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Deerhoof to Remove Music From Spotify

Deerhoof have announced that their entire catalog will be removed from Spotify. “‘Daniel Ek uses $700 million of his Spotify fortune to become chairman of AI battle tech company’ was not a headline we enjoyed reading this week,” the band said in a statement. “We don’t want our music killing people. We don’t want our success being tied to AI battle tech.”

In addition to being the CEO of Spotify, Ek is also a chairman of Helsing, a German defense tech company that’s been developing software that uses AI to inform military decisions. Deerhoof added:

We are privileged that it was a pretty easy decision for us. Spotify only pays a pittance anyway, and we earn a lot more from touring. But we also understand that other artists and labels do rely on Spotify for a bigger chunk of their income, and don’t judge those who can’t make the same move in the short term.

AI battle tech is clearly emerging as the hot new big ticket item for the super-rich. It’s increasingly clear that the military and police exist primarily as the security detail for the billionaire class. The more of the killing you can get computers to do, the better your bottom line.

The band also criticized the platform’s music discovery aspect, data practices, and royalty system, writing: “One of the claims often made about Spotify is that it theoretically makes one’s music discoverable by anyone who signs up, no matter how remote they may be from the self-proclaimed centers of hipness. But just because someone is far from Western gatekeepers does not mean they lack culture, or need to hear our band. Deerhoof is a small mom and pop operation, and know when enough is enough. We aren’t capitalists, and don’t wish to take over the world. Especially if the price of ‘discoverability’ is letting oligarchs fill the globe with computerized weaponry, we’re going to pass on the supposed benefits.”

Deerhoof, who most recently released Noble and Godlike in Ruin, noted their music won’t immediately disappear from Spotify. “We aren’t sure exactly how soon the takedowns can happen, but it will be as soon as possible. We want to thank our various labels for their support on this tricky decision. The grunt work of pulling content off of Spotify is something they’re now tasked with, and they are sharing the financial hit. We know we are asking them to make a sacrifice, and it means a lot to us.”

Revisit our 2023 interview with Deerhoof.

 

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Nine Perfect Strangers Season 3: Cast, Rumours & Release Date

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Hulu is making a run with its list of successful series this year. Specifically, Nine Perfect Strangers is joining the list. It’s an adaptation of Liane Moriarty’s The New York Times bestselling book. As of now, it has two emotionally gripping seasons on the streaming platform. While the second season is still rolling, the door is wide open for more transformation, mystery, and psychological twists. Similarly, fans are awaiting news of a third installment.

Explore this article to find out what could happen next, who might return, and when a third season might premiere.

Nine Perfect Strangers Storyline

Based on Hulu and IMDb, the series follows the story of nine city dwellers. The group of individuals goes on a 10-day retreat at a boutique health-and-wellness resort. Also, resort director Masha (Nicole Kidman) guides the strangers through the journey. Specifically, she has a goal of helping and transforming the minds and bodies of the group. However, the nine strangers don’t know what is about to strike them.

Will There Be a Season 3?

As of writing, season 2 of Nine Perfect Strangers is just about to end. As per a Deadline article, the second installment of the series adaptation started last May 21. Similarly, the final episode will drop on July 2.

Considering the status of the show, the creators might take some more time to assess how it would perform. Specifically, they could be looking at viewership, audience reception, and feedback from critics. These aspects could be the determining factors of the final decision.

At the same time, a report from ELLE indicated that Hulu did not make any announcement regarding the renewal of the show Nine Perfect Strangers.

What Could Happen in Season 3?

Aimee Lutkin of ELLE highlighted that the location and cast of Nine Perfect Strangers changed from season 1 to season 2. Besides that, the series basically follows the same formula. For that reason, season 3 could be the same. However, viewers can find a different tone, themes, and cast dynamics.

Potential Cast of Nine Perfect Strangers Season 3

Nicole Kidman could reprise her role as Masha Dmitrichenko if a third season gets green-lit. Aside from that, the names of who will play the new set of strangers are still a mystery. Seasons 1 and 2 of the show feature a very different ensemble besides Kidman. So, fans can expect new faces.

For your reference, here are the cast members of season 2:

  • Annie Murphy
  • Dolly De Leon
  • Christine Baranski
  • King Princess
  • Henry Golding
  • Lucas Englander
  • Lena Olin
  • Maisie Richardson-Sellers
  • Aras Aydin
  • Murray Bartlett
  • Mark Strong

Potential Release Date

There is no news regarding Hulu creating another season of the show. But if there is a third season, it could take years before it premieres. Especially since Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 came out about four years after the first season.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 3: Cast, Rumours & Release Date

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Hulu is absolutely crushing it with so many hit series. One of them is the reality show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. After a successful season 1 premiere in September 2024, it immediately got a follow-up season earlier this year. With the current season filled with shifting friendships and explosive scandals, fans are eager to know what’s next.

Stay until the end of the article to learn about the returning cast, the next season’s rumors, and when new episodes might air.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Storyline

According to the show’s description on Hulu, it is about the controversial world of a group of swingers. At the same time, this group of mom influencers happens to be Mormon wives. However, they made international headlines after getting caught in the middle of a swinging sex scandal. The issue will test the group’s faith, reputation, and friendship.

Will There Be a Season 3?

As per OK Magazine and USA Today, Hulu wanted 20 more episodes weeks after the release of season 1. Similarly, they ordered the release to be in the spring of 2025. With the second season having released only 10 episodes, fans can expect another 10 soon. However, there has not been a formal announcement from Hulu that a third season is coming. That means the next 10 episodes can either be a part 2 of the second season or the start of season 3. Either way, viewers are getting more!

What Could Happen in the Next Episodes?

Based on a Cosmopolitan article, the nature of the show hints that the next part will be about tons of drama. It’s either going to be about who’s staying married or who’s breaking up.

Likewise, the OK Magazine report says that new episodes of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives could be about the scandals and affairs of the cast. Also, Jessi Ngatikaura might address the speculations on her rumored affair with Marciano Brunette of Vanderpump Villa.

Potential Cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Next Part

While Jennifer’s marriage issues make her return questionable, most cast members are likely to stay. The next episodes could still include Demi Engemann, Ngatikaura, Miranda McWhorter, Taylor Frankie Paul, Whitney Leavitt, Mikayla Mathews, Layla Taylor, and Mayci Neeley.

Potential Release Date

There is no official confirmation from Hulu regarding the release of the upcoming 10 episodes.

So, if the additional 10 will commence season 3, then fans can expect the third season before 2026. But if the next 10 is simply a part 2 of the current season, then we’re looking at a year to get The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 3.

For Those I Love Announce New Album ‘Carving the Stone’, Share New Single

David Balfe has announced the second For Those I Love LP: Carving the Stone arrives August 8 via September Recordings. The follow-up to the project’s 2021 self-titled debut features the early single ‘Of the Sorrows’, as well as a gripping new song called ‘No Scheme’. Check it out along with a live performance video below.

“No Scheme is the spiritual successor to Top Scheme, the only track on the new album with a direct link to the old,” Balfe explained in a statement. “Anchored by the same chaos as Top Scheme, No Scheme trades some of its anger for despondency, it’s rage for reflection, while never fully leaving that original fire behind. Like much of the album it comes from, whenever it points the finger outwardly, it points it back inwardly too. Hypocrisy, complacency, and culpability are all present, but so too is a search for justice or meaning in an increasingly confusing time. A great deal has changed since I wrote it, but I feel as committed as ever to sharing it with you all.”

About the album as a whole, Balfe remarked, “This was partly my emotional response to what feels like a ‘cultural death,’ a strangling of a city and a generation.”

Carving the Stone Cover Artwork:

Carving the Stone cover

Carving the Stone Tracklist:

1. Carving The Stone
2. No Quiet
3. No Scheme
4. The Ox / The Afters
5. Civic
6. Mirror
7. This Is Not The Place I Belong
8. Of The Sorrows
9. I Came Back To See The Stone Had Moved

Album Review: Lorde, ‘Virgin’

“I’m ready to feel like I don’t have the answers,” Lorde sings on Virgin’s opening track, ‘Hammer’. That doesn’t mean she’s not searching, but on the pop star’s first album in four years, she embraces that feeling. When she sings of the “peace in the madness over our heads,” it’s not reflective of the kind of healing journey that polarized listeners on 2021’s Solar Power so much as beginning to accept it in messy, sometimes subdued, occasionally blissful fashion. While Lorde’s shortest album to date, it is far from her least impactful, mirroring the fluidity she’s discovering in her gender expression and carrying wounds both self-inflicted and relational: hazy yet thorny, guttural yet ambiguous, that self glitching in and out of view yet somehow sounding impervious in its vulnerability. More than stoking the flames, she’s stuck in her thoughts and staking her ground over every heartbreak, fear, and false image thrust into its orbit.


1. Hammer

If Virgin’s earlier singles simmered with frustration while sweating it out, its final preview and opening track effectively frames the whole album as a euphoric release. Though just thirteen seconds over the three-minute mark, ‘Hammer’ feels like its most fleshed-out track, the production getting thicker when you expect it to dissolve and Lorde’s voice reaching higher up for transcendence. She is immediately in the zone, threading poetry between nouns that set the stage – heat, love, ovulation – before putting the same emphasis on a simple string of verbs: “I burn, and I sing, and I scheme, and I dance.” But there absolutely are sentences that serve as declarative thesis statements, far more than flowery missiles. “When you’re holding a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” “Some days, I’m a woman, some days, I’m a man.” And the most biting: “I jerk tears and they pay me to do it.” She won’t stay holed up, she seems to say, but she’s not content to play the part either. In between, always, is the real deal.

2. What Was That

I’ve already written a fair bit about Virgin’s lead single and played it many times leading up to the album’s release, but was still curious how it’d fare in the context of the record. With its placement after ‘Hammer’, I hear ‘What Was That’ as: now let me jerk those tears; invoke post-adolescent devotion in the shadow of trauma; send those Melodrama shivers down your spine with a single pulsating synth. Of course Lorde knows it is no ‘Green Light’ – don’t you hear what she sings as her own backup? “When I’m in the blue light, I can make it alright.” ‘What Was That’ doesn’t conjure the ghost of a masterpiece so much as it stands as a rebuttal, and haunted double, of the it is what it is mindset pervading today’s carefree, complacent pop, perturbed even in its catharsis. At the end of the day, really what I hear is: Here’s me all over again. Are you actually listening?

3. Shapeshifter

Up until this point, Lorde has mostly been singing over punchy, kinetic production; ‘Shapeshifter’ is the first moment they really fold into one (and the one that most sounds like the album cover.) Jim-E-Stack’s shuffling beat is familiar and dusted like a good old piece of paper –  down to his use of the OP-1 synth, there’s something skeletal about each texture – so Lorde leans into it, unraveling patterns of compulsive behaviour without the need to cast away or resolve them. She may be back to making bangers, but not without allowing herself an anthem of disaffection: “Tonight I just wanna fall,” she sulks, Rob Moose’s strings swooning in like a kind of permission. Nothing more, nothing less.

4. Man of the Year

TikTok drama aside, ‘Man of the Year’, like its predecessor, hits harder on Virgin than as a standalone single. “You met me at a really strange time in my life,” Lorde sings, but there’s a present-tense groundedness to the track, owed in part to that lone bass guitar; aren’t the rest of us only now meeting this person – this “someone more like myself”? The singer keeps her vulnerability intact, her language somatic and light on metaphors; but the strangeness sweeps into the production, which slowly gives the climactic ballad a distorted, discomfiting edge. The catharsis isn’t always satisfying, but it is ripe with yearning. We better lean in, too.

5. Favourite Daughter

In total admiration and empathy for her poet mother, Sonja Yelich, Lorde strips any poetic ambiguity off the lyrics of ‘Favorite Daughter’, streamlining her message of always chasing maternal validation. Even the instrumentation calls as far back as the Pure Heroine era, so you have to trust it as an artistic throughline rather than a piece of revisionist history, casting her every word and performance as a line of communication. What most instills fear in her, though, isn’t any resemblance to her mother – “the blueprint for me,” Lorde told Zane Lowe – but her uncle: “You told us as kids/ He died of a broken heart.” Stardom as an inherited dream – that’s one thing; snuck in there is a cautionary tale that’d make anyone lay their hearts open.

6. Current Affairs

At the torn, complicated heart of Virgin is ‘Current Affairs’, which boasts elements of several other songs on it. The placement feels correct, as the bravery Lorde seeks to model suddenly disintegrates: “Mama, I’m so scared.” A nod to the friends talking current affairs in ‘What Was That’, doubling its meaning – could be your current affairs. The promiscuity of ‘Shapeshifter’, zoomed in: “He spit in my mouth like/ He’s saying a prayer.” Even an older song, Dexta Daps’ hit ‘Morning Love’, curiously and hypnotically sampled, rolls in like a cloud. Lorde isn’t seeing it all drift by in a haze, though; the entanglement is sharp and devastating. Her moans on the chorus recall ‘Hammer’, but her voice is wounded and coiled, not ecstatic. It’s not the messiness that renders it beautiful, but both qualities are undeniable.

7. Clearblue

Though he doesn’t contribute to the record until its final moments, Bon Iver’s influence (I’m thinking ‘Awards Season’) looms over the vocoder-laced ‘Clearblue’, whose sparseness feels like an extension of the previous song’s emotional and sexual reckoning. “I rode you until I cried/ How’s it feel being this alive?” she intones, but really seems to be asking: What comes after this feeling of aliveness? A pregnancy scare inspires a meditation on openness, freedom, and intergenerational trauma (her mother comes back into the frame), in a way that seems to blur and tie them altogether.

8. GRWM

The track eases the tension of the album by way of simplification, its message a recurring theme: “Since ’96, been looking for a grown woman.” Jim-E Stack’s productions hark back to Melodrama, this time without much of a twist. In a playful and obviously childish manner, ‘GRWM’ just hammers its point home. “A grown woman in a baby tee” is Lorde’s version of “Sometimes I feel like everybody is a sexy baby” and you can argue about how purposefully awkward or funny it is, but it’s certainly not the best that Virgin has to offer.

9. Broken Glass

Minimal and metallic, the song’s production may not be the most inventive on the album, but it gives way to one of Lorde’s most elastic and devastating performances. Melodrama certainly had bangers like this, but were they delivered with the same teeth-baring specificity? Were they this powerfully blunt and unromantic? “Mystique is dead” is the first line on this track about battling an eating disorder, which focuses less on stereotypes or obsessing over looks than the cruel arithmetic and shame that pound onward. Rather than letting the questions echo in the chorus, as in ‘What Was That’, the singer directs them back to herself in an attempt to break through. “I wanna punch the mirror/ To make her see that this won’t last.” It’s more than a shrug, the “huh, all of the above” more than a sigh. It’s laying out the shards and hoping others will still find themselves reflected, understanding that it – like a good pop song – can only last so long.

10. If She Could See Me Now

Interpolating Baby Bash’s 2003 hit ‘Suga Suga’, ‘If She Could See Me Now’ is catchy but a little muddled, speaking of emotional exorcism but delivering way less of it than most of Virgin. As an indictment of the music industry and a toxic relationship that was inextricable from it, it works just as well, but the clunkiness of lines like “I’m a mystic/ I swim in waters/ That would drown so many other bitches” detract more than underline the point.

11. David

Like ‘Clearblue’, the closer peels back the production to focus on, and pointedly distort, the intimacy of Lorde’s voice, this time petering out instead of swirling in a choir of its own. And while ‘Clearblue’ zeroes in on one incident, ‘David’ zooms out, circling back to the dissolution of a relationship that permeates, but hardly dominates, Virgin. “Who’s gon’ love me like this?” becomes “Am I ever gon’ love again?” Yet its proclamation of independence (“I don’t belong to anyone”) entails adding myself to that question and having enough faith to answer in the affirmative, all while recognizing that everyone else is looking in the same mirror – or at the same hole in it. That’s the darkness we’re staring into, at the end of the day, and Lorde’s here to remind us it’s still alive with possibility.

The Art of Invisible Architecture: Using Washable Rugs to Block and Define Large Living Spaces

Walk into any open-concept home and you’ll witness a peculiar phenomenon: people instinctively gravitating toward the edges. Not because the center isn’t functional, but because something about vast, undefined space feels… unmoored.

We’ve been conditioned to think that open floor plans equal better living. Bigger is better, fewer walls mean more freedom, and expansive spaces create expansive possibilities. But here’s what the design magazines don’t tell you: humans actually crave definition within openness.

The Great Open-Concept Paradox

The modern love affair with open-concept living has created homes that look stunning in photographs but often feel challenging to inhabit. These spaces promise flexibility and flow, but they frequently deliver something unexpected: a kind of spatial overwhelm that leaves us feeling like we’re camping in our own living rooms.

Sometimes we operate on autopilot without realizing it. When faced with a large, undefined space, we unconsciously push furniture against walls, cluster seating into tight groupings, and create islands of comfort in seas of emptiness. It’s our brain’s efficient shortcut – a way to impose familiar patterns on unfamiliar vastness.

But this defaulting strategy often leaves us with spaces that feel fragmented rather than flowing, disconnected rather than unified. We end up with beautiful square footage that somehow doesn’t translate into beautiful living.

Rugs as Invisible Walls

Here’s where washable rugs become something more than floor coverings – they become invisible architecture. They’re the soft walls that create definition without division, the gentle boundaries that organize space without confining it.

Think of washable rugs as stage directors for your living spaces. They don’t steal the show, but they orchestrate how the performance unfolds. A strategically placed rug can transform a cavernous great room into a collection of intimate conversation areas, each with its own purpose and personality.

The magic happens in the blocking – not the theatrical kind, but the spatial kind. When you use rugs to block large areas, you’re creating invisible rooms within rooms, defined spaces that maintain the openness while providing the psychological comfort of boundaries.

The Conversation Cluster: Creating Intimacy in Vastness

Large living areas often suffer from what designers call “shouting distance syndrome” – spaces so expansive that normal conversation requires raised voices. A well-placed washable rug can cure this immediately.

Picture your oversized living room. Instead of pushing all seating against the perimeter walls (the default response to overwhelming space), pull furniture toward the center and anchor it with a generous rug. Suddenly, you’ve created a conversation cluster – an intimate gathering space that feels intentional rather than accidental.

The washable aspect becomes crucial here because this central placement puts your rug in the path of maximum traffic flow. It’s where coffee gets spilled during animated discussions, where pets claim their favorite spots, where children naturally gravitate for floor time. Traditional rugs in this position become stress points – beautiful but fragile islands requiring constant vigilance.

Washable rugs eliminate this anxiety entirely. That gorgeous oversized rug that perfectly defines your seating area can handle whatever life throws at it, then refresh completely in your washing machine.

The Dining Zone: Floating Formality

In open-concept spaces, dining areas often feel like afterthoughts – furniture groupings that exist in the shadow of more dominant living spaces. A strategically sized washable rug can transform this dynamic entirely.

Instead of letting your dining area blend invisibly into the larger space, use a rug to create what designers call a “floating room” – a defined area that feels separate while remaining connected. The rug becomes the foundation that says “this is where we gather for meals” even when there are no walls to reinforce the message.

The blocking effect works on multiple levels. Visually, the rug creates a clear boundary that helps organize the overall space. Psychologically, it provides the definition that makes the dining area feel intentional rather than incidental. Practically, it protects your flooring from the inevitable spills and scrapes that accompany dining.

The Reading Retreat: Carving Out Solitude

Large living spaces often struggle with providing options for solitude within sociability. Everyone needs a space to retreat without retreating entirely – a spot to read, think, or simply observe the household’s rhythm from a comfortable distance.

A washable rug can create this retreat by defining a quiet corner or window nook as distinctly separate from the main social areas. It’s not about building walls – it’s about using textile boundaries to signal “this space has a different energy.”

This kind of spatial blocking requires confidence in your design choices. You’re essentially saying that not every square foot needs to serve the same function, that variety within openness creates richness rather than confusion.

The Play Zone: Containing Chaos with Style

For families with children, large living areas present a particular challenge: how to accommodate the reality of toys, games, and kid-centered activities without letting them overwhelm the entire space.

A washable rug can create a defined play zone that contains the beautiful chaos of childhood while maintaining the adult aesthetic of the broader space. It’s a boundary that children intuitively understand and respect – their designated territory within the family’s shared domain.

The washable element becomes essential here. Play zones are ground zero for art projects, snack time, and the general wear that comes with young lives in motion. A rug that can survive finger paints, juice boxes, and the occasional craft disaster becomes a practical foundation for family life.

The Workflow Highway: Directing Traffic Flow

Large spaces often suffer from poor traffic flow – unclear pathways that lead to awkward navigation and wasted square footage. Washable rugs can function as subtle traffic directors, creating visual pathways that guide movement through space.

This is invisible architecture at its most sophisticated. A runner that connects your entryway to your kitchen doesn’t just protect high-traffic flooring – it creates a visual highway that organizes movement through your space. Secondary rugs can branch off this main pathway, creating logical stopping points and gathering areas.

The blocking effect here is more about flow than boundaries. You’re using rugs to suggest how space should be navigated, creating an intuitive logic that makes large areas feel more manageable and purposeful.

The Seasonal Stage: Flexible Definition

One of the most powerful aspects of using washable rugs for spatial blocking is the flexibility it provides. Unlike permanent architectural elements, rugs can be repositioned, replaced, or removed as your needs evolve.

Summer gatherings might call for a large central rug that encourages casual floor seating and relaxed sociability. Winter months might favor smaller, more intimate groupings that create cozy conversation nooks. Holiday entertaining could inspire temporary reconfigurations that accommodate larger groups.

This seasonal flexibility transforms your large living space from a static stage into a dynamic environment that can adapt to life’s changing rhythms.

Breaking the Perimeter Prison

Recognizing when you’re ‘defaulting’ to perimeter furniture placement can be the first step toward more intentional space planning. It’s about creating space between automatic responses and conscious choices, between familiar patterns and new possibilities.

Those comfortable patterns of wall-hugging furniture can become invisible walls themselves, blocking the full potential of your living space. Small interruptions to our usual spatial habits – like pulling furniture toward the center and anchoring it with a beautiful rug – can lead to remarkable transformations in how we experience our homes.

The Psychology of Defined Openness

There’s something profound that happens when large spaces receive gentle definition. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by vastness, we begin to feel oriented within it. Instead of defaulting to the edges, we’re drawn to inhabit the center. Instead of feeling like we’re camping in our own homes, we feel like we’re truly living in them.

Washable rugs make this psychological shift practical. When your space-defining elements can handle the wear and tear of actual living, you’re free to create the spatial relationships that serve your life rather than protect your belongings.

The art of invisible architecture isn’t about hiding space – it’s about revealing its potential. It’s about using soft boundaries to create hard functionality, textile elements to organize spatial experiences, and washable practicality to enable beautiful living.

In large spaces where definition can feel elusive, washable rugs offer something precious: the power to create rooms within rooms, intimacy within openness, and intentional living within architectural vastness. They prove that the best boundaries are often the ones you can’t see – they’re simply felt, experienced, and lived within.

Liposuction Near Me: What to Expect from Local Body Contouring Experts

Stubborn fat can be frustrating. You may eat right, work out, and still notice areas that just won’t change. It’s a common struggle for many people who want to feel more comfortable in their own skin.

Liposuction near me is one way to address those problem spots. This cosmetic procedure removes fat deposits from specific areas of the body. It’s not about weight loss but reshaping your figure to match your goals.

In this guide, we’ll cover key details about liposuction and what local professionals can provide you.

Curious about how it works? Keep reading!

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction focuses on removing fat deposits that are difficult to reduce through diet and exercise. This surgical procedure shapes the body by addressing areas with persistent fat.

It’s commonly pursued by individuals aiming to improve their appearance and reach their personal aesthetic preferences.

A board-certified surgeon applies specific methods to break down and remove excess fat through small incisions. While not a weight-loss solution, liposuction is effective for improving contours in targeted areas.

“Think of it as fine-tuning, not a complete transformation,” many surgeons explain succinctly.

Common Treatment Areas for Liposuction

Liposuction focuses on specific areas where persistent fat deposits remain despite diet and exercise. These areas often play a significant role in achieving your desired body contouring goals.

Abdomen and Flanks

Stubborn fat often gathers around the abdomen and flanks. This area can be challenging to address with diet or exercise alone. Cosmetic surgery, like body contouring through liposuction, effectively removes fat deposits from these regions.

A board-certified surgeon uses detailed techniques to create a flatter stomach and slimmer sides. Patients commonly find their clothes fit better after this surgical procedure. Carefully targeted fat removal restores balance and enhances natural curves without impacting the surrounding tissues.

Thighs and Buttocks

Excess fat can accumulate on the thighs and buttocks, creating unwanted volume that remains despite diet and exercise. Liposuction focuses on these areas to eliminate persistent fat deposits and create more refined contours.

Patients often observe enhanced proportions and a better fit in clothing following this cosmetic surgery. A board-certified surgeon applies meticulous techniques to shape the body while ensuring safety.

Chin and Neck

Chin and neck liposuction addresses persistent fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise. This procedure shapes a more defined jawline and minimizes the appearance of a double chin.

Patients frequently observe better contours in this area, contributing to an improved overall facial profile.

A board-certified surgeon uses small, precise incisions to remove fat in this sensitive region. The minimally invasive approach results in reduced scarring and shorter recovery times compared to other body sculpting methods.

Local clinics provide consultations customized to your aesthetic preferences before proceeding with the surgical procedure. Let’s take a closer look at what happens during the process!

The Liposuction Procedure

The liposuction process involves thorough preparation, accurate methods, and an emphasis on your comfort. learn the steps to reaching your aesthetic goals.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

Doctors begin by asking about your health history. They discuss any medical conditions or past surgeries to avoid complications. Patients share their aesthetic goals during this conversation.

This helps guide the plan for fat removal and body contouring.

Surgeons perform a physical evaluation next. They identify areas with excess fat deposits and assess skin elasticity. Photos may be taken for reference before surgery begins later on.

Afterward, they explain risks, recovery time, and create an individualized surgical procedure plan designed specifically for you.

During the Procedure

The surgical procedure begins with local anesthesia or sedation to manage pain. Surgeons make small incisions, usually less than half an inch, to insert a thin tube called a cannula.

Careful movements help dislodge resistant fat deposits before suction eliminates them from the body. Patients may experience slight pressure but not pain during this part. Local clinics in New York often focus on accurate fat removal to ensure smooth outcomes.

Recovery and Aftercare

After the procedure, proper recovery and aftercare are essential for ideal results. Your body needs time and support to heal effectively.

  1. Follow all post-surgery instructions from your board-certified surgeon carefully to avoid complications. These guidelines often include care tips for incisions and prescribed medications.
  2. Wear compression garments as directed to reduce swelling and help your skin adjust to its new contour. This step encourages better results in the treated areas.
  3. Stay hydrated throughout the recovery period since water helps flush out anesthesia remnants while aiding healing.
  4. Avoid heavy lifting, intense activities, or strenuous exercises during the first few weeks of recovery. Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation.
  5. Watch for swelling, redness, or unusual symptoms such as fever or excessive pain, which might signal an issue that requires immediate attention.
  6. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to track progress and address concerns early. This ensures a steady recovery process.
  7. Maintain a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and nutrients to support tissue repair while avoiding foods high in salt to minimize bloating.
  8. Be patient, as it can take several months for final results to become fully apparent due to residual swelling gradually subsiding over time.
  9. Protect treated areas from direct sunlight by wearing loose clothing or applying recommended sunblock products when outdoors.
  10. Pay attention to your body’s signals throughout recovery; rest when needed instead of rushing into normal routines too quickly.

Benefits of Choosing Local Body Contouring Experts

Local professionals know the community and understand the needs of nearby patients. Their convenient location makes appointments and follow-ups a breeze.

Personalized Care and Accessibility

Surgeons in your area provide individualized care by considering your specific aesthetic goals. They evaluate personal needs to create a tailored fat removal plan. This method addresses unique body contouring requirements, whether it’s focusing on the abdomen or thighs.

Convenience with local clinics simplifies scheduling and follow-ups. It minimizes travel time and ensures reliable, quality postoperative care during the recovery period. Selecting nearby professionals also enables you to easily review patient feedback for trustworthy insights before deciding on this cosmetic surgery option.

Expertise in Advanced Techniques

Local body contouring experts master advanced liposuction techniques to provide precise fat removal. These methods often involve tools like power-assisted or laser-assisted devices, which assist in targeting stubborn fat deposits effectively.

Specialists use these technologies to shape areas such as the abdomen, thighs, and chin with accuracy.

Board-certified surgeons combine skill and experience with advancements in cosmetic surgery. They customize each surgical procedure to a patient’s unique aesthetic goals while reducing risks.

This approach not only enhances results but also shortens recovery time for most patients seeking body sculpting treatments nearby.

Combining Liposuction with Other Procedures

Plastic surgeons often combine liposuction with tummy tucks for a more refined contour. This combination addresses persistent fat and loose skin in the abdomen. Patients aiming for significant body shaping sometimes select this pair to meet their aesthetic objectives more efficiently.

Some individuals choose fat removal along with breast augmentation or reduction. This method helps create balanced proportions while improving overall symmetry. Performing multiple procedures together may also reduce recovery time compared to undergoing separate surgeries, making it an appealing option for many exploring cosmetic surgery.

Conclusion

Finding the right approach to liposuction can feel like a big decision. Local experts offer more than just fat removal; they provide individualized care and accessible support. Their expertise helps ensure safe procedures and effective results customized to your needs.

With options for combining treatments, you can refine your aesthetic goals with ease. Take time to research patient reviews and surgeon qualifications before moving forward. Your confidence and comfort matter most, so choosing wisely will make all the difference!

Judie Huier Zhao: A Global Connector in Contemporary Art and Education

Judie Huier Zhao has built a distinctive career that spans continents, cultures, and creative disciplines, establishing herself as an influential figure in the international art world. From her base in New York City, Zhao operates at the intersection of arts education, curatorial practice, and cultural innovation, demonstrating how cross-cultural insight and strategic thinking can reshape art engagement on a global scale.

Early Foundations and International Perspective

Zhao’s artistic journey took root during her undergraduate years in California, where she immersed herself in comprehensive studies across painting, sculpture, architecture, and art history. Her formative experiences, however, came during summers in Shanghai—the city where she spent her childhood before relocating for middle school. It was there that she encountered the groundbreaking Tank Shanghai project in its earliest stages.

Tank Shanghai represented a radical reimagining of cultural space—converting abandoned oil tanks into dynamic venues for contemporary art in a city traditionally dominated by conventional galleries and museums. Zhao’s involvement from the project’s inception gave her firsthand experience in cultural innovation and institutional development, contributing to what would become one of China’s most significant contemporary art destinations.

Academic Excellence and Dual Expertise

Zhao pursued graduate studies at two prestigious institutions simultaneously, earning degrees in Fine Arts from Pratt Institute and Arts and Financial Management from New York University. Scholarship support at both universities enabled her to develop an unusual combination of skills that bridges creative practice with business acumen—a hybrid expertise that distinguishes her in the arts professional landscape.

This dual foundation equipped her with both visual literacy and curatorial sensibility alongside strategic business thinking and international market understanding, creating a comprehensive toolkit for navigating the complex contemporary art ecosystem.

Professional Impact in New York’s Art Scene

Zhao’s professional experience encompasses work at several influential New York institutions. At White Columns, one of the city’s most established alternative art spaces, she continues to contribute to the annual benefit auction—a significant fundraising event that features both emerging artists and established names like KAWS. Her involvement with Shin Gallery included co-developing Shin Haus, an innovative pop-up platform designed to connect emerging artists with younger collectors, demonstrating her commitment to fostering new relationships within the art market.

Leadership in Arts Education

Currently, Zhao holds a key position at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, where she directs the expansion of online and professional programs. Since joining the Institute, she has been instrumental in developing New York’s program offerings to include in-person professional education, bringing the New York location in line with London’s established educational formats.

Working alongside longtime collaborator Laura Salvatore, Zhao has helped create comprehensive courses covering art history, gallery management, and art finance. These programs serve as crucial entry points for international students seeking to understand and participate in New York’s dynamic art market, one of the world’s most influential cultural economies.

A Systems Approach to Art

What distinguishes Zhao’s approach is her comprehensive understanding of the art world as an interconnected ecosystem. Rather than focusing solely on creation or commerce, she considers how art is experienced, learned about, and sustained over time. This perspective informs all aspects of her work, from education program development to curatorial planning.

Beyond her professional commitments, Zhao maintains an active engagement with the city’s artistic community through regular studio visits and participation in the broader cultural conversation. She currently prepares to curate exhibitions featuring emerging talent, continuing her ongoing mission to create meaningful connections between artists and new collectors.

Vision for the Future

Zhao’s career trajectory reflects a unique synthesis of creative sensitivity and institutional expertise, developed through international experience, rigorous academic training, and diverse professional exposure. Whether guiding students through the complexities of the New York art world or bringing emerging artists to broader attention, she functions as a cultural bridge-builder whose influence continues to expand across the global art community.

Her work exemplifies how contemporary art professionals can operate effectively across traditional boundaries—combining curatorial vision with educational leadership, international perspective with local expertise, and creative insight with strategic implementation.

For information about Sotheby’s Institute of Art programs, visit sothebysinstitute.com.

Finding new cryptocurrencies: Spotting emerging trends and making the most of them as an early adopter

The cryptocurrency marketplace is known for being incredibly competitive as a result of the fluctuations and volatility that are commonplace in the ecosystem. Keeping up with the latest developments is not simple and can actually cause investors to make wrong choices as they misinterpret the market signals. This is particularly common among those who are new to the market, but veteran traders can be impacted as well since cryptocurrencies are not simple to get the hang of. Yet, they continue to remain popular investments among users from all over the globe for whom digital coins have long stopped being a niche investment. With millions participating in the ecosystem, it can safely be said that cryptocurrencies have never been closer to the mainstream than they are now. 

If you’ve already started researching the marketplace you’re part of, then you’ve most likely heard of the early adopters before. These are the individuals who became aware of coins such as Bitcoin and Ethereum early on and bought many tokens for a relatively low price. Typically, these investors held on to their assets, allowing their value to appreciate over time to the point that many become millionaires and even billionaires. The crypto ecosystem, though, shows no sign of stopping as thousands of new coins keep entering the market. However, they’re not all created equal, and in order to know what crypto to buy and add to your portfolio, you must first be able to identify the most promising tokens, the ones that could bring you the most revenue. 

Becoming an early adopter can be an amazing way to increase your gains, but you need to be disciplined and develop a comprehensive strategy if you truly want to be successful. With that in mind, let’s examine the things you should consider if you’re trying to spot the latest crypto opportunities. 

Understand the market 

It should go without saying that having a fundamental understanding of the ways in which the crypto ecosystem operates is the only way to build a foundation for your career as a crypto trader. The marketplace is changeable and entirely decentralized, a characteristic that makes it much more vulnerable to shifts and turns in macroeconomics or geopolitics. Even though crypto isn’t tied to traditional markets, they still impact it. Market sentiment, volume, and engagement rates from the investors change the way in which the market operates as well. 

This is precisely why crypto is not suitable for those who feel uncomfortable navigating riskier trading environments. It is also why you must be able to carry out technical analysis and understand concepts such as liquidity and market cap before you start adding crypto to your portfolio. The use cases associated with crypto coins are essential, too, since they can determine the viability of an asset over the long term. The fact that the regulatory environment in the United States is not yet entirely clear and certain has also meant that many investors hold back out of fear of losing more money than they gain. 

Do your research 

Major crypto exchanges such as Binance list new cryptocurrencies all the time, so the best way to learn about the new holdings being released on the market is to monitor these listings. You might just spot a winning token this way. However, to find the most promising cryptocurrencies, you must only look at reputable exchanges. Being included on one of these platforms lends credibility and can even bring a significant liquidity boost. When a new coin is added to an exchange, it means that it has passed a certain level of scrutiny and succeeded in gaining the attention of established investors. 

Smaller, regional exchanges shouldn’t be out of the picture entirely, but make sure that they don’t operate illicitly. While the crypto market is indeed decentralized, it doesn’t mean that all exchanges are equally trustworthy. Choosing the wrong place will do you far more harm than good and may even end up impacting the well-being of your portfolio over the long term. 

Online communities 

Since cryptocurrencies are based entirely online, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the communities associated with the marketplace are almost entirely digital. There are events and conventions, but interacting with the online community can be very valuable as well, especially if you’re just taking your first steps into this ecosystem. Talking to expert traders who have been buying and selling for many years is a great way to gain insights into the coins that are most likely to be successful in the long term. The only drawback is that there’s a lot of information on social media, and you might be tempted to do something without doing your research before. 

There’s a lot of speculation of hype in the crypto environment, and the important information you seek could get overshadowed by events such as a new meme coin going viral. To stay safe, make sure to always verify the information you find, as it is the only way to avoid the effects of misinformation. If FOMO affects you, ask yourself if the project has the fundamentals that would justify that kind of hype. When it comes to the crypto world, you are responsible for the well-being of your portfolio as well, so while you can follow the advice and guidance of other people, the choice ultimately belongs to you. 

Decentralized platforms 

Decentralized finance projects offer unique opportunities to invest even before the coins reach the larger platforms. According to experts, DeFi is one of the most exciting corners of the crypto world, but it is nonetheless important to remain cautious and attentive. As in the case of the more typical exchanges, you need to look for a strong technological base and real-world use cases. The total value locked, a metric that shows how much value can be found in a specific protocol, and the general user adoption rates are two of the indicators you can trust when dealing with DeFi. 

Discovering the next big thing in crypto before the hype reaches it is no easy thing, but it isn’t impossible. Doing your research and being careful are the most important things you need to keep in mind. And remember, even if you miss out on being an early adopter, you will always have another chance in this vibrant and ever-changing market.

From Mosh Pits to Medical Bills: What to Do If You’re Hurt at a Concert

Concerts are thrilling—loud music, pulsing lights, and a sea of people all vibing together. But sometimes the excitement turns dangerous. You trip, get pushed, or something falls, and suddenly you’re not singing; you’re injured. That’s a blow nobody wants. Here’s a clear, unfluffy guide to help you figure out what to do—step by step—if something goes wrong at a concert or festival. You’ll learn how to protect yourself legally and make sure you don’t end up carrying all the costs.

Why Concert Injuries Happen

Let’s be real—festivals and concerts are chaotic. When thousands of people gather, mishaps are bound to happen. Here are a few common culprits:

  • Crowd crushes: When people shove forward and you can’t breathe or even move.

  • Stage collapses or falling gear: Lighting rigs or speakers that aren’t secured properly.

  • Slip and fall: Wet floors, spilled drinks, or uneven surfaces.

  • Security disputes: Overzealous staff pushing you or even tackling you.

  • Heat exhaustion or dehydration injuries: Especially at outdoor events under the sun.

Sometimes it’s pure bad luck—but sometimes it’s negligence. That’s when you might be able to get compensation. But first, you need to know what steps to take.

1. Get to Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Immediate safety comes first. If you’re hurt, move away from the crowd and find help. Event staff, security, or friends are your first line of defense.

If you’re seriously injured — think broken bones, head wounds, or trouble breathing — get professional care right away. Don’t skip this step. Getting quick treatment not only keeps you safe but also creates a medical record of your injuries. In short, it’s your backup plan for later.

2. Document Everything—Right Away

Once you’re safe and medically checked, gather evidence. You’ll thank yourself later.

  • Photos and videos: Capture your injury, the scene, broken equipment, wet floors—everything related to the incident.

  • Witness info: Ask nearby fans, friends, or crew for names and contact details. Their accounts can help later.

  • Incident report: Go find event patrol or security. Ask them to write down the accident and give you a copy.

  • Medical report: Make sure your injuries are properly documented by professionals—it matters.

3. Know Who Might Be at Fault

In personal injury law, to get compensation, you need to prove someone else was at fault. Here are potential responsible parties:

  • Event organizers/venue: They should make sure everything is safe.

  • Security teams: Allowed to manage crowds, but they must not harm you.

  • Vendors or equipment crews: If gear falls or spills happen.

  • Other attendees: But going after someone as unpredictable as a festival crowd gets messy fast.

It’s not always cut-and-dry. A saved photo, video, or statement can reveal if someone ignored safety guidelines or acted carelessly.

4. Reach Out to a Personal Injury Lawyer

This is where legal pros like Sutliff Stout come in. Personal injury lawyers know how to sort through the mess—insurance claims, responsible parties, deadlines and paperwork. You don’t need to hire an army; even a quick consult could save you time, money, and stress.

5. Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters Alone

It’s tempting to settle fast. They might seem friendly and eager to close the case. But this is what they do: offer less than you deserve and leave you footing the rest of the medical bill.

Only answer simple questions. No filmed confession. No early admission of guilt. Instead, refer them to your lawyer. It shows you’re serious—and protects you.

6. Track Your Costs

Keep a folder—paper or digital—with everything related to your injury. Examples include:

  • Medical bills: ER visits, CT scans, PT, etc.

  • Lost earnings: Pay stubs showing days you missed.

  • Out-of-pocket expenses: Transportation to the doctor, new clothes if you spilled beer on yours, even Melatonin for sleep because pain kept you up.

  • Intangible losses: Emotional distress or ruined vacations. These matter too.

Proving your damages is key to getting compensation.

7. Know the Deadline—Statute of Limitations

Every state has time limits for personal injury claims, often two to three years from the incident. If you miss that window, you’re out of luck, even if you had a strong case. Hit the mark early—consultations often start way before a lawsuit is filed.

8. Case Resolution: Settlement vs. Trial

Most cases get settled before going to court. A settlement means money in your pocket without the length of a trial. Judges prefer this too.

Trials happen when offers are too low or fault is disputed. These can drag on longer and cost more. Your lawyer will explain risk versus reward. You decide.

9. Watch for Hidden Tactics

Stay alert for tricks event organizers or insurers might pull:

  1. Prompt lowball offers—designed to undercut your value.

  2. Blame the victim—suggesting you “should’ve known” better.

  3. Sign release waivers—especially if you’re given one after the fact, or under duress.

A lawyer spots these moves. You focus on healing.

10. Before You Next Concert…

After everything’s resolved, don’t stop caring. Take these steps:

  • Double-check venue safety measures—barrier strength, trained security, first-aid stations.

  • Share caution with friends—walking in pairs, packing earplugs, staying hydrated.

  • Know the layout—emergency exits, shady or cooler zones, medical tents.

Fests and concerts are unforgettable—but so are accidents. Stay smart out there.

Common Injury Scenarios and What They Mean Legally

Not all concert injuries are treated the same under the law. Here’s a breakdown of typical scenarios and what kind of legal ground they might give you:

Trampled in a Crowd Surge

If poor crowd control, blocked exits, or an overpacked venue contributed to the surge, that’s on the organizers. They’re responsible for managing crowd safety and following capacity rules.

Hit by a Falling Object (Like a Light or Speaker)

This usually points to equipment malfunction or human error. If gear wasn’t secured or inspected properly, the event crew or vendors may be liable for negligence.

Slipped on Spilled Drinks or Wet Flooring

Venues are required to clean hazards in a timely manner. If you slip on a spill that’s been there for hours, or there are no “wet floor” signs, that’s a strong premises liability case.

Injured by Overzealous Security

Security guards are trained to defuse—not escalate. If you were shoved, restrained too aggressively, or tackled without cause, that may be considered excessive force and could be actionable.

Suffered Medical Issues with No On-Site Aid

Outdoor festivals without water stations, shade, or medics nearby? That can be grounds for a claim, especially if your illness could have been prevented with basic planning.

Each of these has different levels of complexity, but they share one thing: if someone failed in their duty to keep the space safe, you may be entitled to recover costs.

Final Thoughts

Concerts and festivals are fun—but accidents do happen. What matters is how you respond. Quick care, smart documentation, legal guidance—you don’t need to be a lawyer yourself, just prepared enough to protect yourself.

Keep this guide handy. Use the headspace between acts to double-check exits and on-site med tents. And if you do get hurt? Follow these steps like a pro. Your only encore should be a great story—not a hefty medical bill.

Rock on, stay safe, and don’t let a slip-up stop your rhythm.