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Octa crypto snapshot: investors behavior predictions after Bitcoin halving


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2024 – On the night of 20 April, the Bitcoin network experienced its fourth halving. Having broad general economic implications, this process is important for the entire cryptocurrency world and not solely for Bitcoin holders.

Octa

The 2024 Bitcoin halving, which crypto investors have been expecting for four years, has been finalised. The reward per block has been reduced from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC. The next cut will occur in 2028, with the reward reduced to 1.5625 BTC. The ultimate 64th halving will occur around the year 2140, which will mean that all 21 million coins have been mined, and the issuance of new Bitcoins will cease. Once this happens, the miners will have to find other ways to make money in the crypto world.

Halving effect on the Bitcoin price

At the time of writing, the Bitcoin exchange rate is around $65,000. Many analysts expect the halving to catalyse further BTC price growth in the long term.

Historically, with each new cycle following a halving event, the price of Bitcoin reached a new high. For example, in late 2013, about a year after the first halving, Bitcoin reached the $1,200 mark. The next market cycle peaked at $20k per Bitcoin in late 2017 and went up to $69k in late 2021 before collapsing again. However, in the last six months, the value of BTC has already risen by about 140%. In comparison, over the same period, the price of Ethereum, the second most crucial cryptocurrency, has only increased by 85%.

‘The current situation is unique: Bitcoin, for the first time, exceeded the previous high before halving, reaching $73,000 in March 2024’, said Kar Yong Ang, Octa Broker financial analyst. He added that demand from the U.S. bitcoin ETFs launched in January was a vital factor in that price rise.

At the same time, miners’ revenues will drop by exactly half. As a result, they will have to spend twice as much time and twice as much electricity to get the usual amount of cryptocurrency. And since energy is not cheap, the weakest players are expected to leave the market. In other words, we expect a supply shortage against the backdrop of increasing demand.

The halving of Bitcoin is a milestone in the history of the major cryptocurrency, which shows its limited issuance and inherent mechanisms to protect against inflation. Many believe that Bitcoin, with its deflationary model, is well positioned to become a reliable store of value in an unstable global economy, much like traditional gold—but only digitally.

If we draw historical parallels, Bitcoin should enter an intense growth phase around the end of 2024, after which it should exceed $200,000. The current conditions are very different from those observed in 2020 because the demand for cryptocurrency is extremely high due to ETFs, and its deficit is already felt today.
Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services already utilised by clients from 180 countries with more than 42 million trading accounts. Free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools they provide help clients reach their investment goals.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

Octa has also won more than 70 awards since its foundation, including the ‘Best Educational Broker 2023’ award from Global Forex Awards and the ‘Best Global Broker Asia 2022’ award from International Business Magazine.

Joint Effort between Laos, China Results in Major Bust of Telecommunication Fraud Rings

Joint Effort between Laos, China Results in Major Bust of Telecommunication Fraud Rings
FILE: this image is used only for representational purpose (photo: CPPR)

Laos has handed over 250 Chinese suspects of cross-border telecommunication scams to China in a joint operation between the two countries’ enforcement agencies, China’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS) announced on 23 April.

Embracing Innovation, Thrive Together: UST Unveils Next-Gen Solutions at ADIE 2024


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2024 – The Asia-Pacific Digital Innovation Expo (ADIE), a premier gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries, commenced with great fanfare on March 14, 2024, at the Pan Pacific in Singapore. This esteemed event is dedicated to exploring and propelling innovation and sustainable growth for businesses across the Asia-Pacific, unveiling the boundless potential of emerging technologies for commercial application.

Among the esteemed participants was UST, an organization known for its contributions to digital advancements. During the pivotal discussions on facilitating comprehensive digital transformation for enterprises and building agility and resilience, UST highlighted the significance of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, edge-cloud collaboration, and digital twins.

The practical application of these advanced technologies is poised to markedly enhance operational efficiency within enterprises. Furthermore, they provide decision-makers with valuable, data-driven insights drawn from real-world scenarios. This illuminates the path for businesses navigating the complex landscape of digital transformation, ensuring that decision-making is grounded in scientific rigor and forward-thinking strategies.

The Expo served as a platform for showcasing how these technologies can be leveraged to not only optimize business processes but also to foster an environment that is adaptable and robust in the face of evolving market demands. The insights gained from this event are expected to catalyze a new wave of innovation, positioning businesses at the forefront of the digital revolution and contributing to the economic vibrancy of the Asia-Pacific region.

Empowering Businesses for Global Expansion

At ADIE, the central theme revolved around “Building Enterprise Resilience and Adaptability, Driving Innovation, and Achieving Comprehensive Digital Transformation.” As a pioneer in digital transformation, UST played a significant role in the roundtable discussions, with its Senior Director, Gordon, joining industry leaders from Kenaga Group, NUS, Johnson & Johnson, and Alibaba Cloud.

Gordon underscored the critical importance of “digital transformation” and a “global perspective” for the long-term growth of businesses in the Asia-Pacific region. He also highlighted the notable rise in demand for generative AI and large-scale model technologies, as well as the strong aspirations of enterprises to expand into overseas markets.

Gordon shared successful case studies of UST’s efforts in bridging the digital divide for businesses in the Asia-Pacific. He delved into the challenges faced during implementation and proposed effective strategies to tackle them. His practical wisdom and strategic guidance aim to assist businesses in navigating the competitive digital economy, ensuring steady progress towards global expansion and sustainable growth.

Committed to accelerating the digital transformation journey of Asia-Pacific businesses through global resource integration and complementary strengths, this initiative promises to stimulate regional economic development and deepen the integration of the digital economy across the Asia-Pacific, ushering in a future of shared prosperity and mutual success.

Driving Global Business Innovation through Advanced Technology Integration

At ADIE, UST engaged in profound discussions with attendees on leveraging cutting-edge technological tools such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and cloud computing to empower businesses in the Asia-Pacific region to break free from traditional business models. This strategic approach aims to accelerate digital transformation, significantly enhance operational efficiency, and enable agility in addressing the new opportunities and challenges that arise in the global digital economy era.

UST seized the opportunity of this prestigious event to vividly demonstrate its expertise and extensive practical achievements in the field of digital transformation. Through a series of interactive displays and visually compelling materials, UST not only conveyed its corporate philosophy and core competitiveness but also provided detailed insights into real-world application cases in AI large models, big data, and intelligent manufacturing technologies.

Building on four leading business modules, UST deeply optimizes the entire production and manufacturing chain of enterprises. With core competitive advantages such as efficiency enhancement, cost reduction, seamless production line collaboration, and intelligent decision-making, UST is committed to creating smart factories and supporting the advent of Industry 4.0.

UST’s smart factory leverages technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, 2D/3D modeling, and workflow engines to integrate data from personnel, equipment, materials, processes, and quality control throughout the production process. By establishing a unified data platform, it achieves data collaboration and visualization in the manufacturing process. Additionally, business function systems enhance the controllability of the production process, reduce manual intervention on the assembly line, and enable rational planning and scheduling. This approach allows for the adjustment and optimization of the enterprise’s manufacturing processes, constructing an advanced manufacturing ecosystem that is high-performance, low-cost, and highly intelligent for businesses.

Advancing Digital Transformation for Asia-Pacific Enterprises

The UST booth emerged as a prominent attraction at the expo, drawing a significant influx of visitors eager to explore and engage. The exhibit showcased a variety of technology application examples and customized cross-industry solutions.

The R&D team at UST has developed a lightweight enterprise AI intelligent agent, characterized by significantly reduced deployment costs, minimized iteration risks, robust data security, and user-friendly precision. This innovative solution provides intelligent service support and business optimization capabilities for enterprise users, facilitating the application of AI large models in vertical business operations and collaborative office environments.

Take, for instance, the AI Agent, which serves as an intelligent customer service representative. It operates around the clock, resolving up to 90% of issues autonomously, thereby substantially reducing operational costs, enhancing customer satisfaction, and uncovering new commercial potential.

UST’s team of experts established a platform for knowledge sharing and technical exchange around the booth, offering in-depth consultation services to attendees. By sharing the latest technology trends and market insights from around the world, UST further solidified its position as a global leader in digital transformation.

Moreover, UST seized this opportunity to actively explore potential collaborations with participants, jointly promoting the adoption of emerging technologies such as AI and cloud computing among Asia-Pacific enterprises. This collaboration aims to drive continuous and profound digital innovation and development, embracing the new trends in digital transformation across the region.

Through this event, UST and the participants contributed valuable insights and strategic recommendations to the digital economy of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, accelerating its development and envisioning a future of tighter interconnectivity and innovation-driven growth.

Hashtag: #UST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

LUX And MX Player Partner To Challenge Outdated Sexist Scenes With An Innovative Campaign ‘The End’

Empowering Women By Disrupting Sexist Narratives in the Indian Film Industry: LUX Launches ‘The End’ Campaign


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2024 – VML Singapore and LUX, the global beauty brand under Unilever, has partnered with MX Player, a leading OTT platform, to launch a fresh new campaign that tackles a deeply ingrained issue in Indian cinema: the normalisation of sexism.

LUX And MX Player Partner To Challenge Outdated Sexist Scenes With An Innovative Campaign ‘The End’

The campaign titled ‘The End’, shines a light on how classic Indian films, while undeniably popular on streaming platforms, often portray outdated narratives where men disregard a woman’s clear refusal. This innovative campaign aims to spark conversation and inspire positive change within the industry.

This campaign leverages the power of communications within the MX Player platform in a truly unique way. Instead of traditional ad breaks that disrupt the viewing experience, LUX will utilize ad spaces strategically placed within the films themselves.

For example: The movie plays as expected, up until a crucial scene where a man is acting inappropriately and the woman clearly expresses her dissent. This could be a verbal “No,” a look of discomfort, or any other clear indication of her unwillingness. At this pivotal moment, the LUX ad seamlessly interjects, effectively simulating the end of the movie with end credits. This unexpected end surprises viewers with a new perspective on behaviour that has become normalised.

The campaign showcases such scenarios to emphasise the power of “No” and the importance of respecting boundaries. It features powerful messages about the importance of consent, demanding an end to sexism the moment it appears, and understanding that a woman’s glowing beauty is never an invitation or excuse for harassment.

For over a century, LUX has empowered women to express their unique beauty and individuality. Their new campaign builds upon this legacy, taking a creative and impactful approach to tackle a significant social issue.

“For decades, films have perpetuated the idea that a persistent man eventually wins a woman’s heart, even if she initially rejects him,” said Severine Vauleon, Global Brand Vice President, LUX | Bath & Body. “While the industry has undoubtedly made strides towards progress, many popular films from the past remain riddled with these outdated sexist scenes. We’re proud to partner with MX Player on this innovative initiative that uses the power of communications to address a social issue.”

By partnering with MX Player, a platform renowned for its diverse library of content reaching a wide audience, LUX showcases its commitment to leveraging its reach for social progress. This strategic partnership ensures the campaign’s message finds a powerful voice and resonates with a vast and diverse group of viewers.

Hinoti Joshi, Global Managing Partner at VML Singapore, who spearheaded the campaign, commented, “This campaign is not about erasing cinematic history. It’s about sparking a conversation and encouraging viewers to critically analyse the narratives they consume. We believe that classic films can still be enjoyed while acknowledging the outdated social norms they sometimes portray.”

The LUX and MX Player campaign has the potential to spark a much-needed conversation within the Indian Film industry. By challenging outdated sexist scenes and promoting narratives that celebrate female agency and respect for boundaries, the campaign can pave the way for a more progressive and empowering future for Indian cinema.

‘The End’ campaign is a call to action, encouraging viewers to critically analyse the narratives they consume and question outdated portrayals of women. It also sends a powerful message to the film industry itself: the audience is ready for stories that reflect a more progressive and respectful portrayal of gender dynamics.
Hashtag: #LUX

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About LUX

LUX has been celebrating beauty and femininity since 1925. We understand that beauty is a woman’s armour, her source of strength. It is hers to express, unapologetically. We will continue to help women everywhere fight casual sexism at home, in the workplace and in wider society.

About MX Player

MX Player is India’s largest growing OTT platform with a diverse audience base as well as a global reach of 17+ markets including UAE, US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives amongst others. It currently operates on both, AVoD and SVoD models with a keen understanding of the pulse of the audience, It has recently had several record-breaking shows across genres like Bhaukaal, Aashram, Matsya Kaand, High, Samantar, Dharavi Bank, and Campus Diaries. It is also the only OTT global platform to deploy H.266 technology that cuts down video streaming data consumption by 70%. As per the State of Mobile 2023 Report by Data.ai, MX Player ranks #1 in India and #3 Worldwide in terms of Downloads in Video Streaming.

DYXnet Expands Network Coverage with New PoPs in Mexico and South Korea

Empowering Global Business Expansion in Emerging Markets


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2024 – Mexico and South Korea are markets with significant growth potential, capturing the interest of global businesses. Recognising this emerging opportunity, DYXnet, a wholly-owned subsidiary of VNET Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: VNET), is pleased to announce the expansion of its network coverage and services by establishing new Points-of-Presence (PoPs) in Mexico and Seoul. This strategic move, coupled with its strengthened cloud, network, and security services capabilities, aims to provide comprehensive support for businesses looking to expand overseas. Building upon the successful launch of a new PoP in Dubai earlier this year, this expansion solidifies its commitment to empowering enterprises with robust infrastructure for seamless global connectivity.

Mexico and South Korea Offer Immense Growth Potential for Global Business

Mexico boasts advantages in terms of geography, population, and resources, attracting a surge of companies, including a notable number of Chinese enterprises. Furthermore, the tariff advantages for product exports to the United States under the USMCA agreement positions Mexico as an important springboard for foreign trade companies aiming to expand into the North American market.

Similarly, South Korea has emerged as a key target market for cross-border e-commerce, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 25% from 2022 to 2027, according to Mordor Intelligence’s prediction. In February of this year, Statistics Korea released data showing a 26.9% year-on-year increase in South Korea’s cross-border e-commerce imports in 2023. Import volumes from China experienced an even more significant surge of 121.2%, making China the largest source of cross-border e-commerce imports for South Korea.

To meet the substantial market demand, DYXnet’s new PoPs in Mexico and South Korea will facilitate secure interconnections across diverse scenarios through its integrated cloud-network-security services. This expansion empowers businesses to expand their global operations and capitalise on opportunities in emerging markets.

DYXnet’s SD-WAN+SASE: Secure Interconnections for Diverse Scenarios

With a robust network backbone infrastructure and extensive resources, DYXnet has deployed over 200 PoPs in more than 100 cities worldwide, covering over 700 cities globally. The PoPs in core cities have been upgraded to SASE PoPs, offering advanced security protections such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS). By integrating SD-WAN and SASE, enterprises can seamlessly and securely connect to the nearest SASE PoP, ensuring reliable interconnectivity across headquarters, branches, factories, and various scenarios such as cloud, internet, and e-commerce livestreaming. These solutions provide advanced network security capabilities, meeting the increasingly complex security requirements of today’s businesses and ensuring their operations are uninterrupted.

DYXnet Cloud Connect: Rapidly Deploying Global Digital Resources

Furthermore, DYXnet’s cloud connectivity capabilities enable fast and flexible deployment of global digital resources. Through collaborations with major public cloud service providers, DYXnet offers customers a rich pool of cloud-network digital infrastructure resources, facilitating easy access to multi-cloud environments. DYXnet remains committed to enhancing its service capabilities and expanding its network presence, providing superior interconnectivity support to enterprises. By partnering with DYXnet, businesses can achieve greater success in international markets and unlock boundless possibilities.

Hashtag: #DYXnet

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About DYXnet

Established in 1999 in Hong Kong and later becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of VNET Group (NASDAQ: VENT) in 2014, DYXnet is a prominent ICT service provider in Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region. It offers innovative technologies and solutions to enterprises of all sizes, enabling them to fully embrace digital transformation. With a comprehensive service portfolio that includes enterprise networks (MPLS and SD-WAN), cloud solutions, data center services, and cybersecurity solutions, DYXnet empowers businesses to unlock their true potential.

As a pioneer in the field, DYXnet was one of the first ICT service providers in the region to obtain prestigious ISO certifications, including ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 20000-1, and ISO 9001. Additionally, DYXnet is one of the first official members of the China Cross-border Data Telecommunications Industry Alliance and has played a significant role as one of the initial SD-WAN service standard drafting units.

To learn more, please visit DYXnet’s website at: .

Survey Complete for Vientiane-Luang Prabang Expressway Link

Lao-China Expressway near Vang Vieng, Vientiane Province (Photo: Hobo Maps)

The survey and preliminary design of an expressway, linking Vangvieng district in Vientiane province to Luang Prabang province, have been finalized. This development signals an important advancement in Phase 2 of the Laos-China expressway construction, which aims to connect Vientiane to Boten in Luang Namtha on the Chinese border.

LUX Celebrates A Century Of Unmatched Fragrance With “Still There” Campaign

LUX invites everyone to rediscover the enduring power of its fragrances and to experience firsthand why, after a hundred years, LUX’s signature scents are “Still There.”


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2024 – The global beauty brand under Unilever, LUX, a pioneer in luxurious personal care and fragrant soaps, is proud to announce its new campaign, “Still There”, created by VML Singapore, this campaign is a nostalgic journey through time that showcases the enduring appeal and lasting power of its signature fragrances.

LUX Celebrates A Century Of Unmatched Fragrance With “Still There” Campaign

Honouring a remarkable 100-year legacy of infusing fine French fragrances into its products, LUX reaffirms its commitment to quality and draws on this proud heritage to highlight the lasting power of LUX’s unique scents, which continue to enchant users decades after their introduction, setting a new standard in the personal care industry.

The concept behind “Still There” is simple yet profound: demonstrating that the fragrances used in LUX soaps not only persist but remain distinctive and captivating over time. To bring this concept to life, LUX undertook an ambitious project to locate and test vintage LUX soaps, some of which date back to as early as 1938. After more than 500 hours of searching and over 75 days of procurement, these soaps were analysed by the esteemed Givaudan Perfumery School. The results were astounding. Descriptors like “Very feminine but with a strong identity” and “Beautiful scent, very opulent, sweet and floral” confirmed that the fragrances had stood the test of time – they were indeed “Still There.”

The campaign sets itself apart through its innovative blend of historical reverence and modern scientific validation. Unlike other campaigns that may rely solely on contemporary appeal, LUX has tapped into its rich archives to prove a point about quality and consistency. This unique approach not only showcases LUX’s commitment to excellence but also bridges generations of users who have chosen LUX soaps for their distinctive and lasting fragrances.

“We are thrilled to embark on this nostalgic journey with the ‘Still There’ campaign, which not only celebrates our rich heritage but also underscores our commitment to quality and innovation,” said Severine Vauleon, Global Vice President, LUX Bath and Body, Unilever “By exploring our archival soaps and demonstrating their enduring fragrance, we pay homage to a century of excellence and reaffirm our promise to deliver unparalleled sensory experiences to our consumers. LUX has always been at the forefront of combining luxurious touches with everyday personal care, and this campaign beautifully encapsulates the essence of what we stand for.”

VML Singapore created this campaign to underscore LUX’s strengths in fragrance longevity and quality, areas where it outperforms competitors. By successfully preserving the integrity of its soap fragrances for decades, LUX demonstrates its superiority in fragrance infusion technology and its deep understanding of consumer desires for enduring and pleasant scents.

As part of the “Still There” campaign, LUX introduced an engaging interactive element with social media influencers to broaden its impact and reach. LUX sent beautifully crafted boxes to selected influencers, each containing four samples of soap powder drawn from different historical periods. These influencers were encouraged to smell the samples and describe the fragrances, capturing their initial impressions and sensory experiences. After recording their thoughts, they opened an accompanying envelope that revealed the age of each sample, some being decades old. The surprise element highlighted the timelessness of LUX fragrances. To connect the past with the present, the box also included two of LUX’s current body washes, demonstrating that today’s products continue to deliver up to 24 hours of lasting fragrance. This creative approach not only emphasised the consistency and heritage of LUX’s quality but also showcased its evolution and adaptation to contemporary beauty standards.

Hinoti Joshi, Global Managing Partner Unilever at VML, Singapore, who spearheaded the campaign, commented, “by weaving together the past and the present in this unique experiential campaign, we’ve highlighted not only the enduring legacy of LUX fragrances but also their relevance and appeal in today’s market. This initiative serves as a bridge connecting generations, proving that truly luxury and exquisite scents are indeed timeless. We are excited to see how this campaign resonates with both long-time fans and new audiences alike, reinforcing LUX’s position as a leader in the world of fine fragrance personal care.”

LUX continues to lead with innovation while staying true to the timeless allure that has defined the brand for a century. “Still There” is more than a campaign—it is a testament to LUX’s legacy and its future in offering consumers the ultimate experience in indulgent and lasting fragrance.
Hashtag: #LUX

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About LUX

LUX is committed to creating indulgent skincare products that provide consumers with a touch of glamour and an exceptional experience. Known for its commitment to quality, LUX continues to harness the power of technology and the finest ingredients to deliver superior product offerings globally.

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ is here. Is it poetry? This is what experts say

Taylor Swift fans check out a new pop-up opening to celebrate Taylor Swift's upcoming album "the Tortured Poets Department," at the Grove in Los Angeles on 17 April 2024. (Photo: AP/Richard Vogel)

NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift has released her 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department.”

But just how poetic is it? Is it even possible to closely read lyrics like poems, divorced from their source material?

The Associated Press spoke to four experts to assess how Swift’s latest album stacks up to poetry.

Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” is here.

IS TAYLOR SWIFT A POET?

Allison Adair, a professor who teaches poetry and other literary forms at Boston College, says yes.

“My personal opinion is that if someone writes poems and considers themself a poet, then they’re a poet,” she says. “And Swift has demonstrated that she takes it pretty seriously. She’s mentioned (Pablo) Neruda in her work before, she has an allusion to (William) Wordsworth, and she cites Emily Dickinson as one of her influences.”

She also said her students told her Swift’s B-sides — not her radio singles — tend to be her most poetic, which is true of poets, too. “Their most well-known poems are the ones that people lock into the most, that are the clearest, and in a way, don’t always have the mystery of poetry.”

Professor Elizabeth Scala, who teaches a course on Swift’s songbook at the University of Texas at Austin, says “there is something poetical about the way she writes,” adding that her work on “The Tortured Poets Department” references a time before print technology when people sang poems. “In the earliest stages of English poetry, they were inseparable,” she says. “Not absolutely identical, but they have a long and rich history together that is re-energized by Taylor Swift.”

“It’s proper to talk about every songwriter as a poet,” says Michael Chasar, a poetry and popular culture professor at Willamette University.

“There are many things musicians and singer-songwriters can do that poetry cannot,” Adair says, citing melisma, or the ability to hold out a single syllable over many notes, as an example. Or the nature of a song with uplifting production and morose lyricism, which can create a confusing and rich texture. “That’s something music can do viscerally and poetry has to do in different ways.”

“She might say her works are poetry,” adds Scala. “But I also think the music is so important — kind of poetry-plus.”

As for current U.S. poet laureate Ada Limón? “Poetry and song lyrics aren’t exactly the same (we poets have to make all our music with only words and breath),” she wrote to the AP. “But having an icon like Taylor bring more attention to poetry as a genre is exciting.”

HOW SWIFT USES POETRY IN THE SONG “FORTNIGHT”

Scala sees Swift’s influences on “The Tortured Poets Department” as including Sylvia Plath, a confessional poet she previously drew inspiration from on songs like “Mad Woman” and “Tolerate It.”

“Fortnight” uses enjambed lines (there’s no end stop, or punctuation at the end of each line) and Scala points out the dissonance between the music’s smoothness and its lyrics, like in the line “My mornings are Mondays stuck in an endless February.” “It kind of encapsulates boredom with the ordinary and then she unleashes a kind of tension and anger in the ordinary in those verses,” she says. In the verses, she says Swift “explodes the domestic,” and that fights up against the music, which is “literary.”

Swift’s lyrics, too, allow for multi-dimensional readings: “I touched you” could be physicality and infidelity in the song, Scala says, or it could mean it emotionally — as in, I moved you.

Swift has long played with rhyme and unexpected rhythm. “She’ll often establish a pattern and won’t satisfy it — and that often comes in a moment of emotional ache,” says Adair.

On “Fortnight,” it appears in a few ways. Adair points out that the chorus is more syncopated than the rest of the song — which means Swift uses many more syllables for the same beat. “It gives this rushed quality,” she says.

“Rhyming ‘alcoholic’ and ‘aesthetic,’ she plays a lot with assonance. It is technically a vowel-driven repetition of sounds,” she adds. There’s a tension, too, in the title “Fortnight,” an archaic term used for a song with contemporary devices. “There’s an allusion to treason, and some of the stuff is hyper-romantic, but a lot of it is very much a kind of unapologetic, plain speech. And there’s something poetic about that.”

“From the perspective of harnessing particular poetic devices, this kind of trucks in familiar metaphors for one’s emotional state,” Chasar says of “Fortnight.”

He says the speaker is “arrested in the past and a future that could’ve been,” using a dystopic image of American suburbs as a metaphor and “cultivating a sense of numbness, which we hear in the intonation of the lyrics.”

“But the speaker is so overwhelmed by their emotional state that they can’t think of any other associations with politically charged lyrics like ‘treason’ and ‘Florida’ and ‘lost in America’ that many of us would,” he says.

The title “Fortnight,” he adds, “is totally poetic. It’s also a period of 14 days or two weeks. For most of us ‘lost in America,’ it means a paycheck.”

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER POETIC MOMENTS ON THE ALBUM?

“She’s making references to Greek mythology,” says Scala, like in “Cassandra,” which is part of a surprise set of songs Swift dropped Friday.

The title references the daughter of the king of Troy, who foretold the city’s destruction but had been cursed so that no one believed her.

“She’s the truth-teller. No one wants to believe, and no one can believe,” she says.

Swift is “thinking in terms of literary paradigms about truth-telling.”

Adair looks to “So Long, London”: from the chiming, high school harmonies that open it to a plain first verse, “quiet and domestic,” she says.

“That mismatch is very poetic because it’s pairing things from two different tonal registers, essentially, and saying they both have value, and they belong together: The kind of high-mindedness and the high tradition and the kind of casual everyday. That’s something the Beat poets did too, re-redefining the relationship between the sacred and profane.”

___

MARIA SHERMAN Music Journalist; AP National Writer Hillel Italie contributed to this report.