half the night with one eye open, the other half badgered by dreams— your eyes, the weight of you against him, that little strip tease you gave him. Joel palms at the stiff bulge over the wooly fabric of his union suit. He resents you for driving him to it. The combination of the insistent need and his frustration has his mind racing with lewd fantasies, all the ways he’d ruin you. On your knees putting that mouth to good use.  He wants you to fight, to claw at him and pound your fists against his chest. Wants you to call him a rotten bastard as he spears into you with his cock.

You’re still snoring beside him but he glances in your direction to make sure you’re still deep asleep. The sight that greets him has him throbbing. The thin light of dawn touches your skin, highlighting the crests of your curves. Arranged as you are, the neckline of your chemise gapes away from your chest revealing your breast and pebbled nipple. His breath catches, hand reflexively squeezing at his length. 

He doesn’t dare to breathe again until he’s freed himself from his underclothes and spit into his fist. His lower belly tightens as he works at his cock with careful strokes. It's torturously slow but if he moves faster, he might rattle the chain and wake you. The teasing pulls are enough, though. He doesn’t need much more than that with the desperation he’s endured all night. 

He fists his other hand in the sheets, willing it not to cup your breast. It’s so tantalizingly close he can practically feel the warmth coming off of your skin. Instead, he closes his eyes and imagines the feel of it— the supple give of your flesh, the bud of your nipple. 

The pace of his strokes increases as he sinks deeper into the fantasy. Raking your delicate skin with his teeth, sucking on your neck. Leaving marks. Giving you no mercy like the brute he is.  

Just as he’s beginning to twitch, thighs trembling, his wrist is snapped away. He snarls at the loss of pressure, the slap of his leaking cock against his belly as it springs from his grasp. His eyes snap open and you’re there, the chain in your grip, holding him at bay.

He stares at you in shock, his face flushing with shame and fear. It’s bad enough to be caught, quite literally, with his dick in his hand, but this is a decidedly vulnerable position. There’s no telling what you’ll do to get your freedom. Frozen, Joel waits for you to make a move, cursing himself for letting his desire get the best of him.

You study him with an inscrutable expression. Amusement ticks at the corner of your lips but your pupils are blown wide and your chest moves with shallow breaths. You keep the chain pulled tight but the fingers of your other hand close around his cock. It jumps as he hisses at your touch. You squeeze and give a stroke so long and slow, it forces all the air from Joel’s lungs.The sight of the tip of your tongue darting over your bottom lip nearly breaks him and then you release a thick froth of spit. It rolls down his length, warm and slick, pooling at your fist, an obscene vision.

He tells himself he’s powerless, trapped by the chain and pinned down by your stare, but he doesn’t want you to stop. It’s too good to fight. He melts under your touch, his eyes falling shut as you work at him. 

You’re silent the entire time, the room quiet save for his sharp breaths and the sound of flesh against slick flesh. His helpless hand clenches into a fist as you coil him into madness, the bite of the cuff around his wrist an exquisite pain. 

It builds quickly to an explosion of need and bliss as violent as a gunshot. His hips jump and toes curl and you keep milking him until he’s completely spent. 

Regaining his breath, Joel opens his eyes to find he’s coated your hand with his spend. The sight, a salacious mark on you, makes his softening length twinge. You lean forward, a smug smile on your lips. 

“You still gonna turn me over to the sheriff?” you taunt.

Your tongue runs over the length of your index finger, swiping up the pearlescent release. Joel fights to keep a groan contained.

“You gonna let me hang?”

You put your middle finger between your lips and hollow your cheeks as you suck. The wet squelch of your swallow makes him dizzy. Intrigued by your unabashed filth, he fights an urge to kiss you, to taste himself in your mouth and claim even more of you but the haze begins to lift. 

He remembers himself, realizes where he is and why he’s here in bed with you, that he’s let you get the upper hand. Suddenly, you feel too close. The room is too small, the smell of lavender choking him. He pulls his wrist back into his chest and sits up, turning away. You scoff quietly as he fixes the buttons on his underclothes.

You’re all contradictions. Sharp tongue, soft curves. Quick witted, patiently waiting for your chance to bolt. Infuriating, intoxicating. You’re not afraid of him, either. Most people are. Even grown men shake in their boots around him. It throws Joel kilter. 

He glances back in your direction, to see you wiping the remnants of him onto the bed sheet. Guilt and disgust tangle in his chest. He’s denied himself for so long, only to lose his senses over a pretty girl. One that’s all too happy to make him squirm, to use his desire against him. 

He has to get out of this room before the walls close in on him.

The first floor of The Boot smells like bacon and coffee. In the parlor, the passengers of the stage coach finish their meal, nothing but biscuit crumbs left on their plates. Tommy carries a copper kettle to the table Ellie’s claimed as she wipes sleep from her eyes.

“I’m so hungry I could eat a whole stack of flapjacks,” you say, seating yourself beside her on the bench. “How ‘bout you?” 

Joel ignores you, looking everywhere but your direction.

“I’m always hungry,” Ellie tells you, already clutching her knife and fork in her fists.

“No flapjacks but we got eggs,” Tommy says. 

“How about that,” you say. “I got woken up by an old rooster.”

Joel grinds his molars. He can feel you radiating with glee across the table. 

”That right?” Tommy asks. He’s got a confused half-smile on his face. “I didn’t hear him.”

When the food is served, you take each bite of food into your mouth slowly, wrapping your lips around your fork suggestively and moaning at the taste. All the while, you keep your eyes on Joel. It’s an absolutely silly little performance and yet it makes the back of his neck hot. His mind conjures up the way you licked your fingers clean of him and he’s practically throbbing again. 

He stands up while he still can.  

“Keep your eye on her,” he instructs Ellie and shuffles off across the room to where Tommy wipes down the stage party’s abandoned table. 

“So, what? You’re a bounty hunter now?” Tommy asks. He puts an enamel mug in front of his brother and pours him a fresh cup of coffee.

“Course not,” Joel says, watching the dark liquid. Coffee always gets him back to rights.

“Then what’re you doing with her?” Tommy nods towards you. 

Joel can’t help but follow his gaze and finds that you’re looking right at him. Your eyes strike him, one brow arched, and it feels like you’ve caught him all over again. He pulls his eyes away as quickly as he can. 

“Making ten thousand dollars,” Joel says. He’s not sure why it sounds like he’s lying but it does.“Place is shaping up nice,” he changes the subject. He looks around the room, trying to make the ratty armchair and rusty spittoon feel as captivating as your face.

“Yeah. Think it is. The stairs could use a little work and the roof was leaking something awful when the rain came through. But we’re getting on,” Tommy explains. Pride beams from his face. 

Joel never blamed his brother for leaving the life but that didn’t mean he thought it would end well. He looked after Tommy most of his life in one way or another– after their father died, giving him a job on the ranch. He’d even tried to talk him out of joining up and going off to war. Tommy was hardworking and strong and genuine. One thing he wasn’t– independent. 

That’s why he’d gone along with Joel when he turned to crime. It had started out of desperation. Joel needed money and he needed it fast. But then he’d lost everything– his home, his livelihood, Sarah. It didn’t feel like there was much point in doing anything other than stealing. He didn’t give a damn about the money, would rather set a match to it before he let those train men have a cent.

They’d been good at robbing trains and stagecoaches. The two of them had stashed away enough that Joel could’ve bought two ranches by now but he didn’t see the point in settling down now that he was alone.

Joel figured it was just a matter of time before Tommy came back to him but he’d made a nice little life for himself. He’d never say that out loud, give Tommy a big head, but, begrudgingly he’s happy for him.

“Listen, I ain’t just here for your hospitality. I’ve got something I’m working on,” Joel says, shifting his weight awkwardly. 

Tommy’s smile fades. 

“C’mon. Don’t ask me to do that,” he says. 

Joel sighs. 

“I’ve told you. I don’t want to do anymore robbing and stealing.”

“Look I ain’t asking you to do anything but listen,” he says. 

Tommy shakes his head and rolls his eyes.

“It’s Cartwright,” Joel tells him. The name makes his chest ache, his mouth coated with bitterness at the words. He’s forced to envision the face the man that he hates. The only other time he feels as much disgust is when he’s looking in a mirror. 

His brother’s lips part and he exhales slowly, the meaning of Joel’s words hitting him heavily. Joel’s wasn’t the only life rocked by David Cartwright. “You sure?”

Joel nods. Tommy drags a hand over his mouth and Joel can see that his mind is racing.

“Alright,” he finally says in a hushed tone. “Not now. Maria’ll be doing laundry tomorrow. She’ll be out back all day. We’ll talk then.”

It’s too difficult to thank Tommy with the lump that’s formed in his throat so he gives a curt nod. He tries to erase Cartwright’s image from his mind but all he sees is Sarah and it cut even deeper.

Ellie scrapes the remnants of Joel’s breakfast onto her own plate.

She and Joel make an odd pair. For all of Joel’s stoicism, Ellie’s a firebrand, full of energy and enthusiasm. Considering the way he grumbles at just about every word that comes out of your mouth, why he chooses to keep this kid around is a mystery.

He’s not entirely obscure, though. He’s just a man when it comes down to it. You crack a smile at the memory of him crumbling beneath your touch.

You’ve done worse for lesser rewards. Life’s been about survival for you, doing what you needed to to get by. Men, oftentimes, were the easiest way to get those things.

You’d awoken to the sound of Joel’s jagged breaths, the soft clinking of the iron chain. You knew he was thinking about you as he fisted his cock. You’d seen that hungry look in his eye as you undressed for him. 

This was your chance to grab him by the balls and demand your freedom but waking up after being surrounded by him, the musky scent and his big arms cradling you all night, your curiosity got the best of you. He’d become a man rendered wild. Neck taught, teeth bared, nostrils flaring. Completely unaware of anything but his own pleasure. You needed to know what it would look like when he fell apart. 

What you hadn’t expected was how it would change him. How it smoothed the lines in his forehead when he finished. And you had no idea that the choked sound he made would wash you with heat. You didn’t think you’d be pressing your thighs together. That hadn’t happened before. 

“So what did you do to get that bounty? I won’t tell him,” Ellie says. 

You tear your thoughts away from that morning. It’s not helping your cause getting all hot and bothered for your captor. 

“Welp, my brother stole a hundred dollars from me. So I killed him,” you tell her. 

“That’s bullshit,” she says. 

You smile. She’s a smart kid and she’s got a mouth on her. Reminds you a bit of yourself back in the day. Except, of course, you were busy batting your eyes at boys. You got into your fair share of trouble but that was amateur compared to what Ellie’s accomplished. 

She’s a kindred spirit so you’d like to tell her. Problem is, it hurts too much. And you don't think you can adequately describe just how green Nell’s eyes were. And if she doesn’t know that, then how could the rest of it make any sense? 

“Listen,” you offer, “how’s about I tell you if you’ll tell me something?”

She nods eagerly. 

You look at Joel, deep in conversation with his brother. He’s well out of earshot and preoccupied. You lean forward on the table, eyes sliding to Ellie. 

“Who’s Sarah?” you ask. 

You’ve been wondering about her. She must be something special if she haunts Joel’s dreams and that might give you some clue to what makes him tick. 

Ellie’s face changes. Her eyes dart over to him and then away. The past three days she’s filled every moment with chatter and suddenly she’s tongue tied. 

“Joel doesn’t like to talk about her,” she says.  

You don’t say anything, just give her silence to fill with an answer. Her lips twist, brow knit in thought. You’ve got ideas about who this Sarah might be. A lover, a wife. You’re dying to know if you’re on the mark. Ellie swallows and you think she’s just about ready to tell you.

“I could use your help in the kitchen,” you hear Maria say. You’re in such focused suspense it’s as if she’s appeared as if out of thin air. 

You almost swear aloud but you plaster a big smile on your face while you think about throttling Maria for snatching this delicate moment away.

“Why certainly,” you say. You stand from your seat. As much as you want to unlock the mysteries of Joel Miller, getting out of this parlor and into Maria’s good graces is probably an easier route to escape. 

“I’m watching her,” Ellie announces. 

Maria sighs at Ellie. “Then you can come too. ‘Bout time you lend a hand here.”

The only kitchen work Maria entrusts to you is doing the washing up. When you said you knew how to cook, that wasn’t entirely true. Nell taught you how to cook one or two dishes but you’d never been practiced in the kitchen. Dishes, though, you’ve had plenty of experience with.

Ellie sits on a table, legs wide as she peels potatoes with her knife, sighing periodically so that everyone knows she’s bored. Maria ignores this and hums to herself as she chops carrots.

She’s wearing a simple brooch at her collar, a golden hoop embossed with flowers. It reminds you of another brooch, the emerald one you stole out of Mrs. Coxcombe’s jewelry box. You try to recall Nell’s face when you presented it to her. She’d laughed and said “You’re bold as brass,” and the words danced in her pretty accent. That’s when you realized the stone really didn’t shimmer the same as her eyes. 

It’s hard to remember her the way she was before that last time, when she looked at you with horror and disgust. That’s all you see anymore. You pull yourself from the thought before it stings. 

“Now, Miss Maria, I’m mighty curious how a genteel lady such as yourself ended up married to a member of an outlaw gang,” you say, dunking one of the breakfast plates into the hot water. 

Ellie guffaws when you refer to Maria as ‘genteel.’ Maybe you’re laying it on a little thick. 

“Now I can understand,” you continue. “He’s a good looker. But you strike me as sensible enough not to get swept off your feet by a pretty face.” 

Maria smiles softly.

“He’s a good man,” she says, pushing the onions aside and starting on a big, orange yam. “He’s loyal and brave. And he makes me laugh. He’s just been a little misled.” 

Ellie scoffs angrily.

“Joel never made him do anything,” she says. “I would know.” 

Maria sighs. “Joel’s his older brother. Tommy looks up to him.” 

“Did Joel make him join up with the rebels?” Ellie snipes. 

Your eyebrows raise. With his affable smile, it’s hard to imagine Tommy as a soldier let alone in a Confederate uniform.

“Don’t that make the two of you even more peculiar,” you say. 

Maria schools her expression and wipes her hands on her linen apron.

“Tommy’s made mistakes in his time,” she says evenly. “When you get older, you begin to have regrets.” 

You have a feeling these two have clashed over this before— Ellie with the sweet arrogance of youth, Maria understanding all the shades of gray the world presents. Their little squabble doesn’t really interest you. You keep them sniping at each other as you take a fork out of the wash basin’s murky water. The two of them are so busy with their argument, neither notice you drop it to the floor and tuck it under your skirts.

”We’ve all made mistakes,” you say. “I’ve made plenty myself. But we all deserve a second chance, don’t we?”

It seems neither of them can argue with that. Ellie tilts her head to the side, allowing her agreement. Maria nods along sagely. 

You’ve gone through a hundred second chances but right now, you just need one more.

-

Chapter 5

Thanks for reading! My asks are always open!

[sasukimimochi]

eurghhghgh this gets a little long but i'm not putting a read more line cuz i put TLDR at the bottom and i want that shown.

i'm starting to think uploading weekly is more difficult than i thought now that i'm trying to also work on other things during the week, i haven't had time to work on any of the companion fics for gom or any of my other projects, and i think GOM is suffering a bit for it [last week i did just basic sketches for the chapter bc i was struggling to get everything done in time]

and that means i also don't really have time to stream if i want to draw while you guys watch, since i stream for a few hours at least [the one i did the other day was about six hr, you can see the highlight reel here, since the vod will eventually be deleted as all vods disappear after like 7 days. i just trimmed off the start and end where i'm talking nonsense and saved that as my highlight reel. sorry about the audio being a bit funky for my mic i'll bring my laptop closer to me next time].

But also the biggest thing [on top of wanting to complete more chapters and make a buffer]: i really want to reread the entirety of Ghost of mine so i can check for errors or inconsistencies, all i could do last week was listen to the tts of 12-16 while trying to get a drawing for 17 prepared, and i couldn't fix all the errors i heard since i was just trying to fix the timeline errors as a minimum before posting the chapter. the extra time would give me more time to proofread Ghost of Mine carefully, as well as give the new chapters and art the attention it deserves. [and...actually take care of my irl self better, it's hard to find time for things like cooking and cleaning beyond what i do for the older man i live with].

So what i'm trying to say is although i didn't think i needed it before, i am changing my mind about it now. so i think it's a good idea for me to upload every two weeks instead of one...at least until i (hopefully) am able to catch up to the point of having stuff prepared ahead of schedule.

i swear on my god awful adhd that i will sit down with my sprint bot [a bot that times me and tracks my word count, not an AI], and write with no distractions at least once a day [unless i have things that i am forced to do and can't get to it, but i can get a lot done when i'm using the sprint bot to make myself focus]. So i will hopefully be making the two week change worth it by getting a lot done and being able to return to weekly updates when things are less cramped and there's stuff prepared properly ahead of time.

I hope that's alright with all of you, cuz i love working on gom it's just a lot for me to get done in a week with everything else i want to do!!

just imagine if i had more time i might be able to start posting TWPT along side gom [it's the jiang cheng lan xichen companionfic for GOM that i haven't had time to write as of late, i have it completely outlined but i just don't have time to write it anymore rn. check it out on the masterpost for my MDZS projects]. or the MXY companionfic as well, which i already started but i can't keep working on because of time as well.

basically there's a lot going on for gom besides the main fic that i haven't been able to get to and it just continues to get further behind in those aspects because i can't get the time for it. so really, i need those two weeks and i'm only just now admitting it to myself that i can't push out updates every two days like i used to and especially not now with these other projects and wanting to branch my stuff out more. There's so much i wanna do! lmao

TLDR; i want to change to bi-monthly updates for GOM so that i can increase my quantity and quality of all projects and future updates properly. I appreciate your amazing patience and i hope to make this change worth it!

i will always update you guys if i make changes like this. i can't leave the changes in your hands completely, but i will continue to upload on sunday since that's the day you guys like! expect the next GOM update on the 23rd instead of the 16th, and every two weeks from the 23rd.

[digitalrhetoricpune]

The Technical Aspects of Instagram Shopping: How to Set Up and Optimize

Why Instagram Shopping Matters for Your Business

Instagram is not just a photo-sharing platform; it’s a marketplace where users actively discover and purchase products. With over a billion users worldwide, integrating Instagram Shopping into your e-commerce strategy can significantly boost engagement, sales, and brand visibility.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Instagram Shopping

1. Check Eligibility

Before setting up, ensure your business meets Instagram’s requirements:

A valid Instagram Business Account.

Products that comply with Instagram’s commerce policies.

Ownership of a domain where your products are listed.

2. Connect to a Facebook Catalog

A Facebook Catalog is mandatory for Instagram Shopping. You can create this through the Meta Business Suite or connect an existing one via platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.

3. Enable Instagram Shopping

Go to your Instagram profile settings.

Navigate to Business > Set Up Instagram Shopping.

Follow the steps to submit your account for review. The review process may take a few days.

4. Tag Products in Posts and Stories

Once approved, you can tag products in your posts and stories. Use Instagram Product Tagging Tips like tagging multiple products in carousel posts for higher engagement.

5. Customize Your Instagram Shop

Add a compelling bio and profile picture.

Use relevant categories to make browsing easy for users.

Ensure your product descriptions and images are optimized for mobile viewing.

Best Practices to Optimize Your Instagram Shop for Sales

1. High-Quality Visuals

Instagram is a visually-driven platform, so invest in professional product photography. Highlight your products’ features with clear and engaging images.

2. Leverage Instagram Product Tagging Tips

Tag products in posts, stories, and reels. For example, showcase how your products solve real-world problems to create a stronger connection with your audience.

3. Utilize Instagram Insights

Analyze engagement metrics such as clicks, impressions, and sales conversions using Instagram Insights. This helps refine your strategy for better results.

4. Run Instagram Ads

Collaborate with an expert SMM services provider to create targeted Instagram ad campaigns. These ads can directly link to your shop, increasing traffic and conversions.

5. Stay Updated with Instagram Shopping Best Practices 2024

With new features being added regularly, staying informed about updates like augmented reality (AR) shopping or live shopping sessions can give you an edge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incomplete Product Information: Missing descriptions, sizes, or pricing details can lead to cart abandonment.

Ignoring Mobile Optimization: A majority of Instagram users access the platform via mobile, so ensure your shop is mobile-friendly.

Overlooking Engagement: Respond promptly to customer queries and comments to build trust.

Conclusion

Setting up and optimizing Instagram Shopping requires a blend of technical knowledge and strategic planning. By following the steps outlined in this guide and leveraging Instagram Shopping Best Practices 2024, your business can achieve higher sales and build a loyal customer base.

[naina10]

Unlocking Success: How to Promote My Business Page on Instagram

Instagram is a dynamic platform that has revolutionized how businesses connect with their audience. If you’re asking yourself, “How to promote my business page on Instagram?”, you’re not alone. With over 1.3 billion users worldwide, Instagram offers businesses an excellent opportunity to enhance visibility, engage with customers, and drive sales. This article will outline effective strategies to help you maximize your Instagram presence.

1. Create a Captivating Business Profile

Your profile serves as your digital storefront. Optimize it to make a strong first impression:

Profile Picture: Use a recognizable logo or image that reflects your brand.

Bio: Clearly state what your business offers and include a call-to-action (CTA) with a link to your website or online store.

Contact Info: Make it easy for customers to reach you by including email, phone number, or location details.

2. Post Engaging and High-Quality Content

Content is king on Instagram. Ensure your posts are visually appealing and relevant to your audience.

Share your products or services in action.

Incorporate storytelling to connect emotionally with your followers.

Use professional-quality images and videos to stand out.

Content Ideas:

Customer testimonials or success stories.

"Behind-the-scenes" glimpses of your business operations.

Educational posts or tips related to your industry.

3. Use Instagram Stories and Highlights

Stories are an excellent way to keep your followers updated and engaged:

Use polls, quizzes, or question stickers to interact with your audience.

Share limited-time promotions to create urgency.

Organize your best Stories into Highlights to showcase key aspects of your business.

4. Leverage Instagram Reels

Reels are Instagram’s fastest-growing feature, designed to boost discoverability:

Create short, engaging videos showcasing your products or services.

Use trending music and hashtags to increase visibility.

Share tutorials or demonstrations to provide value to your audience.

5. Engage with Your Followers

Interacting with your audience builds trust and fosters loyalty.

Reply to comments and direct messages promptly.

Like and comment on posts from your followers and similar accounts in your niche.

Run giveaways or contests to encourage participation.

6. Harness the Power of Hashtags

Hashtags expand the reach of your posts. Use a mix of trending, niche, and branded hashtags.

Example: If you own a fitness brand, use hashtags like #FitnessJourney, #HealthyLiving, and #YourBrandName.

Avoid overloading your posts; aim for 5–10 targeted hashtags.

7. Collaborate with Influencers

Influencers can amplify your message by sharing it with their audience.

Partner with influencers whose followers align with your target market.

Offer free products or paid sponsorships in exchange for promotion.

8. Utilize Instagram Ads

Paid advertising is a surefire way to promote your business page effectively.

Target ads based on location, demographics, and interests.

Choose from formats like Photo Ads, Video Ads, or Carousel Ads.

Track ad performance to optimize campaigns for better results.

9. Monitor Performance with Instagram Insights

Instagram’s built-in analytics tool helps you measure success.

Track metrics such as reach, engagement, and follower growth.

Analyze which posts perform best to refine your content strategy.

10. Promote Your Instagram Page on Other Platforms

Cross-promote your Instagram account on other social media channels, your website, and email newsletters. Adding an Instagram link to your business cards or packaging can also drive traffic.

Conclusion

Knowing how to promote my business page on Instagram is the first step toward leveraging this platform to its full potential. By combining consistent, high-quality content with smart engagement strategies and paid ads, your business can thrive on Instagram. Take these steps today and watch your Instagram presence transform into a powerful business tool!

[rezdragon]

Updates - October 26th 2024 (at 6 in the morning, I should be in bed)

The Disaster Archives - Everyday She's not coming off of my project queue, you will have to take her from me via a custody lawsuit. Naw, I still pick at this randomly with new ideas. I literally just worked on some stuff last week. I've got some big gaps in the story I'm trying to fill. At this point, I'm hoping to at least have a treatment for the story done by the end of the year and I promise that, as long as nothing else gets in my way, I WILL start writing this in some way by January of 2025. I have some slightly ambitious ideas for its script, but we'll see if I can make those realities somehow.

Running With the Devil Hey um... this might have accidentally gotten bumped up to "a project I'm accidentally taking seriously." It's still a goof off project, but I'm having way too much fun with it, shit's gettin' serious. Second chapter is about done and ready to be edited. Again, thus so far, this is only being posted to Sheezy. Not trying to encourage y'all over there, it's just literally the only place I can post this.

Gallery Project(s) There's another gallery around here looking for submissions, even highly encouraging gay artists (hey, that's me!). Deadline is in November and I want to finish this by the first week of November at the latest, so expect me to start this soon. I will be looking for other gallery projects to do in Spokane. It's been suggested to me to make works for Mental Health Awareness Month next year, and I'm all for doing that.

Smash Machinima - What Is It, and How It's Made After making my Joker Persona video, I got the idea that perhaps a lot of y'all don't know what Smash Machinima is. Not to mention that its history and techniques are kinda slowly dying. So in an effort to fill a gap no one asked for, I've started writing this. This is the next project I'm jumping into once I'm done with the video currently sitting in Resolve (a highlight reel of the second audio pack). I've written the "what is it" part mostly, next I have to write how it's made and then begin all of the filming for it.

How Rez Addison Stole My Name I definitely want to come back to this script, this was me popping off with some of the best writing I've done outside of TDA, but like I have said, this was a really painful script to write. I have to rewrite massive chunks of it, and I'm just not feeling up for that right now due to my current arrangements at home (I want to read the script out loud as I go, and I can't do that when I'm sitting in the living room with other people is the short answer).

New Concept Album (Title Undecided) Need to develop the story more before I decide on a title. I did start working on this like two weeks ago with an outline for the story, and of course the making of 1982. I'm waiting for the moment when my brain decides it wants to spend several hours doing nothing but audio editing, but I am currently having too much fun writing. Music is hard calling me though. I also want to do another Tasukete/Kintsugi style album, but I want that one to come out naturally.

The House That Raised Me Missing a lot of footage for this, and with my current hip pain problems, I'm not sure when I will get back to this. I'd like to, but ugh, this was a messy, impulsive project that I am trying to salvage at this point. I feel like I need more distance from it before I figure out what the hell is not working in it. I might post a teaser video about it to see if I can gauge interest in the project to motivate me to work on it. I can do that by Halloween at the latest.

Misc Art Project That OC meme thing I shared awhile ago is the reason I made angry Demon Ash. This is a largish project that I pick at when the partner wants me to watch things with him. Keeps my hands busy. I also want to update Ash's bio card sometime to reflect all of her funky parts, as well as make a separate version for RWTD Ash.

This seems like a lot for me to be working on, but remember I'm picking at all of these bit by bit. Sometimes I work on TDA for an hour, sometimes I work on RWTD for 5 hours, sometimes I work on The House That Raised Me for 30 minutes, I'll photoshop something for ten minutes, etc. I'm hoppin' around and having fun.

[music-industry-updates]

How to Optimize Your Artist Page on Facebook for Maximum Engagement

In the competitive world of music, standing out on social media is crucial. Your artist page on Facebook is not just a platform to share your music; it's a powerful tool to engage with fans, promote your work, and build a loyal following. However, simply having a page isn't enough. To truly leverage Facebook's potential, you need to optimize your artist page for maximum engagement. This guide will provide you with detailed steps and strategies to enhance your page and connect more effectively with your audience.

1. Profile and Cover Photos:

Importance of First Impressions: Your profile and cover photos are the first things visitors see when they land on your page. These images should be high-quality and reflect your brand. A professional headshot or a striking image that represents your music style works well for the profile picture.

Tips for Choosing the Right Images:

Profile Picture: This should ideally be your logo or a clear, recognizable image of you. Ensure it's high resolution and looks good as a thumbnail.

Cover Photo: Use this space to showcase a larger, more detailed image. It could be an album cover, a promotional banner, or an artistic photo. Change it regularly to keep your page fresh and up-to-date with your latest projects.

2. Detailed About Section:

Crafting a Compelling Bio: Your bio is an essential part of your artist page. It should be concise yet descriptive, highlighting your journey, achievements, and style. Use this space to tell your story and connect with your audience on a personal level.

Including Essential Links and Contact Info: Make it easy for fans and industry professionals to contact you. Include links to your website, streaming platforms, and other social media profiles. Provide an email address or a booking contact for professional inquiries.

3. Content Strategy:

Planning Your Posts: Develop a content calendar to ensure regular and varied posts. Consistency is key to maintaining engagement. Plan your posts around upcoming events, releases, and special occasions.

Balancing Promotional and Engaging Content: While promoting your music is important, your page shouldn't be all about sales. Mix promotional posts with engaging content like behind-the-scenes looks, personal stories, and interactive posts. This balance keeps your audience interested and invested in your journey.

4. Engagement Tools:

Utilizing Polls and Questions: Engage your audience by asking for their opinions. Use Facebook's poll feature to create interactive posts. Questions about their favorite songs, suggestions for cover songs, or feedback on your latest release can generate valuable interaction.

Encouraging Comments and Shares: Prompt your audience to comment and share your posts. Ask open-ended questions, respond to comments, and create content that encourages sharing, such as interesting articles, funny memes related to your music, or fan challenges.

5. Facebook Stories and Reels:

Short-Form Content Strategies: Facebook Stories and Reels are perfect for quick, engaging updates. Use these features to share day-to-day activities, sneak peeks, and candid moments that don't fit into your regular posts.

Ideas for Engaging Stories and Reels:

Behind-the-scenes footage from the studio or rehearsals

Short clips from live performances

Quick updates or announcements

Fun, personal moments or interactions with fans

6. Live Videos:

Best Practices for Live Streaming: Live videos allow you to connect with your audience in real-time. Promote your live sessions in advance to build anticipation. Have a general outline of what you'll talk about, but keep it flexible to respond to viewer questions and comments.

Engaging with Viewers in Real-Time: Acknowledge viewers by name, answer their questions, and encourage them to interact during the live session. This real-time interaction makes fans feel valued and part of your journey.

7. Event Promotion:

Creating Event Pages: Facebook Events are an effective way to promote your gigs, releases, and other significant events. Create detailed event pages with all necessary information, including date, time, location, and how to attend or purchase tickets.

Promoting Events Effectively: Share your event pages on your timeline, in relevant groups, and through paid promotions if possible. Regularly update the event page with new information, behind-the-scenes content, and reminders as the date approaches.

8. Using Insights:

Tracking Engagement Metrics: Facebook Insights provides valuable data on your page's performance. Track metrics like post reach, engagement rate, and audience demographics to understand what content resonates best with your audience.

Adjusting Strategies Based on Data: Use the insights data to refine your content strategy. Identify which types of posts generate the most engagement and focus on creating more of that content. Continuously experiment with different post formats and times to see what works best.

Conclusion:

Optimizing your artist page on Facebook is essential for maximizing engagement and growing your fanbase. By focusing on high-quality visuals, detailed information, strategic content, and interactive tools, you can create a compelling and engaging online presence. Remember, the key to success is not just attracting followers but keeping them engaged and connected to your journey.

[coochiequeens]

Another entry for SheWon.org

A year after finishing in 72nd place as a freshman in a boys cross-country race, the now-sophomore transgender female is dominating her new competition.

The Seattle Academy student, a 5,000-meter runner, has two victories, including one in a conference championship, and three top-two finishes in eight races this season, having not finished worse than 22nd place. As an identified male, the student never finished ahead of 25th place.

On Nov. 5, she ran in the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) 1A State Finals in Washington, finishing her race in 18th place with a time of 20:31.3. Had the sophomore competed in the boys division, her time would have given her a 145th-place finish.

In last year's Emerald South Conference Championships, the student, then a male, finished in 72nd place in the boys division with a 20:40.6 time. This year, now competing as a girl, she finished in first place with a time of 19:14.5, a school record.

Last year, the runner finished in 134th place at the 14th annual Twilight XCInvitational at 19:46.50. This year, she came in 12th place, finishing just 2.6 seconds faster.

"Allowing [the student] to compete against biological girls deprives other girls' teams of the chance to compete at state [which is a big deal]," a coach in the student's conference told Libs of TikTok. "If [she] competed in the boys division, [she] would place 56th on the boys team."

TRANSGENDER HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL PLAYER APPEARS TO FEATURE SPIKE THAT INJURED OPPONENT IN HIGHLIGHT REEL

"[The student] is larger than any of the girl, and shamelessly takes first place on the podium," another father told the outlet. "Now my daughter is competing against a male for scholarships. And we can’t even say anything. You can’t even approach it in a nice way without being labeled a hateful bigot. You will get threats against you."

In 2007, the WIAA adopted the International Olympic Committee's position that transgender people can participate in sports in their reassigned gender as long as they had undergone surgery and had a minimum of two years of hormone treatments. Eleven years later, the association then updated its stance, saying a male-to-female student "must have one calendar year of medically documented testosterone suppression therapy to be eligible to participate on a female team."

Last year, though, the WIAA eliminated all requirements of medical evaluation, stating that athletes can participate in activities in "a manner that is consistent with their gender identity."

"Athletes will participate in programs consistent with their gender identity or the gender most consistently expressed," they said. "School personnel responsible for student eligibility will work collaboratively with the student-athlete to determine eligibility."

WIAA released a statement to Fox News Digital pointing to the league's "gender identity eligibility rules."

"WIAA Gender Identity eligibility rules, which have been in place for more than 13 years, follow Washington state non-discrimination laws which protects full access to athletic activities for students," the statement reads. "Federal law under Title IX also requires equal treatment for all participants, regardless of gender identity. Additionally, these policies reflect the core value of the Association to maximize participation in education-based athletics, which provide the safest and most meaningful opportunities for students to engage with and represent their school."

"The full WIAA policies are outlined in 18.6.0 of the handbook," the statement continues. "Because athlete eligibility is determined at the school level, the WIAA created a Gender-Diversity Toolkit to both educate and support local administrators and communities through the eligibility process. The toolkit was created with the help and support of professional sports teams in Washington state and has since been recognized and utilized by sport organizations around the country."

"The role of the WIAA is to support all member schools as well as all student-athletes that represent them and the Association will continue to do so," the statement reads.

[bereft-of-frogs]

In honor of it being the first day that really feels like summer is a possibility (like, it finally smelled like summer) and it being almost June, I wrote up some goals for the summer!

I’ll check in with these goals and update on progress before I head off to Europe on August 14:

First off, Summer Reading

I like to pick classic/dense-r texts to focus on over the summer, usually with moderately humorous Instagram story commentary. (Last summer was the Smiley edition of the Icelandic Sagas, and I’m planning on posting the ‘highlight reel’ of my favorite Instagram comments later today, once I finish organizing.)

So yeah this year we’ve got

1) The Poetic Edda (I think I’ll get through this pretty quickly, given I’ve read a lot of them before, I just wanted to do a more thorough, dedicated read.)

2) Moby-Dick (which I don’t actually have to finish until the end of the year - I fucked up reading War and Peace ahead of Great Comet and didn’t finish, I’m not going to fuck up finishing Moby-Dick before it premieres in December!)

Writing Goals:

-I have two completed drafts that just need edits (and titles) but should be up in early June.

-The “Spite Fics” as I’m calling them - challenge sign ups that I did while in a particularly salty mood where I was like ‘fuck it, I’m going to write what I wanna write/dark themes are important in literature/people who get really moralizing about Thorki shippers have never engaged with the myths or sagas*...yeah. I’m not saying it was a nice mood, or a healthy one...but it did push me to signing up for the Noncon Exchange (due June 29 and I’ve already cleared 1000 words, so that one should be good) and the Thorki Big Bang (to finally write the way I like to interpret this ship - it’s not due til later in the year, but I have a good outline so far and I think it will be fun to write.)

*Spoiler, there’s more incest that you’d think. (Though considering some other myth systems...maybe there’s less...) I was reading the intro to the Poetic Edda this afternoon, it jogged my memory; I had forgotten prominent incest is in the Saga of the Völsungs.

In case you didn’t believe me, that is what I called them - they’re in a joint document. I’m a terrible person.

But yeah, I was in kind of a spiteful mood when I signed up, but I’ve cooled off (kind of) and I’m coming at this from a much better place! Super excited, and I like both my ideas. I also don’t need this much justification for it, but I overthink things, all the time. Always worried that people will judge me. Haha

(And psa I will always tag ‘cw rape’/’cw incest’/etc and any ships, if you need/want to blacklist!)

-I also in what was probably a bad move signed up for the Marvel Big Bang and I...I don’t got any ideas yet on that one. Waiting for the inspiration bug to strike.

-And, of course, the big project (or what’s turning out to be a big project) is the final part of the ‘nine in the tree’ series. ‘alone, amid the ruins’. I finished the outline yesterday - there’s both a chapter-by-chapter outline and a breakdown of character arcs to make sure I don’t leave anyone out. I finished that and I had this moment where I was like...what I’m doing is writing a novel. This is insane. If I thought about writing a novel I would be like ‘oh yeah, in a few years when I finish this novel’ but with fanfiction it’s like ‘hm okay, perf, I think I can get this out by end of summer’. It’s insane, what we do. Crazy. Anyway, I hope to get most of it done by end of August.

Blog Maintenance Things:

-I want to start doing a weekly excerpt thing, especially if I’m not going to be posting anything substantial most of the summer. (And with all these Big Projects, it seems unlikely.) People seem to have gotten into Six Sentence Sunday? I haven’t exactly decided the format. I’ll think about it.

-because I’m a Huge Nerd (TM) I’ve been wanting to make like a ‘works cited’/resource page.

There’s a few other minor things (finishing that damned article, a couple shorter ideas) but those are the big goals. Let’s see how I do! ;-)

[bbrookstone]

How To Set Up Shops And Product Tags On Instagram To Reach Shoppers

The holiday shopping season is just around the corner - have you started mapping out how you plan to reach consumers this year? Instagram should be a platform your business considers for your strategy, as the number of users who use the app to shop is rising. 

As we already know, the way consumers use Instagram and other social platforms are shifting. Now that these platforms offer shop tabs and store displays, users have more ways to connect with products outside of just clicking on ads and seeing organic social posts. 

The more businesses utilize these new offerings and start implementing these tools, consumer expectations will shift, making it crucial to consider platforms like Instagram to highlight your products. 

To help businesses navigate the best way to use the app, Instagram recently published a guide to getting started with social shopping. You can review the full guide here, but we have outlined some of the key points below! 

Preparing your shop for sales:

The first thing you want to do is set up a Catalog in Commerce Manager. Catalogs are containers holding information about all the items you want to promote across Facebook and Instagram. Once a catalog exists, you can use it for ads, selling from your shop, and more. As a business that is constantly evolving, you want to ensure that you maintain your catalog. Providing all available information in you catalog ensures that shoppers can find what they are looking for. Additional tips include: 

Assigning permissions

Make your business the owner of your catalog in Business Manager and assign permissions to others, like your ad agency, that need to update the catalog. 

Using a single catalog

Sticking to one catalog for both ads and shops ensures all products you want to sell from your site are in it.

Uploading high resolution images and video

Ensure you include at least four high resolution photos that are a minimum of 500x500 and accurately showcase your products.

Curating your shop

Control which of your products appear in your shop by hiding or unhiding them in Commerce Manager.

Using Product Tags: 

By tagging your products in multiple formats, you can reach consumers with shoppable content in different places on Instagram, like: 

Reels

Tag up to 30 individual products from a single catalog or collection in a 15, 30, 60, or 90 second video.

Stories

Utilize one product sticker per Story on your photo or video posts.

Feed

Tag up to 5 products from a single catalog on your photos or videos that are less than 60 seconds in length. 

Live

Tag up to 30 individual products from a single catalog or a collection. You can add products before going live and pin products during your stream at the bottom of view. These broadcasts can be 60 seconds to 4 hours in length. 

While this guide from Instagram is short, it gives your business all the basics you need to get started.

Looking to get your products in front of as many consumers as possible? Call, DM, or email us at sbellem@bbrookstone.com to get started. We would love to help you with your social shopping efforts. 

[astronomyparkers]

The Upside of Falling Down {IV}

Warnings: Language, mentions of nsfw content

Pairing: University!Peter Parker x reader

Word count: 3.2k

A/N: So. It’s been about three months since I updated this fic??? I would like to sincerely apologize for the wait.  University is hard and I was just completely swamped and dealing with four breakdowns per week and then I had a bunch of family issues but!!!!! My finals are just starting and then I will be free to write!!!! So I hope to have updates that are much more frequent.  Thank you so much for sticking with this story, as it means the world to me.  All my love.

{masterlist}

Your dorm was pitch black, with the only light coming from the LED screen of your alarm clock. Outside, rain continued to pour down, thunderous on the roof of your building.  Under normal circumstances, the comforting noise would have lulled you to sleep long ago, but your mind was too wired to reach unconsciousness. With a frustrated sigh, you turned over onto your back, staring at the ceiling above you.  The girl that had lived here last year had plastered glow in the dark stars all over the dorm roof, and although you had no idea how she got away with creating a model of the night sky, you always stared at them and tried to make out the constellations when you couldn’t sleep.  

Your hand reached up and traced the outline of Ursa Major as your mind recalled how you had traced the lines and planes of Peter’s body earlier.  Sex with Peter Parker had not been something you ever thought would happen, or something you ever thought you wanted to happen.  When you had woken up from the post sex nap, you had slipped out of bed and gotten dressed as quickly as possible before creeping out of the dorm; you hadn’t even looked back at Peter’s sleeping form before you shut the door behind you.  You had thought that you would put the whole incident behind you, chalk the whole thing up to anger-driven lust, and forget about it, yet your mind wouldn’t shut off. It was like you were stuck playing a highlight reel of the entire encounter.  You could feel the ghost of his touch all over your body, and it was driving you insane—partially because thinking about being touched like that again was…something, but mostly because it was Peter.

For the past month, you had had this weird pseudo-friendship with him.  You didn’t particularly like him, he didn’t particularly like you, and you were nervous about accidentally spilling his Spider-Man secret twenty four/seven, but at least you knew where you stood.  When he said that you two were dating, it changed things.  And when you slept with him, it changed things again.  You had no idea how to act around him now; how would you look him in the eye after everything that you two had done?  And, even more concerning, how would you look him in the eye now that you knew just how good he was at pleasuring you?

Because that was the problem.  If Peter had been mediocre or barely halfway decent at sex, you could’ve forgotten about it. You really could have.  But somehow, between being a straight A student and an Avenger, he had also found time to become really good at sex, and honestly?  It wasn’t fair.  There was a pyramid of ideal qualities that you looked for in a guy, with the three points being smart, kind hearted, and good in bed, but so far, any guy who you had applied the pyramid test to had fallen prey to what you and your friends called the Bermuda Triangle of Boyfriends Bind.  Any guy who you were interested in never fulfilled all three categories.  While a boy could be smart and good in bed, he was a dick personality-wise.  If he was kind and intelligent, he seemed to be unaware of how a vagina actually worked.  You never actually thought that you would find someone who checked every box at once, or that it would be someone you couldn’t actually stand.

It was a bind, indeed.

 Eventually, you drifted off to sleep, but it was a restless one that left you feeling worse when your alarm went off the next morning.  You slapped it off and groaned, tearing off your covers before you realized that it was the weekend.  You had planned to use the day to study and catch up on readings, but you decided that your GPA could handle you sleeping in for a little bit.  Climbing back into bed, you closed your eyes and pulled the blanket tight around you, trying to get a little bit more rest.

By the time you made it out of bed, showered, and got dressed, it was early afternoon.  Dressed in your comfiest leggings, sweater, jacket, and running shoes, you grabbed your book bag and wallet before locking your dorm behind you.  You needed to study today, and obsessing over a guy was not going to stop you.

The air was crisp but bright as you walked to your favourite coffee shop just off campus. It was a little windy, and you pushed hair out of your face as the breeze whipped it into your eyes.  Taking refuge inside the shop, you blew onto your hands to warm them up as you walked up to the barista and placed your order. The shop was crowded, full of students cramming before exams, couples on coffee dates, and friends catching up. After receiving your drink and your sandwich, you were lucky to grab the last free table at the back of the shop, sitting down and spreading your notes onto the table.

Once you were comfortably positioned, with your notes covering the table just right, you began. Reading over notes and working on practice calculation sheets, you ate your lunch and enjoyed your coffee without paying any attention to the atmosphere around you.  You didn’t even look up from your table until an hour had passed, and it was just your luck that when you did look up, you made eye contact with Peter.

His hair was blown around his head wildly, his cheeks were flushed, and he was flexing his fingers to warm them up.  Distracted by the realization that his hair was infuriatingly similar to how it looked when you ran your fingers through it last night, you almost didn’t notice the curly haired girl he walked in with.

Peter was laughing at something she said as he peeled off his jacket, and kept smiling as he ordered the two of them drinks at the counter.  It wasn’t until he made eye contact with you that the smile froze on his face.

The girl with him followed his line of sight and made eye contact with you.  Her gaze flickered between you and Peter for a moment before she whispered something to him.  Peter whispered something back as he accepted the drinks the barista passed to him, and he passed the second to the girl.

You forced yourself to smile at the pair as they began to approach you.

“Y/N,” Peter gave a small wave. “Hey.  How are you?”

“I’m—I’m good,” You nodded, fidgeting with your pen as you spoke. “How, um, how are you?”

“Good, good.” Peter mimicked your nodding, and kept mimicking it as you waited for him to introduce the girl with him.

After a moment, she cleared her throat. “Peter?”

“Oh, right, yeah, uh, Y/N, this is my friend, Michelle.  She’s visiting from Princeton for the weekend.” Peter gestured to the curly haired girl. “Michelle, this is Y/N, my, um—”

“Fake girlfriend who you revealed your biggest secret to and then banged, right,” Michelle sat down in a chair across from you and motioned for Peter to do the same. “You can call me MJ.”

Peter’s eyes widened dramatically, as did your own, and your mouth dropped open so fast you were surprised it didn’t make a noise.

“Parker, oh my god, what the fuck?” You asked, burying your face in your hands. “You told her?”

“No, no, I didn’t!” Peter’s head continued shaking frantically. “Okay, well, I—I told her about the secret thing and the fake girlfriend thing, but I most definitely did not share the fact that we made—had sex.”

“You didn’t need to,” Michelle shrugged and took a sip of her drink. “When I knocked on your door this morning, you had post sex eyes.”

“Post sex eyes?” You questioned, curiosity getting the better of you.

“After Peter sleeps with someone, he gets this hazy look in his eyes, like he can’t focus on anything.” Michelle smirked. “He kind of looks high?  It’s pretty entertaining, honestly.”

“I do not have ‘post sex eyes!’” Peter protested weakly.

MJ scoffed. “Peter, please.  The morning after you lost your virginity, your eyes were so hazy that you couldn’t focus on anything.  Two days later you told the girl you loved her and that you wanted to move to a farm upstate and raise puppies with her.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Two days?”

Peter blushed before glancing around the crowded coffee shop. “I—she was the first girl that ever sucked me off, okay?  I was seventeen.  It was an emotional moment.”

“That’s true, actually,” Michelle nodded. “You cried for days when she wasn’t very responsive to the farm and puppies idea.”

“Really?” You grinned before taking a sip of your drink. “Days?”

“How did you—? Ned told you, didn’t he?” Peter grimaced, sighing and sipping his drink.

“Oh yeah,” Michelle laughed. “I’m surprised Y/N is the first one outside of our group to find out you’re Spider-Man.”

“MJ, lower your voice!” Peter glanced around again. “Jesus!”

“Okay, well, as much as I’ve loved hearing about Parker’s embarrassing sexual escapades,” You began gathering up your notes. “I have a lab report to finish.  See you in Biology, Parker.  And it was really nice meeting you, Michelle.”

You stood up and slipped your bag over your shoulder before finishing off your drink.  Peter nodded at you as a goodbye, but Michelle stood up as well, her drink still in her hand.

“Hey, Y/N, can I…?” Michelle motioned to the drink station with her head, pushing her hair out of her eyes.  You nodded and followed her over to the counter where she opened a few sugar packets and began pouring them in her coffee.

“What’s up?” You asked curiously.  You were aware of Peter watching the two of you, and his eyes on your back made you feel nervous.

“I just—I know I make fun of Peter a lot, right, but he’s, you know, he’s my best friend.  And I know I don’t know you super—you seem great, really, but—Peter’s been through a lot.” Michelle toyed with the wrappers of the torn sugar packets. “I’m just…worried, you know?  About how this whole…fake dating thing is going to affect him.”

“I didn’t—”

“I know you didn’t start that, but—Peter’s never known when to quit.  He thinks he can make things right with everyone and protect everyone, and—and he can’t.  It’s not possible.” Michelle stirred her coffee before adding more sugar. “He needs someone looking out for him just because it’s him, not because they feel obligated to.”

“I don’t…I’m not really sure what you’re trying to say,” You said slowly, confusion tinging your words.

Michelle sighed. “If you’re not here for Peter because you genuinely care about him…then maybe you shouldn’t be here for him at all.”

You stared at Michelle, not sure of what to say.  You watched as she stirred the coffee again and took a sip.

“Ugh, nasty.” Michelle wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “Way too sweet.  Sugar is gross, but whatever.  I needed an excuse to talk to you.  Anyways, see you around.  Hopefully.”

You watched as Michelle turned around and walked back to the table.  Peter’s eyes were still on you when he said something to her; you could only assume he was asking about what you two discussed.

Tossing your empty cup in the garbage, you turned around and left the coffee shop.

 While the library usually provided you with a quiet place to work on assignments and think, it didn’t do much for you when you wanted to stop thinking.  Michelle’s words kept running through your mind, an endless loop of concern that you couldn’t shut off.

You wanted to shut it off.

You knew she was right.  Despite your efforts, you’d come to know Peter fairly well over the last month. You knew he would never quit anything if he could help it, especially if he thought he was protecting someone. But did he have anyone protecting him? Was there anyone who was watching his back?  Anyone who was staying up at night, waiting for the text that would let them know that Peter was back in his dorm in one piece?  Anyone who had a first-aid kit ready if the text came and he wasn’t?

“If you’re not here for Peter because you genuinely care about him…then maybe you shouldn’t be here for him at all.”

Did you genuinely care about him?  He was a nuisance, sure, but a nuisance you seemed stuck with.  It would be rude not to care about him (at least, that’s what you told yourself).

And the fact of the matter was that, even without the added drama of sleeping with a superhero, you had never been good at this part.  The after.  The facing of the consequences of a one night stand that you couldn’t get away from. The emotions.

You dropped your pen and pressed a hand to your forehead.  Emotions should be the farthest thing from your mind when thinking about Peter.  There were no emotions.  There was annoyance and, after last night, lust.  But nothing else.  There couldn’t be anything else.  You couldn’t let there be anything else.

But if there wasn’t anything else, then why was there an ache in your chest when you saw Peter enter the café with a girl?  Why did the thought of him touching anyone else the way he had touched you the night before ignite a flame of envy in your stomach?  Why were you over-analyzing every event of the last twenty-four hours like you were the defense lawyer in the trial of your mind versus your heart?

And why were you losing?

A tap on your shoulder pulled you out of your thoughts.  You jumped, dropping the pen you had been twirling around in your hand and looking up at the librarian standing over you.

“So sorry to bother you, hon, but I’m afraid we’re closing.” She smiled warmly down at you.

“Closing—?  What time is it?” You said, a disbelieving frown forming on your face.

“About five to ten.” She smiled again. “You get back to your dorm safe, alright?  Campus security is there to walk you if you need it.”

“Right. Thanks.” You gave a tired nod and began to pack your things up before you slipped your bag over your shoulder and exited the library.

When you reached the outside, you were halfway shocked to see that the librarian was right.  It was pitch black, with barely a star in the sky visible through the clouds.  You had wasted the entire afternoon and evening in the library, with nothing to show for it except more problems, more questions, a half finished lab report, and a headache.

Wind rustled the trees above you, whipping your hair into your face.  You tightened your jacket around you and looked around in the darkness; with no moonlight and the path to your dorm running through the pitch black forest, you were contemplating walking back inside to get security when a voice from behind you spoke up.

“Need an escort?”

You turned around to see Peter leaning up against the pillars of the library, his hands tucked in his pockets and his jacket buttoned up to his neck.  His hair, which was usually slicked back, was being blown into his eyes, and his mouth was turned up at the corners.

“No, it’s okay, I—I can get security.  It’s fine.” You pushed your hair out of your face (unsuccessfully) and forced a smile. “Really.”

“You’d take some middle aged, balding security guy over an Avenger?” Peter raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, well, the middle aged, balding security guy hasn’t seen me naked.” You huffed. “Look, Parker, can you drop the whole surveillance thing for one night?  I just—I need some time to think, and—”

“Y/N.” The corners of Peter’s mouth settled into a straight line as he sighed. “I just want to make sure you get home safe.  That’s it. I swear, I—I’m not going to try anything.  We don’t even have to talk about it.  But I—I can’t go back to my dorm if I don’t know you’re safe and sound in yours.”

You bit your lip. “Fine.  But only because I don’t want to be murdered.”

Peter walked over to you and the two of you began making your way back to your residence building.  It was about a fifteen minute walk, which meant that you ran through your small topics (the windy weather and the bio test next week) in about eighty-three seconds. After that, an awkward silence filled the air as you trekked down the path, with Peter being careful to keep a foot of distance between you at all times.

With five minutes to go, Peter broke the silence.  

“Okay.” He kicked a rock down the path in front of you. “I know I said we don’t have to talk about it.  But—but can we talk about it?”

“What’s there to talk about?” You kept your gaze glued firmly on the darkness in front of you.

“Um.  A lot.” Peter’s voice was short and clipped, like he was trying to maintain composure. “We had sex, Y/N.  I think that kind of complicates the whole ‘hating each other’ thing we had going on.”

“And talking about it complicates it more.” You rubbed a hand over your tired eyes. “So let’s just drop it, okay?”

“Right. Right.” Peter nodded to himself as his voice hardened over. “Because it was just sex.”

“Right.”

“It meant nothing.”

“Exactly.”

“Just sex between two non-friends who are fake dating.”

“Now you’re getting it.” As you reached your building, you pulled out your key card from your backpack. “Thanks for the escort home.”

“Could I walk you up?” Peter gestured towards the door. “You know, make sure you make it in okay.”

“I, um, I don’t think that’d be a good idea, Parker.” You swiped your key card through the door and pulled it open. “Maybe we should just…call it a night.”

“Yeah.  Yeah, you’re right.  My bad.” Peter gave you a smile that looked more forced than it usually was. “Um, have a good sleep.  I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, or around.” You nodded to Peter, trying your best not to meet his eyes.

“Or…around.” Peter echoed your words softly.  You could feel his gaze glued to you.

You stepped into the building and closed the door behind you, sliding down it once it had clicked shut.  The wood was cold against your back as you laid your head in your hands and pulled your knees to your chest.

Thoughts raced through your head, a million words flooding all at once, but only one came to your lips.  One word that summed up everything that you were feeling.

“Fuck.”

{part v}

[mandennews]

Global Fishing Equipment Market Insights, Forecasts to 2026 : Shakespeare, St. Croix, Shimano, Weihai Guangwei Group, Tica Fishing

The global report entitled Fishing Equipment Market 2021 by Syndicate Market Research provides a precious tool to evaluate the most recent Fishing Equipment market insights and market situation. The analysis report introduces the techniques and research strategies followed to make clear the Fishing Equipment business viewpoints. This report examinations the vital factors of the market based on current industry circumstances and also focuses on future possibilities of the Fishing Equipment market for the duration of 2016-2026.

This study report tremendously investigates each and every selecting part of the industry on the basis of present financial conditions, Patterns, Trends & Demands, Capacity, methods encapsulated by market competitors and their improvement structure.

>>> To know How COVID-19 Pandemic Will Impact This Market/Industry | Request a Free sample copy of the Fishing Equipment Market report, Click Here: https://www.syndicatemarketresearch.com/sample/fishing-equipment-market

The investigation mostly concentrates on the existing business size of the Global Fishing Equipment market and its development proportion in view of the latest five years data with company profile of Key Players and Makers. The major regions which expand the development of industry mostly cover such as the market in North and South America, Europe, The Middle East & Africa, and the Top Asian countries.

• Driving Players and Producers Analysis in Fishing Equipment Market:

Shakespeare, St. Croix, Shimano, Weihai Guangwei Group, Tica Fishing, RYOBI, Pokee Fishing, Cabela's Inc., AFTCO Mfg., Eagle Claw, Tiemco, Preston Innovations

Geographically, Fishing Equipment research report divided into the global top countries like The United States, Canada, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Russia, India, Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan.

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This Fishing Equipment Market report separates into the; 1. Key manufacturers 2. Product Type (Fishing Rods, Fishing Reels, Others) 3. Application/ end users (Individual, Commercial, Other)

In the primary segment, The Fishing Equipment studies report supplies business profiling, necessities, contact information and product image of key manufacturers of the Worldwide Fishing Equipment market. This analysis report equally renders the existing, past and futurist business strategies, company measure, growth, share, and forecast analysis having a place with the anticipated conditions. Moreover, the possible results and the hazard to the improvement of the Fishing Equipment market extensively shrouded in this report.

In the next segment, the Fishing Equipment manufacturing analysis of the most crucial business players based on their company profiles, sales volume, market value, profit margin, yearly income, supply and demand is also studied in this report, which may encourage various market competitors in driving business bits of learning.

Key Highlights of the Fishing Equipment Market:

• Inside and out an investigation of the standard Fishing Equipment market makers will urge the entire market to overview the modernized plans and propelling thoughts. • Targeted summary of the market depends upon expansion, propel proscribing components and limit of the hypothesis will presume the market development. • The investigation of rising Fishing Equipment market portions and the prevailing market areas will control the perusers to plan the business strategies. • The fundamental evaluation associated with the industry like the value, kind of applications, definition of the product, supply and demand points is mentioned in this study report.

Global Fishing Equipment study report scrutinizes largely covers underneath chapters to completely show the market:

Chapter 1 - Fishing Equipment market document portrays industry outline, market segment(Upstream, Downstream), cost analysis, market utilizing power. Chapter 2 - Fishing Equipment market trade environment(Policy, Financial aspects, Sociology, Innovation). Chapter 3 - Market with the help of Type. Chapter 4 - Major Organizations List - market report examines the leading manufacturers of Fishing Equipment, enterprise profile, and sales information of Fishing Equipment. Chapter 5 - Market Competition(Company Competition, Regional Market by Company), Global Fishing Equipment trade record observe the key regions. Chapter 6 - Market Demand(Regional Demand Correlation, Demand Scenario, Demand Forecast). Chapter 7 - Fishing Equipment Market record also depicts Region Operation (Regional Output, Local and Regional Market, By utilizing Region, Regional Forecast). Chapter 8 - This record moreover explains sales channels, wholesalers, buyers, sellers, market appendix, research findings and conclusion and facts supply.

In conclusion, the Global Fishing Equipment Market report 2021 illustrates business improvement designs, deals channel, wholesalers, purchasers, merchants, research findings, reference segment, statistics sources and moreover.

Note – In order to provide a more accurate market forecast, all our reports will be updated before delivery by considering the impact of COVID-19. (*If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.)

About Us:-

At Syndicate Market Research, we provide reports about a range of industries such as healthcare & pharma, automotive, IT, insurance, security, packaging, electronics & semiconductors, medical devices, food & beverage, software & services, manufacturing & construction, defense & aerospace, agriculture, consumer goods & retailing, and so on. Every aspect of the market is covered in the report along with its regional data. Syndicate Market Research committed to the requirements of our clients, offering tailored solutions best suitable for strategy development and execution to get substantial results. Above this, we will be available for our clients 24×7.

Contact Us:

Syndicate Market Research 244 Fifth Avenue, Suite N202 New York, 10001, United States +1 347 535 0815 | Email ID: sales@syndicatemarketresearch.com Website: www.syndicatemarketresearch.com  | Blog: Syndicate Market Research Blog

[vmheadquarters]

Flashback: Veronica Mars Movie Kickstarter #51

A long time ago, we used to… get Kickstarter updates! Some were public posts and some were for backers only, but either way, we thought it would be fun to remember that time WE MADE A MOVIE!

Update #51 For backers only.

Aug 13 2013

On Editing, Updates, Rewards & More

Hey gang,

The last week has been an intense one. As many of you know, I’ve agreed to act as the producer for a couple Veronica Mars books for Vintage Doubleday, that will continue where the movie ends. One of my goals is to get the first book into stores shortly after the movie comes out early in 2014.

What that means, of course, is that we now need to move fast on both the movie and the first novel.

As a result, I spent most of last week working with the editor and author outlining the novel each morning, and then editing the movie each afternoon and evening. I’ll share more about the novels in a future update, but for now, I can tell you that I’m really happy with the story for the first book. Also, while the books will pick up where the movie ends, the movie will be able to stand on its own. You won’t need to read the novels. (Want, yes. Need, no.)

Today, though, let’s talk about our movie, which is now three weeks into editing. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the editing process, let me take a moment to explain how it works.

The Editing Process

About a week after we wrapped production, I sat down and watched the Editor’s Cut of the movie, which is the first chance I get to see how all of the shots we’ve got come together into a full movie. Audiences often assume that editing doesn’t begin until production ends, but the truth is that editing starts immediately once we start shooting. Each morning, our editor Dan Gabbe received the dailies — untreated footage from the day before – and started putting them together in the correct order. Once we finished shooting and he added the final shots, we had our first watchable version of the movie.

We’re now three weeks into the process of editing the Director’s Cut. During this eight week phase, we make multiple passes through the entire movie, from beginning to end. For the first several passes, the goal is simply to get close to where we’re going. If a shot looks wrong, we might replace it with another take. Right now, we’re fixing shots that don’t work, rather than tweaking and perfecting shots that do. We don’t get hung up on individual moments.

During these early passes, we also don’t spend much time focusing on the sound. We’ll drop in placeholder music — old bits of the score from the show, music borrowed from other movies – so that we can start to get the general mood down. In a few places, we’ve also inserted a few needle drops — specific, existing songs for the soundtrack – that I’ve had in mind since I wrote the script. Mostly, we just need to put in music that helps the movie sound like we want it to sound, even though we’ll use different music for the final cut.

Toward the end of this phase, once we’re close to locked picture (that is, when we’ve got most of the shots selected), a composer would normally begin writing the new score for the movie. For those who remember the music from the series, you’ll be pleased to know that the show’s composer, Josh Kramon, will be composing the movie as well – and I'm pleased to know that he's already gotten started.

Now that you have an idea of how editing works, here’s where we are in the process:

For reference, the movie is divided into six reels, each currently lasting about 20 minutes, more or less. When I left to catch a plane back home to Austin last Friday night, we had just started digging into the final reel. During this pass through the movie, we're trying to get picture 90 percent of the way there. Then, in the next pass, we'll get into the super fine tuning, which is where an inordinate amount of the hard work happens.

But here’s the good news: I'm actually happy with how editing is going.

I'm a bit notorious for wanting to throw myself off a building when I'm watching rough cuts. This was true even during some of the best episodes we ever did of the show. So, I think it's a good sign that I'm already looking forward to screening it for our studio partners, even though that screening is still weeks away.

And with that, I’ll turn things over to Ivan, who I think has a lot of new details to share about SDCC videos, Kickstarter rewards, the backer site, and more.

Rob

Backer Website Updates

Greetings, gang! As many of you have noted, it’s been a while – a little over two weeks – since the last official Backer Update. But as many of you have also realized, the good news is that we’ve also been updating the Backers’ Website with new content almost every day.

Moving forward, our current plan is to send an official Backer Update from Rob every 1-2 weeks, depending on how much is happening, and to update the website at least a few times each week. We’ll still link to the highlights in these official updates, but if you can’t wait, you’ll find more – more often – over there.

In case you haven’t looked lately, here's some of what you’ll find waiting for you:

Week 3 in Photos

Video: The Official Panel @ Comic-Con

Video: The Fan Event @ Comic-Con

(We're leaving these videos as Backer Exclusives until the end of this week. Then we'll post them on YouTube as well, in case you want to share them.)

A few helpful hints:

Can’t login to the website? As always, remember: the website does not use your Kickstarter name and password. You will find the name and password you need at the end of Backer Update #46.)

Check out the captions! If you click on any photo on the Backers' Website, you’ll be able to view a larger – or full-screen – version, as well as a caption with more detail about what was going on.

Subscribe for email updates! If you don’t want to keep checking the website to find out when we’ve posted new content, use the SUBSCRIBE form on the right side of the Backers Website to get email after every site update. It looks like this:

Where are the Kickstarter Rewards?

For those of you still waiting on Kickstarter Rewards – and that’s most of you – we wanted to share a quick update on what’s happening, and when you can expect to receive the swag you’ve been waiting for.

SEASONS 1-3 ON DVD -  SENT! The DVDs for Seasons 1-3 were sent out last week! Some of you have already received them, but for those who haven’t, they should arrive within 7-10 days. (You should also have received an email with a tracking link for the shipment.) For international backers: if you requested a download code instead, we should have them out to you soon.

T-SHIRTS - EARLY OCTOBER (EST.) Let’s be completely honest: we wanted to have t-shirts in your hands a month ago, and it didn’t happen, because our order for 80,000+ blank shirts has created unexpected supply issues. (Literally. We bought out the entire stock from the manufacturer, and are now waiting for them to make more.)

At the moment, our best guess is that we’ll be able to print the t-shirts in late September, and ship them in early October.

We hate that this has been delayed, and we’re doing the best we can to speed things up. We know most of you understand and are patient, and we appreciate it, but we still wish we could get them to you sooner. You’ll have them the moment we get our hands on them.

POSTERS - NEAR PREMIERE, EARLY 2014 We’re just getting to work on the official poster designs now. Once that’s done, we’ll need to print them. For those of you who pledged for signed posters, we’ll also need to get the whole cast back together to sign them! Our best guess is that you’ll receive these – signed and unsigned – sometime around when the movie premieres.

PERSONALIZED REWARDS - COMING SOON If you're expecting a personalized reward, we've got more details. We’ll send you a separate Kickstarter message about these in just a moment.

PREMIERE SCREENINGS - DETAILS THIS FALL We’re still focused on finishing the movie, so we haven’t started scheduling the premieres just yet. If your rewards include tickets to the Premieres and/or Afterparties, we’ll get in touch with you later this fall, once we have specific dates locked down.

iTunes Sale (USA) & Official Merchandise

Two last notes:

USA iTUNES PROMOTION If you live in the United States, iTunes has a pretty sweet Veronica Mars promotion this week: you can get the (broadcast version of the) Pilot for free, and each of the three seasons in HD for just under $30/each. If your friends still don’t understand what you’re talking about, giving them a free download of the Pilot might help. Just saying.

OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE We’re still working on plans for official Veronica Mars Merchandise, but if you can’t wait, a few older products have been re-released in the WBShop. We’ll have newer designs for you soon, and for those of you who asked: yes, we’ll do our best to make sure the new merch is available in time for the December holidays!

That’s it for this time. See you over on the Backers’ Website!

Ivan

[bbrookstone]

Instagram's Ranking Algorithm Is Shifting To Focus On Original Content: What That Means For Your Business

Instagram's chief, Adam Mosseri, recently announced that the platform is changing how it ranks content, prioritizing original content. 

According to Mosseri:

“If you create something from scratch, you should get more credit than if you are resharing something that you found from someone else. [As such] we’re going to do more to try and value original content more, particularly compared to reposted content.”

So what does that mean for your brand? Does this update mean if you share content from other platforms, you will cop a reach penalty on the app? Additionally, does this also mean that if a larger account re-posts your original content, you could be penalized as a result? The answer is complex, and Instagram is not confident that the platform will be able to get it right. 

On Twitter, Mosseri answered users' burning questions, outlined below. 

Content that is edited outside of Instagram and then uploaded to the app, won’t be penalized under this change.

Mosseri stated that “the idea is if you made it, it’s original. It’s okay if you edited it outside of Instagram and then bring it in via the gallery.” Last year, Instagram declared that content re-shared from other platforms, which included visible watermarks, would be downranked. Think: Instagram users re-posting TikTok content to Reels for additional engagement. Any content with logos or watermarks will still be penalized under that policy, specifically in Reels.

Your posting history is factored in. For this update, content curators are the main focus. This means, that if you are re-posting a lot of content from other accounts, you will see your reach decline. For this point, think about meme accounts. Posting viral memes has been an easy way for people to boost their engagement, but it seems that this will no longer be the case. 

Additionally, Mosseri said that Instagram will not be able to know for sure if the content is original or not. He stated: 

“We build classifiers to predict how likely something is to be original, but that’s not knowing. We look at things like who’s in the video, and if we’ve seen the video before.”

Therefore,  if you are posting content from other places, there will be different people in all of your posts, which could tip off Instagram's algorithm. The algorithm will also start looking for duplicated posts. 

This brings up another question - how will the platform know which account is the originator and which is the duplicator?  When each post was shared could be a factor, but the platform states that “if it’s someone pretending to be the original creator, which is less likely but could happen, it’ll be hard for us to know.”

Nothing is perfect, so we anticipate that some creators and brands will suffer unearned penalties because of these changes. However, Instagram will continue to monitor the system and evolve its detection process over time. 

This update could have a big impact on the platform, as there are countless aggregator accounts on the app. Right now, it is too early to tell, but we are curious to see how this update impacts creators. 

For brands, the main downside of this change is regarding UGC. Could Instagram come down on businesses for re-sharing content from customers since the brand post will not be the original? As you know, user-generated content is one of the most important types of content for brands, as it highlights real consumers' opinions. 

We will have to wait and see how the update plays out and adjust our social media strategies if needed. 

Are you well versed in all of the latest Instagram updates? Call, DM, or email us at sbellem@bbrookstone.com to get started. We would love to help your business stay on top of the latest trends and thrive on social media. 

[cnfhumss12a-blog]

The Light and Shadows of Binondo

By Kiana Lane R. Altoveros

My family loves the Chinese culture so much that our house is filled with antiques from Binondo, charms from the local chinese stalls in nearby malls, and Buddha statues from random bazaars that we passed by. My mom used to tell me that the Chinese are so keen on good luck that they were rich partly because of it. Take note that no one in my immediate family was Chinese but we somehow truly believed in what they believed in.

I have never been to the skeletons of Binondo. Yes, I have visited the famous Binondo Church to celebrate mass but other than that, I can never truly say that I have been to Binondo with a hundred percent conviction. Being raised in the province, the image of Binondo was painted to me by the media that is particularly in television. Telecasts of the Chinese New Year celebrations every year showcased odd-looking dragons, bright red lanterns as bandiritas, and so many flavors of tikoy. I always wonder why the attributes of the sticky snack was considered lucky.

In all honesty, Binondo to me was nothing but an extravagant venue for another animal-labelled zodiac year ahead.

Travelling to the Chinese capital in a jeepney was suffocating because it only has a seat capacity of 20 people. To add to that, the driver squished 25 people inside to earn more. My pink cropped sweater made it worse as all walks of life tried inserting themselves on the two parallel rugged cushions. Passengers were carrying plastic bags that were colored with red and white stripes that was filled with clothes and bags; Divisoria was just minutes away from Binondo. Errands at noon were not at all appealing, as the heat of the sun blended with the smoke of Metro Manila that seeped through every inch of our skin. As I tried distracting myself from the pollution that my provincial lungs were inhaling, I thought of my first stop.

The Binondo Church stood tall amidst the rise of the buildings reflecting the contrasts that the modern technology has brought in historical sites. With its sturdy stone facade facing the flow of traffic in the busy streets of Ongpin, Spanish Architect Domingo de la Cruz González would never have imagined that his design would somehow survive to see what Binondo has become today. The bloody red lines seemed to highlight and reflect the disasters that it had experienced. I have never seen red to be an important element in the design structure of a church before. I must say that this church bears the in betweens of the Spanish Colonization and the Chinese cultural impact in the Philippines.

Quickly gathering my thoughts, I hopped off the jeepney that slowly halted just as the stoplight turned red. I was now right across the famous church after travelling 20 minutes from DLSU. The usual lit and burning red candles were placed at the left corner near the entrance, and the religious souvenirs and items such as rosaries and bibles were at the opposite side. The air was filled with unanswered questions, and wishes that might never be granted; it is prayers that represent social media posts in the eyes of God. People flocked the church on a Tuesday afternoon and the traces of Catholicism prevailed just as what the invaders had hoped for- permanent transformation.

After saying a quick prayer, I was then on a hunt for food. The locals, when asked about the things that are the best to do in Binondo, would always say food trip without hesitation. And because of that, I let my grumbling stomach guide me through the hustling streets of Binondo. Walking through Chinatown, restaurant signs bombarded me left and right. I passed Eng Bee Tin’s flagship store with a booming speaker that entices passersby to take a peek. They claim to be the house of the best hopia and tikoy in all of Binondo and it’s hard to argue against their 107 years of existence. I was not at all surprised that the red lanterns never failed to make an appearance. Oddly enough, the red looked good against the purple aesthetic of the whole place.

Still searching for affordable and quality food, I saw Chuan Kee - the oldest fast food in Binondo, and their interior did indeed looked as if it was last updated in the 50s. Their low ceiling and white-tiled floors are audiences to the crowd of people eating. Restaurant appearance did not matter as long as the food is good, I guess. I must admit that I was almost pulled in by the popularity of the place. Standing by my main objective, I wanted a different kind of experience. The kind that is unique to all the Chinese food lunches that I had been to with my family.

Just as my eyes scanned the remaining restaurants that are placed strategically in the streets that’s going to the other parts of Chinatown, I passed the towering arch of Ongpin North Bridge. The air that I inhaled was infected by the stench of the estero that was hidden beneath the structure. The black stain from the dirt that it has collected throughout the years layered the stone railings of the bridge. Red rectangles outlined the bridge’s shape as it connected the restaurants to the various businesses that reside in Binondo. Vendors were trying to market their products, the horn of the impatient jeepneys driven by the impatient drivers rang in my ears, and the whispers of Hokaglish, the combination  of Hokkien Chinese, English, and Tagalog, surrounded the hot air. The bridge witnesses scenarios like these everyday.

I was slowly losing hope of finding the perfect unique Chinese Restaurant as I stopped by the  end of the historical bridge. Needless to say that I was extremely hungry, I opted to ask a local about the good restaurants nearby. What he recommended to me was the chain of food places just beside the estero. Hey, I did ask for something unique- lunch beside a drainage canal. Nothing but unconventional yet exciting!  

The Estero Fast Food has a variety of meals to choose from, and it does not sway away from the usual dishes that you see in high-end Chinese restaurants. Yang-chow fried rice, garlic shrimp, fried spare ribs and beef broccoli are some of the dishes that they offer. Everything was cooked fresh and the ingredients were all laid out in front of their kitchen so that the customers can see it. The size of the servings are generous as I was more than satisfied after the meal. It seemed as if there were sukis that often came to the restaurant. It was packed considering that it was a weekday and that it was hidden from plain sight. The food was cheap, delicious, and worthwhile. This convinced me that there were hidden gems in Binondo that a lot of tourists often miss out on. Gems beside esteros that were hidden underneath an old bridge. Unfortunately, the self-proclaimed Chinese-me was disheartened when I found out that they do not serve dumplings like pork and shrimp siomai (a savory snack wrapped with a wonton wrapper and filled with pork) and hakaw (a shrimp dumpling) - my two favorite Chinese dishes.

After paying less than 200 pesos for a meal that would probably be priced for 400 pesos in DLSU, I was desperate for a long walk. It was my first spontaneous trip and not knowing where I’ll end up next somehow excited me. It is true that mystery reels you into the black hole of adventure.

It’s funny how I’ve never been to Binondo which is known to embrace everything in Chinese culture and beliefs yet I feel like I have been trained to be familiar with everything that I encounter. I entered the Dragon Phoenix Enterprise, oddly enough, it reminded me of home and my family.

I knew that shops position their cashier box based off of to what the Feng Shui advised. I knew who Kuan Kong is and what his presence gives the homes or offices since mine had a porcelain statue of him in the middle of our living room. I was very aware that Guan Yin Ma is the Goddess with many arms and that she symbolises kindness and love as she was placed in a vanity mirror inside my parents’ bedroom. Charms like bracelets and pendants, especially when newly bought, should be blessed inside a stainless bowl that echoes when hit by a small wooden bat. The smell of incense as the fire urges it into ash is not foreign to me as we would bow three times to Guan Yin Ma every night to say why we were grateful. Even when I was searching for Chinese snacks to try in a small convenience store near Dragon Phoenix Enterprise, I saw Haw Flakes - a dark pink candy that smelled like tamarinds and sweet candy at the same time was my favorite candy that my dad would bring home from the mall and it has been years since I devoured its tangy taste again. The Chinese usually eat it with tea or as a distraction to their bitter medicine. I was always curious why it was sold in a Chinese drugstore in my hometown and now I got the answers.

The Philippines was home to Chinese traders in the late 16th century and their population steadily grew with their influence to the culture and livelihood of Filipinos. The friendship of the two nations were even honored by the national government by renaming the Ongpin South Bridge into the Friendship Bridge. I took a glance at the fruit stands that is placed at the end of this bridge while eating my Haw Flakes. Binondo was where these traders resided in and it is rather safe to say that this place bears the fruits of the bond of these two nationalities. Maybe the friendship that grew between our ancestors and the Chinese traders have brought my family to embody the same ideals.

I stand in the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz as I wait for the jeepney going back home. The traffic started piling up as employees from one of the booming business capitals in the country have started to go home. The shadow of the church casted upon the plaza. I had no idea what Binondo was; its past will always be a shadow to my present and I can never insert myself into the history. Television shows did not do justice to the skeletons of Binondo to say the least. The skin and flesh celebrations covered its crumbling old bones - surviving amidst the hits that it continuously endures; bombs from the World War then, or the constructions of different high-rise buildings now.

The sun was setting and the shimmer over the city looked like specks of glitters scattered by the wind. The gold specks in Binondo might be a reflection of the rich culture, delicious food, and historical value that this place possess. I have never been to your Binondo, but I sure have enjoyed reminiscing what I have seen. Gallery: https://cnfhumss12a.tumblr.com/tagged/kiana

[snehalaxel]

Fishing Equipment Market Size, Growth, Trends, Industry Insights and COVID-19 Pandemic Presenting Future Opportunities 2027

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This Fishing Equipment Market research report has a complete overview of the market, covering various aspects such as product definition, segmentation based on various parameters, and the prevailing vendor landscape. The market report consists of explicit and up-to-date information about the consumer. demands, their inclinations, and their variable likings about a particular product. The report not only saves valuable time but also adds credibility to the work that has been done to grow the business. In this winning Fishing Equipment Market business report, thorough investment analysis is offered which forecasts imminent opportunities for the market players and develops the strategies to grow return on investment (ROI).

The Fishing Equipment market research report highlights the key trends and the factors driving the industry as well as those hindering it. Moreover, it boasts of accurate data pertaining the future growth model of this domain by referencing the past and present business landscape. Further, the document offers a broader perspective by defining the size and shares of the market and its segments, unveiling the top revenue prospects in the process.

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By Market Players: Newell (Jarden Corporation) Johnson Outdoors Rapala VMC Corporation Shimano Johshuya Co. Globeride(Daiwa) Wright & McGill Dongmi Fishing Weihai Guangwei Group Cabela`s Inc DUEL(YO-ZURI) Beilun Haibo Pokee Fishing O. Mustad & Son Tiemco Tica Fishing St. Croix Rods AFTCO Mfg. Preston Innovations Gamakatsu Okuma Fishing Barfilon Fishing By Type Rods, Reels and Components Line, Leaders Lures, Files, Baits Terminal Tackle Electronics Others By Application Freshwater Fishing Saltwater Fishing

A detailed outline of the Global Fishing Equipment Market includes a comprehensive analysis of different verticals of businesses. North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Europe have been considered for the studies on the basis of several terminologies.

Table of Content:

Market Overview: It includes six chapters, research scope, major manufacturers covered, market segments by type, Neutral and Extra Neutral Alcohol market segments by application, study objectives, and years considered.

Market Landscape: Here, the competition in the Worldwide Neutral and Extra Neutral Alcohol Market is analyzed, by price, revenue, sales, and market share by company, market rate, competitive situations Landscape, and latest trends, merger, expansion, acquisition, and market shares of top companies.

Profiles of Manufacturers: Here, leading players of the global Neutral and Extra Neutral Alcohol market are studied based on sales area, key products, gross margin, revenue, price, and production.

Market Status and Outlook by Region: In this section, the report discusses about gross margin, sales, revenue, production, market share, CAGR, and market size by region. Here, the global Neutral and Extra Neutral Alcohol Market is deeply analysed on the basis of regions and countries such as North America, Europe, China, India, Japan, and the MEA.

Application or End User: This section of the research study shows how different end-user/application segments contribute to the global Neutral and Extra Neutral Alcohol Market.

Market Forecast: Production Side: In this part of the report, the authors have focused on production and production value forecast, key producers forecast, and production and production value forecast by type.

Research Findings and Conclusion: This is one of the last sections of the report where the findings of the analysts and the conclusion of the research study are provided.

Key Questions Covered in the Report :

What is the total market value of the Global Fishing Equipment Market report?

What would be the forecast period in the market report?

What is the market value of the Global Fishing Equipment Market in 2021?

What is the Key Industry Leader’s opinion for the Global Fishing Equipment?

Which is the base year calculated in the Global Fishing Equipment Market Report?

What are the key trends in the Global Fishing Equipment Market Report?

What are the market values/growth % of emerging countries?

Which market holds the maximum market share of the Global Fishing Equipment Market?

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