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The trend is blowing up on social media, and no, it’s not just another dance challenge. This one involves something far more radical: not spending money! While MrBeast certainly doesn't need to be hopping on a money-saving trend anytime soon after making over $250,000 on a single X video (seriously, where’s the justice?), the rest of us mere mortals are still desperately clinging on amid a cost of living crisis that has us wondering if we can afford to window-shop. However, fear not if you've been at a loss over how to save some more pennies, as a TikToker has come to the rescue with a trend that’s louder than your neighbor’s 2 a.m. karaoke sessions. "It's the opposite of quiet luxury. But if you know any rich people, you know that they hate spending money so it's almost more chic, more stylish, more of a flex," says the Loud Bugdeter, who clearly spends a lot of time observing the mysterious ways of the wealthy. "Loud budgeting has the same feeling as sneaking candy into a movie theater - you feel like you got away with something, you feel like you're on an adventure. You feel like you're coming out of the situation winning." Just don’t let the theater staff catch you, or your budget will blow up faster than the popcorn machine. But what does 'loud budgeting' actually mean and how do you put it into practice? Well, the TikToker explains it's basically changing how you think about not spending. So, rather than saying 'I don't have enough' you say 'I don't want to spend'. Battle exemplifies: "So if your friend texts you, 'I want to hang out,' you text, 'I don't want to spend gas money, I'm coming to you to hear you talk about your ex for three hours'." Nothing says friendship like a budget-friendly therapy session. The TikToker adds: "Let’s send a message to corporations about the national inflation level. Let’s take a stand. Also, while quiet luxury is about idolizing celebrities, loud budgeting is about the everyday person, the average Joe, the heroes who know how to stretch a dollar until it begs for mercy." And with the video having gone viral, it hasn't taken long for people to flood to social media to weigh in on the trend. One TikToker wrote: "Loud budgeting is buying the travel size conditioner." Travel size? That’s living on the edge, friend. "My parents are JUST like this. Not flashy at all. I never thought we had money growing up then I realized they bought their home cash, retired early 50s, bought a boat, ski in park city," another added, making us all wonder what their secret really was. Frugality or a secret treasure map? A third commented: "Someone said that spending money is an ick in 2024 and now I’m living by that." Ah, the new social faux pas: having a latte. "I pay a lot of money to be at home. So that’s where I’ll be," a fourth wrote. Finally, a use for all those Netflix subscriptions. And a final resolved: "I've loud budgeted for 25 years and have 6 houses and a dollar tree black belt. Earn close to half mil and still recoil at Starbucks prices." We salute you, sensei of savings. So, run, don’t walk into the trend and loud budget away. Because in this economy, the real flex is not spending at all.

The New 'Bed Rotting' Trend is Taking Over Young People's Lives It's nearly the weekend, and if you’re planning a lazy morning in bed, let’s dive into the latest trend that’s taking over social media – ‘bed rotting’. Now, before you recoil in horror at the mental image of moldy mattresses and pillows sprouting fungi, rest assured, this trend is more about turning into a human pancake than a gross biology experiment. Bruno Mars Was Way Ahead of His Time Contrary to what it sounds like, ‘bed rotting’ has nothing to do with letting your laundry pile evolve into a new life form or leaving pizza crusts in your sheets to grow penicillin. It’s actually something many of us are secretly masters of: lounging in bed all day, giving zero hoots about the world outside. Remember Bruno Mars' 2010 anthem ‘The Lazy Song’? If not, here’s a refresher: “Today, I don’t feel like doing anything / I just wanna lay in my bed / Don’t feel like picking up my phone / So leave a message at the tone / ’Cause today, I swear I’m not doing anything.” Ah, Bruno – the original bed rotter! Little did he know, he was a visionary in the art of bed-bound slothfulness long before it became a hashtag. Bed Rotting: The Escape Hatch from Reality With the world seemingly going bananas, from skyrocketing prices to political ping-pong and global conflicts, it's no wonder younger generations are hopping aboard the bed-rotting express. No kids, no problem – just a duvet, Netflix, and the sweet, sweet escape from adulting. But before you declare your bed your new permanent address, beware! Doctors are now chiming in with their two cents (which, thanks to inflation, is now worth about 1.5 cents). They’re saying that while the occasional bed rot is a-okay, doing it too often might signal deeper issues. It’s like a smoke alarm going off – either there's a fire (stress and anxiety) or someone’s just burnt the toast (you need a nap). To Rot or Not to Rot: That is the Question Here’s the professional advice: next time you find yourself merging with your mattress, ask yourself why. Are you genuinely tired, or are you using your bed as a fortress of solitude against the world’s chaos? If it’s the latter, it might be time to address those stressors rather than hide under the covers. So go ahead, enjoy your lazy mornings, but remember – even the best bed rotters need to rise and shine sometimes. After all, you can't conquer the world from under the sheets, no matter how comfy they are.

- New cohabitating relationship trend is based on shared interests and values - Partners pursue romance outside marriage, can use artificial insemination In a land where the cherry blossoms bloom and ninjas sneak around (probably), young people in Japan are now adopting a new type of marital relationship that requires neither love nor, ahem, any nighttime gymnastics. This trend, known as "friendship marriage," is making waves across the country. Imagine the shock on Grandma’s face at the wedding when she finds out the couple is more into board games than bedroom antics! A whopping one percent of Japan's 124 million strong population is hopping on this bandwagon. This includes asexual individuals, homosexuals, and heterosexuals who’ve had enough of the traditional "till death do us part" script. They’re ditching the mushy stuff for a more practical approach, like finding a roommate with a legally binding contract. "Honey, did you take out the trash?" just got a whole new vibe. According to Colorus, the self-proclaimed matchmaker for these platonic pairings, about 500 friendship marriage households have been established since its inception in March 2015. Some of these households have even raised children. Talk about taking “it takes a village” to a whole new level. What is it? Friendship marriage is basically "a cohabitating relationship based on shared interests and values." Think of it as marrying your trivia night buddy rather than your high school crush. The partners are legally spouses but without the mushy love letters or the awkward “who moves left” dance moves in bed. Couples might live together, or they might not. It’s like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book, but with more paperwork. And if they decide to have children? Well, they might just call in the help of modern science with artificial insemination. Who needs candlelit dinners when you have a turkey baster and a dream? In these relationships, both individuals are free to chase after the butterflies elsewhere, as long as there's a mutual agreement. One member mentioned, "Friendship marriage is like finding a roommate with similar interests." Another added, “I’m not suited to be someone’s girlfriend, but I can be a good friend.” It’s like saying, “I’m not your Romeo, but I can totally help you with IKEA furniture.” Before tying the non-romantic knot, couples usually spend hours hashing out the nitty-gritty details of their shared lives. From meal plans to splitting bills, to who gets the bigger half of the bed (or separate rooms, who knows?), these discussions might seem unromantic, but they have helped around 80 percent of couples live happily together, according to Colorus. Who needs love when you have a well-organized fridge and a clean bathroom? Who does it? The typical friendship marriage candidate is around 32.5 years old, with an income that's nothing to sneeze at, and about 85 percent hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Clearly, the people in these marriages aren’t just bringing smarts; they’re bringing spreadsheets and color-coded calendars. This trend particularly appeals to asexual individuals and homosexuals. Many asexuals, who don’t experience sexual desire, still crave connection and companionship. Homosexuals might opt for friendship marriages since same-sex marriage isn’t legal in Japan. And some heterosexual youngsters, tired of traditional marriages or romantic rollercoasters, are embracing this trend too. It’s like a quirky social club, but with marriage licenses. Interestingly, about 75 percent of Japanese in their thirties still view marriage as a life goal. However, a 2016 survey revealed that 47.2 percent of Japanese married couples haven’t had sex in the past month. With friendship marriages, couples can enjoy companionship, tax benefits, and maybe even kids, without the pressure of keeping the spark alive. It's a win-win, or as some might say, “keeping it real while keeping it platonic.” Outside Japan Globally, young people are exploring relationship arrangements that stray far from the traditional path. For example, two 24-year-old women from Singapore decided to become life partners and live together in Los Angeles, sans romance. In China, a growing number of young folks are opting to buy houses and live with their BFFs. Marriage lawyers in China have a saying for this: “More than friends, less than lovers.” A bit like finding the perfect middle ground between Netflix and chill. And hey, a doctor with over 30 years of experience in sex education says a non-sexual marriage isn’t necessarily unhealthy or abnormal. So, if you’re tired of swiping left or right, maybe it’s time to swipe up and consider a friendship marriage. Who knew that “just friends” could be the ultimate relationship goal?

Retirement homes in China have gotten a facelift, and it’s not for the golden oldies anymore. A new trend has emerged: burned-out professionals looking for a place to “retire” way before the age of 65—try the ripe old age of 30. These facilities embrace lifestyle philosophies like “FIRE” (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and the famous Chinese mantra “lying flat,” which essentially means doing the bare minimum to get by. Imagine a sloth on a tropical vacation, but with a mortgage and a disdain for overtime. “Nursing homes for the youth” aren’t just a city thing; they’ve popped up in provinces like Yunnan and Shandong, giving everyone a chance to hit the snooze button on life. They’re focused on the mental well-being of their young clients, offering bars, cafes, and karaoke rooms—a trifecta of relaxation, socializing, and belting out off-key renditions of “My Heart Will Go On.” The Post explains what these “nursing homes” reveal about the future of China’s workforce. A Reset for the 30-Somethings Most residents are in their 20s and 30s, and it’s not like they plan to spend the next few decades knitting and playing bingo. For many, “retirement” is just a temporary pit stop, like a career time-out, but with less whining and more wine. “Some people wonder why these young folks are ‘retiring’ so early. Well, a lot of us in our thirties feel lost. I was once one of them,” said 32-year-old Lu Leilei, who opened a nursing home in Yunnan province earlier this year. At Lu’s facility, the morning kicks off with coffee at the bar—because adulting without caffeine is a nightmare—followed by ba duan jin (a form of qigong), and meditation on the mountain. Afternoons are all about farming, fishing in the river, and cooking in the communal kitchen. Evenings? That’s when everyone gathers around a bonfire for drinks, conversations, mahjong, and karaoke. At the entrance, a banner proudly proclaims: “Please lie down.” And no, it’s not a subliminal message from your mattress. Alternatives to the Conventional Career Trajectory The surge in popularity of these homes shows a broader shift among young Chinese adults seeking alternatives to the typical climb-the-ladder, rinse-and-repeat career path. “Since I posted about the youth nursing home online, I’ve been swamped with DMs and WeChat friend requests, all asking how to move in,” Lu shared, clearly surprised by the overwhelming interest in early “retirement.” Embracing the ‘FIRE’ Movement Meanwhile, a growing number of individuals inspired by the “FIRE” movement are plotting their escape from the rat race, aiming for permanent retirement in their 30s or 40s. On Chinese social media platform Douban, the “FIRE lifestyle” group has amassed over 230,000 members—clearly, a lot of people are ready to turn off the alarm clock for good. Originating in the West, the FIRE movement was first described in a 1992 book called "Your Money or Your Life," which advocates aggressive savings and relying on investment returns to achieve early resignation. It’s basically financial Houdini for those who want to escape the work grind. While in the West, the FIRE lifestyle is typically pursued by high-net-worth individuals (think Wall Street wolves turning into yoga-practicing sheep), in countries like South Korea and China, it attracts regular workers and employees desperate for a better work-life balance. Even unemployed youths are hopping on this trend, preferring to do less rather than stress over achieving more. So, whether it’s through early retirement or “lying flat,” China’s young professionals are redefining what it means to live life to the fullest—one karaoke session at a time.

Indonesian Man Finds Out His Year-Long Romance Was a Plot Twist • Guy meets 'gal' online, sparks fly faster than Wi-Fi. • 'She' always wears niqab, keeps up the mystery – turns out, it's the ultimate plot twist: 'she' is a 'he.' In a plot twist that could give soap operas a run for their money, a 26-year-old Indonesian man, we'll call him AK, found out just 12 days into his marriage that his 'wife' was actually a man in disguise. Imagine finding out your spouse is a scam artist in the middle of Netflix binge-watch session! AK, hailing from Naringgul on the island of Java, met his 'bride,' Adinda Kanza, on social media in 2023. The online romance blossomed quickly – apparently, love knows no bandwidth limits. But there's a catch: Kanza always wore a niqab, covering her entire face. AK thought it was a sign of her devout Muslim faith. Spoiler alert: it was more of a sign of "You can't handle the truth!" The lovebirds, flying high on digital sparks, decided to tie the knot. Kanza claimed to be an orphan with no family to invite to the wedding, which might've been the first red flag waving furiously in the breeze. But love is blind, and in AK’s case, also a bit gullible. They went for a modest home ceremony on April 12, with Kanza even bringing 5 grams of gold as dowry. Talk about going the extra mile in your scam prep. Twelve days into their wedded bliss, AK's spidey senses started tingling. Kanza’s refusal to ditch the niqab at home, avoid his family, and consistent excuses to dodge intimacy (ranging from "I have a headache" to "It's that time of the month") had him suspicious. When he investigated further, he found out Kanza’s 'family' was alive and kicking, and surprise! Kanza was actually a man named ESH, who had been cross-dressing since 2020. ESH's parents, who had no idea about AK or their son's new alter ego, spilled the beans when AK showed up. They revealed ESH’s grand plan: marry AK and swipe his family’s assets. Classic con artist move. Police, probably trying to keep a straight face, noted that ESH could really pass as a woman, especially with makeup. They said, “His voice is somewhat high-pitched, much like a woman’s voice.” Who knew the guy had such range? Maybe ESH should've gone into acting instead of con artistry. Now, ESH faces fraud charges and could get up to four years in prison. The news has left many observers shocked and one person even lamented, “What kind of news is this? It’s shattering my worldview.” As for poor AK, he's left to ponder how he got both catfished and conned out of a marriage and money. Who knew romance in the digital age could come with so many plot twists?

Passport to Rape: How a Notorious Politician Ensures His Victims Stay Mute In a tale so twisted it sounds like it was cooked up by a soap opera writer on a bad day, Prajwal Revanna, 33, a member of the Indian parliament from Hassan constituency in Karnataka, allegedly recorded himself committing rape. Nearly 3,000 such clips have been circulated in Hassan and uploaded online. Yes, you read that right: 3,000. That's not a typo, it's a nightmare. The victims range from his 68-year-old family cook to political workers, government officials, and basically anyone who worked for the extended Gowda clan. This clan is headed by Revanna’s grandfather, former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda, who ran India for a brief period from June 1996 to April 1997. Imagine a family reunion at their house. Talk about awkward. In a twist that would make any soap opera villain proud, Revanna’s father, H. D. Revanna, has also been arrested on charges of kidnapping and serial sexual assault. Seems like father and son have more in common than just their last names. The younger Revanna fled to Germany using his diplomatic passport faster than you can say "international scandal." Now, he's chilling in Europe while Indian officials scramble for Interpol’s help to drag him back for a good old-fashioned trial. The worst part? The burden of Revanna’s perverted hobbies is being borne by his victims. Thanks to the viral circulation of the rape videos, these women’s identities have been exposed. In India’s agrarian and patriarchal society, being a rape survivor is a bigger social taboo than being the rapist. It’s a bit like being punished for having your lunch money stolen because, hey, you had lunch money in the first place. Police, who seem to have misplaced their empathy manuals, are often unsympathetic to women reporting crimes. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in 2019, a rape happens every 16 minutes. That’s about the time it takes to make a cup of tea. Trials are a nightmare, with survivors subjected to humiliation and grilling that makes a police interrogation look like a friendly chat. In a community where marrying off a daughter is considered an economic necessity, families go to great lengths to avoid the “stigma” of rape. It’s almost as if the system says, “Why report a crime when you can just quietly suffer?” Revanna’s power stems from his grandfather Deve Gowda, who was Prime Minister for what felt like a blink of an eye but seems to have left a lasting legacy of enabling. Gowda has always been a “family first” kind of guy, finding important jobs for his sprawling clan. The systematic exploitation and abuse of women in Hassan predates Prajwal’s political career, turning the area into a veritable stronghold of silence and suffering. Before a woman could even dial the police, the Gowda clan would get a heads-up and make sure her life turned into a real-life horror story. That's the main reason these women kept quiet. The family’s defense, which could make a stone weep, is that the videos are three to four years old. Apparently, in their twisted logic, crimes have an expiration date, like a carton of milk. Yes, in India, you’ll be valued as a woman if you don’t complain. Stay silent, conform, and maybe you’ll get a medal and a photo op with some grinning political leader. But if you dare complain against powerful politicians, the entire establishment will rain down on you like a bad monsoon. As Prajwal hides to ensure he’s not punished for his alleged serial abuses, his victims also have to hide their faces to maintain a facade of honor. Until victim-shaming and apologizing for alleged rapists changes, women in India will keep being abused and remaining silent. And that is no laughing matter.

Candidates should have “exceptional creativity” in delivering political content to voters, according to the job description. Joe Biden’s presidential campaign is aiming to hire a person to promote his image by harnessing the power of memes, according to a job listing. Both the Biden campaign and that of his archrival, Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, have relied on memes to boost their electoral chances ahead of the November vote. The job ad was first posted on LinkedIn earlier this month and duplicated on the Biden campaign’s website, but only came into the media spotlight this week. The job, officially titled ‘Partner Manager, Content and Meme Pages’, is a full-time position with a salary range of $65,000 to $85,000 a year, and is based in Wilmington, Delaware. Meme lord hopefuls will have to “initiate and manage day-to-day operations in engaging the Internet’s top content,” the job description says, adding that the ideal candidate must be “passionate about bringing political content to voters where they already are on the Internet.” Candidates must have two to four years of experience in the video, media, or entertainment industry, deep expertise of the digital media landscape, the ability to identify internet trends, and possess “exceptional creativity.” The Biden campaign has already made avid use of memes, with one example being the figure of the so-called “Dark Brandon” character – a slick and sinister alter ego of the 81-year-old president who shoots laser beams out of his eyes. The meme originated with the right-wing political slogan “Let’s Go Brandon”– a euphemism for “F**k Joe Biden.” The latter went viral after an NBC reporter misrepresented an offensive chant by an anti-Biden crowd at a motorsports event in 2021. The Biden team has also set up a Tik Tok page featuring ‘Dark Brandon’ in its profile, even though the president signed a bill that could effectively ban the network in the US unless its owner, the Chinese company ByteDance, sells it to someone else. The Trump campaign has also tapped into the potential of memes ahead of the November election, selling mugs and other merchandise with his mugshot. The historic image, in which Trump viciously stares into the camera, was taken after the ex-president voluntarily surrendered to authorities following his indictment on election racketeering charges in August 2

Eric Adams to Assemble Rat Pack to Tackle NYC's Furry Foes Hold onto your cheese, folks! New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a man on a mission to rid the city of its most notorious residents—rats—has announced an epic gathering: the National Urban Rat Summit. Scheduled for September, this grand assembly aims to tackle the rat-tastrophe head-on, bringing together the finest rodent brains (the human kind, thankfully) from Boston, New Orleans, and Seattle. Rats: 3 Million Strong, One Mayor's Nightmare With an estimated three million brown rats calling NYC home, the metropolis is basically one big, cheese-filled paradise for these sneaky critters. Adams, clearly not a fan of Ratatouille, emphasized, “The best way to defeat our enemy is to know our enemy.” And by "know," he means scrutinizing every whisker and twitchy nose these pests have. Rat Summit: A Whisker Above the Rest The summit promises to be a blockbuster event, bringing together top rodent specialists who will undoubtedly share thrilling tales of tail lengths and whisker widths. Mayor Adams, ever the showman, declared, “New Yorkers may not know this about me – but I hate rats, and I’m confident most of our city’s residents do as well.” With rat sightings down nearly 14% in the city's Rat Mitigation Zones, Adams is poised to be the hero Gotham never knew it needed. Enter the Rat Czar: Kathleen Corradi Kathleen Corradi, NYC’s first-ever "rat czar," added her two cents, stating the city is "proud" to host this cheese-fueled symposium. She pointed out that despite rats being our closest urban counterparts (sorry, subway performers), there's surprisingly little research on these furry foes. Sounds like someone's been slacking off on their rodent homework! The Great Salty Pellet Plan In a bold move straight out of a spy novel, the New York City Council has introduced a bill to use salty pellets to sterilize rats. Because nothing says "romance killer" like a salty surprise. This pilot program aims to make rat love lives as unappealing as a Monday morning without coffee. PETA: The Unexpected Cheese in the Trap But not everyone is cheering for Adams' anti-rat crusade. Animal rights activists at PETA are gnawing at the mayor's heels, accusing him of “villainizing rats.” In a gesture of compassion, they’re sending him an ‘empathy kit’ featuring a ‘rats have rights’ mug and a “step-by-step guide to cultivating compassion.” Whether this kit includes a tiny violin for the rats remains to be seen. Conclusion: A Rat-Tastic Adventure Awaits So, mark your calendars and brace yourselves for the most riveting rodent summit ever. Will the rat pack outwit Mayor Adams and his crack team of specialists? Will New York finally become a rat-free paradise? Stay tuned, cheese lovers, for the next episode of “As the Rat Turns.”

"Unhappy with Your Hookup? The Government's Got You Covered!" In an eyebrow-raising twist, the Belgian government is stepping into the fray to negotiate with sex workers who decide that "no" means "no" just a little too often. Picture it: bureaucrats in suits and ties huddling over spreadsheets, mediating disputes over whether it’s too much to ask for a coffee break between clients. The Art of the Deal... Re-imagined Imagine, if you will, the scenario: a pimp—now lovingly rebranded as a "hospitality manager"—sitting across from a stern-faced government mediator, waving a contract and lamenting, “She said no for the eleventh time this month! How am I supposed to run a respectable business here?” One can only wonder if the next step involves PowerPoint presentations on proper customer service etiquette and mandatory motivational seminars. New Law, New Titles: From Pimp to 'Manager' Passed this month with a flourish, the law lets sex workers sign employment contracts with their pimps. Yes, you heard that right—contracts! Complete with health insurance, pensions, and even maternity leave. (Because, why not take a break from your day job, right?) Pimps must be licensed by the government, ensuring that your friendly neighborhood pimp is now a state-approved professional. Of course, should a sex worker refuse service more than ten times in six months, the pimps can cry foul and drag them to a mediator. Welcome to the bizarre world where HR disputes and labor laws meet the red-light district. A Union’s Seal of Approval UTSOPI, Belgium's sex worker trade union, has popped the champagne on this one. “Finally, we're out of the legal gray zone and into the slightly less murky waters of labor law!” declared UTSOPI spokesman Daan Bauwens. He optimistically added, “We hope other countries follow suit.” Next on the agenda? Perhaps lobbying for "Bring Your Kids to Work" day in the brothels. Anti-Exploitation Advocates Left Fuming Meanwhile, anti-exploitation activists are less than thrilled. Andrea Heinz likened the new law to giving pimps a promotion and an official title—like turning the school bully into the hall monitor. “It’s state-sanctioned power-tripping,” she argued, shaking her head at the irony. By the Numbers: How Many Sex Workers Are Out There? Official figures claim there are around 3,000 sex workers in Belgium, but some studies suggest that number is much higher. The Belgian Federal Police, in 2015, estimated a whopping 26,000, with 80% allegedly under the thumb of international trafficking gangs. Apparently, business is booming. So, What's Next? As Belgium dives headfirst into this social experiment, the rest of the world watches in bemusement. Will this quirky blend of labor law and the oldest profession in the world set a new standard, or will it be just another bureaucratic misadventure? Only time will tell. In the meantime, keep an eye out for those government mediators—coming soon to a red-light district near you!