let's talk about sex, baby

Titillating topics: Our picks for the sexiest SXSWi panels that'll send you homewith something to think about

There's no shortage of titillating topics cropping up on this year's list of interactive panels. From sex toys and porn to full-blown narcissism, SXSWi is welcoming the discussion and dissent of traditionally taboo topics.

A tale as old as time, there's something about discussing sexuality in a public forum that makes people simultaneously uncomfortable and excited. You can bet the panels below will be packed to the brim of experts and participants eager to talk about the dirty in a safe environment.

Is online dating successful and/or healthy? Has this digital age made us all narcissist assholes? Can a relationship survive the (inter)webs of temptation? Are we teaching future generations honesty and transparency or simply how to create a strong digital facade?

These are just a few steamy subjects that will be debated in our pick of the sexiest panels, below.

ASL: The Evolution and Future of Online Dating

Friday March 9, 3:30 p.m.

The 90’s introduced people to the wonders of dial-up internet, screen names, and the pursuit of digital romance. The only problem was, we never really knew who was on the other end of the screen. Today, there’s a higher level of transparency thanks to the explosion of social networks and dating sites. But has our capacity for honesty changed online dating? Come find out the answer to the burning question: Has the internet made dating easier?

Fleshlife: The Making of a Webseries

Saturday, March 10 5:00 p.m.

Join Nick, Josh, creative consultant Mark Smoot and Actor/Producer Billy Wise as they take you through the challenges of creating a web series for the worlds number one male sex toy company.

Sex in the Digital Age

Monday, March 12, 12:30 p.m.

Just over a decade ago, when the country was reeling from the aftermath of the Lewinsky scandal, who could have imagined that one day a congressman would be forced to resign from his post after a scandal that involved no sex, no illicit meetings — in fact, nothing more than some online flirting and a few ill advised sexts? Sex in the Digital Age examines how the Internet has transformed our relationship to sexuality: what it's given us, what it's taken away, and how it's transformed our ideas and expectations about how our friends, lovers, and public figures can — and should — behave.

Sex Nets: Pickup Artists vs. Feminists

Saturday, March 10 6:30 p.m.

Are sex-positive feminism and pickup artistry inherently opposed? Are they possibly dependent on each other? Are these methods helping average guys score, or is it an avenue to breed sexual predators? Join a panel of men and women ranging from seasoned pick-up artists, to outspoken feminist bloggers, to those who straddle the line.

Psychology of Narcissism & How it Effects Brands

Sunday, March 11 12:30 p.m.

Society spends increasingly more time online, watching and reading about strangers. Is peep culture creating more narcissists or simply helping us connect through the sharing of our intimacies? Do users share content that they are truly passionate about and believe in or do they simply share content that influences how others perceive them? Is peep culture and narcissism shaping our world, playing a part in marketing and influencing our sharing and buying decisions?

Sex, Dating and Privacy Post-Weinergate

Monday, March 12 5:00 p.m.

We’re living in an age when even powerful politicians can’t keep track of their digital dating trail. Employers and exes are likely reading your words. How can you write about sex, participate in online dating and social networking sites, and still maintain your privacy?

This Talk is NSFW: Nudity and Online Journalism

Tuesday, March 13 5:00 p.m.

Nudity for the sake of nudity is something else entirely (hint: it's porn), but burlesque shows, adult conventions, nudist colonies, performance art and the porn industry are all valid subjects of journalistic inquiry — there just happen to be lots of naked people there too. This talk will explore the unique issues facing bloggers and photographers who cover NSFW events.

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Punching in

Texas labors as 7th hardest-working state in the U.S., study says

Photo courtesy of AFlags

Texas is known for having some dedicated workers.

Texas residents are among the most industrious workers in the country, according to WalletHub's annual "Hardest-Working States in America (2024)" study. The Lone Star State ranks No. 7 this year.

Despite still ranking in the top 10, though, Texas has seemingly become a little less driven over the last six years. Texas ranked as the No. 4 most industrious state for two years in a row starting in 2019, then slipped to No. 5 in 2021 and 2022, then to No. 6 in 2023. And here we've arrived at No. 7.

The 2024 report ranked each state based on two major categories: "Direct Work Factors," which cover average workweek hours, employment rates, and the rate of "idle youth" (a.k.a. the measure of 18 to 24-year-old residents who aren't enrolled in school, have no job, or a high school diploma or GED); and "Indirect Work Factors," such as the share of workers with multiple jobs, average commute times, and other employment data.

Outshining the Lone Star State as the No. 1 hardest-working state in America is North Dakota, with a score of 66.54 points out of a possible 100. Rounding out the top five are Alaska (No. 2), Nebraska (No. 3), Wyoming (No. 4), and South Dakota (No. 5).

Texas was less than 10 points away from the No. 1 spot, scoring 56.86 points, and ranked No. 4 nationally in the "Direct Work Factors" category. The state suffered in the national "Indirect Work Factors" ranking and only came in at No. 31.

Texans have the second-longest workweeks in America, right behind Alaska, but the study doesn't give details on how long the average workweek is in Texas. The state also has the fifth-lowest annual volunteer hours per resident — maybe because Texans are too busy at their day jobs (or are too exhausted after work) to volunteer their time anywhere else.

In May 2024, more than 15.26 million people were part of the state’s civilian workforce (which excludes active-duty military personnel), according to the Texas Workforce Commission. May marked the 10th consecutive month where Texas set a record-high level for jobs growth.

“Texas continues to outpace the nation in nearly all industries and continues to increase the number of employed Texans,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “With job opportunities increasing, students and job seekers have multiple resources to help navigate the job market and create a career pathway.”

Austin succeeded as the No. 10 most hardworking city in America in a separate WalletHub report from February 2024.

Being known for efficiency and productivity is a good reputation for Texas workers to hold, but WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe emphasizes that taking time to relax and reset is equally important for sustaining a determined workforce.

"It’s undeniable that America has fostered a culture of hard work, with people working longer hours than residents of other developed countries and often leaving vacation time on the table," Happe said. "Working hard is commendable, but people in the hardest-working states may need to consider taking a break once in a while, as a lack of leisure time can have a negative impact on people’s physical and mental health."

The top 10 hardest working states are:

No. 1 – North Dakota
No. 2 – Alaska
No. 3 – Nebraska
No. 4 – Wyoming
No. 5 – South Dakota
No. 6 – Maryland
No. 7 – Texas
No. 8 – Colorado
No. 9 – New Hampshire
No. 10 – Kansas

The full report can be found on wallethub.com.

texas wallethub reports rankings job market workforce innovation