#Attraction Marketing Principles

[directsellingnow]

Network Marketing Tips: ये 14 नियम बदल देंगे आपकी जिंदगी; Dr. Debi Prasad Acharjya

Network Marketing Tips: जिंदगी challenges और opportunities की ए��� complex picture है, जो अक्सर uncertainties के साथ आती है। सफलता और happiness की हमारी खोज में, हमें countless obstacles का सामना करना पड़ता है जिनके लिए effective problem-solving, critical decision-making और personal growth की आवश्यकता होती है। पूरे इतिहास में, मनुष्य ने अपने collective knowledge को timeless laws में बदल दिया है –…

[astrolook]

✨📲From Desires to DMs: The 11th Lord’s Role in Today’s Life 💸🤝

Note: These are just my personal observations and recurring patterns I've noticed over the years. This post is based on principles from Vedic astrology. Take what resonates with you and feel free to leave what doesn’t. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share in the comments if any of this resonates or reflects your own experience.

11th lord in 1H

You come across as witty, charming, and naturally optimistic. You have a poetic way of expressing yourself and a gift for speaking that draws others in. Generosity comes easily to you, and luck often shows up when you need it most. Life may throw you into strange and silly accidents, sometimes even sending you to the hospital unexpectedly. Still, you’re someone who can manifest your desires through personal effort. If you have an elder brother, they might face health challenges. In many cases, you are the firstborn or the only child in your family. Marriage tends to bring more comfort and material happiness into your life. You attract good friends and can rise to success through self-employment. Fame, wealth, and even awards are within reach, especially if you pursue singing. However, if this placement is afflicted, it can bring setbacks, including the rare but serious loss of an elder sibling.

Self-branding, influencer vibes, personal blog, lifestyle reels.

11th lord in 2H

You give off serious PR manager energy. You know how to charm, persuade, and make things happen with your words. Your friend circle is more than just social, it’s profitable. Joint ventures and investments often work in your favor. You might be low-key famous in your circle, whether as the quiet observer, the quirky one, or the center of attention. Careers in sales or banking suit you well and can bring solid financial rewards. Wealth can also come through your spouse, or even through donations if you're involved in activism or run an NGO. You're someone who knows how to turn social capital into actual capital.

Invests in crypto, runs a budgeting YouTube channel, side hustles for savings.

11th lord in 3H

Your elder sibling (if u have one) might become successful or headed that way. They tend to support you, and your bond with siblings in general is strong. There's a chance your sibling is the same gender as you. You're wired for self-employment and can build wealth by standing your ground and outsmarting your rivals. Moving far from home could boost your career and raise your status. Creative fields like writing, poetry, singing, or music are lucky for you. Not only do they bring joy, but they can also lead to real profits.

Content creator, viral tweets, runs a newsletter, digital marketer.

11th lord in 4H

You find joy through your maternal side unless the chart throws a curveball. You might actually feel closer to your father if he’s around. You're a smart worker, not a hard one. If money allows, you'd gladly outsource chores to a maid or even a robot. Investing in vehicles could bring profits, and real estate or agriculture might be other solid income streams. You tend to be practical, maybe even money-minded. Scholarships, higher studies, and awards are well within reach. Your mother is likely kind-hearted, and your spouse could be both fortunate and charming. Parental property might come your way, too, if it exists.

Home decor vlogs, real estate flipping, cozy aesthetic Instagram.

11th lord in 5H

You're or would be the kind of parent other kids wish they had like cool, wise, and totally in control of the future. You may share a strong bond with your father, and your own children will likely be just as attached to you. Gains can come through your spouse and even your kids. You value education and have a natural flair for being classy. The stock market, investments, and even a little gambling might bring in good profits, especially if you play your cards right. You're someone who blends brains with bold moves.

Stock tips on TikTok, sells art/NFTs, runs a fan page, livestreams games.

11th lord in 6H

You may have dealt with health issues or felt betrayed by friends or co-workers at some point. If you have an elder sibling, legal disputes or tensions with them might surface. You're logical, sharp, and a quiet fighter that's more strategic than aggressive. If you dream of running your own business, moving away from home could open doors to success. Loans can work in your favor but always read the fine print. If this placement is afflicted, relationships with elder siblings may suffer, and older people at work might try to undermine you or dump their issues on you.

Posts productivity hacks, LinkedIn power moves, wellness and fitness reels.

11th lord in 7H

You gain a lot through your spouse and their family, often enjoying a strong bond with them. You're naturally sensual, and at times, your spouse may have the upper hand in the relationship. This is a great placement for buying property or investing in a home. Before marriage, you might attract partners with hidden agendas, or you might be the one with them. Your elder sibling or grandparents could live far from you. Working with international clients or in internet-based fields brings success. You build a solid reputation, especially if you work abroad or run your own business. People tend to see you as a leader and may even follow your lead. If this placement is afflicted, it can bring serious challenges, including the loss of an elder sibling or spouse in extreme cases.

Couple vlogs, business with partner, relationship advice account.

11th lord in 8H

You’re built for the long run, but your spouse may not outlive you. You have a strong sensual side and might explore fleeting connections before finding "the one". There’s a magnetic pull toward taboo or hidden things, and you might even turn that into a career like adult content, sex work, or platforms like OnlyFans. You could also attract partners with similar paths, along with fame-obsessed partners, before settling down. Sudden, unexpected gains may come through the loss of close relatives. Fame might hit overnight, too, especially through viral moments or shock value.

OnlyFans, tarot TikTok, anonymous confessions, deep dive YouTube videos.

11th lord in 9H

You're fortunate, wise, and speak with clarity and truth. You're the kind of person who might one day be honored by the government or your workplace for something meaningful you’ve done for the greater good. Knowledge flows naturally to you, and there's potential to inherit property through grandparents or extended family. Your father may be supportive and well-off, or in some cases, you might have a stepfather instead. Recognition, awards, and even fame are likely especially in foreign lands. If your hometown doesn’t get you, the world just might. You’re made to shine beyond borders.

Travel vlogs, spiritual podcast, shares study abroad tips.

11th lord in 10H

You’re naturally wise and speak with honesty. You tend to overcome enemies in every sense, be it social, professional, or mental. You’re likely to care deeply for your mother, especially in her old age, though your relationship with your father may feel distant. Career success grows with age, and you’re likely to settle in a good, respectable neighborhood. Roles tied to the government or authority can bring you recognition, wealth, and a solid reputation. You’re someone who can profit easily from your profession, and multiple streams of income are definitely part of your path.

Career coach, TEDx speaker, shares hustle culture content.

11th lord in 11H

Your knowledge grows steadily as you’re a lifelong learner with an ever-curious mind. You’re likely to want a big family, whether that means many kids, adopted children, or even a house full of pets. Longevity, effortless success, and easy money tend to come with time. You may inherit ancestral property or receive support through an elder sibling if you have one. Your friend circle is a source of gains and opportunities. You carry a natural drive to always want more like more growth, more success, more connections.

Online community builder, event organizer, group chats for networking.

11th lord in 12H

You may unknowingly create obstacles for yourself. You might be surrounded by people yet still feel lonely or misunderstood. Earnings from foreign lands can be highly rewarding, and settling abroad could bring peace. If you have elder siblings, they may face health issues, or in rare cases, pass away early. You tend to connect deeply with outsiders, people from different cultures, or even strangers online, sometimes more than with those around you. You may carry heavy family responsibilities. Health-wise, there’s a possibility of insomnia, migraines, weak eyesight, and in very rare cases, even blindness. Donating to charity and engaging in selfless acts can help ease some of the more difficult effects of this placement.

Soft aesthetic Tumblr, anonymous blog, remote freelancing, ASMR YouTube.

Wanna dive deeper into your chart's layers? ✨🔍 DM me for a full astrology reading, a 5 or 8-year marriage report, detailed synastry, or a kundli matching breakdown 🌙💬 Check out my pinned post for pricing and more info 💫💸

Let’s decode your cosmic chaos together ⭐💖

[mariasont]

Okay okay, so this doesn't have to be smutty if you don't want but enemies to lovers Spencer, they banter and fight at work they just can't get along * cough sexual tension cough* she is like really short, 5 foot nothing. And one day during an argument she goes "I'll climb you like a tree!" Trying to be intimidating but it comes off as something entirely 😂

Climb You Like A Tree

A/N: ahhhh thank you so much for the request--loved, loved, loveddd writing this! <3 xoxo

‧₊˚ ✩°｡⋆♡ ⋆˙⟡♡ ⋆˙⟡♡⋆｡°✩˚₊‧

pairings: spencer reid x gn!reader

warnings: suggestive flirting, enemies to lovers

wc: 1.1k

From the moment you joined the BAU, you were immediately drawn to Dr. Spencer Reid, resident boy genius and pretty boy. You were hooked on his random facts, and his rare snarky comments--essentially everything about him.

But that admiration swiftly turned into exasperation after just a week of working alongside him. What began as quirky charm quickly soured; his random facts, once amusing, now felt like thinly veiled jabs, and his 'occasional' snark became a relentless critique targeting you. You were at a loss, unable to pinpoint the exact misstep that had seemingly placed you on the receiving end of his pointed barbs, but it was clear you had inadvertently crossed some invisible line.

You couldn't shake the feeling that you were an unwelcome replacement for Alex in his eyes. But surely, he couldn't blame you for that, could he? You tried to overlook his subtle digs, to treat them as mere background noise, but god he made it hard.

Month after month, you kept your head down, refusing the grant him the reaction he so desperately wanted. You were new and hesitant about your place on the team, so you bore the blunt of his jabs with a diplomatic smile.

By the fourth month, you'd reached your breaking point, and you unleashed your own brand of sharp-tongued retorts. You were known for your smart mouth in your old department--a skill that had made you both a standout and a frequent flyer in the disciplinary office. You could sense the team's growing frustration at your constant bickering. Yet, there was an unspoken acknowledgement of the singular abilities you both contributed, a balance that tipped in the favor of necessity.

Today had been particularly challenging, your most recent case had ended in the death of seven victims before the unsub ultimately killed himself, taking the locations of the victims with him. So, when you landed and were greeted not by a moment's rest but by a mocking monolith of paperwork, you were at your wits end.

"Could you click that pen any louder?" you grumbled, your eyes blazing with irritation as they met Spencer's, causing for a momentary pause in your flurry of activity.

"Technically, yes. The Doppler Effect dictates that the perceived volume changes with distance, so if I were to move closer to you, the clicking would indeed sound louder to you," Spencer retorted with a sardonic edge, inching closer across the desk, his pen's clicks swelling in volume as if to underscore the scientific principle he so carefully threw upon you.

"Come any closer and I swear I'll shove that pen where the sun doesn't shine."

"Yeah, you'd like that wouldn't you?"

You bit back the words that sat on the tip of your tongue, acutely aware of Hotch's scrutinizing stare. If was reprimand was on the horizon, you were determined not to be the recipient, despite Spencer's knack for bushing your buttons. The worst part of it all was how undeniably attractive you found Spencer to be--you liked his nerdy comments, the way you had to break your neck to look at him, and even that stupid smirk of his.

It was like a twisted game of fuck, marry, kill--except Spencer was your choice for all three, a secret you'd never admit to anyone. God knows that his ego was already overinflated.

"You know, while acai berries themselves are rich in antioxidants, the bowls are often misleadingly marketed as superfoods. In reality, the excessive amounts of granola, sweetened fruits, and added sugars make it the equivalent of dressing up a dessert as a fruit salad."

Your spoon paused mid-air suspended in the stillness of the break room, as your gaze drifted upwards to lock with Spencer's. A smirk unfurled across your lips, and with deliberate slowness, you savored a slow, exaggerated mouthful, the spoon exiting your mouth with a prolonged, tantalizing pull. A contented moan escaped you. "Mmm, nothing beats a bowl of disguised indulgence. Thanks for the insight, but this 'fruit salad' just became a tad sweeter."

You observed him as he stood, mouth slightly open, eyes glued to your lips with an intensity that bordered on reverence. Anticipating his usual quick-witted comeback, you were met with silence. "Aww, what's the matter, wonder boy? Cat got your tongue?"

"Not at all, but it wouldn't hurt for the cat to catch yours for a change," he replied, stepping forward, his stare cutting through the space between you. 

"Look who's talking. When you finally decide to censor your own commentary, that's when I'll consider silence," you pronounced, your acai bowl abandoned on the counter as a wave of irritation surged within you, propelling you forward.

"Censor my commentary? Trust me, If I didn't, we'd be having a very different conversation right now," he murmured, his frame inching so close you could feel the warmth of his breath.

"You must love the sound of my voice to be this close. Remind me again about the Doppler Effect?" you snapped, attempting to sound unaffected, but your body betrayed you--a rush of warmth blooming over your face. "Or is it just my personal bubble that's too tempting?"

"Are you always this flustered when someone invades your space, or am I the exception?" he teased, stepping in even closer, nearly pressing against you. Your gazes locked in a silent challenge as you tilted you head up defiantly, your heart doing somersaults in your chest.

"Flustered? Hardly. I'm just sizing up the tree before I climb," you declare, your gaze sharpening to fine points. "And you're not as tall as you think."

A sudden burst of laughter spilled from Spencer, a rich sound that echoed through the minimal space between you. He didn't step back, your chests touching. The sound jolted you, and as the weight of your own words hit you, a fierce blush flared across your cheeks, your embarrassment impossible to hide.

"Wait, that's not--ugh!" you stammer, but Spencer is already retreating towards the bullpen, his laughter trailing behind him, taunting you. Your voice echoes down the hallway as you hurry after his figure. "Spencer!"

At the bullpen's entrance, Spencer halts, turning to address the team with a grin. "Guess who just said she's planning to climb me like a tree?" he announces, your words now on display for the entire team. Heat creeps into your cheeks as you wish the ground would swallow you whole.

"Called it!" Penelope's voice rang up, her hands waving like she was directing a parade. "Profiler? Please, I didn't need a badge to see this coming. Doubters, eat your hearts out. Get it, girl!"

"I said 'like a tree' in a metaphorical sense, guys. You know, like overcoming obstacles...not literally climbing Spencer!" you mumble, your face hidden behind your hands, the embarrassment radiating from your cheeks.

With a lean that closed the gap between you, Spencer's voice was low and teasing, "Keep telling yourself that."

[probablyasocialecologist]

On one hand, it is understandable that diasporic Africans, after centuries of dispossession and racism, are drawn to the aspirations of returning to the African continent. Long before 2019, African Americans have relocated back to Africa, drawn and inspired by these nations’ liberation movements, including prominent academics such as Maya Angelou and W. E. B. Du Bois, who made Ghana their home under the invitation of Nkrumah, while members of the Black Panther Party sought refuge in Tanzania, influenced by Nyerere’s embrace of pan-Africanism under his Ujamaa framework. Even then at the height of the pan-Africanist movement, however, there were noted tensions between these expats and indigenous Africans, as noted in Saidiya Hartman’s Lose Your Mother, where she notes how Ghanaians resented expats for occupying land and “presuming to know what was best for Africa.” These diasporic frictions have persisted to present day, as some African Americans have made direct attempts to claim African citizenship. While the bulk of the efforts have taken place in Ghana, one US citizen who has lived in Kenya since 2008 petitioned for recognition as a Kenyan citizen, citing ancestral rights. While most African Americans who are descended from enslaved people trace their lineage to West Africa, his choice of Kenya as his ancestral home was informed by the Abuja Proclamation, a pan-African declaration sponsored by the African Union in 1993. This proclamation calls upon all African states “to grant entrance as of right to all persons of African descent and right to obtain residence in those African states if there is no disqualifying element on Africans claiming the right to return to his ancestral home”—an idyllic goal that has yet to be sustainably implemented in reality beyond catering to elite classes of the Black diaspora. As the push for economic growth continues, African nations such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, where tourism is central to GDP, are likely to begin marketing themselves as relocation destinations for the Black diaspora. While African Americans may not have explicit ancestral ties to East Africa, the region’s infrastructure and perceived stability may attract more returnees. It would not be surprising to see these nations adopt policies similar to South Africa’s “digital nomad” visas to facilitate long-term diaspora migration. Given the circumstances, it is easy to direct anger towards the incoming communities of Black expats, who seem to be reaping the benefits of this current incentivized hierarchy. Most of these newcomers, however, are also victims of the neoliberal structures of class exploitation that disenfranchise Black communities across the globe, particularly in America. The real culprits remain the African political and economic elite and the Western powers, former colonizers, and financial institutions who shape their self-interest and continue to amass capital at the expense of genuine racial solidarity, distorting radical unifying principles through the sanitizing process of elite capture.

2 May 2025

[st-just]

as someone who mostly doesn’t read any fiction by sociology majors or queer people who like to construct things, I want to know more of what you think about Cobra Kai. It’s interesting to see someone with a more “academic” relationship to fiction watch and talk about silly pulp stuff that I like.

I admit it’s utterly corny and “non-prestigious” for lack of a better word, but it does somehow speak to me in it’s shameless ‘80s-ness, and I want to know about what this says about me.

(I do like more intelligent fiction as well, but mostly artsy movies. Prestige tv or literary fiction has historically been too much of a time commitment to stay philosophically focused the whole time. I was a voracious reader as a kid, and I’m trying to read Anna Karenina, but the internet has rotted my attention span. I can do a 100 minute art movie, but reading a book chunks at a time is somehow hard to stay engaged with.)

Sorry this has taken so long to answer - was waiting to finish season five and then just forgot

I mean mostly I think it's entertaining trash with some enjoyably scenery-chewing performances and surprisingly good fight choreography? I also respect the utter commitment to the bit, in this world where 'karate' is a pan-Asian marital art that does legitimately give low-level superpowers and also guns don't really seem to exist. The shameless '80s nostalgia bait clashing with the modern setting is also done with enough effort and self-awareness to mostly be really fun. But it's honestly more background noise than anything I'm actually watching with analytical intent.

That said the show's conception of and preoccupation with masculinity is just fascinating for how deeply held and also unselfaware it seems to be?

Like Johny is clearly a comic, pathetic figure, right? Especially in season one, he's a failure of what mature masculinity is supposed to be (deadbeat dad, shitty insecury housing, no steady work or marketable skills, embarrassing piece of shit car, neither a long term relationship nor success when he tries for something casual). His fetishistic attachment to the outward signifiers of '80s machismo is presented as something to laugh at, both because of how outdated they are and because he can't live up to them. But! The show also presents him as having a kind of Quixote-esque nobility about him, and the next five seasons of tv are a long sequence of him basically achieving all the things he was pathetic for lacking in the premier.

More broadly, the show has a very, very clear thesis that the vital core of being a Good Man is a) being able to deploy incredibly violence through personal strength and skill b) but choosing not to do so as a demonstration of restraint and virtue c) unless it's for a just cause or someone is really asking for it. Like, literally every male character with an arc is good at karate! Even the MIT-bound dweeb who was introduced to get shoved into lockers and the annoying brat Ipad baby younger son! The show simply does not care to waste screentime on a guy who can't punch you into a coma.

(There's something almost like, chivalric about the plot beat in season 5 where Daniel has dutifully chosen to give up his vendetta against Silver because protecting his wife and children is more important than abstract principle or glory, and then his wife needs to cajole and convince him to get back in the fight with her blessing. Warrior-aristocrat-ass gender role enactment

(Because it's the 2020s, a select number of women can be warriors too. As long as they're incredibly conventionally attractive, and also never defeat/emasculate any of the really important men. I did actually laugh when the only non-supermodel-hot major female character was written off between seasons with like a single line of explanation))

Besides all that - I mean it's kind of hilarious how the show is so studiously colorblind is filling its supporting cast and has a few relatively prominent asian characters whose race is just literally never important in any way, and then also portrays The Orient like it's 1980 and the closest anyone involved has ever come to Asia is watching a couple horribly dubbed wire-fu movies.

[raincitygirl76]

Omar Rudberg is a very attractive young man. So I find it hilarious (though somewhat sobering) that nobody at Hillerska seems to notice Simon is gorgeous. All because he’s a lowly non-resident (and a socialist to boot, who refuses to act grateful to be allowed around his social betters), they pretend Simon’s looks are nothing out of the common way. It shows the pressure of class solidarity.

Makes me wonder, though, how many Hillerska boarders secretly have crushes on Simon. Because, you know, they have eyes, even if they don’t dare admit it to their friends because it would be social suicide. Are there girls in Simon’s classes who wistfully sigh over how aesthetically appealing he is? Or fellow choristers who covertly watch him sing when they’re supposed to be watching the music teacher and/or reading their scores?

I wonder how many girls quietly cried themselves to sleep right after the video came out. And told their curious roommates they were crying because apparently the Crown Prince is unattainable. But really they were crying because apparently Simon Eriksson is gay. And therefore definitely off the market, if those girls ever got up the guts to cross class lines and acknowledge how crush worthy he is.

P.S.

Incidentally, I don’t think Simon intentionally went back in the closet when he moved to Hillerska. It’s just we know from 1.01 that hardly anyone has spoken to him since the start of the school year. It’s kind of tough to come out to people who are pretending you don’t exist and won’t talk to you.

And then Wilhelm arrived, and was obviously interested but extremely closeted himself. So Simon had a large incentive not to arouse the suspicions of their Hillerska school mates by coming out himself. I don’t think Simon was hiding in S1 so much as just not choosing to actively bring it up. I’m pretty damn sure if someone had asked him flat out, he would’ve said he’s gay. But nobody did ask, so he and Wilhelm could continue to fly under the radar as close platonic friends.

We can also infer from Saran’s comment in 1.03 “Why are you sneaking around?” That at Marieberg, Simon was out and proud. But he wasn’t a pariah at Marieberg. People actually talked to him there. And he wasn’t deeply in love with a closeted guy at Marieberg.

It could also be another reason (as if Simon needed another) that Simon feels so betrayed by Wilhelm denying the video in 1.06. Simon has already compromised his principles for Wilhelm even before the video, by making allowances for Wilhelm’s closeted status and sneaking around secretively. And Wilhelm repaid Simon having previously compromised his principles by abandoning him altogether.

It’s one thing to let people assume you’re platonic friends and not actively correct them. It’s a whole other ballgame for Wilhelm to actively lie to the press and the entire world. Assertively affirming his (nonexistent) heterosexuality and his single status.

[lillipad72]

Anne's World: A New Century of Anne of Green Gables

Part 1: Introduction (Irene Gammel)

"Anyone who has ever encountered her in one of L.M. Montgomery's novels will never forget her, for she is what we're not - and all that we long for and shall never become." - Jack Zipes on Anne Shirley

Key questions the book wants to answer:

"How do we read this early twentieth-century novel in ways that are relevant for readers of the twenty-first century?

How do the novel’s ethical dimensions fit into our own era?

Can Anne of Green Gables be read as a therapeutic text, capable of counteracting depression?

What is the power and danger of digital encounters with Anne?"

The goal of this book:

To consolidate and expand upon previous scholarship and information by placing Anne in its contemporary context while also exploring the reception and cultural impact, providing new references for future study.

The essays:

'Seven Milestones: How Anne of Green Gables Became a Canadian Icon' (Carole Gerson) "argues that Anne’s longevity is partly the result of a series of ‘institutional, commercial, and grassroots interventions."

'Matthew Insists on Puffed Sleeves: Ambivalence towards Fashion in Anne of Green Gables' (Allison Matthews, David and Kimberly Wahl) "argues that the text allows Anne Shirley to have it both ways: others want her to be fashionable and ambitious, whereas she wants to fit in."

'I'll never be Agelically Good: Feminist Narrative Ethics in Anne of Green Gables' (Mary Jeanette Moran) "reveals that the novel conforms to a feminist ethical paradigm because it tends to value those ethical choices that preserve or maintain relationships to support the principle that those who nurture others must also care for themselves, and to challenge the assumptions that women naturally care for others or that they alone bear the responsibility to do so."

'Too Headless and Impulsive: Re-reading Anne of Green Gables through a Clinical Approach' (Helen Hoy) "argues for the possibility of reading Anne Shirley as a psychological case study."

'Reading to Heal: Anne of Green Gables as Biblio-therapy' (Irene Gammel) "argues for reading Montgomery’s fiction within the important context of bibliotherapy, or the use of books in the treatment of personal and mental disorders."

'Reading with Blitheness: Anne of Green Gables in Toronto Public Library's Children's Collections' (Leslie McGrath) "examines how Montgomery’s literary reputation endured wide swings of critical opinion"

'Learning with Anne: Early Childhood Education Looks at New Media for Young Girls' (Jason Nolan) "looks closely at Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series, Anne’s Diary, and New Moon Girls as prominent examples of how Anne of Green Gables and the work of Montgomery in general have been taken up as locations for formal and informal learning, through the identifi cation of Anne as variously a marketing icon, as an ideal young girl, and through the way Montgomery constructed learning environments within her novels."

'On the Road from Bright River: Shifting Social Space in Anne of Green Gables' (Alexander MacLeod) "studies the ways in which the characters inside the novel, like the readers outside of the text and the real-world visitors to the Green Gables National Park site in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, are all engaged in a complex process of reading and rewriting social space"

'Anne in a "Globalized" World: Nation, Nostalgia, and Postcolonial Perspectives of Home' (Margaret Steffler) "explores the impact of the novel and character both outside and within Canada, arguing that the attraction of Montgomery’s work continues into the twenty-first century because it resonates with conditions in contemporary lives and culture, specifically the emotions and activity involved in migratory patterns of losing and creating home"

'An Enchanting Girl: International Portraits of Anne's Cultural Transfer' (Andrew O'Malley, Huifeng Hu, Ranbir K. Banwait, Irene Gammel) "shines a light on the crossover points from one culture to another, identifying cultures that have ‘appropriated’ Anne for very different purposes"

'What's in a Name? Towards a Theory of the Anne Brand' (Benjamin Lefebvre) "draws on film and cultural theories to consider paratextual Annes in terms of authorial ownership, control, and narrative pleasure"

'Mediating Anne' (Richard Cavell) (afterword) "closes off the book by providing a jumping-off point, looking forward to future research exploring the global Anne."

hi hi hi! I just discovered this book from 2010, which is a collection of essays on Anne of Green Gables, and I thought I might go through each essay and share my thoughts on the pieces! If anyone else has this book or access to any of the essays (some of which I think you can find online) I would love to discuss them with you! xoxo lily

[cheerycherrycandy-resurrected]

2025 is gonna be the year of me posting fic ideas and drafts rather than hoarding them in a single notes app file:

Satanized: The making of the music video.

(this is all because @rainsbasspick said Rain looked like he'd rather be anywhere else lol)

oh and hi @cosmicseafoam since you asked to be tagged in anything I write!!

After the success of Rite here Rite now, and following a rocky start as Frater Imperator, Copia had been given one final task before handing over the reins to the new Papa Emeritus V: organising the music video announcing his succession. Psaltarian was in charge of everything else; from the smoking billboard, to the coded playlist, to the aggressive marketing campaign, and yet Copia was still feeling the pressure of his task.

Between the new Papa and the ghosts of Sister and Nihil, they had concocted a rough plan for how the Satanized video should go: black and white, and set in some unspecified time in the past. Most importantly, it had to fit within their limited budget; despite the record popularity of Ghost currently, custom-made cassocks didn't come cheap. Papa V had wanted the best, of course, something Copia with this collection of bespoke lamé jackets more than understood. That didn't stop him grumbling about it however as Sister's ghost appeared to remind him that he had less than a week and that his budget had been slashed even further.

While they might not have any money for fancy scenery, costumes or hired actors, Copia knew the Abbey wasn't lacking in the things that mattered here; enthusiasm and talent. By lunchtime, word had spread throughout the halls that he was casting for a music video filmed here at the Abbey, with it's most devout worshippers in the lead roles.

The queue of siblings of sin had formed outside his office within hours, and Copia had found himself running auditions quite by accident. What he hadn't expected though was to find his - V's now, he had to remind himself - entire cohort of ghouls waiting patiently for their turn.

Copia was a man of principles, and he had spent his entire tenure in the band striving to be the best frontman he could be. He had dedicated years of his life to the project, improving it in any way he saw fit and ultimately leading them to greatness. That didn't mean he wasn't deeply biased towards the ghouls who had helped him achieve everything, however.

That bias was how, with less that two full days until the video was due to be released, Copia found himself directing the gaggle of ghouls onto the makeshift film set, dressed in borrowed siblings' albs and costume wigs bought hastily on the internet.

The ghouls were technically playing themselves in half of their scenes, he reasoned, and who better to act as members of a band that the members themselves? They were already needed on set for the final shot of Papa V, after all. He chose to ignore that he had written the scenes requiring them to play their instruments into the script at the last minute. He didn't need to justify his choices as Frater Imperator, but a part of him would always be that young Cardinal, desperate for validation and compelled to justify his every move.

They had proven themselves in the movie, Copia thought to himself, Rain especially with his small speaking role. All of them had showed they could be trusted to represent the Abbey and attract more followers all on their own, so what better way to thank them than allow them in front of the cameras again? They had had so much fun, Copia remembered fondly. From their silly skits backstage at the Forum to their unforgettable performance on the stage, the ghouls were an integral part of Ghost.

Playing the lead role in his little production was one of the Brothers of Sin, a devout member of their church who had been at the Abbey for as long as Copia could remember. As he had learned in his brief audition, the Brother had been an aspiring actor before joining their ranks. Educated in one of the finest drama schools, he fell into the role better than anyone the Clergy could have paid money to hire. Even the more esoteric moments of Copia's script couldn't match the Brother breaking out into jazz hands halfway thorough one of his solo scenes. Playing opposite him as a priest was another Brother, one whom Copia had selected for the role solely because he thought his eyebrows fitted the part. His natural confusion lent him just the right air of disgust Copia was going for.

Any air of solemnity the pair of brothers conjured up in their early scenes was dashed as soon as the camera was on the ghouls however. Trustworthy enough to maintain their glamours and entrance audiences as they were, Copia had made one grave mistake when directing them prior to filming their ensemble scenes: he had told them to pretend they were back on stage, take it as seriously as they took the rituals.

In the many months since his final tour had ended, Copia had forgotten exactly what that looked like. Cameras rolling, the ghouls had swayed and bobbed to the music, nearly bumping into each other with every movement given how tightly they were squeezed into an old choir pew. It felt strange to them, performing without masks to hide behind. Dew especially was taking some small comfort in the pressure of the silly wig on his head, the familiar albeit uncomfortable feeling actually helping him concentrate.

Nothing could stop their antics however. Cumulus had flapped her hands directly under Dew's nose during his solo, trying to put him off, while Swiss seemed to be trying to claw back every missed second of screen time he had lacked in the movie by acting up here. Rain looked markedly more subdued that Copia had been expecting however, especially given how he had been dubbed the pack's movie star after his one line of dialogue. What the Abbey's new director was unaware of however was the small spat he and Dew had had only moments before; with Dewdrop teasing the water ghoul over stealing the show in the movie and the water ghoul resolving to act as nonchalantly as he was capable of as a result. Copia supposed that explained Cumulus' determination to annoy Dew in response.

Despite whatever quarrels they may have, the ghouls were keenly looking forward to the filming of one specific scene. Ever since they were summoned, each ghoul had received countless lectures and training on how they were not to hunt the humans, on pain of banishment back to the pit. The line in the script, originally written for other Siblings of Sin, in which they were to pin the lead Brother to a low stone altar went against everything they had been trained not to do topside. The novelty of finally getting to give in to their baser instincts was enough to get all of them to put their quarrels aside. The cat-like grins on the faces of the ghouls as they slunk forward inspired the best performance from the Brother yet; the look on his face one of pure terror. Phantom even licked their lips as they readied to pounce, the Brother of Sin regretting all his life choices that had led to this moment.

Still though, he couldn't criticise them; so much of their popularity came from their antics on stage, and he supposed he couldn't fault them for doing what they did best. Copia was infinitely proud of them. Hearing of his retirement had been hard for them - "retirement" held a scary double meaning for many at the Abbey - but they had taken the news that they would be performing with a new frontman better than he could have expected.

As admirably as all of the ghouls and siblings alike acted, he had to admit that the reveal of his successor was quite spectacular. With the fog machine he had dug out of the basement blasting and a MacGyvered camera boom sweeping around him, the dark Pope was resplendent in his new cassock, surrounded by the ghouls. Copia deeply wished it was still him up there, singing to their ever-increasing legions of adoring fans, but alas that was not to be. Looking up at Perpetua, oozing confidence as he smouldered down the camera lens he smiled weakly to himself: at least their congregation ought to like him, and that was all that truly mattered.

[gamelott]

The Rise of Crypto Casinos: A New Era in Gambling

The gambling industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the centuries, evolving from rudimentary dice games in ancient civilizations to the glitzy casinos of Las Vegas. Today, the rise of the crypto casino represents a new chapter in this storied history, blending cutting-edge blockchain technology with the timeless thrill of wagering. Platforms like Jups.io are at the forefront of this revolution, offering players a secure, transparent, and decentralized gaming experience that traditional casinos struggle to match. This article explores how crypto casinos emerged, their technological foundations, and why they are reshaping the gambling landscape.

The origins of gambling trace back thousands of years, with evidence of dice games in Mesopotamia and betting on chariot races in ancient Rome. These early forms of gambling were social activities, often tied to cultural or religious events. Fast forward to the 17th century, when the first modern casinos appeared in Europe, formalizing gambling into structured venues. The 20th century saw the rise of Las Vegas and Atlantic City, where opulent casinos became synonymous with luxury and risk. However, these traditional setups had limitations—centralized operations, high fees, and concerns over fairness. Enter the crypto casino, a game-changer that leverages blockchain to address these issues.

Cryptocurrency, pioneered by Bitcoin in 2009, introduced a decentralized financial system that prioritized security and anonymity. By the mid-2010s, developers recognized the potential of integrating blockchain with online gambling, giving birth to the crypto casino model. Unlike traditional online casinos, which rely on centralized servers and fiat currencies, crypto casinos operate on blockchain networks, ensuring transparency through immutable ledgers. Jups.io exemplifies this model, offering games like slots, poker, and roulette, all powered by cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Players can verify the fairness of each game through provably fair algorithms, a feature that builds trust in an industry often plagued by skepticism.

The technological underpinnings of crypto casinos are what set them apart. Blockchain ensures that every transaction—whether a deposit, wager, or withdrawal—is recorded transparently, reducing the risk of fraud. Smart contracts, self-executing agreements coded on the blockchain, automate payouts and game outcomes, eliminating the need for intermediaries. This not only lowers operational costs but also allows platforms like Jups.io to offer competitive bonuses and lower house edges. Moreover, the use of cryptocurrencies enables near-instant transactions, a stark contrast to the delays often experienced with bank transfers in traditional online casinos.

The appeal of crypto casinos extends beyond technology. They cater to a global audience, unrestricted by geographic boundaries or banking regulations. Players from regions with strict gambling laws can participate anonymously, thanks to the pseudonymous nature of cryptocurrencies. Additionally, crypto casinos attract tech-savvy younger generations who value innovation and digital assets. The integration of decentralized finance (DeFi) principles, such as staking rewards or yield farming, into some platforms adds another layer of engagement, blurring the lines between gaming and investment.

However, the rise of crypto casinos is not without challenges. Regulatory uncertainty looms large, as governments grapple with how to oversee decentralized platforms. Volatility in cryptocurrency markets can also affect players’ bankrolls, though stablecoins like USDT are increasingly used to mitigate this risk. Despite these hurdles, the trajectory of crypto casinos points upward, driven by relentless innovation and growing adoption.

In conclusion, the crypto casino represents a bold fusion of gambling’s rich history with the transformative power of blockchain. Platforms like Jups.io are leading the charge, offering players an unparalleled blend of security, fairness, and excitement. As cryptocurrency continues to permeate mainstream finance, crypto casinos are poised to redefine the future of gambling, one block at a time.

[aziraphales-library]

Hello! I really love The Sometimes Wife and occasionally find other Regency Era fics to enjoy. Do you have any recommendations, particularly for human AUs?

Hi! We have a healthy #regency tag, so do check that out. Here are some more to add to the collection...

Entailed by FeralTuxedo (E)

Anthony Crowley, a single gentleman of seven-and-forty and guardian to two unmarried sisters, is awaiting the arrival of the young clergyman who is set to inherit his estate. A marriage between him and one of the Miss Crowleys would be advantageous for both. But Mr Fell has other plans.

Remain Forever Yours by TawnyOwl95 (E)

Seven years ago Aziraphale Device was persuaded out of accompanying his dearest friend to Egypt. Now a famous explorer, Anthony Crowley is back in London and looking for a wife. Aziraphale is determined to be happy for him, despite his own breaking heart.

More Than by NaroMoreau (E)

Crowley would like to spend another year without marrying, especially when thrust-forced to pick a husband. She refuses to cave in on a matter of principles. She refuses to cave in specifically on a matter of not wanting to be married to Lucien Morningstar. But she might need a hand to break free from such a burden. And who knows? She might even find something else along the way.

Waltzing Vaguely Downwards by WorseOmens (NR)

Lord Crowley was not looking for a potential wife, when he arrived at this party. That doesn’t mean he won’t find one. Part one of the Good Omens Regency AU: The Serpent & The Flaming Sword series

Morningstar Abbey by Andromeda4004 (T)

No one who had ever seen Aziraphale Fell in his youth would have supposed him born to be a hero. His situation in life, the character of his father and mother, his own person and disposition, were all equally against him. But when a gentleman is to be a hero, the attractions of a comfortable, quiet home cannot prevent him. Something must and will happen to throw his destiny in his way. One should never forget that between a hero and his destiny, one will always find a villain. Trusting parish rector Aziraphale attempts to navigate Regency Bath, the marriage market, and the complexities of his own heart in this take on Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey, written for the Ineffably Austen event, March 2023.

Sunday's Child by ladydragona, SylWritesStuff (E)

For a few years of their childhood, Aziraphale Eastgate and Anthony Crowley are inseparable until tragedies begin to strike the Eastgate family. After fifteen years, Aziraphale's become a servant to his own family and Crowley's about to inherit his father's fortune. The only thing that stands in Crowley's way is his Uncle Lucian's tight hold on finances until Crowley marries or comes of age. And the marriage his uncle has in mind for him is out of the question. Thankfully, a chance encounter puts these former friends within range of one another again. And Aziraphale, who's never managed to fall out of love with his former best friend, can't refuse a proposal which offers so much promise. It might hurt, but it might just be glorious too.

- Mod D

[dreamtydraw]

Doing my yearly Pride doodle and my annual reminder.

That not a shocking news that on this blog ( owned by a panromantic, asexual non binary person ) aphobia, biphobia and transphobia are not welcomed here.

Reminder : stop hyper sexualising people who are queer just because they’re queer. This goes for lesbian fetishization, gay man fetishization and sexualisation of enby’s body.

Reminder : Romantic attraction and Sexual attraction are two separated thing that can be linked to each other but dosen’t mean the same.

Reminder : no one is forced to come out and someone not being open about their sexuality isn’t queerbaiting, queerbaiting is a specific principle used in marketing.

Reminder : being queer dosen’t excuse you for being a terrible person. You can be queer and racist, you can be queer and transphobic, you can be queer and sexit.

Reminder : Being queer dosen’t make you less of a creep if you don’t respect people’s boundaries « you’re straight but so are pasta before they’re wet » big ew.

Reminder : Non binary people don’t owe you androginity and trans peeps don’t owe you feminity / masculinity. In the same tone enby and trans folks aren’t all skinny people, stop being fatphobic.

Lasty, if I managed to keep your interest until the end please do your clicks on arab.org and share about Palestine, Congo, Sudan or Yemen. Here is a link that lead to multiple gofunds me of Palestinian who needs support.

Happy pride everyone, keep yourself safe and remember to buy from artist for pride merch, don’t give your money to greedy companies.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-DDMFyn-ttboPXrz1bB3MFk7BlzCwfugh4259Wh7U1s/htmlview?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZb4v9Ct2z41Gg-fQOxBrd0A0QvuXzeIcwnZVWJxXGBG3_fBJXvL0mPnP8_aem_AVQthv21fjhwKRdOGc3DojoRaBFjVa2c5iVZOQJm1GbeRcyqpYcm-ME0Ko37uPbbTQ02hK7t6U2sBqCUeNzpD3eH

[implausiblyjosh]

I'm Not Like Other Wholesome Games, But I Won't Tell You Why

I read a pretty bad essay, i was a teenage exocolonist (and so can you), and now I'm making it your problem.

Let's start with my issue with "wholesome games" as a concept. Personally, I think the entire concept as a marketing term is like nails on a chalkboard. The "wholesome games" directs, that game during The Game Awards being marketed as a "wholesome game", it's just a filler phrase that means nothing to me. While it can feel pretty useful coming from a friend whose tastes I understand who can actually explain what they mean by "wholesome" in context, as I said on bluesky, "it feels very overwhelmingly corporate when said out loud during several hours of gaming ads."

So a couple days after hearing about "wholesome games" during a long advertisement with occasional awards thrown in, I see a medium article from Doc Burford passed around on bluesky. Now, I already dislike this dude's writing style in general. At the end of 2023 he got main charactered on Twitter for arguing that JRPGs aren't RPGs. While I won't get into "if I think JRPG is even meaningful as a genre", and while I think he and I come to genres and their categories in two different ways, I said on Twitter that he's got "forum poster brain, where you're just an unshakable, in your mind always correct, asshole and it means any message you write is muddied by that tone." I stand by that still, he writes like an asshole who thinks he's better than anyone who disagrees. He acts as if he is not talking down to you, while the tone he takes online is actively talking down to people who disagree with him.

With all that being said, I still read the article. And it fucking blows.

When I initially read it and reacted to it, it felt like he was arguing that "wholesome games" uniquely attract shitheads to be shitheads. This felt silly because he only gives one instance of "wholesome media fandoms being little shits" with a Steven Universe example, and the rest are examples of people being awful to Doc Burford in other, non-wholesome-games contexts. In fact, at one point in the essay he says:

I’ve watched people go “no! you can’t criticize this! it’s wholesome!” come out in droves to defend a game that sucks just because they tied their consumption of the product to it.

Which clearly tells me there isn't a unique issue with "wholesome games", but the actual issue is deeply tying your consumption of something into your personality. And honestly it's more broad than that, where when you tie external things into your personality it seems like an attack on those external things become an attack on you. Synder Cut fanboys, Fandom "elder" goobers who want to be percieved as very principled and smart and anti-racist, Harris voters who filmed TikToks ordering Starbucks and McDonalds over her loss... there's an obvious throughline of tying outside perseption, outside forces, and the like into your own personal identity that is not healthy.

I made a threat, to which one Doc Burford himself chimed in. This made me think about the essay again, about wholesome games and how it ties into I Was A Teenage Exocolonist, the game he's supposedly supposed to be writing about, and then it hit me.

He doesn't even talk about "wholesome games".

The back part of the essay is about I Was A Teenage Exocolonist, and how it's not like other wholesome games. It's all giving off a very pick-me energy, trying to make sure this game stands out from all the pitfalls and negativity and fascism that can come into wholesome games fandoms... but he never actually talks about another wholesome game to compare this game to. The closest we get is the Steven Universe situation he uses as an example but, and I hate to tell you this, Steven Universe is a television show and not a "wholesome game". Despite opening his essay with "it’s easier to find ten games that are an example of something", he provides no examples of "wholesome games".

Well, that's not entirely true. The few times he talks about video games other than I Was A Teenage Exocolonist is when he's talking up his own games. When he finally gets to I Was A Teenage Exocolonist he explains what makes this game a "wholesome game" in his mind, which is that it looks "twee", and how he would change it in his own games. The first game he talks about, in the third paragraph of his essay, is a game he's working on under the codename "Waifu Death Squad". The only other game I can remember him talking about is Mass Effect, and that is not in the discussion of "wholesome games" but "choices matter games". He outlines a vague sketch of what a "wholesome game" is to him, which is a game about comfort without conflict with some sort of "twee" aesthetics, but never once says a game that fits this mold. The closest we get is him saying I Was A Teenage Exocolonist isn't like other "wholesome games" because there is death and conflict.

So he talks about a handful of games but never gives an example of a "wholesome game". He never gives an example of a "wholesome game" with a bad fandom. And yet Doc Burford spends several hundred words on explaing how fascists prey upon a want for "nostalgic comfort" with a section that includes nine (9) different Nazi films as examples of how fascists do this. Nine (9) nazi films, and yet we talk about two (2) video games that are not made by Doc Burford, and one (1) is Mass Effect and the one (1) is the subject of the essay. What the fuck are we even doing here?

This is truly the biggest issue about the essay, in my estimation. We're supposed to be here for I Was A Teenage Exocolonist, and we're supposed to be talking about "wholesome games", and we're supposed to be talking about how I Was A Teenage Exocolonist isn't like other "wholesome games", but you're not actually talking about "wholesome games" in your essay about "wholesome games"! And I know you can make arguments with examples, because you showed me nine (9) nazi movies to drill in the idea that fascists appeal to comfort in their art. Could you give me any examples of a "wholesome game" maybe?

At this point, I can barely understand what a "wholesome game" is. If it's a game with no conflict and prioritizes comfort, the only game I can think of in the larger gaming consciousness is Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a game that people seemed to really wish had some more of the conflict and edginess from earlier installments. If we're talking about "wholesome games" from a viewpoint of audience perception, as opposed to a description of the game and how it plays and what it does, then that doesn't seem like a useful genre. Should I start talking about Mob Psycho 100 in terms of it being a "wholesome anime" because it has themes about growing up and being a kid and finding yourself and so on? Should I call Call of Duty a "wholesome game" because there exists a part of the fandom that wants no conflict in the game and simply wants their multiplayer matches to look like every clip-farming CoD content creators' videos? You see how useless this all feels as a description?

All of this swirls around to make for a bad essay. Because he doesn't talk about "wholesome games", and instead talks about how attachment to consuming media is the real culprit behind having shitheads raid your fandoms and audiences, he's undermined any argument around how I Was A Teenage Exocolonist is not like other "wholesome games". Because he shows you he can come up with endless examples of nazi films that prey on nostalgic comfort, but doesn't list one (1) "wholesome game" in comparison to I Was A Teenage Exocolonist or his own games, it feels like he doesn't actually have a good framework for what a "wholesome game" even is. If you then think about how he talks more about his own accolades and games he's working on or has worked on than actual "wholesome games", and the little digs at I Was A Teenage Exocolonist, this doesn't really feel like an essay about I Was A Teenage Exocolonist. The essay reads like he's jerking off about his own success and telling you how good he could make a game in this mold (again, a mold he refuses to define). It all comes off as self-congratulatory nonsense attempting to be about trying to congratulate some other game he has no real interest in talking about.

And the worst part? He's shitty about how bad this essay is. Someone made some flippant post about the essay, to which Doc Burford says the essay is actually about "wait, this is a piece where the writer says he wants to write wholesome games but is wondering why nazis are attracted to wholesome games so much because he doesn't want them as fans". When the person defends their read on the essay, Doc Burford implies they're trying to run defense for fascists and defends this by saying the person is trying to "lie" about his work. I mean, he was in my mentions for no good reason! My posts do not Do Numbers, and it's not like he came back to be like "actually, I did talk about more wholesome games", so he just came by to be a but of a shithead and move on because he didn't like that I was negative.

This is a tantrum. Even by his own standards of what his essay is about, he clearly misses the mark. But to do this in the quote posts of someone being flippant about his essay is goofy. To be in people's mentions about it is goofy. To act like anyone who disagreed with the essay is stupid, or lacks media literacy, or is someone to talk down to is goofy. And I think that person being flippant about his essay is being too kind, because if Doc Burford had managed to bring up Stardew Valley he'd at least have talked about a singular "wholesome game" in comparison to I Was A Teenage Exocolonist!

I go back to what I said about his writing before, which is that he's got forum poster brain. This is being argumentative to keep up appearances online. There is almost no actual defense of the words he wrote but instead being mad people don't vibe with his words. He wants so badly to receive no pushback for his words because he believes no one could argue against him. I mean, look at how high his pedestal is for himself:

But several people suggested that by not liking the popular art they had consumed, I “just didn’t get it,” which was funny, cause I have multiple critically acclaimed games under my belt, have been brought into help people in AAA make their games critically acclaimed, and I have multiple degrees in storytelling and art. I am quite literally an expert in this field. These people were mostly just young adults who’d bought a $70 game that had been advertised very heavily and polished into a generic AAA paste. Like, you wanna argue with me on the points, go for it, but “you would like this product if you were smart” coming from someone with no qualifications to an expert in the field is just silly.

The people who disagree with Doc Burford just "don't get it". He's a self-proclaimed expert in the field! And when you do argue on the points he handwaves it away as being a defense for fascists, or that you're stupid, or that you don't have media literacy, or you're reading it in bad faith, or or or or or. It's frustrating and it creates for a bad reading experience because you know if you disagree too loud in public he comes in and stomps his feet and demands to be taken seriously. He's an expert after all and, no matter who you actually are or what you actually say in in relation to the essay, in his eyes you're just some dumb kid who bought a video game and think you're entitled to sit with the big kids.

This post was made as a synthesis of lots of different posts I made around the internet, like my bluesky. Thank you to my friends who I talked about this with to help me clarify my thoughts. I hope you enjoyed all my words!

[nandinishenoy]

High-Quality Real Estate: The Foundation of Affordable Long-Term Investment

In today’s fast-paced and competitive market, quality remains the fundamental pillar of a strong value proposition. It is a defining factor that influences customer expectations across industries. Businesses that prioritize quality not only set themselves apart but also uphold the principle that customers deserve excellence. Without quality, the perceived value diminishes.

The Enduring Value of Real Estate

Real estate is one of the most significant assets a person can own. Constructing homes and commercial spaces isn’t just about erecting structures; it’s about creating spaces that stand the test of time. Quality in real estate is not just desirable—it’s essential. Companies that focus on quality in every aspect of their projects provide better service and long-term benefits to their customers. Let’s explore why quality in real estate is an affordable investment.

A One-Time Investment with Lifelong Benefits

Quality development should be seen as an enduring investment rather than an expense. Customers deserve superior products and services that retain their value over time. Since high-quality properties last longer and require fewer repairs, they foster customer loyalty and ensure long-term financial benefits.

Better Homes, Better Living

A property’s quality directly impacts the quality of life of its residents. Sustainable construction methods, proper ventilation, ample natural light, and efficient space utilization contribute to a comfortable and healthy living environment. Modern buyers prioritize homes that align with their values and offer lasting advantages.

Enhancing Property Value Through Superior Construction

The quality of construction directly influences a property's market and emotional value. Premium materials, superior craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail not only enhance a property’s aesthetic appeal but also increase its overall worth. Investing in high-quality real estate results in lower maintenance costs, making it a practical and valuable choice in the long run.

Quality Real Estate’s Impact on Market Growth

Well-constructed developments can uplift entire neighborhoods, setting new standards for the industry. When developers commit to quality, they inspire others to follow suit, leading to overall improvement in real estate market dynamics and contributing to economic growth.

Building a Legacy of Excellence

Trust and reputation are built on quality. At Hiranandani Group, quality is a non-negotiable attribute in every project we undertake. As real estate developers, we are responsible for creating lasting, high-quality living environments for our stakeholders, and we remain committed to this vision.

Quality Real Estate: More Cost-Effective Than You Think

While lower-priced options may seem attractive initially, they often come with hidden maintenance and repair costs. Investing in quality real estate from the start ensures long-term savings and peace of mind. Additionally, high-quality products and services typically come with better warranties and guarantees.

We invite you to join the conversation and advocate for higher real estate standards. Let’s invest not just for today, but for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Hiranandani Group maintain quality in its projects?

We implement rigorous quality control measures throughout the construction process. By using premium materials, employing skilled professionals, and adhering to international standards, we ensure our projects are built to last. Regular inspections and advanced construction technology further enhance durability and efficiency.

How does quality real estate contribute to sustainable living?

Quality real estate plays a crucial role in sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and smart home technologies. At Hiranandani Group, we go beyond construction by providing integrated lifestyle amenities that support sustainable living.

What are some notable Hiranandani Group Projects?

Our landmark developments include Hiranandani Gardens in Powai, Hiranandani Estate in Thane, Hiranandani Fortune City in Panvel, and Hiranandani Parks in Chennai. These projects are recognized for their superior design, world-class amenities, and long-term value.

What construction techniques ensure quality at Hiranandani?

We utilize advanced construction methods such as double-wall systems, premium material selection, innovative building technologies, strict quality control, and adherence to global construction standards.

How does quality real estate enhance quality of life?

Superior real estate enhances everyday living by offering well-designed, durable homes in thriving communities. With premium amenities, safety measures, and excellent connectivity, residents enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. At Hiranandani, we focus on creating vibrant townships that provide fitness centers, landscaped gardens, swimming pools, and strong security infrastructure—ensuring a holistic and enriching living experience.

[yesloulou]

Hi friend.

Actually just today, my friend and I was talking about Daniel after the race. He’s been watching F1 for way longer then me. I expressed my concern over the last two weeks even though this is only the beginning of the szn. He said and I summerised, currently DR can only be in midfield teams is cus while he dose have the skills, he’s too unserious for like SF or MER, but his unseriousness brings great publicity for midfield teams.

I think in some aspects this may be true. But It’s just, like, idk, thought of this hits me. I know this jester aura (?) often surrounded him and people saying it’s great for marketing and stuff, but isn’t that a bit unfair tho? Maybe DR is always DR, way before F1 he is DR, and now all of a sudden his a publicity stun.

(feel sad for millionaires)

Idk what will happen after this szn but I really hope he keeps racing.

You know when you look at someone and look at what they do, you just go like, yeah for sure that’s what they do? I look at Daniel and I have this feeling. He’s a racer, always have been and always will, maybe he’ll go to Indy or some other competitions if this doesn’t work out, but in heart he’s a racer, he belongs to the track and the speed.

That’s just how I feel, and don’t really know who I can say this to, so thank you for letting me vent.

Wish him all the best for home race.

this is so sweet (the way you worry for daniel's prospects) and '(feel sad for millionaires)' got me irl lol 😭 your friend sounds like he's watched f1 for a long time but i would disagree with his conclusion. i provide that:

allegedly ferrari decided to not go for daniel after seeing him dance with daniil kvyat in the pit lane to entertain fans during rain delay at usgp 2015. the situation first of all was fortunately and unfortunately more nuanced than daniel being "unserious". the ferrari at the time was also run by arrivabene during bernie ecclestone's f1 reign. the ferrari today, two team principles later and after liberty media's f1 takeover, has changed in many ways. for example, in 2022 they had charles and carlos do this tiktok trend which definitely, definitely flirted with "the boundaries" (whatever that means) way more. so no, even tho daniel doesn't drive for ferrari, i wouldn't say he is "too unserious" for them.

merc is considered a more "corporate" environment in f1, example is valtteri's change in public image after leaving mercedes. however given that at the end of 2022 toto went as far as literally wearing daniel's merch in an attempt to reserve him for mercedes, i'd say obviously they don't consider daniel "too unserious" either.

publicity in f1 just generally cannot be a bad thing. more people interested in watching a driver means more sponsors willing to pay $$$$ to put their names and logos onto their livery. and more $$$$ means better chances at making a faster car, which is a goal of every team's. one can argue that a successful and financially secure team like red bull or ferrari might not be attracted to the benefit of a driver's popularity as much. but again, sports rely on viewership to sell broadcasting rights and ad spots, and publicity just generally can't be a bad thing.

i know the first two races were not great but this season literally just started. nothing is real yet. and daniel at least ended this week on a positive note so even more reasons to look ahead. the thing about f1 is that there is one winner and nineteen others. so as long as you're watching you're basically guaranteed more bad days than good ones. we can't all be watching bc we all believe our blorbos will be wdc, right? we watch and hope that something good might just happen. like if you think about it even though daniel has been out here causing us stress all these years he still manages to pull off minor to major miracles every year or two. this hopefulness is very precious so i say we watch it for that.

anyways. i hope this made you feel better and more excited about the season ❤️❤️❤️

[moonlightreal]

New Strange Fate lore!

Ok, let’s get into this Strange Fate post! Go read it then come back for thoughts.

First of all Ms. Smith seems to have a favorite word, is it a California-ism or something? I’ve never heard it.

Quoth the internet:

/ˈzɑftɪg/ Use the adjective zaftig to describe a woman who is attractively curvy. The word zaftig is almost always used to describe a voluptuous body.

Okee-dokee then. Sarah has become curvy and since that’s practically at the top of the page I’ll comment on that. I think that back in 1996 the publishers would say, “Write lots of cishet white people!” and of course here in 2024 publishers are saying, “More diversity! We need more!” so Ms. Smith is writing for two very different markets and I think that gave us Sarah’s new curves and Mal’s new biracial as well as bi-supernatural nature. Cool! I really hope that Strange Fate not just comes out but works out so that Ms. Smith can let her imagination run wild with later books in this new diversity rich YA environment. I’m curious to see what she’d get up to!

Kierlan is a tiger confirmed! And he’s the fourth wild power confirmed again, not that there was any doubt that Ms. Smith was telling us that he was, there was just doubt in my mind since it was hard to make the story fit. Why would two Circle Daybreak boys be following Sarah around protecting her unless she’s secretly the wild power and Kierlan is just a ringer so the baddies would go after him and get tigerslapped? That is a sensible plot, but it seems not to be the one we get.

Mal’s whole name is Maledict, which

mal·e·dic·tion

a magical word or phrase uttered with the intention of bringing about evil or destruction; a curse.

"he muttered maledictions to himself as he trod the stone passages"

So a nice witch-and-vampire couple looked upon their newborn baby boy and went, “We shall name him curse. That’s a good name that definitely won’t get him teased in human school!” Ok ok, this probably actually means that Mal was not exactly a wanted baby and probably had a terrible childhood.

Mal is also Kierlan’s bodyguard, a fact that makes the whole love triangle fall into place. There aren’t two boys following Sarah around; Kierlan is following Sarah around and Mal has to follow Kierlan around and he fell in love with Sarah from being around her so much. This makes sense! I love when plot makes sense!

Except… Mal literally has a villain name! How is he not the baddie? But how can he be the baddie and also Sarah's soulmate? You can’t be soulmates with someone when you’re trying to use dragons to destroy the world they live in! Gah! Ok, when I saw the post that led me to LJ Smith’s new website? I'd literally turned my computer on to type a post trying to figure out who the baddie was, and I was having conniptions because I couldn’t make any of the suspects fit. And I still can’t. And I love it.

We also have some interesting new terminology. The couples “wove the silver cord of love” which is very much not how being soulmates worked in the first nine books. I’m making a guess that this is more 2024itizing. Forced romance as plot was more in vogue back in the nineties; now it comes across and non-con and creepy.

But I never read the soulmate principle as forced romance. I thought the mind reading and silver cord were a magical effect caused when two people were already perfect for each other. Like, there are people who work as a couple and always will work as a couple but here in our world the only way to know is to get married and live your lives together and find out, but the silver cord was just a way to find out sooner. It wasn’t forcing people to be together. But maybe I’m misreading that or seeing a distinction where there isn’t one. *shrug*

So now people can become soulmates by choice? Is that what it means? Or something?

Then we have a bit listing the returning characters who appear, including Hecate, Maya and Hellewise. So will Sarah see their distant past selves, or are they somehow still alive? Maya got pretty solidly killed but eh, she’s the first vampire, she could manage some plot device to get back alive if she wanted. And the two first witches might have magic that lets them live so long. Heck, maybe one of them is the baddie finally like, “These humans have gotten out of control! The modern world stinks! I’m just gonna raise a few dragons and use them to get things back to the primitive way I like it!” And hey, maybe Hecate is a witch who’s also not a witch because she’s a goddess… it’s a stretch but so is every suspect!

And what AI is Ms. Smith using that agreed to draw Hecate topless? I couldn’t get GPT to make me a fully covered frame from a magical girl transformation no matter how much I tell it I’m not looking for naked! But that was a while ago. (I don’t have art AI, I have a friend with a subscription who sometimes lets me play with it)

And then we have a Sarah/Mal scene and a Sarah/Kierlan scene and I gotta say, Kierlan is still kind of creepy and kind of a jerk. He dragged a girl around with her face on the ground? That’s some Blaise Harman levels of disdain for the humans, right there. And just the way he talks to Sarah is… creepy to me. Is it creepy to you guys? It’s so subjective! Kierlan’s vibes hit me wrong, but I think Ms. Smith was trying for haughty prankster with a heart of gold and it just isn’t landing with me.

Well, we’ll get to see more of our guys and all our questions will be answered if the books really do come out!

[absolutehomosexuals]

After all the backlash we received, we decided to expand our opinion on BG3's approach to companions's sexual orientations – or lack thereof, along with the not so mysterious reason behind this choice.

TLDR: Playersexuality was a marketing choice, due to the creator's own admission. Given the lack of a canon sexuality for any of the companions, our interpretations are just as valid as yours.

No matter how many arguments we make for our case, both times we analyzed a BG3 character's behaviour on the matter of their sexuality, many of the answers we received were fixated on the same rhetoric: "Larian planned for every character to be pansexual".

We're going to look into this matter specifically, to see what Larian stated precisely and what the reasoning behind that choice is.

We want to dig deeper into one of the infamous interviews* with Larian Studio's writers (Corcoran and Law) and narrative designer (Welch) that always gets brought up when someone dares to interpret any companion as anything but pansexual/bisexual.

The title speaks for itself already: Larian always took player's opinions and preferences for the game heavily into consideration when designing BG3, and never tried to hide this, making this feature of their writing and designing process a badge they wear proudly.

One example we can think of is quoted very early in the article: Halsin's role being expanded to a romance option after fans expressed their attraction to the druid.

But let's see what the interview actually says about the companions.

The question we're going to examine focuses on the MC's identity being the focal point of this feature.

So what do the interviewees have to say on this matter? What is the main thing they took into account when making this choice?

Law immediately expands on what the interviewer hinted at. Her main interest is being true to DnD's inherent sense of freedom and self expression, allowing the player to make every choice they desire to live their gaming experience as close to their fantasies as possible.

Of course she also brings the idea of all companions being pansexual to the table: but not only she attributes it to their "values", an argument that feels icky to say the least, implying that being attracted to all genders is a value, a moral principle, rather than a neutral characteristic some people have – but her main focus clearly seems to be not limiting the player's imagination to design choices.

Corcoran also centers his answer around player's freedom being the default of Larian's designing process, stating that assigning their characters "fixed roles" (like a game-impacting sexuality?? as if sexuality is a "role", ffs.) makes the game less dynamic. Yet again, what matters the most in the writers' view is allowing the player to portray their own story however they see fit.

Welch's answer is the only one that detaches itself from the other two's perspective, concentrating on how sexuality interacts with each character's identity. The "player-sexuality" that is so hated as a concept in the BG3 fandom is ironically quoted as the design choice for every companion's sexual orientation.

All three answers help us to draw a single conclusion: the companions' sexualities were taken into account as a consequence of the design choice to give the player as little limits as possible, rather than as a character trait that is independent from Tav and that expands each character's being as a person.

Of course, we don't think that this conclusion is absurd, from a marketing point of view especially: videogames that came out some time before BG3 confirmed that players dislike feeling "limited" in their romance options.

We can think of examples like Cyberpunk 2077, whose fans are still furious because of Judy's romance being available only to female V's, or Dragon Age Inquisition, whose canonically gay character Dorian made some female fans very upset by the impossibility to romance him if your character isn't male.

And surely these aren't the only games that left gamers unsatisfied by this design choice. These situations made the same point we got from this interview: players want to be free to fantasize about whatever character they like and to feel less limited as possible by any character's traits.

So Larian is right, players much prefer to be free to romance whoever they like with every MC they want.

After all, it's glaring that the game doesn't focus on representing bi/pansexuality as an authentic trait that the companions share.

Some characters tell the players about their past relations involving only people of their same sex, like Astarion and Minthara, while others don't talk about/never had any relationship at all, like Lae'zel and Shadowheart, and Gale has never been with anyone besides Mystra. Halsin is the only exception in this matter.

Little to no effort was put in making all the different companions feel truly attracted to both sexes. Most of the time, the only representation of this "identity" depends, of course, on the Tav the player decides to make only.

What does this mean for our argument then?

If anyone's free to imagine "their" companions to be whatever they want them to be, because this is the liberty that was intended to be available to any player, then how is reading someone like Astarion as gay, like Lae'zel as lesbian or like Gale as straight any different than imagining all of them as bi/pan? If this is the spirit of the game, to let anyone act out their dream campaign without any limits, then everyone's personal reading on the companion's sexual orientations is equally worthy of respect.

*https://gaymingmag.com/2023/08/how-community-feedback-has-shaped-baldurs-gate-3/

If a character being homosexual for example is what we see being more consistent with their story, their experiences and their expression of themselves... it wouldn't be true to Larian's project, the same one that allows a lot of you to see every companion as pansexual, to aggressively deny us the possibility to share this theory with others that may enjoy it and prefer it.