Online casino gaming might not be the trendiest way to entertain yourself anymore, given the number of platforms offering the service. However, hordes of people (over 2 billion) still visit platforms to entertain themselves. They are the most convenient way of playing online casino games.
As easy and convenient as they may be, you might find yourself locked out of your account. For example, you might enter your Verde Casino login details and get error messages (because you’ve been banned or for suspicious activity). Sometimes, you might be hacked.
Regardless of why you cannot access your online casino account, this article will help you recover it within minutes or days (depending on the severity of the situation). There are different reasons why you cannot access your account, and they are all highlighted below with their respective solutions.
When You Cannot Remember the Password
It happens to everyone, especially when you have many passwords for different accounts. If you’ve been logged out and can’t remember the password, follow the steps below to recover your account:
Click the ‘Forgot Password’ button or ‘Having Trouble Logging In.’
You will be prompted to enter your ‘Username’ or ‘Email Address’ associated with the account.
Once you provide the details, a password reset link will be sent to your email.
Log into your email and click on the email reset link.
Follow the onscreen instructions to recover your account.
This process varies from one online casino to another but generally follows the same format. If you still can’t access your account, the next best option is to contact the support team for help. However, to get help from the support team, you might be asked to provide certain information for verification. This includes but is not limited to:
Your secret PIN. Some online casinos might require you to enter a secret PIN, which you will use for account verification.
Answering security questions. These questions are usually set when you are creating an account with the online casino.
Tips to Picking a Strong and Secure Login Password
The first step to ensuring you have a fun and entertaining experience playing casino games is picking a strong password. Picking a strong password doesn’t mean it must be difficult to remember or too easy to hack. Here are a few tips to help you remember how to pick a strong and secure login password:
Use a password manager. This will help you create and manage unique passwords for your online casino accounts. Some of the common password managers include LastPass, KeePass, Apple’s iCloud Keychain, and 1Password.
Use passphrases. One of the most underrated yet crucial parts of your password’s strength is the length. And there is no better way to choose a lengthy yet easy-to-remember password than passphrases. For instance, you can use your favorite lyric or quote as your password. For instance, I can use “So.Call.Me.Maybe.” from Carly Rae Jepsen’s hit song, Call Me Maybe.
Mix and match everything in your password. Don’t make your password so obvious that a three-year-old can easily guess it. On the contrary, include all forms of characters in the password. Ensure it has numbers, letters (upper and lower cases), and full stops or commas. This makes it difficult even for the most advanced supercomputer to hack.
Add two-factor authentication. In addition to using your regular password, you should incorporate 2FA into your security details. This is an extra layer of security that requires you to input a code sent to your phone number via SMS. Only after entering the correct code can you access your account.
Use passkeys instead. Like two-factor authentication, passkeys allow you to access your account without the need to manually enter your password. On the contrary, you can use your fingerprint or facial scan to log in faster, easier, and more securely to your account.
A strong password has more than 12 characters. According to security experts, a strong password should have at least 12 characters. This is impossible to hack or crack. However, if you can make it have more than 14 characters, this is the best approach, as it becomes difficult even for a supercomputer to hack. The only downside is that you should have a password that you can remember.
Go the dictionary way. Another common way to pick a password is to open a book or dictionary and pick a random word that you see first. However, this can be a little risky, as someone can easily guess it. So, the best option is to pick a few words and string them with numbers and characters to form a strong password.
Forgetting your casino login details is quite common. It doesn’t mean you are old or have a problem with your memory. If you find yourself in a position where you cannot remember your password, email, or username, you can use the above-described methods to recover it. Not sure how to go about the process? Contact the support team for instant help.
Proxy servers work as a go-between the internet and a user’s device. Hence, they manage web content requests on behalf of a user. In simple words, proxy servers are systems that route the internet traffic of users via their own IP address. Thus, they mask the actual IP address of users.
How does it work?
IP or Internet Protocol address is the address of a computer, and this address seems to be unique to a computer. This is the method by which the internet finds out the computer where it ought to send the data. A proxy server has its own individual IP address, and a computer knows it. Hence, when people send requests over the internet, they first reach the proxy server. After this, the proxy server returns those requests over the internet. Additionally, it also accumulates the response before forwarding the data.
A proxy server can also make alterations to the data when it passes through it. For instance, proxy servers at times, change the IP address of people. They also filter content besides encrypting the data.
Implement today!
If you want to use a proxy server, you are not alone. To use it, you must initially configure the network settings of your device. This will make the process easier for you to direct your internet traffic using the server. For this, you must enter the IP address of the proxy server besides the port number that is present in your browser. You will find several modern operating systems as well as web browsers offering built-in support that would help in configuring the proxy.
Most often, businesses utilize proxy software for controlling internet traffic across different networks. When they implement proxies at an enterprise level, they require setting up a proxy server machine. After that, they should configure access rules and integrate the machine with the present security systems.
Great advertising value
While trying to endorse a service or product, you will find a United Kingdom proxy server to be ideal for this job. The UK proxies attract potential customers for increasing brand awareness. At times, the common social networks, such as Instagram or Twitter, don’t seem enough. Hence, people utilize different programs that are connected to the usage of a proxy directly. When people use a kind of software, they can automate as well as augment some aspects of their tasks like:
Attract subscribers.
Register and promote several profiles in a social network.
Accumulate, access, and maintain conversion as well as sales reporting.
Look for the target audience using some parameters.
UK proxies allow people to enjoy limitless comments.
Summing up
The chief benefit of using a UK proxy is you can use it for just anything besides social networking and scraping. However, if you begin to use residential IP, you ought to be careful. Always try to use only one proxy with a United Kingdom IP address for your account so that your account remains safe and does not get blocked.
The digital world has changed the way we play games in casinos. Today, the thrill of playing slots and poker is available right at our fingertips. Whether you are a frequent gambler or eager to try your luck, the number of free slots to play online offers an easy gateway into this captivating gaming experience. With the rise in digital slots, let us go into their development and trends in casino culture.
The Evolution of Slots: From Mechanical Reels to Digital Masterpieces
Slots are anything but their purely mechanical ancestors of the late 19th century. Early devices were strictly mechanical. With each new advance in computer tech, slot games evolved. Developers have added colorful visuals and catchy music to digital platforms. They are from physical machines. They also added fun themes. They amuse players. Online slots now have advanced features. They include bonus rounds, multipliers, and special symbols. They make the games more thrilling and engaging.
A Look at Slot Game Variety
Among the largest reasons people, both new and experienced, are drawn to online slots is the variety. Following is an explanation of some of the popular types:
Classic Slots: These games are like traditional slot machines. They have three reels and simple gameplay. They’re ideal for those who prefer straightforward, retro gaming.
Video Slots boast complex graphics and fun themes. Many feature five reels, numerous pay lines, bonus rounds, and mini-games.
Progressive Slots: These games are linked across several casinos. The jackpot increases progressively until one fortunate player claims it. Progressive slots often pay out life-changing payouts and are always an option for the thrill of it.
Why Are Online Slots So Popular?
Online slots are appealing for their diverse options and easy accessibility. Online casino games may take much work to learn and require experience. Slots are easy to learn. You get instant gratification with every spin. There is something for everyone. Many themes and formats await. They include fantasy, history, mythology, and pop culture.
Key Features that Drive Engagement
Diverse Themes and Storylines. Developers create slots with popular themes, such as Egyptian myths, hit films, and video game crossovers.
Bonus Rounds and Free Spins. Most online slots have bonus rounds. They add excitement and rewards to gameplay. Free spins and multipliers also increase winning potential.
Players can access slots on smartphones, tablets, and PCs, making it convenient to play on the go or from home.
Science Alert said that gaming’s accessibility has driven its global popularity. It explored the psychology of gaming. Its instant rewards trigger the brain’s dopamine system.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Free Slot Games
Whether new or looking to improve, here are tips to help you enjoy and succeed at free online slots.
Choose Your Games Wisely
There are literally thousands of different slot games to play online. Under those circumstances, deciding where one needs to start sometimes gets hard. Here is how you narrow your options.
Research the Game’s RTP (Return to Player). Each slot game has an RTP percentage. It shows the game’s theoretical payout to players over time. Choose a game with 95% or higher RTP to give a better chance of the player winning.
Understand Volatility Levels. Low-volatility slots pay out small wins often. High-volatility slots pay larger wins but less frequently. Select a volatility level that aligns with your preferred risk-reward ratio.
Take Advantage of Bonus Features
Most free slot games offer unique features designed to enhance gameplay:
Numerous online casinos offer free spins as an incentive to draw in new players. They let you try different slots without risking real money.
Demo Mode: Try playing in demo mode first to get a feel for the game. Demo mode lets you test betting strategies. You won’t risk real money.
The Future of Slots: What Next?
As long as technology keeps developing, so will the world of online slots. Virtual and augmented reality will likely change gambling. They will let users hop from one virtual casino to another. If that isn’t enough, social gaming will also be huge. Players will communicate, brag about their achievements, and pop up in rankings.
Final Thoughts: The Cultural Impact of Online Slots
Free slots have changed gambling. They make casino thrills accessible to everyone from home. These games are fun and interactive. But, we must consider their design. When you begin playing online slots, treat it as an enjoyable pastime rather than a source of income.
Exploring digital gaming through online slots is an entertaining experience. They attract players with creative themes and the thrill of spinning reels. Mobile devices make it simple to access these games anytime.
Winter vacations often got overlooked due to their association with freezing weather, icy conditions, and the hassle of packing bulky clothing. However, winter travel can be one of the most magical experiences if approached with the right mindset and preparation. Whether it’s the cozy charm of a snow-covered village or the majestic beauty of the Alps, winter offers unique experiences worth exploring.
The key to enjoying a winter getaway is proper planning, efficient packing, and, most importantly, dressing warmly. With a little help from Temu, you can gear up without straining your budget. Temu offers an impressive selection of affordable and quality winter essentials to ensure your trip is as comfortable as it is memorable.
So, whether you’re jetting off to Switzerland or exploring snow-dusted trails closer to home, here’s how to plan and pack for a stress-free winter adventure.
How to Pack for a Winter Adventure
Layer Like a Pro
Packing for a winter trip means embracing the art of layering. This not only helps you adapt to fluctuating temperatures but also allows you to pack smarter. A well-thought-out layering system includes:
Base Layer: Start with thermal undergarments that wick moisture away from your skin. This keeps you warm and dry, especially during outdoor activities.
Insulating Layer: Add warmth with fleece, wool, or a lightweight down jacket.
Outer Layer: Top it off with a waterproof and windproof coat to shield you from the elements.
Temu’s collection of high-quality winter jackets and cozy sweaters offers a variety of stylish and functional options at budget-friendly prices, making it easier to build your winter wardrobe.
Versatile Footwear Matters
Choosing the right footwear can make or break your winter vacation. While sturdy, waterproof boots are essential for snowy adventures, they will not be comfortable for all activities. Consider packing a second pair of lighter shoes, such as insulated sneakers or casual boots, for indoor outings or city explorations.
Temu provides a great selection of winter footwear that combines style, comfort, and durability—perfect for tackling snowy trails or evening dinners.
Smart Travel Tips to Simplify Your Winter Trip
Set a Realistic Budget
Winter vacations don’t have to drain your bank account. While international trips to places like the Alps or Iceland sound tempting, there’s plenty of beauty to explore closer to home. Opt for local destinations or book trips during the off-season to save significantly on travel expenses.
For instance, when I dreamed of exploring far-off places, I started with short weekend getaways in my area. These budget-friendly trips were just as rewarding and allowed me to save for more ambitious adventures.
Don’t Skip Travel Insurance
Winter travel comes with a share of uncertainties, from unpredictable weather to flight delays. Travel insurance offers a safety net against trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen issues.
Before purchasing insurance, ensure that it covers your chosen destination and any winter activities, like skiing or snowboarding. Researching thoroughly can save you from potential headaches during your trip.
Hire Local Guides
For a more enriching experience, consider hiring local guides. Not only do they support the local economy, but they also give you access to authentic cultural insights and hidden gems that guidebooks often miss.
Booking directly with local guides can save you money by cutting out the middleman. Plus, these personal connections often lead to unique travel experiences, such as sharing a meal with a local family or participating in traditional activities.
Use a Travel Rewards Credit Card
While staying within budget is essential, using a travel rewards credit card can help you in maximize your spending. Many cards offer perks like cashback, travel discounts, complimentary upgrades, and more. These can play a significant role in enhancing your trip experience. Pro tip: Always pay off your balance on time to avoid interest charges and keep your budget intact.
Winter Packing Checklist
Packing for a winter trip may seem daunting due to the bulk of cold-weather gear. However, a strategic approach can help you fit everything into your luggage efficiently. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of winter essentials, many of which you can find on Temu:
Winter Coat: Invest in a warm, waterproof jacket to brave the cold.
Thermal Layers: Pack a few sets of moisture-wicking thermals for added warmth.
Sweaters and Cardigans: Lightweight but warm layers are ideal for versatility.
Comfortable Pants and Leggings: Choose insulated options for outdoor adventures and breathable materials for indoor activities.
Accessories: Hats, scarves, gloves, and earmuffs are non-negotiable for keeping extremities warm.
Warm Socks: Wool or thermal socks are essential for keeping your feet toasty.
Waterproof Boots: A sturdy pair of boots with good traction is a must for navigating icy terrains.
UV Glasses: Protect your eyes from the harsh blaze of sunlight reflecting off the snow.
Tips for Packing Light
Packing for a winter trip can be challenging due to the bulk of cold-weather clothing. A few tips to help you pack light:
Wear Your Bulkiest Items: Save space by wearing your heaviest coat and boots during travel.
Roll, don’t fold: Rolling your clothes is a smart way to save space in your luggage while keeping them wrinkle-free.
Pack Multi-Functional Items: Choose clothing that can serve multiple purposes, such as a fleece jacket that works as both an insulating layer and a casual top.
Compression Bags: These bags help in minimizing the volume of bulky items like jackets and sweaters.
Final Thoughts
Winter travel doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With proper preparation, smart packing, and warm clothing, you can enjoy the magic of the season to the fullest. Whether you’re exploring the snowy trails of Canada or sipping hot cocoa in a quaint European village, planning is the key to a stress-free trip.
For all your winter travel needs, from cosy layers to durable boots, look no further than Temu. With their affordable and stylish collection, you can gear up for your adventure without stretching your budget.
So, bundle up, step into the frost-kissed season, and prepare for a winter adventure filled with cosy moments, excitement, and cherished memories. No matter where you go, enjoy every step of your journey!
Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this best new music segment.
On this week’s list, we have Sky Ferreira’s striking and defiant new single ‘Leash’, recorded for the soundtrack of the upcoming A24 film Babygirl; ‘Head & Spine’, another punchy and exuberant preview of Anxious’ forthcoming LP; ‘The Tooth Fairy’, a touching, minimal standout on Advance Base’s new record; jasmine.4.t’s tender, heart-rending ‘You Are the Morning’, the title track off her boygenius-produced album; ‘Southern Life (What It Must Be Like)’, a swirling track from Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory’s forthcoming record; and London-based outfit mary in the junkyard’s raw, mesmerizing new song ‘bear walk’.
Shaboozey was the musical guest on last night’s Paul Mescal-hosted episode of Saturday Night Live. The country and hip-hop singer-songwriter performed his chart-topping single ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ as well as its recent follow-up, ‘Good News’. Watch it happen below.
Shaboozey’s album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going came out in May. ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy) is up for Song of the Year, Best Country Song, and Best Country Solo Performance at the 2025 Grammys, while Shaboozey is nominated for Best New Artist.
A Woman’s Life is a poignant and thought-provoking stage production that follows the life journey of its protagonist, Xiaoxiao, while examining the delicate balance between identity, societal expectations, and self-realisation faced by women. However, while the play tackles its ambitious themes with sincerity and artistic intent, certain aspects could benefit from further refinement.
The narrative begins in Xiaoxiao’s adolescence, where Wen Hsin Lee portrays a young woman attempting to conform to societal norms. A vivid depiction of Xiaoxiao struggling to squeeze into an ill-fitting pair of skinny jeans and navigating an overcrowded bus, where she instinctively recoils from unwanted male contact, offers an honest portrayal of the everyday vulnerabilities faced by women. A subtle but striking moment involving menstrual blood encapsulates the fragility and stigma surrounding female bodily experiences. As the narrative progresses into Xiaoxiao’s middle years, the exploration of motherhood proves both tender and unflinching. Her experiences with intimacy, pregnancy, and childbirth are rendered in visceral detail, exposing the physical and emotional costs of these milestones. In the later stage of life, the play delves into menopause and Xiaoxiao’s decision whether to undergo a hysterectomy, presenting a deeply reflective meditation on identity and selfhood. Yet, while these life stages are portrayed with clarity, the segmented structure of the play occasionally feels overly formulaic, leaving some transitions between chapters emotionally abrupt.
Wen Hsin Lee’s performance is undoubtedly a standout element of the production. Her portrayal of Xiaoxiao is both humorous and powerful, infused with an acute sense of physicality and emotional depth. From the awkwardness of adolescence to the complexities of adult relationships and the introspection of later years, Lee’s layered performance is captivating and relatable. Through small gestures and fleeting expressions, she brings Xiaoxiao to life as a multidimensional character, drawing the audience into her triumphs and struggles. However, the limited development of supporting characters somewhat restricts the overall dramatic tension, leaving Lee to shoulder the emotional weight of the story largely alone.
Musically, Anqi Deng’s guitar-centric score enriches the production with its inventive fusion of traditional and contemporary soundscapes. Her use of the instrument to evoke a range of textures adds emotional nuance and complements the narrative beautifully. Nevertheless, technical limitations in the sound system prevent the full realisation of this innovative design. For instance, the exploration of multi-channel soundscapes could significantly enhance the audience’s sense of immersion. Despite these challenges, Deng’s composition remains a vital emotional conduit, bridging the audience with Xiaoxiao’s internal world.
On the playwriting front, Qi Wang demonstrates a bold and sensitive approach, presenting a nuanced exploration of the female experience in a world often ill-equipped to accommodate it. By structuring the narrative into three distinct chapters, she charts Xiaoxiao’s critical life moments with humour and authenticity, from the awkwardness of adolescence to the dual complexities of motherhood and later life. Wang’s writing excels in its universality, capturing experiences that resonate broadly while maintaining the specificity of Xiaoxiao’s individual journey. However, some scenes lean heavily on emotional resonance rather than pushing the thematic depth further. A more daring interrogation of entrenched societal norms and taboos could elevate the script’s impact, challenging the audience to engage more critically with its subject matter.
Director Xiao Wen Xu brings a striking visual language to the production, particularly through the use of a “three-box” stage design, symbolising Xiaoxiao’s life stages. This conceptual staging adds a compelling layer of meaning, visually underscoring the turning points and contradictions in her journey. However, the overt symbolism occasionally feels didactic, limiting the space for audience interpretation. The open-ended conclusion is a thoughtful touch, imbuing the play with a sense of fluidity and poetic ambiguity, but it risks feeling inconclusive for viewers seeking greater emotional closure. Xu’s incorporation of innovative artistic elements, such as a womb-like installation and the use of olfactory triggers to evoke memory, is commendable. These experimental choices create a deeply immersive sensory experience, enhancing the audience’s emotional engagement with Xiaoxiao’s story.
As producer, Sijia Li plays an indispensable role in the play’s success, demonstrating exceptional organisational acumen and artistic vision. From team coordination to publicity efforts, Li’s contributions are evident throughout. Her dedication to unearthing the complexities of female experiences adds depth to the production, while her thoughtful selection of cast and crew ensures a strong foundation for its realisation. Nevertheless, as an entirely new and largely unknown work, A Woman’s Life faces challenges in marketability. While Li’s social media campaigns and promotional strategies have succeeded in reaching a niche audience, there is room to expand the play’s appeal and highlight its distinctiveness further. A more strategic focus on outreach and audience diversification could bolster its visibility and impact.
A Woman’s Life is not a mere recounting of female hardship but rather a thoughtful, often humorous narrative about Xiaoxiao’s journey through life. It invites the audience to laugh, cry, and reflect alongside its protagonist, weaving a powerful tapestry of emotions. While there is scope for refinement in areas such as narrative fluidity, character dynamics, and thematic depth, the play succeeds in offering a unique theatrical experience. It is not only a story about women but also a poignant reflection on selfhood, relationships, and the meaning of life itself. Through the collaborative efforts of its skilled creative team, A Woman’s Life stands as a heartfelt and ambitious contribution to the stage.
Many of the best vape pens on the market have push buttons. Simple puff-activated vape pens are nice – but if you want to enjoy advanced features like automatic preheating, adjustable voltage and the ability to turn your device on and off on demand, you need a vape pen with a fire button.
In addition to potentially offering advanced features, a vape pen with a push button typically produces bigger and more satisfying clouds than a device that relies on puff-based activation only. That’s because a puff-activated vape pen has a short delay before it starts producing vapor. When you use a push-button vape pen, you can hold the button to preheat the coil before you start inhaling.
What’s even better is that many vape pens with fire buttons offer both button-activated and puff-activated firing, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
If you want to step up to a more advanced vape, it’s helpful to have an idea of what you’re doing – and that’s what we’re going to give you in this article. Here’s how to use a push-button vape pen.
Turning the Vape Pen On and Off
Before we get too far into this guide, it’s important to note that not every vape pen with a fire button has all of the features described here. So, if you’re shopping for a new vape pen, you should read the product information before choosing your device because you’ll want to make sure that whatever vape pen you end up buying has all of the features you want.
The one feature that every push-button vape pen has, though, is the ability to turn on and off. To do that, you’ll push the fire button five times. The vape pen’s light should flash a few times in response to signify that the device is now enabled or disabled.
Now you know a very important troubleshooting tip that you can use if your vape pen isn’t hitting. If nothing happens when you press your device’s button, it’s probably turned off. Press the button five times to turn it back on.
Why would you want to turn your vape pen off? Here are the two most likely reasons.
You’re putting your device into storage or walking away from it for a few minutes, and you want to protect it from curious hands.
You’re traveling with your vape pen, and you want to make sure that it can’t activate in your pocket. This helps to eliminate the possibility of the device overheating.
Vaping
To vape with a push-button vape pen, hold the button and then inhale through the cartridge’s mouthpiece. You’ll know that the device is working because the light will illuminate when you hold the button.
As we explained above, some push-button vape pens support both button-activated and puff-activated firing. If your vape pen has this feature, you can vape however you like. You might use the button at the beginning of a session to warm up the cartridge and switch to puff-based firing for the remainder of the session – it’s up to you.
A fire button can also allow you to preheat your cartridge manually if your vape pen doesn’t have an automatic preheating function. Simply push and hold the button a few times, holding the button for a second or two each time you press it. After you’ve done that, the cartridge will be warm and ready for use.
Why would you want to preheat a vape cartridge before using it? We’ll explain that in the next section.
Preheating the Cartridge
If your vape pen has an automatic preheating function, you can usually push the button twice to enable it. With some devices, you might need to press the button three times; you can confirm this by reading your device’s manual.
Your vape pen’s light will turn on during the preheating cycle and turn off when it’s over.
You may want to preheat your cartridge at the beginning of a vaping session because vape oil is extremely thick and may have difficulty absorbing into a cartridge’s ceramic wick when it’s cold. Preheating the cartridge loosens the oil and helps it to flow more easily.
As we explained above, you can always use your vape pen’s fire button to preheat your cartridge manually if your device doesn’t have an automatic preheating function. Automatic preheating is useful, though, because the preheating cycle happens at a lower power level than the vape pen’s normal voltage. This ensures that none of the oil will be inadvertently vaporized and wasted.
Changing the Voltage
If you have a vape pen with variable-voltage technology, you can usually push the button three times to change voltages. In some cases, you may need to press the button twice; you can check your device’s instruction manual to confirm.
When you adjust the voltage of your vape pen, the light should flash to confirm. The color of the light indicates which voltage you’ve selected, and the colors and voltages may vary depending on the device you’re using.
For example, the Mini Tank 2.0 by Rokin has four available voltages. They are:
2 volts (green light)
7 volts (blue light)
2 volts (yellow light)
6 volts (red light)
Your vape pen’s instruction manual will explain what voltages are available and what the colors mean.
Having a push-button vape pen with variable-voltage functionality allows you to get the best possible performance with whatever cartridge you’re using.
If you’re using a vape cart that can handle a little extra power, increasing the voltage will allow you to enjoy bigger clouds and bolder flavors.
If you’re using a vape cart that’s a little more temperamental at higher power levels, lowering the voltage will help you avoid harsh burnt hits.
A Push-Button Vape Pen Helps You Unlock New Vaping Experiences
Reading this guide, you’ve learned everything you need to know about how to use a push-button vape pen and how to get the most out of your experience. A vape pen with a manual fire button will often have features that a puff-activated vape pen lacks, and those features can allow you to enjoy bigger clouds and a more satisfying experience overall. Even if your vape pen doesn’t have automatic preheating or variable voltage, though, a push button still provides improved cloud production along with the ability to preheat your cartridge manually if you’re vaping in a cooler environment.
Sabine is a confident and devoted conceptual artist preparing to launch her new exhibition, Fuck You, Pay Me, when she’s visited by two spirits: the ghost of Carolee Schneeman, a feminist performance artist, and a stalker she deems the ‘Rembrandt Man.’ As she immerses herself in her city’s art scene, where exorbitance, ego, and absurdity abound, her own ideas take on a transcendent, weighty role in her life, helmed by legions of TikTok followers. Sabine is driven to paranoia through her continued stalking, and she takes it out on her chef husband, gallerists, and the seams of her own projects start to burst before she loses control of it all.
At once a ridiculously funny satire on the art world and feminist rebuttal to bodies commodified in the name of creativity, Ella Baxter’s Woo Woo is a bizarre and astute reckoning with art itself.
Our Culture chatted with Ella Baxter to discuss her own stalking experience, delusion and over-confidence, and the violent nature of art.
Congratulations on your second book! How do you feel now that it’s out?
I feel fine now; I had a bit of a conniption at first. But I’ve adjusted and it’s all good. I thought it would be similar to my debut, but it’s been really different — I think I know too much now. It’s been good though!
How has it been different?
I went into interviews with New Animal having no idea what I’d be asked or how long it would take. Just actual facts of the things you do for PR. Now I feel like I have more ease, which actually does help a lot. It’s weird; I had to send some photos from around the time I was writing it, and I realized it was three years ago. It’s a long time between when you make it and when you talk about it. It’s a real trip.
Speaking of, from what I remember of New Animal, it was a little more somber and subtle, and Woo Woo is satirical and often very very funny. Was this a conscious change?
I guess so. I feel like I wrote Woo Woo really consciously — I designed the novel I really wanted and wrote to that. And New Animal was way more intuitive, I just didn’t know what I was doing. First book stuff, you burn off all your ideas, and for the second, you can be a bit more intentional. It was a bit more somber; I think I was sad when I wrote it. With Woo Woo, I was really furious. And with fury comes humor sometimes.
Yeah, you skewer the arts world very well, in the esotericism everyone desperately tries to have and the absurdity that comes from it. Is the Melbourne arts scene this way or was it mostly fiction?
No, that’s the Melbourne arts scene. [Laughs] A lot of that was written quite straight. I mean, I love it so much, I have a deep affection for it, the art industry here, but it’s also so profoundly silly. It’s so easy to write about, there’s so much to write about. I went to a gallery the other day and the curator was wearing a leather beret. It’s just so… there. It’s all the information you need to write about.
You can love something and still make fun of it. I feel the same way of DC, the over-analyzing.
100%. And the dead-seriousness, but everyone is actually quite broke, or is upheld by their family, but they’re engaging in this medium that’s quasi-abusive because it keeps them in a holding pattern. I fucking love art so much, though.
Let’s talk about Sabine, this very sharp and interesting conceptual artist, saying things like “pure, uncompromising rigour is needed to make transcendent, supernatural art.” When did the idea of her first start to form?
She is an aspect of who I am, and also people I’m close to. There’s elements of her that are completely real. What I wanted to do was create a character that people could read and understand why she was spiraling so hard before her exhibition. I wanted to lay out the risks and stakes for her, and to do that I had to explain just how meaningful her own art was to her. That is why she’s so fluorid in how she describes the art and the muse and the process of art-making. I feel like that was integral to understanding why she just spiraled so hard later in the book.
As a writer, I often have to convince myself that what I’m doing is beyond me, and there’s a bit of delusion in that. Likewise, Sabine is drowned in the importance of her own art. Do you have a similar experience with that and did it help with crafting Sabine?
I feel like to release any art into the world, whether it’s books or paintings or sculpture or whatever, you have to have equal parts of rampant ego and hyper-neuroses. The two are needed to make good art. You need the ego to withstand the horror of your work being viewed and responded to by the general public, but you need the neuroses to make sure it’s the best work you can possibly make at the time. The state of being you’re put in as an artist and creative person, it’s just an intense atmosphere. But you have to be to make art. I just don’t think you can be normal and do good work. I haven’t seen it done.
Once, you write, “it had been impossible for her to believe she was anything less than a young god.” Could this kind of thinking turn dangerous?
Yeah! It’s so egotistical. It’s completely alien to a lot of people, which is why I think her normie relationship with her chef husband — there’s so much friction. She kind of has to see herself as a young god to push work out and to be okay with that happening. I feel like it’s a necessary state for her to be in, but it’s totally dangerous to any other soulful, deep connection in her life. I think what ends up happening for a lot of creative people is that their biggest relationship becomes them and their art, so other relationships fall away, or are not as valued, perhaps. That’s what I’ve seen.
Yeah, I’ve definitely mined life experiences in the name of art, or maybe thought about it in a way that hardship could benefit it, and it gets you through it.
Exactly. I feel like that’s just how the muse calls through the rigor of life. I have made work when I’ve been in a stable, healthy place with myself and my life, and it’s still good, but when it feels like I am in conversation with the muse and I am just holding on and riding this beast of creativity, it often comes directly after a horrible life event. It’s like equal parts processing and creativity that are smacking against each other, and I really enjoy it, honestly.
Two visitors haunt and teach Sabine — the ghost of Carolee Schneemann, and a stalker called the Rembrandt Man. Though they obviously have different goals, what did you want to explore by having these two people with her?
I think what I wanted to explore was this sense of voyeurism and how Sabine consents to being online, in all these ways, and those are on her terms, but when she’s viewed outside of that, how awful it is, and what the psychological warfare of having a stalker can do to a creative brain. I wrote Woo Woo while I was being stalked, and I was trying to turn all that horror and that sense of being watched and pursued into art, and having a response that is artistic rather than being threatened. That was my whole goal — writing something that was almost like a fantasy for myself, rather than the reality of the situation.
Yeah, I read that the inspiration for the book came from a real-life experience you had — your stalker’s even thanked in the acknowledgements. How was that experience and how did it shape the story?
I think once I let myself fantasize about all the ways I could confront this person — and they were anonymous, but they clearly knew me quite well, so it was someone close to me — I felt very sick of these internal thoughts, because I was worried it’d happen in real life. If I thought about it too much, I’d bring it into existence. Putting it in a novel seemed like a really interesting way to explore it.
I realized that inviting your stalker into your home is not a realistic response that will end well for you. But at the time, that’s exactly what I wanted to do, in this fantasy world. I really wanted to say, ‘Come in, the door’s open. Who the fuck are you?’ That energy was so addictive. I felt like anytime I lost my place in the book or didn’t feel like writing, all I had to do was think about this person sitting at my kitchen table, and I could write another five days worth of work. I found it really… [laughs] inspiring, the horror of that situation.
That’s so interesting. Has the situation become better now?
I’m not stalked now. I’m not sure if that’s because they’ve decided to stop or I’ve just moved houses so many times and I’ve reduced my social circle a lot. I don’t really know, it was years ago when it happened. I still have a camera, a lot of locks. Anytime I move I do a whole security thing. It changed how I live in the world forever.
I was really interested when Sabine inadvertently livestreams her own stalking one night, which the viewers take as performance art and not an actual crisis. Do you think that a life could ever tip too much into the online sphere, such that it’s not mostly yours anymore?
For sure. I love Gen Z so much, I actually adore them as a generation. They’re such an unserious online presence. That juxtaposition of [Sabine] being completely scared for her life, and they’re like, ‘Wow, she’s not self-conscious about her stomach at all!’ I just love that. I’ve seen similar things on TikTok where someone’s having a real come to Jesus moment in front of the camera and everyone’s not taking it at all, they’re just spewing it back at them. That’s an online dialogue we’re familiar with and it’s brilliant, I love it, there’s so much humor in it. The voyeurism is fascinating.
Once, Sabine imagines both Constantine and her stalker as her “loyal, obedient, needy dogs.” It even calms her. Why do you think she groups them together in the same category?
I think it was an element of control. Her husband was floating away emotionally from her, she couldn’t quite grasp him, and the stalker wasn’t in reach either. I think, for her, having the stalker and her husband within sight was a comfort, because if she could see them both, she’d know where they were. They weren’t distant things she was pre-empting or worrying about. Placing her as the owner of these two Dobermans, on leashes, in a fenced yard — there’s so many parts where they can’t get away from her. I felt like that chapter was the turning point of getting her power, a little bit, and finding her sinisterness in the scope of the narrative.
Sabine and her friends make sculptures, whale cakes, puppets, videos, piles of food, performances, as art. What did you want to explore in the idea of conceptual art, or art that possibly won’t make sense to a viewer but would mean everything to the artist?
I think it is really mystifying, a lot of conceptual and performance art. But what I love about it is it’s kind of anti-capitalist — I mean, I say that, but it’s not. The banana [from the art piece Comedian] just sold for $6.2 million. But in the beginning, it was anti-capitalist, you couldn’t buy the performances, they just existed in a time and space, as they were, often, with the body being abstracted by the work. I really like the place that feminism and performance art intersect, in the 60s or 70s. I think it does lend itself to the ridiculous, but at its core, it is a political form of art.
I love when Carolee tells Sabine one night, “Just let in the idea that artists, through their very nature, are violent.” Do you agree?
100%.
Really! How so?
I feel like the act of art-making is a constant process of destruction and creation, and you always have to be killing off good and bad ideas, ruining work, throwing things in the trash, literally binning a whole manuscript, maybe getting 10,000 words from 70,000. It’s a decimation of ideas and content. I feel like it is a violent process. Not necessarily physical, but the way creative people think, the depths they allow themselves to go to in their darker psyche — you have to plum those parts of yourself for good art. It’s a violent space at times. I believe it, do you believe it?
When I first read that line, I knew I wanted to ask you about it. I do think that was a good argument.
And the way you have this collection of avatars you create havoc within. You’re like this benevolent god — or malevolent, at times. It’s this universe you ruin and destroy. And there’s lots of beauty in it, too.
The chapter titles are all quotes from poems, paintings, exhibitions, and books — tell me a little about selecting these and what inspired you to put them in the book. Were they matched to particular chapters?
Yeah, they were — each chapter heading is the tone, if you look at the art or listen to the piece of music. I had a document on my computer just filled with all the artwork, triple what was mentioned in the book. It was just a way to settle into the novel — each time when I went to write it, I’d look through all the art, I’d listen to the songs, it’d transform me into the atmosphere. It created this mausoleum of Woo Woo to write in, and I really needed it, since I wrote a lot of it in the pandemic when I was quite separate from art. I couldn’t get to shows, and I would have loved to be going to see performance art pieces while I was writing this; that would have been the ideal, but it just wasn’t available. The amount of content I’ve absorbed of Carolee Schneeman is wild — I was fully obsessed with her for a decent four-month period. I felt like the novel needed it, too. It’s following [Sabine’s] mental state, and the art pushed it in directions I wanted it to go, it was like a series of arrows.
Finally, what’s next? Are you working on anything else right now?
I’m getting into screenplay writing, and doing stuff for film and TV. That’s where I’m aiming my bow now. And I’ve got a third book, ticking along, but I haven’t had time to fill up with ideas and energy for it yet. At the end of Woo Woo I was so depleted, I was a sack of skin. So I just have to reform so I can write another one.
Pamela Anderson has returned to the silver screen in what has been called “an emotional and powerful performance” for her starring role in The Last Showgirl. The Vegas-set drama is due for limited release in December, where it’s hoped that the 57-year-old actress can generate Oscar buzz for her performance.
Vegas’ Long Cinematic Tradition
One of the central themes in The Last Showgirl is a veteran performer’s adapting to a changing Las Vegas. Over the past thirty years, the city has provided the backdrop for countless popular films, whether it be the Ocean’s franchise, Terry Gilliam’s surreal Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, or Oscar-winning turn in Leaving Las Vegas.
With the city’s gambling culture always at the forefront, The Last Showgirl’s casino setting is no different. Newcomers to the world could try free slots in anticipation of the film, with thousands of demos offering varying themes and game types without the need for a cash investment. Several of these include adaptations of Vegas casino classics and titles with Vegas themes.
The Last Showgirl Marks a Career Turning Point
After its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, Anderson’s performance in The Last Showgirl was labelled both “remarkable” and a “revelation” by one critic. The film, directed by Gia Coppola, follows Shelly, a Las Vegas showgirl who is forced to find a new job after her long-running stage show is cancelled.
As the character navigates reinvention, she comes up against the harsh realities of a changing entertainment industry. Anderson has said that she was drawn to the role due to parallels within her own career, claiming that she had almost given up on serious acting roles until the script landed in her lap.
Coppola claims that Anderson was the first choice for Shelly, and gave the script to her son to ensure it reached the former Baywatch star. The film has been compared to Mickey Rourke’s Oscar-nominated comeback performance in The Wrestler, a film that catapulted the actor into new heights after decades of being overlooked by the industry.
Critical Acclaim for Performances
Early reviews for the film almost exclusively focused on Anderson’s performance. Indie Wire’s Kate Erbland wrote that the film provides the “role of a lifetime for Anderson, one that can fully capture her incredible emotional intensity and vulnerability.” She continued by saying the actress was a major awards contender.
The supporting cast, which includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, Brenda Song, Kiernan Shipka, and Billie Lourd, also received considerable praise. Variety’s Peter Debruge Jamie Lee Curtis’s performance as a “force-of-nature” in her role as confidante to Anderson’s Shelly, with Bautista’s turn “uncharacteristically gentle.”
Anderson has described the experience as being transformative and “the catalyst for the rest of my life”. As she embarks on a new chapter, the actress is set to star in a 2025 reboot of The Naked Gun alongside Liam Neeson and ensemble drama Rosebush Pruning from director Karim Aïnouz.
After its limited release in Los Angeles on December 13, the film will be released in Canada and the US on January 10 and the UK in February 2025. If the buzz is anything to go by, this one is not to be missed.
