Author: Rog

  • Funk Flex Official Radio Playlist Connects Wu-Pledge, Boombap, and the Next Generation of Hip-Hop

    Hip-hop has always been a culture built on connection. From the early days of Boombap and underground rap to today’s independent artists, each generation has added something new while continuing the traditions created by those who came before. Funk Flex has played an important role in bringing these different sounds together through radio, playlists, and his support for artists across the Hip-Hop community. His official radio playlist highlights the connection between established Hip-Hop influences and emerging artists such as Nino Carta and Raaddrr-V.

    The playlist also reflects the growing presence of Wu-pledge, a movement and musical identity connected with raw Hip-Hop energy, lyrical expression, and the culture’s underground spirit. By placing different artists and styles within the same musical space, Funk Flex helps demonstrate how classic sounds can continue to influence new music.

    Funk Flex and the Power of Hip-Hop Radio

    Funk Flex has long been associated with Hip-Hop radio and the culture surrounding it. His work has helped create opportunities for artists to reach listeners who are interested in discovering both established and emerging sounds. A strong radio playlist can do more than simply provide entertainment. It can introduce listeners to artists, movements, and musical styles that they may not have encountered before.

    The Funk Flex approach is particularly interesting because it allows different eras of Hip-Hop to exist together. Classic influences can appear alongside newer underground records, giving listeners a chance to hear how the genre has changed while still recognizing the elements that have remained consistent.

    Understanding the Wu-Pledge Connection

    Wu-pledge is an important part of the material surrounding this playlist and the artists featured within it. The name immediately connects with the raw, lyrical, and underground traditions that have played a major role in Hip-Hop culture. For fans who appreciate traditional Hip-Hop, this type of movement represents the importance of keeping authentic sounds and creative expression alive.

    The connection becomes even more interesting when Wu-pledge is viewed alongside newer artists. Instead of treating classic Hip-Hop and modern music as completely separate worlds, the movement shows how older influences can be carried forward by a new generation. This creates a bridge between the history of Hip-Hop and the direction in which the culture is moving.

    Nino Carta and Raaddrr-V Bring New Energy

    Nino Carta and Raaddrr-V are among the newer names highlighted in the supplied material. Their presence adds a modern perspective to a playlist that is strongly connected to Hip-Hop’s traditional foundations. Emerging artists are important because they bring fresh ideas, different approaches, and new energy to a culture that continues to evolve.

    The material highlighting Nino and Raaddrr making Wu-Pledge moves further shows their connection to this developing musical direction. Their involvement gives the Wu-pledge concept a younger and more contemporary identity while maintaining a connection with the sounds that influenced earlier generations.

    For listeners interested in discovering independent Hip-Hop artists, this combination can make a playlist more exciting. It provides an opportunity to hear newer voices while also understanding the cultural influences behind their music. The supplied playlist reference gives additional context about the artists and the music being highlighted: Funk Flex playlist reference

    Boombap Remains a Strong Foundation

    Boombap is one of the most recognizable sounds associated with classic Hip-Hop. Heavy drums, strong rhythms, sampling, and lyric-focused performances helped establish its identity. Even as modern production has introduced new sounds, Boombap continues to influence artists who want their music to focus on beats, bars, and authentic Hip-Hop expression.

    This influence is important when discussing the Funk Flex playlist because the classic sound provides a foundation for understanding today’s underground music. New artists can take elements of traditional Boombap and combine them with their own styles. The result does not have to sound exactly like old-school Hip-Hop. Instead, it can preserve the spirit of the original sound while developing something new.

    Gangstarr and the Tradition of Quality Hip-Hop

    Gangstarr represents another important part of Hip-Hop’s musical history. The group’s influence is closely connected with strong production, memorable lyricism, and a dedication to the core elements of rap. Their work helped demonstrate how powerful a combination of intelligent lyrics and distinctive beats could become.

    That influence can still be recognized in underground Hip-Hop today. Artists who value lyricism and traditional production often build on ideas established by earlier groups and performers. When classic names such as Gangstarr are considered alongside Wu-pledge and modern artists, it becomes easier to understand the larger story of Hip-Hop’s evolution.

    Classic Influence Meets Modern Underground Music

    One of the strongest aspects of this playlist concept is the combination of different generations. Hip-Hop fans can appreciate legendary influences while discovering artists who are creating music today. This type of musical connection is important because a culture cannot continue growing without new contributors.

    The modern underground scene provides space for artists to experiment while remaining connected to Hip-Hop’s roots. Nino Carta and Raaddrr-V represent this newer side of the culture, while names associated with classic Hip-Hop provide the foundation. Funk Flex’s platform helps bring these different elements into the same conversation.

    This approach also gives listeners a broader understanding of Hip-Hop. Instead of viewing the genre as a collection of separate eras, they can hear how one generation influences another.

    Why Hip-Hop Continues to Evolve

    Hip-Hop has changed dramatically since its early years, but many of its most important qualities remain the same. Creativity, rhythm, storytelling, individuality, and lyrical expression continue to define the culture. New technology and production styles may change how music sounds, but the desire to create something original remains at the center of the genre.

    This is why the combination of Funk Flex, Wu-pledge, Boombap, Gangstarr, Nino Carta, and Raaddrr-V is meaningful. Each name or concept represents a different part of the larger Hip-Hop story. Together, they demonstrate that the culture can honor its history while continuing to create opportunities for new artists.

    Funk Flex Helps Keep the Conversation Moving

    Radio remains an important platform for connecting artists with audiences. When a respected Hip-Hop platform highlights both established influences and emerging talent, it can help introduce listeners to sounds that might otherwise remain within smaller underground communities.

    The Funk Flex playlist represents this type of connection. It brings attention to the energy surrounding Wu-pledge while also creating space for artists such as Nino Carta and Raaddrr-V. At the same time, the influence of Boombap and groups such as Gangstarr provides a clear connection to Hip-Hop’s earlier traditions.

    For fans interested in the artists and concepts featured in the playlist, the supplied reference offers another look at the material surrounding Wu-pledge and the newer artists: Wu-Pledge and artist reference

    Conclusion

    Funk Flex’s official radio playlist demonstrates how Hip-Hop can connect its past, present, and future. The influence of Boombap and artists such as Gangstarr provides a strong foundation, while Wu-pledge represents a continuing connection to Hip-Hop’s raw and underground spirit. Nino Carta and Raaddrr-V add a modern voice to this story, showing how younger artists can carry established influences into a new era.

    Ultimately, the strength of Hip-Hop comes from its ability to evolve without losing its identity. By bringing classic influences and emerging artists together, Funk Flex helps create a musical space where different generations can be heard. The result is a reminder that Hip-Hop’s roots remain important while its future continues to develop through new artists, new movements, and new sounds.

     

  • What Coritiba Understands About Football That Too Many Clubs Forget

    By Marcus Reyes

    Title: Coritiba Jonny - Description: Coritiba Jonny

    Coritiba’s tribute shirt for Jonny Butcher. Photo: Mariana Toneti | Coritiba.

    There is a moment in Coritiba’s tribute to Jonny Butcher that stays with me. It is not a goal or a packed stadium rising in celebration. It is the sight of a green-and-white shirt at Couto Pereira, with Jonny’s name across the back and a sunflower replacing the letter “O.” Underneath are the words: “Your strength inspires us. We stand as one.”

    That image says more about Coritiba than a conventional club profile ever could.

    Jonny is an English supporter from Norwich who is living with motor neurone disease, also known as ALS in other parts of the world. His first club was Norwich City, but his life opened another footballing door more than 9,000 kilometres away. That door led to Coritiba Foot Ball Club.

    His relationship with the Brazilian club grew through its connection with Norwich City and through Ana Clara, the Curitiba-born woman who became his wife. Jonny followed Coritiba from England, often watching games when most of Norwich was asleep. He hoped to return to Curitiba and experience a match at Couto Pereira with his brother-in-law, Lucas Espinoza. When his condition made that journey impossible, Coritiba made a different decision: if Jonny could not come to the match, the club would bring him into it.

    To understand why the tribute feels so authentic, it helps to understand Coritiba’s relationship with its city. Founded in 1909, Coritiba is one of Brazil’s historic football institutions. Its name retains an earlier spelling of Curitiba, making the connection between club and city visible in every fixture and shirt.

    Estádio Couto Pereira has stood in Alto da Glória since 1932. It is not simply a venue that opens on match day. It is part of the city’s geography and collective memory, a place where generations have carried the same colours through different eras. Curitiba itself is associated with planning, public transport, parks and civic innovation. The city built an international reputation around the idea that thoughtful organisation can improve everyday life. Coritiba’s tribute reflected that same principle.

    This was not a vague social-media message posted between match announcements. The club organised a complete match-day action. Players wore Jonny’s name. A sunflower communicated awareness and hope. A banner brought the message onto the pitch. His family was represented inside the stadium. Match-worn shirts were designated for Jonny’s family and an organisation supporting people affected by rare diseases.

    The emotion was real, but so was the execution. That distinction matters.

    Sports organisations frequently call themselves community institutions. Far fewer build the internal habits required to behave like one. Community work needs people who listen, decision-makers willing to act, partners prepared to participate and communications teams capable of telling a sensitive story without exploiting it. Coritiba brought those pieces together.

    The club recognised Jonny as more than a distant follower or a diagnosis. It presented him as a husband, brother-in-law and supporter whose attachment to Coritiba had become part of his family’s life. That is what made the tribute feel human.

    Institutional strength does not have to look cold. Organisation and empathy are not opposites. When combined properly, organisation gives empathy the structure it needs to create lasting impact. Coritiba did not merely say it cared. It translated care into action that players, supporters, sponsors and a family could experience together.

    The companies around a football club help determine what it can accomplish. Coritiba’s ecosystem includes Ademicon, Paraná Banco, JFK Investimentos, Master Cargas, Bourbon Hotel & Suítes Curitiba, DS Indústria de Peças Automotivas and Princesa dos Campos. These organisations work in different sectors, but their connection to the club places them inside the same civic network.

    Sponsorship is often discussed in terms of logo placement, reach and exposure. Those things matter. Football is an industry, and clubs need sustainable commercial relationships. But the best partnerships create value that cannot be reduced to impressions. When companies support community work, they help transform commercial infrastructure into social capacity. Supporters remember which organisations stood beside their club when it chose to do something meaningful.

    Coritiba’s tribute began with one supporter, but its meaning travels much further. It reached Norwich. It spoke to people living with MND and ALS. It recognised carers and families. It showed other clubs how a match can become a platform for solidarity without losing its sporting identity.

    That is genuine global relevance. It is not only about international followers, offices or merchandise. Belonging happens when someone thousands of kilometres away feels recognised by the institution they support. Coritiba made Jonny part of the match even though he could not be in the stadium. In doing so, the club showed that its community is not limited by geography.

    It would be easy to describe this as a beautiful football story and leave it there. It is beautiful, but it is also instructive. Coritiba showed that history remains relevant when a club uses its traditions to serve people in the present. It showed that sponsors can participate in community life rather than remain passive advertisers. Most importantly, it reminded the wider game that supporters are not numbers on a dashboard.

    They are people who carry clubs into marriages, family relationships, late nights and difficult periods of life. Jonny carried Coritiba from Curitiba to Norwich. When he could no longer make the journey back, Coritiba carried him onto the field.

    That is why this story matters. It is about the kind of institution a football club can choose to become. Coritiba chose to stand as one.

    Official Coritiba links

  • Founded in 2022, Oaysys.com Expands From U.S. Digital Marketing Agency to Serving Businesses and Entrepreneurs Worldwide

     

     

    Oaysys continues broadening its international reach through web development, SEO, branding, digital advertising, AI automation and business development services built for an increasingly global marketplace.

    MIAMI, FLORIDA — Since its founding in 2022, Oaysys.com has expanded its digital marketing and business development services beyond its original market to work with businesses, brands and entrepreneurs across the United States and internationally.

    The expansion reflects how dramatically the market for professional services has changed.

    Web development, search engine optimization, creative design, branding, advertising, artificial intelligence and strategic business development are no longer confined by geography. A company can operate from one city, serve customers throughout an entire country and coordinate specialists or partners across several markets.

    Oaysys has built its service model around that environment.

    Through Oaysys.com, the agency provides a broad collection of services including website design and development, SEO, local and international search marketing, paid advertising, branding, graphic design, social media management, content marketing, reputation management, CRM systems, artificial intelligence automation and strategic business consulting.

    The agency also develops custom and turnkey businesses for entrepreneurs seeking to establish professionally branded companies.

    “Digital business has made geography much less restrictive than it once was,” said an Oaysys spokesperson. “A company does not necessarily need its web developer, SEO team, designer, content team and automation specialist to be located down the street. Businesses want capable people, reliable communication and a strategy that makes sense for their market.”

    Growing Alongside an Increasingly Global Digital Economy

    When Oaysys began in 2022, digital transformation was already changing how companies interacted with customers.

    Four years later, those changes have accelerated.

    Consumers routinely discover companies through Google, social media, Maps, online reviews, digital advertising, marketplaces, video content and increasingly AI-driven search and research experiences.

    Businesses that once depended primarily on referrals or local advertising now compete for attention across multiple digital platforms.

    At the same time, companies that historically operated only within their immediate communities increasingly have the ability to sell products, deliver services and build brands across state and national borders.

    Oaysys has expanded its services around those changes.

    The agency can support a local business attempting to dominate searches within a particular city, an e-commerce company targeting customers across a country, or an organization requiring a broader digital strategy for multiple geographic markets.

    That flexibility has helped the company transition from a traditional service agency into a broader digital growth partner.

    Search Marketing Without One Geographic Boundary

    SEO remains one of the principal services within the Oaysys platform.

    Search strategies can vary considerably depending on the client’s market.

    A local service business may depend heavily on Google Maps, Google Business Profile optimization, local citations, reviews and city-specific service pages.

    A national company may require broader keyword targeting, content development, technical SEO and authority-building campaigns.

    An international company introduces additional considerations around audience behavior, search competition, geographic relevance and market-specific content.

    Oaysys supports local SEO, national SEO, international SEO, technical SEO and e-commerce SEO, allowing strategies to be designed around where a business actually intends to compete.

    Its search-related capabilities can include keyword research, competitor analysis, on-page SEO, schema implementation, content strategy, link development, local citations, location pages, Google Business Profile management and performance reporting.

    “SEO is not one universal campaign that can simply be copied from business to business,” the spokesperson said. “A company targeting customers in one city has a very different search environment from a brand trying to reach customers nationally or internationally. The strategy has to reflect the actual market.”

    Websites Built as Global Business Infrastructure

    Website development has also become increasingly important to businesses serving customers across multiple locations.

    A modern company website may simultaneously function as a storefront, sales presentation, lead-generation system, customer support resource, appointment platform, content library and international introduction to the company.

    Oaysys provides website design and development for service businesses, entrepreneurs, established organizations and e-commerce companies.

    The agency’s capabilities include new website builds, redesigns, landing pages, e-commerce development, sales funnels, mobile optimization, migration, hosting configuration, website maintenance, security, performance improvements and conversion optimization.

    Oaysys works with established platforms including WordPress, Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix and Squarespace.

    The agency also integrates website development with marketing strategy.

    Instead of treating the website as an isolated design project, Oaysys can coordinate it with SEO, paid advertising, social media, email marketing, content development and lead-generation campaigns.

    Creating Brands That Can Travel

    Global digital communication has also increased the importance of branding.

    A company may now be discovered by a customer thousands of miles away before that customer ever speaks with anyone at the organization.

    That makes the brand itself part of the sales process.

    Oaysys provides brand development services that can include company naming, logo development, visual identity, positioning, messaging, brand guidelines, marketing collateral and rebranding.

    The same creative resources support the company’s turnkey business development division.

    For a new entrepreneur, Oaysys can develop a company beginning with the brand itself and continue through the website, digital infrastructure, marketing materials, customer-acquisition strategy and launch preparation.

    This allows the agency to support companies at both ends of the business lifecycle: businesses that are being created and businesses that are ready to expand.

    AI and Automation Create New Opportunities Across Markets

    Artificial intelligence has further reduced traditional geographic barriers.

    Customer-service automation, AI chat systems, voice reception, automated scheduling, lead routing, CRM workflows and intelligent knowledge systems can operate continuously regardless of where a company’s customers are located.

    Oaysys has expanded its capabilities in AI-powered business solutions, artificial intelligence development and business automation as these technologies have become more accessible to companies outside the traditional technology sector.

    AI services can be integrated with lead generation and customer management through CRM platforms, automated email sequences, SMS workflows, appointment systems and sales pipelines.

    For businesses working across multiple markets or time zones, automation can be particularly useful because customer inquiries do not necessarily arrive only during traditional office hours.

    The company emphasizes that AI implementation should remain purpose-driven.

    “Technology should make a business better, not simply make it look more advanced,” the spokesperson said. “When we look at AI or automation, the question is always where it can save time, improve communication, organize information or create a better customer experience.”

    One Agency Supporting Multiple Areas of Growth

    The expansion of Oaysys has resulted in a service platform that can be divided into four connected areas:

    • Digital Infrastructure: Website development, e-commerce, hosting, digital systems, mobile optimization and conversion improvements.
    • Search Visibility and Reputation: SEO, local search, Google Business Profiles, citations, content strategy and online reputation management.
    • Creative Marketing and Customer Acquisition: Branding, paid advertising, social media, content creation, email marketing and lead generation.
    • AI, Automation and Business Development: CRM implementation, workflow automation, artificial intelligence systems, strategic consulting and turnkey business development.

    Companies can engage Oaysys for individual services or coordinate several areas under a broader strategy.

    That structure has become increasingly relevant as companies attempt to reduce the number of unrelated vendors involved in their marketing and technology operations.

    From 2022 to a Broader International Future

    Oaysys views its international growth as part of a larger transition rather than a final destination.

    The company intends to continue expanding the capabilities available through Oaysys.com while working with businesses and entrepreneurs across a broader range of markets.

    Future growth is expected to emphasize digital marketing, business startup and development, artificial intelligence, automation, web technology and new business-building opportunities.

    “The Internet gave businesses the ability to reach the world,” the spokesperson added. “Now AI, automation and modern digital infrastructure are making that opportunity even larger. Oaysys has grown tremendously since 2022 because we have continued adapting alongside the businesses we serve.”

    For companies, that means access to a wider range of digital capabilities.

    For Oaysys, it represents the continued evolution of a creative digital marketing agency founded in 2022 into an organization increasingly focused on the future of digital business itself.

    About Oaysys

    Oaysys is a creative digital marketing and business development agency serving entrepreneurs, emerging brands and established companies. Through Oaysys.com, the agency provides website design and development, search engine optimization, local marketing, Google Business Profile optimization, paid advertising, branding, social media management, content creation, reputation management, CRM implementation, artificial intelligence automation and strategic consulting.

    Oaysys also develops professionally branded turnkey and custom businesses for individuals seeking a more direct path into entrepreneurship.

    Media Contact

    Mr. King

    Oaysys | Oaysys.com | Creative Digital Marketing Agency

    Miami, Florida

    PR@Oaysys.com

    https://Oaysys.com

  • Bekam At Taibah: A Simple Guide 

     

     

    Bekam At Taibah is a form of hijama, also known as cupping therapy. It is a traditional care method that has been used for many years in parts of Asia and the Middle East. The practice uses cups placed on the skin. In some forms of hijama, small skin marks are made before the cups are used. The aim is to support well-being and ease some types of pain or muscle tension.

    Many people search for Bekam At Taibah because they want to learn more about hijama and its possible benefits. Some people use it as a part of a wider wellness plan. It is important to know that hijama should not replace proper medical care. If you have a health problem, it is best to speak with a qualified health professional.

    What Is Bekam At Taibah?

    Bekam At Taibah refers to a style of hijama therapy. The word “bekam” is often used for cupping in some parts of Southeast Asia, while hijama is a common Arabic term for this type of therapy. The treatment is based on the use of cups to create suction on the skin.

    There are different forms of cupping. Dry cupping uses suction without making cuts on the skin. Wet cupping, often called hijama, may include light skin scratches followed by the use of cups. Because wet cupping can involve blood, hygiene and safe practice are very important.

    People may choose this therapy for many reasons. Some seek help for muscle tightness or minor pain. Others may use it as part of their personal wellness routine. The experience can be different for each person, and results are not the same for everyone.

    How Does Bekam At Taibah Work?

    During a cupping session, a trained practitioner places special cups on selected areas of the body. Suction is then created inside the cups. This pulls the skin slightly upward into the cup. The cups may stay in place for a short period.

    For wet cupping, the practitioner may first use a safe method to make very small skin openings. The cup is then placed over the area. Since this can involve blood, the practitioner should use clean, sterile tools and follow proper infection control steps.

    A session may leave round marks on the skin. These marks are often temporary and may fade over several days. The skin can also feel tender for a short time.

    A safe session should begin with a basic discussion about your health and any medicines you use. A qualified practitioner should also explain the process, possible risks, and aftercare before starting.

    Possible Benefits of Hijama Therapy

    People often use hijama for general wellness and to help with certain types of muscle pain. Some studies have explored cupping for pain and other health concerns. However, research quality varies, and there is not enough strong evidence to say that hijama can treat every condition.

    One reason people enjoy cupping is the feeling of relaxation during or after a session. Some people also report less muscle tightness or discomfort. These effects can vary from person to person.

    It is useful to view Bekam At Taibah as a complementary practice rather than a cure. A healthy lifestyle, good sleep, balanced food, regular movement, and proper medical care are still important.

    If you have ongoing pain, fever, unusual swelling, or another health concern, do not delay medical advice just because you are considering cupping.

    What to Expect During a Bekam Session

    A typical session starts with a short consultation. The practitioner may ask about your general health, current symptoms, medicines, allergies, and past health issues. This step helps the practitioner decide whether the treatment is suitable.

    The practitioner then prepares the skin and cups. For dry cupping, the cups are placed on the chosen areas and suction is created. For wet cupping, extra care is needed because the skin may be opened.

    You may feel pulling or pressure when the cups are applied. The sensation should not be unbearable. If you feel strong pain, dizziness, or feel unwell, tell the practitioner at once.

    After the cups are removed, the skin may show red or purple round marks. Mild soreness can also occur. These marks usually fade with time. The practitioner should give clear aftercare advice and tell you what signs may need medical help.

    Safety and Risks of Bekam At Taibah

    Safety should be a key part of any hijama service. Wet cupping can carry a risk of infection because the skin is opened. There is also a risk of bleeding, scarring, skin irritation, or burns if the treatment is not done correctly.

    For this reason, people should choose a trained and responsible practitioner. Clean equipment, proper hand hygiene, safe skin care, and sterile or single-use tools are especially important for wet cupping.

    Some people may need to avoid or delay cupping. This can include people with certain blood disorders, bleeding problems, serious skin conditions, or other medical issues. People who take medicines that affect blood clotting should also ask a doctor before considering wet cupping.

    Children and teenagers should not receive a procedure like wet cupping without appropriate medical guidance and involvement from a parent or guardian.

    If you have a medical condition or take regular medicine, talk with a qualified health professional before treatment. Do not stop prescribed medicine to have a cupping session.

    How to Choose a Good Bekam At Taibah Service

    Choosing the right practitioner is one of the most important parts of a safe experience. Start by checking whether the practitioner has suitable training in the type of cupping they provide. Ask how they clean and prepare their equipment.

    For wet cupping, ask whether needles, blades, or other items that touch blood are sterile and used safely. Single-use items should not be reused. Surfaces and reusable equipment should also be cleaned according to proper health standards.

    A good practitioner should be willing to answer questions. They should explain what will happen, discuss possible risks, and respect your choice if you decide not to continue.

    Be careful of anyone who promises that hijama can cure every disease. No single therapy can replace all forms of medical care. A trustworthy service should make clear what the treatment can and cannot do.

    Aftercare Tips Following Hijama

    After a hijama session, follow the advice given by your practitioner. Keep any treated skin clean and avoid unnecessary rubbing or scratching. If the skin has been opened, extra care is needed to reduce the risk of infection.

    Some people may feel tired after a session. Resting and drinking enough fluids can help you feel comfortable. Avoid activities that make the treated area painful or irritated.

    Watch the treated area over the next few days. Mild marks and soreness can be normal after cupping. However, increasing redness, swelling, severe pain, pus, fever, or other signs of infection should not be ignored. Seek medical advice if these occur.

    Remember that aftercare does not replace medical treatment. If you are using hijama for a health problem, keep following the care plan given by your doctor or other qualified health professional.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Bekam At Taibah

    1. What is Bekam At Taibah?

    Bekam At Taibah is a form of cupping or hijama therapy. It uses cups to create suction on the skin. Depending on the method, it may be dry cupping or wet cupping. Wet cupping can involve small openings in the skin and therefore needs careful hygiene.

    2. Is Bekam At Taibah safe?

    Cupping can be safe when performed correctly by a trained practitioner. However, it can have risks such as skin irritation, bruising, bleeding, infection, or scarring. Wet cupping needs extra care because the skin is opened.

    3. How long do marks from hijama last?

    The round marks from cupping can last for several days. The time can vary based on the person, the skin, and the strength of the suction. If marks become more painful or show signs of infection, seek medical advice.

    4. Can hijama replace medical treatment?

    No. Hijama should not be used as a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. It may be used as a complementary wellness practice, but people with health concerns should still get proper medical care.

    5. What should I check before choosing a hijama practitioner?

    Ask about the practitioner’s training, hygiene practices, and experience. For wet cupping, make sure sterile or single-use tools are used where needed. The practitioner should also explain the process, risks, and aftercare before treatment.

    Final Thoughts

    Bekam At Taibah is a traditional form of cupping therapy that many people explore for wellness and support with some types of pain or muscle tension. The treatment can be part of a wider approach to health, but it should be used with care.

    Choosing a trained practitioner and making sure proper hygiene is followed are key steps. It is also important to understand that research on cupping is still limited for many health conditions. If you have an illness, ongoing pain, or take regular medicine, speak with a qualified health professional before starting treatment.

    A safe and informed approach can help you make a better choice about whether Bekam At Taibah is right for you.

  • The Future of Online Slot Gaming: How Technology Is Transforming Interactive Entertainment

    The digital entertainment industry continues to evolve at an impressive pace, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, mobile technology, and immersive software development. Among the many forms of interactive entertainment benefiting from these innovations are online slot games, which have grown from simple browser-based experiences into visually sophisticated digital products.

    Modern slot games are no longer defined solely by animated reels. Today’s platforms emphasize responsive design, engaging storytelling, advanced graphics, personalized user experiences, and seamless performance across multiple devices. As technology continues to mature, developers are introducing new features that enhance usability while making digital entertainment more accessible to global audiences.

    For users exploring a demo slot, these innovations provide an opportunity to experience modern game mechanics, visual improvements, and interactive features without requiring immediate commitment. Looking ahead, several emerging technologies are expected to reshape how interactive gaming platforms are designed and experienced.

    AI in Gaming

    Artificial intelligence has become one of the most influential technologies across the software industry, and interactive gaming platforms are increasingly benefiting from its capabilities.

    Rather than replacing developers, AI supports the creation of smarter, more personalized digital experiences.

    Personalized Content Recommendations

    Modern gaming libraries often contain hundreds or even thousands of titles. Artificial intelligence helps organize this content by analyzing user preferences and recommending games that match previous interests.

    Recommendation systems may consider factors such as:

    • Preferred themes
    • Visual style
    • Feature complexity
    • Session history
    • Device preferences

    This improves content discovery and creates a smoother user experience.

    Intelligent Customer Support

    AI-powered virtual assistants have become common across many digital platforms.

    They can quickly answer questions related to:

    • Account settings
    • Platform navigation
    • Technical support
    • Software updates
    • General user guidance

    By handling routine inquiries, automated support systems allow human specialists to focus on more complex requests.

    Enhanced Platform Security

    Artificial intelligence also strengthens cybersecurity.

    Machine learning systems can identify unusual account activity, detect suspicious login attempts, and help platform administrators respond to potential security threats more efficiently.

    These technologies contribute to safer digital environments for users.

    Mobile Innovation

    Mobile technology has fundamentally changed how people access digital entertainment.

    Today’s users expect the same quality experience whether using a desktop computer, smartphone, or tablet.

    Responsive Design

    Modern development frameworks automatically adjust interfaces to different screen sizes.

    This ensures users can comfortably:

    • Browse content
    • Access features
    • Manage accounts
    • Continue saved sessions

    without sacrificing usability.

    Improved Device Performance

    Advances in smartphone hardware continue expanding what developers can achieve.

    Modern devices offer:

    • Faster processors
    • Higher refresh-rate displays
    • Improved graphics performance
    • Longer battery life
    • Enhanced connectivity

    These improvements support increasingly sophisticated interactive experiences.

    Cloud Synchronization

    Cloud technology enables users to switch between devices without losing progress.

    For example, someone may begin exploring a demo slot on a desktop computer and later continue the same experience from a mobile device.

    Cross-platform synchronization provides greater flexibility while improving convenience.

    Interactive Features

    Future digital entertainment platforms are expected to become increasingly interactive.

    Rather than focusing solely on traditional gameplay, developers are creating richer user experiences through dynamic content and community-driven features.

    Personalized Interfaces

    Software platforms increasingly adapt interfaces based on user behavior.

    Examples include:

    • Recently viewed games
    • Favorite categories
    • Personalized recommendations
    • Recently completed activities

    Customization simplifies navigation while reducing search time.

    Achievement Systems

    Many interactive platforms now include achievement-based progression.

    Users may unlock:

    • Milestones
    • Digital badges
    • Profile customization
    • Progress tracking

    These additions encourage long-term engagement without changing the core gaming experience.

    Live Digital Events

    Developers continue experimenting with time-limited experiences, seasonal content, and community participation.

    Special events help introduce fresh content while encouraging users to explore newly released features.

    Blockchain and Digital Infrastructure

    Blockchain technology continues attracting attention across numerous software sectors.

    Although adoption varies, decentralized technologies offer several potential advantages for future interactive platforms.

    Improved Transparency

    Blockchain-based systems can improve transaction visibility while maintaining data integrity.

    Although implementation differs across platforms, transparency remains one of blockchain’s strongest potential benefits.

    Faster Digital Transactions

    Emerging payment technologies continue reducing processing times for digital services.

    Improved efficiency benefits both users and platform operators by simplifying account management and reducing waiting periods.

    Secure Data Management

    Modern software increasingly prioritizes secure infrastructure.

    Encryption, decentralized storage models, and advanced authentication systems continue strengthening user protection across digital platforms.

    Future Technology Trends

    Several innovations are expected to shape the next generation of interactive entertainment.

    Advanced Graphics

    Graphics technology continues advancing rapidly.

    Future software will likely feature:

    • Real-time lighting
    • Cinematic animations
    • Higher-resolution textures
    • Improved visual effects
    • More immersive environments

    These improvements create richer digital experiences across multiple devices.

    Artificial Intelligence for Developers

    Beyond improving user experiences, AI also assists software developers by:

    • Automating repetitive tasks
    • Identifying software bugs
    • Improving testing efficiency
    • Accelerating content creation

    These tools allow development teams to focus on innovation.

    Faster Internet Connectivity

    The continued expansion of high-speed broadband and next-generation mobile networks will support:

    • Faster loading times
    • Reduced latency
    • Improved cloud services
    • Better multimedia performance

    Reliable connectivity remains essential for modern digital platforms.

    Growth of Practice Modes

    Practice environments continue growing in popularity.

    Trying a demo slot allows users to explore software features, interface design, and interactive mechanics before fully engaging with a platform.

    These practice modes encourage learning while improving overall user confidence.

    The Importance of User Experience

    As competition increases, user experience has become a defining factor for successful digital platforms.

    Leading software providers focus on:

    • Fast performance
    • Clean interface design
    • Simple navigation
    • Accessibility
    • Security
    • Cross-device compatibility

    These qualities contribute to higher user satisfaction and long-term engagement.

    Many technology enthusiasts also follow trusted industry resources discussing slot gacor to stay informed about platform innovations, software improvements, and emerging trends within the broader interactive gaming ecosystem.

    Looking Ahead

    The future of interactive entertainment will likely be defined by continuous technological innovation rather than isolated feature updates. Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, blockchain infrastructure, mobile optimization, and improved cybersecurity are expected to work together to create faster, smarter, and more personalized digital experiences.

    Developers will continue focusing on performance, accessibility, and user-centered design while expanding opportunities for users to explore new forms of interactive content across multiple devices.

    Conclusion

    The future of online slot gaming is closely connected to advances in modern technology. Artificial intelligence, responsive mobile development, cloud synchronization, enhanced cybersecurity, and high-performance graphics are transforming how interactive entertainment is created and experienced.

    For users beginning with a demo slot, these innovations make it easier to explore modern software in a practical and accessible way. As digital platforms continue evolving, technology will remain the driving force behind more engaging, secure, and personalized experiences.

    By emphasizing innovation, usability, and responsible software development, the next generation of interactive entertainment is expected to deliver higher-quality experiences while meeting the growing expectations of users around the world.

     

  • Juskool Records Announces a New Era of Independent Music Excellence

     

    Jamaica & Atlanta, Georgia – August 4, 2026 – Juskool Records proudly announces its continued commitment to developing and promoting exceptional talent across Dancehall, Reggae, Hip-Hop,R&B, and Caribbean music. As an independent record label, Juskool Records is dedicated to creating music that connects cultures, inspires audiences, and elevates emerging artists onto the global stage.

    With a growing catalog of original releases and an expanding international fan base, Juskool Records is focused on delivering authentic music, innovative marketing strategies, and high-quality visual content that resonates with listeners worldwide.

    “Our vision has always been to build a platform where talent meets opportunity,” said a spokesperson for Juskool Records. “We’re committed to helping artists grow their careers while bringing fans music they can truly connect with.”

    In the coming months, Juskool Records will release new singles, music videos, artist collaborations, and exclusive content across all major streaming platforms. Fans can also expect behind-the-scenes footage, live performances, and engaging social media campaigns designed to bring them closer to the artists.

    Juskool Records welcomes media outlets, playlist curators, DJs, influencers, and industry professionals interested in collaborations, interviews, and promotional opportunities.

    About Juskool Records

    Juskool Records is an independent music label dedicated to discovering, developing, and promoting artists with unique voices and global potential. The label specializes in Dancehall, Reggae, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Caribbean-inspired music while delivering world-class entertainment through music, digital content, and strategic marketing.

    Media Contact

    Juskool Records
    Email: jkrecords100@gmail.com
    Phone: 470-918-3304
    Facebook: Juskool Records
    Instagram: @juskoolmuzik
    TikTok: @juskoolmuzik
    YouTube: @juskoolmuzik

  • Dr. Josias Jean-Pierre Empowers Leaders to Rise Through Purpose, Healing, and Service

     

    Impact is not always measured by the number of awards earned or stages reached. Sometimes, it is measured by the lives inspired, the conversations started, and the people who discover a new sense of purpose because someone believed in them.

    For Dr. Josias Jean-Pierre, that impact has become the foundation of his life’s work. A globally recognized keynote speaker, transformational leadership strategist, award-winning author, and recipient of three Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards, Dr. Jean-Pierre has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations embrace growth, develop stronger leadership skills, and create meaningful change in their communities.

    Through more than 13 years of speaking engagements across corporate boardrooms, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and international conferences, Dr. Jean-Pierre has built a reputation as a powerful voice in leadership, personal development, faith, and empowerment.

    His mission is simple: help people recognize their potential and understand that their story does not end with their challenges.

    Dr. Jean-Pierre believes transformation begins with self-awareness. His work encourages individuals to examine their mindset, confront personal barriers, and develop the confidence needed to move forward. Whether he is speaking to executives, entrepreneurs, students, or community members, his message centers on growth, responsibility, and the importance of becoming intentional about the life one wants to create.

    A major part of his work focuses on leadership and what it truly means to influence others.

    For Dr. Jean-Pierre, leadership is not defined by a job title or position of authority. It is demonstrated through trust, service, accountability, and the ability to bring out the best in others.

    “True leaders influence others through vision, trust, and persuasion,” Dr. Jean-Pierre explains. “Authority figures rely on titles and control. Effective leaders build people, they don’t just manage them.”

    That belief guides his approach to working with emerging leaders and organizations. He emphasizes that strong leaders listen, support their teams, take responsibility, and create opportunities for others to succeed.

    In a world where many people are searching for connection and direction, Dr. Jean-Pierre’s message of servant leadership offers a reminder that leadership begins with how we treat people.

    His work also highlights the importance of mental wellness and emotional growth. Dr. Jean-Pierre recognizes that many individuals, particularly men, have been taught to hide their struggles instead of seeking support. Through his advocacy, he encourages more honest conversations around emotional health, healing, and personal development.

    He believes vulnerability is not a weakness — it is an important part of understanding oneself and building stronger relationships.

    By encouraging people to prioritize their mental wellness, Dr. Jean-Pierre helps challenge the stigma that prevents many from asking for help. His message reminds audiences that taking care of the mind is an essential part of becoming a healthier individual, leader, and community member.

    Faith and service remain central elements of Dr. Jean-Pierre’s journey. He credits his relationship with God as the driving force behind his purpose and commitment to helping others.

    “This journey started with God and will end with God,” he shares. “Every day I make myself available to serve others and meet them where they are.”

    That dedication to service influences everything he does, from speaking engagements to mentorship and his continued efforts to inspire others.

    Beyond leadership development, Dr. Jean-Pierre continues to expand his impact through entrepreneurship and writing. He is preparing to release his children’s book, Dear Black Boy, a project created to encourage confidence, identity, and purpose among young boys. Through this work, he hopes to remind the next generation that they are valued, capable, and deserving of opportunities to succeed.

    He is also exploring new business ventures, including real estate, as part of his commitment to creating opportunities and building long-term impact.

    When discussing success and legacy, Dr. Jean-Pierre focuses less on recognition and more on purpose.

    “If you have a why that is bigger than your why not, you can leave an imprint that nobody can take,” he says. “Faith as small as a mustard seed can move giants. If you believe it, you will achieve it.”

    That philosophy represents the heart of his work. Dr. Josias Jean-Pierre is not only developing leaders; he is encouraging people to believe in themselves, embrace growth, and use their experiences as fuel to create something greater.

    In a time when communities need more compassion, meaningful leadership, and conversations around mental wellness, his work serves as an example of how one person’s commitment to service can create a ripple effect.

    Through his speaking, writing, and advocacy, Dr. Jean-Pierre continues to inspire people around the world to lead with purpose, live with intention, and recognize the power they have to make a difference.

    To connect with Dr. Josias Jean-Pierre, follow him on Instagram at @coachwithjosias or visit josiasspeaks.com.

     

  • Dry ageing was invented for steak. So why put it in a burger?

     

     

    Half the point of dry ageing disappears the moment you mince the beef. The half that survives is worth arguing about.

    Search dry aged beef burger and Google returns a shop. Then another shop. HG Walter, Swaledale, Thomas Joseph, a Waitrose product page, a Tesco product page, and one Reddit thread where actual chefs are arguing about whether the whole idea is worth the money.

    That Reddit thread is the only honest thing on the page. It is also the only result not trying to sell you four patties for fifteen quid.

    So here is the argument laid out properly, since nobody else seems willing to.

    Which half of it survives the mincer

    Hang a side of beef in cold moving air for four weeks and two separate things happen to it.

    Moisture leaves. The meat can lose anywhere from fifteen to thirty percent of its weight, so whatever flavour was in there is now packed into a lot less material. That is the concentration everyone talks about.

    At the same time the animal’s own enzymes carry on working, breaking down muscle fibre and connective tissue. That is what makes a dry aged ribeye tender enough to cut with the side of a fork.

    Now mince it.

    The second benefit has just evaporated. Tenderness is precisely what a mincer achieves mechanically in about four seconds. You spent four weeks and a refrigerated room getting something a blade does for free. On pure efficiency that is close to absurd, and the chefs on that Reddit thread are right to say so.

    What survives is the first benefit. Concentrated flavour, nutty and slightly funky, closer to aged cheese than to fresh beef. That is the entire case for doing it, and whether it justifies the price depends on something people rarely account for.

    The trim is where the money goes

    The outside of a dry aged carcass forms a hard dark crust called a pellicle. It protects the meat underneath and it is inedible, so it gets cut away and thrown out.

    The price of dry aged mince is therefore not the ageing. It is the ageing plus the weight lost to evaporation plus the weight cut off and binned. A butcher charging three times the standard mince price is not necessarily gouging anyone. They may be barely covering the yield.

    This is also why some kitchens use dry aged trim rather than dry aged whole cuts. Trimmings left over from ageing steaks carry the same flavour and would otherwise be waste, so blending twenty or thirty percent of it through fresh chuck gets you most of the character for a fraction of the cost. That is the clever version, and a fair few good kitchens are quietly doing exactly that.

    The part that changed my mind

    I used to think dry ageing was wasted on burgers. Then I thought properly about cooking time and reversed myself.

    A thick pub burger cooks for eight or nine minutes. The interior spends most of that developing flavour under slow heat. There is time. The beef gets to be beefy on its own terms.

    A smash burger cooks for roughly ninety seconds. The patty goes onto hot metal, gets pressed thin, and almost everything you taste afterwards is crust, which is the Maillard reaction on the surface doing all the work. The interior barely registers as a flavour event, because there is no time for it to become one.

    Which cuts both ways, and this is the interesting bit.

    One argument says dry ageing on a smash burger is wasted, because the crust dominates and nobody could taste the difference in the two millimetres of interior left over.

    The other says a smash burger is the only place dry ageing genuinely earns its money, precisely because ninety seconds gives you no opportunity to build flavour through cooking. The beef has to turn up already tasting of something. There is no slow render coming to save you.

    I have come round to the second, with one condition. It only works if the fat is right. Dry aged beef is drier by definition, and a thin patty on a hot surface has nowhere to hide. Push the ratio below about twenty percent fat and you get an intense, faintly dusty thing that tastes serious and eats like cardboard. Every failed dry aged burger I have eaten failed at exactly that point.

    How to tell whether a kitchen is doing it properly

    Ask what the blend is. Anywhere doing this well will tell you the cut and the rough ratio without pausing, because they chose it deliberately and they are pleased with the choice.

    The patty should be irregular at the edges. Loose grind, formed by hand, ragged where it met the metal. A perfect disc came out of a machine, and a machine does not care what went into it.

    Colour is the other giveaway. Dry aged mince is noticeably darker before cooking, closer to burgundy than pink, because of everything that evaporated.

    Where I have found it done well

    Irish butchers have been dry ageing beef for a very long time, so the raw material is easier to come by here than the search results suggest. Persuading a kitchen to put it through a patty is the rarer part.

    The best example I have run into lately was in Cavan, of all places. Luso serves dry aged smash burgers in their restaurant in Cavan using beef from Herd butchers, a few miles up the road in Butlersbridge, and the fat ratio sits where it should, which is the thing most places get wrong. Small kitchen behind a pub on Church Street, doing the two hardest items on this list at the same time.

    One last thing

    The related searches under dry aged beef burger include dry aged beef burger near me. Which suggests people have worked out this is worth eating and cannot find anywhere doing it.

    That is a gap for restaurants rather than for readers. If you run a kitchen and you already buy from a butcher who dry ages, the conversation costs you nothing.

     

  • How One Impulse Purchase Turned Into an Entire Year of Slowly Rebuilding Our Backyard

    It genuinely started as an accident. My wife ordered a pizza oven online during a late-night scrolling session after one too many glasses of wine at a friend’s dinner party, where we’d eaten pizza cooked outdoors for the first time and both walked away a little obsessed. She confessed to the purchase the next morning, half sheepishly, half proudly, and I remember thinking we’d probably use it twice before it ended up gathering dust in the garage like so many of our other impulse buys over the years.

    That did not happen. If anything, that one purchase kicked off what’s become a slow, somewhat expensive, entirely unplanned yearlong project of essentially rebuilding our entire backyard cooking setup, one piece at a time, almost without either of us fully deciding to do it on purpose.

    The First Domino

    The pizza oven arrived within a few days, and I’ll admit my expectations were low. We’d both assumed the restaurant-style results from our friend’s dinner party had something to do with either an expensive professional setup or years of practice we simply didn’t have. Turns out neither was really true. Our first attempt wasn’t perfect; the dough stuck slightly, and one edge came out a bit more charred than intended, but even that imperfect first pizza was better than anything either of us had managed indoors in years of trying.

    What surprised me most was how quickly we started using it. Not just for special occasions, but for random Tuesday dinners when neither of us wanted to cook anything complicated. There’s something about the speed of the whole process, dough hitting the stone and coming out finished in under two minutes, that made it feel less like a project and more like an actual convenient dinner option once we got comfortable with the basic technique.

    How This Turned Into an Actual Habit

    A few months in, our old backyard grill finally gave out completely, the kind of slow mechanical death where first one burner stops working reliably, then the ignition system follows, until you’re basically lighting it manually with a match every single time out of stubbornness rather than admitting defeat. Given how much we’d been enjoying the pizza oven, it felt natural to look at the same brand’s grill lineup rather than starting from scratch and researching some completely different company.

    That’s when I actually spent real time looking through Big Horn Outdoor’s Big Horn Outdoor products more broadly, rather than just the one item we’d stumbled into buying. What struck me was realizing how much the whole lineup seemed to share the same underlying philosophy, fast heating, straightforward operation, and equipment that didn’t require a small manual to figure out basic usage. We ended up going with one of their infrared grills, mostly because the reviews kept mentioning how quickly it actually reached searing temperatures compared to our old, sluggish setup.

    My wife, who had been the accidental instigator of this whole thing, started joking that we were becoming one of those households with a specific brand loyalty, the kind of thing she used to mock other people for. I pointed out that it wasn’t really loyalty so much as just genuinely liking the results we kept getting, but she wasn’t entirely wrong about the pattern forming.

    The Camping Trip That Sealed It

    By late summer we’d planned a camping trip with our adult daughter and her partner, our first real trip together as two separate households rather than the family vacations from when she was younger. Our old camping stove had been sitting unused for years, mostly because it never worked particularly well even when it was new, and I found myself once again looking at Big Horn Outdoor’s options rather than starting a fresh research process somewhere else.

    The portable butane stove we picked up for that trip ended up being maybe the most impressive purchase of the whole year, if only because expectations were lowest going in. Compact, genuinely fast to boil water, and simple enough that our daughter’s partner, who’d never used a camp stove before in his life, figured it out within thirty seconds without any explanation from us. Watching him make coffee for the whole group that first morning without any of the usual camping stove fumbling felt like a small but genuine win.

    Looking Back at a Year I Didn’t Plan For

    What strikes me most, looking back at everything we’ve slowly accumulated over these twelve months, is how little of it was actually planned. Each purchase solved an immediate problem, like an old grill dying or a camping trip needing better gear, rather than following some grand vision we’d sat down and mapped out from the beginning. But somehow it’s added up to a backyard that functions completely differently than it did a year ago, one that actually gets used regularly instead of sitting mostly decorative through most seasons.

    Our accessories drawer has filled up too, almost without me noticing it happening. Covers for everything, a proper pizza peel that replaced the awkward spatula we’d been improvising with initially, small additions that individually felt minor but collectively made the whole experience smoother than our chaotic early attempts.

    My wife still brings up that original impulse purchase whenever anyone asks how we ended up with what’s basically become a full outdoor kitchen setup. She tells it like a funny accident, which honestly it was, but I’ve noticed she also seems a little proud of how it turned out, like she stumbled into something good without fully meaning to and has decided to just take the credit anyway.

    If You’re Considering Just One Piece of Equipment

    If you’re currently debating a single purchase the way my wife was that late night online, my honest observation from this whole accidental year is that it’s worth thinking slightly bigger picture, not necessarily buying everything at once, but at least considering whether a single good purchase might lead somewhere further down the road. We never intended to end up here, but having equipment that actually worked well made us want to keep improving the rest of our setup rather than settling for mismatched, mediocre gear everywhere else.

    Consistency across a lineup matters more than I would have guessed going in too. Not having to relearn a completely different operating logic for every new piece of equipment saved us real time and frustration, something that only became obvious in hindsight once I compared it to our old scattered collection of random brands that never quite worked the same way as each other.

    We’ve got another camping trip planned for the fall, and for the first time in years I’m not dreading the logistics of getting everyone fed properly out there. It’s funny how one late-night impulse purchase can quietly reshape an entire year without either of you really noticing it happening until you look back and realize how different things have become.

    A Few Small Realizations Along the Way

    I’ve noticed our actual eating habits shifted too, not just where we cook but what we cook. Having equipment that made certain dishes genuinely easy meant we started reaching for things we’d have avoided before simply because they seemed like too much effort. Homemade pizza used to feel like a whole production reserved for weekends when we had extra time. Now it’s a reasonable Tuesday option, which has quietly changed our grocery shopping and meal planning more than I would have expected from something that started as one silly late-night purchase.

    Our daughter has started asking for advice now too, which feels like a strange role reversal after years of her being the one recommending gadgets and apps to us. She’s looking at her own first house purchase soon and has mentioned wanting to set up something similar in her own backyard eventually, based mostly on watching how much we’ve actually used everything rather than letting it sit unused the way so much of our other outdoor equipment has over the years.

    Maintenance became a habit we actually kept up with too, which honestly surprised me given our track record with previous grills that we’d let rust and deteriorate through pure neglect. Something about equipment that actually performs well seems to inspire a bit more care in return, a small psychological thing I hadn’t really considered before this whole year unfolded the way it did.

    My wife jokes that we’ve become the annoying couple who won’t stop talking about their backyard setup at dinner parties now, the exact kind of people we used to roll our eyes at before all this started. I can’t really argue with the accusation. When something genuinely changes how often you cook and host, it’s hard not to bring it up more than is probably socially reasonable.

    Looking at where we started, a single impulsive online order neither of us fully thought through, and where we ended up a year later feels almost disproportionate, in a good way. Sometimes the best decisions really are the ones you back into accidentally rather than the ones you spend months carefully researching and planning from the very beginning.

    For anyone thinking through their own outdoor cooking setup and wanting some genuinely practical layout ideas beyond just equipment choices, I found a helpful resource over at Homes & Gardens’ outdoor living section, which covers how to actually organize a backyard space around cooking and entertaining rather than just picking equipment in isolation the way we initially did.

     

  • So, who actually made the Fontaines D.C. music videos?

     

     

    Search for a Fontaines D.C. video and you get the video. Search for who made it and you get a wall of January 2020 news posts that all say the same forty words, because they were all working from the same press release. 

    The credits exist. They are just scattered across YouTube descriptions, one Wikipedia footnote, an IMDb page and a Vimeo upload, and nobody has ever put them in one place.

    So here is that place. We have a bias to declare before we start: we made one of them.

    The Hugh Mulhern years

    Mulhern was the band’s regular director before anybody outside Dublin knew who they were. He shot “Too Real” in 2018, the video that got them noticed when they signed to Partisan, and the reference points were The Pogues’ “A Pair of Brown Eyes” and Gilla Band rather than anything from the post-punk revival they kept getting filed under.

    Two years later he was still the one they called. “A Hero’s Death” is his, produced by Aaron McEnaney and Theresa Adebiyi, and it is the closest thing the band has to a proper short film. Aidan Gillen plays a late night host called Georgie Barnes whose co-presenter is a puppet, worked by Bryan Quinn. The band come on to play. Georgie watches them warm to the puppet more than they warm to him. It falls apart from there.

    That video is worth studying if you are a producer in this country, because it is a genuinely ambitious idea executed on what was clearly not a Pulse Films budget. One set. One name actor. A puppet. It plays bigger than it cost, which is the whole trick.

    The one-offs

    “Roy’s Tune” went to Liam Papadachi in 2019. Conor Curley co-wrote the song about walking home late from a job in a burrito shop, and the video stays in that register.

    “Big” is Molly Keane’s, and she shot it herself, on Moore Street in Dublin 1, with Finn McGinnis in front of the camera and Dara McKeagney on post. Moore Street is a specific choice. It is the street the fruit and veg sellers have held onto while every block around it has been sold, redeveloped or boarded up, and putting the opening track of Dogrel there says something the lyrics do not have to.

    There is also an older “Liberty Belle” from 2017, cut by Javier Martinez de Velasco around the Darklands Audio recording, back when the band were still self-releasing.

    Liberty Belle, 2020

    This one is ours. Greg M Purcell and Mark William Logan directed it. Greg, Mark, Kenneth Adams, Cormac Dunne, Georgia Kelly and Daire Hall all shot on it, which tells you what kind of production it was: six people with cameras, following a band through a year that got away from everybody.

    The footage covers the whole of 2019, ending with the sold out Vicar Street homecoming. Crowds on 35mm. Backstage, buses, soundchecks, the Forum in London, the bits in between that you only get if you are already in the room and nobody is performing for you.

    Chatten described the song as “a lament to the death of old Dublin”, written, he added, by people who could not afford the new one. Cutting a tour retrospective to that lyric is a slightly uncomfortable thing to do and we knew it at the time. The song mourns a city being priced out; the footage shows five lads from that city selling out venues abroad. We left the tension in rather than smoothing it over. A few reviewers noticed that if you play the 2017 version and the 2020 version back to back they work as a before and after. That was not planned, but we will take it.

    You can see the rest of our music work at Collective Films.

    Skerries, because of Covid

    “I Don’t Belong” was directed by Conor Deegan III, the band’s bassist, and it was never meant to be shot in Ireland at all. There was a London shoot planned. Lockdown killed it in March 2020, so they went to Skerries in north County Dublin instead, where Chatten grew up, and filmed him walking past the town and then into the sea.

    It is the cheapest video in the catalogue and one of the best, which is not a coincidence. Constraint did the directing.

    Romance, and the budget arriving

    By 2024 the band were on XL and the videos changed accordingly. “Starburster” went to Aube Perrie, with Christopher Ripley shooting, Gwen Ghelid cutting and Pulse Films producing. Jade Thirlwall appears in it. The shoot did not happen anywhere near Dublin either. Perrie took the crew to Maryport, a town on the Cumbrian coast, and used residents’ houses and the chip shop on Grasslot as locations. Fans in the town spotted the band weeks before anyone knew why they were there.

    “Bug” came at the end of that year and is the strange one. Andrea Arnold made it, her first music video ever, and she did it by recutting footage from her film Bird rather than shooting anything new. Carlos O’Connell has a cameo in the film. Barry Keoghan plays the character the song shares a name with. Arnold has said she turns down most video offers because she does not like spreading herself thin, and that this one worked because the material already existed.

    What the list actually shows

    Twelve or so videos, and no house style. Mulhern for the early narrative work, then a bassist with a phone-sized crew in Skerries, then a French director with a UKMVA shelf and a production company behind him.

    The pattern that does hold is that the good ones were made by people with a reason to be there. Molly Keane knew what Moore Street meant. Deegan grew up in Skerries. We had been in rooms with that band before anyone was queueing outside them. Arnold had the Bird footage sitting on a drive and a genuine attachment to the song.

    If you are a band trying to work out who to hire, that is the more useful lesson than any of the credits above. Budget sets the ceiling. Proximity sets the floor.