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Your Go-To Platform for Safe Google Reputation Growth

Want to make your business the talk of the town?  Google positive reviews is your ticket to turning heads and winning hearts in the digital jungle of 2025. Those glowing five-star shoutouts are a great start, but I know that positive reviews could transform my little shop into the must-visit gem of the town. In today’s hyper-digital world, where a business’s online presence can make or break its success, buying Google positive feedback is like giving your brand a megaphone to amplify what makes it special.

The trick, though, is getting those reviews just right authentic, engaging, and perfectly aligned with your vibe. One wrong move, and you’re stuck with generic fluff that looks suspicious or, worse, risks a Google penalty that could dim your online shine.
How Positive Comments Empower Your Brand’s Success?

Positive reviews aren’t just shiny stars on your Google page—they’re like a warm handshake that turns curious visitors into loyal fans. In 2025, folks are super savvy, combing through reviews before they hit book a spot.

A glowing note about your cafe’s silky cappuccino or your store’s top-notch customer service can be the nudge they need to choose you. Buying positive reviews lets you crank up the volume on these moments, showing off what makes you special without waiting forever for organic feedback to pile up.

This move builds a crew of customers who trust your brand’s heart. My buddy Sarah, who runs a yoga studio, swears her reviews about serene classes brought in newbies who felt ready to roll out their mats. It’s not about faking it—it’s about shining a spotlight on what you’re already killing it at.

The Traps of Sketchy Review Services

Jumping into review services without a plan is like grabbing food from a shady food truck—you might end up with a mess. Some providers spit out robotic comments that scream “fake” and could get your account flagged. Others might take your cash and vanish or, even worse, leak your info. It’s a headache you don’t need.

What you want is a partner you can trust. The top platform out there delivers real-deal Google positive reviews that fit right in, keeping your business safe and your reputation glowing.

Followerzoid.com-  The Best Platform your Partner in Shining Bright

Followerzoid isn’t just some random service it’s a lifeline for businesses ready to stand out. They’ve nailed the art of crafting positive Google reviews from actual people who get how the platform works. You can tweak everything—the vibe, the focus, even specific compliments like lightning-fast delivery or super-friendly staff to match your brand’s soul. Small business owners I’ve chatted with can’t stop gushing about how these reviews boost their street cred without a hint of drama.

Keeping Things Safe and Secure

Safety’s the name of the game. Followerzoid platform locks down your info with encryption so tight, nobody’s snooping on your details. Their reviews come from real Google accounts, posted with care to feel like they came straight from your happiest customers. No bot-like nonsense, just feedback that feels true and fits like a cozy sweater.

They’re always on top of Google’s latest rules, tweaking their process to keep your account in the clear, no matter what curveballs Google throws.

A Process That’s Easy as Pie

Getting started is as simple as ordering your go-to latte. Pick a package maybe a few reviews to start or a big batch to level up your profile. Tell them about your business and what you want the reviews to highlight. They whip up feedback that sounds like it’s straight from your biggest fans.

You’ll see results in just a few days, with options to roll them out slowly for that natural, organic feel. Plus, they’ve got a dashboard that lets you keep tabs on everything, so you’re never left wondering what’s up.

Reviews That Tell Your Story

Your business isn’t some cookie-cutter operation, and your reviews shouldn’t be either. This platform lets you steer the ship—maybe you want raves about your bakery’s buttery croissants or your gym’s pumped-up trainers. Their reviewers bring different voices to the table, so every comment feels fresh and real. You can even peek at drafts to make sure they’re spot-on.

It’s like putting together a playlist where every track vibe with your brand’s unique energy.

Making Waves Across All Kinds of Businesses

Picture a cozy bookstore. This platform’s reviews of its warm vibe and hidden-gem books pulled in curious readers by the dozen. My dentist friend used feedback about gentle checkups to ease nervous patients, booking more appointments than ever.

Even freelancers tap into these reviews to show off their skills, coming off like pros who always deliver. These tailored shoutouts don’t just sit pretty—they spark real connections and drive sales.

Starting Real Conversations

Thoughtful positive reviews don’t just boost your star count—they get people talking. Customers jump in, sharing their own stories, which shows you’re a business that listens. This buzz makes your Google My Business profile pop, giving your search rankings a quiet little lift. It’s like planting a garden that grows into a thriving online community.

Doing It Right, Every Time

Honesty is everything. This platform focuses on praise that’s rooted in your real strengths, not empty hype. They even help you figure out how to respond to reviews, turning glowing feedback into chances to shine even brighter.

It’s about keeping it real, not pulling a fast one. This approach builds a reputation that sticks around for the long haul, not just a quick flash of stars.

Support That Feels Like a Friend

This service doesn’t bail on you once the reviews are up. Their team’s there to help, from brainstorming response ideas to checking how things are performing. They toss in guides and real-world success stories to keep you inspired. It’s like having a business buddy who’s just a message away.

Folks, I know love how quick they respond and how they’re always dropping helpful tips—it’s a partnership that feels like it’s got your back.

Clearing Up Review Myths

Some folks think too many positive reviews make you look suspicious. Nope—a balanced profile with genuine praise builds trust.

Others figure all review services are dodgy. This platform’s real-people, custom approach shuts that idea down. Busting these myths shows that buying reviews is a smart play, not something to stress about.

Ready for What’s Coming

In 2025, managing your online rep is getting sharper by the day. This platform’s out front, using AI to fine-tune reviews while keeping that human touch.

working on tools to predict how reviews will land so that you can plan like a boss. Teaming up with them means you’re set for the future, not just keeping up with today.

Straight-Up Transparency

This service lays it all out—timelines, what to expect, and solid guarantees. No sneaky fees or weird surprises. If something’s off, their refund policies got you covered.

It’s the kind of openness that feels like a breath of fresh air in a world full of shady deals.

Stories That Light a Fire

A local taco joint used this platform’s reviews to rave about their killer guacamole, packing their tables with new fans.

An online tutor got props for quick replies and saw sign-ups skyrocket after tweaking a few things. These wins prove how tailored reviews turn praise into real progress.

Supercharging Your Whole Game Plan

These reviews don’t just sit there—they amplify everything you’re doing. They light up your Google My Business profile, helping locals find you faster.

Mix them with your organic efforts, and you’ve got a profile that grabs attention. It’s about weaving a story that people can’t ignore. This strategy boosts your SEO, content, and social media game, making your brand impossible to miss.

Why Followerzoid the Best?

Let’s cut to the chase Followerzoid isn’t just another service tossing out generic Google positive reviews; it’s the gold standard for businesses ready to shine. While other providers might skimp with fake-sounding feedback or leave you hanging with zero support, Followerzoid brings a whole different vibe.

They deliver real, tailored reviews from actual Google accounts that blend in like they came straight from your happiest customers.

frequently asked question

1. Why go with this platform for Google positive reviews? **

They deliver real, Google-friendly feedback with secure processes, blending in like it’s straight from your customers.

2. How do they make reviews feel authentic?

Real folks with active Google accounts write varied, tailored praise, steering clear of anything that’d raise a red flag.

3. Can I shape what the reviews say?

Totally—you pick the vibe, focus, and details to match your brand’s story and goals.

4. Who’s this for?

Shops, cafes, service providers—anyone wanting to build trust and spark excitement with awesome feedback.

5. How fast do the reviews show up?

In just a few days, with options to space them out for that natural, organic flow.

 Wrap-Up

This October 2025, a killer reputation is your ticket to standing out in the digital crowd. The best platform for buying Google positive reviews safely hands you feedback that builds trust and fuels growth.

With real users, secure methods, and a personal touch, it’s your key to a vibrant, believable online presence. Jump in your authentic, shining brand is ready to take off.

Understanding spontaneous video interactions in modern culture

Spontaneous video interactions offer a unique blend of unpredictability and connection, allowing users to explore diverse perspectives and cultures. These virtual encounters have become increasingly popular, reflecting significant cultural and psychological dimensions.

In the digital age, spontaneous video interactions have captivated a global audience eager for fresh and unfiltered experiences. These platforms enable you to connect with strangers, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural differences. The thrill lies in the unpredictability of each interaction, fostering curiosity about who you might meet next. As you explore these virtual landscapes, you can try Jerkmate for a unique one-on-one experience that enhances your understanding of this phenomenon.

Psychological appeal of connecting with strangers

Spontaneous video interactions tap into several psychological drives that make them appealing. One primary factor is the human craving for novelty, as these chats provide unpredictable encounters that keep users engaged and intrigued. The randomness adds excitement, making each session a unique adventure. This sense of adventure often leads to emotional highs from unexpected conversations and connections.

These platforms also cater to the innate desire for social interaction without the constraints of traditional social settings. People naturally seek new relationships, and random video chats offer an opportunity to meet individuals outside their usual social circles. This break from routine enhances personal growth as users encounter diverse perspectives and cultures they might not otherwise experience.

The anonymity offered by these platforms encourages users to express themselves more freely than they might in face-to-face interactions. This freedom can lead to genuine connections based on personality rather than appearance or societal expectations, providing a raw and authentic social experience.

Cultural exchange and global understanding

Spontaneous video interactions serve as bridges across cultural divides, enabling meaningful exchanges between people from varied backgrounds. These encounters foster global understanding by exposing participants to different ways of life, customs, and viewpoints. By engaging in these dialogues, users gain insights into other cultures while sharing aspects of their own, creating a dynamic exchange that enriches both parties.

The cross-cultural nature of these chats plays a crucial role in breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions. Participants are often surprised by how much they learn about other countries and traditions through casual conversations. This increased awareness helps build empathy and appreciation for diversity, which is essential in today’s interconnected world.

Furthermore, video chat platforms help combat the isolation that can arise from living in homogenous communities or areas lacking diversity. By facilitating connections with people worldwide, these platforms provide a window into the global tapestry of human experience.

Balancing anonymity and privacy

Anonymity is a double-edged sword in spontaneous video interactions; it offers privacy but also raises concerns about security. Users must navigate this balance to protect their personal information while engaging meaningfully with others. Many platforms implement safety measures such as moderation systems and reporting tools to address these concerns, helping users feel secure while participating in chats.

Maintaining anonymity can liberate individuals from preconceived notions tied to their identity, encouraging openness and honesty during conversations. This anonymity allows for authentic exchanges where participants feel comfortable sharing thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or repercussions.

Despite the potential risks associated with anonymous communication, many users find value in the freedom it provides. When approached responsibly, anonymity becomes an asset rather than a liability, fostering genuine connections that transcend surface-level interactions.

Monster: The Ed Gein Story Season 2: Cast, Rumours & Release Date

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The Netflix Monster anthology series shows no signs of slowing down. After tackling Jeffrey Dahmer and the Menendez case, the current installment revolves around grave robber and convicted murderer Ed Gein.

Turns out, viewers still find true crime fascinating. Monster: The Ed Gein Story is currently the second most-watched show on the platform, with 12.2 million views this week. Does that mean we should expect more episodes?

Monster: The Ed Gein Story Season 2 Release Date

If you’re looking for any news about a potential Monster: The Ed Gein Story season 2, we’re sorry to disappoint. The eight episodes currently streaming on Netflix are all there is.

However, while fine as a standalone, the season is the third installment in the larger Monster anthology.  Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story premiered in 2022, with Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story following in 2024.

Netflix has already announced a fourth season of the series, revolving around murder suspect Lizzie Borden. Ella Beatty will star, and season 3 lead Charlie Hunnam is set to return as Borden’s father.

We don’t have a premiere date yet, but you can expect the series to come out sometime in late 2025.

Monster: The Ed Gein Story Cast

  • Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein
  • Suzanna Son as Adeline Watkins
  • Vicky Krieps as Ilse Koch
  • Laurie Metcalf as Augusta Gein
  • Tom Hollander as Alfred Hitchcock
  • Robin Weigert as Enid Watkins
  • Tyler Jacob Moore as Sheriff Schley
  • Addison Rae as Evelyn Hartley

What Is The Ed Gein Story About?

This season of Monster traces Gein’s life in rural Wisconsin through the ‘40s and ‘50s, focusing on his isolated upbringing and obsessive relationship with his mother. It highlights the early psychological disturbances that set the groundwork for his later crimes.

As the series progresses, Gein is seen gravitating toward grave robbing and collecting body parts. He creates grotesque objects from human remains, with his proclivities escalating to murder.

At the same time, the series weaves in meta commentary about the true crime genre and Gein’s impact on pop culture. In other words, it shows how Gein’s legacy echoes in horror media.

While based on true events, the series includes fictional or speculative subplots. In real life, Ed Gein was arrested after police discovered the remains of his victims and the gruesome artifacts made from bodies he had exhumed from local cemeteries. He spent the rest of his time in psychiatric institutions.

Monster: The Ed Gein Story season 2 might not happen, but the show offers a complete picture of Gein’s life. By the end, his fantasies and memories collapse into disturbing sequences. It’s the kind of series that gives viewers plenty to think about.

Are There Other Shows Like Monster: The Ed Gein Story?

If you found Monster: The Ed Gein Story fascinating, you might also like Mindhunter, which is available to stream on Netflix.

Alternatively, try some of the other crime series recently added to the platform. We recommend Black Rabbit, The Dead Girls, Two Graves, and Rivers of Fate.

Love Is Blind Season 10: Cast, Rumours & Release Date

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One of Netflix’s most popular dating series is back with season 9, and interest doesn’t seem to have dissipated one bit since the previous installment. Love Is Blind is currently the fourth most-watched show on the platform, with 3.7 million views this week.

As viewers tune in to see people fall in love, we can’t help but wonder: will this be the final season in the series? Or is the dating phenomenon/social experiment coming back for more? Here’s what we know so far.

Love Is Blind Season 10 Release Date

Fans can breathe easy: the show has been renewed through season 10. In other words, it will definitely be back with more episodes.

Based on its previous release schedule, Love Is Blind season 10 should arrive sometime in early 2025, likely around Valentine’s Day.

Until then, season 9 is ongoing, with episodes dropping every Wednesday. If you’re all caught up, gear up for episodes 10–11 on October 15 and episode 12 on October 22.

Love Is Blind Season 10 Cast

At the time of writing, there’s no news about the season 10 cast. Given that season 9 is still ongoing, we’ll probably have to wait until closer to the next installment’s premiere date to meet the new participants.

The show is hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey. If you’re curious about the season 9 cast, you can learn more about the Denver-based daters here.

What Is Love Is Blind About?

Love Is Blind puts the idea of emotional connection to the test. A group of singles enter “pods,” where they can talk to potential partners. They’re able to hear each other, but not see one another.

Over several days, they form bonds and, in some cases, get engaged. Then, the couples meet in person and go on a romantic getaway. They also move in together to assess whether their connection can survive the real world.

Each season culminates in a wedding ceremony, where the pairs must decide at the altar whether love is truly blind.

The show thrives on unpredictability. The transition from the pods to real life exposes cracks in those initially idealized relationships. Viewers are often privy to explosive confrontations, awkward silences, and moving moments of self-awareness.

It’s part of what makes the series so addictive. With Love Is Blind season 10 right around the corner, you won’t have to experience withdrawal symptoms anytime soon.

Are There Other Shows Like Love Is Blind?

If you like Love Is Blind, you might also be into its many spin-offs, all available on Netflix. Love Is Blink UK wrapped up season 2 not long ago.

Alternatively, you might like Too Hot to HandleBetter Late Than Single, or Perfect Match.

Alice in Borderland Season 4: Cast, Rumours & Release Date

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The popular Netflix series Alice in Borderland has made a spectacular return. The third season currently occupies the top spot on the platform’s global top 10 for non-English shows, with 7 million views this week.

Additionally, the previous two seasons have also made the charts, proving that the show’s fanbase is growing. Whether that means more episodes are on the way, it remains to be seen.

Alice in Borderland Season 4 Release Date

At the time of writing, Netflix hasn’t officially renewed the series. While audience numbers are good, the platform sometimes waits a bit to assess them before making an announcement either way.

Based on the show’s release schedule so far, a potential Alice in Borderland season 4 could arrive sometime in 2027.

Alice in Borderland Cast

  • Kento Yamazaki as Arisu
  • Tao Tsuchiya as Usagi
  • Hayato Isomura as Banda
  • Ayaka Miyoshi as Ann
  • Katsuya Maiguma as Yaba
  • Kento Kaku as Ryuji
  • Koji Ohkura as Tetsu
  • Risa Sudou as Sachiko

What Could Happen in Alice in Borderland Season 4?

The Japanese survival thriller follows Arisu, a young man disillusioned with his life, and his friends, who suddenly find themselves transported to a deserted, alternate version of Tokyo called the “Borderland.”

Once there, players are forced into deadly, playing-card–themed games where losing means death. Each challenge grows more brutal, pushing Arisu and his entourage to their limits. Turns out, they’re fighting not just to stay alive, but to hold onto their memories and sense of self.

Season 3 picks up with Arisu and Usagi living in the real world, married. However, their peace shatters when Usagi disappears under mysterious circumstances involving a professor named Ryuji, who is obsessed with death/afterlife studies. Desperate to find her, Arisu re-enters the “in-between” dimension, and chaos ensues.

We’re not giving away any spoilers, but the third season ends on a pretty final note. While we’re sure the creators can find a way to continue the story, fans get closure before the end credits roll.

Alice in Borderland season 4 could focus on a new cast of characters. An American spin-off might also be in the works. We’ll have to be patient until Netflix decides to spill the beans.

Are There Other Shows Like Alice in Borderland?

If you liked Alice in Borderland, check out hit series Squid Game, since the shows have a similar premise.

Alternatively, you might like some of the other international content currently making waves on the service. We recommend Billionaires’ Bunker, Queen Mantis, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, and Two Graves.

Fred again.. Enlists Danny Brown, BEAM, and PARISI for New Song ‘OGdub’

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Last week, Fred again.. put out ‘you’re a star’, an unlikely collaboration with Australian punks Amyl and the Sniffers. Today, the British DJ and producer is back with another track, ‘OGdub’ featuring Danny Brown, BEAM, and PARISI. It’s the latest installment in his USB series, which will see him releasing ten songs and playing ten shows in ten cities around the world across ten weeks. Listen below.

HAIM and Bon Iver Team Up for New Song ‘Tie you down’

HAIM have teamed up with Bon Iver for a new track, ‘Tie you down’. It’s taken from the newly announced deluxe version of their latest album I quit, which arrives October 17 on Polydor Records. Produced by Rostam Batmanglij, Danielle Haim, and Justin Vernon, the album harnesses the tender interplay between Danielle and Vernon’s voices much like ‘If Only I Could Wait’, their collaboration on Bon Iver’s album SABLE, fABLE. Take a listen below.

The deluxe edition of I quit features two more unreleased songs, ‘The story of us’ and ‘Even the bad times’. HAIM are currently wrapping up the North American leg of their I quit tour and will be heading to the UK a string of dates kicking off October 24.

10 Albums Out Today to Listen To: The Antlers, Hannah Frances, Jay Som, and More

In this segment, we showcase the most notable albums out each week. Here are the albums out on October 10, 2025:


The Antlers, Blight

BlightThe Antlers are back with a new album, Blight, the follow-up to 2021’s Green to Gold. It finds singer-songwriter Peter Silberman exploring the impacts of accelerating technology, artificial intelligence, and environmental neglect. “I felt like for the sake of the message of this record and what I was trying to get across with these songs, the details were what was going to make the difference, because they create an image that you then see in your mind and can be hard to shake,” he said in our inspirations interview. “‘Carnage’ is talking about these different instances of accidental animal cruelty, and for me, when I had seen some of that, I can’t erase the image from my mind. And it changes the way I think about the creatures I’m sharing space with.”


Hannah Frances, Nested in Tangles

nestled in tanglesWorking once again with co-producer Kevin Copeland, Hannah Frances expands the earthy intricacies of last year’s Keeper of the Shepherd by leaning into graceful, winding maximalism on Nested in Tangles. “I was going through a lot of emotional stickiness, anxiety, and heaviness, so that was my expression of feeling like I needed to lift myself out of something, whereas I think Keeper of the Shepherd was going into something very deep, really sinking into it,” the Vermont-based songwriter said in our Artist Spotlight interview. “That’s why all that music has a somberness or a density to it that feels very much like being on the ground, in the roots of something, in the dirt and the moss. As this record started to take shape, the visuals I was playing with lyrically – birds, the sun, the sky, the branches, all of it was very different from Keeper of the Shepherd.”


Jay Som, Belong

Jay Som has returned with her first new album in six years, Belong. The follow-up to 2019’s Anak Ko features guest vocals from Paramore’s Hayley Williams, Mini Trees’ Lexi Vega, and Jimmy Eat World’s Jim Adkins. Richly produced in ways that bring texture to its dreamy atmosphere, the record was written, performed, engineered, and mixed by Melina Duterte, with contributions from Joao Gonzalez, Mal Hauser, Steph Marziano, and Kyle Pulley. It was previewed by the singles ‘Past Lives’, ‘What You Need’, ‘Cards on the Table’, ‘Float’, and ‘A Million Reasons Why’.


Flock of Dimes, The Life You Save

The Life You Save CoverJenn Wasner has unveils her new Flock of Dimes album The Life You Save, following up 2021’s Head of Roses. “My previous records, generally, have been a summary of things I had already been through — experiences I had observed and reflected upon, reporting back from some amount of distance,” Wasner explained. “But this record is different. It is an attempt to report from inside of a process that is ongoing and unfinished, from which I will likely never fully emerge as long as I am alive: my struggle within the cycles of addiction and co-dependency.” Though she set out to make a record about other people, through it she realized it “is not someone else’s story — it is mine, the story of my life. A life spent believing I had escaped, and that I deserved to feel guilty for doing so. A life in which I believed that the right combination of words, actions, effort, and expense could somehow change others’ behavior.”


Madi Diaz, Fatal Optimist

Fatal Optimism coverMadi Diaz has followed up last year’s Weird Faith with a new album called Fatal Optimist. As the singer-songwriter suggests in a statement accompanying the album’s announcement, the records are quite interconnected, charging sparse, delicate instrumentals with emotional intensity. “Fatal Optimism is the innate hope for something magical,” Diaz said. “It’s the weird faith that kicks in while knowing that there is just plain risk that comes with wanting someone or something. It’s when you have no control over the outcome, but still choose to experience every moment that happens, and put your whole heart in it.” It was preceded by the singles ‘Why’d You Have To Bring Me Flowers’, ‘Feel Something’, ‘Ambivalence’, and ‘Heavy Metal’.


Avery Tucker, Paw

Avery Tucker - PawPaw is the debut album by Avery Tucker, formerly one half of Girlpool. While consistently moody, the album has a way of haunting the edges of its palette, at times gritty and explosive, hazy and vulnerable. Tucker credits co-producer Alaska Reid with reaching for the kind of “rawness” that served “the spirit of the songs,” which also makes it feels spiritually aligned with Reid’s work. Additional collaborators on the record include A. G. Cook, MUNA’s Katie Gavin, and Porches’ Aaron Maine.


Gab Ferreira, Carrossel

CarrosselSão Paolo singer-songwriter and model Gab Ferreira, who eclectically melds Brazilian traditions like bossa nova and Tropicália with electronic sounds, has released a new album. Carrossel goes down really smoothly, buoyed by pristine production and mesmerizing melodies that fall somewhere between the likes of Melody’s Echo Chamber, Men I Trust, and TOPS. It’s inspired by the close observation of what Ferreira calls “codes from nature,” like the spirals in shells or the configuration of rocks in the sand, as well as her studies of Buddhism and pagan theology.


Amber Mark, Pretty Idea

Pretty Idea album coverAmber Mark has released Pretty Idea, the gorgeous follow-up to 2022’s Three Dimensions Deep. “This album carries many highs and lows and lessons I didn’t know I needed,” Mark wrote. “So excited to finally share these songs with you. Consider this my way of turning all my bad ideas into Pretty ones.” The singer-songwriter worked with Julian Bunetta (Gracie Abrams), John Ryan (Olivia Dean), and Two Fresh (Duckwrth) on the album, which also follows the 2024 Loosies EP.


Madison Cunningham, Ace

Ace album cover“You think you’re on the verge of true healing but something scares you,” Madison Cunningham said, introducing her third album Ace, “And you have to start all over.” The follow-up to 2022’s Revealer was co-produced by Cunningham and Robbie Lackritz (Feist, Rilo Kiley, Bahamas, Peach Pit) and features a collaboration with Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes, who sings on ‘Wake’. Though it retains the beguiling intimacy of her previous albums, it is the kind of breakup album that feels like a reset, an unburdening. “I wanted it to feel like a mountain peak,” Cunningham added. “I wanted Ace to feel like a mountain we built together.”


Emily A. Sprague, Cloud Time

Cloud Time coverFlorist’s Emily A. Sprague recorded her latest ambient project, the tenderly inviting Cloud Time, while she was on tour in Japan last year. “When I began preparing for the tour, I couldn’t shake a sense that the invitation to Japan was more about opening myself up to this new place instead of bringing something into it tightly under my control,” Sprague shared in press materials. “Improvisation has always been such a pillar in my music practice, and I really wanted to meet the country, spaces, and people through that process.”


Other albums out today:

Mobb Deep, Infinite; Black Eyes, Hostile Design; Feeo, Goodness; Not for Radio, Melt; dust, Sky Is Falling; Weakened Friends, Feels Like HellJacob Collier, The Light for Days; Jerskin Fendrix, Once Upon a Time… In Shropshire; Dead Heat, Process of Elimination; Khalid, After the Sun Goes; Miles Kane, Sunlight in the Shadows; Silly Goose, Keys to the City; David Aimone, Changes; Greg Jamie, Across a Violet Pasture.

Beyond Borders: How Mashael Alqahtani is the Leading Voice of Saudi Storytelling

For Mashael Alqahtani, life has been something like a crisp blank page in a treasured journal. 

The young Saudi Arabian screenwriter, part of a new wave of global talent from the Middle East, was actually an introvert in her youth, but found herself through the art of writing. Each page she scribbled with her ideas, feelings, and fantasies only led to the next promising one. 

Her life has been just like that, a series of pages being filled. Sometimes they are comedic. Sometimes they are terrifying. But each page reveals something new and surprising to Mashael. 

Each page also reminds her of why she decided to become a screenwriter.

She got into the writing world young as a self-described shy kid growing up in Saudi Arabia. To hide away from the noisy outside world, she began to uncover a world within, one that was worthy of exploration. “My journal was like my life raft,” Mashael recalls. “At first, I didn’t know what suited being written about, but pretty quickly I started to pour my anxieties into the pages.”

The allure of writing provided both emotional ballast as well as a kind of fun addiction. “I would write constantly,” says Mashael. “The stories became more fictionalized, scary, fun, and comedic.” She seasoned her journaling with a love of American films and TV shows, which only made her writing better. “I was able to imagine more stories,” she says. This led her to pursue a screenwriting career. “As soon as I learned how to write screenplays, my world was wide open.” 

Bridging Cultures

As a young Saudi-Arabian writer, Mashael says she tries to bridge both identities, creating something new that can help express her cultural background to a global audience in bold colors. Her recent horror project Sila, is based on an Arab legend about a sheltered Muslim teen girl who inherits a mysterious, demonic hunger for human flesh and must team up with a loner to hide her secret from her devout mother before she consumes those she loves the most. 

The project was so unique that Mashael was named as a fellow for Blumhouse and K Period Media’s competitive “screamwriting” program. This horror-focused, screenwriting fellowship is also supported by the Sundance Institute and selects nine participants each September, with the goal of cultivating a new generation of screenwriters dedicated to the genre.

Later this year, Alqahtani will get to work with horror screenwriters and filmmakers like Ryan Murphy (Monster) and Christopher Landon (Drop, Paranormal Activity) as part of the program. Mashael attributes her success in screenwriting to her Saudi background and knack for story.

“I’m incredibly passionate about telling uniquely specific stories that are endlessly universal,” she says. “Authenticity is everything to me, especially to the characters in my stories,” she adds.

A Good Laugh Too

It’s worth noting that Mashael is a versatile screenwriter, who has excelled in the comedy world as well as in the horror genre. Last year, she won the 2024 First Look Deal Award from Script Pipeline for Tafheet, her action comedy feature. “Tafheet” is the word for illegal car racing that is popular in Saudi Arabia. Script Pipeline also recognized Mashael in its 2020 Screenwriting Contest for her film The Wedding. And her script for the comedy Banat was a quarterfinalist in the 2019 Austin Film Festival. 

“I see myself above all as an entertainer,” says Mashael. “Whatever the genre is, I like a lot of comedy in my work.” Again, her Saudi identity comes into play, as she likes to poke fun at herself through storytelling. “I try to do this in a way that connects me to my audience, while telling universal stories about women confronting their youth, desires, family, and adulthood.”

The depth and richness of her writing has allowed her to place in other screenwriting competitions, including Screencraft, BlueCat, and WeScreenplay. Mashael has also interned and worked for the Cannes Film Festival, which has also informed her work. She’s also held positions at Film Independent, Grandview MGMT – now Untitled, FilmNation, Sight Unseen, and Borderless Pictures.

“These experiences have only built upon my love for my field, and my goals of building upon my professional voice,” she says.

And she moves fluidly between genres. Mashael cites Noel Carroll’s book The Philosophy of Horror as a particular inspiration. “This has helped me flesh out my own horror and genre projects, and even some comedic projects too,” she says.

A Reader and a Writer

Mashael has not been winging it. She obtained a BA in Film Production from Emerson College in Boston, which provided her with a foundation in the craft, then went on to get Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting at the University of Southern California and the American Film Institute. “These are prestigious programs that select only top global talent,” she says. “My academic background has allowed me to strengthen my abilities as a writer and collaborator.”

In addition to the aforementioned success stories, she’s also notched recognition at other major festivals, including the Red Sea Film Festival, NewFilmmakers LA, and the Montreal Women’s Film Festival, where Witch Pricker & The Hare (2025) and Two Sisters (2024) were shown.

Mashael has also worked for Austin Film Festival and Rideback as a freelance script reader, where she offers analytical expertise and helps other writers out. At Rideback as a reader, she assisted in the selection of the next class of fellows for Rideback’s RISE program for mid-level TV and feature writers.

“My experience working in these roles has allowed me to strengthen and develop my voice as a writer,” she says. “I’m able to understand more where the feedback stems from, and how to pinpoint challenges in order to move forward.”

Her long-term goal, she says, is to continue making waves with her success and career as a Saudi-Arabian screenwriter, both in the U.S. and worldwide. “Given my skillset, professional network, and tireless, consistent work ethic, I know I will continue to achieve more of my dreams,” she says.

Battlefield 6 Day-One Patch: Major Changes & Features Revealed

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Battlefield 6 has just shared the official patch notes for its day-one update. The release of the full details comes ahead of the game’s launch today. It offers over 200 changes. This update is the result of the feedback from the Open Beta. It also reflects the developers’ months of playtesting from Battlefield Labs. In the same way, the day-one patch emphasizes their continued development efforts. Specifically, these changes enhance gameplay on many areas of the first-person shooter title.

Movements

According to Electronic Arts (EA), the overhaul of movement mechanics is a key highlight in the latest update. For instance, players will see less momentum when changing from sliding to jumping. It lets them get more balanced movements and gameplay. Also, the developers lowered the jump height. They even added a penalty for repeated jumps. Likewise, cutting parachutes now does not use too much momentum. At the same time, there is better vault detection to pass obstacles.

Weapons

Based on the official patch notes, many weapons received recoil adjustments. It enables firearms to have better handling. Similarly, the weapons got accuracy refinement. This change makes the shooting experience more stable when aiming down. The patch also brings updated weapon attachments. To top it off, some firearms received fine-tuning for improved performance.

Vehicles

The developers also said Patch 1.0.1.0 adds changes to vehicles. In detail, helicopters now have improved power and responsiveness. This tweak allows smoother control. Notably, it boosts the chances of survival of players in attack runs. Tanks also see boosted turret speed. Other vehicle adjustments include enhanced death cameras for aircrafts. Plus, there is optimized vehicle sensitivity and aiming options.

Gadgets

As part of the day-one patch, EA fixed several gadgets in the game. Some of these includes the following:

  • Airburst Incendiary
  • AJ-03 COAG Med Pen
  • Assault Ladder ramp
  • AT4
  • Bravo3
  • Deploy Beacon
  • LTLM II (Portable Laser Designator)
  • M320 
  • MAS 148 Glaive
  • MBT-LAW
  • RPG-7V2
  • SLM-93A Spire
  • SS26
  • Supply Pouch
  • T-UGS
  • XFGM-6D Recon Drone

Maps, Modes, and More

The newest update also has changes to maps and game modes. Several Rush and Breakthrough layouts were revised. At the same time, spawn killing and multiple exploits have been addressed. Specific maps now have enhanced lighting. Likewise, many modes have better animations and simplified respawning.

Aside from these, the update also has enhancements and fixes in the following areas:

  • Audio
  • Network
  • Portal
  • Settings
  • Visual
  • UI and HUD

Looking Ahead

Players can try all the changes once Battlefield 6 drops in a few hours. The day-one update should elevate the overall gaming experience. Meanwhile, players can visit EA for the full patch notes.