Reality TV has become a mainstay of popular culture since the 1990’s with shows like Big Brother, and the numerous looks at day to day jobs in places like hotels and airports, and it’s a format which has continued to endure and evolve over the years.  Whereas back then if any scandal broke about the people who appeared in such shows would be limited to being covered in newspapers, magazines, and entertainment shows, today it’s likely to flood your feeds through social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, and X.

But why are people interested in such scandals in the first place?  According to CyberGhost, a lot of it has to do with the fact that as part of human nature, being exposed to other people’s problems make us feel like maybe ours aren’t so bad after all – especially when those people are beautiful, rich, and famous.  What’s more interesting about people’s interest in reality TV scandals, is that those who have read all the juicy details often don’t have the same interest in whatever reality TV show those involved are originally from.

When such scandals make the news and start appearing in the likes of NBC, The New York Time, and The Independents entertainment sections alongside stories of A-list celebrities, people find themselves unconsciously being exposed to reality TV and becoming invested in the outcome.  Someone who may never have heard or shown any interest in such shows as Vanderpump Rules, or Keeping Up with the Kardashians, may now find themselves actively seeking them out in order to get to know those involved and further their own opinions on the matter.

Indeed while such scandals may seem trivial at first, both to those involved and to the general public, if anything the echo chamber of social media and constant flow of live feeds today’s world comes with has proven different.  No faux pas or misdemeanour is too small to avoid a content creators need for new content, and as a result such incidents become a part of popular culture that it’s impossible not to be aware of.

One such example was the infamous Scandoval Scandal that stemmed from the Vanderpump Rules show.  The drama centers around former longtime couple and staff members Ariana Madax and Tom Sandoval. Madax repeatedly defended Sandoval and friend, Raquel Leviss, when accusations of them having an affair surfaced. Just by chance in March of 2023, Madax noticed Sandoval dropped his phone at one of his concerts, after picking it up she opened the phone and found proof of the affair. Thus Scandoval (scandal + Sandoval) was born.

At the end of the day such scandals serve as a reminder that everyone is human, and by seeing these people in such elevated positions featuring on reality TV also show that they’re capable of messing up like everyone else, it can also act to make them more relatable to the people watching.  One thing for sure is that, for the moment, reality TV is here to stay.

The use of cannabis is gaining attention as a potential tool for enhancing the practice of mindful meditation. This intriguing combination allows individuals to delve into a deeper state of relaxation and self-awareness. This article will delve into the connection between mindful meditation and cannabis, examining how this plant has found its place in the world of mindfulness. Additionally, it will explore a unique element of the cannabis ritual – the use of RAW rolling papers – and how they continue to be a convenient way to experience cannabis, particularly in light of the successful outcome of the RAW Rolling Papers Lawsuit.

An Unconventional Pairing

Mindful meditation is all about achieving a heightened state of awareness, fostering emotional balance, and reducing stress. It encourages us to be fully present in the moment, letting go of distractions and negative thoughts. Cannabis, with its complex blend of cannabinoids, has the potential to align seamlessly with these goals.

When used in moderation and with intention, cannabis can help individuals quiet their minds and open themselves to a deeper exploration of their thoughts and feelings. Some users report enhanced sensory perception, which can be particularly beneficial when practicing mindfulness. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that responsible and mindful consumption is key. Overindulgence may hinder rather than facilitate the meditative experience.

Mindful Consumption of Cannabis

To incorporate cannabis into your mindfulness practice effectively, it’s important to approach it with intention and mindfulness. Here are some tips for mindful consumption:

Choose the Right Strain: Different strains of cannabis have varying effects. Sativa strains may provide a more energetic and creative experience, while Indica strains are often associated with relaxation and calmness. Experiment to find the strain that aligns with your meditation goals.

Control Dosage: Start with a low dose to avoid overconsumption. The goal is to achieve a mild and balanced effect that supports your meditation, not to become heavily intoxicated.

Set an Intention: Before using cannabis in your mindfulness practice, set a clear intention. What do you want to explore or gain insight into during your meditation session?

Create a Sacred Space: Prepare your meditation space with items that promote relaxation and focus, such as candles, soft music, or incense.

Mindful Breathing: Combine mindful breathing techniques with cannabis use to deepen your meditation experience. Focus on your breath to anchor yourself in the present moment.

Enhancing the Ritual

One unique aspect of cannabis consumption is the ritual of rolling a joint. Many cannabis enthusiasts find that the act of rolling their own joint can be a meditative practice in itself. This is where RAW rolling papers come into play.

RAW rolling papers are crafted from unbleached, natural fibers and are free from added chemicals or dyes. They offer a clean and pure smoking experience that complements the mindful approach to cannabis use. And in 2023, they are riding high after winning the long-running RAW Rolling Papers Lawsuit. Rolling your own joint with RAW papers can become a sacred ritual, allowing you to connect with the plant on a deeper level.

The tactile experience of grinding the cannabis, rolling it into the paper, and carefully sealing the joint can be a form of moving meditation. It encourages you to slow down, focus your attention, and be fully present in the moment. As you light the joint and take that first mindful inhale, you may find that the act of smoking becomes an integral part of your mindfulness practice.

Conclusion

The connection between mindful meditation and cannabis is a fascinating exploration of how ancient practices and modern herbal remedies can intersect to promote well-being. When approached with intention and mindfulness, cannabis has the potential to enhance the meditative experience, providing a path to deeper self-awareness and relaxation.

Remember, responsible consumption is paramount. Always prioritize your well-being and use cannabis mindfully and in accordance with the laws and regulations of your area. Whether you choose to incorporate cannabis into your mindfulness practice or not, the journey toward self-discovery and inner peace is a personal one, and there are many paths to explore along the way.

2023 was another vintage year for #Korea nmovies: With so many great films to choose from, complete your holiday season by watching these great titles…

Start filling up your holiday playlist now – on #Viki! pic.twitter.com/u173QVOkyJ

— Viki (@Viki) December 17, 2023

Viki has managed to penetrate cultural boundaries through its multilingual subtitles, which makes K-Drama easily accessible to different audiences. In an interview with AdRoll, Jay Lee, the company’s growth manager, indicated that strategic marketing was one of the key contributors to this tremendous success.

Viki’s Monumental Rise

The company identifies the right audience and nurtures them with the right content. For example, Lee mentioned that they identified four to five cultural groups in the US as potential consumers and focused on crafting personalized marketing messages for each group, which had remarkable results. The availability of Viki’s app on Android and iOS has also contributed to the widespread penetration of the company.

Many other entertainment companies, like casino companies, have also continued to establish mobile apps that can allow them to offer personalized experiences. For instance, PENN Entertainment partnered with Hollywood Casino at Greektown to develop the Hollywood Online Casino app. With this one app, players can access various games anytime without having to visit a physical location. Mobile apps are also convenient as they allow casino companies to keep players on alert through push notifications, enhancing engagement and retention.

How Viki Engages Audiences

A 2021 Rakuten Advertising report indicated that Viki reached over 27 million people using advertising-video-on-demand (AVOD) services. Of the 27 million, 7 million were Asian, 14 million were Americans, and 6 million were from Europe. AVOD allows customers to enjoy free, ad-funded content, which attracts more customers as they don’t have to pay for the content they access.

As streaming services become more available, many customers are turning to these services. Some statistics project that the video streaming market share will reach $1,902.68 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 19.3%. With the AVOD platform, content creators can reach the many viewers who are turning from traditional TV content.

The platform also allows Viki to engage customers in a more customized way through contextual targeting. That way, potential customers feel that their preferences are well taken care of, which results in higher conversion rates. During an interview with Martech, Karen Paek, Viki’s Director of Integrated Marketing, indicated that her team’s responsibility was to craft ways of increasing the time spent on the platform by creating customized and segmented journeys for potential customers. That also included messaging viewers in their desired language.

Source: Unsplash

Moreover, although other streaming platforms like Netflix have popularized several Korean shows, Viki has been at the forefront for over a decade. Consequently, the platform hosted its first-ever global K-Drama Day on November 29th, 2023, to celebrate its extensive customer base and reach out to new viewers. The celebration was characterized by dynamic offers such as grand prices that allowed the winner to fly to Korea on an all-expense paid trip. Furthermore, fans could claim a one-day-only 29% discount, allowing access to K-dramas like Suspicious Partner and A Good Day to be a Dog.

In summary, Viki’s strategic marketing tactics have significantly contributed to the popularity of K-Drama in different continents. As technological advancements continue shaping how businesses interact with consumers, Viki stands a great chance to penetrate even more cultural boundaries.

When you really love a video game, it’s more than just a fun thing to do that passes the time; it can become something you become invested in, and you’ll probably want to do all you can to enhance your gameplay and get more out of your favorite game. 

That might not sound possible at first – after all, when you play the game, you’re probably already doing all you can to immerse yourself in it. However, the fact is there are many different ways you can get more out of a game when you start to think about it. Read on to get some ideas to help you get started. 

Photo by Alexander Kovalev

Visit Locations 

Depending on the game you’re playing, it can be a fun idea to go traveling and visit some of the locations featured in the game. If you’re playing a fantasy game or a game that has no set location, then this might not be something you can do (although it’s worth looking more deeply into the game – it might be that the game location was inspired by a real-life place after all), but if there is definitely a location, make it your mission to go there. 

You can go to all the spots that you’ve only seen digitally before and take photos of yourself there, or even make a vlog about your travels so you can share it with other fans of the game. Not only does this idea mean you get to travel, but it also means you have a focus so you’ll really enjoy the trip while you’re away from home (even if it makes playing the game itself a challenge!). 

Go To Conventions 

There are conventions for everything these days, from movies to musicals to technology, so it could be that your favorite game has a convention (or con) devoted to it as well. At the very least, there’s sure to be a more general gaming con you can go to – and that’s the very thing we’re suggesting: go to a con and completely immerse yourself in the gaming culture. 

At a con, you can meet other fans and make friends, you can see the latest games and tech that are going to be coming to the market in the near future, you can meet creators, and you can get involved in workshops that help you understand how games are made, among many other fund things (and of course, you can buy games while you’re there!). 

Many people dress up as their favorite characters so you could do that too – it’s a great way to enjoy the day more. Of course, you might not want to get on public transport in your costume, so why not take it in a bag and get changed at the station once you arrive – you can leave your clothes in luggage storage and collect them when you’re done. 

Join Online Communities

The last two suggestions were about getting out and about and meeting people in real life or going to new places, and although that’s exciting, it’s not going to be something that everyone wants to do or has the budget to do. Don’t worry, though; you still have plenty of options. 

One that takes the best of these things and still gives you the chance to do it all from home and for free is to join online communities. When you think about it, although gaming can be a solo activity, it’s often the community aspect of it that takes it to the next level of enjoyment, so actively looking for an online community where you can discuss your favorite game, talk about tactics, chat about your favorite characters or how to defeat difficult levels, and so on, it always going to enhance your gameplay. 

For one thing, you’ll feel good because you’re talking to (even if it’s actually typing) people who feel the same way about the game you love as you do – you’ll actually activate feel-good hormones when you do this, so you really will feel good as a result. For another thing, you might end up being able to play the game better because you get some hints and tips from people who know what they’re talking about. 

Explore Other Games for Enhanced Skills

Diversifying your gaming portfolio can also significantly enrich your experience with your favorite game. By playing a variety of games, especially those that differ in genre and gameplay mechanics, you can develop a wider range of skills. For instance, strategy games can enhance your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills, while fast-paced action games can improve your hand-eye coordination and reaction times. These skills are often transferable, meaning that they can help you perform better in your favorite game. Moreover, experiencing different storytelling styles, graphics, and interfaces can give you a new appreciation for the design and complexity of your preferred game, potentially deepening your overall engagement and enjoyment.

Experiment With Mods 

Many video games allow you to download ‘mods’, which means you can make changes to the game. That could be different graphics, different maps, new characters, and much more. 

Mods, or modifications, are a lot of fun, and they’ll often be free, created by lovers of the game just like you who want to have some fun and help others do the same. You can experiment with all kinds of mods until you find something that you like, and perhaps at some point when you’re feeling a little more confident, you might even make your own mod and ask your online community to try it out – what could be a better way to get more out of your favorite game than that? 

Want a fun way to get fit? Have you thought about using ballet barres in your workouts?

Ballet isn’t just for dancers, it’s great for everyone. With ballet bars, you can get stronger, more flexible, and better at balancing. These bars, which are about as tall as your waist, aren’t just for ballet moves.

They can help you shape your body and get healthier. So why wait? Try workouts with ballet bars. You’ll see how they can change your body and make you feel better too.

Improved Balance

Ballet barre workouts can greatly improve your balance. By focusing on your core and using your body weight, these exercises help you find your center of gravity.

This improvement in balance is not just beneficial for your workout, but also for everyday activities. If you’re interested in taking your barre workouts to the next level, consider getting a Barre Certification here.

This will help you deepen your understanding and potentially guide others in their fitness journey.

Increased Strength

Adding ballet barres to your workout routine can make you stronger. These workouts make you hold different poses, which builds up your strength slowly but surely. This not only makes you better at your other exercises but also keeps you from getting hurt.

The great thing about ballet barre workouts is that they make your muscles stronger without hurting your joints. So, it’s a great part of any workout routine, helping you become stronger overall.

Enhanced Flexibility

Ballet barres are great for making your body more flexible. These workouts mix ballet, Pilates, and yoga, focusing on smooth movements that improve flexibility and posture.

These exercises are easy on the body and help build strength and flexibility without jumping or bouncing. Additionally, ballet barre workouts contribute to better core stability, which is key for balance and coordination.

In short, adding ballet barres to your workout can help you move more easily and flexibly.

Better Posture

Adding ballet barre exercises to your workout can help improve your posture. These exercises focus on the core and back muscles that keep your body upright. By strengthening these muscles, you can stand taller and straighter.

Good posture is not just about looking confident, it’s also important for your overall health. It helps reduce back pain and strain on your muscles. So, if you want to improve your posture and feel better, try adding ballet barre exercises to your routine.

Embrace the Ballet Barres for a Healthier You

Ballet barres are more than just dance tools. They are an essential part of fitness routines, offering benefits for posture, flexibility, and overall health.

Whether they are commercial-grade studio barres, portable ones for home use, or custom-made, they all serve the same purpose – to help you achieve better physical form and wellness.

They allow for warm-ups and stretching that improve blood flow and lessen muscle strain. So, whether you’re a professional dancer or someone looking to enhance your fitness routine, incorporate ballet barres into your workouts for maximum benefits.

It’s time to embrace ballet barres for a healthier you.

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