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Bakana Boutique Opens a Cross-Cultural Luxury Lifestyle Space in San Francisco

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Bakana Boutique Opens a Cross-Cultural Luxury Lifestyle Space in San Francisco

Bakana Boutique opens in San Francisco as a new cultural space based on global and upcoming brands. Bakana is a selected store, beyond a traditional retail space, and is based on the experience of the founder, Mariana Bakana, in the fields of fashion, creative direction, and entrepreneurship. The notion is a response to a rising local demand for selective and design-conscious setups in the changing luxury scene of the city.

A Platform Shaped by Global Creative Exchange

The boutique started as a career in international fashion networks under the auspices of Mariana Bakana. Her style is more collaborative than distributive, providing independent designers and artisans with a critical audience. The space combines labels from Europe and the United States, whose niche is in Paris, Italy, and the South of France. Every participant is brought in based on a selective process that focuses on craftsmanship, storyline, and cultural relatability.

This is compared to the overall changes in the luxury industry. According to Bain and Company, over 60 percent of luxury purchases made across the world are influenced by experiential retail, as people want to have context and meaning in addition to products. In response to this trend, Bakana Boutique responds by placing each collection within a broader cultural discourse, rather than merchandising at the level of single items.

Curated Collections Across Lifestyle Categories

To establish a cohesive lifestyle outlook, the store offers limited-edition collections in fashion, cosmetics, gourmet goods, and wellness. This interdisciplinary curation reflects shifting consumer behavior. Nearly half of North American luxury customers now base purchasing decisions on lifestyle convergence, as shown in a 2023 McKinsey report.

Two internal lines serve as the space’s anchors within this framework. Bakana Gold, an extra virgin olive oil derived from Puglian millenary trees, supports traceable production and agricultural heritage. Bakana Beauty incorporates local customs with contemporary skincare methods, drawing inspiration from Mediterranean practices. These lines set quality and sourcing criteria for visiting brands and guarantee continuity.

A Launchpad Rather Than a Storefront

Bakana Boutique operates as a launch environment for international labels entering the San Francisco market. Pop-ups, trunk shows, and private presentations create flexible formats that adapt to each brand’s identity. Press previews and cultural programming further extend visibility beyond the physical space.

This model reflects a growing preference for temporary and event-based retail. Pop-up retail revenue in the United States exceeded 10 billion dollars in 2022, driven by brands seeking lower risk and stronger audience engagement, as reported by Statista. Bakana integrates this logic while emphasizing community connection over transactional volume.

Supporting Independent and Women-Led Initiatives

The project’s framework continues to emphasize community interaction. Collaborations, seasonal markets, and fashion shows promote women-owned enterprises and independent creators. These programs promote dialogue among designers, customers, and cultural players in the city.

San Francisco’s creative economy lends support to this strategy. Creative sectors generate more than 15 billion dollars in revenue for the local economy each year, as reported by the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development. Bakana Boutique exists inside this environment, providing a physical meeting place for global and local influences.

Bakana Boutique’s debut marks the introduction of a hybrid place where retail, culture, and creative exchange converge. The idea connects San Francisco to European design centers while responding to changes in luxury consumerism and community-driven shopping. Bakana, rather than redefining luxury, reframes its circulation through context, collaboration, and cultural continuity.

Create For Inclusion: The Designer Builds for Broader Reach

Abbie Wilson
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Create For Inclusion: The Designer Builds for Broader Reach

Imagine walking through a museum where interactive pins emerge as you explore, each one a gateway to discovery. Tap a pin, and you’re transported into an immersive space where history comes alive through a scavenger hunt game, revealing the stories and secrets behind each artifact. This is the experience Nuoran Chen and his team brought to life in their product demo video for The Virtual New York Times Museum. The project reimagines a hidden gem: the New York Times Museum tucked away on the 15th floor of the NYT’s office building, accessible only to employees who work there. Chen and his team’s vision opens this space to the world, showcasing over 170 years of journalistic history through an innovative virtual experience. The concept design earned them top honors at 2025 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA). Behind the project is the main designer, Nuoran Chen, whose work is shaped by a long-standing interest in inclusive design.

Nuoran Chen grew up in an era when information has never been more readily available. Yet, he argues, it is this abundance that has made designers complacent—assuming everyone has easy access and overlooking those who still face barriers. His passion lies in bridging this gap: making services or information more accessible and reachable to those with limited abilities. Over the past three years as a product designer at major media companies like The New York Times and The Washington Post, he has worked to embed inclusive thinking from concept to commercialization throughout the design process. In his personal projects, he takes his commitment further by inviting users into the decision-making process. These principles come to life across three projects that reveal different dimensions of his approach to inclusive design.

Image of the virtual New York Times Museum where users land onto a 3D space to start the guided tour.

The virtual New York Times Museum project exemplifies Chen’s commitment to making exclusive physical spaces digitally accessible while maintaining the authenticity of its physicality. In his role on the project, Chen focused on translating the museum’s solemn, in-person experience into a digital one through a unified design language that guides users throughout the entire journey. He didn’t simply create another online gallery where users scroll through grid-displayed images. Instead, he used photogrammetry to capture the physical space itself, creating a digital twin that preserved the museum’s atmosphere and spatial relationships. He also designed the spatial UI system that supports the entire experience, from museum navigation to scavenger-hunt interaction.Interactive pins anchor artifacts to their actual locations within the digital twin, surfacing naturally as users explore the space. This recreates the feeling of strolling through a museum in person, delivering a serious yet engaging experience: the UI is intentionally restrained, fading into the environment to foreground journalism while offering subtle cues that guide exploration and interaction. Audio descriptions are included for each artifact, extending the experience to audiences who prefer or rely on audio. Through this project, Chen demonstrates how design can remove barriers to physical access while preserving the authenticity of the original experience and deepening engagement.

Chen’s work for inclusive design also extends to the system-level that powers accessibility for all products. At The Washington Post, Chen’s work on the internationalization of the content management system exemplified this thinking. He improved the accessibility of design systems and helped the company reach more clients who use Arabic and Hebrew through his right-to-left (RTL) language adoption guidance. Chen emphasized that RTL adoption isn’t simply mirroring components on screen—it requires an exhaustive design of information hierarchy, interaction gestures, and iconography within specific cultural contexts. He created the first component-level documentation on RTL for The Washington Post ArcXP design system, which includes all these nuances that helped different teams build with intention, ensuring consistency across the platform. For Chen, this work proved that improving accessibility at the design system level creates a win-win outcome: “For companies, teams can build products faster and generate more revenue sources while reducing legal risk; for users, the product is more usable and accessible.

Image of the TactileLink prototype. One instructor is teaching two students simultaneously through a voice guide.

TactileLink, Chen’s personal project, takes his inclusive design approach to the design process itself. It challenges the conventional design process where solutions are created first and users consulted later. When Chen and his team volunteered at a Blind Arduino class at the East Bay Center for the Blind, they observed the instructor physically guiding each student’s hand across tactile diagrams one-on-one. This approach made teaching multiple students challenging. Rather than designing a solution in isolation, Chen brought the blind students and instructors into the process from the start. Together, they brainstormed ideas, built prototypes, and tested solutions in real classroom settings. The result was TactileLink, a tactile graphic teaching system that makes in-class or remote tactile graphic education more accessible. One instructor can now teach multiple blind students simultaneously. Students can easily locate elements by audio feedback: as they move their finger across a diagram on a tablet, the pitch shifts—rising near target elements, falling when they drift away.

Taken together, Chen’s work reflects a consistent approach to inclusive design that extends beyond individual deliverables. While often working within large, collaborative teams, he has taken on roles that shape both how products are built and how their impact is understood—whether by defining interaction models that preserve physical context in digital spaces, establishing system-level standards that guide future teams, or reframing accessibility work so it is recognized as innovation rather than accommodation. Across institutional projects and independent initiatives alike, Chen demonstrates that inclusive design is not a fixed set of techniques, but a strategic practice that requires advocacy, cross-disciplinary coordination, and long-term thinking. His work highlights how designers can expand access and reach at scale, even within complex organizations where accessibility was not originally prioritized.

Nintendo Switch 2: How To Redeem Game Codes on Nintendo eShop

Shubhendu Vatsa
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Nintendo Switch 2: How To Redeem Game Codes on Nintendo eShop

If you’re just starting a digital game collection on your Nintendo Switch 2, redeeming game codes is one of the quickest and most popular ways to add new titles to your library. Anyone who has bought and redeemed digital game codes on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC before will already know exactly how it works, and it’s no different on the Switch 2.

You can redeem a download code, aka a game code, on the Switch 2 directly through the Nintendo eShop on your console or via a browser on your phone or computer. Either way, the game will be linked to your Nintendo Account, thus making it available across all your devices. So to help you get started, here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to redeem game codes on the Nintendo eShop.

Nintendo Switch 2: How To Redeem Game Codes on Nintendo eShop

To redeem a game code on Nintendo Switch 2, you’ll need the 16-character download code included with your purchase. Also, your Nintendo Switch 2 must also be connected to the internet, and you’ll need a Nintendo Account that’s registered in a country or region where the Nintendo eShop is available.

If you’re away from your console, you can still redeem the same code online using a web browser, as the purchase is tied to your Nintendo Account. Here’s how to redeem a game code on Nintendo Switch 2:

  1. First, connect your Nintendo Switch 2 console to the internet.
  2. Then, from the HOME Menu, select the Nintendo eShop icon to open the store.
  3. When prompted, choose the Nintendo Account you want to use.
  4. Once inside the eShop, select Redeem Code from the menu on the left.
  5. Enter your 16-character Nintendo Switch download code using the on-screen keyboard.
  6. Lastly, hit Confirm to complete the process.

Some retailer game cards include both a control number and a download code. Make sure you enter the download code, not the control number. Once your redemption is confirmed, the game will begin downloading automatically. The game’s icon will appear on the HOME Menu with a progress bar that will disappear once the download finishes. Moreover, if your console supports virtual game cards, the game will launch automatically after the download is complete.

If you see a message saying the code has already been used, it means the game code has already been redeemed and can’t be used again. For more gaming news and guides, be sure to check out our gaming page!

7 Book Cover Designers To Watch In 2026

Gerda Krivaite
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7 Book Cover Designers To Watch In 2026

Within the variety of artistic expression, the art of book design is too often overlooked. From the 16th century well into the modern era, books were sold as unadorned objects with plain bound boards or simple leather, leaving wealthier purchasers to arrange their own permanent binding. Today, stepping into a bookshop means confronting a kaleidoscope of competing visual strategies: minimalist sans-serif shouts resting alongside maximalist illustrations, metallic foils catching light next to matte textures. From the times of custom-bound volumes to today’s market-driven designs, book cover creation has undergone a striking transformation. In 2025, that evolution surfaced in a wave of bold, experimental and truly brilliant designs. Here are seven book designers worth following as we step into the new year:

  1. Janet Hansen

    Currently an art director at Alfred A. Knopf and Everyman’s Library, Janet Hansen-Brand discovered her love for design during her time at the School of Visual Arts. For Janet Hansen, one of the great pleasures of book design is the freedom to creatively engage with a wide spectrum of subjects and ideas. This is on display in the cover for Michael Clune’s Pan, in which a fragmented collage of classical-styled figures hover over a stark, black‑and‑white photograph of a face — a memorable blend of image and texture, testament to the designer’s passion for her craft.

  2. David Pearson


    Specialising in print-based design, David Pearson captivates with his crisp, distinctive book covers. Pearson has been commissioned by a variety of clients, including Wes Anderson, The New York Times and the V&A, and is also the founder of The Book Cover Review. This year, one of his standout achievements is his work for Joe Brainard’s I Remember — a composition of repeated, staggered letters against a black backdrop, at once reminiscent of digital code and evocative of the fragmented, searching nature of memory.


  3. Linda Huang

    Linda Huang is a book cover designer based in New York. Her work has attracted significant recognition: a poster she created during the Black Lives Matter movement for Printed Matter was acquired by The Whitney Museum. Currently, she serves as the art director at Pantheon Books, part of Penguin Random House. While in 2024 she was recognised for the arresting cover of Kaveh Akbar’s Martyr!, last year saw her explore text as a central design element. Her cover of Vauhini Vara’s Searches, created in collaboration with Andrew LeClair, invites readers to wade into the story before they even open the book.

  4. Alicia Tatone

    Based in New York, Alicia Tatone is a freelance illustrator, designer and art director. She has created collage and graphic designs for clients including The New York Times, The Atlantic, WIRED and Gay Magazine. Enjoying working across a variety of mediums, Tatone is interested in everything from painting to lettering. Her work for Robbie Arnott’s Dusk remains particularly memorable — the oversized yet elegant title lettering looming across a collage of misty greenery and canyon-like terrain expertly creates a sense of wild, intense drama.


  5. Math Monahan

    Art director at Simon & Schuster and book designer Math Monahan is based in New York City. His design work and interviews have appeared in PRINT magazine as well as in Spine’s Book Covers We Love, The Casual Optimist, and LitHub’s Best Book Covers of the Month. For the cover of Rose Keating’s Oddbody, Monahan chose a vivid two‑toned palette. The interplay of bright red and striking royal blue lettering accentuates the central floral motif with brave contrast and elevated precision.


  6. Clay Smith

    Currently a designer for Simon & Schuster, Clay Smith is renowned for her atmospheric and characterful book covers. You might recall her design for Rebecca K. Reilly’s Greta & Valdin, with its iconic lime motif — meanwhile, in 2025, one of her most charming works was the cover for Eliana Ramage’s To the Moon and Back. Here, Smith places luminous lettering over a starry sky, framing a bursting volcano in an unusually cosy yet spectacular manner.


  7. Jack Smyth

    Based in Dublin, Jack Smyth works as a freelance graphic designer. Already highly regarded, Smyth’s work appears in Faber, Creative Review and It’s Nice That among others, and in 2024 he was celebrated as Designer of the Year by the British Book Awards. For Lucas Schaefer’s The Slip, Smyth balances newspaper‑like typography with a layered photograph and a vibrant orange panel that cuts through the composition. Here, the image and text expertly push in different directions to create a sense of motion and impact.


The Process of Personal Injury Claims in North Carolina

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The Process of Personal Injury Claims in North Carolina

The knowledge of the personal injury claims process can make accident victims feel more at ease and ready to claim their losses by means of compensation. According to the research they conducted, not all individuals know how organized and time-bound the process is in North Carolina. Being aware of every procedure; starting with the injury up to the end of the claim, can prove to be a good difference in a claim.

Step 1: Medical and Non-Medical Treatments

It starts right after one gets injured. Being able to seek medical attention is very important to your health as well as your claim. Medical records establish some form of official connection of the accident to your injuries and this is necessary evidence. Failure to treat on time can give the insurance companies an opportunity to claim that your injuries were not that serious or not caused by something.

Step 2: Investigation of the Accident

Upon medical fitness, the inquiry process starts. This includes the collection of evidence, including accident reports, photographs, witness testimony, video surveillance and medical records. In North Carolina, to establish negligence, the other party must have been under duty of care, breach of that duty and directly caused you to be hurt.

Investigations at the initial stages of its development would be beneficial to preserve evidence and support your argument once negotiations are initiated.

Step 3: Establishing Liability in the North Carolina Law

The state of North Carolina does adhere to a strict rule of contributory negligence. This implies that you can be prevented from recovering compensation in case you are found guilty, even in the slightest aspect of the accident. It is due to this harsh standard that the determination of clear liability is one of the most important aspects of the claims process.

The insurance companies can find an excuse in any possible way and that is the reason why such attention is paid to documentation and legal strategy.

Step 4: Calculating Damages

Once there is the determination of the liability there is the determination of the value of the claim. Damages may include:

  • Past and future medical costs
  • Late wages and decreased earning powers
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage

To compute the damages accurately, it is not only to sum the bills but to estimate long-term expenses and the impact of the injury on a person in his or her everyday life.

Step 5: Filing an Insurance Claim

The majority of the personal injury lawsuits start with an insurance claim against an insurer of the party at fault. A demand letter is normally delivered stating the case facts, liability and compensation requested. The response of the insurance company can be in the form of questions, records request, or settlement offer.

This phase is characterized by negotiation since the first offers are usually lesser than the worth of a claim.

Step 6: Negotiating and Settlement

Settlement of many personal injuries cases are out of court. The process of negotiations can include several offers and counter offers. Fair settlement must put into consideration both present and future losses- not only present expenses.

Negotiations can always come to a halt or the insurer may refuse to exercise good faith in which case litigation can be required.

Step 7: Bringing a Lawsuit, in case it is needed 

A personal injury lawsuit can be brought about in case there is no settlement. North Carolina has a statute of limitations of three years after the occurrence of the injury as regards to most personal injury cases. Discovery, depositions, possible mediation and possibly a trial are involved in filing a lawsuit.

In North Carolina, the personal injury claims procedure is complex, time-constrained and is highly dominated by the state specific legislation. Knowing every step is a way of making the injured people defend their rights and seek the compensation that they rightfully deserve, in a more vivid and confident way.

Our Culture’s Most Anticipated Books of Winter 2026

Sam Franzini
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Our Culture’s Most Anticipated Books of Winter 2026

It’s the best time of the year! Winter straddles the end of one year and the beginning of a new one, which means it’s both a time of reflection and new beginnings. After we covered 27 books and authors last year we’re turning to a new year where more books than ever are on the horizon. Enjoy our first batch of picks and tell us which ones you liked!

Don’t Step Into My Office, David Fishkind (Jan 13)

Part murder mystery, part slapstick comedy, part tale of literary failure, David Fishkind’s novel about a relapsed alcoholic on the cusp of writing a treatise on Jay Gatsby’s semitism is a propulsive and marvelously funny debut. Jacob Garlicker could have bumbled about New York City forever, for all I cared, and I would have kept reading.

I Could Be Famous, Sydney Rende (Jan 13)

Ten women orbit one famous actor, Arlo Banks, on the cusp of cancellation amid cannibalism accusations, in this debut story collection about fame and what it takes to get there.

The Hitch, Sara Levine (Jan 13)

As an anti-racist Jewish secular eco-feminist, Rose Cutler feels like she has the world figured out according to her principles, but when her dog attacks and kills a corgi at a nearby park, her nephew begins acting strangely. The explanation? The corgi’s soul has leaped into the boy and now must be exorcized, of course.

Lost Lambs, Madeline Cash (Jan 13)

Forever Magazine co-founder and author of Earth Angel returns with her debut novel, Lost Lambs, a stirring portrait of a family in decline.

Just Watch Me, Lior Torenberg (Jan 20)

When Dell’s younger sister, Daisy, falls into a coma, her solution is to livestream twenty-four hours a day to raise the funds so the hospital won’t pull the plug. As she rises through the ranks and gains popularity, she comes to realize a certain horror in being constantly seen. 

Discipline, Larissa Pham (Jan 20)

A tight, invigorating read, Discipline follows an author on tour for her novel about a decade-old relationship with a former professor. After he sends her notice that he’s read it, and has questions, her story starts to spin apart.

Dryback, Juan Ecchi (Jan 20)

Named after “an American-born Mexican who’s wholly disconnected from their culture,” Juan Ecchi’s debut novel picks up where Harper’s gooning exposé left off. A story about aging millennials, deepfake pornos and consumerism; for the porn-brained and terminally online, Dryback strikes a nerve.

Vigil, George Saunders (Jan 27)

From one of my personal favorite fiction writers of all time, George Saunders’ second novel, Vigil, follows an oil tycoon magnate’s final moments in his deathbed, while memories from his past come back to haunt and stir him. 

Escape!, Stephen Fishbach (Jan 27)

Two-time Survivor contestant and Pushcart Prize-winning writer Stephen Fishbach debuts with Escape!, an endlessly fun romp through a wilderness survival show where the producers know that you might have to get your hands dirty to create showstopping television. 

The End of Romance, Lily Meyer (Feb 3)

After enduring an emotionally abusive marriage, Sylvie decides to swear off all relationships, freeing herself from the burden of being loved, when she meets two men that test this theory. An “anti-romance romance” novel about the beauty of unexpected paths.

This Ain’t Rock ‘n’ Roll: Pop Music, the Swastika, and the Third Reich, Daniel Rachel (Feb 3)

A well-researched and comprehensive analysis about the history of the rock genre’s flirtation with Nazi imagery, from Siouxsie Sioux to Sid Vicious. Music historian Daniel Rachel asks whether it was for shock factor or genuine tastelessness.

Second Skin: Inside the Worlds of Fetish, Kink, and Deviant Desire, Anastasiia Fedorova (Feb 3)

Like if Carrie Bradshaw had an after-after-hours column, Anastasiia Fedorova goes deep on kink culture in Second Skin, her bawdy book about what we should do with all of our desires, no matter how turbulent.

Murder Bimbo, Rebecca Novack (Feb 10)

Perhaps the best-titled book here, Murder Bimbo is the story of sex worker turned political assassin, an absurdly silly tale that Catherine Lacey calls “Gone Girl for the Luigi Mangione era.”

Hyperpolitics: Extreme Politicization Without Political Consequences, Anton Jäger (Feb 10)

It feels like the past decade has been endlessly political, with cultural reckonings, embittered and empowering protests, and global mass movements. That’s all gotta count for something, right? Political thought historian Anton Jäger shows how our institutions might not have caught up with the times.

Digital Exhaust, Michael Mages (Feb 13)

A debut novel touching on faith, transcendence, technology and mindfulness, Digital Exhaust follows Christian, who attends a coworker’s disastrous pool party before deciding to spiritually experiment by living in a nearby commune.

Lean Cat, Savage Cat, Lauren J. Joseph (Feb 17)

After her research project on Romy Haag, one of David Bowie’s transgender lovers, has stalled, Charli is unsure of what to do. After she bumps into Alexander Geist at a party, she follows him to Berlin in order to make him the biggest pop star on the planet.

On Morrison, Namwalli Serpell (Feb 17)

Whereas last year’s Toni at Random tracked the literary titan’s editing career, On Morrison is a deep dive into the author herself. Serpell, a novelist and Harvard professor, presents an analysis of the late Morrison’s complexity and mastery of form.

Brawler, Lauren Groff (Feb 24)

The bestselling author of Matrix and Florida returns with a tight and immersive short story collection that ranges from the 1950s to now and travels from New England to Florida to California.

Technology and Barbarism: or: how billionaires will save us from the end of the world, Michel Nieva (Feb 24)

Right off the heels of his excellent Dengue Boy (one of our favorites from last year), Michel Nieva returns with a collection of essays about technocapitalism and the intersection about art and technology. As always, his mind is one to watch.

Lover Girl, Nicole Sellew (Feb 26)

A hypnotic novel of literary and romantic desire wherein the titular ‘lover girl’ is caught at a summer house, supposedly to work on her novel but really at the whims of the two men who join her.

The Disappointment, Scott Broker (March 3)

A relationship dissolves en route to a vacation in Oregon, where Jack, a failed playwright, reflects on his career, and Randy, his husband, ruins the vibe by bringing his mother’s ashes with them. 

The Body Builders, Albertine Clarke (March 3)

A hypnotic novel about the separation between mind and body, The Body Builders narrates Ada, who, reeling from her parents’ divorce after her father decides to get jacked, falls into the orbit of a man named Atticus and sublimates herself within the speculative.

200 Monas, Jan Saenz (March 3)

When Arvy’s mother dies, she’s shocked to see a caseload of drugs within her closet. It turns out it’s not Molly, but Mona, an immensely powerful drug that causes severe orgasms. The dealers want their stash back, though, and now Arvy has just 48 hours to sell the pills before they take back what they’re owed.

Night Night Fawn, Jordy Rosenberg (March 3)

It’s the end of Barbara Rosenberg’s life, but rather than go peacefully, she’s high on opioids and ready to gab about anything that interests her. This includes Marxism, gender ideology and Israel, but the more she talks, the more she descends into delirium. Described as “someone’s mother’s unauthorized memoir” (catch the same surnames), Night Night Fawn is ready to pounce.

Medium Rare, A. Natasha Joukovsky (March 3)

After her intensely smart Portrait of a Mirror, A. Natasha Joukovsky goes for another retelling, this time landing on the myth of Icarus by way of a Washington lobbying firm, college basketball and pipe dreams.  

Spoiled Milk, Avery Curran (March 10)

A thrillingly original gothic novel set in 1928 about a girl’s death in a boardinghouse before her 18th birthday, Spoiled Milk sees the spirit of the girl return to tell her fellow students: the danger has just begun.

Can Electricians Install Solar Panels? A Guide

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Can Electricians Install Solar Panels? A Guide

The simplicity of solar panels on rooftops appears to be deceiving. Once installed, they simply produce electricity while sitting quietly on your roof. However, there lies one of the most highly regulated systems in residential construction beneath the surface of this quiet operation. When considering if electricians may install solar panels for the U.S.-based consumer audience, the answer cannot be a “yes” or “no.”

The role of electricians in solar installations is critical, as well as their authority over the electrical components of a photovoltaic (solar) system; however, other regulatory and licensing authorities govern other aspects of solar installation such as the roofing, structural attachments, and connections to public utilities. Each of these areas has specific regulations, requirements, and inspections which must be followed. This knowledge will determine when an electrician’s authority commences and concludes, thereby determining a successful inspection versus a costly remediation. That’s why using electrican guides by platforms like Electrical Path is essential.

Who Can Legally Do Work as an Electrician

In virtually all U.S. states, licensed electricians can be fully responsible for the electrical aspects of a solar installation. That’s a significant piece of work. As such, it will be examined most closely by inspectors and utilities.

Electricians are generally allowed to:

  • Install and connect DC and AC wiring (including termination)
  • Install string inverters, micro-inverters, and hybrid inverters
  • Connect PV Systems to a Main Service Panel
  • Install disconnects and rapid shutdown devices
  • Perform NEC-compliant grounding and bonding
  • Determine acceptable backfeed limits and busbar ratings
  • Upgrade Service Panels when needed due to increased solar loads

All of the above are governed by the National Electrical Code (NEC) in Articles 690, 705, and 710, dependent upon how the solar system is designed. If any aspect of the electrical system fails inspection, the entire solar system will remain off line.

From a regulatory standpoint, electricians are the foundation of any legitimate solar project.

When Do Electricians Usually Encounter Restrictions?

Once a solar job touches the roof, the limitations placed on electricians expand significantly.

Typically, electricians are prohibited from doing the following:

  • Drilling or penetrating roofing material
  • Installing flashing or waterproofing systems
  • Securing racking to rafters or truss members
  • Modifying the roof structure or deck
  • Certifying the weather-tightness of the system

These functions are generally subject to regulations regarding roofing or general contractor licenses. Even if an electrician has the technical capability to complete the task, inspectors can and do fail solar installation jobs based solely on whether or not the installing company has the correct classification for the function being performed. That’s why there is a shortage of solar panel installers.

That is why many solar companies divide their crews between roof teams (to install the mounting equipment), and electricians (who handle all the components carrying current).

State & Local Rules Matter

Solar permitting across the United States varies greatly. State laws provide a minimum level of requirements, but local AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) ultimately decide what is permitted and what is not.

Therefore, in practical terms, what one county allows an electrician to install racking, another county may not; what one county requires a solar contractor or general contractor to perform, another county may not require. Utility requirements may be more stringent than building department requirements.

A few states have solar-specific licenses. Other states permit electricians to install solar as part of their electrical license, and other states classify solar as a type of general contractor work.

There is no single national standard that supersedes local jurisdictional standards.

Prior to pulling permits, electricians who plan to offer solar installs should contact the local building department to determine what requirements exist.

Why Certification Fills the Knowledge Gap

Certification documents an electrician’s ability to understand solar. Licensing determines what an electrician is permitted to perform.

Numerous electricians become certified through NABCEP, which specializes in Photovoltaic (PV) systems. Although certification is not generally required in most jurisdictions, it is commonly accepted by inspectors, utilities and commercial customers.

NABCEP courses cover:

  • Design and layout of PV systems
  • NEC code compliance relating to solar
  • Safety considerations unique to PV arrays
  • Commissioning and testing of the solar array system

For electricians transitioning to solar installation services, certification often results in fewer inspection delays and greater approval rates.

Utility Interconnection is Another Challenge

Clearing a building inspection does not necessarily indicate that the system can be energized.

Each utility requires its own approval process, which may include:

  • One-line diagram
  • Equipment specifications (cut-sheets)
  • Qualifications of the installer
  • Adherence to anti-islanding and backfeeding rules

Due to service upgrades or meter changes, electricians are well-suited for this phase. In some cases however, utility companies may require the installer of record to be either a solar contractor or a general contractor, not simply a licensed electrician.

Failure to comply with utility requirements may result in delayed activation of the solar array system for weeks.

Commercial vs Residential Installations

Due to the relatively limited nature of residential solar installations compared to commercial solar installations, electricians may have more latitude in commercial solar installations.

Commercial solar systems often employ:

  • Flat rooftops
  • Ballasted racking with fewer roof penetrations
  • Engineered designs for mounting the racking

As a result, electricians can work with engineers and general contractors and still maintain a broader scope of authority.

Residential solar systems, on the other hand, are restricted by roof penetrations, homeowner safety regulations, and local regulatory oversight.

So, Can Electricians Install Solar Panels?

Yes. Electricians can legally design and commission the electrical portions of a solar array system, and no solar system will succeed without that expertise.

However, in virtually all U.S. jurisdictions, electricians cannot install a full solar installation alone unless they also possess the necessary licenses for roofing or contractor work, or are working in concert with individuals possessing the correct licenses.

Real-world solar projects are almost universally structured as follows:

  • Roof or mounting installation performed by licensed roofing or solar contractors
  • Installation and sign-off of electrical systems by licensed electricians
  • Final approval provided once both the building and utility inspections are completed

Solar is not merely electrical work. It is a collaborative trade effort, and electricians are among the most essential contributors to ensuring the solar array system is safe, compliant, and functional. With this in mind, let’s remember that renewable energy is key to our future.

Why the Social Side of Online Gaming Is So Important to Players

Sebastian Bickley
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Why the Social Side of Online Gaming Is So Important to Players

Online gaming can be enjoyed as a solitary activity. However, for many players, its social dimension is just as important as the gameplay itself.

Cooperation, competition, or shared experiences. Either way, social interaction brings depth and meaning to the world of digital entertainment. As online gaming has continued to evolve in recent years, the ability to connect with others has become a major factor in why players stay engaged.

Shared Experiences Make Games More Meaningful

At its core, gaming is about experience, and experiences are typically more enjoyable when shared. Playing alongside – or against – other people introduces spontaneity and unpredictability and single player formats simply cannot replicate. Every session feels slightly different because, as Björk once highlighted, human behavior is confusing and never entirely predictable.

Here are some of the ways shared experiences enhance online gaming:

  • Stronger emotional engagement: Wins and losses feel more significant when others are involved.
  • Increased variety: Human decisions create different outcomes with each session.
  • Greater immersion: Real interactions make virtual spaces feel authentic.

Ultimately, shared play creates moments players remember and talk about later. These interactions contribute to a sense of presence, making digital environments feel more alive. It’s one of the key reasons why people are drawn to socially connected games.

Communication Builds Community

Communication tools are, naturally, a pillar of social gaming. From text chat and voice communication to reaction systems, it opens the road for new journeys. Players can coordinate and compete. They can simply converse about their hobbies while playing. Over time, these interactions form communities that exist beyond individual matches and sessions.

These communities can become a major reason players return. Shared humor and ongoing conversations, even with just familiar usernames rather than real-life friends, create a sense of belonging. That belonging naturally extends the lifespan of a multiplayer game far beyond its core mechanics.

A Social Competition

Competition becomes more engaging when it’s social. Facing real opponents introduces stakes that artificial challenges can’t replicate. There’s also structure to play thanks to the likes of leaderboards and ranked modes, while room is still there for personal expression and rivalry.

Even when interaction is minimal, knowing others are involved adds meaning. This is perhaps best evidenced in Journey. Progress feels earned, and improvement becomes more satisfying when measured against others rather than preset benchmarks.

Subtle Social Elements in Game Design

Not all social gaming relies on direct competition or team play. Some forms incorporate quieter social elements that still foster connection, for instance. Even with real-time interaction and visible player presence, there’s still a sense of playing together even when it remains about individual decisions.

This approach is increasingly visible in live, real-time game formats. This is seen at kanuuna.com – casino with its live dealer tables. You can see everything via live streaming. You can chat to the dealer and other players sitting at the virtual table. These immersive elements are behind the growing popularity of live dealer games.

Conclusion

Simply put, social interaction throws in an emotional layer that pure gameplay cannot replace. In an increasingly digital world, the social side of online gaming supplies connection as well as entertainment. It results in a more dynamic, personal experience – and that’s why players keep coming back for more.

Freelancer Toolkits: What Every Creative Should Have Bookmarked

Our Culture Mag & Partners
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Freelancer Toolkits: What Every Creative Should Have Bookmarked

Freelancing takes more than just being good at what you do. You need the right set of tools to help you handle everything, like talking to clients, creating content, and delivering your projects. In today’s fast-moving online world, freelancers have to stay sharp, work smart, and keep the quality high. Missing a deadline or sending a file that looks messy can hurt your reputation and cost you future work. Every little thing matters, from polishing your files to making your work process smoother. Talent alone is not enough anymore. You need systems that support you every step of the way.

Simple tools that help you format documents or change file types quickly are a big help. It’s smart to save useful platforms that let you edit PDFs online without installing heavy software. These tools make it easy to update your files, share them safely, and work with others faster.

For freelancers who deal with many edits, contracts, and drafts, saving time makes a big difference. The right tools let you focus on your work instead of wasting hours on small tasks.

Document Management Tools

For creative freelancers, handling documents is a big part of the job. Every day, you deal with contracts, project briefs, invoices, and presentations. If your files are all over the place, it slows you down. In fact, 46% of working professionals lose time because of poor document management.

Using tools that let you edit, merge, and compress files can help you get things done faster. When you’re working with different clients who each want their files a certain way, it helps to have one place where you can manage all your PDFs. It keeps your work clean, professional, and on time.

Cloud Storage and File Collaboration Tools

Keeping your creative work on your personal devices is risky. You can lose everything if your computer crashes or if you delete something by mistake. That’s why using cloud storage is so important for freelancers.

When your files are saved online, you can access them from anywhere. It makes working with clients easier and helps you stay backed up so you never lose your important work. Whether it’s videos, designs, or large image files, cloud storage keeps everything safe and within reach.

Design and Creativity Software

Today, even writers and marketers need to create clean visuals, brand assets, and simple mockups. Having creative tools that are easy to use can make a big difference. You shouldn’t have to spend hours learning how a tool works. A Deloitte study found that 73% of creative professionals say having the right tools helps them deliver good work on time.

For freelancers, it’s smart to use platforms that let you customize things easily, drag and drop elements, and export files without any hassle. It saves time and helps you look more professional.

Productivity Tools

Keeping track of your time and tasks is key when you’re freelancing. Tools like Trello, Asana, or Notion help you stay on top of deadlines and manage client needs more smoothly. According to Zippia, freelancers who track their time are 45% more likely to hit their income goals.

These tools also help you give better quotes and set clear project details, which makes it easier to work with clients and avoid confusion. Staying organized means less stress and more trust from the people you work with.

Communication and Collaboration Tools

Keeping communication smooth is one of the best ways to keep clients coming back. While email is still useful, real-time tools like Slack or Zoom help you get faster approvals and build stronger relationships.

Adding a simple scheduling tool to your setup can also save you from long email chains just to set a meeting. When you make it easy for clients to reach you and work with you, you get fewer revisions, quicker payments, and more repeat projects.

Invoicing and Financial Tools

Handling your finances by hand can lead to late payments, tax problems, and poor budgeting. That’s why using tools that create automatic invoices and track payments is a smart move.

Having a proper invoicing system in place helps you get paid on time and shows clients you take your work seriously. It also keeps everything clear on both sides, which makes working together smoother.

Conclusion

For creatives working in the freelance space, having the right digital tools is like having a silent partner that helps everything run smoothly. Every tool you save, from PDF editors and cloud storage to task trackers and chat apps, can save you hours and help you earn more.

The most successful freelancers aren’t just putting in more time. They’re using smart systems that make their work look better, their process run faster, and their client chats more professional. Saving the right tools isn’t just about making life easier. It’s about keeping up and staying ahead in a fast-moving digital world.

The 7-Point Outfit Rule

Vera Adamidou
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The 7-Point Outfit Rule

What we call “effortless” is a recipe more often than we’d like to admit. One fresh basic, one good shoe, one unnecessary accessory, one idea too many. Somewhere between trying too hard and denying it entirely, there’s a number. And that’s seven. Maybe even eight. Overthinkers, sit down.

Back to the TikTok’s styling guide obsession, every outfit has a target, 7-8 points. Less than that? Maybe reconsider stepping outside. More than that? Guess what! Still reconsider stepping outside. Basics score 1, statement pieces, think colorful, textured, design-forward, score 2. Yes, we are now counting our sweaters like calculus problems, nothing wrong with that. Nothing says style like basic addition (I can almost hear my high-school teacher crying).

Suppose we’re risking public exposure for caffeine, baggy sweatpants (1), plain long-sleeve (1), boxy bomber (1), and my dependable “not trying too hard” sneakers (also 1), 3-4 points shy. Overstimulating stacked jewelry (2), a pair of sunglasses (1) and my everyday bag (1). I’ve never been good at math but counting isn’t that cruel. 8 points later a boring outfit can even become worthy of photos. Work it in reverse too, fix that outfit that seems too much, edit it down. No brain cells harmed, no talent required, just ruthless scoring and balance.

Okay, this whole “score your outfit” nonsense can be helpful, especially for people who overthink everything from what cereal to eat to whether their socks match their mood. It also feeds that delicious need for external confirmation, not from people, mind you, but from some arbitrary set of rules someone posted on TikTok, the algorithmic kind, the sort that tells you you did it “right”.

It’s not genius, it’s not revolutionary, and it surely isn’t life-changing. And let’s be honest, to make it work you need a vague sense of taste, otherwise your “statement” piece will look like something dug out of a prop closet at a horror shoot. Would I stick to this blindly? Absolutely not. Fashion doesn’t need those rules. But for anyone who wants to stay safely inside the tidy little box of socially digestible style, it’s… a tool. Like training wheels for your ego, sold as guidance. I could name ten influencers off the top of my head who worship it like it’s the second coming.

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