stray thoughts

Musings about entertainment, research, and stuff we heart.
Andrea Marker Andrea Marker

Mischief Managed: 20 Years of Harry Potter

What's your Hogwarts House? In celebration of Harry Potter's 20th anniversary on film, we've put together an infographic that charts the franchise's impact and the series' enduring fandom.

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Kate Radin Kate Radin

Begin Again: Who Wins When Taylor Swift Fans Face-Off Against the Algorithm?

After months of anticipation, it’s now Red season. The album has as much hype as any new album would have, with Taylor herself saying this will be a month of big surprises (SNL and mini-movie: Confirmed, Starbucks collab and release date for 1989 (Taylor’s Version): TBD). However, the ultimate test will be if can fans mobilize enough against faceless algorithms to bury the original Red until Taylor’s Version becomes the only relevant version (Scooter who?).

The infographic below charts the success—and challenges—Taylor and her army of Swifties will face in their quest. Fearless (Taylor’s Version) was monumentally successful, yet when you search for the album or certain songs, as we’ve learned, you may not get the album you want forever and always. But, if you’re anything like me, you’ll have stayed up until midnight to at least start trying.

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Andrea Marker Andrea Marker

Squid Game By The Numbers

Whether you’ve seen the series, or are just curious as to what everyone’s talking about, Artisanal Consulting has put together a little cheat sheet of how Squid Game has shaped pop culture, as well as a little exploration as to what may be driving people to actually pick up their phones and call to enter.

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