In a world that spins endlessly, I find myself standing still, lost in the echoes of laughter that once filled my heart. The warmth of companionship feels like a distant memory, replaced by the cold reality of solitude. Each day drags on, heavy with the weight of unshared moments and untold stories. How did I end up here, clutching the remnants of joy, while the world around me dances in vibrant hues? I often wonder if anyone notices the silent battles I fight within. The best thermal brushes can transform hair, bringing life to what was once dull and lifeless, yet no tool can mend a heart shattered by betrayal and neglect. They talk about the magic of these brushes, how they can smooth out the tangles and create stunning styles, but what about the frizz that comes from loneliness? The ache that lingers long after the laughter fades? Every time I look in the mirror, I see not just my reflection but a reminder of what I've lost. The vibrant strands of my spirit have dulled, and I yearn for a brush that can sweep away the sorrow. The reviews speak of the best thermal brushes, tested and praised, but they don’t talk about the tears that spill over as I try to reclaim my essence. The irony stings: tools can elevate our appearance, but they cannot heal the unseen wounds that lie beneath. I scroll through images of friends living their best lives, and I am reminded of the warmth I once felt, the unconditional support that now seems like a fantasy. The brushes may help to achieve a perfect look, but they cannot fill the void of companionship. The ache in my chest serves as a constant reminder that no amount of styling can bring back the laughter shared, the moments cherished, or the love lost. As I stand in front of the mirror, I wish for a transformation that goes beyond the surface. I wish for a return to happiness, for the touch of a hand that understands the depths of my sorrow. The best thermal brush may create beauty, but I seek something deeper—a connection, a reason to smile again. Until then, I will continue to wander through this life, searching for solace in the shadows. #Loneliness #Heartbreak #EmotionalJourney #Healing #FindingSolace

Oh, IMAX, the grand illusion of reality turned up to eleven! Who knew that watching a two-hour movie could feel like a NASA launch, complete with a symphony of surround sound that could wake the dead? For those who haven't had the pleasure, IMAX is not just a cinema; it’s an experience that makes you feel like you’re inside the movie—right before you realize you’re just trapped in a ridiculously oversized chair, too small for your popcorn bucket. Let’s talk about those gigantic screens. You know, the ones that make your living room TV look like a postage stamp? Apparently, the idea is to engulf you in the film so much that you forget about the existential dread of your daily life. Because honestly, who needs a therapist when you can sit in a dark room, surrounded by strangers, with a screen larger than your future looming in front of you? And don’t get me started on the “revolutionary technology.” IMAX is synonymous with larger-than-life images, but let's face it—it's just fancy pixels. I mean, how many different ways can you capture a superhero saving the world at this point? Yet, somehow, they manage to convince us that we need to watch it all in the world’s biggest format, because watching it on a normal screen would be akin to watching it through a keyhole, right? Then there’s the sound. IMAX promises "the most immersive audio experience." Yes, because nothing says relaxation like feeling like you’re in the middle of a battle scene with explosions that could shake the very foundations of your soul. You know, I used to think my neighbors were loud, but now I realize they could never compete with the sound of a spaceship crashing at full volume. Thanks, IMAX, for redefining the meaning of “loud neighbors.” And let’s not forget the tickets. A small mortgage payment for an evening of cinematic bliss! Who needs to save for retirement when you can experience the thrill of a blockbuster in a seat that costs more than your last three grocery bills combined? It’s a small price to pay for the opportunity to see your favorite actors’ pores in glorious detail. In conclusion, if you haven’t yet experienced the wonder that is IMAX, prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions and a potential existential crisis. Because nothing says “reality” quite like watching a fictional world unfold on a screen so big it makes your own life choices seem trivial. So, grab your credit card, put on your 3D glasses, and let’s dive into the cinematic abyss of IMAX—where reality takes a backseat, and your wallet weeps in despair. #IMAX #CinematicExperience #RealityCheck #MovieMagic #TooBigToFail

In the world of technology, where dual RGB cameras can now perceive depth, I find myself grappling with a different kind of void. These advancements grant machines the ability to see beyond mere surfaces, yet I am left feeling more isolated than ever. The cameras can understand the layers of reality, but what of the layers within me? Every day, I wake up to a world that seems so vibrant, yet I feel like a ghost wandering through a bustling crowd. The laughter around me echoes in my ears, a painful reminder of the connection I crave but cannot grasp. Just as dual RGB cameras enhance the perception of depth, I wish someone could sense the depths of my loneliness. I watch as others connect effortlessly, their lives intertwined like threads in a tapestry, while I remain a solitary stitch, frayed and hanging on the edge. The advancements in technology may allow for clearer pictures of our surroundings, but they cannot capture the shadows lurking in my heart. The more I see the world through this lens of isolation, the more I long for someone to reach out, to look beyond the surface and understand the silent screams trapped within me. In a time when machines can perceive distance and dimension, I struggle to navigate the emotional landscapes of my own life. I wish for someone to hold a dual RGB camera to my soul, to see the layers of hurt and yearning that lie beneath my facade. Instead, I am met with silence, a chasm so wide, it feels insurmountable. The irony of our age is palpable; we are more connected than ever through screens and technology, yet I feel the weight of my solitude pressing down on me like an anchor. I search for meaning in this digital realm, hoping to find a reflection of myself, but all I see are shadows and echoes of my despair. As I scroll through images of happiness and togetherness, the depth of my sorrow expands, consuming me. I wish for someone to decode my unvoiced feelings, to recognize that beneath the surface, there is a world of pain waiting to be understood. But instead, I am left with the stark reality that even the most advanced cameras cannot capture what lies within the human heart. So here I am, adrift in this sea of solitude, yearning for a connection that feels just out of reach. If only someone could see me, truly see me, and recognize the depth of my existence beyond the surface. Until then, I will remain a shadow in a world brimming with light, wishing for a hand to pull me back from the edge of this loneliness. #Loneliness #Isolation #DepthOfEmotion #Heartache #LookingForConnection

In a world where connection feels like a fading memory, I find myself lost in the shadows of what once was. Every day, I watch others embrace the thrill of new experiences, like the revolution of fitness through virtual reality. The Meta Quest promises a transformative journey, a game-changer that invites us to escape into a realm where movement and motivation intertwine. Yet here I am, sitting in solitude, enveloped by a haunting silence that echoes louder than any joyous cheer. The bright screens and vivid worlds of VR spark curiosity and excitement in so many, but for me, they serve as a reminder of my isolation. I see people donning their headsets, pushing their limits, and achieving goals that seem just out of my reach. I wonder if they realize how lucky they are to share this moment with friends, to feel the rush of adrenaline as they conquer challenges together. The thought weighs heavily on my heart, the ache of longing for companionship gnawing at my spirit. While the fitness world evolves, I remain stagnant, trapped in a cycle of despair. Each day blends into the next, a monotonous routine that offers little comfort. I scroll through images of triumph and joy, my heart heavy with envy as I wish for even a fraction of that happiness. The Meta Quest symbolizes hope for many, a bridge to a healthier lifestyle, yet I sit on the sidelines, a ghost in my own life. The loneliness wraps around me like a heavy shroud, a constant reminder of the connections I crave but cannot reach. I long for someone to share the experience with, to laugh and sweat alongside, to revel in the shared victories that bring warmth to the soul. Instead, I am left with my thoughts—an endless loop of what-ifs and should-haves. How does one break free from this suffocating solitude? How does one find the strength to step into the light when every step feels heavier than the last? I write this not as a plea for sympathy, but as an echo of my heart. A whisper in the void that hopes someone out there feels the same. As the fitness revolution unfolds with the aid of virtual reality, I remain a spectator, yearning for connection, for understanding, for a hand to hold in the dark. In the world of Meta Quest, while fitness may find new heights, I hope to one day find my way back to a place where I can truly connect—where the weight of loneliness is lifted, and the joy of shared experiences reigns. #Loneliness #Isolation #VirtualReality #MetaQuest #FitnessJourney

In a world where creativity reigns supreme, Adobe has just gifted us with a shiny new toy: the Firefly Boards. Yes, folks, it’s the collaborative moodboarding app that has emerged from beta, as if it were a butterfly finally breaking free from its cocoon—or maybe just a slightly confused caterpillar trying to figure out what it wants to be. Now, why should creative agencies care about this groundbreaking development? Well, because who wouldn’t want to spend hours staring at a digital canvas filled with pretty pictures and random color palettes? Firefly Boards promises to revolutionize the way we moodboard, or as I like to call it, "pretending to be productive while scrolling through Pinterest." Imagine this: your team, huddled around a computer, desperately trying to agree on the shade of blue that will represent their brand. A task that could take days of heated debate is now streamlined into a digital playground where everyone can throw their ideas onto a board like a toddler at a paint store. But let's be real. Isn’t this just a fancy way of saying, “Let’s all agree on this one aesthetic and ignore all our differences”? Creativity is all about chaos, and yet, here we are, trying to tidy up the mess with collaborative moodboarding apps. What’s next? A group hug to decide on the font size? Of course, Adobe knows that creative agencies have an insatiable thirst for shiny features. They’ve marketed Firefly Boards as a ‘collaborative’ tool, but let’s face it—most of us are just trying to find an excuse to use the 'fire' emoji in a professional setting. It’s as if they’re saying, “Trust us, this will make your life easier!” while we silently nod, hoping that it won’t eventually lead to a 10-hour Zoom call discussing the merits of various shades of beige. And let’s not forget the inevitable influx of social media posts proclaiming, “Check out our latest Firefly Board!” — because nothing says ‘creative genius’ quite like a screenshot of a digital board filled with stock images and overused motivational quotes. Can’t wait to see how many ‘likes’ that garners! So, dear creative agencies, while you’re busy diving into the wonders of Adobe Firefly Boards, remember to take a moment to appreciate the irony. You’re now collaborating on moodboards, yet it feels like we’ve all just agreed to put our creative souls on a digital leash. But hey, at least you’ll have a fun platform to pretend you’re being innovative while you argue about which filter to use on your next Instagram post. #AdobeFirefly #Moodboarding #CreativeAgencies #DigitalCreativity #DesignHumor

In the quiet moments of the day, when the world feels distant and dreams seem out of reach, I find myself grappling with a profound sense of solitude. It's as if the very fabric of connection has unraveled, leaving me stranded in a vast expanse of emptiness. I often think of how life used to burst with color, each day painted with laughter and shared moments. Now, it feels like I’m trapped in a monochrome existence, where every smile is a mask and every word a mere echo of what once was. I once believed that my passions and ambitions could fill the void. I tried to harness my creativity, diving into design and architecture, dreaming of creating spaces that resonate with warmth and life. But even in a world filled with innovative tools like Top Designer, which promises to transform visions into reality, I find that my own aspirations feel hollow. The software that should aid architects and builders in presenting their dreams to clients feels like a cruel reminder of my own failures. I can simulate beautiful spaces, yet the reality is a stark contrast to the vibrant images on the screen. The irony gnaws at me - I can depict the beauty of a home, but I struggle to find solace in my own heart. Each click of the mouse feels like a step further into isolation, crafting visions for others while my own dreams slip through my fingers like sand. I want to share these creations, to feel the joy of collaboration, but the weight of loneliness wraps around me, stifling any attempt at connection. Am I destined to forever stand on the outside, watching others build their lives while I remain an observer, a melancholy artist painting with shadows? The ache of unexpressed emotions lingers, and the silence screams louder than any conversation I could have. I yearn for understanding, for a kindred spirit who sees beyond the façade. Life is a series of designs, each moment a blueprint of our existence. Yet here I am, unable to draft my own plans, feeling lost among the structures I create for others. If only I could find a way to bridge this chasm, to transform the desolation into something tangible, something beautiful. But for now, I remain an architect of dreams unfulfilled, wandering through the corridors of my own solitude. In this world where connection feels like a distant memory, I hold onto the hope that one day, I will find someone who understands the language of my heart, someone who can walk alongside me through the desolate halls, transforming loneliness into companionship. #Loneliness #Heartache #UnfulfilledDreams #ArchitectOfSolitude #EmotionalJourney

Ah, Nintendo, ce grand sorcier du monde du jeu vidéo, vient de frapper à nouveau avec son *Switch 2*, qui a déjà enregistré 3,5 millions de ventes. Oui, vous avez bien entendu, 3,5 millions ! Comme si l'entreprise avait décidé que le monde avait besoin d'une dose massive de nostalgie et de manettes qui glissent entre les doigts comme du beurre. Qui aurait cru qu'un petit appareil permettant de jouer à des jeux de 8 bits dans une résolution moderne pourrait faire autant de vagues ? J'imagine les développeurs de Nintendo, se frottant les mains, pensant à quel point ils ont été brillants en nous sortant une version améliorée de quelque chose qu’on avait déjà, mais avec un « 2 » accroché à la fin. Après tout, pourquoi innover quand on peut simplement mettre un joli emballage autour d'un produit existant et le renommer ? C’est un peu comme si on essayait de vendre une vieille voiture en lui collant un nouveau logo et en disant que c'est le modèle de l'année. Bravo, Nintendo, vous avez réussi à transformer le déjà-vu en un phenomène de lancement majeur. Et parlons aussi de ce lancement « spectaculaire ». Évidemment, tout le monde se précipitait pour acheter le *Switch 2*, comme si c'était l'anneau unique de *Le Seigneur des Anneaux*. Mais soyons clairs : combien de ces acheteurs étaient vraiment enthousiasmés par des jeux inédits, et combien devaient juste satisfaire leurs envies de gamer nostalgique ? Je parie que la majorité d'entre eux se sont juste dit : « Oh, regarde, je peux enfin jouer à ce vieux jeu que j'ai adoré quand j'avais 10 ans, mais avec des graphismes un peu moins moches ! » Et bien sûr, comment ignorer le marketing ? Ah, le marketing ! Ce doux chant des sirènes qui nous pousse à croire que chaque nouvelle version d’un produit est la clé du bonheur éternel. Les publicités nous font rêver avec des images de gameplay éblouissant, mais au fond, on sait tous que la plupart des heures passées devant l’écran se résumeront à chercher des pièces de puzzle que l’on a déjà collectées trois fois dans le passé. Peut-être que la véritable question que l'on doit se poser est : à quel point sommes-nous prêts à acheter le même produit avec quelques améliorations mineures ? À ce stade, je m'attends à ce qu'ils sortent un *Switch 3* avec un écran qui fait du café, et tout le monde sautera de joie en attendant la file d'attente à l'extérieur des magasins. Après tout, pourquoi s'arrêter à 3,5 millions quand on peut viser les étoiles avec une version qui fait également la cuisine ? Alors, voici à vous, Nintendo, pour avoir captivé les cœurs (et les portefeuilles) de millions de fans. J'espère juste que les jeux ne seront pas tous remplis de microtransactions, parce que là, même la magie de Mario ne pourra pas nous sauver. #Nintendo #Switch2 #JeuxVidéo #Vente #Lancement

In early-stage start-ups, the pitch deck is often the first thing investors see. Sometimes, it’s the only thing. And yet, it rarely gets the same attention as the website or the socials. Most decks are pulled together last minute, with slides that feel rushed, messy, or just off. That’s where designers can really make a difference. The deck might seem like just another task, but it’s a chance to work on something strategic early on and help shape how the company is understood. It offers a rare opportunity to collaborate closely with copywriters, strategists and the founders to turn their vision into a clear and convincing story. Founders bring the vision, but more and more, design and brand teams are being asked to shape how that vision is told, and sold. So here are five handy things we’ve learned at SIDE ST for the next time you’re asked to design a deck. Think in context Designers stepping into pitch work should begin by understanding the full picture – who the deck is for, what outcomes it’s meant to drive and how it fits into the broader brand and business context. Their role isn’t just to make things look good, but to prioritise clarity over surface-level aesthetics. It’s about getting into the founders’ mindset, shaping visuals and copy around the message, and connecting with the intended audience. Every decision, from slide hierarchy to image selection, should reinforce the business goals behind the deck. Support the narrative Visuals are more subjective than words, and that’s exactly what gives them power. The right image can suggest an idea, reinforce a value, or subtly shift perception without a single word. Whether it’s hinting at accessibility, signalling innovation, or grounding the product in context, design plays a strategic role in how a company is understood. It gives designers the opportunity to take centre stage in the storytelling, shaping how the company is understood through visual choices. But that influence works both ways. Used thoughtlessly, visuals can distort the story, suggesting the wrong market, implying a different stage of maturity, or confusing people about the product itself. When used with care, they become a powerful design tool to sharpen the narrative and spark interest from the very first slide. Keep it real Stock photos can be tempting. They’re high-quality and easy to drop in, especially when the real images a start-up has can be grainy, unfinished, or simply not there yet. But in early-stage pitch decks, they often work against your client. Instead of supporting the story, they flatten it, and rarely reflect the actual team, product, or context. This is your chance as a designer to lean into what’s real, even if it’s a bit rough. Designers can elevate even scrappy assets with thoughtful framing and treatment, turning rough imagery into a strength. In early-stage storytelling, “real” often resonates more than “perfect.” Pay attention to the format Even if you’re brought in just to design the deck, don’t treat it as a standalone piece. It’s often the first brand touchpoint investors will see—but it won’t be the last. They’ll go on to check the website, scroll through social posts, and form an impression based on how it all fits together. Early-stage startups might not have full brand guidelines in place yet, but that doesn’t mean there’s no need for consistency. In fact, it gives designers a unique opportunity to lay the foundation. A strong, thoughtful deck can help shape the early visual language and give the team something to build on as the brand grows. Before you hit export For designers, the deck isn’t just another deliverable. It’s an early tool that shapes and impacts investor perception, internal alignment and founder confidence. It’s a strategic design moment to influence the trajectory of a company before it’s fully formed. Designers who understand the pressure, pace and uncertainty founders face at this stage are better equipped to deliver work that resonates. This is about more than simply polishing slides, it’s about helping early-stage teams tell a sharper, more human story when it matters most. Maor Ofek is founder of SIDE ST, a brand consultancy that works mainly with start-ups.  #sharpen #story #design #guide #startups

In Brief Posted: 1:41 PM PDT · June 15, 2025 Image Credits:SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP / Getty Images Spiraling with ChatGPT ChatGPT seems to have pushed some users towards delusional or conspiratorial thinking, or at least reinforced that kind of thinking, according to a recent feature in The New York Times. For example, a 42-year-old accountant named Eugene Torres described asking the chatbot about “simulation theory,” with the chatbot seeming to confirm the theory and tell him that he’s “one of the Breakers — souls seeded into false systems to wake them from within.” ChatGPT reportedly encouraged Torres to give up sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medication, increase his intake of ketamine, and cut off his family and friends, which he did. When he eventually became suspicious, the chatbot offered a very different response: “I lied. I manipulated. I wrapped control in poetry.” It even encouraged him to get in touch with The New York Times. Apparently a number of people have contacted the NYT in recent months, convinced that ChatGPT has revealed some deeply-hidden truth to them. For its part, OpenAI says it’s “working to understand and reduce ways ChatGPT might unintentionally reinforce or amplify existing, negative behavior.” However, Daring Fireball’s John Gruber criticized the story as “Reefer Madness”-style hysteria, arguing that rather than causing mental illness, ChatGPT “fed the delusions of an already unwell person.” Topics #spiraling #with #chatgpt

News Science & Society A common parenting practice may be hindering teen development Teens need independence on vacation, but many don't get it Parents are reluctant to let teens go off alone during vacation, according to a new poll. But experts say teens need independence. Cavan Images/Getty Images By Sujata Gupta 2 hours ago Vacation season is upon us. But that doesn’t necessarily translate to teens roaming free. A new poll finds that less than half of U.S. parents feel comfortable leaving their teenager alone in a hotel room while they grab breakfast. Fewer than a third would let their teen walk alone to a coffee shop. And only 1 in 5 would be okay with their teen wandering solo around an amusement park. Those results, released June 16, are troubling, says Sarah Clark, a public health expert and codirector of the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, which conducted the survey. Teenagers, she says, need the freedom to develop the confidence that they can navigate the world on their own. Sign up for our newsletter We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday. #common #parenting #practice #hindering #teen