Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is gaining momentum in modern healthcare. Long stigmatized due to its association with cannabis, it is now entering medical conversations with greater legitimacy. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a psychoactive effect, yet it shows real promise for treating a variety of physical and mental conditions.
A natural approach to relieving pain
One of the most studied benefits of CBD lies in its ability to ease pain and inflammation. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain signals and immune responses. For individuals suffering from arthritis, migraines, or nerve damage, CBD offers relief without the addictive risks linked to opioids.
This growing interest in alternative pain relief has contributed to the popularity of the CBD store, where users can access trusted products with verified ingredients. These stores also offer expert guidance, helping patients choose formulations that suit their needs.
Finding calm and improving sleep
Stress and sleep issues affect millions of people, and traditional treatments often come with unwanted side effects. CBD appears to offer a gentle alternative. Studies suggest it may help regulate cortisol levels, promote relaxation, and reduce anxiety-related symptoms.
Many users report falling asleep more easily and enjoying deeper, uninterrupted rest. Unlike sedatives, CBD does not cause grogginess or dependence, making it an appealing option for people struggling with insomnia, jet lag, or anxious thoughts at bedtime.
Promising research on chronic conditions
Beyond stress and pain, CBD is being investigated for its potential role in treating chronic illnesses. One notable breakthrough came with the approval of a CBD-based medication for severe childhood epilepsy. This marked a turning point, showing that cannabinoids can deliver measurable medical results under controlled conditions.
There is also growing evidence that CBD may ease symptoms in multiple sclerosis, such as muscle spasms and fatigue. Some preliminary studies even suggest it could help regulate immune function in autoimmune diseases, though more research is needed before drawing conclusions.
Quality and safety must come first
Not all CBD products are created with the same level of care. For patients seeking real therapeutic benefits, quality and transparency are essential. This is where Mama Kana has set itself apart. Known for its French-crafted, organic CBD offerings, Mama Kana prioritizes natural cultivation methods and rigorous lab testing. Their flowers, oils and resins are cultivated without pesticides and are subject to detailed analyses to ensure purity and cannabinoid content. Beyond product quality, the brand also values customer education, providing clear information on usage and effects. Mama Kana embodies the type of responsible CBD production that builds trust between consumers and the broader medical community.
Laws and acceptance are changing
The legal landscape surrounding CBD is constantly evolving. While it is permitted in several countries and U.S. states, its status remains unclear or restricted in others. This patchwork of laws creates confusion and limits access for patients who might benefit most.
However, public perception is shifting. As more individuals and practitioners witness the benefits of CBD firsthand, skepticism is slowly being replaced by acceptance. Doctors are beginning to integrate it into care plans, particularly in areas like pain management and mental health.
A growing role in future medicine
CBD’s rise reflects a broader change in how we view healing. It combines the appeal of natural remedies with emerging scientific validation. While caution is still necessary, especially regarding product quality and dosage, the potential of CBD in healthcare is no longer in doubt.
As research deepens and regulations evolve, CBD is poised to become a lasting tool in the medical world, offering relief and support to those in search of safer, more holistic treatments.
The fragrance is rightfully called the invisible accessory. It’s intimate and very personal. Scent shows who we are and how we feel, exactly like the clothes we wear. Together, the two create a powerful language of style. Clothes speak through visuals, and scent through mood, and emotions.
And for a perfect finishing touch, explore stunning pieces fromrobert irwin jewelers to complement your look—because accessories, fragrance, and style go hand in hand.
We carefully choose what we wear, but we often overlook our fragrance. However, scent and clothing work together closely. Scent can seriously enhance an outfit or complete a look. What is the psychology behind fragrance? And how to match your perfume with different wardrobe staples? Let’s have a closer look at it!
Scent and style – a powerful duo
Clothes set the mood, but scent adds that final touch. Just imagine yourself in a crisp white blouse with tailored pants. You look composed and deliberate. But a layer of a citrus or herbal fragrance will soften the vibe and make you more approachable. The opposite is also true. Put on a soft, summer dress and add a bold, smoky perfume, and the whole look will lose its carelessness and lightness. Scent shapes how your outfit feels, how you feel in it, and how others remember you. It remains in memory and lingers far longer than the details of your clothing.
Luxury fashion houses produce some of the world’s most iconic fragrances not by chance. These brands understand that scent is no longer an accessory but a part of the lifestyle.
The art of matching clothing and fragrance
There are no formulas here. But with little effort, you can turn fragrance into a natural extension of what you’re wearing. Here is a short guide everyone will find helpful.
Type of clothes
Structured and classic The A-line skirtwith a classic blouse is polished and timeless. These deserve a special scent. You may experiment with a floral-chypre or something with crisp bergamot, green tea, or clean musk. Finish the look with timeless pieces fromrobert irwin jewelers to add sophistication and subtle sparkle.
Relaxed and effortless Picture women’s dresses by Bleusalt– these are soft and breathable. Pair such a dress with a clean, aquatic fragrance or a subtle skin scent with salty, mineral notes and your casual vibe is ready.
Statement pieces If you mainly wear strict silhouettes, bold prints, or edgy textures, an amber-heavy and smoky scent will work ideally.
Feminine and romantic Florals, flowing garments and soft textures demand floral perfumes. But don’t be afraid to contrast with something deeper, like sandalwood.
Occasion
Everyday wear You don’t need a heavy scent. Perfumes with a little citrus, soft musk, or a light fig scent will freshen up a simple everyday look.
Work or professional settings. Green florals, powdery iris, or anything understated and elegant complements your classic outfits and sends a calm, confident message.
Evenings or events Now’s the time to go bigger. You need something sweet, warm, and attention-grabbing. It will be great for silk, velvet, or anything a bit more dramatic.
Weekend looks You need something cozy and casual, a scent that feels personal and close to the skin. Pick soft woods, clean musks, or a touch of vanilla.
Season
Spring Fresh green scents and delicate florals are the best for springtime. Neroli, lilac, or even basil can add that special feeling to lighter fabrics and pastel pieces.
Summer As the weather warms up, consider switching to a lighter scent. Summer fabrics and loose silhouettes want salty and fresh scents.
Autumn Cozy layers, deeper colors, and richer fabrics work beautifully with spicy and woody scents. Try perfumes with vanilla, clove, even leather. It’s the season of warmth and depth.
Winter When you’re wrapped in wool or wearing something sleek and dark, try something bold like Baccarat Rouge 540 dupe. Incense, amber, or deep florals are appropriate in cold months.
Make scent your signature
Fragrance has a quiet power. It is silent, but it stays on clothes, in the air, and in memory for a long time. It’s like absolutely the same clothes look entirely different on two different people. It’s your scent that makes these garments your own.
That’s the beauty of having a signature scent. So, you should find something that feels like you. Something that fits your rhythm, your personality, your presence. Over time, it becomes part of how people remember you. You can definitely associate some people you know with a particular fragrance even when they are not there.
This is how signature fragrances make personal connections. Fashion trends are changing fast, but your personal scent will always be appropriate and lasting. Don’t hunt for expensive or rare perfumes. Take time to experiment and find the one which will be right for you. It must be something that matches your energy on a good day and cheers you up on the bad ones.
And when you find that special scent, it will become more than a part of your routine. It will become part of your story.
In all fairness, MacBooks are great. They’re efficient. They got long-lasting batteries. They have an exceptional display. However, there’s one significant downside. Specifically, a Mac is not a go-to choice when it comes to gaming. Likewise, the device is not exactly known for being a powerhouse in the gaming community. It’s also far inferior to those monster Windows builds. But it’s not entirely a hopeless case. With the right tools and a few tweaks, you can turn your MacBook into a gaming PC.
3 Ways to Turn Your MacBook Into a Gaming PC
Install Windows via Boot Camp
If you have a MacBook with an Intel processor, Boot Camp Assistant is your best choice. Particularly, it allows you to install Windows operating systems alongside macOS. So, you can directly boot into Windows. This will give you access to games and apps that are not natively available on your Mac.
To do this, follow these simple steps:
Launch the Boot Camp Assistant
Make a Windows partition.
Your Mac will restart and install Windows.
After the installation, you can download games on your MacBook
Use Cloud Gaming Services
For those who want to skip the hassle of system installs, cloud gaming services are your cool pals. Similarly, there are many options to consider. Specifically, the choices include NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Amazon Luna, Boosteroid, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. These cloud gaming services allow users to stream games from powerful remote servers. So, there is no need for strong local hardware and installations. All you need is a fast and stable internet connection and a controller.
Connect an External GPU
Another method you can try to turn your MacBook into a gaming PC is by using an External Graphics Processing Unit. With an eGPU, you can accelerate apps and games. Likewise, this results in a desktop-class graphics card for more demanding games.
According to Apple Support, an eGPU is supported by any Mac device with an Intel processor. At the same time, it’s possible if your laptop has Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Optimize MacBook for Gaming
Based on a SetApp article, here are a few ways to prepare your Mac device for gaming:
Lower in-game graphics settings.
Close background applications.
Keep your device properly cooled.
Declutter your disc.
Secure a reliable internet or network connection.
Ensure updates are installed.
Final Thoughts
Turning a MacBook into a gaming PC requires some effort. But it can still offer a surprisingly good gaming experience. Know your situation and choose the most appropriate method for you.
Apple products are widely known for their reliability, sleek design, premium build, and powerful performance in creative work. However, its Mac devices are disappointing compared to other systems when it comes to gaming. And many users wonder: Can you run Steam on Mac?
Can You Run Steam on Mac?
According to MacKeeper, you can easily download and install Steam on Mac. The truth is that it has been compatible with macOS since 2010. At the same time, that means users can access thousands of games with their Apple device. Similarly, you can browse and buy new ones. Staying connected to your Steam friends is also possible.
How to Download and Install Steam on Mac
To download and install, follow these easy steps:
Visit the official Steam website and download the macOS version.
After downloading, run the Steam installer from your downloads folder.
Once finished, launch Steam and allow it to update.
Create an account and start looking for your desired games.
Game Availability on Mac
The gaming platform runs natively on macOS. But not every game in its library is compatible with Mac devices. The main reason behind it is that game developers decide which operating systems to support. Sadly, Windows holds most of the gaming market. Likewise, Mac devices are not essentially built and designed for gaming. So, many game developers do not prioritize Mac versions.
But don’t worry, looking for compatible games will not be as hard as finding a needle in a haystack. Steam has a feature that allows users to filter games by operating system. Specifically, you can select the “macOS only” filter when browsing games. This will help users avoid buying and wasting time with games that won’t work on their Mac.
System Requirements and Software Limitations
Based on an article by Steam Support, the platform stopped supporting the macOS 10.13 and 10.14 operating systems. For that reason, these operating systems will not receive new updates.
Similarly, the iPhone makers decided to remove support for 32-bit applications in macOS 10.15. And the last OS version to support that bit rate was macOS 10.14. Unfortunately, most developers have not made updates to support the 64-bit platform. So, yes. You may be limited in terms of the number of games you can actually play on your Mac.
A SetApp article also mentioned that many Steam games are optimized for Intel processors. That means silicon processors might need the Rosetta 2.
One Last Ping
Although the Apple device is not exactly a gaming machine, Steam on Mac is possible. But don’t expect top-tier performance, especially when playing heavy titles. A few adjustments in the settings and realistic performance expectations are your best friends.
There’s so much music coming out all the time that it’s hard to keep track. On those days when the influx of new tracks is particularly overwhelming, we sift through the noise to bring you a curated list of the most interesting new releases (the best of which will be added to our Best New Songs playlist). Below, check out our track roundup for Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
Sudan Archives – ‘MY TYPE’ and ‘YEA YEA YEA’
Sudan Archives has announced a new album, The BPM, which revolves around a new persona, Gadget Girl. It’s out October 17, and two of its groovy, dizzying dance tracks, ‘MY TYPE’ and ‘YEA YEA YEA’, are out now. “I was never the girl in a band in high school – I could only express myself for the first time when I got my first iPad and started making beats on it, and when I got my first electric violin,” she explained. “I’m all gadget girled out now, but I’ve never felt so free as a human.”
Skullcrusher – ‘Exhale’
Skullcrusher has announced her second album, And Your Song is Like a Circle, with the lead single ‘Exhale’, which is swirling and wondrous. It’s “about noticing the moment when a song is first conceived,” Helen Ballentine explained. “There is a part of me that wants to stop there and leave the song unfinished, before structure settles in and the song evolves. Instead, I allow it to form & accept whatever it may become. This process feels natural, like taking a pause at the top of your inhale before letting it all out. Maybe through acknowledging this process I can feel more at peace with change in general. When thoughts, words & sounds interact in a certain way they can reveal a path forward. Sometimes I want to linger before this path, in a space that feels hidden and safe, but in the end I take the path & surrender to change.”
Living Hour – ‘Wheel’
Living Hour have announced a new album, Internal Drone Infinity, arriving October 17. Jay Recorded with Jay Som’s Melina Duterte, the follow-up to 2022’s Someday Is Today is led by the soaring and hypnotic ‘Wheel’. Vocalist Sam Sarty had this to say about it:
The story of “Wheel” begins with buying a car off Facebook Marketplace in BC. Turns out the car was junk, but I had no choice but to drive it home to Winnipeg. It took 3 days. I was driving through the mountains, and the headlights were so dim, and for a stretch there was nowhere to turn off. It felt like a weird, horrific video game — navigating the road and dodging danger and trying not to die. I also felt so deeply betrayed by all the men involved in the whole thing.
These men feel like a series of characters now. I felt so powerless in this weird system that prioritizes men and their opinions. In this song, I was able to imagine an alternate reality where I’m a vengeful spectator in these men’s lives. What if I had died on the road, and what if I came back and plagued them all with my powerful essence that they so easily dismissed, contorted and took advantage of in order to sell me a fucked up car?
I fantasized about how it would feel to “fall off the wheel” and lean into this witchy, monstered realm of existence where men are de-centered. One where I would have no hesitation to put those men in the same danger they put me in.
Whitney – ‘Dandelions’
Whitney have returned with news of their next LP: Small Talk is out November 17, and the familiarly breezy ‘Dandelions’ is out now. “A couple years ago Max [Kakacek] and I were both on the brink of moving across the country to be closer to the people we were dating at the time,” the band’s Julian Ehrlich explained. “Over the span of a few months both relationships somewhat abruptly crumbled, leaving us with equal parts confusion and sadness, mourning the futures that would have accompanied those relationships as well as the relationships themselves. Inspired by those events (and on a whim of Midwestern pride) we wound up spinning the story of ‘Dandelions’ into one of a big city hopeful who gets chewed up and spit back out into the heartland.”
David Byrne – ‘She Explains Things to Me’
“Many times, I have marveled at how a friend (usually a female friend) seems to clock what is going on in a film between characters way before I do,” David Byrne said of ‘She Explains Things to Me’, the second single off his forthcoming LP Who Is The Sky?. “Sometimes I understand poetry, but sometimes I need help. Though inspired by the Solnit book men explain things to me, there is a huge difference — mansplaining is usually unasked for, in this case I am the one asking.” If you also sometimes need help, you’ll find the track particularly charming.
FKA twigs – ‘Perfectly’
FKA twigs has dropped bubbly club track called ‘Perfectly’, her first new music since January’s EUSEXUA. “and so the offerings begin again… if EUSEXUA was the tip of the tongue, PERFECTLY is the oesophagus… i wonder what lays in the belly of the beast,” twigs wrote on Instagram.
The Armed – ‘Sharp Teeth’
The Armed have dropped another blistering yet hooky new single, ‘Sharp Teeth’, from their forthcoming The Future Is Here and Everything Needs to Be Destroyed. It follows previous cuts ‘Well Made Play’ and ‘Kingbreaker’.
Robert Plant – ‘Everybody’s Song’ (Low Cover)
Robert Plant has shared a studio cover of Low’s Everybody’s Song’, a song he shared a live rendition of back in 2020. It serves as the lead single from his forthcoming album Saving Grace, which he described as “a song book of the lost and found.”
Eliza McLamb – ‘Like the Boys’
Eliza has announced Good Story, the follow-up to her impressive 2024 debut Going Through It. It’s led by the heartfelt new song ‘Like the Boys’, which is “about being a girl among the boys,” the singer-songwriter explained. “I wanted to gain their authority, their audacity. I wanted them to love me like they loved each other. And looking back now, I see how we all played pretend with one another. I also see how play can be violent.”
Clipping – ‘Night of Heaven’ [feat. Counterfeit Madison & Kid Koala]
Clipping have announced a deluxe edition of their cyberpunk-inspired record Dead Channel Sky, previewing it with ‘Night Of Heaven’, which finds the group teaming up with Counterfeit Madison and Kid Koala.
múm – ‘Only Songbirds Have a Sweet Tooth’
múm have previewed History of Silence, their first studio album in over a decade, with a delicately processed new track called ‘Only Songbirds Have a Sweet Tooth’. “It’s easily the most light hearted song on the album,” the band’s Örvar Smárason remarked in a press release. “Lots of sunshine, four-track cassette beat, mangled guitar, wonky bass and distorted vocals. It starts with the sound we recorded from a camera flash going off, so it literally begins with a burst of light.”
Alex G – ‘Oranges’
Ahead of its release on Friday, Alex G has shared another single from his major label debut, Headlights. We just posted a track-by-track review of the LP, and you can read about ‘Oranges’ there.
Georgia – ‘Wanna Play’
Georgia is back with an uptempo song called ‘Wanna Play’. She explained, “I wrote this song at a complete crossroads in my life, which is why I stuck with the 160bpm! It’s a fast tempo punk-electro song, inspired by early Knife songs & 80’s Depeche Mode bass-lines. It’s a bit of fun really, I wanted to explore my love for synths again!”
Sam Prekop – ‘Light Shadow’
Sam Prekop has announced a new album, Open Close– due Septembe 26 – with the feathery, entrancing ‘Light Shadow’. The artist aimed to produce a more organic sound out of modular synth, explaining: “In my mind that’s what the modular is really good at doing, adding interesting and less predictable textural elements. That’s only one part of the dialog though. It energizes the other sounds and voices. Along with the steady rhythmic pulses I’ve been gravitating towards, the juxtaposition of those elements becomes a form of architecture within abstraction, just by imposing them on each other and layering them in a precise way.”
White Lies – ‘In the Middle’
White Lies have announced their seventh album, Night Light, which is set for release on November 7. The propulsive lead single ‘In the Middle’ is out now. “The lyrics to the verses for ‘In The Middle’ have been written in notebooks for nearly a decade, waiting for the right vessel, which has finally presented itself in this hypnotic and locomotive piece of music,” the band shared. “It’s a song about moving, not necessarily moving on, but moving to another emotional place needed for growth. It also gives you another taste of our musical growth on this forthcoming album where we fully let our hair and scalps down to embrace a more experimental side of arrangement. And, by the way, it’s a saxophone, not a flute.”
Asher White – ‘Why I Bought the House’
Asher White has shared a charming new single, ‘Why I Bought the House’, from the forthcoming album 8 Tips For Full Catastrophe Living. “It’s written from the perspective of a girlboss whose girlboss mindset has begun to rot and is just starting to look like conquest,” White explained. “Her dreams of flipping houses, of assimilating into a neighborhood in the city, are becoming dubious and condescending.”
Alex G isn’t letting go any time soon. He’s got his foot on the pedal, his head in the clouds, his band on the road, his partner by his side, his son. His 10th album is coming out on a major label, and there’s still a treasure trove of childhood memories to dig up, to try and bridge the disparate pieces and fill the missing ones. “I’ve searched far and wide/ For a place like this/ Now I can close my eyes,” he sings at one point. And what happens then, in the blackness? Maybe his voice thrives, writing out every word, rescuing his younger self. Maybe it gets all distorted, firing up his imagination. Maybe he’ll get dizzy with the big bright light; maybe he’ll miss the one glaring right at him. Still, he won’t step off. So we get Headlights: hushed, gorgeous, and warmly elusive, a high watermark in a career full of them.
1. June Guitar
Something about hitting rock bottom stirs echoes of young love and childhood innocence, just like that fingerpicked guitar might bring back memories of a favorite acoustic song of yours. A swaying synth line glares over it all like a time machine, but the singer remains anchored in the present: “Want you down here swinging low with me” could be directed at a partner or his own child self, shimmering into view. “Love ain’t for the young, anyhow/ Something that you learn from falling down,” he sings. But mature love has a strange, quietly miraculous way of reconnecting us with that younger self, and it feels more like ascending.
2. Real Thing
The song makes one of the record’s most overt references to signing to a major label, but it just goes to show the elusiveness of the real thing – a placeholder for all those things we’re socialized into chasing: success, happiness, fame. Or maybe the real thing is just doing right by the people you care about, which may or not entail those other things. “Yeah, you spilled the real thing all over the floor,” he sings, which you could imagine as literal cash or a symbolic truth laid bare in the middle of an argument. While G distorts his voice a little on the opener, it’s wholly clear on ‘Real Thing’, like a subtle bid for authenticity, though the slightly off-kilter, bent guitar notes are a touch unnerving.
3. Afterlife
The sparkling mandolin; the gleaming falsetto; the sticky-like-summer-sweat hook: ‘Afterlife’ stands out as one of Alex G’s best singles, not least because it’s one of the few where he thrillingly sings about the big bright light he’s shooting toward. You may call it a thirst for creativity, but making meaning still doesn’t warrant making sense. “Let me write down/ Every word/ Once I was a mockingbird,” he sings absurdly, without undercutting the next couplet’s commitment: “Not an angel/ But I’m your man.” A man who hasn’t forgotten what it’s like being a kid, precisely because he now has one.
4. Beam Me Up
“I feel like the song is, its power is in kind of ambiguity,” Alex G told Pitchfork, which sounds like a way to really undercut the sincerity of its opening lines: “Some things I do for love/ Some things I do for money/ It ain’t like I don’t want it/It ain’t like I’m above it.” In the actual context of the song, though, it’s true that the lyrics that follow – subconscious, surreal, a little sci-fi – have a way of obscuring what he actually means. Yet thread the lines and suddenly ambition seems like a better word than ambiguity: a football way up in the sky becomes a rocket, and well, who comes to mind then?
5. Spinning
There’s a haunted, textural quality to Alex G’s guitar, but the string arrangement, by his partner Molly Germer, makes all the difference. More than polishing or even opening up the song, they mirror his voice and lyrics as they burrow inward, remembering a scene “like a bad dream” that “was funny all along.” It sounds like caving in, but even that sounds better in a song.
6. Louisiana
Here’s Alex G with his voice all warped, singing about a woman named Louise like she has nothing to with the song, spinning a guitar riff that sounds like his own version of Midwife’s “heaven metal.” It’s bathed in reverb, melodies buried in the mud, yet distinguishes itself from similarly hypnotic music with those steady, sky-splitting drums, which won’t let your mind wander too far. And when they boom in the chorus alongside overdriven guitars, Louisiana is anywhere you want it to be.
7. Bounce Boy
There were flashes of hyperpop on God Save the Animals, and Headlights drifts back into that territory at a most unexpected moment, favouring a drum machine and dialing up the vocal processing. The lyrics, though, are in the same vein, prayerful and otherworldly.
8. Oranges
The album’s head-in-the-clouds middle stretch sort of ends with this track, which renders childhood fear (‘Oranges’ being the object of it) with tender lucidity, as if singing so pleasantly about “storming in full of sin” is one way of washing it clean. You can’t help but like him in this mode, not when it’s wrapped in such a blessed, shimmery twang.
9. Far and Wide
It sounds like Alex G tried a dozen different ways to sing this song – to buttress or block out its vulnerability – and the cartoonishly nasally voice he lands on might remind you of Kermit or Daniel Johnston, which is precisely the point. It should be funny, even a little cringe, and yet, given its sequencing, gets at the shattered young heart of the album, through a strangely peaceful moment where the pieces don’t make the whole look so broken. You might notice the drawl going away towards the end: “All the world was left/ In faded color/ Didn’t we give everything/ To be with one another.” A rhetorical question in a world of absurd ones, driven home by another eerily swooning arrangement by Germer.
10. Headlights
Don’t let the brooding tone fool you – the title track houses the album’s real jumpscare moment, a brush with death that descends into insanity: “Let the money pave my way,” he sings, trolling the skeptics. Even if you choose not to read into it, it’s just a perfect late-night driving song.
11. Is It Still You In There?
Over jazzy piano straight out of a Charlie Brown special, what sounds like a children’s choir – but is actually Germer, fellow Philadelphia-based violinist Hannah Nicholas, and cellist Carolina Diazgranados – pose a series of questions. Us critics like to paint Giannascoli’s lyrics as impenetrable, but how clearer could it be that that’s his child self on the other side? Not to get stuck in the past, but nudge him to be better, be real, and remember to get lost in the in-between. “Won’t you let the roses bloom for me today?”
12. Logan Hotel (Live)
The band here is Samuel Acchione on guitar, John Heywood on guitar bass, and Tom Kelly drums, and the “live” tag emphasizes their presence rather than marking an actual live recording. After all, who better to rip through a song opening with the lines “I’ve been on the road for a long time/ I’m about to lose my mind”? The key word here is about: the singer is caught between losing his mind and not, staying and not, being Alex G and not. “I think that no matter what you choose, now/ You’re gonna have to lose, now.” Maybe losing ain’t so bad, though. Maybe you get to earn a lot more than a pile of cash.
Blue Dream isn’t just a strain, it’s a phenomenon. First cultivated in California in the early 2000s, this sativa-dominant hybrid has become one of the most recognizable names in cannabis. Despite the constant wave of new hybrids entering the market, Blue Dream continues to thrive.
So what’s the secret behind its two-decade popularity? The answer lies in its genetics, effects, and widespread availability from top cannabis seed banks.
The Genetics Behind Blue Dream’s Legacy
Blue Dream is the result of crossing two classic strains: Blueberry, a flavorful indica, and Haze, a potent sativa known for its energizing high. This pairing delivers a balanced experience that appeals to a wide spectrum of users.
According to Royal Queen Seeds, Blue Dream’s typical THC content ranges between 18% and 22%. It offers an uplifting cerebral buzz accompanied by gentle physical relaxation. This balance makes it a go-to for both daytime creativity and evening wind-downs, depending on the dose.
Why Blue Dream Has Stood the Test of Time
Universally Enjoyable Effects
Blue Dream isn’t polarizing. While some strains skew too far toward couch-lock or overstimulation, Blue Dream finds a middle ground. The initial euphoric lift is ideal for socializing, working on creative projects, or simply relaxing, without overwhelming the user.
Medical users also turn to Blue Dream for relief from chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and nausea. It provides therapeutic benefits without excessive sedation, making it a practical choice for daytime use.
Flavor That Delivers
A key factor in Blue Dream’s enduring success is its taste. The sweet berry flavor, inherited from its Blueberry parent, is enhanced by earthy and herbal undertones. As CannaConnection points out, this smooth, fruity smoke makes Blue Dream especially attractive to first-time users and seasoned connoisseurs alike.
A Grower-Friendly Favorite
Blue Dream isn’t just a consumer favorite—it’s also one of the most reliable strains for cultivators. It’s known for:
High yields
Moderate flowering time
Resistance to mildew and pests
These traits make it appealing for both home growers and commercial operations. It’s adaptable to indoor and outdoor environments, and typically flowers in 9 to 10 weeks.
Blue Dream Seeds Widely Available
One of the reasons Blue Dream has become a global staple is its availability from various breeders, each offering unique takes on the original genetics. At Zamnesia, you’ll find Blue Dream seeds from reputable seed banks, allowing growers to choose the version that best suits their climate, grow space, and desired effects.
Zamnesia makes it easy to compare phenotypes, whether you’re after a more indica-leaning variant for nighttime use or a pure sativa expression for creative stimulation. For anyone looking to grow a proven classic, Blue Dream is a natural choice.
A West Coast Legend Goes Global
Blue Dream’s origins may be in the medical cannabis scene of Santa Cruz, California, but its popularity is now global. As legalization has spread, so has demand. From North America to Europe, Blue Dream remains one of the most consistently requested strains in dispensaries and coffeeshops.
Its name alone carries weight. In a crowded market full of exotic strain names and trendy newcomers, Blue Dream continues to hold a reputation built on consistency, flavor, and a satisfying high.
Final Thoughts: The Dream Lives On
Very few strains manage to stay relevant for more than a few years, let alone two decades. Blue Dream has done that, and more. Its balanced effects, delicious flavor, and accessible growing traits make it a cornerstone of cannabis culture.
For anyone just discovering cannabis or looking to revisit a trusted favorite, Blue Dream delivers. And with so many breeders offering reliable genetics through platforms like Zamnesia, it’s never been easier to grow or enjoy this iconic hybrid.
Nonprofits today face rising expectations from donors, funders, and communities. It’s not enough to say what you do. You need to show it. That’s why nonprofit video production has become one of the most important tools in any mission-driven organization’s communications strategy.
Video delivers emotional resonance, simplifies complex work, and builds trust faster than almost any other medium. Whether you’re producing a donor appeal, an impact story, or a campaign kickoff, video storytelling helps nonprofits turn viewers into believers and believers into supporters.
The Role of Storytelling in Nonprofit Video
Nonprofit video storytelling brings missions to life through real people, real outcomes, and real emotion. It’s not about flashy effects or perfect lighting. It’s about honesty and connection.
Good storytelling gives your audience someone to root for. A single mother escaping homelessness. A teenager thriving thanks to mentorship. A community rallying around a food co-op. These are the stories that don’t just inform; they move people to act.
In video form, storytelling works because it:
Humanizes abstract problems
Shows transformation in a visual, relatable way
Sparks emotional engagement that leads to donations, volunteering, or advocacy
When people understand why your work matters and see its impact they’re far more likely to support it.
What Makes an Effective Fundraising Video?
Fundraising videos are not commercials. They’re short, compelling narratives that show the need, spotlight the solution, and invite the viewer to help make a difference.
An effective fundraising video does a few key things:
Grabs attention immediately The first 5 seconds matter. Use a striking quote, visual, or emotional moment. Don’t start with a logo or mission statement.
Shows the problem clearly and briefly Set the context. Who is affected? Why is this urgent? Use real faces, not generalizations.
Highlights the solution (you) Demonstrate what your nonprofit is doing to help. Keep it human. Show staff, volunteers, or community members in action—not just talking heads.
Ends with a strong call to action Be clear and specific. “Donate now to feed a family this holiday.” “Sponsor a child’s school supplies.” “Join our recurring giving program.”
Stays short Ideally 60–120 seconds. Long enough to create emotion, short enough to keep attention.
Common Types of Nonprofit Videos
You don’t need just one video. You need a small library of flexible formats. Here are the most effective types of nonprofit video production assets:
Impact Stories
These are testimonials from people whose lives have been changed by your work. Focus on the transformation. Let them speak in their own voice, but guide the narrative arc: before → turning point → after.
Program Explainers
These are helpful for grantors or first-time visitors. Use a mix of visuals, narration, and captions to walk through what your program does and how it works.
Fundraising Appeal Videos
Create these for annual campaigns, Giving Tuesday, or gala events. Combine urgency with hope. Use stats only if they’re emotionally relevant.
Thank-You Videos
Recognize donors, partners, or volunteers. A short thank-you from someone who benefited from the support adds powerful reinforcement.
Event Recaps
Film your galas, marches, cleanups, or community days. Cut together a short highlights reel for sharing and promotion next year.
Behind-the-Scenes Videos
Show the effort behind the mission packing boxes, building homes, prepping classrooms. This builds transparency and trust.
Where to Use Nonprofit Videos
Once you’ve created video content, use it across multiple channels to drive reach and ROI.
Website: Put your strongest story on your homepage, donation page, and About section
Email: Embed video links in donor newsletters and appeal emails
Social Media: Shorten for Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn, native formats work best
Events: Play videos at galas, donor breakfasts, or board meetings
Ads: Use short appeal videos for YouTube or social ad campaigns
Grants and Pitches: Add links or QR codes to video stories in funding proposals
Each video becomes an asset you can repurpose again and again.
Budgeting for Nonprofit Video Production
Cost is always a concern. But nonprofit video doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. Here’s a general range for planning:
Simple testimonial/interview video: $600–$1,200
Impact story with B-roll and light editing: $1,500–$3,000
Fundraising video with script, shoot, and branded elements: $3,000–$7,500
Full campaign video with multiple deliverables: $8,000–$15,000+
Some production companies offer nonprofit rates or will work within grant budgets. Others may collaborate on passion projects if the story is compelling. If you’re working with an in-house comms team, consider investing in training and gear to produce smaller videos regularly.
Tips for Planning a Nonprofit Video Shoot
Start with the story, not the gear. Know what story you want to tell, who will be featured, and what message you want to land. Then build the logistics around that.
Prep your speakers. Provide questions in advance, but don’t script them. Let people be themselves. The best moments often come unscripted.
Keep shoots simple. One camera, natural light, and a quiet space can be enough. Don’t overproduce—it can make the message feel too polished or staged.
Capture plenty of B-roll. Get footage of your environment, activities, and interactions. It helps cover jump cuts and adds emotional depth.
Always get permission. Make sure you have signed releases from anyone who appears on camera, especially in sensitive situations.
Real Nonprofit Video Success Stories
A youth mentoring nonprofit used a two-minute impact story of a student and their mentor. That one video helped them exceed their year-end fundraising goal by 40% without changing the rest of their campaign.
A small food rescue group created a short social media video showing volunteers loading trucks and distributing meals. It reached over 100,000 people organically and drove a spike in new volunteer sign-ups.
A health-focused nonprofit used a video pitch in their grant application and was told later it was one of the deciding factors in their approval because it helped the funder “see the work.”
These stories are not the exception. They’re what’s possible with focused, strategic nonprofit video production.
The Long-Term Value of Video Content
Unlike a single campaign mailer or social post, video content keeps delivering. A strong video on your homepage can help you convert casual visitors into committed donors. A great story posted to social, can get reshared again and again. And evergreen video assets like testimonials, behind-the-scenes footage, or thank-you messages can be used for months or years.
Video also humanizes your team. It puts faces to the names behind the emails. It makes your mission feel personal and real.
Final Word: Video Isn’t a Trend It’s a Communication Standard
You don’t need a huge budget or a viral TikTok strategy. You need clarity, authenticity, and a strong partner who understands how to tell a story that serves your mission.
Nonprofit video production is more than just filming. It’s a chance to shape the narrative, inspire new supporters, and show the world the impact of your work.
In a world flooded with information, stories still cut through.
Betting has evolved far beyond smoke-filled bookmakers and the shady alleyway wagers of old. Today, betting is undergoing a dramatic transformation—not just in how people place bets, but in how it’s perceived as part of popular culture. Thanks to technological innovation, changing social attitudes, and the integration of betting with mainstream entertainment, gambling has carved out a new identity in the digital age.
A Global Phenomenon Reinvented
Across the world, betting has become increasingly digitized. From Europe to North America, bettors no longer have to visit a physical location to place a wager. Online platforms now offer seamless betting experiences that can be accessed from mobile phones, tablets, or desktops. This convenience has significantly widened the betting demographic, attracting younger, tech-savvy users who engage with betting as casually as they do with streaming or social media.
Alongside this shift, many jurisdictions are modernizing their gambling laws to better align with the realities of digital betting. Regulation brings legitimacy and consumer protection, further normalizing betting as a leisure activity. In countries like the UK, betting advertisements appear during major sports broadcasts and sponsorships from betting companies are common in football, rugby, and even esports.
Expanding Options with Online Betting Sites Canada
As the digital marketplace for betting expands, regional differences in platform offerings become more apparent. For instance, online betting sites Canada have gained significant traction due to their user-friendly interfaces, legal clarity, and the wide range of betting markets they support. Canadian bettors have access to both provincial and international platforms, offering competitive odds, secure payment methods, and specialized promotions.
These platforms often cater to local preferences, including hockey, basketball, and curling, while also enabling bets on international sports like football and UFC. The Canadian regulatory environment has also taken steps to accommodate single-event betting, which has long been a point of demand among users. All this makes the Canadian market a prime example of how localized online betting ecosystems are thriving globally.
Betting and Entertainment: A Cultural Crossover
The intersection of betting and popular culture is no longer subtle. Betting content is embedded within podcasts, YouTube shows, and even social media influencers’ content. Sports betting, in particular, has found a natural synergy with sports commentary and live analysis, leading to a rise in real-time wagering, fantasy sports leagues, and predictive analytics.
Beyond sports, novelty betting markets have grown in popularity. People can now bet on events ranging from the Oscars to political elections, showing how betting has extended its influence beyond traditional boundaries. This gamification of real-world events plays into people’s curiosity and desire to engage more interactively with the world around them.
The Rise of Responsible Gambling Tools
While accessibility is a huge advantage of modern betting platforms, it also presents risks. That’s why many reputable sites have implemented responsible gambling features such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion tools. Mental health awareness in the gambling space has grown in tandem with betting’s popularity, with organizations worldwide advocating for a balanced approach to wagering.
Public figures and celebrities now partner with responsible gambling initiatives to reduce the stigma of seeking help and to promote safe gambling habits. This cultural acceptance of moderation reflects a healthier, more sustainable outlook on betting as part of daily life.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Betting
Emerging technologies like blockchain and AI are likely to further revolutionize the betting industry. Blockchain promises transparency and faster payouts, while AI enhances predictive models and customer support experiences. As augmented and virtual reality develop, the idea of attending a virtual racetrack or stadium to place live bets may soon be a reality.
Meanwhile, betting platforms are expected to become even more personalized, offering tailor-made promotions, game recommendations, and betting tips based on individual behavior. This personalization adds another layer of engagement that keeps users returning—not just for the odds, but for the overall experience.
Conclusion
Betting today is as much a cultural movement as it is a financial activity. It blends entertainment, technology, and personal expression, reshaping how people interact with sports and global events. With platforms like online betting sites Canada setting high standards for accessibility and responsible play, the industry is well-positioned for continued growth. As long as innovation is paired with responsibility, betting will remain a dynamic and culturally relevant aspect of modern life
What does it mean to give new meaning to objects in an age defined by digital saturation, fractured attention, and semantic overload? For curator Yanru Hu, the answer lies not in spectacle but in structure. Her curatorial practice takes seriously the proposition that objects are not neutral carriers of form but active participants in meaning-making. With a background in choreography and a deep engagement with interdisciplinary theory, Yanru has emerged as a practitioner uniquely attuned to how things—materials, gestures, arrangements—speak, transform, and re-signify.
This approach was most clearly articulated in Substance & Recoding, a group exhibition held from 29 May to 1 June 2025 at Mezzanine, Orion Business Centre, Surrey Canal Road, London. Yanru served as the lead curator of the project, which was situated in an artist-run space known for dialogic formats. Conceived as an inquiry into what she terms “semantic turbulence” — the condition in which everyday objects lose their fixed referents and begin to oscillate between past meanings and speculative futures — the exhibition drew on semantic turn theory and Yanru’s experience in performance-led environments. Rather than presenting a static display, Yanru curated the show as a discursive environment—a living system of semiotic play.
Substance & Recoding Exhibition
The exhibition featured a diverse set of works spanning sculpture, installation, glass, metal, and interactive media. What linked them was not aesthetic similarity but a shared logic of recoding. One installation reassembled consumer waste into ritual configurations, invoking both ecological anxiety and ancestral memory. Another presented a set of mirrored objects that distorted viewers’ reflections, destabilising visual identity in real time. Throughout the space, audience engagement was subtly choreographed: motion-sensitive lighting, shifting sightlines, and intentional thresholds slowed down movement and invited reconsideration. The works did not simply occupy space; they recalibrated it.
“In my curatorial work,” Yanru notes, “I am less interested in representation and more in transformation. What can an object become once its function is suspended? What new stories emerge when we disrupt its expected context?”
OOO Exhibition Poster
These questions are further explored in OOO, an exhibition co-curated by Yanru in response to Object-Oriented Ontology. Rather than viewing objects as tools awaiting human interpretation, OOO positions them as autonomous agents with internal logic and vitality. Through installations, images, sound, and material-based interventions, the exhibition suspends the utilitarian gaze and asks audiences to encounter objects on their own terms. “No explanation. No naming. No use. Let the object simply be,” reads the exhibition text—an echo of Yanru’s ongoing resistance to prescriptive meaning. Here, objects collide, withdraw, and respond, shaping a sensory field led by non-human presence.
This shift from “What do I see?” to “How are objects occurring?” is emblematic of Yanru’s broader curatorial philosophy: interaction over interpretation, provocation over prescription. Whether in Substance & Recoding or OOO, she curates cognitive architectures—environments that host alternate modes of knowing.
A participatory logic threads through both projects. In Substance & Recoding, modular objects invited reconfiguration. In OOO, viewers became part of a relational ecology in which meaning was continually deferred. The exhibitions function not as closed narratives but as dynamic fields of propositions. They owe as much to Yanru’s earlier career in choreography as to critical theory—walls become pauses, sightlines accelerations, materials cues. Just as a choreographer anticipates kinesthetic response, she maps the audience’s sensorial script.
But beyond spatial intelligence, what distinguishes her curatorial practice is its philosophical depth. In a culture where images and objects are ceaselessly recoded by commerce and media, she positions the exhibition as a space of resistance and re-seeing. Her curating performs a kind of reverse engineering: pulling apart familiar categories and reassembling them speculatively. Whether exploring semantic turbulence or decentralising the human, her exhibitions stage environments where objects ask new questions, and viewers must learn to listen differently.
In an era where the boundaries between information and materiality blur, Yanru’s curatorial method insists that objects are never just things. They are systems under tension, stories in waiting, agents of disruption. What she gives us is not a fixed meaning, but a renewed mode of attention—an invitation to re-enter the world of objects with curiosity, humility, and wonder.
