The show is set in a luxurious (but I’m sorry, definitely fake) manor, which according to a press release from the production company is “Neo-Italianate.” I don’t know what that means, but it makes sense that they had to film this in an enclosed studio set, because secrecy about the show has been tighter than host Busty Moneyslam’s brassiere.

Speaking of the former professional wrestler, she kicked things off last night with her signature charm, revealing in candid interview footage the show’s major twist: our lovely bachelorette, Abellyne Rihanna Llewellen, is not going to be seduced by any of the show’s twenty male contestants. Instead, each of them are competing to be the best “wingman,” subtly guiding Abellyne toward the hapless, socially awkward, but honestly not too bad-looking Eugene.

Almost immediately, the next twist was revealed, as we saw behind-the-scenes footage of the contestants being introduced to Eugene—who is not actually a fellow contestant, but a producer on the show itself! Cameramen, boom operators, and all the usually hidden things that make TV magic are going to be fully included in the show, and only Abellyne will be unaware that nothing is actually behind-the-scenes.

Of course, to maintain the structure of the show-within-a-show, contestants will still have to be voted off each episode, so it will be their job to walk the tightrope of staying close to Abellyne, but ultimately getting themselves rejected in favor of Eugene. If the last man standing can successfully convince her to follow her heart and admit her feelings for Eugene—without revealing that it’s been a setup all along—he will win $200,000, and the hearts of viewers everywhere.

(And while you might think that keeping Abellyne to himself is not a bad consolation prize, it’s unlikely to happen once the curtain is pulled aside for her, and all of the final wingman’s lies are revealed. No woman wants to be with a man so selfish that he stands in the way of true love!)

Fortunately for the contestants, we have yet to see our first elimination round—stay tuned for the Episode 2 recap!—but viewers are already picking their favorites. Trending hashtags for the show included #IllTakeAdam, #JosiahNeedsTherapy, and #TeamBusty, the last being used by viewers who are certain that another romantic twist is surely on the way by the end of the show.

Be sure to check back here for recaps of future episodes, as the quest for love continues!

The post TV Recap: Wingman, Episode 1 appeared first on Vortex Daily.

1.) See More with Seymour Landry

While Landry has dipped his toes into just about every creative field, we think podcasting is where he really shines! Guests include an eclectic mix of artists, comedians, writers, and musicians, with each one answering three key questions: What are your drugs? What are your gods? What are your superpowers?

2.) His Saturn Return

This episode from The Stoop (“Stories From Across the Black Diaspora”) is a dramatic fictional narrative piece performed by writer Sai Sion, along with a stellar cast of professional voieactors. It bills itself as an “an afro-futuristic audio space drama,” and you don’t have to take our word for how good it is — it won both a Webby and a Third Coast International Directors’ Choice Award!

3.) Damn Interesting Week

This one’s our dirty little secret, because it helps us sound smart at parties without having to read a bunch of nerdy stuff! In each episode, the four hosts (Jennifer Lee Noonan, Angela Epley, Way Spurr-Chen, and Bradley Calhoun) give listeners a rundown of the week’s most interesting news from the worlds of science, history, psychology, and art, along with a healthy dose of humor to help it all go down easier.

4.) The Ascent

It’s a podcast about stairs. Literally. We can’t explain why it’s such a brain worm, you’ll just have to give it a listen.

5.) Murder in the House

A true crime podcast with a twist: all of the murders are recent, and all of them took place in a home that is on the market to buy right now. The anonymous host of MitH is a realtor who specializes in selling murder homes, and because the names and locations have been changed for the privacy of the new buyers, you can’t help but start to think, “what if?” about every house you go in. Spooky and fun!

6.) I Dunno, Man

Okay, we’re giving up. Five great podcasts is enough. Let us know when you’ve gotten through all the archives of the shows named above, and we’ll think about finishing this list.

The post 10 Podcasts You Should Be Listening To Right Now appeared first on Vortex Daily.

The first half of the book is a captivating account of Wegberg’s early ventures. From founding his first shipping company in his twenties to securing lucrative contracts during the economic boom of the 2030s, Wegberg’s ascent is portrayed as a masterclass in strategic thinking. At the same time, the author also underscores some of the darker aspects of this rise. Pink uncovers allegations of union-busting, environmental violations, and exploitative labor practices in developing countries, forcing readers to grapple with the duality of Wegberg as both a visionary and a stark individualist.

As with any unauthorized biography, Ship of Fools is not without its controversies. Critics have questioned the reliability of some sources, particularly those with long-standing grievances against Wegberg. The absence of direct input from Wegberg himself, who declined to be interviewed, leaves certain aspects of his life open to interpretation and speculation.

For better or worse, however, Wendell von Wegberg’s legacy is one that demands scrutiny, and Pink’s biography succeeds in sparking a vital conversation about the interplay of ambition, power, and ethics.

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Like their first album, the biggest strength of Ghost Anatomy is that it feels both familiar and new at the same time. From the recognizable horns and breathy vocals of “Found It in Her Waves,” to the genre-expanding “Electric Skies” with its unexpected old country influences, Hello Caller’s music can best be described as mindful—every track is exactly as intended, and we can’t help but follow along.

For those brave enough to lose themselves in its shadowy embrace, Ghost Anatomy offers a deeply resonant and unforgettable experience.

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Images of the in-your-face packaging went viral over the weekend, with responses ranging from disgust to enthusiastic approval, and like any hip new food trend, we figured we’d give it a shot and let you know how it went.

And the results are… it tasted like a hot dog. We hate being underwhelmed, so we even brought some friends over and did a blind, side-by-side taste test with a number of major brands. The various products were, to put it simply, completely indistinguishable.

Is that a bad thing?

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Anyway, the harvest season is upon us, and this year’s offerings are cooler than ever. Pictures have been going viral all over social media, and MyModernMet has the full story.

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Caledon begins her story in the early 2000s, painting a vivid picture of the internet in its infancy. She details many challenges that journalists of the era faced, ranging from overt sexism to balancing the demands of career and personal life. Her reflections on these formative years are candid and inspiring, capturing the resilience required to carve out a place in a tough, competitive industry.

What sets this memoir apart is Caledon’s ability to weave her personal experiences with the broader societal changes she witnessed firsthand. From the social media revolution to conflict overseas, her narrative provides an insider’s perspective on pivotal moments in modern history. She recounts covering landmark events with vivid detail and an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth.

The memoir also delves into the challenges facing modern journalism. Caledon doesn’t shy away from critiquing the rise of sensationalism, the pressures of the 24/7 news cycles, and the struggle to maintain journalistic integrity in an era of misinformation. Yet, her tone remains hopeful, emphasizing the enduring importance of storytelling and accountability.

All the News is not just a memoir; it’s a testament to the power of journalism to inform, challenge, and connect us. Whether you’re a budding journalist, a news enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a well-told story, this book is a must-read. Mauritza Caledon’s legacy as a trailblazer and truth-seeker shines brightly in this remarkable account of a life devoted to the pursuit of facts and understanding.

The post Book Review: All the News, by Mauritza Caledon and Jamison Pink appeared first on Vortex Daily.

Sid Meier’s Memoir! is the story of an obsessive young computer enthusiast who helped launch a multibillion-dollar industry. Writing with warmth and ironic humor, Meier describes the genesis of his influential studio, MicroProse, founded in 1982 after a trip to a Las Vegas arcade, and recounts the development of landmark games, from vintage classics like Pirates! and Railroad Tycoon, to Civilization and beyond.

Articulating his philosophy that a videogame should be “a series of interesting decisions,” Meier also shares his perspective on the history of the industry, the psychology of gamers, and fascinating insights into the creative process, including his rules of good game design.

We definitely give this one five stars!

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