Shopify: The E-commerce Giant

What is Shopify?

Shopify is multinational e-commerce platform for online stores in which people can utilize the website to create online stores for their businesses. Anyone is able to purchase a plan of theirs to have access to the many tools that Shopify offers to create a website for their store. Within their services they have many capabilities when creating an online store because you can customize and make the website your own unique way. Shopify was originally launched in 2006 and have grown into a multibillion dollar company with millions of users around the world. Many people have used Shopify to create jobs for themselves and live off their stores from Shopify that’s just how much force Shopify has, but also why it thrives. Being able to create an online store easily and make it good looking is almost half the battle when creating a business. Especially since today more and more people are on the internet and are socially connected, this inclines people to do more online shopping. But how did Shopify grow to be one of the biggest companies to reimagine online shopping? For this we have to look at where Shopify has thrived and the unique opportunities that have landed in their laps.

Shopify’s Growth

Shopify’s revenue has grown tremendously over the last few years due to a plethora of reasons. One of the biggest causes to its growth was the pandemic because online shopping had increased substantially. Everyone couldn’t leave home and what else is there to do at home for hours on end than to go online and possibly shop. During this time period over the course of the last two years Shopify’s revenue has increased over five times the amount it was pulling in since 2018. During the pandemic “Dropshippers” flushed the market to try to get rich fast which also boosted their revenue and success tremendously. Dropshipping is when someone creates a website selling a company’s product through their website without holding inventory. Dropshippers sell an item for a price they desire which typically covers the cost of buying it from the manufacturing wholesale price and gets money in return depending on their profit margins they set. Other factors that contributed to it was their impeccable customer support and their analytics page for their users. Whenever the users had a problem they have a FAQ ready to help easy fixes and operators helping customers all times of the day with their stores. Customers also get to see analytics of their store whether it be sales, conversions, or page views so this helped business owners on Shopify learn what they did right one time or how to avoid other pitfalls.

What is Shopify

Shopify

Overwatch 2 Review

Official release trailer from Blizzard of Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2 ‘s Prequel

On May 24th in 2016, the game development team Blizzard released Overwatch to the public on PlayStation, Xbox, and Windows. With cross platform support, the game became popular almost instantly. The one big issue players had with the game was the pricing; A copy of the game was $40. Although that price is cheaper compared to most games at $60, a price on a game can prevent some people from playing the game.

Overwatch featured 6 v 6 team battles where both teams work together to capture objectives. The characters were split into three different categories: Tank, Damage, and Support. Each round, two tanks, two damage, and two support characters would be selected to use for the round. With over 30 unique characters to choose from, and frequent events and updates, the game continued to stay popular for years.

Overwatch 2′ s Initial Release

On October 4th of 2022, Blizzard released Overwatch 2 for all platforms. They released the sequel free to play, which had drawn in an outstanding number of new players. The developers continue adding new characters, cosmetics, and events into the game, engaging players further. The sequel allowed players to use their original account from the original game, letting them keep their progress, cosmetics, and rank status.

One of the major changes other than the sequel being free to play was the removal of the 6th slot on a team. Each game, there would be a total of five players per team (with ten in total)

My Experience While Playing

I only began playing Overwatch once the sequel came out, as it was free to play. I instantly fell in love with the unique characters within the game, which piqued my interest further. Although this was my first time playing a first-person shooter game, I was easily able to understand the game’s mechanics and how to play.

  • Overwatch 2 is an excellent game to help begin to understand modern games’ mechanics, with quality graphics, many different settings options, and the popular ‘battle pass’ used throughout many games such as Fortnite.
  • The new feature of the battle pass allows players to earn rewards as they unlock new tiers within the battle pass, such as in game currency, cosmetics, and emotes.

Overall, I enjoy playing this game very much, and like to play with friends to make the teamwork aspect of the game easier and more fun. I recommend this game to both newcomers of video games, and veterans looking to master first-person shooters in a new light. Down below is a link to the official Overwatch 2 Website, with details on the game and available platforms

Overwatch 2 (blizzard.com)

We are Taking Care of Cats Wrong.

The domestic cat or the Felius Catus is one of our most excellent companions. Unfortunately, these cats, and any of our pets, come with a price, and I’m not just talking in dollars. Almost every kind of pet is somehow invasive somewhere, and cats are everywhere.

So, why am I mentioning this? I bring this up because cats are part of a massive problem, and because of how we care for them now, that issue is only getting worse. These cats are causing massive damage to the environment by overhunting small birds, mammals, and reptiles, which throws the balance off and causes many other issues, including:

  • Thinning populations of small birds, reptiles, and mammals
  • Thinning populations of other predators who feast on the above animals
  • Overpopulation in cats
  • Imbalance in the food chain

What can we do?

The main issue with the way we take care of cats is that free-roaming has been normalized. Stray cats and free-roaming cats all still hunt, regardless of if they need to or not. So what should we do about our Free-roaming Cats?

No one ever likes it, but the truth is we have to keep our cats inside but don’t worry. I have solutions to help your cat stay happy indoors AND outdoors!

Free-Roaming Cats: Indoors

First comes first, “catifying” your home. Do you have cat trees? Do you have scratching posts? Do you have enough litter boxes? Do you have shelves for your cat to climb and access to windows? These should all be considered when you own a cat. When you get a cat, you must be willing to get the proper furniture for them to live on. Without any furniture or places to scratch and go to the bathroom, your house won’t only become a mess from your fluffy friend, but it will also stress them out. Cats need to be able to climb and survey from above- it’s in their instincts to get to high places.

Free-Roaming Cats: Outdoors

How can we get our cats outside without them impacting the environment? The solution is simple! You have two options:

  1. Build a Catio
  2. Leash Walking

Though, you should really do both if you want to keep your cat as healthy as possible.

A catio is like an indoor porch for your cat! They can run around and play while being “outside.”

Catio:

Catios are most likely going to be the solution for most, but what about leash walking? It is still controversial to leash-walk cats. After all, it is much harder to train them, and harnesses aren’t as readily available. I have a video that will help you understand why leash walking is important and healthy for your cats:

Now that we have gone over Free-Roaming Cats, let’s talk about strays.

Stray Cats

Anyone can help the environment when it comes to dealing with stray cats. Stray cats are wilder than the usual domestic cat that has grown up around people and are much harder to take in. The best solution for these guys is to practice TNR, (Trap, Neuter, Return). You can do this by simply laying out a humane cage trap with some food in it. Once you catch a cat, you can bring them to get neutered or spayed, and then release them back where you caught them. The reason this helps is simple: It helps keep the cat population under control without harming them.

If we can take of our cats better, we can help the environment more than ever before! I hope I’ve helped you learn something! Let’s work together to help our cats and the environment thrive!

Cat Walking Supplies are more diffuciult to come by, so here are some links to help you out!

Cat-specific harness: https://www.amazon.com/rabbitgoo-Adjustable-Harnesses-Breathable-Reflective/dp/B07SC7WFQN

(Never walk your cat on a collar or a dog harness. They can get loose very easily that way!)

Cat Backpack for easy transportation or a tired cat: https://www.amazon.com/Cat-Backpack-Pet-Carrier-Bag/dp/B09XBC4MSF

Eating for the Environment

Planet Earth was here before we were and she is our home, so why do we as humans treat her the way we do? It could be because it’s easier for us to not care, or maybe it’s just something some don’t think about. More and more people are choosing to live and eat a plant-based lifestyle, some would refer to this as pescatarian, vegetarian, or vegan. If you don’t know what the difference of these diets/lifestyles are, I’ll give you a quick breakdown. Pescatarians are those who chose to abstain from eating meat, but still consume seafood in their diets. Vegetarians also chose to abstain from eating meat, but also in this case, seafood. Vegans are the “most” plant-based of them all, abstaining from all animal-based food products and everyday products. This includes anything that comes from an animal including milk that comes from animals, butter made with animal’s milk, and even products such as honey. People chose to live these lifestyles for many reasons, but usually it’s either for dietary restrictions, or to better the environment. How we all choose to live our lives according to the environment and planet we live on, matters. Here’s a breakdown on how much water it takes to make a cheeseburger.

Now that’s a whole lot of water. But don’t worry…in 2023 there are so many alternatives to your normal beef burger. Plant-based burgers (see bottom of chart above) are still delicious, some even taste exactly like a beef burger, if that’s what you’re going for, and it’s environmental impact is so much less. It’s so important to keep in mind how much water goes into a pound of beef, pork, or chicken. This is how much power you have as a consumer of food everyday and guess what? You don’t even have to conform to a lifestyle label! Even if you cut back on your consumption of meat it would help so much, or if you only chose to eat chicken which takes a lot less water to produce than other meats such as beef or sheep.

There’s so much to learn and the choices you make, have so much effect. All it takes is a little bit of knowledge and some empathy for the world around us. It’s time for us to give back and if you want to open your eyes even more, I listed a few great documentaries about eating and the environment below.

  • Food Inc.
  • Cowspiracy
  • Seaspiracy
  • What the Health
What we choose to eat affects SO much and it’s not just water consumption

“They Live “

A Movie Review

The rich are getting richer, The middle class is consuming it self from with in. Aliens have infiltrated the highest ranks in society with plans to take over the world. The earth is over populated, and working class people have no way out. Only Two man stand between them and us (George Nada )played by 80s wrestling superstar Roddy Piper. A man with nothing to lose and everything to prove, and ( Frank Armitage ) played by Keith David. A working class man that doesn’t play by the Rules. “They Live” is an action packed trill ride written in the classic stylings of critically acclaimed writer, director, and musical composer “John Carpenter” based off the 1963 short story “ Eight O’Clock in the Morning” by Ray Nelson.


“They Live” will leave you asking the questions is the system rigged against me ? Am I a follower or a Leader ?
So put on your Favorite pair of Ray Ban Sunglasses, Run don’t walk and get ready for the most gut punching, bubble Gum Chewing 80’s Cult Classic action Sci-Fi adventure movie of all Time. ( John Carpenter’s) “ They Live” will keep you entertained from start to finish with out of this world fight scenes and Campy one liners like “ I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass. And I’m all out of bubble gum” No matter the time, No matter the day, No matter the year “They Live” will find that special place in your at home movie collection next to other Carpenter classics such as The 1982 Horror/ Sci-Fi Film “ The Thing” staring “ Kurt Russell” and “Keith David” or The 1986 Action Fantasy “ Big Trouble in little China” also Staring “Kurt Russell” and “Kim Victoria Cattrall “best known for her role on the hit 1998 HBO television show “ Sex and the City” So find a friend grab some pop corn, put on your favorite streaming platform or spend some cash and own it for life, because ( John Carpenters) “ They Live “ does not disappoint.


https://www.bestbuy.com/site/they-live-4k-ultra-hd-blu-ray-blu-ray-1988/6432604.p?skuId=6432604

Annuity Present Value PV Formula + Calculator

See this link for detailed explanation of present value of annuity concepts. FVORD represents the total amount paid against the loan with interest. C) Calculate the total amount of interest Andy will have paid on the mortgage over the 30 years. It is worth noting that this formula was first introduced in Section 3.3. The net present value (NPV) of an investment opportunity can be obtained by deducting the present value (PV) of initial investment from annuity pv formula the present value (PV) of cash inflows. The management of Graham Inc. has identified an investment opportunity requiring an initial cash outlay of $80,000.

You are asked to determine the interest rate that your company would be paying under the four-payment option. Often we know the present value, the number of payments, and the interest rate, but we do not know the amount of the recurring payments. Thus, the selling of a loan contract needs to calculate the present value of all remaining annuity payments in the term.

Andy made a down payment of $40,000 on an apartment and secured a mortgage for the rest of the purchase price. He has agreed to repay this mortgage with end-of-month payments of $1,580 for 30 years at a 3.45% annual interest rate compounded monthly. Thus, the formula gives us the current value of all the payments that will happen in the future where the discount rate or the rate of return is predetermined. This present value denotes the amount which an investor will invest now so that they can get a fixed payment in the future.

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. This slight difference in timing impacts the future value because earlier payments have more time to earn interest. Imagine investing $1,000 on Oct. 1 instead of Oct. 31 — it gains an extra month of interest growth. Now let’s explore annuity due, where payments happen at the beginning of each period.

The time, represented by the number of periods (n), significantly impacts the present value of an annuity. As the number of periods increases, the present value of the annuity decreases. Hence, this is because the longer it takes to receive future cash flows, the more they are discounted to reflect the time value of money. In some instances, you may need to determine the number of payments in an ordinary annuity. For example, for how many months could you withdraw $100 from an investment account with a present value of $2,581, if the fund earns 12% per year compounded monthly. The fund begins on June 1, 2025 and the first monthly withdrawal takes place on July 1, 2025.

Capital investments often require an initial investment and then generate a series of cash flows – much similar to annuities. Therefore, to know the true profitability of a project, managers must know the concept of annuities and their present value. Just to clarify, in the following annuity formulas, we refer to the ordinary annuity.

  • Instead of doing the same calculation twenty times, you look up a factor once and multiply.
  • In simple terms, we can say that if one has money now, they can invest that money and enjoy returns on that money, so automatically, the value of money gets appreciated.
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  • Understanding this context helps you better evaluate offers and set realistic expectations when calculating the present value of your payment stream.
  • Hence, this is because the longer it takes to receive future cash flows, the more they are discounted to reflect the time value of money.

Retirement Planning: Key Financial Metrics

For example, if an individual could earn a 5% return by investing in a high-quality corporate bond, they might use a 5% discount rate when calculating the present value of an annuity. The smallest discount rate used in these calculations is the risk-free rate of return. Treasury bonds are generally considered to be the closest thing to a risk-free investment, so their return is often used for this purpose. The discount rate reflects the time value of money, which means that a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future because it can be invested and potentially earn a return. The higher the discount rate, the lower the present value of the annuity, because the future payments are discounted more heavily.

  • While future value tells you how much a series of investments will be worth in the future, present value takes the opposite approach.
  • The bonds will generate an interest income of $25,000 each year for the company for a five-year period.
  • There is a five-step process for calculating the present value of any ordinary annuity or annuity due.
  • The difference affects value because annuities due have a longer amount of time to earn interest.
  • An Annuity is a type of bond that offers a stream of periodic interest payments to the holder until the date of maturity.

Understanding Interest Rates and the Time Value of Money

These recurring or ongoing payments are technically referred to as annuities (not to be confused with the financial product called an annuity, though the two are related). Given this information, the annuity is worth $10,832 less on a time-adjusted basis, so the person would come out ahead by choosing the lump-sum payment over the annuity. Equipment leasing decisions hinge on comparing tax advantages (5-7 year depreciation schedules with diminishing bonus depreciation) against lease interest rates (6-13% for creditworthy businesses). Rating agencies like Moody’s and S&P evaluate several factors when assessing structured settlement securitizations. They examine whether the settlement was court-ordered (generally considered lower risk) or a non-court agreement.

They provide a steady stream of payments over time, making them a preferred choice for individuals seeking consistent income. However, understanding the present value of an annuity is crucial for evaluating its true worth. The present value reflects what a series of future payments is worth in today’s terms, considering factors such as interest rates and time. Let’s explore the concept, formula, examples, and practical applications of the present value of an annuity in financial planning.

Rate Per Period

Small business equipment leases in the US typically carry annual interest rates ranging from 6% to 13%. However, this range can expand significantly based on several factors. When you lease equipment instead of buying it outright, the lease payments include an implied interest rate. Understanding typical rates helps you compare leasing costs to ownership costs. Want to use a present value of annuity due calculator for real estate investments?

Present Value Table: A Complete Guide for Smarter Financial Decisions

In life insurance, calculating the present value of payouts can help policyholders or beneficiaries evaluate settlement offers and ensure they’re receiving fair compensation. The concept of present value can help you estimate how much to save today to secure a desired income during retirement. This is especially useful when planning long-term investments in NPS, PPF, or other retirement-focused schemes.

For example, if $1,000 is deposited in an account earning interest of 6% per year the account will earn $60 in the first year. In year two the account balance will earn $63.60 (not $60.00) because 6% interest is earned on $1,060. Similarly the bank paying the interest will incur interest on interest. The following timeline depicts the information we know, along with the unknown component (PVOA).

It’s also important to note that the value of distant payments is less to purchasing companies due to economic factors. The sooner a payment is owed to you, the more money you’ll get for that payment. For example, payments scheduled to arrive in the next five years are worth more than payments scheduled 25 years in the future. The present value of an annuity refers to how much money would be needed today to fund a series of future annuity payments. Or, put another way, it’s the sum that must be invested now to guarantee a desired payment in the future.

B) The total amount that Andy will pay over the 30-year term of the mortgage is equal to the number of payments (N) multiplied by the size of each payment (PMT). By substituting the values of the down payment and the present value (PV) into Formula 3.5, we can calculate the total purchase price. An essential aspect of distinction in this present value of annuity calculator is the timing of payments. He was also given an option at the time of joining to take $60,000 at once, but that would be subject to tax at the rate of 40%. You are required to assess whether John should take the money now or wait until 30 years to receive the same, assuming he is not in the requirement of funds, and the risk-free rate in the market is 6%.

An annuity is a financial product that provides a stream of payments to an individual over a period of time, typically in the form of regular installments. Annuities can be either immediate or deferred, depending on when the payments begin. Immediate annuities start paying out right away, while deferred annuities have a delay before payments begin.

Sally Lunn’s Tea Room & Restaurant

Sally Lunn’s Tea Shoppe and Restaurant has now been in business for 30 years. We are still serving up the best homemade pies, pastries, and desserts that you could find anywhere in the State and their mouth watering buttermilk scones — the recipe still a secret — are as scrumptious as ever.

– Sally Lunn’s

Sally Lunn’s, located in Chester, NJ, is definitely one of my family’s top spots to go to for an aesthetic meal. It can please any person who is into a British, cottagecore atmosphere with zen music playing in the background. You are surrounded by antiques, teapots, and all types of art, similar to a grandma’s house.

They are most well-known with their vast selection of teas, which is served in its own charming teapot and teacup, just for you. Our favorite thing to order is their chicken pot pie, served with a delicious, fresh potato salad. Everything tastes homemade, but better. Their desserts are rich and fresh, and on your way out you are greeted with British candy at the counter, a must-have purchase for myself personally. This charming restaurant is perfect for tea dates and especially perfect and popular for mother’s day.

For more information, visit their website!

The Best Album Known to Man?

Yes, this is the best album in the history of music, don’t quote me on that though.

– an EXO fan
EXO is a South Korean-Chinese boy band based in Seoul that was formed by SM Entertainment in 2011 and debuted in 2012. The group officially consists of nine members: Xiumin, Suho, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai and Sehun; however for this album release, the member Lay, is on hiatus, and could only feature on one song. They are noted for releasing music and performing extensively in Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese.

‘Don’t Mess Up My Tempo’

Don’t Mess Up My Tempo‘ (stylized in all caps; also abbreviated as ‘DMUMT‘) is the fifth studio album by EXO and was released on November 2, 2018. While still being on hiatus, member Lay is featured on the Chinese version of the title track, “Tempo”, marking his first appearance with the group since 2016. The album is available in four versions: Allegro, Moderato, Andante and Vivace, named after the types of tempo. It consists of 11 tracks, the 11th being a Chinese version of the title track, as mentioned before. The album debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart and was later repackaged as Love Shot on December 13, 2018, adding an extra 3 tracks. I will be giving a description and some of my initial thoughts on the 10 original tracks in order.

Track #1 – ‘Tempo’

Tempo‘ was called, “a rhythmical hip-hop-leaning dance track that showcases a cappella harmonies as they send warnings not to ‘mess up his tempo’ with their lover”. Billboard stated the preview, “starts off with a dramatic synth melody, pulsating beat and the phrase ‘I can’t believe’.” I find the vocal talent of this group to be outstanding, it really shines through this track with the unique usage of a cappella, as mentioned before, and of course their satisfying harmonies with one another. They take advantage of the amount of members they have and showcase it in their music. The bridge is *chef’s kiss*.

Track #2 – ‘Sign

Sign‘ is an electropop track with an intense bass and “bombastic” groove with lyrics expressing a man’s growing doubt due to lies told by the woman he loves. The instrumental of this song always wakes me up with it’s hearty bass, vocals and passionate melody. Exactly what an album needs.

Track #3 – ‘Ooh La La La’

Ooh La La La‘ is a Latin pop song, combining a heavy 808 bass and an “exotic” atmosphere of Spanish guitar. The lyrics of the song are about imagined love when two people accidentally make eye contact. This song is one of my all-time favorites. A smooth, sensual sound over a heavy beat is an automatic win in my book, I mean body-rolling is very fun. I feel like its also a favorite among most EXO fans, for good reason.

Track #4 – ‘Gravity

Gravity’ is characterized as an electropop track with a retro sound and funky rhythm, which the British duo LDN Noise worked on. The lyrics were co-written by member Chanyeol, and are described as about the desire to capture a girl’s attention with gravity and charm. Such a funky, colorful contribution to the album, again with the unique instrumental differing from the others and with their vocals in the catchy chorus. A mood lifter for sure.

Track #5 – ‘With You

With You‘ is described as an R&B and pop track with a “bright” synthesizer and electro-trap elements. Member Chanyeol participated in writing and composing the song. The lyrics are about growing to like someone more when one spends more time with them. Another sweet flavor greets us in this album. Beautiful vocals, even with a brighter sound, a trap beat is still present, making it upbeat, catchy, yet smooth.

Track #6 – ‘24/7

24/7‘ is a midtempo song with a modern sound and memorable catchy phrases. The lyrics express complex emotions after one says “cold words” to their lover. Catch me having this song on repeat. The most iconic and memorable thing from this song is the synthesized whistle that is heard in the beginning and end. Such a beautiful, sparkly song with the chimes, gorgeous high notes in the choruses, yet again flexing how amazing their vocals are, will never skip it.

Track #7 – ‘Bad Dream

Bad Dream‘ is characterized as an up-tempo R&B song, where the “sophisticated” guitar riff and poppy synthesizer’s dynamic melody line go well together with lyrics about one thinking about their past lover alone at night, with comparisons to a storm. I am obsessed with the transition from a cool guitar intro to the synthesizer, as mentioned before. It brings more layers to the song and makes the instrumental just as catchy, yet just as unique compared to the rest of the album. It brings you into a beautiful vocal slowdown before the chorus hits you, its so passionate. Not a single dull moment.

Track #8 – ‘Damage

Damage‘ is a hip hop and dance song with a bass-heavy and reggae rhythm, with its lyrics expressing the “cold” reaction one has after getting hurt by their lover, and giving back the pain they experienced like a “sudden flash of lightning”. This is ‘Sign‘ ‘s more outspoken, tougher, older sister. This song has me shouting the choruses every time. If you need something to bring back the life in you, this song will do it. I’m ready to (hypothetically) beat someone up after this one, how dare my lover hurt me, I deserve better.

Track #9 – ‘Smile On My Face

Smile On My Face‘ is described as an R&B ballad with soft melodies and simple yet “sophisticated” grooves, with lyrics about healing one’s own pain after a breakup, smiling and “letting their love go”. This is the only ballad in the album, bringing more to the table to show how versatile this group is. Ballads are not my favorite; however, I am still able to immensely appreciate the beauty of this song, and feel its somber message through the music, even if I don’t immediately understand the Korean lyrics without translating them. Says a very real and mature message, just what the album needed.

Track #10 – ‘Oasis

This last song, ‘Oasis‘, is an elliptical pop song with a combination of staccato piano and strings, heavy 808 bass, and a grand harmony. It uses the concept of a road as if the members have a strong desire to go somewhere else. They are tired of the place and have an urge to be somewhere else. This is possibly due to a broken heart or the search for themselves. Oh boy, does this song have a chokehold on me, couldn’t skip if I tried. The instrumental in the beginning uses pauses after each line to pull you in, introduces the 808’s in the mix, has a slowed down build-up to bring you to a breathtaking chorus. I feel free thanks to this song, one of my favorites.

Conclusion

EXO’s entire discography is so good in my opinion, it was hard to choose just one album to review, but I think I made the right choice with ‘Don’t Mess Up My Tempo‘. There is never a dull moment, its very versatile and will never leave you wanting more. I will always be amazed by how much talent this boy band has. If you want more information about the group and their discography, go to here.

Nihilists & Reactionaries Dispute The Religion For Our Time & Place

“Despair is typical of those who do not understand the causes of evil, see no way out, and are incapable of struggle. The modern industrial proletariat does not belong to the category of such classes.” – Vladimir Lenin

Drawing from Taoist and indirectly Leninist philosophies, new religion Dudeism seeks to afford practitioners a greater freedom from un-Dude norms that one might not otherwise abide. The Church of the Latter-Day Dude practice, or ABIDEment agrees with the Buddhist concept of detachment.

“Though ‘The Big Lebowski’ is a story about an aging ex-hippie in Los Angeles who is trying to solve a kidnapping case, at its heart it’s really a story about how to live your life, how to deal with conflict and how to maintain peace of mind in a world that’s gone crazy. So there’s really no distinction between the movie and Eastern philosophy — the movie is infused with it,” says church Chiang Mai based founder Oliver Benjamin. “I felt as if I’d seen a story that put all the difficulties of modern life into a manageable perspective. And it was probably the most touchingly funny film I’d ever seen.” https://dudeism.com/cnn-interview/

“Despair is typical of those who do not understand the causes of evil, see no way out, and are incapable of struggle. The modern industrial proletariat does not belong to the category of such classes.” said Vladimir Lenin.

If pain is mandatory and suffering is optional, the Dudeist way certainly seems a way to be of value to the proletariat.

The religion uses the Big Lebowski movie as a mythology to inform the simple way of abiding life as it comes. Though the chaos of life (sometimes caused by wayward Nihilists, facists, and reactionaries) will come, the way of the Dude allows one to trascend the despair of these trials and find the mellow path through. This ultimately allows people to come together, bowl, have a toke, share a brew. In other words and certainly in the eyes of the Church of the Latter-Day Dude, live free.

Don’t be an *ssh*le – https://dudeism.com/dudeism-rules/