pop culture

Modern popular culture topics in the geek sphere.

Before I Go to Sleep - A Movie Review
You mean, I am not going to remember any of this when I wake up tomorrow? Based on the novel written by S.J. Watson, Before I Go to Sleep is a 2014 film. Due to an accident, a woman can’t remember the day before when she wakes up in the morning. Struggling to adjust to this life, Christine learns of a horrifying truth that forces her to question the people around her.
By Marielle Sabbag4 years ago in Geeks
Netflix needs to remember that everyone is different
Do you ever feel like media companies are telling you what you should enjoy and should be watching? Now, I'm not just talking about just advertising a new show or movie, I'm talking about forcefully shoving it in your face. Over advertising it to the point where you could probably recognize the characters without even watching five minutes of the movie or show that is being advertised. This happened to me on a recent vacation to Los Angeles. There were advertisements all over the place for a new Netflix movie. In addition to billboards and buses, there were advertisements for this show printed on the trays that you put your items in as you go through security at the airport. It was beyond excessive. All of this got me inspired to write about how much I despise Netflix's top ten lists. Before I get into my reasons why I wish these lists didn't exist, let me explain exactly what it is in case you don't know. When you go to your homepage on Netflix, you are greeted with larger advertisements pushing the latest Netflix original shows. All you have to do to find the list is to scroll down a little bit. Sometimes, the little is near the top of the page. Other times, it is near the bottom. Apparently, the list changes position based on how Netflix thinks your personal taste reflects the items that are on the list. However, sooner or later, you will reach one list and then the other. There are two separate top ten lists, one for movies and TV shows. The lists are made from the watch times from the previous day. The more people that watch a certain show or movie, the higher it will rank. The lists are not based on user feedback. It should be universal knowledge by now that just because something is popular does not mean that it is good or worth giving your time to. However, I guess Netflix didn’t get the memo. Instead, they throw these lists in your face that seam to scream at you to watch these shows because everyone else is. Netflix does not seem to think that its users can think for themselves. These lists seem to only exist to persuade you to fallow along with the crowd. With all that being said, there is a more serious issue with the top ten lists than the simple pressure to conform. In my experience, when I look at the shows in the top ten lists more often than not, there is at least one title that contains graphic sexual or violent content, and it is not always fiction. I could write a whole another article on the unhealthy obsession with true crime. However, it is worth noting that some movies and shows in those top ten lists may contain a photo of a real violent criminal. Every title in the top ten lists is accompanied by a photo. Sometimes, the photos alone are enough to make you feel uneasy. When I go to watch, I want to escape and maybe even be inspired. I don’t want to be forced to see images that make me feel uncomfortable. Most, if not all, streaming services are guilty of shoving violent and sexual advertisements in your face. However, I have only seen the top ten lists on Netflix even though all the other streaming services that I have seen have a trending list. Netflix also has a popular list in addition to its top ten lists. Netflix seems to want to heavily persuade its audience to watch what they recommend. Unfortunately, there is no way to hide the top ten lists from your Netflix homepage. If you use Netflix, you are pretty much forced to see what other people are watching unless you scroll past the lists really fast. My hope is that one day, Netflix and other streaming services become more customizable in the way that social media platforms have done so that streaming can be relaxing and not uncomfortable.
By Christina Epperly4 years ago in Geeks
Enola Holmes - A Netflix Movie Review
Now, where to begin? Enola Holmes would know. Enola Holmes is a 2020 Netflix film. Enola Holmes-Sherlock discovers that her mother is missing. As the sister of the famous detective, Enola ventures on her own to find her. Still a rookie super-sleuth, Enola uncovers a dangerous conspiracy around a mysterious young Lord.
By Marielle Sabbag4 years ago in Geeks
The Glory Ending Explained: Now What's Next?
This thriller or suspenseful Kdrama follows the life of a girl named Moon Doong-eun, who is blinded by the fire of vengeance after suffering a fate worse than death.
By Ayush Verma4 years ago in Geeks
"Robot" series, by Isaac Asimov, review.
What will technological advancements mean for humanity? What does it even mean to be human? These questions and a lot more are explored in the "Robot" series, written by one of the best science fiction authors of all time, Isaac Asimov. The series was published between 1950 and 1990 and is part of the larger "Foundation" universe. The core series is comprised of five books, with some other short stories like "Mirror Image" and "The Positronic Man" novel. They are great if the core series isn't enough, but ultimately they are not essential. Let's dive into the main books!
By Dorin Ceolac4 years ago in Geeks
10 Tips to Improve Content Writing
Content writing is a vital aspect of digital marketing and a necessary skill for anyone looking to establish a strong online presence. Whether you're writing blog posts, product descriptions, or social media content, your words have the power to engage and persuade your audience. However, not all content is created equal. To truly stand out in the crowded digital landscape, it's important to constantly improve your writing skills. In this article, we will explore some tips to help you do just that. 1. Understand your audience: The most effective content speaks directly to the needs, wants, and pain points of your target audience. Before you start writing, take the time to research and understand who you're writing for. This will help you tailor your language and messaging to better resonate with your readers. Understanding your audience will help you to create a content strategy that is tailored to their specific needs, interests, and preferences. This will not only make your content more engaging but will also increase the chances that they will take action based on what they read. 2. Keep it simple: The best writing is clear and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or complex vocabulary that your audience may not be familiar with. Instead, aim for a conversational tone that is easy to read and engages your audience. The simplicity of your writing will not only make it more accessible but also more shareable. People are more likely to share content that is easy to understand and relate to. 3. Be authentic: Authenticity is key to building trust with your audience. Write in your own voice and be true to yourself. Share your own experiences, insights, and opinions to help build a deeper connection with your readers. Being authentic means being transparent and honest, it also means being consistent in your tone, style, and messaging. When your readers can recognize your voice, it helps to build trust and loyalty. 4. Use visuals: People are visual creatures, and the use of images, videos, infographics, and other visual elements can greatly enhance the appeal of your content. They break up text and make it more engaging and easy to consume. Visuals can also help to convey information in a way that is easier to understand than text alone. They can also help to break up long pieces of content making them more readable and less intimidating. 5. Tell a story: Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with your audience and make your content more memorable. Whether you're writing a blog post or a product description, try to weave a story into your writing to help bring your message to life. People relate to stories, they help to put things into context and make them more relatable. When you can connect your message to a story, it becomes more memorable and more likely to be shared. 6. Be strategic with your headlines: Your headline is often the first thing people will read, so make sure it's attention-grabbing and accurately reflects the content of your piece. Headlines that are too clickbait-y can backfire and discourage readers from continuing. A good headline should be clear, compelling, and accurately reflect the content that follows. It should also be optimized for search engines to increase visibility and reach. 7. Edit, edit, edit: A well-edited piece of writing is more likely to engage and persuade your audience. Take the time to proofread your work and make sure it's free of errors. You can also consider hiring a professional editor if you want a fresh set of eyes to look over your work. Editing is not just about correcting grammar and spelling errors, it is also about making sure that your message is clear and that your writing flows smoothly. A well-edited piece of content is more likely to be read, shared and acted upon. 8. Use data and statistics: Supporting your content with relevant data and statistics can help you to build credibility and authority. Use them to back up your claims and show that you know what you're talking about. Data and statistics provide a way to make your content more objective and less subjective. They can also help to make your content more shareable as people are more likely to share content that is backed by data and statistics. When you use data and statistics in your content, make sure they are accurate and come from reputable sources. 9. Vary your sentence structure: Varying your sentence structure can help to keep your writing engaging and easy to read. Use a mix of short and long sentences, and mix up your use of active and passive voice. Varying your sentence structure will keep your readers engaged, it will also make your writing more interesting and less monotonous. When you use a variety of sentence structures, it can also help to make your writing more dynamic and engaging. 10. Practice, practice, practice: The more you write, the better you'll become. Set aside time each day to write, even if it's just for a few minutes. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with the writing process, and the easier it will be to improve your skills. Writing is a skill that takes time and practice to master, and the more you do it, the better you will become. It also helps to read widely and to study the work of other writers. When you read widely, it can expose you to different writing styles, techniques, and formats. In conclusion, Content writing is a vital aspect of digital marketing and a necessary skill for anyone looking to establish a strong online presence. By understanding your audience, keeping it simple, being authentic, using visuals, telling a story, being strategic with your headlines, editing, using data and statistics, varying your sentence structure, and practicing, you will be able to improve your writing skills and create more engaging and persuasive content that resonates with your audience. Remember, writing is a skill that takes time and practice to master. Be patient with yourself and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles. With a little bit of effort and dedication, you can become a content writing pro in no time!
By PP4 years ago in Geeks
Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
Once upon a time, in a not-too-distant future, humanity had made incredible strides in space exploration. Leading the charge was a company called Space Exploration Technologies Corp, or SpaceX for short.
By Samira4 years ago in Geeks
Why Cop Land Was Meant To Be A Great Film
In a recent interview for the promotion of Tulsa King. Sylvester Stallone was asked, "Which of your movies would like more recognition for?"
By Samantha Parrish4 years ago in Geeks
She Said - A Movie Review
We may be able to use the truth to protect others. Just keep going. Based on true events, She Said is a 2022 film. A team of New York Time reporters breaks one of the most controversial scandals. Exposing the contentious events behind the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault cases in Hollywood breaks the silence of several women.
By Marielle Sabbag4 years ago in Geeks
Laughter really is contagious — and that’s good
Laughter is a universal language that can bring people together and make them feel good. But did you know that laughter is also contagious? Studies have shown that when one person laughs, it triggers a response in others to laugh as well. This is known as "contagious laughter" and it has a variety of benefits for both the person laughing and those around them.
By Samira4 years ago in Geeks
Ten terrible characters
You know the feeling when watching a movie or TV show, a point comes after which we cease to root for the hero and hate the villain and with all our existence we wish for that one annoying, entitled, spoiled, hateful, terrible horrible character to die finally? Or at least to move to somewhere very unpleasant, like Hell, or some kind of negative dimension full of monsters or perhaps Florida.
By John H. Knight4 years ago in Geeks
The Last Bus - A Movie Review
We all have a journey inside of us. The Last Bus is a 2021 film. An elderly man is on a personal mission. Traveling across the country from bus to bus from Scotland to Ireland the adventure is not an easy one. An assortment of kind people helps him achieve his promise.
By Marielle Sabbag4 years ago in Geeks