Criminal defense cases in Dublin, California, are handled through the Alameda County court system, which processes thousands of criminal matters annually in its Dublin courthouse. Located in the Tri-Valley region, Dublin residents benefit from proximity to experienced legal professionals who understand both state and federal constitutional protections that apply to all criminal proceedings.
One of the most important parts of the justice system is a criminal defense lawyer who protects a person’s basic constitutional rights. Attorneys make sure that everybody is given a fair trial and that their freedoms are protected during all stages of the legal proceedings. When facing criminal charges, experiencedDublin criminal defense lawyers at Silver Law Firm can provide essential guidance to protect these fundamental rights. Here are the most important roles of a criminal defense lawyer and how they protect these basic rights—something this post will discuss.
Understanding Constitutional Rights
Constitutional rights are central to any fair and just legal system. These include the right to a fair trial, the right not to testify against themselves, and the right to be represented by an attorney. Fundamental rights guarantee all citizens that individuals shall be treated equally before the law and have protection against discrimination, exploitation, and violations of due process.
What Does a Defense Lawyer Do?
The accused relies on a criminal defense lawyer as an important line of defense. The emphasis here is on defending their clients as thoroughly as possible and maintaining their rights in the process. This requires knowledge of law and the skill to apply it effectively.
Legal Representation
One of the most important rights is the right to representation in court. This is where a defense lawyer comes in—to give you all the guidance and support you might need during this tough time. They walk through the legal process and possible outcomes and plan the most effective course of action. According to theU.S. Constitution’s Sixth Amendment, this right to counsel is fundamental to ensuring fair proceedings. This support helps prevent the accused from feeling isolated when navigating the difficult waters of the legal system.
Protecting Against Self-Incrimination
Another fundamental protection is the right against self-incrimination. Defense lawyers explain to clients what their rights are when they are being questioned, to avoid providing any information that can be used against them. They guide clients before questioning and appear with them during any law enforcement interrogation.
Ensuring a Fair Trial
Due process is the bedrock of any justice system. To do this, defense lawyers have to work hard analyzing evidence, questioning witnesses, and laying out a believable case. They make sure the prosecution has met its burden of proof and the rights of the accused are upheld during a trial.
Challenging Evidence
Defense counsel investigates the prosecution’s evidence. They review its legitimacy and contest any that may have been obtained illegally. This is important in stopping juries from using weak evidence that might sway the verdict unfairly.
Negotiating Plea Bargains
However, in certain cases, a plea bargain may be the better route for the accused. Defense counsel negotiate terms, which may lead to reduced charges or lighter sentences. They ensure these agreements are balanced and make sure their client understands their impact.
Appealing Unjust Verdicts
In the event a trial produces an adverse outcome, defense attorneys can file appeals. The appellate process is designed to review the trial in search of legal mistakes and to make the case for either a retrial or a different result. Appeals play an essential role in overturning miscarriages of justice.
Maintaining Client Confidentiality
Confidentiality is one of the cornerstones of the attorney-client relationship. Defense attorneys safeguard all communications that are kept private, creating an environment of trusted communication. This confidentiality makes clients more comfortable sharing vital information.
Educating Clients
No matter what legal situation you are dealing with, knowing your rights is key. Defense attorneys provide clients with knowledge about the legal system and their rights. Being equipped with this information enables clients to take part in the decision-making process and defend their right to actively participate in their defense.
Conclusion
A criminal defense attorney is a frontline defender of citizens’ constitutional rights. Through legal representation, challenging evidence, and ensuring fair trials, they safeguard justice. Their work is essential for ensuring that our legal system remains trustworthy and each person receives a fair and just trial. Through their performance, they play a vital role in maintaining balance in the justice process.
Before becoming a “new face” on the UK fringe theatre scene, Yuke Cao has accumulated many years of rich stage experience in China. One of her earliest original works, Someone: Evelyn’s Story, was created in collaboration with British-Asian writer & composer Ivan Matsumoto. After several preview performances in Shanghai (2021), Yuke brought the project to London, where she independently staged a fully developed version at London George Wood Theatre (2023).
The production sold out its three performances and quickly gained an early following.
“Stepping into the role of a musical theatre producer is absolutely the most worthwhile decision I’ve ever made. I never regret the energy and effort I’ve poured into this identity.”
Yuke recalls how Someone became her first full-scale test as a producer — from budgeting, casting, and auditions, to assembling the creative team, overseeing rehearsals, leading marketing campaigns, managing ticketing, and even post-show audience engagement.
“I realised musical theatre isn’t just about the 90 minutes on stage. It’s a long, complex, and highly collaborative production system.”
Miracle the Musical (2025): An Immersive Adventure
Yuke’s most recent highlight came with Miracle the Musical in 2025, where she served as Lead Producer. Alongside director Jasmin Li, she guided an 18-person team from brainstorming to staging at both the Camden Fringe (The Cockpit Theatre, London) and the Edinburgh Fringe (Leith Arches).
Camden Fringe
Edinburgh Fringe(Yuke, middle row in white)
This was a bold experiment in immersive small-theatre production: live band, audience interaction, and hand-held lighting effects that turned Leith Arches into a magical space within just two days of setup.
The show quickly developed a loyal community, including over 20 “Miracle superfans” who attended multiple performances and shared reviews across social media.
“When audiences are willing to follow your show from one performance to another — that’s the greatest validation a producer can receive,” Yuke says.
A Cross-Disciplinary and Cross-Border Perspective
Unlike many small-theatre producers, Yuke’s career spans musical theatre and large-scale live concerts. In the UK, she has collaborated with major entertainment companies on the coordination and promotion of Asian music in Europe. She also worked on promotional projects with Irish musician Cian Ducrot, extending her impact into digital campaigns.
At the same time, Yuke is also an award-winning composer: she received First Prize at the Vienna International Art Talent Competition (2025), and her music is available globally on Amazon Music, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
In 2025, she further expanded her reach by exhibiting work at Espacio Gallery (London), which was featured in Aesthetica Magazine — demonstrating her ability to bridge musical theatre with visual arts.
Looking Ahead: From the UK to the World
Yuke is currently preparing revival and international tour of Miracle across the UK, Europe, and China in the future, alongside creating new original music and pursuing collaborations with international festivals and production companies.
“My goal is not just to bring productions to the stage, but to use musical theatre as a vehicle for cultural exchange between China and the UK. Theatre is a universal language — it allows audiences from any background to find emotional connection.”
Conclusion
As a young female producer, Yuke Cao has already made the leap from independent experimental projects to Fringe musicals, while also gaining experience in international concerts and cross-media art. Her trajectory showcases both her professional capacity and the global potential of musical theatre.
Looking forward, she aims to continue building bridges — and to bring more “miracles” to audiences worldwide.
Decorating your living space is more than just filling it with furniture and colors; it’s about expressing your personality, passions, and style. One of the most exciting and creative ways to do this is by incorporating pop culture-inspired decor.
From iconic TV shows and movies to beloved comics and music, pop culture elements can transform an ordinary room into a unique and lively space that reflects your personality.
In this article, we’ll explore how pop culture influences decor, why it resonates with so many people, and how you can incorporate these elements into your own room with style and flair.
What Is Pop Culture-Inspired Decor?
Pop culture-inspired decor refers to the design trend where elements from popular media and entertainment are used as decorating themes or accents. This could include framed posters from classic movies, figurines of favorite superheroes, or even bold colors and patterns that mimic the vibe of a certain era.
The beauty of pop culture decor lies in its personal and relatable nature. Whether you grew up watching Star Wars, following a hit anime, or playing iconic video games, these influences can all inform your room’s style.
1. Add Collectibles and Memorabilia to Show Your Passion
One of the most straightforward ways to infuse pop culture into your room is through collectibles and memorabilia. These pieces act as conversation starters and give character to your space.
For example, owning a replica sword that represents your favorite anime or manga character can serve as a striking focal point in your room. A great source for original Japanese swords, such as anime-inspired katanas or Tachi swords, is kanuswords.com.
They offer a fantastic range, including popular Zoro swords inspired by the famed anime swordsman from One Piece. These pieces can serve as stunning decorative items that pop against a simple wall backdrop.
2. Use Theme-Based Wall Art to Add Personality
Wall art is a versatile and impactful way to add a touch of pop culture to your room. Think beyond just posters; consider including canvas prints, wall decals, or even framed quotes from memorable lines in your favorite films or shows.
Choosing wall art that aligns with what truly excites you creates an immediate emotional connection every time you enter the room. Whether it’s a vintage movie poster or modern minimalist line art of a comic hero, it can enhance your mood and style.
3. Incorporate Color Palettes Inspired by Your Favorite Characters or Series
Color play is fundamental in setting the tone of any room, and pop culture offers a rich palette to draw from. Perhaps you’re inspired by the dystopian neon colors of cyberpunk games or the warm, earthy tones of fantasy series.
For instance, if you’re a fan of a specific character, you could center your room around their signature colors. This thoughtful approach creates an immersive vibe while maintaining a coherent look, making the space feel intentional and well-planned rather than cluttered.
4. Mix Functional and Fun Furniture Pieces
Pop culture doesn’t have to be limited to decorative items. Many furniture brands have embraced geek culture, offering pieces inspired by video games, comics, and movies.
Imagine a bookshelf shaped like a Bat-Signal or a coffee table styled after a vintage video game console. These functional yet playful elements make your room feel enjoyable and lived-in, pleasing both you and your guests.
5. Showcase Your Fandom with Textiles and Accessories
Another subtle yet effective way to add pop culture style to your room is with textiles—think throw pillows, blankets, rugs, or curtains featuring patterns or logos from beloved shows or movies.
These items add comfort and softness, while also allowing your passion to shine through in everyday details. Using these accessories to complement more prominent decor pieces ties everything together nicely.
6. Create a Dedicated Pop Culture Display Wall or Corner
If you’re a serious fan, dedicating a display wall or corner to your collections, posters, and memorabilia can emphasize your room’s theme without overwhelming the whole space.
By using lighting, shelving, and framed displays strategically, you can create a mini-museum feel that showcases your favorite series or characters in a stylish and organized manner. This approach keeps your passion visible and celebrated while maintaining a clean overall aesthetic.
7. Blend Pop Culture with Your Existing Style
One key to successful pop culture decor is balance. You don’t want your room to feel like a fan cave but rather a space that reflects you authentically.
Try combining your pop culture pieces with your existing decor style. For example, a sleek, modern room can incorporate subtle collectibles or minimalist art that references popular culture. Alternatively, a vintage or rustic room can incorporate retro pop culture elements in a way that feels natural.
8. Use Lighting to Enhance the Mood
Lighting plays a huge role in how your decor is perceived. Incorporating neon lights inspired by classic movies or sci-fi aesthetics can instantly give your room a vibrant, futuristic feel.
LED strips, colored bulbs, and themed lamps can all be used to set the atmosphere depending on your mood or the time of day, making the pop culture elements in the room even more striking.
9. Personalize Your Space with DIY Projects
If you’re creative, making your own pop culture decor items is a wonderful way to add character and individuality. Customized art, handmade cushions, or even repurposed props can be both fun projects and original touches for your room.
DIY projects let you bring your vision to life in a way that’s tailored explicitly to your tastes and fandoms while also keeping your decor fresh and unique.
Final Thoughts
Pop culture-inspired decor is a vibrant and meaningful way to bring personality to your living space. It allows you to celebrate your passions and showcase your personality in a unique and stylish way.
Whether through iconic collectibles, themed wall art, or playful furniture, incorporating elements from the entertainment you love into your room brings life and energy to your everyday environment. Your space will become a visual story of who you are; an ever-evolving tribute to the culture that inspires you.
So whether you are drawn to the mystique of anime swords, classic film posters, or superhero motifs, start small, trust your instincts, and let your room tell your story.
The gaming world is constantly evolving, with new genres and hybrid styles capturing the attention of players around the globe. Gamers today have an unparalleled variety of experiences to choose from, ranging from immersive single-player narratives to casual games that can be played in short bursts. Understanding what genres are trending provides insight into current gaming culture and highlights the types of experiences players are seeking.
Narrative-Driven and Adventure Games
One of the most popular trends among gamers today is the rise of narrative-driven and adventure games. These titles focus heavily on storytelling, character development, and exploration. Players are drawn to the ability to immerse themselves in detailed virtual worlds, where their choices can influence outcomes and shape the narrative. Adventure games often combine puzzles, problem-solving, and interactive dialogue, encouraging players to think creatively while engaging emotionally with the story.
Popular examples include role-playing adventures with open-world elements, where players can explore expansive environments at their own pace. The combination of rich visuals, compelling soundtracks, and thoughtful plotlines creates a relaxing yet deeply engaging experience. This genre appeals to those who enjoy taking their time, exploring virtual landscapes, and experiencing stories that feel cinematic and personalised.
Online Casino Games
Online casino games are also experiencing significant growth in popularity, especially among players looking for interactive entertainment at home. These platforms offer a range of games, like slots and classic table options like blackjack, roulette, and poker. Poker, in particular, is extremely popular amongst at-home gamers. When playing from home, gamers often seek out international non GamStop poker sites to play on, as these platforms, which are licensed outside of the UK, are known to offer lucrative bonus offers along with a wide variety of games and poker variants.
Additionally, live dealer games have added a new dimension to the online casino experience, providing real-time interaction with dealers and fellow players. This genre combines strategy, chance, and social engagement, offering a level of excitement that mirrors the atmosphere of a physical casino without leaving home. For many gamers, online casino platforms offer a mix of thrill, skill, and accessibility, making them a notable trend in modern gaming.
Simulation and Strategy Games
Simulation and strategy titles continue to hold strong appeal for modern gamers. These games allow players to plan, manage, and experiment within controlled virtual environments. Life simulation games, such as The Sims, city builders, and management simulations, provide a mix of creativity and logic, allowing players to construct thriving communities, manage resources, or guide virtual characters through complex scenarios.
Strategy-based online games also remain popular, focusing on careful decision-making and resource management. Players can take a methodical approach to building a virtual city, managing a farm, or leading a civilisation, enjoying a sense of accomplishment as their plans unfold. Unlike fast-paced action games, these genres allow for a measured pace, offering a mentally stimulating yet calming experience that appeals to those who prefer thoughtful gameplay.
Casual and Puzzle Games
Casual games and online puzzles have seen a surge in popularity, particularly for players seeking low-pressure entertainment. These games are often designed for short sessions, making them perfect for filling small gaps in a busy schedule. Popular types include matching games, word challenges, and brain-training puzzles that combine entertainment with cognitive engagement.
Classic online formats such as sudoku, crosswords, and jigsaw puzzles continue to attract players, providing both relaxation and a sense of achievement. Casual mobile games are especially appealing due to their accessibility, allowing players to engage anywhere, anytime. Their simplicity, combined with addictive gameplay loops, ensures they remain a staple for gamers of all ages.
Competitive Multiplayer Games
Competitive multiplayer games are another major trend in the current gaming landscape. These titles bring players together in real-time competition, testing skills, strategy, and teamwork. Online battle arenas like League of Legends, which has an estimated 20 to 32 million daily active users, first-person shooters such as Call of Duty and Overwatch, and team-based strategy games like Fortnite dominate this genre, appealing to those who enjoy high-stakes gameplay and social interaction.
These games often incorporate ranking systems, tournaments, and seasonal events, giving players a sense of progression and purpose. The social element is particularly important, as collaboration and competition with friends or strangers adds a dynamic layer to the experience. Players are not only engaging with game mechanics but also forming connections and rivalries that extend beyond the virtual world.
Hybrid and Experimental Genres
Another emerging trend is the rise of hybrid and experimental genres. Game developers are increasingly blending elements from multiple styles to create unique experiences that appeal to diverse audiences. For example, action-adventure games with role-playing elements or puzzle games incorporating narrative-driven storylines are becoming more common.
These hybrids cater to players seeking innovation, providing experiences that break traditional genre boundaries. By combining mechanics, storytelling, and interactive features, these games offer fresh ways to engage, keeping the medium exciting and unpredictable. They reflect a broader trend in the gaming industry towards flexibility, creativity, and experimentation.
Social and Community-Driven Games
Social and community-driven games continue to gain traction, particularly in online spaces. Platforms that allow players to collaborate, compete, and share content are increasingly popular, as gamers look for experiences that combine entertainment with connection. Features such as chat functions, team objectives, and user-generated content enhance the sense of community within games.
These genres appeal to those who value social interaction and want to engage with like-minded individuals. Whether through cooperative missions, building shared worlds, or participating in online events, community-driven gameplay fosters long-term engagement and satisfaction. The ability to connect with others while playing adds a layer of enjoyment that single-player experiences cannot always replicate.
Conclusion
The gaming landscape today is diverse, dynamic, and constantly evolving. Narrative-driven adventures, simulation and strategy games, casual puzzles, competitive multiplayer experiences, online casino games, hybrid genres, and community-focused platforms all reflect current player preferences. These trends illustrate how modern gamers balance entertainment, mental engagement, creativity, and social interaction.
Slay the Spire 2 has officially moved its early access launch to a later date. Previously, Mega Crit had planned for a Fall 2025 release. However, several factors affected the development of the game.
The Reasons Behind the Delay
According to Mega Crit’s The Neowsletter, the delay comes as the developers work to meet internal standards. In the same way, they need more time to polish the game.
“We know this isn’t the news anyone wanted to hear…we were shooting for late 2025, but turns out we were wrong. We need some more time,” Mega Crit explained.
The Indie studio also listed other factors that led to the delay. Among many things, there were personal life events, expanded content plans, and simple feature overload.
“There’s no single dramatic reason…we kept saying ‘wouldn’t it be cool if…’ one too many times,” the developers added.
The announcement was met with disappointment by fans. However, the studio emphasized that the development of Slay the Spire 2 remains on track. Still, it will need a slightly longer timeline.
Not the Reasons Behind the Delay
On Steam, Mega Crit clarified that the delay was not in any way related to the recent release of Hollow Knight: Silksong. The developers explained that the team had already decided on the new release window even before Silksong’s date was announced. They said it was really just the timing that makes it look like that, implying a coincidence.
At the same time, the studio dismissed other speculations about the delay. It said that community merchandise and events did not affect the game’s schedule. Third parties and the community manager handle tasks like collaborations and plush toys production. In short, the delay was mainly due to the additional time needed for more content.
“We want to make sure we’re upholding the quality bar that both we and the gaming community have come to expect for Early Access titles,”Mega Crit said.
The Compromise: More Than Just a Sequel
While the delay is frustrating, it could be worth it. Slay the Spire 2 is shaping up to be more ambitious than the original. Specifically, players can expect new playable characters, more cards, relics, and potions. Also, the game will feature visual upgrades, quality-of-life improvements, and new mechanics.
Another addition is the alternate act system. In this sequel, players can choose between two possible acts at every stage. Each option has different enemies and environments.
Mega Crit now plans to release the early access to Slay the Spire 2 on a secret Thursday in March 2026.
“I’m so sorry,” Kassie Carlson proclaims on the opening track of Guerilla Toss‘ new album, emphatic enough to instantly register as irony, “I came to party.” She gets lost as her head throbs on the way to another party on ‘Red Flag to Angry Bull’, where her friend is “Telling me he’s gonna eat the sunshine/ Though he isn’t walking in a straight line.” The burst of positivity is hallucinatory, intoxicating, and downright maddening, yet it also makes complete sense considering how and where the experimental rock band made You’re Weird Now, their second album for Sub Pop and fifth overall. With Stephen Malkmus on production, the follow-up to 2022’s Famously Alivewas recorded at the Barn, the recording studio in Vermont owned by Phish’s Trey Anastasio, who plays guitar on ‘Red Flag’. Malkmus sang on a few songs, just one of half a dozen voices adding to the frantically layered, unapologetically radiant, and characteristically GT concoction of noise. The album keeps twitching and triumphing in its communal cacophony, precise-engineered to convince you that even if today feels a lot more like a hellhole than a party, you are certainly not alone in it.
We caught up with Guerilla Toss’ Kassie Carlson and Peter Negroponte to talk about Voltaire’s The Optimist, night skiing with Stephen Malkmus, the Contortions, and other inspirations behind their new album You’re Weird Now.
Voltaire’s The Optimist
I feel like Famously Alive sprung from a place of optimism, which the new record strives for as well, while also rejecting this Panglossian mantra of “all is for the best.” I’m guessing that’s how The Optimist feeds into a track like ‘Panglossian Mannequin’. From my understanding, it’s more about this idea of cultivating your own garden.
Kassie Carlson: It’s kind of like how, in the story, he grows up believing everything in life happens for the best, but then he hits the real world, and there’s war, and suffering, and all kinds hardship. His childhood professor, Dr. Pangloss, instills this philosophy that all things that happen are for the best, but once he has these experiences, he’s like, “You know what, fuck that.” The lyrics play off that idea of him growing up, riding the bus from east to west, being forced out of this safe space into this wasteland existence. Panglossian Mannequin is that lifeless doll, frozen in a ray of sun, maintaining optimism but not really feeling it. A toxic positivity kind of thing, which I feel happens a lot. He’s reconciling with this idea of the problem of evil, human suffering, how to process all of that heavy shit, and just be alive somehow without internalizing it. As you were saying, “I cultivate my own garden” – that’s the conclusion the character makes: focusing on improving your own life and immediate surroundings before becoming consumed in this abstract philosophical whatever.
You mentioned sunlight, which comes up on the record a lot as a metaphor for optimism, without that kind of philosophical weight.
KC: Yeah, sometimes it’s really difficult to distill your feelings into a topic. A lot of times if I get in that space, I’m searching – reading, watching a movie – just to find something that distills the idea I’m feeling.
Is distilling an idea something that arises when you’re working in a group context?
KC: I guess the lyrical idea is kind of my thing, but Peter helps me mold it into more of a structure, and helps me sing it in a way that feels natural. That’s something we’ve both been working on a lot lately.
Peter Negroponte: ‘Panglossian Mannequin’ is all you, I didn’t touch that one.
KC: I know, but just having it relate into a song and really work.
PN: Definitely.
Online chess
PN: I think a really important part of the creative process is how you unwind around it, and I really like playing online chess on the chess app against strangers in other countries. It’s really funny to play strangers in a 10-minute game. I’ve gotten pretty good, and my favorite thing that happens sometimes is when people start to talk smack on the chess app. I think that’s the funniest place to talk shit, on the chess app.
KC: I think it’s funny when we’re sitting nearby each other and I just hear him, like, “Fuck that guy! Fucking shit!” [laughs] I’m like, “Are you playing chess right now?”
PN: Yeah, I get all pissed. It’s the one time I get slightly aggro, on the chess app. I’m not trying to really start shit, but I do get there, like, “This motherfucker just got my fucking queen.” I get all funny. But it’s one of my favorite ways to relax.
It’s funny that there’s a chat function at all on the chess app.
KC: Oh yeah. Like, why?
PN: It’s totally bizarre. Maybe you’re supposed to talk about your moves or something, but sometimes you get into a real conversation with someone, which is really funny.
Do you play games as a band?
PN: I think I would kick everyone’s ass in chess hardcore if we played as a band, so I spare them. But we had a touring Scrabble board. But then Jake, the guy who plays synth in the band, he’s one of those assholes who’s really good with words and has a big vocabulary, so he just schools us, and it’s no fun. We play mini golf sometimes on tour – that’s a good one. On our last tour, we were driving through some mountainous area in Idaho, and we were playing Extreme Scrabble – that’s when you play Scrabble in the van. But not much of a game band. I don’t think any of us are very competitive, which is cool. I think there’s maybe zero sports talk in this version of the band.
KC: Oh my god, I know nothing about sports.
PN: I respect elements of it, but I know nothing.
KC: I wish I did. I could talk to more people.
Buy by the Contortions
KC: I was thinking about how in 2012, when I first joined Guerilla Toss to replace a saxophone player, I was living on Cape Cod at the time. Peter and I played a show together, and we started talking about creating a band. I didn’t have a car or a license, but Peter generously let me borrow his car, even though I didn’t have a license. I didn’t have a smartphone because I was very against it at the time, and the only thing that worked was a CD player. There were a bunch of CDs in the car, but the only ones that didn’t skip were Buy by the Contortions and Rather Ripped by Sonic Youth. So all these practices where I was borrowing Peter’s car and driving from Boston to Cape Cod – maybe an hour and a half, longer if there was traffic – I would just be listening to those two CDs over and over. Buy was helpful for me in thinking about the band’s transition from saxophone to voice. Pat plays his slide guitar, using it in these non-traditional ways. A lot of the earlier Guerilla Toss stuff was based on that exciting time in music, like the No New York compilation.
PN: Brian Eno made that comp of No Wave bands from the early ’80s. It was sort of a game-changer for us. There’s very gestural playing of the instruments, and that was a big thing for us in the beginning, and some of that appears on this record, specifically in ‘Psychosis Is Just a Number’, that gestural guitar movement. It was fun to fit that into this new record in a way in context with what we’re doing now.
Night skiing with Stephen Malkmus
NP: When we were recording, we were working with a bunch of great people. Bryce Goggin was one of the engineers, and Ben Colette. Bryce is most known for doing Pavement, and then he went on to work with Phish, which is how we ended up at the Phish studio. He’s done a bunch of stuff. Bryce is great, but he’s working 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — he’s not going all night, not anymore at least. So we were wrapping up these sessions on the early side for rock and roll, which was great. A lot of nights we were done by then, so we were sort of hanging out with Steve Malkmus. He was staying up at this little cabin on the property. One night we went bowling — that was our first big night out. Took Steve bowling, got some Thai food, it was amazing. He’s a great bowler. And then I knew he skis, so we had joked about it in the months leading up, like, “Dude, we gotta take him skiing.” And then we did, and it was the best thing ever.
KC: He’s really good at skiing. It’s funny because he’s super tall and skinny, and he just goes straight down.
PN: I mean, he knows how to brake, but he was going down those black diamonds pretty effortlessly. It was pretty funny to watch.
KC: Yeah, extremely chill. He did look kind of funny in the beginning, but stunningly chill, yeah.
PN: Somehow he applies his slacker thing to skiing in a beautiful way.
KC: He’s got this big beanie that’s too big, and these big mittens.
PN: He was recognized at the ski mountain lodge, and they were playing Pavement in the lodge. It was pretty funny.
KC: I feel like it happened when we went bowling, too. Oh, bowling is a thing that we do as a band. Our bass player, Zach, is also really good at bowling. He pitches the bowling ball. It’s insane, like a softball pitch.
PN: Yeah, that’s another Guerilla Toss tour game. We try to bowl when we can. But night skiing with Steve was an inspiration. It was a good bonding moment – not that that guy is at all hard to bond with. We hit it off pretty quick, and we’d already known him from the Pavement tour a couple years earlier, but we were really vibing that night. If you’ve got some money to play with from your label or whatever, highly recommended you take your producer night skiing if they’re down. Jake, who’s playing synth with us, was kind of new to the band at the time. He hadn’t been in, like, 15–20 years, and he really stepped up that night, got on the skis crushed it.
What about the two of you? Are you experienced skiers?
KC: I maybe went once as a kid, and other than that, I’m pretty self-taught, like, from YouTube. But yeah, I’ve been skiing a few times the past couple seasons. Peter and I have been going. I don’t go down the black diamonds — I’m too anxious for that – I’m kind of an intermediate skier. It’s zen for me. Hearing the ice and the snow crunching, feeling the wind on my face.
PN: I went when I was a kid a handful of times in upstate New York, and I totally sucked. I hated it. And then during the pandemic, Kassie got me a gift card to the local super shitty ski mountain, and I went, and I was like, “This is the best thing ever.” So during pandemic times, when there wasn’t much to do, we got passes, and I was going, like, twice a week. I’ve gotten pretty good. It’s a fun activity.
KC: What about your Greek grandfather, who was an Olympic skier or whatever?
For real?
PN: My great-grandfather was the first Greek Olympic skier. Look it up.
KC: I was like, “Dude, it’s in your blood, you gotta do it.”
PN: I feel like I missed out on those genes, but maybe I got a few of them. He was in the Hitler Olympics. He did not salute him. He knew what was up.
Do you remember what you recorded after going night skiing? Were you feeding off that energy a little bit?
KC: I don’t think so, but I think it just kind of set the tone.
PN: Yeah, it set the vibe. I think it was earlier on in the session. Things were going great, but after that night skiing it was like, “This is the best.” We all knew this was the best week ever.
It’s not mentioned in the bio or anything, so I’d love for you to tell me more about how you linked up with Stephen Malkmus.
PN: Basically, he came and saw us play in Portland in 2019. It was really funny because he sticks out — he’s tall, he’s Steve Malkmus. He was standing in the middle of the room during our set, and people kind of gave him space. So there’s this glowing tall man there, just standing there pretty deadpan watching us play. I looked up at the last song, and he was gone. I was like, I hope he liked it, we didn’t get a chance to talk. A couple weeks later, he tweeted something. He used to be pretty active on Twitter, and he was kind of crushing it. He said something like, “Guerilla Toss, great live band.” We were like, “Fuck yeah, this is awesome.” Then, 2020, pandemic goes down, and maybe in 2022 he slid into our DMs on Twitter. Classic slide. He said something like, “Do you want to open for my old band, Pavement? Big fan of you guys.” We thought it was a scam at first, like, “What the fuck?” But sure enough, we did some shows with them, and we hit it off. A year later, I slid back into his DMs and was like, “Would you produce our record?” And he was like, “Fuck it, let’s go.” The rest is history.
I love the idea of a scammer hacking into Stephen Malkmus’ account to DM you.
KC: [laughs] It’s always a fear. I don’t know about you, but my mom is older, she had me really late in life, and I’m always worried she’s gonna get scammed on Facebook by someone to, like, give them $1,000. Like, “I’ve been talking to Brad Pitt, he’s in rough shape…”
PN: [laughs] Not a scam, though. It was the biggest not-scam in history.
I feel like you’re very intentional on the record about when his voice is actually heard. I don’t know if that was just a decision made naturally in the studio, or if it was baked into any of the songs.
PN: It was totally last-minute. It was the best. We had gotten a lot of the tracking done. We were like, “Steve, would you please sing on a few things?” He was a little apprehensive at first – not in a rude way, just kind of like, “It sounds so great.” And we were like, “We’d love for you to sing something.” And he was like, “Alright, I’ll do it.” We didn’t even really have an idea for what he would sing or which parts, and we were kind of just throwing stuff at him. I think Kassie was like, let’s have you do ‘Red Flag to Angry Bull,’ and it was incredible. Kassie wrote that hook down for him. It’s so funny, because we’re hanging out with this dude for, you know, 10 days, he’s such a humble guy, and you kind of forget that he’s this mega genius. So he gets up to the mic, and he just sang that hook, like, 15 times or whatever. And it was just effortless. We were all just sitting there with our mouths open, reminded of the power of this dude’s artistry. We got it all on tape – we stuck it on our Instagram. And then ‘Life’s a Zoo,’ doing the “You’re so uncool” – I think I’d always thought that would be a cool move for him to do, and he did it.
KC: We did a ton of singing overdubs, specifically with ‘CEO of Personal and Pleasure’ and ‘Red Flag to Angry Bull’. All of our friends were there at the barn. There’s no isolation or anything, so everyone’s just hanging out, and you just gotta get as much as you can while you’re there for those 10 days with all of your friends, and then sort it out afterwards. It was kind of a maximalist approach: get as much recorded as you can, then sort it out later.
PN: A lot of vocals, yeah.
KC: So it’s a lot of hanging out, but it’s also a lot redirecting the energy, right? Because everybody wants to hang out and chat.
PN: Yeah, the recording session was quite the hang. The way the studio is set up, there’s no isolation, even where the board is, so everyone’s just hanging out in this room. It’s a little nerve-racking, because you’re kind of playing for all your buddies. They’re taking pictures, sort of assist-engineering. That was the vibe.
KC: But it was really good vibes, because it was all my chosen family there. Willie, Johnny, Ben, my band, which is also my chosen family.
PN: There were multiple dogs.
KC: Yeah, there were three dogs at one point, so it was dogs coming in, dogs wanting to go out, then barking outside. It was just a big party. It’s a humble barn – you think, Phish, it’s gonna be super fancy, but it’s really not. It’s very down-to-earth and open, with exposed wood. All the coffee cups are totally random because they’re from different people who left them there. Even the barn itself, it’s made with hand-hewn trees, and you can see all the bugs that lived in the tree before it was actually a barn, there’s all these pathways. There’s also a huge porch on the front of it, where you can see all of Vermont. It’s very beautiful, back in the woods, so you’re with all the bears and squirrels and coyotes.
PN: It’s really the best. We’re very grateful to have been able to record there.
The Calvin Johnson compilation We Will Bury You – Female New Wave / Punk 1977-’82
KC: It was part of a series of tapes Calvin Johnson of K Records made, but this particular one I was listening to a lot when we were writing and recording this album. It’s very eclectic. It has some harsher punk stuff, but also some punk stuff that’s more sing-songy.
I saw the Raincoats on there.
KC: The Raincoats, the Bags, Westside Lockers, Honey Bane. Some of those songs, like ‘Yankee Wheels’ by Jane Aire and the Belvederes, have this ’50s girl group vibe, but they’re also kind of punk. That’s what I was thinking about with ‘CEO of Personal and Pleasure.’ In the beginning, I wanted it to have this saloon vibe. We have all these takes, but it didn’t end up sounding like that in the end.
PN: There was a tiny piano on there, right?
KC: Yeah, like campfire, but also saloon, but also punk, but also Guerilla Toss. Using that very eclectic compilation as an influence, because it’s all these different songs coming together onto one compilation. I’m a DJ on public radio, and I’ve taken a lot of songs from it and put them into my playlists.
Mixing with Jorge Elbrecht
PN: I just wanted to shout out Jorge, because it was such a pleasure to work with him. He’s so talented and such a sweet guy. There were a couple different phases of mixing. We outsourced to a few different people, weren’t sure what direction we wanted to take, and Jorge pulled through last minute. He crushed it. He’s a great producer, a hell of a mixer. Toward the end he invited me out to LA; I went to his studio for a couple days and we just messed around and had fun. He’s credited as a co-producer on the record as well. He put so much into that mix. The music is very dense, with lots of layers, and he went all in. I’m a big fan of his work. He’s also a songwriter, he has a lot of writing credits, which is really special to me, to work with someone who as an appreciation for that.
KC: Super easy to work with, too, down-to-earth and chill, for having such an extensive, beautiful resume, working with some pop stars there too.
PN: A lot of it was done remotely, but we were going back and forth constantly, all day every day for weeks. He really went the extra mile.
I don’t know how specific your memories are of that back and forth, but a song where I really hear his influence is ‘Favorite Sun’. Something about the space in the mix.
PN: If I remember correctly, he was most proud of that mix. He was really psyched about where he got it, which was funny.
KC: It’s always helpful to have a guy like that that’s taking things away and creating space. I remember Bryce saying, when we were mixing, “Everything doesn’t need to be a seven-layer cake.” He was joking, but it’s true. It’s easy to go down the rabbit hole and pile everything in. Having another set of ears to look at it and help you discover which overdubs shine or translate better on an album.
PN: It ended up being a hundred-layer cake, but a really tasty one.
This David Lynch clip
He talks about ideas like seeds or fish you catch, which made me think of this line from ‘Crocodile Cloud’:“Magic made you poor but free/ So swim beneath the reeds/ In fishponds of relief.”
PN: David Lynch is just in our DNA at this point. That was the most crushed I’ve ever been by a celebrity death. I love that clip – he has such a beautiful way of speaking. When you catch the idea, you just know. One of my jobs is teaching music to kids – I show them that clip, and they usually get it. I can’t speak for Kassie’s lyrics, but I definitely hear David Lynch’s influence.
KC: Of course. He’s got his tentacles in everything, even after death.
Do you ever feel daunted by the endless possibilities of ideas, or the infinite ways of bringing them to fruition?
PN: That’s the most exciting part.
KC: Totally. Even something like ‘CEO of Personal and Pleasure’ – in some alternate universe that is a saloon song, or just someone playing it on acoustic guitar.
PN: When we work on these songs as a band in the studio, we try many, many different ways. We go down the rabbit hole. But it’s one of my favorite parts of the process. And we usually return to the early ones, but it’s fun to know the other ones wouldn’t work. Maybe it’s a waste of time. But I don’t think any time is wasted when you’re doing creative stuff or “catching ideas.”
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
Gorillaz have announced a new album called The Mountain. The follow-up to 2023’s Cracker Island will be released on March 20 on the band’s own new label, KONG. Today’s announcement comes with the release of the new single ‘Happy Dictator’, an adventurous, glimmering collaboration with Sparks. Check it out and find the album cover and tracklist below.
The new record’s stacked guest list also includes Ajay Prasanna, Amaan & Ayaan Ali Bangash, Anoushka Shankar, Asha Bhosle, Asha Puthli, Bizarrap, Black Thought, Gruff Rhys, IDLES, Jalen Ngonda, Johnny Marr, Kara Jackson, Omar Souleyman, Paul Simonon, Trueno, and Yasiin Bey. Gorillaz produced it alongside James Ford, Samuel Egglenton, and Remi Kabaka Jr., with additional production from Bizarrap (Orange County).
The Mountain was recorded at Studio 13 in London and Devon, various locations in India (including Mumbai, New Delhi, Rajasthan, and Varanasi), as well as Ashgabat, Damascus, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York. It features artists performing in five languages: Arabic, English, Hindi, Spanish, and Yoruba. According to a press release, “Circumstances now find Murdoc Niccals, Russel Hobbs, 2D and Noodle in India, having made their way to Mumbai with the help of four fake passports courtesy of a New York business acquaintance of Murdoc. The band has turned its back on international pop stardom, with our heroes now immersed in the rhythms of mystical music-making, as they navigate the mountainous terrain of this thing called life.”
Gorillaz drummer Russel Hobbs remarked: “As space dust we are here forever and that’s a mighty long time. This is a musical meditation infused with light. A journey of the soul, with beats…”
The Mountain Cover Artwork:
The Mountain Tracklist:
1. The Mountain [feat. Dennis Hopper, Ajay Prasanna, Anoushka Shankar, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash]
2. The Moon Cave [feat. Asha Puthli, Bobby Womack, Dave Jolicoeur, Jalen Ngonda and Black Thought]
3. The Happy Dictator [feat. Sparks]
4. The Hardest Thing [feat. Tony Allen]
5. Orange County [feat. Bizarrap, Kara Jackson and Anoushka Shankar]
6. The God of Lying [feat. IDLES]
7. The Empty Dream Machine [feat. Black Thought, Johnny Marr and Anoushka Shankar]
8. The Manifesto [feat. Trueno and Proof]
9. The Plastic Guru [feat. Johnny Marr and Anoushka Shankar]
10. Delirium [feat. Mark E. Smith]
11. Damascus [feat. Omar Souleyman and Yasiin Bey]
12. The Shadowy Light [feat. Asha Bhosle, Gruff Rhys, Ajay Prasanna, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash]
13. Casablanca [feat. Paul Simonon and Johnny Marr]
14. The Sweet Prince [feat. Ajay Prasanna, Johnny Marr and Anoushka Shankar]
15. The Sad God [feat. Black Thought, Ajay Prasanna and Anoushka Shankar]
Improving a smile can create lasting confidence and a fresh appearance. Many people want to correct chips, gaps, or discoloration but prefer a treatment that feels natural. Porcelain veneers are designed to provide long lasting improvements while protecting the structure of teeth. These veneers are thin shells that are carefully placed on the front of teeth to achieve a balanced look. The entire process is personalized and handled with care from the first consultation to the final bonding. Dentists create custom-fit tooth shells that match each person’s unique features and give the smile a natural finish. Porcelain veneers are completed in steps that ensure comfort, precision, and durability. Each stage is important for making sure the final results look natural and last for many years.
Initial Consultation
The process begins with a consultation at the dental office. During this first visit the dentist examines the teeth and discusses goals for the patient’s smile. A thorough evaluation helps determine if porcelain veneers are the right choice. The dentist also explains the benefits and limitations of veneers so that the patient has a clear understanding of what to expect. Impressions and images may be taken to assist with planning the treatment. This early step builds a foundation for the rest of the process.
Preparing the Teeth
Once veneers are chosen as the right option the next step is preparing the teeth. A very thin layer of enamel is gently removed to make room for the porcelain shells. This preparation allows the veneers to sit comfortably on the teeth without feeling bulky. The amount of enamel removed is small and carefully measured. After the teeth are prepared impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab. Temporary veneers are usually placed during this time so the patient can continue with daily life while waiting for the final veneers to be created.
Crafting the Veneers
In the dental lab skilled technicians create porcelain veneers that are designed for the individual patient. Each veneer is shaped and shaded to match the surrounding teeth. This customization is what gives porcelain veneers their natural appearance and seamless fit. The process usually takes a couple of weeks and involves careful attention to detail. By the time the veneers are ready they are tailored to blend with the patient’s smile.
Placement and Bonding
When the final veneers are complete the patient returns for placement. The dentist checks the fit and color to make sure the veneers look and feel right. Small adjustments can be made at this stage to refine the result. Once both the dentist and patient are satisfied the veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth. A strong dental adhesive secures them in place and a curing light hardens the bond. This step finalizes the transformation and leaves the patient with a bright natural looking smile.
Aftercare and Longevity
Caring for porcelain veneers is similar to caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing along with routine dental visits are essential for keeping the veneers in top condition. While porcelain is resistant to stains it is still wise to limit foods and drinks that cause discoloration. With good care veneers can last more than a decade before needing replacement. Patients often find that their new smile not only improves appearance but also encourages better oral care habits.
The journey to porcelain veneers is a structured process that focuses on precision and personal attention. From the first consultation to the final placement every step is handled to ensure comfort and lasting results. Veneers offer a natural solution that enhances appearance while maintaining strength and function. With proper care they can provide many years of confidence and satisfaction. Choosing porcelain veneers is more than a cosmetic decision. It is an investment in a smile that looks beautiful and feels authentic.
In 2025, AI tools are rocking the business market. Thousands of content creation tools are launched each quarter, making it easier for businesses to improve their brand awareness on a global scale. But unfortunately, you’re still stuck on ChatGPT. Although incredible, ChatGPT is not your answer to everything.
Content creation is a key to enhancing your product, services, or brand today, and it is not the same as it was a couple of years back. Now you can leverage AI to come up with unique ideas, streamline workflows, and even generate complete videos without hustling for hours on the video editing tools. This is just the present, and the future will be even more promising.
But with several thousand AI tools, it is easy to get overwhelmed and very hard to figure out which ones are actually worth your time. Let’s cut you some slack by introducing the best AI tools in the market for a complete content creation journey.
Jasper (AI Writing Partner)
Jasper is stealing the spotlight in the writing industry. As one of the most advanced AI writing assistants, it can help you create blog posts, email campaigns, product descriptions, working hooks, video script ideas, and so much more.
What makes it better than most other tools is that it can copy your tone of voice. All you need to do is train this assistant with your unique voice, and it’ll generate all the content accordingly. This is one of the most important features to keep your brand or individual content consistent. Another highlight of this tool is its built-in feature of SEO guidance. Which means your content will be optimized to perform better online.
Neural Frames (Bringing Music and Visuals Together)
Video content performs the best on social media platforms. However, creating a good video can take hours to days or even weeks, and producing them in high quality can be very costly. This is whereAI music video generator tools like Neural Frames play a life-saving role.
You don’t need a full crew, lighting, musical instruments, or weeks of editing to create a well-performing video anymore. Just upload your audio track in neural frames, and it’ll generate a visually stunning music video for you in a couple of minutes.
The best thing about it is the stylistic customization. This feature ensures that no two videos are the same. So, you can easily create more videos on a professional level without needing a professional budget.
Runway (AI Video Editing at Scale)
If you have diverse video editing needs, Runway has been one of the most reliable tools for years. You can use its collection of AI features to handle the tedious editing tasks like enhancing visuals, removing background, or even creating new scenes or extending your video or image from text descriptions.
The real-time collaboration feature further makes it a popular choice for marketing teams and production houses in particular. Also, unlike other video editing methods that require you to spend hours refining a clip frame by frame, Runway allows you to use automation to get the work done in minutes.
Descript (Podcasting and Beyond)
Podcasts are in demand more than ever, which is why Descript has become one of the go-to tools for creators in this space. It makes editing incredibly simple by automatically transcribing the audio and allowing you to remove the filler words, add voiceovers, and generate captions with a few simple clicks.
This year, Descript has expanded its AI features with more advanced voice tools. You can now produce more professional narrations without recording every line yourself. This feature is the gold standard, especially for solo podcasters and video creators who want to scale their production without investing more or losing quality.
Mid Journey (Visual Storytelling)
AI-generated artwork is also gaining high viewer attention in 2025. MidJourney allows you to create custom illustrations, social media backgrounds, and even concept designs. You can generate unique and eye-catching visuals within minutes. In the business industry, marketing teams extensively use this tool to brainstorm campaign concepts or to create supporting graphics for blogs and newsletters. All you need to do is give your prompt regarding the visuals, and MidJourney will create an original idea that is entirely yours.
Lumen5 (Short-form Video Content Expert)
Short form videos perform the best on every social platform, may it be Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or even LinkedIn. Lumen5 helps you keep up with your competitors. This AI tool converts blog posts, articles, or even raw text into short-form videos ready to be shared across your platform. It handles everything from visuals, transitions, and color gradients to background music. You only need to work on the written content, and Lumen5 will turn your idea into a full-fledged video. This tool is especially powerful for repurposing your previous content across multiple formats.
Notion AI (Smart Organization and Content Planning)
Content creation doesn’t end with generating the visual pieces. You need to plan your projects, series, or concepts in such a way that they’ll sell to the audience. Notion AI is particularly famous among creators who need to generate outlines, organize projects, and draft content directly inside their workspace.
Let’s say you’re planning a blog series. Notion AI will suggest topic clusters, draft rough outlines, and keep everything neatly organized in your editorial calendar, so it is easy to take things forward. It acts like your personal assistant who never forgets your deadlines.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, every creative job needs assistance from AI. These tools are not here to replace you, but rather, they empower you to improve your productivity and stay ahead of the competitors. As a solo creator or a part of a larger team, you can integrate the right AI tools that can boost your workflow. Try to experiment with a couple of AI tools and select the one that fits best with your style and ease.
Culture is more than art, music, or tradition—it’s the living fabric of human connection. It shows up in the way people gather, share stories, and create spaces where communities feel a sense of belonging. From ancient marketplaces to modern digital platforms, culture is expressed through shared experiences, rituals, and the ways we come together.
The Cultural Power of Gathering
For centuries, gathering has been at the heart of culture. Festivals, markets, and celebrations have allowed people to exchange ideas, celebrate milestones, and enjoy moments of unity. These gatherings weren’t always about spectacle—they often reflected everyday life, offering people the chance to connect beyond the routines of work and survival.
Today, we see similar dynamics in new forms. Concerts, sporting events, and food festivals continue the tradition of collective celebration, while online platforms now add another layer to how we gather. Whether through digital book clubs, virtual game nights, or discussion groups, culture adapts by finding new ways to keep people connected.
Play and Cultural Expression
Playful activities have always been part of cultural expression. From street games in small villages to global sporting events, play reflects creativity, competition, and joy. It reminds us that culture is not just about serious traditions—it’s also about laughter, relaxation, and shared fun.
Even in the digital age, playful community activities remain strong. Many people join trivia nights, virtual quizzes, or community boards to enjoy lighthearted interaction. In the UK, traditional formats like bingo have also found their way online, creating social spaces where people chat, exchange stories, and share in the fun. References to bingo sites UK often highlight not just the games themselves, but the sense of community they foster—modern cultural hubs where people connect across distances.
The Digital Dimension of Culture
Technology has expanded the boundaries of cultural exchange. What once required physical presence can now happen virtually, bridging distances and broadening access. From live-streamed concerts to online language groups, digital spaces carry forward the cultural role of gathering while adding new layers of inclusivity.
Of course, digital culture is not without challenges. The speed of information and the constant flow of content can feel overwhelming. Yet, when used thoughtfully, these platforms enhance cultural participation rather than replace it. They allow people to maintain traditions while also discovering new ways of engaging with global communities.
Local Roots, Global Reach
One of the most interesting aspects of culture today is how local traditions adapt to global contexts. A regional festival might now be streamed worldwide. A local recipe can inspire online cooking groups across continents. Similarly, community-based activities once confined to a specific town or hall now thrive online, where people from across the UK and beyond can join in.
This blending of local and global shows how culture is never static. It evolves, adapts, and finds relevance in every generation.
Why Culture Matters More Than Ever
In an era of fast-paced living, culture provides grounding. It reminds people of shared values, gives meaning to traditions, and creates opportunities to pause, connect, and celebrate. Whether through art, music, play, or digital interaction, culture is about shaping identity and belonging.
The everyday rituals—sharing a meal, attending a local event, or joining in on community platforms—are what keep culture alive. They’re the threads that tie individuals into something larger than themselves.
Conclusion
Culture thrives in the spaces where people gather, whether in person or online. It adapts to technology, reshapes traditions, and finds new ways to bring people together. From music festivals to digital platforms, from traditional rituals to modern expressions, culture is what makes communities vibrant and connected.
Even in lighthearted formats, such as the community spirit often associated with bingo sites UK, culture shows its resilience and creativity. At its core, culture is about belonging—and in today’s world, those moments of connection are more valuable than ever.
