#seo mastermind

[tansu-bomb]

Musings on the most important and least explained pivotal conflict between Jin Seol-Ran & Choi mage + parallels 200 years ago vs now

1. A severe drought dried up Lake Gyeongcheondaeho.

2. Jin Seol-Ran performed a sacred dance & used her divine energy so the energy from the skies flows down to earth as rain; and with the rain came ice-stones (plural).

3. Choi mage extracts ice-stone(s) from the lake, and experiments with it - thus documenting the Alchemy of Souls book that much later, Shaman Choi (likely his grand-daughter), attempts to save during Jang Gang’s raid & gets burnt in the process.

4. All across Daeho, folks kill each other to obtain the ice-stone(s) and use it primarily for soul-shifting as they please, thereby creating the great chaos.

5. Jin Seol-Ran cannot end the chaos by herself so she chooses to partner with Seo Gyeong - the one with King’s Star energy - and puts an ice-stone into his body (just like she much later does with Jang Uk, the next King’s Star) thus turning him into the most powerful weapon.

6. Jin Seol-Ran and Seo Gyeong use their complementary powers to end the chaos — she by using her divine power to track down ice-stones and he by using his muscle power to single-handlely squash armies (like Cho Yeong & Jang Uk do towards the end).

7. Up until then, folks likely physically possessed the ice-stone but not anatomically like Seo Gyeong (courtesy: Seol-Ran), but Choi mage - the mastermind behind AOS - probably figured out a way to do so as well. (Even Shaman Choi and Jin Mu were unable to accomplish this)

8. As it would’ve been difficult to kill Choi mage who also possessed the ice-stone, Jin Seol-Ran must’ve trapped his soul in the Gwido barrier (along with others). Much later, when Seol-Ran/Cho Yeong enter Gwido again, all soul-wraiths fear her but one chases her with vengeance.

9. In one of the flashbacks, Jin Seol-Ran and Seo Gyeong are shown standing shoulder-to-shoulder and extracting the power of the ice-stone that Choi mage possessed. Seol-Ran most likely turned that ice-stone into one that seeks (not gives) energy and left him to die a painful death in Gwido (like Cho Yeong does Jin Mu).

10. In return, the Choi mage must’ve cursed Jin Seol-Ran and Seo Gyeong that they too will turn into soul-shifters - in this life or the next. This curse is most likely what plays out 200 years later for both Jang Uk & Cho Yeong both of whom are Seo Gyeong and Jin Seol-Ran’s supposed reincarnations.

11. Seo Gyeong falls in love with Jin Seol-Ran; but most likely Seol-Ran is already a married woman with a heir in tow (likely Jin HoGyeong’s mother) coz, by the time great chaos ends, Seol-Ran is injured and about to die — most likely due to overusing her divine powers that accelerated her aging —and we know the Jin family line continues. That makes theirs an impossible, forbidden romance on multiple fronts (which comes full circle with Jang Uk & Cho Yeong finally defying fate and falling in love twice)?

11. After the great chaos ended, Jin Seol-Ran likely removed the power of ice-stone from Seo Gyeong as well (but unlike Jang Uk who died and had his soul resurrected only due to the ice-stone), Seo Gyeong lives on even without it.

12. At this point, only one final ice-stone remains which Seo Gyeong wished to use to protect Seol-Ran but Seol Ran, who sees future, about the fire bird and the Choi mage’s curse, chooses to attach her soul to the ice-stone itself (which Jang Gang & Jin HoGyeong think resurrected a dead baby Jin BuYeon)

The Choi mage’s curse, I think, is critical for what follows.

13. When Jin Seol-Ran’s memories & divine powers start to come back (likely around ages 8-10) while she is resurrected in dead Jin BuYeon’s body, she likely figures out that A) Choi U-tak (the grand-son of Choi mage) is her father (the blasphemy this is; ties perfectly to Chois wanting revenge against Jins above all), B) Jang Uk, the King’s star, was born through AOS, and C) Jin Mu destroyed Cho Yeong’s family.

14. While Jin HoGyeong and Jang Gang engineered BuYeon’s birth star, Cho Yeong was likely naturally born under that same birth star - the one that’s destined to accompany the King’s star. The King’s Star and the accompanying star are likely binary stars — stars whose gravitational fields are interconnected (example: Alcor/Mizar or Vasishta/Arundathi binary stars in Ursa Major).

14. Seol-ran attempts to fight fate & masterminds the attempt to find the ice-stone with Jin Mu and Choi U-tak — to once and for all destroy the ice-stone and the greedy men — in one ago. Despite her supreme divine powers, she fails given how weak she physically is having been reincarnated in a baby who’s been dead in the womb for atleast few hours if not few days (plus she’s only 10 years old and has overestimated herself).

15. There is no way Seol-ran can now go back to Jinyowon coz she has gambled and revelaed her supreme divine powers — and if she goes back, she’ll certainly meet death at the hands of her own family (Jin Mu) and Choi family (Jin U-tak). So she bides time in Sari village to let future unfold so she can interject at a more optimal time. (Seol-Ran says this at the end; that seeing into the future, one can cleverly interject. While one may not change the pre-fated outcome as she painfully learns, she knows optimal points to interject at to tightly control the flow of events & minimize damage)

16. The Choi mage’s curse of her turning into a soul-shifter is also likely the biggest reason why Seol-Ran lures in and traps Cho Yeong’s soul in the first palce coz Yeong’s compatible and immense energy would be useful for their survival when they’d both run wild (at end of S1)

17. All along S1, Jin SeolRan keeps on protecting Jang Uk & Cho Yeong. She orchestrates it all — a) allowing Yeong her power back in the lake very early on so that these two don’t drift apart, b) the exposure of ice-stone so she can inject the ice-stone into Jang Uk knowing that he’ll be hunted for his King’s star fate (she probably also knows that his death would happen at Naksu’s hands), and c) she doesn’t stop Jin Mu from causing her to run wild coz she very likely calculates that she’d be saved by the King’s star or Jinyowon or both.

17. Ultimately, Choi mage’s curse comes true — both the King’s Star Jang Uk & Seol-Ran/Cho Yeong eventually become soul-shifters — the last two that will continue to live on.

18. Seol-Ran stayed true to her purpose for 200 years and must’ve been very happy to witness that the King’s Star and his accompanying star’s love saga. An unrequited love story finally becomes requited through their reincarnations.

19. Seol-Ran’s restorative justice was to leave everything to Cho Yeong — all of her divine powers, all of the burden of protecting Jinyowon, all of her blessings to protect & live happily with the King’s star, and the responsibility to carry on the lineage of girls with unparalleled divine powers. Of course, Cho Yeong, with all the choices she makes through S1 and S2 proves herself more than worthy of this role.

[twinklingwatermellon]

Taylor Swift x my favorite ships • Part 10

Cha Ju-hyeok x Seo Wu-jin (Familiar Wife)

cardigan

"But I knew you'd linger like a tattoo kiss, I knew you'd haunt all of my what-ifs / The smell of smoke would hang around this long, 'cause I knew everything when I was young // I knew you'd miss me once the thrill expired, and you'd be standin' in my front porch light, and I knew you'd come back to me"

Look, I could basically put any lyric from "cardigan" here and it would fit. Even after Ju-hyeok alters the timeline so that he and Wu-jin never meet or get married, her subconscious remembers him and their original life together. And his chasing of two girls nearly makes him lose The One (Wu-jin).

The Alcott

"It's the last thing you wanted / It's the first thing I do / I tell you that I think I'm falling back in love with you / And I'II ruin it all over / I'll ruin it for you / I'll ruin it all over and over like I always do"

In spite of everything that goes wrong (everything that Ju-hyeok ruins) and in spite of all their resistance, Ju-hyeok and Wu-jin fall back in love, for good this time, and they fight to make it work. I don't have a lot of explanation for how much this song fits them, but rest assured it makes me feel every emotion whenever I think about it.

[airosuiren]

Soo things you need t know before you read my new fic

A/N: This is a character sheet for my next fic that will be posted soon! Make sure to go through it for it (the fic) to make sense.

Edit: The FIC IS OUTTT!! Click here Part 1, Part 2 , Part 3 , Part 4, Epilogue

The Han Crime Family

A multigenerational, ultra-wealthy Korean mafia family running both high-society businesses and a cold, efficient criminal empire from Seoul. Everyone in this family plays a role

1. Han Byung-chul (한병철) – The Grandfather, Founding Boss

Age: 76

Built the family from nothing—started in Busan running docks, expanded to Seoul.

Traditional, ruthless, and respected like a godfather.

Lives in a fortified hanok estate in Gyeonggi-do.

Keeps the family in line through fear and legacy.

“Blood can’t be washed away. It gets passed down.”

2. Shim Soon-ja (심순자) – The Grandmother, Quiet Power

Age: 74

Never raised her voice, but made men disappear with a phone call.

Keeps a network of loyal housekeepers, drivers, and retired spies.

Trusted more than most of the younger generation.

Still pulls strings behind the curtain.

“People assume kindness is weakness. I encourage that.”

3. Han Tae-joon (한태준) – The Father, Current Boss

Age: 48

Cold, methodical, efficient. Took over at 38 after

Runs the family like a CEO, not a thug. Clean hands, dirt everywhere else.

shows affection to his wife and [Y/N], but watches everything.

“This ist a family. Not an organization with the same last name.”

4. Choi Eun-mi (최은미) – The Mother, Political Fixer

Age: 45

Ex-lawyer and daughter of a powerful politician. Handles bribes, scandals, and government ties.

More dangerous socially than anyone physically.

Keeps her kids close

“There’s nothing more useful than a grateful politician.”

The Children:

5. Han Jun-seo (한준서) – Eldest Son, The Reluctant Successor

Age: 26

Quiet, stoic, trained for leadership since birth.

Ivy League grad in business,

Keeps his emotions buried deep.

Has a scar from the top of his right eyebrow down till the upper lip

Due to his scar was called “ugly” and wears a mask but is actually very hot and is muscular.

6. Han So-min (한소민) – Younger Daughter, The Mastermind

Age: 23

Brilliant strategist. Specializes in tech crimes, psychological manipulation, and laundering.

Closer to her mother than anyone else.

“If they think I’m just the quiet one, good.”

7. Han Ji-yoon (한지윤) – Twin Daughter, The Firestarter

Age: 18

Reckless, bold, charming. Thinks rules are meant to be bent until they break.

Handles nightclub fronts and courier operations.

Wild card energy—Tae-joon fears she’ll get herself or someone else killed.

“I was born into chaos. I’m just playing the part.”

8. Han Ji-ho (한지호) – Twin Son, The Watcher

Age: 18

Quiet, calculating, always observing. Genius-level hacker and surveillance expert.

Speaks only when necessary. Possibly autistic, but never diagnosed.

Has dirt on everyone in the family, including his parents.

“I don’t fight. I expose.”

NEXT (The Spirits)

Yoon Ji-hwan (윤지환) – The Watchful Butler

Role (in life): Head Butler

Age at Death: 67

Specialty: Observation, estate history, subtle manipulation

Personality: Calm, cunning, fatherly

Ghost Form: Always in a crisp three-piece suit, gloves on, spectacles perched low

Quirk (in death): Can move objects like books and pens, often “tidies” rooms around [Y/N]

Quote: “Control is not about shouting. It’s about being the last voice in the room.”

Choi Mi-kyung (최미경) – The Silent Knife

Role (in life): Head Maid

Age at Death: 61

Specialty: Etiquette, internal politics, social warfare

Personality: Sharp, strict, maternal in a cold way

Ghost Form: Traditional hanbok with spotless apron, hair in a tight bun, eyes like razors

Quirk (in death): Can whisper directly into [Y/N]’s ear during formal situations

Quote: “You don’t need to be loud to be heard. You just need to be correct.”

Jung Tae-won (정태원) – The Iron Bodyguard

Role (in life): Head of Security

Age at Death: 54

Specialty: Close-quarters combat, protection protocol, intimidation

Personality: Blunt, loyal, battle-hardened

Ghost Form: Stands tall in black combat gear, faint scar over his jaw

Quirk (in death): Temporarily possesses [Y/N] to fight when she’s in danger

Quote: “Stand like you own the ground. Even when you bleed on it.”

Seo Min-jae (서민재) – The Ghost Blade

Role (in life): Head Assassin

Age at Death: Unknown (records erased)

Specialty: Silent kills, stealth, enemy profiling

Personality: Cold, cynical, loyal only to those who earn it

Ghost Form: Shadowy silhouette with crimson edge to his coat, never fully visible

Quirk (in death): Can possess [Y/N] in moments of violent danger, and uses mirrors to appear

Quote: “Mercy is a privilege. And I’m not in the business of charity.”

Kang Dae-shik (강대식) – The Chef of Memory

Role (in life): Head Cook

Age at Death: 72

Specialty: Traditional Korean cuisine, emotional imprint cooking

Personality: Warm, boisterous, nostalgic

Ghost Form: Apron over old hanbok, always wiping hands on a towel

Quirk (in death): Can possess [Y/N] to cook forgotten family recipes perfectly

Quote: “You can’t rebuild trust with words. But a bowl of soup? That’s a start.”

Next (The Servents)

Baek Woo-jin (백우진) – The Current Butler

Trained by: Yoon Ji-hwan

Age: 38

Specialty: Estate operations, diplomacy, damage control

Personality: Polished, discreet, dry-witted

Appearance: Always in tailored suits, silver-rimmed glasses, never flustered

Skills: Multi-lingual, masters-level etiquette, and blackmail collection

Relationship to [Y/N]: Treats her like a sovereign; makes sure she never lifts a finger unnecessarily

Quote: “If I do my job right, no one remembers I was ever there.”

Choi Mi-kyung (최미경) – The Current Head Maid

(Note: same name as the former head maid; a chosen namesake and spiritual heir)

Trained by: Choi Mi-kyung (Spirit)

Age: 30

Specialty: House protocol, staff loyalty, covert operations through domestic channels

Personality: Stern but soft-spoken, impeccably graceful

Appearance: Neat bun, pressed uniform, steady eyes

Skills: Internal intel gathering, poison detection, household espionage

Relationship to [Y/N]: Deeply respectful—sees her as the fulfillment of the legacy she was trained to support

Quote: “Clean homes, quiet halls, and no threats behind the curtains. That’s my job.”

Lee Hyun-woo (이현우) – The Current Head Bodyguard

Trained by: Jung Tae-won

Age: 35

Specialty: Close protection, strategic defense layouts, counter-surveillance

Personality: Stoic, commanding, lives by protocol

Appearance: Broad build, close-cropped hair, tactical calm

Skills: Krav Maga, long-range sniping, pressure-point immobilization

Relationship to [Y/N]: Protective in silence—often stationed outside her door even when not scheduled

Quote: “If someone makes it to her, it means I’ve already failed.”

Nam Ki-ha (남기하) – The Current Head Assassin

Trained by: Seo Min-jae

Age: 33

Specialty: Elimination, infiltration, trace-less disappearance

Personality: Ice-cold, dry-humored, loyal only to the Han bloodline

Appearance: Always in black, with a single ring he turns before each kill

Skills: Disguise, poisons, nerve strikes, terrain-based combat

Relationship to [Y/N]: Intensely respectful—calls her “my queen” in private briefings

Quote: “Everyone bleeds. The difference is who gets to stand after.”

Park Seo-jun (박서준) – The Current Head Cook

Trained by: Kang Dae-shik

Age: 42

Specialty: Heritage cuisine, performance cooking, emotional resonance through food

Personality: Warm, chatty, philosophical

Appearance: Rolled-up sleeves, apron dusted with flour, tattoos of peppers and fish bones

Skills: Psychological profiling through taste, speed prep under pressure, brewing comfort in silence

Relationship to [Y/N]: Treats her like a beloved daughter; often feeds her even if she says she isn’t hungry

Quote: “You can lie with words, but not with your appetite.”

A/N: Its confusing when you read it without this so i decided to post this just for clarification. The first Par will be posted soon

Taglist: @kittzu, @trashlanternfish360, @ottjhe, @moonieper, @feral-childs-word, @tinybrie,@xomarryamox, @fawnqueenbrowsing, @wpdarlingpan, @leeiasure, @xzmickeyzxkey, @enchantingarcadecreation

Old Taglist: @trashlanternfish360, @nixxiev, @eclipse-msoul, @plsfckmedxddy, @viilan, @rattyrattyratty, @texas-fox, @1abi, @niamcarlin,@tomoyaki, @silken-moons.

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - In which we all feel the collective meh

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

Feb 2025 Week 4

Ongoing Series - Thai

The Boy Next World (Sun IQIYI) ep 8 of 10 - so the premise is such fun! It's like "if the red thread was a multiverse." I guess that makes it a 4th dimensional red tapestry? All the parallel world Cirs interconnected via a shared dream world and trying to manifest their relationships with their respective Phus via interference from the ones who have figured it out. I like it. Makes me wonder if the mastermind Cir lost his Phu and that is why he's so vested in fixing the relationship in all the other timelines. That said this was a relatively boring episode with Cir mostly in the hospital and lots of plot talking. Yet still fun because of this premise. Especially at the back end.

ThamePo (Fri YT) ep 12 of 13 - Nice to see Po being savage to his ex, his first major OGT. Bit of a sadsack of an episode though. Looking forward to next week.

Perfect 10 Liners (Sun YT) ep 18 of 24 - I love these two together so much I can’t stand it. Also the bathroom trope scene was particularly lovely. Great lighting in that bathroom.

Flirt Milk (Sat YT) ep 6 or 10 - This show is not good. The seme is overly aggressive, but I still like the sides. The more time we spend with anyone but the leads, the happier I am. 

Ossan‘s Love Thailand (Mon YouTube) ep 8 of 12 - I don’t even have the energy to get annoyed that they put my beautiful Thor in a terrible wig. This show has already stretched my annoyance to the max, no more fucks to give.

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Secret Relationships (Korea iQIYI) ep 1 of 8 - Stars Wei's Kim Jun Seo. Adapted by Cradle Studio (Kakao). This displaying all signs of a classic Kdrama: Office setting, love triangle, lead suffering for his self-actualization. And as a result I absolutely love it. This one was entirely made for me. I love a lead suffering because of his situation. I love that all the boys are interested. I love that there’s lingering crushes and long-standing misunderstandings. Everything about this appeals to me. 

Eternal Butler (Taiwan Fri Gaga) ep 11 of 12 - Queer robots are the best robots. Also, have I mentioned recently that I love a good butt slap? Very underutilized move in BL. Thank you Taiwan. Wow Kevin’s English is perfect. I mean i expect the best of Taiwan but this is the best. (Inquiring minds want to know if it is all those international competitions he flexed at?) Also perfectly kinky. 

FC Soldout (Korea Thurs iQIYI) ep 7 of 8 - New boy is very sus. But I like him for it. Adore the sides! Must be so novel for an idol to have someone tell him he actually needs to eat. Wild. How gay is this damn football team? 

Fight for Love (Vietnam YT) ep 4 - it’s perfectly serviceable. Which seems to be a lot to ask of Vietnamese BL right now so... yay!?

Impression of Youth (Taiwan Weds Viki) ep 8 of 9 - Well, hello side couple. That was very nice. Thank you Taiwan. Meanwhile, I'm over here idly wondering if Will Wen could be persuaded to pull a hat trick and appear in a Thai BL and a KBL as well as this one - since he apparently speaks most major BL languages fluently.

The stuff dreams are made of.

Heart Stain (Korea Weds IQIYI) eps 7-8 end - this classic love triangle KBL had a classic separation in the final eps, nobody is surprised. But 4 years is a long time to pine. 

Conclusion:

This was a serviceable high school KBL, based on the love triangle standards for which Kdramas inevitably wave the last flag. It was mildly enjoyable if you don’t mind a triangle, certainly earnest, if somewhat forgettable with a lackluster ending. 7/10

Checkered Shirt (Korea YT) ep 4 of 8 - This episode was very rough going. How annoying. But also now realistic. Not that I want realism in my BL.

Exclusive Love (Taiwan Fri Gaga) ep 4 of 12 - this is all a lot darker than I thought it was going to be from Taiwan. Although it still remains primarily just very weird. Also not enough of the second couple in this episode.

Teenager Judge (Vietnam Sat YT) ep 20 end - well it was the final episode last week so here we go! <rant>

Judgement

An interesting premise with two decent couples that failed to commit to the BL side of the equation and thus got mired in a never-ending commentary on bullying. The show could’ve been 8 eps and covered exactly the same material. The entire relationship arc (stepbrothers, my FAVORITE, argh) hinged on lack of communication. And that’s just the beginning of the mire of frustrating flaws. An all round bummer of a show, because the chemistry was decent. This is not a romance and there is no happy ending so don’t expect one. I wasted my damn time and I’m mad about it. Don't make the same mistake. 3/10

It's airing but......

Gelboys (Thai Weds iQIYI) ep 1 of 7 - I’m giving this show a pass. It’s just too far out of my wheelhouse. I don’t have patience right now.

Sashes and Hearts (Pinoy YT) - Philippines is doing Drop Dead Gorgeous only all gay boys queening their asses off. I'm wathing this only if I feel like it.

The Last Time (Thai WeTV) trailer - from 2024, not sure about this one, looks dark. Since it's also difficult for me to get hold of I am giving it a pass until I know about the ending.

A Perfect Match (Taiwan iQIYI) - A not very well regarded Taiwanese sports BL from earlier this year picked up for rerelease. Anyone watched it and like it? Not sure if I should bother.

In Case You Missed it

End of 2024 wraps are here (last chance to read):

2024 Trend Report

MY BEST & WORST BLs of 2024

Best Kisses (and sex scenes) of 2024

BL's 2024 Quirky Awards

2024 Awards - Quick Picks

Next Week Looks Like This:

Upcoming March 2025

3/2 Last Meal Universe (Thailand Sun ????) 10 eps - Trailer. An alien who has come to destroy earth instead falls in love with Thai food and then the Thai boy who cooks it - realistic, actually.

3/12 My Golden Blood (Thailand Weds YouTube) 12 eps - Trailer. GMMTV taking on Weds nights and midweek discourse (they hope) with this hotly anticipated vampire series. I happen to find Joss watchable but this looks very bad and also very Kissable Lips. But at least Thailand is finally giving us the trashy gay vampires we richly deserve? Just realize we don't deserve much.

3/12 Lost in the Woods (Thailand Weds Gaga) 7 eps - Announced for 2023, adapted from a novel of the same name. Fifa just graduated high school and travels to a remote province to take care of his grandma, before starting uni. There he meets Chief Hem, a forest ranger.

3/20 Top Form (Thailand Thurs WeTV) ?? eps - Trailer Adaptation of a Japanese manga. Boom (Chains of Heart) opposite Smart (Don't Say No). Actor recognized as the "The Sexiest Man of the Year" has his first-place position usurped by newcomer. But while he sees them as rivals, turns out the new kid has other ideas. I'm super excited for this but hate watching on WeTv so gonna be a challenge.

3/28 Heesu in Class 2 (Korea Fri ????) 10 eps - Adaption of the comic by Lily, about a shy unpopular boy with a secret crush on best friend who somehow also ends up his school's relationship counselor. Supposed to have completed filming in 2022, the fact this has been in dev hell since then somewhat mitigates this being my most anticipated BL of 2022. I still kinda doubt we are actually getting it but new stills have been released (so something got filmed in the last 3 years).

2025 Line Up

BL Announced for 2025 - PART 1

BL Announced for 2025 - PART 2

20 BLs Announced for 2025 That I'm Really Excited About

GMMTV 2025 Line Up - My Totally Biased and Wildly Flawed Feels

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENT

Got nothing. Another unmemorable week.

(last week)

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @sunflower-positiiivity @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire @everlightly @renafire @mestizashinrin @bl-bam-beyond @small-dark-and-delicious @saezurumurmurs

[hanadulsetaad]

RICH KIDS OF SK ( HYUNJIN X READER (Y/N) X BANG CHAN

TAGS: LOVE TRIANGLE, ANGST, BREAKUP, BETRAYAL

chapter 1 CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5 CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 7.1 CHAPTER 7.2 CHAPTER 8 CHAPTER 9 CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

SYNOPSIS:

Y/N Seo's life gets turned upside down when her crush, Hyunjin, starts dating her old friend turned enemy, Yeji. Suddenly, Yeji is part of their rich kid's group, even though y/n and Yeji can't stand each other. They pretend to be friends, but it's all fake.

Things get super messy when old secrets spill out, and new faces join the gang. Rumors fly, and trust crumbles as people in the group start leaking secrets, trying to wreck everyone's reputations. With newbies entering the scene, will the schemers in the group get busted for their sneaky plots?

Y/N's in the middle of it all, trying to figure out who's real and who's fake. Will she stick around with the rich kids, or will she find her own way? And what about Hyunjin? Will Y/N win his heart, or will she find love in an unexpected place?

PROFILE ONE

"THE RICH KIDS"

Y/N Seo: Y/N is the brainy YouTuber daughter of a business tycoon, alongside her dropout-turned-millionaire brother, Changbin. Together, they're the dynamic duo of South Korea, known for brains and business smarts. Plus, she's also a college student, balancing academics with her online presence.

Changbin Seo: College dropout turned startup sensation, Changbin is the brother of Y/N and the mastermind behind his own wealth. In a secret relationship with Lee Felix.

Hwang Hyunjin: Hyunjin is the prince of South Korea's elite circle. Son of the third richest man, he's not just a pretty face but a model and dancer extraordinaire.

Yeji Hwang: Yeji is the princess beside Hyunjin's prince. A rising star in modeling and dancing, she's the perfect match for her wealthy beau, Hyunjin.

Lee Felix: Son of a fashion mogul, Felix struts his stuff on runways and social media alike.

I.N: Son of a top doctor and lawyer. Despite his privileged background, he's all about hard work and making his own mark.

Wooyoung: Changbin's business partner in their gym startup, Wooyoung is a college buddy and y/n's roommate.

"THE NEWBIES"

Bang Chan: Born in Australia but moved to Korea at 13 due to his parents' separation, Bang Chan is anything but ordinary. Despite not being from a wealthy family, he's a genius who aced the Korean college exams. On top of that, he's a part-time composer for big idol companies, showcasing his incredible talent.

Kim Seungmin: From a regular middle-class family, Seungmin is Bang Chan's buddy, and he's a riot! He never thought he'd crack the college exams, but guess what? He did, landing at the 200th spot. Even he is surprised.

(more characters will be introduced)

HE IS DATING WHO?

[the-empress-7]

Meghan simply does not sell. No amount of cross promotion with Netflix is going to fix her problem i.e. the fact that she is the problem.

Be prepared anyway for her manufactured success and the insufferable PR in the first month or more. We will have endless articles of how her show is a mastermind 3D chess ♟️, the most watched show this year (lol, deceiving article when we are only on March by the time her show will see the light), how the jams were sold out and Netflix are happy and restocking and restocking, the most loved ‘princess’ reached 5M of followers thanks for the great show,

But as everything with them, they only focus on the easy and quick wins, not in long game. They will brag about the ‘great reception’ (courtesy of her 500 fans who buy 5 times the same product) but after 1-3 months, everyone forgets it and it’s when her problem really is, she is unable to keep interest in the long game.

Well said anon. The one thing that she is good at is messing with SEO and algorithms to spin failure into success. She made Spotify mess with their algorithms to make it look like her podcast was number one, it turned out that her show didn't even crack the top 50. Same with the book, she claimed it was the #1 NYT bestseller. The truth was that it was only number 1 in the children hard cover fiction category in a week where no other new books was released in that exact category. Her book sold like 25K copies, and we all know she bought most of them to prop up her laptop 😂 There are countless more examples like these. Harry plays the same game.

It's really easy to win a race when you are the only one running.

Remember the Kylie lip kit stunt? She put out like 20 units for sale, which she probably bought herself, and then claimed that her new product lunch was a HUGE success because everything sold out in seconds.

[sidehustleteachers]

Why Facebook Groups Are Still a Goldmine for Bloggers

In the fast-paced world of content creation, it’s easy to get distracted by every shiny new platform. From TikTok to Threads to YouTube Shorts, creators are always looking for the next big thing. But in the middle of all this digital noise, one platform continues to deliver consistent value to bloggers: Facebook Groups.

Yes, you read that right. Despite Facebook being one of the older social media platforms, its Groups feature has remained incredibly useful, especially for bloggers who want to grow their reach, build community, and stay connected to their readers. 

Built-In Communities That Engage

One of the main reasons Facebook Groups stand out is that they’re made for engagement, not just promotion. Unlike Facebook Pages, where your posts might only be seen by a small percentage of your followers unless you pay for ads, Facebook Groups are designed to spark conversation.

In a good blogging-related group, people ask questions, share struggles, offer tips, and genuinely interact with each other. As a blogger, this gives you a chance to do more than just drop your links. You can engage, answer questions, and show your expertise.

Say you're a parenting blogger. Joining a group full of new moms gives you access to the exact type of person you’re writing for. If someone asks, “What are the best non-toxic toys for toddlers?” and you've written a blog post on that, you can reply thoughtfully and share your blog as a helpful resource.

That kind of genuine interaction builds trust. And trust leads to clicks, follows, email subscribers, and loyal readers. That’s something no flashy algorithm update can take away.

Niche Targeting You Can’t Beat

Another reason why Facebook Groups are still a goldmine for bloggers is how well they cater to niche audiences. There’s a Facebook Group for almost every topic you can imagine, knitting, bullet journaling, keto diets, eco-travel, homeschooling, freelancing, the list goes on.

As a blogger, niche equals power. The more specific your audience, the better you can connect with them. Instead of sharing your posts into a general Facebook feed where anyone might scroll past, you’re placing your content right in front of people already interested in your topic.

Even better, many groups have daily or weekly threads where members are encouraged to share their latest blog post or social content. These “promo threads” are gold. You get to share your work in a designated space, surrounded by people who are interested in the subject.

If you consistently participate, you’ll get noticed not just by readers but also by fellow bloggers, who may invite you for guest posts, podcast interviews, or social collaborations.

Endless Opportunities for Networking and Growth

Sure, blog traffic is great. But building connections in the blogging world can take your career to the next level. Facebook Groups are a fantastic way to meet like-minded bloggers, content creators, and even potential clients or partners.

In most blogging-focused groups, you’ll find people sharing advice, tools, SEO tips, monetization strategies, and the occasional rant about a Pinterest algorithm update. These conversations can be both educational and inspiring. When you participate actively, not just promoting your content, but joining i, you’ll start forming real relationships.

These relationships can lead to collaborations like:

Joint giveaways

Email newsletter swaps

Link exchanges

Guest post opportunities

Group coaching sessions or masterminds

You don’t need to pay for expensive networking events to connect with other bloggers. Just hop into a good Facebook Group, add value, and be consistent. Before long, your name will stand out and others will see you as a trusted resource.

Real-Time Feedback and Blog Content Ideas

One of the biggest challenges bloggers face is knowing what to write about next. You don’t want to waste time creating content that doesn’t resonate. That’s where Facebook Groups can be incredibly helpful.

When you're active in a few quality groups, you'll quickly notice patterns. You’ll see people asking the same types of questions or struggling with the same issues. These recurring topics are goldmines for content ideas.

For example, if you're in a travel group and people keep asking, “What’s the best way to travel in Italy on a budget?” that’s your cue to write a detailed blog post about budget-friendly Italy travel tips.

You can also use groups to test ideas. Ask members what they'd like to learn more about. Share a blog post draft or headline and ask for feedback. This gives you direct insight into what your audience wants, and that helps you create content that gets shared and bookmarked.

Plus, when readers feel like you’re listening to their concerns or solving their problems, they’re far more likely to stick around and become loyal followers.

Facebook Group Success Doesn’t Require Huge Numbers

One common myth is that you need to join massive groups with tens of thousands of members to see real results. But that’s not true. Smaller, more focused Facebook Groups can often deliver better engagement than larger ones.

In tight-knit communities, members are more likely to notice your contributions. Your posts won’t get buried, and people will read and respond to what you share. These types of groups often feel more personal, like a support group or a mastermind, rather than a busy feed full of noise.

It’s not about how many people are in the group, it’s about how active and aligned the group is with your blogging goals. Quality always wins over quantity.

Final Thoughts: Keep Showing Up

Why Facebook Groups Are Still a Goldmine for Bloggers isn’t a mystery it’s because they combine community, visibility, connection, and inspiration in a way that no other platform does. But like any tool, they only work if you use them well.

Here are a few quick reminders:

Don’t spam your links; offer real value.

Join groups where your ideal reader already hangs out.

Be consistent and authentic in your engagement.

Use groups to find fresh blog content ideas.

Look for collaboration and networking opportunities.

If you treat Facebook Groups like a place to build relationships, not just a billboard for your latest post, you’ll see long-term benefits.

Remember, blogging is a marathon, not a sprint. But with Facebook Groups in your toolkit, you’ve got a powerful (and free!) resource that can help you grow every step of the way.

[souraavkumar07]

Souraav Kumar: A Visionary Graphic and Website Designer in Chandigarh

Souraav Kumar, the founder and creative mastermind behind Graficoo Design, is a name synonymous with innovation, creativity, and excellence in the world of graphic and website design. Based in Chandigarh, Souraav has carved out a niche for himself as one of the top graphic designers in the region, delivering high-quality designs that captivate, inspire, and transform brands.

A Journey of Creativity and Innovation

With over two decades of experience, Souraav Kumar's journey in the graphic design industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Born with an innate passion for creativity, he took his first steps in the design world more than 20 years ago. Over time, he expanded his expertise beyond just graphic design to become a leader in website design, UI/UX design, and digital marketing.

His company, Graficoo Design, has become a trusted name for businesses and individuals looking to bring their visions to life. Souraav's portfolio speaks for itself, showcasing a wide range of projects across various industries, from branding to website development, and even crypto exchanges and blockchain projects.

Master of Multiple Disciplines

What sets Souraav apart is his ability to deliver solutions that are not only visually stunning but also highly functional. His expertise spans across:

Graphic Design: From logos to brochures, Souraav's designs are tailored to reflect the unique identity of each client.

Website Design: He has a keen eye for creating websites that are both aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly, ensuring seamless navigation and strong engagement.

UI/UX Design: Souraav understands the importance of user experience and works to create intuitive designs that enhance the overall customer journey.

Digital Marketing: From SEO to social media marketing, his strategies are designed to drive results and maximize brand visibility.

Motivation and Vision: Building a Legacy

Souraav's drive stems from his desire to push creative boundaries and make a lasting impact in the design world. He believes that every design tells a story, and his mission is to ensure that each project he undertakes reflects the brand's core message in the most compelling way possible.

With a vision to inspire the next generation of designers, Souraav is committed to continuous learning and growth. His forward-thinking approach has allowed him to stay ahead of industry trends, offering clients cutting-edge solutions that keep them ahead of their competition.

Inspiring the Design Community

Souraav's story is one of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. From humble beginnings in Malout city to becoming a top graphic designer in Chandigarh, his journey inspires countless aspiring designers to follow their dreams. His advice to young designers is simple yet powerful: "Never stop creating, never stop learning."

By combining traditional design principles with modern technology, Souraav has been able to stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving world of design. His work continues to inspire not only his clients but also the entire design community in Chandigarh and beyond.

Graficoo Design: Where Creativity Meets Precision

At Graficoo Design, Souraav has built a reputation for delivering exceptional quality and personalized service. The company offers a wide range of design solutions, including:

Brand Identity and Logo Design

Website Development

App Design and Development

Blockchain and Crypto Projects

SEO and Digital Marketing

Graficoo's client-centric approach ensures that each project is tailored to meet specific business needs, whether it's building a brand from scratch or revitalizing an existing one.

Why Choose Souraav Kumar?

Choosing Souraav Kumar as your graphic or website designer means choosing a professional who is dedicated to delivering outstanding results. His deep understanding of design principles, combined with his technical expertise, allows him to create impactful solutions that resonate with both businesses and their audiences. His attention to detail, commitment to quality, and ability to deliver on time make him a preferred choice among top brands.

A Passion for Creativity

At the heart of Souraav's work is his passion for creativity. Every project he takes on is infused with his unique artistic vision and innovative approach. His designs are not only visually appealing but also highly effective in communicating the brand's message.

For Souraav, graphic and website design is more than just a career—it's a passion that drives him to constantly evolve and push the boundaries of what's possible. His goal is to help businesses succeed by creating designs that inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impression.

Connect with Souraav Kumar

Whether you're looking for a graphic designer to transform your brand's identity or a website designer to create a cutting-edge online presence, Souraav Kumar is the name you can trust. His exceptional skills and dedication to his craft have made him a leading figure in the design world.

For inquiries, collaborations, or to see how Souraav can help your business thrive, reach out today:

📞 Contact: +91 9115753053

🌐 Instagram: @souraavkumar07 🌐 Business Instagram: @graficoo1

[strxnged]

JANG HAN-SEO: # treason.

summary. yet another angsty introspective character narrative. mentions of emotional & physical abuse (obviously). me being upset (again).

word count. 0.4k. timeline. spoilers for up to episode 6.

Jang Han-seo was a traitor.

In his mind, there would be no denying it. Both him and Joon-woo recognized it as fact, and they always had. Han-seo’s half brother was waiting for the day of betrayal, preparing for it, setting up traps in it. His fate was to try and escape, and reach, and fail. But still, the truth was no secret, though he declared it false every time he was challenged. Han-seo hated Joon-woo, and so he was a traitor. And part of being a traitor meant that he had hope. 

This life—it was dreadful, vexing, and violent. But there were things he wished were real. He wished he really could be the CEO of a company. He wished the company was run properly, that so many people didn’t have to die. Han-seo wished that his employees didn’t see him as the tyrant Joon-woo had puppeted him to become. He wished that his brother’s dark, twisted amity was real. He wished that his life of affluence was genuinely as comfortable as it ought to be.

He wished that he didn’t have to shudder while walking around his own home in daylight. 

Today was going to change a lot of things. Joon-woo was going to reveal himself to those two from Wusang. Their names were forgotten to Han-seo. He didn’t remember names consistently. He didn’t remember much, mind rotted away by a past with drugs, by trauma to the head from Han-seok’s violence, and from his self-distrust learned from Joon-woo’s friendly reminders. In a way, today meant that he wouldn’t have to pretend anymore that he was the mastermind behind the company. And in a way, that was a relief, because he hated what was happening to Babel.

But today was going to change Han-seo’s fear. It was going to increase it.

Knowing that Joon-woo was starting to reveal himself meant that he was coming out of the shadows. And with him came the demons that lived there, no longer restrained to threatening and abjecting Han-seo in privacy.

As Han-seo’s fear increased, so did his hope—irrational, desperate hope that someone would see the truth and save him from it.

It was pointless. He knew. He knew because nobody stood up to him. Despite his position, he still had a slight reputation for being incompetent, but still nobody stood up to the cruelty and manipulation Joon-woo had coaxed him into.

It was pointless, but Han-seo still hoped.

And this was why Jang Han-seo was a traitor.

author's note. woo girl i am back in my FUCK JANG HAN-SEOK feels. someone give this guy a hug because i am upset and going to cry over it and have NO words for what this show does to me between laughs and gasps

[lgbtqmanga]

New Releases Sep. 10, 2024

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi (manhua) vol. 7 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu 

The mysterious corpse that Wei Wuxian has been investigating has finally been pieced back together, all save its most crucial part–the head. Yet even with the head missing, the evidence points inevitably in a single direction. To uncover the full truth, Wei Wuxian joins a delegation headed for Golden Carp Tower. There, a gathering of prominent cultivators is taking place. Yet for some reason, everyone in the Tower’s ruling clan harbors great animosity towards him…! Just what did the previous owner of his body do to earn so much resentment?

Kei X Yaku: Bound By Law (manga) vol. 3 by Yoshie Kaoruhara

Shiro and Ichiro’s investigation has led them through all kinds of twists and turns: close calls with members of the yakuza, dangerous trysts with political elite—all while maintaining their ruse as passionate lovers. And yet, with every step they take toward the truth, a tendril of a deeper mystery pulls it just out of reach, leaving more unanswered questions. Their encounter with a skilled assassin at an amusement park seems to be proof of a mastermind at work, if only they could identify who…

Perfect Buddy (manhwa) vol. 1 by Lash

As the new Design Team lead for the prestigious men’s magazine, City Casual, Seo Hyunsoo wants nothing more than to live a simple, routine life. But Planning Team lead, Baek Youngchan, is proving to be an irritating complication. The two constantly butt heads, and Hyunsoo cannot stand the other man’s sunny disposition! Try as he may to avoid Youngchan, Hyunsoo ends up catching the man doing something very not safe for work in the men’s bathroom. What’s worse, Youngchan won’t leave him alone after the awkward encounter! Can Hyunsoo keep his work on track, or will things heat up at the company retreat?

Takara's Treasure (manga) by Minta Suzumaru

Taishin has moved to Tokyo from his hometown of Fukuoka in order to reunite with Takara, a stranger who had consoled him in his grief the year prior. However, despite finally getting a chance to express his gratitude to Takara at college, he is given the cold shoulder! But Taishin, undeterred, decides to pursue Takara anyway, and Takara finds himself becoming more and more enchanted by Taishin’s straightforward and earnest gaze.

There’s No Freaking Way I'll Be Your Lover! Unless… (novel) vol. 5 by Teren Mikami

Amaori Renako is walking on sunshine. Everything’s gonna be totally great forever! The End. Except the story’s not quite over. It turns out dating’s harder than she thought. Plus, she’s got that strange text from Koto Satsuki to reckon with. How on earth did things turn out like this? For now, Renako resolves to spend time with both Sena Ajisai and Oduka Mai while preparing to battle the Quintet’s rivals in an inter-class athletics competition basketball game! Welcome to season two of There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! Unless…, where becoming lovers is only just the beginning!

Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! (manga) vol. 2 by Nmura

It’s been three months since the absolutely ordinary and plain office worker, Hashimoto, started going out with his boss, Shirase, and they’re reaching their first-month anniversary of moving in together. After the miracle discovery that “his online friend turned out to be his real-life boss,” Hashimoto and Shirase had quite the tumultuous start. But after a bunch of misunderstandings, the two are finally together…yet, their days are far from romantic when all they do are play video games and eat together! Getting worried, Hashimoto decides to try leveling up their relationship! But what do you do when your boyfriend’s successful, older, and super hot…?!

[notsogurly-blog]

Small Business SEO Tips For Internal Linking Location Service Pages Small Business SEO Tips For Internal Linking Location Service Pages Website: https://ift.tt/eU1y9Mf In this video, I'll explain the importance of internal linking from service pages to location pages for small business owners. I use the example of an attorney website operating in Pennsylvania to illustrate the concept. He discusses creating service pages that are optimized for specific locations and internally linking them to the corresponding city pages. I'll also explain the benefits of building supporting content for each location. Internal linking helps establish authority and relevance for any business in any specific area. What you learn in todays video: Internal linking from service pages to location pages is important for small business owners Chris Palmer uses the example of an attorney website operating in Pennsylvania to explain the concept The website creates service pages optimized for specific locations and internally links them to corresponding city pages Building supporting content for each location helps establish relevance and authority Internal linking helps small businesses be seen and indexed by search engines Chris Palmer offers consultation services and a Mastermind training program for SEO-related questions and help Join my channel for members only content and perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8P0dc0Zn2gf8L6tJi_k6xg/join Chris Palmer Marketing SEO 30 W Broad St fl2 Tamaqua PA 18252 (570) 810-1080 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X1LZ3zXJz4 https://www.youtube.com/watch/-X1LZ3zXJz4

[anja-merret]

Why you have to use Maxiblocks’ WordPress block templates to build your next website

The thrill of building a website from scratch! It's like going on a treasure hunt, except instead of foraging for gold and jewels, you're searching for the perfect design, functionality, and user experience. And that's where MaxiBlocks' WordPress block templates come in - the ultimate treasure map to help you navigate the wild west of web development!

With MaxiBlocks, you can create a website that's as unique as a snowflake (but, you know, not as fragile or cold). The WordPress block templates are like Legos for your website - you can mix and match different blocks to create a design that's all your own. Want a hero section with a bold headline and a call-to-action button? Boom! Done. Need a section with a grid of images and some snazzy text? Bam! With MaxiBlocks, you can build a website that's both visually stunning and absolutely functional.

So, why use MaxiBlocks' WordPress block templates? Well, for starters, they're ridiculously easy to use. No coding skills required (although, if you're a coding mastermind, you can totally get creative with customisations). Plus, their templates are optimised for speed and SEO, so your website will be fast, secure, and search-engine-friendly. And, let's be real, who doesn't love the idea of building a website that's both beautiful and functional? It's like having your cake and eating it too (but, you know, without the calories). So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of MaxiBlocks and start building your dream website today! Get the MaxiBlocks free WordPress page builder now to get going.

See how it's done!

[twinklingwatermellon]

A great thing about Ju-hyeok x Wu-jin is that no matter the timeline or their ages, Wu-jin will lay eyes on Ju-hyeok for the first time and go "well, now, this man is my type. I am going to pursue this man." And she does and we love her for that.

[agentcable]

Bad Prosecutor Ep. 12 Recap

Oh Do-Hwan helps Jin Jung obtain the necessary evidence to put Seo Hyun-Kyu on the stand. During the questioning, Jin Jung attacks Seo Hyun-Kyu with questions, but he remains unfazed. Additionally, Jin Jung presents a witness who surprises everyone, including Seo Hyun-Kyu.

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

The chairman was confident that his accomplice, Do-Hwan, would not betray him. However, he was surprised when Do-Hwan turned the gun on him instead of Jung. It turns out that Do-Hwan was Jung's hidden card.

Unfortunately, Chairman Seo was one step ahead of them. The gun he gave Do-Hwan was empty, while he held the gun with bullets. Additionally, he had goons hiding around the room. As a result, Jung and Do-Hwan were outnumbered and knocked out. Upon waking up, the two individuals discover that they are tied together inside an empty pool that is slowly filling with water. They manage to break free and fight off the attackers together.

Jung meets with A-Ra, Chul-Gi, Eun-Ji, and Joong-Do after escaping. He informs them that he has secured evidence that can get them a search and seizure warrant for the archive. The evidence is the analysis report on the so-called "accident" of Jae-Kyung's family. A-Ra believes that chairman will move his archive to a new location soon, so she works double time to secure a warrant. However, they are too late as the archive is already empty. Jung and A-Ra intercept the transport truck, which is also empty. The chairman is well-prepared, having two identical trucks ready, down to the license plate number. However, Jung anticipates this move and sends Joong-Do to infiltrate one of the trucks beforehand. Jung follows the truck using the couple's location sharing app. Unfortunately, Joong-Do is cramped inside a box and is caught as soon as they arrive. As Jung fights off the goons, one of them douses all the evidence in gasoline and throws a lighter. However, Do-Hwan catches the lighter and saves everything from burning.

The following day, Jung arrests Chairman Seo. The chairman argues that evidence obtained without a warrrant cannot be used. Jung circumvents this law by coercing one of Seo's subordinates to blow the whistle.

As a result, Seo's blackmail material is gone, and most people are turning their backs on him. Jung is reinstated into the Criminal Division and put in charge of the case against the chairman. Finally, we see Jin Jung in court wearing prosecutor robes! Meanwhile, Chairman Seo is representing himself without a lawyer and denying all charges. Tae-Ho and Secretary Tae are brought in as witnesses and both confess, pointing to Chairman Seo as the mastermind. However, the chairman's slyness is evident in the way he phrases his statements, discrediting all the testimonies against him.

Chairman Seo tells Jung that he is confident he is winning and that he cannot bring any other witnesses to build a case against him. If Jung plans to bring in Do-Hwan, Chairman Seo can easily tear him down. However, to the chairman's shock, and everyone else in the court, the real hidden card is Jae-Kyung, who is alive.

Do-Hwan saw signs of life from Jae-Kyung during the murder scene cleanup, prompting him to call Jung and start their partnership. They also have another hidden card: the sculpture Chairman Seo used against Jae-Kyung. The destroyed sculpture was a dupe. Chairman Seo was unable to defend himself, flustered by this unexpected turn of events. Prosecutor Jin Jung delivered a final statement, demanding that the defendant be indicted to the full extent of the law, which includes the death sentence.

Jung completed his first serious case and is eager to return to work. However, he is disappointed to learn that he has been reassigned to the Civil Affairs Division once again. He is told that he can bend the rules more easily under Jae-Kyung's supervision. He jokes about the division being more open to rule-bending than the Criminal Division.

The series concludes with a scene that mirrors the opening: the unethical prosecutor pursuing the criminals using his usual illegal methods, while A-Ra tries to control him over the phone. However, this time, they are in a better version of the prosecution office.

In a mid-credit scene, Chairman Seo demands to be released from prison during a phone call. However, he no longer holds the same power as before. Chairman Park orders him to remain silent and in custody while Prosecutor Jin Jung is dealth with.

[art-of-manliness]

Odds & Ends: November 3, 2023

End by Explosions in the Sky. I first discovered the instrumental rock band Explosions in the Sky from my favorite television show of all time: Friday Night Lights. I love the way their moody and atmospheric songs contain what the band calls “cathartic mini-symphonies.” Great music to work to. I hadn’t really kept up with them since their most famous album, 2003’s The Earth Is Not a Dead Cold Place, but recently saw they released a new album, End, in September, and have been digging it. County Highway — America’s Only Newspaper. I recently subscribed to County Highway, “a magazine about America that takes the form of a 19th-century newspaper.” I’m really enjoying it. First, the articles are top-notch and interesting. In the most recent edition, you’ll find an interview with a UFO whistleblower, an opinion piece on why GPS is ruining driving, and a deep dive into the cultural ramifications of Taylor Swift fandom. The second reason I love County Highway is that it’s really nice to read a physical newspaper again.  It’s a refreshing, tactile change to consuming the endless scroll of online content. The People Who Ruined the Internet. There’s been a lot of chatter in recent years about how Google search results have been getting worse and less helpful. The top link for search queries often goes to sites with generic answers written by what seems like a robot. People have been resorting to adding “Reddit” at the end of a search query so they can get to a Reddit thread with answers written by humans. What’s behind this seeming decrease in the quality of Google results? This article argues that it’s a result of a decades-long cat-and-mouse game played between Google and people in the search engine optimization (SEO) biz. As someone who makes his living online and has seen search traffic go up and down over the years due to the changes Google periodically makes to its search algorithm, this article was pretty fascinating (and highly entertaining). For the regular internet user, it may provide some insight into the dynamics of your web experience that you haven’t thought about.  Grant by Ron Chernow. I read this epic 1,000-page biography of General Ulysses S. Grant several years ago for my podcast with its author, Ron Chernow, and I still think about insights I got from the book today. Chernow does a masterful job of exploring Grant’s psychology, how this quiet, unassuming guy became the mastermind behind the Union’s victory in the Civil War, and how the same qualities that made him a good military leader didn’t translate to the world of politics.  Quote of the Week By annihilating the desires, you annihilate the mind. Every man without passions has within him no principle of action, nor motive to act. —Helvétius The post Odds & Ends: November 3, 2023 appeared first on The Art of Manliness. http://dlvr.it/SyNJ4V

[rainbowdaisy13]

I know there are a lot of people out there saying this is all for PR to change the narrative about Blake's lawsuit or another artist taking the spotlight. As someone who has been in PR for many years, THIS IS NOT PR! PR is meant to drive positive media coverage and promote your brand. This is the opposite of PR, this is over saturation and promoting negative brand image. Actively putting out stories that claim Taylor wants to let Travis shine is not positive PR for anyone's brand. All you have to do to see how poorly it's working is to take a spin through the comments on any article or social post to see that unless you have a picture of Taylor Swift as your avatar, most people think they are overgrown teenagers acting like immature spoiled brats.

This relationship is transactional, which is very different from PR. They are making money full stop. This is about using the media for attention not to change the narrative. She's perfectly content with the tradwife narrative. She's perfectly content with the homophobia and racism from her fans. She's perfectly content because she is counting her money every single night. And perhaps in a sad way, she's finally getting positive attention from her parents. But this isn't for PR. There isn't some grand strategy to change the SEO. Tree Paine isn't a particularly good publicist, her strength lies in being a bully. Preventing Taylor from any meaningful questioning from legitimate reporters and using fake social accounts to promote the cult's baser violent instincts. When you are a bully you surround yourself with bullies as that is the only way to get your way.

They aren't masterminds. There isn't a strategy. It's all just useful idiots using other useful idiots to do the dirty work. I hope they all rot.