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.