‘I operated a drug business in prison while serving my sentence’ – Showboy claims

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Sam Safo, widely known as ‘Showboy’, has recounted his time dealing with illicit substances during his six-year incarceration in a US prison.He narrated his experience as a drug dealer, highlighting the substantial profits he made from selling various hard drugs within the prison walls.He pointed out the excessive markup on drugs sold in prison, noting that prices could be a thousandfold higher than outside.In a conversation with Fiifi Pratt, Showboy described himself as a key player in the prison’s drug trade.”In my time behind bars, I dealt in contraband. The markup on these items was immense, often several times over their value outside. The prison economy inflates the cost of goods to extreme levels. Had my sentence been longer, I might have amassed enough to ‘buy the airspace’ upon release. “I was the go-to dealer, and my business thrived on those with the means and knowledge to navigate this underground market,” he shared.Despite the profitability, Showboy spoke of the inherent dangers, including frequent thefts by other inmates and the need to constantly defend his merchandise.”My stash was concealed in my clothing, but the theft was a constant threat, leading to inevitable confrontations. The scars on my hands bear witness to these struggles. The prison environment is one of perpetual vigilance, with shifts to guard against theft. Sleep meant risking loss, as the prison never truly rests,” he recounted.He continued, “The Mexicans also don’t sleep, they are the ones who sell knives there, so every night, you’d hear them sharpening the knives with a machine. I bought my knives from them when I was in prison, I had about 20 knives.” Showboy reveals how he ran a drug business in a US prison while serving his sentence. pic.twitter.com/yvIp99TRej— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) May 16, 2024Background:Showboy was sentenced in March 2019 for an altercation that led to him stabbing an acquaintance, ‘Junior US’. Despite being incarcerated, he remained vocal on social media, commenting on the Ghanaian entertainment scene and sharing his personal journey. Following his release, Showboy was deported to Ghana in November 2023.[embedded content]EB/ADG

Exclusive behind-the-scenes look at independent film set in Columbus

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The experience has been so positive that the film’s producer revealed that a second film project is already in the works for later this summer.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Earlier this month, the major independent film “Down to the Felt” wrapped principal photography in central Ohio. But, while they were still in production, 10TV visited the set for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the production. 

“It has gone extraordinarily well,” said Cullen Douglas, actor and producer on the film. “The local acting talent has just been so tremendous; the local crew has gone that extra mile every single day.”

While shooting at Rafters Beer Pub on Indianola Avenue in Columbus, the production was using the Charity Newsies facility as a home base for makeup, wardrobe and craft services. 

“The community has just been opening up their arms,” said Douglas. “It’s been a real, huge, wonderful love letter to the city of Columbus that I’m getting to experience.”

RELATED: ‘Down to the Felt’ filmmakers reveal starring cast, including 25 Columbus actors

Douglas did not hold back praise for the central Ohio crew and cast members who are participating in the film.

“The professionalism here by both the crew and talent who’s appearing in the film is just exceptional,” he said. “I’ll be completely honest, I was a little anxious that we weren’t going to be able to find that level of expertise, but there’s not been a hiccup. There truly is such a foundation for filmmaking here in Columbus.” 

Douglas expressed that he was grateful to be part of a project that afforded crew members the ability to work at their trade in their own city without having to travel hundreds of miles to Pittsburgh, Chicago, Atlanta, or any number of other filmmaking hubs across the country. 

Written by Columbus-based filmmakers Jon Osbeck, Ralph Scott and Dino Tripodis, “Down to the Felt” is designed to show that central Ohio is an ideal location to become a production hub for independent films. 

“It’s been a great experience, I mean, it’s been going magnificently well; everything that can go right has gone right,” said Tripodis who also serves as a producer on the film. “I don’t think it could be possible without all the cooperation we’ve gotten from Columbus – locations, our cast of Columbus locals who have been just, like, devoting their time and their talent; it’s just amazing – and this great Columbus crew! I’ll tell you what, if you’re going to make a movie, get a Columbus crew; that’s half your battle right there. They have been absolutely amazing.”

The experience has been so positive that Douglas revealed exclusively to 10TV that a second film project is already in the works for later this summer that will utilize much of the same crew. 

“Again, sort of going back to that first impetus to say, ‘You know what? Columbus can really do it,'” said Douglas. “So now the guys are delivering in the sense that, as soon as we’re done with this one, we’re coming right back in with another one.”

RELATED: ‘I’m right behind them’: Cameron Mitchell partners with creators of ‘Down to the Felt’ as they film in Columbus

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Ohio Goes to the Movies kicks off with screening at historic Columbus theater

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Part of the United States’ 250th Anniversary celebration, “Ohio Goes to the Movies” is a project that will culminate in a 100-day film festival in 2026.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Earlier this month, Ohio Goes to the Movies kicked off with a screening of the documentary “Apollo 11” (2019) at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Columbus.

Part of the United States’ 250th Anniversary celebration, “Ohio Goes to the Movies” is a project that will culminate in a 100-day film festival in 2026 that will highlight actors and filmmakers from all 88 counties across the Buckeye State. 

From Thomas Edison to the Warner Brothers, Ohio has a long history of contributions to the art and business of filmmaking. 

Golden age stars such as Clark Gable, Paul Newman and Doris Day were all from Ohio, as well as silver screen contemporaries like Beverly D’Angelo, Katherine Hahn and Janelle Monae. 

This project will not just look back, it will also look forward to the future of film in Ohio.

“We know films like ‘Shawshank Redemption’ that were made here, but there are so many extraordinary small films and local films and even student films that are made here,” explained Molly Kreuzman, program director for Ohio Goes to the Movies. 

Kreuzman pointed out productions such as the major independent “Down to the Felt,” which recently finished principal photography in Columbus, and the upcoming Superman film that is slated to shoot this summer in the state as examples of how Ohio’s connection to the film industry continues to grow.

Kreuzman will spend the next two years connecting with cinemas across the state and curating the films that will become part of the celebration. 

She encouraged individuals to reach out to their local theaters if they would like their communities included in the festival and connect with the Ohio Goes to the Movies project.

For more information, visit: https://america250-ohio.org/

More of what’s happening within Columbus theater ⬇️

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Selena Gomez cries over lengthy standing ovation for ‘Emilia Perez’ at Cannes Film Festival

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Selena Gomez felt the love at the Cannes Film Festival.

The actress and singer, 31, was moved to tears after her new film, “Emilia Perez” received a 9 minute-long standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday.

This marked the longest standing ovation for any movie premiere at the France-based cinema bash so far this year.

Selena Gomez, Jacques Audiard, and Zoe Saldana at the “Emilia Perez” premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2024. AFP via Getty Images

Selena Gomez with her “Emilia Perez” co-star Karla Sofia Gascón. REUTERS

A Variety video shows Gomez smiling and tearing up as the crowd cheers after watching her performance in the film.

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Directed by Jacques Audiard, “Emilia Perez” is about a Mexican cartel leader, played by Karla Sofía Gascón, who is seeking gender-affirming surgery.

Gomez plays Gascón’s on-screen wife.

Zoe Saldana and Edgar Ramirez also star in the musical crime comedy film.

Selena Gomez, Edgar Ramirez, and Zoe Saldana at the screening of “Emilia Perez” on May 18, 2024. AFP via Getty Images

The cast of “Emilia Perez” at the Cannes Film Festival. AFP via Getty Images

Gomez arrived at the Cannes Film Festival Saturday in a gorgeous black velvet gown with a draped white satin neckline. She accessorized her look with a diamond collar necklace and diamond earrings.

On Sunday, the “Lose You to Love Me” singer wore an off-the-shoulder red gown with matching red heels to the photocall and press conference for the film.

Gomez told Variety at the festival that she was smitten by “Emilia Perez” once she read the script.

Selena Gomez at the “Emilia Perez” photocall at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2024. Getty Images

“It was captivating, it was heartbreaking, it was really moving to me,” she said.

The Grammy-nominated artist also enjoyed singing in the film, telling Variety, “I had a blast and I love the songs. I think they’re really beautiful.”

Selena Gomez with Zoe Saldana and Jacques Audiard at the “Emilia Perez” photocall. REUTERS

Selena Gomez celebrates her new movie “Emilia Perez.” Getty Images

Gomez has sidelined her music career in favor of acting over the last few years. She stars in the Hulu comedy series “Only Murders in the Building” which returns for season 4 in August. She’s also set to make a cameo in the “Wizard of Waverly Place” spinoff series, titled the “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place,” which she is also producing.

On the big screen, Gomez’s next big project is playing Linda Ronstadt in an upcoming biopic.

Selena Gomez at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Getty Images

Gomez told Variety at Cannes that she “take a little bit of a break” before she starts production on the project.

As for her music, Gomez revealed on the “SmartLess” podcast earlier this year that she has only one more album in her.

“I am going to want to chill because I’m tired,” she said. “I wanted to be an actress, I never really intended on being a singer full time but apparently that hobby turned into something else. I don’t think I’m the best singer, but I do know how to tell stories and I love being able to make songs.”

“Emilia Perez” doesn’t yet have a US release date, but comes out in France on August 28.

Michael Gastauer’s Approach to Business Expansion

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In the fast-paced and interconnected world of business, the need for a strategic expansion approach is paramount for companies aiming to stay competitive, reach new markets, and drive sustainable growth. As industries evolve and consumer demands shift, businesses must adapt and expand their operations to seize opportunities and navigate challenges effectively.

One such company that exemplifies the importance of a well-planned expansion strategy is Black Banx, a global digital banking platform revolutionizing the financial landscape. By embracing expansion as a means to empower individuals and businesses worldwide with innovative financial solutions, Black Banx showcases how a forward-thinking approach can not only drive success but also shape the future of the industry.

Michael Gastauer, the German billionaire and visionary behind Black Banx, has captivated the financial world with his unconventional approach to business expansion. Gastauer’s strategy transcends traditional norms, focusing on growth and innovation rather than fixating on market value and capitalization.

Gastauer’s Unconventional Expansion Strategy

Michael Gastauer’s business philosophy revolves around redefining banking accessibility and fostering a positive social impact through Black Banx. Unlike conventional financial institutions, Gastauer’s approach emphasizes inclusivity, technological innovation, and global reach. His strategies are not just about growth but about transforming the dynamics of the banking sector.

How has Black Banx expanded its services globally?

Black Banx has focused on 180 countries globally since its inception, a key factor in its distinctive approach. The company opened offices in the USA, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brazil, India, Russia, Canada, UAE, South Africa, China, Japan, and Liberia to support its global expansion. By the first quarter of 2024, Black Banx had acquired 45 million customers across its global footprint, making it a close runner-up to European leader Revolut.

Black Banx offers instant global account openings for private and business clients in 28 fiat currencies and two cryptocurrencies (BTC and Ethereum). The company provides a range of services including international wire transfers, cryptocurrency trading, savings accounts, and personalized experiences for business customers. Black Banx has invested heavily in its digital banking platform to provide innovative solutions and keep pace with evolving customer demands.

Here are the product offerings of Black Banx

Instant Global Account Opening: Black Banx enables instant account openings for private and business clients in 180 countries, requiring only one form of photo identification.

Multi-Currency Support: Customers can choose from 28 fiat currencies and two cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin and Ethereum) to open their accounts.

Real-Time Crypto Trading: The platform provides real-time 24/7 cryptocurrency trading services, allowing users to seamlessly deposit, trade, and withdraw digital assets.

Cross-Border Payments: Black Banx facilitates cross-border payments, promoting financial inclusion on a global scale.

Digital and Crypto Banking Solutions: The company offers digital and crypto banking solutions for private, business, and institutional clients worldwide.

Comprehensive Suite of Financial Services: Black Banx differentiates itself with a comprehensive suite of financial services designed to meet the diverse needs of its global customer base.

Multi-Currency Mastercard Debit Cards: The platform offers multi-currency Mastercard debit cards tailored to different user needs.

Interest-Bearing Savings Accounts: Black Banx provides interest-bearing savings accounts in major currencies.

International Wire Transfers: The company facilitates international wire transfers as part of its comprehensive suite of financial services.

Business Solutions: Black Banx offers sophisticated tools such as batch upload and API for managing multiple payments simultaneously, catering to the specific needs of business customers.

Leveraging Technology for Inclusion

Black Banx leverages state-of-the-art technology to facilitate cross-border payments and promote financial inclusion on a global scale. The platform’s digital banking solutions, including mobile apps and online platforms, enable users to access financial services without traditional bank accounts. Fintech innovations like digital wallets, AI-powered personalization, and blockchain-based transactions have transformed Black Banx’s ability to serve previously unbanked communities.

Focusing on Underserved Markets

Black Banx has prioritized expanding access to banking services in Africa, where 360 million people remain unbanked. The company’s offerings cater to the unbanked by enabling instant account opening, multi-currency support, crypto trading, and tailored business accounts. Black Banx believes Africa continues to have enormous economic potential and remains at the forefront of its financial inclusion efforts.

Driving Industry Change

Black Banx’s success has inspired traditional banks to revise their plans and embrace digital transformation to improve their own financial inclusion initiatives. The company’s focus on financial inclusion has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in digital banking, leading to a wave of innovation across the sector. By supporting an ecosystem that stimulates innovation and collaboration between banks, fintech firms, and regulators, Black Banx aims to build a more accessible, efficient, and inclusive financial future for all.

Black Banx’s mission in promoting financial inclusion is deeply rooted in its commitment to providing accessible, efficient, and innovative financial services to individuals and businesses globally. The company aims to address the challenges faced by unbanked and underbanked populations by leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships to expand access to essential financial products and services.

Black Banx’s focus on financial inclusion aligns with broader industry trends and regulatory efforts to ensure that everyone, regardless of location or economic background, has the opportunity to benefit from modern banking solutions. Through its dedication to shaping the future of finance and extending services to diverse audiences, Black Banx exemplifies the transformative power of fintech in fostering a more inclusive and efficient financial ecosystem.

Results of Business Expansion

Black Banx today announced a first-quarter 2024 profit before tax of $639 million. Results were positively impacted by higher revenues of $1.6 billion generated by the implementation of fixed monthly account maintenance fees for its 45 million customers. Black Banx’s target ratios improved compared to 2023.

The cost/income ratio improved to 69%, from 87% in the prior year. The group generated net revenues of $2.1 billion, up 268% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. This increase primarily resulted from higher revenues generated by fixed account maintenance fees in the private and business customer segments.

“This quarter, we achieved triple-digit profit growth and our highest profit since 2015 through disciplined execution of our long-term strategy to build a solid client base and stable customer engagement with our platform. Introducing a fixed monthly fee for account maintenance had the risk of reducing our customer acquisition rate and could have resulted in slowing down the overall growth of our business. However, the upside of increasing revenue, improving the cost/income ratio, and growing profits supported our decision,” said Michael Gastauer, Group Chief Executive Officer.

Gastauer’s leadership extends beyond financial success, fostering a positive and innovative work environment that attracts top talent. Black Banx actively reduces global office space through the “Work from Anywhere” program, aiming to diminish its economic footprint and achieve a net-zero emissions goal. This initiative aligns with environmental sustainability and promotes inclusivity, allowing employees to work from any country and expanding opportunities for job applicants.

The company’s dedication to diversity, inclusion, equal opportunity, and non-discrimination is evident in its key priorities, Culture and Code of Conduct, and employment policies. The clear goal is to achieve a global workforce of 8,000 employees by the end of 2025, with a minimum of 40% female representation and an increasing proportion in leadership roles.

As of now, Black Banx employs more than 6,900 people with offices on four continents.

Black Banx’s global expansion transcends geographic boundaries; it embodies a profound commitment to redefining the landscape of global finance. By fostering innovation, fostering collaboration, and unwaveringly pursuing its mission, Black Banx endeavors to equip individuals and businesses worldwide with the essential financial resources necessary to excel in an interconnected and ever-evolving global environment.

‘Dreams do come true’: Kathryn Bernardo, Alden Richards on reunion movie ‘Hello, Love, Again’

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MANILA, Philippines — Alden Richards said he has been waiting for the sequel to “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” keeping it close to his heart. His leading lady, Kathryn Bernardo, meanwhile, was “surprised” that their 2019 film will have a sequel titled “Hello, Love, Again.”
Alden and Kathryn, together with their director Cathy Garcia-Sampana, led the special announcement of the sequel on Sunday in ABS-CBN, attended by the executives of both ABS-CBN and GMA. 
“Hello, Love, Again” will be the first-ever movie collaboration between ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema and GMA’s GMA Pictures. 
“Parang panaginip… Hindi po kami makapaniwala na finally it’s happening. It’s happening this year and we couldn’t be more excited po on what’s about to unfold in the next couple of months,” Alden said. 
The actor noted that the first film, released in 2019, saw the union of actors from different networks. He is with GMA’s Sparkle, while Kathryn is very much identified with ABS-CBN and its talent arm Star Magic. 
He is happy that apart from them starring in the upcoming sequel, their networks have decided to collaborate for their first film together. 
“Ako, inintay ko rin siya. Kumbaga after seeing the film over and over again, ‘yung pangarap na ‘yun, nasa puso ko lang in the past five years so, finally nga, dreams do come true nga talaga,” he added. 
Host MJ Felipe remarked that he did not expect the sequel, noting how Kathryn’s announced movie projects for the year were “A Very Good Girl,” which was released earlier this year, and the upcoming period film “Elena 1944.” 
“‘Di ba na-surprise ka? Ako rin. I was surprised too,” replied Kathryn. 
The actress said that she might have been surprised, but she is also excited because making sequels can be challenging. She added that she did not expect a sequel to “Hello, Love, Goodbye.” She was only informed about the sequel this year after “A Very Good Girl.” 
“It feels very familiar, but at the same time, it’s different this time because it’s been five years and five years is such a long time. 
“I’ve changed. I think we all did. Lahat tayo nagbago and I’m just curious kung ano ‘yung mabibigay namin this time around. I was just 23 [when filming ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye], and then now, I just turned 28. So ‘yung five years na ‘yun, anong nangyari sa growth namin personally. Of course, ano naman ‘yung maging growth when it comes to Ethan and Joy. Tinatantya pa namin, but then it’s an exciting feeling,” Kathryn said. 
As a parting message, the actress said, “It’s finally happening… It’s not gonna be easy but then, here we are. This is so exciting. We thought we already said our goodbyes, but here we are, saying our hellos.”
The 2019 film “Hello, Love, Goodbye” tells the story of Ethan (Alden) and Joy (Kathryn), who meet and fall in love in Hong Kong. The film ended with the lovers deciding to part ways to pursue their dreams and their promises to their families. 
Its sequel, “Hello, Love, Again,” will hit Philippine theaters on November 13, 2024. 

RELATED: Alden Richards, Kathryn Bernardo to reunite in ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ sequel after 5 years

How To Be More Efficient In Your Business

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What are the things you definitely want – and need – to have in place when it comes to running a successful business? You’ll need funding, a good marketing strategy, you’ll need to know who your target market is, you’ll need high-quality products and services… but one thing you’ll need that you might not have thought of is that you’ll want – and need – to be as efficient as possible. The more efficient you can be, the more you can get done, which is going to be something your customers are happy about, ensuring you make more profits and get a better reputation. With that in mind, here are some ideas about how to be more efficient in your business. Photo by Monstera ProductionAutomation sparks a few different reactions from business owners – some hate the idea as they think it means they’ll lose control or their team will stop working hard because they feel they’re being replaced, for example. Other business owners love the idea because they know it’s going to help them, not harm them, and they know it’s one of the best ways to increase the efficiency of your business. The key is to automate the repetitive tasks that have to be done but that don’t have anything to do with your core business (that is, whatever you sell). Some good examples include data entry, emailing customers, invoicing, bank reconciliation, and so on – these are things you can’t ignore, but they’re also things that take time away from working on the actual specifics of your business. When you put some automation software or tools in place to handle these repetitive tasks, you and your team can spend more time on the real business, and that’s bound to make you more efficient. There are lots of tools around that can help you work in a more efficient way, and it might be tempting to try them all, but that can also be time-consuming and expensive, so if you’d rather start with something that’s almost definitely going to be what you’re looking for, a customer relationship management (CRM) program could be the answer. A CRM means you can centralize all your customer data, which means keeping your customers updated on your business and their specific orders is a lot easier, plus it means that you’ve got a full history of all the interactions you’ve had with them, so matter who’s on call to answer their inquiry, they’ve got all the information they need. Don’t forget to look for the right CRM for your business, like a CRM for logistics companies, because other features of this tool include analytics and forecasting, meaning you can make better decisions for your business. If you want to be more efficient in your business, you’ll need to make sure your employees are efficient – if you try to do everything yourself, you’re going to fall behind (and that’s not efficient), and if you don’t give your team the tools they need to work at their best, that’s going to be a problem too because that’s massively inefficient. That’s why employee training is such an important part of running an efficient business. If you give your employees the necessary skills, knowledge, and, of course, tools and resources they need to do their jobs in the most efficient way, it’s going to mean a better business for you, so even if it costs some money and takes some time, it’s got to be done.

Is Using AI OK for Your Business?

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CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of PexelsSo, is using AI okay when you want to build a business? The short answer is yes, it’s perfectly fine to use AI. But there are some caveats, and it all depends on how you use AI instead and whether you choose to embrace it or not. Here, we will shed some light on this subject.Enhanced Market ResearchAI has been around for a while but gained wide public attention during 2023 as OpenAI and ChatGPT burst onto the generative AI scene. One of the best and most contested uses of AI is data analysis. If you have ever wondered how to use AI for Instagram marketing, the data analysis features of AI systems are a Godsend. For example, you don’t have the time to pour over comments about your brand. AI systems such as Mention can do this work for you.A Much Faster WorkflowOne of the best use cases for AI is enhanced productivity. Whether you use AI to send out newsletters, create reports, or even create artwork, there is no denying it can help speed things up. AI tools can help as the basis for specific projects on which you can expand. Most people will be aware of AI content if you straight up copy it without editing. But it is an excellent way to begin with a foundation upon which to build. This can help speed up the start of a project.Is Using AI OK for Content?As mentioned above, AI content is somewhat lacking and is noticeable to most people. As good as modern generative AI systems are, they aren’t perfect. For example, AI artwork is notoriously bad at fine details such as fingers. But it is getting better. There is no right or wrong way to answer this, and around 75% of companies surveyed stated they have tried generative AI for business in 2023. Many decided not to use it. Copying AI-generated content isn’t good enough.Finding Ideas When You’re StuckAI still has a long way to go when it comes to content generation. However, systems such as Midjourney, Perplexity, and ChatGPT are improving all the time. It won’t be too long before we can’t tell the difference. However, even though there are some telltale signs of AI use, it is excellent for ideation. It can be challenging to come up with solid ideas all the time, and AI can provide a little nudge in the right direction. This is good for blog title ideas, trends, and content.Doing Things You Aren’t Good AtArguably, the best use of AI is to do something you cannot. For example, think about what goes into setting up a blog. You need a logo, right? But you may not be an artist. You could hire an artist, but that’s pretty expensive. What’s the alternative? Do it yourself? No thanks! There are tons of AI art tools for just this thing. Even Canva now has an AI system for generating things like YouTube thumbnails from a text description. This saves a lot of time, money, and stress!SummaryData analysis for market research can be done by AI. So, is AI OK in this case? Of course. You can also use AI to create ideas and content and do things you aren’t able to do yourself.