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Guerilla Toss Announce New Album Produced by Stephen Malkmus, Share New Single

Last month, Guerilla Toss released their single ‘Psychosis Is Just a Number’, which was produced by Stephen Malkmus. Turns out the Pavement leader produced the entirety of the band’s next album, Youre Weird Now, which is being announced today along with the delightful ‘Red Flag to Angry Bull’. Marking their second album for Sub Pop, following 2022’s Famously Alive, the 10-track record is due September 12. Check out the new track and find the album cover and tracklist below.

With Malkmus behind the boards, Guerilla Toss made the new album in The Barn, the recording studio owned by Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio, who can be heard soloing on ‘Red Flag to Angry Bull’. Other collaborators included engineer Bryce Goggin, who has worked with Malkmus since Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, and Phish’s longtime engineer Ben Collette. “His incredibly relatable down to earth approach to music and trusting yourself as an artist had a massive effect on this album and myself as a musician,” frontwoman Kassie Carlson shared. “Working with Malkmus, Bryce Goggin, Trey Anastasio, touring with Primus—all of that made me realize that what I’m doing is not wrong. The work is clear, important, and necessary. It’s not always easy or clear in direction or purpose, but creating, making, performing music is vital to my life, and a healthy earth.”

“These people have been doing this forever, and they’ve internalized that they are musiciansand their artistic choices are right for them and they believe in them,” she continued. “It’s really just realness and being true to yourself—whatever that means for you.”

“As a band, we’re always sort of trying to reinvent ourselves,” drummer Peter Negroponte added. “But with this record, instead of being like, what should we try that we haven’tdone—since we’ve done a lot of crazy shit—it was like, what have we done that’s the strongest, and how can we work off that. Let’s reach back into our own musical history and try to make even better the things that I thought were already the best.”

Youre Weird Now Cover Artwork:

Guerilla Toss YoureWeirdNow

Youre Weird Now Tracklist:

1. Krystal Ball
2. Psychosis Is Just a Number
3. CEO of Personal & Pleasure
4. LIfes a Zoo
5. Red Flag to Angry Bull
6. Panglossian Mannequin
7. Deep Sight
8. When Dogs Bark
9. Crocodile Cloud
10. Favorite Sun

 

How Betting Is Blending Into Esports and Gaming Culture

In recent years, the lines between gaming, entertainment, and betting have started to blur in ways that would have been unthinkable just a decade ago. As esports tournaments fill stadiums, competitive gaming attracts massive global audiences, and streaming platforms offer round-the-clock access to competitions, betting has naturally followed. Today, many fans use tools like an online odds calculator to better understand the ever-evolving betting markets that now exist alongside their favorite games and teams.

While traditional sports betting remains dominant, the rapid growth of esports and gaming culture is creating entirely new opportunities for wagering — and raising important questions about how technology, culture, and commerce intersect in this new landscape.

The Rise of Esports Betting

Esports — competitive video gaming at a professional level — has grown into a billion-dollar global industry. Games like League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Valorant have built competitive ecosystems that rival traditional sports leagues in both scale and revenue.

Where massive viewership exists, betting markets naturally follow. Major sportsbooks now offer odds on:

  • Match winners
  • Tournament outcomes
  • Player performance props
  • In-game events like first kills, round winners, or map outcomes

For fans deeply invested in the strategies, team dynamics, and individual player skills of their favorite esports titles, betting offers an additional layer of engagement. It’s not just about chance — it’s about analyzing data, understanding meta shifts, and predicting outcomes based on deep knowledge of the games.

How Betting Is Reshaping Gaming Culture

Image from Unsplash

While esports is the most visible frontier, betting is influencing gaming culture more broadly:

  • Twitch Streams & Sponsored Betting Content: Some streamers now partner with sportsbooks or include betting discussions as part of their gaming commentary.
  • In-Game Betting Features: Certain blockchain-based gaming platforms are experimenting with integrated wagering systems.
  • Fantasy Esports Leagues: Much like traditional fantasy football, fans can build rosters and compete based on real-world esports results.
  • Community Prediction Platforms: Sites and apps allow fans to compete by making predictions on tournament outcomes, sometimes with rewards attached.

This blending of gaming and betting reflects a broader cultural shift where entertainment, competition, and financial stakes increasingly overlap.

Tech Tools Simplifying Betting for Gamers

The technical complexity of betting — especially when dealing with fractional odds, multiple outcomes, or accumulator bets — can be intimidating for newcomers. That’s where modern tech tools like the online odds calculator come into play, allowing users to:

  • Convert odds into understandable payout figures.
  • Calculate combinations across multiple games or matches.
  • Evaluate risk-reward scenarios in real time.
  • Simulate different staking strategies.

By lowering the barrier to entry, these tools make betting more accessible to younger, tech-savvy gamers who are already familiar with data-driven decision-making in their gaming experiences.

Gamers’ Natural Affinity for Probability and Strategy

It’s no accident that gamers are drawn to betting markets. Many popular video games involve:

  • Probabilistic loot systems
  • Randomized outcomes
  • Strategic resource management
  • Pattern recognition and predictive modeling

Whether managing drop rates in a gacha game or analyzing draft strategies in a MOBA, gamers are constantly working with probabilities. This skillset transfers naturally to betting, where similar thinking applies: weighing odds, managing risk, and evaluating potential outcomes.

The Role of AI and Algorithms in Modern Betting

As betting platforms grow more sophisticated, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms are increasingly shaping odds and betting experiences:

  • Real-Time Odds Adjustments: AI models update lines based on live game data and market movements.
  • Personalized Recommendations: Platforms suggest bets based on user history and preferences.
  • Fraud Detection: Algorithms monitor for unusual betting patterns and flag potential manipulation.
  • Data-Powered Analytics: Fans gain access to advanced predictive models previously only available to professional bettors.

These innovations both enhance user experience and raise new ethical considerations, particularly around responsible gaming and data privacy.

According to a recent report by Allied Market Research, the global esports market is projected to reach $9.2 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.2%. The report highlights expanding global interest in competitive gaming, increasing investment from sponsors, and rapid technological innovation—including AI-powered analytics and betting platforms—as key drivers fueling this growth.

Responsible Betting: The Ongoing Conversation

While the fusion of gaming and betting offers new entertainment possibilities, it also comes with responsibility. As platforms become more engaging, concerns about addiction, targeting younger audiences, and ethical marketing practices continue to be discussed by regulators, advocacy groups, and industry leaders.

Responsible betting in this hybrid space requires:

  • Transparent odds and clear disclosures.
  • Age verification systems.
  • Tools for users to set betting limits and self-exclude if necessary.
  • Continued education about the risks and responsibilities of gambling.

Balancing innovation with consumer protection remains one of the industry’s most important challenges moving forward.

Betting’s Cultural Normalization in Gaming

Perhaps the most notable cultural shift is how normalized betting has become within gaming communities. Where once gambling was seen as entirely separate from video games, today:

  • Major tournaments feature odds integrations during broadcasts.
  • Streaming personalities openly discuss betting markets.
  • Betting companies sponsor esports organizations.
  • Social media is filled with predictions and betting discourse.

For younger generations raised in an always-online world where digital entertainment, social interaction, and financial transactions converge, betting feels like a natural — though still controversial — extension of their gaming life.

The intersection of betting and gaming is reshaping both industries and redefining what it means to be a fan, player, or spectator. As esports and gaming culture continue their explosive global growth, betting platforms will likely become even more deeply integrated into the experience, offering new forms of engagement for tech-savvy audiences.

At the same time, tools like the online odds calculator are making complex betting systems more approachable, giving gamers and bettors alike the ability to evaluate wagers with greater precision and confidence.

As this cultural convergence evolves, it will remain essential for the industry, regulators, and communities to ensure that innovation enhances entertainment while protecting those most vulnerable to its risks. The future of betting in gaming culture is undeniably bright — but must also be approached with caution, transparency, and responsibility.

What Services Are Included In PestBear Year-Round Plan?

Does your home experience year-round attacks of pests prevailing in your region?  

Ants in the pantry, spiders in the corners, and roaches that seem to be uninvited are all threats to your comfort, hygiene and structural integrity of the house.  

Tired of constant spraying, sealing and scrubbing the spots on your own, only to witness the return of the pest after a while?  

Then, you need to think about partnering with a reliable pest control service like PestBear to enjoy a pest-free property for an extended period.   

Especially for regions like Orlando that experience warm and humid climates, pests are a year-round concern. Without professional assistance, you may witness the influx of ants swarming into your house, the next silverfish invading through bathroom vents.  

However, that is not the case if you consider the PestBear year-round plan. Keen to know in depth what are all the services they offer in the year-round plan?  

Dive into the complete article.   

PestBear’s Family-First Approach to Ongoing Protection 

Before jumping to services offered by PestBear, it is important to know why one should choose them. 

Living in Orlando’s subtropical climate brings its fair share of pest problems. From relentless mosquitoes to stubborn roaches and fire ants, the pest cycle here never truly ends. Families often find themselves battling recurring infestations despite regular cleaning and store-bought sprays.  

What’s worse, many treatments on the market come with strong chemicals that raise safety concerns for kids and pets. 

That’s why families need a pest control company that’s both effective and mindful of their household environment.  

PestBear stands out with its family-first approach, offering eco-conscious solutions that are tough on pests but safe for your loved ones. Their trained technicians take the time to understand each home’s needs and provide tailored long-term protection.  

From preventive care to free re-treatments, every service is designed with care and consistency.  

Therefore, for the year-round protection of your house, you should partner with a professional team like PestBear of Orlando. It is a team that puts your home and family first, offering effective treatment and pest-free property. 

5 Services offered In PestBear Year-round Plan 

  1. Perimeter Treatments for Prevention 

Exterior barrier treatments are applied around your home’s foundation, windows, and entry points. These form an invisible shield that helps stop pests before they get inside. 

Many insects, like spiders, earwigs, and cockroaches, enter through tiny cracks in walls or gaps near doors. Barrier sprays target these areas directly. 

By creating a treated zone around your property, perimeter services reduce interior infestations dramatically. These applications are safe for people and pets, and they’re adjusted with the seasons to match changing pest behavior. 

It’s one of the simplest ways to keep your space clean and stress-free. 

  1. Indoor Spot Treatments on Request 

While prevention is ideal, sometimes pests still find a way in. That’s why a year-round plan includes indoor treatments whenever necessary. 

If you notice ants in your pantry or roaches behind the fridge, you can request a visit at no extra charge.  

Technicians use targeted methods, such as baits, gels, and spot sprays, to eliminate pests without harsh fumes or residue. 

Focus is placed on cracks, crevices, and moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens.  

Whether you live in an older home or a newly built property, occasional indoor services help maintain a pest-free environment between scheduled visits. 

  1. Coverage for Common Household Pests 

A major benefit of the year-round plan is the broad pest coverage it provides. It targets the most frequent intruders seen in the region: ants, roaches, spiders, silverfish, pantry pests, and stinging insects. 

These pests thrive in warm, moist environments and are often found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Roaches, in particular, are a stubborn problem that requires persistent control measures. 

PestBear’s treatments are designed to handle active infestations and prevent future ones. If you’re tired of squishing bugs and chasing ants with sprays, this service offers a much more effective, long-term solution. 

  1. Complimentary Re-Treatments Between Visits 

No pest control plan is perfect without flexibility. That’s why PestBear includes free re-treatments between scheduled services. 

If you see pests return, even after a recent visit, simply reach out, and a technician will come back at no extra cost. 

This is especially valuable during sudden outbreaks, like ant swarms after a rainstorm or a roach appearance during hot summer nights. 

You won’t be left waiting or unsure what to do. Instead, you get fast support when it matters most. This kind of ongoing care makes a year-round plan more than just a convenience. 

  1. Expert Technicians Support and Personalized Approach 

Every home is different, and so is every infestation. PestBear’s technicians take time to understand your specific layout, pest pressures, and comfort preferences. 

They don’t apply a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, each visit is customized. 

If your property has moisture issues that attract silverfish or vegetation that draws ants and wasps, treatments will reflect that. 

The technicians are trained to spot small details, such as hidden entry points or pest-friendly conditions, and offer practical tips in addition to service. 

It’s this level of attention that sets a year-round plan apart from short-term fixes. 

Bottomline 

When pests show up uninvited, they bring stress, mess, and discomfort into your home. 

A quick fix won’t keep them away for long, but a PestBear Year-Round Plan will. 

From regular inspections and exterior treatments to fast re-services and custom care, this plan covers the most persistent household pests with ease. 

Plus, with optional add-ons, you’re fully prepared for anything nature throws your way. 

If you’re looking for protection that’s consistent, effective, and family-friendly, PestBear delivers just that, season after season.

How Personal Safety Alarms Boost Confidence For Older Adults?

Aging can create new worries in place of just a decline in freedom. For many seniors, the fear of falling, being wounded, or not being able to call for help quietly lowers their self-esteem. Everyday tasks like washing, strolling to the mail, or cooking can seem dangerous instead of ordinary.  

This growing concern lessens safety and quality of life. Confidence, social interaction, physical mobility, and emotional well-being all fall along with it.  

One simple tool, though, is assisting: the personal safety alarm.  

These devices provide a silent, reliable safety net that lets senior citizens live more freely and fully. Always ready, they offer more than just emergency help and are easy to use. They bring a balance of thought back. Understanding aid is only one click away, which can help boost confidence. 

This article will look at how an elderly personal safety alarm strengthens independence and boosts confidence. 

  1. Rising Independence without Compromising Safety  

Many times, older adults limit their activities because of fear. Gardening, going to the store, or even showering alone can look challenging. Regrettably, this self-restraint might result in emotional withdrawal as well as physical deterioration.  

This is where a personal safety alarm for older adults provides a practical answer. These devices are particularly designed for older adults who want to stay active while also keeping safe. Features like fall detection, two-way voice communication, GPS monitoring, and 24/7 surveillance enable consumers to keep doing what they love by forming a safety net.  

Families also gain from it. Knowing their loved one is protected gives peace of mind and comfort even when no one is close by.  

  1. Gaining Confidence Through Reliability  

Anxiety is fuelled by uncertainty. Many elderly individuals worry,  

“What if I fall and cannot reach my phone? Or what if nobody hears me?”  

Personal safety alarms help eliminate this ambiguity by providing dependable, professional support. Depending on the severity, once activated, the device links the user to a trained operator who can evaluate the circumstances, alert emergency services, or reach a relative.  

This regular, quick access to assistance fosters trust. Seniors feel more secure, and families grow faith in a solution that has been tried, tested, and demonstrated to be effective in actual situations.  

  1. Decreasing Anxiety and Promoting Psychological Well-Being  

Constant anxiety can deplete one. Seniors recuperating from surgery or living alone may feel especially susceptible. Anxiety progressively degrades mental health and restricts emotional well-being over the years.  

Studies, however, show that feeling secure within one’s house lowers stress and raises quality of life. Knowing that assistance is just a button-press away gives older adults peace of mind, restores their feeling of control, and lowers their daily stressors.  

Caregivers also get mental health benefits. Particularly for adult children providing distant care to aging parents, a dependable alarm system helps to relieve the emotional load of caregiving.  

  1. Support Will To Grow Old At Home  

Survey results show that most elderly people would prefer to age in their own homes rather than relocate to assisted living institutions. This preference is easy to understand; home is intimate, warm, and personal.  

However, aging in place also has dangers, especially as mobility or health starts to deteriorate. Personal safety sensors help to close that gap. They let one live at home independently, yet remain connected to emergency assistance.  

Elders may live with independence rather than need continuous physical monitoring, and families can unwind knowing their loved one is safe.  

  1. Progressively Answer to Evolving Needs  

Modern personal alarms are particularly empowering because of their versatility. Although some seniors may first require just a simple emergency button, others may need more sophisticated features as their needs change.  

Many systems provide fall detection, health monitoring connections, or medication reminders on demand. Some connect with wearable health tech or smart gadgets to let seniors and carers monitor vitals, activities, and general health.  

This adaptability lets seniors develop along with the technology. They are not made to change systems; rather, features can be added when necessary. 

  1. Promote Active Living and Social Involvement 

For seniors, isolation is a major problem that can raise their risk of physical disease, cognitive loss, and depression. Many times, seniors’ fear of injury prevents them from going out or participating in social activities.  

Removing this barrier calls for a personal safety alarm. Seniors who feel more at ease going out, meeting friends, and engaging in their favourite hobbies know support will be present should anything happen outside their house.  

This new sense of confidence motivates movement, relationship, and emotional well-being. Remaining active is essential for healthy ageing, not only for pleasure.  

Wrapping Up  

Personal safety alerts go much further than emergency buttons. They can help elderly people regain their confidence, regain their independence, and improve their quality of life.  

Beyond physical security, these alarms help emotional, mental, and social well-being. They reassure seniors and their loved ones that support is always available—in the kitchen, on a stroll, or during sleep.  

A personal safety alarm for seniors may be the secret to remaining autonomous longer and living without worry, whether you are a senior living alone or a loved one looking for extra peace of mind.  

Take action rather than wait for a crash or catastrophe. Sometimes, a little gadget can transform, turning vulnerability into empowerment and reluctance into bravery.

Between Blade and Body: Vespera Xander’s Sculptural Armoury

Finnish-born visual artist Vespera Xander constructs sculptural forms of armour by assembling them from fragments of razor wire—each one formerly part of a sprawling razor wire coil. These dangerous remnants, arranged piece by piece, accumulate into sharp, gleaming surfaces reminiscent of scales on a cyborgian creature. While her references reach back to medieval and renaissance body armour, Vespera’s vision points decidedly towards a speculative post-human future.

After earning her MA degree in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins in 2023, Vespera has participated in multiple group exhibitions and presented her first solo show in London. Alongside her metalwork, she is also expanding her practice into jewellery making, applying hand-forging techniques in brass and precious metals to further explore the boundaries between adornment, protection, and weaponry.

CBT–65 II. Razor wire, steel rivets, 140 x 120 x 50 cm, 2024.

Her debut solo exhibition, Pleasure Principle, opened on October 30, 2024, at Metamorphika Studio in Hackney. The show marked a significant evolution in her practice, featuring both razor-wire sculptures and a first look at her jewellery. Suspended from the ceiling, a commanding work titled CBT–65 II dominated the gallery space: a twisting constellation of razor wire riveted into the form of a helmet and upper body armour.

The pointed silhouettes prompt unsettling questions. Who is this armour for? Is it ever meant to be worn?

At the exhibition’s opening night, the armour found its wearer in performance artist Marina Teodora, in a 12-minute piece directed by Vespera titled CBT–65 Angel. Dressed in black, a cloaked figure assisted Teodora into her armour, completing the ritual with a spiked Razor Crown in what felt like an underground coronation. Once transformed into the “Angel,” the heels of her razor boots against the concrete floors unleashed piercing screeches that echoed through the space.

As tension built through an ominous soundtrack, the Angel encountered a mirror laid flat on the floor. With forceful stomps, she shattered its surface, sending shards of light across the room. Her thigh-high boots, once pristine and fearsome, collapsed into mangled wreckage. In the closing moments, she retreated through the crowd, dragging her disfigured blades behind her—the sound of scraping metal haunting the silence that followed.

All That Glitters Is Not Gold. Hand engraved brass, 30 x 15 cm, 2025.

In May 2025, Vespera co-curated The Nonexistent Knight, a group exhibition also held at Metamorphika Studio. Inspired by Italo Calvino’s 1959 novel of the same name, the show invited twelve artists to reinterpret armour and chivalry. Calvino’s protagonist, Agilulf—a knight with no physical body but impeccable discipline—serves as a poetic metaphor. Vespera’s contribution, All That Glitters Is Not Gold, was a gauntlet made in mirror-polished brass, along with hand engraved gothic lettering. The engraving evokes associations with gang tattoos as much as renaissance etching, subverting traditional decorative norms with darker symbolism. The golden gleam of the gauntlet contradicts its message: surface appearances conceal deeper threats.

The metaphor of Agilulf—the immaculate knight who exists only through the force of his will and the rituals of knighthood—resonates deeply within Vespera’s work. In The Nonexistent Knight, Calvino writes: “He was a perfect knight. Not a flaw, not a stain. Only he did not exist.” This idea of presence without human substance mirrors the physicality of Vespera’s sculptures. Her armours are immaculate, gleaming, and crafted with precision, yet fundamentally hollow. Like Agilulf, they perform identity through surface and ritual. For Vespera, the armour becomes a mechanical surrogate for the psyche—a menacing form we inhabit to protect ourselves. This theme had already begun to surface during Pleasure Principle, where CBT–65 II hovered in the crypt-like gallery space—its lonely figure conjuring the same existential tension between physical perfection and inner vacancy.

Blade Double Ring. Handmade sterling silver ring, 3 x 7 x 1.5 cm, 2024.

Vespera views her recent shift from razor-wire to wearable forms as a gesture toward “dissolving the boundary between sculpture and jewellery.” This interplay between elegance and aggression is strikingly present in her jewellery work, where motifs of self preservation condense into intimately scaled forms. One of her recent pieces, Blade Double—a double-ring resembling a knuckle duster, handcrafted in polished sterling silver—transforms the language of violence into an object of adornment. Worn across two fingers, the piece asserts itself as both decoration and defense, blurring the line between jewellery and weaponry. As with her sculptural armour, there’s a performative dimension: the wearer becomes a participant in the work’s paradox, carrying beauty and intimidation in a single gesture.

Ultimately, Vespera Xander’s practice builds an armoury for the vulnerable and the vengeful alike—where even a ring can become a weapon. Her universe is one where chivalry collapses into rebellion, and fallen angels and modern-day knights alike await their return, ready to be summoned back to life.

The Art of Becoming: Anyi Ji’s Embrace of Nature’s Cycles

In a dusty, shard-littered studio in South London, artist Anyi Ji sinks her hands into moist clay, allowing it to yield to its own gravity and weight. She doesn’t rush to impose form. Instead, she waits—for a response, a rhythm—something intuitive that emerges from within the material itself.

Ceramics embody a paradox between impermanence and permanence,” she reflects. “Once fired, clay transforms from soft earth into a solid, enduring substance. Yet it remains fragile, prone to breaking. That duality speaks to life itself—and to time.”

This philosophy forms the foundation of her artistic practice. Born in Hangzhou, China and currently based in London, Anyi Ji is a contemporary artist whose primary medium is clay. Her work is deeply informed by Buddhist and Daoist philosophies, rooted in the East, but speaking to universal themes. Through the tactile language of ceramics, she explores the transience of existence and the persistence of memory.

Letting the Material Speak: An Intuitive Process

Unlike strictly planned or sketched-out approaches, Ji’s creative process often begins with only a vague impulse. She embraces unpredictability and allows the material to guide the outcome. Moisture, weight, resistance—each physical property of clay plays a role in shaping the final form.

She describes it as a subconscious process, where intuition and experience serve as quiet collaborators, and the material becomes an active participant. This approach resonates with the Zen principle of wu wei, or effortless action: a state of balance between letting go and taking control. While technical elements like firing temperature demand precision, the form itself often arises through spontaneous gestures.

The asymmetry, raw surfaces, cracks and marks on her works are not imperfections, but intentional testaments to the uncontrollable nature of existence—traces of becoming rather than signs of flaw.

Between Form and Meaning: Nature, Death, and Transformation

In her representative work Forever Moment, Ji employs motifs of flowers and mountains as symbolic expressions of natural cycles. These forms are not literal representations, but distilled essences—how mountains erode over millennia, how flowers bloom and wither in a matter of days. Surface cracks echo geological time or the edge of a petal curling into decay, evoking a rhythm that cannot be reversed.

“I’m not trying to reproduce nature,” she explains, “but to explore how nature can serve as a metaphor for impermanence.” In Buddhist and Daoist traditions, nature is not merely scenery, but a mirror for inner life—mountains and rivers, wind and fire, blooming and falling—all part of a cosmic cycle of renewal and decay.

In her more experimental works, Ji incorporates herbal and organic materials into the clay. During firing, these materials combust and disappear, leaving behind traces—textures, colors, voids. It’s a process reminiscent of alchemy: an elemental death that births a new form.

“Earth, fire, water, plants—they’ve all lived, and they all die,” she says. “But death isn’t an ending. It’s a transition into something else.”

Beyond Language: An Invitation to Presence

Ji’s sculptures avoid overt narratives or symbolic codes. Instead, they invite viewers into a non-verbal encounter—a moment of resonance that transcends literal understanding. Her organic lines, flowing contours, and delicate yet grounded forms create an atmosphere rather than a message. In this space, the viewer is gently pulled into a state of attentiveness, where the boundary between object and observer dissolves into presence.

“My work doesn’t need to be understood in a conventional way,” Ji offers. “Its meant to be felt. 

In Fragments, a Sense of Wholeness

In a contemporary art world often marked by conceptual density and digital slickness, Anyi Ji’s practice offers quiet, meditative resistance. Her ceramics speak not with loud declarations, but through layered, subtle reflections on time, life, memory, and nature. The cracks, textures, and remnants left by fire are more than aesthetic—they are philosophical reminders that everything we experience continues to exist, only in different forms.

From Wooden Boards to Digital Worlds – The Evolution of Games

In the beginning, it was all about simplicity. A couple of dice. Maybe a board carved into wood or drawn on parchment. People sat across from each other, face to face, reading reactions, planning moves, and more often than not, bluffing just for the thrill of it.

However, then came electricity, computers, the internet, and everything changed. Today, gaming isn’t just about play, but also immersion, competition, and even identity. And the pace of change? Unreal. The way games have evolved says a lot about how we’ve become, too.

Ancient Games to Living Room Staples

The earliest games weren’t played for profit, prestige, or bonuses like Vulkan Bet 50 free spins. They were social, sometimes spiritual, and often tied to rituals or storytelling. Senet in Ancient Egypt, Go in China, and the Royal Game of Ur in Mesopotamia weren’t just entertainment. They reflected culture, beliefs, and class.

Fast-forward to the 20th century and the boom of classic board games like Monopoly, Risk, and Clue. These titles didn’t need glowing screens or headsets to be addictive. All they needed were simple mechanics, a bit of strategy, and that one friend who always took the game too seriously.

These games taught us something essential: competition can be fun, failure doesn’t sting for long, and revenge is best served after reshuffling the deck.

But, as TVs and computers entered our homes, the board started to collect dust. Players wanted more. They wanted color, sound, motion, and most of all, connection. That hunger would spark the next era of play.

The Rise of Consoles and the Birth of Digital Play

In the late ’70s and early ’80s, pixels replaced pawns. Atari, Nintendo, and Sega didn’t just launch consoles – they introduced a new language of play. Suddenly, kids weren’t just rolling the dice; they were jumping over barrels, saving princesses, and unlocking levels.

Games moved from the coffee table to the TV screen. And instead of competing with friends in the same room, players began taking on the computer, exploring solo campaigns that felt like miniature Hollywood blockbusters.

What made consoles so revolutionary wasn’t just the tech, but the sense of control. You could pause, restart, or play for hours without ever looking up. This changed how we defined entertainment.

By the 2000s, the internet kicked things up a notch. Online multiplayer became the norm. You could be in Kraków and team up with someone in Seoul. Gaming was no longer local; it was global.

This new landscape led to major shifts in how people play:

  • Accessibility: Free-to-play models and mobile gaming brought in millions of casual players.
  • Community: Forums, Twitch streams, and Discord servers created loyal fanbases and subcultures.
  • Competition: Esports went mainstream, with tournaments rivalling traditional sports in viewership.
  • Platforms: Brands like Vulkan Bet began bridging the gap between gaming and betting, offering new ways for players to engage with competitive play.
  • Gaming wasn’t just fun anymore; it became a lifestyle. And soon, it would become something even more immersive.

Immersion, VR, and the Virtual World Takeover

Once games became global, the next logical step was to make them feel real. Not just realistic graphics, but full-on immersion. Headsets like Oculus and PlayStation VR brought players inside the game, letting them look around, move their bodies, and interact with 3D environments as if they were there.

But immersion wasn’t just about hardware. Games like Elden Ring, The Witcher 3, and Cyberpunk 2077 built living, breathing worlds with lore so rich, fans didn’t just play, but studied, debated, and role-played.

And then came the metaverse hype. Suddenly, gaming wasn’t limited to action or strategy. It became social again. Platforms started blending gaming with virtual life with custom avatars, digital real estate, and even virtual concerts. Some people mocked it, others mortgaged their house to buy a pixelated monkey, because nothing says “future” like JPEGs and existential dread.

Meanwhile, online betting and competitive gaming started to overlap. Sites saw the opportunity early, tapping into the rising demand for watching, predicting, and interacting with esports. Betting wasn’t just about luck anymore – it was about knowing the game, the players, the meta.

From Parchment to Pixels

Games started as simple tools for connection, and that’s exactly what they still are. The difference is, today’s “boards” are made of code, not cardboard. Whether it’s rolling the dice with friends or exploring vast digital landscapes with strangers across the globe, the core idea remains: play is human.

As technology evolves, so will games. But the spark that drives them, the need to connect, compete, and escape, will never go out. And that’s the real game changer. Ready to connect, compete, and explore? Dive into the next evolution of play.

Winter Enlists Horse Jumper of Love for New Single ‘Misery’

Winter has shared a new song, ‘Misery’, a vulnerable, affecting preview of her forthcoming album Adult Romantix. The track, which follows ‘Just Like a Flower’, features Horse Jumper of Love’s Dimitri Giannopoulos. Check it out below.

“This song was written with my friend Alex Craig,” Samira Winter explained. At first, we imagined a fictional story about being in love with someone who was unavailable, leaning into the romanticization of indulging in a kind of sadness. However, during the recording process, the story of Elliott Smith’s love and tragic death came up, which in turn inspired the song title and the rest of the lyrics written by Dimitri. The song was originally written at a faster tempo, but we discovered that slowing it down on the tape machine created an interesting androgynous effect on my voice.”

Dimitri Giannopoulos added: “I was excited when Samira hit me up to sing on her track – she told me some of the backstory of the song, how it was a nod to Elliott Smith. That made me want to channel the inspiration he has given me as a songwriter and in my vocal delivery. Samira’s clear vision of what the song needed to be made it easy to write a verse with her and I’m happy with the way it came out.”

Adult Romantix is out August 22. Revisit our Artist Spotlight interview with Winter, and read our inspirations interview with Horse Jumper of Love.

LosMovies Alternatives, Mirror Sites & Reddit Updates

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Streaming is the new cinema. It’s a new version where all you need to do is grab your snacks and get ready. So, yes — gone are the days of waiting for DVD releases. Streaming has taken over. That convenience is why platforms like LosMovies caught fire so quickly. But due to its legal standing, it’s also likely to go down fast. Sites like this have reliability issues and more. That is why the search for better LosMovies alternatives is on.

This article covers the best-streaming sources, mirror links, and Reddit feedback.

Top Five LosMovies Alternatives

  • Hulu

Hulu offers its handpicked selection of films and TV series for $9.99 a month. But if you’re unsure, you can try its three-day trial version. Once you subscribe, you can enjoy smash hits and award-winning titles. Also, Hulu delivers documentaries and docudrama series.

  • Cineverse

Cineverse is a free website that satisfies content cravings. Similarly, users can expect several titles across different genres. Specifically, there are movies and series from horrors, crimes, comedies, and more. Viewers can also watch on any device.

  • Arrow Player

Arrow Player serves as one of the great LosMovies alternatives waiting for you to discover. It focuses on cult classics while featuring many horror titles. At the same time, the site provides restored versions of rare films.

  • FilmRise

FilmRise is a media streaming service that gives ad-supported content. Likewise, all movies and TV shows are in high definition. Also, users don’t have to worry about legal issues, even if it’s a free platform.

  • FlixHQ

FlixHQ has a big library of movies and TV series. There is no need to sign up or register. Similarly, you do not need to pay for anything. Users can enjoy unlimited content across genres with multiple streaming links. It’s a good choice for LosMovies alternatives.

Mirror Sites for LosMovies

At the moment, there are two working links for LosMovies. Here is the list:

  • https://losmovies.city/
  • https://losmovies-id.lol/

Take note that these are mirror sites, and they change frequently. Most of them also have data theft risks and malicious ads. Do not enter personal information on any clone site.

Reddit Community Updates

Based on the last discussion about LosMovies on r/Piracy, it went down for several users. So, some contributors suggested their LosMovies alternatives. Follow the thread to get additional updates about streaming in general.

Legal Matters to Consider

Choose official streaming platforms to avoid legal trouble and privacy concerns. Similarly, don’t settle with illegal websites to show support to the creators and the film industry.

Key Takeaways

Streaming is the heart of modern entertainment. Likewise, there are a variety of LosMovies alternatives. Whether you prefer free or paid platforms — the real winner is you.

Cinebloom Alternatives, Mirror Sites & Reddit Updates

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Steaming changes the way we watch, relax, and escape. Likewise, it continues to dominate how we consume movies and TV shows. For that reason, sites like Cinebloom have drawn attention for offering streaming services. However, platforms like this face downtime and limited availability over time. So, users are now searching for great Cinebloom alternatives.

This article highlights five platforms worth checking out, along with mirror sites and Reddit insights.

Top Five Cinebloom Alternatives

  • Sweet TV

Sweet TV is probably the cheapest subscription-based streaming platform out there. Users can buy its basic plan for only $2. Also, this cheap price comes with over 10,000 TV series and films in high definition. The website also supports multi-device access.

  • Mubi

Mubi lets you stream tons of movies for a $14.99 monthly subscription fee. Users can find a combination of cult classics and new releases. At the same time, there is a rotating library of special titles. Plus, there is a seven-day free trial.

  • Eternal TV

Eternal TV is a unique streaming platform. It has a collection of hidden gems like series, feature films, and short films. Similarly, it’s a whole package of surreal entertainment. This one is a fresh choice for Cinebloom alternatives.

  • Movierr

Movierr may not be that popular among viewers. But it is a growing free movie platform. Also, it’s not as flashy but it delivers a reliable streaming service. Specifically, it provides many streaming links with minimal ads.

  • AZMovies

AZMovies is one of the most dependable free streaming sites. Likewise, it has a large database of high-quality movies. The platform may have ads but it does not require registration. It’s a great pick for Cinebloom alternatives.

Mirror Sites for Cinebloom

The available domains for Cinebloom are these two:

  • https://cinebloom-official.lol/
  • https://cinebloom.pokipro.com/

For your information, these clones are filled with pop-ups or malware. Be cautious when using the mirror links, and get an ad-blocker if you can.

Reddit Community Updates

From how it looks, there is nothing new about Cinebloom on Reddit. But you can follow threads like r/Piracy and r/cinebloom to catch the latest updates. Also, users on the threads may suggest great tips and more Cinebloom alternatives.

Legal Matters to Consider

Streaming from pirated websites can come with serious legal risks. It’s because they break copyright laws. So, we advise viewers to use platforms with proper licensing.

Key Takeaways

Whether you’re looking for free streaming, unique options, or paid platforms, there are many Cinebloom alternatives for you. Thanks to streaming, the screen is now yours to enjoy.