communication 2 - The Latremie Post

Bitchat hits #2 on app charts in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa strikes

Jamaicans have rushed to download Jack Dorsey’s decentralized peer-to-peer messaging app, Bitchat, as the fatal Hurricane Melissa continues to rip through the Caribbean. Bitchat, which uses Bluetooth mesh networks for internet-free, encrypted communication, is now the second-most downloaded app on the Apple App Store and Google Play in Jamaica. The app offers a lifeline for 2.8 million people as internet coverage continues to falter in the region.

Bitchat only trails the weather forecast platform Zoom Earth, indicating that two of their most basic needs right now are to know what the weather is and to communicate with one another.

CNN reported on Wednesday that Hurricane Melissa has killed over 30 people in the Caribbean, including at least 23 in Haiti, while countless homes and businesses have been destroyed.

Until recently, adoption of decentralized, encrypted messaging apps was driven primarily by users leaving centralized communication platforms that may censor content or impose other restrictions. However, Bitchat has since become a critical solution for people in countries where internet access has been disrupted, whether due to government interference or natural disasters.

In September, Bitchat downloads rose significantly in Nepal amid government corruption and a social media ban that blocked Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube, triggering widespread protests. Downloads also rose in Indonesia a week earlier amid protests. A similar incident occurred in Madagascar later that month, amid protests over ongoing water and power cuts.

The European Union has also been mulling the controversial “Chat Control” law, which would eliminate encrypted messaging, forcing apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal to allow regulators to screen messages before they are encrypted and sent.

The proposal, which aims to spot child abuse material, was moving closer toward passing in October before Germany expressed opposition, arguing that scanning private messages is unconstitutional. The vote has now been postponed, with another vote set for early December.
https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitchat-second-ranked-app-jamaica-as-hurricane-strikes?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound

“You can see it on the field”: NFL coach breaks down visible rift between Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown as Eagles WR garners trade enquiries

An anonymous NFL coach recently shared his perspective on the ongoing rift between Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A. J. Brown on the field. Rumors have been circulating about the three-time Pro Bowler potentially being traded before the November 4 deadline. These speculations intensified after Brown expressed frustrations with the team’s offense this season.

According to an article by The Athletic’s Diana Russini, the anonymous coach explained that he understands Brown’s frustration with both the team and quarterback Jalen Hurts. He noted, “Hurts struggles against zone. That’s when A. J. goes MIA. There are times it looks like Hurts doesn’t fully trust what he’s seeing, so he checks it down and plays it safe. It’s either a deep shot or a checkdown — not much in between.”

The coach added, “The timing is just off. And you see it on the field — the communication between Hurts and Brown just isn’t there right now.”

This season, Brown has been targeted less frequently by Hurts. In seven games, the wide receiver has recorded 395 yards and three receiving touchdowns on 29 receptions for the Eagles, who currently hold a 5-2 record.

However, during their 28-22 victory over the Minnesota Vikings last week, Hurts and Brown appeared to finally rekindle their missing chemistry. Brown hauled in four receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, he injured his hamstring during the game, sidelining him for Sunday’s matchup against the New York Giants.

### DeVonta Smith Shares Thoughts on Brown’s Absence

Eagles star and Super Bowl LIX champion DeVonta Smith spoke about the challenges the team will face without Brown in the lineup. His comments came prior to the official decision to bench Brown as he recovers from his hamstring injury.

According to a tweet from The Athletic’s Zach Berman, Smith emphasized the need for offensive adjustments:
“Obviously, he’s a great player. We’ll have to adjust if that’s the case, he’s not out there. Everybody’s going to have to be studying a little harder, and guys will be moving around to different spots.”

### A. J. Brown’s Journey and Contract

A. J. Brown began his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans in 2019 before being traded to the Eagles in 2022. Since joining Philadelphia, he has established himself as a key player on offense.

In April 2024, Brown agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $96 million, solidifying his role with the team moving forward.

### Upcoming Game

The Eagles will face off against the Giants this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. With Brown sidelined, the team will undoubtedly need to adjust their offensive strategy to secure a victory at home.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-you-can-see-field-nfl-coach-breaks-visible-rift-jalen-hurts-a-j-brown-eagles-wr-garners-trade-enquiries

6 Best Couples Sex Toys (2025), Tested and Reviewed

As much as I’m a fan of partnered sex, I’ve learned that the best (and easiest) way to elevate any sexual experience is by bringing couples’ sex toys into the equation. These are not just toys you use with a partner(s) in the bedroom, but they also include devices that can be controlled remotely—whether you’re in a long-distance relationship or your partner is on a business trip.

Advances in sex tech and overall mainstream acceptance have shed the stigma that using one of these gadgets means something is lacking in a couple’s sex life. Instead, these sex toys are seen as an extra hand, so to speak, allowing for deeper exploration and other ways to experience pleasure together.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. I’ve been testing and reviewing sex toys for close to a decade, and I’m here to help you figure out exactly which couples’ sex toy is going to be most compatible for you and your partner.

Not every sex toy on this list may apply to every gender and sexuality, but there’s still something for everyone here. Be sure to check out our other sex tech guides, including the Best Sex Toys, Best Vibrators, Best Clitoral Suction Toys, Best Lubes, Best Sex Machines, and Best Mattresses for Sex.

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### Why Might You Want a Couples’ Sex Toy?

There’s no one reason why someone might want to give a couples’ sex toy a try. For some, it may be simply a matter of curiosity and seeing what all the hubbub is about, while for others, there could be an interest in wanting to explore other ways in which sexual pleasure can be enjoyed together.

It’s important to realize that wanting to experiment with couples’ sex toys doesn’t say anything negative about your sex life or even remotely suggest that something is lacking. Instead, being open to the idea speaks volumes about how much you and your partner prioritize the sexual aspect of your relationship, your desire to understand each other’s wants and needs better, as well as work on your communication skills when it comes to sex-related topics.

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### How to Broach the Subject of Sex Toys With Your Partner

If you and your partner have never used couples’ sex toys (or even standard sex toys for that matter), then the first step is broaching the subject in an honest and open way.

If you’re someone who already has a stash of sex toys you use when you’re rolling solo, then you can start the conversation by explaining how much pleasure you derive from using sex toys alone and that it’s something you’d like to share with them.

Although sex toy use has become very mainstream, there are still some people who aren’t totally on board. Some partners might see the subject of couples’ sex toys as you hinting that you’re not satisfied in the relationship.

If this is the feedback you get from your partner, it’s important to explain that using sex toys together isn’t about replacing a partner but rather about enhancing what you already have. After all, sex tech innovation can do things that the human body just can’t, creating other ways to have fun and even tap into possible kinks neither one of you may have realized you had.

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### What to Look for in a Couples’ Sex Toy?

The first thing to take into consideration is what interests you most.

– Are you looking for a bit of a helping hand in the clitoral stimulation department during penetration?
– Or are you looking for a device that can aid in foreplay so both you and your partner can prolong those intimate sessions?
– If you and your partner are in a long-distance relationship and are hoping to find a vibrating dildo, cock ring, or butt plug that can be controlled by an app, then that’s the direction to take your search.

Reading reviews of couples’ sex toys, as well as the information on the device’s packaging, will really help guide you in your search. You may find yourself dealing with a bit of trial and error, but that’s part of the fun.

No matter what toy you decide on, make sure it’s made of body-safe silicone, especially if it will be used internally.

In addition to material, features are also something to consider:

– Is it waterproof or only splash-proof?
– Is it best for someone with a penis or someone with a clitoris?

Being able to answer these questions before you start your couples’ sex toy shopping will really help you narrow down what’s likely to be the best fit for you and your partner.

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### Other Sex Toys to Consider

Here are a few other toys that aren’t quite as great as the top picks but are still worth a try.

**Lelo Tor 3 – $116**
If you love cock rings but wish they were app-enabled, meet the Lelo Tor 3. While at first the Tor 3 looks very snug, this ring is extremely flexible, making it a perfect fit for all penises or strap-ons. It’s designed to stimulate the clitoris when paired with a partner who has a vulva.

Although you can score a whopping two hours of playtime with Tor 3, it’s paramount that you don’t exceed 30 minutes of restricted blood flow to the penis. And if at any time things start to hurt — not in a good way — remove the ring immediately.

Unlike the Dame Hug, the Tor 3 doesn’t have pinchable arms, so it’s up to users to be mindful of time limits and potential side effects.

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**Unbound Bender – $69**
The Unbound Bender isn’t marketed specifically as a couples’ sex toy, but as far as I’m concerned, it absolutely is.

The Bender earns its name because it bends this way and that, making both external and internal stimulation fun. Similar to the Dame Pom, it’s not app-connected but offers couples a chance to experiment with different types of stimulation from head to toe — either as foreplay or the main event.

With 10 vibration modes and two hours of run time, you and your partner can light some candles, put on your favorite album, and explore each other’s bodies. Safe for vaginal and anal play, the Bender’s versatility really allows you to get creative in how you use it.

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**B-Vibe Rimming Plug 2 – $108**
Ilana Wexler said, “It’s 2014. Anal is on the menu,” in *Broad City*, over a decade ago, so it would be profoundly wrong not to include the remote-controlled B-Vibe Rimming Plug 2.

This toy falls into the couples’ sex toy category thanks to its easy-to-use remote. Whether you’re new to anal stimulation or a seasoned fan, this plug offers everything you’d want.

It’s not too big, and people with prostates will thoroughly enjoy the internal stimulation, not to mention the rotating beads at the base of the plug that stimulate the anus — adding a sensation anyone with a butt can enjoy.

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Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore.
https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-couples-sex-toys/

NFL seeks dismissal of Jon Gruden’s lawsuit after Nevada Supreme Court sends it back to state court

The Nevada Supreme Court returned Jon Gruden’s case to the state’s District Court on Thursday, while the NFL filed two motions seeking the prompt dismissal of the claims against it.

Gruden resigned as coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in October 2021 after the publication of emails he sent years earlier that included racist, misogynistic, and homophobic language. A month later, he sued the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell, alleging a “malicious and orchestrated campaign” to destroy his career by leaking the emails.

In a motion filed Thursday and obtained by The Associated Press, NFL attorneys used aggressive language to counter Gruden’s allegations, stating:
“The Complaint—Jon Gruden’s attempt to wrongly blame the NFL and its Commissioner for the consequences of the racist, misogynistic, and homophobic emails Gruden authored and widely distributed—hinges solely on unsupported allegations that fail as a matter of law or fall far short of stating a claim, and should have been promptly dismissed when the NFL Parties first so moved.”

Previously, the Nevada Supreme Court denied the league’s earlier appeal of its August 11 ruling that Gruden could proceed with his lawsuit and was not required to go through the league’s arbitration process.

The NFL’s attorneys further argued in the motion:
“Gruden does not and cannot dispute that he wrote the emails that led to his resignation. He does not and cannot dispute that he freely sent those emails to multiple parties. He does not and cannot claim that the emails were misleadingly edited or altered in any way, let alone by the NFL Parties, or that the views espoused in them were not in fact expressed by him. Instead, Gruden has concocted a fictional story that attempts to paint himself as the victim of his own conduct.”

The motion to dismiss also invokes Nevada’s anti-SLAPP statute, which protects against lawsuits intended to silence those exercising their First Amendment rights. NFL attorneys emphasized:
“Gruden’s false claims are all premised on quintessential First Amendment activity: the NFL Parties’ alleged communication of unaltered emails authored by Gruden, a public figure, to the national media. And because those claims have no basis in law or fact, the complaint cannot survive under the anti-SLAPP statute.”

In 2022, the NFL appealed to Nevada’s high court after a judge in Las Vegas rejected league bids to dismiss Gruden’s claim outright or to order out-of-court talks through an arbitration process that could be overseen by Goodell. The high court, in a 5-2 ruling, stated that “the arbitration clause in the NFL Constitution is unconscionable and does not apply to Gruden as a former employee.”

Background on Jon Gruden: He was an on-air analyst for ESPN from 2011 to 2018, during the period when the controversial emails were sent. Gruden served as the Raiders’ coach when the team moved to Las Vegas from Oakland, California, in 2020.

He is seeking monetary damages, alleging that the selective disclosure and publication of the emails by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times ruined his career and endorsement contracts.

Gruden’s coaching career includes two stints with the Raiders—first in Oakland from 1998 to 2001, and later in Las Vegas starting in 2018. He also led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for seven years, winning a Super Bowl title in 2003. After his coaching and broadcasting roles, he consulted for the New Orleans Saints in 2023.

Currently, Jon Gruden is a part-owner and consultant for the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football One league.
http://lasvegassun.com//news/2025/oct/23/nfl-seeks-dismissal-of-jon-grudens-lawsuit-after-n/

Big money backs Bitcoin through 2026 – but the market is split today

**Are Institutions Still Bullish on Bitcoin’s Future?**

A recent Coinbase survey titled *“Navigating Uncertainty”* reveals that institutional optimism toward Bitcoin (BTC) remains strong, with nearly 67% of respondents expecting BTC prices to rise through 2026. However, amid this bullish outlook, uncertainty persists regarding the current phase of Bitcoin’s market cycle.

### Institutional Conviction Grows Amid Debate

While most large investors anticipate a price climb by 2026, there’s no clear consensus on whether Bitcoin is still in an early expansion phase or approaching its next peak. Around 45% of institutions believe we are in the later stages of a bull run, whereas others feel there is still ample room for growth.

David Duong from Coinbase highlights that market liquidity remains robust, maintaining a positive outlook despite recent volatility prompting increased investor caution.

### Whales and Long-Term Holders Lead Accumulation

On-chain data reinforces institutional confidence. Bitcoin exchange outflows remained strong throughout October, signaling continued accumulation even as market sentiment turned cautious. Santiment data shows that large holders — those with 10,000 to 100,000 BTC — increased their balances in Q3, further supporting the view that liquidity is solid and long-term conviction is strong.

Major players such as Tom Lee’s BitMine and Michael Saylor’s Strategy have notably bought the dip, investing in Ethereum (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC), respectively. This activity suggests big investors are positioning themselves for the next growth phase.

### Conviction Over Speculation

The report also notes that Bitcoin’s illiquid supply decreased by only 2% in Q3 despite price highs, indicating that most long-term holders (LTHs) are holding rather than selling. Glassnode data corroborates this trend, showing an increasing number of coins remaining untouched for over a year.

This steady accumulation indicates that Bitcoin is driven more by long-term confidence than by hype or speculation—aligning with Coinbase’s positive outlook through 2026.

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**About the Author**

Samyukhtha L KM is a Financial Journalist and Market Analyst at AMBCrypto, dedicated to discerning whether blockchain trends are fleeting hype or history in the making. Holding a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University and a Bachelor’s in Commerce from the University of Madras, she combines financial expertise with journalistic rigor.

Her work emphasizes high-velocity, community-driven assets such as memecoins, where she assesses both sentiment and fundamentals. Samyukhtha is committed to providing readers with insightful, well-researched commentary that goes beyond immediate market movements to explore the long-term implications of decentralized technologies.

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*Read the best crypto stories of the day in less than 5 minutes.*

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*Thank you for subscribing to Unhashed.*
https://ambcrypto.com/big-money-backs-bitcoin-through-2026-but-the-market-is-split-today

DNA testing shows police found remains connected to Kada Scott: Sources

**Body Found in Germantown Linked to Missing Philadelphia Woman Kada Scott**

*Philadelphia, Pennsylvania* — Law enforcement sources have confirmed to Action News that initial DNA testing suggests the body found Saturday behind a vacant school near Awbury Arboretum in Germantown is connected to the parents of missing woman Kada Scott. This area was the focus of an intensive search conducted on Wednesday.

First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford detailed that a “very specific” anonymous tip was received overnight, prompting officers to return to the scene around 10 a.m. Sources also revealed that surveillance video evidence related to the case was obtained from a nearby Recreation Center.

The remains, which appeared to be those of a female according to Stanford, were discovered in a shallow grave within a heavily wooded area. They were removed from the site by late afternoon and are now in the custody of the medical examiner’s office, which will oversee the identification process.

Stanford stated that investigators have been in contact with Scott’s family throughout the process. “We have been in communication with her family as to this process and in the fact that we have recovered a human being,” he said.

Authorities are urging the public to continue providing any information related to the case by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477).

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**Evidence Found During Search**

During Wednesday’s search, police recovered physical evidence including Scott’s debit card and a phone case. Tips dramatically increased following the announcement of the arrest of 21-year-old Keon King from Southwest Philadelphia, who authorities say was the last person known to be in contact with Scott.

King has been arrested and charged with kidnapping and additional offenses connected to Scott’s disappearance.

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**Details of the Case**

Police are still investigating how King and Scott knew each other but believe they came into contact in the days preceding her disappearance. Before going missing, Scott reportedly told people she was being harassed, although it remains unclear if King was involved in the alleged harassment.

Scott vanished the night of Saturday, October 4, after leaving her workplace—an assisted living facility in Chestnut Hill. King is currently held on $2.5 million bail.

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**Related Charges and Previous Case**

King also faces charges in a similar case from earlier this year, involving a woman who was allegedly kidnapped and strangled but survived. These charges were initially dropped when the accuser failed to appear in court but will now be refiled, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.

In that earlier case, prosecutors say King kidnapped a woman from in front of her home, forced her into a car, assaulted her, and then released her. The incident was partially captured in a viral video showing King peering into and knocking on windows while a person inside yelled for him to leave and for someone to call the police.

District Attorney Larry Krasner addressed the case during a Friday news conference, acknowledging his office could have handled it better. “A really sophisticated approach to the case would have been to try to put it all in with video evidence,” he said.

Krasner explained that King being out on bail was a factor in the victim’s reluctance to appear in court. “The reason they had to worry he was going to come out of the same door they went in the courthouse right after they testified against him is because he was on bail,” Krasner said.

King was initially able to post 10% of $200,000 bail in his first kidnapping arrest. When asked why the DA’s office did not request a higher bail, Krasner described it as a strategic decision.

“You have the option of trying to do what is often a midnight or three o’clock in the morning telephonic appeal to a municipal court judge,” he explained. “The unfortunate reality of this is that some, but not all of these judges, don’t want you calling them in the middle of the night. And if you do, they lower the bail. They don’t raise it, they don’t leave it. They lower it. So it is always a complex, strategic decision.”

Marty O’Rourke, a spokesperson for the courts, provided a response to these comments.

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*For ongoing updates on this case and to submit tips, please contact the Philadelphia Police at 215-686-TIPS (8477).*
https://abc7ny.com/post/dna-testing-shows-police-found-remains-connected-kada-scott-sources/18040938/

The World’s Most Popular Emoji Revealed

The result highlights how a simple facial expression has become a universal way for users around the world to express puzzlement, sarcasm, or resignation.

When asked about their favorite emoji, many respondents said they often use a crying face “because it’s cute” or a sleepy one “when I’m tired.” However, it is the puzzled-looking emoji that dominates usage across regions, particularly among Generation Z users.

“It’s the most popular one; everyone uses it,” said one participant from Malaysia. Another, from China’s Fujian Province, described it as “a cute, moe face,” while a man from Shandong Province explained that his sister often used it to “mock” him.

The emoji ranked first in countries including the United States and France, with users typically employing it to convey feelings of confusion or disbelief. “It’s a ‘Why?’ face,” said another user from Fujian.

Other popular emojis also reflect nuanced emotional communication. “This is the one I use a lot,” said a user from Hong Kong, referring to a resigned-looking face. “It means something like ‘Oh well.’ I also use a crying face a lot, especially when I’m tired of studying or have too much homework and want to complain to friends.”

These findings underscore how emojis have become a language of their own — a powerful tool for expressing feelings that transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147274.php

Why Vaibhav Suryavanshi called RR official early morning from Australia

Why Vaibhav Suryavanshi Called Rajasthan Royals Official Early Morning from Brisbane

By Parth Dhall | Oct 07, 2025 | 03:45 PM

In a hilarious and unusual incident, 14-year-old Indian cricket prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi made an early morning call to Rajasthan Royals’ Director of High Performance, Zubin Bharucha, from Brisbane at 5 AM IST on September 22.

The Story Behind the Call

According to Bharucha’s recount to The Times of India, the conversation took a funny turn when Vaibhav reached out with an urgent question about the stadium lights. Vaibhav was curious about the difference in floodlight setups, pointing out that Brisbane’s stadium had floodlights installed on four separate poles, unlike the Indian Premier League’s usual single-pole arrangement.

The Communication Barrier: Early Morning Chat

The chat got even more animated as Vaibhav moved his phone camera toward the ground, asking, “Sir, can you see this light?” A bewildered Bharucha replied, “I have never been to Brisbane in my life, Vaibhav.” It took a moment for Bharucha to realize what Vaibhav was trying to show him.

When Bharucha failed to understand the purpose of the unusual early morning call, Vaibhav finally expressed his frustration, saying, “I can’t see the ball while playing.” This simple yet earnest concern highlighted the challenges young players face when adapting to different playing conditions abroad.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Performance Down Under

Vaibhav Suryavanshi is currently in Australia as part of India’s Under-19 squad for Youth One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Youth Tests. In the three Youth ODIs against Australia U-19, he posted scores of 38, 70, and 16, contributing significantly to India’s 3-0 series whitewash in Brisbane.

In the subsequent 1st Youth Test, Vaibhav shone brightly, scoring a resilient 113 runs off 86 balls, helping India U-19 win by an innings and 58 runs.

Setting Massive Records in Youth Cricket

During the 50-over Youth ODIs against Australia, Vaibhav shattered records by hitting his 39th six, surpassing the previous Youth ODI record held by former India U-19 captain Unmukt Chand. This remarkable feat underscores his power-hitting prowess at such a young age.

Other Remarkable Achievements

Earlier this year, Vaibhav made history by becoming the youngest player to feature in the Indian Premier League, debuting for Rajasthan Royals. Notably, he scored a blazing 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans, which stands as the second-fastest hundred in IPL history. This innings also made him the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket.

Across seven IPL innings, Vaibhav amassed 252 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 206.55 (including 50 sixes and 1 fifty). Among all batters facing at least 100 deliveries in the season, no one maintained a higher strike rate, highlighting his extraordinary ability to score quickly and consistently.

Conclusion

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s incredible talent, combined with his curiosity and commitment — as seen in his early morning call to Rajasthan Royals — marks him as a rising star in Indian cricket. As he continues to impress both domestically and internationally, cricket fans have much to look forward to from this young prodigy.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/why-vaibhav-suryavanshi-called-rr-director-of-high-performance/story

The Ultimate Guide To Self Publishing

At an event held in Kobe in September, more than 800 people gathered to sell or buy zines of all kinds. The atmosphere resembled a creative bazaar where each booklet reflected its maker’s imagination.

One artist presented a zine focused on a single Japanese character, deliberately written in an unreadable way to spark conversation with readers. The charm of zines lies in their complete freedom—there are no rules for layout, format, or content. Photography, essays, and illustration all coexist under one creative umbrella.

Zines also serve as a haven for enthusiasts of niche interests. Yoshida, one of the creators, compiled matchbox labels distributed at pachinko parlors during the Showa era. Though the designs may appear dated, he regards them as valuable historical artifacts documenting vanished storefronts.

“I probably have Japan’s largest collection of pachinko match labels,” he said with pride. Such topics would likely never pass a publisher’s filter, yet in zines, personal passion takes the lead—a key factor behind their appeal to both creators and readers.

“What makes zines fascinating,” said one customer, “is that they capture the creator’s character without being overly polished. It feels like pure self-expression.”

Among the many creators was first-class architect Chisato Otake, whose zine features imaginary floor plans. Her inspiration came from frustration in her day job.

“I often think, ‘If only I could design this kind of house,’ but clients’ needs don’t always align,” she explained. To bring her ideas to life, Otake selects real plots from real estate sites and designs homes according to professional building codes, even when the plans are purely imaginative.

“If I’m going to fantasize,” she said, “I may as well design a luxury property worth hundreds of millions of yen.” Her next project will focus on rooms, inspired by a period when she was bedridden and unable to work.

“It wasn’t about living a perfectly curated lifestyle,” she said, “but I’d like readers to feel a sense of empathy.” Though her architectural drawings are beautiful, Otake emphasizes that zines let her share vulnerability—something professional work rarely allows.

As digital media dominates communication, some wonder why zines continue to thrive. For many, the tactile nature of paper is irreplaceable.

“You can staple, clip, or decorate it however you want. That physical interaction is part of the fun,” said one participant. Because online content is so fleeting, people are rediscovering the appeal of printed matter.

Bookstores, too, are taking notice. One major retailer reported that zine sales now account for about 10 percent of total revenue.

“At first, it was just a small shelf,” said the manager. “But sales picked up quickly, so we expanded to three full shelves.” In an industry struggling with declining print sales, zines have become a new reason for people to visit bookstores.

As readers flip through each handmade page, they find themselves drawn deeper into the creator’s world—one that cannot be replicated on a screen.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147172.php