Dialog: The World
Far-Right Hate Group Announces Shocking Initiative To Promote Disinformation
By Chane
Alt-right white supremacist Mark Zuckerberg, leader and founder of known hate group and social media tycoon Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has announced that they will end their fact-checking program, leaving fact checking to its users, the vast majority of which are unqualified.
Meta has been instrumental in a global rise in fascism. In a recent documentary, a staffer for Donald Trump said it was extremely easy to get him elected via the intentional spread of disinformation because of Meta’s help. Meta’s products, including Instagram, have, in addition to installing fascist leaders globally in the interest of profit via exploitation, been instrumental in the debasement of millions of individuals’ self-esteem and values.
Balatro Is Amazing, But It Isn’t The Only Deckbuilding Roguelike
By Ging
The accolades that Balatro has received are extremely deserved. I have sunk hours that I shouldn’t have into the game trying niche strategies and chasing the dream of having 20 jokers using the anaglyph deck. I have gotten up to 15, which were mostly shit jokers that didnt increase my score enough to beat the next ante. I love Balatro. I also love Inscryption. I missed the hype of this game when it came out completely which makes the game seem really new and it is easy to see some of the inspiration for Balatro in this. I haven’t played any other deckbuilding roguelikes but it’s already a favorite genre of mine.
Inscryption has a running horror story in between the challenges with simple puzzle solving to gain more information about the world(s?) you find yourself in. I do find myself chasing the aesthetic and deck style of act one throughout the game, but it may have gotten stale if I wasn’t forced to change it up so often. Honestly dude, I live for this shit. So many games are dogshit or unfinished these days and I am tired of open world games with crafting mechanics. I fucking hate crafting.
Dialog Review: Beautiful Boy (2018)
By Jo
In Felix Van Groeningen’s Beautiful Boy, superstar actors Timotheé Chalamet and Steve Carrell portray a son (Nic Sheff) and father (David) battling the former’s addiction to drugs. Carrell’s on-screen fatherly love is convincing, and Chalamet is good at acting like a meth addict. His transformation from an engaged, lively boy to a manipulative and inconsiderate young man is quite believable.
The movie has a didactic tone, attempting to teach viewers about the dangers of drug use and ways to cope with your loved ones using drugs. One thing I did not know about that I discovered from the movie is the existence of support groups, similar to Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous, that are for relatives and friends of people struggling with addiction. Though there are some very rough moments, everything works out for Nic and David, partially due to how much money they have.
At the end of the movie, text is displayed on screen warning people not to use drugs, and assuring us that there is help out there for those that do. In real life, Nic Sheff went on to write for the Netflix show 13 Reasons Why, a show that provides detailed instructions for teenagers on how to kill themselves. It went on to become one of the worst shows I’ve ever seen. You can find a great commentary on this series here.
7/10
Business Spotlight: Public Storage
By Megumi
It can be difficult to know where to store your belongings. Luckily, you can store them at Public Storage.
You likely recognize Public Storage from their iconic branding. For a significant fee, customers can rent storage units by the month. Storage units vary in size. Typically, you may reserve a unit, sign the lease and move in within a day.
You can store virtually anything inside a Public Storage unit, including garbage. Their convenient smartphone app makes it easy to access your possessions.
Dialog Review: Nosferatu (2024)
By Bartok
The original Nosferatu (1922) is a German Expressionist silent film adaptation of the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker. There have been countless adaptations of this book, so it is hard not to compare and contrast it with its predecessors.
Much like a vampire, Nosferatu (2024) is a movie devoid of warmth. Robert Eggers has expertly captured the brutal, sexual nature of the classic vampire story, with plenty of sequences that combine sex and violence. The performances are excellent, with standouts including the snarling and animalistic Bill Skarsgård as the vampire Count Orlak and Lily Rose Depp's Ellen, whose emotive facial expressions and emboldened speeches reflect her struggle against everyone around her over control of her body. It might be the best modern depiction of gothic horror I've seen in a movie.
Werner Herzog's Noseferatu (1979) is quite different from this version, specifically in its depiction of Count Orlak and his lonely yet malicious existence. As a character study, it is far more compelling than Eggers' movie, complemented by its European arthouse vibes. But if you want solid pacing with foreboding atmosphere, eruptions of gory violence and intense physical performance, this Nosferatu clears.
8/10
Bread Spotlight: Sourdough
By Megumi
Sourdough is one of the most ancient forms of bread, and many people’s favorite to this day. In addition to the delightful sour taste, its fermentation process breaks down glutens, making it a healthier choice.
Sourdough bread can be purchased at most supermarkets. According to our contributors, making it at home is a moderately challenging but rewarding process. Sourdough is made with a sourdough starter, a fermented mixture of yeast, water and flour. You can purchase a 1000-year old sourdough starter from Italy here.
For an incredible appetizer, hollow out a loaf of sourdough bread, stuff it with your favorite creamy artichoke dip, and bake until warm and crisp. This one is sure to impress at parties.
Sixty Minute Version Of Hip-Hop Classic Surfaces Online
By Tomu DJ
A version of “Father Stretch My Hands”, a 2016 song by recording artist Kanye West, has recently surfaced online. Produced by DJDS (formerly known as DJ Dodger Stadium) the sixty minute composition rearranges certain elements of the original song into a long form evolving piece spanning gospel, ambient and more.
Listen to it on YouTube.
Dialog Review: Secrets by Raven
By Tomu DJ
Raven is a genre-defying artist and musician based in San Francisco, California. I first came across his label VAGUETRACKS several years ago, and it has been a gift that keeps on giving. The name of the label is apt, as its musics are difficult to categorize. I find myself drawn to VAGUETRACKS music when I am feeling deeply confused about life. The space Raven’s productions bring the listener to is boundless and deeply musical. His live performances are no less incredible, incorporating visuals and sound to create truly immersive experiences.
Though it was released in May of 2024, I just discovered Raven’s latest album online, Secrets. The album’s description reads, “This record seamlessly blends the raw immediacy of post-punk with the sophisticated intricacies of jazz, creating a soundscape that is both daring and deeply evocative.” I can’t really say it any better myself, to be honest. I highly recommend checking out any of Raven’s albums, but this one incorporates more acoustic sounds than other releases of his that I have heard. Like most of Raven’s music, listening to it feels like time traveling back to hearing music for the first time. Essential.
You can find most of Raven’s music here.
10/10
Jimmy Carter Dead at 100
By Chane
Former president of the United States, Jimmy Carter, has died at 100 making him the oldest US president ever.
Carter lost re-election to Ronald Reagan in 1980, by a landslide, after serving one term as president. He did numerous things during his presidency, which received mixed reviews. After his presidency, he was known for advocating about human rights, writing multiple books about the subject.
Four Things You Just Can’t Live Without If You Work From Home
By Clive
1. Standing Desk
A standing desk can help you focus better on repetitive and/or menial tasks that actually took up a lot more of your brain power than you expected. Having the option to stand up every now and then isn’t so bad.
If you own a cat, they’ll jump on and it’s cute (sometimes).
2. Fun Keyboard
Since your job most likely gave you a laptop to work on, it will feel better using a bigger, regular sized keyboard with a num pad. The ones on Amazon can come with a matching mouse.
For extra ergonomic comfort, get a Keyboard Wrist Rest.
3. Lesser Evil Popcorn: Himalayan Gold
Lesser Evil’s Himalayan Gold Popcorn is a perfect WFH snack. It is especially delicious when eaten during yet another droning Zoom meeting with the mic & camera turned off.
Pair with a chilled carbonated beverage. Buy it here.
4. 20+ inch Computer Monitor
With a solid Computer Monitor, the migraine and fatigue you eventually experience from staring at a screen for hours will be delayed by at least 30 minutes to an hour.
If you ever decide to get a gaming PC you’ll already have a good monitor to plug into.
Dialog Review: Challengers (2024)
By Shiva
Challengers (2024) directed by Luca Guadagnino ended up being one of my favorite films by him. Zendaya’s performance as Tashi Duncan, a young tennis prodigy turned coach after experiencing a career-ending injury, was one of her most captivating and gripping roles yet. Mike Faist (Art Donaldson) and Josh O’Connor (Patrick Zweig) displayed a deep intensity throughout their performance that kept me on the edge of my seat and hypnotized by their every move as I tried to understand the unspoken subtext within their dialogue, actions, and glances.
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ score to this film only made it that much more infatuating. One of my favorite features of Guadagnino’s films is his beautiful and artful way of exploring eroticism and sexuality. Challengers would definitely be in one of my top ten spots for favorite films I’ve seen in 2024; it’s not easy creating films that feature unlikeable characters almost exclusively but Challengers does it right and Guadagnino continues to impress me with his work.
8/10
Product Spotlight: Mancala
By Megumi
Mancala (Arabic: منقلة manqalah) is a fun board game played with small stones and a board or other playing surface. It is a satisfying experience to pick up the stones and drop or place them back on to the board. Mancala can be played alone or with friends.
Mancala is at least 20 centuries old and evidence suggests the game existed in Ancient Egypt. It is among the oldest known games to still be widely played today. Mancala sets made of various materials can be purchased online. To find a cute mancala set that fits your personality, try Etsy.
Police Cars Collide With Each Other In West Oakland; Four Hospitalized
By Chane
Officials report that at least three BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) police officers and one civilian were hospitalized due to a high speed collision between two BARTPD cars near the West Oakland BART station. Though the reasons behind the crash are unclear, eye witnesses report the police cars “were going fast for no reason”.
BARTPD have been a target of frequent criticism for many years. In June of 2023, BART Police Department announced that they would increase officer salaries to $67 per hour.
Artist Launches Brand New Platform for Multimedia Journalism
By Megumi
An Oakland based artist has launched a brand new online platform for multimedia news, Dialog: The World, stylized simply as “Dialog”. By covering Politics, Arts, Lifestyle and Shopping, Dialog will provide a comprehensive view into contemporary global culture.