Have you been noticing casino ads on your pizza boxes? Are you getting more and more ads for things that you only mentioned once in passing? The reasons behind this trend may be more alarming than you might think, with social media, browsers, and even advertising agencies walking a thin line between legality and bad taste. Join us as we show you the shocking world of modern advertisement.
Being provocative is the best way to get views, be they online or offline. A beautiful model showcasing lingerie on a billboard is guaranteed to get more attention from passing drivers than an ad about vegan food. While some get annoyed by these scantily clad ads, calling them everything from immoral to annoying, others find a different target: casino ads. These are by far the most divisive, with people either loving them or hating them. However, all press is good press, as they say.
The Rise of Provocative Gambling Ads
New online casinos join the global gaming market on a daily, with a few peeking their heads above the crowd. While offering the best bonuses, games, and other incentives used to work like a charm, it is now nothing more than a cliché. Brands are, therefore, pushing boundaries by trying to go viral on TikTok, Instagram, or national news. The most extreme example of this is takeaway boxes, which plaster free spin ads on your favorite Pizza Hut pizza.
Clever Provocations:
Meme Campaigns – Nothing gets spread more on the internet than cat pictures and memes. Some online gaming venues have gone all out on meme development, with some integrating memes completely into their marketing. This is especially appealing to the newer generation of punters, those that use memes as a subculture.
Fast Food Partnerships – Everyone gets fast food delivery every now and again. A clever UK-based casino went all in on putting themselves onto fast food orders by plastering their 300 free spin promotion on Pizza Hut’s boxes. Such a stunt, while widely criticized, is bound to repeat as it was highly effective.
Reusing News Anchors – Some brands, such as Betano Casinos, have hired national news anchors in countries like Portugal to promote their brand. TV personalities are widely known, with all of their moves being scrutinized. Hiring a news anchor to promote a casino brand is, therefore, a clever and effective tactic.
The Art Behind the Ad
Regardless of how people perceive an ad, it is always a form of art, from the cinematography and skillful photography to the clever catchphrases and catchy tunes. A good ad is nothing short of a masterpiece, with a million and one pieces coming together just perfectly. However, the art does not stop at the level of ad development; it goes much deeper.
Software solutions, such as browsers and dedicated applications, constantly monitor our activity. From caching our searches to simply following our geographic location, they know more than most would want them to. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that ads are becoming increasingly more targeted.
We have all been there. You mentioned something in passing, and a few hours later, you get an ad for it. This is where the real line should be: your privacy. While you can do little to keep all of your information away from prying eyes, you can definitely hide some of your online activities.
Anonymizing Your Ads
If you are tired of getting ads for a hobby, such as placing a few sports bets or the occasional slot spin, you can easily push the ad agencies away. The easiest way to do so is to use incognito mode when browsing the internet and reporting every ad you get as inappropriate. Various advertising algorithms will then be confused as to what you want to see and start showing you random products in hopes of getting a click or two.
Where The Law Stands
But by far, the biggest role in keeping your ads acceptable belongs to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The latter has guidelines that strictly limit what you are allowed to market. It is these government employees that decide what has or would go too far. While some say that ASA is lagging far behind most European countries in terms of strictness, others say that it is too strict. Whatever the case may be, ASA does its best to keep up with the lightning-fast developments of the advertising world. If you want to stay informed on the latest developments in the world of iGaming and how the industry is reshaping advertising, check out informative sites such as OnlineCasinoReports UK, where you will get the latest scoops.
Gaming has evolved rapidly in the past few decades, and with it, the genres that attract players continue to shift and diversify. From retro classics to modern masterpieces, the gaming landscape is constantly expanding, and new trends and technologies keep reshaping the way players experience their favourite games. This year, several emerging genres are poised to capture the attention of gamers around the world.
Online Casino Games: The Digital Frontier of Gaming
Online casino games have long been a staple of digital entertainment, but their popularity is expected to soar even higher in the coming years. The convenience and accessibility of online gambling, combined with technological advancements, have made it an increasingly attractive option for those looking for both casual and immersive gaming experiences. As online casino games reach new heights of popularity, a growing number of bettors are seeking out casinos not affected by GamStop to play games like slots and blackjack conveniently from home. These platforms, which bypass the UK’s strict rules, are known for their flexibility and ease of access. They’ve seen growth in recent years as bettors seek out more convenient ways to access the games they love most online.
What makes online casino games so appealing is their variety. Players can enjoy everything from classic card games like blackjack and poker to slot machines, roulette, and even virtual sports betting. The development of live dealer games has also revolutionised the online casino experience, allowing players to engage with real-life dealers in real time via video streams.
One of the most exciting aspects of the online casino genre is the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). VR casinos, in particular, are set to redefine the online gambling experience by immersing players in a 3D virtual world where they can interact with the environment, engage in live gaming experiences, and even socialise with other players. Additionally, the rise of cryptocurrency payments has brought a new level of convenience and security to online casino transactions, enabling quicker and more seamless deposits and withdrawals.
Simulation Games: The Rise of Virtual Worlds
Simulation games have been a core part of gaming for years, but the genre is rapidly evolving with the integration of more realistic graphics, complex mechanics, and interactive worlds. Popular games like The Sims 4, which has over 70 million players globally, and Microsoft Flight Simulator have already proven the power of simulation gaming, but recent advancements have taken the genre to new heights.
This year, simulation games are expected to become even more immersive, offering players the opportunity to experience detailed virtual environments that replicate real-world scenarios. These could range from managing an entire city to running a virtual farm, or even controlling the operations of a spaceship. As technology advances, simulation games will continue to become more lifelike and engaging, drawing players into expansive, open-world experiences that feel increasingly real.
Virtual reality and AR are also making significant contributions to this genre. Players may soon be able to step into the virtual shoes of a firefighter, pilot, or even a surgeon, experiencing real-time simulations of complex tasks in highly detailed environments. Whether it’s driving a train, farming a vast landscape, or running a business empire, simulation games are quickly becoming one of the most captivating genres for players who want to escape into a virtual reality that mirrors the real world.
Augmented Reality (AR) Games: Blurring the Line Between Digital and Physical
While virtual reality (VR) has already made waves in the gaming world, augmented reality (AR) is the next big thing. AR games overlay digital elements into the real world, offering a gaming experience that is both immersive and interactive. Unlike VR, which completely immerses players in a virtual world, AR enhances the real-world environment by superimposing computer-generated elements onto the physical world.
One of the most significant AR gaming experiences that gained widespread attention was Pokémon Go. Players could use their smartphones to find and catch virtual Pokémon hidden in real-world locations, encouraging outdoor activity and social interaction. However, this was just the beginning for AR gaming. In the future, we expect to see more advanced AR experiences that make use of smart glasses or contact lenses, allowing players to interact with virtual worlds more seamlessly. From scavenger hunts in city streets to location-based adventure games, AR offers an exciting and innovative way to engage with gaming.
Indie Games: A Focus on Creativity and Innovation
Indie games are steadily gaining traction and are expected to continue to rise in popularity in 2025. Unlike large studios that often focus on high-budget blockbusters, indie game developers can focus on unique concepts, storytelling, and experimental gameplay mechanics. These games may not always have the best graphics, but they often offer something special in terms of creativity and innovation.
Indie games like Hades, Celeste, and Hollow Knight have gained critical acclaim for their distinct art styles, storytelling, and gameplay. As more players seek out fresh, original gaming experiences, indie games are becoming an increasingly important part of the gaming landscape. Platforms like Steam and itch.io provide easy access to indie titles, and the rise of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter means that independent developers have more opportunities to get their games made and out into the market.
Man/Woman/Chainsaw have released a new single, ‘Adam & Steve’. Recorded by Seth Evans and Margo Broom at RAK Studios, the ecstatically melodic track features dual vocals from Billy Ward and Vera Leppänen. Listen to it below.
“We wrote ‘Adam & Steve’ last year and it’s our own bittersweet take on the heart-on-sleeve love song,” Ward explained in a press release. “It comes from a place of wanting to find a little fairy tale escapism in modern romance.”
Clothes aren’t just a tool for adults to convey their individuality. Curating a wardrobe designed for trending teens is more than just setting outfits. It is about knowing comfort, utility, and style. Dressing up kids can be fun, be it on a casual school day or something special. In this post, you will learn how to create a well-rounded wardrobe for your children, keeping it as cute as ever.
Understanding Style Basics
Children’s fashion should meet the demands of both comfort and elegance. Start with visiting a boys clothing store for solid basics that are the building blocks of an outfit. They offer soft, breathable materials that can be used with dresses, T-shirts, trousers, etc., to keep your child comfortable during the day. Choosing neutral colors such as white, navy, or gray will give you the versatility to mix and match. Moreover, these looks use well-built clothing that can endure rolling, running, and active play while still looking chic.
Seasonal Essentials
Season-based styling is important for a kid, so you must adapt the wardrobe according to it. Opt for cotton or linen during the summer months. These fabrics can cool down the children and keep them calm. Layering is an absolute must during the colder months. Sweaters, jackets, and hats are comfortable yet can be moved out of the way to help keep warm. Choose a waterproof outer layer for rainy days to keep them dry while playing outdoors.
Choosing the Right Footwear
Footwear also matters in bringing a complete outfit together. Sneakers are suitable for everyday wear and are comfortable, durable shoes. Choose styles that feature cushioned soles and airy fabrics. When you’re dressing your kids for an occasion, opt for shoes that go well with the outfit’s colors. Ballet flats or loafers bring in some class while maintaining comfort. Fitting is also essential. The shoes should fit them naturally for maximum comfort.
Accessorizing with Flair
Accessories can enhance the overall look of a child. Hats, scarves, or sunglasses not only have a fashionable side to them but also a practical side. Add playfulness to a tousled, laid-back look with hair accessories, plastic clips, or headbands. Bright mittens or gloves keep little hands warm on those chilly days and round the outfit off with a splash of color. Choose accessories that are age-appropriate and comfortable.
Dressing For All Special Occasions
On special nights out, go the extra mile in outfits that pop but are comfortable, too. Dresses and suits are necessary for formal settings, but style does not have to be sacrificed. Opt for soft fabric and inserts and adjustable designs that allow for movement. Even more casual, smart-casual outfits are appropriate for a more relaxed event, balancing sophistication with comfort. Include some fun prints or textures to add a little bit of versatility to the outfit.
Encourage Them to Choose Their Style
Giving kids some freedom to choose what they wear promotes individuality and creativity. Simply give them a couple of choices and let them choose which resonates with their personality. Letting kids pick out their clothes helps them feel confident in their choices and their fashion sense. Encouraging them to express themselves with clothes can help with their self-esteem.
Sustainable Fashion Choices
Sustainability is a major topic in fashion these days, and children’s wardrobes are no exception. Seek out brands that use sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices. Secondhand or thrifted pieces provide sustainable options while imparting an eclectic touch to your wardrobe. Instilling mindful habits in children throughout their upbringing from an early age is a direct result of teaching them about the significance of sustainability. It makes the process of picking your wardrobe more conscious.
Organizing the Wardrobe
A well-organized wardrobe makes choosing outfits simple each day. Sort garments based on type or purpose so they remain accessible. Keep stuff organized with storage bins and baskets. Periodically assess the closet to get rid of anything too small or no longer worn. It keeps clothes usable, in circulation, and out of the landfill. A clutter-free environment promotes independence, so the children can easily pick out their clothes.
Conclusion
Curating a wardrobe for the littlest fashionistas is much more than choosing clothes. Comfort, style, and practicality are the three ingredients of a versatile collection. Thinking about seasonal requirements, allowing for sartorial creativity, and specifically opting for sustainable choices can create a well-rounded closet. These tips will make dressing your kids a fun process that also promotes their personality and creativity.
Gwenno has announced a new album called Utopia, which will be released on July 11 via Heavenly. The follow-up to 2022’s Mercury Prize-nominated Tresor was produced by longtime collaborator Rhys Edwards and features contributions from Cate Le Bon and H. Hawkline. It’s led by the mesmerizing ‘Dancing on Volcanoes’, which blurs the line between catharsis and nostalgia. Check it out and find the album cover and tracklist below.
Reflecting on the lead single, Gwenno said: “Jarvis Cocker dancing alone on stage, surrounded by dry ice, perfectly conveying the loss of our congregational dancing and drinking in small venues with a slight swing of the hip and flick of a hand… dancing ’til 5am at Le Mandela restaurant in Grangetown, Cardiff… the Pet Shop Boys’ perfectly aimed observations on modern life… the spirit of Johnny Marr on guitar, his echoes of the Celtic sea passed down through the generations… the need to dance as a cathartic act… it’s all here – Dancing on Volcanoes!”
After releasing three albums in Welsh and Cornish, Utopia marks Gwenno’s first album recorded predominantly in English. “I feel as if I’ve written a debut record, because it’s a different language and it’s a different part of my life,” Gwenno explained. “It’s about that point where I go out into the world on my own, which people generally write about first, and then get on with their lives. But it’s taken me so long to digest it — I needed 20 years just to make sense of things, and I realized the starting point of my creative life isn’t Wales, it’s actually North America.”
“I think the way I’ve managed to write in English is by acknowledging that I can’t translate a lot of memories,” she added. “I’ve found that idea really important to explore. I think if I’d just stayed in Wales, and I hadn’t lived anywhere else or experienced any other culture then it would be really different. I would’ve made records in Welsh, but I left home at 16.”
Utopia Cover Artwork:
Utopia Tracklist:
1. London 1757
2. Dancing On Volcanoes
3. Utopia
4. Y Gath
5. War
6. 73
8. The Devil
8. Ghost Of You
9. St Ives New School
10. Hireth
Clem Burke, the longtime Blondie drummer who also appeared on albums by Pete Townshend, Iggy Pop, and Bob Dylan, has died. His bandmates Debbie Harry and Chris Stein confirmed the news on Instagram, noting that he’d been privately battling cancer. Burke was 70 years old.
“Clem was not just a drummer; he was the heartbeat of Blondie,” they wrote. “His talent, energy, and passion for music were unmatched, and his contributions to our sound and success are immeasurable. Beyond his musicianship, Clem was a source of inspiration both on and off the stage. His vibrant spirit, infectious enthusiasm and rock solid work ethic touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Born Clement Bozewski on November 24, 1954 in Bayonne, New Jersey, Burke played in several cover bands before moving to New York, where Harry and Stein recruited him to be their drummer. After original bassist Fred Smith left Blondie to join Television, Burke kept the group together by enlisting his friend Gary Valentine to play bass. Along with Harry and Stein, he is the only member of the band to perform on every one of their studio albums, from 1976’s self-titled to 2017’s Pollinator, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with them in 2006.
After Blondie took an extended hiatus following the release of The Hunter in 1982, Burke drummed for Eurythmics, Iggy Pop, the Romantics, Pete Townshend, Bob Dylan, Joan Jett, and the Go-Go’s’ Kathy Valentine, among others. He was part of a number of supergroups, including the International Swingers (with Sex Pistols bass player Glen Matlock, guitarist James Stevenson of Generation X, and singer Gary Twinn of Supernaut) and Slinky Vagabond (with Matlock, David Bowie guitarist Earl Slick, and Keanan Duffty). In the early 2010s, he also became a founding member of the Split Squad.
In 2011, Burke received an honorary doctorate from the University of Gloucestershire for his work on the Clem Burke Drumming Project, which studied the physical, mental, and health benefits of drumming over an 8-year period.
“Clem’s influence extended far beyond Blondie,” the group’s statement continued. “A self proclaimed ‘Rock & Roll survivalist,’ he played and collaborated with numerous iconic artists, including Eurythmics, Ramones, Bob Dylan, Bob Geldof, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Chequered Past, the Fleshtones, the Romantics, Dramarama, the Adult Net, the Split Squad, the International Swingers, L.A.M.F., Empty Hearts, Slinky Vagabond and even the Go-Go’s. His influence and contributions have spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on every project he was a part of.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to Clem’s family, friends, and fans around the world,” they added. “His legacy will live on through the tremendous amount of music he created and the countless lives he touched. As we navigate this profound loss, we ask for privacy during this difficult time. Godspeed, Dr. Burke.”
In the world of Great Grandpa‘s Patience, Moonbeam, things can move at lightning speed. “It’s perfect when I leave you, damn,” goes a gut-churning line on album centerpiece ‘Doom’, before ‘Task’ frames the feeling of perfection through a more familiar and grounded lens: the kind of song you sing along to. “It’s out of mind/ Those things that hurt us/ It moves right through/ The things we made/ It’s like there’s only sun/ All the darkness here is gone,” Al Menne sings, and another run of group vocals soon provides the evidence. ‘Task’ did not start as a song about the Seattle-founded quintet’s artistic and personal reunion; ‘Doom’, open to interpretation as it may be, was certaintly not written as its point of contrast. No one left the band – still comprising Pat and Caroline Goodwin, Al Menne, Dylan Hanwright, and Cam LaFlam – in the time since 2019’s Four of Arrows, though periods of creative uncertainty and geographical separation at least partly contibuted to the wait between albums. Carefully constructed, collaborative, and cohesive, Patience, Moonbeam allows each member to reorient their timelines, infuse intimacy with drama, and filter their personal experiences through history, mystery, and above all, community. And so, even as they question the very nature of it, Great Grandpa prove themselves up to the task.
We caught up with Great Grandpa’s Pat Goodwin and Cam LaFlam and to talk about every song on their new album, Patience, Moonbeam. Read our track-by-track breakdown and listen to the album below.
1. Sleep
Tell me about the decision to open the record with an instrumental, as opposed to having something like the piano interlude on Four of Arrows in the middle of it.
Pat Goodwin: I always imagined that ‘Sleep’ was part of ‘Never Rest’. The fact we split it up – I don’t know if we ever even had a conversation about this in particular. But we live in a world of instant gratification, and I think people are very terrified of not hooking people right away. We wanted to give the listener a bit more benefit of the doubt, or trust them a bit more that they wouldn’t just turn it off after 10 seconds because they’re like, “Well, this is just some boring instrumental track, I’ll never listen to the rest of this.” I do think most listeners are more savvy than people give them credit for, and that they will have that patience. And if somebody doesn’t, that’s okay. Maybe the record is not for them. I think the record is about longer payoffs – about investment, and then having that come later, which is kind of antithetical to the way our culture works these days. Even us taking so long to make it, I think, is part of that. Just having the confidence on our end to feel like we can do something that maybe is not an intelligent choice from a marketing or branding or PR standpoint but serves the larger narrative of the album.
All of us, for the most part, have some sort of tenderness or love of more progressive or avant-garde or experimental music. There’s obviously so many great records that give you that sort of introduction to the world, that guides you in gently– this used to obviously be more of a hallmark of records back in the ’60s and ’70s. If you look at Pink Floyd or even pop artists like Elton John, they’d do stuff like this where there’d be these extended intros that set the stage in a more theatrical way. And I do think people are more scared of that now.
2. Never Rest
‘Never Rest’ introduces this idea of patience, or being “patient-eyed,” counteracting with a restless kind of yearning. It’s also interesting how “I never rest, only sleep” comes into contrast with the previous album, which was named after the tarot card symbolizing rest.
PW: That’s a great insight. I’m glad you picked up on that. I feel like talking about this stuff, there’s always a fine balance between wanting the listener to discover the puzzle or unravel it themselves. We talk about this a lot ourselves: How much do we want to hand-hold people, or be super literal about talking about these things upfront? But I always feel much more open to talk about it in interviews like this, where there’s this sense of the person having dug into it, and there’s a sense of appreciation or understanding already for that. But we want to give people that space.
I saw somebody note that the record starts with a birth and ends with a death – there’s this cyclical thing. It’s a motif we’ve explored a lot in our music: the push-and-pull between the high energy and the low energy, of resting or working. I think for a lot of us in the band who have more dysregulated mood stuff, it’s very much part of our reality. Sometimes I’m hyper-productive and have an outpouring of creativity, and other times I’m very subdued and retreat a bit. I think the beginning of ‘Sleep’ leading into ‘Never Rest’ is this moment of real tension in my life, of becoming a parent. Like, there’s this birth coming, and feeling unprepared, feeling scared in a way. So much of my identity and my sense of self comes from the creative labor of making art like this, and I think I had a sense that I would be losing that, almost, if I became a parent. That all of my time, and the real labor that goes into making art, would be sort of taken away by becoming a parent. I’m not afraid to say, I was very terrified.
I think it very much came from an authentic place of feeling that tension mixed with that excitement of this transformative thing, and trying to wrestle with that. That’s kind of the core spirit of ‘Never Rest’ – that wrestling with letting go. Because, in many ways, I think to be an artist requires a sense of selfishness. I mean, what you make in the end could be argued to have more selfless qualities, because other people enjoy it and appreciate it. But often, to create it is a very selfish thing and requires a lot of sacrifice from others around you, just because of the amount of emotional and literal time that is required for its creation.
3. Junior
I think ‘Junior’ provides traces of a story to the foreboding atmosphere that you’ve built up by this point, but it still has a light and feathery touch to it. How do you think it works in the context of the album?
Cam LaFlam: I think it has an immediacy to it, coming out of ‘Never Rest’. There’s some real crisp vividness to the lyrics, but also a certain energetic element to the song that carries it all the way through. I feel like that was something I tried to bring in terms of the drums, that driving energy. It’s one I’ve really been enjoying playing as a group.
PG: I’ve been going back and forth about talking about this song in more depth. When I was writing it, because I was so steeped in the world it’s derived from – it’s actually based on historical events and people – I felt like when I finished it that it was quite literal, and everyone would know exactly what it was about. But then no one’s picked up on that. I never wanted it to be too on the nose, that it was something people would come to on their own. So at this point, I’m more curious to lay some of the seeds for people to explore that a bit more, which ties into the songs in the record.
At least for my own songs on this record, I like that idea of starting very personal and then closing that loop. So, ‘Never Rest’ is a very personal song, and ‘Kid’ is a very personal song, In the past, I’ve always written much more small, very personal, internal types of songs, and I really wanted to push myself to get out of that and try exploring different styles, maybe more narrative, fictional characters. Trying out topical songs, different sorts of songwriting paradigms. So with the middle of the record, I really wanted to sandwich a lot of that in. And one of the big things sort of in the middle of the record for me is this – I’ve been calling it like the “cult trilogy,” and that’s ‘Doom’, ‘Emma’, and ‘Junior’, and they all are tied together.
‘Junior’, in so few words, is really based on the life of Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet. I listened to this podcast that is incredibly fascinating. The person who writes the podcast and presents it is an ex-Mormon who grew up in the church and then became sort of a historian of the Mormon faith and is quite literal and factual about the actual history of what happened, how this religion or this cult – depending on your perspective – came to be. And it’s stranger than fiction, right? The cast of characters and some of the events that happened are pretty inspiring from a creative standpoint. After listening to it, I was like, “This is such rich source material.” You look at a film like The Master, which was of course based on L. Ron Hubbard, and I always thought that was a very elegant exploration of that. So I was hoping to kind of do something like that in more lyrical form on this record. There’s obviously my own biases, but I want to keep it in a way detached from the whole thing and more tender.
‘Junior’ is more about Joseph Smith, first from his father’s perspective in the first verse, and then the second verse is from his own perspective. Because it’s always interesting with these kinds of people: How much of it do they truly believe versus how much of it is part of some sort of manipulative grift? I think there’s always an element of both with many cult leaders, where I think they do believe it to some extent, but there’s also a sense that they are just a manipulator. I wanted to try to walk that line of keeping that sort of human aspect of it, of what really what happened in his life, and falling in love with Emma, who is his first wife. That’s what the next song is about: a love letter from Joseph Smith to his wife.
4. Emma
The intimacy of it is curious and human, but also unnerving and open-ended.
PG: There’s this anxiety, right? I believe that Joseph Smith did have a genuine love – despite having more wives later in his life – for Emma, and that she was in a way singular and special. But being this first love and someone who was fundamental to his growth as a cult leader and was there from the very beginning – mixed with the fact that he’s building this sort of empire on lies – how do you reckon with that? There’s this awareness that he’s building this whole house of cards, and how do I protect this person that I love or keep that from them? I wanted to really try to find a way to approach that with a sense of tenderness but also unease. It’s like Breaking Bad or any of these things where these people get so deep into the lie that the illusion they’re putting up to the ones they love just starts to weigh on them more and more. I wanted to bring that across both in the sound of the song but also in those lyrics.
CL: When we worked on ‘Emma’, we developed it from Pat’s idea relatively late in these songs. And the connection that emerged in the melodic element between ‘Emma’ and ‘Doom’ goes back again to these connections Pat’s been speaking to.
5. Ladybug
I know Al and Dylan both contributed lyrics to the song. I’m curious if the collaborative process was as playful as the song sounds.
CL: For sure, yeah. We took it through a number of iterations. It had its very initial building blocks, and then over several years, we constructed several different pieces of architecture. Whether in some of the little loops and hooks that we discovered along the way, or the shouted vocals – I remember recording those and having a blast.
PG: It was something lyrically that I struggled with for a long time. Eventually, it gained this sense of confidence, of leaning into the sort of hedonistic quality of it. I do think the pursuit of happiness – because that’s kind of the point of the song – everybody’s familiar with the general message there. But the song that I really like to point to for this one, and I like the way they speak about it, is ‘Catching Smoke’ – it’s a King Gizzard song off Butterfly 3000. I remember reading a press thing once about that, and them just talking about how they really wanted to shamelessly make something hedonistic, that’s just about the ecstatic joy of taking drugs with your friends and not overthinking that. Just trying to capture that lightning-in-a-bottle thing.
I think I was fighting the natural energy of the song, trying to turn it into something it wasn’t. And then when I came back and started working on the lyrics the second time, I sort of leaned into the origin of the song, which was really about a friend and I taking acid and stumbling into a wedding in a park – we didn’t know the people there, we just happened upon it and became a part of this wedding while we were tripping. It was just a very surreal and funny experience, something incredibly memorable. But it’s one of those things where, like anything, these moments are incredibly fleeting, and they’re artificial in a way. The drugs are not an actual path to happiness – it’s a transient thing, not a long-term, deeper wellness. I’m pretty into meditation and trying to find that contentment in the baseline. But of course, like anyone else, I’m attracted to that appeal, and historically was a lot more when I was younger – trying to chase those highs, the rush, the excitement. And that’s something that never truly brings a lasting sense of peace or happiness.
I wanted to ride that line of worshiping and expressing a love for those moments, while also keeping them at a distance and saying, “This is something that’s not necessarily good for me or what I’m actually seeking.” This was so fun, and this moment was really meaningful, yet I don’t want this to be something I’m seeking out.
6. Kiss the Dice
This is one of the subtler songs on the record, yet still gestures at something profound. Cam, can you speak to the detail in the background instrumentation of the track, especially the percussion?
CL: Al was the primary songwriter for ‘Kiss the Dice’, and it was one that I think pretty immediately we just responded to. With the drums, I remember one phase of working on this record – we were doing some writing/arranging pre-production at this great studio in Anacortes, Washington, called The Unknown, and I believe that was the space where we were doing some exploration for ‘Kiss the Dice’. With Dylan leading much of the production and engineering of this album, we ended up pulling some drum pieces from those sessions, which I think really served well for ‘Kiss the Dice’. Just one element of Al’s brilliance as a songwriter is their ability to construct a song that feels so full and meaningful but also can carry brevity. There’s really an immediacy to that song for me. It felt like the right place for some more subtlety there, like you said, coming out of ‘Ladybug’.
PG: I do think immediacy is the key word. It really came together so quickly. So many songs went through lots of iterations and maybe are even overwrought in a sense. Even in Al’s performance, where he cuts loose a bit, there’s just something about that rawness that feels really refreshing, and a really good foil to some of the other stuff, which is more orchestrated and has an almost over-perfectionist precision.
7. Doom
How much can you tell me about this song as a conclusion to that trilogy, without necessarily giving a definitive narrative?
PG: It’s one where I do like the idea of it being more of a cryptic piece of the puzzle. The one thing I feel more comfortable giving as a clue to people if they want to dig into that world: it’s taking a lot of the concepts of what constitutes a cult, and how is a cult made, how that transforms people, and applying that to a more modern lens. It’s more our world as opposed to the world of, like, the 1830s. It’s kind of expanding on some of those themes explored, but from a more contemporary lens. And the other underlying theme in that one as well is The Green Knight, the Arthurian lore. So there’s a mixture: exploring the earlier stuff through a more modern lens, but also an even more ancient one as well.
8. Task
The song has this perfectly down-to-earth and kind of pure euphoria that’s maybe not fully realized in ‘Ladybug’. I love how it takes this curious turn at the end that explains the title but also makes you wonder about the connection between those parts.
PG: This is one of those things where the creation of the song informs the story – the song itself is almost like a document of its own creation. Because originally, I had written the music for it, and I had scratch lyrics, but the very end – “Tell me what my task is” – when I wrote that, it was when we were at our point of least certainty, if we were ever going to make more music together. This is when we were living abroad, and the band was basically fully in hiatus mode. I had this deep sense of lack of purpose – I was trying to write songs, and I didn’t know how they would be made, who I would make them with. It just felt like Great Grandpa was such a core part of my own musical identity for the last decade, and it felt very much like there was this void, and I didn’t know what to do.
When we did start making music, and I brought that to the group, I didn’t really know how to finish it. Al was like, “I’ll write lyrics for this,” and then wrote all the beautiful lyrics for the whole rest of the song, which ended up becoming this story about our reunion in that time, us coming back together and reaffirming our friendship and our love, and how the art binds us. And it’s so beautiful – there are just such wonderful lyrics. It’s such a treat to collaborate with him on that, and I think everybody brought a real sense of reverence at the end. It almost felt like a ritual when we performed it as a group.
This is a song that we actually did with Mike Davis and Sam Rosson, and they were very instrumental in the sound and aesthetic of this song. They did this really beautiful scene-setting in the studio, it was very aesthetic and very vibey. I think we all felt like this was a healing or important moment for us as a group, singing this all together.
CL: I think there is – you sort of described it this way earlier – a certain groundedness to the joy of the song, if we were to contrast it with something like ‘Ladybug’. And I think that feeling maybe comes through because of what Pat was just speaking to. The end of the song, when we’re all singing together – we’ve been doing that live, and that’s always been a cool, special moment to share.
9. Top Gun
I know neither of you is credited on this one specifically, and Al wrote the lyrics, but I’m curious how they resonated with you.
CL: I can’t really speak to the lyrics too much, but again, the specificity of Al’s lyrics is so well done. And I really like it being side by side with ‘Task’.
PG: This is something Al just does so well as a songwriter, is set a mood. There’s just a deep nostalgia to that song, something that feels warm and comforting and bittersweet. It’s kind of that Mono no Aware concept, which we literally have a song about. There’s something about the tenderness of the production and the presentation of it that feels super humble in a really good way.
10. Patience, Moonbeam
PG: I think Dylan found that in a session – it came from the ‘Task’ session, actually. I’m pretty sure it was just something that Mike Davis, who produced ‘Task’, had made as a background loop or sample. When we were digging through the ‘Task’ session later, adding more to it, we stumbled on that and were like, “Oh, this is really cool – let’s just put it on the record somewhere as a little moment of peace or transition.” I do think it would have been kind of jarring coming right out of the folky, rootsy thing of ‘Top Gun’ right into ‘Ephemera’ without some kind of transition.
11. Ephemera
Cam, I know you wrote the lyrics and the music for this one, and I just realized its connection to ‘Ladybug’ in terms of the idea of transience. What prompted this meditation for you, while also leaning into more of a trip-hop vibe?
CL: As it often goes for me when writing songs, the vocal melody come first, sometimes placeholder lyrics. The specific origin point of writing ‘Ephemera’ was just some piano chords and the vocal melodies for the song, and it sat for quite some time just as that. Revisiting it within the context of working on this record together, I started working on the lyrics, just kind of exploring what the world is, sonically speaking, that I thought might serve the transitory nature of experience that I’m getting into – the mystery of that, the frustration of that, the joy of moment to moment. Portishead ended up being a reference point as a band that, broadly speaking, construct some really vivid, specific worlds – something mysterious and a bit hazy and groovy. Dylan was instrumental in helping produce and develop that arrangement and inform that world, knowing that it just followed that feeling.
12. Kid
When you released that song eight months ago, it marked your first song in five years. I’m curious how you decided to include it as the last song on the record.
PG: I kind of like the reverse timeline of the record in that sense, where that’s actually one of the oldest songs. And, in terms of our own personal journeys, it’s the first thing sequentially and kind of what kicks off a lot of the spirit of the record. For both Carrie and I, writing stuff for this record – so much of it is about our journey to becoming parents. We started the record with zero children, and now we have two. A lot has changed. And that was the first part of that journey – going through that really awful process of… we actually had several miscarriages trying to have our first child. That informed so much of what we were writing in the process.
But it felt weird to start the record like that. The song ends on this somewhat hopeful note – it’s very muted and reserved, in a way, but there’s this sense of optimism, that there is meaning to the suffering. I think that’s a big theme in the song. Switching up the timeline just made more sense spiritually, to start with the birth, with the change really happening, and then revisit the challenge of getting to that point later, with that perspective of: It did work out. I liked that reframing.
I also think there was maybe a sense of, this is something we’ve had out for a long time, we don’t necessarily need to lead the record with it. People will already be very familiar because it’s been a single for almost a year. It won’t necessarily suffer by being at the very end of the record, and I think it was an anchor pulling people through the rest so they didn’t burn out after the first three songs, as people often do.
You described the hope at the end as muted and reserved. What resonance has it taken on for you now? Has the intensity of it changed?
PG: I wish Carrie could be here to put this in her own words, but I’ll try to paraphrase. For her, she can’t listen to that song – she still can’t. It’s too painful. The experience is still too raw years later, and just listening to the song conjures up a lot of those emotions. I feel like we have a complicated relationship with it because it’s definitely our most heart-on-the-sleeve, truly personal song in a very pure and uncool sense. It’s not really veiled or cryptic or even – it’s just blunt in a way that feels hard sometimes to look at it. Despite its grandeur and all these other things, I think the fact that it became the backdrop of that narrative has made it a complicated thing for us to return to or even sit with too much. I don’t listen to that song very often. I’ve listened to it during the recording process and maybe a few times after it was done, but it’s a hard one to listen to, for sure.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
Those who have been keeping their fingers on the pulse of the crypto market for long enough know that Ethereum used to be hailed as a crypto powerhouse. It was praised as the pinnacle of blockchain innovation and the driving force of the decentralized finance (DeFi) movement, being expected to play a key role in the development of the Web3 ecosystem.
Outshined only by Bitcoin in terms of value and popularity, Ethereum has amassed a large and loyal community of supporters who strongly believe in its potential to revolutionize the world we live in. But recent developments have come to test their faith and shake their unwavering trust in the famous asset. Ethereum has lost 55% of its worth since the beginning of the year, and the descending trend could extend further into the future, as the ETH price prediction is looking rather gloomy.
Therefore, the chances that Ethereum might one day put an end to Bitcoin’s decade-long dominance are becoming ever more slim. The conversation has progressively shifted from Ethereum’s potential growth to its survival. That has caused many to wonder if we might be witnessing the downfall of a crypto giant in real time. Others are more tempered in their takes and see this as a transitory phase in Ethereum’s evolution.
Whatever the case might be, it’s worth taking a closer look at Ethereum’s current state and the factors behind its recent performance, or better said, underperformance.
High expectations, low results
Early in the year, most predictions placed Ethereum among the winners for 2025. Unfortunately, none of these forecasts materialized. After rising above $4K briefly last December and kindling hopes of a potential record high, Ethereum experienced a slight decline but remained in a comfortable range, entering 2025 at a solid value of $3,348.
What followed next was a gradual depreciation that caused Ethereum to lose most of the gains it had registered the previous year. Unable to find the stability and strength to return to former performances, the asset tumbled down under the $2K level. The ongoing fall saw Ethereum drop below $1,500, the lowest point in the year so far.
For the moment, Ethereum remains in a volatile stage, and there’s no certainty it will be able to go back above the $2K area anytime soon, let alone move towards a higher resistance point.
The broader economic context
Before diving into Ethereum’s inner dynamics and the potential faults we might find there, we should look at what’s happening around the asset because external factors are just as influential as internal ones. Unfortunately for Ethereum, the current economic context as of late is anything but favorable.
First of all, we have President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, which have caused a lot of turmoil in the financial sphere, also taking a toll on crypto prices. The total market capitalization of all crypto assets is also on a downward trend, in conjunction with the US stock selloff.
Major financial players are calling attention to the risk of recession getting higher. JPMorgan increased the likelihood of a recession this year from 30% to 40%. Similarly, Goldman Sachs also revised their risk projections, which have gone from 15% to 20%.
Present macroeconomic conditions are causing major headwinds and keeping the crypto market in a highly volatile state, reflecting negatively on Ethereum’s price performance. Although not all cryptocurrencies are impacted equally, Ethereum has been caught in a very bad patch, making it more vulnerable than other assets in its class.
The actions of the Ethereum Foundation
Ethereum’s performance is often analyzed in comparison with Bitcoin’s. While the crypto leader seems to be faring pretty well, the main altcoin is struggling to keep up, lagging further behind. This is causing the gap between Bitcoin and Ethereum to widen.
The negative correlation might highlight a major issue with Ethereum. Unlike its predecessor, which was created by an anonymous developer known as Satoshi Nakamoto, Ethereum was invented by the Russian-Canadian programmer Vitalik Buterin. Satoshi disappeared into thin air more than a decade ago, leaving Bitcoin to develop organically, but Buterin remains in charge of the blockchain’s development, being the main decision-maker of the Ethereum Foundation.
While there’s no doubt that Buterin wants to see his network thrive, the control he has over the platform raises centralization concerns. Some of the decisions that Buterin has taken over the years have caused controversies, with many wondering if the programmer is acting in Ethereum’s best interests. The problem that various analysts have pointed out is that Vitalik Buterin has too much influence over a crypto project that was meant to be a beacon of decentralization.
The numerous upgrades and improvements the network has been subjected to since its inception and how much they actually benefitted Ethereum also come into question. While these upgrades reflect Ethereum’s desire to innovate, it can sometimes feel like the project is more of an experiment than an established blockchain system looking to revolutionize the DeFi space. Therefore, the very thing that has earned Ethereum its laurels as a hub of innovation might be hurting its development now.
In the crypto community, some say that it might be better for Vitalik Buterin to take a page from Satoshi’s book and distance himself from Ethereum, arguing that without his constant involvement the crypto could catch up with the rest.
On the other hand, certain pundits are saying that the Pectra upgrade, might be able to solve many of Ethereum’s issues related to scalability,staking operations and processing capabilities, and bring the asset back on track. With Pectra being the biggest network upgrade since the Merge, many Ethereum supporters have their hopes tied around this milestone.
These are uncertain times for Ethereum and the crypto community as a whole. Then again, the crypto industry never really had long periods of peace or stability. This means that Ethereum is just as likely to continue its decline as it is to pick up the pace and finally emerge from the shadows.
We all PlayStation lovers eagerly wait for new games to arrive every year. And when they do, the feeling is unexplainable. Not to mention, when our friends and family give us PlayStation gift cards, we keep it safe to make a sound purchase.
If you have been collecting gift cards for some time, or maybe you’ve just bought one, we know what your plan is. To help you with that, we’ve created this blog to share with you the top 10 games you can purchase right now or in the near future with your PlayStation gift cards.
Why PlayStation gift cards are the best way to buy games
Not every gamer has a credit card. Especially when they are in their teens or young adults. That’s where a PlayStation Gift Card makes life easier. It works like a digital wallet. You load the balance and use it for games, DLCs, or even PlayStation Plus. No extra charges. No complicated payment processes. Just instant access to what you want.
1. Death Stranding 2 On The Beach
Hideo Kojima returns with another masterpiece. If you loved the first game, this one is bigger and more cinematic. The story picks up after the events of the original, going deeper into the connection between life and death. Expect stunning visuals, deep storytelling, and an experience unlike any other.
2. Monster Hunter Wilds
Love taking down massive creatures? This game is for you. Monster Hunter Wilds expands the franchise with new lands, new monsters, and smarter AI. Every hunt feels like a battle of survival. You track, attack, and outthink your prey. Perfect for both solo players and those who enjoy co-op with friends.
3. Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Finally, an Assassin’s Creed set in feudal Japan. This game gives you two perspectives – a skilled shinobi and a legendary samurai. Stealth or brute force? You decide. The world is detailed, the combat is sharp, and the story takes you deep into the politics of the era. This is the fresh take fans have been waiting for.
4. Elden Ring Nightreign
The original Elden Ring was already a masterpiece. But Nightreign adds more to love. New bosses. New lands. New lore. If you enjoy difficult but rewarding gameplay, this expansion is worth every penny. Plus, it expands the already massive world, keeping players engaged for hours.
5. Split Fiction
This game is different. Two writers get trapped in a world they created. What follows is a co-op adventure that bends reality. Every choice changes the story. Every action shifts the world. If you want something fresh and unexpected, Split Fiction delivers.
6. Ghost of Yōtei
A hauntingly beautiful experience. Think of it as a mix between Ghost of Tsushima and supernatural horror. You explore, battle spirits, and uncover dark secrets. The atmosphere is thick with mystery. The combat is intense. If you love games that blend action and story, this one is a must-have.
7. WWE 2K25
Wrestling fans, this one’s for you. WWE 2K25 introduces “The Island” mode. It’s not just about the ring anymore. You explore, fight in crazy arenas, and face legendary wrestlers in unique challenges. The mechanics feel smoother. The roster is bigger. And the customization is deeper than ever.
8. Final Fantasy VII Remake
An old classic reborn. This remake brings Midgar to life like never before. Better graphics, better combat, and expanded storylines. If you missed it the first time, don’t make the same mistake now. It’s one of the best RPGs available today.
9. God of War Ragnarök
Kratos and Atreus return. The stakes are higher. The battles are more intense. God of War Ragnarök delivers on every front – story, action, and world-building. If you liked the first game, this one is an easy choice.
10. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Two Spider-Men. One city. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 takes everything great about the first game and makes it even better. The web-swinging feels smooth. The combat is satisfying. And the story pulls you in right from the start. If you love superheroes, this one belongs in your collection.
What to do with the remaining gift card balance
After grabbing one of these games, you might still have some balance left. Don’t let it go to waste. Here are a few ideas:
DLCs and expansions: Extend your game with extra content.
In-game currency: Some games offer skins, upgrades, or bonuses.
PlayStation Plus: Get free games every month and access online multiplayer.
Whatever you choose, your PlayStation Gift Card gives you options.
Conclusion
A PlayStation gift card is a way to unlock incredible experiences. Whether you want action, adventure, or strategy, there’s something on this list for you. Pick a game, redeem your card, and start playing. The best moments in gaming are just a download away.
Running a small business can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience, but managing the finances effectively is crucial to ensure the company’s long-term success. Finance teams in small businesses often wear multiple hats and face a variety of challenges. From managing cash flow to adopting SaaS accounting services, the right tools and strategies can make a big difference. Here are 10 practical tips to help finance teams in small businesses optimize their operations, improve financial management, and drive business growth.
1. Maintain a Clear Cash Flow Forecast
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. It’s essential for small businesses to maintain a clear and accurate cash flow forecast to ensure they have enough funds to cover daily operations, bills, and future growth. Make sure to regularly track income, expenses, and any outstanding payments. This will give you a clear picture of the business’s financial health and help avoid any unexpected cash shortages.
2. Implement a Solid Budgeting Process
Create a detailed budget for your business that covers all aspects of your operations, including fixed and variable expenses, payroll, taxes, and capital expenditures. By having a solid budgeting process in place, finance teams can identify areas where costs can be reduced, allocate funds wisely, and keep the business on track to meet financial goals.
3. Leverage Accounting Software
Manual bookkeeping is outdated and prone to errors. Invest in accounting software to streamline your financial processes. Tools like QuickBooks, Xero, or FreshBooks help manage accounts, generate invoices, and track expenses, reducing the risk of mistakes and saving time. These platforms also generate reports that provide valuable insights into the financial performance of the business.
4. Separate Personal and Business Finances
It’s crucial for small businesses to separate personal and business finances to avoid confusion and potential legal issues. Open a dedicated business bank account and credit card, and use them exclusively for business expenses. This will help you track business expenses more accurately and make tax time easier.
5. Monitor Key Financial Metrics
Stay on top of important financial metrics such as profit margins, return on investment (ROI), accounts payable and receivable, and debt-to-equity ratio. These metrics provide a clear view of the financial health of the business and highlight areas that need improvement. Regularly reviewing these metrics will also help you make informed decisions and drive business strategy.
6. Use Prepaid Credit Cards for Expense Management
Prepaid credit cards can be a powerful tool for finance teams in small businesses. They allow business owners and employees to make purchases while keeping spending in check. Prepaid cards have a set limit, helping to prevent overspending, and can be used for travel, office supplies, and other business expenses. They also reduce the risk of fraud since they aren’t linked to a line of credit. Prepaid cards provide a great way to manage business spending and track expenses, all while maintaining financial control.
7. Establish a Clear Invoice Process
Late payments can cause serious cash flow problems. Implement a clear and efficient invoice process to ensure that you get paid on time. Send out invoices promptly, set clear payment terms, and follow up on overdue payments. Consider offering discounts for early payments or instituting late fees to encourage timely payment.
8. Automate Routine Financial Tasks
Automation can save your team valuable time and reduce the risk of human error. Consider automating routine financial tasks like bill payments, payroll, and invoicing. This frees up time for the finance team to focus on more strategic activities, such as financial forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
9. Stay Organized with Document Management
Ensure that all financial documents, receipts, invoices, and contracts are properly organized and stored. Using a digital document management system helps keep everything in one place, making it easier to retrieve important documents when needed. This is especially important during tax season or when applying for loans or grants, as it ensures you have all necessary paperwork on hand.
10. Seek Professional Financial Advice
Even if you have a competent finance team, it’s always a good idea to consult with professional financial advisors, accountants, or tax experts. They can provide valuable insights on tax planning, compliance issues, and business growth strategies. Regular consultations can help avoid costly mistakes and optimize financial performance.
By following these 10 tips, finance teams in small businesses can create a strong financial foundation, reduce risks, and maximize the potential for growth. Proper financial management, a clear strategy, and effective tools will set your business up for long-term success.
