#WordPress Support and Ma

[jscalzi]

Announcing the When the Moon Hits Your Eye US Tour!

Yes, I have a book out in March! Yes, I am touring to support it! I will be visiting: Columbus OH (with Mary Robinette Kowal); Louisville KY; Knoxville TN; St. Louis MO;Sarasota Springs NY;Decatur GA;Concord NH;Austin TX;Brookline MA;andHarrisburg, PA. (And possibly there will be another event added soon! I will update if it happens!) And if you would like to see me in these places, here is…

[whateveradjunct]

Announcing the When the Moon Hits Your Eye US Tour!

Yes, I have a book out in March! Yes, I am touring to support it! I will be visiting: Columbus OH (with Mary Robinette Kowal); Louisville KY; Knoxville TN; St. Louis MO;Sarasota Springs NY;Decatur GA;Concord NH;Austin TX;Brookline MA;andHarrisburg, PA. (And possibly there will be another event added soon! I will update if it happens!) And if you would like to see me in these places, here is…

[dragonsaffron]

A Proper Introduction

This post has been sitting in my drafts for literal months at this point, but in response to the impending collapse of Twitter, I figured it was time to finally make a post about my writing so that I could start advertising on this platform.

So, hello, my name is Saffron (though some call me Becca). I am a autistic trans lesbian polyamorous dragonkin (she/they), and I’m a writer. As of right now, the bulk of my writing is available for free online. My main projects are my web novels, which I typically write two of at any given time, releasing chapters every other week on a regular schedule. The publicly available chapters of my novels are available in three places: you can read them on my Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/saffrondragon), on my wordpress page (https://beccawritesbooks.wordpress.com/) or on Scribblehub (https://www.scribblehub.com/profile/9163/saffrondragon/). Warning: Scribblehub is a free story hosting website, so although it has better support structures (bookmarking, ratings, etc) it is also full of weird hentai.

Like I said before, I have a Patreon. As of right now, there are two main benefits to being a patron of mine: at the lowest tier, you get early access to chapters of my books, usually between two and four chapters ahead of the free version depending on how well the writing is going at that time. There’s also a higher tier, which gives access to a collection of short stories I’ve written for Patreon (some of them smutty, others not), and the ability to vote on which short stories I will write next.

And now we get to the reason why I’ve been procrastinating writing this post for so long: now I have to try to summarize all of my various works! The Selene Series: Marcus Farrier is a physics graduate student who gets isekai’d to Selene, a steampunk world where humanity evolved to only have one sex. There, Marcus takes up the name “Emma”, and rapidly gets caught up in the chaotic and deadly politics of Selene, and begins having some revelations about their past, their gender, and how they got to Selene in the first place. The Selene series is actually my longest-running writing project, with four years and two-and-three-quarter books under my belt out of a planned four in total. Currently on hiatus, but I will return to it someday.

The Earthborn Emissary: Alex Sierra is living a normal life, with their girlfriend Miri and their best friend Quinn, until the day they fall ill, go into a coma, and wake up to discover that they’ve just emerged from their chrysalis. Alex is actually an Emissary, an insectoid alien from a species that has been driven to the brink of extinction by a genocide; now, their adoptive parents are going to have to take them into space in search of the other members of their species. My longest single book so far, and the closest thing I’ve come to writing what I would consider to be a “YA” novel. My most popular book, though I don’t quite know why. Currently completed, though I may write a sequel someday. The Chained Flame: My most recent and personal favorite of my novels. It’s a loosely-plotted dark fantasy story telling the life of Lindír, prince of the kingdom of Hvalheim, who was cursed at birth to have the body of a dragon. After growing up in the castle dungeons, Lindír finally finds his freedom, and ends up travelling the North as a wandering entertainer, a savage raider, a royal champion, and more. A very tragic book dealing heavily with the theme of traumatic upbringings. Also features a dragon protagonist who does not at any point become human, nor does he particularly want to. In-progress as of the writing of this post, but barely a week away from completion. I also have a couple of short stories posted, as well as two erotic Locked Tomb fanfics on my AO3 account. I generally post new chapters of my novels every second week, Selene updating on Thursdays and Chained Flame updating on Mondays. 

So yeah, that’s what I do for a living! I’ll probably start making announcement posts for new chapters, both in public and on Patreon, as well as any Patreon exclusives, votes, or anything else writing-related that I’m doing. Indeed, I might be making some more posts later today, so keep an eye out for that. Thank you in advance to anyone who spreads the word, and extra thank you to anyone who actually goes the extra mile and starts supporting me. To all of my followers who aren’t interested in my writing, you can block the “becca writes books” tag, which will cover all of my writing-related posts.

[funkymbtifiction]

Lark Rise to Candleford: Alf Arless [ISTJ 1w2]

MBTI Type: ISTJ Alf is somewhat traditional in his thinking—he assumes he and Laura are going to wind up a couple simply because they grew up together and that’s what people do—they marry a girl from the hamlet, settle down, and start a family. He takes his duties and responsibilities as a man seriously in his father’s absence, working hard to support his spendthrift ma and siblings and leaving…

[likesmoney]

Miner Support

The Miners broke below the day 27 low on Friday to extend its daily cycle decline. Friday was day 30, placing the Miners in their timing band for a DCL.  The Miners managed to find support at the 50 day MA on Friday and formed a swing low on Monday.  The Miners are currently in a daily uptrend. A close above the 10 day MA would indicate a continuation of their daily uptrend and signal a cycle…

[nextbusiness24]

The moment I saw the Chinese national flag, I knew I was safe

“We didn’t leave anyone behind.” That’s how Ma Zhenghua, executive president of the Iran Federation of Overseas Chinese Association, described the recent emergency evacuation of more than 430 Chinese nationals from Tehran. Speaking to China News Network, Ma said the operation, carried out under the guidance and support of the Chinese Embassy in Iran, was a powerful reminder that the motherland is…

[rawstorys]

Zhongan Online Shys is shared with a decrease with the ANT group, which is supported by Jack MA

Zhongan Online Shys is shared with a decrease with the ANT group, which is supported by Jack MA

[webxthemes]

How to Speed Up Your WordPress Theme Without Plugins

Let’s be real—plugins are great, but sometimes you just don’t want to rely on too many of them. They can slow things down, conflict with each other, or even break your site. So, the big question is:

Can you speed up your WordPress theme without plugins? Short answer: Absolutely. Longer answer: Let’s show you how.

If you’re using a decent WordPress theme already, you’re halfway there. The rest comes down to a few smart tweaks that make a huge difference in load time.

1. Use a Lightweight Theme (It Matters More Than You Think)

Before you even start tweaking, the best thing you can do is start with a theme that’s already fast. Some themes are built with speed in mind—others are packed with bloat.

Look for WordPress themes that don’t load unnecessary scripts, use clean code, and keep things simple. Avoid themes that try to do everything—because they’ll end up slowing everything down.

2. Clean Up Your Media

No plugins needed—just common sense.

Resize your images before uploading

Use JPGs for photos and PNGs for graphics with transparency

Avoid uploading videos directly—embed them from YouTube or Vimeo

Large media files are one of the biggest reasons a site feels slow. The more your WordPress theme has to load on a page, the slower it’ll be.

3. Reduce External Fonts and Icons

Here’s something not many people think about: Every time your site loads a Google Font or an icon library, it’s making an external request.

Stick to one or two font styles max. And if your WordPress theme lets you disable icon packs you’re not using (like Font Awesome), do it.

Bonus tip: Consider using system fonts. They look clean and load instantly.

4. Trim the Fat (Widgets, Animations, and Stuff You Don’t Need)

Take a good, hard look at your pages. Are you really using everything in your header? Do you need that image slider?

Sometimes, the best way to make your WordPress theme faster is to simply… use less.

✅ Disable unused sections ✅ Avoid autoplay sliders and videos ✅ Keep your homepage clean and focused

Less stuff = faster load = happier visitors.

5. Minify CSS and JavaScript (Manually)

Yes, it’s easier with plugins—but you can do it by hand, too.

If you're comfortable editing theme files, combine and minify your CSS and JS. Tools like Minifier.org or Toptal’s Minifier can help.

Once you’ve compressed the files, replace the originals in your theme’s directory.

⚠️ Pro tip: Always back up your theme before making changes.

6. Enable GZIP Compression and Browser Caching

This one happens server-side—but again, no plugin needed.

Most hosting providers let you enable GZIP compression and set browser caching rules via .htaccess or your control panel. These changes make your WordPress theme load assets faster and more efficiently.

Not sure how? Ask your host—they’ll usually help in minutes.

7. Lazy Load Images (The Native Way)

Modern browsers now support native lazy loading. All you need to do is add:

html

CopyEdit

<img src="image.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="..." />

Some WordPress themes already do this by default. If yours doesn’t, a few tweaks in your theme’s image functions or templates can add it.

Result? Images won’t load until they’re actually needed—speeding up the initial load time.

8. Disable Emoji and Embed Scripts

WordPress loads extra scripts for emojis and embeds—even if you’re not using them. You can disable them by adding a few lines to your functions.php file:

php

CopyEdit

remove_action('wp_head', 'print_emoji_detection_script', 7); remove_action('wp_print_styles', 'print_emoji_styles'); remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_oembed_add_discovery_links');

Just like that, your WordPress theme sheds some extra weight.

And Finally… Choose the Right Theme Provider

All the tweaks in the world can’t fix a poorly built theme. That’s why starting with a solid, optimized foundation is key.

At webxThemes, all our WordPress themes are designed with speed, performance, and SEO in mind. They’re clean, lightweight, and made for people who care about quality—whether or not they use plugins.

Wrap Up

So yes—you can speed up your WordPress theme without plugins. It just takes a bit of manual effort, some smart design decisions, and a focus on what really matters.

Start light. Cut the fluff. And keep your visitors (and Google) happy.

Need help finding a theme that doesn’t slow you down? Check out webxThemes—we’ve got you covered.

[crubeens]

Reading Poetry on Sunday

This coming Sunday – Greenfield First Sunday Word April 6th @The Lava Center   324 Main St. Greenfield, MA 01301 Celebrate Poetry Month Poetry, Stories, Spoken Word Doors open at 1:00 1:20 is Open Mic 5 minute slots 2:30 Features this month – three great writers Elaine Reardon Carla Schwartz Joshua Michael Stewart $1 to $5 sliding scale donation to support the Lava center Hope to see…

[rclensfoot]

David Pereira Da Costa : «Il est temps pour moi d’ouvrir une nouvelle page de ma carrière»

Arrivé au RC Lens à l’âge de 11 ans, David Pereira Da Costa a fait toutes ses classes en Artois jusqu’à signer son premier contrat professionnel. Désormais, son avenir va s’écrire aux États-Unis, du côté de Portland. Avant de démarrer son aventure américaine, il s’adresse aux supporters artésiens. Source : Lensois.com

[tecsanrebel]

Improvizatii cu STweaks pe Note2 si S4 I9505 Apoi conflictul Valentines Kahn vs Depressed Kahn

Odata ce am instalat / flashed kernel cu support STweaks pe Note2 si S4 si alte dispozitive si kerneluri care supporta stweaks. Avem inca o problema in care ziua de Valentines e ziua depresiei sau sadtines day. Mai intai sa incepem cu STweaks in care pe S4 are amplificator de microfon si difizor , faptul ca vreau muzica sa fie tare sau amplific microfonul ca sa ma aud tare in inregistrari si…

[starpilipinas26]

Naniniwala Po Akong Ma's Nakakahigit Kayo Para Tumulong Sa Isang Katulad Ko... Kung Matutulungan Po Ako Para Sa Aking Trabaho On YouTube Matutulungan Ko Ang Aking Sarili Para Makabangon At Pag Maayos Na Ibabalik Ko Sa Mga Nangangailangan Lalo Na Ang Mga Senior Citizens Ang Aking Biyaya Para Naman Sa Kanila.

Good Day Po I’m Joseph Angeles Or Jeff Angeles A Creator Of YouTube, I Just Want To Ask A Little Support From You As A YouTuber To Grow My YouTube Channel, Which Is Buhay Tuklas, Because I Have A Dream To Help Using My YouTube Channel, I Want To Help Our Senior Citizens Who Need Maintenance Support Like Vitamins And Other Medicines That Their Body Needs, I Want Their Body To Be Stronger And Live…

[buhaytuklas]

Naniniwala Po Akong Ma's Nakakahigit Kayo Para Tumulong Sa Isang Katulad Ko... Kung Matutulungan Po Ako Para Sa Aking Trabaho On YouTube Matutulungan Ko Ang Aking Sarili Para Makabangon At Pag Maayos Na Ibabalik Ko Sa Mga Nangangailangan Lalo Na Ang Mga Senior Citizens Ang Aking Biyaya Para Naman Sa Kanila.

Good Day Po I’m Joseph Angeles Or Jeff Angeles A Creator Of YouTube, I Just Want To Ask A Little Support From You As A YouTuber To Grow My YouTube Channel, Which Is Buhay Tuklas, Because I Have A Dream To Help Using My YouTube Channel, I Want To Help Our Senior Citizens Who Need Maintenance Support Like Vitamins And Other Medicines That Their Body Needs, I Want Their Body To Be Stronger And Live…

[bhb-equanimitimmarcescible]

(en)Ru!nes & emP!res

Dans leur discordance, nombre d’hommes se trompe, et de bonne foi, il s’ensuit que notre esprit se persuade du mensonge comme de la vérité. Le crédule se perd dans un dédale d’inconséquences ; l’homme sensé examine, discute ; et de bonne foi supporte la contradiction, parce qu’elle seule fait naître l’évidence.

Le grand obstacle au perfectionnement Le Génie se tut… Cependant, prévenu de noirs sentiments, mon esprit demeura rebelle à la persuasion ; mais craignant de le choquer par ma résistance, je demeurai silencieux… Après quelque intervalle, se tournant vers moi et me fixant d’un regard perçant :… « Tu gardes le silence, reprit-il, et ton cœur agite des pensées qu’il n’ose produire !… » Interdit et…

[likesmoney]

Miner Support

The Miners broke below their previous DCL last week to form a failed daily cycle and signal the intermediate cycle decline. The Miners continued lower this until they found support at the 200 day MA on Thursday. Thursday was day 26, placing the Miners in their timing band for a DCL. A swing low and a close above the 10 day MA will have us label day 26 as the DCL. However, once the DCL does form,…

[islandwizards]

Shopify vs. WordPress: Which is Best for Your eCommerce Business?

With the explosion of online shopping, many businesses are looking to create an eCommerce website. Two of the most popular platforms for this purpose are Shopify and WordPress. While both can help you build a successful online store, they have different strengths and are suitable for different types of businesses. In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.

Why Choose Shopify?

Shopify is a dedicated eCommerce platform, designed to provide everything you need to run an online store. It’s easy to use, secure, and comes with a range of features to help businesses sell online efficiently.

Pros of Shopify:

Ease of Use: Shopify is designed to be user-friendly, even for beginners. You don’t need technical knowledge to get your store up and running.

Built-in eCommerce Features: Shopify offers out-of-the-box eCommerce functionality, including inventory management, payment gateways, and shipping options.

24/7 Customer Support: Shopify provides round-the-clock support for any issues that may arise.

Secure and Scalable: Shopify takes care of hosting, security, and performance, making it ideal for businesses that expect to grow.

App Integration: Shopify’s app store offers a wide range of add-ons to extend your store’s functionality, such as marketing tools, payment gateways, and more.

Cons of Shopify:

Limited Customization: While Shopify is easy to use, it has fewer customization options compared to WordPress.

Transaction Fees: If you don’t use Shopify’s own payment gateway, you’ll incur additional transaction fees.

Cost: Shopify operates on a subscription model, which can become expensive as your store grows and you add more features.

Why Choose WordPress?

WordPress is a flexible platform that powers over 40% of the web. When paired with WooCommerce, it becomes a powerful tool for eCommerce. WordPress is highly customizable, allowing for complete control over the design and functionality of your site.

Pros of WordPress:

Unlimited Customization: With thousands of themes and plugins, WordPress offers unmatched flexibility in design and functionality.

Control Over Hosting: You can choose your hosting provider, which can result in lower costs or better performance, depending on your needs.

No Transaction Fees: Unlike Shopify, WordPress doesn’t charge additional transaction fees for eCommerce sales.

SEO-Friendly: WordPress is inherently SEO-friendly, and with the right plugins, you can boost your site’s visibility on search engines.

Cons of WordPress:

Steeper Learning Curve: WordPress can be more challenging to set up, especially if you’re new to web development.

Ongoing Maintenance: You’re responsible for updating plugins, themes, and core files, as well as managing security.

Hosting Costs: While you have control over hosting, you also have to manage and pay for it yourself.

Add-ons for eCommerce: WordPress doesn’t come with built-in eCommerce features, so you’ll need to install and configure WooCommerce or another plugin to handle sales.

Which Platform is Right for You?

Choose Shopify if you’re looking for a simpler, all-in-one solution that’s easy to set up and maintain. It’s perfect for smaller businesses or those who don’t want to deal with the technical aspects of managing a website.

Choose WordPress if you need complete control over your website’s design and functionality and are comfortable handling some technical aspects or have a developer on hand. WordPress is ideal for businesses that want more flexibility and scalability in the long run.

Headless WordPress for eCommerce: A Hybrid Solution

If you like the flexibility of WordPress but want a more modern, high-performance eCommerce store, a headless WordPress setup might be the perfect solution. By decoupling the front-end from the back-end, you can build a fast and highly customizable storefront while using Shopify or another eCommerce platform on the back-end for managing inventory and sales.

At Island Wizards, we specialize in both Shopify and headless WordPress development, offering custom solutions tailored to your business needs. Whether you need a simple Shopify store or a complex headless WordPress site, we’ve got you covered.

Why Partner with Island Wizards?

At Island Wizards, our team of experienced developers provides a comprehensive range of services to help businesses succeed online. From building sleek, efficient Shopify stores to creating dynamic headless WordPress websites, we offer solutions that empower your eCommerce business.

We understand that every business is unique, so we work closely with you to tailor our services to your specific goals. Whether you’re a startup looking for a cost-effective solution or a growing brand ready to scale, Island Wizards has the expertise and tools to bring your vision to life. Explore more… https://islandwizards.com/services/shopify/ https://islandwizards.com/services/headless-wordpress/