Chapter 1: Curated Insights and Community Highlights

In today’s episode, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz sat down with one of my favorite authors, Dr. Lutz Kraushaar, who is also a specialist in longevity. His extensive experience provides valuable insights for anyone looking to enhance their lifespan. As his colleague Mike aptly notes, he truly embodies his teachings. Additionally, Dr. Kraushaar shares a zest for vehicles that resonates with my own passions. Buckle up for a thrilling exploration!

Yesterday, I intended to share boosted stories from ILLUMINATION-Curated but was hindered by an overwhelming publishing queue. Instead, I prioritized creating this collection, marking the completion of 56 curated collections so far. It invigorates my spirit! I encourage you to share these lists on your social media to attract more readers to Medium. Every share amplifies our collective reach, so don’t underestimate the impact of your support.

The aim of my collections is to enhance reading times for the stories featured. Select a few that catch your interest and help elevate these writers’ profiles. You might also want to check out Mike Broadly’s recent collection, which highlights his contributions as an avid reader and supporter of our writers.

Our editorial team has shared insights on promoting non-boosted stories, which make up over 99% of our content. I actively participate in this effort to bring visibility to these narratives. Thank you all for your continued support on this incredible journey.

Today was bustling as it marked the last public holiday in Australia. I assisted in onboarding approximately 100 new writers, identifying around 60 exceptional pieces to include in our listings.

As I reflected on my past struggles with the pursuit of wealth and recognition—leading to burnout—Dr. Yildiz's recent narrative struck a chord with me. His insights have the potential to transform perspectives on material wealth and might even simplify the way we integrate money into our lives.

The cloning machine has made another attempt, trying to replicate my blockbuster film’s essence. Let me clarify: no matter how much they plead, these scammers won't find a place in my soon-to-be award-winning cinematic venture. Nice try, cloning contraption, but this director's seat is reserved for genuine talent, not deceitful impersonators.

The audacity of these scammers is astonishing—they’ve cloned Dr. Yildiz yet again, distributing his meticulously crafted story under a guise of authenticity. Seriously, how foolish can they be? Attempting to imitate an author celebrated for his credentials? It’s as if they’re competing for a gold medal in the Absurd Olympics. Do they genuinely believe readers will fall for their laughably misguided ruse? The plot thickens, and so does the absurdity!

I learned that Mike’s beautifully curated collections were targeted by scammers once more, marking the fifth attempt to impersonate him. This time, they used more sophisticated tactics, which Mike revealed in a recent piece. It’s clear these fraudsters underestimate Mike’s expertise; he won’t let them triumph. That dubious writing club might be on the verge of collapsing.

During our discussions, I gained insight into Dr. Yildiz’s challenges, and I hope those who sometimes take our volunteer efforts for granted read his story. Managing these Medium publications is no easy feat. It’s important to recognize that the editorial team faces numerous obstacles.

As I curated these gems, I experienced multiple "aha" moments—some evoking laughter, others bringing tears, all weaving a rich tapestry of emotions throughout my journey. I’m thrilled to share these emotional experiences with you, hoping they add a touch of joy or even spark some uncontrollable laughter to your day. Enjoy the ride!

I haven’t penned a story in the last few days, but my time spent reading and curating has been fulfilling. I plan to write a piece this weekend. You may have noticed I reverted to a previous style, as some readers feel that subtitles and images enhance the appeal of stories. Thus, I opted for a smaller layout to cater to reader preferences. However, if I read more stories, I may separate them into multiple releases to keep the content manageable. Today’s collection is slightly smaller, featuring around 50 pieces.

I assisted the ILLUMINATION-Curators in creating a new collection for our Reading Club, filled with captivating stories.

The ILLUMINATION editors have crafted an important bulletin addressing the surge of spam, scam, and bot accounts that plague the platform, causing distress for writers and readers alike. Please exercise caution, as I have fallen victim to cloning and felt the repercussions.

I came across an intriguing story by Dr. Yildiz that connects to Mike's narrative and his findings on spammy topic pages. Rather than sharing his noteworthy story on Medium, Dr. Yildiz opted to publish it on NewsBreak, weary of spam undermining our stories’ performance. He elaborated on this decision in a recent post.

For those who missed my Vocal saga, you can catch up via this link. However, I highly recommend Dr. Yildiz’s story, as it holds significance for new writers like me who aspire to make Medium their home.

Our ILLUMINATION newsletter detailing our progress and future plans was previously released on both Medium and Substack. I’ve linked both platforms for you to share with your relevant audience. Sharing is a beautiful trait within our community.

ILLUMINATION-Curators have compiled and published a collection of boosted stories from ILLUMINATION-Curated. I believe you’ll discover remarkable tales within that collection. It’s a heartfelt collaboration between writers, editors, nominators, and Medium curators to delight our readers.

Today, I also wrote a brief gaming story that Tetris enthusiasts might find fascinating. It highlights a new world record achieved in NES Tetris by a 13-year-old player.

Moreover, I assisted in onboarding numerous new writers. Feel free to explore their content; the ILLUMINATION editors have guided them to begin writing for us.

Video Insight: Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals Missed Opportunities

This video discusses missed opportunities by Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals, offering valuable insights into their recent performance.

December 2023 was an excellent month for me, as a story close to my heart received a boost. I appreciate the kind comments on this narrative: "Gaming, Fun, and Humor: The Lifelines That Rescued Me From Social Media's Grip on My Life."

Recently, I self-curated my monthly stories for my loyal readers as a sample for fellow writers. I anticipate similar success this month, and I’m committed to working diligently.

Here's an engaging interview with the well-known writer Tim Denning. You might find his insights in this interesting discussion quite inspiring.

Last year, I wrote about Tim as part of an AI project. I think you’ll find the AI's perspective on Tim quite intriguing.

If you're a passionate reader like Mike and me, consider upgrading your subscription to join the ranks of early adopters, as detailed in this story.

ILLUMINATION editors interviewed Dr. Yildiz on how Friends of Medium can share links across our tailored social media platforms. I tried it out, and sharing these stories took merely 10 minutes. I hope this brings many new readers to Medium. We all need to attract a broader audience to make this platform vibrant and sustainable.

Be sure to check our strategic approach for 2024, which aligns with Medium's direction as outlined by Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, our chief editor. He noted that only 5% of his stories performed well in 2023, while the remaining 95% received minimal views.

Dr. Yildiz also welcomed many new writers during his holidays.

A Special Welcome to New Writers

I volunteered to create a list of this collection for easy sharing across platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Reddit, or Quora. You can find all our sharing platforms linked in the story by Dr. Yildiz.

Let’s engage with this list and at least tweet it so that more readers can discover these stories. That’s the essence of our curated lists. We appreciate your wonderful support for the writers who pour their hearts into these narratives to delight you. Here are the nominated stories from passionate readers today.

Curated Stories from ILLUMINATION Writers

As previously mentioned, "these stories are a blend of my favorites and those nominated by volunteering editors (also writers and readers) on this platform. Therefore, the stories in this collection reflect their collective tastes. ILLUMINATION maintains a neutral stance for all published tales, making it impossible to feature over one million published stories. However, we will strive to amplify as many exceptional narratives as possible almost daily, based on volunteer availability."

Here are our outstanding nominated stories for today! I believe you will find something that meets your reading desires.

• Are We Ready to Welcome the Internet of Bodies Where Every Pulse Counts? Dr. Mehmet Yildiz
• This Unknown Book with a Boring Title Explains Everything You Need to Know About Money. Tim Denning
• A New Scientific Link Between Smoking and ALS. Mike Broadly, DHSc
• What Car Shows Mean to Me and How They Enriched My Life. Aiden (Illumination Gaming)
• Know Truth From the Inside Out. Cedric Johnson, PhD
• In the Day. Marie Grace, Ph.D.
• Cycle. Moshe Sipper, Ph.D.
• Overcoming Writer's Block Was My First 2024 Writing Experience. Antonio Segovia, MD.
• 2 Hacks That Will Give Your Mental Health a Big Boost. Sufyan Maan, M.Eng
• The 10% Rule: Say No to 90% (More Life, Less Hustle). Thomas Oppong
• My Dental Woes Became a Course in Mini Miracles. Rebecca Romanelli
• Defining Spiritual Faith in a Life of Distraction. Pernoste & Dahl
• Embracing Knowledge Humility: Navigating the Dunning-Kruger Effect in the Workplace. K. Joseph
• A True Tale of Synchronicity — or Was it a Case of Irrational Coincidence? Deborah Camp
• Time Rifts 43 — Too Many, Too Much. Frank Ontario | empathy, logic, love.
• Expectations: A Harbinger of Hatred. Chapter 5. Dmitry Potylitsyn
• Yoga Nidra: 5 Practical Tips to Help You Rest, Meditate, and Feel Less Stressed. Ntathu Allen (she/her)
• You Take the Gun Out from the Drawer, Still Loaded from Yesterday. Yong Kim
• An Ancient Philosopher Explains How the World Is Not What It Appears to Be. Andy Murphy
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency Rises, Concerning Me As It Was My Big Problem. Dr. Mehmet Yildiz
• The Power of Transformation. Philip M - I
• Chaos at OpenAI: The Emergence of Q-Star and Its Implications for Humanity. Ekant Mate (AWS APN Ambassador)
• 3 Foolproof Methods That Will Drag You Out Of Your Comfort Zone. Raghunathan Srinivasan
• A Journey Through The Market — Treacle Puddings And Evening Icicles; Tales To The Warm-hearted In… The Doctor - Joanie Adams
• "The Niche Is Me." Gia
• Why Waiting For An Apology Is Futile. Rashmi G
• Four Self-Employment Lessons From RuPaul's Drag Race. Nicholas Barron
• AI Art Made Me Worry Less About Creating Art of My Own. Fran Holly
• Preventative Detention. Dr. John Frederick Rose
• 5 Things You Should Know Before Self-Publishing A Novel. Cam Roze
• 5 Essential Tips to Reduce Information Overload (& Overcome Analysis Paralysis). Maggie Kelly
• Navigating Imposter Syndrome. Adonis Richards
• Jack Robinson's Statue Stolen, Except The Feet. Black Culture Unlocked
• Why You Shouldn't Do Dietbet.com and What to Do Instead. Fisk Harrison
• Best Camera For The Next 30 Years. Gurmohit Randhawa
• A Kinder Lesson in Forgiveness and Peace of Mind. S ESOOF SIDDIQ
• When Only Love Remains. Un-Traditional Mother
• Do This For An Instant Confidence Boost. Jasmine
• Is Your Fear of Intimacy Leading You To Unavailable Partners? Above The Middle
• 13 Insights From Schoolyard Friendships That Transformed My Financial Success. Celia Fidalgo, PhD
• Stop Letting Perfectionism Stifle Your Potential. Angelica Mendez
• Her Son Saw Her in the Shower, and The Sky Was Falling Down. Mike Broadly, DHSc
• Save for 8 Years in Your Youth, a Retirement Without Worries. Adam Stern
• Biohacking Your Brain: The Science and Ethics of Cognitive Enhancement. Cortex Chronicles
• The Plane Tree's Secret: A Traveler's Chronicle. S ESOOF SIDDIQ
• 3 Mental Hacks To Instantly Unlock More Success in Your Life. Manj Bahra
• Does The Wake Drive Your Boat? Karo NoiseOfFreedom
• Sins, Stones, and Glasshouses. Brooklyn Muse (editor)
• Did Hominids Who Lived 1.4 Million Years Ago Already Know Geometry? Cristiano Luchini
• When There Is Money In Your Hand And Not In Your Heart — It Will Not Harm You Even If It Is A Lot: S.a.n.a.h
• Unlocking the Wonders of Sleep: Unveiling Psychedelic Chemicals Produced by Our Brains. Lawson Wallace
• Hail The Traveler. Philip Writes
• How Can You Lead a Good Life? Emily Chan - Life and love sharing
• I Am James Boylan
• Unveiling the Shadow — Self-Discovery and Emotional Liberation. Jess West
• How To Overcome Shame and Pride. Christina Sponias
• 3 Signs Of Relationship Disconnection. Zondra Dos Anjos
• Should I Use My Roth IRA For A First Time Home Purchase? Zach Breiner
• OPINION WITH TONGUE-Illl. Veritas Civis
• These Two People Helped Change The Landscape Of The United States. Stephanie A. James
• Why You Should Make the Most of Your Time and Just Live Life With The Brakes Off. Glyn Bawden
• How Romantic is Your State? Arlo Hennings
• 4 Awesome Human-Centered Design Tips: How to Achieve Genuine Human Connection. Toby Castles
• 5 Analytical Skills that Every Data Analyst Should Have. Richard Warepam
• Highs, Lows, and Lessons of Intense Love. Hidayatullah
• Unimpressionists — A Legacy of Self-Actualization & Dissent. Anthony Eichberger
• Sometimes, Give Your Emotions the Privilege They Deserve. Kanika Pal
• "Oh My God! There Is Nothing to Do! And We Are All Gonna Die!" Satori Savant
• 0.47 $ of Happiness. Atlas
• Writers Can't Be Sick or Take a Break. Michael Koetsier
• I Mapped Out My Skills in Four Levels and Realized What I Must Improve. Josef Cruz
• Australian Table Wine. Rodrigo S-C
• Why 80% of Writers Quit Medium. Manish Dangi
• If You Want To Progress In Your Job But Do Not Know How Bad Or Good You Are, Do This. Tser Dennis
• The Moment it Finally, Clicked. Adam
• 50 African Proverbs and Wise Sayings with Their Meanings. Kingsley Asuamah
• Don't Make This Comment to the Children of Divorce. Colleen Sheehy Orme
• Lithium Orotate: Why This Unique Molecule Might Save Lives Based on My Intense Research. Dr. Mehmet Yildiz
• Satan Wants You To Be Defeated And Helpless. Asma Khalid
• Embracing Self-Care: Prioritizing Health Over Work. Hive 42
• This Is Where 90% Of My Content Ideas Come From. Suvan Goel
• Why Are There No New Stories to Tell Anymore? Reading Same Stuff Every Day. Sreevidya. A
• Vienna in 1900: Glorious and Doomed. Jeff Miller
• The Day Mum Died. Sue Moseley
• 5 Nutrition 'Worsts': #2. The Worst Trend. Joan Kent, PhD
• The Power of Boredom. orestisJP
• 13 Famous Celebrities Who Live in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bruno Ewayu
• How Do You Like Your Tea? Miraç Yazıcı
• How to Draw with Words — What Shakespeare Teaches Us in His Sonnet 8. Brian Mak
• Why Professionals Should Read Daily. Prashansa Gadgil
• Credence Clash. Sтepн Tнoмpѕoɴ
• The Fisherman. PAX
• Resign, But Be Smart About It! Peter Tilsen
• Small Business Owners Should Embrace Technology Instead of Avoiding It. Ngozi Anna Akunne
• Why Do You Need Cloud-Ready Applications? Shamim Rajani
• As Above, So Below — Reflections on the Paris Catacombs. Pills for thoughts
• 5 Things That Cause Way More Deaths Than People Are Aware Of. Dr. Christine Chuckle
• Are Productivity Tools Making You Less Productive? Danny Ross
• One Story YOU All Should Read. Pyrros Mathios
• Navigating the Sea of Information. Teronie Donaldson
• The GOP: Repressed Kinkers Who Just Want to Be Free to Melt Their Butter Like the Rest of Us. John Worthington
• Beyond Annoyance: A Journey Through Everyday's Frustrating Phrases. Nishith Goyal
• Men Are Wonderful Entry 1: In Their Righteous Anger. TDO Timothy
• Queer Organisms: Nature's Lesson for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality. Dr. Mehmet Yildiz

Thank you for engaging with these exceptional stories!

Quick Updates on Our Publications

ILLUMINATION-Curators introduced several newly boosted stories, and I’m confident you’ll find intriguing reads in that collection. The Collection of Boosted Stories from ILLUMINATION Publications — V2 is available for your exploration.

By upgrading his primary profile, Dr. Yildiz has inspired our readers to become Friends of Medium. I hope many join this enlightening journey.

Boost Education: A New Series for Writers

I’ve initiated a new series aimed at helping writers reach literary heights. Dr. Yildiz had the honor of kicking off this series, as I have insider knowledge of his outstanding stories. As I delve into my role as an editor and boost nominator, I aim to spotlight as many writers as I can. Your feedback on the stories would be invaluable—let’s collaborate to make these narratives shine like stars! I plan to do this for every boosted writer as soon as I get the chance.

Here is Episode 2 showcasing boosted stories of Matt Williams-Spooner, Ph.D. You can learn more about Matt's background in this interview.

Meet Our New Writers

Recently, I added several new writers to our community. I’m eager to see their stories included in our collections soon. You can meet them through the attached post, and I’ve provided their profiles at the end for easy following.

For new readers and writers, I’ve also joined the ranks as a Friend of Medium (FoM). From this point forward, stories I read from other writers will earn them quadruple the previous rewards. More details are available in the attached story.

Dr. Yildiz has also written about this initiative to encourage our readers to become Medium Friends and support our writers. The more Friends of Medium, the better!

However, scammers have targeted his compelling narrative, attempting to mislead our readers. Here’s his important story that every writer and reader should heed. They are alarmingly convincing!

I faced a similar ordeal. For those who missed the excitement, two days ago, I was thrilled to find that the scam account impersonating my profile was removed. Those who missed the drama can read about it here: Breaking News: My Clone Kicked the Bucket, and I'm Gleefully Celebrating It🎉

How to Identify Scammers?

These fraudulent accounts usually have no followers and have not authored any stories themselves. They are non-members without star or heart icons in their profile names. Please take note of this urgent notice: Beware of Fake Accounts Impersonating Influential Writers.

If gaming is your passion, I recently highlighted the winners of the 2023 game awards. I plan to introduce some of these remarkable games in my upcoming stories.

Speaking of gaming, if you wish to craft narratives about these notable games, consider submitting them to my publication, ILLUMINATION-Gaming. I’m here to elevate your stories, ensuring they stand out and boosting their chances of recognition.

To inform new writers, our special publication, ILLUMINATION-Curated, is now part of the boost nominating initiative. You can learn more about How ILLUMINATION Publications Support the BOOST Program.

I’ve compiled all my lists into one cohesive story. It’s a treasure trove of fantastic reads awaiting your attention. Please consider sharing the love on your socials and dive into these gems! You won’t regret it.

Dr. Mehmet Yildiz recently introduced a writing duo known as Pernoste & Dahl. You’ll enjoy this introduction as he reveals the intriguing backgrounds of these writers who produce inspiring and engaging content on Medium.

Meet Our Talented Writers

ILLUMINATION editors have also introduced an exceptional writer, Somil Gupta. I hope you check out his profile and explore his delightful stories.

Our dedicated team of volunteers is diligently working to review and publish each submission while welcoming new writers into our community. It’s a labor of love that requires time and effort. Please remember that we support over 25,000 writers, as mentioned in our Monthly Updates.

If you missed the recent interview featuring Luay Rahil, here is the link for your perusal. His stories may pleasantly surprise you.

For those who missed my Vocal saga, here’s the link. I hope new writers can learn from my 18-month struggle in Vocal Media, but I carry no regrets.

The ILLUMINATION-Curators compiled boosted stories in December, so you might find some fascinating narratives from this collection. I also chose to publish this collection on ILLUMINATION-Curated, as our readers appreciate curated selections. Here’s their treasure trove: Collection of Boosted Stories from ILLUMINATION-Curated.

ILLUMINATION-Curators wrote about that exceptional story. I hope you get a chance to read it and pay attention to your privacy. An Exceptional Story on Privacy Every Reader May Find Helpful.

Our chief editor, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, upgraded our publication accounts ILLUMINATION and ILLUMINATION-Curators, along with his tech account Dr. Mehmet Yildiz (Tech), making them Friends of Medium. Reading from these accounts will allow writers to earn four times more. While curating stories, we often read from these accounts, which will greatly benefit writers. More details can be found in Dr. Yildiz’s story on why he became a Friend of Medium.

Our senior editor, Mike Broadly, DHSc, has joined the curation team and created new collections from his favorite stories that you are sure to enjoy. He has excellent taste as an avid reader and has already compiled seven collections in a short span. I adored his new collection released earlier today.

Mike's Favorite Stories on ILLUMINATION Publications

Please explore his collections and share them on your socials so we can attract more readers to Medium. Here are links to Mike's collections: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16.

Our supportive editor, renowned nutritionist Elin Melaas, has created her second collection earlier. Elin also developed the Invisible Series.

Elin's Chosen ILLUMINATION Stories

20 Curated Stories From Illumination's Nutrition -2023.

ILLUMINATION editors have introduced some remarkable writers. You may check their profiles and delve into their fabulous stories: Meet Seda Anbarcı, Meet Dr. Emmanuel Ogamdi, Meet Jozsef Kovacs, Meet Davor Katusic, Meet Thomas Allen Moon, Meet Sneha Nagre, Meet Zondra Dos Anjos, Meet Ani Vals, Meet Ammara Hassan, Meet Sridhar Pai Tonse — Leadgen Coach- Tech Startups.

Chosen Stories from Omni Essence

Our editors enjoy stories and nominate them for these curated collections. You may check editor profiles in this collection.

I have a passion for reading writer biographies and curating them. If you write any bio story, please let me know so I can add them to my collection.

Meet ILLUMINATION Writers from Their Personally Penned Biographies

Dr. Mehmet Yildiz reviewed an interesting book by Dr. Emmanuel Ogamdi. If you are a book author, you may want to reach out to Dr. Yildiz, as he provides excellent reviews. He even penned the foreword for my gaming book. Here’s his remarkable review today: "Nobody Will Tell You This."

A few weeks ago, I created a Discord server for our writers to collaborate and share their story links, and you are all welcome to join. We’re already having a blast there. It’s not as large as our Slack, but it will grow over time, as Discord is a lot of fun.

Introduction to New Writers

Let’s extend a warm welcome to the new writers who joined us recently. Please explore their stories, and if they resonate with you, consider connecting with them. This is a fantastic opportunity for writers and readers to engage with one another. I followed all of them today, as I couldn’t follow more than 150 profiles yesterday.

Special Welcome to New Writers on New Year's Day from the Chief Editor

Special Welcome to New Writers on Christmas Day from the Chief Editor

You can also check the previously joined writers from the last two weeks in the attached onboarding packs. You never know who you might connect with.

Announcement of New Writers for ILLUMINATION #28

Announcement of New Writers for ILLUMINATION #27

Here’s our onboarding pack covering everything you need to know.

New writers, if you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me on our Slack workspace or Discord server. I’ve provided details about these services below.

I also enjoy introducing writers on YouTube. If you’re interested, feel free to contact me via Slack or Discord. Here is some information about Slack and Discord.

About Me

I write articles covering gaming, filmmaking, social media, and design. I am also a YouTuber. Thank you for subscribing to my account to receive notifications when I post on Medium. I’ve created a new website to share my content for free and promote the stories of writers contributing to my publications on Medium. I also have a Substack newsletter. Let’s connect on Twitter and LinkedIn.

I own two publications on Medium—one for video gamers and another for YouTubers and podcasters. I also support Illumination Integrated Publications as a volunteer editor and engage in collaborative activities within the Slack workspace.

Writer applications for my publications can be submitted via this weblink. Please include your Medium ID. I also enjoy email marketing using Cliqly, which is my affiliate link.