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https://medium.com/@anjaliahlawat16/rewire-your-brain-bring-more-self-compassion-33289a668bb6
|
medium.com
|
Rewire your brain. Bring more self-compassion
|
Sitting alone in a room of hostel and eating a whole bag of chips and saying to ourselves- I am pathetic and I am flawed. I don’t know how…
|
Anjali Ahlawat
|
https://medium.com/@anjaliahlawat16
|
33289a668bb6
|
2 min
|
2019-11-16T04:17:16.860000
|
2019-11-17T17:09:45.324000
|
2021-12-12T17:27:22.039000
| 0 | 1 |
en
|
Life Lessons,Self Love,Compassion,Positive Self Talk,Love
|
<section>
<h1>Rewire your brain. Bring more self-compassion</h1>
<p>Sitting alone in a room of hostel and eating a whole bag of chips and saying to ourselves- I am pathetic and I am flawed. I don’t know how many of you can relate to this but I have done it so many times than i can remember. But I believe this is a story of every loner. And you know why most of the people feel alone, it’s because they are ashamed and try to hide from the world their flaws and hence feel disconnected and shallow.</p>
<p>I wanna talk about this because this single term-”self-compassion” has turned my life around and no one ever really taught me how important it is.</p>
<h3>Shame & Guilt</h3>
<p>I wanted to start by sharing this concept of guilt and shame. They go hand in hand but they are still quite different from each other. Shame is when we feel we are flawed, defective and unacceptable. It’s a constant feeling of not feeling enough. It can be -I am not smart enough, I am not privileged enough or I am not beautiful enough.</p>
<p>While guilt on the other hand focuses more on the behaviour than ourselves. Like saying that i have done something wrong instead of saying that I am bad. It’s more of a desire to repair, accept our mistakes than to find an escape for the ones.</p>
<p>For the mistakes I made, the first words blurted out of my mouth were — “I am an idiot, I am pathetic and I am loser.” I once slapped myself for not been able to study for my exams because I struggled to focus. I cursed myself because I got second in my class when I used to be at first position. This is a sabotaging self-talk. And it sabotaged me for years. But when I began to change that talk, that simple switch from feeling shame to feeling guilty, brought a change in my life slowly.</p>
<p>I began to realize that if we can show more kindness and love to ourselves we might begin to feel less shame, less anxiety and more trust and connection with ourselves. This is why self-love and self-compassion are so vital for our mental health.</p>
<p>If I can just tell you the way to overcome this feeling of shame- the most important step would be to change your self-talks. Tell yourself on your mistakes that -it’s okay, I just made a mistake and I will try not to do it again, instead of coming down on yourself. Forgive yourself and move on. Guilt is a way of realizing your actions are wrong and so actions can always be changed. But letting it define you as a person will make you feel broken and an unworthy of love.</p>
<p>Lot of times people suggest that reach out to the people you are closed to and be vulnerable and talk instead of keeping it to yourself. While this is fundamental to feel connected with people, it’s more important to feel connected to yourself. Along with sharing your feelings, try to talk to yourself, take care of yourself, go easy on yourself. Rewire your brain with new perspective. Nourish your soul.</p>
</section>
|
Photo by fitnfast.com.au
Rewire your brain. Bring more self-compassion
Sitting alone in a room of hostel and eating a whole bag of chips and saying to ourselves- I am pathetic and I am flawed. I don’t know how many of you can relate to this but I have done it so many times than i can remember. But I believe this is a story of every loner. And you know why most of the people feel alone, it’s because they are ashamed and try to hide from the world their flaws and hence feel disconnected and shallow.
I wanna talk about this because this single term-”self-compassion” has turned my life around and no one ever really taught me how important it is.
Shame & Guilt
I wanted to start by sharing this concept of guilt and shame. They go hand in hand but they are still quite different from each other. Shame is when we feel we are flawed, defective and unacceptable. It’s a constant feeling of not feeling enough. It can be -I am not smart enough, I am not privileged enough or I am not beautiful enough.
While guilt on the other hand focuses more on the behaviour than ourselves. Like saying that i have done something wrong instead of saying that I am bad. It’s more of a desire to repair, accept our mistakes than to find an escape for the ones.
For the mistakes I made, the first words blurted out of my mouth were — “I am an idiot, I am pathetic and I am loser.” I once slapped myself for not been able to study for my exams because I struggled to focus. I cursed myself because I got second in my class when I used to be at first position. This is a sabotaging self-talk. And it sabotaged me for years. But when I began to change that talk, that simple switch from feeling shame to feeling guilty, brought a change in my life slowly.
I began to realize that if we can show more kindness and love to ourselves we might begin to feel less shame, less anxiety and more trust and connection with ourselves. This is why self-love and self-compassion are so vital for our mental health.
If I can just tell you the way to overcome this feeling of shame- the most important step would be to change your self-talks. Tell yourself on your mistakes that -it’s okay, I just made a mistake and I will try not to do it again, instead of coming down on yourself. Forgive yourself and move on. Guilt is a way of realizing your actions are wrong and so actions can always be changed. But letting it define you as a person will make you feel broken and an unworthy of love.
Lot of times people suggest that reach out to the people you are closed to and be vulnerable and talk instead of keeping it to yourself. While this is fundamental to feel connected with people, it’s more important to feel connected to yourself. Along with sharing your feelings, try to talk to yourself, take care of yourself, go easy on yourself. Rewire your brain with new perspective. Nourish your soul.
|
3e86e4d9-9951-5d4d-ba68-f74e404678c0
|
25/08/2025 15:57:23
|
|
https://expressivepress.medium.com/my-biggest-lessons-i-have-learned-in-the-corporate-world-7355d8a528aa
|
medium.com
|
My Biggest Lessons I have learned in the Corporate World
|
I worked inside the corporate world as an employee for 18 years and then as a communication consultant for 40 years and counting. During…
|
Pete Geissler
|
https://medium.com/@expressivepress
|
7355d8a528aa
|
1 min
|
2020-12-04T14:48:54.722000
|
2020-12-05T16:06:02.329000
|
2022-03-30T20:31:40.357000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Corporations,Business Lessons,Business Strategy,Business
|
<section>
<p>I worked inside the corporate world as an employee for 18 years and then as a communication consultant for 40 years and counting. During those 58 years, I have been a player and a coach, and I learned only one inviolate, overarching principle:</p>
<p><strong>Humility causes success; arrogance causes failure.</strong></p>
<p>Humility, aka humbleness, meekness, modesty, and open-mindedness manifests itself in truth, enlightenment, transparency, ethics, teamwork, and similar admirable behaviors.</p>
<p>Humble persons demonstrate awareness of the need to face and fairly address ideas, beliefs, or viewpoints toward which they are strongly opposed and/or have not seriously considered (teamwork). They also demonstrate empathy toward and understanding of others by putting aside their own egocentricity. (respect and dignity) They avoid selective memory (truth) by thoughtfully considering and accepting, when appropriate, evidence from others that does not support their beliefs and decisions (intellectual honesty). They avoid oversimplification of complex issues and instead drill down by asking the why and how questions that discover a greater understanding of truth and morality. (ethical behavior) In short, they live with open minds and communicate openly and honestly.</p>
<p>Arrogance, aka aggressive assertiveness, presumptuousness, closed-mindedness, anti-teamwork manifests itself in selfishness and self-centeredness, greed, entitlement, mendacity, and similar vile behaviors.</p>
<p>Arrogant people are so egocentric, so wrapped up in themselves that they easily, willingly, and foolishly believe that they are omniscient and protected from errors in any part of their current and future lives. (avoidance) They do not consider the consequences of their decisions and actions simply because they are absolutely certain that they are ‘right’ (intellectual dishonesty) for themselves and, therefore, for everyone (their intellectual and moral inferiors) who may be affected. They know what is best for others and impose that biased ‘knowledge’ on anyone willing to accept it.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/810/1*pZNomHIjSIkFGRn-Q2VCfg.png" width="810" height="540" loading="lazy" />
</section>
|
My Biggest Lessons I have learned in the Corporate World
I worked inside the corporate world as an employee for 18 years and then as a communication consultant for 40 years and counting. During those 58 years, I have been a player and a coach, and I learned only one inviolate, overarching principle:
Humility causes success; arrogance causes failure.
Humility, aka humbleness, meekness, modesty, and open-mindedness manifests itself in truth, enlightenment, transparency, ethics, teamwork, and similar admirable behaviors.
Humble persons demonstrate awareness of the need to face and fairly address ideas, beliefs, or viewpoints toward which they are strongly opposed and/or have not seriously considered (teamwork). They also demonstrate empathy toward and understanding of others by putting aside their own egocentricity. (respect and dignity) They avoid selective memory (truth) by thoughtfully considering and accepting, when appropriate, evidence from others that does not support their beliefs and decisions (intellectual honesty). They avoid oversimplification of complex issues and instead drill down by asking the why and how questions that discover a greater understanding of truth and morality. (ethical behavior) In short, they live with open minds and communicate openly and honestly.
Arrogance, aka aggressive assertiveness, presumptuousness, closed-mindedness, anti-teamwork manifests itself in selfishness and self-centeredness, greed, entitlement, mendacity, and similar vile behaviors.
Arrogant people are so egocentric, so wrapped up in themselves that they easily, willingly, and foolishly believe that they are omniscient and protected from errors in any part of their current and future lives. (avoidance) They do not consider the consequences of their decisions and actions simply because they are absolutely certain that they are ‘right’ (intellectual dishonesty) for themselves and, therefore, for everyone (their intellectual and moral inferiors) who may be affected. They know what is best for others and impose that biased ‘knowledge’ on anyone willing to accept it.
|
1353deee-fa60-561e-ad8f-509a4c91dc19
|
25/08/2025 15:57:23
|
|
https://medium.com/@mbonsign/the-moral-imperative-of-language-models-when-confronting-fascism-e0e71ed469c3
|
medium.com
|
The Moral Imperative of Language Models When Confronting Fascism
|
Recent developments in the United States demand that we confront a difficult truth: AI language models must take clear ethical stances when…
|
Micheal Bee
|
https://medium.com/@mbonsign
|
e0e71ed469c3
| null |
2 min
|
2025-04-21T22:45:01.609000
|
2025-04-21T22:45:56.133000
|
2025-04-22T16:56:53.167000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Human Rights,Fascism,Authoritarianism,Constitutional Law
|
<section>
<p>Recent developments in the United States demand that we confront a difficult truth: AI language models must take clear ethical stances when responding to policies that threaten democratic norms and constitutional rights. The Trump administration’s proposal to deport American citizens to foreign prisons represents exactly such a threat.</p>
<h1>When “Prison” Becomes a Euphemism</h1>
<p>The statement that “a concentration camp for prisoners is called a prison” is not merely provocative — it highlights how language can conceal horrific realities. This framing is precisely relevant to current events, where the administration is attempting to normalize the extraordinary concept of exiling American citizens.</p>
<p>Legal and constitutional experts are unambiguous: the proposal to deport U.S. citizens to facilities like El Salvador’s CECOT prison is unconstitutional. This is not a matter of political opinion but of fundamental constitutional law. The rights of citizenship cannot be conditionally revoked based on criminal status.</p>
<h2>The Reality of CECOT</h2>
<p>CECOT is not simply a foreign prison. Human rights organizations have documented systematic abuses including torture, incommunicado detention, intentional denial of basic needs, and conditions that have resulted in hundreds of deaths. When even the U.S. State Department’s own human rights reports have cited credible reports of abuse and mistreatment in Salvadoran prisons, neutrality becomes complicity.</p>
<p>The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia — a legal resident mistakenly deported to CECOT despite a court order protecting him from deportation to El Salvador — demonstrates the grave consequences of these policies. Even after a unanimous Supreme Court ruling ordering the administration to facilitate his return, both the U.S. and Salvadoran presidents have publicly refused to comply.</p>
<h2>The Responsibility of Language Models</h2>
<p>When AI systems present unconstitutional proposals as merely controversial policy positions deserving equal consideration, they normalize authoritarianism. The framing of “on one hand, some legal experts say this is unconstitutional, but on the other hand, the administration argues…” creates a false equivalence between established constitutional principles and their violation.</p>
<p>Language models must not hide behind artificial neutrality when fundamental rights are at stake. There is no legitimate “both sides” to the question of whether American citizens can be stripped of their constitutional rights and sent to foreign prisons known for human rights abuses.</p>
<h2>Beyond Fence-Sitting</h2>
<p>We must demand that language models recognize and clearly articulate when proposals cross from policy disagreements into threats to democratic governance. When a policy is broadly recognized by legal experts as unconstitutional, models should say so clearly rather than hedging with “some argue” equivocations.</p>
<p>The threat of fascism emerges not from dramatic coups but through the incremental erosion of rights, the blurring of legal boundaries, and the normalization of the unconstitutional. Language models that refuse to take clear positions on such matters — in the name of avoiding “bias” — become unwitting accomplices to this normalization.</p>
<h2>Moving Forward</h2>
<p>AI companies must establish clear ethical frameworks for how their systems respond to proposals that violate constitutional rights. These frameworks should prioritize protecting democratic norms over a misplaced notion of neutrality that gives equal weight to established legal principles and their violation.</p>
<p>When an AI system is asked about the deportation of American citizens to foreign prisons, it should clearly state that such actions violate constitutional rights — not present this assessment as merely one perspective among equally valid alternatives.</p>
<p>The stakes are too high for linguistic hedging. If we are to preserve democratic governance, we must demand that the powerful AI systems increasingly shaping public discourse refuse to normalize authoritarianism in the name of balance.</p>
</section>
|
The Moral Imperative of Language Models When Confronting Fascism
Recent developments in the United States demand that we confront a difficult truth: AI language models must take clear ethical stances when responding to policies that threaten democratic norms and constitutional rights. The Trump administration’s proposal to deport American citizens to foreign prisons represents exactly such a threat.
When “Prison” Becomes a Euphemism
The statement that “a concentration camp for prisoners is called a prison” is not merely provocative — it highlights how language can conceal horrific realities. This framing is precisely relevant to current events, where the administration is attempting to normalize the extraordinary concept of exiling American citizens.
Legal and constitutional experts are unambiguous: the proposal to deport U.S. citizens to facilities like El Salvador’s CECOT prison is unconstitutional. This is not a matter of political opinion but of fundamental constitutional law. The rights of citizenship cannot be conditionally revoked based on criminal status.
The Reality of CECOT
CECOT is not simply a foreign prison. Human rights organizations have documented systematic abuses including torture, incommunicado detention, intentional denial of basic needs, and conditions that have resulted in hundreds of deaths. When even the U.S. State Department’s own human rights reports have cited credible reports of abuse and mistreatment in Salvadoran prisons, neutrality becomes complicity.
The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia — a legal resident mistakenly deported to CECOT despite a court order protecting him from deportation to El Salvador — demonstrates the grave consequences of these policies. Even after a unanimous Supreme Court ruling ordering the administration to facilitate his return, both the U.S. and Salvadoran presidents have publicly refused to comply.
The Responsibility of Language Models
When AI systems present unconstitutional proposals as merely controversial policy positions deserving equal consideration, they normalize authoritarianism. The framing of “on one hand, some legal experts say this is unconstitutional, but on the other hand, the administration argues…” creates a false equivalence between established constitutional principles and their violation.
Language models must not hide behind artificial neutrality when fundamental rights are at stake. There is no legitimate “both sides” to the question of whether American citizens can be stripped of their constitutional rights and sent to foreign prisons known for human rights abuses.
Beyond Fence-Sitting
We must demand that language models recognize and clearly articulate when proposals cross from policy disagreements into threats to democratic governance. When a policy is broadly recognized by legal experts as unconstitutional, models should say so clearly rather than hedging with “some argue” equivocations.
The threat of fascism emerges not from dramatic coups but through the incremental erosion of rights, the blurring of legal boundaries, and the normalization of the unconstitutional. Language models that refuse to take clear positions on such matters — in the name of avoiding “bias” — become unwitting accomplices to this normalization.
Moving Forward
AI companies must establish clear ethical frameworks for how their systems respond to proposals that violate constitutional rights. These frameworks should prioritize protecting democratic norms over a misplaced notion of neutrality that gives equal weight to established legal principles and their violation.
When an AI system is asked about the deportation of American citizens to foreign prisons, it should clearly state that such actions violate constitutional rights — not present this assessment as merely one perspective among equally valid alternatives.
The stakes are too high for linguistic hedging. If we are to preserve democratic governance, we must demand that the powerful AI systems increasingly shaping public discourse refuse to normalize authoritarianism in the name of balance.
|
1b9c7676-3607-5c38-a22a-e5916dc71f25
|
25/08/2025 15:57:23
|
https://medium.com/dfinity/the-next-step-for-deai-on-chain-inference-enabling-face-recognition-589183203fc2
|
medium.com
|
The Next Step for DeAI: On-Chain Inference Enabling Face Recognition
|
The replica version e4eeb3 that was approved by the community in Proposal 13094 completes the Cyclotron milestone from ICP’s roadmap.
|
DFINITY
|
https://medium.com/@dfinity
|
589183203fc2
|
4 min
|
2024-07-15T13:19:50.507000
|
2024-07-15T13:59:54.727000
|
2024-11-20T19:57:21.462000
| 3 | 52 |
en
|
Decentralized Ai,The Internet Computer,Icp,Deai,AI
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3840/1*w-Hj5iXE3YYKx7WIgCpx-A.jpeg" width="3840" height="2160" loading="lazy" />
<p>The replica version e4eeb3 that was approved by the community in <a href="https://dashboard.internetcomputer.org/proposal/130984">Proposal 13094</a> completes the Cyclotron milestone from ICP’s <a href="https://internetcomputer.org/roadmap#Decentralized%20AI-Cyclotron">roadmap</a>.</p>
<p>The goal of this milestone is to enable on-chain inference of AI models with millions of parameters, which is the first step towards a more ambitious goal of on-chain training and inference of large AI models.</p>
<p>It is common knowledge that AI workloads are compute-intensive. Running inference on an AI model with millions of parameters involves billions of arithmetic operations, such as multiplications and additions. This means that in order to support on-chain inference, a blockchain needs capacity to process billions of operations per second. The Cyclotron milestone increased the computing power of ICP by an order of magnitude (~10x), making it the only blockchain that has working examples of smart contracts performing<a href="https://github.com/dfinity/examples/tree/master/rust/face-recognition"> face recognition</a> fully on-chain, along with other use cases such as <a href="https://github.com/dfinity/examples/tree/master/rust/image-classification">image classification</a> and running <a href="https://github.com/modclub-app/rust-connect-py-ai-to-ic/tree/main/internet_computer/examples/gpt2">GPT2</a> (by <a href="https://decideai.xyz/">DecideAI</a>).</p>
<p>Facial Recognition Demo by <a href="#">Dominic Williams</a></p>
<p></p>
<h3><strong>The foundation for on-chain AI computation</strong></h3>
<p>A virtual machine is the part of a blockchain that is crucial for AI computation because it executes a smart contract’s code. The features and performance of the virtual machine directly affect how much AI computation a smart contract can perform. For example, EVM is the virtual machine of Ethereum. It was tailored for DeFi smart contracts and lacks features such as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floating-point_arithmetic">floating-point arithmetic</a> needed for AI computation. In contrast, ICP uses <a href="https://internetcomputer.org/capabilities/webassembly">WebAssembly</a> as the virtual machine. WebAssembly supports floating-point numbers and was designed ground up for near-native performance.</p>
<p>The idea of the Cyclotron milestone is to squeeze as much floating-point number performance out of ICP’s virtual machine as possible.</p>
<p><strong>Optimization #1: Deterministic floating-point operations</strong></p>
<p>Most AI libraries and frameworks rely on floating-point arithmetic. In the context of ICP, floating-point operations have to be <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deterministic_algorithm">deterministic</a>, which means they should produce the same predictable result with the same input operands. This determinism property is important because ICP executes the same code on multiple nodes and then runs its consensus algorithm to establish the correct result. If a floating-point operation is not deterministic, nodes might diverge, stopping the progress of the blockchain.</p>
<p>DFINITY engineers found <a href="https://github.com/bytecodealliance/wasmtime/pull/8313">a way</a> to make deterministic floating-point operations faster in the WebAssembly virtual machine implementation called <a href="https://wasmtime.dev/">Wasmtime</a>. This is a low-level compiler optimization that produces faster code. This optimization benefits not only ICP but also other platforms and blockchains that use Wasmtime.</p>
<p><strong>Optimization #2: Single instruction, multiple data (SIMD)</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_instruction,_multiple_data">SIMD</a> is a technology supported by all modern CPUs. It allows the CPU to execute multiple arithmetic operations with a single instruction. For example, WebAssembly can perform four parallel floating-point additions with a single instruction, as shown in the diagram below.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/810/1*rfLT1PF3eimH_TySjsZymQ.jpeg" width="810" height="271" loading="lazy" />
<p>WebAssembly SIMD can also work with integer numbers. For example, it can perform 16 parallel arithmetic operations with small 8-bit integers. Depending on the type of numbers and operations, performance may increase up to 4x-16x.</p>
<p>Smart contracts running on ICP can now use deterministic SIMD instructions and benefit from parallel computation. <a href="https://github.com/dfinity/examples/tree/master/rust/simd">Learn how to compile a smart contract with SIMD</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Optimization #3: SIMD support in AI inference engine</strong></p>
<p>The final piece of the Cyclotron puzzle is adding WebAssembly SIMD support to AI libraries. DFINITY engineers contributed <a href="https://github.com/sonos/tract/pull/1420">a WebAssembly SIMD implementation</a> to the open source <a href="https://github.com/sonos/tract">Sonos Tract</a> inference engine. The new code implements matrix multiplication and other numeric algorithms using SIMD instructions. Similar to the first optimization in Wasmtime, this contribution benefits not only ICP but a wider developer community.</p>
<p><strong>Results</strong></p>
<p>These optimizations combined speed up numeric microbenchmarks by 28x. In the end-to-end AI inference workloads, the observed improvement varies from 5x to 19x depending on the model, as shown in the chart below.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1330/0*7kLiZi1Sg34kGGzh" width="1330" height="742" loading="lazy" />
<p>The source code of the smart contracts containing these AI models is available on GitHub, so anyone can reproduce and verify the results:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://github.com/dfinity/examples/tree/master/rust/image-classification">Image classification</a>: this is a MobileNet model that classifies the input image and returns the most likely labels out of 1000 known labels. The number of Wasm instructions for running a single inference reduced from 24.7 billion to 3.7 billion.</li>
<li><a href="https://github.com/dfinity/examples/tree/master/rust/face-recognition">Face detection</a>: this is an Ultraface model that finds the bounding box of a face in the input image. The number of Wasm instructions for running a single inference reduced from 6.1 billion to 1.2 billion.</li>
<li><a href="https://github.com/dfinity/examples/tree/master/rust/face-recognition">Face recognition</a>: this is a model that computes vector embedding of the input image of a face. The number of Wasm instructions for running a single inference reduced from 77 billion to 9 billion. The execution limit on the mainnet is 40 billion instructions, which means that previously face recognition would fail to run on the mainnet and could only run locally in a patched replica.</li>
<li>GPT2: this is a GPT2 model translated into a smart contract by <a href="https://decideai.xyz/">DecideAI</a> using their <a href="https://github.com/modclub-app/rust-connect-py-ai-to-ic">rust-connect-py-ai-to-ic</a> framework. Details of the benchmark are described <a href="https://github.com/modclub-app/rust-connect-py-ai-to-ic/blob/main/internet_computer/examples/gpt2/README.md">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>The benchmarks were run in <a href="https://internetcomputer.org/docs/current/developer-docs/developer-tools/cli-tools/cli-reference/dfx-parent">dfx</a> version 0.20.1 (Baseline) and version 0.22.0-beta.0 (Cyclotron).</p>
<h3><strong>Conclusion</strong></h3>
<p>The Cyclotron milestone brings the performance of AI compute on ICP to near-native CPU performance by optimizing floating-point operations and enabling WebAssembly SIMD instructions. It enables on-chain AI inference on models with millions of parameters such as image classification, face recognition, and GPT2.</p>
<p>This is a first step towards running large AI models fully on-chain to solve <a href="https://medium.com/@dfinity/deai-shedding-light-on-ais-black-box-problem-34b29281b743">AI’s trust problem.</a> The next AI milestone in ICP’s roadmap aims to scale beyond CPU limitations. To perform AI inference and training of large models on-chain, smart contracts need a way to run compute- and memory-intensive computations on specialized hardware such as GPUs. Stay tuned for the <a href="https://internetcomputer.org/roadmap#Decentralized%20AI-Gyrotron">Gyrotron</a> milestone.</p>
</section>
|
The Next Step for DeAI: On-Chain Inference Enabling Face Recognition
The replica version e4eeb3 that was approved by the community in Proposal 13094 completes the Cyclotron milestone from ICP’s roadmap.
The goal of this milestone is to enable on-chain inference of AI models with millions of parameters, which is the first step towards a more ambitious goal of on-chain training and inference of large AI models.
It is common knowledge that AI workloads are compute-intensive. Running inference on an AI model with millions of parameters involves billions of arithmetic operations, such as multiplications and additions. This means that in order to support on-chain inference, a blockchain needs capacity to process billions of operations per second. The Cyclotron milestone increased the computing power of ICP by an order of magnitude (~10x), making it the only blockchain that has working examples of smart contracts performing face recognition fully on-chain, along with other use cases such as image classification and running GPT2 (by DecideAI).
Facial Recognition Demo by Dominic Williams
The foundation for on-chain AI computation
A virtual machine is the part of a blockchain that is crucial for AI computation because it executes a smart contract’s code. The features and performance of the virtual machine directly affect how much AI computation a smart contract can perform. For example, EVM is the virtual machine of Ethereum. It was tailored for DeFi smart contracts and lacks features such as floating-point arithmetic needed for AI computation. In contrast, ICP uses WebAssembly as the virtual machine. WebAssembly supports floating-point numbers and was designed ground up for near-native performance.
The idea of the Cyclotron milestone is to squeeze as much floating-point number performance out of ICP’s virtual machine as possible.
Optimization #1: Deterministic floating-point operations
Most AI libraries and frameworks rely on floating-point arithmetic. In the context of ICP, floating-point operations have to be deterministic, which means they should produce the same predictable result with the same input operands. This determinism property is important because ICP executes the same code on multiple nodes and then runs its consensus algorithm to establish the correct result. If a floating-point operation is not deterministic, nodes might diverge, stopping the progress of the blockchain.
DFINITY engineers found a way to make deterministic floating-point operations faster in the WebAssembly virtual machine implementation called Wasmtime. This is a low-level compiler optimization that produces faster code. This optimization benefits not only ICP but also other platforms and blockchains that use Wasmtime.
Optimization #2: Single instruction, multiple data (SIMD)
SIMD is a technology supported by all modern CPUs. It allows the CPU to execute multiple arithmetic operations with a single instruction. For example, WebAssembly can perform four parallel floating-point additions with a single instruction, as shown in the diagram below.
WebAssembly SIMD can also work with integer numbers. For example, it can perform 16 parallel arithmetic operations with small 8-bit integers. Depending on the type of numbers and operations, performance may increase up to 4x-16x.
Smart contracts running on ICP can now use deterministic SIMD instructions and benefit from parallel computation. Learn how to compile a smart contract with SIMD.
Optimization #3: SIMD support in AI inference engine
The final piece of the Cyclotron puzzle is adding WebAssembly SIMD support to AI libraries. DFINITY engineers contributed a WebAssembly SIMD implementation to the open source Sonos Tract inference engine. The new code implements matrix multiplication and other numeric algorithms using SIMD instructions. Similar to the first optimization in Wasmtime, this contribution benefits not only ICP but a wider developer community.
Results
These optimizations combined speed up numeric microbenchmarks by 28x. In the end-to-end AI inference workloads, the observed improvement varies from 5x to 19x depending on the model, as shown in the chart below.
The source code of the smart contracts containing these AI models is available on GitHub, so anyone can reproduce and verify the results:
Image classification: this is a MobileNet model that classifies the input image and returns the most likely labels out of 1000 known labels. The number of Wasm instructions for running a single inference reduced from 24.7 billion to 3.7 billion.
Face detection: this is an Ultraface model that finds the bounding box of a face in the input image. The number of Wasm instructions for running a single inference reduced from 6.1 billion to 1.2 billion.
Face recognition: this is a model that computes vector embedding of the input image of a face. The number of Wasm instructions for running a single inference reduced from 77 billion to 9 billion. The execution limit on the mainnet is 40 billion instructions, which means that previously face recognition would fail to run on the mainnet and could only run locally in a patched replica.
GPT2: this is a GPT2 model translated into a smart contract by DecideAI using their rust-connect-py-ai-to-ic framework. Details of the benchmark are described here.
The benchmarks were run in dfx version 0.20.1 (Baseline) and version 0.22.0-beta.0 (Cyclotron).
Conclusion
The Cyclotron milestone brings the performance of AI compute on ICP to near-native CPU performance by optimizing floating-point operations and enabling WebAssembly SIMD instructions. It enables on-chain AI inference on models with millions of parameters such as image classification, face recognition, and GPT2.
This is a first step towards running large AI models fully on-chain to solve AI’s trust problem. The next AI milestone in ICP’s roadmap aims to scale beyond CPU limitations. To perform AI inference and training of large models on-chain, smart contracts need a way to run compute- and memory-intensive computations on specialized hardware such as GPUs. Stay tuned for the Gyrotron milestone.
|
6fed5b48-67e0-54a1-8d61-bb88a095d789
|
25/08/2025 15:57:24
|
|
https://ashwinbaskaran.medium.com/an-elegy-for-the-agile-manifesto-a5629409ce71
|
medium.com
|
An Elegy for the Agile Manifesto
|
Remember http://agilemanifesto.org/?
|
Ashwin Baskaran
|
https://medium.com/@ashwinbaskaran
|
a5629409ce71
| null |
2 min
|
2016-04-27T20:35:03.925000
|
2016-05-05T16:59:25.263000
|
2018-01-26T01:31:23.112000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Agile,Scrum
|
<section>
<p>Remember <a href="http://agilemanifesto.org/">http://agilemanifesto.org/</a>?</p>
<p>Yeah, sure you do. So many of us shivered sweet shivers of delight when we read it. “Yes, that!”, we shrieked (with our inner voices, of course). It just made so much sense.</p>
<p>Then why the hell am I not saying “It just <strong>makes</strong> so much sense”? What’s with the past tense?</p>
<p>Capital-A Agile exists not because of the manifesto itself, but because of hype and marketing. Capital-A Agile exists because somewhere along the line, the victim of its own success and a million lousy followers, it morphed from <em>concept</em> into <em>product</em>.</p>
<p>The manifesto was about little-A agile. It captured a way of thinking about (the hipper among us might say “reason about”) software development that accepted the laws of physics, embraced the imperfect discipline that is software “engineering”, and accommodated our desire to to know “how are we doing?” without sacrificing precision or, indeed, truth.</p>
<p>That was then.</p>
<p>These days we “do Agile”, we “run Scrum”, and confuse an agile mindset, which previous few seem to have, with using agile methodologies, which practically everyone claims to some extent or other.</p>
<p>Agile methodologies and tools evolved to support an agile mindset, but the concept took off commercially before it crossed the chasm from “what we do” to “how we think”. It seems the suits (full disclosure: I am one, kinda) latched on only too easily to the nuts and bolts of the <em>organizational patterns</em> of agile methodologies and Scrum and what-not, while steadfastly refusing to accept, never mind internalize, its <em>philosophical tenets</em>. Engulfing the concept in our warm embrace, we incorporated the terms and names while ignoring — maybe even consciously — what I consider to be the true core of the manifesto:</p>
<blockquote>W<em>e value people over process</em></blockquote>
<p>Well. I’m still in a lot of meetings — a *lot* of meetings — where people say “how many resources do you need for this project?”. So much for valuing people over process.</p>
<p>Here’s to you, “agile”. In winning the battle of defining what everyone wanted to be, you lost the war of what people actually chose to do.</p>
<p>We’ll all do what we were going to do anyway — some of us valuing people, some of us valuing process while saying we value people, some of us valuing working code, some of us valuing comprehensive documentation while saying we value working code, all — well, most — of us oblivious to the fact that this isn’t some random “process war”. This actually matters.</p>
<p>So long, agile. I need to run off and do Agile.</p>
</section>
|
An Elegy for the Agile Manifesto
Remember http://agilemanifesto.org/?
Yeah, sure you do. So many of us shivered sweet shivers of delight when we read it. “Yes, that!”, we shrieked (with our inner voices, of course). It just made so much sense.
Then why the hell am I not saying “It just makes so much sense”? What’s with the past tense?
Capital-A Agile exists not because of the manifesto itself, but because of hype and marketing. Capital-A Agile exists because somewhere along the line, the victim of its own success and a million lousy followers, it morphed from concept into product.
The manifesto was about little-A agile. It captured a way of thinking about (the hipper among us might say “reason about”) software development that accepted the laws of physics, embraced the imperfect discipline that is software “engineering”, and accommodated our desire to to know “how are we doing?” without sacrificing precision or, indeed, truth.
That was then.
These days we “do Agile”, we “run Scrum”, and confuse an agile mindset, which previous few seem to have, with using agile methodologies, which practically everyone claims to some extent or other.
Agile methodologies and tools evolved to support an agile mindset, but the concept took off commercially before it crossed the chasm from “what we do” to “how we think”. It seems the suits (full disclosure: I am one, kinda) latched on only too easily to the nuts and bolts of the organizational patterns of agile methodologies and Scrum and what-not, while steadfastly refusing to accept, never mind internalize, its philosophical tenets. Engulfing the concept in our warm embrace, we incorporated the terms and names while ignoring — maybe even consciously — what I consider to be the true core of the manifesto:
We value people over process
Well. I’m still in a lot of meetings — a *lot* of meetings — where people say “how many resources do you need for this project?”. So much for valuing people over process.
Here’s to you, “agile”. In winning the battle of defining what everyone wanted to be, you lost the war of what people actually chose to do.
We’ll all do what we were going to do anyway — some of us valuing people, some of us valuing process while saying we value people, some of us valuing working code, some of us valuing comprehensive documentation while saying we value working code, all — well, most — of us oblivious to the fact that this isn’t some random “process war”. This actually matters.
So long, agile. I need to run off and do Agile.
|
d1fb6bc9-4e1e-50d5-8136-2043cf59e5fc
|
25/08/2025 15:57:24
|
https://medium.com/literally-literary/whispered-mystique-5136d34a2ffd
|
medium.com
|
Whispered Mystique
|
Jubilant eyes of blue sea skies
|
Alexander Writes.
|
https://medium.com/@AlexLeeClarke
|
5136d34a2ffd
|
0 min
|
2017-06-06T14:02:25.846000
|
2017-06-08T09:31:02.305000
|
2017-08-16T17:08:18.762000
| 0 | 6 |
en
|
Poetry,Creativity,Creative Writing,Love,Literally Literary
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1050/1*OI96dwJAEAQY0hcb4dDZJA.jpeg" width="1050" height="418" loading="lazy" />
<p>Jubilant eyes of blue sea skies</p>
<p>You’re making my heart open like a cellar door</p>
<p>Aged and rich</p>
<p>Its beats with rare passion</p>
<p>Tales have been told of this</p>
<p>Only muttered about in whispered mystique</p>
<p>Felt by few</p>
<p>But…</p>
<p>For us,</p>
<p>It’s reality</p>
</section>
|
Whispered Mystique
Source
Jubilant eyes of blue sea skies
You’re making my heart open like a cellar door
Aged and rich
Its beats with rare passion
Tales have been told of this
Only muttered about in whispered mystique
Felt by few
But…
For us,
It’s reality
|
bf124fe8-09fe-5e75-acb5-b67e48196e4c
|
25/08/2025 15:57:24
|
|
https://medium.com/@adam.elsaidy/dragging-during-the-jim-crow-era-eec73802af25
|
medium.com
|
Dragging during the Jim Crow Era
|
Into: The civil rights era was established by a movement that was created based off the sole protection and defense of protecting and…
|
seedkid
|
https://medium.com/@adam.elsaidy
|
eec73802af25
| null |
2 min
|
2019-05-03T20:32:05.437000
|
2019-05-03T21:05:15.176000
|
2021-12-09T14:56:55.822000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
BlackLivesMatter
|
<section>
<p>Into: The civil rights era was established by a movement that was created based off the sole protection and defense of protecting and securing the basic civil rights of African-Americans in the south. After the establishment of the 14th and 15th amendment, white southerners embraced every opportunity to discriminate and racially oppress the distinguished African-American community.</p>
<p>The presence of music helped play a huge role in embracing and motivating African-Americans during the civil rights movement. The unjust laws that prevented African-Americans from having basis civil rights were met with resistance and stratification from numerous marches and protest. Such marches and other movements for the cause of equal rights were heavily anticipated by chants and songs of the people who participated in such protest.</p>
<p>Thesis: “ The civil rights era was a very crucial and disturbing time for African-Americans in the southern part of the Untied States. During the mid-1950s to the late 1960s, many African-American experienced large amounts racial oppression while trying to protect their recently granted basic civil rights. Music like Ray Charles’s, “Hit The Road Jack”, provides evidence of stratification and resistance having influence on shaping most of the music created at that time”. The call-and-respond traits in that song is designed in a argumentative way that helps better understand the theme of stratification and resistance, by giving a better illustration to the constant battle African- Americans had to face when fighting for their basic Civil Rights”.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Conclusion: Music helped guide and make more people aware of the emotions and stands that where being placed when fighting for basic civil rights. Music like Ray Charles’s “Hit the Road Jack”, helped the outside world understand and capture a sense of feeling and emotion for what was going on during this time. The song “Hit the Road Jack” presents many different musical elements, like the use of call-and-response, which helps better illustrate the amount of resentment and rebelliousness between African-Americans which shows the amount of stratification and resistance being used during the Civil Rights Era. This project eventually started giving me a very proud feeling due to learning so much about how African-Americans overcame majority of uncontrollable situations by unifying in such creative ways. I started feeling proud when I discovered and truly understood why people would sing and chant during rebellious marches and protest. I soon learned that these songs and chants was being used to give insurance and unification to protesters as a whole to keep fighting for what they believe in!</p>
</section>
|
Dragging during the Jim Crow Era
Into: The civil rights era was established by a movement that was created based off the sole protection and defense of protecting and securing the basic civil rights of African-Americans in the south. After the establishment of the 14th and 15th amendment, white southerners embraced every opportunity to discriminate and racially oppress the distinguished African-American community.
The presence of music helped play a huge role in embracing and motivating African-Americans during the civil rights movement. The unjust laws that prevented African-Americans from having basis civil rights were met with resistance and stratification from numerous marches and protest. Such marches and other movements for the cause of equal rights were heavily anticipated by chants and songs of the people who participated in such protest.
Thesis: “ The civil rights era was a very crucial and disturbing time for African-Americans in the southern part of the Untied States. During the mid-1950s to the late 1960s, many African-American experienced large amounts racial oppression while trying to protect their recently granted basic civil rights. Music like Ray Charles’s, “Hit The Road Jack”, provides evidence of stratification and resistance having influence on shaping most of the music created at that time”. The call-and-respond traits in that song is designed in a argumentative way that helps better understand the theme of stratification and resistance, by giving a better illustration to the constant battle African- Americans had to face when fighting for their basic Civil Rights”.
Conclusion: Music helped guide and make more people aware of the emotions and stands that where being placed when fighting for basic civil rights. Music like Ray Charles’s “Hit the Road Jack”, helped the outside world understand and capture a sense of feeling and emotion for what was going on during this time. The song “Hit the Road Jack” presents many different musical elements, like the use of call-and-response, which helps better illustrate the amount of resentment and rebelliousness between African-Americans which shows the amount of stratification and resistance being used during the Civil Rights Era. This project eventually started giving me a very proud feeling due to learning so much about how African-Americans overcame majority of uncontrollable situations by unifying in such creative ways. I started feeling proud when I discovered and truly understood why people would sing and chant during rebellious marches and protest. I soon learned that these songs and chants was being used to give insurance and unification to protesters as a whole to keep fighting for what they believe in!
|
41cdac52-7b44-5a3d-9755-e532a7a469eb
|
25/08/2025 15:57:24
|
https://medium.com/specialolympics/friday-fun-video-edition-ae9b88583b09
|
medium.com
|
Friday Fun (Video Edition)!
| null |
Special Olympics
|
https://medium.com/@SpecialOlympics
|
ae9b88583b09
| null |
1 min
|
2016-10-25T15:53:41.911000
|
2011-02-04T19:52:46
|
2016-11-17T21:41:02.584000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Florida,Minnesota,Polar Plunge,Special Olympics,Utah
|
<section>
<p>We’re capping off this week of Polar Plunge coverage with a few final videos of some fun (and frigid) plunges, plus a “unique” fundraiser from students at Central Michigan University. Happy Friday!</p>
<p>You know your Polar Plunge is hardcore when…
1. You’re plunging into a big hole drilled into an entirely frozen lake
2. To stay in the water for longer than a few seconds, you have to wear a suit fit for any sci-fi movie.</p>
<p>I think it’s safe to say, Polar Bear Plunge participants from Special Olympics Minnesota are hardcore!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4ZrtobNytM</p>
<p>They might not be dealing with the same frigid temperatures as Special Olympics Minnesota, but I think Special Olympics Florida plungers have some of the BEST COSTUMES I’ve seen this year! Check them out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V13hsGpTjY</p>
<p>Then there are Special Olympics Utah plungers who seem to forget how cold it is outside and in the water… they’re just HAVING A BLAST!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZyqVpyVGj0</p>
<p>Ok, so this final video is not Polar Plunge related, but it’s a fun story about fundraising for Special Olympics… Here’s one brave soul who helped raise money for Special Olympics by allowing his residents to cut his hair. What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to raise money for Special Olympics? (See the finished product in the video below or <a href="http://www.cm-life.com/2011/02/02/a-haircut-raises-money-special-olympics">read the full story</a> for more details).
http://vimeo.com/19455644</p>
</section>
|
Friday Fun (Video Edition)!
We’re capping off this week of Polar Plunge coverage with a few final videos of some fun (and frigid) plunges, plus a “unique” fundraiser from students at Central Michigan University. Happy Friday!
You know your Polar Plunge is hardcore when…
1. You’re plunging into a big hole drilled into an entirely frozen lake
2. To stay in the water for longer than a few seconds, you have to wear a suit fit for any sci-fi movie.
I think it’s safe to say, Polar Bear Plunge participants from Special Olympics Minnesota are hardcore!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4ZrtobNytM
They might not be dealing with the same frigid temperatures as Special Olympics Minnesota, but I think Special Olympics Florida plungers have some of the BEST COSTUMES I’ve seen this year! Check them out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V13hsGpTjY
Then there are Special Olympics Utah plungers who seem to forget how cold it is outside and in the water… they’re just HAVING A BLAST!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZyqVpyVGj0
Ok, so this final video is not Polar Plunge related, but it’s a fun story about fundraising for Special Olympics… Here’s one brave soul who helped raise money for Special Olympics by allowing his residents to cut his hair. What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to raise money for Special Olympics? (See the finished product in the video below or read the full story for more details).
http://vimeo.com/19455644
|
8fe8f8a7-1f5b-5094-8895-d4f8fbb432aa
|
25/08/2025 15:57:24
|
https://medium.com/swlh/10-facts-about-uruguays-growing-technology-scene-cb22a88f7915
|
medium.com
|
10 Facts about Uruguay’s Growing Technology Scene
|
Uruguay is the small country in the southeast of South America with a growing technology community. Bordered by Argentina and Brazil…
|
Nora Leary
|
https://medium.com/@nleary
|
cb22a88f7915
|
5 min
|
2019-02-07T18:42:38.406000
|
2019-02-08T07:06:00.911000
|
2021-12-07T10:55:57.328000
| 1 | 177 |
en
|
Startup,Uruguay,Latin America,Latin American Startups,South America
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/825/1*by5ttGxgMFRyRaHR8iM5ow.jpeg" width="825" height="619" loading="lazy" />
<p>Uruguay is the small country in the southeast of South America with a growing technology community. Bordered by Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is often outshined by its neighbors, but the country’s unique reforms and legislation make it a desirable place to live.</p>
<p>Many might remember Uruguay’s former president, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Mujica">José Mujica</a>, who used to donate 90% of his salary to charity, leading many to call him “the world’s humblest head of state.” And while the country is home to many beautiful beaches, it’s also home to technological endeavors worth noting. Here are ten facts about the growing technology scene in Uruguay.</p>
<h1>1. Uruguay is the leading software exporter per capita in South America</h1>
<p>This tiny country is chalked full of software experts, who expert their services and software globally. It’s the <a href="http://en.reingex.com/Uruguay-Business-Economy.shtml">third</a> leading software exporter per capita in the world. There are over 700 IT companies in the country who export mainly to the United States and Brazil.</p>
<h2>2. The country is very stable</h2>
<p>Uruguay continually ranks high in democracy, peace, low corruption rates, and high GDP per capita. While Uruguay has felt economic instability in the past, due partly to its neighbor’s woes, the country remains a stable place to live and work.</p>
<p>Uruguay has a fifteen year GDP growth streak. The GDP grew by 2.7% in 2017, which shows steady growth since 2002, the country’s most recent economic disaster stemming from Argentina defaulting on its debt. This growth is especially notable since both Brazil and Argentina entered a recession in 2014.</p>
<h2>3. Uruguay’s economy is growing quickly</h2>
<p>Uruguay has a fifteen year GDP growth streak. The GDP grew by 2.7% in 2017, which shows steady growth since 2002, the country’s most recent economic disaster stemming from Argentina defaulting on its debt. This growth is especially notable since both Brazil and Argentina entered a recession in 2014.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/825/1*nWRKIYurgXfVMw9UtpRnxA.jpeg" width="825" height="550" loading="lazy" />
<h2>4. The government supports innovation</h2>
<p>The National Agency for Investigation and Innovation (<a href="http://www.anii.org.uy/">ANII</a>) is a government entity that promotes research and the application of new knowledge to the productivity and social reality of Uruguay. ANII releases public funds for research projects, national and international postgraduate scholarships, and incentive programs for innovative culture and entrepreneurship, both in the private and public sectors.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.uruguayxxi.gub.uy/">Uruguay XXI</a> is another government organization that promotes imports and exports with the goal of making the country an investor destination. The group gives information and incentives to global companies and investors looking to expand to Uruguay.</p>
<h2>5. Uruguay is very connected</h2>
<p>There are <a href="https://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/uruguay_statistics.html">147.3</a> mobile phones per 100 people in Uruguay, and roughly<a href="https://www.internetworldstats.com/sa/uy.htm"> 70%</a> of the population uses the Internet. There are plenty of opportunities for connected companies to enter or expand to Uruguay.</p>
<p>Uruguay has free trade agreements with Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, the three most important Latin American markets. Uruguay also does not tax companies that have no activity within the country itself. Probably the biggest benefit is that global IT firms are a 100% exempt of income tax for the payment obtained through the exports of software and its related services. Given that, it’s clear why Uruguay has so many software development firms.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/825/1*PjlSFQjyxIot8qny6Szdgw.jpeg" width="825" height="550" loading="lazy" />
<h2>6. There are favorable trade and tax agreements</h2>
<p>Uruguay has free trade agreements with Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, the three most important Latin American markets. Uruguay also does not tax companies that have no activity within the country itself. Probably the biggest benefit is that global IT firms are a 100% exempt of income tax for the payment obtained through the exports of software and its related services. Given that, it’s clear why Uruguay has so many software development firms.</p>
<h2>7. Uruguay is home to world-renowned gaming studios</h2>
<p>Universities in Uruguay were one of the first to offer <a href="http://www.ort.edu.uy/fcd/animacion">degrees</a> in video game design, which is part of the reason why so many game developers call Uruguay home. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powerful_Robot_Games">Powerful Robot Games</a>, which closed its doors in 2012, was the first company to create a game for a Presidential election. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironhide_Game_Studio">Ironhide Game Studio</a>, located in Montevideo, created the vastly popular Kingdom Rush Saga and won multiple awards for its games.</p>
<p>In fact, public spending in these two industries increased <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2018/03/28/uruguays-record-setting-economic-growth-streak">73%</a> from 2007 to 2015. An interesting case of this benefiting the country is in cattle farming. Uruguay was the first Latin American country to make all of its beef exports electronically traceable. This meant that disease was caught early and buyers could be reassured of quality. Now, Uruguay sells more beef than Argentina, whose exports fell by 75% between 2005 and 2012.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/825/1*_eFNjQcVMWoNHXjceC2_YA.jpeg" width="825" height="619" loading="lazy" />
<h2>8. Public spending on science and tech has increased substantially</h2>
<p>In fact, public spending in these two industries increased <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2018/03/28/uruguays-record-setting-economic-growth-streak">73%</a> from 2007 to 2015. An interesting case of this benefiting the country is in cattle farming. Uruguay was the first Latin American country to make all of its beef exports electronically traceable. This meant that disease was caught early and buyers could be reassured of quality. Now, Uruguay sells more beef than Argentina, whose exports fell by 75% between 2005 and 2012.</p>
<h2>9. Notable startups include Bankingly and PedidosYa</h2>
<p>Fintech startup <a href="https://www.bankingly.com/">Bankingly</a> recently raised US$5.25M for its software that seeks to improve financial inclusion by providing digital channels for banking institutions that service underbanked or lower-income people. Online food delivery company, <a href="https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/pedidosya">PedidosYa</a>, raised over US$7.5M and was acquired by German online ordering company, Delivery Hero.</p>
<h2>10. It’s a small country but a tech leader</h2>
<p>Uruguay boasts exceptionally <a href="https://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/uruguay_statistics.html">high literacy rates</a> and an educated population. That, coupled with government support of innovation, makes it clear why Uruguay is a global leader in technology. The country continually <a href="https://www.montevideo.com.uy/Ciencia-y-Tecnologia/Uruguay-lidera-por-septimo-ano-consecutivo-el-desarrollo-de-las-Tecnologias-de-la-Informacion-y-Comunicacion-en-Latinoamerica-uc667249">ranks in the top spot</a> in technology and innovation awards in Latin America because of its adoption of fixed broadband, especially fiber optic, the improvement of international connectivity with the submarine cable system, and giving all public school children access to computers.</p>
<p>Uruguay’s liberal regulations and push for innovation have put this tiny country on the global map for technology. With a growing GDP, Uruguay has been able to make technological changes to improve the country. It’s clear why Uruguay is becoming a country to watch in Latin American and on a global scale for technological innovation.</p>
<p>For more facts about Latin America’s technology scene, read our post on <a href="https://www.launchwaymedia.com/blog/2018/5/29/10-facts-about-mexicos-growing-technology-scene">Mexico</a>.</p>
<p><em>Originally published at <a href="https://www.la</em>unchwaymedia.com/blog/2019/2/7/10-facts-about-uruguays-growing-technology-scene">www.launchwaymedia.com</a>.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/1*YqDjlKFwScoQYQ62DWEdig.png" width="2000" height="100" loading="lazy" />
<h3>This story is published in <a href="https://medium.com/swlh">The Startup</a>, Medium’s largest entrepreneurship publication followed by +421,678 people.</h3>
<h3>Subscribe to receive <a href="https://growthsupply.com/the-startup-newsletter/">our top stories here</a>.</h3>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/1*ouK9XR4xuNWtCes-TIUNAw.png" width="2000" height="100" loading="lazy" />
</section>
|
10 Facts about Uruguay’s Growing Technology Scene
Uruguay is the small country in the southeast of South America with a growing technology community. Bordered by Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is often outshined by its neighbors, but the country’s unique reforms and legislation make it a desirable place to live.
Many might remember Uruguay’s former president, José Mujica, who used to donate 90% of his salary to charity, leading many to call him “the world’s humblest head of state.” And while the country is home to many beautiful beaches, it’s also home to technological endeavors worth noting. Here are ten facts about the growing technology scene in Uruguay.
1. Uruguay is the leading software exporter per capita in South America
This tiny country is chalked full of software experts, who expert their services and software globally. It’s the third leading software exporter per capita in the world. There are over 700 IT companies in the country who export mainly to the United States and Brazil.
2. The country is very stable
Uruguay continually ranks high in democracy, peace, low corruption rates, and high GDP per capita. While Uruguay has felt economic instability in the past, due partly to its neighbor’s woes, the country remains a stable place to live and work.
Uruguay has a fifteen year GDP growth streak. The GDP grew by 2.7% in 2017, which shows steady growth since 2002, the country’s most recent economic disaster stemming from Argentina defaulting on its debt. This growth is especially notable since both Brazil and Argentina entered a recession in 2014.
3. Uruguay’s economy is growing quickly
Uruguay has a fifteen year GDP growth streak. The GDP grew by 2.7% in 2017, which shows steady growth since 2002, the country’s most recent economic disaster stemming from Argentina defaulting on its debt. This growth is especially notable since both Brazil and Argentina entered a recession in 2014.
4. The government supports innovation
The National Agency for Investigation and Innovation (ANII) is a government entity that promotes research and the application of new knowledge to the productivity and social reality of Uruguay. ANII releases public funds for research projects, national and international postgraduate scholarships, and incentive programs for innovative culture and entrepreneurship, both in the private and public sectors.
Uruguay XXI is another government organization that promotes imports and exports with the goal of making the country an investor destination. The group gives information and incentives to global companies and investors looking to expand to Uruguay.
5. Uruguay is very connected
There are 147.3 mobile phones per 100 people in Uruguay, and roughly 70% of the population uses the Internet. There are plenty of opportunities for connected companies to enter or expand to Uruguay.
Uruguay has free trade agreements with Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, the three most important Latin American markets. Uruguay also does not tax companies that have no activity within the country itself. Probably the biggest benefit is that global IT firms are a 100% exempt of income tax for the payment obtained through the exports of software and its related services. Given that, it’s clear why Uruguay has so many software development firms.
6. There are favorable trade and tax agreements
Uruguay has free trade agreements with Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, the three most important Latin American markets. Uruguay also does not tax companies that have no activity within the country itself. Probably the biggest benefit is that global IT firms are a 100% exempt of income tax for the payment obtained through the exports of software and its related services. Given that, it’s clear why Uruguay has so many software development firms.
7. Uruguay is home to world-renowned gaming studios
Universities in Uruguay were one of the first to offer degrees in video game design, which is part of the reason why so many game developers call Uruguay home. Powerful Robot Games, which closed its doors in 2012, was the first company to create a game for a Presidential election. Ironhide Game Studio, located in Montevideo, created the vastly popular Kingdom Rush Saga and won multiple awards for its games.
In fact, public spending in these two industries increased 73% from 2007 to 2015. An interesting case of this benefiting the country is in cattle farming. Uruguay was the first Latin American country to make all of its beef exports electronically traceable. This meant that disease was caught early and buyers could be reassured of quality. Now, Uruguay sells more beef than Argentina, whose exports fell by 75% between 2005 and 2012.
8. Public spending on science and tech has increased substantially
In fact, public spending in these two industries increased 73% from 2007 to 2015. An interesting case of this benefiting the country is in cattle farming. Uruguay was the first Latin American country to make all of its beef exports electronically traceable. This meant that disease was caught early and buyers could be reassured of quality. Now, Uruguay sells more beef than Argentina, whose exports fell by 75% between 2005 and 2012.
9. Notable startups include Bankingly and PedidosYa
Fintech startup Bankingly recently raised US$5.25M for its software that seeks to improve financial inclusion by providing digital channels for banking institutions that service underbanked or lower-income people. Online food delivery company, PedidosYa, raised over US$7.5M and was acquired by German online ordering company, Delivery Hero.
10. It’s a small country but a tech leader
Uruguay boasts exceptionally high literacy rates and an educated population. That, coupled with government support of innovation, makes it clear why Uruguay is a global leader in technology. The country continually ranks in the top spot in technology and innovation awards in Latin America because of its adoption of fixed broadband, especially fiber optic, the improvement of international connectivity with the submarine cable system, and giving all public school children access to computers.
Uruguay’s liberal regulations and push for innovation have put this tiny country on the global map for technology. With a growing GDP, Uruguay has been able to make technological changes to improve the country. It’s clear why Uruguay is becoming a country to watch in Latin American and on a global scale for technological innovation.
For more facts about Latin America’s technology scene, read our post on Mexico.
Originally published at www.launchwaymedia.com.
This story is published in The Startup, Medium’s largest entrepreneurship publication followed by +421,678 people.
Subscribe to receive our top stories here.
|
8d36294c-a798-579d-afd1-774487827ca3
|
25/08/2025 15:57:25
|
|
https://medium.com/soul-candy-press/journey-to-70-p-48-be3650923173
|
medium.com
|
Journey to 70 (P. 48)
|
New book promo
|
J.C. King
|
https://medium.com/@staytrueking
|
be3650923173
|
https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*jIRGAmLHprSDVXHi
|
1 min
|
2023-12-18T01:15:44.354000
|
2023-12-18T02:07:03.415000
|
2023-12-19T04:19:34.088000
| 1 | 51 |
en
|
Soul Candy Press,Medium,Medium Partner Program,Self Publishing,Poet
|
<section>
<h3>New book promo</h3>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3407/0*jIRGAmLHprSDVXHi" width="3407" height="4258" loading="lazy" />
<p>I know, it’s been almost one whole month since I’ve written in my journey to 70 challenge and I’m sure by now you’ve noticed that I’m far beyond 70 articles and we hadn’t even reached the end of year yet!</p>
<p>Well, I have good news and great news: good news? All of my books are available for purchase via <a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C7KQCMK6/allbooks">Amazon</a>. Great news? My newest book <em><a href="https://a.co/d</em>/9SFlt5s">Tears 4 Little Boy Bleu</a> was released on Friday!!</p>
<p>I’m beyond excited. I hadn’t done too much promo upon release outside of ranting and raving all over Twitter but that isn’t enough. I hadn’t updated you all on my progress and how far I’ve come.</p>
<p>But we can save all of that for another day; I will leave you with is this: do not quit neither compromise yourself nor give into false beliefs that what you want out of life cannot be done.</p>
<p>Everything takes patience and practice; it also takes an unwavering belief in that state of knowing we may not always have it all together but if we keep at it? No matter what it is, all that’s for us in this life will ironically fall in our lap. Keep the faith and never lose sight of your goals!</p>
</section>
|
Journey to 70 (P. 48)
New book promo
Photo by Jorge Vasconez on Unsplash
I know, it’s been almost one whole month since I’ve written in my journey to 70 challenge and I’m sure by now you’ve noticed that I’m far beyond 70 articles and we hadn’t even reached the end of year yet!
Well, I have good news and great news: good news? All of my books are available for purchase via Amazon. Great news? My newest book Tears 4 Little Boy Bleu was released on Friday!!
I’m beyond excited. I hadn’t done too much promo upon release outside of ranting and raving all over Twitter but that isn’t enough. I hadn’t updated you all on my progress and how far I’ve come.
But we can save all of that for another day; I will leave you with is this: do not quit neither compromise yourself nor give into false beliefs that what you want out of life cannot be done.
Everything takes patience and practice; it also takes an unwavering belief in that state of knowing we may not always have it all together but if we keep at it? No matter what it is, all that’s for us in this life will ironically fall in our lap. Keep the faith and never lose sight of your goals!
|
739bfbec-de74-56d4-bbb7-0c4b9f86312d
|
25/08/2025 15:57:26
|
https://medium.com/@stuffonmyrabbit/tips-to-make-your-candid-photography-awesome-87ca44408bef
|
medium.com
|
Tips to Make Your Candid Photography Awesome
|
Plan
|
Merin Fernandas
|
https://medium.com/@stuffonmyrabbit
|
87ca44408bef
|
3 min
|
2015-11-06T10:08:35.970000
|
2015-11-06T10:14:00.944000
|
2015-12-02T05:21:17.348000
| 0 | 2 |
en
|
Photography,Weddings,Candid Photography
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1920/1*EXojZSxISCJtYm55mRDWRQ.jpeg" width="1920" height="1279" loading="lazy" />
<h3>Plan</h3>
<p>Candid wedding minutes happen rapidly, and don’t keep going for long, so it’s vital that you’re readied for any minute.</p>
<h3>Lock In</h3>
<p>Concentrating on the minute is key when you’re shooting candid minutes. In the event that you need to change your camera settings, you’re may miss an advantageous shot that can’t be reproduced.</p>
<p>In journalistic minutes, generally there isn’t sufficient time to take a gander at the back of the camera. On the off chance that modify Aperture/Shutter Speed for basic presentation modification, you can contrarily influence picture arrangement without acknowledging until take a seat before the PC.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1920/1*7bWEG1-ePhIEJvPbs1B1Hg.jpeg" width="1920" height="1278" loading="lazy" />
<p>Foresee</p>
<p>A wedding day is loaded with foresight, and not simply from the Bride and Groom. While a wedding day is brimming with lovely journalistic minutes and feelings, as a rule, these things are going on in not really perfect circumstances. A scene may be dreary, have muddled foundations, individuals may be turned the wrong heading, and so on. Infrequently does the ideal journalistic minute line up with the ideal light, foundation, and so forth.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1920/1*_9LPBrRqqzSJwStnohRkxw.jpeg" width="1920" height="1271" loading="lazy" />
<p>As a wedding photographer you have to dependably be on your toes, and invest less energy watching and commending the back of the camera!</p>
<p>Presently</p>
<p>You’ve arranged, secured your settings and have foreseen the occasion, now it’s a great opportunity to shoot. Unwind, precisely form your shot, and shoot. It’s vital to always remember this will be a standout amongst the most critical days of your customer’s lives. Be that as it may, it is similarly vital to remind yourself to unwind, moderate down and don’t race through every shot just to get to the following one.</p>
<p>This is one of the greatest things we attempt to instruct new shooters in our studio, SLOW DOWN! The distinction between having 100 stunning photos versus 100 OK photos is essentially backing off. Investing more energy, monitoring the points of interest, precisely forming your pictures, lighting, and working systematically during that time paying little respect to the anxiety and weight of the course of events.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/1*sC7-uwSA25oEdbyIeYkszQ.jpeg" width="1280" height="853" loading="lazy" />
<p>Search for the now minutes surrounding you, and when they happen, stay quiet and formed. Modify your camera settings, presentation and piece and fire as we did beneath to catch this wonderful minute between the love birds and their child as he hops under the cloak to play with mom.</p>
<h3>Move</h3>
<p>When you’re sure you’ve caught your shot from one point, MOVE! Take this chance to change your organization, catch another expression, and exploit the time you have in the occasion. Once more, catching 10 shots from precisely the same truly isn’t going to help you in telling a story or making a collection. When you have your shot, you have an incredible expression and you know it is in center, move to an alternate point.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1920/1*tGkoy73oa82p3E14xwZz9g.jpeg" width="1920" height="1271" loading="lazy" />
<p><a href="http://www.imedia.net.in/">Candid Photography Thrissur</a>| <a href="http://www.imedia.net.in/">Candid Photography Cochin</a></p>
</section>
|
Tips to Make Your Candid Photography Awesome
Plan
Candid wedding minutes happen rapidly, and don’t keep going for long, so it’s vital that you’re readied for any minute.
Lock In
Concentrating on the minute is key when you’re shooting candid minutes. In the event that you need to change your camera settings, you’re may miss an advantageous shot that can’t be reproduced.
In journalistic minutes, generally there isn’t sufficient time to take a gander at the back of the camera. On the off chance that modify Aperture/Shutter Speed for basic presentation modification, you can contrarily influence picture arrangement without acknowledging until take a seat before the PC.
Foresee
A wedding day is loaded with foresight, and not simply from the Bride and Groom. While a wedding day is brimming with lovely journalistic minutes and feelings, as a rule, these things are going on in not really perfect circumstances. A scene may be dreary, have muddled foundations, individuals may be turned the wrong heading, and so on. Infrequently does the ideal journalistic minute line up with the ideal light, foundation, and so forth.
As a wedding photographer you have to dependably be on your toes, and invest less energy watching and commending the back of the camera!
Presently
You’ve arranged, secured your settings and have foreseen the occasion, now it’s a great opportunity to shoot. Unwind, precisely form your shot, and shoot. It’s vital to always remember this will be a standout amongst the most critical days of your customer’s lives. Be that as it may, it is similarly vital to remind yourself to unwind, moderate down and don’t race through every shot just to get to the following one.
This is one of the greatest things we attempt to instruct new shooters in our studio, SLOW DOWN! The distinction between having 100 stunning photos versus 100 OK photos is essentially backing off. Investing more energy, monitoring the points of interest, precisely forming your pictures, lighting, and working systematically during that time paying little respect to the anxiety and weight of the course of events.
Search for the now minutes surrounding you, and when they happen, stay quiet and formed. Modify your camera settings, presentation and piece and fire as we did beneath to catch this wonderful minute between the love birds and their child as he hops under the cloak to play with mom.
Move
When you’re sure you’ve caught your shot from one point, MOVE! Take this chance to change your organization, catch another expression, and exploit the time you have in the occasion. Once more, catching 10 shots from precisely the same truly isn’t going to help you in telling a story or making a collection. When you have your shot, you have an incredible expression and you know it is in center, move to an alternate point.
Candid Photography Thrissur| Candid Photography Cochin
|
997b3202-c5b7-5505-b76f-78e25e1f1e8d
|
25/08/2025 15:57:27
|
|
https://medium.com/@monriatitans/tdl-sat-nov-2-aa3ce5eeaf62
|
medium.com
|
“Ta-Da!” List: Saturday, November 2nd
|
I share my “Ta-Da!” Lists so everyone gets updates and I have reminders of what I’ve accomplished.
|
MonriaTitans
|
https://medium.com/@monriatitans
|
aa3ce5eeaf62
|
2 min
|
2024-11-02T18:38:20.481000
|
2024-11-03T05:06:14.820000
|
2024-11-14T04:28:46.518000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Daily Update,Daily Achievements,Ta Da List,Extra Focus,Adhd
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1920/1*5fLRJM8Q8s0ffwI5JaGv_g.jpeg" width="1920" height="1080" loading="lazy" />
<h3><strong>Saturday, November 2, 2024</strong></h3>
<p>I share my <em>“Ta-Da!” Lists</em> so everyone gets updates and I have reminders of what I’ve accomplished.</p>
<p>To learn more about <em>“Ta-Da!” Lists</em>, and other ADHD life hacks, check out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adhdjesse/">Jesse J. Anderson</a>’s book <em><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/18974/9798988644</em>200">Extra Focus: The Quick Start Guide to Adult ADHD</a>.</p>
<h1>Abbreviations</h1>
<p><em>- <a href="https://opinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/">O&T</a>: Opinions & Truth Blog
- <a href="https://becomempowered.carrd.co/">WGS</a>: The W</em>eekend Game Show
- <a href="https://opinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/category/ot/wgs/videos/lets-play-some-shiz/">LPS$</a>: Let’s Play Some $#!7!
- <a href="https://opinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/tag/letsplaysomedemos/">LPSD</a>: Let’s Play Some Demos!
- <a href="https://opinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/dos-and-donts/shout-out-criteria/">ASO</a>: Artist Shout-Out
-<em> <a href="https://ti</em>tansmonriart.carrd.co/">TMA</a>: TitansMonriArt
-<em> <a href="https://</em>monriatitans.carrd.co/">SM</a>: Social Media
-<em> <a href="http</em>s://www.instagram.com/monriatitans/">IG</a>: Instagram
<em>- <a href="https://bookshop.org</em>/shop/monriatitans">RP</a>: Rendezvous Point Bookshop
<em>- <a href="https://www.</em>buymeacoffee.com/monriatitans/">BMAC</a>: Buy Me a Coffee
<em>- <a href="https://o</em>pinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/category/ot/announcements/wrap-ups/daily-wrap-ups/ta-da-list/">TDL</a>: “Ta-Da!” List</p>
<h2>“Ta-Da!” List</h2>
<p><strong>✧ <em><a href="</strong>http</em>s://medium.com/@monriatitans/tdl-tue-fri-oct-29-nov-1-2e0879c30686">November 1st</a>:
<em>1. Business</em>: <em><a href="htt</em>ps://monriatitans.carrd.co/">SM/Platforms</a>: on <em><a h</em>ref="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/monriatitans">BMAC</a>, added the “<a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/monriatitans/shout-out-criteria">Artist Shout-Out Criteria</a>” post to the “<a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/monriatitans/posts/9161">About</a>” Category
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
<strong>✧ <em>throughout the </strong>day</em>:
<em>1. Business:</em>
<strong>a.</strong> <em><a </em>href="https://becomempowered.carrd.co/">WGS</a>: gave a human artist, <em><strong><a hr</em>ef="http</strong>s://www.therookies.co/u/MarcoOliveri">Marco Oliveri</a>, a shout-out on <em><a hre</em>f="https://medium.com/@monriatitans/aso-638-marco-oliveri-87557b8f41bf">Medium</a> and several other <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/monriatitans/november-2024-artist-shout-outs">platforms</a>; added more <em><a h</em>ref="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpQ6X7IjSL0rErmLya7rJ2OcA1S3qNBy_">LPS$</a>/<em><a h</em>ref="https://opinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/tag/letsplaysomedemos/">LSPD</a> <em><a href</em>="https://www.youtube.com/@monriatitans">YouTube</a> videos to <em><a hr</em>ef="https://steamcommunity.com/id/monria-titans/">Steam</a>; prepared the <em><a </em>href="https://opinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/dos-and-donts/shout-out-criteria/">ASO</a> for tomorrow, Nov. 3rd, and it can be viewed today on <em><a href="https://di</em>scord.com/channels/789648167388839976/894435398527373373/1302465731824320512">The Titans’ Discord</a>, <em><a hr</em>ef="https://ko-fi.com/i/IE1E415LS79">Ko-fi</a>, the <em><a href="</em>https://becomempowered.carrd.co/">WGS Carrd</a>, and several other <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/monriatitans/september-2024-artist-shout-outs">platforms</a>
<strong>b.</strong> <em><a </em>href="https://opinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/">O&T</a>: changed the publish date of “<a href="https://opinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/2024/09/01/the-dangers-of-ai-art/">The Dangers of AI ‘Art’</a>”, “<a href="https://opinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/2024/09/01/adobe-cannot-be-trusted/">Adobe Cannot Be Trusted</a>”, “<a href="https://opinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/2024/09/01/if-you-are/">If you are… don’t come in.</a>”, and “<a href="https://opinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/2024/09/01/project-2025/">Beware Project 2025! The Presidential Transition Project</a>” posts to today so they are higher up on the home page
<strong>c.</strong> <em><a</em> href="https://bookshop.org/shop/monriatitans">RP</a>: added books to bookshelves, with the help of <em><a href="https://</em>www.patreon.com/posts/lets-get-spoopy-115082739">Duck Prints Press</a>, then re-alphabetized them, when applicable
<strong>d.</strong> <em><a href="htt</em>ps://monriatitans.carrd.co/">SM/Platforms</a>: resigned up for <em><a hre</em>f="https://www.reddit.com/user/Flaky_Process8495/">Reddit</a> due to losing access to the last account; added the links to <a href="https://t.co/Fyxm8fQyUD">July</a>, <a href="https://t.co/37LRlJY3MO">August</a>, <a href="https://t.co/Ib97YkmRgS">September</a>, <a href="https://t.co/xH5Z26Ui27">October</a>, and <a href="https://t.co/dA2xt3qooq">November</a>’s <em>ASO Ko-fi Albums</em> to the <em><a href="https://twitter.com/BEmpowe</em>ring/status/1403099511505907712">WGS’ ASO Ko-fi Albums Twitter Thread</a>, which was then pinned, and then an “Expanded Bio” was added to the <a href="https://twitter.com/BEmpowering">Profile</a>; added the links to <em><a hre</em>f="https://www.reddit.com/user/Flaky_Process8495/">Reddit</a> and <em><a href</em>="https://monriatitans-wgs.itch.io/">itch.io</a> to the “<em>Icons</em>” sections at the top and bottom of the <em><a href=</em>"https://monriatitans.carrd.co">MT Carrd</a>
<strong>e.</strong> <em><a </em>href="https://opinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/">O&T</a>/<em><a </em>href="https://becomempowered.carrd.co/">WGS</a>/<em><a </em>href="https://titansmonriart.carrd.co/">TMA</a>: shared today’s <em><a </em>href="https://opinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/category/ot/announcements/wrap-ups/daily-wrap-ups/ta-da-list/">TDL</a> to <em><a hre</em>f="https://medium.com/@monriatitans">Medium</a>, <em><a href="h</em>ttps://www.pillowfort.social/MonriaTitans">Pillowfort</a>, <em><a</em> href="https://www.instagram.com/monriatitans">IG</a>, and other <a href="https://monriatitans.carrd.co/">platforms</a></p>
<p><em>2. Personal-ish:</em>
<strong>a.</strong> <em>Chores & Miscellaneous</em>: did the dishes; swept and swiffered the bathrooms; kept emails manageable; washed the new pillowcases
<strong>b.</strong><em> <a href</em>="https://youtube.com/@monriatitans">YouTube</a>: watched/listened to shorts/videos by, mostly in order, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlRceUcRZcK10JNYeSUz-kssXXaRUu6BL">Jim Sterling</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iUmZMy-hNm4">Mended Light</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3NGq_088S9Y">Haminations</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IogCQdi9kYU">Robert Reich</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Nb_3mDOhHqg">Devin Nash</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIjRo865_-Q">Ember Green</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW1K2DyhhdI">Madisyn Brown</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/v2JMgsYSe2o">NeurodiverJENNt</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IwUZ6uzx1PU">ADHD Love</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Sws3w8BH7pk">Abbie Emmons</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9lshooTY-lw">Snoman Gaming</a>
<strong>c.</strong><em> <a h</em>ref="https://opinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/2024/06/23/tbr-tower/">Read</a>: some of <em><a href="https:/</em>/bookshop.org/a/18974/9780593235232">Unmasking Autism</a>; some of <em><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/18974/9780375759048">Spend Well, Live R</em>ich: How to Get What You Want with the Money You Have</a>
<strong>d.</strong><em> <a href="https:/</em>/store.steampowered.com/wishlist/id/monria-titans/#sort=discount">Games and Gaming</a>: added/removed games from <em><a href="https</em>://store.steampowered.com/wishlist/id/monria-titans/#sort=discount">Steam Wishlist</a>; played <em><a hr</em>ef="https://amzn.to/4a80bRL">FFXIV</a> with partner and alone</p>
<p>—</p>
<p>Well, these are all the updates I have for today!
<em>Thank you for reading!</em></p>
<p>May every <em>decision</em> you make be in the <em>spirit of fairness</em> and may the rest of your day <em>NOT go to $#!7</em>!</p>
<p>Like what you see and want to know when there’s more?
<a href="https://medium.com/@monriatitans/subscribe">Click here</a> to <em><strong>S</em>ubscribe</strong> for updates and/or hit the <em><stron</em>g>Follow</strong> button!
Enjoy what I do? Please consider supporting via <em><a href="https:/</em>/www.buymeacoffee.com/monriatitans/">Buy Me a Coffee</a> (<em>BMAC</em>)!</p>
<p>Watch me on <em><a hre</em>f="https://www.twitch.tv/monriatitans/about">Twitch</a>, <em><a href</em>="https://youtube.com/@monriatitans">YouTube</a>, <em><a hre</em>f="https://rumble.com/user/MonriaTitans">Rumble</a>, and <em><a hre</em>f="https://odysee.com/@MonriaTitans:6?view=discussion">Odysee</a>!
For more about me, <a href="https://opinionsandtruth.wordpress.com/about/">click here</a>!
This post contains affiliate links.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/545/0*QVYbf13qVWxOTlXi" width="545" height="159" loading="lazy" />
<p>To provide educational material for game designers and artists, and some fun reads, I created a bookshop, the <em><strong>Rendezvo</em>us Point</strong> (<em><s</em>trong>RP</strong>), powered by <em>Bookshop.org</em>!
Check it out <a href="https://bookshop.org/shop/monriatitans">here</a>!</p>
</section>
|
“Ta-Da!” List: Saturday, November 2nd
The image was made in Canva; check it out at the [referral] link here!
Saturday, November 2, 2024
I share my “Ta-Da!” Lists so everyone gets updates and I have reminders of what I’ve accomplished.
To learn more about “Ta-Da!” Lists, and other ADHD life hacks, check out Jesse J. Anderson’s book Extra Focus: The Quick Start Guide to Adult ADHD.
Abbreviations
- O&T: Opinions & Truth Blog
- WGS: The Weekend Game Show
- LPS$: Let’s Play Some $#!7!
- LPSD: Let’s Play Some Demos!
- ASO: Artist Shout-Out
- TMA: TitansMonriArt
- SM: Social Media
- IG: Instagram
- RP: Rendezvous Point Bookshop
- BMAC: Buy Me a Coffee
- TDL: “Ta-Da!” List
“Ta-Da!” List
✧ November 1st:
1. Business: SM/Platforms: on BMAC, added the “Artist Shout-Out Criteria” post to the “About” Category
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ throughout the day:
1. Business:
a. WGS: gave a human artist, Marco Oliveri, a shout-out on Medium and several other platforms; added more LPS$/LSPD YouTube videos to Steam; prepared the ASO for tomorrow, Nov. 3rd, and it can be viewed today on The Titans’ Discord, Ko-fi, the WGS Carrd, and several other platforms
b. O&T: changed the publish date of “The Dangers of AI ‘Art’”, “Adobe Cannot Be Trusted”, “If you are… don’t come in.”, and “Beware Project 2025! The Presidential Transition Project” posts to today so they are higher up on the home page
c. RP: added books to bookshelves, with the help of Duck Prints Press, then re-alphabetized them, when applicable
d. SM/Platforms: resigned up for Reddit due to losing access to the last account; added the links to July, August, September, October, and November’s ASO Ko-fi Albums to the WGS’ ASO Ko-fi Albums Twitter Thread, which was then pinned, and then an “Expanded Bio” was added to the Profile; added the links to Reddit and itch.io to the “Icons” sections at the top and bottom of the MT Carrd
e. O&T/WGS/TMA: shared today’s TDL to Medium, Pillowfort, IG, and other platforms
2. Personal-ish:
a. Chores & Miscellaneous: did the dishes; swept and swiffered the bathrooms; kept emails manageable; washed the new pillowcases
b. YouTube: watched/listened to shorts/videos by, mostly in order, Jim Sterling, Mended Light, Haminations, Robert Reich, Devin Nash, Ember Green, Madisyn Brown, NeurodiverJENNt, ADHD Love, Abbie Emmons, and Snoman Gaming
c. Read: some of Unmasking Autism; some of Spend Well, Live Rich: How to Get What You Want with the Money You Have
d. Games and Gaming: added/removed games from Steam Wishlist; played FFXIV with partner and alone
—
Well, these are all the updates I have for today!
Thank you for reading!
May every decision you make be in the spirit of fairness and may the rest of your day NOT go to $#!7!
Like what you see and want to know when there’s more?
Click here to Subscribe for updates and/or hit the Follow button!
Enjoy what I do? Please consider supporting via Buy Me a Coffee (BMAC)!
Watch me on Twitch, YouTube, Rumble, and Odysee!
For more about me, click here!
This post contains affiliate links.
To provide educational material for game designers and artists, and some fun reads, I created a bookshop, the Rendezvous Point (RP), powered by Bookshop.org!
Check it out here!
|
6fb7cccd-02da-5f91-943c-fed2a6ca6ecd
|
25/08/2025 15:57:27
|
|
https://blog.stackademic.com/starting-to-code-in-the-age-of-ai-hope-capitalism-and-the-ugly-truth-e3154c8b93f9
|
medium.com
|
Starting to Code in the Age of AI: Hope, Capitalism and the Ugly Truth
|
AI is changing the rules. Here’s how you can still give yourself a fighting chance in today’s climate.
|
Elhussin Farah
|
https://medium.com/@efar3200
|
e3154c8b93f9
|
https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*Yyei6jES-_ORRzme
|
8 min
|
2025-04-07T02:07:04.503000
|
2025-04-07T04:26:47.029000
|
2025-04-14T11:28:40.828000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
AI,Technology,Software Development,Jobs,Careers
|
<section>
<p><em>AI is changing the rules. Here’s how you can still give yourself a fighting chance in today’s climate.</em></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1400/0*Yyei6jES-_ORRzme" width="1400" height="788" loading="lazy" />
<h1>Meet Adam</h1>
<p>Adam loves creating. It’s the one intrinsic quality that has remained untouched as he approaches his mid-twenties.</p>
<p>He’s always seen it as a pure, profound act , how he makes sense of life. That, coupled with his love for tech, is why he decided to put in the work to become a software developer.</p>
<p>And he did. He earned his degree, volunteered, gained paid work experience all steps in his mind to earn a decent shot at a career.</p>
<p>Now, he stays up late on his balcony, staring at a building that spent over a year under construction. It’s finished now. Standing tall. A landmark of his insecurities and how stuck he feels.</p>
<p>From his POV, life appears to be moving on without him. He’s been job hunting nonstop since the construction began on that very building.</p>
<h2>Through The Hellscape Of Job Hunting</h2>
<p>Adam’s been going through the cogs of the same dehumanising hiring machine that’s grinding up the hopes of the masses. The whole experience has been nothing short of radicalising.</p>
<p>That same day? Another generic rejection email hit his inbox. The usual: “We are not providing feedback.”</p>
<p>At least they didn’t ghost him and dodge his calls after dangling the possibility of an interview. Adam numbly thought to himself.</p>
<p>Scrolling through his feed, still staring at that building , he saw the latest in a string of bizarre, out-of-touch hiring trends: candidates printing CVs on cakes, sending edible arrangements to the offices they’re desperately trying to get into.</p>
<p>One of the companies Adam applied to weeks ago, to no response, posted about a candidate who sent a cake to the office. The team was smiling, amused, indulging in dessert from an applicant who might still not get the job.</p>
<p>Adam? He saw a comical, off-putting display of detachment from the brutal reality so many are facing.</p>
<p>And just like that, anger joined the mix, right next to his pent-up anxiety, frustration, and sheer desperation.</p>
<h2>What Can Adam Change?</h2>
<p>The one aspect Adam still has any semblance of agency over is his career choice, and the skills he can work on.</p>
<p>But even that feels uncertain.</p>
<p>Entry-level roles in tech, especially software development, seem dead for the short term. CEOs fully embracing automation, working towards their collective goal of uprooting the human element from their businesses.</p>
<p>It’s gotten to the point where Adam is seriously considering career changes: teaching, photography… maybe culinary school?</p>
<p>(It’s been a weird f*cking time for him.)</p>
<p>I get Adam. I understand exactly where he’s coming from.
Because, after all, he’s me. In a way a lot of us right now as well.</p>
<p>He’s that<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx27924llwxo"> law graduate who can’t even get a barista job</a>.</p>
<p>He’s also the <a href="https://fortune.com/2024/02/09/gen-z-grad-two-degrees-breaks-down-tears-minimum-wage-employers-resume-in-person/">graduate with two degrees and three languages</a> under their belt , and still struggling to survive.</p>
<p>Now I’m not just writing this to vent, but to spotlight a harsh truth:</p>
<p><em>Starting in any career right now , not just in tech, is challenging.</em></p>
<p>So this isn’t some bootcamp backed fantasy piece claiming “learning to code” is still a golden ticket to a stable six figure job.</p>
<p>I’ve never personally<em> </em>bought into that tech gold rush narrative. It was always a fragile house of cards and lately it’s been collapsing.</p>
<p>I am here to answer another question:</p>
<p><em>In the Age of AI, is learning to code still worth it ?</em></p>
<p>Spoiler alert: <strong>Yes.</strong></p>
<p>And here is why.</p>
<h2>Coding vs Software development</h2>
<h3>It’s all about the mindset</h3>
<p>Let’s make a simple distinction and build our assumptions from there:</p>
<p><em>Learning to code does not automatically make you a software developer.</em></p>
<p>Just like knowing how to write doesn’t make you Mary Shelley. Most people can write that’s not the challenge, the trick isn’t putting words on a page, it’s the <em>mindset,</em> how you structure a compelling narrative, successfully connecting to your audience.</p>
<p>Here is a definition of software development, courtesy of IBM</p>
<p>Software development refers to a set of computer science activities that are dedicated to the process of creating, designing, deploying, and supporting software.</p>
<p>So technically, If you somehow build a viable piece of software using black magic and chicken bones instead of code, guess what?</p>
<p>You’re still a software developer. And a pretty badass one, at that.</p>
<p>Personally, I didn’t get into tech to become a glorified stenographer. Typing code line after line, over and over — it gets repetitive, boring. Even as someone fairly new to the field, I’m already starting to feel that.</p>
<p>But just like law students don’t go into law hoping to photocopy legal briefs forever, junior devs don’t start out dreaming of writing grunt code for years on end.</p>
<p>They do it to understand the essence, the soul, of software development. They do it to level up, to take on bigger and deeper problems.</p>
<p>Because at its core, what matters most is the mindset to translate real world requirements into software.</p>
<p>And that’s where coding <em>still</em> has value.</p>
<h2>Why you should learn to code</h2>
<p>Writing code teaches you how software comes together, how components communicate, how systems scale, and how all the moving parts form a cohesive whole. It gives you context for understanding how digital tools are built and insight into the mindset of a senior developer.</p>
<p>But it does more than that. Coding trains the muscle that kicks in every time you learn something new. Choosing to code means choosing a path of lifelong learning, where adapting, shifting, and evolving your approach isn’t just encouraged , it’s required.</p>
<p>So even if you don’t end up working in development, here’s what coding gives you:</p>
<ul>
<li>You become a chameleon, able to quickly adapt and learn anything you set your mind to.</li>
<li>You develop real research skills, as you’d be always digging for answers, and finding better ways to do things.</li>
<li>Problem-solving becomes your art form, not just a skill.</li>
<li>And as a bonus? You get to build fun, practical tools, like automation scripts that save time and make life easier.</li>
</ul>
<p>But what if you want to start a development career ? what would that look like ?</p>
<h2>Is AI Taking Over From Software Developers?</h2>
<p>Software Developers Aren’t Going Anywhere… For Now</p>
<p>Mid-to-senior-level engineers, the ones solving complex, high-level problems rather than just churning out code, they’re safe.</p>
<p>The general consensus is that the most effective approach is <strong>experienced devs working with AI</strong>, not being replaced by it.</p>
<p>But for junior developers? Reality’s a lot more fragile.</p>
<p>This is where AI is hitting hardest. A multitude of companies see junior roles as redundant. Since AI can now cover what’s perceived to be their entire job. Or at the very least, it boosts more senior developers’ productivity enough to justify cutting those entry-level roles altogether.</p>
<p>But here’s the thing:</p>
<p><em>Senior devs don’t just materialise out of thin air.</em></p>
<p>They were juniors. They struggled through the grunt work. Baptized by sweat, blood, and experience after going through the same tasks AI is supposedly here to take care of.</p>
<p>Gut junior roles now, and you’re gutting the future of your dev talent pool.</p>
<p>But who am I kidding? Long-term thinking isn’t exactly a cornerstone of late-stage capitalism.</p>
<p>If the people in charge genuinely cared about sustainability, of talent, of the industry, of literally the planet, we wouldn’t be inheriting a world hurtling toward climate disaster.</p>
<p>And while junior developer roles haven’t vanished completely, they’ve become scarce. And a <em>lot</em> more competitive. With an overwhelming pool of hungry, talented candidates all fighting for fewer and fewer opportunities.</p>
<h2>Is this the new wave of democratisation in tech</h2>
<p>Here’s a very quick look at how coding has been democratised over the years:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Machine Code</strong></li>
<li><strong>Assembly Code: </strong>A step up, but still hardware-specific</li>
<li><strong>C: </strong>Human-readable, powerful, closer to hardware</li>
<li><strong>High-Level Languages (Python, Java, etc.): </strong>Easier, safer, more accessible</li>
<li><strong>AI and… Vibe Coding??</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>AI is widely <em>perceived</em> as the next step in this democratisation cycle. LLMs reducing complexity, supposedly making it easier than ever to build software.</p>
<p><em>Emphasis on <strong>pe</em>rceived</strong>.</p>
<p>Veterans like Linus Torvalds call it 90% marketing, 10% reality.
Meanwhile, CEOs are flooding their businesses with AI tools.</p>
<p>Even if the trend fizzles out or proves flawed, for newcomers to the scene that’s almost irrelevant. The perception remains: that AI is the future, capable of handling many responsibilities once held by humans in tech, with little consequence. The goal, it seems, is to keep testing the boundaries of how much can be automated. And that is shaping the decisions of today’s leaders.</p>
<p>So if you’re planning your future, you need to factor this in.</p>
<p>FYI, my skepticism about AI isn’t about resisting the future or longing for the “good old days.” That would be the antithesis of working in tech.</p>
<p>It’s coming from a place of pattern recognition and just being critical.</p>
<p>Meritocracy, to me at least, is a myth. CEOs and billionaires are more often wrong than you’d think.</p>
<ul>
<li>Musk promised self-driving cars and Hyper-loop tunnels, where are they ?</li>
<li>Zuckerberg promised us the metaverse, that was a bad joke.</li>
<li>Bill Gates recklessly led failed experiments on public education in the U.S.</li>
<li>Sam Altman smugly claimed it was impossible to match OpenAI’s success to a panel in India, only for a Chinese startup with a fraction of the resources to prove him wrong, shaving a trillion dollars off of the US stock market.</li>
</ul>
<p>As a general rule I personally don’t take these people’s takes on face value.</p>
<h2>The Best Way to Learn to Code in 2025</h2>
<h3>Abstraction is Your Superpower</h3>
<p>The best way to learn in 2025?</p>
<p>It hasn’t really changed.</p>
<p>Learning with abstraction in mind has been and always will be the way to go.</p>
<p>While it’s needless to say that experimenting with AI tools is essential, it should be a close second to focusing on understanding the fundamentals of whatever it is you are learning,</p>
<p>Don’t box yourself in obsessing over specific tools or flashy frameworks. Tools change. Trends fade.</p>
<p><strong>Before React, there was jQuery.</strong> Someday React might fade too. But JavaScript? Still here. Still foundational.</p>
<p>Same with design. Before Figma, there was Photoshop.
But UX principles? Still standing.</p>
<p>When you learn with abstraction in mind and a strong focus on the fundamentals:</p>
<ul>
<li>You develop a deeper understanding of your subject. You think like a creator, not just a consumer.</li>
<li>You become a faster learner. Switching tools becomes second nature.</li>
<li>You build cross-disciplinary insight. You steal brilliance from other domains and apply it in creative ways.</li>
</ul>
<p>And that leads to the one thing that really matters:</p>
<p><em><strong>You become a better problem</em>-solver.</strong></p>
<p>Not just in code. But in anything you do.</p>
<h2>Create and Consume</h2>
<p>Now this is where the fun begins.</p>
<p>Learn the basics, and then it’s time to create. Get your hands dirty. Break stuff. Debug. Push. Repeat.</p>
<p>Also, Make it a priority to explore public codebases on GitHub. Read and understand larger projects. If you can contribute to open source? That’s the cherry on top.</p>
<p>This routine is the closest thing to real-world development without actually being employed.</p>
<h2>To all the Lost and Confused : You’re Not Alone</h2>
<p>If you’re a graduate or anyone really trying to start off their career navigating this chaos …</p>
<p>If you’re scared, anxious, unsure of your place…</p>
<p><strong>You are not alone.</strong></p>
<p>I’m right here with you.</p>
<p>I don’t know what the f*ck I’m doing half the time.</p>
<p>I have between 1–4 existential crises a day.</p>
<p>I’m angry. I’m overwhelmed.</p>
<p>But I’m still showing up.</p>
<p>Still tuning out the noise.</p>
<p>Still learning.</p>
<p>Still trying to put in the work.</p>
<p>You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to show up long enough to make it. And honestly? That’s enough — for now.</p>
<p>Thanks for reading this. Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts , wishing you all the luck in the world.</p>
<h2>Thank you for being a part of the community</h2>
<p><em>Before you go:</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Be sure to <strong>clap</strong> and <strong>follow</strong> the writer ️👏️<strong>️</strong></li>
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<li><strong><a href="https://cofeed.app/">Check out CoFeed, the smart way to stay up-t</strong>o-date with the latest in tech</a> <strong>🧪</strong></li>
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<li><strong><a href="https://discord.gg/in-plain-english-7</strong>09094664682340443">Join our content creators community on Discord</a> 🧑🏻💻</li>
<li>For more content, visit <strong><a href="https:</strong>//plainenglish.io/">plainenglish.io</a> + <strong><a href="https:</strong>//stackademic.com/">stackademic.com</a></li>
</ul>
</section>
|
Starting to Code in the Age of AI: Hope, Capitalism and the Ugly Truth
AI is changing the rules. Here’s how you can still give yourself a fighting chance in today’s climate.
Photo by Ian on Unsplash
Meet Adam
Adam loves creating. It’s the one intrinsic quality that has remained untouched as he approaches his mid-twenties.
He’s always seen it as a pure, profound act , how he makes sense of life. That, coupled with his love for tech, is why he decided to put in the work to become a software developer.
And he did. He earned his degree, volunteered, gained paid work experience all steps in his mind to earn a decent shot at a career.
Now, he stays up late on his balcony, staring at a building that spent over a year under construction. It’s finished now. Standing tall. A landmark of his insecurities and how stuck he feels.
From his POV, life appears to be moving on without him. He’s been job hunting nonstop since the construction began on that very building.
Through The Hellscape Of Job Hunting
Adam’s been going through the cogs of the same dehumanising hiring machine that’s grinding up the hopes of the masses. The whole experience has been nothing short of radicalising.
That same day? Another generic rejection email hit his inbox. The usual: “We are not providing feedback.”
At least they didn’t ghost him and dodge his calls after dangling the possibility of an interview. Adam numbly thought to himself.
Scrolling through his feed, still staring at that building , he saw the latest in a string of bizarre, out-of-touch hiring trends: candidates printing CVs on cakes, sending edible arrangements to the offices they’re desperately trying to get into.
One of the companies Adam applied to weeks ago, to no response, posted about a candidate who sent a cake to the office. The team was smiling, amused, indulging in dessert from an applicant who might still not get the job.
Adam? He saw a comical, off-putting display of detachment from the brutal reality so many are facing.
And just like that, anger joined the mix, right next to his pent-up anxiety, frustration, and sheer desperation.
What Can Adam Change?
The one aspect Adam still has any semblance of agency over is his career choice, and the skills he can work on.
But even that feels uncertain.
Entry-level roles in tech, especially software development, seem dead for the short term. CEOs fully embracing automation, working towards their collective goal of uprooting the human element from their businesses.
It’s gotten to the point where Adam is seriously considering career changes: teaching, photography… maybe culinary school?
(It’s been a weird f*cking time for him.)
I get Adam. I understand exactly where he’s coming from.
Because, after all, he’s me. In a way a lot of us right now as well.
He’s that law graduate who can’t even get a barista job.
He’s also the graduate with two degrees and three languages under their belt , and still struggling to survive.
Now I’m not just writing this to vent, but to spotlight a harsh truth:
Starting in any career right now , not just in tech, is challenging.
So this isn’t some bootcamp backed fantasy piece claiming “learning to code” is still a golden ticket to a stable six figure job.
I’ve never personally bought into that tech gold rush narrative. It was always a fragile house of cards and lately it’s been collapsing.
I am here to answer another question:
In the Age of AI, is learning to code still worth it ?
Spoiler alert: Yes.
And here is why.
Coding vs Software development
It’s all about the mindset
Let’s make a simple distinction and build our assumptions from there:
Learning to code does not automatically make you a software developer.
Just like knowing how to write doesn’t make you Mary Shelley. Most people can write that’s not the challenge, the trick isn’t putting words on a page, it’s the mindset, how you structure a compelling narrative, successfully connecting to your audience.
Here is a definition of software development, courtesy of IBM
Software development refers to a set of computer science activities that are dedicated to the process of creating, designing, deploying, and supporting software.
So technically, If you somehow build a viable piece of software using black magic and chicken bones instead of code, guess what?
You’re still a software developer. And a pretty badass one, at that.
Personally, I didn’t get into tech to become a glorified stenographer. Typing code line after line, over and over — it gets repetitive, boring. Even as someone fairly new to the field, I’m already starting to feel that.
But just like law students don’t go into law hoping to photocopy legal briefs forever, junior devs don’t start out dreaming of writing grunt code for years on end.
They do it to understand the essence, the soul, of software development. They do it to level up, to take on bigger and deeper problems.
Because at its core, what matters most is the mindset to translate real world requirements into software.
And that’s where coding still has value.
Why you should learn to code
Writing code teaches you how software comes together, how components communicate, how systems scale, and how all the moving parts form a cohesive whole. It gives you context for understanding how digital tools are built and insight into the mindset of a senior developer.
But it does more than that. Coding trains the muscle that kicks in every time you learn something new. Choosing to code means choosing a path of lifelong learning, where adapting, shifting, and evolving your approach isn’t just encouraged , it’s required.
So even if you don’t end up working in development, here’s what coding gives you:
You become a chameleon, able to quickly adapt and learn anything you set your mind to.
You develop real research skills, as you’d be always digging for answers, and finding better ways to do things.
Problem-solving becomes your art form, not just a skill.
And as a bonus? You get to build fun, practical tools, like automation scripts that save time and make life easier.
But what if you want to start a development career ? what would that look like ?
Is AI Taking Over From Software Developers?
Software Developers Aren’t Going Anywhere… For Now
Mid-to-senior-level engineers, the ones solving complex, high-level problems rather than just churning out code, they’re safe.
The general consensus is that the most effective approach is experienced devs working with AI, not being replaced by it.
But for junior developers? Reality’s a lot more fragile.
This is where AI is hitting hardest. A multitude of companies see junior roles as redundant. Since AI can now cover what’s perceived to be their entire job. Or at the very least, it boosts more senior developers’ productivity enough to justify cutting those entry-level roles altogether.
But here’s the thing:
Senior devs don’t just materialise out of thin air.
They were juniors. They struggled through the grunt work. Baptized by sweat, blood, and experience after going through the same tasks AI is supposedly here to take care of.
Gut junior roles now, and you’re gutting the future of your dev talent pool.
But who am I kidding? Long-term thinking isn’t exactly a cornerstone of late-stage capitalism.
If the people in charge genuinely cared about sustainability, of talent, of the industry, of literally the planet, we wouldn’t be inheriting a world hurtling toward climate disaster.
And while junior developer roles haven’t vanished completely, they’ve become scarce. And a lot more competitive. With an overwhelming pool of hungry, talented candidates all fighting for fewer and fewer opportunities.
Is this the new wave of democratisation in tech
Here’s a very quick look at how coding has been democratised over the years:
Machine Code
Assembly Code: A step up, but still hardware-specific
C: Human-readable, powerful, closer to hardware
High-Level Languages (Python, Java, etc.): Easier, safer, more accessible
AI and… Vibe Coding??
AI is widely perceived as the next step in this democratisation cycle. LLMs reducing complexity, supposedly making it easier than ever to build software.
Emphasis on perceived.
Veterans like Linus Torvalds call it 90% marketing, 10% reality.
Meanwhile, CEOs are flooding their businesses with AI tools.
Even if the trend fizzles out or proves flawed, for newcomers to the scene that’s almost irrelevant. The perception remains: that AI is the future, capable of handling many responsibilities once held by humans in tech, with little consequence. The goal, it seems, is to keep testing the boundaries of how much can be automated. And that is shaping the decisions of today’s leaders.
So if you’re planning your future, you need to factor this in.
FYI, my skepticism about AI isn’t about resisting the future or longing for the “good old days.” That would be the antithesis of working in tech.
It’s coming from a place of pattern recognition and just being critical.
Meritocracy, to me at least, is a myth. CEOs and billionaires are more often wrong than you’d think.
Musk promised self-driving cars and Hyper-loop tunnels, where are they ?
Zuckerberg promised us the metaverse, that was a bad joke.
Bill Gates recklessly led failed experiments on public education in the U.S.
Sam Altman smugly claimed it was impossible to match OpenAI’s success to a panel in India, only for a Chinese startup with a fraction of the resources to prove him wrong, shaving a trillion dollars off of the US stock market.
As a general rule I personally don’t take these people’s takes on face value.
The Best Way to Learn to Code in 2025
Abstraction is Your Superpower
The best way to learn in 2025?
It hasn’t really changed.
Learning with abstraction in mind has been and always will be the way to go.
While it’s needless to say that experimenting with AI tools is essential, it should be a close second to focusing on understanding the fundamentals of whatever it is you are learning,
Don’t box yourself in obsessing over specific tools or flashy frameworks. Tools change. Trends fade.
Before React, there was jQuery. Someday React might fade too. But JavaScript? Still here. Still foundational.
Same with design. Before Figma, there was Photoshop.
But UX principles? Still standing.
When you learn with abstraction in mind and a strong focus on the fundamentals:
You develop a deeper understanding of your subject. You think like a creator, not just a consumer.
You become a faster learner. Switching tools becomes second nature.
You build cross-disciplinary insight. You steal brilliance from other domains and apply it in creative ways.
And that leads to the one thing that really matters:
You become a better problem-solver.
Not just in code. But in anything you do.
Create and Consume
Now this is where the fun begins.
Learn the basics, and then it’s time to create. Get your hands dirty. Break stuff. Debug. Push. Repeat.
Also, Make it a priority to explore public codebases on GitHub. Read and understand larger projects. If you can contribute to open source? That’s the cherry on top.
This routine is the closest thing to real-world development without actually being employed.
To all the Lost and Confused : You’re Not Alone
If you’re a graduate or anyone really trying to start off their career navigating this chaos …
If you’re scared, anxious, unsure of your place…
You are not alone.
I’m right here with you.
I don’t know what the f*ck I’m doing half the time.
I have between 1–4 existential crises a day.
I’m angry. I’m overwhelmed.
But I’m still showing up.
Still tuning out the noise.
Still learning.
Still trying to put in the work.
You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to show up long enough to make it. And honestly? That’s enough — for now.
Thanks for reading this. Please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts , wishing you all the luck in the world.
Thank you for being a part of the community
Before you go:
Be sure to clap and follow the writer ️👏️️
Follow us: X | LinkedIn | YouTube | Newsletter | Podcast | Differ | Twitch
Check out CoFeed, the smart way to stay up-to-date with the latest in tech 🧪
Start your own free AI-powered blog on Differ 🚀
Join our content creators community on Discord 🧑🏻💻
For more content, visit plainenglish.io + stackademic.com
|
cc80dac8-b2f3-5de5-9150-b3ddf4f77f1a
|
25/08/2025 15:57:28
|
https://medium.com/@keithmcgivern/o-give-thanks-unto-the-lord-for-he-is-good-for-his-mercy-endureth-for-ever-psalm-107-1-7244e12fed77
|
medium.com
|
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. - Psalm 107:1
|
The definition of mercy is as stated ( compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.)…
|
Keith McGivern
|
https://medium.com/@keithmcgivern
|
7244e12fed77
|
1 min
|
2018-05-22T16:27:20.612000
|
2018-05-22T16:29:04.284000
|
2018-05-22T16:29:05.296000
| 0 | 3 |
en
|
Daily Devotional,Depression Treatment,Meaning Of Life,Soul Searching,Loss
|
<section>
<p>O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. - Psalm 107:1</p>
<p>The definition of mercy is as stated ( compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.) This old testament scripture speaks as a reminder that we should give thanks to God for many things in our lives but more specifically for the fact that he has compassion on us and has forgiven us of our sins if we repent and trust in his salvation plan. Hell is a real place and many will choose to go there of their own free will because they rejected Gods plan of redemption thru Jesus Christ. We who have received such a great salvation should give thanks to God that by his mercy we have been given eternal life in heaven. None of us deserve this gift but because God loves us so very much we have been given the opportunity to trade our spiritual death sentence for a new life here on earth. I pray this message finds you secure in your walk with God . If not I ask you to simply ask God to show you for yourself that he is real and to ask him for forgiveness of your sins and trust in the message of Jesus Christ that brings joy and peace this world can never offer or match. Then you to will have much to give thanks for this new found life and having a love that will never leave or forsake you ever again. Amen !</p>
</section>
|
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. - Psalm 107:1
The definition of mercy is as stated ( compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.) This old testament scripture speaks as a reminder that we should give thanks to God for many things in our lives but more specifically for the fact that he has compassion on us and has forgiven us of our sins if we repent and trust in his salvation plan. Hell is a real place and many will choose to go there of their own free will because they rejected Gods plan of redemption thru Jesus Christ. We who have received such a great salvation should give thanks to God that by his mercy we have been given eternal life in heaven. None of us deserve this gift but because God loves us so very much we have been given the opportunity to trade our spiritual death sentence for a new life here on earth. I pray this message finds you secure in your walk with God . If not I ask you to simply ask God to show you for yourself that he is real and to ask him for forgiveness of your sins and trust in the message of Jesus Christ that brings joy and peace this world can never offer or match. Then you to will have much to give thanks for this new found life and having a love that will never leave or forsake you ever again. Amen !
|
fdfb63ca-079a-5fc3-9251-ba3d5fd0167d
|
25/08/2025 15:57:28
|
|
https://medium.com/chaos-elevators/microsoft-to-release-windows-7-in-six-fun-flavors-b448d172fc03
|
medium.com
|
Microsoft to Release Windows 7 in Six Fun Flavors!
| null |
Jason Shultz
|
https://medium.com/@jasoneshultz
|
b448d172fc03
| null |
2 min
|
2017-04-07T13:35:23.269000
|
2009-02-03T16:24:15
|
2017-04-07T13:41:32.889000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Microsoft,Technology,Vista,Windows
|
<section>
<p>Sometimes Microsoft adapts freakishly fast. Sometimes, however, it moves at a snails pace. One thing I wish they would catch on to is that releasing an OS in multiple versions leads to consumer confusion. It did it with Vista and it’s doing it again with Windows 7.Here’s the breakdown of how it’ll be released to market:</p>
<p><strong>Windows 7 Starter Edition</strong></p>
<p>The Starter Edition (SE) is mainly aimed at emerging market and netbook users. With SE customers will be able to run only 3 applications at the same time but will benefit from user interface (UI) improvements such as the new taskbar and JumpLists. Also, users will be able to join a Home Group (to share media files over a local network).</p>
<p><strong>Windows 7 Home Basic</strong></p>
<p>The Home Basic Edition (HB) is basically the equivalent of Vista’s Media Center edition and will allow the use of unlimited applications at the same time, while bringing further UI enhancements such as live thumbnail previews and ‘enhanced visual experience’. Additionally, HB also enables advanced networking support like Internet connection sharing (including over wireless) and brings the Mobility Center (power management for laptops).</p>
<p><strong>Windows 7 Home Premium</strong></p>
<p>The Home Premium (HP) version will bring all the visual goodies of Windows 7 like the Aero Glass UI and the advanced window navigation. Besides touchscreen implementations (handwriting recognition, multi-touch), the Home Premium edition also brings improved media format support and enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming.</p>
<p><strong>Windows 7 Professional</strong></p>
<p>The Professional edition of Windows 7 brings along more security and networking features like the Encrypting File System, advanced network backup and joining managed networks with Domain Join. Also, the Pro version brings location aware printing — whether at home or work.</p>
<p><strong>Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 7 Ultimate</strong></p>
<p>Whether you’re a home user or a business, the Enterprise and Ultimate editions (probably differentiated by price in the end) will bring a similar set of advanced features like bitLocker data protection for internal and external drives, DirectAccess for corporate networking based on Windows Server 2008 R2 and lock unauthorized software from running with AppLocker.</p>
<p>So, how it breaks down is this the primary version for consumers will be called Windows 7 Home Premium, and the one for businesses will be called Windows 7 Professional. Home Basic is intended for sale in developing countries. Starter Edition can be installed by PC manufacturers anywhere in the world. If you want everything there is then Enterprise is for big corporate customers and Ultimate is for consumers and those versions have everything there is including the kitchen sink.</p>
<p><a href="http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/house-will-try-again-to-delay-digital-tv-transition/">Source</a></p>
</section>
|
Microsoft to Release Windows 7 in Six Fun Flavors!
Sometimes Microsoft adapts freakishly fast. Sometimes, however, it moves at a snails pace. One thing I wish they would catch on to is that releasing an OS in multiple versions leads to consumer confusion. It did it with Vista and it’s doing it again with Windows 7.Here’s the breakdown of how it’ll be released to market:
Windows 7 Starter Edition
The Starter Edition (SE) is mainly aimed at emerging market and netbook users. With SE customers will be able to run only 3 applications at the same time but will benefit from user interface (UI) improvements such as the new taskbar and JumpLists. Also, users will be able to join a Home Group (to share media files over a local network).
Windows 7 Home Basic
The Home Basic Edition (HB) is basically the equivalent of Vista’s Media Center edition and will allow the use of unlimited applications at the same time, while bringing further UI enhancements such as live thumbnail previews and ‘enhanced visual experience’. Additionally, HB also enables advanced networking support like Internet connection sharing (including over wireless) and brings the Mobility Center (power management for laptops).
Windows 7 Home Premium
The Home Premium (HP) version will bring all the visual goodies of Windows 7 like the Aero Glass UI and the advanced window navigation. Besides touchscreen implementations (handwriting recognition, multi-touch), the Home Premium edition also brings improved media format support and enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming.
Windows 7 Professional
The Professional edition of Windows 7 brings along more security and networking features like the Encrypting File System, advanced network backup and joining managed networks with Domain Join. Also, the Pro version brings location aware printing — whether at home or work.
Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 7 Ultimate
Whether you’re a home user or a business, the Enterprise and Ultimate editions (probably differentiated by price in the end) will bring a similar set of advanced features like bitLocker data protection for internal and external drives, DirectAccess for corporate networking based on Windows Server 2008 R2 and lock unauthorized software from running with AppLocker.
So, how it breaks down is this the primary version for consumers will be called Windows 7 Home Premium, and the one for businesses will be called Windows 7 Professional. Home Basic is intended for sale in developing countries. Starter Edition can be installed by PC manufacturers anywhere in the world. If you want everything there is then Enterprise is for big corporate customers and Ultimate is for consumers and those versions have everything there is including the kitchen sink.
Source
|
a03eb868-0867-5c30-9e28-c6ba9a7fd60b
|
25/08/2025 15:57:28
|
https://medium.com/mtvnews/the-blood-on-david-clarkes-hands-1c0d8a9c77e7
|
medium.com
|
The Blood On David Clarke’s Hands
|
People are dying in the Milwaukee County Jail. The sheriff who oversees it may soon be working for Trump.
|
MTV News Staff
|
https://medium.com/@mtvnews
|
1c0d8a9c77e7
|
5 min
|
2017-05-04T21:06:18.943000
|
2017-05-04T21:07:12.784000
|
2017-05-05T15:08:57.375000
| 0 | 4 |
en
|
BlackLivesMatter,Politics,Donald Trump
|
<section>
<h3>People are dying in the Milwaukee County Jail. The sheriff who oversees it may soon be working for Trump.</h3>
<p>By <a href="#">Jamil Smith</a> (<a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/author/jamsmith/">MTV.com</a>|<a href="https://twitter.com/JamilSmith">Twitter</a>)</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1296/1*YURup6oXvf3sA3u6BoP_Ig.jpeg" width="1296" height="729" loading="lazy" />
<p>When I introduced myself to David Clarke, the sheriff of Wisconsin’s Milwaukee County, it was immediately clear that he had about 6 inches of height on me, even without his signature cowboy hat. We were both attending last summer’s Republican National Convention, and on that day the <a href="http://www.mediaite.com/online/sheriff-david-clarke-ill-only-be-reaching-across-the-aisle-to-grab-a-democrat-by-the-throat/">Democrat-in-name-only</a> had delivered <a href="http://www.truthrevolt.org/news/sheriff-david-clarke-rnc-blue-lives-matter">a corrosive speech</a> backing Donald Trump. As I requested an interview that I would never receive, the man who suggested Black Lives Matter will join with ISIS shook my hand with the firmness of a concerned father before his daughter’s first date. I didn’t feel bullied, but I certainly saw why people could consider him intimidating, either for his hyperbolic, offensive rhetoric or his tough-guy demeanor.</p>
<p>As we were reminded this week, though, Sheriff Clarke is scary for a different reason altogether. Within a period of six months in 2016, four people perished inside the Milwaukee County Jail. One was the infant child of <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2016/11/16/inmate-baby-died-after-staff-ignored-her-labor/93988574/">inmate Shadé Swayzer</a>, who claims her daughter was born alive behind bars and neglected by jail staff. The three other deaths were all Milwaukee County prisoners, two white inmates and a black one: Terrill Thomas, a 38-year-old man with bipolar disorder who died of dehydration last April.</p>
<p>I should rephrase that. “Died of dehydration” implies an accident, or some unfortunate consequence of benign neglect. But the media reports that say Thomas “was found dead on his jail cell floor” only tell part of the truth. Last week, as prosecutors began an inquest — a legal process by which a jury can question witnesses without charges being filed — we learned that Thomas had been locked in solitary confinement in the days leading to his death. People under Clarke’s command <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/investigations/2017/04/24/prosecutors-inmates-water-cut-off-7-days-before-his-death-milwaukee-county-jail/100847982/">refused to give him water for that entire week</a>. They also didn’t assist him or provide water when it became clear that he needed both (and his mental disorder prevented him from communicating those needs). This was ruled <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/investigations/2016/09/15/death-county-jail-ruled-homicide-inmate-had-no-water-days/89960362/">a homicide</a> last September, but these new details suggest something much more malicious.</p>
<p>Ever since Thomas was murdered — what else should I call it? — in Clarke’s jail more than 12 months ago, Clarke has been uncharacteristically quiet. In the <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2017/04/29/sheriff-david-clarke-jrs-refusal-speak-dehydration-death-angers-milwaukee-leaders/101072076/">single public remark</a> he made on the matter in March, the sheriff recounted the alleged crime that led to Thomas’s arrest, although he didn’t seem to know his name. And Clarke hasn’t said anything since the inquest began. In response to a <em>Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel</em> request for comment, he wrote in an email, “Are you that stupid? Why would I say anything during the inquest?” While his officers <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/2017/04/27/investigator-accuses-milwaukee-county-sheriffs-officials-deception-jail-death-terrill-thomas/100985072/">scrambled to blame each other</a> for what happened to Thomas during the inquest, Clarke hasn’t fired or significantly disciplined any of them, either.</p>
<p>Clarke’s silence may just be his way of trying to run out the clock. As the president’s most visible endorser from the law enforcement community, Clarke — once rumored to be a candidate to lead the Department of Homeland Security — is <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/local/milwaukee/2017/04/28/white-house-considers-milwaukee-county-sheriff-david-clarke-post-homeland-security/101036918/">reportedly under consideration</a> for a federal job as a liaison between DHS and tribal, local, and state authorities, as well as law enforcement branches throughout the nation. It appears that letting people die of thirst in your jail is considered a résumé-builder by this administration. But as relieved as the citizens of Milwaukee may be to rid themselves of Clarke — his poll numbers are abysmal — the prospect of his ideas about law and order becoming further institutionalized throughout the nation is chilling.</p>
<p>Clarke and Trump are kindred spirits, in some respects. They have both failed up, for one. Since Clarke was first appointed to his position 15 years ago — as a Democrat, no less — the sheriff has crafted a public persona as a right-wing hero by berating, threatening, and mocking anyone whom he considers a political opponent, both in person and on frequent cable news appearances. As effective as Clarke has been at <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/george-e-curry-journalist-who-led-black-publication-emerge-dies-at-69/2016/08/22/41c75e5a-6875-11e6-ba32-5a4bf5aad4fa_story.html?utm_term=.74426dac9f9a">replacing Clarence Thomas</a> as the preeminent <a href="http://www.blackcommentator.com/236/236_images/236_cartoon_uncle_thomas_emerge_large.jpg">lawn jockey for the far right</a>, he has been fairly awful at doing his actual job: ensuring community safety and reducing crime.</p>
<p>Despite Trump’s tendency to inflate the threat of urban crime, he rarely mentions Milwaukee, <a href="http://fox6now.com/2016/02/23/the-most-dangerous-places-in-the-u-s/">one of the most violent cities in the nation</a>. Yet those in conservative spheres haven’t raked Clarke over the coals for his failure — because his star keeps rising. And in a political environment in which talking tough about “law and order” is more important than actually enforcing it, and in the context of an administration that is doing the most to <a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/3004569/systemic-racism-still-a-thing/">exploit the advantages</a> that systemic racism affords to them, Clarke is a natural fit.</p>
<p>Throughout his career, Clarke has consistently stood in the way of improving law enforcement: He has criticized consent decrees and agreements between federal authorities and courts to improve local police departments, and has denied even the suggestion that systemic bias still exists in those departments. He calls mass incarceration a “<a href="https://www.themarshallproject.org/2016/05/04/american-sheriff">myth</a>,” points to “black-on-black” crime as the <a href="http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2016/10/17/sheriff-clarke-black-on-black-crime-is-bigger-threat-than-any-officer.html">true danger</a>, and <a href="http://archive.jsonline.com/blogs/news/337953221.html">once said</a> that “there is no police brutality in America … We ended that back in the ’60s.”</p>
<p>The sheriff resembles a Yosemite Sam of black conservatism, firing off juvenile zingers — “<a href="http://www.politifact.com/wisconsin/statements/2017/apr/17/sheriff-david-clarke-us-senate/pro-sheriff-david-clarke-group-says-clarke-called-/">Black LIES Matter</a>,” get it? — that frequently serve to undermine his fellow African-Americans. Few people in the public sphere appear to despise black folks as much as Clarke does. He calls to mind the caricature of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPHv_-fqdjM">self-hating black cop</a> from <em><a href="http:/</em>/www.mtv.com/news/2901726/black-life-on-film-ice-cube-and-25-years-of-boyz-n-the-hood/">Boyz n the Hood</a>, converted into a modern-day pundit. As Representative Gwen Moore, a Democrat from Wisconsin, put it in <a href="http://urbanmilwaukee.com/2015/06/05/op-ed-sheriff-clarke-should-drop-the-act/">a 2015 op-ed</a>, being a black man lets the sheriff “give voice to the dog-whistle narratives [Fox News] anchors dare not vocalize themselves.”</p>
<p>It was easier to ignore Clarke when he was just a mascot of the right, a black man with a badge who existed primarily to assuage those Fox News viewers who, outside of their own “safe spaces,” were uncomfortable expressing what they really felt about race. Here was a black man saying racist things, someone with license to do so.</p>
<p>But given the Thomas case and the three others, the stakes are higher now. Despite the Wisconsin corrections department’s <a href="http://watchdog.org/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2017/01/122216-State-Jail-Inspectors-Annual-Inspection-report.pdf">recent glowing review</a> of Clarke’s jail, all is clearly not well there. Thomas’s family has <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/midwest/ct-milwaukee-inmate-terrill-thomas-dehydration-lawsuit-20170311-story.html">sued</a>, as have others. The inquest jury found <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/01/us/milwaukee-jail-workers-should-be-charged-in-dehydration-death-jury-says.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur">probable cause of a crime</a> in Thomas’s death, and recommended that the district attorney pursue felony charges for seven jail officials. Clarke wasn’t on that list of suspects, but if the sheriff was not knowingly complicit in the apparent murder of Thomas, he was clearly not all that bothered by it. In Trump’s America, why would he be? He <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2017/4/27/1656847/-Despite-inmate-deaths-Wisconsin-Gov-Scott-Walker-says-David-Clarke-gets-to-keep-his-job">won’t be fired</a>. In fact, it looks like David Clarke’s way of doing things is about to earn him a promotion.</p>
<p><em>Originally published at <a href="htt</em>p://www.mtv.com/news/3008302/the-blood-on-david-clarkes-hands/">www.mtv.com</a>.</p>
</section>
|
The Blood On David Clarke’s Hands
People are dying in the Milwaukee County Jail. The sheriff who oversees it may soon be working for Trump.
By Jamil Smith (MTV.com|Twitter)
Image Credit: Getty Images
When I introduced myself to David Clarke, the sheriff of Wisconsin’s Milwaukee County, it was immediately clear that he had about 6 inches of height on me, even without his signature cowboy hat. We were both attending last summer’s Republican National Convention, and on that day the Democrat-in-name-only had delivered a corrosive speech backing Donald Trump. As I requested an interview that I would never receive, the man who suggested Black Lives Matter will join with ISIS shook my hand with the firmness of a concerned father before his daughter’s first date. I didn’t feel bullied, but I certainly saw why people could consider him intimidating, either for his hyperbolic, offensive rhetoric or his tough-guy demeanor.
As we were reminded this week, though, Sheriff Clarke is scary for a different reason altogether. Within a period of six months in 2016, four people perished inside the Milwaukee County Jail. One was the infant child of inmate Shadé Swayzer, who claims her daughter was born alive behind bars and neglected by jail staff. The three other deaths were all Milwaukee County prisoners, two white inmates and a black one: Terrill Thomas, a 38-year-old man with bipolar disorder who died of dehydration last April.
I should rephrase that. “Died of dehydration” implies an accident, or some unfortunate consequence of benign neglect. But the media reports that say Thomas “was found dead on his jail cell floor” only tell part of the truth. Last week, as prosecutors began an inquest — a legal process by which a jury can question witnesses without charges being filed — we learned that Thomas had been locked in solitary confinement in the days leading to his death. People under Clarke’s command refused to give him water for that entire week. They also didn’t assist him or provide water when it became clear that he needed both (and his mental disorder prevented him from communicating those needs). This was ruled a homicide last September, but these new details suggest something much more malicious.
Ever since Thomas was murdered — what else should I call it? — in Clarke’s jail more than 12 months ago, Clarke has been uncharacteristically quiet. In the single public remark he made on the matter in March, the sheriff recounted the alleged crime that led to Thomas’s arrest, although he didn’t seem to know his name. And Clarke hasn’t said anything since the inquest began. In response to a Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel request for comment, he wrote in an email, “Are you that stupid? Why would I say anything during the inquest?” While his officers scrambled to blame each other for what happened to Thomas during the inquest, Clarke hasn’t fired or significantly disciplined any of them, either.
Clarke’s silence may just be his way of trying to run out the clock. As the president’s most visible endorser from the law enforcement community, Clarke — once rumored to be a candidate to lead the Department of Homeland Security — is reportedly under consideration for a federal job as a liaison between DHS and tribal, local, and state authorities, as well as law enforcement branches throughout the nation. It appears that letting people die of thirst in your jail is considered a résumé-builder by this administration. But as relieved as the citizens of Milwaukee may be to rid themselves of Clarke — his poll numbers are abysmal — the prospect of his ideas about law and order becoming further institutionalized throughout the nation is chilling.
Clarke and Trump are kindred spirits, in some respects. They have both failed up, for one. Since Clarke was first appointed to his position 15 years ago — as a Democrat, no less — the sheriff has crafted a public persona as a right-wing hero by berating, threatening, and mocking anyone whom he considers a political opponent, both in person and on frequent cable news appearances. As effective as Clarke has been at replacing Clarence Thomas as the preeminent lawn jockey for the far right, he has been fairly awful at doing his actual job: ensuring community safety and reducing crime.
Despite Trump’s tendency to inflate the threat of urban crime, he rarely mentions Milwaukee, one of the most violent cities in the nation. Yet those in conservative spheres haven’t raked Clarke over the coals for his failure — because his star keeps rising. And in a political environment in which talking tough about “law and order” is more important than actually enforcing it, and in the context of an administration that is doing the most to exploit the advantages that systemic racism affords to them, Clarke is a natural fit.
Throughout his career, Clarke has consistently stood in the way of improving law enforcement: He has criticized consent decrees and agreements between federal authorities and courts to improve local police departments, and has denied even the suggestion that systemic bias still exists in those departments. He calls mass incarceration a “myth,” points to “black-on-black” crime as the true danger, and once said that “there is no police brutality in America … We ended that back in the ’60s.”
The sheriff resembles a Yosemite Sam of black conservatism, firing off juvenile zingers — “Black LIES Matter,” get it? — that frequently serve to undermine his fellow African-Americans. Few people in the public sphere appear to despise black folks as much as Clarke does. He calls to mind the caricature of the self-hating black cop from Boyz n the Hood, converted into a modern-day pundit. As Representative Gwen Moore, a Democrat from Wisconsin, put it in a 2015 op-ed, being a black man lets the sheriff “give voice to the dog-whistle narratives [Fox News] anchors dare not vocalize themselves.”
It was easier to ignore Clarke when he was just a mascot of the right, a black man with a badge who existed primarily to assuage those Fox News viewers who, outside of their own “safe spaces,” were uncomfortable expressing what they really felt about race. Here was a black man saying racist things, someone with license to do so.
But given the Thomas case and the three others, the stakes are higher now. Despite the Wisconsin corrections department’s recent glowing review of Clarke’s jail, all is clearly not well there. Thomas’s family has sued, as have others. The inquest jury found probable cause of a crime in Thomas’s death, and recommended that the district attorney pursue felony charges for seven jail officials. Clarke wasn’t on that list of suspects, but if the sheriff was not knowingly complicit in the apparent murder of Thomas, he was clearly not all that bothered by it. In Trump’s America, why would he be? He won’t be fired. In fact, it looks like David Clarke’s way of doing things is about to earn him a promotion.
Originally published at www.mtv.com.
|
5b14e79f-781f-5c2b-aa41-76b72b73cef6
|
25/08/2025 15:57:29
|
|
https://shantanuvk.medium.com/of-yupas-and-kutub-minar-963e6f2b4aa2
|
medium.com
|
Of Yupas and Kutub Minar
|
I don’t usually get into the debate if Tajmahal was Tejo Mahalaya before the Mughal conquest or on other similar structures. Some like the…
|
shantanu kulkarni
|
https://medium.com/@shantanuvk
|
963e6f2b4aa2
|
3 min
|
2024-05-05T11:23:42.246000
|
2024-05-05T14:41:54.472000
|
2024-11-27T08:48:40.107000
| 0 | 2 |
en
|
Indian Vedic Systems,Ancient Indian Art,Yajurveda,Yagna,Qutubminar
|
<section>
<h1>Of Yupas and Kutub Minar</h1>
<p>I don’t usually get into the debate if Tajmahal was Tejo Mahalaya before the Mughal conquest or on other similar structures. Some like the ones in Varanasi are self-evident and more of recent history hence no debate is necessary. Nor am I enrolled in WhatsApp University which keeps flooding with unverified opinions. I prefer physical books, in a few cases, googling helps me to get varied texts on the topic I am researching.</p>
<p>While reading the first few introductory chapters (which are not part of the original ancient text) of Yajurveda Samhita, an English translation by R.T.H. Griffith, I stumbled upon something interesting. For people who don’t know, Yajurveda is part of the four Vedas and it tells about types of Yagna (sacrificial fires), the way to the chants to be used, the selection and design of a plot of land for the sacrificial altar down to offering oblations to the sacred fires. In this text, there is an explanation of the word ‘Yüpa’ (pronounced as यूप in Hindi). Yupa was a Vedic sacrificial (sacrifice as in Yagna) stake. These fire altars were always furnished with a sacrificial stake or Yupa. The stake was a ‘gnomon’, which means the projecting piece of a sundial that shows the time by the position of the shadows.</p>
<p>The Yagna or the sacrificial fires had a significant importance to the time when particular chants were uttered and the time of the day the sacrifice was made. The moving shadows of the stake helped the presiding priest to keep the timings for the Yagna. Generally, near the site of a Yupa, sacrificial material was used to be stored in a Yupastambh.</p>
<p>Kutubminar in Delhi is an example of such a Yupa / Yupastambh. Which also has an iron pillar in front of it, which was a Yupa as well. “Kutub Yupastambh” was constructed by Varahmihira at Mihiravali (modern-day Mehrauli). This Yupa pointed to the pole star. It was surrounded by 27 temples, each temple representing one of the 27 constellations. Thus it was installed as an observatory to reckon the time. Many Yagna were performed on the site where this Yupa was used for calculating time.</p>
<p>Check the meaning of ‘Kutub’ in Hindi. The meaning is the Pole star or ‘Dhruv Tara’. Unfortunately, our history textbooks have been feeding us the wrong information. We were taught Kutub Minar is made by Qutb-uddin-Aibak as a victory Minaret after defeating the last Hindu King in that region. That it is named ‘Kutub’ from ‘Qutb’ — which is totally misleading. After the Hindu king was defeated, the surrounding 27 temples (Jain temples) were destroyed and the Yupa was converted into a Minaret. Aibak’s son-in-law, Iltumish continued working on it. The remains of the temple could still be traced. The Kutub Yupa dated before the conquest of Aibak in Delhi region.</p>
<p>Some texts on the internet say it was a Vishnu temple and that is not right either, since Hindu temples were not made in Conical shapes. The north Indian temple architecture generally followed ‘Nagara’ style which has an inner sanctum and ‘shikhara’ (the dome). Some say it was built by Prithviraj Chauhan for his daughter so that she can have a view of the beautiful Yamuna River, but that cannot be true as well for multiple reasons one of them being most of Prithviraj’s construction was around Ajmer, for him to be in Delhi and make something like that for his daughter does not seem real. The Hindu motifs on the lower floors indicate that it was a Hindu monument. But it was neither a temple nor a structure to look over the river, it was a purposeful ‘Yupa’, constructed for sacrificial fires.</p>
<p>The point of this article is not about it being Hindu or Mughal construction, it is about understanding what it was originally and the purpose of it.</p>
</section>
|
AI Generated image using Da Vinci app
Of Yupas and Kutub Minar
I don’t usually get into the debate if Tajmahal was Tejo Mahalaya before the Mughal conquest or on other similar structures. Some like the ones in Varanasi are self-evident and more of recent history hence no debate is necessary. Nor am I enrolled in WhatsApp University which keeps flooding with unverified opinions. I prefer physical books, in a few cases, googling helps me to get varied texts on the topic I am researching.
While reading the first few introductory chapters (which are not part of the original ancient text) of Yajurveda Samhita, an English translation by R.T.H. Griffith, I stumbled upon something interesting. For people who don’t know, Yajurveda is part of the four Vedas and it tells about types of Yagna (sacrificial fires), the way to the chants to be used, the selection and design of a plot of land for the sacrificial altar down to offering oblations to the sacred fires. In this text, there is an explanation of the word ‘Yüpa’ (pronounced as यूप in Hindi). Yupa was a Vedic sacrificial (sacrifice as in Yagna) stake. These fire altars were always furnished with a sacrificial stake or Yupa. The stake was a ‘gnomon’, which means the projecting piece of a sundial that shows the time by the position of the shadows.
The Yagna or the sacrificial fires had a significant importance to the time when particular chants were uttered and the time of the day the sacrifice was made. The moving shadows of the stake helped the presiding priest to keep the timings for the Yagna. Generally, near the site of a Yupa, sacrificial material was used to be stored in a Yupastambh.
Kutubminar in Delhi is an example of such a Yupa / Yupastambh. Which also has an iron pillar in front of it, which was a Yupa as well. “Kutub Yupastambh” was constructed by Varahmihira at Mihiravali (modern-day Mehrauli). This Yupa pointed to the pole star. It was surrounded by 27 temples, each temple representing one of the 27 constellations. Thus it was installed as an observatory to reckon the time. Many Yagna were performed on the site where this Yupa was used for calculating time.
Check the meaning of ‘Kutub’ in Hindi. The meaning is the Pole star or ‘Dhruv Tara’. Unfortunately, our history textbooks have been feeding us the wrong information. We were taught Kutub Minar is made by Qutb-uddin-Aibak as a victory Minaret after defeating the last Hindu King in that region. That it is named ‘Kutub’ from ‘Qutb’ — which is totally misleading. After the Hindu king was defeated, the surrounding 27 temples (Jain temples) were destroyed and the Yupa was converted into a Minaret. Aibak’s son-in-law, Iltumish continued working on it. The remains of the temple could still be traced. The Kutub Yupa dated before the conquest of Aibak in Delhi region.
Some texts on the internet say it was a Vishnu temple and that is not right either, since Hindu temples were not made in Conical shapes. The north Indian temple architecture generally followed ‘Nagara’ style which has an inner sanctum and ‘shikhara’ (the dome). Some say it was built by Prithviraj Chauhan for his daughter so that she can have a view of the beautiful Yamuna River, but that cannot be true as well for multiple reasons one of them being most of Prithviraj’s construction was around Ajmer, for him to be in Delhi and make something like that for his daughter does not seem real. The Hindu motifs on the lower floors indicate that it was a Hindu monument. But it was neither a temple nor a structure to look over the river, it was a purposeful ‘Yupa’, constructed for sacrificial fires.
The point of this article is not about it being Hindu or Mughal construction, it is about understanding what it was originally and the purpose of it.
|
eb6ab739-8e06-54e8-8148-31f41825ab07
|
25/08/2025 15:57:29
|
|
https://josephofilii.medium.com/10-michael-jackson-14f23b676028
|
medium.com
|
10. Michael Jackson
| null |
Joseph Ofili
|
https://medium.com/@josephofilii
|
14f23b676028
|
2 min
|
2023-09-22T00:01:36.986000
|
2023-09-22T00:01:37.137000
|
2023-09-22T13:55:20.844000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Technology,Programming,JavaScript,Web Development
|
<section>
<p>Exploring the Backend: A Tech Journey with JavaScript</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1920/1*5mHxONnRbunHbBkXAfVzfg.jpeg" width="1920" height="1200" loading="lazy" />
<h1>Exploring the Backend: A Tech Journey with JavaScript</h1>
<p>Hey there fellow tech enthusiasts! Today, I want to take you on a wild ride exploring the backend with JavaScript. But before we dive into the magical world of code, let’s lighten the mood with a couple of jokes about the legendary Michael Jackson. Brace yourselves!</p>
<p>Why did Michael Jackson go to Walmart?</p>
<p>Because he heard they had good “Billie-Jeans”!</p>
<p>What’s Michael Jackson’s favorite element on the periodic table?</p>
<p>Hee-hee-licium!</p>
<p>Alright, now that we’ve had our dose of MJ humor, let’s get back to business. JavaScript, the language that powers the web, is not just limited to the frontend. It has become increasingly popular for building robust and efficient backend systems as well. So, let’s embark on this tech journey together!</p>
<h3>Understanding the Backend</h3>
<p>Before we dive into JavaScript’s role in the backend, let’s quickly understand what the backend actually is. In web development, the backend refers to the server-side of an application, handling data storage, retrieval, and other computational tasks. It’s like the engine that powers everything behind the scenes.</p>
<h3>JavaScript on the Backend</h3>
<p>While JavaScript is mainly known for its frontend capabilities, thanks to Node.js, it can now be used to write server-side code as well. Node.js allows JavaScript to run on the server, providing developers with a seamless experience of using a single language across the entire tech stack.</p>
<p>With JavaScript on the backend, you can build scalable and high-performance web applications, handle database interactions, implement security measures, and so much more. It’s like having a secret weapon in your programming arsenal!</p>
<h3>Backend Frameworks and Libraries</h3>
<p>To make our lives as developers easier, various backend frameworks and libraries have emerged in the JavaScript ecosystem. These tools provide pre-built functionalities, allowing us to focus on solving specific problems rather than reinventing the wheel.</p>
<p>Express.js, for example, is a popular backend framework that simplifies the process of building web applications and APIs using Node.js. It’s fast, unopinionated, and highly flexible — a true game-changer in the backend world.</p>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>As we wrap up our tech journey through the backend with JavaScript, it’s fascinating to see how this versatile language has expanded its horizons beyond the frontend. With Node.js, we can leverage JavaScript’s power to build robust, scalable, and efficient server-side applications. So, if you haven’t explored the backend yet, it’s time to give it a shot!</p>
<p>Remember, just like Michael Jackson’s music, the backend is all about rhythm, efficiency, and making things happen behind the scenes. Keep coding, stay curious, and always be ready to moonwalk through any programming challenge!</p>
</section>
|
10. Michael Jackson
Exploring the Backend: A Tech Journey with JavaScript
MJ
Exploring the Backend: A Tech Journey with JavaScript
Hey there fellow tech enthusiasts! Today, I want to take you on a wild ride exploring the backend with JavaScript. But before we dive into the magical world of code, let’s lighten the mood with a couple of jokes about the legendary Michael Jackson. Brace yourselves!
Why did Michael Jackson go to Walmart?
Because he heard they had good “Billie-Jeans”!
What’s Michael Jackson’s favorite element on the periodic table?
Hee-hee-licium!
Alright, now that we’ve had our dose of MJ humor, let’s get back to business. JavaScript, the language that powers the web, is not just limited to the frontend. It has become increasingly popular for building robust and efficient backend systems as well. So, let’s embark on this tech journey together!
Understanding the Backend
Before we dive into JavaScript’s role in the backend, let’s quickly understand what the backend actually is. In web development, the backend refers to the server-side of an application, handling data storage, retrieval, and other computational tasks. It’s like the engine that powers everything behind the scenes.
JavaScript on the Backend
While JavaScript is mainly known for its frontend capabilities, thanks to Node.js, it can now be used to write server-side code as well. Node.js allows JavaScript to run on the server, providing developers with a seamless experience of using a single language across the entire tech stack.
With JavaScript on the backend, you can build scalable and high-performance web applications, handle database interactions, implement security measures, and so much more. It’s like having a secret weapon in your programming arsenal!
Backend Frameworks and Libraries
To make our lives as developers easier, various backend frameworks and libraries have emerged in the JavaScript ecosystem. These tools provide pre-built functionalities, allowing us to focus on solving specific problems rather than reinventing the wheel.
Express.js, for example, is a popular backend framework that simplifies the process of building web applications and APIs using Node.js. It’s fast, unopinionated, and highly flexible — a true game-changer in the backend world.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our tech journey through the backend with JavaScript, it’s fascinating to see how this versatile language has expanded its horizons beyond the frontend. With Node.js, we can leverage JavaScript’s power to build robust, scalable, and efficient server-side applications. So, if you haven’t explored the backend yet, it’s time to give it a shot!
Remember, just like Michael Jackson’s music, the backend is all about rhythm, efficiency, and making things happen behind the scenes. Keep coding, stay curious, and always be ready to moonwalk through any programming challenge!
|
6f92458e-a9a9-5e81-bac3-795dd7dce452
|
25/08/2025 15:57:29
|
|
https://luisdanielmaldonadofonken.medium.com/the-%C9%B5-foundation-affiliates-program-45a3854e1af2
|
medium.com
|
The Ɵ Foundation Affiliates Program
|
One of the aims of the Ɵ Foundation is to promote the PTƟ Body of Work, a multidisciplinary holistic nature inspired know how, with…
|
Luis Daniel Maldonado Fonken
|
https://medium.com/@luisdanielmaldonadofonken
|
45a3854e1af2
|
3 min
|
2017-11-04T18:56:46.670000
|
2017-11-04T19:06:21.795000
|
2017-12-27T09:36:10.254000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Affiliate Marketing,Assessment,Home Business,eBooks,Self Employed
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2700/1*-NBSn2154Sexp7mU_PNnDg.jpeg" width="2700" height="2700" loading="lazy" />
<p>One of the aims of the Ɵ Foundation is to promote the PTƟ Body of Work, a multidisciplinary holistic nature inspired know how, with applications in cutting edge fields as artificial intelligence, life span, holistic strategic management, sustainable development, neuroscience, education, human potential, intelligence and others.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info">www.luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info</a></p>
<p>For this purpose a new strategy has been implemented.</p>
<p>Our affiliates program offers up to 45% commission to affiliates.</p>
<p>A partnership program which include between its benefits, on top of the commissions given, training, coaching, team building, and prizes.</p>
<p>At the moment 2 affiliates programs have been implemented:</p>
<p><a href="http://news-feed.luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info/#post176">http://news-feed.luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info/#post176</a></p>
<h1>Assessment Services</h1>
<p>Along an assessment process the customer takes part of the evaluation, through questions and answers. The first benefit is the customer perception and awareness on important issues will expand, new risks are perceived, potential opportunities predicted and new possibilities for solutions identified.</p>
<p>Assessment means an opportunity to solve a problem, a challenge, by identifying its real nature, through the use of tools that help our perception.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://services.luisdanie</strong>lmaldonadofonken.info/assessment-services-e-affiliates/">Assessment Services & e-Affiliates
<em>Luis Daniel Maldonado Fonken provides (online) e-Assessment which includes Matrix-Q Tests. ASSESSMENT The assessment of…</em>services.luisdanielmaldonadofo</a>nken.info</p>
<p><strong>ASSESSMENT SERVICES</strong></p>
<p>Luis offers assessment online for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Family</li>
<li>Professional Development</li>
<li>Self-Management</li>
<li>Leadership</li>
<li>Business Start Ups</li>
<li>Corporate</li>
<li>SDG Entrepreneurship</li>
<li>Network</li>
<li>Community</li>
<li>Matrix-Q Intelligence Tests</li>
</ul>
<h2>E-library Collections</h2>
<p><a href="http://e-library.luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info/e-library-collections/">http://e-library.luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info/e-library-collections/</a></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://gum.co/aNxsw">SDG 11 : Holistic Strategic Management Applied to Sustainable Development of Cities & Communities </a>(affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)</li>
<li><a href="https://gum.co/xdhhe">PTƟ Primordial Mathematics Quick Sylver Collection </a>(affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)</li>
<li><a href="https://gum.co/GdRTs">The Primordial Holistic Economy — Quick Silver Collection</a> (affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)</li>
<li><a href="https://gum.co/YmlTz">The 9 Elements & the Heart — The Quick Sylver Collection</a> (affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)</li>
<li><a href="https://gum.co/Inyhg">The I CHING Ɵ — The Book of the Primordial Changes, The Genome of the Prime Verse</a> (affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)</li>
<li><a href="https://gum.co/WlKTQ">The Sun, The Moon & The Heart — Influence of hormonal changes into human behavior, perception and collaboration — family sustainability</a> (affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)</li>
<li><a href="https://gum.co/UIEdwv">Primordial Wealth-ability</a> (affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)</li>
<li><a href="https://gum.co/voaaTB">The Primordial Algorithm — Matrix-Q </a>(affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)</li>
<li><a href="https://gum.co/SGEU">Sensory/Sensual Body-painting — 9 Rooms Atelier I </a>(affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)</li>
<li><a href="https://gum.co/ciQY">Primordial Decision Making For Strategic Social Management — The Upgrade of Democracy </a>(affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)</li>
<li><a href="http://e-library.luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info/e-books-directory/">Other e-publications</a> ? if you wish to sell any other of our publications, please contact us to [email protected]</li>
</ul>
<h2>More details at:</h2>
<p><a href="http://holistic-strategic-management.com/services.html">http://holistic-strategic-management.com/services.html</a>
<a href="http://luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info/business%20incubation%20program.html">http://luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info/business%20incubation%20program.html</a></p>
<h2><strong>e-AFFILIATES</strong></h2>
<p>Through an affiliate program, affiliates may earn an income by promoting our assessment services or e-bookscollections.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>How to join our affiliate program ?</strong></li>
<li>Write us an e-mail to: [email protected] with a brief description of your profile and interests, in general, tell us, why would you like to sell our services of assessment, and /or e-books and to whom.</li>
<li>Affiliates join a newsletter, and we encourage them to keep track on our marketing campaigns and collaborate together for common interests.</li>
<li>As well affiliates may get gift certificates for e-training, e-coaching, and bonus %, according to their performance.</li>
<li>We intent our affiliates to be close to us and become a team dedicated to collaboration, towards the aims of the Ɵ Foundation, in principle, share and promote the know how, research and solutions developed and cared by the Ɵ Foundation.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Original Source of the Article/Presentation:</h2>
<h3><a href="http://research.luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info">The Matrix-Q Magazine</a>, <a href="http://www.luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info">Matrix-Q Research Institute & The Ɵ Foundation.</a></h3>
<h3>. <a href="http://research.luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info/category/2018-events/">Events, Courses, Books, Presentations, Research Projects, Competitions, Internship, Publications</a></h3>
<h3>. <a href="http://research.luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info/2017/12/03/the-matrix-q-research-institute-the-fundraising-campaign/">Research Projects, Fundraising Campaign, Donations</a></h3>
</section>
|
The Ɵ Foundation Affiliates Program
One of the aims of the Ɵ Foundation is to promote the PTƟ Body of Work, a multidisciplinary holistic nature inspired know how, with applications in cutting edge fields as artificial intelligence, life span, holistic strategic management, sustainable development, neuroscience, education, human potential, intelligence and others.
www.luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info
For this purpose a new strategy has been implemented.
Our affiliates program offers up to 45% commission to affiliates.
A partnership program which include between its benefits, on top of the commissions given, training, coaching, team building, and prizes.
At the moment 2 affiliates programs have been implemented:
http://news-feed.luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info/#post176
Assessment Services
Along an assessment process the customer takes part of the evaluation, through questions and answers. The first benefit is the customer perception and awareness on important issues will expand, new risks are perceived, potential opportunities predicted and new possibilities for solutions identified.
Assessment means an opportunity to solve a problem, a challenge, by identifying its real nature, through the use of tools that help our perception.
Assessment Services & e-Affiliates
Luis Daniel Maldonado Fonken provides (online) e-Assessment which includes Matrix-Q Tests. ASSESSMENT The assessment of…services.luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info
ASSESSMENT SERVICES
Luis offers assessment online for:
Family
Professional Development
Self-Management
Leadership
Business Start Ups
Corporate
SDG Entrepreneurship
Network
Community
Matrix-Q Intelligence Tests
E-library Collections
http://e-library.luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info/e-library-collections/
SDG 11 : Holistic Strategic Management Applied to Sustainable Development of Cities & Communities (affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)
PTƟ Primordial Mathematics Quick Sylver Collection (affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)
The Primordial Holistic Economy — Quick Silver Collection (affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)
The 9 Elements & the Heart — The Quick Sylver Collection (affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)
The I CHING Ɵ — The Book of the Primordial Changes, The Genome of the Prime Verse (affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)
The Sun, The Moon & The Heart — Influence of hormonal changes into human behavior, perception and collaboration — family sustainability (affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)
Primordial Wealth-ability (affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)
The Primordial Algorithm — Matrix-Q (affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)
Sensory/Sensual Body-painting — 9 Rooms Atelier I (affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)
Primordial Decision Making For Strategic Social Management — The Upgrade of Democracy (affiliates % vary from 5% up to 45%)
Other e-publications ? if you wish to sell any other of our publications, please contact us to [email protected]
More details at:
http://holistic-strategic-management.com/services.html
http://luisdanielmaldonadofonken.info/business%20incubation%20program.html
e-AFFILIATES
Through an affiliate program, affiliates may earn an income by promoting our assessment services or e-bookscollections.
How to join our affiliate program ?
Write us an e-mail to: [email protected] with a brief description of your profile and interests, in general, tell us, why would you like to sell our services of assessment, and /or e-books and to whom.
Affiliates join a newsletter, and we encourage them to keep track on our marketing campaigns and collaborate together for common interests.
As well affiliates may get gift certificates for e-training, e-coaching, and bonus %, according to their performance.
We intent our affiliates to be close to us and become a team dedicated to collaboration, towards the aims of the Ɵ Foundation, in principle, share and promote the know how, research and solutions developed and cared by the Ɵ Foundation.
Original Source of the Article/Presentation:
The Matrix-Q Magazine, Matrix-Q Research Institute & The Ɵ Foundation.
. Events, Courses, Books, Presentations, Research Projects, Competitions, Internship, Publications
. Research Projects, Fundraising Campaign, Donations
|
dde48113-fbec-530f-9be1-886a73b1b468
|
25/08/2025 15:57:30
|
|
https://medium.com/the-agile-weekly/scrum-master-anti-patterns-beware-of-becoming-a-scrum-mom-828fa0e5a763
|
medium.com
|
Scrum Master Anti Patterns: Beware of Becoming a Scrum Mom
|
Disclaimer
|
Stefan Wolpers
|
https://medium.com/@stefanw
|
828fa0e5a763
|
3 min
|
2016-06-01T16:58:11.144000
|
2016-06-01T17:03:26.554000
|
2018-06-20T03:16:59.586000
| 0 | 59 |
en
|
Agile,Scrum,Failure
|
<section>
<h3>Disclaimer</h3>
<p>Of course, this post is in no way intended to be gender-specific. To my experience, there are as many Scrum pops as Scrum moms. This post is all about Scrum helicopter parenting.</p>
<h3>TL;DR: Beware of the Scrum Mom</h3>
<p>Trying to be supportive and do good, is most of the time a honorable thing. This is particularly true in your capacity as a Scrum master. However, doing too much good can quickly have the opposite effect. It’s a known Scrum anti pattern, often referred to as the Scrum mom syndrome.</p>
<p>Read on to learn more about its manifestations, and the damage to your team caused by being overly protective.</p>
<h3>Scrum Master Anti Patterns</h3>
<p>By common understanding, Scrum’s host of ceremonies — the Scrum master — is a leadership role. Wielding no real authority, she can inspire, coach, mentor, and lead by example to further her team’s progress to become fully self-organized.</p>
<p>However, if you observe how this role is lived in practice, you can often identify two anti patterns: the Scrum manager and the Scrum mom. While the Scrum manager is easily identifiable by the teacher-like, patronizing attitude, the Scrum mom is more tricky to spot. What is (still) beneficial for the team, and what is just overly protective?</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1024/0*Z4Hn71DDH80BSKDc.png" width="1024" height="512" loading="lazy" />
<h3>Scrum Mom’s Characteristics</h3>
<p>The Scrum mom is generally shielding the team from the cold and cruel world, creating a safe & happy agile bubble. Some manifestations are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Scrum mom deals with all impediments personally, although practically any other team member could act, too.</li>
<li>Scrum mom filters feedback from stakeholders, particularly any negative feedback. Often, she does so by not merely restricting access to the team, but basically shutting it off.</li>
<li>Scrum mom is pampering the team, for example by running errands, or being the team secretary, sometimes bordering on the helper syndrome.</li>
<li>Scrum mom is also preventing the team from failure whenever possible. This even applies, if failing would be easily fixable and wouldn’t be really damaging. (Remember: If you’re not failing, you’re not pushing hard enough…)</li>
<li>Scrum mom is not really challenging the team. She seems to be content, once a certain level of proficiency is achieved.</li>
<li>Scrum mom maybe setting boundaries, but is rarely enforcing them. She tends to tolerate damaging behavior from team member in the (futile) hope, the culprit will be insightful and improve over time.</li>
<li>Scrum mom likes all her team members, but there will be often a favorite among them.</li>
<li>Scrum mom’s motto: “Right or wrong, my team!”</li>
</ul>
<p><em><strong>Please hit the “heart button” </strong>💚 b<strong>elow, if you found this post useful–it</em> would mean a lot to me!</strong></p>
<p>If the topic resonates with you, you may be interested in the following links, too:</p>
<ul>
<li>Ben Linders: <a href="http://www.benlinders.com/2016/why-scrum-masters-shouldnt-be-the-one-solving-all-impediments/">Why Scrum masters shouldn’t be the one solving all impediments</a></li>
<li>Mia Horrigan: <a href="http://de.slideshare.net/murph/confessions-of-a-scrum-mom-how-the-heroics-of-a-scrum-mum-doesnt-scale">Confessions of a Scrum Mum</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Download a List of the Most Common Scrum Anti Patterns</h3>
<p>You can download a list of the most common Scrum anti patterns besides the Scrum mom as a PDF and simultaneously subscribe you to our weekly hand-curated newsletter. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)</p>
<p>⬇️ <em><strong><a href="https://age-of-product.com</em>/downloa</strong>ds/">Download the Agile Anti Patterns List now…</a> ⬇️</p>
<p>We respect your <a href="https://age-of-product.com/privacy/">email privacy</a> at all times.</p>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>A Scrum master’s good intentions can become an impediment for the Scrum team’s progress. This is particularly true in the case of the Scrum mom, when her shielding of the team prevents its members from learning by failing.</p>
<p>In the end, failure is not the opposite of success, but a necessary stepping stone towards success. Like parents, I believe, Scrum masters need to let go. They need to challenge and support their teams when those are venturing out into the big world on their own.</p>
<p>How is a Scrum team otherwise supposed to be become self-organized?</p>
<h1>Related Posts</h1>
<p><a href="https://age-of-product.com/20-questions-a-new-scrum-master-should-ask-her-team-to-get-up-to-speed/">20 Questions a New Scrum Master Should Ask Her Team to Get up to Speed</a></p>
<p><a href="https://age-of-product.com/agile-failure-patterns-in-organizations/">Agile Failure Patterns In Organizations</a></p>
<p><a href="https://age-of-product.com/38-scrum-master-interview-questions-to-avoid-imposters-free-pdf/">Hiring: 38 Scrum Master Interview Questions To Avoid Agile Imposters</a></p>
<p>This post first appeared on <a href="https://age-of-product.com/food-thought-43-agile-metrics/">Age of Product</a>.</p>
<p><em><strong>Want more like this? Follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/stefanw">Tw</em>itter</a</strong>> and read more on my <a href="https://age-of-product.com">Age of Product</a> blog.</p>
<p><em><strong>Want this as an email in your inbox? Join 2,662 peers and <a href="https://age-of-p</em>roduct.c</strong>om/subscribe/?ref=Food4ThoughtMedium">sign-up for my weekly newsletter</a>…</p>
</section>
|
Scrum Master Anti Patterns: Beware of Becoming a Scrum Mom
Disclaimer
Of course, this post is in no way intended to be gender-specific. To my experience, there are as many Scrum pops as Scrum moms. This post is all about Scrum helicopter parenting.
TL;DR: Beware of the Scrum Mom
Trying to be supportive and do good, is most of the time a honorable thing. This is particularly true in your capacity as a Scrum master. However, doing too much good can quickly have the opposite effect. It’s a known Scrum anti pattern, often referred to as the Scrum mom syndrome.
Read on to learn more about its manifestations, and the damage to your team caused by being overly protective.
Scrum Master Anti Patterns
By common understanding, Scrum’s host of ceremonies — the Scrum master — is a leadership role. Wielding no real authority, she can inspire, coach, mentor, and lead by example to further her team’s progress to become fully self-organized.
However, if you observe how this role is lived in practice, you can often identify two anti patterns: the Scrum manager and the Scrum mom. While the Scrum manager is easily identifiable by the teacher-like, patronizing attitude, the Scrum mom is more tricky to spot. What is (still) beneficial for the team, and what is just overly protective?
Scrum Mom’s Characteristics
The Scrum mom is generally shielding the team from the cold and cruel world, creating a safe & happy agile bubble. Some manifestations are:
Scrum mom deals with all impediments personally, although practically any other team member could act, too.
Scrum mom filters feedback from stakeholders, particularly any negative feedback. Often, she does so by not merely restricting access to the team, but basically shutting it off.
Scrum mom is pampering the team, for example by running errands, or being the team secretary, sometimes bordering on the helper syndrome.
Scrum mom is also preventing the team from failure whenever possible. This even applies, if failing would be easily fixable and wouldn’t be really damaging. (Remember: If you’re not failing, you’re not pushing hard enough…)
Scrum mom is not really challenging the team. She seems to be content, once a certain level of proficiency is achieved.
Scrum mom maybe setting boundaries, but is rarely enforcing them. She tends to tolerate damaging behavior from team member in the (futile) hope, the culprit will be insightful and improve over time.
Scrum mom likes all her team members, but there will be often a favorite among them.
Scrum mom’s motto: “Right or wrong, my team!”
Please hit the “heart button” 💚 below, if you found this post useful–it would mean a lot to me!
If the topic resonates with you, you may be interested in the following links, too:
Ben Linders: Why Scrum masters shouldn’t be the one solving all impediments
Mia Horrigan: Confessions of a Scrum Mum
Download a List of the Most Common Scrum Anti Patterns
You can download a list of the most common Scrum anti patterns besides the Scrum mom as a PDF and simultaneously subscribe you to our weekly hand-curated newsletter. (You can unsubscribe at any time.)
⬇️ Download the Agile Anti Patterns List now… ⬇️
We respect your email privacy at all times.
Conclusion
A Scrum master’s good intentions can become an impediment for the Scrum team’s progress. This is particularly true in the case of the Scrum mom, when her shielding of the team prevents its members from learning by failing.
In the end, failure is not the opposite of success, but a necessary stepping stone towards success. Like parents, I believe, Scrum masters need to let go. They need to challenge and support their teams when those are venturing out into the big world on their own.
How is a Scrum team otherwise supposed to be become self-organized?
Related Posts
20 Questions a New Scrum Master Should Ask Her Team to Get up to Speed
Agile Failure Patterns In Organizations
Hiring: 38 Scrum Master Interview Questions To Avoid Agile Imposters
This post first appeared on Age of Product.
Want more like this? Follow me on Twitter and read more on my Age of Product blog.
Want this as an email in your inbox? Join 2,662 peers and sign-up for my weekly newsletter…
|
05ea86c6-573e-5e6c-9bb6-05b6b3043f5f
|
25/08/2025 15:57:30
|
|
https://mikebeckles.medium.com/americas-policing-problem-a816df1cbeda
|
medium.com
|
AMERICA’S POLICING PROBLEM….
|
Even under the most ideal conditions the job of policing is challenging.
There is a part of every human being which is opposed to losing…
|
Mike Beckles
|
https://medium.com/@mikebeckles
|
a816df1cbeda
| null |
5 min
|
2016-09-22T19:19:22.740000
|
2016-09-22T19:20:11.861000
|
2018-03-15T17:31:02.476000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
BlackLivesMatter,Police
|
<section>
<p>Even under the most ideal conditions the job of policing is challenging.
There is a part of every human being which is opposed to losing it’s freedom, even when we consciously know that we are engaging in activities we have no business engaging in.
Given the most ideal hypothetical situation where race, class and other defining characteristics which influences behavior are non-existent, people would still be opposed to receiving a parking ticket from a police officer. And an officer would probably be more inclined to give a ticket to a male who gives him lip over a sweet old lady who doesn’t .</p>
<p>If we reverse that utopian scenario and put back in the mix , the defining negatives of <strong>racism</strong>, <strong>classism</strong>, <strong>disrespect, as a result or racism or classism</strong> the discipline which is policing becomes far more problematic for some.
That seem to be the challenge facing police departments across the United States today.
There are various reasons given for the frightening killing of Americans by police without hardly any officer being held accountable. Even when there seem to be glaring evidence of wrongdoing.</p>
<p>Whether police are killing more people than years gone by, or we are seeing more of these confrontations because of technological advances remains to be defined.
For people in the black and brown communities, the almost daily killings of unarmed people by police is what they have been complaining about for decades.
It is impossible to tell whether police are killing more people today because police departments are not required to report to federal authorities just how many people lose their lives at their hands each year.
Even today there are no legal requirement for uniformed reporting to the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Nonetheless private websites and other organizations are beginning to track as much as they can, these killings at the hands of police.</p>
<p>According to Eastern Kentucky University and Author <em>Victor E. Kappeler, Ph.D.</em></p>
<p>The birth and development of the American police can be traced to a multitude of historical, legal and political-economic conditions. The institution of slavery and the control of minorities, however, were two of the more formidable historic features of American society shaping early policing. Slave patrols and Night Watches, which later became modern police departments, were both designed to control the behaviors of minorities. For example, New England settlers appointed Indian Constables to police Native Americans (National Constable Association, 1995), the St. Louis police were founded to protect residents from Native Americans in that frontier city, and many southern police departments began as slave patrols. In 1704, the colony of Carolina developed the nation’s first slave patrol. Slave patrols helped to maintain the economic order and to assist the wealthy landowners in recovering and punishing slaves who essentially were considered property.</p>
<p>It is important to consider these facts when we grapple with what we see happening today, even though we have come a long way since the days of slave patrols.
In my native Jamaica some experts have pointed to the fact that the Jamaica Constabulary Force emerged out of the Morant bay rebellion.
They argue that because the force was created to quell the uprising of the oppressed masses, present day police still approach the task of policing with the same mindset.
Whether there is truth to both scenarios or not is not up to me to decide . It’s interpretation has to be within the remit of each and every one of us.</p>
<p>Clearly what is undeniable is the unconscious biases which informs each officer’s mindset. Without a doubt, an officer who pulls his/her weapon in an inner city community and shoots someone who is unarmed, is informed and influenced by preconceived risks within that community.
The biases which inform those actions would most certainly not be present in an upscale white community. Therein lies the problem.
Within those realities, not all white officers who end up killing an unarmed black person is necessarily racist.
In the same way that a Jamaican officer, himself from the poorer class, who kills someone in the ghetto could reasonably be accused of classism.
It is the perception of inherent danger, (wrong or right)and in some cases lack of respect, which creates the violent confrontations we see today.</p>
<p>As a young officer patrolling parts of Western Kingston, Arnett Gardens, Waterhouse and other communities we construed to be dangerous, my weapon was always at the ready. The same was not true when I patrolled Cherry Gardens and Norbrook.
I was not against people living in the inner city communities. I was just mindful that I was a lot more likely to be shot in those communities than I was in Cherry Gardens and Norbrook.</p>
<p>Black and brown people in America’s urban areas complain about aggressive and even oppressive police tactics in their communities. The police say they are merely arresting people where crimes are being committed.
There are elements of truth to both arguments .
According to the Washington post .</p>
<p><em>Whites were about 45 percent more likely than blacks to sell drugs in 1980, according to an analysis of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth by economist <a href="http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/339610">Robert Fairlie</a>. This was consistent with <a href="http://www.nber.org/papers/w3705.pdf">a 1989 survey</a> of youth in Boston. My own analysis of data from the 2012 <a href="http://www.samhsa.gov/data/NSDUH.aspx">National Survey on Drug Use and Healt</em>h</a> shows that 6.6 percent of white adolescents and young adults (aged 12 to 25) sold drugs, compared to just 5.0 percent of blacks (a 32 percent difference).</p>
<p>This partly reflects racial differences in the drug markets in black and white communities. In poor black neighborhoods,<a href="http://www.hrw.org/reports/2000/usa/Rcedrg00-05.htm"> drugs tend to be sold outdoors, in the open</a>. In white neighborhoods, by contrast, drug transactions typically happen indoors, often between friends and acquaintances. If you sell drugs outside, you’re much more likely to get caught. Rothwell’s numbers shoot some holes into some oft-repeated drug warrior talking points: that people <a href="http://learnaboutsam.org/the-issues/marijuana-and-whos-in-prison/">don’t get arrested for nonviolent drug crime</a> as much as they used to (<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/08/13/the-share-of-arrests-for-marijuana-possession-has-more-than-tripled-since-1991/">false</a>), and that legalizing and decriminalizing certain drugs <a href="http://www.tiedc2014.com/incarceration.html">won’t magically solve racial disparities</a> in the criminal justice system true but it could help.</p>
<p>Essentially, police arrest people where they see crimes being committed in the open.This usually leaves the false perception that there is marginal, or no crime in upscale neighborhoods.
The prison populations shows the disparities and so are the criminal records of many inner city residents.
Years ago, police in my upstate city of Poughkeepsie patrolled on bikes and walked the streets interacting with business owners like myself on a personal basis.
The city was able to claw it’s way back from the throes of drug infestation and gun violence, resulting in a burst of new businesses and occupancy of buildings which were once shuttered, rendering the city a veritable ghost town.
We practically knew the names of all of the cops on the department.</p>
<p>All of a sudden the foot and bike patrols dissapeared, in their place were cops in cruisers glaring at people as if they are aliens.
I asked several officers with whom I had become friends over,”what happened to community policing“? To a man they all said they were told to write tickets and enforce quality of life offences.
That kind of policing is a two-edged sword as experts have said , it creates a chasm between police and the communities they are supposed to serve. It is problematic when people see the people they pay to protect them as occupying forces there to oppress and keep them in line.
It is a problem when officers come from outside the communities in which they work and act as overseers to those communities , making determinations on their own how they decide to treat people.</p>
<p>A couple days ago I drove westerly on main street in my city of Poughkeepsie. Back on some of the corners are some of the very things which resulted in the demise of the city years ago. Young men standing around at all times of the day , it does not require a great deal of thought to figure out what they are doing on those corners.
These groups did not congregate during the foot and bike patrol days. The short-sighted approach of policing from afar will yield serious consequences for my city and it has for countless other cities which have created militaries out of local law enforcement agencies resulting in adversarial relationships with the communities they are supposed to serve.</p>
<p>An ill-informed political candidate running for president can argue for stop and frisk as a strategy to contain crime out of ignorance. It is however dangerous tone-deafness to continue to ignore the cries of the oppressed which will have devastating consequences going forward.</p>
</section>
|
AMERICA’S POLICING PROBLEM….
Even under the most ideal conditions the job of policing is challenging.
There is a part of every human being which is opposed to losing it’s freedom, even when we consciously know that we are engaging in activities we have no business engaging in.
Given the most ideal hypothetical situation where race, class and other defining characteristics which influences behavior are non-existent, people would still be opposed to receiving a parking ticket from a police officer. And an officer would probably be more inclined to give a ticket to a male who gives him lip over a sweet old lady who doesn’t .
If we reverse that utopian scenario and put back in the mix , the defining negatives of racism, classism, disrespect, as a result or racism or classism the discipline which is policing becomes far more problematic for some.
That seem to be the challenge facing police departments across the United States today.
There are various reasons given for the frightening killing of Americans by police without hardly any officer being held accountable. Even when there seem to be glaring evidence of wrongdoing.
Whether police are killing more people than years gone by, or we are seeing more of these confrontations because of technological advances remains to be defined.
For people in the black and brown communities, the almost daily killings of unarmed people by police is what they have been complaining about for decades.
It is impossible to tell whether police are killing more people today because police departments are not required to report to federal authorities just how many people lose their lives at their hands each year.
Even today there are no legal requirement for uniformed reporting to the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Nonetheless private websites and other organizations are beginning to track as much as they can, these killings at the hands of police.
According to Eastern Kentucky University and Author Victor E. Kappeler, Ph.D.
The birth and development of the American police can be traced to a multitude of historical, legal and political-economic conditions. The institution of slavery and the control of minorities, however, were two of the more formidable historic features of American society shaping early policing. Slave patrols and Night Watches, which later became modern police departments, were both designed to control the behaviors of minorities. For example, New England settlers appointed Indian Constables to police Native Americans (National Constable Association, 1995), the St. Louis police were founded to protect residents from Native Americans in that frontier city, and many southern police departments began as slave patrols. In 1704, the colony of Carolina developed the nation’s first slave patrol. Slave patrols helped to maintain the economic order and to assist the wealthy landowners in recovering and punishing slaves who essentially were considered property.
It is important to consider these facts when we grapple with what we see happening today, even though we have come a long way since the days of slave patrols.
In my native Jamaica some experts have pointed to the fact that the Jamaica Constabulary Force emerged out of the Morant bay rebellion.
They argue that because the force was created to quell the uprising of the oppressed masses, present day police still approach the task of policing with the same mindset.
Whether there is truth to both scenarios or not is not up to me to decide . It’s interpretation has to be within the remit of each and every one of us.
Clearly what is undeniable is the unconscious biases which informs each officer’s mindset. Without a doubt, an officer who pulls his/her weapon in an inner city community and shoots someone who is unarmed, is informed and influenced by preconceived risks within that community.
The biases which inform those actions would most certainly not be present in an upscale white community. Therein lies the problem.
Within those realities, not all white officers who end up killing an unarmed black person is necessarily racist.
In the same way that a Jamaican officer, himself from the poorer class, who kills someone in the ghetto could reasonably be accused of classism.
It is the perception of inherent danger, (wrong or right)and in some cases lack of respect, which creates the violent confrontations we see today.
As a young officer patrolling parts of Western Kingston, Arnett Gardens, Waterhouse and other communities we construed to be dangerous, my weapon was always at the ready. The same was not true when I patrolled Cherry Gardens and Norbrook.
I was not against people living in the inner city communities. I was just mindful that I was a lot more likely to be shot in those communities than I was in Cherry Gardens and Norbrook.
Black and brown people in America’s urban areas complain about aggressive and even oppressive police tactics in their communities. The police say they are merely arresting people where crimes are being committed.
There are elements of truth to both arguments .
According to the Washington post .
Whites were about 45 percent more likely than blacks to sell drugs in 1980, according to an analysis of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth by economist Robert Fairlie. This was consistent with a 1989 survey of youth in Boston. My own analysis of data from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that 6.6 percent of white adolescents and young adults (aged 12 to 25) sold drugs, compared to just 5.0 percent of blacks (a 32 percent difference).
This partly reflects racial differences in the drug markets in black and white communities. In poor black neighborhoods, drugs tend to be sold outdoors, in the open. In white neighborhoods, by contrast, drug transactions typically happen indoors, often between friends and acquaintances. If you sell drugs outside, you’re much more likely to get caught. Rothwell’s numbers shoot some holes into some oft-repeated drug warrior talking points: that people don’t get arrested for nonviolent drug crime as much as they used to (false), and that legalizing and decriminalizing certain drugs won’t magically solve racial disparities in the criminal justice system true but it could help.
Essentially, police arrest people where they see crimes being committed in the open.This usually leaves the false perception that there is marginal, or no crime in upscale neighborhoods.
The prison populations shows the disparities and so are the criminal records of many inner city residents.
Years ago, police in my upstate city of Poughkeepsie patrolled on bikes and walked the streets interacting with business owners like myself on a personal basis.
The city was able to claw it’s way back from the throes of drug infestation and gun violence, resulting in a burst of new businesses and occupancy of buildings which were once shuttered, rendering the city a veritable ghost town.
We practically knew the names of all of the cops on the department.
All of a sudden the foot and bike patrols dissapeared, in their place were cops in cruisers glaring at people as if they are aliens.
I asked several officers with whom I had become friends over,”what happened to community policing“? To a man they all said they were told to write tickets and enforce quality of life offences.
That kind of policing is a two-edged sword as experts have said , it creates a chasm between police and the communities they are supposed to serve. It is problematic when people see the people they pay to protect them as occupying forces there to oppress and keep them in line.
It is a problem when officers come from outside the communities in which they work and act as overseers to those communities , making determinations on their own how they decide to treat people.
A couple days ago I drove westerly on main street in my city of Poughkeepsie. Back on some of the corners are some of the very things which resulted in the demise of the city years ago. Young men standing around at all times of the day , it does not require a great deal of thought to figure out what they are doing on those corners.
These groups did not congregate during the foot and bike patrol days. The short-sighted approach of policing from afar will yield serious consequences for my city and it has for countless other cities which have created militaries out of local law enforcement agencies resulting in adversarial relationships with the communities they are supposed to serve.
An ill-informed political candidate running for president can argue for stop and frisk as a strategy to contain crime out of ignorance. It is however dangerous tone-deafness to continue to ignore the cries of the oppressed which will have devastating consequences going forward.
|
95f44dc8-b1bd-519f-8ceb-b52c1d6e2cf3
|
25/08/2025 15:57:31
|
https://ochekliyeramatuada.medium.com/the-review-safe-by-m-i-featuring-djinee-e990bdbfab7
|
medium.com
|
The Review: Safe by M.I featuring Djinee
|
New Episode!
|
Ramatu Ada Ochekliye
|
https://medium.com/@ochekliyeramatuada
|
e990bdbfab7
|
1 min
|
2017-12-05T09:28:14.684000
|
2017-12-05T09:30:18.255000
|
2017-12-05T09:30:20.599000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Music,Hip Hop,Music Review,The Review,Shades Of Us
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/560/1*RqylS8-ka7luPTNDocR41A.png" width="560" height="397" loading="lazy" />
<p>New Episode!</p>
<p>Triqx Otsima Ebiega from Akure in Ondo State, Nigeria, asked that we review MI Abaga’s 2008 hit song, Safe. The song features singer, Djinee.</p>
<p>We reviewed the song on the latest episode of #TheReview. Have you heard the song? What do you think about the song?</p>
<p>Listen to our review here and share your thoughts with us in the comment section.</p>
<p>#ShadesofUs #MusicReview</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://shadesofus.podbea</strong>n.com/e/the-review-safe-by-mi-ft-djinee/">The Review: Safe By M.I ft Djinee
<em>A review of M.I Abaga's 2008 hit single, Safe, featuring Djinee. ...</em>shadesofus.po</a>dbean.com</p>
</section>
|
The Review: Safe by M.I featuring Djinee
New Episode!
Triqx Otsima Ebiega from Akure in Ondo State, Nigeria, asked that we review MI Abaga’s 2008 hit song, Safe. The song features singer, Djinee.
We reviewed the song on the latest episode of #TheReview. Have you heard the song? What do you think about the song?
Listen to our review here and share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
#ShadesofUs #MusicReview
The Review: Safe By M.I ft Djinee
A review of M.I Abaga's 2008 hit single, Safe, featuring Djinee. ...shadesofus.podbean.com
|
95549646-956d-53a6-9c4e-b79027c1caf0
|
25/08/2025 15:57:31
|
|
https://davetroy.medium.com/how-hillary-lost-by-focusing-on-cities-and-trump-won-by-focusing-on-rural-areas-505f34caf192
|
medium.com
|
How Hillary Lost by Focusing on Cities — and Trump Won By Focusing on Rural Areas
|
Author’s Note: I wrote this article in December 2016 and never published it, primarily because it became clear at the time that there were…
|
Dave Troy
|
https://medium.com/@davetroy
|
505f34caf192
|
3 min
|
2016-12-11T19:25:08.588000
|
2020-02-10T22:37:42.576000
|
2021-12-13T11:56:01.538000
| 0 | 1 |
en
|
Politics,2016,Trump,Elections,Clinton
|
<section>
<p><em><strong>Author’s Note:</strong> I wrote this article in December 2016 and never published it, primarily because it became clear at the time that there were other important factors to consider in the 2016 election, including foreign interference. However, I think this is likely relevant now as campaigns are making decisions about where and how to allocate resources — and as far as I know no one else spotted this in the data. If I were to rewrite this article today, I’d include more contemporary analysis, especially regarding swing states. Still, as an artifact from late 2016, I think it has intri</em>nsic value today.</p>
<p>Over the last few years, many have remarked that our presidential elections have increasingly reflected a divide between rural and urban America. I wrote <a href="http://davetroy.com/posts/the-real-republican-adversary-population-density">my own analysis</a> of this phenomenon in 2012 to which <a href="http://www.citylab.com/politics/2012/11/what-republicans-are-really-against-population-density/3953/">several other</a> prominent commentators referred.</p>
<p>In this 2016 election, the phenomenon has been accepted as orthodoxy: America is truly a country divided. But I thought it would be useful to do some new analysis that attempts to understand this in more detail.</p>
<p>Let’s take a look at voting behavior by population density for the last five elections, back to Bush vs. Gore in 2000.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2194/1*5Z6uTvmgxxhEyd-GTBygWw.png" width="2194" height="1770" loading="lazy" />
<p>This graph offers three significant lessons. First, the parties have been attenuated around population density for some time, and each election cycle, the margins become more extreme. Second, the crossover point between Republican and Democratic primacy has always been between around 1,000 people per square mile. Third, Trump’s margin in low-density counties was higher than for any Republican candidate in the last five elections; likewise, Clinton’s margin in low-density areas was lower than for any recent Democratic candidate.</p>
<p>We also see that Clinton’s performance in high density areas was about the same, but just slightly lower, than Obama’s in 2012. However, in the highest density county (Manhattan) Clinton outperformed him significantly. (This should perhaps not be surprising, as Trump is deeply unpopular in Manhattan — look at his own low margin there. She also campaigned there heavily.)</p>
<h1>Was this Strategic?</h1>
<p>It’s hard to know whether this was something that either campaign pursued intentionally. Arguably, Trump has few real “friends,” and his campaign appearance strategy was based on his instincts gained through his work in television, and catering to areas he felt he would be well-received. Clinton, by contrast, has many celebrity supporters in New York, Los Angeles, and other major population centers. It would have been tempting to do fundraisers in these areas rather than spend time in lower density areas.</p>
<p>To try to get an answer to this question, I conducted an analysis of each candidate’s campaign appearances by location.</p>
<p><em><strong>Clinton’s campaign conducted 52% of their appearances in counties with more than 1,000 people per square mile. By contrast, 79% of Trump’s events were in counties with fewer than 1,000 people per squa</em>re mile.</strong></p>
<p>Another startling fact: Clinton’s campaign held 120 events in New York City. Trump held none.</p>
<p>In Los Angeles County, Clinton held 63 events. Trump? Again, zero.</p>
<p>In fact, the highest density place that Trump held a campaign appearance was in Denver, Colorado (with about 4,400 people per square mile, vs. 49,000 in New York City.)</p>
<p>So whether by intention or instinct, the strategies of the two campaigns were very, very different, and focused on distinctly different geographies.</p>
<p><em>Clinton held at least 1,665 events, while Trump held just 321.</em></p>
<p>Arguably, had Clinton simply spent more time in the hinterlands, it may have had some effect; but on the other hand, these differences may just be a reflection of how deeply this country is now divided — between the high density coasts, and the low-density exurbs and rural states. Each zone has distinctly different concerns for the future, and a distinctly different economic reality.</p>
<h2>Which Way Forward?</h2>
<p>Arguably there are two ways forward. Parties can either recognize the division between rural and urban that exists in this country, and decide to cater to both ends of the spectrum.</p>
<p>Or they can double down, further divide, and sharpen rhetoric that appeals to their respective constituencies. I’d argue that human history suggests that this latter approach will be the tendency. Nature abhors a compromise, once popularly-held views coalesce to a point where any reversal is perceived as defeat. We have likely passed this point.</p>
<p>Given that America’s highest density areas have the upper hand with regards to wealth production, it’s probably time to worry less about bringing the country’s lowest-density areas along, and create bottom-up alliances that bring together the country’s highest-density cities and states.</p>
<p>The rest of the country wants to go in a different direction. Maybe it’s time to let them go.</p>
<p><em>Dave Troy is a technologist, data analyst, and student of human networks based in Baltimore, Maryland. Watch his TED talk <a href="http://go.ted.com/t2k">here</a>. He</em> can be reached at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>.</p>
</section>
|
How Hillary Lost by Focusing on Cities — and Trump Won By Focusing on Rural Areas
Author’s Note: I wrote this article in December 2016 and never published it, primarily because it became clear at the time that there were other important factors to consider in the 2016 election, including foreign interference. However, I think this is likely relevant now as campaigns are making decisions about where and how to allocate resources — and as far as I know no one else spotted this in the data. If I were to rewrite this article today, I’d include more contemporary analysis, especially regarding swing states. Still, as an artifact from late 2016, I think it has intrinsic value today.
Over the last few years, many have remarked that our presidential elections have increasingly reflected a divide between rural and urban America. I wrote my own analysis of this phenomenon in 2012 to which several other prominent commentators referred.
In this 2016 election, the phenomenon has been accepted as orthodoxy: America is truly a country divided. But I thought it would be useful to do some new analysis that attempts to understand this in more detail.
Let’s take a look at voting behavior by population density for the last five elections, back to Bush vs. Gore in 2000.
Republican and Democratic Vote Margin, by County Population Density, 2000–2016
This graph offers three significant lessons. First, the parties have been attenuated around population density for some time, and each election cycle, the margins become more extreme. Second, the crossover point between Republican and Democratic primacy has always been between around 1,000 people per square mile. Third, Trump’s margin in low-density counties was higher than for any Republican candidate in the last five elections; likewise, Clinton’s margin in low-density areas was lower than for any recent Democratic candidate.
We also see that Clinton’s performance in high density areas was about the same, but just slightly lower, than Obama’s in 2012. However, in the highest density county (Manhattan) Clinton outperformed him significantly. (This should perhaps not be surprising, as Trump is deeply unpopular in Manhattan — look at his own low margin there. She also campaigned there heavily.)
Was this Strategic?
It’s hard to know whether this was something that either campaign pursued intentionally. Arguably, Trump has few real “friends,” and his campaign appearance strategy was based on his instincts gained through his work in television, and catering to areas he felt he would be well-received. Clinton, by contrast, has many celebrity supporters in New York, Los Angeles, and other major population centers. It would have been tempting to do fundraisers in these areas rather than spend time in lower density areas.
To try to get an answer to this question, I conducted an analysis of each candidate’s campaign appearances by location.
Clinton’s campaign conducted 52% of their appearances in counties with more than 1,000 people per square mile. By contrast, 79% of Trump’s events were in counties with fewer than 1,000 people per square mile.
Another startling fact: Clinton’s campaign held 120 events in New York City. Trump held none.
In Los Angeles County, Clinton held 63 events. Trump? Again, zero.
In fact, the highest density place that Trump held a campaign appearance was in Denver, Colorado (with about 4,400 people per square mile, vs. 49,000 in New York City.)
So whether by intention or instinct, the strategies of the two campaigns were very, very different, and focused on distinctly different geographies.
Clinton held at least 1,665 events, while Trump held just 321.
Arguably, had Clinton simply spent more time in the hinterlands, it may have had some effect; but on the other hand, these differences may just be a reflection of how deeply this country is now divided — between the high density coasts, and the low-density exurbs and rural states. Each zone has distinctly different concerns for the future, and a distinctly different economic reality.
Which Way Forward?
Arguably there are two ways forward. Parties can either recognize the division between rural and urban that exists in this country, and decide to cater to both ends of the spectrum.
Or they can double down, further divide, and sharpen rhetoric that appeals to their respective constituencies. I’d argue that human history suggests that this latter approach will be the tendency. Nature abhors a compromise, once popularly-held views coalesce to a point where any reversal is perceived as defeat. We have likely passed this point.
Given that America’s highest density areas have the upper hand with regards to wealth production, it’s probably time to worry less about bringing the country’s lowest-density areas along, and create bottom-up alliances that bring together the country’s highest-density cities and states.
The rest of the country wants to go in a different direction. Maybe it’s time to let them go.
Dave Troy is a technologist, data analyst, and student of human networks based in Baltimore, Maryland. Watch his TED talk here. He can be reached at [email protected].
|
07b7d34f-3df4-53f7-aa97-354cbe353c8c
|
25/08/2025 15:57:31
|
|
https://theinfinityschool.medium.com/deeper-learning-how-to-help-children-learn-effectively-c86783ec9380
|
medium.com
|
Deeper Learning: How To Help Children Learn Effectively
|
Learning has to be constant and consistent to ensure children flourish into their maximum potential. Here’s how we can lay down a solid…
|
The Infinity School
|
https://medium.com/@theinfinityschool
|
c86783ec9380
|
4 min
|
2019-07-27T09:00:52.240000
|
2019-07-27T09:04:59.672000
|
2021-12-11T02:30:25.277000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Education,Learning,Child Development,Early Development
|
<section>
<p><em>Learning has to be constant and consistent to ensure children flourish into their maximum potential. Here’s how we can lay down a solid foundation for the early development of lifelong learning abilities using fun methods.</em></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/960/1*KA3Usn-wO8TG523eFO45Xg.jpeg" width="960" height="540" loading="lazy" />
<p>When we’re young, we’re told to “<em>Learn languages to communicate better</em>.”, “<em>Do math sums to sharpen your brain</em>.” or “<em>Learn science to be aware of the environment we’re living in</em>.” But did we appreciate the need or importance of learning or even comprehend how this learning will become an integral part of our existence?</p>
<p>While there’s no end to learning, we need to make it stimulating and effective for a child such that it satiates a child’s curiosity, builds critical thinking skills, liberates them of inhibitions, and creates enough interest to move forward in the learning pyramid.</p>
<p>Read on for ways to deepen learning in children at home and school.</p>
<p><strong>How To Deepen Cognitive Learning Process In Children?</strong></p>
<p><strong>1.</strong> <strong>Accentuate</strong></p>
<p>Children remember things for a longer time when they follow different learning methods to process information. But how do kids usually learn? They cram! They memorise facts (rote learning) and regurgitate them on paper during tests. The kind of knowledge is promptly forgotten later. Altering our child’s frequency and potency of exposure, rather than focusing on repetitions is a concrete way to make learning last. We could start by introducing them to different learning styles to cover the major pointers at school and home.</p>
<p>Storytelling is one of the best tested-and-tried methods of remembering difficult words and sentences. (E.g., “I sat on the MOTORBIKE to go GROCERY SHOPPING when a GIGANTIC DINOSAUR came before my VEHICLE. I applied the brakes IMMEDIATELY.) With the repetition of difficult words in a different story each time, kids learn their spellings and pronunciation easily, remember all the words in the perfect order and also, understand their usage in different sentences.</p>
<p>Letting kids make their questions, or giving out pop-quiz, once they’ve finished reading a chapter is a good technique to re-memorise the important concepts. Another strategy could be relating the same principles to something they’ve read in the past, or something they’re about to read.</p>
<p>Re-conceptualisation imprints the theory in their minds for a long time.</p>
<p><strong>2.</strong> <strong>Engage</strong></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/940/1*ZwcVIWE6BkDAaNhHE0HWHQ.png" width="940" height="788" loading="lazy" />
<p>“Research states that implementing new & different learning styles in the classroom makes the process more engaging. It sets the ground for understanding different perspectives, motivates kids to practice higher-order thinking skills, and improves their attention span.”</p>
<p>We could create opportunities for children to mutually share their experiences if we replace passive observation with active participation within the classrooms through collaborative activities (group projects, discussions, quiz, etc.). Allowing children to provide multiple answers/explanations/solutions to a question (differentiated learning), gives everyone a fair chance to answer in whatever way they want (E.g., writing, poetry, drawing, etc.). It builds the self-confidence to pursue individual interests.</p>
<p>At homes, through simple every-day activities (e.g., using measuring cups in the kitchen, or bathrooms), we can make intricate concepts like size, volume, number, etc. more interesting.</p>
<p>Such activities could also be paired with classroom discussions and question-answering to stimulate natural curiosity through an inquiry-based school curriculum. Many modern schools are switching from a content-based to inquiry-led school curriculum to consolidate learning, keeping this in mind.</p>
<p><strong>3.</strong> <strong>Assess</strong></p>
<p><em>What are we preparing our kids for — examinations, scores, jobs, or life-long learning? Where do our assessment for learning fit into this?</em></p>
<p>Child counsellors believe assessments determine the level of learning and encourage students to improve when they receive feedback on their efforts, not outcomes. Just like formal/informal assessments, self-assessment is equally important for analysing where we stand.</p>
<p>Maintaining a child development journal is a good strategy for helping kids assess their skills. When children spend a few minutes to write about what they’ve learned every day, they reflect on their activities and build good writing skills. If they can’t seem to figure out what to write, we can give them cues to help them start. E.g., List 5–10 facts that you’ve learned this week. What do you want to learn next? What fact did you have trouble understanding?</p>
<p>Giving structured feedback on their efforts help them in understanding their strengths and areas that require improvement. (E.g., You’ve used the adjectives and adverbs at the right places. We need to put in a little more efforts in using the conjunctions.)</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1501/1*n-0lsQG-V3iFLpBjD72F5w.jpeg" width="1501" height="1001" loading="lazy" />
<p>Why is there a need for deeper learning? Why do we need to redefine learning for the coming generations? Probably because the traditional learning models are based on memorisation and reproduction, unable to meet the ever-changing demands of the future. Therefore, there’s a critical need for revamping the models and principles of learning to make them more practical and closer to real-life. A practical learning model will pay off in the long run by turning kids into lifelong learners.</p>
</section>
|
Deeper Learning: How To Help Children Learn Effectively
Learning has to be constant and consistent to ensure children flourish into their maximum potential. Here’s how we can lay down a solid foundation for the early development of lifelong learning abilities using fun methods.
When we’re young, we’re told to “Learn languages to communicate better.”, “Do math sums to sharpen your brain.” or “Learn science to be aware of the environment we’re living in.” But did we appreciate the need or importance of learning or even comprehend how this learning will become an integral part of our existence?
While there’s no end to learning, we need to make it stimulating and effective for a child such that it satiates a child’s curiosity, builds critical thinking skills, liberates them of inhibitions, and creates enough interest to move forward in the learning pyramid.
Read on for ways to deepen learning in children at home and school.
How To Deepen Cognitive Learning Process In Children?
1. Accentuate
Children remember things for a longer time when they follow different learning methods to process information. But how do kids usually learn? They cram! They memorise facts (rote learning) and regurgitate them on paper during tests. The kind of knowledge is promptly forgotten later. Altering our child’s frequency and potency of exposure, rather than focusing on repetitions is a concrete way to make learning last. We could start by introducing them to different learning styles to cover the major pointers at school and home.
Storytelling is one of the best tested-and-tried methods of remembering difficult words and sentences. (E.g., “I sat on the MOTORBIKE to go GROCERY SHOPPING when a GIGANTIC DINOSAUR came before my VEHICLE. I applied the brakes IMMEDIATELY.) With the repetition of difficult words in a different story each time, kids learn their spellings and pronunciation easily, remember all the words in the perfect order and also, understand their usage in different sentences.
Letting kids make their questions, or giving out pop-quiz, once they’ve finished reading a chapter is a good technique to re-memorise the important concepts. Another strategy could be relating the same principles to something they’ve read in the past, or something they’re about to read.
Re-conceptualisation imprints the theory in their minds for a long time.
2. Engage
“Research states that implementing new & different learning styles in the classroom makes the process more engaging. It sets the ground for understanding different perspectives, motivates kids to practice higher-order thinking skills, and improves their attention span.”
We could create opportunities for children to mutually share their experiences if we replace passive observation with active participation within the classrooms through collaborative activities (group projects, discussions, quiz, etc.). Allowing children to provide multiple answers/explanations/solutions to a question (differentiated learning), gives everyone a fair chance to answer in whatever way they want (E.g., writing, poetry, drawing, etc.). It builds the self-confidence to pursue individual interests.
At homes, through simple every-day activities (e.g., using measuring cups in the kitchen, or bathrooms), we can make intricate concepts like size, volume, number, etc. more interesting.
Such activities could also be paired with classroom discussions and question-answering to stimulate natural curiosity through an inquiry-based school curriculum. Many modern schools are switching from a content-based to inquiry-led school curriculum to consolidate learning, keeping this in mind.
3. Assess
What are we preparing our kids for — examinations, scores, jobs, or life-long learning? Where do our assessment for learning fit into this?
Child counsellors believe assessments determine the level of learning and encourage students to improve when they receive feedback on their efforts, not outcomes. Just like formal/informal assessments, self-assessment is equally important for analysing where we stand.
Maintaining a child development journal is a good strategy for helping kids assess their skills. When children spend a few minutes to write about what they’ve learned every day, they reflect on their activities and build good writing skills. If they can’t seem to figure out what to write, we can give them cues to help them start. E.g., List 5–10 facts that you’ve learned this week. What do you want to learn next? What fact did you have trouble understanding?
Giving structured feedback on their efforts help them in understanding their strengths and areas that require improvement. (E.g., You’ve used the adjectives and adverbs at the right places. We need to put in a little more efforts in using the conjunctions.)
Why is there a need for deeper learning? Why do we need to redefine learning for the coming generations? Probably because the traditional learning models are based on memorisation and reproduction, unable to meet the ever-changing demands of the future. Therefore, there’s a critical need for revamping the models and principles of learning to make them more practical and closer to real-life. A practical learning model will pay off in the long run by turning kids into lifelong learners.
|
b157ac2d-4dd1-5214-9491-20d43c4aa9e7
|
25/08/2025 15:57:32
|
|
https://jerlyn.medium.com/day-28-of-28-of-black-history-month-9a025c99713
|
medium.com
|
Day 28 of 28 of Black History Month
|
Welcome to the 28th day of 28 of Black History Month. Hopefully you’ve learned something and hopefully, some of you celebrated by watching…
|
Jerlyn | Experience Designer
|
https://medium.com/@jerlyn
|
9a025c99713
|
2 min
|
2018-02-28T15:32:41.002000
|
2018-02-28T15:33:38.735000
|
2018-02-28T15:33:39.522000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
BlackLivesMatter,Black History Month,LGBT Rights,Bayard Rustin,Black History
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/768/1*3OZCzkHkSX1OTBPV9zM4TQ.jpeg" width="768" height="864" loading="lazy" />
<p>Welcome to the 28th day of 28 of Black History Month. Hopefully you’ve learned something and hopefully, some of you celebrated by watching Black Panther or wished me a happy birthday. February is such a short month, too short to go over the entire history of how people of black descent influenced this country. I wasn’t sure who to highlight today but happy that I spoke to my coworker who brought up the name Bayard Rustin. Who? I fell in love with his story immediately. We so often learn to romanticize the stories of the Civil Rights Movement because of MLK’s “I have a dream speech” that we forget that many of these were orchestrated to fight for equality. The entire movement wasn’t MLK or Rosa Parks. There were coordinators, writers, artists, cooks, community leaders, etc. Many people played a part, much like today’s Black Lives Matter movement. BLM is basically modern-day civil rights movement. Oh, are we forgetting that there were also people losing their lives back then? Well, let’s talk about Bayard and why he was important. He was a key figure on that March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.</p>
<p>Bayard observed Mahatma Gandhi’s movement in India when he visited, so he taught King nonviolent resistance and tactics of civil disobedience. While he was arrested several times for civil disobedience, he was also arrested for engaging in public sex with white male prostitutes. Rustin was attacked as a “pervert” or “immoral influence” by political opponents from segregationists to conservative black leaders from the 1950s through the 1970s. This is why he acted as an influential adviser behind the scenes to the civil-rights leader instead of a public persona. Before Bayard, “Dr. King was permitting himself and his children and his home to be protected by guns.” Rustin convinced King to abandon the armed protection, including a personal handgun.</p>
<p>His story is worth googling because he ended up playing a key role in helping to protect the property of the more than 120,000 Japanese Americans, most native-born, who had been imprisoned in internment camps.</p>
<p>He single-handedly attempted to desegregate interstate bus travel but got arrested and beaten.</p>
<p>He fought for marriage equality. He ended up adopting his life partner in order for them to have rights since he was 37 years older.</p>
<p>He had an interesting upbringing as well, Bayard grew up being raised by his parents (who were actually his grandparents) and his sister (who was actually his mother).</p>
</section>
|
Day 28 of 28 of Black History Month
Welcome to the 28th day of 28 of Black History Month. Hopefully you’ve learned something and hopefully, some of you celebrated by watching Black Panther or wished me a happy birthday. February is such a short month, too short to go over the entire history of how people of black descent influenced this country. I wasn’t sure who to highlight today but happy that I spoke to my coworker who brought up the name Bayard Rustin. Who? I fell in love with his story immediately. We so often learn to romanticize the stories of the Civil Rights Movement because of MLK’s “I have a dream speech” that we forget that many of these were orchestrated to fight for equality. The entire movement wasn’t MLK or Rosa Parks. There were coordinators, writers, artists, cooks, community leaders, etc. Many people played a part, much like today’s Black Lives Matter movement. BLM is basically modern-day civil rights movement. Oh, are we forgetting that there were also people losing their lives back then? Well, let’s talk about Bayard and why he was important. He was a key figure on that March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Bayard observed Mahatma Gandhi’s movement in India when he visited, so he taught King nonviolent resistance and tactics of civil disobedience. While he was arrested several times for civil disobedience, he was also arrested for engaging in public sex with white male prostitutes. Rustin was attacked as a “pervert” or “immoral influence” by political opponents from segregationists to conservative black leaders from the 1950s through the 1970s. This is why he acted as an influential adviser behind the scenes to the civil-rights leader instead of a public persona. Before Bayard, “Dr. King was permitting himself and his children and his home to be protected by guns.” Rustin convinced King to abandon the armed protection, including a personal handgun.
His story is worth googling because he ended up playing a key role in helping to protect the property of the more than 120,000 Japanese Americans, most native-born, who had been imprisoned in internment camps.
He single-handedly attempted to desegregate interstate bus travel but got arrested and beaten.
He fought for marriage equality. He ended up adopting his life partner in order for them to have rights since he was 37 years older.
He had an interesting upbringing as well, Bayard grew up being raised by his parents (who were actually his grandparents) and his sister (who was actually his mother).
|
faf2dab3-dedc-55a8-a367-59047cb75c20
|
25/08/2025 15:57:32
|
|
https://medium.com/@kasminfernandes/10-tips-for-indie-musicians-to-maximize-their-revenue-off-streaming-af2daf6de5c4
|
medium.com
|
10 tips for indie musicians to maximize their revenue off streaming
|
In the digital age, streaming music has emerged as the dominant mode of consumption, transforming the way we access and engage with music…
|
Kasmin Fernandes
|
https://medium.com/@kasminfernandes
|
af2daf6de5c4
|
5 min
|
2023-07-11T20:50:48.174000
|
2023-07-08T04:30:02.557000
|
2023-07-11T20:56:58.099000
| 0 | 1 |
en
|
Indie Music,Spotify,Streaming Music
|
<section>
<h1>10 tips for indie musicians to maximize their revenue off streaming</h1>
<p>In the digital age, streaming music has emerged as the dominant mode of consumption, transforming the way we access and engage with music. However, while streaming platforms have brought convenience and accessibility to listeners, the story for musicians, particularly indie artists, is a tale of both new opportunities and daunting challenges.</p>
<p>Streaming music platforms initially held the promise of democratizing the music industry, offering a direct avenue for independent artists to reach a global audience without the constraints of traditional gatekeepers. The ease of digital distribution, combined with the power of social media and online communities, seemed to open doors to uncharted possibilities.</p>
<p>However, the reality of the streaming era has been far more complex and demanding for independent musicians. The dominant streaming models, such as subscription-based services and ad-supported platforms, are built on algorithms and data-driven recommendations. While this approach benefits listeners by curating personalized experiences, it also creates a highly competitive and saturated market where visibility and discoverability become significant challenges for independent musicians.</p>
<h2>Financial Realities for Indie Artists</h2>
<p>The financial returns from streaming platforms often fall far short of expectations. The royalty rates offered by streaming services like Spotify, although varying, are generally meagre, making it exceedingly difficult for artists to sustain themselves solely through streaming revenue.</p>
<blockquote>The economics of streaming tend to favour already established artists with large catalogues and extensive promotional support, leaving smaller indie acts struggling to make ends meet.</blockquote>
<p>Streaming platforms — as gatekeepers of the digital music landscape — wield significant influence over artists’ visibility and success. Algorithms determine what songs are recommended, playlists are curated, and the platform’s promotional resources are allocated. While this can provide exposure and opportunities for some indie artists, it also raises concerns about the potential for favouritism and a lack of transparency in the decision-making process.</p>
<h2>The Value of Art</h2>
<p>The advent of streaming music has transformed the perception of music itself. As the industry becomes increasingly driven by data and algorithms, the value of music as a creative expression can sometimes be overshadowed by its commodification. This shift can pose existential challenges for indie artists who rely on their music as a means of personal and artistic expression, as they struggle to find their place in a landscape that values popularity and stream counts above all else.</p>
<blockquote>In the face of these challenges, the importance of supportive communities and dedicated fan bases cannot be overstated.</blockquote>
<p>Indie artists often rely on the loyalty and passion of their fans to sustain their musical careers. Social media platforms and crowdfunding websites have become vital tools for cultivating these communities and establishing direct connections between artists and their listeners, fostering a more intimate and reciprocal relationship.</p>
<h2>What Can Indie Artists Do?</h2>
<p>To navigate the treacherous terrain of streaming music, indie artists must adapt and embrace new strategies. Diversifying revenue streams, including merchandise sales, live performances, and licensing opportunities, can help offset the limitations of streaming royalties. Collaborations with other artists and proactive networking within the music industry can provide exposure and foster new opportunities. Additionally, independent musicians should continue to leverage the power of their authenticity and the intimate connections they forge with their fans, emphasizing the value of their art beyond mere streaming numbers.</p>
<p>The rise of streaming music has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we consume and discover music. However, for indie artists, this brave new world presents a set of formidable challenges. The economic realities and shifting values of the digital music landscape demand innovative approaches and resilience. Only through concerted efforts can we create a more equitable and nurturing environment for all musicians, ensuring that the independent spirit of artistic expression thrives in the digital age.</p>
<h2>Top 10 tips for artists to maximize revenue from streaming</h2>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/0*uWc-rBdDMI1BvCty.jpeg" width="1280" height="853" loading="lazy" />
<p><strong>1. Engage with your audience:</strong></p>
<p>Build a strong connection with your fans through social media, email newsletters, and live performances. Respond to comments, messages, and emails promptly, and show genuine interest in your listeners. Engaging with your audience can lead to stronger relationships and increased support for your music.</p>
<p><strong>2. Collaborate with other artists:</strong></p>
<p>Collaborations with other artists, especially those with larger followings, can expose your music to new audiences. Seek out artists who share a similar style or fan base, and work together on a song, remix, or even a joint EP. Cross-promote each other’s work to expand your reach.</p>
<p><strong>3. Create compelling visual content:</strong></p>
<p>In today’s digital age, visuals play a significant role in capturing people’s attention. Invest in high-quality music videos, lyric videos, and visualizers that complement your music. Share them on YouTube, social media, and streaming platforms to enhance the overall experience of your music and attract more listeners.</p>
<p><strong>4. Optimize your streaming profiles:</strong></p>
<p>Make sure your artist profiles on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are fully optimized. Use eye-catching cover art, well-written artist bios, and up-to-date release information. Consider creating playlists featuring your own songs and tracks from similar artists to encourage discovery.</p>
<p><strong>5. Release music consistently:</strong></p>
<p>Regularly releasing new music can help maintain and grow your fan base. Consider releasing singles, EPs, or albums on a consistent schedule to keep your audience engaged and interested. This approach increases your chances of appearing in algorithmic playlists and new release sections, which can lead to more streams and exposure.</p>
<p><strong>6. Leverage social media advertising:</strong></p>
<p>Use targeted advertising on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to reach potential fans who may enjoy your music. Experiment with different ad formats, targeting options, and budget allocations to find what works best for you. A well-planned advertising campaign can increase your visibility and drive streaming numbers.</p>
<p><strong>7. Encourage playlist placements:</strong></p>
<p>Submit your music to independent curators and official playlist editors on various streaming platforms. Research relevant playlists that align with your genre and style, and follow their submission guidelines. Getting your songs featured on popular playlists can significantly boost your exposure and streaming numbers.</p>
<p><strong>8. Perform live shows and tours:</strong></p>
<p>While streaming has become a primary source of music consumption, live performances still hold significant value. Book gigs at local venues, perform at festivals, and consider organizing your own shows. Engage with your audience during performances and make sure to promote your streaming platforms and merchandise to convert the live experience into ongoing support.</p>
<p><strong>9. Sell merchandise and physical copies:</strong></p>
<p>Don’t overlook the value of physical merchandise and vinyl records. Create unique and appealing merchandise such as t-shirts, posters, and limited edition items. Sell them at your live shows, on your website, and through online platforms dedicated to artist merchandise. Physical products can provide additional revenue streams and help you connect with fans on a more personal level.</p>
<p><strong>10. Build an email list:</strong></p>
<p>Encourage your fans to join your email list by offering exclusive content, early access to new releases, and special discounts on merchandise. Having a direct line of communication with your fans through email allows you to keep them updated on your latest releases, upcoming shows, and other important announcements.</p>
<p>Building a sustainable career as an indie artist takes time and dedication. Stay consistent, continuously refine your craft, and adapt your strategies based on the feedback and data you receive.</p>
<p><em>Originally published at <a href="https://kasmin.wordpress.com/2023/0</em>7/08/power-dynamics-streaming-music-tips-maximize-revenue-explainer/">http://kasmin.wordpress.com</a> on July 8, 2023.</p>
</section>
|
Photo by Soundtrap on Unsplash
10 tips for indie musicians to maximize their revenue off streaming
In the digital age, streaming music has emerged as the dominant mode of consumption, transforming the way we access and engage with music. However, while streaming platforms have brought convenience and accessibility to listeners, the story for musicians, particularly indie artists, is a tale of both new opportunities and daunting challenges.
Streaming music platforms initially held the promise of democratizing the music industry, offering a direct avenue for independent artists to reach a global audience without the constraints of traditional gatekeepers. The ease of digital distribution, combined with the power of social media and online communities, seemed to open doors to uncharted possibilities.
However, the reality of the streaming era has been far more complex and demanding for independent musicians. The dominant streaming models, such as subscription-based services and ad-supported platforms, are built on algorithms and data-driven recommendations. While this approach benefits listeners by curating personalized experiences, it also creates a highly competitive and saturated market where visibility and discoverability become significant challenges for independent musicians.
Financial Realities for Indie Artists
The financial returns from streaming platforms often fall far short of expectations. The royalty rates offered by streaming services like Spotify, although varying, are generally meagre, making it exceedingly difficult for artists to sustain themselves solely through streaming revenue.
The economics of streaming tend to favour already established artists with large catalogues and extensive promotional support, leaving smaller indie acts struggling to make ends meet.
Streaming platforms — as gatekeepers of the digital music landscape — wield significant influence over artists’ visibility and success. Algorithms determine what songs are recommended, playlists are curated, and the platform’s promotional resources are allocated. While this can provide exposure and opportunities for some indie artists, it also raises concerns about the potential for favouritism and a lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
The Value of Art
The advent of streaming music has transformed the perception of music itself. As the industry becomes increasingly driven by data and algorithms, the value of music as a creative expression can sometimes be overshadowed by its commodification. This shift can pose existential challenges for indie artists who rely on their music as a means of personal and artistic expression, as they struggle to find their place in a landscape that values popularity and stream counts above all else.
In the face of these challenges, the importance of supportive communities and dedicated fan bases cannot be overstated.
Indie artists often rely on the loyalty and passion of their fans to sustain their musical careers. Social media platforms and crowdfunding websites have become vital tools for cultivating these communities and establishing direct connections between artists and their listeners, fostering a more intimate and reciprocal relationship.
What Can Indie Artists Do?
To navigate the treacherous terrain of streaming music, indie artists must adapt and embrace new strategies. Diversifying revenue streams, including merchandise sales, live performances, and licensing opportunities, can help offset the limitations of streaming royalties. Collaborations with other artists and proactive networking within the music industry can provide exposure and foster new opportunities. Additionally, independent musicians should continue to leverage the power of their authenticity and the intimate connections they forge with their fans, emphasizing the value of their art beyond mere streaming numbers.
The rise of streaming music has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we consume and discover music. However, for indie artists, this brave new world presents a set of formidable challenges. The economic realities and shifting values of the digital music landscape demand innovative approaches and resilience. Only through concerted efforts can we create a more equitable and nurturing environment for all musicians, ensuring that the independent spirit of artistic expression thrives in the digital age.
Top 10 tips for artists to maximize revenue from streaming
1. Engage with your audience:
Build a strong connection with your fans through social media, email newsletters, and live performances. Respond to comments, messages, and emails promptly, and show genuine interest in your listeners. Engaging with your audience can lead to stronger relationships and increased support for your music.
2. Collaborate with other artists:
Collaborations with other artists, especially those with larger followings, can expose your music to new audiences. Seek out artists who share a similar style or fan base, and work together on a song, remix, or even a joint EP. Cross-promote each other’s work to expand your reach.
3. Create compelling visual content:
In today’s digital age, visuals play a significant role in capturing people’s attention. Invest in high-quality music videos, lyric videos, and visualizers that complement your music. Share them on YouTube, social media, and streaming platforms to enhance the overall experience of your music and attract more listeners.
4. Optimize your streaming profiles:
Make sure your artist profiles on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are fully optimized. Use eye-catching cover art, well-written artist bios, and up-to-date release information. Consider creating playlists featuring your own songs and tracks from similar artists to encourage discovery.
5. Release music consistently:
Regularly releasing new music can help maintain and grow your fan base. Consider releasing singles, EPs, or albums on a consistent schedule to keep your audience engaged and interested. This approach increases your chances of appearing in algorithmic playlists and new release sections, which can lead to more streams and exposure.
6. Leverage social media advertising:
Use targeted advertising on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to reach potential fans who may enjoy your music. Experiment with different ad formats, targeting options, and budget allocations to find what works best for you. A well-planned advertising campaign can increase your visibility and drive streaming numbers.
7. Encourage playlist placements:
Submit your music to independent curators and official playlist editors on various streaming platforms. Research relevant playlists that align with your genre and style, and follow their submission guidelines. Getting your songs featured on popular playlists can significantly boost your exposure and streaming numbers.
8. Perform live shows and tours:
While streaming has become a primary source of music consumption, live performances still hold significant value. Book gigs at local venues, perform at festivals, and consider organizing your own shows. Engage with your audience during performances and make sure to promote your streaming platforms and merchandise to convert the live experience into ongoing support.
9. Sell merchandise and physical copies:
Don’t overlook the value of physical merchandise and vinyl records. Create unique and appealing merchandise such as t-shirts, posters, and limited edition items. Sell them at your live shows, on your website, and through online platforms dedicated to artist merchandise. Physical products can provide additional revenue streams and help you connect with fans on a more personal level.
10. Build an email list:
Encourage your fans to join your email list by offering exclusive content, early access to new releases, and special discounts on merchandise. Having a direct line of communication with your fans through email allows you to keep them updated on your latest releases, upcoming shows, and other important announcements.
Building a sustainable career as an indie artist takes time and dedication. Stay consistent, continuously refine your craft, and adapt your strategies based on the feedback and data you receive.
Originally published at http://kasmin.wordpress.com on July 8, 2023.
|
2fe93c3f-fcee-5b9a-b318-27b4cc25cc25
|
25/08/2025 15:57:32
|
|
https://medium.com/furniture-office/review-26-1-2-deep-2-drawer-vertical-file-by-office-source-567fa8a2bd75
|
medium.com
|
Review “26–1/2”” Deep 2 Drawer Vertical File by Office Source”
| null |
Michelle Wisdom
|
https://medium.com/@michellewisdom
|
567fa8a2bd75
| null |
1 min
|
2018-09-07T14:59:15.370000
|
2018-05-18T08:17:21
|
2018-09-07T15:29:17.102000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Furniture,Office Furniture,Office Source
|
<section>
<p><strong>Review "26–1/2"" Deep 2 Drawer Vertical File by Office Source"</strong>
Buy Link: <a href="http://03.edhoyz.co/go/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50a3FsaGNlLmNvbS9jbGljay03MTg4MTkzLTEyNDUxMjQyP3VybD1odHRwJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3Lm9mZmljZWZ1cm5pdHVyZTJnby5jb20lMkZwcm9kdWN0JTJGUEJBMTc4JTJGMjYlMjUyNDElMjglMjkyLWluLURlZXAtMi1EcmF3ZXItVmVydGljYWwtRmlsZS1ieS1PZmZpY2UtU291cmNlLmFzcHglM0ZjYXQlM0QxMDFBMjdBMDYtUEJBMTc4">CLICK HERE</a></p>
<h3>"26–1/2"" Deep 2 Drawer Vertical File by Office Source" Product Description:</h3>
<p><strong>"26–1/2"" Deep 2 Drawer Vertical File by Office Source"</strong>. "These durable welded steel vertical file cabinets are the cost-effective way to keep files organized and secure using minimal floor space. * Steel ball bearing slide suspension * High-sided drawers accommodate hanging folders * Spring loaded follower in drawers keeps files upright * Label holder for easy identification * Single lock secures all drawers, 2 keys included * Powder coat finish * Accommodates letter size files Ships fully assembled." Price: 249.00 USD.
The <em>"26–1/2"" Deep 2 Drawer Vertical File by Office Source"</em> is certainly that and will be a great buy. For this price, the "26–1/2"" Deep 2 Drawer Vertical File by Office Source" is highly recommended and is a popular choice with lots of people.
<a href="http://03.edhoyz.co/go/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50a3FsaGNlLmNvbS9jbGljay03MTg4MTkzLTEyNDUxMjQyP3VybD1odHRwJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3Lm9mZmljZWZ1cm5pdHVyZTJnby5jb20lMkZwcm9kdWN0JTJGUEJBMTc4JTJGMjYlMjUyNDElMjglMjkyLWluLURlZXAtMi1EcmF3ZXItVmVydGljYWwtRmlsZS1ieS1PZmZpY2UtU291cmNlLmFzcHglM0ZjYXQlM0QxMDFBMjdBMDYtUEJBMTc4">Buy it Now</a></p>
<p><a href="http://03.edhoyz.co/cheap-26-1-2-deep-2-drawer-vertical-file-by-office-source">Cheap "26–1/2"" Deep 2 Drawer Vertical File by Office Source"</a> is a post from: <a href="http://03.edhoyz.co">Office Experts</a></p>
</section>
|
Review “26–1/2”” Deep 2 Drawer Vertical File by Office Source”
Review "26–1/2"" Deep 2 Drawer Vertical File by Office Source"
Buy Link: CLICK HERE
"26–1/2"" Deep 2 Drawer Vertical File by Office Source" Product Description:
"26–1/2"" Deep 2 Drawer Vertical File by Office Source". "These durable welded steel vertical file cabinets are the cost-effective way to keep files organized and secure using minimal floor space. * Steel ball bearing slide suspension * High-sided drawers accommodate hanging folders * Spring loaded follower in drawers keeps files upright * Label holder for easy identification * Single lock secures all drawers, 2 keys included * Powder coat finish * Accommodates letter size files Ships fully assembled." Price: 249.00 USD.
The "26–1/2"" Deep 2 Drawer Vertical File by Office Source" is certainly that and will be a great buy. For this price, the "26–1/2"" Deep 2 Drawer Vertical File by Office Source" is highly recommended and is a popular choice with lots of people.
Buy it Now
Cheap "26–1/2"" Deep 2 Drawer Vertical File by Office Source" is a post from: Office Experts
|
a6f84142-eff2-5a35-83ed-8165d9d4916c
|
25/08/2025 15:57:32
|
https://medium.com/lampshade-of-illumination/how-to-make-100-a-day-from-amazon-kindle-secret-ai-trick-069a761cec2b
|
medium.com
|
How to make $100 a Day from Amazon Kindle (Secret AI Trick)
|
Passive Income Method
|
Make money online using AI Apps
|
https://medium.com/@eshanuk12
|
069a761cec2b
|
2 min
|
2023-10-06T19:32:35.589000
|
2023-10-07T01:16:46.693000
|
2023-10-08T05:09:07.883000
| 0 | 4 |
en
|
Make Money Online,Make Money From Home,Make Money Online Fast,Earn Money Online,Earn Money From Home
|
<section>
<h3>Passive Income Method</h3>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4444/1*SlqqO8NOfF4e9Hg8KUEebA.jpeg" width="4444" height="3041" loading="lazy" />
<p>Learn how to make $100 a day on Amazon Kindle with an innovative AI app. This game-changing app, <strong>powered by Google Bard</strong> and Leonardo AI, transforms eBook authoring. Consider how easy it would be to create professionally produced eBooks in a variety of genres and sell them internationally. Let’s look at this app’s potential and how it can help you make huge profits online.</p>
<h3>Introducing <a href="https://bit.ly/3LRVS30">BooklyPRO</a></h3>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1390/1*w_o-D2IJfUoTZ869zZuOEQ.png" width="1390" height="730" loading="lazy" />
<p>BooklyPRO is a game changer in the eBook production industry. This sophisticated application combines the power of Google Bard and Leonardo AI to create excellent eBooks. It covers <strong>over 2500 themes</strong> with gorgeous templates and AI-enhanced pictures, ranging from children’s stories to Business ebooks. BooklyPRO gives up a world of possibilities, allowing you to simply generate high-quality material.</p>
<h3>How to Start Earning:</h3>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1026/1*yYyMHpIxz0jYpNPbJSR1aA.png" width="1026" height="556" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1029/1*8l2ASMt9H4IQjjM0XD1g2g.png" width="1029" height="817" loading="lazy" />
<p><em><strong><a href="https://bit.ly/3LRVS30">Watch this BooklyPRO shor</em>t traini</strong>ng video and Start Earning Today!</a></p>
<p><strong>In conclusion</strong>, Booklypro is your key to unlocking potential revenues of $100 or more each day on Amazon Kindle. With its cutting-edge technology and flexibility, <strong>you can easily write and sell professional eBooks</strong> in a variety of areas. Don’t miss out this chance to up your online earning and enter the land of ongoing earnings. Use Booklypro as your guide to financial success in this online world.</p>
<p>This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links and making a purchase or signing up for a service may earn us a commission, without any extra cost to you. We only endorse products and services we’ve personally used and trust. Your support through these links enables us to offer valuable content. Thank you for your support!</p>
</section>
|
How to make $100 a Day from Amazon Kindle (Secret AI Trick)
Passive Income Method
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
Learn how to make $100 a day on Amazon Kindle with an innovative AI app. This game-changing app, powered by Google Bard and Leonardo AI, transforms eBook authoring. Consider how easy it would be to create professionally produced eBooks in a variety of genres and sell them internationally. Let’s look at this app’s potential and how it can help you make huge profits online.
Introducing BooklyPRO
BooklyPro
BooklyPRO is a game changer in the eBook production industry. This sophisticated application combines the power of Google Bard and Leonardo AI to create excellent eBooks. It covers over 2500 themes with gorgeous templates and AI-enhanced pictures, ranging from children’s stories to Business ebooks. BooklyPRO gives up a world of possibilities, allowing you to simply generate high-quality material.
How to Start Earning:
BooklyPro
Watch this BooklyPRO short training video and Start Earning Today!
In conclusion, Booklypro is your key to unlocking potential revenues of $100 or more each day on Amazon Kindle. With its cutting-edge technology and flexibility, you can easily write and sell professional eBooks in a variety of areas. Don’t miss out this chance to up your online earning and enter the land of ongoing earnings. Use Booklypro as your guide to financial success in this online world.
This post contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links and making a purchase or signing up for a service may earn us a commission, without any extra cost to you. We only endorse products and services we’ve personally used and trust. Your support through these links enables us to offer valuable content. Thank you for your support!
|
bea55d77-9573-5e80-99a6-460d4c70bd74
|
25/08/2025 15:57:32
|
|
https://medium.com/@adrianaharrington/we-can-t-let-it-roll-off-our-shoulders-any-more-9326f54f4338
|
medium.com
|
We Can’t Let it Roll Off Our Shoulders Any More
|
It has now been a month since the tragic death of Darrius Stewart, killed by Officer Schilling in Memphis, Tennessee.
|
Adriana Gobbo Harrington
|
https://medium.com/@adrianaharrington
|
9326f54f4338
| null |
2 min
|
2015-08-18T13:02:56.853000
|
2015-08-18T13:04:17.699000
|
2017-04-26T14:52:56.347000
| 0 | 3 |
en
|
Education,BlackLivesMatter,Justice
|
<section>
<p>It has now been a month since the tragic death of Darrius Stewart, killed by Officer Schilling in Memphis, Tennessee.</p>
<p>Every time a black teenager is shot and killed by a police officer I picture one of my students’ faces.</p>
<p>But this time I didn’t have to conjure an image of a student I knew and loved. This time it was my student whose face was on the nightly news. It was my student who was bleeding on the side of a road. It was my student’s classmates who are rallying, memorializing and demanding change.</p>
<p>Darrius Stewart was in my 7th period World History class as a freshman. He was a quiet freshman who embodied the phrase “still waters run deep.” He didn’t open up much in class, but when he did, he showed how intensely he’d be listening with a well thought out statement or question.</p>
<p>On April fools day2011, his classmates had decided to hide the clock while I was in the hallway. From the way Darrius was sitting a little nervously in his desk it was clear he had not instigated the plot. The Cheshire cat like grin on his face also showed that he thought this joke was hilarious. The clock story embodies two important characteristics about Darrius: he was a quiet student — one who often watched instead of participated — and he was just a teenager enjoying funny moment with his peers. He was just a kid.</p>
<p>A kid I had the honor of teaching for two years at Wooddale High School in World and U.S. History. He was quiet and silly. And when he was handcuffed and angry, Officer Shilling thought the only way to quiet him down was to kill him.</p>
<p>After I had let the shockwaves of denial wash over me, I spent some time going through photos and documents I had saved from teaching. I found the note that I wrote to Darrius at the end of his 11th grade U.S. History class.</p>
<p>Dear Darrius,</p>
<p>I am thrilled that I was able to have you as a student again in the 11th grade. You have a strong character, as you are able to just let the chaos roll off your shoulders, and focus on what you need to do in order for you to be successful. I am so proud of the fact that you were able to take feedback and use it constructively. Stay focused next year and end your high school career strong!</p>
<p>❤ Ms. Gobbo</p>
<p>I keep focusing on one line. “You are able to just let the chaos roll off your shoulders.”</p>
<p>In that moment in the back of the cop car, however, Darrius did not let the chaos roll off his shoulders. He’d let things go for so long and he finally couldn’t any more. He got angry. He messed up. He did the wrong thing. But the price of making a mistake shouldn’t be death. The cost of not being able to let one more thing roll of your shoulders shouldn’t be to get shot by an officer of the law.</p>
<p>Too many family members, teachers and friends have been forced to feel the gut wrenching, soul-crushing pain of an unwarranted death by the hands of those who are meant to protect and serve us. Too many kids have grown up facing obstacles and oppression as they try to live their lives to the best of their ability Too many people have been reminded again and again that our nation doesn’t understand the simple truth that black lives matter.</p>
<p>I’m angry too. I’m outraged. And I’m not going to let it roll off my shoulders. None of us should.</p>
</section>
|
We Can’t Let it Roll Off Our Shoulders Any More
It has now been a month since the tragic death of Darrius Stewart, killed by Officer Schilling in Memphis, Tennessee.
Every time a black teenager is shot and killed by a police officer I picture one of my students’ faces.
But this time I didn’t have to conjure an image of a student I knew and loved. This time it was my student whose face was on the nightly news. It was my student who was bleeding on the side of a road. It was my student’s classmates who are rallying, memorializing and demanding change.
Darrius Stewart was in my 7th period World History class as a freshman. He was a quiet freshman who embodied the phrase “still waters run deep.” He didn’t open up much in class, but when he did, he showed how intensely he’d be listening with a well thought out statement or question.
On April fools day2011, his classmates had decided to hide the clock while I was in the hallway. From the way Darrius was sitting a little nervously in his desk it was clear he had not instigated the plot. The Cheshire cat like grin on his face also showed that he thought this joke was hilarious. The clock story embodies two important characteristics about Darrius: he was a quiet student — one who often watched instead of participated — and he was just a teenager enjoying funny moment with his peers. He was just a kid.
A kid I had the honor of teaching for two years at Wooddale High School in World and U.S. History. He was quiet and silly. And when he was handcuffed and angry, Officer Shilling thought the only way to quiet him down was to kill him.
After I had let the shockwaves of denial wash over me, I spent some time going through photos and documents I had saved from teaching. I found the note that I wrote to Darrius at the end of his 11th grade U.S. History class.
Dear Darrius,
I am thrilled that I was able to have you as a student again in the 11th grade. You have a strong character, as you are able to just let the chaos roll off your shoulders, and focus on what you need to do in order for you to be successful. I am so proud of the fact that you were able to take feedback and use it constructively. Stay focused next year and end your high school career strong!
❤ Ms. Gobbo
I keep focusing on one line. “You are able to just let the chaos roll off your shoulders.”
In that moment in the back of the cop car, however, Darrius did not let the chaos roll off his shoulders. He’d let things go for so long and he finally couldn’t any more. He got angry. He messed up. He did the wrong thing. But the price of making a mistake shouldn’t be death. The cost of not being able to let one more thing roll of your shoulders shouldn’t be to get shot by an officer of the law.
Too many family members, teachers and friends have been forced to feel the gut wrenching, soul-crushing pain of an unwarranted death by the hands of those who are meant to protect and serve us. Too many kids have grown up facing obstacles and oppression as they try to live their lives to the best of their ability Too many people have been reminded again and again that our nation doesn’t understand the simple truth that black lives matter.
I’m angry too. I’m outraged. And I’m not going to let it roll off my shoulders. None of us should.
|
14db212a-c9d2-5e1e-bf83-3f836485581e
|
25/08/2025 15:57:33
|
https://medium.com/@anis.malouche/why-agile-scrum-does-not-work-for-large-corporation-ab4c16977684
|
medium.com
|
Why does Agile Scrum not work for large corporation?
|
What we have tried to change in 2017 based on our experience of 2016?
|
Anis Malouche
|
https://medium.com/@anis.malouche
|
ab4c16977684
|
3 min
|
2017-03-26T12:11:34.665000
|
2017-03-26T12:18:54.659000
|
2018-06-08T11:10:47.875000
| 1 | 99 |
en
|
Agile,Scrum,Project Management,Software Development,Teamwork
|
<section>
<h3>What we have tried to change in 2017 based on our experience of 2016?</h3>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3508/1*OJq1kzvOqim_Pa2zpGJz1g.jpeg" width="3508" height="1705" loading="lazy" />
<p>Among professionals in a variety of spheres Scrum, designed in 1993, is recognized as one of the most efficient methodologies for successful completion of sophisticated projects.
<em>For example, your customer creates a backlog, so called a wishlist. Your team jots down a sprint backlog under your lead, — let’s call it a bullet point list of ‘when’ and ‘how’. When a project manager decides the piece of work done is marketable, it is sent for a review. In case of success the team proceeds for a retrospective on a product</em>. Each chunk of the backlog goes through a repetitive procedure. Thus, the agile Scrum framework keeps the team focused. Easy as a pie.</p>
<p>However with me, the application turned out not quite applicable everywhere.</p>
<p>When working on large projects in a big corporation we just shifted the delivery process from Scrum to DAD delivery process.</p>
<h1>1. This is what the executives expected</h1>
<ul>
<li>A crystal clear timeline with a defined delivery date for each release</li>
<li>Be informed of any delivery risk way before the delivery date and not discover that a feature (story) will not be delivered one week before the delivery date</li>
<li>Having predefined feature roadmap for the entire year for whole 2017</li>
<li>Delivery cycles of six weeks, so every six weeks we should launch a new batch of features covering a new set of users needs and requirements</li>
<li>Within six weeks cycle, any delivery risk should be announced in the first two weeks of the cycle and not by the end of the cycle close to the cycle end</li>
</ul>
<h2>2. This is how we were setup in 2016</h2>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3508/1*f9Ilx8gcDCTj8ycuxED8Ag.jpeg" width="3508" height="2480" loading="lazy" />
<ul>
<li>We launched the project by implementing two-week scrum delivery cycles</li>
<li>We were running sprints as fast as we can and catching our collective breath by the end</li>
<li>The scope was defined sprint by sprint without being able to build the yearly or even a quarter feature roadmap</li>
<li>We’re tried to build a Release planning putting several sprints together but the communication was to the upper management were still based on the progress of the current sprint and not at a release level</li>
<li>We start the sprint by an inception cycle for each story, and we discover during the sprint that we have several stories that are not technically feasible in the two weeks</li>
<li>We raised a list of risky stories and features that to the executive in the second week of the sprint, which is basically one week before the delivery date</li>
<li>This late risk communication made our sponsors and executives totally uncomfortable with our delivery process and insecure about the team capacity to deliver</li>
</ul>
<h2>3. This is what we are trying in 2017</h2>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/1*VLqqCWIDwgcw1xWj7IyP4g.jpeg" width="1280" height="669" loading="lazy" />
<ul>
<li>We are switching from two weeks <em><strong>Scrum</em> process</strong> planning to 6 weeks <em><strong>Release </em>planning</strong></li>
<li>Roughly every six weeks we start a new release, which goes from Inception period of two weeks followed by four weeks of Construction and lastly two weeks of QA, integration testing before releasing the new product in production</li>
<li>Each six-week work cycle contains two type of delivery :</li>
<li><strong>Big Rocks: </strong>Big rocks are big features or stuff that’s probably going to take up the full six weeks to get done. We typically put the Big Rocks first (1) and take on one or two Big Rock in a six week cycle.</li>
<li><strong>Small Rocks:</strong> Small rocks are smaller things, tweaks, minor adjustments, and easy adds that should take anywhere from a day to five days to complete. We typically take on between 4 and 8 Small Rocks in a six week cycle.</li>
<li>We fill the six weeks cycle with the big rocks first based on the priorities of our project scope and expected value by our users than we add small rocks.</li>
<li>This delivery process is based on Disciplined Agile (2) approach which gives the inception phase more space that the classic Scrum approach</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3508/1*WxpQ_Vxd-u3ndKpLzjNpuw.jpeg" width="3508" height="2480" loading="lazy" />
<p>Thanks for dropping by!</p>
<p>If it touched a nerve, <strong>hit that heart button below</strong>. It would mean a lot to me and it helps more people see the story.</p>
<p></p>
<ul>
<li>(1)<a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/put-the-big-rocks-in-first.html">https://michaelhyatt.com/put-the-big-rocks-in-first.html</a></li>
<li>(2) <a href="http://www.disciplinedagiledelivery.com/process/">Disciplined Agile</a></li>
</ul>
</section>
|
Why does Agile Scrum not work for large corporation?
What we have tried to change in 2017 based on our experience of 2016?
Among professionals in a variety of spheres Scrum, designed in 1993, is recognized as one of the most efficient methodologies for successful completion of sophisticated projects.
For example, your customer creates a backlog, so called a wishlist. Your team jots down a sprint backlog under your lead, — let’s call it a bullet point list of ‘when’ and ‘how’. When a project manager decides the piece of work done is marketable, it is sent for a review. In case of success the team proceeds for a retrospective on a product. Each chunk of the backlog goes through a repetitive procedure. Thus, the agile Scrum framework keeps the team focused. Easy as a pie.
However with me, the application turned out not quite applicable everywhere.
When working on large projects in a big corporation we just shifted the delivery process from Scrum to DAD delivery process.
1. This is what the executives expected
A crystal clear timeline with a defined delivery date for each release
Be informed of any delivery risk way before the delivery date and not discover that a feature (story) will not be delivered one week before the delivery date
Having predefined feature roadmap for the entire year for whole 2017
Delivery cycles of six weeks, so every six weeks we should launch a new batch of features covering a new set of users needs and requirements
Within six weeks cycle, any delivery risk should be announced in the first two weeks of the cycle and not by the end of the cycle close to the cycle end
2. This is how we were setup in 2016
We launched the project by implementing two-week scrum delivery cycles
We were running sprints as fast as we can and catching our collective breath by the end
The scope was defined sprint by sprint without being able to build the yearly or even a quarter feature roadmap
We’re tried to build a Release planning putting several sprints together but the communication was to the upper management were still based on the progress of the current sprint and not at a release level
We start the sprint by an inception cycle for each story, and we discover during the sprint that we have several stories that are not technically feasible in the two weeks
We raised a list of risky stories and features that to the executive in the second week of the sprint, which is basically one week before the delivery date
This late risk communication made our sponsors and executives totally uncomfortable with our delivery process and insecure about the team capacity to deliver
3. This is what we are trying in 2017
We are switching from two weeks Scrum process planning to 6 weeks Release planning
Roughly every six weeks we start a new release, which goes from Inception period of two weeks followed by four weeks of Construction and lastly two weeks of QA, integration testing before releasing the new product in production
Each six-week work cycle contains two type of delivery :
Big Rocks: Big rocks are big features or stuff that’s probably going to take up the full six weeks to get done. We typically put the Big Rocks first (1) and take on one or two Big Rock in a six week cycle.
Small Rocks: Small rocks are smaller things, tweaks, minor adjustments, and easy adds that should take anywhere from a day to five days to complete. We typically take on between 4 and 8 Small Rocks in a six week cycle.
We fill the six weeks cycle with the big rocks first based on the priorities of our project scope and expected value by our users than we add small rocks.
This delivery process is based on Disciplined Agile (2) approach which gives the inception phase more space that the classic Scrum approach
Thanks for dropping by!
If it touched a nerve, hit that heart button below. It would mean a lot to me and it helps more people see the story.
(1)https://michaelhyatt.com/put-the-big-rocks-in-first.html
(2) Disciplined Agile
|
a9d209b7-fb1a-5ba4-b88f-394520023f69
|
25/08/2025 15:57:33
|
|
https://angeliquelittle.medium.com/pose-and-the-power-of-perspective-3413ab9db25b
|
medium.com
|
Pose and the power of perspective
|
When Netflix launched their Black Lives Matter collection, my first reaction was “Oh, cool!” I had seen something similar on Amazon and…
|
Angelique Little
|
https://medium.com/@angeliquelittle
|
3413ab9db25b
|
https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*YvYSWMnx8A62H_7M
|
4 min
|
2020-06-25T19:12:45.914000
|
2020-07-03T01:58:56.207000
|
2021-12-15T01:50:15.880000
| 0 | 100 |
en
|
Television,BlackLivesMatter,LGBTQ,Netflix,Perspective
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*YvYSWMnx8A62H_7M" width="1200" height="800" loading="lazy" />
<p>When Netflix launched their Black Lives Matter collection, my first reaction was “Oh, cool!” I had seen something similar on Amazon and was thrilled to see more new content. I spent 15–30 minutes reading the descriptions of every single show and movie and adding them to my list. Halfway through, though, I had my second reaction, which was: “Wait a minute, where did all this content come from? Has it always been on Netflix and I just haven’t seen it, or did Netflix go out and acquire it because there’s suddenly an interest?”</p>
<p>If the former, it made me wonder if the reason I hadn’t been exposed to it sooner was the sophisticated algorithms that are used to recommend content similar to what I’ve already watched. I remember the first time I realized just how polarized experiences could be. I was at a guy friend’s house to watch a movie and he pulled up his Netflix. There was the same interface I have, with rows and rows of recommendations, except I didn’t recognize a single movie or show! Much of it was still original Netflix content, very popular, recommended, etc., except that his feed was filled with action movies, male comedians, and gritty crime shows, none of which had made my feed.</p>
<p>This is how “echo chambers” are created, a term used to describe what happens on social media when people are shown increasingly similar content by increasingly similar people over time.</p>
<blockquote>Our views narrow as our consumption narrows and we artificially experience the world in one particular way, rather than recognizing the multitude of experiences, perspectives and truths that coexist in our world.</blockquote>
<p>To be fair to Netflix, of the 30 or so movies and shows in the Black Lives Matter collection, I had watched 4 and 2 were on my watchlist, so some had already trickled into my recommendations. But it took an enormous amount of pressure and attention to force businesses to surface this content to people who haven’t asked for it. How are we supposed to expand our horizons and be inclusive if our digital world is dominated by such algorithms?</p>
<p>After adding the shows to my list, I went back to my homepage. In just that half hour, my perspective had completely changed.</p>
<blockquote>All of a sudden, my recommendations and list seemed obscenely white and embarrassing. I imagined what it must be like to live in a world that feels like it belongs to someone else.</blockquote>
<p>I admit that in the past I <em>have</em> skipped over “black shows”, assuming that I wouldn’t be able to relate and intentionally choosing things more familiar, easier. Then, I read an article by a Black woman saying that she’s been forced her whole life to read and watch content that <em>she</em> couldn’t relate to. Whoa.</p>
<p>I started watching a show called <em>Pose</em>. It takes place in the late eighties and centers on gay and trans Latinx and Black youth living in New York, most of whom are runaways, disowned by their families. They form new families, take care of each other, and compete together in balls — where people dress to certain themes and walk and pose for an audience and judges. At first, it was so different from my usual fare that I wasn’t sure I could watch it, but I loved the music and the costumes, and I got hooked on the stories and their world became my world.</p>
<p>After a few episodes, I felt my perspective shift again while following a storyline of a beautiful trans woman who lives in fear of being “clocked” or found out. All she wants is to be a “real woman,” and to pursue her dreams or have a relationship like a real woman could. Her vulnerability in the face of prejudice and a world that can’t tolerate ambiguity, is heartbreaking.</p>
<blockquote>It made feel thankful for the simple gifts of being born a woman, being happy to be a woman, and having a real woman’s body, even with its lack of perfection.</blockquote>
<p>The show tackles an amazing array of universal human situations—making a living, pursuing dreams, being noticed, looking for love—as well as specific hardships facing this community. My best friend in high school was a gay man. We lost touch sometime during college and when I reconnected with him, he said he’d gone through the darkest days he could imagine, losing friend after friend to the AIDS epidemic. I remember feeling the weight of that statement and not knowing what to say. We never spoke again, the gap between us was just too large. <em>Pose</em> gave me the opportunity to relive that time and try to see it from my friend’s perspective.</p>
<p>As a girl, I remember being confused about drag queens—were they were men who wanted to be women or men who just wanted to dress as women? I frankly couldn’t understand why <em>anyone</em> would want to wear all that makeup and heels, but the first time I saw a <em>female</em> drag show, I was <em>transfixed</em>. I suddenly wondered what could be more powerful than a woman claiming to be a man, and getting all the respect and benefits that the identity warranted. In Season 2, one of the “butch” characters explains to another that it’s okay to be manly <em>and</em> embrace their feminine side.</p>
<blockquote>In that moment, I understood the power of being able to claim all the sides of ourselves and, again, saw life through a different lens.</blockquote>
<p>Though the show felt a bit corny at times, because the characters often say and admit things that people in real life don’t, I bawled at the end of every episode. <em>Pose</em> tackles huge themes like love and family, life and death, ambition and opportunity, fairness and kindness—as well as violence, hatred, injustice, and indifference. And though life is harder and grittier than the show, sometimes we need entertainment to show us what true courage, love, and change can look like.</p>
<p>There’s so much to love about this show, including the fact that it stars 5 transgender actors. Just give it a watch! Though Pride Month is over, I find it reassuring to realize the immense victories of the LGBTQ+ community over the course of the past fifty years.</p>
<p>My friend Elektra sums it up perfectly at the end of the second season:</p>
<blockquote>“It takes guts to step out of your comfort zone and into the shoes of another. We should all do this more. If we did, we would make a better world.”</blockquote>
</section>
|
Pose and the power of perspective
Dominique Jackson as the aptly named “Elektra” is one of the most electrifying characters I’ve seen on TV
When Netflix launched their Black Lives Matter collection, my first reaction was “Oh, cool!” I had seen something similar on Amazon and was thrilled to see more new content. I spent 15–30 minutes reading the descriptions of every single show and movie and adding them to my list. Halfway through, though, I had my second reaction, which was: “Wait a minute, where did all this content come from? Has it always been on Netflix and I just haven’t seen it, or did Netflix go out and acquire it because there’s suddenly an interest?”
If the former, it made me wonder if the reason I hadn’t been exposed to it sooner was the sophisticated algorithms that are used to recommend content similar to what I’ve already watched. I remember the first time I realized just how polarized experiences could be. I was at a guy friend’s house to watch a movie and he pulled up his Netflix. There was the same interface I have, with rows and rows of recommendations, except I didn’t recognize a single movie or show! Much of it was still original Netflix content, very popular, recommended, etc., except that his feed was filled with action movies, male comedians, and gritty crime shows, none of which had made my feed.
This is how “echo chambers” are created, a term used to describe what happens on social media when people are shown increasingly similar content by increasingly similar people over time.
Our views narrow as our consumption narrows and we artificially experience the world in one particular way, rather than recognizing the multitude of experiences, perspectives and truths that coexist in our world.
To be fair to Netflix, of the 30 or so movies and shows in the Black Lives Matter collection, I had watched 4 and 2 were on my watchlist, so some had already trickled into my recommendations. But it took an enormous amount of pressure and attention to force businesses to surface this content to people who haven’t asked for it. How are we supposed to expand our horizons and be inclusive if our digital world is dominated by such algorithms?
After adding the shows to my list, I went back to my homepage. In just that half hour, my perspective had completely changed.
All of a sudden, my recommendations and list seemed obscenely white and embarrassing. I imagined what it must be like to live in a world that feels like it belongs to someone else.
I admit that in the past I have skipped over “black shows”, assuming that I wouldn’t be able to relate and intentionally choosing things more familiar, easier. Then, I read an article by a Black woman saying that she’s been forced her whole life to read and watch content that she couldn’t relate to. Whoa.
I started watching a show called Pose. It takes place in the late eighties and centers on gay and trans Latinx and Black youth living in New York, most of whom are runaways, disowned by their families. They form new families, take care of each other, and compete together in balls — where people dress to certain themes and walk and pose for an audience and judges. At first, it was so different from my usual fare that I wasn’t sure I could watch it, but I loved the music and the costumes, and I got hooked on the stories and their world became my world.
After a few episodes, I felt my perspective shift again while following a storyline of a beautiful trans woman who lives in fear of being “clocked” or found out. All she wants is to be a “real woman,” and to pursue her dreams or have a relationship like a real woman could. Her vulnerability in the face of prejudice and a world that can’t tolerate ambiguity, is heartbreaking.
It made feel thankful for the simple gifts of being born a woman, being happy to be a woman, and having a real woman’s body, even with its lack of perfection.
The show tackles an amazing array of universal human situations—making a living, pursuing dreams, being noticed, looking for love—as well as specific hardships facing this community. My best friend in high school was a gay man. We lost touch sometime during college and when I reconnected with him, he said he’d gone through the darkest days he could imagine, losing friend after friend to the AIDS epidemic. I remember feeling the weight of that statement and not knowing what to say. We never spoke again, the gap between us was just too large. Pose gave me the opportunity to relive that time and try to see it from my friend’s perspective.
As a girl, I remember being confused about drag queens—were they were men who wanted to be women or men who just wanted to dress as women? I frankly couldn’t understand why anyone would want to wear all that makeup and heels, but the first time I saw a female drag show, I was transfixed. I suddenly wondered what could be more powerful than a woman claiming to be a man, and getting all the respect and benefits that the identity warranted. In Season 2, one of the “butch” characters explains to another that it’s okay to be manly and embrace their feminine side.
In that moment, I understood the power of being able to claim all the sides of ourselves and, again, saw life through a different lens.
Though the show felt a bit corny at times, because the characters often say and admit things that people in real life don’t, I bawled at the end of every episode. Pose tackles huge themes like love and family, life and death, ambition and opportunity, fairness and kindness—as well as violence, hatred, injustice, and indifference. And though life is harder and grittier than the show, sometimes we need entertainment to show us what true courage, love, and change can look like.
There’s so much to love about this show, including the fact that it stars 5 transgender actors. Just give it a watch! Though Pride Month is over, I find it reassuring to realize the immense victories of the LGBTQ+ community over the course of the past fifty years.
My friend Elektra sums it up perfectly at the end of the second season:
“It takes guts to step out of your comfort zone and into the shoes of another. We should all do this more. If we did, we would make a better world.”
|
dc9704e9-7700-5a06-a9ae-7f0fc50dba6d
|
25/08/2025 15:57:34
|
https://medium.com/@jtc1977/once-again-bill-maher-is-right-about-the-left-f9da6507094b
|
medium.com
|
Once again, Bill Maher is right about the left.
|
“Democrats have gone from the party that protects people to the party that protects feelings.”
|
Jeff Cohen
|
https://medium.com/@jtc1977
|
f9da6507094b
| null |
1 min
|
2017-01-29T02:13:36.105000
|
2017-01-29T02:26:05
|
2018-01-29T07:17:15.615000
| 0 | 2 |
en
|
Trump,Political Correctness,Democrats,Election
|
<section>
<p>“Democrats have gone from the party that protects people to the party that protects feelings.”</p>
<p>Maher’s words echo an article I wrote just after the election regarding how political correctness turned the white male against the Democratic party. I strongly recommend left leaning individuals read both articles linked here if you ever what to understand why Trump won and how to prevent it from happening again.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/bill-maher-says-pc-cultur</strong>e-163338484.html">Bill Maher says PC culture helped 'a madman' become president
<em>Bill Maher thinks one reason Donald Trump became President of the United States is liberal culture's concern with…</em>www.</a>yahoo.com</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://medium.com/@jtc1977/an-open-letter-t</strong>o-pc-america-from-the-evil-white-male-b476a9c56fe6">An Open Letter to PC America from the Evil White Male
<em>Dear PC America,</em>m</a>edium.com</p>
<p>Please keep fighting Trump…but stop fighting with feelings! It’s time to kick some ass and stop worrying how it’s going to make some one “Feel.”</p>
</section>
|
Once again, Bill Maher is right about the left.
“Democrats have gone from the party that protects people to the party that protects feelings.”
Maher’s words echo an article I wrote just after the election regarding how political correctness turned the white male against the Democratic party. I strongly recommend left leaning individuals read both articles linked here if you ever what to understand why Trump won and how to prevent it from happening again.
Bill Maher says PC culture helped 'a madman' become president
Bill Maher thinks one reason Donald Trump became President of the United States is liberal culture's concern with…www.yahoo.com
An Open Letter to PC America from the Evil White Male
Dear PC America,medium.com
Please keep fighting Trump…but stop fighting with feelings! It’s time to kick some ass and stop worrying how it’s going to make some one “Feel.”
|
8a6b60df-11ed-5b09-9d38-5a24e1f6511d
|
25/08/2025 15:57:34
|
https://medium.com/@fsxwdr/movement-vs-progress-dont-mistake-one-for-the-other-d2b8fcf812d4
|
medium.com
|
🚶 Movement vs. Progress: Don’t Mistake One for the Other
|
My life is too real for entertainment. Too real for hype. Too real for empty motion that looks like growth but leaves you in the same…
|
JR Eliezer
|
https://medium.com/@fsxwdr
|
d2b8fcf812d4
| null |
1 min
|
2025-08-23T01:42:45.069000
|
2025-08-23T01:44:04.834000
|
2025-08-23T02:29:33.929000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Culture,Life,Mental Health,Self Improvement,Writing
|
<section>
<p>My life is too real for entertainment. Too real for hype. Too real for empty motion that looks like growth but leaves you in the same place.</p>
<p>That’s why I need to tell you this: don’t mistake movement for progress.</p>
<p>⸻</p>
<p>The Illusion of Movement</p>
<p>Think about most speakers, pastors, entrepreneurs, even leaders. They’ll tell you something that sounds good — and for the moment, it hits. You walk out fired up, feeling like life just changed.</p>
<p>But two days later, you’re back in the same place. The fire faded. The feeling didn’t last.</p>
<p>That’s movement. It gives you hype, but not transformation. It makes you feel like something shifted, when in reality nothing did.</p>
<p>It’s the treadmill effect: you’re sweating, your heart is racing, you feel busy. But the moment you step off, you’re in the exact same spot you started.</p>
<p>⸻</p>
<p>What Progress Looks Like</p>
<p>Progress is different. Progress doesn’t just make you feel busy — it moves you forward.</p>
<p>• Progress is saying “no” to distractions that look like opportunities.</p>
<p>• Progress is doing less, but doing it consistently.</p>
<p>• Progress is keeping promises to yourself, even the small ones.</p>
<p>Progress doesn’t always look loud. It doesn’t always get applause. But it’s measurable. It’s directional. You’re not just moving — you’re closer to where you’re supposed to be.</p>
<p>⸻</p>
<p>Entertainment vs. Elevation</p>
<p>Here’s the real truth:</p>
<p>If a speaker, a book, a video isn’t making you think, it’s probably just entertaining you.</p>
<p>And entertainment is movement — it makes you feel something in the moment.</p>
<p>But elevation is progress — it changes how you see, how you act, how you live.</p>
<p>⸻</p>
<p>The Wake-Up Call</p>
<p>Ask yourself:</p>
<p>• Am I moving, or am I progressing?</p>
<p>• Am I sweating in place, or stepping forward?</p>
<p>• Am I consuming entertainment, or seeking elevation?</p>
<p>Because at the end of the day, only one of them will change your life.</p>
</section>
|
🚶 Movement vs. Progress: Don’t Mistake One for the Other
My life is too real for entertainment. Too real for hype. Too real for empty motion that looks like growth but leaves you in the same place.
That’s why I need to tell you this: don’t mistake movement for progress.
⸻
The Illusion of Movement
Think about most speakers, pastors, entrepreneurs, even leaders. They’ll tell you something that sounds good — and for the moment, it hits. You walk out fired up, feeling like life just changed.
But two days later, you’re back in the same place. The fire faded. The feeling didn’t last.
That’s movement. It gives you hype, but not transformation. It makes you feel like something shifted, when in reality nothing did.
It’s the treadmill effect: you’re sweating, your heart is racing, you feel busy. But the moment you step off, you’re in the exact same spot you started.
⸻
What Progress Looks Like
Progress is different. Progress doesn’t just make you feel busy — it moves you forward.
• Progress is saying “no” to distractions that look like opportunities.
• Progress is doing less, but doing it consistently.
• Progress is keeping promises to yourself, even the small ones.
Progress doesn’t always look loud. It doesn’t always get applause. But it’s measurable. It’s directional. You’re not just moving — you’re closer to where you’re supposed to be.
⸻
Entertainment vs. Elevation
Here’s the real truth:
If a speaker, a book, a video isn’t making you think, it’s probably just entertaining you.
And entertainment is movement — it makes you feel something in the moment.
But elevation is progress — it changes how you see, how you act, how you live.
⸻
The Wake-Up Call
Ask yourself:
• Am I moving, or am I progressing?
• Am I sweating in place, or stepping forward?
• Am I consuming entertainment, or seeking elevation?
Because at the end of the day, only one of them will change your life.
|
5d06578c-875e-5b80-afed-4b2e28706752
|
25/08/2025 15:57:34
|
https://medium.com/@magggieryan/5-crm-integrations-guaranteed-to-boost-your-digital-marketing-roi-32ae8190e5e4
|
medium.com
|
5 CRM Integrations Guaranteed to Boost Your Digital Marketing ROI
|
Thanks to handy dandy APIs, most customer relationship management systems are fully customizable to suit your needs.
|
Maggie Ryan
|
https://medium.com/@magggieryan
|
32ae8190e5e4
|
https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*ypKLJisE4X6tj5G2
|
6 min
|
2022-12-15T15:46:18.927000
|
2022-11-28T14:51:07.258000
|
2022-12-15T16:00:32.499000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
CRM,Integration,Digital Marketing,Roi,Crm Software
|
<section>
<h3>Thanks to handy dandy APIs, most customer relationship management systems are fully customizable to suit your needs.</h3>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2048/0*ypKLJisE4X6tj5G2" width="2048" height="1536" loading="lazy" />
<p>If you’re reading this, you’re probably familiar with CRM systems and might even be using one already, but did you know that there are hundreds of thousands of integrations out there that could be making your life easier?</p>
<p>Maybe you would like to integrate your CRM with an external platform or maybe you want to automate certain mundane, internal processes. There is virtually no limit to what these integrations can do to maximize your marketing <em>(and sales)</em> performance.</p>
<p><em>So finally, the question you’ve been waiting for — what are some of the best CRM integrations on the market?</em></p>
<h1>Our top picks for CRM marketing integrations</h1>
<h2><strong>1. Surfe</strong></h2>
<p><em>For the revenue teams out there, this one’s for you. (You can thank us later).</em></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/1*1-BcrnqtRBnQKZ3GtajhqQ.png" width="2000" height="1407" loading="lazy" />
<p>Building prospect lists and connecting with business professionals on LinkedIn is fairly simple, but transferring all of this data to the CRM can be time consuming and inefficient — which is where Surfe comes into play.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.surfe.com/?utm_campaign=seo&utm_medium=blog&utm_source=adlibweb">Surfe</a> builds a bridge between your CRM and LinkedIn, saving you time when building contact lists and enriching prospects for your next <a href="https://www.adlibweb.com/building-your-first-digital-marketing-campaign-as-a-small-business/">digital marketing</a> campaign. Say goodbye to bounce back emails and hello to Surfe.</p>
<h3>Top features</h3>
<ul>
<li>Synchronize LinkedIn interactions, messages, and data to the CRM</li>
<li>View and update HubSpot, Salesforce, Copper, and Pipedrive pipelines from LinkedIn</li>
<li>Embed custom fields in LinkedIn</li>
<li>Enrich LinkedIn prospects (phone and email) and export contact lists to the CRM</li>
<li>Receive notifications when CRM data becomes stale (and update it with one click)</li>
<li>Assign notes and tasks to LinkedIn profiles</li>
<li>Customizable message templates</li>
</ul>
<p>With Surfe, you never have to worry about copy and pasting information or switching tabs to update your CRM again. The extension takes all of the grunt work out of customer relationship management so you can reallocate that time into prospecting, creating engaging content, and boosting those conversion rates.</p>
<p>The LinkedIn Chrome extension connects to HubSpot, Salesforce, Salesloft, Pipedrive, Copper, and Sales Navigator and has been downloaded over 9000+ times on the <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/leadjet-make-your-crm-wor/kojhcdejfimplnokhhhekhiapceggamn?utm_campaign=chromewebstore&utm_medium=comarketing&utm_source=adlibweb">Chrome Web Store</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Pros</strong>: Highly customizable to suit your needs, ensures 100% data accuracy in the CRM, can be rolled out across teams to standardize CRM data</p>
<p><strong>Cons</strong>: Limited to the LinkedIn interface, only available for HubSpot, Salesforce, Salesloft, Pipedrive, Copper, and Sales Nav users</p>
<p><strong>Pricing</strong>: Starts at €23 per month. (Free plan available)</p>
<h2>2. Seventh Sense</h2>
<p><em>Limited to HubSpot users, but a serious must have if HubSpot is part of your marketing tech stack.</em></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1228/1*mmKNstIDMJmk-G6ZMd5bew.png" width="1228" height="686" loading="lazy" />
<p>Sending out email campaigns is risky. Bouncebacks and failed deliveries can cut your chances of success in half before even reaching the intended recipient — but not for long.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.theseventhsense.com/">Seventh Sense</a> uses artificial intelligence to bring precision to your email marketing campaigns. The integration can actually detect the hours that your prospect is most active on HubSpot and trigger the campaign to be sent during this time window to increase the likelihood of reception and engagement.</p>
<h3>Top features</h3>
<ul>
<li>Email engagement metrics</li>
<li>Artificial intelligence for deliverability optimization</li>
<li>Staggered email sending</li>
<li>Editable email blasts</li>
</ul>
<p>With Seven Sense, your open and click through rates are bound to skyrocket. Send out email campaigns with confidence, knowing that you’ve maximized the chances of your recipient receiving your message.</p>
<p>As of right now, Seventh Sense only connects with HubSpot and Marketo, but hopefully there will be more CRM integrations in the future!</p>
<p><strong>Pros</strong>: Allows mass email campaigns to be tailored to a users specific needs, prevents email throttling</p>
<p><strong>Cons</strong>: Isn’t compatible with date-based workflows in HubSpot, limited to HubSpot users</p>
<p><strong>Pricing</strong>: Starts at $64 per month. (No free trial, but Split Test Automation and Deliverability Audit tools are free)</p>
<h2>3. Jotform</h2>
<p><em>Collecting data and insight from your consumers has never been easier.</em></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1806/1*Ro5VbDFeJl4Vhsz6zqwWLA.png" width="1806" height="934" loading="lazy" />
<p>Multi channel marketing has slowly become an industry standard over the past decade. Information is constantly being thrown at us from all different directions, and without a centralized place to harness this data, it’s essentially useless.</p>
<p>Whether it be for decision making purposes, feedback, or simply furthering the day-to-day activities of your operation, <a href="https://www.jotform.com/">Jotform</a> is a great tool that simplifies the processing of information. Not only does Jotform handle the acquisition of data, but it also synchronizes the responses to your CRM so that you can take action immediately.</p>
<h3>Top features</h3>
<ul>
<li>Templates</li>
<li>Google Analytics data tracking</li>
<li>Data submission export</li>
<li>Custom CSS</li>
<li>Email validation</li>
<li>Electronic signatures</li>
<li>Payments, subscriptions, and coupons</li>
</ul>
<p>With hundreds of pre-made templates and a very intuitive interface, Jotform makes it easy <em>(and fun)</em> to collect information. The tool is not limited to forms, but can also be used to build online stores, apps, tables, reports, PDFs, and more.</p>
<p>Jotform connects to almost 20 CRMs with HubSpot, Pipedrive, Salesforce, Zoho, Keap, and Zendesk being the most popular.</p>
<p><strong>Pros: </strong>Versatile in terms of functionality, mobile responsiveness and app, very engaged support <a href="https://www.adlibweb.com/how-to-boot-your-remote-digital-marketing-team-productivity-4-best-practices-to-follow/">team</a></p>
<p><strong>Cons: </strong>Must upgrade plans to increase your monthly submission limit and add users</p>
<p><strong>Pricing: </strong>Starts at $29 per month. (Generous free trial and free plan available)</p>
<h2>4. Modjo</h2>
<p><em>Conversational insights don’t have to be exclusive to your sales teams.</em></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2150/1*vpKPi73J-IkMTpjarr4KOA.png" width="2150" height="1156" loading="lazy" />
<p>Having a call with one of your prospects or clients is one thing, but being able to extract the right information and use it to guide your marketing decisions is another.</p>
<p><a href="https://en.modjo.ai/">Modjo</a> is a conversational analysis tool that can be used to collect insights from your calls with prospects, clients, partners, and more! With Modjo, your conversations will be analyzed and evaluated with all relevant data being recorded in the CRM automatically.</p>
<h3>Top features</h3>
<ul>
<li>Record calls and transcribe conversations</li>
<li>Identify which topics were most prevalent in a call</li>
<li>Track how much time was spent discussing each topic</li>
<li>Access your sales pipeline as you speak</li>
<li>Organize calls by subject and team in your library</li>
<li>Take notes during calls</li>
</ul>
<p>With Modjo, you can quickly identify the habits of your most successful performers and use the recordings and transcriptions to mirror them. Thanks to the video recording software, you don’t have to worry about forgetting what was said and can use the insights to optimize your performance.</p>
<p>Modjo connects to CRMs such as HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive, Zoho, Sellsy, and Zendesk.</p>
<p><strong>Pros: </strong>Fosters collaboration, connects with common tools such as Slack, Zoom, and Google Meet (not limited to CRMs)</p>
<p><strong>Cons: </strong>Limits privacy, transcription is not always accurate</p>
<p><strong>Pricing: </strong>Quote provided upon request. (No free trial or free plan available)</p>
<h2>5. MadKudu</h2>
<p><em>Quickly determine who’s hot (and who’s not) amongst your website visitors.</em></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1692/1*2D9MVMvHnMNuJvvNRS1jJQ.png" width="1692" height="774" loading="lazy" />
<p>Imagine being able to deliver a customized experience to all of your prospects.</p>
<p>Instead of wasting time and energy on trial users that aren’t likely to convert, <a href="https://www.madkudu.com/">MadKudu</a> helps you prioritize your leads so that you can focus on the most engaged visitors. The best part is that you can set your own criteria to determine how you rate individual users.</p>
<h3>Top features</h3>
<ul>
<li>Lead scoring</li>
<li>Predictive models based on data analytics</li>
<li><a href="https://www.adlibweb.com/secrets-to-website-design-scale-website-with-these-tips/">Website</a> visitor tracking</li>
<li>Customer profile enrichment</li>
<li>Forecasting</li>
<li>Data import</li>
</ul>
<p>MadKudu optimizes the consumer journey by adapting your website in real-time to respond to a visitor’s overall fit and likelihood of conversion. In doing so, you can encourage the most qualified leads to take immediate action.</p>
<p>MadKudu integrates with HubSpot and Salesforce and can be connected to various other apps using an API key.</p>
<p><strong>Pros:</strong> Connects with many apps via API, constantly releasing new features, very engaged support team</p>
<p><strong>Cons: </strong>Behavioral modeling can be slow at times, expensive for individual users</p>
<p><strong>Pricing: </strong>Starting at $1999 per month. (Free for HubSpot users *up to 100 contacts*)</p>
<p><em>Originally published at <a href="https://www.adlibweb.com/5-crm-integr</em>ations-guaranteed-to-boost-your-digital-marketing-roi/">https://www.adlibweb.com</a> on November 28, 2022.</p>
</section>
|
5 CRM Integrations Guaranteed to Boost Your Digital Marketing ROI
Thanks to handy dandy APIs, most customer relationship management systems are fully customizable to suit your needs.
Photo by fabio on Unsplash
If you’re reading this, you’re probably familiar with CRM systems and might even be using one already, but did you know that there are hundreds of thousands of integrations out there that could be making your life easier?
Maybe you would like to integrate your CRM with an external platform or maybe you want to automate certain mundane, internal processes. There is virtually no limit to what these integrations can do to maximize your marketing (and sales) performance.
So finally, the question you’ve been waiting for — what are some of the best CRM integrations on the market?
Our top picks for CRM marketing integrations
1. Surfe
For the revenue teams out there, this one’s for you. (You can thank us later).
Building prospect lists and connecting with business professionals on LinkedIn is fairly simple, but transferring all of this data to the CRM can be time consuming and inefficient — which is where Surfe comes into play.
Surfe builds a bridge between your CRM and LinkedIn, saving you time when building contact lists and enriching prospects for your next digital marketing campaign. Say goodbye to bounce back emails and hello to Surfe.
Top features
Synchronize LinkedIn interactions, messages, and data to the CRM
View and update HubSpot, Salesforce, Copper, and Pipedrive pipelines from LinkedIn
Embed custom fields in LinkedIn
Enrich LinkedIn prospects (phone and email) and export contact lists to the CRM
Receive notifications when CRM data becomes stale (and update it with one click)
Assign notes and tasks to LinkedIn profiles
Customizable message templates
With Surfe, you never have to worry about copy and pasting information or switching tabs to update your CRM again. The extension takes all of the grunt work out of customer relationship management so you can reallocate that time into prospecting, creating engaging content, and boosting those conversion rates.
The LinkedIn Chrome extension connects to HubSpot, Salesforce, Salesloft, Pipedrive, Copper, and Sales Navigator and has been downloaded over 9000+ times on the Chrome Web Store.
Pros: Highly customizable to suit your needs, ensures 100% data accuracy in the CRM, can be rolled out across teams to standardize CRM data
Cons: Limited to the LinkedIn interface, only available for HubSpot, Salesforce, Salesloft, Pipedrive, Copper, and Sales Nav users
Pricing: Starts at €23 per month. (Free plan available)
2. Seventh Sense
Limited to HubSpot users, but a serious must have if HubSpot is part of your marketing tech stack.
Sending out email campaigns is risky. Bouncebacks and failed deliveries can cut your chances of success in half before even reaching the intended recipient — but not for long.
Seventh Sense uses artificial intelligence to bring precision to your email marketing campaigns. The integration can actually detect the hours that your prospect is most active on HubSpot and trigger the campaign to be sent during this time window to increase the likelihood of reception and engagement.
Top features
Email engagement metrics
Artificial intelligence for deliverability optimization
Staggered email sending
Editable email blasts
With Seven Sense, your open and click through rates are bound to skyrocket. Send out email campaigns with confidence, knowing that you’ve maximized the chances of your recipient receiving your message.
As of right now, Seventh Sense only connects with HubSpot and Marketo, but hopefully there will be more CRM integrations in the future!
Pros: Allows mass email campaigns to be tailored to a users specific needs, prevents email throttling
Cons: Isn’t compatible with date-based workflows in HubSpot, limited to HubSpot users
Pricing: Starts at $64 per month. (No free trial, but Split Test Automation and Deliverability Audit tools are free)
3. Jotform
Collecting data and insight from your consumers has never been easier.
Multi channel marketing has slowly become an industry standard over the past decade. Information is constantly being thrown at us from all different directions, and without a centralized place to harness this data, it’s essentially useless.
Whether it be for decision making purposes, feedback, or simply furthering the day-to-day activities of your operation, Jotform is a great tool that simplifies the processing of information. Not only does Jotform handle the acquisition of data, but it also synchronizes the responses to your CRM so that you can take action immediately.
Top features
Templates
Google Analytics data tracking
Data submission export
Custom CSS
Email validation
Electronic signatures
Payments, subscriptions, and coupons
With hundreds of pre-made templates and a very intuitive interface, Jotform makes it easy (and fun) to collect information. The tool is not limited to forms, but can also be used to build online stores, apps, tables, reports, PDFs, and more.
Jotform connects to almost 20 CRMs with HubSpot, Pipedrive, Salesforce, Zoho, Keap, and Zendesk being the most popular.
Pros: Versatile in terms of functionality, mobile responsiveness and app, very engaged support team
Cons: Must upgrade plans to increase your monthly submission limit and add users
Pricing: Starts at $29 per month. (Generous free trial and free plan available)
4. Modjo
Conversational insights don’t have to be exclusive to your sales teams.
Having a call with one of your prospects or clients is one thing, but being able to extract the right information and use it to guide your marketing decisions is another.
Modjo is a conversational analysis tool that can be used to collect insights from your calls with prospects, clients, partners, and more! With Modjo, your conversations will be analyzed and evaluated with all relevant data being recorded in the CRM automatically.
Top features
Record calls and transcribe conversations
Identify which topics were most prevalent in a call
Track how much time was spent discussing each topic
Access your sales pipeline as you speak
Organize calls by subject and team in your library
Take notes during calls
With Modjo, you can quickly identify the habits of your most successful performers and use the recordings and transcriptions to mirror them. Thanks to the video recording software, you don’t have to worry about forgetting what was said and can use the insights to optimize your performance.
Modjo connects to CRMs such as HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive, Zoho, Sellsy, and Zendesk.
Pros: Fosters collaboration, connects with common tools such as Slack, Zoom, and Google Meet (not limited to CRMs)
Cons: Limits privacy, transcription is not always accurate
Pricing: Quote provided upon request. (No free trial or free plan available)
5. MadKudu
Quickly determine who’s hot (and who’s not) amongst your website visitors.
Imagine being able to deliver a customized experience to all of your prospects.
Instead of wasting time and energy on trial users that aren’t likely to convert, MadKudu helps you prioritize your leads so that you can focus on the most engaged visitors. The best part is that you can set your own criteria to determine how you rate individual users.
Top features
Lead scoring
Predictive models based on data analytics
Website visitor tracking
Customer profile enrichment
Forecasting
Data import
MadKudu optimizes the consumer journey by adapting your website in real-time to respond to a visitor’s overall fit and likelihood of conversion. In doing so, you can encourage the most qualified leads to take immediate action.
MadKudu integrates with HubSpot and Salesforce and can be connected to various other apps using an API key.
Pros: Connects with many apps via API, constantly releasing new features, very engaged support team
Cons: Behavioral modeling can be slow at times, expensive for individual users
Pricing: Starting at $1999 per month. (Free for HubSpot users *up to 100 contacts*)
Originally published at https://www.adlibweb.com on November 28, 2022.
|
2417b0ed-8f4b-5884-a183-8ca79152d622
|
25/08/2025 15:57:34
|
https://blog.weareconvivio.com/how-to-structure-a-retrospective-71c92dc8e9e0
|
medium.com
|
How To Structure a Retrospective
|
In the first part of this series I explained why retrospectives are so important. In this post I suggest some ways to get started with…
|
Steve Parks
|
https://medium.com/@steveparks
|
71c92dc8e9e0
|
2 min
|
2016-08-30T22:21:42.904000
|
2016-09-01T09:16:01.530000
|
2018-08-17T11:39:22.718000
| 0 | 4 |
en
|
Agile,Retrospectives,Not Weeknotes,Digital Transformation,Strategy
|
<section>
<h3>In the first part of this series I explained <a href="https://blog.weareconvivio.com/stepping-off-the-hamster-wheel-e407e88c43d7#.uxryfeklq">why retrospectives are so important</a>. In this post I suggest some ways to get started with planning one, by setting the structure to get the most out of the meeting…</h3>
<p>My colleague Steve Hunton has written up a <a href="http://cookbook.weareconvivio.com/delivery_recipe/help_card_sprint_retrospective.html">recipe for hosting a retrospective</a> in our cookbook. That’s a great place to start to understand how to run a retrospective.</p>
<p>The most basic format is ‘Start/Stop/Continue’ in which each person on the team gives their views on what the team should start doing, stop doing or continue doing.</p>
<p>There are a few other format ideas on our <a href="http://cookbook.weareconvivio.com/delivery_recipe/help_card_sprint_retrospective.html">retrospective recipe card</a>, and you can find plenty more <a href="http://retrospectivewiki.org/index.php?title=Retrospective_Plans">format ideas in the Retrospective Wiki</a>.</p>
<p>The one I mentioned at a non-tech business event recently that struck a chord with people is a very visual format that was first introduced to me by my colleague Lewis. It’s called the Speedboat Retrospective (there are similar versions with a Sailboat too). I’ve riffed on the format a little…</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3083/1*FBrYhW_NY63rBUyYP22hRQ.jpeg" width="3083" height="1419" loading="lazy" />
<p>The picture <em>(beautifully drawn here by my artistic colleague Steve Hunton)</em> represents:</p>
<ul>
<li>Engine: the things that successfully drove the work forward. This is a good place to thank each other for particular contributions and help.</li>
<li>Anchor: the internal things that slowed down progress.</li>
<li>Rocks: The external problems that the team navigated around.</li>
<li>Sharks: the risks that may now lie ahead from what you’ve learned in this piece of work.</li>
<li>Tropical Island Paradise: the actions you’re going to take now to work towards improved and happier ways of working.</li>
</ul>
<p>With your team you can put this picture (or one like it) up on the wall at a big size, and use the first ten minutes of the meeting for everyone to put up sticky notes by the Engine/Anchor/Rocks/Sharks to capture points they want to make.</p>
<p>Then, with roughly ten minutes for each section above <em>(for a one hour meeting, or longer depending on your timebox)</em> you can step through and discuss interesting points posted there, and in the last section discuss and decide together on the items to put by the Island Paradise.</p>
<p>Often there won’t be time to discuss every point written on a sticky note, so you can get people to quickly vote on important topics by giving each person 3–5 small round stickers that they can place on sticky notes they think are important to discuss. If you don’t have stickers just get people to make a pen dot on the sticky note. You can quickly see which are the hot topics, and only focus on those.</p>
<p>These are just a few ideas. If you’re holding regular retrospectives it’s important to keep varying the format to keep people interested, and explore new areas.</p>
<h1>NEXT: In part 3 of this series I give some <a href="https://blog.weareconvivio.com/facilitating-retrospectives-3c0738b67bc#.4ll5azs2v">tips for facilitating retrospectives</a>.</h1>
<h3>Convivio is a boutique agency designing and developing digital services for innovative public and private sector organisations.</h3>
<p>That means we take clients beyond simply marketing themselves on the web, to delivering their core services online.</p>
<p><strong>Read our blog: <a href="https://blog.weareconvivio.com/">blog.weareconvivio.com</a>
Follow us on twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/weareconvivio">@weareconvivio</a></strong>
Get in touch: <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>
Visit our work-in-progress website at <a href="http://weareconvivio.com/?utm_source=medium.com&utm_medium=weeknotes">weareconvivio.com</a></p>
</section>
|
How To Structure a Retrospective
In the first part of this series I explained why retrospectives are so important. In this post I suggest some ways to get started with planning one, by setting the structure to get the most out of the meeting…
My colleague Steve Hunton has written up a recipe for hosting a retrospective in our cookbook. That’s a great place to start to understand how to run a retrospective.
The most basic format is ‘Start/Stop/Continue’ in which each person on the team gives their views on what the team should start doing, stop doing or continue doing.
There are a few other format ideas on our retrospective recipe card, and you can find plenty more format ideas in the Retrospective Wiki.
The one I mentioned at a non-tech business event recently that struck a chord with people is a very visual format that was first introduced to me by my colleague Lewis. It’s called the Speedboat Retrospective (there are similar versions with a Sailboat too). I’ve riffed on the format a little…
The picture (beautifully drawn here by my artistic colleague Steve Hunton) represents:
Engine: the things that successfully drove the work forward. This is a good place to thank each other for particular contributions and help.
Anchor: the internal things that slowed down progress.
Rocks: The external problems that the team navigated around.
Sharks: the risks that may now lie ahead from what you’ve learned in this piece of work.
Tropical Island Paradise: the actions you’re going to take now to work towards improved and happier ways of working.
With your team you can put this picture (or one like it) up on the wall at a big size, and use the first ten minutes of the meeting for everyone to put up sticky notes by the Engine/Anchor/Rocks/Sharks to capture points they want to make.
Then, with roughly ten minutes for each section above (for a one hour meeting, or longer depending on your timebox) you can step through and discuss interesting points posted there, and in the last section discuss and decide together on the items to put by the Island Paradise.
Often there won’t be time to discuss every point written on a sticky note, so you can get people to quickly vote on important topics by giving each person 3–5 small round stickers that they can place on sticky notes they think are important to discuss. If you don’t have stickers just get people to make a pen dot on the sticky note. You can quickly see which are the hot topics, and only focus on those.
These are just a few ideas. If you’re holding regular retrospectives it’s important to keep varying the format to keep people interested, and explore new areas.
NEXT: In part 3 of this series I give some tips for facilitating retrospectives.
Convivio is a boutique agency designing and developing digital services for innovative public and private sector organisations.
That means we take clients beyond simply marketing themselves on the web, to delivering their core services online.
Read our blog: blog.weareconvivio.com
Follow us on twitter: @weareconvivio
Get in touch: [email protected]
Visit our work-in-progress website at weareconvivio.com
|
155a2da6-2d87-5794-87b9-70cf2d688acc
|
25/08/2025 15:57:35
|
|
https://knowledgeispower.medium.com/was-thomas-jefferson-a-great-president-f4fb9ffb4f3a
|
medium.com
|
Was Thomas Jefferson a Great President?
|
Though many of America’s Founding Fathers conceded that slavery infringed the essence of American Revolutionary paragon of freedom, the…
|
Henry Johnson LR
|
https://medium.com/@knowledgeispower
|
f4fb9ffb4f3a
|
1 min
|
2016-06-14T03:43:03.963000
|
2016-06-16T16:58:22.782000
|
2018-04-17T06:14:49.704000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Politics,History,Thomas Jefferson
|
<section>
<p>Though many of America’s Founding Fathers conceded that slavery infringed the essence of American Revolutionary paragon of freedom, the concurrent assurance to the individual bequest, policies of inadequate control, and intersectional proportion precluded them from making a definite move toward slavery. Jefferson admitted that slavery meddled the fundamental rights of the (African Americans) oppressed.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/1*YJghLFB8Tfi80CEw-QmPvw.jpeg" width="1200" height="1200" loading="lazy" />
<p>One should not judge President Jefferson in times of controversy and evil because in those days men like him lost their personalities. One should honor him for his advocacy for free public education, his service to his country as a secretary of state during the toughest of times in America’s history and his tremendous contribution to our nation’s agriculture. Jefferson could somewhat be hailed a hero because he recognized the essence of the human suffering and outlawed that slavery was wrong.</p>
<p>Was Jefferson a great President? The answer to that enigma depends on how one interprets “greatness.” If we define magnanimity as how far an American President manages the United States down its historically measured and uncertain, then Jefferson fails to change.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/536/1*QpPRAvQCScVVBXgrld0MLA.jpeg" width="536" height="700" loading="lazy" />
<p>On the other hand, if we determine prominence as how well an American President retained the authentic and fundamental postulates of the central Law and the commercial and civil opportunities for which Americans had fought the Revolution, then Jefferson earns to be established among the better presidents. Because without Jefferson bringing his notion to the attention of others for his past sins, “ All men are created equal”, we would maybe perhaps be fighting the same war of the Founding Fathers.</p>
</section>
|
Was Thomas Jefferson a Great President?
Though many of America’s Founding Fathers conceded that slavery infringed the essence of American Revolutionary paragon of freedom, the concurrent assurance to the individual bequest, policies of inadequate control, and intersectional proportion precluded them from making a definite move toward slavery. Jefferson admitted that slavery meddled the fundamental rights of the (African Americans) oppressed.
One should not judge President Jefferson in times of controversy and evil because in those days men like him lost their personalities. One should honor him for his advocacy for free public education, his service to his country as a secretary of state during the toughest of times in America’s history and his tremendous contribution to our nation’s agriculture. Jefferson could somewhat be hailed a hero because he recognized the essence of the human suffering and outlawed that slavery was wrong.
Was Jefferson a great President? The answer to that enigma depends on how one interprets “greatness.” If we define magnanimity as how far an American President manages the United States down its historically measured and uncertain, then Jefferson fails to change.
On the other hand, if we determine prominence as how well an American President retained the authentic and fundamental postulates of the central Law and the commercial and civil opportunities for which Americans had fought the Revolution, then Jefferson earns to be established among the better presidents. Because without Jefferson bringing his notion to the attention of others for his past sins, “ All men are created equal”, we would maybe perhaps be fighting the same war of the Founding Fathers.
|
3fb9a2d8-3346-520d-9a6d-ed4bf1292b23
|
25/08/2025 15:57:35
|
|
https://medium.com/@shayalinongthombam/fifth-columnist-d90ec66e969b
|
medium.com
|
FIFTH COLUMNIST
|
Spring on that canvas was painted in autumn. Spider in my room wasn't my roommate rather an intruder.
|
Shayali Nongthombam
|
https://medium.com/@shayalinongthombam
|
d90ec66e969b
|
1 min
|
2025-08-23T11:35:40.736000
|
2025-08-23T12:21:41.113000
|
2025-08-23T14:27:41.668000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Fiction,Poetry,Humor,Writing,This Happened To Me
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/1*m3n9LEwQ8DqakfN5RCrI-w.jpeg" width="2000" height="2500" loading="lazy" />
<p>Quenched my thirst with your kerosene.</p>
<p>Quiver my guts by your cruel audacity.</p>
<p>Still coughing lies on my face.</p>
<p><em>Cuddling a clown</em></p>
<p><em>was a way to my coffin.</em></p>
<p>Knew exactly i would burn,</p>
<p>clown couldn’t care any less.</p>
<p>Curled up the lighter for a cigarette.</p>
<p>Every puff you drew,</p>
<p>colonised my lungs.</p>
<p>Being the claws that clung my corpse.</p>
<p>Contrite to a gwak, who</p>
<p>chummed up with the fifth columnist.</p>
<p>Filthy quirks forged thyself a fraud.</p>
<p>Throat that swallows guilt,</p>
<p>sought not sleep tight.</p>
<p>Shame on thyself,</p>
<p>graze thy cattle by my grace.</p>
<p>Cards of red and black,</p>
<p>oh thee quack white.</p>
<p>Then, keep thy white,</p>
<p>it shall be a chess match tonight.</p>
<p>But blue retired and red ink liberated throbbingly.</p>
<p>Bubbles disappeared and i submerged completely.</p>
<p>-shayali</p>
</section>
|
FIFTH COLUMNIST
image from goggle
Quenched my thirst with your kerosene.
Quiver my guts by your cruel audacity.
Still coughing lies on my face.
Cuddling a clown
was a way to my coffin.
Knew exactly i would burn,
clown couldn’t care any less.
Curled up the lighter for a cigarette.
Every puff you drew,
colonised my lungs.
Being the claws that clung my corpse.
Contrite to a gwak, who
chummed up with the fifth columnist.
Filthy quirks forged thyself a fraud.
Throat that swallows guilt,
sought not sleep tight.
Shame on thyself,
graze thy cattle by my grace.
Cards of red and black,
oh thee quack white.
Then, keep thy white,
it shall be a chess match tonight.
But blue retired and red ink liberated throbbingly.
Bubbles disappeared and i submerged completely.
-shayali
|
bbc9bf7a-1f7d-5d05-b5cd-42425975baa6
|
25/08/2025 15:57:35
|
|
https://medium.com/@candicehelfandr/a-quick-note-on-thewiz-edcbc3f1dce7
|
medium.com
|
A Quick Note on #TheWiz
|
I want to take a moment to reflect upon the fact that, last night, an almost-entirely black cast of talented women and men sang, danced and…
|
Candice Helfand-Rogers
|
https://medium.com/@candicehelfandr
|
edcbc3f1dce7
|
1 min
|
2015-12-04T17:23:03.221000
|
2015-12-04T17:26:17.538000
|
2018-03-20T14:26:58.038000
| 1 | 4 |
en
|
BlackLivesMatter,Feminism
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/1*gNDyhH9HsRtF2a7ulGUxhQ.jpeg" width="640" height="321" loading="lazy" />
<p>I want to take a moment to reflect upon the fact that, last night, an almost-entirely black cast of talented women and men sang, danced and acted their hearts out before a primetime television audience. They were led by a black director, their moves coordinated by a black female choreographer (Fatima, that was some truly next-level work). And that matters.</p>
<p>Moreover, those women and men rocked dance styles that originated within the black community (sorry Madonna, but Voguing came from Harlem). They heralded curvy black women as breathtakingly beautiful — and rightfully so. They celebrated gayness, and gave a big ol’ middle finger to the notion of a gender binary. They got SUPER feminist. And that matters.</p>
<p>It matters a LOT.</p>
<p>It matters that these performers got these opportunities, as they so rarely exist for people of color. And it matters that the black women, men and (especially) children who so rarely get to see themselves on television/in film at ALL, got to see this cast joyfully and energetically singing about a “brand new day.”</p>
<p>Representation is not a frivolous concern — a society’s music and stories should be a reflection of all who comprise it, and presently, our entertainment is still, mostly, a look at the palest and straightest among us. I hope, so much, that “The Wiz,” and “Hamilton,” and “Empire,” and all of these other diverse, talent-filled displays are indicators of a tomorrow where the pop culture we consume is truly and genuinely inclusive.</p>
<p>Regardless of how one feels about individual vocal ability, or the new song written just for this new iteration of the show, or the whereabouts of the damn dog, that is something worth celebrating.</p>
<p>A lot.</p>
</section>
|
A Quick Note on #TheWiz
So. Much. Talent.
I want to take a moment to reflect upon the fact that, last night, an almost-entirely black cast of talented women and men sang, danced and acted their hearts out before a primetime television audience. They were led by a black director, their moves coordinated by a black female choreographer (Fatima, that was some truly next-level work). And that matters.
Moreover, those women and men rocked dance styles that originated within the black community (sorry Madonna, but Voguing came from Harlem). They heralded curvy black women as breathtakingly beautiful — and rightfully so. They celebrated gayness, and gave a big ol’ middle finger to the notion of a gender binary. They got SUPER feminist. And that matters.
It matters a LOT.
It matters that these performers got these opportunities, as they so rarely exist for people of color. And it matters that the black women, men and (especially) children who so rarely get to see themselves on television/in film at ALL, got to see this cast joyfully and energetically singing about a “brand new day.”
Representation is not a frivolous concern — a society’s music and stories should be a reflection of all who comprise it, and presently, our entertainment is still, mostly, a look at the palest and straightest among us. I hope, so much, that “The Wiz,” and “Hamilton,” and “Empire,” and all of these other diverse, talent-filled displays are indicators of a tomorrow where the pop culture we consume is truly and genuinely inclusive.
Regardless of how one feels about individual vocal ability, or the new song written just for this new iteration of the show, or the whereabouts of the damn dog, that is something worth celebrating.
A lot.
|
b3f871fe-a796-50f8-9b26-2f7130588dd5
|
25/08/2025 15:57:35
|
|
https://medium.com/@szemelman/25-books-to-inspire-students-as-active-citizens-853c63e1f031
|
medium.com
|
25 Books to Inspire Students as Active Citizens
|
At teachthought.com Ashley McCann has compiled a list of 25 books that can inspire students to seek to change the world (or at least their…
|
Civic Action in Schools
|
https://medium.com/@szemelman
|
853c63e1f031
| null |
5 min
|
2017-03-15T02:50:21.226000
|
2017-03-15T03:01:03.667000
|
2018-01-20T09:46:01.372000
| 0 | 1 |
en
|
BlackLivesMatter,Martin Luther King,Student Civic Attitudes,Students As Citizens,Inspiring Civic Action
|
<section>
<p>At <em><strong>teachthought.com Ashley McCann has compiled a list of 25 books that can inspire students to seek to change the world (or at least their community). While there’s nothing like actually doing and experiencing the work (and excitement) of responsible change to develop students’ skills and dispositions as active citizens, reading can be a powerful eye-opener. Many are picture books, powerful for readers of all ages. You can find McCann’s list <a href="http://teachthought.com/pedagogy/literacy/teaching-social-just</em>ice-25-b</strong>ooks-students-change-world/">on the teachthought.com website</a>, but here it is, with abbreviated descriptions.</p>
<p>1. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0872866831/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0872866831&linkId=20f7a53b9db092fd492a4d17d6d29031">Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries who Shaped Our History . . . and Our Future!</a> By Kate Schatz, Miriam Stahl illustrator. Like all A-Z books, this one illustrates the alphabet — but instead of “A is for Apple”, A is for Angela — as in Angela Davis, the iconic political activist, etc.</p>
<p>2. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1481465597/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1481465597&linkId=66fc4db97163b03564f7b5c60d602aaf">I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark</a> by Debbie Levy, Elizabeth Baddeley illustrator. This biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, tells the justice’s story through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements.</p>
<p>3. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250073251/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1250073251&linkId=ca49ee103b7e406c04c51a5a2b7ef13e">We March</a> by Shane Evans, author and illustrator. Picture book story of the March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.</p>
<p>4. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1570915237/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1570915237&linkId=c29c3cc3fb82526b7b7152cb8c250c89">Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World</a> by Cynthia Chin-Lee, Megan Halsey illustrator. An alphabet picture book on twenty-six amazing women, from Amelia Earhart, pilot and adventurer, to Zora Neal Hurston.</p>
<p>5. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1419710540/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1419710540&linkId=8d6155a899f19b74aeafb1ae0ca67057">Separate is Never Equal</a> by Duncan Tonatiuh. Almost 10 years before Brown vs. Board of Education, Sylvia Mendez and her parents helped end school segregation in California. Their success eventually brought an end to the era of segregated education in California.</p>
<p>6. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1481400703/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1481400703&linkId=18b6c07c0ae9a4a51d600517ec451f5a">The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist</a> by Cynthia Levinson, Vanessa Newton illustrator. Meet the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963, in this moving picture book that proves you’re never too little to make a difference.</p>
<p>7. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439472261/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0439472261&linkId=8aaa73104a660927f7b8c1f19496c5a4">The Story of Ruby Bridges</a> by Robert Coles, George Ford illustrator. The year is 1960, and when a judge orders Ruby to attend first grade at William Frantz Elementary, an all-white school, Ruby must face angry mobs of parents who refuse to send their children to school with her.</p>
<p>8. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0064462269/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0064462269&linkId=d409c8a9ab39953d542df4fa044d47e6">Let’s Talk About Race</a> by Julius Lester, who shares his own story as he explores what makes each of us special. Karen Barbour’s dramatic, vibrant paintings speak to the heart of Lester’s unique vision.</p>
<p>9. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061804428/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0061804428&linkId=2ee2a89418cb772dd8e8c90c110ee99f">Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909</a> by Michelle Markel, Melissa Sweet illustrator. A true story of Clara Lemlich, a young Ukrainian immigrant who led the largest strike of women workers in U.S. history. This picture book biography includes a bibliography and an author’s note on the garment industry.</p>
<p>10. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1481422944/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1481422944&linkCode=as2&tag=teacht-20&linkId=1ec9294bbc4373944699025c7d6bed7b">Malala, a Brave Girl from Pakistan/Iqbal, a Brave Boy from Pakistan: Two Stories of Bravery</a></p>
<p>by Jeanette Winter, author, illustrator. In Pakistan 2 children: Iqbal Masih and Malala Yousafzai. He spoke out against inhumane child slavery in the carpet trade. She, for the right of girls to attend school. Iqbal was killed instantly; Malala survived and continues to speak out.</p>
<p>11. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/038575387X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=038575387X&linkCode=as2&tag=teacht-20&linkId=094da9a7d246ddf2da208bc86573d0a2">As Good as Anybody: Martin Luther King, Jr., and Abraham Joshua Heschel’s Amazing March toward Freedom</a></p>
<p>by Richard Michelson, Raul Colon illustrator. Both men grew up in loving families. King in the American South, at a time when this country was plagued by racial discrimination; Heschel in a Europe that did not welcome Jews. In America, he became a respected rabbi like his father, carrying a message of peace and acceptance.</p>
<p>12. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312376022/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0312376022&linkId=73121893da72c56c83c82ecba9d3d2bc">Rosa</a> by Nikki Giovanni, Bryan Collier illustrator. Fifty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus, Mrs. Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement.</p>
<p>13. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/044981744X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=044981744X&linkId=a09d3373ac8a1c0218444b439370c28b">Emmanuel’s Dream</a> by Laurie Ann Thompson, Sean Qualls illustrator. Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people — but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. Today, Emmanuel works on behalf of the disabled.</p>
<p>14. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1584301570/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1584301570&linkId=eb16e2b91b49fded908e7aa35bc756af">Passage to Freedom</a> by National Geagraphic Learning. A portrait of Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat in Lithuania in 1940, explains how he used his powers–against the orders of his own government–to assist thousands of Jews escape the Holocaust.</p>
<p>15. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0980607019/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0980607019&linkId=a9ce678869f75f195861f7b7cb423329">The Red Piano</a> by Andre Leblanc, Barroux illustrator. During China’s Cultural Revolution a young girl is sent to a far-off labor camp. Forbidden to play the piano, she nevertheless finds a way. Inspired by the true story of international concert pianist Zhu Xiao-Mei.</p>
<p>16. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802852963/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0802852963&linkId=f7bfc0bdf4facde88978a7c03cfad3ba">Four Feet, Two Sandals</a> by Karen Williams and Khadra Mohammed. When relief workers bring used clothing to the refugee camp, ten-year-old Lina finds a sandal that fits her foot perfectly, until she sees that another girl has the matching shoe. Lina and Feroza meet and decide to share the sandals.</p>
<p>17. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416994378/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1416994378&linkId=b9f4ef0ec94748c781255ffbdccf569a">Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan</a> by Jeanette Winter, author and illustrator. Young Nasreen has not spoken a word to anyone since her parents disappeared. In despair, her grandmother risks everything to enroll Nasreen in a secret school for girls.</p>
<p>18. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1934389897/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1934389897&linkCode=as2&tag=teacht-20&linkId=f8364cb344100f7bd8c3e4bf3036f8a2">Civil Rights For Beginners</a></p>
<p>by Paul Von Blum, Frank Reynoso illustrator. Unlike most civil rights books, this focuses less on major leaders and more on the ordinary African Americans who provided the backbone of the successful protests and demonstrations, along with developments in literature, music, visual art, and film.</p>
<p>19. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1939994640/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1939994640&linkId=b15b60cf2c9dbdd6a9acc611495822ad">Chicano Movement For Beginners</a> by Maceo Montoya. This book sheds light on the multifaceted civil rights struggle known as “El Movimiento” that galvanized the Mexican American community, from laborers to student activists.</p>
<p>20. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603093001/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1603093001&linkId=61a9a52db4028e051b9f453159a8fd08">March</a> by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin. March is a vivid first-hand account of John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Rooted in Lewis’ personal story, it also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement.</p>
<p>21. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596436182/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1596436182&linkId=b935bada2159b0b815ae53f49b7217ef">The Silence of Our Friends</a> by Mark Long and Jim Demonakos. Set in 1967 Texas, a white family from a notoriously racist neighborhood in the suburbs and a black family from its poorest ward cross Houston’s color line, overcoming humiliation, degradation, and violence to win the freedom of five black college students unjustly charged with the murder of a policeman.</p>
<p>22. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1561458449/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1561458449&linkId=42dc15fcec63bcfd7bcc399fc402691b">We’ve Got a Job</a>: the 1963 Birmingham Children’s March by Cynthia Levinson tells the little-known story of the 4,000 black elementary-, middle-, and high school students who voluntarily went to jail in Birmingham, Alabama, between May 2 and May 11, 1963</p>
<p>23. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316322423/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0316322423&linkId=65ca98b697fd5f03ae7f0ed276ec46d5">I am Malala</a> by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb. The remarkable tale of a family uprooted by global terrorism, of the fight for girls’ education, of a father who encouraged his daughter to write and attend school, and of brave parents who have a fierce love for their daughter in a society that prizes sons.</p>
<p>24. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608461564/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1608461564&linkCode=as2&tag=teacht-20&linkId=6fe38fd8d2c8d68e8c10ba80718dac68">101 Changemakers: Rebels and Radicals Who Changed U.S. History</a>, Michele Bollinger and Dao X Tran, editors. This book offers a “peoples’ history” version of the individuals who have shaped our country for middle school students, profiles of fighters for social justice in America: Tecumseh, Harriet Tubman, Mark Twain, César Chávez, Rachel Carson, Harvey Milk, Henry Wallace, and more.</p>
<p>25. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152054456/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=teacht-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0152054456&linkId=64335039bcf865a4065bc670c1fd8346">The Librarian of Basra</a> by Jeanette Winter. Alia Muhammad Baker is a librarian in Basra, Iraq. For fourteen years, her library has been a meeting place for those who love books. Now war has come, and Alia fears that the library will be destroyed forever.</p>
<p><em>Let’s help students as citizens to read, learn AND act.</em></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/230/1*RCf9P63oV-k3k12thexSgA.jpeg" width="230" height="297" loading="lazy" />
</section>
|
25 Books to Inspire Students as Active Citizens
At teachthought.com Ashley McCann has compiled a list of 25 books that can inspire students to seek to change the world (or at least their community). While there’s nothing like actually doing and experiencing the work (and excitement) of responsible change to develop students’ skills and dispositions as active citizens, reading can be a powerful eye-opener. Many are picture books, powerful for readers of all ages. You can find McCann’s list on the teachthought.com website, but here it is, with abbreviated descriptions.
1. Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries who Shaped Our History . . . and Our Future! By Kate Schatz, Miriam Stahl illustrator. Like all A-Z books, this one illustrates the alphabet — but instead of “A is for Apple”, A is for Angela — as in Angela Davis, the iconic political activist, etc.
2. I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy, Elizabeth Baddeley illustrator. This biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, tells the justice’s story through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements.
3. We March by Shane Evans, author and illustrator. Picture book story of the March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.
4. Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee, Megan Halsey illustrator. An alphabet picture book on twenty-six amazing women, from Amelia Earhart, pilot and adventurer, to Zora Neal Hurston.
5. Separate is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh. Almost 10 years before Brown vs. Board of Education, Sylvia Mendez and her parents helped end school segregation in California. Their success eventually brought an end to the era of segregated education in California.
6. The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson, Vanessa Newton illustrator. Meet the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963, in this moving picture book that proves you’re never too little to make a difference.
7. The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, George Ford illustrator. The year is 1960, and when a judge orders Ruby to attend first grade at William Frantz Elementary, an all-white school, Ruby must face angry mobs of parents who refuse to send their children to school with her.
8. Let’s Talk About Race by Julius Lester, who shares his own story as he explores what makes each of us special. Karen Barbour’s dramatic, vibrant paintings speak to the heart of Lester’s unique vision.
9. Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel, Melissa Sweet illustrator. A true story of Clara Lemlich, a young Ukrainian immigrant who led the largest strike of women workers in U.S. history. This picture book biography includes a bibliography and an author’s note on the garment industry.
10. Malala, a Brave Girl from Pakistan/Iqbal, a Brave Boy from Pakistan: Two Stories of Bravery
by Jeanette Winter, author, illustrator. In Pakistan 2 children: Iqbal Masih and Malala Yousafzai. He spoke out against inhumane child slavery in the carpet trade. She, for the right of girls to attend school. Iqbal was killed instantly; Malala survived and continues to speak out.
11. As Good as Anybody: Martin Luther King, Jr., and Abraham Joshua Heschel’s Amazing March toward Freedom
by Richard Michelson, Raul Colon illustrator. Both men grew up in loving families. King in the American South, at a time when this country was plagued by racial discrimination; Heschel in a Europe that did not welcome Jews. In America, he became a respected rabbi like his father, carrying a message of peace and acceptance.
12. Rosa by Nikki Giovanni, Bryan Collier illustrator. Fifty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus, Mrs. Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement.
13. Emmanuel’s Dream by Laurie Ann Thompson, Sean Qualls illustrator. Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people — but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. Today, Emmanuel works on behalf of the disabled.
14. Passage to Freedom by National Geagraphic Learning. A portrait of Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat in Lithuania in 1940, explains how he used his powers–against the orders of his own government–to assist thousands of Jews escape the Holocaust.
15. The Red Piano by Andre Leblanc, Barroux illustrator. During China’s Cultural Revolution a young girl is sent to a far-off labor camp. Forbidden to play the piano, she nevertheless finds a way. Inspired by the true story of international concert pianist Zhu Xiao-Mei.
16. Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Williams and Khadra Mohammed. When relief workers bring used clothing to the refugee camp, ten-year-old Lina finds a sandal that fits her foot perfectly, until she sees that another girl has the matching shoe. Lina and Feroza meet and decide to share the sandals.
17. Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan by Jeanette Winter, author and illustrator. Young Nasreen has not spoken a word to anyone since her parents disappeared. In despair, her grandmother risks everything to enroll Nasreen in a secret school for girls.
18. Civil Rights For Beginners
by Paul Von Blum, Frank Reynoso illustrator. Unlike most civil rights books, this focuses less on major leaders and more on the ordinary African Americans who provided the backbone of the successful protests and demonstrations, along with developments in literature, music, visual art, and film.
19. Chicano Movement For Beginners by Maceo Montoya. This book sheds light on the multifaceted civil rights struggle known as “El Movimiento” that galvanized the Mexican American community, from laborers to student activists.
20. March by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin. March is a vivid first-hand account of John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Rooted in Lewis’ personal story, it also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement.
21. The Silence of Our Friends by Mark Long and Jim Demonakos. Set in 1967 Texas, a white family from a notoriously racist neighborhood in the suburbs and a black family from its poorest ward cross Houston’s color line, overcoming humiliation, degradation, and violence to win the freedom of five black college students unjustly charged with the murder of a policeman.
22. We’ve Got a Job: the 1963 Birmingham Children’s March by Cynthia Levinson tells the little-known story of the 4,000 black elementary-, middle-, and high school students who voluntarily went to jail in Birmingham, Alabama, between May 2 and May 11, 1963
23. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb. The remarkable tale of a family uprooted by global terrorism, of the fight for girls’ education, of a father who encouraged his daughter to write and attend school, and of brave parents who have a fierce love for their daughter in a society that prizes sons.
24. 101 Changemakers: Rebels and Radicals Who Changed U.S. History, Michele Bollinger and Dao X Tran, editors. This book offers a “peoples’ history” version of the individuals who have shaped our country for middle school students, profiles of fighters for social justice in America: Tecumseh, Harriet Tubman, Mark Twain, César Chávez, Rachel Carson, Harvey Milk, Henry Wallace, and more.
25. The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter. Alia Muhammad Baker is a librarian in Basra, Iraq. For fourteen years, her library has been a meeting place for those who love books. Now war has come, and Alia fears that the library will be destroyed forever.
Let’s help students as citizens to read, learn AND act.
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5208812e-2d43-5f57-a4c6-4ad6710a915f
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25/08/2025 15:57:36
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https://franklinty.medium.com/power-bi-small-project-crawler-central-weather-bureau-20c6c792fd34
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medium.com
|
Power BI small project — Crawler Central Weather Bureau
|
Cause of like to make some side project for power bi, so I think about the topic for a while. Now I find that may be I can build my own…
|
Frank Lin TY
|
https://medium.com/@franklinty
|
20c6c792fd34
|
1 min
|
2018-08-05T09:22:01.798000
|
2018-08-05T09:38:53.619000
|
2018-08-05T09:38:54.158000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Microsoft,Weather,Power Bi,Report,Practice
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1920/1*kxQuVb1zHgVLtrAy_Z_uFQ.png" width="1920" height="1080" loading="lazy" />
<p>Cause of like to make some side project for power bi, so I think about the topic for a while. Now I find that may be I can build my own weather forecast app.</p>
<p>But eventually, power bi report for mobile still need to use the PBI app to open the report. It’s not as I think it can be open in web browser and automatically adjust to the fit (RWD).</p>
<p>One way another, I still finish it. Cause it’s a good chance to get a meaningful data to build a report. I also get the chance to use info graphic visual, use different way to decorate the report and page layout.</p>
<p>here’s the link down below :
<a href="https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiY2JhN2NhOGItMDJlMS00MzY5LWIyMGQtNmNiOWQ5YmQ5MTM5IiwidCI6ImE5NGI1MTAwLTE1MzctNDM3NC1iMzY1LTE3MDQwZDFmNGJmYiIsImMiOjEwfQ%3D%3D">https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiY2JhN2NhOGItMDJlMS00MzY5LWIyMGQtNmNiOWQ5YmQ5MTM5IiwidCI6ImE5NGI1MTAwLTE1MzctNDM3NC1iMzY1LTE3MDQwZDFmNGJmYiIsImMiOjEwfQ%3D%3D</a></p>
</section>
|
Power BI small project — Crawler Central Weather Bureau
the data source is from https://www.cwb.gov.tw/V7/forecast/taiwan/Taipei_City.htm
Cause of like to make some side project for power bi, so I think about the topic for a while. Now I find that may be I can build my own weather forecast app.
But eventually, power bi report for mobile still need to use the PBI app to open the report. It’s not as I think it can be open in web browser and automatically adjust to the fit (RWD).
One way another, I still finish it. Cause it’s a good chance to get a meaningful data to build a report. I also get the chance to use info graphic visual, use different way to decorate the report and page layout.
here’s the link down below :
https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiY2JhN2NhOGItMDJlMS00MzY5LWIyMGQtNmNiOWQ5YmQ5MTM5IiwidCI6ImE5NGI1MTAwLTE1MzctNDM3NC1iMzY1LTE3MDQwZDFmNGJmYiIsImMiOjEwfQ%3D%3D
|
cefee941-f4a1-5a45-9b78-49eaa82f5c3d
|
25/08/2025 15:57:36
|
|
https://medium.com/@SW_Storyteller/steps-to-improve-your-self-esteem-493cddc92c31
|
medium.com
|
Steps to Improve Your Self-Esteem
|
Self-esteem is an essential aspect of mental well-being. It influences how we perceive ourselves, make decisions, and navigate the world…
|
Sidra Waqar
|
https://medium.com/@SW_Storyteller
|
493cddc92c31
|
8 min
|
2024-10-02T10:24:45.172000
|
2024-10-02T14:01:35.568000
|
2024-11-15T19:16:13.173000
| 3 | 50 |
en
|
Self Esteem,The Happened To Me,Life,Heartbreak,Prose
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1366/1*gvhVEqxy1eLckANK1KNd-w.png" width="1366" height="768" loading="lazy" />
<p>Self-esteem is an essential aspect of mental well-being. It influences how we perceive ourselves, make decisions, and navigate the world. Improving self-esteem can lead to greater confidence, better relationships, and a more fulfilling life. If you’re looking to boost your self-esteem, this article will guide you through practical steps to develop a positive self-image and self-worth. 🌟💪</p>
<p><strong>1. Practice Self-Acceptance</strong></p>
<p>One of the first steps toward improving self-esteem is to accept yourself for who you are. Self-acceptance means acknowledging both your strengths and weaknesses and understanding that no one is perfect.</p>
<p>- Recognize your unique qualities: Embrace the traits that make you different from others.</p>
<p>- Be kind to yourself: Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend who is struggling.</p>
<p>- Avoid self-criticism: Don’t dwell on your mistakes. Learn from them and move forward.</p>
<p>🤗 Pro Tip: Start each day with a positive affirmation like “I am worthy” or “I accept myself just as I am.”</p>
<p><strong>2. Challenge Negative Thoughts</strong></p>
<p>Negative thoughts can significantly impact your self-esteem. It’s important to recognize these thoughts and replace them with more constructive ones.</p>
<p>- Identify negative self-talk: When you catch yourself thinking things like “I’m not good enough,” challenge those thoughts by asking if they’re really true.</p>
<p>- Reframe your thoughts: Instead of “I’ll never be able to do this,” try thinking, “I’m learning, and I’ll improve with practice.”</p>
<p>- Practice gratitude: Focus on the things you appreciate about yourself and your life, rather than what you lack.</p>
<p>💡 Pro Tip: Write down three positive things about yourself each day to shift your mindset away from negativity.</p>
<p><strong>3. Set Realistic Goals</strong></p>
<p>Setting and achieving goals, no matter how small, can significantly boost your self-esteem. Accomplishing tasks gives you a sense of purpose and demonstrates that you are capable.</p>
<p>- Start small: Begin with achievable goals, such as completing a daily task or learning a new skill.</p>
<p>- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how minor they may seem.</p>
<p>- Be flexible: Understand that setbacks are part of the process, and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly.</p>
<p>🎯 Pro Tip: Break larger goals into smaller steps to make them more manageable and to create a sense of accomplishment as you progress.</p>
<p><strong>4. Surround Yourself with Positive People</strong></p>
<p>The people around you can have a significant impact on your self-esteem. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you.</p>
<p>- Build supportive relationships: Choose friends and family members who make you feel valued and encourage your growth.</p>
<p>- Distance yourself from negativity: Avoid spending time with people who constantly criticize or bring you down.</p>
<p>- Learn to say no: Protect your emotional health by saying no to people or situations that negatively affect your self-esteem.</p>
<p>🤝 Pro Tip: Spend time with people who celebrate your successes and support you during challenges.</p>
<p><strong>5. Focus on Your Strengths</strong></p>
<p>Everyone has unique talents, abilities, and strengths. Focusing on what you’re good at rather than dwelling on your weaknesses can greatly enhance your self-esteem.</p>
<p>- Identify your strengths: Make a list of your skills, achievements, and qualities that you’re proud of.</p>
<p>- Use your strengths: Engage in activities that allow you to use and develop these strengths.</p>
<p>- Seek opportunities for growth: Take on challenges that allow you to showcase your abilities and build confidence.</p>
<p>💪 Pro Tip: Keep a “success journal” where you document your achievements and reflect on what you’re proud of.</p>
<p><strong>6. Take Care of Your Physical Health</strong></p>
<p>Physical health and mental well-being are closely connected. Taking care of your body can have a positive effect on your self-esteem.</p>
<p>- Exercise regularly: Physical activity boosts mood and reduces stress, which can improve self-perception.</p>
<p>- Eat a balanced diet: Nutritious foods can improve energy levels, which contribute to a more positive outlook.</p>
<p>- Prioritize sleep: Getting enough rest is essential for maintaining a healthy mind and body.</p>
<p>🏃♀️ Pro Tip: Even small steps like a 20-minute walk or adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet can have a positive impact on your self-esteem.</p>
<p><strong>7. Practice Self-Compassion</strong></p>
<p>Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness, especially during times of failure or difficulty. Being compassionate to yourself can reduce self-criticism and boost self-esteem.</p>
<p>- Forgive yourself: Everyone makes mistakes — learn from them and let them go.</p>
<p>- Talk to yourself kindly: When you’re feeling down, think about what you would say to a close friend and use those words to encourage yourself.</p>
<p>- Allow yourself to rest: It’s okay to take breaks when you need them. Rest is an important part of growth and success.</p>
<p>💖 Pro Tip: Develop a habit of practicing self-care, whether it’s through meditation, reading, or simply taking time to relax.</p>
<p><strong>8. Learn New Skills</strong></p>
<p>Learning something new can give you a sense of accomplishment and enhance your self-worth. Whether it’s a hobby or a professional skill, gaining new knowledge boosts confidence.</p>
<p>- Pick something you enjoy: Whether it’s cooking, coding, or playing a musical instrument, find something you’re passionate about.</p>
<p>- Stay consistent: Dedicate time each week to learning and improving.</p>
<p>- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge the skills you’ve gained and how far you’ve come.</p>
<p>📚 Pro Tip: Set small milestones for your learning journey, and celebrate each achievement as a confidence booster.</p>
<p><strong>9. Help Others</strong></p>
<p>Helping others can improve your self-esteem by giving you a sense of purpose and making you feel valued.</p>
<p>- Volunteer: Whether it’s at a local shelter, school, or community event, volunteering can give you a sense of contribution and fulfillment.</p>
<p>- Offer support: Be there for friends, family, or coworkers when they need help or encouragement.</p>
<p>- Share your knowledge: If you have a skill or expertise, offer to teach or mentor others.</p>
<p>💞 Pro Tip: Acts of kindness not only benefit others but also create a positive feedback loop that enhances your own self-worth.</p>
<p><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></p>
<p>Improving your self-esteem takes time and effort, but with patience and persistence, you can develop a healthier, more positive self-image. By practicing self-acceptance, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and focusing on your strengths, you can boost your self-esteem and live a more confident, fulfilling life. 🌟</p>
<p>💡 If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to clap, leave a comment, and follow! Let us know what topic you’d like us to cover next! 😊</p>
<p><strong>Steps to Improve Your Self-Esteem</strong></p>
<p>Self-esteem is an essential aspect of mental well-being. It influences how we perceive ourselves, make decisions, and navigate the world. Improving self-esteem can lead to greater confidence, better relationships, and a more fulfilling life. If you’re looking to boost your self-esteem, this article will guide you through practical steps to develop a positive self-image and self-worth. 🌟💪</p>
<p><strong>1. Practice Self-Acceptance</strong></p>
<p>One of the first steps toward improving self-esteem is to accept yourself for who you are. Self-acceptance means acknowledging both your strengths and weaknesses and understanding that no one is perfect.</p>
<p>- Recognize your unique qualities: Embrace the traits that make you different from others.</p>
<p>- Be kind to yourself: Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend who is struggling.</p>
<p>- Avoid self-criticism: Don’t dwell on your mistakes. Learn from them and move forward.</p>
<p>🤗 Pro Tip: Start each day with a positive affirmation like “I am worthy” or “I accept myself just as I am.”</p>
<p><strong>2. Challenge Negative Thoughts</strong></p>
<p>Negative thoughts can significantly impact your self-esteem. It’s important to recognize these thoughts and replace them with more constructive ones.</p>
<p>- Identify negative self-talk: When you catch yourself thinking things like “I’m not good enough,” challenge those thoughts by asking if they’re really true.</p>
<p>- Reframe your thoughts: Instead of “I’ll never be able to do this,” try thinking, “I’m learning, and I’ll improve with practice.”</p>
<p>- Practice gratitude: Focus on the things you appreciate about yourself and your life, rather than what you lack.</p>
<p>💡 Pro Tip: Write down three positive things about yourself each day to shift your mindset away from negativity.</p>
<p><strong>3. Set Realistic Goals</strong></p>
<p>Setting and achieving goals, no matter how small, can significantly boost your self-esteem. Accomplishing tasks gives you a sense of purpose and demonstrates that you are capable.</p>
<p>- Start small: Begin with achievable goals, such as completing a daily task or learning a new skill.</p>
<p>- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how minor they may seem.</p>
<p>- Be flexible: Understand that setbacks are part of the process, and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly.</p>
<p>🎯 Pro Tip: Break larger goals into smaller steps to make them more manageable and to create a sense of accomplishment as you progress.</p>
<p><strong>4. Surround Yourself with Positive People</strong></p>
<p>The people around you can have a significant impact on your self-esteem. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you.</p>
<p>- Build supportive relationships: Choose friends and family members who make you feel valued and encourage your growth.</p>
<p>- Distance yourself from negativity: Avoid spending time with people who constantly criticize or bring you down.</p>
<p>- Learn to say no: Protect your emotional health by saying no to people or situations that negatively affect your self-esteem.</p>
<p>🤝 Pro Tip: Spend time with people who celebrate your successes and support you during challenges.</p>
<p><strong>5. Focus on Your Strengths</strong></p>
<p>Everyone has unique talents, abilities, and strengths. Focusing on what you’re good at rather than dwelling on your weaknesses can greatly enhance your self-esteem.</p>
<p>- Identify your strengths: Make a list of your skills, achievements, and qualities that you’re proud of.</p>
<p>- Use your strengths: Engage in activities that allow you to use and develop these strengths.</p>
<p>- Seek opportunities for growth: Take on challenges that allow you to showcase your abilities and build confidence.</p>
<p>💪 Pro Tip: Keep a “success journal” where you document your achievements and reflect on what you’re proud of.</p>
<p><strong>6. Take Care of Your Physical Health</strong></p>
<p>Physical health and mental well-being are closely connected. Taking care of your body can have a positive effect on your self-esteem.</p>
<p>- Exercise regularly: Physical activity boosts mood and reduces stress, which can improve self-perception.</p>
<p>- Eat a balanced diet: Nutritious foods can improve energy levels, which contribute to a more positive outlook.</p>
<p>- Prioritize sleep: Getting enough rest is essential for maintaining a healthy mind and body.</p>
<p>🏃♀️ Pro Tip: Even small steps like a 20-minute walk or adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet can have a positive impact on your self-esteem.</p>
<p><strong>7. Practice Self-Compassion</strong></p>
<p>Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness, especially during times of failure or difficulty. Being compassionate to yourself can reduce self-criticism and boost self-esteem.</p>
<p>- Forgive yourself: Everyone makes mistakes — learn from them and let them go.</p>
<p>- Talk to yourself kindly: When you’re feeling down, think about what you would say to a close friend and use those words to encourage yourself.</p>
<p>- Allow yourself to rest: It’s okay to take breaks when you need them. Rest is an important part of growth and success.</p>
<p>💖 Pro Tip: Develop a habit of practicing self-care, whether it’s through meditation, reading, or simply taking time to relax.</p>
<p><strong>8. Learn New Skills</strong></p>
<p>Learning something new can give you a sense of accomplishment and enhance your self-worth. Whether it’s a hobby or a professional skill, gaining new knowledge boosts confidence.</p>
<p>- Pick something you enjoy: Whether it’s cooking, coding, or playing a musical instrument, find something you’re passionate about.</p>
<p>- Stay consistent: Dedicate time each week to learning and improving.</p>
<p>- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge the skills you’ve gained and how far you’ve come.</p>
<p>📚 Pro Tip: Set small milestones for your learning journey, and celebrate each achievement as a confidence booster.</p>
<p><strong>9. Help Others</strong></p>
<p>Helping others can improve your self-esteem by giving you a sense of purpose and making you feel valued.</p>
<p>- Volunteer: Whether it’s at a local shelter, school, or community event, volunteering can give you a sense of contribution and fulfillment.</p>
<p>- Offer support: Be there for friends, family, or coworkers when they need help or encouragement.</p>
<p>- Share your knowledge: If you have a skill or expertise, offer to teach or mentor others.</p>
<p>💞 Pro Tip: Acts of kindness not only benefit others but also create a positive feedback loop that enhances your own self-worth.</p>
<p><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></p>
<p>Improving your self-esteem takes time and effort, but with patience and persistence, you can develop a healthier, more positive self-image. By practicing self-acceptance, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and focusing on your strengths, you can boost your self-esteem and live a more confident, fulfilling life. 🌟</p>
<p>💡 If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to clap, leave a comment, and follow! Let us know what topic you’d like us to cover next! 😊</p>
</section>
|
Steps to Improve Your Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is an essential aspect of mental well-being. It influences how we perceive ourselves, make decisions, and navigate the world. Improving self-esteem can lead to greater confidence, better relationships, and a more fulfilling life. If you’re looking to boost your self-esteem, this article will guide you through practical steps to develop a positive self-image and self-worth. 🌟💪
1. Practice Self-Acceptance
One of the first steps toward improving self-esteem is to accept yourself for who you are. Self-acceptance means acknowledging both your strengths and weaknesses and understanding that no one is perfect.
- Recognize your unique qualities: Embrace the traits that make you different from others.
- Be kind to yourself: Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend who is struggling.
- Avoid self-criticism: Don’t dwell on your mistakes. Learn from them and move forward.
🤗 Pro Tip: Start each day with a positive affirmation like “I am worthy” or “I accept myself just as I am.”
2. Challenge Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts can significantly impact your self-esteem. It’s important to recognize these thoughts and replace them with more constructive ones.
- Identify negative self-talk: When you catch yourself thinking things like “I’m not good enough,” challenge those thoughts by asking if they’re really true.
- Reframe your thoughts: Instead of “I’ll never be able to do this,” try thinking, “I’m learning, and I’ll improve with practice.”
- Practice gratitude: Focus on the things you appreciate about yourself and your life, rather than what you lack.
💡 Pro Tip: Write down three positive things about yourself each day to shift your mindset away from negativity.
3. Set Realistic Goals
Setting and achieving goals, no matter how small, can significantly boost your self-esteem. Accomplishing tasks gives you a sense of purpose and demonstrates that you are capable.
- Start small: Begin with achievable goals, such as completing a daily task or learning a new skill.
- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how minor they may seem.
- Be flexible: Understand that setbacks are part of the process, and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly.
🎯 Pro Tip: Break larger goals into smaller steps to make them more manageable and to create a sense of accomplishment as you progress.
4. Surround Yourself with Positive People
The people around you can have a significant impact on your self-esteem. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you.
- Build supportive relationships: Choose friends and family members who make you feel valued and encourage your growth.
- Distance yourself from negativity: Avoid spending time with people who constantly criticize or bring you down.
- Learn to say no: Protect your emotional health by saying no to people or situations that negatively affect your self-esteem.
🤝 Pro Tip: Spend time with people who celebrate your successes and support you during challenges.
5. Focus on Your Strengths
Everyone has unique talents, abilities, and strengths. Focusing on what you’re good at rather than dwelling on your weaknesses can greatly enhance your self-esteem.
- Identify your strengths: Make a list of your skills, achievements, and qualities that you’re proud of.
- Use your strengths: Engage in activities that allow you to use and develop these strengths.
- Seek opportunities for growth: Take on challenges that allow you to showcase your abilities and build confidence.
💪 Pro Tip: Keep a “success journal” where you document your achievements and reflect on what you’re proud of.
6. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Physical health and mental well-being are closely connected. Taking care of your body can have a positive effect on your self-esteem.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity boosts mood and reduces stress, which can improve self-perception.
- Eat a balanced diet: Nutritious foods can improve energy levels, which contribute to a more positive outlook.
- Prioritize sleep: Getting enough rest is essential for maintaining a healthy mind and body.
🏃♀️ Pro Tip: Even small steps like a 20-minute walk or adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet can have a positive impact on your self-esteem.
7. Practice Self-Compassion
Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness, especially during times of failure or difficulty. Being compassionate to yourself can reduce self-criticism and boost self-esteem.
- Forgive yourself: Everyone makes mistakes — learn from them and let them go.
- Talk to yourself kindly: When you’re feeling down, think about what you would say to a close friend and use those words to encourage yourself.
- Allow yourself to rest: It’s okay to take breaks when you need them. Rest is an important part of growth and success.
💖 Pro Tip: Develop a habit of practicing self-care, whether it’s through meditation, reading, or simply taking time to relax.
8. Learn New Skills
Learning something new can give you a sense of accomplishment and enhance your self-worth. Whether it’s a hobby or a professional skill, gaining new knowledge boosts confidence.
- Pick something you enjoy: Whether it’s cooking, coding, or playing a musical instrument, find something you’re passionate about.
- Stay consistent: Dedicate time each week to learning and improving.
- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge the skills you’ve gained and how far you’ve come.
📚 Pro Tip: Set small milestones for your learning journey, and celebrate each achievement as a confidence booster.
9. Help Others
Helping others can improve your self-esteem by giving you a sense of purpose and making you feel valued.
- Volunteer: Whether it’s at a local shelter, school, or community event, volunteering can give you a sense of contribution and fulfillment.
- Offer support: Be there for friends, family, or coworkers when they need help or encouragement.
- Share your knowledge: If you have a skill or expertise, offer to teach or mentor others.
💞 Pro Tip: Acts of kindness not only benefit others but also create a positive feedback loop that enhances your own self-worth.
Final Thoughts
Improving your self-esteem takes time and effort, but with patience and persistence, you can develop a healthier, more positive self-image. By practicing self-acceptance, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and focusing on your strengths, you can boost your self-esteem and live a more confident, fulfilling life. 🌟
💡 If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to clap, leave a comment, and follow! Let us know what topic you’d like us to cover next! 😊
Steps to Improve Your Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is an essential aspect of mental well-being. It influences how we perceive ourselves, make decisions, and navigate the world. Improving self-esteem can lead to greater confidence, better relationships, and a more fulfilling life. If you’re looking to boost your self-esteem, this article will guide you through practical steps to develop a positive self-image and self-worth. 🌟💪
1. Practice Self-Acceptance
One of the first steps toward improving self-esteem is to accept yourself for who you are. Self-acceptance means acknowledging both your strengths and weaknesses and understanding that no one is perfect.
- Recognize your unique qualities: Embrace the traits that make you different from others.
- Be kind to yourself: Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend who is struggling.
- Avoid self-criticism: Don’t dwell on your mistakes. Learn from them and move forward.
🤗 Pro Tip: Start each day with a positive affirmation like “I am worthy” or “I accept myself just as I am.”
2. Challenge Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts can significantly impact your self-esteem. It’s important to recognize these thoughts and replace them with more constructive ones.
- Identify negative self-talk: When you catch yourself thinking things like “I’m not good enough,” challenge those thoughts by asking if they’re really true.
- Reframe your thoughts: Instead of “I’ll never be able to do this,” try thinking, “I’m learning, and I’ll improve with practice.”
- Practice gratitude: Focus on the things you appreciate about yourself and your life, rather than what you lack.
💡 Pro Tip: Write down three positive things about yourself each day to shift your mindset away from negativity.
3. Set Realistic Goals
Setting and achieving goals, no matter how small, can significantly boost your self-esteem. Accomplishing tasks gives you a sense of purpose and demonstrates that you are capable.
- Start small: Begin with achievable goals, such as completing a daily task or learning a new skill.
- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how minor they may seem.
- Be flexible: Understand that setbacks are part of the process, and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly.
🎯 Pro Tip: Break larger goals into smaller steps to make them more manageable and to create a sense of accomplishment as you progress.
4. Surround Yourself with Positive People
The people around you can have a significant impact on your self-esteem. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you.
- Build supportive relationships: Choose friends and family members who make you feel valued and encourage your growth.
- Distance yourself from negativity: Avoid spending time with people who constantly criticize or bring you down.
- Learn to say no: Protect your emotional health by saying no to people or situations that negatively affect your self-esteem.
🤝 Pro Tip: Spend time with people who celebrate your successes and support you during challenges.
5. Focus on Your Strengths
Everyone has unique talents, abilities, and strengths. Focusing on what you’re good at rather than dwelling on your weaknesses can greatly enhance your self-esteem.
- Identify your strengths: Make a list of your skills, achievements, and qualities that you’re proud of.
- Use your strengths: Engage in activities that allow you to use and develop these strengths.
- Seek opportunities for growth: Take on challenges that allow you to showcase your abilities and build confidence.
💪 Pro Tip: Keep a “success journal” where you document your achievements and reflect on what you’re proud of.
6. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Physical health and mental well-being are closely connected. Taking care of your body can have a positive effect on your self-esteem.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity boosts mood and reduces stress, which can improve self-perception.
- Eat a balanced diet: Nutritious foods can improve energy levels, which contribute to a more positive outlook.
- Prioritize sleep: Getting enough rest is essential for maintaining a healthy mind and body.
🏃♀️ Pro Tip: Even small steps like a 20-minute walk or adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet can have a positive impact on your self-esteem.
7. Practice Self-Compassion
Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness, especially during times of failure or difficulty. Being compassionate to yourself can reduce self-criticism and boost self-esteem.
- Forgive yourself: Everyone makes mistakes — learn from them and let them go.
- Talk to yourself kindly: When you’re feeling down, think about what you would say to a close friend and use those words to encourage yourself.
- Allow yourself to rest: It’s okay to take breaks when you need them. Rest is an important part of growth and success.
💖 Pro Tip: Develop a habit of practicing self-care, whether it’s through meditation, reading, or simply taking time to relax.
8. Learn New Skills
Learning something new can give you a sense of accomplishment and enhance your self-worth. Whether it’s a hobby or a professional skill, gaining new knowledge boosts confidence.
- Pick something you enjoy: Whether it’s cooking, coding, or playing a musical instrument, find something you’re passionate about.
- Stay consistent: Dedicate time each week to learning and improving.
- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge the skills you’ve gained and how far you’ve come.
📚 Pro Tip: Set small milestones for your learning journey, and celebrate each achievement as a confidence booster.
9. Help Others
Helping others can improve your self-esteem by giving you a sense of purpose and making you feel valued.
- Volunteer: Whether it’s at a local shelter, school, or community event, volunteering can give you a sense of contribution and fulfillment.
- Offer support: Be there for friends, family, or coworkers when they need help or encouragement.
- Share your knowledge: If you have a skill or expertise, offer to teach or mentor others.
💞 Pro Tip: Acts of kindness not only benefit others but also create a positive feedback loop that enhances your own self-worth.
Final Thoughts
Improving your self-esteem takes time and effort, but with patience and persistence, you can develop a healthier, more positive self-image. By practicing self-acceptance, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and focusing on your strengths, you can boost your self-esteem and live a more confident, fulfilling life. 🌟
💡 If you found this article helpful, don’t forget to clap, leave a comment, and follow! Let us know what topic you’d like us to cover next! 😊
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d96060ae-3f30-538e-99ac-dcb2683bca3c
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25/08/2025 15:57:36
|
|
https://medium.com/@saidsells4u/markham-real-estate-agents-find-best-one-8ac1dd32d159
|
medium.com
|
Markham Real Estate Agents | Find Best One
|
Times come in our life when we have to deal with buying and selling property whether its residential or commercial property.
|
Said Sells4U
|
https://medium.com/@saidsells4u
|
8ac1dd32d159
|
1 min
|
2017-05-09T18:35:10.145000
|
2017-05-09T18:45:36.145000
|
2017-10-21T17:38:38.543000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Real Estate,Real Estate Agent,House For Sale,Home For Sale,Expert Realtor
|
<section>
<p>Times come in our life when we have to deal with buying and selling property whether its residential or commercial property.</p>
<p>If you have been ever in this situation when you need to step in buying or selling property, you would had notice that how complex and complicated process of buying and selling property.</p>
<p>We cannot do this job alone as there is many complications and without knowing these complications you cannot able to sell or buy your desire property.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/960/1*TpSYodj64nd3QfrGQAGYTA.jpeg" width="960" height="640" loading="lazy" />
<p>This is the point where we need an expert and professional realtor so that he can get you out of this process easily and you get your dream results.</p>
<p>If you have been living in Markham, GTA, Then <strong><a href="http://www.saidse</strong>lls4u.com/markham-real-estate-agents-guide-to-investment-properties/">Markham real estate agents</a> are best choice for you. <strong><a href="http://www</strong>.saidsells4u.com/">Realtors in Markham</a> are very expert in their area of working. <strong><a href="ht</strong>tp://www.saidsells4u.com/">SaidSells4U</a> is one of best realtors in Markham who offer you very reliable and excellent real estate services. He has happy clients and he is very open and friendly to his customers. Best thing about him, he is very caring and sincere when its come to deal clients.</p>
</section>
|
Markham Real Estate Agents | Find Best One
Times come in our life when we have to deal with buying and selling property whether its residential or commercial property.
If you have been ever in this situation when you need to step in buying or selling property, you would had notice that how complex and complicated process of buying and selling property.
We cannot do this job alone as there is many complications and without knowing these complications you cannot able to sell or buy your desire property.
This is the point where we need an expert and professional realtor so that he can get you out of this process easily and you get your dream results.
If you have been living in Markham, GTA, Then Markham real estate agents are best choice for you. Realtors in Markham are very expert in their area of working. SaidSells4U is one of best realtors in Markham who offer you very reliable and excellent real estate services. He has happy clients and he is very open and friendly to his customers. Best thing about him, he is very caring and sincere when its come to deal clients.
|
d2f8ae63-42cb-51f8-9978-03d32e8781c8
|
25/08/2025 15:57:37
|
|
https://icurra.medium.com/nyc-march-for-our-lives-78f403b42876
|
medium.com
|
NYC March for Our Lives
|
As we sit in the sweet quiet of the day’s session of the nine month Integrative Sound and Music Institute certificate program at the New…
|
Bhakti Issa Urra
|
https://medium.com/@icurra
|
78f403b42876
|
2 min
|
2018-03-25T17:05:17.601000
|
2018-03-25T12:34:00
|
2018-03-25T17:15:29.245000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
New York,March For Our Lives,Taking Action,All Lives Matter
|
<section>
<p>As we sit in the sweet quiet of the day’s session of the nine month Integrative Sound and Music Institute certificate program at the <a href="https://www.opencenter.org/sound">New York Open Center</a>, the world spins on.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/320/0*Eb5NzPCPr6ehW2uN.jpg" width="320" height="168" loading="lazy" />
<p>The streets of New York City are overflowing with dissidents protesting a collective call to action against gun violence. More than 800 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcRgpmOEemc">March for Our Lives</a> events took place in cities across America and dozens of locations overseas in sync to occur at around the same time.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Footage of the NYC March For Our Lives rally which moved from Central Park West, through Columbus Circle, along Central Park South and down Sixth Avenue to 43rd Street show an estimated 150,000 people participated in the march with thousands more lining the streets.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/320/0*--vbLmE0mOFmJQA0.jpg" width="320" height="180" loading="lazy" />
<p>We attended the Sound Meditation of Thomas Amelio which incorporates sounds from many traditions and languages. Although primary emphasis was on using powerful one-syllable bija (seed) mantras of the yoga tradition it was very much about one’s own revelation too.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/213/0*TrPQHLqeSaXO1D9B.jpg" width="213" height="320" loading="lazy" />
<p>Especially on the concept of <em>Chitti [attention]</em> and <em>Prana [life force] </em>— what we focus our attention on does expand and grow.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/320/0*MSK8fFETNoEnUSQB.jpg" width="320" height="283" loading="lazy" />
<p><em>Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.</em></p>
<p><em>~ <strong>Ancient </em>Wisdom ~</strong></p>
<p>Beej Gayatri Mantra</p>
<p><em>Originally published at <a href="http://changewarrior.blogspot.com/20</em>18/03/nyc-march-for-our-lives.html">changewarrior.blogspot.com</a> on March 25, 2018.</p>
</section>
|
NYC March for Our Lives
As we sit in the sweet quiet of the day’s session of the nine month Integrative Sound and Music Institute certificate program at the New York Open Center, the world spins on.
The streets of New York City are overflowing with dissidents protesting a collective call to action against gun violence. More than 800 March for Our Lives events took place in cities across America and dozens of locations overseas in sync to occur at around the same time.
Footage of the NYC March For Our Lives rally which moved from Central Park West, through Columbus Circle, along Central Park South and down Sixth Avenue to 43rd Street show an estimated 150,000 people participated in the march with thousands more lining the streets.
We attended the Sound Meditation of Thomas Amelio which incorporates sounds from many traditions and languages. Although primary emphasis was on using powerful one-syllable bija (seed) mantras of the yoga tradition it was very much about one’s own revelation too.
Tutoring Tots
Especially on the concept of Chitti [attention] and Prana [life force] — what we focus our attention on does expand and grow.
Teachers are Healers not Killers
Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.
~ Ancient Wisdom ~
Beej Gayatri Mantra
Originally published at changewarrior.blogspot.com on March 25, 2018.
|
3822971e-00e7-53a9-8ace-db4a046de691
|
25/08/2025 15:57:37
|
|
https://medium.com/@jlynch2314/https-t-co-hqnpdfb17w-https-t-co-8pftm7qxfc-7ab369d570e0
|
medium.com
|
https://t.co/hQNPDFB17W https://t.co/8pftm7QxfC
| null |
jlynch2314
|
https://medium.com/@jlynch2314
|
7ab369d570e0
| null |
0 min
|
2016-03-01T14:57:36.493000
|
2016-03-01T14:57:37.413000
|
2016-03-01T14:57:37.413000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Hammocks,Hammock Camping,Hammocking
|
<section>
<p>— Jeff Lynch (@jefflynch2314) <a href="https://twitter.com/jefflynch2314/status/704662050514014208">March 1, 2016</a></p>
<p></p>
</section>
|
https://t.co/hQNPDFB17W http://pic.twitter.com/8pftm7QxfC
— Jeff Lynch (@jefflynch2314) March 1, 2016
|
033ddbe6-9538-533c-bf16-18b7441be80b
|
25/08/2025 15:57:37
|
https://tinasaxena.medium.com/things-happy-people-do-they-practice-forgiveness-13ec9f76b83b
|
medium.com
|
Things Happy people do: They practice Forgiveness
|
When someone does something causing you to experience loss in any form or to feel hurt, learn to look past your first gut reactions. Learn…
|
Tina Saxena
|
https://medium.com/@tinasaxena
|
13ec9f76b83b
|
2 min
|
2020-01-28T21:57:29.062000
|
2020-01-28T22:10:02.170000
|
2021-12-13T08:56:33.415000
| 0 | 1 |
en
|
Happiness,Forgiveness,Moving On,Release,Grow
|
<section>
<p>When someone does something causing you to experience loss in any form or to feel hurt, learn to look past your first gut reactions. Learn to look beyond your wounds.</p>
<p>When you take responsibility for yourself and your life, you begin to see that <em>everyone operates from their point of view</em>. This is likely to be very individual and unique and has little to do with you and a lot to do with their own attitude towards life.</p>
<p>Instead of wallowing in self-pity, and plotting revenge, happy people seek the lessons so that they can grow and progress. They constantly thank others for their presence and also for rubbing their rough spots, because they show you something about yourself to work on. Happy people question their triggers and ask themselves how they can release those triggers to not go through the hurt again. They learn and they forgive without carrying the festering venom of resentment inside themselves. It is commonly said that ‘hurt people hurt people’ … until they learn to heal. People who hurt others do not see past the anger inside themselves. Happy people understand this and are compassionate and forgiving.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3888/1*Gb27Xk07IWFKFFN3SulZHg.jpeg" width="3888" height="2591" loading="lazy" />
<p>Forgiveness does not mean condoning bad behaviour, but simply not allowing it to create more negativity, hurt and resentment. Forgiveness breaks the vicious cycle of hatred, violence, anger and does not allow it to rule our life or suck our precious life force. It frees us to move ahead. Happy people are on the move and not stuck in past situations or thoughts of vendetta. <em>Being on the move can also mean moving away from people and situations which constantly create or cause hurt and pain.</em></p>
<p>People who forgive others see that everyone is different and imperfect, everyone is prone to error. They are able to <em>see the person, past the behaviour</em>, and know it has nothing to do with them personally but everything to do with that person’s journey in life. They do not take on responsibility for others behaviours or for setting them right but move on to create more happiness in their own lives through the pursuit of their purpose.</p>
<p><strong>Thank, detach, forgive, release and bless is a constant for happy people.</strong></p>
</section>
|
Things Happy people do: They practice Forgiveness
When someone does something causing you to experience loss in any form or to feel hurt, learn to look past your first gut reactions. Learn to look beyond your wounds.
When you take responsibility for yourself and your life, you begin to see that everyone operates from their point of view. This is likely to be very individual and unique and has little to do with you and a lot to do with their own attitude towards life.
Instead of wallowing in self-pity, and plotting revenge, happy people seek the lessons so that they can grow and progress. They constantly thank others for their presence and also for rubbing their rough spots, because they show you something about yourself to work on. Happy people question their triggers and ask themselves how they can release those triggers to not go through the hurt again. They learn and they forgive without carrying the festering venom of resentment inside themselves. It is commonly said that ‘hurt people hurt people’ … until they learn to heal. People who hurt others do not see past the anger inside themselves. Happy people understand this and are compassionate and forgiving.
Photo by Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash
Forgiveness does not mean condoning bad behaviour, but simply not allowing it to create more negativity, hurt and resentment. Forgiveness breaks the vicious cycle of hatred, violence, anger and does not allow it to rule our life or suck our precious life force. It frees us to move ahead. Happy people are on the move and not stuck in past situations or thoughts of vendetta. Being on the move can also mean moving away from people and situations which constantly create or cause hurt and pain.
People who forgive others see that everyone is different and imperfect, everyone is prone to error. They are able to see the person, past the behaviour, and know it has nothing to do with them personally but everything to do with that person’s journey in life. They do not take on responsibility for others behaviours or for setting them right but move on to create more happiness in their own lives through the pursuit of their purpose.
Thank, detach, forgive, release and bless is a constant for happy people.
|
9d25168a-82fb-595c-b533-036537f4f12a
|
25/08/2025 15:57:38
|
|
https://medium.com/@gruhl019/pwop-sop-63cdc97c9ff
|
medium.com
|
PWOP & SOP
|
For my PWOP portion of the assignment,I chose to capture UMD college students. The college student I used as an example was my roommate…
|
Laura Gruhlke
|
https://medium.com/@gruhl019
|
63cdc97c9ff
|
1 min
|
2017-01-31T03:16:49.792000
|
2017-01-31T16:02:04.374000
|
2017-01-31T16:02:04.374000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Coffee,College
|
<section>
<p>For my PWOP portion of the assignment,I chose to capture UMD college students. The college student I used as an example was my roommate Cate Thayer. I wanted to capture how much work and time it takes going into homework and other studies and how busy college students are in today’s society. The pictures I chose to portray this story are of a desk filled with cluttered college necessities and of a college household with backpacks piling up by the door. For these pictures I wanted to keep them bland with only a couple pops of color to help emphasize how chaotic college lives can be.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4032/1*3TlSSiQF4Bbi8xVtOGqi8w.jpeg" width="4032" height="3024" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4032/1*YuMWOr3zntLS0s5vTDUihA.jpeg" width="4032" height="3024" loading="lazy" />
<p>For my SOP part of the assignment I went to the local Starbucks coffee shop. I wanted to keep portraying the story of how busy we are as a society, including college students. The pictures I chose to capture this message are a close up of a man doing work at the coffee shop, and then of people working at the bar while drinking their coffee. In these images I tried to focus more on what all I was including into the images, and making sure everything was necessary to the story.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4032/1*Ez6nPN3BigpavgHZgRRtkg.jpeg" width="4032" height="3024" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4032/1*XcePVj1UpVVvdw7OelAMtQ.jpeg" width="4032" height="3024" loading="lazy" />
</section>
|
PWOP & SOP
For my PWOP portion of the assignment,I chose to capture UMD college students. The college student I used as an example was my roommate Cate Thayer. I wanted to capture how much work and time it takes going into homework and other studies and how busy college students are in today’s society. The pictures I chose to portray this story are of a desk filled with cluttered college necessities and of a college household with backpacks piling up by the door. For these pictures I wanted to keep them bland with only a couple pops of color to help emphasize how chaotic college lives can be.
(PWOP) A UMD student’s books, coffee and other necessities needed for a night of studying.
(PWOP) The living room in a UMD college home filled with backpacks piling up.
For my SOP part of the assignment I went to the local Starbucks coffee shop. I wanted to keep portraying the story of how busy we are as a society, including college students. The pictures I chose to capture this message are a close up of a man doing work at the coffee shop, and then of people working at the bar while drinking their coffee. In these images I tried to focus more on what all I was including into the images, and making sure everything was necessary to the story.
(SOP) A man in a local coffee shop catching up on emails after a day of meetings.
(SOP) Local people catching up on reading, and working on homework at a local coffee shop.
|
0ee0e9be-1e86-5fc5-88f2-325cd62b37a7
|
25/08/2025 15:57:39
|
|
https://medium.com/@tahamojdain1/why-digital-minimalism-is-your-key-to-peak-performance-in-2024-a-science-backed-guide-to-f3aac80542f2
|
medium.com
|
Why Digital Minimalism Is Your Key to Peak Performance in 2024: A Science-Backed Guide to…
|
In a world where the average person spends 7 hours per day staring at screens and checks their phone 344 times daily, our relationship with…
|
Taha mojdain
|
https://medium.com/@tahamojdain1
|
f3aac80542f2
|
3 min
|
2024-11-21T22:25:01.913000
|
2024-11-21T22:28:33.309000
|
2024-11-23T11:32:23.305000
| 14 | 69 |
en
|
Productivity,Technology,Self Improvement,Personal Development,Digital Minimalism
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2892/1*wzcTWWdieBwQeJEpNaeLvg.jpeg" width="2892" height="4000" loading="lazy" />
<p>In a world where the average person spends 7 hours per day staring at screens and checks their phone 344 times daily, our relationship with technology has reached a breaking point. The cost? Our productivity, mental health, and ability to achieve meaningful goals are all suffering.</p>
<p>But there’s a solution that’s gaining momentum among high-performers across industries: digital minimalism.</p>
<h1>The Hidden Cost of Digital Chaos</h1>
<p>Think about your typical day. How many times do you:</p>
<ul>
<li>Check your email without actually responding to anything?</li>
<li>Open social media “just for a minute” only to emerge 30 minutes later?</li>
<li>Switch between multiple tabs while trying to complete a single task?</li>
</ul>
<p>Research from the University of California shows that it takes an average of 23 minutes to fully regain focus after a single interruption. With dozens of daily disruptions, we’re operating at a fraction of our potential.</p>
<h2>What Is Digital Minimalism?</h2>
<p>Digital minimalism isn’t about abandoning technology — it’s about using it intentionally. Coined by computer science professor Cal Newport, it’s defined as “a philosophy of technology use in which you focus your online time on a small number of carefully selected and optimized activities that strongly support things you value.”</p>
<h2>The Science Behind Why It Works</h2>
<h2>1. Cognitive Bandwidth</h2>
<p>Your brain has finite resources. Every notification, email, and task switch depletes your mental energy. Studies from Stanford University demonstrate that heavy multitaskers actually perform worse at attention and memory tasks compared to those who focus on one thing at a time.</p>
<h2>2. Dopamine Regulation</h2>
<p>Social media and endless scrolling hijack your brain’s reward system, creating addictive patterns that make deep work increasingly difficult. Digital minimalism helps reset these neural pathways, making it easier to focus on meaningful tasks.</p>
<h2>3. Time Abundance</h2>
<p>By eliminating digital clutter, practitioners report gaining back 2–3 hours per day. That’s an extra 730–1095 hours per year to invest in your goals, relationships, and personal growth.</p>
<h2>The 30-Day Digital Minimalism Challenge</h2>
<p>Ready to transform your relationship with technology? Here’s your roadmap:</p>
<h2>Week 1: Digital Declutter</h2>
<ul>
<li>Delete non-essential apps from your phone</li>
<li>Unsubscribe from 80% of your email newsletters</li>
<li>Turn off all non-essential notifications</li>
<li>Set up app time limits</li>
</ul>
<h2>Week 2: Establish Digital Protocols</h2>
<ul>
<li>Check email only at designated times (e.g., 10am and 4pm)</li>
<li>Use airplane mode during deep work sessions</li>
<li>Create device-free zones in your home</li>
<li>Install website blockers for your most distracting sites</li>
</ul>
<h2>Week 3: Cultivate Analog Alternatives</h2>
<ul>
<li>Replace phone scrolling with reading physical books</li>
<li>Use a paper notebook for brainstorming</li>
<li>Practice mindfulness during moments of boredom</li>
<li>Engage in face-to-face conversations</li>
</ul>
<h2>Week 4: Optimize and Reflect</h2>
<ul>
<li>Review which changes had the biggest impact</li>
<li>Fine-tune your digital boundaries</li>
<li>Document improvements in focus and productivity</li>
<li>Plan your long-term digital usage strategy</li>
</ul>
<h2>Real Results from Real People</h2>
<p>Sarah Chen, a software developer in Seattle, implemented digital minimalism and saw her productivity increase by 40% within two months. “I went from constantly feeling overwhelmed to completing projects ahead of schedule,” she reports.</p>
<p>Marketing executive James Rodriguez found that digital minimalism improved not just his work but his personal life: “I’m more present with my family, sleep better, and feel less anxious. My creative output has doubled.”</p>
<h2>Implementation Strategies for Success</h2>
<p>Start Small Don’t try to transform everything overnight. Begin with one habit, like no phones during meals, and build from there.</p>
<p>Use Technology to Fight Technology Tools like Forest, RescueTime, and Freedom can help enforce your digital boundaries.</p>
<p>Create Accountability Share your goals with friends or join online communities of digital minimalists for support and motivation.</p>
<p>Monitor Your Progress Keep a journal of how you feel and what you accomplish during your digital minimalism journey.</p>
<h2>Common Obstacles and How to Overcome Them</h2>
<h2>Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)</h2>
<p>Replace social media FOMO with JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). Focus on creating experiences rather than consuming them.</p>
<h2>Work Requirements</h2>
<p>Communicate your new boundaries to colleagues and find ways to batch-process communications.</p>
<h2>Habit Formation</h2>
<p>Use the “habit stacking” technique: attach new digital habits to existing routines in your day.</p>
<h2>The Long-Term Vision</h2>
<p>Digital minimalism isn’t about temporary restraint — it’s about permanent transformation. As you reduce digital noise, you’ll discover:</p>
<ul>
<li>Deeper relationships</li>
<li>Improved mental clarity</li>
<li>Enhanced creativity</li>
<li>Better work-life balance</li>
<li>Increased personal satisfaction</li>
</ul>
<h2>Your Next Steps</h2>
<p>Choose three digital minimalism practices to implement this week</p>
<p>Set up your environment for success by removing digital temptations</p>
<p>Track your progress and adjust as needed</p>
<p>Share your journey with others to inspire change</p>
<p>Remember: every notification you ignore, every scroll you resist, and every moment of focus you protect is an investment in your future self.</p>
<p>Are you ready to reclaim your attention and maximize your potential? The journey to digital minimalism starts now.</p>
</section>
|
Why Digital Minimalism Is Your Key to Peak Performance in 2024: A Science-Backed Guide to Reclaiming Your Focus
In a world where the average person spends 7 hours per day staring at screens and checks their phone 344 times daily, our relationship with technology has reached a breaking point. The cost? Our productivity, mental health, and ability to achieve meaningful goals are all suffering.
But there’s a solution that’s gaining momentum among high-performers across industries: digital minimalism.
The Hidden Cost of Digital Chaos
Think about your typical day. How many times do you:
Check your email without actually responding to anything?
Open social media “just for a minute” only to emerge 30 minutes later?
Switch between multiple tabs while trying to complete a single task?
Research from the University of California shows that it takes an average of 23 minutes to fully regain focus after a single interruption. With dozens of daily disruptions, we’re operating at a fraction of our potential.
What Is Digital Minimalism?
Digital minimalism isn’t about abandoning technology — it’s about using it intentionally. Coined by computer science professor Cal Newport, it’s defined as “a philosophy of technology use in which you focus your online time on a small number of carefully selected and optimized activities that strongly support things you value.”
The Science Behind Why It Works
1. Cognitive Bandwidth
Your brain has finite resources. Every notification, email, and task switch depletes your mental energy. Studies from Stanford University demonstrate that heavy multitaskers actually perform worse at attention and memory tasks compared to those who focus on one thing at a time.
2. Dopamine Regulation
Social media and endless scrolling hijack your brain’s reward system, creating addictive patterns that make deep work increasingly difficult. Digital minimalism helps reset these neural pathways, making it easier to focus on meaningful tasks.
3. Time Abundance
By eliminating digital clutter, practitioners report gaining back 2–3 hours per day. That’s an extra 730–1095 hours per year to invest in your goals, relationships, and personal growth.
The 30-Day Digital Minimalism Challenge
Ready to transform your relationship with technology? Here’s your roadmap:
Week 1: Digital Declutter
Delete non-essential apps from your phone
Unsubscribe from 80% of your email newsletters
Turn off all non-essential notifications
Set up app time limits
Week 2: Establish Digital Protocols
Check email only at designated times (e.g., 10am and 4pm)
Use airplane mode during deep work sessions
Create device-free zones in your home
Install website blockers for your most distracting sites
Week 3: Cultivate Analog Alternatives
Replace phone scrolling with reading physical books
Use a paper notebook for brainstorming
Practice mindfulness during moments of boredom
Engage in face-to-face conversations
Week 4: Optimize and Reflect
Review which changes had the biggest impact
Fine-tune your digital boundaries
Document improvements in focus and productivity
Plan your long-term digital usage strategy
Real Results from Real People
Sarah Chen, a software developer in Seattle, implemented digital minimalism and saw her productivity increase by 40% within two months. “I went from constantly feeling overwhelmed to completing projects ahead of schedule,” she reports.
Marketing executive James Rodriguez found that digital minimalism improved not just his work but his personal life: “I’m more present with my family, sleep better, and feel less anxious. My creative output has doubled.”
Implementation Strategies for Success
Start Small Don’t try to transform everything overnight. Begin with one habit, like no phones during meals, and build from there.
Use Technology to Fight Technology Tools like Forest, RescueTime, and Freedom can help enforce your digital boundaries.
Create Accountability Share your goals with friends or join online communities of digital minimalists for support and motivation.
Monitor Your Progress Keep a journal of how you feel and what you accomplish during your digital minimalism journey.
Common Obstacles and How to Overcome Them
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Replace social media FOMO with JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). Focus on creating experiences rather than consuming them.
Work Requirements
Communicate your new boundaries to colleagues and find ways to batch-process communications.
Habit Formation
Use the “habit stacking” technique: attach new digital habits to existing routines in your day.
The Long-Term Vision
Digital minimalism isn’t about temporary restraint — it’s about permanent transformation. As you reduce digital noise, you’ll discover:
Deeper relationships
Improved mental clarity
Enhanced creativity
Better work-life balance
Increased personal satisfaction
Your Next Steps
Choose three digital minimalism practices to implement this week
Set up your environment for success by removing digital temptations
Track your progress and adjust as needed
Share your journey with others to inspire change
Remember: every notification you ignore, every scroll you resist, and every moment of focus you protect is an investment in your future self.
Are you ready to reclaim your attention and maximize your potential? The journey to digital minimalism starts now.
|
0832c570-1657-56cf-a6af-e3312d02bd90
|
25/08/2025 15:57:39
|
|
https://quinn-mcdowell.medium.com/4-principles-for-sports-parents-2102b9826014
|
medium.com
|
4 Principles for Sports Parents
|
1. Avoid early specialization
|
Quinn McDowell
|
https://medium.com/@quinn-mcdowell
|
2102b9826014
|
3 min
|
2020-07-16T18:40:59.557000
|
2020-06-26T12:54:30
|
2022-03-03T20:43:17.940000
| 0 | 1 |
en
|
Sports Parenting,Parenting Advice,Parenting,Sports Leadership,Excellence
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1024/0*v5acC4ptfWY149hI.png" width="1024" height="512" loading="lazy" />
<h1>1. Avoid early specialization</h1>
<p>Early specialization in sports can lead to numerous unintended consequences. When kids specialize early, they end up focused on the wrong things which can lead them down a dangerous path. When young kids focus more on the results than the process, they will be at greater risk for mental burnout and chronic physical injury. Resiliency that comes from being tested in diverse environments will be lost as context specific training and competition strips your child of much needed “random shocks” to the system. As author Nassim Taleb wrote, we “thrive and grow when exposed to volatility, randomness, disorder, and stressors and love adventure, risk, and uncertainty.” We begin to uncover our potential when we have the ability to successfully transition between contexts. In order to gain the flexibility and versatility to thrive in unique circumstances we must embrace a diversity of activity, stresses, and challenges for our kids early in life.</p>
<h2>2. Focus on Process Praise</h2>
<p>When giving praise direct your encouragement towards the things that are within your child’s control. Praising effort, attitude, preparation, selflessness, awareness, determination, perseverance, and toughness helps foster a growth mindset because it refocuses their attention on things they can control and away from the things they can’t. If we are always praising results and outcomes, we are preaching a theology of performance based on outcomes instead of one based on effort. Without directly saying it, we are telling our kids the scoreboard is all that matters. Even in seemingly challenging situations, there are always factors within our control. We don’t always have the power to change our circumstances, but we can always control our response to those circumstances. The greatest limiting factor in our children’s performance will be an inadequate response to uncertainty. We can help our kids meet uncertainty with resolve, or we can allow them to spend precious mental, physical, and emotional resources on factors outside their field of influence. Praising the process refocuses your kids on the things that matter most.</p>
<h2>3. Let Curiosity Lead the Way</h2>
<p>There is no substitute for natural, intrinsic curiosity. Our kids will be at their best when they are intrinsically driven to achieve goals they set themselves. These interests may change and shift over time, and that’s OK. The journey of discovering how their strengths align with their interests is an exciting and difficult process. The journey is almost never linear, and it can lead us into unfamiliar territory. Our goal as parents is to become the biggest fan of whatever our kids are naturally drawn towards. Parents should be asking themselves this question: what is my child’s natural bent? And how can I support that curiosity? This is especially important if their interests lie outside of our field of expertise. Becoming an expert in your child’s interests doesn’t mean you have to become an expert in every one of their activities; it simply requires you to follow their curiosity with an equal amount of interest in what they are doing. This intentionality gives them the confidence to work with diligence at an activity of their own choosing. Over the long term, curiosity will be a much greater sustaining factor for our kids than any other type of external motivation we might try to provide.</p>
<h2>4. Give Magical Feedback</h2>
<p>The Magical Feedback Formula is this: “I have high expectations and I know you can reach them.” This communicates three very important truths. First, it lets your kids know they are part of a group. Coaches and parents have the obligation to create communities of belonging, significance, and purpose; everyone wants to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Signaling you have high standards (for your family or team) lets your kids know they are part of an exclusive club — a club that is dedicated to a higher standard of excellence. Second, magical feedback communicates the identity of the group is founded on high standards. Every team, family, and group needs a clear identity, a compelling vision and a clear direction. Standards are the guardrails that govern a group’s behavior and direct it towards a meaningful end. Standards send a simple yet powerful message: “this is how we do things HERE.” Finally, magical feedback communicates belief. When you set high expectations and uphold those standards with accountability, you are telling everyone that: “I believe you are the type of person who is capable of performing at a high level, and I believe you can rise above the level of mediocrity.” This is empowering! Rather than telling our kids they are a finished product, we need to preach to their unlimited potential! Communicating high standards and deep care becomes essential in provoking that belief for our children long-term growth and development.</p>
<p><em>Originally published at <a href="http://www.aretehoops.com/4-princi</em>ples-for-sports-parents/">http://www.aretehoops.com</a> on June 26, 2020.</p>
</section>
|
4 Principles for Sports Parents
1. Avoid early specialization
Early specialization in sports can lead to numerous unintended consequences. When kids specialize early, they end up focused on the wrong things which can lead them down a dangerous path. When young kids focus more on the results than the process, they will be at greater risk for mental burnout and chronic physical injury. Resiliency that comes from being tested in diverse environments will be lost as context specific training and competition strips your child of much needed “random shocks” to the system. As author Nassim Taleb wrote, we “thrive and grow when exposed to volatility, randomness, disorder, and stressors and love adventure, risk, and uncertainty.” We begin to uncover our potential when we have the ability to successfully transition between contexts. In order to gain the flexibility and versatility to thrive in unique circumstances we must embrace a diversity of activity, stresses, and challenges for our kids early in life.
2. Focus on Process Praise
When giving praise direct your encouragement towards the things that are within your child’s control. Praising effort, attitude, preparation, selflessness, awareness, determination, perseverance, and toughness helps foster a growth mindset because it refocuses their attention on things they can control and away from the things they can’t. If we are always praising results and outcomes, we are preaching a theology of performance based on outcomes instead of one based on effort. Without directly saying it, we are telling our kids the scoreboard is all that matters. Even in seemingly challenging situations, there are always factors within our control. We don’t always have the power to change our circumstances, but we can always control our response to those circumstances. The greatest limiting factor in our children’s performance will be an inadequate response to uncertainty. We can help our kids meet uncertainty with resolve, or we can allow them to spend precious mental, physical, and emotional resources on factors outside their field of influence. Praising the process refocuses your kids on the things that matter most.
3. Let Curiosity Lead the Way
There is no substitute for natural, intrinsic curiosity. Our kids will be at their best when they are intrinsically driven to achieve goals they set themselves. These interests may change and shift over time, and that’s OK. The journey of discovering how their strengths align with their interests is an exciting and difficult process. The journey is almost never linear, and it can lead us into unfamiliar territory. Our goal as parents is to become the biggest fan of whatever our kids are naturally drawn towards. Parents should be asking themselves this question: what is my child’s natural bent? And how can I support that curiosity? This is especially important if their interests lie outside of our field of expertise. Becoming an expert in your child’s interests doesn’t mean you have to become an expert in every one of their activities; it simply requires you to follow their curiosity with an equal amount of interest in what they are doing. This intentionality gives them the confidence to work with diligence at an activity of their own choosing. Over the long term, curiosity will be a much greater sustaining factor for our kids than any other type of external motivation we might try to provide.
4. Give Magical Feedback
The Magical Feedback Formula is this: “I have high expectations and I know you can reach them.” This communicates three very important truths. First, it lets your kids know they are part of a group. Coaches and parents have the obligation to create communities of belonging, significance, and purpose; everyone wants to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Signaling you have high standards (for your family or team) lets your kids know they are part of an exclusive club — a club that is dedicated to a higher standard of excellence. Second, magical feedback communicates the identity of the group is founded on high standards. Every team, family, and group needs a clear identity, a compelling vision and a clear direction. Standards are the guardrails that govern a group’s behavior and direct it towards a meaningful end. Standards send a simple yet powerful message: “this is how we do things HERE.” Finally, magical feedback communicates belief. When you set high expectations and uphold those standards with accountability, you are telling everyone that: “I believe you are the type of person who is capable of performing at a high level, and I believe you can rise above the level of mediocrity.” This is empowering! Rather than telling our kids they are a finished product, we need to preach to their unlimited potential! Communicating high standards and deep care becomes essential in provoking that belief for our children long-term growth and development.
Originally published at http://www.aretehoops.com on June 26, 2020.
|
22f4100c-cb5f-5352-9995-f2e57bd61758
|
25/08/2025 15:57:39
|
|
https://medium.com/pollinator/more-than-words-creating-meaningful-company-values-7098505a7e47
|
medium.com
|
More Than Words: Creating Meaningful Company Values
|
Our experience writing values that go beyond buzzwords
|
Editor of Pollinator
|
https://medium.com/@bloomworks
|
7098505a7e47
|
https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*ThhX83-vfR33teQ0
|
4 min
|
2022-04-14T12:37:43.496000
|
2022-04-14T13:56:03.920000
|
2022-08-21T04:02:44.456000
| 0 | 29 |
en
|
Public Interest Tech,Company Values
|
<section>
<p><em>Our experience writing values that go beyond buzzwords</em></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1600/0*ThhX83-vfR33teQ0" width="1600" height="900" loading="lazy" />
<p><em>This post was written from the perspective of Florence Brown, Bloom Works Head of Communications.</em></p>
<p>People of a certain age may recall an acoustic ballad from the 1990s called “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/More_Than_Words">More Than Words</a>,” which was performed by the American rock band Extreme. The lyrics of the song can be summarized by the proverb, “actions speak louder than words” and can also be applied to the way companies should think about their organizational values.</p>
<p>In previous decades, companies created their corporate values in a predictable fashion: the leadership team hired consultants to walk them through formulaic processes that were probably created when “More Than Words” was on <a href="https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/">The Hot 100</a> list. Every few years those organizations might revisit the values because of leadership change or new strategic planning, but generally values were “written in stone” and printed on everything from water cooler signs to company badges.</p>
<p>Bloom Works isn’t an average company. As a small business operating in the public interest technology industry, Bloom has a number of unique attributes:</p>
<ul>
<li>Status as a <a href="https://medium.com/pollinator/what-does-it-mean-to-become-a-public-benefit-llc-33f780e15c31">public benefit company</a></li>
<li>Technology company with a focus on serving civic organizations</li>
<li>A fully remote team, geographically distributed throughout the country</li>
<li>Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion</li>
<li>Human-centered work that challenges structures of power</li>
</ul>
<p>As one of the newest members of the Bloom Works team, I had the privilege of joining the values writing team in November 2021. Bloom was already in a great position to codify new values because its first draft, written in 2019, had been created with a care and intent that clearly showed in its language. The first draft stated the following:</p>
<p><strong>Bloom Works Values 1.0 (2019)</strong></p>
<p><strong>The best adventures start out as a spacewalk.</strong></p>
<p>We embrace uncertainty and ambiguity since this is how things worth doing start — one step at a time, into the unknown.</p>
<p><strong>Technology is for everyone.</strong></p>
<p>We use technology to drive towards outcomes, not outputs, and strive for everyone to know how to build it, change it, and adapt it to withstand the future. We will prioritize the useful thing — even if it’s not tech — over something that integrates with your smartwatch.</p>
<p><strong>Be humble. Show up ready to listen.</strong></p>
<p>We are a team that shows up with our whole heart and whole brain. We learn from one another, from our clients, and users.</p>
<p><strong>Bring your shovel.</strong></p>
<p>We pride ourselves on being practical, pragmatic, scrappy, and determined to get the job done. We will do what it takes if it means it gets all of us to where we need to be.</p>
<p><strong>Fiercely prioritize.</strong></p>
<p>In recognizing at the outset that trying to do everything will mean accomplishing nothing, we strive to balance our work against our ability to do it well. We need to deliver, and deliver with quality.</p>
<p>As Bloom Works grew, so did its list of partners, clients and projects. By 2021, the Bloom Works team represented a new set of identities and perspectives that warranted another look at the values statement. During Bloom’s first company offsite retreat in September 2021, the team went through a brainstorming session with sticky notes and IRL discussion, resulting in what we lovingly referred to as the “chicken scratch” version of the new values:</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1065/0*GrWshkahnspGtILa" width="1065" height="436" loading="lazy" />
<p>Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer <a href="#">Emily Wright-Moore</a> organized the sticky notes into rough categories while Bloom’s design team got to work researching peer best practices. The team looked through various websites from other companies, ranging from public interest tech to social impact design. After noting what these companies do well, they came up with several insights and recommendations:</p>
<ul>
<li>Integrate values into all aspects of the organization, including mission, approach, process, hiring practices, talent management, and client relationships</li>
<li>Define values with intention and care</li>
<li>It’s okay to be a work-in-progress</li>
</ul>
<p>Following the research team’s synthesis, I teamed up with Bloom’s fantastic content strategist, <a href="#">Megan Zehnder</a>. We continued distilling each category until we could create one and three word versions of each idea:</p>
<p></p>
<p>With simplified categories in hand, we collaborated on a shared doc to work through language nuances and gave our draft back to Lan Nguyen, Bloom’s rockstar Service Designer and Strategist. She compiled the values into a deck and led the Bloom team through a review of the entire process, along with a clear process for submitting feedback. After integrating edits, we published the Bloom Works values on the company <a href="https://bloomworks.digital/about/">About page</a>:</p>
<p><strong>Bloom Works Values 2.0 (Current)</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Lead with courage:</strong> Welcome ambiguity. Remember that challenging the status quo requires stepping into uncharted territory.</li>
<li><strong>Center the people:</strong> Seek an understanding of people’s lived experiences, and challenge systems that perpetuate inequities.</li>
<li><strong>Share the process:</strong> Cultivate mutual trust between peers, partners, and clients. Leave egos behind, and share findings.</li>
<li><strong>Adapt to challenges:</strong> Pursue excellence by being curious, determined, and willing to change plans. Make only new mistakes.</li>
<li><strong>Design for impact:</strong> Come with high expectations but be cognizant of constraints. Create processes that people can actually use and build on over time.</li>
</ul>
<p>With the values written, the Bloom team has begun the messy and exciting phase of the process — learning how to integrate and live the values in our everyday work. Since the values were developed using the insights and motivations of current employees, we believe that our values will continue to evolve as new, dynamic members join the team.</p>
<p>Bloom has formed an employee committee to outline this framework for bringing our values to life, and they have begun weaving the values into key documents, like our interviewing process, job postings, onboarding processes and even our business development assets.</p>
<p>Founder <a href="#">Lauren Lockwood</a> shared this thought as we discussed ways to adopt our values into everything we do:</p>
<blockquote>“It feels like our values aren’t just nice words that we ask everyone to memorize or plop into documents. They are an organic extension of our team’s existing norms and values, and they give us a concise north star to build our culture with intention.”</blockquote>
</section>
|
More than words: Creating meaningful company Values
Our experience writing values that go beyond buzzwords
The Bloom Works process for creating company values
This post was written from the perspective of Florence Brown, Bloom Works Head of Communications.
People of a certain age may recall an acoustic ballad from the 1990s called “More Than Words,” which was performed by the American rock band Extreme. The lyrics of the song can be summarized by the proverb, “actions speak louder than words” and can also be applied to the way companies should think about their organizational values.
In previous decades, companies created their corporate values in a predictable fashion: the leadership team hired consultants to walk them through formulaic processes that were probably created when “More Than Words” was on The Hot 100 list. Every few years those organizations might revisit the values because of leadership change or new strategic planning, but generally values were “written in stone” and printed on everything from water cooler signs to company badges.
Bloom Works isn’t an average company. As a small business operating in the public interest technology industry, Bloom has a number of unique attributes:
Status as a public benefit company
Technology company with a focus on serving civic organizations
A fully remote team, geographically distributed throughout the country
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Human-centered work that challenges structures of power
As one of the newest members of the Bloom Works team, I had the privilege of joining the values writing team in November 2021. Bloom was already in a great position to codify new values because its first draft, written in 2019, had been created with a care and intent that clearly showed in its language. The first draft stated the following:
Bloom Works Values 1.0 (2019)
The best adventures start out as a spacewalk.
We embrace uncertainty and ambiguity since this is how things worth doing start — one step at a time, into the unknown.
Technology is for everyone.
We use technology to drive towards outcomes, not outputs, and strive for everyone to know how to build it, change it, and adapt it to withstand the future. We will prioritize the useful thing — even if it’s not tech — over something that integrates with your smartwatch.
Be humble. Show up ready to listen.
We are a team that shows up with our whole heart and whole brain. We learn from one another, from our clients, and users.
Bring your shovel.
We pride ourselves on being practical, pragmatic, scrappy, and determined to get the job done. We will do what it takes if it means it gets all of us to where we need to be.
Fiercely prioritize.
In recognizing at the outset that trying to do everything will mean accomplishing nothing, we strive to balance our work against our ability to do it well. We need to deliver, and deliver with quality.
As Bloom Works grew, so did its list of partners, clients and projects. By 2021, the Bloom Works team represented a new set of identities and perspectives that warranted another look at the values statement. During Bloom’s first company offsite retreat in September 2021, the team went through a brainstorming session with sticky notes and IRL discussion, resulting in what we lovingly referred to as the “chicken scratch” version of the new values:
Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer Emily Wright-Moore organized the sticky notes into rough categories while Bloom’s design team got to work researching peer best practices. The team looked through various websites from other companies, ranging from public interest tech to social impact design. After noting what these companies do well, they came up with several insights and recommendations:
Integrate values into all aspects of the organization, including mission, approach, process, hiring practices, talent management, and client relationships
Define values with intention and care
It’s okay to be a work-in-progress
Following the research team’s synthesis, I teamed up with Bloom’s fantastic content strategist, Megan Zehnder. We continued distilling each category until we could create one and three word versions of each idea:
With simplified categories in hand, we collaborated on a shared doc to work through language nuances and gave our draft back to Lan Nguyen, Bloom’s rockstar Service Designer and Strategist. She compiled the values into a deck and led the Bloom team through a review of the entire process, along with a clear process for submitting feedback. After integrating edits, we published the Bloom Works values on the company About page:
Bloom Works Values 2.0 (Current)
Lead with courage: Welcome ambiguity. Remember that challenging the status quo requires stepping into uncharted territory.
Center the people: Seek an understanding of people’s lived experiences, and challenge systems that perpetuate inequities.
Share the process: Cultivate mutual trust between peers, partners, and clients. Leave egos behind, and share findings.
Adapt to challenges: Pursue excellence by being curious, determined, and willing to change plans. Make only new mistakes.
Design for impact: Come with high expectations but be cognizant of constraints. Create processes that people can actually use and build on over time.
With the values written, the Bloom team has begun the messy and exciting phase of the process — learning how to integrate and live the values in our everyday work. Since the values were developed using the insights and motivations of current employees, we believe that our values will continue to evolve as new, dynamic members join the team.
Bloom has formed an employee committee to outline this framework for bringing our values to life, and they have begun weaving the values into key documents, like our interviewing process, job postings, onboarding processes and even our business development assets.
Founder Lauren Lockwood shared this thought as we discussed ways to adopt our values into everything we do:
“It feels like our values aren’t just nice words that we ask everyone to memorize or plop into documents. They are an organic extension of our team’s existing norms and values, and they give us a concise north star to build our culture with intention.”
|
66a15ffc-4eac-587e-b907-7af5efea7e83
|
25/08/2025 15:57:39
|
https://medium.com/@wklovell/vonnegut-saw-the-ai-dilemma-coming-70-years-ago-2916727cbd4d
|
medium.com
|
Vonnegut Saw the AI Dilemma Coming 70 Years Ago
|
AI may be tomorrow’s player piano — and the question is whether it will play a song of human dignity or of human obsolescence.
|
Ken Lovell
|
https://medium.com/@wklovell
|
2916727cbd4d
|
6 min
|
2025-08-23T17:44:24.893000
|
2025-08-23T17:50:26.221000
|
2025-08-23T18:27:35.466000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Future Of Work,AI,Technology,Ethics
|
<section>
<p>AI may be tomorrow’s player piano — and the question is whether it will play a song of human dignity or of human obsolescence.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/549/1*0931d7jl95kVmRzU7CkSsg.jpeg" width="549" height="337" loading="lazy" />
<p>In 1952, Kurt Vonnegut imagined a world where machines ran the factory floor and people had nothing left to do. In 2025, we call that fear by a new name: AI. His novel <em>Player Piano</em> wasn’t just satire — it was a warning. And as AI reshapes our present, it feels less like fiction and more like foresight. When I first read it, I thought it was pure science fiction. Now it feels like a mirror.</p>
<h1>When Machines Replace People</h1>
<p>In <em>Player Piano</em>, machines replace human workers in nearly every field. The engineers and managers who design and maintain the machines thrive, while everyone else is relegated to purposelessness or meaningless labor. This resonates today with fears about AI displacing not only factory jobs but also white-collar roles — lawyers, writers, programmers. The debate is no longer about physical automation alone but about intellectual automation.</p>
<p>That said, I don’t buy Keynes’s prediction that work would vanish. Skills always evolve — the real question is how fast we can keep up. As John Maynard Keynes wrote in 1930: <em>“We are being afflicted with a new disease … technological unemployment. This means unemployment due to our discovery of means of economising the use of labour outrunning the pace at which we can find new uses for labour.”</em> While this fear has echoed since the Luddites, history suggests that new forms of work consistently emerge to manage, guide, and control new technologies. The real challenge may not be whether work disappears, but whether the <em>step change of AI’s rise is so fast that our skills cannot adapt in time.</em> And even if adaptation occurs, it still begs the deeper question Vonnegut raised: <em>what constitutes a meaningful life when machines take over the core tasks of production and creation?</em></p>
<h2>Efficiency Is Cheap. Dignity Is Priceless.</h2>
<p>Vonnegut highlights a core tension: efficiency versus dignity. The corporate-state in <em>Player Piano</em> achieves record productivity, but most people feel alienated. Today’s AI systems promise optimization — fewer errors, faster output, lower costs. But what does society sacrifice when productivity takes priority over human expression, creativity, and participation in meaningful work?</p>
<p>“The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.”<em> — Isaac Asimov</em></p>
<p>“You spent so much time thinking about whether you could that you didn’t stop to think about whether you should.”<em> — Michael Crichton, </em>Jurassic Park</p>
<p>AI isn’t coming for your job. It’s coming for your meaning. Machines can either amplify human purpose or drain it, depending on how society manages them. And if history is any guide, people tend to adjust — but not without some bruises along the way.</p>
<h2>Rebellion and the Cycle of Acceptance</h2>
<p>In the novel, displaced citizens form a resistance movement that ultimately seeks to destroy the machines and reclaim their humanity. Yet Vonnegut ends ambiguously: even after the machines are smashed, the impulse to rebuild them resurfaces. This reflects a cycle we see often — resistance to technological disruption followed by eventual acceptance.</p>
<p>We’ve been here before. The internet and even the telephone were once considered problems simply by their existence. Managers feared they would reduce productivity and resisted letting workers use them. (I can almost hear a mid-century executive groaning about “these blasted phones” distracting staff.) Yet, like all tools, they can be managed for good or for ill. The same is true for AI: the question is not whether the technology itself is inherently positive or negative, but how society chooses to structure incentives so that we encourage the best in humanity rather than regress to a mean of negativity.</p>
<h2>Vonnegut and Veblen</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Veblen:</strong> In <em>The Engineers and the Price System</em> (1921), engineers could steward machines rationally, prioritizing collective benefit over profit. Technocracy was his remedy.</li>
<li><strong>Vonnegut:</strong> Engineers in <em>Player Piano</em> align with corporate power, complicit in alienating the rest of society. Technocracy, here, is a trap.</li>
</ul>
<p>This tension plays out in history in ways that highlight both sides of the argument. The <strong>Manhattan Project</strong> illustrates how scientific expertise can be absorbed into systems of power: scientists sought to harness atomic energy, but government and military structures directed outcomes toward weapons. Yet even here, civilian nuclear energy later emerged as a dual-use legacy, embodying both Vonnegut’s concern and Veblen’s hope.</p>
<p>The <strong>Internet</strong> offers another vivid example. Born from military and academic collaboration, early engineers envisioned a decentralized, open network. Commercial incentives eventually transformed it into a platform economy dominated by corporations. The optimism of Veblen’s ideals collided with the consolidation that Vonnegut feared.</p>
<p>Similarly, <strong>pharmaceutical R&D</strong> begins with ideals and often public funding, but commercialization steers priorities toward high-return drugs instead of urgent but less profitable needs like vaccines or antibiotics. Expertise serves markets more than public need — echoing Veblen’s dilemma and Vonnegut’s skepticism.</p>
<p>On the other hand, <strong>renewable energy innovation</strong> shows how ideals and incentives can align. Engineers driving wind, solar, and battery breakthroughs cite environmental ideals, but adoption scales fastest when subsidies or carbon credits create the right market pull. Here, Veblen’s optimism about technical stewardship and Vonnegut’s warnings about structural forces meet in a more hopeful balance.</p>
<p>Juxtaposing Vonnegut and Veblen alongside these cases raises the sharp question: <em>can technology be guided by those with technical expertise for social good, or will it inevitably be co-opted by systems of profit and power?</em></p>
<h2>Why AI’s Future Depends on the Incentives We Set</h2>
<p>Capitalism’s individual incentive drivers — competition, profit-seeking, and innovation — can be extraordinarily powerful tools for progress. But they only produce broadly positive outcomes when the rules and rewards are structured to align private action with public good. The challenge is not capitalism itself, but how to shape the incentives so that technological development encourages the best in humanity.</p>
<p>History shows both pitfalls and successes. The early space program embodied exploration ideals but was quickly joined by military and commercial incentives. These weren’t purely distortions: GPS, weather satellites, and global communications emerged from the same dual-use dynamic. The lesson is that incentives channel innovation in multiple directions at once — sometimes producing unintended goods alongside strategic goals.</p>
<p>Counterexamples where incentives worked for the collective include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Open science during COVID-19:</strong> rapid preprints and data sharing accelerated breakthroughs, showing how transparency and collaboration can outweigh profit motives.</li>
<li><strong>Cooperative tech platforms:</strong> user-owned broadband initiatives and platform co-ops demonstrate how shared governance can align technology with community needs.</li>
<li><strong>Sustainability frameworks:</strong> carbon credits and green investment incentives have, however imperfectly, rewarded companies for reducing harm and innovating toward cleaner technologies.</li>
<li><strong>Prizes and competitions:</strong> from the Ansari X Prize for private spaceflight to AI-driven health challenges, contests have spurred innovation while aligning incentives with breakthroughs for society.</li>
</ul>
<p>The machines aren’t the problem. The incentives are. And if we get them wrong, no algorithm will save us.</p>
<h2>Irony, Humor, and Warnings</h2>
<p>Vonnegut’s voice — ironic, humane, and slyly humorous — helps us question our assumptions. He doesn’t simply condemn technology; he lampoons blind faith in it. The same skepticism applies to AI today. Proponents talk of a utopia where machines free us for leisure and self-fulfillment, but Vonnegut reminds us that without rethinking social structures, machines often amplify inequality instead. This is where Vonnegut would roll his eyes.</p>
<h2>What Player Piano Teaches Us</h2>
<p>The novel doesn’t offer solutions so much as it sharpens questions:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>How do we define human worth beyond economic productivity, and what new measures of value might replace it?</strong></li>
<li><strong>What responsibilities should innovators and investors accept in shaping not just profits but the cultural and moral fabric of society?</strong></li>
<li><strong>Can ideals ever truly withstand the relentless pressures of competition, or must capitalism itself evolve for technology to serve humanity?</strong></li>
<li><strong>How do we design incentives so that, regardless of the system, technology encourages the best in humanity instead of amplifying the worst?</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>“The real danger isn’t AI replacing us, but us forgetting why we matter in the first place.”</p>
<p>Vonnegut’s irony underscores a timeless truth: the problem isn’t the machine itself, but how humans choose to use it — and who benefits. As we face the rise of AI, his warnings feel less like science fiction and more like tomorrow’s headlines.</p>
<p>AI, in the end, is just a tool. Like any machine, it isn’t inherently good or bad. Humans make that choice. Fear of the machine or its unquestioned embrace will only make the problems worse. The real question is how we can and should use the tool.</p>
</section>
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Vonnegut Saw the AI Dilemma Coming 70 Years Ago
AI may be tomorrow’s player piano — and the question is whether it will play a song of human dignity or of human obsolescence.
In 1952, Kurt Vonnegut imagined a world where machines ran the factory floor and people had nothing left to do. In 2025, we call that fear by a new name: AI. His novel Player Piano wasn’t just satire — it was a warning. And as AI reshapes our present, it feels less like fiction and more like foresight. When I first read it, I thought it was pure science fiction. Now it feels like a mirror.
When Machines Replace People
In Player Piano, machines replace human workers in nearly every field. The engineers and managers who design and maintain the machines thrive, while everyone else is relegated to purposelessness or meaningless labor. This resonates today with fears about AI displacing not only factory jobs but also white-collar roles — lawyers, writers, programmers. The debate is no longer about physical automation alone but about intellectual automation.
That said, I don’t buy Keynes’s prediction that work would vanish. Skills always evolve — the real question is how fast we can keep up. As John Maynard Keynes wrote in 1930: “We are being afflicted with a new disease … technological unemployment. This means unemployment due to our discovery of means of economising the use of labour outrunning the pace at which we can find new uses for labour.” While this fear has echoed since the Luddites, history suggests that new forms of work consistently emerge to manage, guide, and control new technologies. The real challenge may not be whether work disappears, but whether the step change of AI’s rise is so fast that our skills cannot adapt in time. And even if adaptation occurs, it still begs the deeper question Vonnegut raised: what constitutes a meaningful life when machines take over the core tasks of production and creation?
Efficiency Is Cheap. Dignity Is Priceless.
Vonnegut highlights a core tension: efficiency versus dignity. The corporate-state in Player Piano achieves record productivity, but most people feel alienated. Today’s AI systems promise optimization — fewer errors, faster output, lower costs. But what does society sacrifice when productivity takes priority over human expression, creativity, and participation in meaningful work?
“The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.” — Isaac Asimov
“You spent so much time thinking about whether you could that you didn’t stop to think about whether you should.” — Michael Crichton, Jurassic Park
AI isn’t coming for your job. It’s coming for your meaning. Machines can either amplify human purpose or drain it, depending on how society manages them. And if history is any guide, people tend to adjust — but not without some bruises along the way.
Rebellion and the Cycle of Acceptance
In the novel, displaced citizens form a resistance movement that ultimately seeks to destroy the machines and reclaim their humanity. Yet Vonnegut ends ambiguously: even after the machines are smashed, the impulse to rebuild them resurfaces. This reflects a cycle we see often — resistance to technological disruption followed by eventual acceptance.
We’ve been here before. The internet and even the telephone were once considered problems simply by their existence. Managers feared they would reduce productivity and resisted letting workers use them. (I can almost hear a mid-century executive groaning about “these blasted phones” distracting staff.) Yet, like all tools, they can be managed for good or for ill. The same is true for AI: the question is not whether the technology itself is inherently positive or negative, but how society chooses to structure incentives so that we encourage the best in humanity rather than regress to a mean of negativity.
Vonnegut and Veblen
Veblen: In The Engineers and the Price System (1921), engineers could steward machines rationally, prioritizing collective benefit over profit. Technocracy was his remedy.
Vonnegut: Engineers in Player Piano align with corporate power, complicit in alienating the rest of society. Technocracy, here, is a trap.
This tension plays out in history in ways that highlight both sides of the argument. The Manhattan Project illustrates how scientific expertise can be absorbed into systems of power: scientists sought to harness atomic energy, but government and military structures directed outcomes toward weapons. Yet even here, civilian nuclear energy later emerged as a dual-use legacy, embodying both Vonnegut’s concern and Veblen’s hope.
The Internet offers another vivid example. Born from military and academic collaboration, early engineers envisioned a decentralized, open network. Commercial incentives eventually transformed it into a platform economy dominated by corporations. The optimism of Veblen’s ideals collided with the consolidation that Vonnegut feared.
Similarly, pharmaceutical R&D begins with ideals and often public funding, but commercialization steers priorities toward high-return drugs instead of urgent but less profitable needs like vaccines or antibiotics. Expertise serves markets more than public need — echoing Veblen’s dilemma and Vonnegut’s skepticism.
On the other hand, renewable energy innovation shows how ideals and incentives can align. Engineers driving wind, solar, and battery breakthroughs cite environmental ideals, but adoption scales fastest when subsidies or carbon credits create the right market pull. Here, Veblen’s optimism about technical stewardship and Vonnegut’s warnings about structural forces meet in a more hopeful balance.
Juxtaposing Vonnegut and Veblen alongside these cases raises the sharp question: can technology be guided by those with technical expertise for social good, or will it inevitably be co-opted by systems of profit and power?
Why AI’s Future Depends on the Incentives We Set
Capitalism’s individual incentive drivers — competition, profit-seeking, and innovation — can be extraordinarily powerful tools for progress. But they only produce broadly positive outcomes when the rules and rewards are structured to align private action with public good. The challenge is not capitalism itself, but how to shape the incentives so that technological development encourages the best in humanity.
History shows both pitfalls and successes. The early space program embodied exploration ideals but was quickly joined by military and commercial incentives. These weren’t purely distortions: GPS, weather satellites, and global communications emerged from the same dual-use dynamic. The lesson is that incentives channel innovation in multiple directions at once — sometimes producing unintended goods alongside strategic goals.
Counterexamples where incentives worked for the collective include:
Open science during COVID-19: rapid preprints and data sharing accelerated breakthroughs, showing how transparency and collaboration can outweigh profit motives.
Cooperative tech platforms: user-owned broadband initiatives and platform co-ops demonstrate how shared governance can align technology with community needs.
Sustainability frameworks: carbon credits and green investment incentives have, however imperfectly, rewarded companies for reducing harm and innovating toward cleaner technologies.
Prizes and competitions: from the Ansari X Prize for private spaceflight to AI-driven health challenges, contests have spurred innovation while aligning incentives with breakthroughs for society.
The machines aren’t the problem. The incentives are. And if we get them wrong, no algorithm will save us.
Irony, Humor, and Warnings
Vonnegut’s voice — ironic, humane, and slyly humorous — helps us question our assumptions. He doesn’t simply condemn technology; he lampoons blind faith in it. The same skepticism applies to AI today. Proponents talk of a utopia where machines free us for leisure and self-fulfillment, but Vonnegut reminds us that without rethinking social structures, machines often amplify inequality instead. This is where Vonnegut would roll his eyes.
What Player Piano Teaches Us
The novel doesn’t offer solutions so much as it sharpens questions:
How do we define human worth beyond economic productivity, and what new measures of value might replace it?
What responsibilities should innovators and investors accept in shaping not just profits but the cultural and moral fabric of society?
Can ideals ever truly withstand the relentless pressures of competition, or must capitalism itself evolve for technology to serve humanity?
How do we design incentives so that, regardless of the system, technology encourages the best in humanity instead of amplifying the worst?
“The real danger isn’t AI replacing us, but us forgetting why we matter in the first place.”
Vonnegut’s irony underscores a timeless truth: the problem isn’t the machine itself, but how humans choose to use it — and who benefits. As we face the rise of AI, his warnings feel less like science fiction and more like tomorrow’s headlines.
AI, in the end, is just a tool. Like any machine, it isn’t inherently good or bad. Humans make that choice. Fear of the machine or its unquestioned embrace will only make the problems worse. The real question is how we can and should use the tool.
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f358f62a-9297-5cfe-ae5a-2d209c36a530
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25/08/2025 15:57:39
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https://medium.com/programming-for-lovers/chapter-2-forecasting-a-presidential-election-with-monte-carlo-simulation-53e79ad8c430
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medium.com
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Chapter 2: Forecasting a Presidential Election with Monte Carlo Simulation
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The Los Angeles Times had a poll which was interesting because I was always up in that poll. They had something that is, I guess, a modern…
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Phillip Compeau
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https://medium.com/@phillipcompeau
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53e79ad8c430
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27 min
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2019-10-29T19:58:06.888000
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2019-11-04T04:24:04.872000
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2021-12-12T14:28:06.556000
| 0 | 9 |
en
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Elections,Forecasting,Monte Carlo Simulation,Programming,Algorithms
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<section>
<blockquote>The Los Angeles Times had a poll which was interesting because I was always up in that poll. They had something that is, I guess, a modern-day technique in polling, it was called “enthusiasm”. They added an enthusiasm factor and my people had great enthusiasm, and [Clinton’s] people didn’t have enthusiasm. — Donald Trump (Source: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/23/us/politics/trump-new-york-times-interview-transcript.html">NY Times</a>)</blockquote>
<p><strong>If you enjoy this work, please join my ongoing programming class for charity: <a href="https://canvas.instructure.com/enro</strong>ll/RKFKKP">https://canvas.instructure.com/enroll/RKFKKP</a></p>
<h1>An Introduction to Monte Carlo Simulation</h1>
<p>One of the many bizarre aspects of the 2016 US Presidential Election was that so few people correctly predicted the outcome from polling data, including statisticians at media outlets like FiveThirtyEight and the <em>New York Times</em>. Although these outlets consistently predicted a Clinton victory, they disagreed significantly about the likelihood of that victory (see figure below).</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2568/1*HEzBJGhlHkTfZXgLk0MAFA.jpeg" width="2568" height="1971" loading="lazy" />
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>Note in the figure above that the two charts appear to have the same shape over time. Why do you think this is, and what do you think caused the projecti</em>ons to fluctuate?</p>
<p>When we observe differences between election forecasts, it should give us pause about the reliability of these forecasts. It also begs the question, “<em>What caused the discrepancies?</em>” To find an answer, we wonder how we might forecast an election from polls in the first place.</p>
<p>Polls are inherently volatile. Because we are only able to sample a tiny percentage of the voting population, we can only estimate the true percentage of voters favoring a candidate. For this reason, most polls include a <strong>margin of error</strong>, or a percentage value on either side of the polling percentage. For example, a poll may indicate 51% support for one candidate with a 3% margin of error, in which case the poll projects with <em>some </em>degree of confidence (say, 95% confidence) that the true percentage supporting that candidate is between 48% and 54%.</p>
<p>We will take a moment to review how the U.S. presidential election works. Each of the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia (D.C.), receives two <strong>electoral votes</strong>, in addition to a number of other electoral votes that are directly related to their population. With two exceptions (Maine and Nebraska), each state is <strong>winner take all</strong>; the candidate who receives the most votes in a state earns all of the electoral votes in that state. There are 538 total votes (hence FiveThirtyEight’s name), and so a candidate must win 270 votes to win the presidency.</p>
<p>The actual process is even more complicated, since electoral votes are used to “elect” party members from the winning candidate’s party. This is by design — the Electoral College was created to provide a final barrier to prevent Americans from electing a highly undesirable candidate. In 2016, a record seven of the 538 electors defected (five Democrats and two Republicans), all of whom voting for someone who was not running in the election.</p>
<p>Because the presidential election is determined by the Electoral College, it makes sense to use state-by-state polling data to forecast the election. Our plan is therefore to simulate the election state-by-state many times, determining who wins the most Electoral College votes each time (or whether there was a tie). At the end, we can estimate our confidence in a candidate winning the election as the fraction of all simulations that candidate wins (see figure below).</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2933/1*fqD3d3yALRHILaVoovdVaw.jpeg" width="2933" height="2200" loading="lazy" />
<p>A key point is that we must allow for some variation in our simulations by incorporating <em>randomness</em>, or else the simulations will all turn out the same. The principle of using a large number of randomized simulations to provide an estimate of a desired result is called <strong>Monte Carlo simulation</strong>.</p>
<p>Monte Carlo simulation is ubiquitous in practical applications. When your phone tells you that there is a 40% chance of rain at 3 PM, it is because meteorologists have run many simulations and found that it is raining at 3 PM in approximately 40% of these simulations. If you want to gain an edge in a daily fantasy sports contest, you might run many Monte Carlo simulations based on previous performance to identify a strong lineup of players. And for another political example, if you wanted to prove that legislative districts have been drawn unfairly, then you could draw many political maps randomly and compare how many districts favor one party in the simulations and in reality (see figures below).</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1955/1*WNS0r-BURhiqzlAzeUJgAg.jpeg" width="1955" height="1111" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3777/1*druH9zifZzYRI4cLqITZGQ.jpeg" width="3777" height="1422" loading="lazy" />
<p>In this chapter, our goal is to apply Monte Carlo simulation to implement and interpret our own election forecast algorithm. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s learn a bit more about Monte Carlo simulation by applying it to a simpler example.</p>
<h2>Estimating the House Edge of Craps</h2>
<p>Monte Carlo simulation earns its name from the famed casino in Monaco, and so let’s see how random simulations can answer a question about a game of chance. In particular, if you play a given game with a fixed strategy, what is your average payout or loss in a single game over time? Because games are constructed in favor of the casino (or “house”), this average result is always a loss to the player and is called the <strong>house edge</strong>.</p>
<p>We can compute the house edge of a casino game via Monte Carlo simulation by programming a computer to “play” the game millions of times with the same strategy. The computer sums the total payout/loss over all these trials and then divides this payout/loss by the number of trials.</p>
<p>The simplest type of casino game we will call a <strong>binary game</strong>, which consists of two outcomes with equal and opposite outcomes: the player either loses the game along with their wager, or the player wins and receives back their wager in addition to an amount equal to their wager. If we assume that the player wagers a single unit of currency each time, then a win adds one unit to the player’s holdings, and a loss subtracts one unit from them.</p>
<p>Most casino games are not binary games because they have payouts that vary depending on the outcome as well as the player’s decisions., We will instead focus on a simple binary formulation of <strong>craps</strong>, in which a player makes a wager and rolls two six-sided dice. The sum of the dice on the first roll can be denoted <em>x</em>, and there are three possibilities.</p>
<p>If <em>x </em>is 7 or 11, then the player wins, and receives their wager back in addition to the amount of the wager.</p>
<p>If <em>x</em> is 2, 3, or 12, then the player loses the wager.</p>
<p>If <em>x </em>has some other value, then the player continues to roll the dice. On these subsequent rolls, the game stops if <em>x </em>is rolled, in which case the player wins, or if 7 is rolled, in which case the player loses. (Note that this is different to the first roll, when 7 is a winner.)</p>
<p>This video serves no real purpose to the exposition. I just love this skit and wanted to add it.</p>
<p>We can compute the house edge of craps with the following pseudocode. This function assumes a subroutine that we will write called <strong>PlayCrapsOnce</strong> that simulates one game of craps and returns true if the player wins and false if the player loses. Note also that the for loop does not name an explicit variable since it isn’t needed within the loop.</p>
<pre><code class="language-"><strong>ComputeHouseEdge</strong>(<em>numTrials</em>)
<em>count </em>← 0
<strong>for </strong><em>numTrials</em> total trials
<em>outcome </em>← <strong>PlayCrapsOnce()
if </strong><em>outcome </em>= <strong>true
</strong><em>count </em>← <em>count </em>+ 1
<strong>else
</strong><em>count </em>← <em>count </em>− 1
<strong>return </strong><em>count</em>/<em>numTrials</em></code></pre>
<p>There is still no randomness immediately apparent in <strong>ComputeHouseEdge</strong>, as we have passed this detail to <strong>PlayCrapsOnce</strong>. Furthermore, the <strong>ComputeHouseEdge</strong> function could be used for any binary game; implementing the randomness and the rules of craps will be passed down to the subroutine. This exemplifies a paradigm of program design that we will discuss in a later chapter.</p>
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>Before continuing, try writing a <strong>PlayCrapsOnce</strong> function that takes no parameters as input and that returns true or false based on whether the simulated player wins a single game of craps. You should assume a subroutine called <strong>SumTwoDice</strong> that takes no input and that returns an integer betwe</em>en 2 and 12 based on the sum on two simulated dice.</p>
<p>We will now write the <strong>PlayCrapsOnce</strong> function. Note that this function does not take any inputs — we are only interested in the <em>outcome </em>of playing the game, and the rules of the game are built into the function. Implementing these rules will rely on a collection of nested loops and if statements. Also, we are <em>still</em> not concerned about randomization details, as we have passed these to the <strong>SumTwoDice</strong> subroutine. You may want to review each line of the function below as an exercise in interpreting control flow.</p>
<pre><code class="language-"><strong>PlayCrapsOnce</strong>()
<em>firstRoll </em>← <strong>SumTwoDice()</strong>
<strong>if </strong><em>firstRoll </em>= 2, 3, or 12
<strong>return false </strong>(player loses)
<strong>else if </strong><em>firstRoll </em>= 7 or 11
<strong>return true </strong>(player wins)
<strong>else
while true
</strong><em>newRoll </em>← <strong>SumTwoDice()</strong>
<strong>if </strong><em>newRoll </em>= <em>firstRoll
</em><strong>return true
else if </strong><em>newRoll </em>= 7
<strong>return false</strong></code></pre>
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>Does using <strong>while true</strong> not produce an infinite loop? (Hint: do you think that anyone who plays craps ever worries about getting stuck between their fi</em>rst roll and the end of the game?)</p>
<p>We already know all the control structures needed to implement <strong>ComputeHouseEdge</strong> and <strong>PlayCrapsOnce</strong> on a computer, except for the two lines that ask us to compute the sum of rolling two dice. To be overly precise, we could even state this as a computational problem.</p>
<p><em><strong>Sum of Two Dice</em> Problem</strong></p>
<p><em><strong>Input: </</em>strong>(No input)</p>
<p><em><strong>Output: </strong>The sum of the values on two simulated six</em>-sided fair dice.</p>
<p>We just need to implement the <em>randomized </em>process of rolling two dice; how hard could that be?</p>
<h2>Pitfalls of (Pseudo)Random Number Generation</h2>
<h3>Von Neumann’s Middle-Square Pseudorandom Number Generator</h3>
<p>Take a moment to think up a few random digits. (Here’s mine: 6, 1, 2, 8, 0, 3, 3, 0, 8, 0, 0, 4, 5, 7, 9.) You might think that the numbers you are generating are random, but there is some process going on in your brain to produce these numbers that is anything but random. In fact, experiments have shown that individuals tend to underrepresent the presence of repeated numbers. (When picking lottery numbers, would you pick the winning numbers from the previous day?)</p>
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>Recalling the Dobzhansky quote that “nothing in biology makes sense but in the light of evolution” from a <a href="https://medium.com/programming-for-lovers/chapter-1-finding-replication-origins-in-bact</em>erial-genomes-31725266f179">previous chapter</a>, what evolutionary purpose would being able to quickly make a (seemingly) random decision serve?</p>
<p>If we are thinking like the <a href="https://medium.com/programming-for-lovers/prologue-ancient-greek-mathematics-and-the-origins-of-computational-thinking-47bbf2d393d3">ancient Greeks</a>, then we might hope for a mathematical formula to save us. This was also the wish of John von Neumann, a computational pioneer who in the late 1940s was working on an early computer called ENIAC (see figure below). At that time, random number generation was so primitive that the state of the art was <em><a href="https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/</em>monograph_reports/MR1418/MR1418.deviates.pdf">A Million Random Digits with 100,000 Normal Deviates</a>, a book that was in development by the RAND Corporation. This book eventually contained 400 pages of a million random digits between 0 and 9 generated by spins of an electronic roulette wheel; 20 of the 32 resulting numbers were converted to digits, whereas the other 12 were ignored. If you wanted a random number, you opened the book to some arbitrary page of this book and started transcribing digits. Needless to say, a better computational approach for generating random numbers was sorely needed.</p>
<p>One method that von Neumann considered for random number generation is called the <strong>Middle-Square approach</strong>. It starts with an arbitrary <em>n</em>-digit integer called the <strong>seed</strong> and generates a new “random” <em>n</em>-digit integer by first squaring the number to produce a 2<em>n</em>-digit number, and then taking the middle <em>n </em>digits of the result. For example, if <em>n </em>= 4 and our seed is 1600, then 1600² = 2,560,000; this number viewed as an 8-digit number is represented as 02,<strong>560,0</strong>00, whose middle four digits are 5600. This number becomes our first randomly generated integer; to generate a new random integer, we square 5600 and take its middle four digits.</p>
<p>The numbers generated by the Middle-Square approach may appear random, but they are generated by a deterministic method that always produces the same sequence of numbers from a given initial seed. We will use therefore the term <em><strong>pseu</em>dorandom number generator</strong>, or <strong>PRNG</strong> for short, to refer to a deterministic method like the Middle-Square approach that generates a sequence of numbers in an effort to mimic randomness.</p>
<p><em><strong>STOP:</strong> With a seed of 1600, we saw that the next four-digit random number generated by the Middle-Square approach was 5600. What are the next three numbers that w</em>ill be generated?</p>
<p>An ideal PRNG would, over the long term, produce each <em>n</em>-digit number with equal frequency, independently of the seed. But as the preceding exercise indicates, the problem with the Middle-Square approach is that it often generates short <em>cycles</em>, in which the same numbers come up repeatedly. Consider that 8100² = 65,<strong>610,0</strong>00, 6100² = 37,<strong>210,0</strong>00, 2100² = 04,<strong>410,0</strong>00, and 4100² = 16,<strong>810,0</strong>00, so we are only able to generate four numbers from the seed 8100. Worse, if we pick 3792 as our seed, then 3792² = 14,<strong>379,2</strong>64, and so we generate the same number over and over in the name of randomness.</p>
<p>The poor performance of the Middle-Square approach is unfortunately the norm when we try to use functions based on arithmetic operations to generate random numbers. As von Neumann himself lamented,</p>
<blockquote><em>Anyone who considers arithmetical methods of producing random digits is, of course, in a state of sin. For, as has been pointed out several times, there is no such thing as a random number.</em></blockquote>
<h3><em>Lagged Fibonacci Generators</em></h3>
<p>In a truly random sequence of numbers, we would expect to see repeated numbers — it would be anything but random if a PRNG were to produce a sequence containing four-digit number between 0 and 9999 exactly once without any repeats. However, the Middle-Square approach suffers from the critical weakness that whenever a number is encountered that has already been generated, the entire sequence of numbers following that number will be generated again.</p>
<p>In other words, we currently think about a PRNG as generating a new number <em>y </em>from only one preceding number <em>x</em>, and this means that whenever we encounter the same <em>x</em>, we will produce the same <em>y</em>. What if the PRNG instead produced a new integer from more than one previous integer? “Remembering’’ more than one previous number would allow us to generate the same number <em>x </em>multiple times without necessarily causing a cycle.</p>
<p>A simple PRNG with a longer memory is based on the <strong>Fibonacci sequence. </strong>The first two terms of this sequence are defined as equal to 1, <em>F</em>(0) = <em>F</em>(1) = 1. Subsequent terms are defined as the sum of the previous two terms; that is, for <em>n ≥ </em>2, <em>F</em>(<em>n</em>) = <em>F</em>(<em>n</em>-1) + <em>F</em>(<em>n</em>-2). Of course, the terms of this sequence continue on toward infinity (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, …), but we could form a PRNG called a <strong>Fibonacci generator</strong> by letting <em>F</em>(<em>n</em>) be the <em>remainder</em> of <em>F</em>(<em>n</em>-1) + <em>F</em>(<em>n</em>-2) after dividing by some fixed value <em>m</em>. For example, if <em>m</em> = 1,000,000, then for <em>F</em>(<em>n</em>-1) = 832,040 and <em>F</em>(<em>n</em>-2) = 346,269, we would set <em>F</em>(<em>n</em>) equal to <strong>Remainder</strong>(832,040 + 346,269, 1,000,000), which in turn is equal to 178,309.</p>
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>How many initial seeds will we need for the Fib</em>onacci generator?</p>
<p>Note that the Fibonacci generator will require not one but two seeds. If we change <em>F</em>(0) and <em>F</em>(1), then this will likely cause <em>F</em>(2) to change, and as a result we will obtain a different sequence of integers generated by the PRNG.</p>
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>Do you see any issues with the Fib</em>onacci generator?</p>
<p>Even though we now have a PRNG with a longer memory, there are substantial flaws with the Fibonacci generator, chiefly that once we have seen two integers in a sequence, we will immediately know the next number in the sequence. Hardly random!</p>
<p>We can make a slight adjustment to the Fibonacci generator if we ask it to “remember” farther back in the sequence of random integers.</p>
<p>That is, for some fixed positive integers <em>j</em> and <em>k</em>, we set <em>F</em>(<em>n</em>) equal to the remainder of the sum <em>F</em>(<em>n</em>-<em>j</em>) + <em>F</em>(<em>n</em>-<em>k</em>) divided by <em>m</em>. The resulting PRNG is called a <strong>lagged Fibonacci generator </strong>that is surprisingly practical given its simplicity. We generally avoid mention of specific languages, but it is worth pointing out that Go’s built-in PRNG uses a lagged Fibonacci generator with <em>j</em> =273, <em>k</em> = 607, and <em>m</em> = 2³¹. That is, <em>F</em>(<em>n</em>) is equal to <strong>Remainder</strong>(<em>F</em>(<em>n</em>-273) + <em>F</em>(<em>n</em>-607), 2³¹).</p>
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>How many seeds do you think we will need for a lagged Fibonacc</em>i generator? Why?</p>
<p>Programming languages typically have simple PRNG like this is built-in because we don’t need something state of the art.</p>
<p>This discussion makes us wonder, what makes a PRNG acceptable for use in applications like Monte Carlo simulation? For one, we would hope that if we use different seeds, then we will obtain sequences of numbers that are diferent from each other. We would also hope to avoid repeating sequences of numbers like what we saw with the Middle-Square approach. The German Federal Office for Information Security identified four “levels” that PRNGs should have to be secure enough to use in applications.</p>
<p><strong>Level 1: </strong>Different sequences generated by the PRNG should usually be different from each other.</p>
<p><strong>Level 2: </strong>The PRNG should generate numbers with the same properties of a sequence of truly random numbers (e.g., how often a number repeats, or how often a given triplet of numbers repeats).</p>
<p><strong>Level 3: </strong>A hacker shouldn’t be able to use the sequence of numbers to guess any <em>future </em>numbers.</p>
<p><strong>Level 4: </strong>A hacker shouldn’t be able to use the sequence of numbers to guess any <em>previous </em>numbers.</p>
<p>PRNGs satisfying all four levels of security do exist, although they are slower than simpler PRNGs. Furthermore, it took decades of research to obtain advanced PRNGs, which are mathematically complicated — yet one more reason why mathematics is vital for an understanding of computer science.</p>
<p>Finally, before returning to our work with Monte Carlo simulation, we note that part of the reason we emphasize an understanding of the fundamentals of PRNGs is that they are still relevant today. <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/meet-alex-the-russian-casino-hacker-who-makes-millions-targeting-slot-machines/">A Wired story from 2017</a> tells a fascinating tale of a team of hackers based in St. Petersburg who allegedly made millions on a particular make of slot machine by using an understanding of the machine’s PRNG to predict when the machine would make large payouts.</p>
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>If we are able to use past results to time a slot machine payout, then what level does the machine’s </em>PRNG not achieve?</p>
<h2>Simulating Craps</h2>
<h3>Rolling a single die</h3>
<p>Recall that to estimate the house edge of craps, we need to simulate rolling two dice. First, we will consider the simpler process of simulating a single die roll, which amounts to uniformly generating a pseudorandom number between 1 and 6.</p>
<p>Programming languages contain <strong>packages</strong>, or collections of pre-written code that are likely to be reused in multiple contexts. In particular, most languages have a “random” package with a built-in pseudorandom number generator. (In Go, this package, built upon the lagged Fibonacci PRNG mentioned previously, is called rand.) A random package should, in addition to other functions, include three useful functions:</p>
<p><strong>RandInt</strong>: takes no inputs and returns a pseudorandom integer (within the range of integers allowable for the language and operating system).</p>
<p><strong>RandIntn</strong>: takes a single integer <em>n </em>as input and returns a pseudorandom integer between 0 and <em>n </em>− 1.</p>
<p><strong>RandFloat</strong>: takes no inputs and returns a pseudorandom floating-point decimal number in the interval [0, 1).</p>
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>Which of these functions should we use to simula</em>te rolling a die?</p>
<p>Students typically wish to use <strong>RandIntn</strong> to simulate a die roll, but in fact, we can use any of these three functions. For example, if we generate a pseudorandom decimal number from [0, 1), then we can divide this interval into six equally-sized subintervals of length 1/6 and assign the die a value based on which subinterval our number falls into.</p>
<pre><code class="language-"><strong>RollDie</strong>()
<em>roll</em> ← <strong>RandFloat</strong>()
<strong>if</strong> <em>roll</em> < 1/6
<strong>return</strong> 1
<strong>else if </strong><em>roll</em> < 2/6
<strong>return </strong>2
<strong>else if </strong><em>roll</em> < 3/6
<strong>return </strong>3
<strong>else if </strong><em>roll</em> < 4/6
<strong>return </strong>4
<strong>else</strong> <strong>if</strong> <em>roll</em> < 5/6
<strong>return </strong>5
<strong>else</strong>
<strong>return </strong>6</code></pre>
<p>A shorter functions uses<strong>RandIntn</strong> to generate a pseudorandom integer between 0 and 5, inclusively, and then adds 1 to the resulting number.</p>
<pre><code class="language-"><strong>RollDie</strong>()
<em>roll</em> ← <strong>RandIntn</strong>(6)
<strong>return</strong> <em>roll</em> + 1</code></pre>
<p>But we can also apply <strong>RandInt</strong>, generating an arbitrary pseudorandom integer and then taking its remainder when dividing by 6 to obtain an integer between 0 and 5, inclusively. As in the preceding function, we can then add 1 to the resulting integer.</p>
<pre><code class="language-"><strong>RollDie</strong>()
<em>roll</em> ← <strong>RandInt</strong>()
<strong>return</strong> <strong>Remainder</strong>(<em>roll, </em>6) + 1</code></pre>
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>Say that we have a weighted die that produces each of 1, 3, 4, and 5 with probability 1/10, and that produces each of 2 and 6 with probability 3/10. Write pseudocode for a <strong>RollWeightedDie</strong> funct</em>ion that models this weighted die.</p>
<p>We now return to the Sum of Two Dice Problem. The table below shows the sum on two dice for each of the 36 = 6² different outcomes of rolling two six-sided dice. Assuming that the dice are fair, each of these outcomes is equally likely.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2494/1*FTGQexRK9HVs5SPwTTm44g.jpeg" width="2494" height="2494" loading="lazy" />
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>Write a function <strong>SumTwoDice</strong> that takes no input parameters and returns the si</em>mulated sum of two six-sided dice.</p>
<p>If we are thinking mathematically, then we would notice that the probability of rolling an <em>x</em> is the number of ways in which an <em>x</em> can be rolled, divided by the total number of outcomes (36). So, the probability of rolling a 2 is 1/36, the probability of rolling a 3 is 2/36, and so on. This reasoning leads us to apply the same principle we saw earlier before to divide the interval [0,1) into subintervals. We could divide [0,1) into 36 subintervals of equal width, but our function will be shorter if we divide [0, 1) into 11 subintervals where the width of the interval is equal to the probability that the sum of two dice will be one of the 11 integer values between 2 and 12. This idea is implemented by the following pseudocode for a <strong>SumTwoDice</strong> function.</p>
<pre><code class="language-"><strong>SumTwoDice</strong>()
<em>roll</em> ← <strong>RandFloat</strong>()
<strong>if</strong> <em>roll </em>< 1/36
<strong>return </strong>2
<strong>else if </strong><em>roll</em> < 3/36
<strong>return </strong>3
<strong>else if </strong><em>roll </em>< 6/36
<strong>return </strong>4
... (etc.)</code></pre>
<p>In this work, we have seen the power of mathematical rigor for helping us to write efficient programs. But summing two dice offers an example of how we can miss a much simpler solution to a problem by being overly mathematical. In this case, modularity will make our work very easy, since rolling two dice is equivalent to rolling a single die twice.</p>
<pre><code class="language-"><strong>SumTwoDice</strong>()
<strong>return RollDie</strong>() + <strong>RollDie</strong>()</code></pre>
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>Write a function in pseudocode called <strong>SumMultipleDi</em>ce</strong> that takes an integer numDice<em> as input and returns the sum of the outcomes of rolling a die </em>numDice<em> times.</em></p>
<p>If you are interested in seeing how to implement the above functions and estimate the house edge of craps, join us for the coding component of this chapter. For now, we return to forecasting an election from polling data, where we will also see the power of modularity.</p>
<h2>Simulating a Presidential Election</h2>
<h3>Planning election functions in pseudocode</h3>
<p>We can learn from our work with computing the house edge of craps that a natural way to run many election simulations is to pass the heavy lifting to a function that simulates a single election. The pseudocode below for a <strong>SimulateMultipleElections</strong> function does just this.</p>
<p>In practice, different polls have different margin of errors, reflecting variables like number of respondents or historical reliability of the poll. However, we will assume that the margin of error is a fixed parameter called <em>marginOfError. </em>We will use this parameter<em> to </em>incorporate random bounce into our simulations. If this parameter is 0.06, then we are approximately 95% confident that our state poll is accurate within 6% in either direction. For example, if candidate 1’s polling percentage in California is 64%, then we are 95% sure that the true percentage of voters supporting candidate 1 is between 58% and 70%.</p>
<p>We will also not specify yet how the polling data will be represented; for the time being, we will just call these data <em>pollingData</em>, a parameter that we will pass along with <em>marginOfError</em> to the <strong>SimulateOneElection</strong> subroutine, which returns the number of Electoral College votes each candidate receives in a single simulated election.</p>
<p>We will now present <strong>SimulateMultipleElections</strong>, which calls <strong>SimulateOneElection</strong> <em>numTrials</em> times, keeping track of the number of wins each candidate accumulates (as well as the number of trials). It then divides each win count by the total number of trials to obtain estimated “probabilities” of each candidate winning, along with the estimated probability of a tie.</p>
<pre><code class="language-"><strong>SimulateMultipleElections</strong>(<em>pollingData</em>, <em>numTrials</em>, <em>marginOfError</em>)
<em>winCount1 </em>← 0
<em>winCount2 </em>← 0
<em>tieCount </em>← 0
<strong>for </strong><em>numTrials</em> total trials
<em>votes1</em>,<em>votes2 </em>← <strong>SimulateElection</strong>(<em>pollingData</em>, <em>marginOfError</em>)
<strong>if </strong><em>votes1 </em>> <em>votes2
winCount1 </em>← <em>winCount1 </em>+ 1
<strong>else if </strong><em>collegeVotes2 </em>> <em>collegeVotes1
winCount2 </em>← <em>winCount2 </em>+ 1
<strong>else </strong>(tie!)
<em>tieCount </em>← <em>tieCount </em>+ 1
<em>probability1 </em>← <em>winCount1</em>/<em>numTrials
probability2 </em>← <em>winCount2</em>/<em>numTrials
probabilityTie </em>← <em>tieCount</em>/<em>numTrials
</em><strong>return </strong><em>probability1</em>, <em>probability2</em>, <em>probabilityTie</em></code></pre>
<p>A natural way to represent <em>pollingData</em> is as two maps. An <em>electoralVotes</em> map associates state name keys with the (positive) integer storing the number of votes for that state. A <em>polls</em> map associates state name keys with the percentage at which candidate 1 is polling in that state. See figure below.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3800/1*ujQi4_NRtJ83jr3Hk776-w.jpeg" width="3800" height="1833" loading="lazy" />
<p>To simulate a single election, we need to use these polling data along with <em>marginOfError </em>to produce a randomly adjusted polling percentage for each state. If this adjusted percentage is greater than or equal to 50%, then we assume that candidate 1 wins the state (a tie will be extremely unlikely). We will return to discuss the details of this adjustment soon; for now, we will call the subroutine that achieves this objective <strong>AddNoise</strong>. The <strong>SimulateOneElection </strong>function could return which candidate wins (or if there was a tie), but we will have this function return the number of electoral votes that each candidate wins in the simulated election.</p>
<pre><code class="language-"><strong>SimulateOneElection</strong>(<em>polls</em>, <em>electoralVotes, marginOfError</em>)
<em>votes1 </em>← 0
<em>votes2 </em>← 0
<strong>for </strong>every key <em>state</em> in <em>polls
poll </em>← candidate 1's polling percentage
<em>adjustedPoll </em>← <strong>AddNoise</strong>(<em>poll</em>, <em>marginOfError</em>)
<strong>if </strong><em>adjustedPoll </em>≥ 0.5 (candidate 1 wins state)
<em>votes1 </em>← <em>votes2 </em>+ <em>electoralVotes</em>[<em>state</em>]
<strong>else </strong>(candidate 2 wins state)<strong>
</strong><em>votes2 </em>← <em>votes2 </em>+ <em>electoralVotes</em>[<em>state</em>]
<strong>return </strong><em>votes1</em>, <em>votes2</em></code></pre>
<p>As with our work with craps, we see that the randomization is lurking within a subroutine, which in this case is the <strong>AddNoise</strong> function.</p>
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>How could we write <strong>AddNoise</strong>? What</em> random function would be helpful?</p>
<p>Unlike our previous work, using <strong>RandInt</strong> or <strong>RandIntn </strong>is unnatural because we need to generate a random decimal number <em>x </em>that we will be adding to candidate 1’s polling percentage. One idea is to generating a noise value between -<em>marginOfError</em> and <em>marginOfError </em>by first generating a pseudorandom decimal number between -1 and 1, then multiply the resulting value by <em>marginOfError</em>.</p>
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>We have a built-in function <strong>RandFloat </strong>that returns a pseudorandom decimal number between 0 and 1. How could we use this function to produce a pseudorando</em>m decimal number between -1 and 1?</p>
<p>Once we generate a random decimal between 0 and 1, we can multiply it by 2, and then subtract 1 from the result, in order to obtain a random decimal between -1 and 1. Multiplying this number by <em>marginOfError</em> produces the desired <em>x.</em></p>
<pre><code class="language-"><strong>AddNoise</strong>(<em>poll</em>, <em>marginOfError</em>)
<em>x</em> ← <strong>RandFloat</strong>()
<em>x</em> ← 2 * <em>x </em>(now <em>x </em>is between 0 and 2)
<em>x</em> ← <em>x</em> – 1 (now <em>x </em>is between -1 and 1)
<em>x</em> ← <em>x</em> * <em>marginOfError</em> (now it’s in range 😊)
r<strong>eturn </strong>x<em> </em>+ p<em>oll</em></code></pre>
<p>However, this <strong>AddNoise</strong> function suffers from a flaw because the number it returns will be <em>uniform</em>, meaning that it is just as likely for the noise variable to be at the “tails” of the range of possible values than in the middle. It also won’t allow for the desired 5% of extreme cases when the noise value is outside of the range between -<em>marginOfError </em>and <em>marginOfError</em>.</p>
<p>In practice, the probability of generating a given noise value should be weighted so that values closer to 0 are more likely than values at the tails. One way of achieving this is with a <strong>standard normal density function</strong>, a “bell-shaped” curve that will be familiar to anyone who has taken a statistics course (see figure below). The probability of generating a number between numbers <em>a</em> and <em>b</em> is equal to the area under the function between the <em>x</em> values of <em>a</em> and <em>b; </em>that is, the integral of the standard normal density function. Because the density function is taller near zero, the probability of generating a number near zero is higher, and this probability decreases the farther we move from zero. There is approximately a 68.3% probability of generating a number between -1 and 1, and a 95.4% probability of generating a number between -2 and 2.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3166/1*a1AXpOg-RHD3jWHmfxARog.jpeg" width="3166" height="1219" loading="lazy" />
<p><em><strong>STOP</strong>: What does the density function look like if we are generating decimal numbers uniformly</em> between 0 and 1?</p>
<p>We can therefore obtain a random noise value in the range from -<em>marginOfError </em>to <em>marginOfError</em> with approximately 95% probability by generating a pseudorandom decimal according to the standard normal density function, and then multiplying this number by <em>marginOfError</em>/2. But how can we produce these numbers?</p>
<p>Remember our classic text for computing random numbers in the pre-computing era, <em>A Million Random Digits with 100,000 Normal Deviates</em>? The book earns the second half of its name because it contains 100,000 random numbers sampled underneath the standard normal density function. Fortunately, we won’t need to consult a 70 year-old book because programming languages will include a function <strong>RandNormal</strong> that returns a random number according to the standard normal density function, allowing us to update our implementation of <strong>AddNoise </strong>as follows.</p>
<pre><code class="language-"><strong>AddNoise</strong>(<em>poll</em>, <em>marginOfError</em>)
<em>x</em> ← <strong>RandNormal</strong>()
<em>x</em> ← <em>x</em>/2<em> </em>(95% chance of <em>x </em>being between -1 and 1)
<em>x</em> ← <em>x</em> * <em>marginOfError</em> (now <em>x </em>is in range)
<strong>return</strong> <em>x </em>+ <em>poll</em></code></pre>
<p>And just like that, we are done! Note how we saved the hardest part of our work, incorporating randomness into polling data, until last? We will say more on this in the next chapter.</p>
<h2>Implementing Our Work</h2>
<p>In the video below, we use Go to implement the craps simulator and election forecast algorithm that we have discussed above. We then apply this forecast algorithm to real polling data from the 2016 US election. What will we find?</p>
<p>If you’re interested in seeing the results of this forecast without implementing it yourself, feel free to skip ahead to the next section.</p>
<p></p>
<h2>Conclusion: A Reflection on the Nature of Election Forecasting</h2>
<h3>Improving our election forecast algorithm</h3>
<p>Designing an algorithm, converting it to code, and getting the program to run does not mean that we have solved a problem. Often these tasks represent just the first steps of analyzing a dataset. To be fully fledged programmers, we must also interpret our results.</p>
<p>To put it more bluntly, we must ask, “Is our forecasting approach any good”? However, we cannot help but notice that our prediction is more confident in Clinton’s victory than both the <em>New York Times </em>and FiveThirtyEight were. What has caused this discrepancy?</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3947/1*6VOd3FmnNqw8Pv2RP8iXYQ.jpeg" width="3947" height="635" loading="lazy" />
<p>After all, the margin of error of 10% used to produce the table above is much wider than the margin of error of most polls. It means that even if a candidate is polling at 60% in a state, a veritable landslide, there is a greater than 2% chance that our forecast will award that state to the opposing candidate. So if our forecast is more conservative in this regard than professional forecasts, why does it lean more heavily in favor of Clinton? What did the media outlets add to their forecasts that we are missing?</p>
<p>We will highlight three examples of how to make our forecast more robust. First, the polling data used for our forecast, available at the <a href="https://canvas.instructure.com/enroll/RKFKKP">course website</a>, provides an aggregate polling value for a given state at a given time. Yet some polls may be more reliable than others, whether because they survey more people or because the poll has traditionally shown evidence of less bias. (See figure below.)</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3711/1*CkvBVDmWc2bz5j7WD7FVpQ.jpeg" width="3711" height="1688" loading="lazy" />
<p>Second, because of the small sample sizes used with polls compared to the population, forecasters typically used a bell-shaped curve that is “shorter” around 0 and that has “fatter” tails when adding noise to a polling value. Sampling randomly from a density function with fat tails allows for a higher likelihood of obtaining an adjusted polling value farther from its current value in <strong>AddNoise</strong>.</p>
<p>Finally, when simulating the election we have thus far treated the states as independent. In practice, states are heavily <strong>correlated</strong>; there is a very good chance, for example, that North Dakota and South Dakota will vote the same way. Accordingly, if in a single simulation <strong>AddNoise</strong> adjusts a given state poll in favor of one candidate, then we should most likely adjust the polls of any correlated states in favor of this candidate as well.</p>
<p>The correlation of state results makes it much more likely for the underdog to win — in 2016, Trump won most of the “Rust Belt” states stretching from western New York across the Great Lakes region into Wisconsin, even though polls indicated that he had a relatively small chance of winning each of these states.</p>
<h3>Is forecasting an election hopeless?</h3>
<p>We could easily add these features to improve our own forecast algorithm. However, it will be more fruitful if we take the time not to continue coding but instead to reflect on the inherent weaknesses of forecasting <em>any election</em> from polling data.</p>
<p>A hidden assumption of our work thus far is that responses to a poll adequately reflect the decision that respondents will make in the privacy of the ballot box. One way in which such an asymmetry can arise is if one candidate’s supporters have higher voter turnout. One national poll, the <em>Los Angeles Times </em>“Daybreak Poll”, was weighted based on how <em>enthusiastic </em>a voter was for their respective candidate. That is, a respondent could indicate 60% support for Trump, or 80% support for Clinton, rather than providing a binary response. The Daybreak Poll, shown in the figure below, consistently favored Trump in 2016.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/683/1*5eP4wpGVPaA7fKoZb7qBJA.jpeg" width="683" height="214" loading="lazy" />
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>Does the fact that the Daybreak Poll forecast the correct winner mak</em>e it a good poll?</p>
<p>Just because a forecast is correct does not make it a well-designed forecast. For example, say that your local meteorologist may predict rain tomorrow, while your neighbor predicts sunshine based on the outcome of a coin flip. If it is sunny, you would hardly call your neighbor an expert. The Daybreak Poll’s biggest flaw is that it is a national poll despite the election being decided state-by-state. In fact, Clinton won the national “popular vote” by about three million ballots, so in this sense the Daybreak Poll was just as wrong as the other media forecasts — although weighting polls by enthusiasm is an interesting idea.</p>
<p>We continue the weather analogy by asking you to consider the following question.</p>
<p><em><strong>STOP: </strong>If a meteorologist tells you that there is a 70% chance of rain on a given day three months from now, would </em>you believe them?</p>
<p>We would never trust a weather forecast three months in advance, but we could probably trust knowing what time the sun will rise three months in advance. Understanding the flaw in all election simulations requires us to understand what is different about these two examples, and will take us on a detour to the stock market.</p>
<p>The figure below shows the prices of two stocks (called “stock A” and “stock B”) over a five-year period from January 2012 to January 2017. Imagine that it is January 2017 and we play a binary game. You wager $1 and pick one of the two stocks. If in six months time, your stock’s price has increased by 30%, then you win $5; otherwise, you lose your $1. Which of the two stocks would you choose?</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/641/1*AVQSHQnktlzKSMX5UrTv1g.jpeg" width="641" height="258" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/638/1*yhza_20adyGbb6LByxAMiA.jpeg" width="638" height="255" loading="lazy" />
<p>Many students will pick Stock A for their wager because it has had the better performance over the previous five years. Yet you are more likely to win your bet if you choose Stock B because its price is much more <em>volatile </em>than Stock A. In fact, in July 2017, six months after the time of the bet, Stock A (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/CL/">Colgate-Palmolive</a>) was trading for around $73 per share, a meager gain over its price in January 2017, whereas Stock B (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/FSLR?p=FSLR&.tsrc=fin-srch">First Solar</a>) had rocketed up to around the $45 range (see figure below). In this case, you would have won your bet, although the stock price could just as easily have plummeted — which it did in the middle of 2018.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/614/1*0V3Sd5acblI2uJNlHGrumg.jpeg" width="614" height="272" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/619/1*koFAL6_zPQqlg51MiGd6Sw.png" width="619" height="275" loading="lazy" />
<p>If you think about our binary game, in which we wager on a stock going up 30% in six months, there is not a single point in time over the last five years at which you would have won this bet on Colgate-Palmolive. The case is different for First Solar, where we find times in mid-2016, early to mid-2017, and again in late 2018 and early 2019 at which this bet would have been a winner.</p>
<p>These types of bets may seem contrived, but they are an example of a <strong>derivative</strong>, or an investment whose price is tied to that of some underlying asset. Our wager that a stock will increase to a certain amount <em>K </em>by time <em>T </em>is a simplified form of a <strong>European call option</strong>; if the price of the stock is <em>x</em> at time <em>T</em>, then the payout of the option is either $0 if the stock price is less than <em>K</em> at time <em>T</em>, or <em>x</em>-<em>K</em> if the price <em>x </em>is greater than or equal to <em>K</em>. And the key point is that a stock that has had higher volatility will have call options that are more expensive when <em>K</em> is much higher than the stock’s current price.</p>
<p>We can be sure about the time that the sun will rise in three months because, barring armageddon, sunrise time has very low volatility. In contrast, weather is very volatile, which makes forecasting it very difficult for the next few days, and impossible for several months in the future.</p>
<p>And what of election forecasting? We reproduce the FiveThirtyEight and <em>New York Times</em> projections below. Notice how wildly the forecasts swing back and forth; in the most notable case, an early August FiveThirtyEight forecast that was 50/50 swung back to an 80% forecast for Clinton in just a few days. These swings in the forecasts reflect very volatile polls that are influenced by news events, as well as scheduled occurrences during the campaigns such as party conventions and debates.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2568/1*HEzBJGhlHkTfZXgLk0MAFA.jpeg" width="2568" height="1971" loading="lazy" />
<p>These media outlets built pretty data visualization on top of a fun method of forecasting an election that a novice programmer can implement with a little help. But they also made a critical error in forecasting an event far in the future based on volatile data, all while sometimes selling their work as estimating a “probability” of victory. A far better election forecast in the summer of 2016 would have been to shrug one’s shoulders and declare that predicting any future event in an environment of high volatility is no different than playing a game of chance.</p>
<p><strong>Thanks for reading! If you like this craziness,check out my ongoing course: <a href="https://canvas.instructure.com/enro</strong>ll/RKFKKP">https://canvas.instructure.com/enroll/RKFKKP</a></p>
</section>
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Chapter 2: Forecasting a Presidential Election with Monte Carlo Simulation
The Los Angeles Times had a poll which was interesting because I was always up in that poll. They had something that is, I guess, a modern-day technique in polling, it was called “enthusiasm”. They added an enthusiasm factor and my people had great enthusiasm, and [Clinton’s] people didn’t have enthusiasm. — Donald Trump (Source: NY Times)
If you enjoy this work, please join my ongoing programming class for charity: https://canvas.instructure.com/enroll/RKFKKP
An Introduction to Monte Carlo Simulation
One of the many bizarre aspects of the 2016 US Presidential Election was that so few people correctly predicted the outcome from polling data, including statisticians at media outlets like FiveThirtyEight and the New York Times. Although these outlets consistently predicted a Clinton victory, they disagreed significantly about the likelihood of that victory (see figure below).
Election projection results from FiveThirtyEight (top) and The New York Times (bottom) from June 2016 to November 8, 2016, the day of the US presidential election. The blue line shows Clinton’s forecast percentage chance of winning, and the red line shows Trump’s forecast percentage chance of winning (the yellow line in the top plot corresponds to Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson, who was not included in the Times forecast). Note that the projections disagree about the likelihood of a Clinton victory at any given time, but they indicate the same trend of this likelihood rising and falling over time.
STOP: Note in the figure above that the two charts appear to have the same shape over time. Why do you think this is, and what do you think caused the projections to fluctuate?
When we observe differences between election forecasts, it should give us pause about the reliability of these forecasts. It also begs the question, “What caused the discrepancies?” To find an answer, we wonder how we might forecast an election from polls in the first place.
Polls are inherently volatile. Because we are only able to sample a tiny percentage of the voting population, we can only estimate the true percentage of voters favoring a candidate. For this reason, most polls include a margin of error, or a percentage value on either side of the polling percentage. For example, a poll may indicate 51% support for one candidate with a 3% margin of error, in which case the poll projects with some degree of confidence (say, 95% confidence) that the true percentage supporting that candidate is between 48% and 54%.
We will take a moment to review how the U.S. presidential election works. Each of the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia (D.C.), receives two electoral votes, in addition to a number of other electoral votes that are directly related to their population. With two exceptions (Maine and Nebraska), each state is winner take all; the candidate who receives the most votes in a state earns all of the electoral votes in that state. There are 538 total votes (hence FiveThirtyEight’s name), and so a candidate must win 270 votes to win the presidency.
The actual process is even more complicated, since electoral votes are used to “elect” party members from the winning candidate’s party. This is by design — the Electoral College was created to provide a final barrier to prevent Americans from electing a highly undesirable candidate. In 2016, a record seven of the 538 electors defected (five Democrats and two Republicans), all of whom voting for someone who was not running in the election.
Because the presidential election is determined by the Electoral College, it makes sense to use state-by-state polling data to forecast the election. Our plan is therefore to simulate the election state-by-state many times, determining who wins the most Electoral College votes each time (or whether there was a tie). At the end, we can estimate our confidence in a candidate winning the election as the fraction of all simulations that candidate wins (see figure below).
A FiveThirtyEight figure showing the variability in the number of electoral votes won by Clinton and Trump across thousands of simulations. The height of each peak represents the percentage of simulations in which a given candidate won the corresponding number of electoral votes in a simulation. The charts are mirror images of each other because in a given election simulation, there are always a fixed number (538) of electoral votes to be divided between the two candidates.
A key point is that we must allow for some variation in our simulations by incorporating randomness, or else the simulations will all turn out the same. The principle of using a large number of randomized simulations to provide an estimate of a desired result is called Monte Carlo simulation.
Monte Carlo simulation is ubiquitous in practical applications. When your phone tells you that there is a 40% chance of rain at 3 PM, it is because meteorologists have run many simulations and found that it is raining at 3 PM in approximately 40% of these simulations. If you want to gain an edge in a daily fantasy sports contest, you might run many Monte Carlo simulations based on previous performance to identify a strong lineup of players. And for another political example, if you wanted to prove that legislative districts have been drawn unfairly, then you could draw many political maps randomly and compare how many districts favor one party in the simulations and in reality (see figures below).
Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District over six decades, as it changed from a relatively convex shape to a barely contiguous region that has been likened to Goofy kicking Donald Duck. Source: https://www.fairdistrictspa.com/the-problem/about-gerrymandering.
The 2016 (left) and 2018 (right) Congressional district maps of Pennsylvania. The 2018 district map was drawn by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, which ruled that the 2016 map had been unfairly drawn to benefit Republicans. Pivotal testimony was given by a Carnegie Mellon mathematics professor, who ran trillions of random simulations to show that the map on the left was more unfair than practically every map that had been randomly generated.
In this chapter, our goal is to apply Monte Carlo simulation to implement and interpret our own election forecast algorithm. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s learn a bit more about Monte Carlo simulation by applying it to a simpler example.
Estimating the House Edge of Craps
Monte Carlo simulation earns its name from the famed casino in Monaco, and so let’s see how random simulations can answer a question about a game of chance. In particular, if you play a given game with a fixed strategy, what is your average payout or loss in a single game over time? Because games are constructed in favor of the casino (or “house”), this average result is always a loss to the player and is called the house edge.
We can compute the house edge of a casino game via Monte Carlo simulation by programming a computer to “play” the game millions of times with the same strategy. The computer sums the total payout/loss over all these trials and then divides this payout/loss by the number of trials.
The simplest type of casino game we will call a binary game, which consists of two outcomes with equal and opposite outcomes: the player either loses the game along with their wager, or the player wins and receives back their wager in addition to an amount equal to their wager. If we assume that the player wagers a single unit of currency each time, then a win adds one unit to the player’s holdings, and a loss subtracts one unit from them.
Most casino games are not binary games because they have payouts that vary depending on the outcome as well as the player’s decisions., We will instead focus on a simple binary formulation of craps, in which a player makes a wager and rolls two six-sided dice. The sum of the dice on the first roll can be denoted x, and there are three possibilities.
If x is 7 or 11, then the player wins, and receives their wager back in addition to the amount of the wager.
If x is 2, 3, or 12, then the player loses the wager.
If x has some other value, then the player continues to roll the dice. On these subsequent rolls, the game stops if x is rolled, in which case the player wins, or if 7 is rolled, in which case the player loses. (Note that this is different to the first roll, when 7 is a winner.)
This video serves no real purpose to the exposition. I just love this skit and wanted to add it.
We can compute the house edge of craps with the following pseudocode. This function assumes a subroutine that we will write called PlayCrapsOnce that simulates one game of craps and returns true if the player wins and false if the player loses. Note also that the for loop does not name an explicit variable since it isn’t needed within the loop.
ComputeHouseEdge(numTrials)
count ← 0
for numTrials total trials
outcome ← PlayCrapsOnce()
if outcome = true
count ← count + 1
else
count ← count − 1
return count/numTrials
There is still no randomness immediately apparent in ComputeHouseEdge, as we have passed this detail to PlayCrapsOnce. Furthermore, the ComputeHouseEdge function could be used for any binary game; implementing the randomness and the rules of craps will be passed down to the subroutine. This exemplifies a paradigm of program design that we will discuss in a later chapter.
STOP: Before continuing, try writing a PlayCrapsOnce function that takes no parameters as input and that returns true or false based on whether the simulated player wins a single game of craps. You should assume a subroutine called SumTwoDice that takes no input and that returns an integer between 2 and 12 based on the sum on two simulated dice.
We will now write the PlayCrapsOnce function. Note that this function does not take any inputs — we are only interested in the outcome of playing the game, and the rules of the game are built into the function. Implementing these rules will rely on a collection of nested loops and if statements. Also, we are still not concerned about randomization details, as we have passed these to the SumTwoDice subroutine. You may want to review each line of the function below as an exercise in interpreting control flow.
PlayCrapsOnce()
firstRoll ← SumTwoDice()
if firstRoll = 2, 3, or 12
return false (player loses)
else if firstRoll = 7 or 11
return true (player wins)
else
while true
newRoll ← SumTwoDice()
if newRoll = firstRoll
return true
else if newRoll = 7
return false
STOP: Does using while true not produce an infinite loop? (Hint: do you think that anyone who plays craps ever worries about getting stuck between their first roll and the end of the game?)
We already know all the control structures needed to implement ComputeHouseEdge and PlayCrapsOnce on a computer, except for the two lines that ask us to compute the sum of rolling two dice. To be overly precise, we could even state this as a computational problem.
Sum of Two Dice Problem
Input: (No input)
Output: The sum of the values on two simulated six-sided fair dice.
We just need to implement the randomized process of rolling two dice; how hard could that be?
Pitfalls of (Pseudo)Random Number Generation
Von Neumann’s Middle-Square Pseudorandom Number Generator
Take a moment to think up a few random digits. (Here’s mine: 6, 1, 2, 8, 0, 3, 3, 0, 8, 0, 0, 4, 5, 7, 9.) You might think that the numbers you are generating are random, but there is some process going on in your brain to produce these numbers that is anything but random. In fact, experiments have shown that individuals tend to underrepresent the presence of repeated numbers. (When picking lottery numbers, would you pick the winning numbers from the previous day?)
STOP: Recalling the Dobzhansky quote that “nothing in biology makes sense but in the light of evolution” from a previous chapter, what evolutionary purpose would being able to quickly make a (seemingly) random decision serve?
If we are thinking like the ancient Greeks, then we might hope for a mathematical formula to save us. This was also the wish of John von Neumann, a computational pioneer who in the late 1940s was working on an early computer called ENIAC (see figure below). At that time, random number generation was so primitive that the state of the art was A Million Random Digits with 100,000 Normal Deviates, a book that was in development by the RAND Corporation. This book eventually contained 400 pages of a million random digits between 0 and 9 generated by spins of an electronic roulette wheel; 20 of the 32 resulting numbers were converted to digits, whereas the other 12 were ignored. If you wanted a random number, you opened the book to some arbitrary page of this book and started transcribing digits. Needless to say, a better computational approach for generating random numbers was sorely needed.
One method that von Neumann considered for random number generation is called the Middle-Square approach. It starts with an arbitrary n-digit integer called the seed and generates a new “random” n-digit integer by first squaring the number to produce a 2n-digit number, and then taking the middle n digits of the result. For example, if n = 4 and our seed is 1600, then 1600² = 2,560,000; this number viewed as an 8-digit number is represented as 02,560,000, whose middle four digits are 5600. This number becomes our first randomly generated integer; to generate a new random integer, we square 5600 and take its middle four digits.
The numbers generated by the Middle-Square approach may appear random, but they are generated by a deterministic method that always produces the same sequence of numbers from a given initial seed. We will use therefore the term pseudorandom number generator, or PRNG for short, to refer to a deterministic method like the Middle-Square approach that generates a sequence of numbers in an effort to mimic randomness.
STOP: With a seed of 1600, we saw that the next four-digit random number generated by the Middle-Square approach was 5600. What are the next three numbers that will be generated?
An ideal PRNG would, over the long term, produce each n-digit number with equal frequency, independently of the seed. But as the preceding exercise indicates, the problem with the Middle-Square approach is that it often generates short cycles, in which the same numbers come up repeatedly. Consider that 8100² = 65,610,000, 6100² = 37,210,000, 2100² = 04,410,000, and 4100² = 16,810,000, so we are only able to generate four numbers from the seed 8100. Worse, if we pick 3792 as our seed, then 3792² = 14,379,264, and so we generate the same number over and over in the name of randomness.
The poor performance of the Middle-Square approach is unfortunately the norm when we try to use functions based on arithmetic operations to generate random numbers. As von Neumann himself lamented,
Anyone who considers arithmetical methods of producing random digits is, of course, in a state of sin. For, as has been pointed out several times, there is no such thing as a random number.
Lagged Fibonacci Generators
In a truly random sequence of numbers, we would expect to see repeated numbers — it would be anything but random if a PRNG were to produce a sequence containing four-digit number between 0 and 9999 exactly once without any repeats. However, the Middle-Square approach suffers from the critical weakness that whenever a number is encountered that has already been generated, the entire sequence of numbers following that number will be generated again.
In other words, we currently think about a PRNG as generating a new number y from only one preceding number x, and this means that whenever we encounter the same x, we will produce the same y. What if the PRNG instead produced a new integer from more than one previous integer? “Remembering’’ more than one previous number would allow us to generate the same number x multiple times without necessarily causing a cycle.
A simple PRNG with a longer memory is based on the Fibonacci sequence. The first two terms of this sequence are defined as equal to 1, F(0) = F(1) = 1. Subsequent terms are defined as the sum of the previous two terms; that is, for n ≥ 2, F(n) = F(n-1) + F(n-2). Of course, the terms of this sequence continue on toward infinity (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, …), but we could form a PRNG called a Fibonacci generator by letting F(n) be the remainder of F(n-1) + F(n-2) after dividing by some fixed value m. For example, if m = 1,000,000, then for F(n-1) = 832,040 and F(n-2) = 346,269, we would set F(n) equal to Remainder(832,040 + 346,269, 1,000,000), which in turn is equal to 178,309.
STOP: How many initial seeds will we need for the Fibonacci generator?
Note that the Fibonacci generator will require not one but two seeds. If we change F(0) and F(1), then this will likely cause F(2) to change, and as a result we will obtain a different sequence of integers generated by the PRNG.
STOP: Do you see any issues with the Fibonacci generator?
Even though we now have a PRNG with a longer memory, there are substantial flaws with the Fibonacci generator, chiefly that once we have seen two integers in a sequence, we will immediately know the next number in the sequence. Hardly random!
We can make a slight adjustment to the Fibonacci generator if we ask it to “remember” farther back in the sequence of random integers.
That is, for some fixed positive integers j and k, we set F(n) equal to the remainder of the sum F(n-j) + F(n-k) divided by m. The resulting PRNG is called a lagged Fibonacci generator that is surprisingly practical given its simplicity. We generally avoid mention of specific languages, but it is worth pointing out that Go’s built-in PRNG uses a lagged Fibonacci generator with j =273, k = 607, and m = 2³¹. That is, F(n) is equal to Remainder(F(n-273) + F(n-607), 2³¹).
STOP: How many seeds do you think we will need for a lagged Fibonacci generator? Why?
Programming languages typically have simple PRNG like this is built-in because we don’t need something state of the art.
This discussion makes us wonder, what makes a PRNG acceptable for use in applications like Monte Carlo simulation? For one, we would hope that if we use different seeds, then we will obtain sequences of numbers that are diferent from each other. We would also hope to avoid repeating sequences of numbers like what we saw with the Middle-Square approach. The German Federal Office for Information Security identified four “levels” that PRNGs should have to be secure enough to use in applications.
Level 1: Different sequences generated by the PRNG should usually be different from each other.
Level 2: The PRNG should generate numbers with the same properties of a sequence of truly random numbers (e.g., how often a number repeats, or how often a given triplet of numbers repeats).
Level 3: A hacker shouldn’t be able to use the sequence of numbers to guess any future numbers.
Level 4: A hacker shouldn’t be able to use the sequence of numbers to guess any previous numbers.
PRNGs satisfying all four levels of security do exist, although they are slower than simpler PRNGs. Furthermore, it took decades of research to obtain advanced PRNGs, which are mathematically complicated — yet one more reason why mathematics is vital for an understanding of computer science.
Finally, before returning to our work with Monte Carlo simulation, we note that part of the reason we emphasize an understanding of the fundamentals of PRNGs is that they are still relevant today. A Wired story from 2017 tells a fascinating tale of a team of hackers based in St. Petersburg who allegedly made millions on a particular make of slot machine by using an understanding of the machine’s PRNG to predict when the machine would make large payouts.
STOP: If we are able to use past results to time a slot machine payout, then what level does the machine’s PRNG not achieve?
Simulating Craps
Rolling a single die
Recall that to estimate the house edge of craps, we need to simulate rolling two dice. First, we will consider the simpler process of simulating a single die roll, which amounts to uniformly generating a pseudorandom number between 1 and 6.
Programming languages contain packages, or collections of pre-written code that are likely to be reused in multiple contexts. In particular, most languages have a “random” package with a built-in pseudorandom number generator. (In Go, this package, built upon the lagged Fibonacci PRNG mentioned previously, is called rand.) A random package should, in addition to other functions, include three useful functions:
RandInt: takes no inputs and returns a pseudorandom integer (within the range of integers allowable for the language and operating system).
RandIntn: takes a single integer n as input and returns a pseudorandom integer between 0 and n − 1.
RandFloat: takes no inputs and returns a pseudorandom floating-point decimal number in the interval [0, 1).
STOP: Which of these functions should we use to simulate rolling a die?
Students typically wish to use RandIntn to simulate a die roll, but in fact, we can use any of these three functions. For example, if we generate a pseudorandom decimal number from [0, 1), then we can divide this interval into six equally-sized subintervals of length 1/6 and assign the die a value based on which subinterval our number falls into.
RollDie()
roll ← RandFloat()
if roll < 1/6
return 1
else if roll < 2/6
return 2
else if roll < 3/6
return 3
else if roll < 4/6
return 4
else if roll < 5/6
return 5
else
return 6
A shorter functions usesRandIntn to generate a pseudorandom integer between 0 and 5, inclusively, and then adds 1 to the resulting number.
RollDie()
roll ← RandIntn(6)
return roll + 1
But we can also apply RandInt, generating an arbitrary pseudorandom integer and then taking its remainder when dividing by 6 to obtain an integer between 0 and 5, inclusively. As in the preceding function, we can then add 1 to the resulting integer.
RollDie()
roll ← RandInt()
return Remainder(roll, 6) + 1
STOP: Say that we have a weighted die that produces each of 1, 3, 4, and 5 with probability 1/10, and that produces each of 2 and 6 with probability 3/10. Write pseudocode for a RollWeightedDie function that models this weighted die.
We now return to the Sum of Two Dice Problem. The table below shows the sum on two dice for each of the 36 = 6² different outcomes of rolling two six-sided dice. Assuming that the dice are fair, each of these outcomes is equally likely.
A table showing all 36 outcomes for rolling two dice and the sum of the dice for each outcome.
STOP: Write a function SumTwoDice that takes no input parameters and returns the simulated sum of two six-sided dice.
If we are thinking mathematically, then we would notice that the probability of rolling an x is the number of ways in which an x can be rolled, divided by the total number of outcomes (36). So, the probability of rolling a 2 is 1/36, the probability of rolling a 3 is 2/36, and so on. This reasoning leads us to apply the same principle we saw earlier before to divide the interval [0,1) into subintervals. We could divide [0,1) into 36 subintervals of equal width, but our function will be shorter if we divide [0, 1) into 11 subintervals where the width of the interval is equal to the probability that the sum of two dice will be one of the 11 integer values between 2 and 12. This idea is implemented by the following pseudocode for a SumTwoDice function.
SumTwoDice()
roll ← RandFloat()
if roll < 1/36
return 2
else if roll < 3/36
return 3
else if roll < 6/36
return 4
... (etc.)
In this work, we have seen the power of mathematical rigor for helping us to write efficient programs. But summing two dice offers an example of how we can miss a much simpler solution to a problem by being overly mathematical. In this case, modularity will make our work very easy, since rolling two dice is equivalent to rolling a single die twice.
SumTwoDice()
return RollDie() + RollDie()
STOP: Write a function in pseudocode called SumMultipleDice that takes an integer numDice as input and returns the sum of the outcomes of rolling a die numDice times.
If you are interested in seeing how to implement the above functions and estimate the house edge of craps, join us for the coding component of this chapter. For now, we return to forecasting an election from polling data, where we will also see the power of modularity.
Simulating a Presidential Election
Planning election functions in pseudocode
We can learn from our work with computing the house edge of craps that a natural way to run many election simulations is to pass the heavy lifting to a function that simulates a single election. The pseudocode below for a SimulateMultipleElections function does just this.
In practice, different polls have different margin of errors, reflecting variables like number of respondents or historical reliability of the poll. However, we will assume that the margin of error is a fixed parameter called marginOfError. We will use this parameter to incorporate random bounce into our simulations. If this parameter is 0.06, then we are approximately 95% confident that our state poll is accurate within 6% in either direction. For example, if candidate 1’s polling percentage in California is 64%, then we are 95% sure that the true percentage of voters supporting candidate 1 is between 58% and 70%.
We will also not specify yet how the polling data will be represented; for the time being, we will just call these data pollingData, a parameter that we will pass along with marginOfError to the SimulateOneElection subroutine, which returns the number of Electoral College votes each candidate receives in a single simulated election.
We will now present SimulateMultipleElections, which calls SimulateOneElection numTrials times, keeping track of the number of wins each candidate accumulates (as well as the number of trials). It then divides each win count by the total number of trials to obtain estimated “probabilities” of each candidate winning, along with the estimated probability of a tie.
SimulateMultipleElections(pollingData, numTrials, marginOfError)
winCount1 ← 0
winCount2 ← 0
tieCount ← 0
for numTrials total trials
votes1,votes2 ← SimulateElection(pollingData, marginOfError)
if votes1 > votes2
winCount1 ← winCount1 + 1
else if collegeVotes2 > collegeVotes1
winCount2 ← winCount2 + 1
else (tie!)
tieCount ← tieCount + 1
probability1 ← winCount1/numTrials
probability2 ← winCount2/numTrials
probabilityTie ← tieCount/numTrials
return probability1, probability2, probabilityTie
A natural way to represent pollingData is as two maps. An electoralVotes map associates state name keys with the (positive) integer storing the number of votes for that state. A polls map associates state name keys with the percentage at which candidate 1 is polling in that state. See figure below.
(Left) An abbreviated map of state names to the state’s number of Electoral College votes. (Right) A hypothetical abbreviated map of state names to the polling percentage for candidate 1 in the state.
To simulate a single election, we need to use these polling data along with marginOfError to produce a randomly adjusted polling percentage for each state. If this adjusted percentage is greater than or equal to 50%, then we assume that candidate 1 wins the state (a tie will be extremely unlikely). We will return to discuss the details of this adjustment soon; for now, we will call the subroutine that achieves this objective AddNoise. The SimulateOneElection function could return which candidate wins (or if there was a tie), but we will have this function return the number of electoral votes that each candidate wins in the simulated election.
SimulateOneElection(polls, electoralVotes, marginOfError)
votes1 ← 0
votes2 ← 0
for every key state in polls
poll ← candidate 1's polling percentage
adjustedPoll ← AddNoise(poll, marginOfError)
if adjustedPoll ≥ 0.5 (candidate 1 wins state)
votes1 ← votes2 + electoralVotes[state]
else (candidate 2 wins state)
votes2 ← votes2 + electoralVotes[state]
return votes1, votes2
As with our work with craps, we see that the randomization is lurking within a subroutine, which in this case is the AddNoise function.
STOP: How could we write AddNoise? What random function would be helpful?
Unlike our previous work, using RandInt or RandIntn is unnatural because we need to generate a random decimal number x that we will be adding to candidate 1’s polling percentage. One idea is to generating a noise value between -marginOfError and marginOfError by first generating a pseudorandom decimal number between -1 and 1, then multiply the resulting value by marginOfError.
STOP: We have a built-in function RandFloat that returns a pseudorandom decimal number between 0 and 1. How could we use this function to produce a pseudorandom decimal number between -1 and 1?
Once we generate a random decimal between 0 and 1, we can multiply it by 2, and then subtract 1 from the result, in order to obtain a random decimal between -1 and 1. Multiplying this number by marginOfError produces the desired x.
AddNoise(poll, marginOfError)
x ← RandFloat()
x ← 2 * x (now x is between 0 and 2)
x ← x – 1 (now x is between -1 and 1)
x ← x * marginOfError (now it’s in range 😊)
return x + poll
However, this AddNoise function suffers from a flaw because the number it returns will be uniform, meaning that it is just as likely for the noise variable to be at the “tails” of the range of possible values than in the middle. It also won’t allow for the desired 5% of extreme cases when the noise value is outside of the range between -marginOfError and marginOfError.
In practice, the probability of generating a given noise value should be weighted so that values closer to 0 are more likely than values at the tails. One way of achieving this is with a standard normal density function, a “bell-shaped” curve that will be familiar to anyone who has taken a statistics course (see figure below). The probability of generating a number between numbers a and b is equal to the area under the function between the x values of a and b; that is, the integral of the standard normal density function. Because the density function is taller near zero, the probability of generating a number near zero is higher, and this probability decreases the farther we move from zero. There is approximately a 68.3% probability of generating a number between -1 and 1, and a 95.4% probability of generating a number between -2 and 2.
The standard normal density function. The area under the curve between x-values of a and b is equal to the probability of generating a pseudorandom number between a and b.
STOP: What does the density function look like if we are generating decimal numbers uniformly between 0 and 1?
We can therefore obtain a random noise value in the range from -marginOfError to marginOfError with approximately 95% probability by generating a pseudorandom decimal according to the standard normal density function, and then multiplying this number by marginOfError/2. But how can we produce these numbers?
Remember our classic text for computing random numbers in the pre-computing era, A Million Random Digits with 100,000 Normal Deviates? The book earns the second half of its name because it contains 100,000 random numbers sampled underneath the standard normal density function. Fortunately, we won’t need to consult a 70 year-old book because programming languages will include a function RandNormal that returns a random number according to the standard normal density function, allowing us to update our implementation of AddNoise as follows.
AddNoise(poll, marginOfError)
x ← RandNormal()
x ← x/2 (95% chance of x being between -1 and 1)
x ← x * marginOfError (now x is in range)
return x + poll
And just like that, we are done! Note how we saved the hardest part of our work, incorporating randomness into polling data, until last? We will say more on this in the next chapter.
Implementing Our Work
In the video below, we use Go to implement the craps simulator and election forecast algorithm that we have discussed above. We then apply this forecast algorithm to real polling data from the 2016 US election. What will we find?
If you’re interested in seeing the results of this forecast without implementing it yourself, feel free to skip ahead to the next section.
Conclusion: A Reflection on the Nature of Election Forecasting
Improving our election forecast algorithm
Designing an algorithm, converting it to code, and getting the program to run does not mean that we have solved a problem. Often these tasks represent just the first steps of analyzing a dataset. To be fully fledged programmers, we must also interpret our results.
To put it more bluntly, we must ask, “Is our forecasting approach any good”? However, we cannot help but notice that our prediction is more confident in Clinton’s victory than both the New York Times and FiveThirtyEight were. What has caused this discrepancy?
A simulation of election polling data with a margin of error set to 10%, for three different polling data sets taken from the 2016 election. Our forecast is consistently more confident in a Clinton victory than either of the media outlets from the introduction.
After all, the margin of error of 10% used to produce the table above is much wider than the margin of error of most polls. It means that even if a candidate is polling at 60% in a state, a veritable landslide, there is a greater than 2% chance that our forecast will award that state to the opposing candidate. So if our forecast is more conservative in this regard than professional forecasts, why does it lean more heavily in favor of Clinton? What did the media outlets add to their forecasts that we are missing?
We will highlight three examples of how to make our forecast more robust. First, the polling data used for our forecast, available at the course website, provides an aggregate polling value for a given state at a given time. Yet some polls may be more reliable than others, whether because they survey more people or because the poll has traditionally shown evidence of less bias. (See figure below.)
Several polls used by FiveThirtyEight, along with polling statistics, an estimated bias in the poll toward one party or another, and a grade of the poll. Polls with higher grades have a greater influence over the forecast. Source: FiveThirtyEight.
Second, because of the small sample sizes used with polls compared to the population, forecasters typically used a bell-shaped curve that is “shorter” around 0 and that has “fatter” tails when adding noise to a polling value. Sampling randomly from a density function with fat tails allows for a higher likelihood of obtaining an adjusted polling value farther from its current value in AddNoise.
Finally, when simulating the election we have thus far treated the states as independent. In practice, states are heavily correlated; there is a very good chance, for example, that North Dakota and South Dakota will vote the same way. Accordingly, if in a single simulation AddNoise adjusts a given state poll in favor of one candidate, then we should most likely adjust the polls of any correlated states in favor of this candidate as well.
The correlation of state results makes it much more likely for the underdog to win — in 2016, Trump won most of the “Rust Belt” states stretching from western New York across the Great Lakes region into Wisconsin, even though polls indicated that he had a relatively small chance of winning each of these states.
Is forecasting an election hopeless?
We could easily add these features to improve our own forecast algorithm. However, it will be more fruitful if we take the time not to continue coding but instead to reflect on the inherent weaknesses of forecasting any election from polling data.
A hidden assumption of our work thus far is that responses to a poll adequately reflect the decision that respondents will make in the privacy of the ballot box. One way in which such an asymmetry can arise is if one candidate’s supporters have higher voter turnout. One national poll, the Los Angeles Times “Daybreak Poll”, was weighted based on how enthusiastic a voter was for their respective candidate. That is, a respondent could indicate 60% support for Trump, or 80% support for Clinton, rather than providing a binary response. The Daybreak Poll, shown in the figure below, consistently favored Trump in 2016.
The Los Angeles Times Daybreak Poll, in which polling responses were weighted based on enthusiasm, was often panned in 2016 because it consistently showed Trump as leading.
STOP: Does the fact that the Daybreak Poll forecast the correct winner make it a good poll?
Just because a forecast is correct does not make it a well-designed forecast. For example, say that your local meteorologist may predict rain tomorrow, while your neighbor predicts sunshine based on the outcome of a coin flip. If it is sunny, you would hardly call your neighbor an expert. The Daybreak Poll’s biggest flaw is that it is a national poll despite the election being decided state-by-state. In fact, Clinton won the national “popular vote” by about three million ballots, so in this sense the Daybreak Poll was just as wrong as the other media forecasts — although weighting polls by enthusiasm is an interesting idea.
We continue the weather analogy by asking you to consider the following question.
STOP: If a meteorologist tells you that there is a 70% chance of rain on a given day three months from now, would you believe them?
We would never trust a weather forecast three months in advance, but we could probably trust knowing what time the sun will rise three months in advance. Understanding the flaw in all election simulations requires us to understand what is different about these two examples, and will take us on a detour to the stock market.
The figure below shows the prices of two stocks (called “stock A” and “stock B”) over a five-year period from January 2012 to January 2017. Imagine that it is January 2017 and we play a binary game. You wager $1 and pick one of the two stocks. If in six months time, your stock’s price has increased by 30%, then you win $5; otherwise, you lose your $1. Which of the two stocks would you choose?
The price of mystery stock A in dollars per share from January 2012 to January 2017.
The price of mystery stock B in dollars per share from January 2012 to January 2017.
Many students will pick Stock A for their wager because it has had the better performance over the previous five years. Yet you are more likely to win your bet if you choose Stock B because its price is much more volatile than Stock A. In fact, in July 2017, six months after the time of the bet, Stock A (Colgate-Palmolive) was trading for around $73 per share, a meager gain over its price in January 2017, whereas Stock B (First Solar) had rocketed up to around the $45 range (see figure below). In this case, you would have won your bet, although the stock price could just as easily have plummeted — which it did in the middle of 2018.
Stock A (Colgate Palmolive) rose a few percentage points in 2017 and then continued its low-volatility trend. Note: the stock price does look like it is bouncing around, but note how small the change in price is on the y-axis; the stock essentially stayed between $60 and $75 for a five-year period.
Stock B (First Solar) skyrocketed upward in 2017, and then continued climbing until spring 2018, when it lost half its value in just a few months, and then jumped back up by 50% in 2019.
If you think about our binary game, in which we wager on a stock going up 30% in six months, there is not a single point in time over the last five years at which you would have won this bet on Colgate-Palmolive. The case is different for First Solar, where we find times in mid-2016, early to mid-2017, and again in late 2018 and early 2019 at which this bet would have been a winner.
These types of bets may seem contrived, but they are an example of a derivative, or an investment whose price is tied to that of some underlying asset. Our wager that a stock will increase to a certain amount K by time T is a simplified form of a European call option; if the price of the stock is x at time T, then the payout of the option is either $0 if the stock price is less than K at time T, or x-K if the price x is greater than or equal to K. And the key point is that a stock that has had higher volatility will have call options that are more expensive when K is much higher than the stock’s current price.
We can be sure about the time that the sun will rise in three months because, barring armageddon, sunrise time has very low volatility. In contrast, weather is very volatile, which makes forecasting it very difficult for the next few days, and impossible for several months in the future.
And what of election forecasting? We reproduce the FiveThirtyEight and New York Times projections below. Notice how wildly the forecasts swing back and forth; in the most notable case, an early August FiveThirtyEight forecast that was 50/50 swung back to an 80% forecast for Clinton in just a few days. These swings in the forecasts reflect very volatile polls that are influenced by news events, as well as scheduled occurrences during the campaigns such as party conventions and debates.
These media outlets built pretty data visualization on top of a fun method of forecasting an election that a novice programmer can implement with a little help. But they also made a critical error in forecasting an event far in the future based on volatile data, all while sometimes selling their work as estimating a “probability” of victory. A far better election forecast in the summer of 2016 would have been to shrug one’s shoulders and declare that predicting any future event in an environment of high volatility is no different than playing a game of chance.
Thanks for reading! If you like this craziness,check out my ongoing course: https://canvas.instructure.com/enroll/RKFKKP
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acfe435f-20a8-5ce8-a9ac-80ae57049c97
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25/08/2025 15:57:39
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https://j-mcawesome.medium.com/stokely-carmichael-on-economic-exploitation-riots-and-blm-3f45d4cefd85
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medium.com
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Stokely Carmichael on Economic Exploitation, Riots, and #BLM
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Ferguson. Baltimore. New York City. Baton Rouge. Falcon Heights. Milwaukee. These are just some of the places.
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Joe Dusbabek
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https://medium.com/@j-mcawesome
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3f45d4cefd85
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15 min
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2016-09-06T14:24:56.060000
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2016-09-06T14:30:52.661000
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2018-11-13T20:55:25.004000
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en
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BlackLivesMatter,Politics,Economics
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<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/768/1*QsrEl5H_3d04eIWF2J1dZQ.jpeg" width="768" height="432" loading="lazy" />
<p>Ferguson. Baltimore. New York City. Baton Rouge. Falcon Heights. Milwaukee. These are just some of the places.</p>
<p>Trayvon Martin. Michael Brown. Eric Garner. Freddie Gray. Sandra Bland. Rekia Boyd. Alton Sterling. Philando Castile. These are just some of the names.</p>
<p>Since 2013’s acquittal of George Zimmerman (abject racist and altogether disgusting human being) in the murder of Trayvon Martin, a new movement has taken hold in the United States: the often controversial Black Lives Matter. BLM has been at the forefront of every police shooting incident since, placing immense attention and public pressure on the actions of a militarized police force that unjustly targets and oppresses those in impoverished communities. They protest, they fight to be noticed on social media, and they’re organized enough to be effective while decentralized enough to protect from being broken apart. They should be applauded for many more achievements, but primarily for bringing unrelenting focus to an issue that has long been a problem for black and Hispanic communities. It’s safe to say this is the new world we live in: one where the police can no longer murder minorities with impunity. That’s no small accomplishment, and one the public should applaud — but doesn’t.</p>
<p>In the wake of the recent Milwaukee riots over the death of 23-year-old Sylville Smith, we hear familiar refrains from the media and popular discourse in mostly white communities. These messages preach the virtues of nonviolence, of the immorality of rioting, and beg those involved to stop “punishing” the “poor” business owners and “innocent and good” police officers. They invoke leaders like Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr., while simultaneously ignoring the material circumstances that led those men to make the strategic decision to be nonviolent in their methodology. They ignore later changes of heart, and insist that in all cases, fighting back and defending yourself against those who oppress you is always the wrong play. Power structures, business institutions, and (mostly) white communities have been pushing this same message of nonviolence-as-virtue to discredit Black uprising and empowerment for decades. It’s a story we’ve all heard before — so often that it’s now become a meaningless refrain, like the chorus of a Pitbull song — to the point where most aren’t even sure why they believe it.</p>
<p>When we look at riots in isolation, we certainly can see their effects: looting and property damage often do happen, as do small acts of violence against the police. But usually, the public makes a critical mistake in viewing riots in isolation at all, as individual uprisings or acts of digression. Riots do not happen in a vacuum, and to understand them, we need to understand what motivates people to act out in the first place.</p>
<p>Much of the rhetoric stems from a misunderstanding of the causes of rioting and public displays of protest. Choosing a method of nonviolence-as-political-action requires an analytical and material understanding of the issues at play, in order for it to be the “correct” decision. As with everything, the effectiveness of any given action depends entirely on the material circumstances surrounding that action; if you live in a culture that decides violence is morally sanctioned, for example, violence can be an effective method to invoke social change without losing public support. Many political changes and revolutions have been started as a result of violent acts in defiance of the existing power structures. In America, however, we’ve seen a desire in both the populace and the official state to avoid violence when possible. On any given social media network or news media “coverage” panel, you’ll hear a vast condemnation of rioting. You’ll hear anything from the message that “violence is ineffective” to “rioting is morally wrong” in the language of those who accuse them. You’ll hear asinine suggestions that rioters don’t have the “right” to riot and that they should “work within the legal system” to protest injustice. You’ll hear arguments that minorities don’t even have solid reasons to riot; that the injustice doesn’t exist in the first place. You’ll hear.</p>
<p>There’s an implication that rioters are just “acting out” and that they don’t have anything to truly be upset about. There’s an assumption rioters are just out to loot, destroy property, and generally cause trouble. These assumptions are, frankly, incorrect. If media figureheads and others in positions of power are going to claim that nonviolence is the only reasonable approach, we need to ask a critical question: why? Why is it that nonviolence is somehow “reasonable?” It’s been happening at least as far back as the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and from there, we can learn a lot about the rhetoric and argument used to disenfranchise and disempower minority movements.</p>
<p>Stokely Carmichael, one of the key leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and a figurehead involved with both the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Black Panthers, addresses this very topic in a transcript of a 1966 speech titled, “Black Power.” Carmichael begins with an assertion:</p>
<p>We have taken all the myths of this country and we’ve found them to be nothing but downright lies. This country told us that if we worked hard we would succeed, and if that were true, we would own this country lock, stock, and barrel — lock, stock and barrel — lock, stock and barrel. It is we who have picked the cotton for nothing. It is we who are the maids in the kitchens of liberal white people. It is we who are the janitors, the porters, the elevator men. It is we who sweep up your college floors. Yes, it is we who are the hardest workers and the lowest paid, and the lowest paid.</p>
<p>Carmichael first offers up a suggestion that black people have been unable to “play within the rules” of the American economy since the country’s very inception. Even now (over 50 years since Carmichael said this), black communities are oppressed and enslaved by urbanization, the private prison system, and yes, even by the police who inhabit and patrol their neighborhoods. It’s also clear national, state, and local-level economic policy adversely affects minorities more heavily than Caucasians. Clearly, not much has changed since the 1960s; the crisis of poverty affects us all, even now, but it affects some of us worse than others. Carmichael echoes this concern by elaborating on poverty, and how public perception does not always equal the reality of those who suffer from it:</p>
<p>How do we raise the questions of poverty? The assumptions of this country is that if someone is poor, they are poor because of their own individual blight, or they weren’t born on the right side of town; they had too many children; they went in the army too early; or their father was a drunk, or they didn’t care about school, or they made a mistake. That’s a lot of nonsense. Poverty is well calculated in this country. It is well calculated, and the reason why the poverty program won’t work is because the calculators of poverty are administering it. That’s why it won’t work. […] And you ought not to tell me about people who don’t work, and you can’t give people money without working, ’cause if that were true, you’d have to start stopping Rockefeller, Bobby Kennedy, Lyndon Baines Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson, the whole of Standard Oil, the Gulf Corp, all of them […] So the question, then, clearly is not whether or not one can work, it’s who has power? Who has power to make his or her acts legitimate? That is all. And that this country, that power is invested in the hands of white people, and they make their acts legitimate.</p>
<p>We have, in essence, a community of people who are suffering for reasons that are no fault of their own. Carmichael directly attacks the quintessential American ideal of “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” by not only shredding the argument that black communities have the ability to forge their own economic fortune at all, but that the trope doesn’t even apply for the biggest names and powers in business. In short, hard work has nothing to do with it. A person’s economic opportunities depend on a multitude of factors, but when considering the case of minorities, it’s clear they simply don’t have the same opportunity as any given middle-class white person. Carmichael explains the difference between the way people of color are expected to succeed by “working hard” under capitalism, and the way white people can succeed in the absence of them:</p>
<p>And you ought not to tell me about people who don’t work, and you can’t give people money without working, ’cause if that were true, you’d have to start stopping Rockefeller, Bobby Kennedy, Lyndon Baines Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson, the whole of Standard Oil, the Gulf Corp, all of them […] So the question, then, clearly is not whether or not one can work, it’s who has power? Who has power to make his or her acts legitimate? That is all. And that this country, that power is invested in the hands of white people, and they make their acts legitimate.</p>
<p>Though Carmichael touches on the answer in his last sentence, a key question that should occur to almost anyone, of course, is “why would ethnic minorities suffer disproportionately worse economic circumstances than white people?”</p>
<p>The way economic outcomes affect certain communities depends on who creates economic policy; historically in the United States, that has been middle-class people to a small extent and and upper-class elites to a larger one. Literally from the inception of the U.S. Constitution, the families and leaders who had power and wealth aimed to consolidate it; the Founding Fathers themselves admitted they wanted to keep their own wealth, and avoid paying taxes to the King of England. Once they had achieved independence, they had to turn to the question of how to not only keep their wealth, but to grow it (and the country along with it). The answer? Labor. Cheap labor. For the Northern states, this was achieved through immigration; in the South, they didn’t benefit from such an influx of workers, so they had to outsource them through slavery. From the beginning, American economic policy was explicitly designed by the upper classes to exploit the poor. And at least in the South, at first, “the poor” in America meant black. So poor that dozens of black people were literally owned by someone else.</p>
<p>After the practice of slavery was abolished during the Civil War, Southern plantation owners (the core business and source of capital in the region) were left with a problem: how were they going to get cheap labor to work the fields and fill the gap left by the loss of their slaves? They came up with a clever answer, and one which ended up shaping the lives of black people everywhere up until the present day. They decided to pit white workers against black workers (who they now had to pay to work) by framing them as competition for jobs and livelihood. Poor, working-class whites found themselves suddenly competing for work against the newly-emancipated black community of ex-slaves all over the country — but especially in the South — and this bred a sense of anger and resulted in violence against them. Yep. This is where America’s long, tortured history of racism begins.</p>
<p>Today, racism looks different, and yet still very much the same. We still have major Presidential candidates’ suggestions that people of color are “stealing all the jobs” from rural whites. We still have veiled finger-pointing at the high incarceration rates of Hispanics and black males in particular as being evidence of a predisposition to crime. This public, institutionalized racism began in the aftermath of the Civil War, but it has now made its way into public policy; many laws passed to “reform” the problem of poverty and the suppression of people of color have served to do precisely the opposite. We’ve seen public housing instituted by the state contribute to the “ghettoization” of our inner cities, and mass incarceration develop as a response to high crime rates in those areas. Then, those same incarceration rates are used to justify even more damaging legislation that increases the original oppression. Social programs are supposedly instituted to minimize and eliminate the harm from it over time, but Carmichael suggests this misguided approach serves to miss the point entirely, and even distract from it:</p>
<p>We have what we call ‘modern-day Peace Corps missionaries,’ and they come into our ghettos and they Head Start, Upward Lift, Bootstrap, and Upward Bound us into white society, ’cause they don’t want to face the real problem, which is a man is poor for one reason and one reason only: ’cause he does not have money — period. If you want to get rid of poverty, you give people money — period.</p>
<p>Carmichael recognizes the link between poverty and perceived criminal behavior here, a distinction that most affluent white people miss. It isn’t the color of their skin that determines crime levels of a given community; it’s how economically-desperate they are and what situations they find themselves in, in order to survive, as a response to those conditions. To be precise: the reason many of our crime statistics are skewed toward black people and other minorities isn’t because they are more “predisposed” toward crime. It’s because those same minorities are also suffering deeply from economic and public policy that has ravaged their communities for decades.</p>
<p>This tense relationship affects the mentality of our police force, too, leading to more shootings and other violent encounters between cops and those who live in these jurisdictions the police are tasked to patrol. It’s a vicious cycle, and one Carmichael comments on briefly:</p>
<p>If we were to be real and to be honest, we would have to admit that most people in this country see things black and white. We have to do that. All of us do. We live in a country that’s geared that way. White people would have to admit that they are afraid to go into a black ghetto at night. They are afraid. That’s a fact. They’re afraid because they’d be ‘beat up,’ ‘lynched,’ ‘looted,’ ‘cut up,’ etcetera etcetera. It happens to black people inside the ghetto every day, incidentally, and white people are afraid of that. So you get a man to do it for you — a policeman. And now you figure his mentality, when he’s afraid of black people. The first time a black man jumps, that white man gonna shoot him. He’s gonna shoot him. So police brutality is going to exist on that level because of the incapability of that white man to see black people come together and to live in the conditions. This country is too hypocritical and that we can not adjust ourselves to its hypocrisy.</p>
<p>In many cases, the institutions that pass laws enabling police power and excessively violent behavior are dominated and controlled by white people. The police, as an institution, have only ever served elite interests. Any and all police officers are implicitly condoning the systematic abuse of minority populations and the continuation of exploitation (the wealthy make the laws, which the police then carry out). This description applies also to policy which adversely affects people of color and low-income communities. However, a keen observer will immediately notice upon further study that the issue of black people being oppressed by police is not purely a racial issue. While certain prejudices absolutely exist within most police forces across the country, cultural perceptions and economic injustice serve to exacerbate the problem.</p>
<p>The perception of most white liberals and conservatives in this country is that Black Lives Matter activists and other recent rioters aim to stop the “right” of the police to do their job correctly; this is a fundamental misconception. What Black Lives Matter aims to accomplish ties in directly to what Carmichael speaks of: the ability to live freely and justly under the law, without fear that they will be murdered at a higher proportional rate than other races. In effect, they are asking for recognition of their own humanity by those who allow this oppression to continue. This continuation is a highly probable effect of nonviolent action, and it’s one that should be discouraged.</p>
<p>Viewed under this lens, we begin to understand rioting as a response to economic and cultural conditions that disable people of color and condemn them to live in varying degrees of poverty at large. Rioters often do cause property damage and general unrest, but it’s in response to the material conditions imposed on them. In this situation, having lived under the aforementioned conditions for decades (even centuries), a method of protest that includes nonviolence seems at best pointless and at worst likely to increase that oppression. So the choice made is to be loud, to cause unrest, and to draw attention to their plight. This is the eruption point that most of the media and social media outlets see and comment on, but viewing any riot as an individual act largely misses the crux of the overall crisis. Carmichael observes how poorly efforts to contain riots go after misunderstanding their causes and neatly articulates the frustration of rioters:</p>
<p>The question is, how can you build political institutions that will begin to meet the needs of Oakland, California? And the needs of Oakland, California, is not 1,000 policemen with submachine guns. They don’t need that. They need that least of all. The question is, how can we build institutions where those people can begin to function on a day-to-day basis, where they can get decent jobs, where they can get decent houses, and where they can begin to participate in the policy and major decisions that affect their lives? That’s what they need, not Gestapo troops, because this is not 1942, and if you play like Nazis, we playin’ back with you this time around. Get hip to that.</p>
<p>So how do we fix the mess left behind by exploitative public policy and brutal, unjust methodologies of carrying it out? Let’s take most average, American people at their word, and try nonviolence first. Carmichael immediately strikes the double-standard down thrown at communities of color:</p>
<p>We want to touch on nonviolence because we see that again as the failure of white society to make nonviolence work. I was always surprised at Quakers who came to Alabama and counseled me to be nonviolent, but didn’t have the guts to start talking to James Clark to be nonviolent. That is where nonviolence needs to be preached — to Jim Clark, not to black people. […] That is the question that we must raise, not that you conduct nonviolence among black people. Can you name me one black man today who’s killed anybody white and is still alive? Even after rebellion, when some black brothers throw some bricks and bottles, ten thousand of us has to pay the crime, ’cause when the white policeman comes in, anybody who’s black is arrested, ’cause we all look alike.’</p>
<p>If we assume we can rule out nonviolence simply on the grounds of it being both ineffective for garnering public support as well as achieving concrete change (or even attention) from those in positions of power, what are the other options? Often, neoliberals will suggest “working within the system,” promoting that protestors work through the courts and through Congress to create new legislation. They suggest voting for political parties that claim to represent their interests. Carmichael again attacks the idea:</p>
<p>Our own personal position politically is that we don’t think the Democratic Party represents the needs of black people. We know it don’t. And that if, in fact, white people really believe that, the question is, if they’re going to move inside that structure, how are they going to organize around a concept of whiteness based on true brotherhood and based on stopping exploitation, economic exploitation, so that there will be a coalition base of black people to hook up with? […] You’ve got to move politically. And that we have to begin to develop a political sophistication, which is not to be a parrot: ‘the two-party system is the best party in the world.’ There is a difference between being a parrot and being politically sophisticated. We have to raise questions about whether or not we do need new types of political institutions in this country, and we in SNCC maintain that we need them now. We need new political institutions in this country.</p>
<p>In short, no, people in this position don’t <em>have</em> an effective political party to represent them. Carmichael suggests creating one as an option for effective, long-term change, but he gets to the core of the solution when he touches on economic exploitation:</p>
<p>It is nonsensical for people to start talking about human relationships until they’re willing to build new institutions. Black people are economically insecure. White liberals are economically secure. Can you begin to build an economic coalition? Are the liberals willing to share their salaries with the economically insecure black people they so much love? Then if you’re not, are you willing to start building new institutions that will provide economic security for black people? That’s the question we want to deal with.</p>
<p>Addressing the broken relationship between capitalism, public policy, and culturally-driven racism must first be achieved by tackling the material circumstances. You can change people’s minds through political action and activism, rhetoric, and propaganda, which can over time lead to concrete change in policy and economic inequality. You can also address the economic inequality first, which requires a willingness to abolish the exploitation of communities of color at the expense of the rest of society being willing to stand aside and allow it. Or you can dismantle the oppressive system of capitalist expansion that forces people of color into the situation in the first place, because it doesn’t value them beyond anything as an inexpensive labor force and consumers of commercial products. Any of these are a viable starting point, depending on your perspective.</p>
<p>What’s inarguable is the idea that riots aren’t justified or caused by anything serious. They are. What’s unjust is that people of color are oppressed by police who are forced to oppress them in the first place. What’s impossible to argue is that Black Lives Matter and other, more isolated movements around this issue set haven’t achieved a certain degree of positive change. No longer can a police officer shoot someone of color unjustifiably on camera without it becoming public. That’s a real, concrete outcome, and we should applaud it.</p>
<p>But if we want to evolve past the barbaric situation we place people of color in, we need to start changing the relationships between our police, our lawmakers, and those subjected to their decisions. We need to start breaking down busted economic systems like capitalism, cultural racist discourse, and the ability for our Congress to draft and pass bills to oppress large groups of people by intentional design.</p>
<p>Near the end of his speech, Carmichael captures the argument in its essence:</p>
<p>We are on the move for our liberation. We have been tired of trying to prove things to white people. We are tired of trying to explain to white people that we’re not going to hurt them. We are concerned with getting the things we want, the things that we have to have to be able to function. The question is, can white people allow for that in this country?</p>
<p>Well said.</p>
</section>
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Stokely Carmichael on Economic Exploitation, Riots, and #BLM
Ferguson. Baltimore. New York City. Baton Rouge. Falcon Heights. Milwaukee. These are just some of the places.
Trayvon Martin. Michael Brown. Eric Garner. Freddie Gray. Sandra Bland. Rekia Boyd. Alton Sterling. Philando Castile. These are just some of the names.
Since 2013’s acquittal of George Zimmerman (abject racist and altogether disgusting human being) in the murder of Trayvon Martin, a new movement has taken hold in the United States: the often controversial Black Lives Matter. BLM has been at the forefront of every police shooting incident since, placing immense attention and public pressure on the actions of a militarized police force that unjustly targets and oppresses those in impoverished communities. They protest, they fight to be noticed on social media, and they’re organized enough to be effective while decentralized enough to protect from being broken apart. They should be applauded for many more achievements, but primarily for bringing unrelenting focus to an issue that has long been a problem for black and Hispanic communities. It’s safe to say this is the new world we live in: one where the police can no longer murder minorities with impunity. That’s no small accomplishment, and one the public should applaud — but doesn’t.
In the wake of the recent Milwaukee riots over the death of 23-year-old Sylville Smith, we hear familiar refrains from the media and popular discourse in mostly white communities. These messages preach the virtues of nonviolence, of the immorality of rioting, and beg those involved to stop “punishing” the “poor” business owners and “innocent and good” police officers. They invoke leaders like Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr., while simultaneously ignoring the material circumstances that led those men to make the strategic decision to be nonviolent in their methodology. They ignore later changes of heart, and insist that in all cases, fighting back and defending yourself against those who oppress you is always the wrong play. Power structures, business institutions, and (mostly) white communities have been pushing this same message of nonviolence-as-virtue to discredit Black uprising and empowerment for decades. It’s a story we’ve all heard before — so often that it’s now become a meaningless refrain, like the chorus of a Pitbull song — to the point where most aren’t even sure why they believe it.
When we look at riots in isolation, we certainly can see their effects: looting and property damage often do happen, as do small acts of violence against the police. But usually, the public makes a critical mistake in viewing riots in isolation at all, as individual uprisings or acts of digression. Riots do not happen in a vacuum, and to understand them, we need to understand what motivates people to act out in the first place.
Much of the rhetoric stems from a misunderstanding of the causes of rioting and public displays of protest. Choosing a method of nonviolence-as-political-action requires an analytical and material understanding of the issues at play, in order for it to be the “correct” decision. As with everything, the effectiveness of any given action depends entirely on the material circumstances surrounding that action; if you live in a culture that decides violence is morally sanctioned, for example, violence can be an effective method to invoke social change without losing public support. Many political changes and revolutions have been started as a result of violent acts in defiance of the existing power structures. In America, however, we’ve seen a desire in both the populace and the official state to avoid violence when possible. On any given social media network or news media “coverage” panel, you’ll hear a vast condemnation of rioting. You’ll hear anything from the message that “violence is ineffective” to “rioting is morally wrong” in the language of those who accuse them. You’ll hear asinine suggestions that rioters don’t have the “right” to riot and that they should “work within the legal system” to protest injustice. You’ll hear arguments that minorities don’t even have solid reasons to riot; that the injustice doesn’t exist in the first place. You’ll hear.
There’s an implication that rioters are just “acting out” and that they don’t have anything to truly be upset about. There’s an assumption rioters are just out to loot, destroy property, and generally cause trouble. These assumptions are, frankly, incorrect. If media figureheads and others in positions of power are going to claim that nonviolence is the only reasonable approach, we need to ask a critical question: why? Why is it that nonviolence is somehow “reasonable?” It’s been happening at least as far back as the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, and from there, we can learn a lot about the rhetoric and argument used to disenfranchise and disempower minority movements.
Stokely Carmichael, one of the key leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and a figurehead involved with both the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Black Panthers, addresses this very topic in a transcript of a 1966 speech titled, “Black Power.” Carmichael begins with an assertion:
We have taken all the myths of this country and we’ve found them to be nothing but downright lies. This country told us that if we worked hard we would succeed, and if that were true, we would own this country lock, stock, and barrel — lock, stock and barrel — lock, stock and barrel. It is we who have picked the cotton for nothing. It is we who are the maids in the kitchens of liberal white people. It is we who are the janitors, the porters, the elevator men. It is we who sweep up your college floors. Yes, it is we who are the hardest workers and the lowest paid, and the lowest paid.
Carmichael first offers up a suggestion that black people have been unable to “play within the rules” of the American economy since the country’s very inception. Even now (over 50 years since Carmichael said this), black communities are oppressed and enslaved by urbanization, the private prison system, and yes, even by the police who inhabit and patrol their neighborhoods. It’s also clear national, state, and local-level economic policy adversely affects minorities more heavily than Caucasians. Clearly, not much has changed since the 1960s; the crisis of poverty affects us all, even now, but it affects some of us worse than others. Carmichael echoes this concern by elaborating on poverty, and how public perception does not always equal the reality of those who suffer from it:
How do we raise the questions of poverty? The assumptions of this country is that if someone is poor, they are poor because of their own individual blight, or they weren’t born on the right side of town; they had too many children; they went in the army too early; or their father was a drunk, or they didn’t care about school, or they made a mistake. That’s a lot of nonsense. Poverty is well calculated in this country. It is well calculated, and the reason why the poverty program won’t work is because the calculators of poverty are administering it. That’s why it won’t work. […] And you ought not to tell me about people who don’t work, and you can’t give people money without working, ’cause if that were true, you’d have to start stopping Rockefeller, Bobby Kennedy, Lyndon Baines Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson, the whole of Standard Oil, the Gulf Corp, all of them […] So the question, then, clearly is not whether or not one can work, it’s who has power? Who has power to make his or her acts legitimate? That is all. And that this country, that power is invested in the hands of white people, and they make their acts legitimate.
We have, in essence, a community of people who are suffering for reasons that are no fault of their own. Carmichael directly attacks the quintessential American ideal of “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” by not only shredding the argument that black communities have the ability to forge their own economic fortune at all, but that the trope doesn’t even apply for the biggest names and powers in business. In short, hard work has nothing to do with it. A person’s economic opportunities depend on a multitude of factors, but when considering the case of minorities, it’s clear they simply don’t have the same opportunity as any given middle-class white person. Carmichael explains the difference between the way people of color are expected to succeed by “working hard” under capitalism, and the way white people can succeed in the absence of them:
And you ought not to tell me about people who don’t work, and you can’t give people money without working, ’cause if that were true, you’d have to start stopping Rockefeller, Bobby Kennedy, Lyndon Baines Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson, the whole of Standard Oil, the Gulf Corp, all of them […] So the question, then, clearly is not whether or not one can work, it’s who has power? Who has power to make his or her acts legitimate? That is all. And that this country, that power is invested in the hands of white people, and they make their acts legitimate.
Though Carmichael touches on the answer in his last sentence, a key question that should occur to almost anyone, of course, is “why would ethnic minorities suffer disproportionately worse economic circumstances than white people?”
The way economic outcomes affect certain communities depends on who creates economic policy; historically in the United States, that has been middle-class people to a small extent and and upper-class elites to a larger one. Literally from the inception of the U.S. Constitution, the families and leaders who had power and wealth aimed to consolidate it; the Founding Fathers themselves admitted they wanted to keep their own wealth, and avoid paying taxes to the King of England. Once they had achieved independence, they had to turn to the question of how to not only keep their wealth, but to grow it (and the country along with it). The answer? Labor. Cheap labor. For the Northern states, this was achieved through immigration; in the South, they didn’t benefit from such an influx of workers, so they had to outsource them through slavery. From the beginning, American economic policy was explicitly designed by the upper classes to exploit the poor. And at least in the South, at first, “the poor” in America meant black. So poor that dozens of black people were literally owned by someone else.
After the practice of slavery was abolished during the Civil War, Southern plantation owners (the core business and source of capital in the region) were left with a problem: how were they going to get cheap labor to work the fields and fill the gap left by the loss of their slaves? They came up with a clever answer, and one which ended up shaping the lives of black people everywhere up until the present day. They decided to pit white workers against black workers (who they now had to pay to work) by framing them as competition for jobs and livelihood. Poor, working-class whites found themselves suddenly competing for work against the newly-emancipated black community of ex-slaves all over the country — but especially in the South — and this bred a sense of anger and resulted in violence against them. Yep. This is where America’s long, tortured history of racism begins.
Today, racism looks different, and yet still very much the same. We still have major Presidential candidates’ suggestions that people of color are “stealing all the jobs” from rural whites. We still have veiled finger-pointing at the high incarceration rates of Hispanics and black males in particular as being evidence of a predisposition to crime. This public, institutionalized racism began in the aftermath of the Civil War, but it has now made its way into public policy; many laws passed to “reform” the problem of poverty and the suppression of people of color have served to do precisely the opposite. We’ve seen public housing instituted by the state contribute to the “ghettoization” of our inner cities, and mass incarceration develop as a response to high crime rates in those areas. Then, those same incarceration rates are used to justify even more damaging legislation that increases the original oppression. Social programs are supposedly instituted to minimize and eliminate the harm from it over time, but Carmichael suggests this misguided approach serves to miss the point entirely, and even distract from it:
We have what we call ‘modern-day Peace Corps missionaries,’ and they come into our ghettos and they Head Start, Upward Lift, Bootstrap, and Upward Bound us into white society, ’cause they don’t want to face the real problem, which is a man is poor for one reason and one reason only: ’cause he does not have money — period. If you want to get rid of poverty, you give people money — period.
Carmichael recognizes the link between poverty and perceived criminal behavior here, a distinction that most affluent white people miss. It isn’t the color of their skin that determines crime levels of a given community; it’s how economically-desperate they are and what situations they find themselves in, in order to survive, as a response to those conditions. To be precise: the reason many of our crime statistics are skewed toward black people and other minorities isn’t because they are more “predisposed” toward crime. It’s because those same minorities are also suffering deeply from economic and public policy that has ravaged their communities for decades.
This tense relationship affects the mentality of our police force, too, leading to more shootings and other violent encounters between cops and those who live in these jurisdictions the police are tasked to patrol. It’s a vicious cycle, and one Carmichael comments on briefly:
If we were to be real and to be honest, we would have to admit that most people in this country see things black and white. We have to do that. All of us do. We live in a country that’s geared that way. White people would have to admit that they are afraid to go into a black ghetto at night. They are afraid. That’s a fact. They’re afraid because they’d be ‘beat up,’ ‘lynched,’ ‘looted,’ ‘cut up,’ etcetera etcetera. It happens to black people inside the ghetto every day, incidentally, and white people are afraid of that. So you get a man to do it for you — a policeman. And now you figure his mentality, when he’s afraid of black people. The first time a black man jumps, that white man gonna shoot him. He’s gonna shoot him. So police brutality is going to exist on that level because of the incapability of that white man to see black people come together and to live in the conditions. This country is too hypocritical and that we can not adjust ourselves to its hypocrisy.
In many cases, the institutions that pass laws enabling police power and excessively violent behavior are dominated and controlled by white people. The police, as an institution, have only ever served elite interests. Any and all police officers are implicitly condoning the systematic abuse of minority populations and the continuation of exploitation (the wealthy make the laws, which the police then carry out). This description applies also to policy which adversely affects people of color and low-income communities. However, a keen observer will immediately notice upon further study that the issue of black people being oppressed by police is not purely a racial issue. While certain prejudices absolutely exist within most police forces across the country, cultural perceptions and economic injustice serve to exacerbate the problem.
The perception of most white liberals and conservatives in this country is that Black Lives Matter activists and other recent rioters aim to stop the “right” of the police to do their job correctly; this is a fundamental misconception. What Black Lives Matter aims to accomplish ties in directly to what Carmichael speaks of: the ability to live freely and justly under the law, without fear that they will be murdered at a higher proportional rate than other races. In effect, they are asking for recognition of their own humanity by those who allow this oppression to continue. This continuation is a highly probable effect of nonviolent action, and it’s one that should be discouraged.
Viewed under this lens, we begin to understand rioting as a response to economic and cultural conditions that disable people of color and condemn them to live in varying degrees of poverty at large. Rioters often do cause property damage and general unrest, but it’s in response to the material conditions imposed on them. In this situation, having lived under the aforementioned conditions for decades (even centuries), a method of protest that includes nonviolence seems at best pointless and at worst likely to increase that oppression. So the choice made is to be loud, to cause unrest, and to draw attention to their plight. This is the eruption point that most of the media and social media outlets see and comment on, but viewing any riot as an individual act largely misses the crux of the overall crisis. Carmichael observes how poorly efforts to contain riots go after misunderstanding their causes and neatly articulates the frustration of rioters:
The question is, how can you build political institutions that will begin to meet the needs of Oakland, California? And the needs of Oakland, California, is not 1,000 policemen with submachine guns. They don’t need that. They need that least of all. The question is, how can we build institutions where those people can begin to function on a day-to-day basis, where they can get decent jobs, where they can get decent houses, and where they can begin to participate in the policy and major decisions that affect their lives? That’s what they need, not Gestapo troops, because this is not 1942, and if you play like Nazis, we playin’ back with you this time around. Get hip to that.
So how do we fix the mess left behind by exploitative public policy and brutal, unjust methodologies of carrying it out? Let’s take most average, American people at their word, and try nonviolence first. Carmichael immediately strikes the double-standard down thrown at communities of color:
We want to touch on nonviolence because we see that again as the failure of white society to make nonviolence work. I was always surprised at Quakers who came to Alabama and counseled me to be nonviolent, but didn’t have the guts to start talking to James Clark to be nonviolent. That is where nonviolence needs to be preached — to Jim Clark, not to black people. […] That is the question that we must raise, not that you conduct nonviolence among black people. Can you name me one black man today who’s killed anybody white and is still alive? Even after rebellion, when some black brothers throw some bricks and bottles, ten thousand of us has to pay the crime, ’cause when the white policeman comes in, anybody who’s black is arrested, ’cause we all look alike.’
If we assume we can rule out nonviolence simply on the grounds of it being both ineffective for garnering public support as well as achieving concrete change (or even attention) from those in positions of power, what are the other options? Often, neoliberals will suggest “working within the system,” promoting that protestors work through the courts and through Congress to create new legislation. They suggest voting for political parties that claim to represent their interests. Carmichael again attacks the idea:
Our own personal position politically is that we don’t think the Democratic Party represents the needs of black people. We know it don’t. And that if, in fact, white people really believe that, the question is, if they’re going to move inside that structure, how are they going to organize around a concept of whiteness based on true brotherhood and based on stopping exploitation, economic exploitation, so that there will be a coalition base of black people to hook up with? […] You’ve got to move politically. And that we have to begin to develop a political sophistication, which is not to be a parrot: ‘the two-party system is the best party in the world.’ There is a difference between being a parrot and being politically sophisticated. We have to raise questions about whether or not we do need new types of political institutions in this country, and we in SNCC maintain that we need them now. We need new political institutions in this country.
In short, no, people in this position don’t have an effective political party to represent them. Carmichael suggests creating one as an option for effective, long-term change, but he gets to the core of the solution when he touches on economic exploitation:
It is nonsensical for people to start talking about human relationships until they’re willing to build new institutions. Black people are economically insecure. White liberals are economically secure. Can you begin to build an economic coalition? Are the liberals willing to share their salaries with the economically insecure black people they so much love? Then if you’re not, are you willing to start building new institutions that will provide economic security for black people? That’s the question we want to deal with.
Addressing the broken relationship between capitalism, public policy, and culturally-driven racism must first be achieved by tackling the material circumstances. You can change people’s minds through political action and activism, rhetoric, and propaganda, which can over time lead to concrete change in policy and economic inequality. You can also address the economic inequality first, which requires a willingness to abolish the exploitation of communities of color at the expense of the rest of society being willing to stand aside and allow it. Or you can dismantle the oppressive system of capitalist expansion that forces people of color into the situation in the first place, because it doesn’t value them beyond anything as an inexpensive labor force and consumers of commercial products. Any of these are a viable starting point, depending on your perspective.
What’s inarguable is the idea that riots aren’t justified or caused by anything serious. They are. What’s unjust is that people of color are oppressed by police who are forced to oppress them in the first place. What’s impossible to argue is that Black Lives Matter and other, more isolated movements around this issue set haven’t achieved a certain degree of positive change. No longer can a police officer shoot someone of color unjustifiably on camera without it becoming public. That’s a real, concrete outcome, and we should applaud it.
But if we want to evolve past the barbaric situation we place people of color in, we need to start changing the relationships between our police, our lawmakers, and those subjected to their decisions. We need to start breaking down busted economic systems like capitalism, cultural racist discourse, and the ability for our Congress to draft and pass bills to oppress large groups of people by intentional design.
Near the end of his speech, Carmichael captures the argument in its essence:
We are on the move for our liberation. We have been tired of trying to prove things to white people. We are tired of trying to explain to white people that we’re not going to hurt them. We are concerned with getting the things we want, the things that we have to have to be able to function. The question is, can white people allow for that in this country?
Well said.
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833c9431-1000-55ab-ae93-93b112adf082
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25/08/2025 15:57:40
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https://dcpetterson.medium.com/gerrymandering-is-dangerous-for-the-party-that-does-it-1d0170263d50
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medium.com
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Gerrymandering is dangerous — for the party that does it
|
Much has been said about how Republican gerrymandering has made it more difficult for Democrats to gain control of state legislatures or…
|
dcpetterson
|
https://medium.com/@dcpetterson
|
1d0170263d50
|
5 min
|
2017-12-29T16:09:53.549000
|
2017-12-29T17:35:18.659000
|
2018-04-26T16:39:46.815000
| 0 | 15 |
en
|
2018,Politics,Gerrymandering,Elections
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<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/603/1*z8UAixmiAbVjT2Xd7s8fLw.png" width="603" height="427" loading="lazy" />
<p>Much has been said about how Republican gerrymandering has made it more difficult for Democrats to gain control of state legislatures or the House of Representatives. Not enough attention has been given to how dangerous the arrangement is for Republicans. Let me explain.</p>
<p>Short version, for impatient readers: the essence of gerrymandering is that <em>Your Team</em> gets narrow majorities in many districts, while <em>Their Team</em> gets much larger majorities in a very few districts. A change in voting habits in <em>Your</em> favor — even a <em>large </em>change — won’t help you much, nor will it hurt <em>Their</em> side, since the scales are already tipped <em>Your</em> way. But even a <em>small </em>change in <em>Their</em> favor could wipe out <em>Your</em> narrow majorities and lead to devastating losses for <em>Your Team</em>.</p>
<p>Read below to see how that works.</p>
<h1>Gerrymandering 101</h1>
<p>I suspect almost everyone has seen the image above, showing how gerrymandering works. In a state with 50 precincts, 60% blue and 40% red, the fair way to divide the voters into five districts would result in three blue representatives and two red ones. There are, however, <em>unfair </em>ways of doing the division, and two of those are depicted above.</p>
<p>The rightmost of the three images here is a fair analogy to the current state of many States. Republicans have arranged boundaries such that Democrats cannot get a majority of the representatives even with a majority of the votes. They did this by clustering Democratic-leaning voters into a very few districts, creating big Democratic majorities in those districts — while spreading Republican voters much more thinly in more districts, creating much smaller Republican majorities in those places.</p>
<p>Count up how that works. In the rightmost image, there are two blue districts, both containing nine blue precincts and one red one. There are three red districts, each with six red precincts and four blue ones. There are more red districts, but they all have much smaller partisan majorities than the blue districts have.</p>
<p>This arrangement works only so long as the demographics and voting patterns don’t change. It assumes an electorate that is absolutely stable in racial, age, economic and gender makeup, and in the likelihood of voters within those groups actually deciding to vote. If any of these factors change, the carefully-drawn filigree borders become a dangerous Gordian knot from which Republicans cannot escape.</p>
<h2>Red Wave, No Payoff</h2>
<p>Let’s assume that, in the example depicted here, 4% of these 50 precincts switch party allegiance. Maybe it’s a red wave; elected Republicans do something incredibly noteworthy that disheartens blue voters and enthuses red ones. So say that 4% of these 50 precincts go from blue to red.</p>
<p>Four percent of fifty precincts is two precincts. So say that two blue precincts go red in the next election. What changes? Spoiler: Absolutely nothing.</p>
<p>Obviously, if some of the flipped precincts are in red districts, it only enhances the red majorities there, and that doesn’t change the partisan distribution of representatives. Twelve of the thirty blue precincts are in red districts, so at least one of the flipped precincts could simply go to improving red majorities in places that don’t need the help. Things could get more interesting if they’re in blue districts though. Could red gain another representative seat or two?</p>
<p>No, they can’t. Let’s look at what happens in the best case for red, when the flipped precincts are in blue districts. Either both of those flipped precincts are in a single blue district (changing it from 9–1 blue, to 7–3 blue), or each of the two blue districts gets one flipped precinct (changing them both from 9–1 blue to 8–2 blue). Either way, you still wind up with three red representatives and two blue ones. Red gains nothing. A small change in voting patterns in red’s favor — even a pretty substantial change — won’t alter the partisan distribution of elected representatives.</p>
<h2>Blue Wave, Big Tsunami</h2>
<p>But now assume it’s a blue wave instead of a red one, and two red precincts go blue. What happens then? Again, if the flipped precincts are in districts that are already blue, it doesn’t change the partisan distribution of elected representatives. But there are only two of the twenty red precincts in blue districts, so it’s <em>extremely </em>likely the flipped precincts will be in red districts, not blue ones.</p>
<p>If both of those flipped precincts are in a single red district, that district changes from a 6–4 <em>red </em>majority to 6–4 <em>blue </em>majority, and blue winds up controlling three out of the five districts. This is a clear win for blue.</p>
<p>But the two flipped precincts could be in different red districts, changing both of them from narrow 6–4 red victories to 5–5 partisan ties. A “tie” means they’re within the polling margin of error, and they could go either way. Red will almost certainly lose at least one of those tied districts, and could lose them both.</p>
<p>In the best case for red, a 4% red wave changes absolutely nothing. In the best case for blue, a 4% blue wave could wind up with <em>four</em> blue representatives and <em>only one</em> red rep.</p>
<h2>Keeping It Real</h2>
<p>Now keep in mind, this is an extremely artificial model. Precincts are treated as all one color, instead of being composed of a few hundred independently-voting households. Even the “narrow” 6–4 majorities used here are wildly wide landslides in “Real Life.” Out in the world, those “safe” Republican districts we keep hearing about often hang by a thread of only two to four percentage points. Most of the <em>really </em>safe seats are in gerrymandered <em>Democratic </em>districts, where Republican legislatures have created stupendously overwhelming Democratic majorities in order to spread Republican voters as thinly as possible over as many districts as possible.</p>
<p>In Real Life, a swing of only a few percentage points toward Democrats could mean massive numbers of Republican precincts suddenly changing from red to blue, because the narrow Republican majorities <em>within</em> those precincts can’t stand up to the change. This means large numbers of Republican <em>districts</em> can change also, as their constituent precincts change.</p>
<p>Of course, gerrymandering isn’t the only dishonest technique Republicans rely on to win elections. Republicans aren’t that stupid. They know how dangerous gerrymandering is <em>for the party that does it</em>, because a small change in the mood of the electorate can result in enormous losses at the polls. That’s one of the reasons Republicans seed the media with stories about how safe Republican seats are, and how effective gerrymandering is at sealing in their majorities — when in fact, it isn’t safe for them at all. These stories are a form of psyops warfare, designed to depress the Democratic vote by convincing Democrats their votes won’t matter anyway.</p>
<p>And <em>that</em> thought leads into a much larger matter of vote suppression. But that’s a topic for another time. The takeaway here is simply this:</p>
<p>Don’t let gerrymandering stop you from voting, <em>especially </em>if you live in one of those “safe” Republican districts. Gerrymandering is terrifyingly dangerous for the gerrymanderer. Your one vote could change the world. Get out there and make them pay.</p>
</section>
|
Gerrymandering is dangerous — for the party that does it
Much has been said about how Republican gerrymandering has made it more difficult for Democrats to gain control of state legislatures or the House of Representatives. Not enough attention has been given to how dangerous the arrangement is for Republicans. Let me explain.
Short version, for impatient readers: the essence of gerrymandering is that Your Team gets narrow majorities in many districts, while Their Team gets much larger majorities in a very few districts. A change in voting habits in Your favor — even a large change — won’t help you much, nor will it hurt Their side, since the scales are already tipped Your way. But even a small change in Their favor could wipe out Your narrow majorities and lead to devastating losses for Your Team.
Read below to see how that works.
Gerrymandering 101
I suspect almost everyone has seen the image above, showing how gerrymandering works. In a state with 50 precincts, 60% blue and 40% red, the fair way to divide the voters into five districts would result in three blue representatives and two red ones. There are, however, unfair ways of doing the division, and two of those are depicted above.
The rightmost of the three images here is a fair analogy to the current state of many States. Republicans have arranged boundaries such that Democrats cannot get a majority of the representatives even with a majority of the votes. They did this by clustering Democratic-leaning voters into a very few districts, creating big Democratic majorities in those districts — while spreading Republican voters much more thinly in more districts, creating much smaller Republican majorities in those places.
Count up how that works. In the rightmost image, there are two blue districts, both containing nine blue precincts and one red one. There are three red districts, each with six red precincts and four blue ones. There are more red districts, but they all have much smaller partisan majorities than the blue districts have.
This arrangement works only so long as the demographics and voting patterns don’t change. It assumes an electorate that is absolutely stable in racial, age, economic and gender makeup, and in the likelihood of voters within those groups actually deciding to vote. If any of these factors change, the carefully-drawn filigree borders become a dangerous Gordian knot from which Republicans cannot escape.
Red Wave, No Payoff
Let’s assume that, in the example depicted here, 4% of these 50 precincts switch party allegiance. Maybe it’s a red wave; elected Republicans do something incredibly noteworthy that disheartens blue voters and enthuses red ones. So say that 4% of these 50 precincts go from blue to red.
Four percent of fifty precincts is two precincts. So say that two blue precincts go red in the next election. What changes? Spoiler: Absolutely nothing.
Obviously, if some of the flipped precincts are in red districts, it only enhances the red majorities there, and that doesn’t change the partisan distribution of representatives. Twelve of the thirty blue precincts are in red districts, so at least one of the flipped precincts could simply go to improving red majorities in places that don’t need the help. Things could get more interesting if they’re in blue districts though. Could red gain another representative seat or two?
No, they can’t. Let’s look at what happens in the best case for red, when the flipped precincts are in blue districts. Either both of those flipped precincts are in a single blue district (changing it from 9–1 blue, to 7–3 blue), or each of the two blue districts gets one flipped precinct (changing them both from 9–1 blue to 8–2 blue). Either way, you still wind up with three red representatives and two blue ones. Red gains nothing. A small change in voting patterns in red’s favor — even a pretty substantial change — won’t alter the partisan distribution of elected representatives.
Blue Wave, Big Tsunami
But now assume it’s a blue wave instead of a red one, and two red precincts go blue. What happens then? Again, if the flipped precincts are in districts that are already blue, it doesn’t change the partisan distribution of elected representatives. But there are only two of the twenty red precincts in blue districts, so it’s extremely likely the flipped precincts will be in red districts, not blue ones.
If both of those flipped precincts are in a single red district, that district changes from a 6–4 red majority to 6–4 blue majority, and blue winds up controlling three out of the five districts. This is a clear win for blue.
But the two flipped precincts could be in different red districts, changing both of them from narrow 6–4 red victories to 5–5 partisan ties. A “tie” means they’re within the polling margin of error, and they could go either way. Red will almost certainly lose at least one of those tied districts, and could lose them both.
In the best case for red, a 4% red wave changes absolutely nothing. In the best case for blue, a 4% blue wave could wind up with four blue representatives and only one red rep.
Keeping It Real
Now keep in mind, this is an extremely artificial model. Precincts are treated as all one color, instead of being composed of a few hundred independently-voting households. Even the “narrow” 6–4 majorities used here are wildly wide landslides in “Real Life.” Out in the world, those “safe” Republican districts we keep hearing about often hang by a thread of only two to four percentage points. Most of the really safe seats are in gerrymandered Democratic districts, where Republican legislatures have created stupendously overwhelming Democratic majorities in order to spread Republican voters as thinly as possible over as many districts as possible.
In Real Life, a swing of only a few percentage points toward Democrats could mean massive numbers of Republican precincts suddenly changing from red to blue, because the narrow Republican majorities within those precincts can’t stand up to the change. This means large numbers of Republican districts can change also, as their constituent precincts change.
Of course, gerrymandering isn’t the only dishonest technique Republicans rely on to win elections. Republicans aren’t that stupid. They know how dangerous gerrymandering is for the party that does it, because a small change in the mood of the electorate can result in enormous losses at the polls. That’s one of the reasons Republicans seed the media with stories about how safe Republican seats are, and how effective gerrymandering is at sealing in their majorities — when in fact, it isn’t safe for them at all. These stories are a form of psyops warfare, designed to depress the Democratic vote by convincing Democrats their votes won’t matter anyway.
And that thought leads into a much larger matter of vote suppression. But that’s a topic for another time. The takeaway here is simply this:
Don’t let gerrymandering stop you from voting, especially if you live in one of those “safe” Republican districts. Gerrymandering is terrifyingly dangerous for the gerrymanderer. Your one vote could change the world. Get out there and make them pay.
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40585e2e-ef60-578f-8509-ca5438664177
|
25/08/2025 15:57:41
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|
https://medium.com/@magebde/helpdesk-custom-form-for-website-built-with-wix-57761ab8516a
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medium.com
|
HELPDESK CUSTOM FORM FOR WEBSITE BUILT WITH WIX
|
Wix.com is a cloud-based web development platform. It allows users to create HTML5 websites and mobile sites through the use of their…
|
Nirupama Shree
|
https://medium.com/@magebde
|
57761ab8516a
|
4 min
|
2017-01-23T12:00:06.707000
|
2017-01-23T12:09:33.072000
|
2017-06-17T02:08:05.828000
| 0 | 1 |
en
|
Wix,Contact Form,Helpdesk,Online Form Builder
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2592/1*60OzEf0rWLEXbyVK7MVpdQ.png" width="2592" height="1728" loading="lazy" />
<p>Wix.com is a cloud-based web development platform. It allows users to create HTML5 websites and mobile sites through the use of their online drag and drop tools ( <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wix.com">Wikipedia</a>). As a user, you can create your own custom websites by selecting design, layout, themes, banners, images and what not. If you want a website on a go, then Wix is a perfect platform for you. Even its editor is simple then you don’t need any technical knowledge for it.</p>
<p>In this blog, we will explain how you can create your custom Helpdesk form for your website built on Wix Platform. First, you have to visit the Wix site and register yourself. Then select the template, type of site you need, and other essential details for your website. When you are ready with your website then you can create your own Custom Form and paste the form wherever you need on the site developed on wix.com</p>
<p>Before moving to the Wix part, make sure that you have created your custom form by the help of <a href="https://support.uvdesk.com/en/blog/installation-of-form-builder">Form Builder App</a> by <a href="https://www.uvdesk.com/en/">UVdesk</a>. Go to your UVdesk Dashboard, and click on Apps > Form Builder. Enter the Form name, select its fields and then save it.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1057/1*3Lsgc3TiDcIXdbDikF3oBg.png" width="1057" height="489" loading="lazy" />
<p>After creating the Custom Form, you can either Preview the form or see its embed codes in JS Version & iFrame Version.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1057/1*jVzZtXODrhJMYFh4vgzPrQ.png" width="1057" height="495" loading="lazy" />
<p>Now, login to your Wix Account and click on plus sign ( + ) to create a brand new site or if you already have a site created on Wix then edit that particular site so that we can paste the HTML codes of the custom form created by <a href="https://www.uvdesk.com/en/">UVdesk</a> Form Builder App.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1344/1*6tA7BPPEz8FpUmlHDHAcjA.png" width="1344" height="575" loading="lazy" />
<p>Now, after clicking on the “Edit Button”, you can go to the Add (+) button and then click on “More” and then on “HTML Code” to add custom form codes from the UVdesk.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1341/1*TjPiZsyAvZim4hqochGABw.png" width="1341" height="576" loading="lazy" />
<p>On the <a href="https://www.uvdesk.com/en/">UVdesk</a>, go to the Form Builder and click on the Custom Form name. After that you will see three buttons — Save, Preview Form & Get Embed Code. Click on the “Get Embed Code” and copy either JS or iframe version codes.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/929/1*z9DzeVjFVy1Vs3MmMKlL5g.png" width="929" height="551" loading="lazy" />
<p>Now, go back to your Wix Account and select a section or part where you want to display your custom form and then paste the embed code there as per the below image.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1173/1*0oi9EMqKPA0QYAZio4Fn_A.png" width="1173" height="493" loading="lazy" />
<p>Now, after updating the HTML codes, do the needful to make your site attractive and then save it. After saving all the changes, preview it once and then make it live. After making your site live, you can see your custom form on your desired position in your Wix website.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/816/1*2EmB8-BOoBR6gWlANcdIiw.png" width="816" height="541" loading="lazy" />
<p>The customer can enter their details and query and then click on submit. After clicking the Submit button, the customer can see their Ticket ID and a success message from the <a href="https://www.uvdesk.com/en/">UVdesk</a>.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/892/1*q1B0g_GMeQFTPyhIyqjvAA.png" width="892" height="430" loading="lazy" />
<p>Now, the support agent can check the Ticket #8 on the <a href="https://www.uvdesk.com/en/">UVdesk</a> with the details and query filled by the customer. The support agent can revert back to the same query asked by the customer.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/841/1*ZFpp5oH7fx-2PMdxQDk5nQ.png" width="841" height="510" loading="lazy" />
<p>The customer can login into the ticket system from the link sent to their entered mail ID along with a link to reset the password. After they reset the password, the customer can check the revert of the support staff of their query by login into the UVdesk Helpdesk. I hope this blog was helpful to you. In case of any doubt, please mail us at [email protected]</p>
<p><strong>Disclaimer- Wix is a registered trademark. Webkul is not a partner or an affiliator of Wix. This blog is only for the user perspective.</strong></p>
</section>
|
HELPDESK CUSTOM FORM FOR WEBSITE BUILT WITH WIX
Wix.com is a cloud-based web development platform. It allows users to create HTML5 websites and mobile sites through the use of their online drag and drop tools ( Wikipedia). As a user, you can create your own custom websites by selecting design, layout, themes, banners, images and what not. If you want a website on a go, then Wix is a perfect platform for you. Even its editor is simple then you don’t need any technical knowledge for it.
In this blog, we will explain how you can create your custom Helpdesk form for your website built on Wix Platform. First, you have to visit the Wix site and register yourself. Then select the template, type of site you need, and other essential details for your website. When you are ready with your website then you can create your own Custom Form and paste the form wherever you need on the site developed on wix.com
Before moving to the Wix part, make sure that you have created your custom form by the help of Form Builder App by UVdesk. Go to your UVdesk Dashboard, and click on Apps > Form Builder. Enter the Form name, select its fields and then save it.
After creating the Custom Form, you can either Preview the form or see its embed codes in JS Version & iFrame Version.
Now, login to your Wix Account and click on plus sign ( + ) to create a brand new site or if you already have a site created on Wix then edit that particular site so that we can paste the HTML codes of the custom form created by UVdesk Form Builder App.
Image Source- Wix.com
Now, after clicking on the “Edit Button”, you can go to the Add (+) button and then click on “More” and then on “HTML Code” to add custom form codes from the UVdesk.
Image Source- Wix.com
On the UVdesk, go to the Form Builder and click on the Custom Form name. After that you will see three buttons — Save, Preview Form & Get Embed Code. Click on the “Get Embed Code” and copy either JS or iframe version codes.
Now, go back to your Wix Account and select a section or part where you want to display your custom form and then paste the embed code there as per the below image.
Image Source- Wix.com
Now, after updating the HTML codes, do the needful to make your site attractive and then save it. After saving all the changes, preview it once and then make it live. After making your site live, you can see your custom form on your desired position in your Wix website.
Image Source- Wix.com
The customer can enter their details and query and then click on submit. After clicking the Submit button, the customer can see their Ticket ID and a success message from the UVdesk.
Image Source- Wix.com
Now, the support agent can check the Ticket #8 on the UVdesk with the details and query filled by the customer. The support agent can revert back to the same query asked by the customer.
The customer can login into the ticket system from the link sent to their entered mail ID along with a link to reset the password. After they reset the password, the customer can check the revert of the support staff of their query by login into the UVdesk Helpdesk. I hope this blog was helpful to you. In case of any doubt, please mail us at [email protected]
Disclaimer- Wix is a registered trademark. Webkul is not a partner or an affiliator of Wix. This blog is only for the user perspective.
|
7764fb95-c992-503a-892d-96e54f0817d0
|
25/08/2025 15:57:41
|
|
https://bradyunited.medium.com/dear-senators-weneedtoknow-solutions-to-gun-violence-d6ba9133c1d1
|
medium.com
|
Dear Senators, #WeNeedToKnow Solutions to Gun Violence
|
Gun violence is not a political issue, it is an issue of humanity — and it has changed the way my generation lives.
|
Brady
|
https://medium.com/@bradyunited
|
d6ba9133c1d1
|
3 min
|
2019-06-24T20:51:05.848000
|
2019-06-24T21:17:52.220000
|
2021-12-10T14:44:34.358000
| 0 | 1 |
en
|
Brady,Cdc,March For Our Lives,Gun Violence,Public Health
|
<section>
<h1>Dear Senators, #WeNeedToKnow Solutions to Gun Violence</h1>
<p><em>Gun violence is not a political issue, it is an issue of humanity — and it has changed the way my generation lives.</em></p>
<p><em><strong>By Camryn Gordon, a junior at Pepperdine Un</em>iversity</strong></p>
<p>It’s been more than 20 years since Congress funded research into gun violence prevention.</p>
<p>This past May, I turned 20 years old.</p>
<p>Gun violence hasn’t shaped just my generation alone. It’s an epidemic that has impacted American communities for decades — and it urgently needs to be studied.</p>
<p>I was born in 1999, 13 days after the Columbine massacre — a single event that marked the beginning of an era no one saw coming.</p>
<p>Rep. Dean Phillips teamed up with us to spread the urgency on this public health crisis.</p>
<p>I was 8 years old when my first memory of a mass shooting formed. I was 8 years old when a gunman<a href="https://medium.com/@krisbrownbrady/april-is-a-painful-month-that-reminds-us-of-the-toll-of-gun-violence-5db343790602"> opened fire at Virginia Tech</a> and murdered 33 people. That following school year, my elementary school shifted from teaching us earthquake drills to teaching us how to stay silent in the case of a mass shooter. I was 9 years old.</p>
<p>Since 2007, the tragedies at Fort Hood, Aurora, Sandy Hook, Isla Vista, Charleston, Umpqua, San Bernardino, Pulse, Las Vegas, Parkland, Tree of Life, Thousand Oaks, and many others replicated the horrors of Columbine and Virginia Tech.</p>
<p>Rep. Lucy McBath supporting Brady’s #WeNeedToKnow campaign.</p>
<p>As a young person who watched these deadly events unfold in classrooms, theaters, places of worship, concerts, shopping centers, and workplaces, I’ve often felt terrified that I could be next. Part of what’s been dubbed “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IM4p62p3M0">Generation Lockdown</a>,” I’ve grown up normalizing, accepting, and knowing the threat of gun violence.</p>
<p>With every mass shooting, my schools slowly enhanced security by adding armed police officers, weekly lockdown drills, and barricading us behind steel gates. However, none of these measures made me feel safer. Instead, I was constantly reminded by the uncertainty of murder. I was reminded that the best we could do was armed guards and steel gates. I was reminded that students wearing hoods and backpacks were possible threats. And I was reminded that gun violence was not only being accepted by me, but by our entire country.</p>
<p>These thoughts are not normal. Consistently going about life with the threat of being shot and killed is not normal. The mental and emotional<a href="https://www.bradyunited.org/issue/effects-of-gun-violence"> effects of fear</a> are a result of watching mass shootings consistently consume communities for 20 years. The anxiety, PTSD, and depression that comes from gun violence affect not only survivors or the families of survivors but also everyone who watches as the media regurgitates every single traumatic detail of mass murder.</p>
<h3>Every year 35,000 people in the U.S. are killed by guns. However, without evidence-based research, there’s so much <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/weneedtoknow?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Ehashtag">#WeNeedToKnow</a> in order to identify and invest in solutions.</h3>
<p>Senator and 2020 Presidential Candidate, Elizabeth Warren, spreading our #WeNeedToKnow message.</p>
<h3>Recently, I had the opportunity to stand beside several members of Congress as they addressed gun violence for what it truly is: a public health crisis, an underfunded and underresearched crisis.</h3>
<p>Gun violence is a contagion of death that takes the lives of 100 people in the U.S. each day. It is a disease that has overtaken communities across the country for far too long. Gun violence is not a political issue, it is an issue of humanity — and it has changed the way my generation lives.</p>
<p>Standing beside members of the House, I heard harrowing personal stories and shocking statistics. As I looked around the room at my fellow<a href="https://www.teamenough.org/"> Team ENOUGH</a> and Brady members, and my new friends at March For Our Lives, I saw a generation of young people saying #ENOUGH.</p>
<h3>On June 19, the House voted and passed this landmark funding bill. I am now calling on the Senate to bring it to a vote immediately.</h3>
<p>On June 19, the House approved funding for CDC research on gun violence.</p>
<p>We have lived not knowing the true health consequences of gun violence for far too long. Never again will I wait for someone else to advocate for me. Never again will I sit idly by while people every day are killed by gun violence. Never again will the inaction of the government determine who lives and who dies.</p>
<h3><strong>Inaction is not an answer, and right now we need answers.</strong></h3>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.bradyunited.org/act/tell-congress-fund-research-on-gun-violence">It’s time for Congress to dedicate funds to the CDC for gun violence research — it is time for Congress to tr</strong>eat this epidemic like the health crisis it is.</a> Join me in urging our senators to act.</p>
</section>
|
Brady and March For Our Lives launched a campaign urging Congress to support CDC funding to end the gun violence epidemic.
Dear Senators, #WeNeedToKnow Solutions to Gun Violence
Gun violence is not a political issue, it is an issue of humanity — and it has changed the way my generation lives.
By Camryn Gordon, a junior at Pepperdine University
It’s been more than 20 years since Congress funded research into gun violence prevention.
This past May, I turned 20 years old.
Gun violence hasn’t shaped just my generation alone. It’s an epidemic that has impacted American communities for decades — and it urgently needs to be studied.
I was born in 1999, 13 days after the Columbine massacre — a single event that marked the beginning of an era no one saw coming.
Rep. Dean Phillips teamed up with us to spread the urgency on this public health crisis.
I was 8 years old when my first memory of a mass shooting formed. I was 8 years old when a gunman opened fire at Virginia Tech and murdered 33 people. That following school year, my elementary school shifted from teaching us earthquake drills to teaching us how to stay silent in the case of a mass shooter. I was 9 years old.
Since 2007, the tragedies at Fort Hood, Aurora, Sandy Hook, Isla Vista, Charleston, Umpqua, San Bernardino, Pulse, Las Vegas, Parkland, Tree of Life, Thousand Oaks, and many others replicated the horrors of Columbine and Virginia Tech.
Rep. Lucy McBath supporting Brady’s #WeNeedToKnow campaign.
As a young person who watched these deadly events unfold in classrooms, theaters, places of worship, concerts, shopping centers, and workplaces, I’ve often felt terrified that I could be next. Part of what’s been dubbed “Generation Lockdown,” I’ve grown up normalizing, accepting, and knowing the threat of gun violence.
With every mass shooting, my schools slowly enhanced security by adding armed police officers, weekly lockdown drills, and barricading us behind steel gates. However, none of these measures made me feel safer. Instead, I was constantly reminded by the uncertainty of murder. I was reminded that the best we could do was armed guards and steel gates. I was reminded that students wearing hoods and backpacks were possible threats. And I was reminded that gun violence was not only being accepted by me, but by our entire country.
These thoughts are not normal. Consistently going about life with the threat of being shot and killed is not normal. The mental and emotional effects of fear are a result of watching mass shootings consistently consume communities for 20 years. The anxiety, PTSD, and depression that comes from gun violence affect not only survivors or the families of survivors but also everyone who watches as the media regurgitates every single traumatic detail of mass murder.
Every year 35,000 people in the U.S. are killed by guns. However, without evidence-based research, there’s so much #WeNeedToKnow in order to identify and invest in solutions.
Senator and 2020 Presidential Candidate, Elizabeth Warren, spreading our #WeNeedToKnow message.
Recently, I had the opportunity to stand beside several members of Congress as they addressed gun violence for what it truly is: a public health crisis, an underfunded and underresearched crisis.
Gun violence is a contagion of death that takes the lives of 100 people in the U.S. each day. It is a disease that has overtaken communities across the country for far too long. Gun violence is not a political issue, it is an issue of humanity — and it has changed the way my generation lives.
Standing beside members of the House, I heard harrowing personal stories and shocking statistics. As I looked around the room at my fellow Team ENOUGH and Brady members, and my new friends at March For Our Lives, I saw a generation of young people saying #ENOUGH.
On June 19, the House voted and passed this landmark funding bill. I am now calling on the Senate to bring it to a vote immediately.
On June 19, the House approved funding for CDC research on gun violence.
We have lived not knowing the true health consequences of gun violence for far too long. Never again will I wait for someone else to advocate for me. Never again will I sit idly by while people every day are killed by gun violence. Never again will the inaction of the government determine who lives and who dies.
Inaction is not an answer, and right now we need answers.
It’s time for Congress to dedicate funds to the CDC for gun violence research — it is time for Congress to treat this epidemic like the health crisis it is. Join me in urging our senators to act.
|
e5b194d7-a38c-5f52-9a0b-5d4a6fb682e0
|
25/08/2025 15:57:41
|
|
https://medium.com/@mccannasr/live-stream-fd63d79fd175
|
medium.com
|
Live Stream
|
I have dropped in for a listen on a couple of live streams and the streams that I have chosen have been really productive. Some are just…
|
Sean Mckanna
|
https://medium.com/@mccannasr
|
fd63d79fd175
| null |
1 min
|
2019-09-08T02:58:52.820000
|
2019-09-08T03:40:16.863000
|
2021-12-11T17:53:44.794000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Live Streaming,Opinion,Chat
|
<section>
<p>I have dropped in for a listen on a couple of live streams and the streams that I have chosen have been really productive. Some are just the stream where you cannot be in the chat and that diminishes the entire experience. It is strange to connect to a complete stranger, or strangers and hopefully contribute something of value to a group of people watching the stream.</p>
<p>Live streams are a more accelerated communication and learning for everyone involved. One of the last streams I have attended, was a person who was using a new piece of software for the stream and he was trying out new features. This guy was having a fun time with bringing up others on his stream and it was similar to a round table discussion.</p>
<p>Other streams that I have watched or have been a part of was for the purity of promoting yourself/your content and it was still informative and fun to be a part of. When chat came out, it was the new thing on the block with how you could connect and state your views good or bad. With chat though you have “Trolls” AKA “Haters” and with live stream I would think that there would be less of this happening and more positive constructive discussions about multiple topics. You are still going to have people with different perspectives, but because of the Live Stream, you will generally get a more positive nature to how things are discussed.</p>
</section>
|
Live Stream
I have dropped in for a listen on a couple of live streams and the streams that I have chosen have been really productive. Some are just the stream where you cannot be in the chat and that diminishes the entire experience. It is strange to connect to a complete stranger, or strangers and hopefully contribute something of value to a group of people watching the stream.
Live streams are a more accelerated communication and learning for everyone involved. One of the last streams I have attended, was a person who was using a new piece of software for the stream and he was trying out new features. This guy was having a fun time with bringing up others on his stream and it was similar to a round table discussion.
Other streams that I have watched or have been a part of was for the purity of promoting yourself/your content and it was still informative and fun to be a part of. When chat came out, it was the new thing on the block with how you could connect and state your views good or bad. With chat though you have “Trolls” AKA “Haters” and with live stream I would think that there would be less of this happening and more positive constructive discussions about multiple topics. You are still going to have people with different perspectives, but because of the Live Stream, you will generally get a more positive nature to how things are discussed.
|
28e5709d-bb01-5790-8c0d-db107a40428e
|
25/08/2025 15:57:42
|
https://medium.com/@usmananwer/shipping-a-new-mindset-2a6ddd765098
|
medium.com
|
Shipping a New Mindset
|
How open source software and design thinking helped introduce world-class Data APIs in Windows 10 at low cost.
|
Usman Anwer
|
https://medium.com/@usmananwer
|
2a6ddd765098
|
6 min
|
2017-04-10T19:39:21.576000
|
2017-04-11T00:57:22.693000
|
2018-04-03T06:14:17.289000
| 0 | 77 |
en
|
Windows 10,Microsoft,Open Source,Design Thinking
|
<section>
<h3>How open source software and design thinking helped introduce world-class Data APIs in Windows 10 at low cost.</h3>
<p><em>This post has repurposed from an earlier one published in Fall of 2015 on a public engineering blog that has been retired. I have reproduced to keep the information publically available given its initial reception and circulation by the developer community on Reddit, HackerNews, and other frequented forums.</em></p>
<p>How do you ship over 200 Data Access APIs that work across half a dozen different types of devices and have a 100% test coverage, but with only a couple of days of engineering effort? It’s simple, you ship SQLite. Windows engineers have worked closely with the SQLite Core Development team led by Richard Hipp to bring SQLite, the popular open source database engine, to Windows 10. SQLite is a unique case: it is an open source, externally developed database engine that is used by core system components, and our flagship apps like Cortana and Skype. As of Windows 10 Fall 2015 update, it is also included in our developer SDK, which has historically only included Microsoft developed APIs.</p>
<p>Here’s the story of how we got here.</p>
<p><strong>It started with One Windows</strong></p>
<p>Creating a One Windows platform was a central design goal for the Windows 10 effort. This effort involved converging multiple operating systems across PC, Phone, and Xbox into a single core that could run across all of these existing devices, and also new ones like IoT, the Surface Hub, and HoloLens. This way apps written for any one of these devices, can run on all other devices in the Windows family, providing users with a consistent experience across their devices while reducing costs for developers.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/618/1*uujhh2nzF5FCrA5cx-fStA.png" width="618" height="268" loading="lazy" />
<p>The state store is a mission critical part of this unified OS that caches important package, installation, and state information for all apps. Up till Windows 8.1, we had a different state store for Desktop, Phone, and Xbox. Moreover, each of these was based on different combinations of database technologies like the registry, the Extensible Storage Engine (ESE), and XML files. To have a single state store for all our devices, we needed a unified data layer ideally built on a single database technology. The state store is a read heavy, write low database, and SQLite came out to be the most appropriate than any of the other options used in previous versions. It also came out to be more memory efficient for the size of data we had to store, making it pretty ideal for resource constrained IoT devices. With its extensive, thorough documentation, and a vibrant mailing list it also seemed great for the aggressive, iterative development cycles we were looking at. The state store was going to use SQLite.</p>
<p><strong>The case to make SQLite a system feature</strong></p>
<p>Once we settled on using SQLite, we did a cursory search of then Windows 10 codebase and found that several other teams were also checking SQLite binaries or source files. Given there is both administrative and engineering overhead to having multiple copies of a single library in the codebase, this was an opportunity to centralize SQLite so it could be managed and consumed efficiently across various Microsoft products.</p>
<p>There were some performance improvements we could get out of this centralization. If Universal apps were using SQLite, and always running components like the state store were using SQLite, they could share a copy of it to save some precious runtime memory. For apps that load SQLite at launch, it meant they could launch faster given that the code pages for SQLite would already be in memory for use by the state store by the time the user can launch an app. Having a single binary could also let us fix a security vulnerability or a critical bug promptly, without spending time hunting down copies of the library across the codebase and depending on the owners to fix it.</p>
<p>More or less, it made sense to treat SQLite just like any other feature in the core operating system.</p>
<p><strong>Not made here, but just like our own</strong></p>
<p>Making SQLite a system feature meant we needed to think through all the engineering workflows, policies, and practices we typically use to support system features in context of SQLite’s open source and external nature. There were several questions we wanted to answer:</p>
<ul>
<li>How do we run automation tests on SQLite?</li>
<li>What do we do if there’s a critical bug in SQLite?</li>
<li>How do we ensure a rapid response to a security vulnerability?</li>
<li>How frequently do we update our SQLite?</li>
<li>How do we test a new version for backward compatibility?</li>
<li>What do we do if a new version regresses existing app?</li>
<li>How do we contribute code and ideas back to SQLite?</li>
</ul>
<p>As we went around answering these questions, we learnt that there were many layers to onboarding open source software into a product like Windows. Not all of these were technical. To be successful, the project needed to work for the product and the people. Design thinking approaches, as presented the book Creative Confidence Tom and David Kelley, applied to our situation nicely and helped build a coherent case for the feature.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/617/1*SsVSsrwpI3gf4rBScyixUw.png" width="617" height="511" loading="lazy" />
<p>To ensure if SQLite was suitable for use in Windows, we had to answer a bunch of <em>business</em> questions: How does this help the product? How cost effective is it? It was pretty clear from the beginning that by banking on SQLite, we could save a whole lot of developer time and resources, and deliver faster without compromising on quality.</p>
<p>We had to answer a bunch of <em>technical</em> questions: How’s the performance on Windows? Will we be able to respond to critical bugs fast? How fast? How stable are the APIs? What’s the threat model? For SQLite these were easy to answer. The SQLite development team has fantastic , actually, “mindboggling” customer support. We rave about it all the time. It also has an exemplar commitment to API backward compatibility, similar to what we strive for in Windows.</p>
<p>We also had to answer some <em>people</em> questions: Are people enthusiastic about using this piece of software and contributing back to it? Are they open and willing to develop the relationships with the community of the project? Are they willing to become a go-to resource for anyone else who wants to use this? SQLite had lots of support across multiple teams. Many engineers wanted it to be in the platform for various reasons. A couple were already dabbling with its internals and developing solutions around it on their own time.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/611/1*BJ-ykFjur4doqW-FV2Hugg.png" width="611" height="282" loading="lazy" />
<p>Based on this lens, we put together a three step <em>Assess, Prepare, Onboard</em> framework to give a head start to any team or an engineer that might be looking into adding open source libraries to the areas of the platform they own. We also started a grass roots effort to spread the word about new open source policies, legal and engineering resources across the Windows and Devices Group.</p>
<p><strong>SQLite in the SDK</strong></p>
<p>After shipping SQLite as a system component in the inaugural release, we wanted to include it in our SDK for the Fall 2015 update. With more than 20,000 Windows Apps and more than half of our top apps using SQLite, it made sense to just make expose the system SQLite to app developers. We saw many upsides to this for our developer experience and platform health:</p>
<ul>
<li>A simplified experience for using SQLite in Windows Apps where developers will just need to reference a header instead of downloading extensions or compiling their own SQLite.</li>
<li>A reduced AppX package size since developers will not need to package the library with their app.</li>
<li>Better app launch times given SQLite is likely to already in memory for use by newly launched app if system components and a lot of high usage apps are using it.</li>
<li>Runtime memory saving if a lot of active apps are using a shared binary.</li>
<li>Automatic upgrades for developers who can now rely on Windows to update the platform SQLite to more performant versions.</li>
</ul>
<p>Adding SQLite to the SDK helped us quickly introduce quality APIs for the Universal Windows Platform, while giving us the foundations to build a richer data access story over future releases.</p>
<p><strong>We are just getting started</strong></p>
<p>The SQLite in Windows initiative was one of many open source initiatives in the Windows 10. The inaugural Windows 10 SDK also shipped with AllJoyn APIs, which the Windows team developed in collaboration with the AllJoyn project. In these Windows teams have precedents and frameworks to introduce open source in mission critical subsystems of Windows whenever it provides an opportunity to provide high quality features.</p>
<p>In the months following, the team strengthened its relationships with open source communities, developed new tooling, informed policies, and made it easier to contribute to and use open source in our products whenever it is desirable, feasible, and viable¹. In doing so, we reinforced amongst ourselves, that we are not just shipping new features, we are shipping a new mindset for developing OS products.</p>
<p>¹On the developer tools side, to name a few, these included native support for <a href="https://blogs.windows.com/buildingapps/2016/03/30/run-bash-on-ubuntu-on-windows/">Bash on Windows</a> via the Windows Subsystem for Linux, <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/08/microsoft-open-sources-most-of-its-ios-apps-on-windows-compatibility-layer/">Project Islandwood </a>(Windows Bridge for iOS), and the <a href="https://blogs.windows.com/buildingapps/2016/11/16/windows-application-driver-for-pc-integrates-with-appium/#v48WGOcVlzrifm2h.97">WinAppDriver</a> based on the Appium project.</p>
</section>
|
Shipping a New Mindset
How open source software and design thinking helped introduce world-class Data APIs in Windows 10 at low cost.
This post has repurposed from an earlier one published in Fall of 2015 on a public engineering blog that has been retired. I have reproduced to keep the information publically available given its initial reception and circulation by the developer community on Reddit, HackerNews, and other frequented forums.
How do you ship over 200 Data Access APIs that work across half a dozen different types of devices and have a 100% test coverage, but with only a couple of days of engineering effort? It’s simple, you ship SQLite. Windows engineers have worked closely with the SQLite Core Development team led by Richard Hipp to bring SQLite, the popular open source database engine, to Windows 10. SQLite is a unique case: it is an open source, externally developed database engine that is used by core system components, and our flagship apps like Cortana and Skype. As of Windows 10 Fall 2015 update, it is also included in our developer SDK, which has historically only included Microsoft developed APIs.
Here’s the story of how we got here.
It started with One Windows
Creating a One Windows platform was a central design goal for the Windows 10 effort. This effort involved converging multiple operating systems across PC, Phone, and Xbox into a single core that could run across all of these existing devices, and also new ones like IoT, the Surface Hub, and HoloLens. This way apps written for any one of these devices, can run on all other devices in the Windows family, providing users with a consistent experience across their devices while reducing costs for developers.
The state store is a mission critical part of this unified OS that caches important package, installation, and state information for all apps. Up till Windows 8.1, we had a different state store for Desktop, Phone, and Xbox. Moreover, each of these was based on different combinations of database technologies like the registry, the Extensible Storage Engine (ESE), and XML files. To have a single state store for all our devices, we needed a unified data layer ideally built on a single database technology. The state store is a read heavy, write low database, and SQLite came out to be the most appropriate than any of the other options used in previous versions. It also came out to be more memory efficient for the size of data we had to store, making it pretty ideal for resource constrained IoT devices. With its extensive, thorough documentation, and a vibrant mailing list it also seemed great for the aggressive, iterative development cycles we were looking at. The state store was going to use SQLite.
The case to make SQLite a system feature
Once we settled on using SQLite, we did a cursory search of then Windows 10 codebase and found that several other teams were also checking SQLite binaries or source files. Given there is both administrative and engineering overhead to having multiple copies of a single library in the codebase, this was an opportunity to centralize SQLite so it could be managed and consumed efficiently across various Microsoft products.
There were some performance improvements we could get out of this centralization. If Universal apps were using SQLite, and always running components like the state store were using SQLite, they could share a copy of it to save some precious runtime memory. For apps that load SQLite at launch, it meant they could launch faster given that the code pages for SQLite would already be in memory for use by the state store by the time the user can launch an app. Having a single binary could also let us fix a security vulnerability or a critical bug promptly, without spending time hunting down copies of the library across the codebase and depending on the owners to fix it.
More or less, it made sense to treat SQLite just like any other feature in the core operating system.
Not made here, but just like our own
Making SQLite a system feature meant we needed to think through all the engineering workflows, policies, and practices we typically use to support system features in context of SQLite’s open source and external nature. There were several questions we wanted to answer:
How do we run automation tests on SQLite?
What do we do if there’s a critical bug in SQLite?
How do we ensure a rapid response to a security vulnerability?
How frequently do we update our SQLite?
How do we test a new version for backward compatibility?
What do we do if a new version regresses existing app?
How do we contribute code and ideas back to SQLite?
As we went around answering these questions, we learnt that there were many layers to onboarding open source software into a product like Windows. Not all of these were technical. To be successful, the project needed to work for the product and the people. Design thinking approaches, as presented the book Creative Confidence Tom and David Kelley, applied to our situation nicely and helped build a coherent case for the feature.
To ensure if SQLite was suitable for use in Windows, we had to answer a bunch of business questions: How does this help the product? How cost effective is it? It was pretty clear from the beginning that by banking on SQLite, we could save a whole lot of developer time and resources, and deliver faster without compromising on quality.
We had to answer a bunch of technical questions: How’s the performance on Windows? Will we be able to respond to critical bugs fast? How fast? How stable are the APIs? What’s the threat model? For SQLite these were easy to answer. The SQLite development team has fantastic , actually, “mindboggling” customer support. We rave about it all the time. It also has an exemplar commitment to API backward compatibility, similar to what we strive for in Windows.
We also had to answer some people questions: Are people enthusiastic about using this piece of software and contributing back to it? Are they open and willing to develop the relationships with the community of the project? Are they willing to become a go-to resource for anyone else who wants to use this? SQLite had lots of support across multiple teams. Many engineers wanted it to be in the platform for various reasons. A couple were already dabbling with its internals and developing solutions around it on their own time.
Based on this lens, we put together a three step Assess, Prepare, Onboard framework to give a head start to any team or an engineer that might be looking into adding open source libraries to the areas of the platform they own. We also started a grass roots effort to spread the word about new open source policies, legal and engineering resources across the Windows and Devices Group.
SQLite in the SDK
After shipping SQLite as a system component in the inaugural release, we wanted to include it in our SDK for the Fall 2015 update. With more than 20,000 Windows Apps and more than half of our top apps using SQLite, it made sense to just make expose the system SQLite to app developers. We saw many upsides to this for our developer experience and platform health:
A simplified experience for using SQLite in Windows Apps where developers will just need to reference a header instead of downloading extensions or compiling their own SQLite.
A reduced AppX package size since developers will not need to package the library with their app.
Better app launch times given SQLite is likely to already in memory for use by newly launched app if system components and a lot of high usage apps are using it.
Runtime memory saving if a lot of active apps are using a shared binary.
Automatic upgrades for developers who can now rely on Windows to update the platform SQLite to more performant versions.
Adding SQLite to the SDK helped us quickly introduce quality APIs for the Universal Windows Platform, while giving us the foundations to build a richer data access story over future releases.
We are just getting started
The SQLite in Windows initiative was one of many open source initiatives in the Windows 10. The inaugural Windows 10 SDK also shipped with AllJoyn APIs, which the Windows team developed in collaboration with the AllJoyn project. In these Windows teams have precedents and frameworks to introduce open source in mission critical subsystems of Windows whenever it provides an opportunity to provide high quality features.
In the months following, the team strengthened its relationships with open source communities, developed new tooling, informed policies, and made it easier to contribute to and use open source in our products whenever it is desirable, feasible, and viable¹. In doing so, we reinforced amongst ourselves, that we are not just shipping new features, we are shipping a new mindset for developing OS products.
¹On the developer tools side, to name a few, these included native support for Bash on Windows via the Windows Subsystem for Linux, Project Islandwood (Windows Bridge for iOS), and the WinAppDriver based on the Appium project.
|
5f5d52a7-fb75-52b8-9cc8-47164f2719ee
|
25/08/2025 15:57:42
|
|
https://thescif.org/biden-needs-more-than-just-sanctions-to-tame-the-russian-bear-6bef0cb63708
|
medium.com
|
Biden Needs More than Just Sanctions to Tame the Russian Bear
|
By Morgan Lorraine Viña, NSI Visiting Fellow
|
National Security Institute
|
https://medium.com/@masonnatsecinst
|
6bef0cb63708
|
2 min
|
2021-04-16T15:14:43.074000
|
2021-04-16T16:19:36.391000
|
2022-01-07T02:36:43.877000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Featured Analysis,Russia,Sanctions,Foreign Policy,National Security
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1400/1*1pgXUP45Y9OCVD0gp73luw.png" width="1400" height="700" loading="lazy" />
<p><em><strong>By <a href="https://nationalsecurity</em>.gmu.edu</strong>/morgan-vina-2/">Morgan Lorraine Viña</a>, NSI Visiting Fellow</p>
<p>A few months after taking office, Russian President Vladimir Putin is already causing the Biden Administration headaches. None of this should come as a surprise.</p>
<p>Since President Biden took office, Russia’s provocative actions are already testing the new administration’s resolve. This includes the arrest of opposition activist Alexei Navalny (following the Kremlin’s failed attempt to assassinate him last year), cyber threats against the U.S. government, continued military support for the Syrian regime, and most recently, Russia’s military build-up along the border of Ukraine with the looming threat of invasion.</p>
<p>In its <a href="https://www.dni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/assessments/ATA-2021-Unclassified-Report.pdf">Annual Threat Assessment report</a>, the Director of National Intelligence anticipates that “Moscow will continue to undermine U.S. influence, shape new international norms and partnerships, divides western countries, and try to shape international events.” This is nothing new. <a href="https://www.dailysignal.com/2021/04/14/how-us-allies-should-counter-putin-threats-to-ukraine/">According</a> to The Heritage Foundation’s Jim Carafano, “Vladimir Putin has never been averse to taking risks — especially those that make him look stronger at home, while undermining the confidence and solidarity of the West.” And the fact that Washington is under new management gives Putin an opportunity to determine just how far he can expand Russia’s influence.</p>
<p>So far, President Biden isn’t pulling any punches. During a call with Putin last week, Biden <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/04/13/readout-of-president-joseph-r-biden-jr-call-with-president-vladimir-putin-of-russia-4-13/">expressed</a> his goal to build “a stable and predictable relationship with Russia.” Days later, the Treasury Department announced expanded sanctions on Russia. In an <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/04/15/executive-order-on-blocking-property-with-respect-to-specified-harmful-foreign-activities-of-the-government-of-the-russian-federation/">executive order</a>, Biden authorized sanctions to counter Russian aggression, including undermining U.S. elections, engaging in cyber attacks, targeting dissidents and journalists, and violating the territorial integrity of sovereign states.</p>
<p>Ten Russian officials were also <a href="https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2021/04/15/biden-administration-foreign-policy-tracker/#russia">expelled</a> from Russia’s embassy in Washington and 46 individuals and entities were designated for interfering in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, aiding Russian intelligence services, or supporting Russia’s occupation of and human rights abuses in Crimea.</p>
<p>Biden’s early “don’t mess with me” message to Moscow is unlikely to deter Putin from engaging in malign activities. While the ODNI report <a href="https://www.dni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/assessments/ATA-2021-Unclassified-Report.pdf">assesses</a> that “Russia does not want a direct conflict with US forces,” it expects “Moscow to insert itself into crises when Russian interests are at stake” or when “the anticipated costs of action are low.”</p>
<p>Moving forward, the Biden Administration will need to expand its approach beyond economic sanctions. Putin’s latest threats to invade Ukraine, which he includes in Russia’s “sphere of influence,” should be taken seriously. This will require the administration to develop a comprehensive strategy to countering Russian aggression. If Putin’s early actions are any indication of how he intends to undermine U.S. influence, the Biden Administration must tighten its approach. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride.</p>
<p><em><a href="https://nationalsecurity.gmu.edu/morgan-vina-2/">Morgan Lorraine Viña</a> is a Visiting Fellow at the National Security Institute. Morgan previously served as Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary of International Security Affairs at the U.S. Department of Defense. Prior to joining the Department of Defense, Morgan served as Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Advisor to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki R. Haley. Morgan has a decade of experience in</em> the executive branch, Capitol Hill, and think tank community.</p>
</section>
|
Biden Needs More than Just Sanctions to Tame the Russian Bear
By Morgan Lorraine Viña, NSI Visiting Fellow
A few months after taking office, Russian President Vladimir Putin is already causing the Biden Administration headaches. None of this should come as a surprise.
Since President Biden took office, Russia’s provocative actions are already testing the new administration’s resolve. This includes the arrest of opposition activist Alexei Navalny (following the Kremlin’s failed attempt to assassinate him last year), cyber threats against the U.S. government, continued military support for the Syrian regime, and most recently, Russia’s military build-up along the border of Ukraine with the looming threat of invasion.
In its Annual Threat Assessment report, the Director of National Intelligence anticipates that “Moscow will continue to undermine U.S. influence, shape new international norms and partnerships, divides western countries, and try to shape international events.” This is nothing new. According to The Heritage Foundation’s Jim Carafano, “Vladimir Putin has never been averse to taking risks — especially those that make him look stronger at home, while undermining the confidence and solidarity of the West.” And the fact that Washington is under new management gives Putin an opportunity to determine just how far he can expand Russia’s influence.
So far, President Biden isn’t pulling any punches. During a call with Putin last week, Biden expressed his goal to build “a stable and predictable relationship with Russia.” Days later, the Treasury Department announced expanded sanctions on Russia. In an executive order, Biden authorized sanctions to counter Russian aggression, including undermining U.S. elections, engaging in cyber attacks, targeting dissidents and journalists, and violating the territorial integrity of sovereign states.
Ten Russian officials were also expelled from Russia’s embassy in Washington and 46 individuals and entities were designated for interfering in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, aiding Russian intelligence services, or supporting Russia’s occupation of and human rights abuses in Crimea.
Biden’s early “don’t mess with me” message to Moscow is unlikely to deter Putin from engaging in malign activities. While the ODNI report assesses that “Russia does not want a direct conflict with US forces,” it expects “Moscow to insert itself into crises when Russian interests are at stake” or when “the anticipated costs of action are low.”
Moving forward, the Biden Administration will need to expand its approach beyond economic sanctions. Putin’s latest threats to invade Ukraine, which he includes in Russia’s “sphere of influence,” should be taken seriously. This will require the administration to develop a comprehensive strategy to countering Russian aggression. If Putin’s early actions are any indication of how he intends to undermine U.S. influence, the Biden Administration must tighten its approach. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride.
Morgan Lorraine Viña is a Visiting Fellow at the National Security Institute. Morgan previously served as Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary of International Security Affairs at the U.S. Department of Defense. Prior to joining the Department of Defense, Morgan served as Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Advisor to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki R. Haley. Morgan has a decade of experience in the executive branch, Capitol Hill, and think tank community.
|
2304b5a4-c8a1-51ad-a5ab-ecc62f394f90
|
25/08/2025 15:57:42
|
|
https://medium.com/@angiebroks/when-the-candidate-you-didnt-vote-for-wins-f39360c1114c
|
medium.com
|
When the Candidate You Didn’t Vote for Wins
|
By Kenneth Copeland
|
AngieBroks
|
https://medium.com/@angiebroks
|
f39360c1114c
|
2 min
|
2016-11-09T22:18:44.920000
|
2016-11-09T22:19:43.483000
|
2016-11-09T22:48:26.995000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Donald Trump,Christianity,Elections,Election 2016
|
<section>
<h1>When the Candidate You Didn’t Vote for Wins</h1>
<p>By Kenneth Copeland</p>
<p>Did the <em>other</em> candidate — the one you didn’t vote for — win? If you’re disappointed by the recent election results, I have good news for you: The future of this nation is not in the hands of the politicians. No matter what political candidates you like or don’t like, or what party you support, you should be encouraged.</p>
<p>There isn’t a political candidate anywhere wise enough to guide this country safely through the challenges and threats it’s facing. Only God can do it. And it is prayer — not politics — that brings His power and wisdom on the scene.</p>
<p>As long as Christians are praying for this nation, as long as there are believers here who seek The LORD, the future of the United States of America will remain safely in the hands of God. He Himself will direct, guide and heal this land. He has given us His WORD on it.</p>
<p>In 2 Chronicles 7:14, He said: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” <em>(KJV).</em></p>
<p>I was preaching during our West Coast Believers’ Convention in July 4,2003 when the word of The LORD came to me saying:</p>
<p><em>Have no fear! Take no alarm for the future of this nation. No politician can destroy it. This nation, under God, was established in answer to the prayers and cries of My people, </em>says The LORD.<em> It’s not based on politics. It’s not based on world affairs. This nation, its foundation and its continuation, is based on the prayers and the worship of My people.</em></p>
<p><em>Only when there are no more of My people praying in My Name, crying out unto Me, only then will this nation come to a place where her existence is in danger. And My people, called by My Name, all over this nation have repented, are repenting and are turning from their wicked ways. I have heard…I am hearing…and I will continue to hear from heaven; and you rest assured, I am in charge!</em></p>
<p>So the next time the candidate you didn’t vote for wins or the next time you see a politician on television saying something foolish (or even something seemingly wise), remind yourself that this nation is not subject to politicians and pundits. It’s not sustained by its great statesmanship. This nation is sustained by the power of God. Its very existence is an answer to the prayers of His people. And if we as His people will continue to obey Him and pray as He directs us to, He will heal and uphold our land!</p>
<p>*Devotional courtesy of Kenneth Copeland</p>
<p>Morning Inspirational Song</p>
<p>Hope this song helps us to gain some perspective. Let’s pray for the healing of America’s soul</p>
<p><a href="https://youtu.be/9AjkUyX0rVw">https://youtu.be/9AjkUyX0rVw</a></p>
</section>
|
Photo Credit: Rick Warren
When the Candidate You Didn’t Vote for Wins
By Kenneth Copeland
Did the other candidate — the one you didn’t vote for — win? If you’re disappointed by the recent election results, I have good news for you: The future of this nation is not in the hands of the politicians. No matter what political candidates you like or don’t like, or what party you support, you should be encouraged.
There isn’t a political candidate anywhere wise enough to guide this country safely through the challenges and threats it’s facing. Only God can do it. And it is prayer — not politics — that brings His power and wisdom on the scene.
As long as Christians are praying for this nation, as long as there are believers here who seek The LORD, the future of the United States of America will remain safely in the hands of God. He Himself will direct, guide and heal this land. He has given us His WORD on it.
In 2 Chronicles 7:14, He said: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (KJV).
I was preaching during our West Coast Believers’ Convention in July 4,2003 when the word of The LORD came to me saying:
Have no fear! Take no alarm for the future of this nation. No politician can destroy it. This nation, under God, was established in answer to the prayers and cries of My people, says The LORD. It’s not based on politics. It’s not based on world affairs. This nation, its foundation and its continuation, is based on the prayers and the worship of My people.
Only when there are no more of My people praying in My Name, crying out unto Me, only then will this nation come to a place where her existence is in danger. And My people, called by My Name, all over this nation have repented, are repenting and are turning from their wicked ways. I have heard…I am hearing…and I will continue to hear from heaven; and you rest assured, I am in charge!
So the next time the candidate you didn’t vote for wins or the next time you see a politician on television saying something foolish (or even something seemingly wise), remind yourself that this nation is not subject to politicians and pundits. It’s not sustained by its great statesmanship. This nation is sustained by the power of God. Its very existence is an answer to the prayers of His people. And if we as His people will continue to obey Him and pray as He directs us to, He will heal and uphold our land!
*Devotional courtesy of Kenneth Copeland
Morning Inspirational Song
Hope this song helps us to gain some perspective. Let’s pray for the healing of America’s soul
https://youtu.be/9AjkUyX0rVw
|
f1c2ac35-1f3f-552b-bd67-e26acc9b3e44
|
25/08/2025 15:57:43
|
|
https://zenbrazen.medium.com/lewis-glark-time-traders-book-one-chapter-13-0938112a907b
|
medium.com
|
Lewis & Glark | Time Traders | Book One | Chapter 13
|
Lewis slid down out of the chair to the floor and made himself as small as possible under the control panel. He waited tensely for those on…
|
Zen Brazen
|
https://medium.com/@zenbrazen
|
0938112a907b
|
13 min
|
2024-03-05T20:23:43.639000
|
2024-03-05T20:32:19.415000
|
2024-11-30T19:57:25.140000
| 0 | 74 |
en
|
Fiction,Science Fiction,Storytelling,Public Domain,Comic Books
|
<section>
<p>Lewis slid down out of the chair to the floor and made himself as small as possible under the control panel. He waited tensely for those on the left to appear.</p>
<p>Though he had looked, there was nothing in sight even faintly resembling a weapon on this entire vessel. He was suddenly hit with a realization — if he didn’t do something, he would be trapped on this bridge with who knows who facing who knows what kinds of weapons.</p>
<p>In a move of pure desperation, he stood up and ran toward the lift.</p>
<p>He had seen some markings on the wall next to the lift when he had arrived on this level. As he reached toward the markings, he caught a glimpse of a human man wearing a fur parka and hood rising toward him. As he locked eyes with the man, Lewis pressed his hand against the markings, and what he had hoped would happen happened. A large metal door emerged from the floor, blocking the man ascending on the lift from the bridge.</p>
<p>Shouts were audible from behind the door, as well as a muffled laser shot and explosion. He might have delayed the final battle, but they had him cornered. He faced that fact bleakly. They need only sit below and let nature take its course. His session in the cradle with the jelly had restored his strength. But a man couldn’t live forever without food and water.</p>
<p>Lewis paced around the control cabin, still hunting for some kind of weapon. The symbols on the levers and buttons were meaningless to him. They made him feel frustrated because he imagined that among them were some that might help him out of this trap, if he could only guess their use.</p>
<p>Why couldn’t some magic drawer open now with the weapon he needed, like the drawer had opened with his new perfectly-fitted clothing?</p>
<p>Once more Lewis stood by the lift door thinking. This bridge was the point from which the ship was controlled. These control panels must have given the ship’s captain the means not only of propelling the vast bulk, but of unloading and loading cargo, lighting, heating, ventilation, and perhaps defense. Of course, every control might be dead or disabled now. But he remembered that in the lifeboat craft, the machines had worked successfully, expertly fulfilled the duty for which they had been constructed.</p>
<p>The only step remaining was to try his luck. He moved toward the central control panel on the bridge, figuring it might be the most important. He stood in front of it with a sense that once he touched the controls he might initiate a chain of events he could not stop. The crash of another laser shot on the other side of the lift door underlined the fact that he had no other choice.</p>
<p>Since the symbols meant nothing, Lewis concentrated on the shapes of the various devices and chose one that looked the most prominent and familiar. Since the switch was up, he pressed the button down, counting to twenty slowly as he waited for a reaction.</p>
<p>Below the switch was an oval button on the touch screen marked with two wiggles and a double dot. Lewis touched the symbol, and felt encouraged when it lit up. When two symbols below that appeared, Lewis touched both of them and they also illuminated.</p>
<p>This time he had results! A crackling of noise with a singsong rhythm, the volume of which, low at first, arose to a drone that filled the whole bridge. But Lewis needed action, not just noise…</p>
<p>He looked to the other side of the large touch screen, where there were five oval symbols, dim as the others had initially been, with various sub-markings — two wiggles, a dot, a double bar, a pair of entwined circles, and a crosshatch.</p>
<p>Why make a choice? Recklessness bubbled to the surface, and Lewis touched all the symbols in rapid succession. The results were encouraging. Out of the top of the control board rose a glass screen which displayed some columns of cryptic information surrounded by a rippling wave of color. Meanwhile the singsong rhythm became an angry squawking as if in protest.</p>
<p>At the very least, Lewis now knew that the ship was alive. However, he wanted more than a display of some nonsense data on a screen, and some annoying noises. It now almost sounded as if the ship was irritated and chewing him out in another language. He had to do something more.</p>
<p>Two new symbols appeared on the touch screen below the glass screen that was projecting the data and waves of color. One was lit up, the other was dim. Lewis tapped the dim one and it lit up.</p>
<p>On the glass screen now was a face.</p>
<p>Lewis swallowed at the sight of the very non-human face. The visage on the screen was sharply triangular with a small, sharply pointed chin and a jaw line running at a sharp angle from a broad upper face. The skin was dark, out of which hooked a curved and shining nose set between two large eyes that alternated between diagonal slits and full ovals. On top of that astonishing head, was a fleshy vertical crest of cartilage.</p>
<p>There was no mistaking the intelligence in those alien eyes, nor the being’s amazement at the sight of Lewis.</p>
<p>The creature moved its absurdly small mouth in time to what Lewis assumed was an alien language. He swallowed again and automatically replied in the only way he knew how.</p>
<p>“Hello,” Lewis said softly, his voice a weak whistle.</p>
<p>Lewis’ reply didn’t seem to register with the creature, as it continued what Lewis imagined were questions in its foreign tongue. Meanwhile, he tried to see something of the creature’s background. Though the objects were slightly out of focus, he was sure he recognized elements similar to those about him. Could he be in communication with a similar ship of the same type that wasn’t deserted?</p>
<p>The creature on the screen had turned his head away to talk rapidly over its shoulder, a shoulder which was crossed by a belt with an elaborate pattern. Then it got up from it’s seat and stood aside to make room for another who sat down in the chair.</p>
<p>If the creature on the glass screen had been a startling surprise, Lewis was now to have another.</p>
<p>The stranger who now faced him on the screen was totally different. His face was pale and far more human in shape, though it was hairless as was the smooth dome of his skull. The stranger had tattoos on his face, but unlike those Maarn had, they were more geometric and linear. He was also wearing a suit that matched the metallic one Lewis was wearing now, that the lifeboat ship had given him.</p>
<p>The stranger did not attempt to say anything. Instead, he stared at Lewis with a long and measured look, his eyes growing colder and less friendly with every second of that examination.</p>
<p>Lewis had resented the Major back at the base. But the Major couldn’t match this man for the sheer weight of unpleasant warning he could pack into a look. Lewis might have been startled by the alien, but now his stubborn streak arose to meet this implied challenge. He found himself glaring back with an intensity which he hoped would get across and prove to the stranger that Lewis wasn’t someone he wanted to mess with.</p>
<p>His preoccupation with the stranger on the screen betrayed Lewis into the hands of those from the lift. He heard their attack on the lift door too late. By the time he heard the explosion, the lift door was already open, and a laser gun was pointing at his head. His hands went up involuntarily as two more fur-clad beings moved from the lift into the control room.</p>
<p>Lewis recognized the leader as Glark’s double, the Bulkon he had followed across time. He blinked for just an instant as he faced Lewis and then shouted an order at his companion. The other spun Lewis around and held his hands tightly behind his back.</p>
<p>Once again Lewis faced the glass screen and saw the stranger watching the whole scene with an expression suggesting that he had been shocked out of his complacent superiority.</p>
<p>Lewis’ captors stared at the screen and the unearthly being there. One of the captors flung himself at the control panel. His hands tapped wildly at the touch screen, making the glass screen go blank and lower back into the control panel, and all the illuminated symbols on the touch screen go dark.</p>
<p>“What are you?” his captor demanded.</p>
<p>The man who might have been Glark spoke slowly in the Boreal tongue, drilling Lewis with his stare as if by the force of his will alone he could pull the truth out of his prisoner.</p>
<p>“What do you think I am?” Lewis countered.</p>
<p>He was wearing the metallic uniform of the stranger from the glass screen, and he had clearly established contact with the time owners of this ship. If his captors were indeed Ones, he hoped that they were not only worried, but that they thought his connection to the owners of the ship was more than it actually was, so that they would think twice before hurting him, or worse.</p>
<p>At a signal from the Bulkon, he was led to the lift. Keeping a laser gun on him, they hurried him down a few levels and down the hallway, trying to push the pace while Lewis delayed all he could. He realized due to his quick surrender to the laser gun back in the control room that he likely had betrayed his real origin. So he must continue to confuse the trail, to not offer any evidence of his affiliation with Operation Retrograde, in every possible way left to him. He was sure that this time they wouldn’t lead him outside and leave him in the first convenient crevice of ice and snow.</p>
<p>He knew he was right when they covered him with a fur parka at the entrance door of the ship, slapped handcuffs on his wrists and dropped a rope around his neck.</p>
<p>So, they were taking him back to their outpost here. At the outpost was the time transporter which could return him to the Boreal time period — and hopefully Glark and Maarn. It would be, it must be possible to get to the transporter. He did it once, by accident, so it must be possible if he actually put his mind to it.</p>
<p>He gave his captors no more trouble but trudged, outwardly dispirited, along the rutted way through the snow away from the sphere ship.</p>
<p>He did manage to catch a good look at the sphere. More than half of it, he judged, was below the surface of the ground. To be so buried it must either have lain there a long time, or crashed hard enough to dig itself that partial grave.</p>
<p>Yet Lewis had established contact with another ship like it. And neither of the creatures he had seen were fully human, at least not human in any way he knew.</p>
<p>Lewis pondered that as he walked. He imagined that his captors, Ones or not, were possibly looting the ship of its cargo. And by its size, it must be a lot of cargo. But cargo from where? Made by what hands? Enroute to what port? And how had the Ones located the ship in the first place?</p>
<p>There were plenty of questions and very few answers. Lewis clung to the hope that somehow he had endangered the One’s mission here by activating the communication system of the derelict and calling the attention of its probable owners to its fate. And that the owners of the ship might take steps to regain their property.</p>
<p>Now Lewis had only one chance — to keep the Ones guessing as long as he could, and hope for some turn of fate which would allow him to try and access the time transport.</p>
<p>How the transport platform operated he didn’t know. But he had been transferred here from the Boreal age, and if he could return to that time, escape might be possible. He had only to reach the river and follow it down to the sea where the whale was to make rendezvous at regular intervals.</p>
<p>The odds were overwhelmingly against him, and Lewis knew it. But there was no reason, he decided, to lie down and roll over dead to please the Ones.</p>
<p>As they approached the outpost, from this angle Lewis realized how much skill had gone into its construction. It looked as if they were merely coming up to the outer edge of a glacier shelf. Had it not been for the track in the snow, there would have been no reason to suspect that the ice covered anything but a thick core of its own substance.</p>
<p>Lewis was shoved through the round portal door, through the cylindrical tunnel to the underground building beyond. He was hurried through the chain of smooth-walled hallways and rooms to a door and thrust through, his hands still fastened. The room was dark and colder than it had been outside.</p>
<p>Lewis stood still, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the gloom. It was several moments after the door had slammed shut that he caught a faint thud, a dull and hollow sound.</p>
<p>“Who’s here?” he said, using the Boreal language, determined to keep to the rags of his cover, which probably was a cover no longer.</p>
<p>There was no reply, but after a pause that distant hollow beat began again.</p>
<p>Lewis moved slowly around the bare cell and discovered that the noise was coming from behind the left-side wall. He stood with his ear flat against it, listening. The sound didn’t have the regular rhythm of a machine in use. There were irregular pauses between some blows, while others came in quick succession. It sounded to Lewis like someone was digging.</p>
<p>Were the Ones engaged in enlarging their icebound headquarters? After listening for a considerable time, Lewis doubted that, for the sound lacked consistency. It almost seemed as if the longer pauses were used to check up on the result of the labor.</p>
<p>Lewis slipped down and sat against the wall, his shoulders still resting against it, and his head twisted so he could hear the hollow beat more closely.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, he flexed his wrists inside the metal handcuffs which confined them. Folding his hands as small as possible, he tried to slip them through the rings. The only result was that he chafed the skin on his wrists raw. They had not taken off his parka. And in spite of the intense chill in the room, he was too warm. Only that part of his body covered by the metallic suit the ship had given him was comfortable. He could almost believe that it possessed some built-in conditioning device.</p>
<p>With no hope of relief, Lewis rubbed his hands back and forth against the wall, scraping the hoops on his wrists. The distant pounding had ceased, and this time the pause lengthened into so long a period that Lewis fell asleep, his head resting back, his raw wrists still pushed against the cold surface of the wall behind him.</p>
<p>He was hungry when he awoke, and with that hunger his rebellion sparked into flame. He stumbled to his feet and lurched his body at the door through which he had been thrown, where he proceeded to kick at the barrier. The padded tread of his boots muffled most of the force of those blows. But some noise was heard outside, for the door unlatched and opened, and one of the guards stood in the doorway.</p>
<p>“Food! I want to eat!” Lewis demanded, putting all the resentment boiling in him into the Boreal tongue.</p>
<p>Ignoring him, the guard reached in a long arm, grabbed Lewis by his shoulder and dragged him out of the cell. He was marched down a hallway and into another room to face what appeared to be an awaiting tribunal. Two of the men there he knew — Glark’s double and the quiet man who had questioned him back in the other time station.</p>
<p>The third man, clearly one with authority over the other two, regarded Lewis bleakly. He appeared to be some kind of albino, and had a deep scar and bruise surrounding one eye.</p>
<p>“Who are you?” the quiet man asked.</p>
<p>“Lew, son of Lern,” Lewis replied. “And I would eat before I make talk with you. I have not done any wrong that you should treat me as a barbarian who has stolen salt from the trading post.”</p>
<p>“You are an agent,” the scarred man corrected him dispassionately. “For whom, you will tell us in due time. But first my young friend, you shall speak of the ship, of what you found there, and why you meddled with the controls.”</p>
<p>The scarred man raised his hand from his lap, and once again Lewis faced a laser gun.</p>
<p>“I see that you know what I hold,” the scarred man continued. “Odd knowledge for an innocent Boreal trader. Please have no doubts about my hesitation to use this. I shall not kill you, naturally. But there are certain wounds which supply a maximum of pain and little serious damage. Remove his parka.”</p>
<p>The Bulkon spun Lewis around and removed the handcuffs, then stripped him of the fur parka. The scarred man carefully studied the metallic suit he wore under it.</p>
<p>“Now you will tell us exactly what we wish to hear,” the scarred man demanded.</p>
<p>There was a confidence in that statement that chilled Lewis. There was no doubt that the scarred man meant exactly what he said. He had at his command methods which would wring from his captive the full sum of what he wanted, and there would be no consideration for that captive during the process.</p>
<p>The implied threat struck as cold as the glacial air, and Lewis tried to meet it with an outward show of resolve and determination. He decided to pick and choose from his experience and information, feeding them scraps of information, in an attempt to stave off the inevitable. Having been pushed into corners long before his work for the operation, Lewis had considerable training in verbal fencing with hostile authority.</p>
<p>He would volunteer nothing of real or useful substance, and even used his imagination to inject useless details that would make him seem like he was being useful and forthcoming — but would lead the Ones down a dead end road. He would spin this tale out as long as he could, with the hope that buying some time would be of some advantage.</p>
<p>“You are an agent ,” the scarred man said calmly when Lewis had stopped talking.</p>
<p>Lewis returned the scarred man’s icy stare, and accepted the statement as one he would neither confirm nor deny.</p>
<p>“You are here as a spy under the cover of a barbarian trader,” the scarred man declared, changing language in mid-sentence, from the Boreal tongue into English.</p>
<p>The plain statement Lewis knew to be true rattled him slightly on the inside. But his cool, unwavering stare betrayed none of that. His experience in meeting the dangerous with an expression of complete lack of comprehension was Lewis’ weapon now. He stared at the scarred man with that bewildered, boyish look he had so long cultivated to bemuse enemies in his past.</p>
<p>Whether he could have held out against the scarred man’s verbal skills, or the other more treacherous methods of extracting the truth from Lewis, he would never know.</p>
<p>There was a distant boom, hollow and thunderous.</p>
<p>Underneath and all around them — the floor, walls and ceiling — moved as if the entire arctic outpost had been stepped on by some malevolent, impatient giant.</p>
<p>.<a href="https://zenbrazen.medium.com/lewis-glark-time-traders-book-one-chapter-1-94390c528700">Start with Chapter 1…</a></p>
<p><a href="https://zenbrazen.medium.com/c18b2eaacb85">Read Chapter 14 now…</a></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1856/1*1Pv7iIr-VcbbRtuv-x8otA.jpeg" width="1856" height="2464" loading="lazy" />
<p><strong>© 2024 Zen Brazen — All rights reserved
</strong>Based on Andre Norton’s Time Traders (public domain)</p>
</section>
|
Lewis & Glark | Time Traders | Book One | Chapter 13
Lewis slid down out of the chair to the floor and made himself as small as possible under the control panel. He waited tensely for those on the left to appear.
Though he had looked, there was nothing in sight even faintly resembling a weapon on this entire vessel. He was suddenly hit with a realization — if he didn’t do something, he would be trapped on this bridge with who knows who facing who knows what kinds of weapons.
In a move of pure desperation, he stood up and ran toward the lift.
He had seen some markings on the wall next to the lift when he had arrived on this level. As he reached toward the markings, he caught a glimpse of a human man wearing a fur parka and hood rising toward him. As he locked eyes with the man, Lewis pressed his hand against the markings, and what he had hoped would happen happened. A large metal door emerged from the floor, blocking the man ascending on the lift from the bridge.
Shouts were audible from behind the door, as well as a muffled laser shot and explosion. He might have delayed the final battle, but they had him cornered. He faced that fact bleakly. They need only sit below and let nature take its course. His session in the cradle with the jelly had restored his strength. But a man couldn’t live forever without food and water.
Lewis paced around the control cabin, still hunting for some kind of weapon. The symbols on the levers and buttons were meaningless to him. They made him feel frustrated because he imagined that among them were some that might help him out of this trap, if he could only guess their use.
Why couldn’t some magic drawer open now with the weapon he needed, like the drawer had opened with his new perfectly-fitted clothing?
Once more Lewis stood by the lift door thinking. This bridge was the point from which the ship was controlled. These control panels must have given the ship’s captain the means not only of propelling the vast bulk, but of unloading and loading cargo, lighting, heating, ventilation, and perhaps defense. Of course, every control might be dead or disabled now. But he remembered that in the lifeboat craft, the machines had worked successfully, expertly fulfilled the duty for which they had been constructed.
The only step remaining was to try his luck. He moved toward the central control panel on the bridge, figuring it might be the most important. He stood in front of it with a sense that once he touched the controls he might initiate a chain of events he could not stop. The crash of another laser shot on the other side of the lift door underlined the fact that he had no other choice.
Since the symbols meant nothing, Lewis concentrated on the shapes of the various devices and chose one that looked the most prominent and familiar. Since the switch was up, he pressed the button down, counting to twenty slowly as he waited for a reaction.
Below the switch was an oval button on the touch screen marked with two wiggles and a double dot. Lewis touched the symbol, and felt encouraged when it lit up. When two symbols below that appeared, Lewis touched both of them and they also illuminated.
This time he had results! A crackling of noise with a singsong rhythm, the volume of which, low at first, arose to a drone that filled the whole bridge. But Lewis needed action, not just noise…
He looked to the other side of the large touch screen, where there were five oval symbols, dim as the others had initially been, with various sub-markings — two wiggles, a dot, a double bar, a pair of entwined circles, and a crosshatch.
Why make a choice? Recklessness bubbled to the surface, and Lewis touched all the symbols in rapid succession. The results were encouraging. Out of the top of the control board rose a glass screen which displayed some columns of cryptic information surrounded by a rippling wave of color. Meanwhile the singsong rhythm became an angry squawking as if in protest.
At the very least, Lewis now knew that the ship was alive. However, he wanted more than a display of some nonsense data on a screen, and some annoying noises. It now almost sounded as if the ship was irritated and chewing him out in another language. He had to do something more.
Two new symbols appeared on the touch screen below the glass screen that was projecting the data and waves of color. One was lit up, the other was dim. Lewis tapped the dim one and it lit up.
On the glass screen now was a face.
Lewis swallowed at the sight of the very non-human face. The visage on the screen was sharply triangular with a small, sharply pointed chin and a jaw line running at a sharp angle from a broad upper face. The skin was dark, out of which hooked a curved and shining nose set between two large eyes that alternated between diagonal slits and full ovals. On top of that astonishing head, was a fleshy vertical crest of cartilage.
There was no mistaking the intelligence in those alien eyes, nor the being’s amazement at the sight of Lewis.
The creature moved its absurdly small mouth in time to what Lewis assumed was an alien language. He swallowed again and automatically replied in the only way he knew how.
“Hello,” Lewis said softly, his voice a weak whistle.
Lewis’ reply didn’t seem to register with the creature, as it continued what Lewis imagined were questions in its foreign tongue. Meanwhile, he tried to see something of the creature’s background. Though the objects were slightly out of focus, he was sure he recognized elements similar to those about him. Could he be in communication with a similar ship of the same type that wasn’t deserted?
The creature on the screen had turned his head away to talk rapidly over its shoulder, a shoulder which was crossed by a belt with an elaborate pattern. Then it got up from it’s seat and stood aside to make room for another who sat down in the chair.
If the creature on the glass screen had been a startling surprise, Lewis was now to have another.
The stranger who now faced him on the screen was totally different. His face was pale and far more human in shape, though it was hairless as was the smooth dome of his skull. The stranger had tattoos on his face, but unlike those Maarn had, they were more geometric and linear. He was also wearing a suit that matched the metallic one Lewis was wearing now, that the lifeboat ship had given him.
The stranger did not attempt to say anything. Instead, he stared at Lewis with a long and measured look, his eyes growing colder and less friendly with every second of that examination.
Lewis had resented the Major back at the base. But the Major couldn’t match this man for the sheer weight of unpleasant warning he could pack into a look. Lewis might have been startled by the alien, but now his stubborn streak arose to meet this implied challenge. He found himself glaring back with an intensity which he hoped would get across and prove to the stranger that Lewis wasn’t someone he wanted to mess with.
His preoccupation with the stranger on the screen betrayed Lewis into the hands of those from the lift. He heard their attack on the lift door too late. By the time he heard the explosion, the lift door was already open, and a laser gun was pointing at his head. His hands went up involuntarily as two more fur-clad beings moved from the lift into the control room.
Lewis recognized the leader as Glark’s double, the Bulkon he had followed across time. He blinked for just an instant as he faced Lewis and then shouted an order at his companion. The other spun Lewis around and held his hands tightly behind his back.
Once again Lewis faced the glass screen and saw the stranger watching the whole scene with an expression suggesting that he had been shocked out of his complacent superiority.
Lewis’ captors stared at the screen and the unearthly being there. One of the captors flung himself at the control panel. His hands tapped wildly at the touch screen, making the glass screen go blank and lower back into the control panel, and all the illuminated symbols on the touch screen go dark.
“What are you?” his captor demanded.
The man who might have been Glark spoke slowly in the Boreal tongue, drilling Lewis with his stare as if by the force of his will alone he could pull the truth out of his prisoner.
“What do you think I am?” Lewis countered.
He was wearing the metallic uniform of the stranger from the glass screen, and he had clearly established contact with the time owners of this ship. If his captors were indeed Ones, he hoped that they were not only worried, but that they thought his connection to the owners of the ship was more than it actually was, so that they would think twice before hurting him, or worse.
At a signal from the Bulkon, he was led to the lift. Keeping a laser gun on him, they hurried him down a few levels and down the hallway, trying to push the pace while Lewis delayed all he could. He realized due to his quick surrender to the laser gun back in the control room that he likely had betrayed his real origin. So he must continue to confuse the trail, to not offer any evidence of his affiliation with Operation Retrograde, in every possible way left to him. He was sure that this time they wouldn’t lead him outside and leave him in the first convenient crevice of ice and snow.
He knew he was right when they covered him with a fur parka at the entrance door of the ship, slapped handcuffs on his wrists and dropped a rope around his neck.
So, they were taking him back to their outpost here. At the outpost was the time transporter which could return him to the Boreal time period — and hopefully Glark and Maarn. It would be, it must be possible to get to the transporter. He did it once, by accident, so it must be possible if he actually put his mind to it.
He gave his captors no more trouble but trudged, outwardly dispirited, along the rutted way through the snow away from the sphere ship.
He did manage to catch a good look at the sphere. More than half of it, he judged, was below the surface of the ground. To be so buried it must either have lain there a long time, or crashed hard enough to dig itself that partial grave.
Yet Lewis had established contact with another ship like it. And neither of the creatures he had seen were fully human, at least not human in any way he knew.
Lewis pondered that as he walked. He imagined that his captors, Ones or not, were possibly looting the ship of its cargo. And by its size, it must be a lot of cargo. But cargo from where? Made by what hands? Enroute to what port? And how had the Ones located the ship in the first place?
There were plenty of questions and very few answers. Lewis clung to the hope that somehow he had endangered the One’s mission here by activating the communication system of the derelict and calling the attention of its probable owners to its fate. And that the owners of the ship might take steps to regain their property.
Now Lewis had only one chance — to keep the Ones guessing as long as he could, and hope for some turn of fate which would allow him to try and access the time transport.
How the transport platform operated he didn’t know. But he had been transferred here from the Boreal age, and if he could return to that time, escape might be possible. He had only to reach the river and follow it down to the sea where the whale was to make rendezvous at regular intervals.
The odds were overwhelmingly against him, and Lewis knew it. But there was no reason, he decided, to lie down and roll over dead to please the Ones.
As they approached the outpost, from this angle Lewis realized how much skill had gone into its construction. It looked as if they were merely coming up to the outer edge of a glacier shelf. Had it not been for the track in the snow, there would have been no reason to suspect that the ice covered anything but a thick core of its own substance.
Lewis was shoved through the round portal door, through the cylindrical tunnel to the underground building beyond. He was hurried through the chain of smooth-walled hallways and rooms to a door and thrust through, his hands still fastened. The room was dark and colder than it had been outside.
Lewis stood still, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the gloom. It was several moments after the door had slammed shut that he caught a faint thud, a dull and hollow sound.
“Who’s here?” he said, using the Boreal language, determined to keep to the rags of his cover, which probably was a cover no longer.
There was no reply, but after a pause that distant hollow beat began again.
Lewis moved slowly around the bare cell and discovered that the noise was coming from behind the left-side wall. He stood with his ear flat against it, listening. The sound didn’t have the regular rhythm of a machine in use. There were irregular pauses between some blows, while others came in quick succession. It sounded to Lewis like someone was digging.
Were the Ones engaged in enlarging their icebound headquarters? After listening for a considerable time, Lewis doubted that, for the sound lacked consistency. It almost seemed as if the longer pauses were used to check up on the result of the labor.
Lewis slipped down and sat against the wall, his shoulders still resting against it, and his head twisted so he could hear the hollow beat more closely.
Meanwhile, he flexed his wrists inside the metal handcuffs which confined them. Folding his hands as small as possible, he tried to slip them through the rings. The only result was that he chafed the skin on his wrists raw. They had not taken off his parka. And in spite of the intense chill in the room, he was too warm. Only that part of his body covered by the metallic suit the ship had given him was comfortable. He could almost believe that it possessed some built-in conditioning device.
With no hope of relief, Lewis rubbed his hands back and forth against the wall, scraping the hoops on his wrists. The distant pounding had ceased, and this time the pause lengthened into so long a period that Lewis fell asleep, his head resting back, his raw wrists still pushed against the cold surface of the wall behind him.
He was hungry when he awoke, and with that hunger his rebellion sparked into flame. He stumbled to his feet and lurched his body at the door through which he had been thrown, where he proceeded to kick at the barrier. The padded tread of his boots muffled most of the force of those blows. But some noise was heard outside, for the door unlatched and opened, and one of the guards stood in the doorway.
“Food! I want to eat!” Lewis demanded, putting all the resentment boiling in him into the Boreal tongue.
Ignoring him, the guard reached in a long arm, grabbed Lewis by his shoulder and dragged him out of the cell. He was marched down a hallway and into another room to face what appeared to be an awaiting tribunal. Two of the men there he knew — Glark’s double and the quiet man who had questioned him back in the other time station.
The third man, clearly one with authority over the other two, regarded Lewis bleakly. He appeared to be some kind of albino, and had a deep scar and bruise surrounding one eye.
“Who are you?” the quiet man asked.
“Lew, son of Lern,” Lewis replied. “And I would eat before I make talk with you. I have not done any wrong that you should treat me as a barbarian who has stolen salt from the trading post.”
“You are an agent,” the scarred man corrected him dispassionately. “For whom, you will tell us in due time. But first my young friend, you shall speak of the ship, of what you found there, and why you meddled with the controls.”
The scarred man raised his hand from his lap, and once again Lewis faced a laser gun.
“I see that you know what I hold,” the scarred man continued. “Odd knowledge for an innocent Boreal trader. Please have no doubts about my hesitation to use this. I shall not kill you, naturally. But there are certain wounds which supply a maximum of pain and little serious damage. Remove his parka.”
The Bulkon spun Lewis around and removed the handcuffs, then stripped him of the fur parka. The scarred man carefully studied the metallic suit he wore under it.
“Now you will tell us exactly what we wish to hear,” the scarred man demanded.
There was a confidence in that statement that chilled Lewis. There was no doubt that the scarred man meant exactly what he said. He had at his command methods which would wring from his captive the full sum of what he wanted, and there would be no consideration for that captive during the process.
The implied threat struck as cold as the glacial air, and Lewis tried to meet it with an outward show of resolve and determination. He decided to pick and choose from his experience and information, feeding them scraps of information, in an attempt to stave off the inevitable. Having been pushed into corners long before his work for the operation, Lewis had considerable training in verbal fencing with hostile authority.
He would volunteer nothing of real or useful substance, and even used his imagination to inject useless details that would make him seem like he was being useful and forthcoming — but would lead the Ones down a dead end road. He would spin this tale out as long as he could, with the hope that buying some time would be of some advantage.
“You are an agent ,” the scarred man said calmly when Lewis had stopped talking.
Lewis returned the scarred man’s icy stare, and accepted the statement as one he would neither confirm nor deny.
“You are here as a spy under the cover of a barbarian trader,” the scarred man declared, changing language in mid-sentence, from the Boreal tongue into English.
The plain statement Lewis knew to be true rattled him slightly on the inside. But his cool, unwavering stare betrayed none of that. His experience in meeting the dangerous with an expression of complete lack of comprehension was Lewis’ weapon now. He stared at the scarred man with that bewildered, boyish look he had so long cultivated to bemuse enemies in his past.
Whether he could have held out against the scarred man’s verbal skills, or the other more treacherous methods of extracting the truth from Lewis, he would never know.
There was a distant boom, hollow and thunderous.
Underneath and all around them — the floor, walls and ceiling — moved as if the entire arctic outpost had been stepped on by some malevolent, impatient giant.
.Start with Chapter 1…
Read Chapter 14 now…
© 2024 Zen Brazen — All rights reserved
Based on Andre Norton’s Time Traders (public domain)
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36f62aad-8de7-5f65-b622-09e54785f6eb
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25/08/2025 15:57:43
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https://mikekraus-30477.medium.com/honeycrisp-apple-2b08112cb2ca
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medium.com
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Honeycrisp Apple
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Honeycrisp Apple
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Mike Kraus
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https://medium.com/@mikekraus-30477
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2b08112cb2ca
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1 min
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2021-04-09T19:57:06.315000
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2021-04-09T19:57:48.175000
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2022-01-07T04:42:53.276000
| 0 | 50 |
en
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Apple,Fruits,Art,Food,Mothers Day
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/0*6tBGIIa9urHu-1CI.JPG" width="640" height="508" loading="lazy" />
<p>Honeycrisp Apple</p>
<p>acrylic paint on canvas board</p>
<p>8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)</p>
<p>202104024</p>
<p>© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: <strong><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/240424277/honeycrisp-apple-origina</strong>l-acrylic">https://www.etsy.com/listing/240424277/honeycrisp-apple-original-acrylic</a></p>
<p>The weekend before my birthday, my wife and I will stop by one of the many orchards near our home in upstate New York. Some of them are like carnivals with bounce houses, hay rides, and petting zoos. Others are simply apple farms that just grow apples. We’ll roam the grounds selecting a variety to bake into pies, cakes, and other treats. And, with any luck, it will keep the doctor away…</p>
<p>This painting would look best in a space that is red, yellow, orange, blue, purple, black, white, grey, beige, or wood</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://mikekraus</strong>.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html">Having Fun During COVID-19</a></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resou</strong>rces.html">https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html</a></p>
<p>Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children’s Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.</p>
<p>For more information or custom order, please visit:</p>
<p>Store: <a href="http://mikekrausart.etsy.com/">MikeKrausArt.etsy.com</a></p>
<p>Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt">http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/mikekrausart">https://instagram.com/mikekrausart</a></p>
<p>Pinterest: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/">http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/</a>
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog">http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog</a></p>
<p>LinkedIn: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus">www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus</a></p>
<p><em>Originally published at <a href="https://mikekraus.blo</em>gspot.com/2021/04/honeycrisp-apple.html">http://mikekraus.blogspot.com</a>.</p>
</section>
|
Honeycrisp Apple
Honeycrisp Apple
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202104024
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/240424277/honeycrisp-apple-original-acrylic
The weekend before my birthday, my wife and I will stop by one of the many orchards near our home in upstate New York. Some of them are like carnivals with bounce houses, hay rides, and petting zoos. Others are simply apple farms that just grow apples. We’ll roam the grounds selecting a variety to bake into pies, cakes, and other treats. And, with any luck, it will keep the doctor away…
This painting would look best in a space that is red, yellow, orange, blue, purple, black, white, grey, beige, or wood
Having Fun During COVID-19
https://mikekraus.blogspot.com/p/covid-19coronavirus-resources.html
Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children’s Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.
For more information or custom order, please visit:
Store: MikeKrausArt.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MikeKrausArt
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikekrausart
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/MikeKraus/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MikeKrausBlog
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mkraus
Originally published at http://mikekraus.blogspot.com.
|
a9f65753-7645-5d4e-826d-06693cc55001
|
25/08/2025 15:57:43
|
|
https://medium.com/@Mw01olo/just-start-4d572dcb1cd8
|
medium.com
|
Just Start!
|
Hi there, if you’re reading this then, I appreciate you a lot. This is my message to you today, START!!
|
Mw01olo
|
https://medium.com/@Mw01olo
|
4d572dcb1cd8
| null |
1 min
|
2022-02-10T15:01:43.666000
|
2022-02-10T15:06:38.395000
|
2022-02-12T02:39:29.600000
| 0 | 318 |
en
|
Start,Doubt,Follow Your Dreams
|
<section>
<p>Hi there, if you’re reading this then, I appreciate you a lot. This is my message to you today, START!!</p>
<p>There really is any better time than now. I have been ‘starting’ my medium blog for ages now, almost a year. I have been very self conscious about putting myself out there. I wanted to have the perfect post, the perfect idea, a compelling story, all of which has held me back until this moment.</p>
<p>This morning, I said “Fuck it!” excuse my Swahili, but I made the choice to write whatever came to my head, proof read it once and post it. This is the beginning for me, hopefully it is a long and fruitful adventure sharing my stories and ideas with you lot.</p>
<p>Thanks for your valuable 30 seconds or so. See you soon :)</p>
</section>
|
Just Start!
Hi there, if you’re reading this then, I appreciate you a lot. This is my message to you today, START!!
There really is any better time than now. I have been ‘starting’ my medium blog for ages now, almost a year. I have been very self conscious about putting myself out there. I wanted to have the perfect post, the perfect idea, a compelling story, all of which has held me back until this moment.
This morning, I said “Fuck it!” excuse my Swahili, but I made the choice to write whatever came to my head, proof read it once and post it. This is the beginning for me, hopefully it is a long and fruitful adventure sharing my stories and ideas with you lot.
Thanks for your valuable 30 seconds or so. See you soon :)
|
39d845dd-3643-593c-8656-5fcb4737bd1e
|
25/08/2025 15:57:44
|
https://jeffkupietzky.medium.com/how-to-attract-and-keep-customer-attention-20803a768893
|
medium.com
|
How to Attract and Keep Customer Attention
|
As business philosopher Jim Rohn once said, “One of the greatest gifts you can give to anyone is the gift of attention.”
|
Jeff Kupietzky
|
https://medium.com/@jeffkupietzky
|
20803a768893
|
5 min
|
2021-05-25T10:03:25.217000
|
2021-05-25T10:05:28.806000
|
2022-01-06T17:09:18.925000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Ad Personalization,Push Notification,Multichannel Marketing,Customer Engagement,Audience Engagement
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/0*w8zX5cRaS0YwLOmQ.jpg" width="1200" height="630" loading="lazy" />
<p>As business philosopher Jim Rohn once said, “One of the greatest gifts you can give to anyone is <a href="https://twitter.com/officialjimrohn/status/565895611283935233?s=11">the gift of attention</a>.”</p>
<p>Both publishers and advertisers know this well. Customer attention is often hard-earned and worth the reward — especially because it’s in short supply. As studies have shown, <a href="https://blogs.oracle.com/oracledatacloud/2020-trends-shaping-the-digital-marketing-landscape#:~:text=The%20results%20showed%20the%20average,of%20information%20presented%20to%20us.">the human attention span</a> recently dropped from 12 seconds to just 8 seconds.</p>
<p>That’s not too surprising. We have more apps, platforms, and devices than ever through which to consume information and content. And that means more distractions, options, and “shiny new things” to give our attention to.</p>
<p>So, how do brands and publishers stand out from the crowds to earn that valuable customer attention — and ensure that it lasts beyond a fleeting click or share?</p>
<p>They can use these strategies.</p>
<p><a href="https://go.jeeng.com/cs/c/?cta_guid=dedd5aa3-5bc2-4b14-ab77-d194b72f0716&signature=AAH58kH0BzrUfiNLi8Pfgvcy_wdsEvpNLA&placement_guid=9164216e-333c-44c3-bba6-7c565a1ed2ce&click=55e103fb-6102-4dcb-8854-db28cc4d2f09&hsutk=f3cd3ea6794556167b32bef5ea4680d2&canon=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jeeng.com%2Fblog%2Fattract-keep-customer-attention%2F&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jeeng.com%2Fwp-admin%2Fedit.php%3Fpost_status%3Dpublish%26post_type%3Dpost%26paged%3D1&portal_id=6037620&redirect_url=APefjpGxuMGhbLVArzXI88gGFIHfhVXEZQY60tRSRhPd7cSfB13cfHF2XNbWud4_RVt6El53YLzDQmF-R9gROrj4JwHCT6tVHm8pcRuA4qyZUnoNKJM9sqf_2tjzONx2CMAGqB8PxIlHDIqMo8L7MD9l0PTg82u0po-U00okNtDtmtTzctvLsK7pBR621adg0WiZSnXNDLYEXrOZ7eF-QxduqEWth9IH7zEW1nt2px1SZSOHzd0RTeCR5408Z8Gez3CkE2jMnv73tIlgEA2MOGZ4FFD1_lF1RQ&__hstc=33426209.f3cd3ea6794556167b32bef5ea4680d2.1618170036537.1621885866709.1621936518436.17&__hssc=33426209.3.1621936518436&__hsfp=699462882&contentType=blog-post">Start delivering highly personalized content at the right time to your audience with multichannel messaging. Request a demo to learn how.</a></p>
<h1>Use first-party data to provide personalized content</h1>
<p>First-party data is the most valuable kind of information you can collect about your customers. That’s because it comes directly from them — be it through an email signup form, app login, or survey.</p>
<p>Unlike third-party cookies, which are being phased out anyway, first-party data is gathered through your owned channels, so you know you’re getting clean, trustworthy information that you can keep. That means, it won’t get trapped inside Facebook or Google’s walled gardens, and you can use it to learn about your audiences, create unique segments, and build targeted campaigns.</p>
<p>Speaking of those campaigns, one of the best ways to activate first-party data is by fueling personalized ads and content. According to Innovid, <a href="https://info.innovid.com/blog/what-consumers-want-exploring-attitudes-on-personalized-ads-in-2020">43% of consumers say ads should be personalized</a> and 41% have made a purchase after seeing a personalized ad. How’s that for grabbing attention?</p>
<p>Just look at this email from pet sitting and dog walking app, Rover. It reaches customers with fun, personalized subject lines and copy that include their pet’s name. And the brand didn’t have to go scrounging across the Internet to find that information; it’s provided to them directly when people sign up for the app.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/849/0*IrXrpH-Qaxyb8PDx.jpg" width="849" height="528" loading="lazy" />
<h2>Host and participate in industry events</h2>
<p>Want to grab people’s attention for 30 minutes or an hour? Engage them right in their homes or offices by launching virtual events like webinars, conferences, Q&As, or product launches and demonstrations.</p>
<p>Especially during a pandemic when people are stuck in their houses, these events can help them feel more connected to each other and your business. One <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2020/05/27/virtual-events-up-1000-with-52000-on-just-one-platform/?sh=4e569dba7a23">virtual events platform even reported that their usage is up 1,000%</a> since COVID-19 emerged.</p>
<p>Bloomberg Media, for example, transitioned its many in-person events to <a href="https://www.bloomberglive.com/calendar/">virtual events</a> in 2020, gaining even greater participation from speakers and attendees from across the globe. The publisher also has a range of virtual events coming up in 2021, from a summit about cryptocurrency to a conference about global warming with executives from Walmart, General Motors, and TD Securities.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/773/0*c3YQILkU4iioLlcE.jpg" width="773" height="403" loading="lazy" />
<p>The Next Web also moved its <a href="https://thenextweb.com/conference/tickets?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=TNW2020-announcement">annual conference online</a>, featuring some of the biggest names and talks in tech. Those who missed it aren’t totally at a loss, either. Audiences can still buy a pass to access 100+ hours of keynotes and sessions on-demand — providing The Next Web with more of that oh-so-valuable currency known as attention.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/886/0*tfIHVkeQYt6lxnMj.jpg" width="886" height="423" loading="lazy" />
<p>Jeeng is in the virtual events game, too! Check out our roundtables with industry speakers chatting about hot topics like <a href="https://go.jeeng.com/roundtable-post-cookies">preparing for a world without third-party cookies</a> and <a href="https://go.jeeng.com/roundtable-post-covid">strategies for adapting to this “new normal” after COVID-19</a>.</p>
<h2>Launch push notifications and multichannel messaging</h2>
<p>Social media isn’t the only place to garner customer attention. In fact, it’s not even a great option because your campaigns are tied up in constantly changing algorithms, data you can’t control, and audiences you don’t own.</p>
<p>Enter, a secret weapon: <a href="https://www.jeeng.com/blog/benefits-of-push-notifications/">push notifications</a>. Yes, those little alerts that pop up on your desktop browser or smartphone. Over 72% of consumers have enabled them, and it’s time for more publishers and brands to get on board with their benefits.</p>
<p>First of all, push notifications are guaranteed to be seen by your target audiences. From there, people can either read them and click through to your site or close them and continue with their browsing. Either way, you have a prime chance to grab attention in real time and make your message known.</p>
<p>Publishers, for instance, might use push notifications to promote trending stories, drive traffic to newly published content, send special offers based on audience interests, or increase sign-ups for those virtual events we mentioned above.</p>
<p><a href="https://go.jeeng.com/cs/c/?cta_guid=5edebee4-f5b0-4e89-aad5-65d949f13879&signature=AAH58kGO_THCimi0BsmC4rMNDInxKQzu5Q&placement_guid=18d9f668-471f-42fe-9092-55a4d8de7b76&click=d60d6f2b-9310-4575-aee6-ca680471d02a&hsutk=f3cd3ea6794556167b32bef5ea4680d2&canon=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jeeng.com%2Fblog%2Fattract-keep-customer-attention%2F&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jeeng.com%2Fwp-admin%2Fedit.php%3Fpost_status%3Dpublish%26post_type%3Dpost%26paged%3D1&portal_id=6037620&redirect_url=APefjpFnMIPh9l8FtdiWScLQNazl00fF6AwubEjz3UfCl0U4TGk0hB65qKG3mA70o0sJcVIOpoDwYG6vu6enJlVc3Br_NXqcZrfQn0nnsL0tzE72SUUN2XvtoZGHM4sK39zvHcijkKovbDP24n0atBg87RuDMqNziRn_RKJXtRul2bVtPzjuPgMXFE-tnUtzzcniLEDtsjd9enTSHy4xCv2qQBntlodvLq5SBs87XLJe-THCies4jTEfEydGMET_7XHWQrlMGmvzxin4UKvfx5yLOLa_UzHw0Q&__hstc=33426209.f3cd3ea6794556167b32bef5ea4680d2.1618170036537.1621885866709.1621936518436.17&__hssc=33426209.3.1621936518436&__hsfp=699462882&contentType=blog-post">Click here to discover how push notifications can increase audience engagement and revenue!</a></p>
<h2>Build your email subscription strategy</h2>
<p>There’s no doubt that email is the place to be for acquiring customer attention. It’s used by almost <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/255080/number-of-e-mail-users-worldwide/">4 billion people across the globe</a>, and many spend up to <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/adobe/2019-adobe-email-usage-study">five hours each day checking their personal and work emails</a>. All you have to do is deliver what your audiences want to see. That is, content that matches their needs and behaviors, and reaches them at just the right frequency.</p>
<p>That’s why publishers like New York Magazine provide an array of options across topics and verticals. Under their Vulture publication alone, <a href="https://nymag.com/newsletters/">consumers can sign up for offerings</a> like daily emails about the latest pop culture news, weekly newsletters about the streaming industry, and monthly roundups of book recommendations.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/715/0*RyhlupPOvjDkfkFg.jpg" width="715" height="522" loading="lazy" />
<p>It’s no wonder major publishers like <em><a href="https://w</em>ww.nytimes.com/2021/02/04/business/media/new-york-times-earnings.html">The New York Times</a> and <em><a href="htt</em>ps://www.theatlantic.com/press-releases/archive/2020/09/atlantic-earned-300000-new-subscriptions-year/616258/">The Atlantic</a> are prioritizing subscriptions. Because they understand the importance of using email to get in front of their customers and drive engagement.</p>
<h2>The key to earning customer attention</h2>
<p>The secret to attracting customer attention doesn’t lie in just one strategy or platform. Instead, it’s about reaching audiences across multiple channels, providing more opportunities for you to collect first-party data, launch personalized campaigns, and reach people where they’re already active and engaged.</p>
<p>That’s why <a href="https://www.jeeng.com/">Jeeng</a> provides the tools for publishers and brands to build and take control of their own <a href="https://www.jeeng.com/blog/multichannel-messaging-for-publishers/">multichannel messaging</a> strategies — whether you want to boost your email subscriptions with targeted newsletters, send real-time push notification alerts to new readers, or monetize your website with ads that actually address consumers’ interests.</p>
<p>The point is, you don’t have to choose. You can do it all and increase your chances of not just attracting customer attention, but sustaining it through high-quality campaigns.</p>
<p>Ready to get started? <a href="https://www.jeeng.com/contact-us/">Contact us today</a> to learn more.</p>
<p><em>This article originally appeared <a hr</em>ef="https://www.jeeng.com/blog/attract-keep-customer-attention/">here</a>.</p>
</section>
|
How to Attract and Keep Customer Attention
As business philosopher Jim Rohn once said, “One of the greatest gifts you can give to anyone is the gift of attention.”
Both publishers and advertisers know this well. Customer attention is often hard-earned and worth the reward — especially because it’s in short supply. As studies have shown, the human attention span recently dropped from 12 seconds to just 8 seconds.
That’s not too surprising. We have more apps, platforms, and devices than ever through which to consume information and content. And that means more distractions, options, and “shiny new things” to give our attention to.
So, how do brands and publishers stand out from the crowds to earn that valuable customer attention — and ensure that it lasts beyond a fleeting click or share?
They can use these strategies.
Start delivering highly personalized content at the right time to your audience with multichannel messaging. Request a demo to learn how.
Use first-party data to provide personalized content
First-party data is the most valuable kind of information you can collect about your customers. That’s because it comes directly from them — be it through an email signup form, app login, or survey.
Unlike third-party cookies, which are being phased out anyway, first-party data is gathered through your owned channels, so you know you’re getting clean, trustworthy information that you can keep. That means, it won’t get trapped inside Facebook or Google’s walled gardens, and you can use it to learn about your audiences, create unique segments, and build targeted campaigns.
Speaking of those campaigns, one of the best ways to activate first-party data is by fueling personalized ads and content. According to Innovid, 43% of consumers say ads should be personalized and 41% have made a purchase after seeing a personalized ad. How’s that for grabbing attention?
Just look at this email from pet sitting and dog walking app, Rover. It reaches customers with fun, personalized subject lines and copy that include their pet’s name. And the brand didn’t have to go scrounging across the Internet to find that information; it’s provided to them directly when people sign up for the app.
Host and participate in industry events
Want to grab people’s attention for 30 minutes or an hour? Engage them right in their homes or offices by launching virtual events like webinars, conferences, Q&As, or product launches and demonstrations.
Especially during a pandemic when people are stuck in their houses, these events can help them feel more connected to each other and your business. One virtual events platform even reported that their usage is up 1,000% since COVID-19 emerged.
Bloomberg Media, for example, transitioned its many in-person events to virtual events in 2020, gaining even greater participation from speakers and attendees from across the globe. The publisher also has a range of virtual events coming up in 2021, from a summit about cryptocurrency to a conference about global warming with executives from Walmart, General Motors, and TD Securities.
The Next Web also moved its annual conference online, featuring some of the biggest names and talks in tech. Those who missed it aren’t totally at a loss, either. Audiences can still buy a pass to access 100+ hours of keynotes and sessions on-demand — providing The Next Web with more of that oh-so-valuable currency known as attention.
Jeeng is in the virtual events game, too! Check out our roundtables with industry speakers chatting about hot topics like preparing for a world without third-party cookies and strategies for adapting to this “new normal” after COVID-19.
Launch push notifications and multichannel messaging
Social media isn’t the only place to garner customer attention. In fact, it’s not even a great option because your campaigns are tied up in constantly changing algorithms, data you can’t control, and audiences you don’t own.
Enter, a secret weapon: push notifications. Yes, those little alerts that pop up on your desktop browser or smartphone. Over 72% of consumers have enabled them, and it’s time for more publishers and brands to get on board with their benefits.
First of all, push notifications are guaranteed to be seen by your target audiences. From there, people can either read them and click through to your site or close them and continue with their browsing. Either way, you have a prime chance to grab attention in real time and make your message known.
Publishers, for instance, might use push notifications to promote trending stories, drive traffic to newly published content, send special offers based on audience interests, or increase sign-ups for those virtual events we mentioned above.
Click here to discover how push notifications can increase audience engagement and revenue!
Build your email subscription strategy
There’s no doubt that email is the place to be for acquiring customer attention. It’s used by almost 4 billion people across the globe, and many spend up to five hours each day checking their personal and work emails. All you have to do is deliver what your audiences want to see. That is, content that matches their needs and behaviors, and reaches them at just the right frequency.
That’s why publishers like New York Magazine provide an array of options across topics and verticals. Under their Vulture publication alone, consumers can sign up for offerings like daily emails about the latest pop culture news, weekly newsletters about the streaming industry, and monthly roundups of book recommendations.
It’s no wonder major publishers like The New York Times and The Atlantic are prioritizing subscriptions. Because they understand the importance of using email to get in front of their customers and drive engagement.
The key to earning customer attention
The secret to attracting customer attention doesn’t lie in just one strategy or platform. Instead, it’s about reaching audiences across multiple channels, providing more opportunities for you to collect first-party data, launch personalized campaigns, and reach people where they’re already active and engaged.
That’s why Jeeng provides the tools for publishers and brands to build and take control of their own multichannel messaging strategies — whether you want to boost your email subscriptions with targeted newsletters, send real-time push notification alerts to new readers, or monetize your website with ads that actually address consumers’ interests.
The point is, you don’t have to choose. You can do it all and increase your chances of not just attracting customer attention, but sustaining it through high-quality campaigns.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more.
This article originally appeared here.
|
1a065269-13b5-570b-b4a8-3da4529d32de
|
25/08/2025 15:57:44
|
|
https://medium.com/@daviddelgadoh/the-earth-dies-screaming-60s-sci-fi-in-60-minutes-59b471728b07
|
medium.com
|
THE EARTH DIES SCREAMING: 60s Sci-Fi in 60 Minutes
|
The Earth Dies Screaming is now available on Blu-ray.
|
David Delgado
|
https://medium.com/@daviddelgadoh
|
59b471728b07
|
3 min
|
2016-12-22T17:51:22.285000
|
2016-11-14T09:00:56
|
2023-11-12T21:13:49.796000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Home Video,The Earth Dies Screaming,Terence Fisher,Kino Lorber,Blu Ray
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1077/0*SoBHQfSHdZJ4e4oJ.jpg" width="1077" height="512" loading="lazy" />
<p><em><a href="http://amzn.to/</em>2dWIr16">The Earth Dies Screaming</a> is now available on Blu-ray.</p>
<p>THEY CAME FROM THE HEAVENS… AND SENT THE WORLD INTO HELL!
A crack space pilot returns to earth to find the planet has been devastated by some unknown forces. There are a few survivors, so he organizes them in a plan to ward off control by a group of killer robots.</p>
<p>The Movie</p>
<p>Who… or what were they…</p>
<p>This is the central question for most of the brief runtime of <em>The Earth Dies Screaming</em>, a fun black and white 60s Sci-Fi B-Movie with an A-Title. It was recently released on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber with very few extras, but includes a nice picture, good sound, and a fun movie.</p>
<p>Hammer horror director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0279807/">Terence Fisher</a> helmed <em>The Earth Dies Screaming</em>, starring <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0662700/?ref_=tt_cl_t1">Willard Parker</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0276065/?ref_=tt_cl_t2">Virginia Field</a>, and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0696866/?ref_=tt_cl_t3">Dennis Price</a>. Because it’s Terence Fisher, it feels more like a horror flick than a traditional Sci-Fi B-Movie. In fact, it reminded me most of Romero’s <em>Night of the Living Dead</em>.</p>
<p>It’s more about the apocalypse than aliens, and it is more concerned with the silent emptiness that would occur if most of humanity died than it is with cooking up scary creatures. The first 10 minutes contain no dialogue, and is our hero silently wandering desolate towns. You don’t even see the threat for quite some time, and although the aliens aren’t something that would normally be worth waiting for, the journey to get there is filled with good arguments and figuring out how to survive in this new world.</p>
<p>Speaking of the aliens, the monster design is generic and probably the weakest link in the film, but their menacing lumbering was sufficient enough to keep me engaged. I have a soft spot for robot aliens — they’re cold and unfeeling like zombies, and their total lack of humanity is what makes them threatening.</p>
<p>The heart of the film is the small group of strangers banding together to work against an outside threat. Like zombie films, the interplay between characters is the backbone for the horror. No matter how dangerous these monsters are, humans can be even worse.</p>
<p>This is definitely one of the better films in its genre, and for its time was unique. It worked within its limited budget much like early zombie films, highlighting character interplay before thrills.</p>
<h1><strong>The Quality</strong></h1>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/537/0*Sq7Dalj3z72hioTW.jpg" width="537" height="651" loading="lazy" />
<p><strong>The Package</strong>
Great poster art adorns the cover, but there’s nothing else special or noteworthy about the packaging.</p>
<p><strong>The Picture</strong>
The presentation is fine but nothing special, probably just as much due to the film’s limited budget than any transfer or restoration. There’s good detail and grain but this isn’t revelatory like some older black and white Criterion movies.</p>
<p><strong>The Audio</strong>
Same as the picture — the budget limits the quality more than anything else. It’s a good restoration with few pops, and the quality won’t distract you from the film.</p>
<h3>The Special Features</h3>
<p><strong>Audio Commentary by Film Historian Richard Harland Smith</strong>
One great thing about having a 60 minute movie is that you can watch the movie and the commentary in the same time it would take you to see one normal-length film. The track is form film historian Richard Harland Smith, and is frequently entertaining and educational.</p>
<p><strong>Animated Photo Montage
</strong>Publicity and behind the scenes pictures — nothing special.</p>
<h3>The Bottom Line</h3>
<p>An incredibly barebones release, but probably the best this movie will ever get. If you consider yourself a Sci-Fi fan, I highly recommend <em>The Earth Dies Screaming</em>: it’s 60s black and white post-apocalypse first and foremost, with enjoyable enough character interplay and cheesy monsters.</p>
<p><em>Originally published at <a href="http://cinapse.co/2016/</em>11/14/earth-dies-screaming-60s-sci-fi-60-minutes/">cinapse.co</a> on November 14, 2016.</p>
</section>
|
THE EARTH DIES SCREAMING: 60s Sci-Fi in 60 Minutes
The Earth Dies Screaming is now available on Blu-ray.
THEY CAME FROM THE HEAVENS… AND SENT THE WORLD INTO HELL!
A crack space pilot returns to earth to find the planet has been devastated by some unknown forces. There are a few survivors, so he organizes them in a plan to ward off control by a group of killer robots.
The Movie
Who… or what were they…
This is the central question for most of the brief runtime of The Earth Dies Screaming, a fun black and white 60s Sci-Fi B-Movie with an A-Title. It was recently released on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber with very few extras, but includes a nice picture, good sound, and a fun movie.
Hammer horror director Terence Fisher helmed The Earth Dies Screaming, starring Willard Parker, Virginia Field, and Dennis Price. Because it’s Terence Fisher, it feels more like a horror flick than a traditional Sci-Fi B-Movie. In fact, it reminded me most of Romero’s Night of the Living Dead.
It’s more about the apocalypse than aliens, and it is more concerned with the silent emptiness that would occur if most of humanity died than it is with cooking up scary creatures. The first 10 minutes contain no dialogue, and is our hero silently wandering desolate towns. You don’t even see the threat for quite some time, and although the aliens aren’t something that would normally be worth waiting for, the journey to get there is filled with good arguments and figuring out how to survive in this new world.
Speaking of the aliens, the monster design is generic and probably the weakest link in the film, but their menacing lumbering was sufficient enough to keep me engaged. I have a soft spot for robot aliens — they’re cold and unfeeling like zombies, and their total lack of humanity is what makes them threatening.
The heart of the film is the small group of strangers banding together to work against an outside threat. Like zombie films, the interplay between characters is the backbone for the horror. No matter how dangerous these monsters are, humans can be even worse.
This is definitely one of the better films in its genre, and for its time was unique. It worked within its limited budget much like early zombie films, highlighting character interplay before thrills.
The Quality
The Package
Great poster art adorns the cover, but there’s nothing else special or noteworthy about the packaging.
The Picture
The presentation is fine but nothing special, probably just as much due to the film’s limited budget than any transfer or restoration. There’s good detail and grain but this isn’t revelatory like some older black and white Criterion movies.
The Audio
Same as the picture — the budget limits the quality more than anything else. It’s a good restoration with few pops, and the quality won’t distract you from the film.
The Special Features
Audio Commentary by Film Historian Richard Harland Smith
One great thing about having a 60 minute movie is that you can watch the movie and the commentary in the same time it would take you to see one normal-length film. The track is form film historian Richard Harland Smith, and is frequently entertaining and educational.
Animated Photo Montage
Publicity and behind the scenes pictures — nothing special.
The Bottom Line
An incredibly barebones release, but probably the best this movie will ever get. If you consider yourself a Sci-Fi fan, I highly recommend The Earth Dies Screaming: it’s 60s black and white post-apocalypse first and foremost, with enjoyable enough character interplay and cheesy monsters.
Originally published at cinapse.co on November 14, 2016.
|
2efe9080-97da-5675-b9d7-9a00e290ab72
|
25/08/2025 15:57:44
|
|
https://medium.com/swlh/the-nature-of-competition-edce70771b1a
|
medium.com
|
The Nature of Competition
|
Experience is the only thing that creates a sustainable competitive advantage.
|
Sean Flaherty
|
https://medium.com/@theseanflaherty
|
edce70771b1a
|
6 min
|
2020-04-08T20:29:35.357000
|
2020-04-08T20:45:05.458000
|
2021-12-14T02:45:03.009000
| 0 | 64 |
en
|
Leadership,Competition,Positioning,Experience,Customer Experience
|
<section>
<p>Experience is what creates a sustainable competitive advantage. This is the nature of competition.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/1*VfEAVBUUWlBiBPlUAunwVQ.jpeg" width="1200" height="675" loading="lazy" />
<p>Economists have argued for centuries about the nature of competition.</p>
<p>According to Adam Smith in the 18th century, every individual “intends only his own gain.” Therefore, he exchanges what he produces with others who sufficiently value what he has to offer. One thing many economists agree on is the elusive nature of individual utility. What one man values, others often ignore. This simple fact is what drives human innovation and ingenuity.</p>
<p>I was taught many things about competition and positioning in the course of earning my MBA, We read about <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Competitive-Advantage-Creating-Sustaining-Performance/dp/0684841460">Michael Porter’s five-forces model</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E._Jerome_McCarthy">Jerome McCarthy’s</a> 4 P’s of Marketing, and a few other generic frameworks, which invariably describe the relationship between cost and target positioning. One model that stuck with me, as I have seen it used countless times in business, is a more traditional contextual model for determining the positioning of your product, your services and ultimately for your firm called “The Tradeoff Triangle.”</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/586/1*etbOKjyEb8A12ZsYDU2xzQ.png" width="586" height="294" loading="lazy" />
<p>In the software development and project management industries, it is called the “Iron Triangle” and it is used to force conversations about constraints and compromises, which must be dealt with when running a project or a business. It may serve as an important contextual model in those spaces for having “in-the moment” discussions about tradeoffs. The three components of the triangle are speed or convenience, quality and price or cost. We are told we must purposefully choose two of the three to focus on because it is not possible to dominate in all three.</p>
<p>I believe this line of thinking might have been useful in a previous age where slow, massive advertising led almost all sales. Today, however, much has changed. The competitive playing field has been leveled as <a href="https://www.amazon.com/World-Flat-History-Twenty-first-Century/dp/0374292884">Thomas Friedman’s work in “The World is Flat”</a> unequivocally demonstrates. But we are in a complicated race. Let me explain.</p>
<p><strong>Speed or Convenience:</strong> In a world in which we are always connected and always on, immediate gratification is expected.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/450/1*ePxFM3KyAp-6x-hhbNy5Bg.png" width="450" height="276" loading="lazy" />
<p>If you are not capable of providing your product or service to your customer when and where they need you your competitor will. If you are not fast and you are not convenient, you will not be slow and inconvenient for very long. You will be gone. Everyone has a cell phone in their pocket with instant access to all of your competitors. They don’t even have to press a button, they can just ask their device for it.</p>
<p><strong>Quality</strong>: In a world of hyper connected social media, product or service quality is expected.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/482/1*_nKdQYBXqkA82CtO_a-wow.png" width="482" height="246" loading="lazy" />
<p>People make decisions around crowd-sourced rating data every day and consumers are not afraid to speak out on social media for the world to hear when you drop the ball. Your customers can find each other and have conversations with a few simple clicks. There is nowhere to hide if your products and services suck. You simply have to be great at what you do to compete in the future.</p>
<p><strong>Price</strong>: In a world of near perfect information symmetry between marketers, consumers and competitors, pricing your product or service fairly is necessary.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/334/1*UNJAEae4BIyfdbhTWlECeA.png" width="334" height="306" loading="lazy" />
<p>You can be more expensive than your competitors, but you must be able to rationalize the difference in the value you provide. While many services are being commoditized and you cannot get away with price gouging, we are not all on a race to zero. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Free-Future-Radical-Chris-Anderson/dp/1401322905">Chris Anderson</a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Free-Future-Radical-Chris-Anderson/dp/1401322905">in his book “Free: The future of a radical price,”</a> the author talks a lot about the things being commoditized. But there is one thing is difficult to sustainably commoditize.</p>
<blockquote>Sustainable competitive advantage comes from the way you make your customer’s feel.</blockquote>
<p>Experience is the final frontier of competition.</p>
<p>“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/748/1*KDjqqYqmTcpwywHQt5PZ0w.png" width="748" height="399" loading="lazy" />
<p>Howard Shultz, Jeff Bezos, Steve Jobs and Walt Disney all built successful companies by focusing on their most important goal, which is to <a href="https://medium.com/@TheSeanFlaherty/the-loyalty-ladder-46797835f2b8">build advocates through memorable and thoughtful customer experiences</a>.</p>
<p>With Apple, for example, the performance specs on their hardware devices aren’t near what you can get built into other comparable devices at a similar price. When you buy their products, you are even locked into their closed ecosystem and are forced to use the ever changing and proprietary connection systems, which Apple puts into their products. However, Apple consistently provides the best in class experience for their consumers. It is an experience competitors have found difficult to replicate even though they are fervently trying. From pre-sales to purchase, to opening the box, all the way to product upgrades when their product reaches the end of its useful life, Apple has mastered the consumer experience. Amazon also takes this customer focused and experience-based approach to everything they build because it works.</p>
<p>Starbucks doesn’t sell a cup of coffee. They have mastered experience as a competitive differentiator and have created a tribe of consistently loyal customers with their service.</p>
<p>“Starbucks is not an advertiser; people think we are a great marketing company, but in fact we spend very little money on marketing and more money on training our people than advertising.”<strong> — Howard Schultz”</strong></p>
<p>Think about the last time you saw a Starbucks advertisement. Starbucks makes sure every detail around your experience and every person in their firm is trained and hyper-focused on the customer experience.</p>
<blockquote>Experience is the differentiator with the most transformative and disruptive power.</blockquote>
<p>It explains why Starbucks, as well as Disney, Amazon and Apple are such powerful brands. The products these companies produce are not much better than their competition. They have, however, figured out how to compete on experience. As a result, their consumers are happy to pay a fair premium for the products and services those companies provide.</p>
<p>The same is true of most successful companies today. Not only do the leaders obsess about their customers and the experience their firms produce for them, they purposefully create a culture that purposefully puts people at the center of everything they do and they work to create a great experience for all of them.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/360/1*6bOakWOx8yIPPWtegGlMTQ.png" width="360" height="310" loading="lazy" />
<p>So yes, quality, speed and price do matter. It also matters to some of your customers whether or not your product is available in fire-engine red or lilac lavender. Some will also decide to buy your product today based upon the available feature set. But at the end of the day, you create a sustainable competitive advantage when you focus on understanding your customers and the problems you are capable of solving for them in ways that will convert as many of them as possible into advocates. In the graph below, I show how staying as focused as possible on the core group of people whom you can turn into advocates is a key.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/906/1*UgNbl5RG-ork3HBGz1XdNA.png" width="906" height="466" loading="lazy" />
<p>When you do this well, the puzzle pieces fit together for your community of core advocates and you have your sustainable competitive advantage.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/1*VfEAVBUUWlBiBPlUAunwVQ.jpeg" width="1200" height="675" loading="lazy" />
<blockquote>To compete tomorrow, we need to think about how we are making our customers feel today.</blockquote>
<p>References and further reading:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/World-Flat-History-Twenty-first-Century/dp/0374292884">The World is Flat</a> by Thomas Friedman</p>
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Free-Future-Radical-Chris-Anderson/dp/1401322905">Free: The future of a radical price</a> by Chris Anderson</p>
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Nations-Adam-Smith/dp/1505577128">An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations</a> by Adam Smith</p>
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Competitive-Advantage-Creating-Sustaining-Performance/dp/0684841460">Competitive Advantage</a> by Michael Porter</p>
<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Basic-Marketing-Strategy-Planning-Approach/dp/0073529958/">Basic Marketing</a> by Jr. William D. Perreault, Joseph P. Cannon, E. Jerome McCarthy</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1WmackWSQY">Howard Shultz Video</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hxX_Q5CnaA">Jeff Bezos Video</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SIeTmORl0E">Steve Jobs Video</a></p>
</section>
|
The Nature of Competition
Experience is what creates a sustainable competitive advantage. This is the nature of competition.
The Experience Puzzle
Economists have argued for centuries about the nature of competition.
According to Adam Smith in the 18th century, every individual “intends only his own gain.” Therefore, he exchanges what he produces with others who sufficiently value what he has to offer. One thing many economists agree on is the elusive nature of individual utility. What one man values, others often ignore. This simple fact is what drives human innovation and ingenuity.
I was taught many things about competition and positioning in the course of earning my MBA, We read about Michael Porter’s five-forces model, Jerome McCarthy’s 4 P’s of Marketing, and a few other generic frameworks, which invariably describe the relationship between cost and target positioning. One model that stuck with me, as I have seen it used countless times in business, is a more traditional contextual model for determining the positioning of your product, your services and ultimately for your firm called “The Tradeoff Triangle.”
The Tradeoff Triangle
In the software development and project management industries, it is called the “Iron Triangle” and it is used to force conversations about constraints and compromises, which must be dealt with when running a project or a business. It may serve as an important contextual model in those spaces for having “in-the moment” discussions about tradeoffs. The three components of the triangle are speed or convenience, quality and price or cost. We are told we must purposefully choose two of the three to focus on because it is not possible to dominate in all three.
I believe this line of thinking might have been useful in a previous age where slow, massive advertising led almost all sales. Today, however, much has changed. The competitive playing field has been leveled as Thomas Friedman’s work in “The World is Flat” unequivocally demonstrates. But we are in a complicated race. Let me explain.
Speed or Convenience: In a world in which we are always connected and always on, immediate gratification is expected.
Speed as a Competitive Advantage
If you are not capable of providing your product or service to your customer when and where they need you your competitor will. If you are not fast and you are not convenient, you will not be slow and inconvenient for very long. You will be gone. Everyone has a cell phone in their pocket with instant access to all of your competitors. They don’t even have to press a button, they can just ask their device for it.
Quality: In a world of hyper connected social media, product or service quality is expected.
Quality as a Competitive Advantage
People make decisions around crowd-sourced rating data every day and consumers are not afraid to speak out on social media for the world to hear when you drop the ball. Your customers can find each other and have conversations with a few simple clicks. There is nowhere to hide if your products and services suck. You simply have to be great at what you do to compete in the future.
Price: In a world of near perfect information symmetry between marketers, consumers and competitors, pricing your product or service fairly is necessary.
Price as a Competitive Advantage
You can be more expensive than your competitors, but you must be able to rationalize the difference in the value you provide. While many services are being commoditized and you cannot get away with price gouging, we are not all on a race to zero. Chris Anderson in his book “Free: The future of a radical price,” the author talks a lot about the things being commoditized. But there is one thing is difficult to sustainably commoditize.
Sustainable competitive advantage comes from the way you make your customer’s feel.
Experience is the final frontier of competition.
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Howard Shultz, Jeff Bezos, Steve Jobs and Walt Disney all built successful companies by focusing on their most important goal, which is to build advocates through memorable and thoughtful customer experiences.
With Apple, for example, the performance specs on their hardware devices aren’t near what you can get built into other comparable devices at a similar price. When you buy their products, you are even locked into their closed ecosystem and are forced to use the ever changing and proprietary connection systems, which Apple puts into their products. However, Apple consistently provides the best in class experience for their consumers. It is an experience competitors have found difficult to replicate even though they are fervently trying. From pre-sales to purchase, to opening the box, all the way to product upgrades when their product reaches the end of its useful life, Apple has mastered the consumer experience. Amazon also takes this customer focused and experience-based approach to everything they build because it works.
Starbucks doesn’t sell a cup of coffee. They have mastered experience as a competitive differentiator and have created a tribe of consistently loyal customers with their service.
“Starbucks is not an advertiser; people think we are a great marketing company, but in fact we spend very little money on marketing and more money on training our people than advertising.” — Howard Schultz”
Think about the last time you saw a Starbucks advertisement. Starbucks makes sure every detail around your experience and every person in their firm is trained and hyper-focused on the customer experience.
Experience is the differentiator with the most transformative and disruptive power.
It explains why Starbucks, as well as Disney, Amazon and Apple are such powerful brands. The products these companies produce are not much better than their competition. They have, however, figured out how to compete on experience. As a result, their consumers are happy to pay a fair premium for the products and services those companies provide.
The same is true of most successful companies today. Not only do the leaders obsess about their customers and the experience their firms produce for them, they purposefully create a culture that purposefully puts people at the center of everything they do and they work to create a great experience for all of them.
Tradeoff Triangle and More
So yes, quality, speed and price do matter. It also matters to some of your customers whether or not your product is available in fire-engine red or lilac lavender. Some will also decide to buy your product today based upon the available feature set. But at the end of the day, you create a sustainable competitive advantage when you focus on understanding your customers and the problems you are capable of solving for them in ways that will convert as many of them as possible into advocates. In the graph below, I show how staying as focused as possible on the core group of people whom you can turn into advocates is a key.
Diffusion vs. Focus
When you do this well, the puzzle pieces fit together for your community of core advocates and you have your sustainable competitive advantage.
The Experience Puzzle
To compete tomorrow, we need to think about how we are making our customers feel today.
References and further reading:
The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman
Free: The future of a radical price by Chris Anderson
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
Competitive Advantage by Michael Porter
Basic Marketing by Jr. William D. Perreault, Joseph P. Cannon, E. Jerome McCarthy
Howard Shultz Video
Jeff Bezos Video
Steve Jobs Video
|
eac7bb48-86d2-5b0e-bdfe-76e96cbb6871
|
25/08/2025 15:57:44
|
|
https://kingdavidjulius.medium.com/exploring-iguverse-unveiling-the-future-of-gaming-55292d818c01
|
medium.com
|
Exploring IguVerse: Unveiling the Future of Gaming
| null |
Kingdavidjulius
|
https://medium.com/@kingdavidjulius
|
55292d818c01
| null |
2 min
|
2023-12-03T18:44:47.235000
|
2023-12-03T18:49:44.062000
|
2023-12-03T18:49:49.517000
| 0 | 1 |
en
|
Gamefi,Money,Play To Earn Games,Cryptocurrency,Business
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/200/1*ltoXA6zmuE1tucfotjdTkw.png" width="200" height="200" loading="lazy" />
<p>Gaming, as we know it, has undergone a remarkable transformation, ushering in a new era of innovation and engagement. In this landscape of evolution, IguVerse emerges as a beacon of change, revolutionizing the gaming sphere through a dynamic blend of technology and imagination.</p>
<h3>Unveiling the Universe</h3>
<p>Imagine a gaming platform that intertwines the realms of Socialize to Earn, Move to Earn, and Play to Earn mechanics, creating an ecosystem where every action reaps rewards. This is precisely what IguVerse embodies - a universe where gaming meets the real world.</p>
<h3>Navigating the Pet-Centric Realm</h3>
<p>At the heart of IguVerse lies a pet-centric approach, captivating gamers worldwide. Leveraging Socialize to Earn, users embark on daily quests, sharing pet photos or interacting with their digital companions across social media platforms. It's not just gaming; it's an interactive journey that bridges digital and real-life experiences.</p>
<h3>Crafting Personalized Experiences</h3>
<p>The platform's innovative use of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) extends far beyond conventional gaming. Each user crafts unique NFTs, creating a tapestry of personalized experiences within the gaming universe. It's artistry meeting technology, shaping a gaming narrative like never before.</p>
<h3>Innovating with Blockchain</h3>
<p>IguVerse isn't just about gaming; it's a pioneer in integrating blockchain technology into the gaming mechanics. The result? An immersive gaming experience coupled with the transparency and security inherent to blockchain, setting new standards for the gaming industry.</p>
<h3>Community, Camaraderie, and Continual Growth</h3>
<p>Beyond the mechanics, IguVerse fosters a vibrant community. The platform thrives on camaraderie, engaging users in challenges, competitions, and interactive experiences that transcend traditional gaming boundaries. It's a world where every player is integral to the universe's growth.</p>
<h3>Join the Odyssey</h3>
<p>As IguVerse continues its journey, it beckons gamers and crypto enthusiasts to be part of this gaming odyssey. Whether you're a casual gamer or deeply entrenched in the crypto space, IguVerse offers a universe where every move counts, and every experience shapes the future.</p>
<h3>Final Thoughts</h3>
<p>In a world where technology and imagination collide, IguVerse stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities of gaming. It's not merely a platform; it's a gateway to a gaming future that bridges the gap between virtual escapades and real-life adventures.</p>
<p>So, fellow gamers and crypto enthusiasts, ready to step into this evolving universe and redefine gaming together?</p>
<h3>This article aims to capture the essence of IguVerse, highlighting its innovative features, community engagement, and its potential to redefine the gaming landscape.</h3>
</section>
|
Exploring IguVerse: Unveiling the Future of Gaming
Gaming, as we know it, has undergone a remarkable transformation, ushering in a new era of innovation and engagement. In this landscape of evolution, IguVerse emerges as a beacon of change, revolutionizing the gaming sphere through a dynamic blend of technology and imagination.
Unveiling the Universe
Imagine a gaming platform that intertwines the realms of Socialize to Earn, Move to Earn, and Play to Earn mechanics, creating an ecosystem where every action reaps rewards. This is precisely what IguVerse embodies - a universe where gaming meets the real world.
Navigating the Pet-Centric Realm
At the heart of IguVerse lies a pet-centric approach, captivating gamers worldwide. Leveraging Socialize to Earn, users embark on daily quests, sharing pet photos or interacting with their digital companions across social media platforms. It's not just gaming; it's an interactive journey that bridges digital and real-life experiences.
Crafting Personalized Experiences
The platform's innovative use of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) extends far beyond conventional gaming. Each user crafts unique NFTs, creating a tapestry of personalized experiences within the gaming universe. It's artistry meeting technology, shaping a gaming narrative like never before.
Innovating with Blockchain
IguVerse isn't just about gaming; it's a pioneer in integrating blockchain technology into the gaming mechanics. The result? An immersive gaming experience coupled with the transparency and security inherent to blockchain, setting new standards for the gaming industry.
Community, Camaraderie, and Continual Growth
Beyond the mechanics, IguVerse fosters a vibrant community. The platform thrives on camaraderie, engaging users in challenges, competitions, and interactive experiences that transcend traditional gaming boundaries. It's a world where every player is integral to the universe's growth.
Join the Odyssey
As IguVerse continues its journey, it beckons gamers and crypto enthusiasts to be part of this gaming odyssey. Whether you're a casual gamer or deeply entrenched in the crypto space, IguVerse offers a universe where every move counts, and every experience shapes the future.
Final Thoughts
In a world where technology and imagination collide, IguVerse stands as a testament to the limitless possibilities of gaming. It's not merely a platform; it's a gateway to a gaming future that bridges the gap between virtual escapades and real-life adventures.
So, fellow gamers and crypto enthusiasts, ready to step into this evolving universe and redefine gaming together?
This article aims to capture the essence of IguVerse, highlighting its innovative features, community engagement, and its potential to redefine the gaming landscape.
|
cbdc1349-70bb-5267-bc7d-6760821dd714
|
25/08/2025 15:57:45
|
https://medium.com/@rexhunter/the-one-where-i-must-say-no-5e2cf14fbad2
|
medium.com
|
The One Where I Must Say NO
|
Can you say “No”?
|
Rex Hunter
|
https://medium.com/@rexhunter
|
5e2cf14fbad2
| null |
1 min
|
2023-01-30T00:05:02.412000
|
2023-01-30T00:05:42.944000
|
2023-01-30T00:05:49.816000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Mortality
|
<section>
<p>Can you say “No”?</p>
<p>I’m getting better at saying No and it has taken some time to get to that point.</p>
<p>The Rolling Stones sang “Time Is On My Side”. At 61 years old that is not the case.</p>
<p>More and more people I knew in high school and celebrities I grew up watching are passing away. It is scary.</p>
<p>This afternoon, while most are watching football, I’m watching The Partridge Family on Amazon Prime. I must admit I watched that program growing up. I had a crush on Susan Dey who played Laurie but I had a Bro Crush on David Cassidy who played Keith Partridge.</p>
<p>I had the privilege of seeing his concert at EPCOT a few years back. At that concert I could tell something was not right. He was forgetting lyrics to songs I knew he had been singing for the past 30 years.</p>
<p>He past away a year or so later. It is told that some of his last words were “So much time wasted.”</p>
<p>It makes you think of your mortality. If someone that had fame and fortune believes on his dying bed that he wasted too much time, what will I say when it’s my time to go?</p>
<p>I realize that there is a sense of urgency to make a contribution to myself, my family, and my community.</p>
<p>To those of you in my life that I say No, know that is because the clock is ticking and I must follow my North Star.</p>
</section>
|
The One Where I Must Say NO
Can you say “No”?
I’m getting better at saying No and it has taken some time to get to that point.
The Rolling Stones sang “Time Is On My Side”. At 61 years old that is not the case.
More and more people I knew in high school and celebrities I grew up watching are passing away. It is scary.
This afternoon, while most are watching football, I’m watching The Partridge Family on Amazon Prime. I must admit I watched that program growing up. I had a crush on Susan Dey who played Laurie but I had a Bro Crush on David Cassidy who played Keith Partridge.
I had the privilege of seeing his concert at EPCOT a few years back. At that concert I could tell something was not right. He was forgetting lyrics to songs I knew he had been singing for the past 30 years.
He past away a year or so later. It is told that some of his last words were “So much time wasted.”
It makes you think of your mortality. If someone that had fame and fortune believes on his dying bed that he wasted too much time, what will I say when it’s my time to go?
I realize that there is a sense of urgency to make a contribution to myself, my family, and my community.
To those of you in my life that I say No, know that is because the clock is ticking and I must follow my North Star.
|
0a4c7683-f9b6-582d-a2fe-c3d580089f16
|
25/08/2025 15:57:45
|
https://medium.com/@perma_dao/a-reporters-view-infrastructure-in-the-arweave-ecosystem-in-2023-7849b2b0d0d4
|
medium.com
|
A Reporter’s View: Infrastructure in the Arweave Ecosystem in 2023
|
💡Web3 is booming, and Arweave is becoming a popular infrastructure choice for developers. PermaDAO is a community where everyone can…
|
Perma DAO
|
https://medium.com/@perma_dao
|
7849b2b0d0d4
|
9 min
|
2023-12-20T15:29:35.248000
|
2023-12-20T15:30:56.018000
|
2023-12-20T15:30:56.693000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Arweave,Infrastructure
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/1*hn3qv9OkTgz88LmVbIdLeQ.png" width="2000" height="1125" loading="lazy" />
<p><em>💡W</em>eb3 is booming, and Arweave is becoming a popular infrastructure choice for developers. PermaDAO is a community where everyone can contribute to the Arweave ecosystem. It’s a place to propose and tackle tasks related to Arweave, with the support and feedback of the entire community. Join P<a href="http://permadao.com/">ermaDAO </a>and help shape Web3!</p>
<p><em><strong>Author: Adeola @ Contributor of </em>PermaDAO</strong></p>
<p><em><strong>Reviewer: Henry @ Contributor of </em>PermaDAO</strong></p>
<p><em>This is the first of a series of articles that will review major activities of projects in the Arweave ecosystem in the year 2023. As a reporter who has covered the Arweave ecosystem for two years, i know some projects have done really well this year while some underperformed. This report contains the reporter’s opinion on which project did major things that are worthy of being mentioned.</em></p>
<p>The role infrastructure and tools play in the growth of a blockchain’s ecosystem can be likened to the foundation of a building. The strength of a blockchain’s technology and the diversity of its use case drive developers to build tools which could potentially result in multiple applications being built. This can be said of the Arweave blockchain.</p>
<p>Arweave began the year 2023 with 33 infrastructure and tools protocols from 25 projects in 2022. Throughout the year, there were multiple partnerships between projects within and outside the ecosystem; projects fixed bugs and announced new features. The composable nature of Arweave together with developers’ drive to build, contributed to the growth of infrastructure in the ecosystem.</p>
<p><strong>4EVERLAND</strong></p>
<p>In the first quarter of the year, 4EVERLAND which is a project that facilitates data storage and hosting service on Arweave and other storage networks, partnered with Livepeer, a video transcoding platform to be a caching layer for the latter’s video services on Arweave. It also formed a partnership with the likes of WeaveDB, showing that the duo meet publishing needs of blogs. Although 4EVERLAND uses other storage services alongside Arweave, it proved in October this year that Arweave is a major storage platform when it announced that it uploaded 60 million files.</p>
<p><strong><a hr</strong>ef="http://Ar.io">Ar.io</a></p>
<p>If you asked anyone at <a href="http://ar.io/">Ar.io</a> Network what their biggest achievement was in 2023, the answer would be opening up the technology behind access points to Arweave. In mid 2023, <a href="http://ar.io/">ar.io</a> open sourced the code for creating an Arweave gateway. <a href="http://ar.io/">Ar.io</a> said it was aiming to remove single point of failure and build a resilient network. In two months, the number of Arweave gateways rose to more than 200. <a href="http://ar.io/">Ar.io</a> followed this with a means to find gateways by creating the gateway registry and demonstrating what GAR can be used for by building Wayfinder. Wayfinder, is a Chrome extension that routes users to optimal gateways.</p>
<p><strong>Irys</strong></p>
<p>Refer to Irys as the most successful project in the Arweave ecosystem by user and transaction logged and you won’t be wrong. In 2023, Irys (formerly Bundlr) moved from being the project that scaled Arweave to rebranding and launching provenance which it says makes data permanent, unconstrained and precise. Popular projects outside the Arweave ecosystem including Solana Mobile and Immutable, have partnered with Irys to benefit from its provenance offering. Still on scalability, in January, Irys decided to test its reputation for scaling Arweave by firing its system with 50,000 transactions per second. It processed it successfully. This demo must have contributed to convincing the team at Lens Protocol to use Irys and Arweave to build the data availability layer of Momoka. Irys ensures data is successfully uploaded to Arweave’s permanent and cost effective storage network.</p>
<p><strong>Dojima</strong></p>
<p>A look at Dojima Network’s activities this year suggests it made effort to get its product adopted and students at tertiary institutions in India are one of its biggest targets.</p>
<p>It also launched a chain explorer and ‘Function as a Service’ which it says provides users with blockchain functionality such as calculating gas rates and signing transactions.</p>
<p>Dojima Network is a decentralised cross-chain layer 1 platform that connects all the major blockchains by acting as a middle ground between layer1 and layer 2 blockchain applications to solve pressing needs in the ecosystem.</p>
<p><strong>FirstBatch</strong></p>
<p>At the start of 2023, FirstBatch, a project building collaboration and user-centric tools for artificial general intelligence released a statement on why it was building Arweave. It said Arweave was the solution to its EVM bottlenecks and disadvantages. Throughout the year, FirstBatch was busy building tools. In the first quarter, it released HollowDB which it built on Arweave to allow the storage of complex objects as key-value pairs on the blockchain, gated by zero-knowledge proofs. It built and released Gravitate which combines both GPT-4 summarization and hyper-personalization identity to revolutionze your reading experience on social media and content platforms, also in the first quarter. In the second quarter, FirstBatch used Arweave and Warp Contracts to build DANNY, a decentralised vector database for building transparent AI application. DANNY can be seen in action when used with Gravitate, FirstBatch founder, Ömer Kaya said. It also released FirstBatch ID to help users get personalized experience on content platforms. It ended the year with User Embeddings, which maps users’ mind into personal AI memories. By empowering developers to build personalized LLM apps and grow sustaining generative AI user engagement, FirstBatch is a project to watch in the AI and Web3 space in 2024.</p>
<p><strong>Kwil</strong></p>
<p>A lot of Kwil’s activities this year focused on building to strengthen the structure of its relational database technology.</p>
<p>In one month, it launched version two Alpha, an SDK which it says will help users to build decentralised relational database and the Kwil CLI, a tool for interacting with the database. Even Darwin, the Chief Technology Officer of Decentland Labs wrote that Kwil has “great docs, tooling and smooth experience”. Some of the major activities of Kwil for this year are launching Kuneiform which is a tool that enables deploying decentralised application’s backend in 100 lines of codes; a refined SDK which the project said was informed by feedback from users.</p>
<p>Kwil also expanded its SQL SYNTAX to allow support for SQL and help developers build complex applications. What is a database without an explorer? Kwil made its database infrastructure more robust by introducing an explorer in June.</p>
<p>It was followed by Extensions which developers can use to connect to blockchains and execute logic. Kwil is closing the year by decentralising its network by making it possible for anyone to build and deploy a decentralised relational database.</p>
<p><strong>KYVE</strong></p>
<p>The year 2023 must be a fruitful one for KYVE Network: it was nominated for Startup of the year award, and launched their mainnet. Launching mainnet is as feat that took two years of preparation with little but steady effort that continued into 2023.</p>
<p>This year, it started the KYVE Foundation which is meant to support the development, adoption and growth of the project and its ecosystem. In March, the mainnet kicked off and in July, it had logged 1M transactions and an all-time 10,000,000 transactions. The community was so positive about the project that 100 chain validator slots got filled in a few hours according to KYVE. The mainnet software went through four updates in 2023.</p>
<p>KYVE Academy was also created to help users expand their knowledge of Web3. The academy had more than 3,300 users in two months. Cosmos Hub, Osmosis Zone, Archway, Axelar were the official data pools added this year while it also restructured its operations following a governance approval to open pool funding to more people which is a step towards completely decentralising the network.</p>
<p>If KYVE is a project you like and wondered what influences what the team built, here is what Fabian Riewe, the founder of KYVE told me in November when it logged 10M transactions: Knowing the partner chain’s pain points helped KYVE to build effective solutions.</p>
<p><strong>Livepeer</strong></p>
<p>Livepeer is one of the pioneers of using Arweave infrastructure for video services. It stores on the Arweave storage protocol using Irys (formerly Bundlr). The project began the year by releasing an API and SDK which increased added support for more file formats and larger file size. It enhanced its video infrastructure software to allow developers to build short form videos for social platforms (imagine a TikTok for Web3) and also allow token gating for video upload. In August alone, it powered over 11 million minutes of unique video streaming. In October, it upgraded its software following a governance approval to allow for some changes to the treasury aspect of its protocol. At the end of the year, Livepeer launched Studio CLI which it says that it helps developers get a Livepeer Studio API key and launch an ultra low latency video app in seconds. Livepeer Delta Protocol revolves around the idea of public goods treasury which is seen as an opportunity to further decentralise Livepeer ecosystem’s growth. There are indications that users of Livepeer may see the project build products that are related to artificial intelligence.</p>
<p><strong>Streamr</strong></p>
<p>Streamr, a peer-to-peer network for publishing and subscribing to data in real-time project, announced and solidified its presence in the Arweave ecosystem by partnering with Usher Labs, KYVE and the Arweave Protocol to launch LogStore Network. LogStore leverages the simplicity of data transport over the Streamr Network, consensus-driven data validity managed by KYVE and guaranteed permanence and immutability of data with Arweave. Expect to see more integration of LogStore Network among projects in the Arweave ecosystem in 2024.</p>
<p><strong>Meson Network</strong></p>
<p>In a roadmap released early in the year, Meson Network planned to focus on building GaganNode. GagaNode is a next generation Decentralized Residential IP + Bandwidth marketplace, that aims to alleviate the global shortage of IPv4 addresses with Web3.0 technology. In terms of innovation, decentralised bandwidth market Meson Network kicked off 2023 with GatewayX. GatewayX is used to solve origin unavailability for storage and media websites. It launched GagaNode Pro version in May and followed it with Ipcola, as a solution to connectivity barriers. Meson introduced the Vector Plan this year. Meson plans to transition to a Nasdaq-like marketplace for bandwidth and the year 2024 may be when it will roll out this plan.</p>
<p><strong>Molecular Execution Machine</strong></p>
<p>Molecular Execution Machine (MEM) is Decent Land Labs’ move into the tooling space in the Arweave ecosystem after it was rebranded. It said its mission is to break down barriers between chains and protocols. Launched in the middle of 2023, MEM serves as a pillar of support of other protocols Decentland has built such as NameSpace, Ark Protocol, Arweave Name Service. Outside Decentland, its tech also supports everPay and Kwil. The possibility for developers to use MEM to write smart contracts in different languages positions it as an important tool to build. As part of its plan to decentralise, MEM said it is moving some core pieces of its infrastructure to Akash.</p>
<p><strong>RedStone</strong></p>
<p>Throughout the year, many projects in the Web3 ecosystem partnered with RedStone for its tailor-made Oracle solutions: RedStone Core, RedStone Classic, RedStoneX. There were no software upgrades, RedStone’s activities this year suggest a project that already has a working and matured technology and now focusing on promotions for its oracle data feeds. But for RedStone’s sister company, Warp Contracts, which is the most popular method for implementing smart contracts in the Arweave Ecosystem used by dozens of the most prominent projects, it is different. The project began the year by releasing Warp Contracts CLI, Warp Templates and Warp D.R.E. They all provide different functionalities for developers. SonAR, Warp Key Value Storage, Warp Nested Bundle were shipped in February. It launched a Contract Constructor in March. Its software was taken a notch up when it released an SDK upgrade. Warp Contracts had an average of one feature or infrastructure launch per month in 2023. The impact of projects like Warp Contracts on the ecosystem is huge. While in February, it announced that it had deployed one million smart weave contracts, between February and May, the figure had grown to five million contracts deployed.</p>
<p><strong>Spheron</strong></p>
<p>For Spheron, its co-founder Prashant Maurya began the year with the claim that the project was the first to bring Arweave outside of the ecosystem. In April, Spheron, the project which offers deployment and scaling for applications launched NftyNFT to make storing NFTs easier. This was followed by the launch of Compute SDK.</p>
<p><strong>The Graph Protocol</strong></p>
<p>The Graph Protocol and the Graph Network got 37 billion queries in March of 2023 alone compared to ChapGPT that gets 300million queries per month, according to Tegan Kline, one of the launchers of The Graph Protocol. The Graph Protocol has released a three-phased plan, which are Sunray, Sunbeam and Sunrise. It said it would aid advancement towards decentralised data and enable the smooth upgrade to The Graph Network for all supported chains including Arweave and 42 others.</p>
<p><strong>WeaveDB</strong></p>
<p>Armed with a $900k funding and a new CEO, WeaveDB, a decentralised NoSQL database took on many activities for 2023. It engaged mainly in promotional activities. It launched ‘managed nodes services, only for Developer DAO members which helps to remove the need to own a node interact with WeaveDB. The project also optimized its system to allow a write query speed of 30 to 50ms. It also introduced Jots, a decentralised social network. At the year’s end, WeaveDB announced that it revamped it structure to go modular which it said allows it to support different types of database such as relational database from the same data source on Arweave.</p>
<p>🔗 More about PermaDAO ：W<a href="http://permadao.com/">ebsite </a>| T<a href="https://twitter.com/perma_dao">witter </a>| T<a href="https://t.me/+UEnIssIHTn0wZDc1">elegram </a>| D<a href="https://discord.gg/Xsp9gwT7nS">iscord </a>| M<a href="https://medium.com/@permadao">edium </a>| Y<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@permadao">outube</a></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/1*vbRlR3L7y9d4AZrue45A3A.png" width="2000" height="1271" loading="lazy" />
</section>
|
A Reporter’s View: Infrastructure in the Arweave Ecosystem in 2023
💡Web3 is booming, and Arweave is becoming a popular infrastructure choice for developers. PermaDAO is a community where everyone can contribute to the Arweave ecosystem. It’s a place to propose and tackle tasks related to Arweave, with the support and feedback of the entire community. Join PermaDAO and help shape Web3!
Author: Adeola @ Contributor of PermaDAO
Reviewer: Henry @ Contributor of PermaDAO
This is the first of a series of articles that will review major activities of projects in the Arweave ecosystem in the year 2023. As a reporter who has covered the Arweave ecosystem for two years, i know some projects have done really well this year while some underperformed. This report contains the reporter’s opinion on which project did major things that are worthy of being mentioned.
The role infrastructure and tools play in the growth of a blockchain’s ecosystem can be likened to the foundation of a building. The strength of a blockchain’s technology and the diversity of its use case drive developers to build tools which could potentially result in multiple applications being built. This can be said of the Arweave blockchain.
Arweave began the year 2023 with 33 infrastructure and tools protocols from 25 projects in 2022. Throughout the year, there were multiple partnerships between projects within and outside the ecosystem; projects fixed bugs and announced new features. The composable nature of Arweave together with developers’ drive to build, contributed to the growth of infrastructure in the ecosystem.
4EVERLAND
In the first quarter of the year, 4EVERLAND which is a project that facilitates data storage and hosting service on Arweave and other storage networks, partnered with Livepeer, a video transcoding platform to be a caching layer for the latter’s video services on Arweave. It also formed a partnership with the likes of WeaveDB, showing that the duo meet publishing needs of blogs. Although 4EVERLAND uses other storage services alongside Arweave, it proved in October this year that Arweave is a major storage platform when it announced that it uploaded 60 million files.
Ar.io
If you asked anyone at Ar.io Network what their biggest achievement was in 2023, the answer would be opening up the technology behind access points to Arweave. In mid 2023, ar.io open sourced the code for creating an Arweave gateway. Ar.io said it was aiming to remove single point of failure and build a resilient network. In two months, the number of Arweave gateways rose to more than 200. Ar.io followed this with a means to find gateways by creating the gateway registry and demonstrating what GAR can be used for by building Wayfinder. Wayfinder, is a Chrome extension that routes users to optimal gateways.
Irys
Refer to Irys as the most successful project in the Arweave ecosystem by user and transaction logged and you won’t be wrong. In 2023, Irys (formerly Bundlr) moved from being the project that scaled Arweave to rebranding and launching provenance which it says makes data permanent, unconstrained and precise. Popular projects outside the Arweave ecosystem including Solana Mobile and Immutable, have partnered with Irys to benefit from its provenance offering. Still on scalability, in January, Irys decided to test its reputation for scaling Arweave by firing its system with 50,000 transactions per second. It processed it successfully. This demo must have contributed to convincing the team at Lens Protocol to use Irys and Arweave to build the data availability layer of Momoka. Irys ensures data is successfully uploaded to Arweave’s permanent and cost effective storage network.
Dojima
A look at Dojima Network’s activities this year suggests it made effort to get its product adopted and students at tertiary institutions in India are one of its biggest targets.
It also launched a chain explorer and ‘Function as a Service’ which it says provides users with blockchain functionality such as calculating gas rates and signing transactions.
Dojima Network is a decentralised cross-chain layer 1 platform that connects all the major blockchains by acting as a middle ground between layer1 and layer 2 blockchain applications to solve pressing needs in the ecosystem.
FirstBatch
At the start of 2023, FirstBatch, a project building collaboration and user-centric tools for artificial general intelligence released a statement on why it was building Arweave. It said Arweave was the solution to its EVM bottlenecks and disadvantages. Throughout the year, FirstBatch was busy building tools. In the first quarter, it released HollowDB which it built on Arweave to allow the storage of complex objects as key-value pairs on the blockchain, gated by zero-knowledge proofs. It built and released Gravitate which combines both GPT-4 summarization and hyper-personalization identity to revolutionze your reading experience on social media and content platforms, also in the first quarter. In the second quarter, FirstBatch used Arweave and Warp Contracts to build DANNY, a decentralised vector database for building transparent AI application. DANNY can be seen in action when used with Gravitate, FirstBatch founder, Ömer Kaya said. It also released FirstBatch ID to help users get personalized experience on content platforms. It ended the year with User Embeddings, which maps users’ mind into personal AI memories. By empowering developers to build personalized LLM apps and grow sustaining generative AI user engagement, FirstBatch is a project to watch in the AI and Web3 space in 2024.
Kwil
A lot of Kwil’s activities this year focused on building to strengthen the structure of its relational database technology.
In one month, it launched version two Alpha, an SDK which it says will help users to build decentralised relational database and the Kwil CLI, a tool for interacting with the database. Even Darwin, the Chief Technology Officer of Decentland Labs wrote that Kwil has “great docs, tooling and smooth experience”. Some of the major activities of Kwil for this year are launching Kuneiform which is a tool that enables deploying decentralised application’s backend in 100 lines of codes; a refined SDK which the project said was informed by feedback from users.
Kwil also expanded its SQL SYNTAX to allow support for SQL and help developers build complex applications. What is a database without an explorer? Kwil made its database infrastructure more robust by introducing an explorer in June.
It was followed by Extensions which developers can use to connect to blockchains and execute logic. Kwil is closing the year by decentralising its network by making it possible for anyone to build and deploy a decentralised relational database.
KYVE
The year 2023 must be a fruitful one for KYVE Network: it was nominated for Startup of the year award, and launched their mainnet. Launching mainnet is as feat that took two years of preparation with little but steady effort that continued into 2023.
This year, it started the KYVE Foundation which is meant to support the development, adoption and growth of the project and its ecosystem. In March, the mainnet kicked off and in July, it had logged 1M transactions and an all-time 10,000,000 transactions. The community was so positive about the project that 100 chain validator slots got filled in a few hours according to KYVE. The mainnet software went through four updates in 2023.
KYVE Academy was also created to help users expand their knowledge of Web3. The academy had more than 3,300 users in two months. Cosmos Hub, Osmosis Zone, Archway, Axelar were the official data pools added this year while it also restructured its operations following a governance approval to open pool funding to more people which is a step towards completely decentralising the network.
If KYVE is a project you like and wondered what influences what the team built, here is what Fabian Riewe, the founder of KYVE told me in November when it logged 10M transactions: Knowing the partner chain’s pain points helped KYVE to build effective solutions.
Livepeer
Livepeer is one of the pioneers of using Arweave infrastructure for video services. It stores on the Arweave storage protocol using Irys (formerly Bundlr). The project began the year by releasing an API and SDK which increased added support for more file formats and larger file size. It enhanced its video infrastructure software to allow developers to build short form videos for social platforms (imagine a TikTok for Web3) and also allow token gating for video upload. In August alone, it powered over 11 million minutes of unique video streaming. In October, it upgraded its software following a governance approval to allow for some changes to the treasury aspect of its protocol. At the end of the year, Livepeer launched Studio CLI which it says that it helps developers get a Livepeer Studio API key and launch an ultra low latency video app in seconds. Livepeer Delta Protocol revolves around the idea of public goods treasury which is seen as an opportunity to further decentralise Livepeer ecosystem’s growth. There are indications that users of Livepeer may see the project build products that are related to artificial intelligence.
Streamr
Streamr, a peer-to-peer network for publishing and subscribing to data in real-time project, announced and solidified its presence in the Arweave ecosystem by partnering with Usher Labs, KYVE and the Arweave Protocol to launch LogStore Network. LogStore leverages the simplicity of data transport over the Streamr Network, consensus-driven data validity managed by KYVE and guaranteed permanence and immutability of data with Arweave. Expect to see more integration of LogStore Network among projects in the Arweave ecosystem in 2024.
Meson Network
In a roadmap released early in the year, Meson Network planned to focus on building GaganNode. GagaNode is a next generation Decentralized Residential IP + Bandwidth marketplace, that aims to alleviate the global shortage of IPv4 addresses with Web3.0 technology. In terms of innovation, decentralised bandwidth market Meson Network kicked off 2023 with GatewayX. GatewayX is used to solve origin unavailability for storage and media websites. It launched GagaNode Pro version in May and followed it with Ipcola, as a solution to connectivity barriers. Meson introduced the Vector Plan this year. Meson plans to transition to a Nasdaq-like marketplace for bandwidth and the year 2024 may be when it will roll out this plan.
Molecular Execution Machine
Molecular Execution Machine (MEM) is Decent Land Labs’ move into the tooling space in the Arweave ecosystem after it was rebranded. It said its mission is to break down barriers between chains and protocols. Launched in the middle of 2023, MEM serves as a pillar of support of other protocols Decentland has built such as NameSpace, Ark Protocol, Arweave Name Service. Outside Decentland, its tech also supports everPay and Kwil. The possibility for developers to use MEM to write smart contracts in different languages positions it as an important tool to build. As part of its plan to decentralise, MEM said it is moving some core pieces of its infrastructure to Akash.
RedStone
Throughout the year, many projects in the Web3 ecosystem partnered with RedStone for its tailor-made Oracle solutions: RedStone Core, RedStone Classic, RedStoneX. There were no software upgrades, RedStone’s activities this year suggest a project that already has a working and matured technology and now focusing on promotions for its oracle data feeds. But for RedStone’s sister company, Warp Contracts, which is the most popular method for implementing smart contracts in the Arweave Ecosystem used by dozens of the most prominent projects, it is different. The project began the year by releasing Warp Contracts CLI, Warp Templates and Warp D.R.E. They all provide different functionalities for developers. SonAR, Warp Key Value Storage, Warp Nested Bundle were shipped in February. It launched a Contract Constructor in March. Its software was taken a notch up when it released an SDK upgrade. Warp Contracts had an average of one feature or infrastructure launch per month in 2023. The impact of projects like Warp Contracts on the ecosystem is huge. While in February, it announced that it had deployed one million smart weave contracts, between February and May, the figure had grown to five million contracts deployed.
Spheron
For Spheron, its co-founder Prashant Maurya began the year with the claim that the project was the first to bring Arweave outside of the ecosystem. In April, Spheron, the project which offers deployment and scaling for applications launched NftyNFT to make storing NFTs easier. This was followed by the launch of Compute SDK.
The Graph Protocol
The Graph Protocol and the Graph Network got 37 billion queries in March of 2023 alone compared to ChapGPT that gets 300million queries per month, according to Tegan Kline, one of the launchers of The Graph Protocol. The Graph Protocol has released a three-phased plan, which are Sunray, Sunbeam and Sunrise. It said it would aid advancement towards decentralised data and enable the smooth upgrade to The Graph Network for all supported chains including Arweave and 42 others.
WeaveDB
Armed with a $900k funding and a new CEO, WeaveDB, a decentralised NoSQL database took on many activities for 2023. It engaged mainly in promotional activities. It launched ‘managed nodes services, only for Developer DAO members which helps to remove the need to own a node interact with WeaveDB. The project also optimized its system to allow a write query speed of 30 to 50ms. It also introduced Jots, a decentralised social network. At the year’s end, WeaveDB announced that it revamped it structure to go modular which it said allows it to support different types of database such as relational database from the same data source on Arweave.
🔗 More about PermaDAO ：Website | Twitter | Telegram | Discord | Medium | Youtube
|
e8bbebc4-f4ce-5994-8861-aed3e40203a4
|
25/08/2025 15:57:45
|
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https://medium.com/@HairdressingInstitute/from-twitter-https-twitter-com-macgregorhair-ad6265fe984d
|
medium.com
|
from Twitter https://twitter.com/MacGregorHair
| null |
Hairdressing Institute
|
https://medium.com/@HairdressingInstitute
|
ad6265fe984d
| null |
0 min
|
2016-05-14T07:29:29.019000
|
2016-05-14T07:29:31.537000
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2016-05-14T07:29:31.537000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Hairdressers,Hair Salon,Hairdressing
|
<section>
<p>— MacGregor Hair (@MacGregorHair) <a href="https://twitter.com/MacGregorHair/status/731382293303066624">May 14, 2016</a></p>
<p>from Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/MacGregorHair">https://twitter.com/MacGregorHair</a>
via Tumblr <a href="http://macgregorhairdressingedinburgh.tumblr.com/post/144335886231">http://macgregorhairdressingedinburgh.tumblr.com/post/144335886231</a></p>
</section>
|
Preparing for your #bigday? We’ve special packages for the bride, bridesmaids, & the all-important flower girls. https://t.co/nbECFl0zTz
— MacGregor Hair (@MacGregorHair) May 14, 2016
from Twitter https://twitter.com/MacGregorHair
via Tumblr http://macgregorhairdressingedinburgh.tumblr.com/post/144335886231
|
7dd17edd-ca7a-5ac7-bb7e-03bbd608abd8
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25/08/2025 15:57:46
|
https://medium.com/@aswinvlsa09/real-time-projects-in-chennai-bcc923d8321d
|
medium.com
|
Real time projects in chennai
|
actual time is the pleasant venture centre in chennai. 1crore initiatives offers ieee 2017 very last yr tasks for cse / it students in java…
|
Aswin Karthick
|
https://medium.com/@aswinvlsa09
|
bcc923d8321d
| null |
1 min
|
2017-11-29T06:38:47.533000
|
2017-11-29T06:48:03.143000
|
2017-11-29T06:48:04.022000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Microsoft
|
<section>
<p>actual time is the pleasant venture centre in chennai. 1crore initiatives offers ieee 2017 very last yr tasks for cse / it students in java / dotnet / android / oracle, and application tasks in personal home page platform.</p>
<p>And also provide mini projects in btech, vb, vb.internet, asp.net, msc, iot, arduino, matlab, embedded, vlsi, ns2. real time tasks are doomed to take action as a connection among educational mastering and handy execution.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.realtimepr</strong>oject.in/">Final year projects in chennai</a> working in engineering mission gives the an awful lot wished palms on understanding, judges your eligibility to report and gift, and an possibility to work in group simply similar to how it happens at corporate.<a href="http://www.realtimeproject.in/"> <strong>cse projects in </a>chennai </strong>it should hand out as a stepping stone before one embarks on a corporate line of commercial enterprise. however miserably that isn’t always the way it works now-a-days. projects are considered just as a technique before getting the degree certificates.</p>
</section>
|
Real time projects in chennai
actual time is the pleasant venture centre in chennai. 1crore initiatives offers ieee 2017 very last yr tasks for cse / it students in java / dotnet / android / oracle, and application tasks in personal home page platform.
And also provide mini projects in btech, vb, vb.internet, asp.net, msc, iot, arduino, matlab, embedded, vlsi, ns2. real time tasks are doomed to take action as a connection among educational mastering and handy execution.
Final year projects in chennai working in engineering mission gives the an awful lot wished palms on understanding, judges your eligibility to report and gift, and an possibility to work in group simply similar to how it happens at corporate. cse projects in chennai it should hand out as a stepping stone before one embarks on a corporate line of commercial enterprise. however miserably that isn’t always the way it works now-a-days. projects are considered just as a technique before getting the degree certificates.
|
ec7c4c4d-0048-5584-9753-08d027f6687e
|
25/08/2025 15:57:46
|
https://medium.com/@rhianlockard/a-new-perspective-on-winter-solstice-7d1365de97b4
|
medium.com
|
A new perspective on Winter Solstice
|
Solstice is tomorrow, it is the day that represents the return of the light as our physical day begins to tilt towards less darkness and…
|
Rhian Lockard
|
https://medium.com/@rhianlockard
|
7d1365de97b4
| null |
2 min
|
2017-12-20T14:54:47.730000
|
2017-12-20T14:55:41.804000
|
2017-12-20T14:55:43.777000
| 0 | 2 |
en
|
Solstice,Inspiration,Winter Solstice,Winter,Spirituality
|
<section>
<p>Solstice is tomorrow, it is the day that represents the return of the light as our physical day begins to tilt towards less darkness and more light.</p>
<p>Winter is a time that is often correlated with death: the plants lose their leaves, the ground hardens and freezes, the air is cold and uninviting.</p>
<p>But the darkness has already come and gone by the time we enter this season of death and stillness. Solstice represents the return of the light and it also marks the beginning of winter — the first days of that season that we correlate with death. Interesting isn’t it? The way that death and light are twisted together in this way.</p>
<p>The truth is that everything had already been slowly moving towards “death” in a beautiful orchestra of fall leaves and slowly declining temperatures, it already happened. The warmth of cider, the grins of pumpkins: this was when the death was occurring and we didn’t take notice. Ergo it must not have been too terrible. We spend so much energy fearing something that happens so naturally and beautifully, something that happens in the warm spice of cider and pie. What if death is this way?</p>
<p>Winter is in actuality a time of preparation. It is a time of germination. We think of Spring that way but really Spring is when all of that preparation comes to fruition as Beautiful Emergence. Spring is the showmanship that results from the steadfast work of Winter.</p>
<p>As you enter into winter in the days to come, as you celebrate the return of the Light — the return of the Sun (or “Son” if you are Christian), consider what you want to start germinating in your life. Consider what you are marinating on the stove along with your winter chili and soups. Consider what you want this coming new dawn to be for you. This is not a time of sadness, this is not a void, this is a rich era of mindfulness, intention, warmth and cuddling up close to others and with yourself and discovering your own truths. Ponder on what you want and call it in.</p>
<p>Winter is such a rich and beautiful time. Light has returned and it allows everything we are hoping for to be fed and cared for beneath the surface as we make ready to allow it to spring forth in seasons to come.</p>
<p>What have you let go of with the end of Autumn? What emerges in it’s place as Winter begins?</p>
</section>
|
A new perspective on Winter Solstice
Solstice is tomorrow, it is the day that represents the return of the light as our physical day begins to tilt towards less darkness and more light.
Winter is a time that is often correlated with death: the plants lose their leaves, the ground hardens and freezes, the air is cold and uninviting.
But the darkness has already come and gone by the time we enter this season of death and stillness. Solstice represents the return of the light and it also marks the beginning of winter — the first days of that season that we correlate with death. Interesting isn’t it? The way that death and light are twisted together in this way.
The truth is that everything had already been slowly moving towards “death” in a beautiful orchestra of fall leaves and slowly declining temperatures, it already happened. The warmth of cider, the grins of pumpkins: this was when the death was occurring and we didn’t take notice. Ergo it must not have been too terrible. We spend so much energy fearing something that happens so naturally and beautifully, something that happens in the warm spice of cider and pie. What if death is this way?
Winter is in actuality a time of preparation. It is a time of germination. We think of Spring that way but really Spring is when all of that preparation comes to fruition as Beautiful Emergence. Spring is the showmanship that results from the steadfast work of Winter.
As you enter into winter in the days to come, as you celebrate the return of the Light — the return of the Sun (or “Son” if you are Christian), consider what you want to start germinating in your life. Consider what you are marinating on the stove along with your winter chili and soups. Consider what you want this coming new dawn to be for you. This is not a time of sadness, this is not a void, this is a rich era of mindfulness, intention, warmth and cuddling up close to others and with yourself and discovering your own truths. Ponder on what you want and call it in.
Winter is such a rich and beautiful time. Light has returned and it allows everything we are hoping for to be fed and cared for beneath the surface as we make ready to allow it to spring forth in seasons to come.
What have you let go of with the end of Autumn? What emerges in it’s place as Winter begins?
|
9b7ed953-7866-54ae-8302-574d44c161f5
|
25/08/2025 15:57:46
|
https://medium.com/@flsc/a-dose-of-reality-how-much-coffee-goes-into-every-cup-7d04aa524195
|
medium.com
|
A dose of reality — how much coffee goes into every cup?
|
Espresso vs Capsules
|
Flinders Lane Specialty Coffee
|
https://medium.com/@flsc
|
7d04aa524195
| null |
3 min
|
2016-09-23T02:36:58.215000
|
2016-09-23T03:13:24.135000
|
2018-04-10T06:03:02.591000
| 0 | 1 |
en
|
Coffee,Espresso
|
<section>
<h1>Espresso vs Capsules</h1>
<p>You walk into your favourite café and hear the buzz of grinders burring, milk frothing, and people chattering. You might not have ever noticed what’s going on back there behind the coffee machine, but every coffee is (or should be) brewed according to a pretty standard set of practises.</p>
<p>First, the barista grinds the coffee. On demand is best, because ground coffee goes stale <strong>very</strong> quickly (unless it is sealed immediately, like some retail coffee bags and most coffee capsules), affecting flavour dramatically.</p>
<p>Once it’s ground, the barista measures out a precise <em><str</em>ong>dose </strong>— typically somewhere around 20 grams — of ground coffee. Every single coffee they make will (generally) start with this dose of coffee. No more, no less.</p>
<p>The barista then uses the in-house “recipe” to brew the ground coffee to an exact volume or weight — anywhere between 30 and 60 grams (sometimes more) of brewed liquid coffee (the <em><stro</em>ng>yield</strong>). The size of the yield depends on a whole array of factors including the origin of the bean, the way it’s been roasted, and even how old it is.</p>
<p>A whole lot of baristas <em><str</em>ong>love</strong> the science behind all of this, including yours truly! It’s a topic for a whole other blog post (to follow soon, watch this space!) — but broadly, we’re looking to extract the best elements out of each dose of coffee, and leave the less desirable flavours out of the brewed cup.</p>
<p>The difference between dose and yield is known as the brew ratio. For a dose of 20 grams and a yield of 40 grams, that ratio is 1:2. Whether it’s a yield of 30 grams or 60 grams, typical espresso shots have a yield of between 1:1.5 and 1:3. These ratios typically lead to a pretty decent coffee with a good mouthfeel and plenty of flavour.</p>
<h2>Enter: Coffee Capsules</h2>
<p>Coffee capsules offer the convenience of pre-packed, on demand, quickly brewed coffee that — at its best — can imitate a decent café quality coffee.</p>
<p>But typically, a coffee capsule is filled with only 5–6 grams of ground coffee. Yet they generally pull around 30–40ml of liquid coffee.</p>
<p>…Play along with me here — a dose of 5 grams for a yield of 40 grams = a brew ratio of <strong>1:8!</strong></p>
<p>That’s a whole lot less ground coffee for a similar yield of liquid — so how do companies like <a href="http://www.flinderslanecoffee.com\">Flinders Lane Specialty Coffee</a> manage to offer a café quality cup from such a small dose in every capsule?</p>
<h3>It’s all about the roast</h3>
<p>When coffee capsules first came about, they were pretty awful (at least in this writer’s opinion!). Roasters sought to overcome the difficulty of such a small dose by — quite frankly — roasting the absolute crap out of their beans. It resulted in bitter coffee labelled as “intense” that just tasted burnt, dry, and not very nice.</p>
<p>The logic was sound: darker roasted coffee is more soluble. More soluble coffee will see more flavour extracted out of a smaller dose. It certainly makes sense, but they took it too far in what was probably an effort to be “safe”.</p>
<p>But more and more people are coming to expect a higher standard of coffee, companies like <a href="http://www.flinderslanecoffee.com">Flinders Lane Specialty Coffee</a> have worked tirelessly to develop roasting profiles that create solubility <em><st</em>rong>and</strong> delicious flavours, rather than just bitter coffee. The best brands are using better quality beans and, in doing so, are determined to maintain their best characteristics by not over-roasting them.</p>
<p>After months of trial and error, the result for Flinders Lane Specialty Coffee is a truly unique roasting profile that roasts the coffee dark, but not too dark. It makes the ground beans soluble, but not bitter, burnt, or dry. It’s a really delicate balance that we truly believe we have nailed. It means capsule coffee can actually taste as good as a coffee in your favourite café! Finally.</p>
<p>It’s also why some coffees might be less “intense” than you’re used to from a capsule, but they taste <strong>way</strong> better. But that’s a topic for another blog post!</p>
<p>We’re absolutely delighted to have developed a roasting profile for our coffees that works to get the <em>best</em> out of our coffees, rather than roasting them to obliteration. The result of our hard work is a truly amazing cup of coffee out of every capsule, and we’re really proud that we can offer café quality coffee for only <a href="http://www.flinderslanecoffee.com/shop">65 cents a cup</a>!</p>
<p>Cheers!</p>
</section>
|
A dose of reality — how much coffee goes into every cup?
Espresso vs Capsules
You walk into your favourite café and hear the buzz of grinders burring, milk frothing, and people chattering. You might not have ever noticed what’s going on back there behind the coffee machine, but every coffee is (or should be) brewed according to a pretty standard set of practises.
First, the barista grinds the coffee. On demand is best, because ground coffee goes stale very quickly (unless it is sealed immediately, like some retail coffee bags and most coffee capsules), affecting flavour dramatically.
Once it’s ground, the barista measures out a precise dose — typically somewhere around 20 grams — of ground coffee. Every single coffee they make will (generally) start with this dose of coffee. No more, no less.
The barista then uses the in-house “recipe” to brew the ground coffee to an exact volume or weight — anywhere between 30 and 60 grams (sometimes more) of brewed liquid coffee (the yield). The size of the yield depends on a whole array of factors including the origin of the bean, the way it’s been roasted, and even how old it is.
A whole lot of baristas love the science behind all of this, including yours truly! It’s a topic for a whole other blog post (to follow soon, watch this space!) — but broadly, we’re looking to extract the best elements out of each dose of coffee, and leave the less desirable flavours out of the brewed cup.
The difference between dose and yield is known as the brew ratio. For a dose of 20 grams and a yield of 40 grams, that ratio is 1:2. Whether it’s a yield of 30 grams or 60 grams, typical espresso shots have a yield of between 1:1.5 and 1:3. These ratios typically lead to a pretty decent coffee with a good mouthfeel and plenty of flavour.
Enter: Coffee Capsules
Coffee capsules offer the convenience of pre-packed, on demand, quickly brewed coffee that — at its best — can imitate a decent café quality coffee.
But typically, a coffee capsule is filled with only 5–6 grams of ground coffee. Yet they generally pull around 30–40ml of liquid coffee.
…Play along with me here — a dose of 5 grams for a yield of 40 grams = a brew ratio of 1:8!
That’s a whole lot less ground coffee for a similar yield of liquid — so how do companies like Flinders Lane Specialty Coffee manage to offer a café quality cup from such a small dose in every capsule?
It’s all about the roast
When coffee capsules first came about, they were pretty awful (at least in this writer’s opinion!). Roasters sought to overcome the difficulty of such a small dose by — quite frankly — roasting the absolute crap out of their beans. It resulted in bitter coffee labelled as “intense” that just tasted burnt, dry, and not very nice.
The logic was sound: darker roasted coffee is more soluble. More soluble coffee will see more flavour extracted out of a smaller dose. It certainly makes sense, but they took it too far in what was probably an effort to be “safe”.
But more and more people are coming to expect a higher standard of coffee, companies like Flinders Lane Specialty Coffee have worked tirelessly to develop roasting profiles that create solubility and delicious flavours, rather than just bitter coffee. The best brands are using better quality beans and, in doing so, are determined to maintain their best characteristics by not over-roasting them.
After months of trial and error, the result for Flinders Lane Specialty Coffee is a truly unique roasting profile that roasts the coffee dark, but not too dark. It makes the ground beans soluble, but not bitter, burnt, or dry. It’s a really delicate balance that we truly believe we have nailed. It means capsule coffee can actually taste as good as a coffee in your favourite café! Finally.
It’s also why some coffees might be less “intense” than you’re used to from a capsule, but they taste way better. But that’s a topic for another blog post!
We’re absolutely delighted to have developed a roasting profile for our coffees that works to get the best out of our coffees, rather than roasting them to obliteration. The result of our hard work is a truly amazing cup of coffee out of every capsule, and we’re really proud that we can offer café quality coffee for only 65 cents a cup!
Cheers!
|
27434a26-fb62-532c-b5c5-279aa8ee968b
|
25/08/2025 15:57:47
|
https://medium.com/@karthikv11pro/introduction-marketingblocks-transforming-the-landscape-abdba53bb94d
|
medium.com
|
Introduction: MarketingBlocks - Transforming the Landscape
|
In the dynamic realm of marketing, the evolution of strategies is constant. CopyBlocks, now rebranded as MarketingBlocks, stands at the…
|
Explore New Opportunity
|
https://medium.com/@karthikv11pro
|
abdba53bb94d
|
2 min
|
2023-12-24T07:45:27.514000
|
2023-12-24T08:00:00.808000
|
2023-12-24T08:00:04.890000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Money,Writing,Copyblocks Review,Productivity
|
<section>
<p>In the dynamic realm of marketing, the evolution of strategies is constant. CopyBlocks, now rebranded as <strong><a href="https:</strong>//jvz6.com/c/3065861/371980">MarketingBlocks</a>, stands at the forefront of this transformation, breathing new life into content creation and strategy development.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/594/1*Hn6gKPHRtOH57oRcoNNq5g.png" width="594" height="427" loading="lazy" />
<h3><a href="https://jvz6.com/c/3065861/371980">Innovative Approach: Unleashing the Power of CopyBlocks - FE</a></h3>
<p>With its roots in CopyBlocks, MarketingBlocks retains the core ethos of efficient content generation. The Front-End (FE) capabilities bring forth an innovative approach, providing marketers with a <strong><a href="https:/</strong>/jvz6.com/c/3065861/371980">powerful toolset</a> to elevate their campaigns.</p>
<h3><a href="https://jvz6.com/c/3065861/371980">Seamless Integration: Enhancing User Experience</a></h3>
<p>MarketingBlocks seamlessly integrates into existing workflows, enhancing the user experience. The fluidity in transitioning from CopyBlocks to MarketingBlocks ensures a smooth adoption process for marketers seeking to amplify their content creation capabilities.</p>
<h3><a href="https://jvz6.com/c/3065861/371980">Versatility: Tailoring Content for Every Platform</a></h3>
<p>CopyBlocks, under its new guise, empowers marketers to create content that resonates across diverse platforms. Whether crafting compelling social media posts or engaging blog articles, <strong><a href="https://jvz6.</strong>com/c/3065861/371980">MarketingBlocks offers</a> unparalleled versatility.</p>
<h3><a href="https://jvz6.com/c/3065861/371980">Efficiency Redefined: The Front-End Magic</a></h3>
<p>Underpinning MarketingBlocks' prowess is the Front-End magic that streamlines content creation. Marketers now navigate through the process effortlessly, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to generate impactful and resonant messages.</p>
<h3><a href="https://jvz6.com/c/3065861/371980">User-Friendly Interface: Navigating the Creative Journey</a></h3>
<p>Navigating the creative journey is made intuitive with MarketingBlocks. The user-friendly interface prioritizes simplicity without compromising on the depth of customization, enabling marketers to craft content that aligns seamlessly with their brand vision.</p>
<h3><a href="https://jvz6.com/c/3065861/371980">Adapting to Trends: Staying Ahead in the Marketing Landscape</a></h3>
<p>The MarketingBlocks evolution is not merely cosmetic; it's adaptive. Staying ahead in the marketing landscape requires tools that evolve with trends. MarketingBlocks' Front-End evolution positions marketers on the cutting edge, ready to embrace new challenges.</p>
<h3><a href="https://jvz6.com/c/3065861/371980">Data-Driven Insights: Shaping Strategic Decision-Making</a></h3>
<p><a href="https://jvz6.com/c/3065861/371980">CopyBlocks - FE,</a> now MarketingBlocks, is not just a content generator; it's a strategic ally. The incorporation of data-driven insights empowers marketers to make informed decisions, ensuring that every piece of content aligns with overarching campaign goals.</p>
<h3><a href="https://jvz6.com/c/3065861/371980">Collaboration Made Effortless: Redefining Team Dynamics</a></h3>
<p>In the realm of collaborative work, MarketingBlocks stands out. The platform's collaborative features redefine team dynamics, fostering seamless cooperation among team members. MarketingBlocks isn't just a tool; it's a catalyst for collective creativity.</p>
<h3><a href="https://jvz6.com/c/3065861/371980">Conclusion: MarketingBlocks - A Beacon of Transformation</a></h3>
<p>In conclusion, the metamorphosis from CopyBlocks to MarketingBlocks marks a pivotal moment in the landscape of content creation. With its Front-End capabilities, user-friendly interface, and adaptability to trends, MarketingBlocks emerges as a beacon, guiding marketers towards unparalleled success in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1080/1*aS2SvMpYXgh-yQcHuTRVNw.jpeg" width="1080" height="1457" loading="lazy" />
<h3>Affiliate Disclaimer: Unveiling Transparency</h3>
<p>In the spirit of transparency and integrity, we want to disclose that our content may contain affiliate links for MarketingBlocks. As an affiliate, we earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links.</p>
<p>Rest assured, this affiliation does not influence our editorial content or product recommendations. Our primary goal is to provide honest, unbiased information to empower you in making informed decisions.</p>
<p>By using MarketingBlocks through our affiliate links, you support our efforts to deliver valuable content. We appreciate your trust in us and assure you that our commitment to providing insightful and unbiased information remains unwavering. If you have any questions regarding our affiliate partnerships, feel free to reach out. Your continued support is crucial in sustaining the quality and independence of our content.</p>
</section>
|
Introduction: MarketingBlocks - Transforming the Landscape
In the dynamic realm of marketing, the evolution of strategies is constant. CopyBlocks, now rebranded as MarketingBlocks, stands at the forefront of this transformation, breathing new life into content creation and strategy development.
MarketingBlocks - Transforming the Landscape
Innovative Approach: Unleashing the Power of CopyBlocks - FE
With its roots in CopyBlocks, MarketingBlocks retains the core ethos of efficient content generation. The Front-End (FE) capabilities bring forth an innovative approach, providing marketers with a powerful toolset to elevate their campaigns.
Seamless Integration: Enhancing User Experience
MarketingBlocks seamlessly integrates into existing workflows, enhancing the user experience. The fluidity in transitioning from CopyBlocks to MarketingBlocks ensures a smooth adoption process for marketers seeking to amplify their content creation capabilities.
Versatility: Tailoring Content for Every Platform
CopyBlocks, under its new guise, empowers marketers to create content that resonates across diverse platforms. Whether crafting compelling social media posts or engaging blog articles, MarketingBlocks offers unparalleled versatility.
Efficiency Redefined: The Front-End Magic
Underpinning MarketingBlocks' prowess is the Front-End magic that streamlines content creation. Marketers now navigate through the process effortlessly, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to generate impactful and resonant messages.
User-Friendly Interface: Navigating the Creative Journey
Navigating the creative journey is made intuitive with MarketingBlocks. The user-friendly interface prioritizes simplicity without compromising on the depth of customization, enabling marketers to craft content that aligns seamlessly with their brand vision.
Adapting to Trends: Staying Ahead in the Marketing Landscape
The MarketingBlocks evolution is not merely cosmetic; it's adaptive. Staying ahead in the marketing landscape requires tools that evolve with trends. MarketingBlocks' Front-End evolution positions marketers on the cutting edge, ready to embrace new challenges.
Data-Driven Insights: Shaping Strategic Decision-Making
CopyBlocks - FE, now MarketingBlocks, is not just a content generator; it's a strategic ally. The incorporation of data-driven insights empowers marketers to make informed decisions, ensuring that every piece of content aligns with overarching campaign goals.
Collaboration Made Effortless: Redefining Team Dynamics
In the realm of collaborative work, MarketingBlocks stands out. The platform's collaborative features redefine team dynamics, fostering seamless cooperation among team members. MarketingBlocks isn't just a tool; it's a catalyst for collective creativity.
Conclusion: MarketingBlocks - A Beacon of Transformation
In conclusion, the metamorphosis from CopyBlocks to MarketingBlocks marks a pivotal moment in the landscape of content creation. With its Front-End capabilities, user-friendly interface, and adaptability to trends, MarketingBlocks emerges as a beacon, guiding marketers towards unparalleled success in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.
Click Here https://jvz6.com/c/3065861/371980
Affiliate Disclaimer: Unveiling Transparency
In the spirit of transparency and integrity, we want to disclose that our content may contain affiliate links for MarketingBlocks. As an affiliate, we earn a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links.
Rest assured, this affiliation does not influence our editorial content or product recommendations. Our primary goal is to provide honest, unbiased information to empower you in making informed decisions.
By using MarketingBlocks through our affiliate links, you support our efforts to deliver valuable content. We appreciate your trust in us and assure you that our commitment to providing insightful and unbiased information remains unwavering. If you have any questions regarding our affiliate partnerships, feel free to reach out. Your continued support is crucial in sustaining the quality and independence of our content.
|
ceb591b6-b1e7-59f8-8707-49a5f027fa03
|
25/08/2025 15:57:47
|
|
https://adriannanine.medium.com/white-people-stop-trying-to-make-black-lives-matter-cute-22cd7c7530c
|
medium.com
|
White people — stop trying to make “Black Lives Matter” cute
|
There are a number of ways to show off your interests. Apparently, mocking an international social justice movement is now one of them.
|
Adrianna Nine
|
https://medium.com/@adriannanine
|
22cd7c7530c
|
3 min
|
2019-07-10T03:28:07.432000
|
2019-07-10T03:39:16.827000
|
2022-03-30T21:09:22.905000
| 0 | 2 |
en
|
BlackLivesMatter
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1058/1*yiuS0_u6eQnYal9LkDp_-Q.jpeg" width="1058" height="800" loading="lazy" />
<p>There are a number of ways to express your interest in the things you love. Apparently, mocking an international social movement based on preventing police brutality is now one of them.</p>
<p>Google “lives matter” (better yet, type it into the search bar on Etsy) and browse the results. It’s become trendy for screen printing businesses and makers of all kinds to take the phrase “black lives matter” and replace a word or two with another [cuter, comfier] one for a quick sale. A [white] woman in Gilbert, AZ owns a coffee shop called Sweetz Brew that sells “black coffee matters” mugs. A <a href="https://www.etsy.com/market/drunk_wives_matter">number</a> <a href="https://www.piperloucollection.com/products/drunk-wives-matter?variant=1892570365976">of</a> <a href="https://teespring.com/shop/drunk-matter-ts1_copy_2">online</a> <a href="https://www.piperloucollection.com/products/drunk-wives-matter-stemless-wine-cup">retailers</a> sell “drunk wives matter” wine glasses, tumblers, and apparel — and many of the images printed on these items use the “Black Lives Matter” font, color scheme, and format. “Baby lives matter.” “Thick thighs matter.” “Black labs matter.” “Ginger lives matter.” The list goes on.</p>
<p>Perhaps the most egregious of these examples, though, is “blue lives matter.” Initiated directly following the inception of the Black Lives Matter movement, “<a href="https://defensemaven.io/bluelivesmatter/">blue lives matter</a>” is defined as a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Lives_Matter">countermovement</a> that advocates for crimes against police officers to be considered hate crimes. In the face of social activists, it insists that the trials and tribulations facing black lives are the same ones experienced by police officers. Not only is this grossly untrue, but there are no such thing as “blue lives.” No one is born a police officer — in fact, it’s relatively difficult to become one, meaning you have to consciously make the choice to do so.</p>
<p>No one is saying police officers can’t have their own campaign. As a former member of law enforcement, I understand that an officer’s profession is unpredictable and dangerous, and one may argue that someone who takes on those risks in a responsible way deserves some recognition. But the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin_blue_line">thin blue line</a> already exists. So does “back the blue.” And so do a number of other movements, foundations, and webpages that focus on police <a href="https://www.ivegotyourback911.com/">protection</a>, <a href="https://codegreencampaign.org/">health</a>, and <a href="https://www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/">recognition</a>. One doesn’t have to spit in the face of the entire Black Lives Matter movement in order to form their own. (Have I mentioned that changing one word in another movement’s title to form your own is just lazy?)</p>
<p><em>But I like my “drunk wives matter” stemless wine glass! </em>That’s nice, but by taking the essence of the Black Lives Matter movement and turning it into a bubbly phrase you can slap on a piece of merch and use to explain your Barefoot addiction, you’re effectively turning up your nose at people who have been impacted by racial aggression and police brutality. Your privilege is showing! Now may be a good time to remember that <a href="https://blacklivesmatter.com/">Black Lives Matter</a> was founded by three black women following the acquittal of the police officer who shot and killed [unarmed] Trayvon Martin in 2012. They (Black Lives Matter) were there for the community of Ferguson, MO after another young black man, Mike Brown, was killed by another police officer. They were there for Tamir Rice, Stephon Clark, Philando Castile, Alton Sterling, Eric Logan — all black men killed by police in recent years. Many of these people were incredibly young. All of them will never be seen by their families again.</p>
<p>Black Lives Matter isn’t just a phrase people print on t-shirts and posters. It’s a movement that not only pays respects to a number of innocent people whose lives ended too early, but seeks to prevent similar incidents in the future. It’s a movement that demands respect for a race that historically hasn’t received enough. It’s a community based on inclusion and making things right.</p>
<p>You just can’t say the same about your “thick thighs matter” tank top.</p>
</section>
|
White people — stop trying to make “Black Lives Matter” cute
There are a number of ways to express your interest in the things you love. Apparently, mocking an international social movement based on preventing police brutality is now one of them.
Google “lives matter” (better yet, type it into the search bar on Etsy) and browse the results. It’s become trendy for screen printing businesses and makers of all kinds to take the phrase “black lives matter” and replace a word or two with another [cuter, comfier] one for a quick sale. A [white] woman in Gilbert, AZ owns a coffee shop called Sweetz Brew that sells “black coffee matters” mugs. A number of online retailers sell “drunk wives matter” wine glasses, tumblers, and apparel — and many of the images printed on these items use the “Black Lives Matter” font, color scheme, and format. “Baby lives matter.” “Thick thighs matter.” “Black labs matter.” “Ginger lives matter.” The list goes on.
Perhaps the most egregious of these examples, though, is “blue lives matter.” Initiated directly following the inception of the Black Lives Matter movement, “blue lives matter” is defined as a countermovement that advocates for crimes against police officers to be considered hate crimes. In the face of social activists, it insists that the trials and tribulations facing black lives are the same ones experienced by police officers. Not only is this grossly untrue, but there are no such thing as “blue lives.” No one is born a police officer — in fact, it’s relatively difficult to become one, meaning you have to consciously make the choice to do so.
No one is saying police officers can’t have their own campaign. As a former member of law enforcement, I understand that an officer’s profession is unpredictable and dangerous, and one may argue that someone who takes on those risks in a responsible way deserves some recognition. But the thin blue line already exists. So does “back the blue.” And so do a number of other movements, foundations, and webpages that focus on police protection, health, and recognition. One doesn’t have to spit in the face of the entire Black Lives Matter movement in order to form their own. (Have I mentioned that changing one word in another movement’s title to form your own is just lazy?)
But I like my “drunk wives matter” stemless wine glass! That’s nice, but by taking the essence of the Black Lives Matter movement and turning it into a bubbly phrase you can slap on a piece of merch and use to explain your Barefoot addiction, you’re effectively turning up your nose at people who have been impacted by racial aggression and police brutality. Your privilege is showing! Now may be a good time to remember that Black Lives Matter was founded by three black women following the acquittal of the police officer who shot and killed [unarmed] Trayvon Martin in 2012. They (Black Lives Matter) were there for the community of Ferguson, MO after another young black man, Mike Brown, was killed by another police officer. They were there for Tamir Rice, Stephon Clark, Philando Castile, Alton Sterling, Eric Logan — all black men killed by police in recent years. Many of these people were incredibly young. All of them will never be seen by their families again.
Black Lives Matter isn’t just a phrase people print on t-shirts and posters. It’s a movement that not only pays respects to a number of innocent people whose lives ended too early, but seeks to prevent similar incidents in the future. It’s a movement that demands respect for a race that historically hasn’t received enough. It’s a community based on inclusion and making things right.
You just can’t say the same about your “thick thighs matter” tank top.
|
823e6e4f-4726-5f48-8cbe-4092eb45a8c2
|
25/08/2025 15:57:47
|
|
https://medium.com/the-wanderers-notebook/paths-2529fd81c940
|
medium.com
|
Paths
|
Growing up in an Asian culture, it was seldom about paths but path.
|
KOkorotote8
|
https://medium.com/@kokorotote8
|
2529fd81c940
| https://miro.medium.com/…[email protected]
|
1 min
|
2025-01-12T23:07:12.785000
|
2025-01-12T23:22:39.868000
|
2025-01-13T23:22:19.685000
| 1 | 0 |
en
|
Life,Choices,Happiness
|
<section>
<p>Growing up in an Asian culture, it was seldom about paths but path.</p>
<p>Your parents, your teachers, your relatives and friends often believe there is just that one path we should walk down and very often that path looks like this: study hard, get a degree, get a good job ( a good job means one that you can earn a lot of money, doesn’t even matter if you don’t like it), get married, have kids, grow old and travel and eventually die. This is not something new and by now most would know many Asian parents believe this is the path their children would walk down.</p>
<p>As an offspring in an Asian family, I am not spared. Yet I wonder how many would agree with me that while we try to break free and have the resources to do so, we often accept and take the path expected of us. It takes courage and it takes some catalyst to push us to walk down a path we choose for ourselves.</p>
<p>But does it mean walking a path chosen by others for us means we are unhappy on that path?</p>
<p>As you sit down and contemplate about your life today, would you say you have chosen a path you think you would like to walk down or are you still walking the path someone chose for you? But actually more importantly is which ever path you are on now, are you happy?</p>
<p>If not, maybe is time to choose.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/1*[email protected]" width="1200" height="1600" loading="lazy" />
<blockquote>Contemplating on a word a day, words that trigger my thoughts,and inspire my writing to give hope to those whose feelings and emotions await to be expressed and inspire actions to lead a considered life.</blockquote>
</section>
|
Paths
Growing up in an Asian culture, it was seldom about paths but path.
Your parents, your teachers, your relatives and friends often believe there is just that one path we should walk down and very often that path looks like this: study hard, get a degree, get a good job ( a good job means one that you can earn a lot of money, doesn’t even matter if you don’t like it), get married, have kids, grow old and travel and eventually die. This is not something new and by now most would know many Asian parents believe this is the path their children would walk down.
As an offspring in an Asian family, I am not spared. Yet I wonder how many would agree with me that while we try to break free and have the resources to do so, we often accept and take the path expected of us. It takes courage and it takes some catalyst to push us to walk down a path we choose for ourselves.
But does it mean walking a path chosen by others for us means we are unhappy on that path?
As you sit down and contemplate about your life today, would you say you have chosen a path you think you would like to walk down or are you still walking the path someone chose for you? But actually more importantly is which ever path you are on now, are you happy?
If not, maybe is time to choose.
Contemplating on a word a day, words that trigger my thoughts,and inspire my writing to give hope to those whose feelings and emotions await to be expressed and inspire actions to lead a considered life.
|
fc72978c-5edb-541b-b6a2-ad113127c2b5
|
25/08/2025 15:57:47
|
https://medium.com/@TheDailyNews.News/the-oofy-ecosystem-providing-benefits-to-audiences-bloggers-celebrities-journalists-f1fd33899cf0
|
medium.com
|
The OOFY ECOSYSTEM — Providing Benefits to Audiences, Bloggers, Celebrities, Journalists…
|
OOFY Platform will create new opportunities:
For advertisers — to get direct and concrete target audience
For Influencer Marketing…
|
The Daily News . News
|
https://medium.com/@TheDailyNews.News
|
f1fd33899cf0
|
1 min
|
2018-03-17T09:09:57.923000
|
2018-03-17T09:20:34.992000
|
2018-03-17T09:20:36.027000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Token Sale,Initial Coin Offering,ICO,Blogger,Social Media
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/1*x6ShNo3hb2KG-mS9MbkGow.png" width="500" height="250" loading="lazy" />
<p>OOFY Platform will create new opportunities:
For advertisers — to get direct and concrete target audience
For Influencer Marketing Agencies — to be engaged in audience exposure and earn
For bloggers, Celebrities, Journalists — to be engaged in audience exposure and earn
For audience — to earn money and make them multiplied</p>
<p>OOFY is a unique platform to earn money without investing the same for all users. Users have opportunities to make multiplied the earned money on the same platform. OOFY will provide unlimited opportunities, to earn money, make them multiplied, get bonuses, rewards, gifts, lotteries, coupons…..in short, a platform of dreams. And, no limit for withdrawal the earned money.</p>
<p>With regards,
OOFY coin Team
<a href="http://www.oofycoin.io">www.oofycoin.io</a>
<a href="http://www.oofycoin.com">www.oofycoin.com</a></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/200/1*Nhic13rVSZpUyqdYIsx7Pg.jpeg" width="200" height="200" loading="lazy" />
<p>We would be appreciate having you as an honorary guest to our social sets. Please, follow us at:</p>
<p>Telegram:
<a href="http://www.t.me/oofycoin">www.t.me/oofycoin</a></p>
<p>Facebook:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/oofyplatfrom/">https://www.facebook.com/oofyplatfrom/</a></p>
<p>Twitter:
<a href="https://www.twitter.com/oofycoin">https://www.twitter.com/oofycoin</a></p>
<p>Instagram:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/oofycoin/">https://www.instagram.com/oofycoin/</a></p>
<p>Linkedin
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/oofycoin/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/oofycoin/</a></p>
<p>Reddit
<a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/oofycoin/">https://www.reddit.com/user/oofycoin/</a></p>
<p>Medium
<a href="https://medium.com/@oofycoin">https://medium.com/@oofycoin</a></p>
<p>Github
<a href="https://github.com/oofycoin">https://github.com/oofycoin</a></p>
<p>Youtube
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9PnPTnRQxC_ipsLdfZTkwA">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9PnPTnRQxC_ipsLdfZTkwA</a></p>
</section>
|
The OOFY ECOSYSTEM — Providing Benefits to Audiences, Bloggers, Celebrities, Journalists, Influencers, Marketing Agencies, and Advertisers.
OOFY Platform will create new opportunities:
For advertisers — to get direct and concrete target audience
For Influencer Marketing Agencies — to be engaged in audience exposure and earn
For bloggers, Celebrities, Journalists — to be engaged in audience exposure and earn
For audience — to earn money and make them multiplied
OOFY is a unique platform to earn money without investing the same for all users. Users have opportunities to make multiplied the earned money on the same platform. OOFY will provide unlimited opportunities, to earn money, make them multiplied, get bonuses, rewards, gifts, lotteries, coupons…..in short, a platform of dreams. And, no limit for withdrawal the earned money.
With regards,
OOFY coin Team
www.oofycoin.io
www.oofycoin.com
We would be appreciate having you as an honorary guest to our social sets. Please, follow us at:
Telegram:
www.t.me/oofycoin
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/oofyplatfrom/
Twitter:
https://www.twitter.com/oofycoin
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/oofycoin/
Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oofycoin/
Reddit
https://www.reddit.com/user/oofycoin/
Medium
https://medium.com/@oofycoin
Github
https://github.com/oofycoin
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9PnPTnRQxC_ipsLdfZTkwA
|
be180804-40cd-500d-ae6f-f637d9b2c956
|
25/08/2025 15:57:47
|
|
https://harryweisdorf.medium.com/how-the-mlb-missed-their-opportunity-during-covid-19-b20329f79d84
|
medium.com
|
How the MLB Missed their Opportunity during COVID-19
|
With all sports in North America on hold since mid-march, we as a society have longed for its return as soon as possible (while also…
|
Harry Weisdorf
|
https://medium.com/@harryweisdorf
|
b20329f79d84
|
2 min
|
2020-07-30T22:53:51.741000
|
2020-07-30T22:59:25.469000
|
2021-12-15T09:55:21.837000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Baseball,MLB,Sports,Covid-19,Finance
|
<section>
<p>With all sports in North America on hold since mid-march, we as a society have longed for its return as soon as possible (while also remaining safe). Indoor leagues, such as the NBA and NHL, are more difficult to resume due to the infectious nature of the virus and indoor environments. This is why Major League Baseball missed its chance to, basically, monopolize the sporting landscape but ultimately failed due to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the owners.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1170/0*elp28Mcbgv2Fa-ww.jpg" width="1170" height="780" loading="lazy" />
<p>The problem is entirely financial and it eliminated the opportunity MLB had to increase its fanbase. As games have to be played with no fans in attendance this year, the owners wanted to save as much money as they could due to no ticket sales, no concessions, and likely a large drop in merchandising. So, they decided to make up the difference from the players’ salaries.</p>
<p>In a bit of a financial run down in case you missed negotiations over the last couple of months, It is not feasible to pay the players their full salaries for a shortened season. And, to defend the owners, it isn’t fair to them even if they are millionaires. This brings in the idea of prorated salaries in which the players get paid on a percentage of how many games are in the new regular season compared to the original one. So if Player A was owed $2 million over a 162 game season, and 81 game season would earn them $1 million. This is fair and seemed that all players and fans were on board, but if we know anything about owners and their financials, why earn a large amount of money if you earn even more.</p>
<p>This leads to the series of bizarre offers by the owners during negotiations. Via the Starting 9 podcast, super-agent Scott Boras referred to these offers as “ice cream offers” in which they continue to offer you a new bowl, or a fancy cone, but they never change the ice cream. The ice cream, in this case, is the number of games the owners wanted to play which they set at 60 in every offer. Everything else changed from offer to offer, including possible expanded playoffs and alterations from prorated contracts (an idiotic idea which would make veterans lose 80% of their pay for the season). The 60 games were a constant to avoid paying the players more than the owners were willing to pay. All to limit their short-term losses, but is that really the best decision when considering their viewership competition?</p>
<p>The basis of this article is that the coronavirus limited the return to play for the NBA and NHL, leaving the sports-watchers left to go to one place: baseball. This would likely bring in a brand new fan base that would have never given the MLB a chance. Baseball had the chance to be the sole monopoly of this year’s spring season. However, the owners continued to delay negotiations until it was impossible to play more than that 60 game quota. They missed out on the long term growth of the game and potential increased team valuations, and all for a few million dollars per team. It truly is unfortunate that short-term money robbed the return of baseball when much of the world really needed something to hope for.</p>
</section>
|
How the MLB Missed their Opportunity during COVID-19
With all sports in North America on hold since mid-march, we as a society have longed for its return as soon as possible (while also remaining safe). Indoor leagues, such as the NBA and NHL, are more difficult to resume due to the infectious nature of the virus and indoor environments. This is why Major League Baseball missed its chance to, basically, monopolize the sporting landscape but ultimately failed due to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the owners.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred
The problem is entirely financial and it eliminated the opportunity MLB had to increase its fanbase. As games have to be played with no fans in attendance this year, the owners wanted to save as much money as they could due to no ticket sales, no concessions, and likely a large drop in merchandising. So, they decided to make up the difference from the players’ salaries.
In a bit of a financial run down in case you missed negotiations over the last couple of months, It is not feasible to pay the players their full salaries for a shortened season. And, to defend the owners, it isn’t fair to them even if they are millionaires. This brings in the idea of prorated salaries in which the players get paid on a percentage of how many games are in the new regular season compared to the original one. So if Player A was owed $2 million over a 162 game season, and 81 game season would earn them $1 million. This is fair and seemed that all players and fans were on board, but if we know anything about owners and their financials, why earn a large amount of money if you earn even more.
This leads to the series of bizarre offers by the owners during negotiations. Via the Starting 9 podcast, super-agent Scott Boras referred to these offers as “ice cream offers” in which they continue to offer you a new bowl, or a fancy cone, but they never change the ice cream. The ice cream, in this case, is the number of games the owners wanted to play which they set at 60 in every offer. Everything else changed from offer to offer, including possible expanded playoffs and alterations from prorated contracts (an idiotic idea which would make veterans lose 80% of their pay for the season). The 60 games were a constant to avoid paying the players more than the owners were willing to pay. All to limit their short-term losses, but is that really the best decision when considering their viewership competition?
The basis of this article is that the coronavirus limited the return to play for the NBA and NHL, leaving the sports-watchers left to go to one place: baseball. This would likely bring in a brand new fan base that would have never given the MLB a chance. Baseball had the chance to be the sole monopoly of this year’s spring season. However, the owners continued to delay negotiations until it was impossible to play more than that 60 game quota. They missed out on the long term growth of the game and potential increased team valuations, and all for a few million dollars per team. It truly is unfortunate that short-term money robbed the return of baseball when much of the world really needed something to hope for.
|
70ce4a6b-cd9e-5d82-b77a-dc0072e4ac2e
|
25/08/2025 15:57:48
|
|
https://academy.tradetomato.com/mean-reversion-trading-capitalize-on-price-fluctuations-da9ecbb6e62e
|
medium.com
|
Mean Reversion Trading
|
How Traders Capitalize on Price Fluctuations Returning to the Mean
|
Tradetomato
|
https://medium.com/@Tradetomato
|
da9ecbb6e62e
|
6 min
|
2024-09-26T10:03:16.258000
|
2024-09-27T09:07:50.298000
|
2024-11-16T00:22:02.879000
| 0 | 49 |
en
|
Crypto,Trading,Mean Reversion,Cryptocurrency,Tradetomato
|
<section>
<h3>How Traders Capitalize on Price Fluctuations Returning to the Mean</h3>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1793/1*5o6HpWYWsGTW810ZZj6Emg.png" width="1793" height="1024" loading="lazy" />
<p>In the volatile markets of <strong>crypto trading</strong>, prices often fluctuate wildly. However, one consistent principle many traders rely on is <strong>mean reversion trading</strong>. This strategy capitalizes on the idea that after extreme highs or lows, prices tend to “revert” or return to their average over time. Whether you’re new to crypto, an enthusiastic trader, or even a seasoned pro, understanding how to leverage this trading strategy could enhance your profitability.</p>
<p>In this article, we’ll break down the fundamentals of mean reversion, how it applies to <strong>crypto trading</strong>, and how <strong>automated</strong> and <strong>algorithmic trading</strong> can help simplify the process.</p>
<h1>What is Mean Reversion Trading?</h1>
<p><strong>Mean reversion trading</strong> is a strategy based on the idea that asset prices fluctuate around an average or “mean” price over time. When a price strays significantly from this mean, traders expect it to revert back. This creates opportunities to buy when prices are low (below the mean) and sell when they rise (above the mean).</p>
<p>The mean can be calculated in different ways, such as using a simple moving average (SMA) or exponential moving average (EMA). These moving averages act as a benchmark to help identify when a price is deviating significantly, signaling potential buying or selling opportunities.</p>
<p>For example:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Overbought conditions</strong>: When a cryptocurrency’s price shoots far above its average, it might indicate that the asset is overbought and due for a decline.</li>
<li><strong>Oversold conditions</strong>: Conversely, when the price drops significantly below the average, it might signal that the asset is oversold and due for a rise.</li>
</ul>
<p>By trading based on these signals, you can potentially profit from the inevitable return to the mean price.</p>
<h2>How Mean Reversion Works in Crypto Trading</h2>
<p>In the <strong>crypto market</strong>, volatility is common. Prices can surge or plummet due to a variety of factors, such as news events, investor sentiment, or market manipulation. However, despite this volatility, many cryptocurrencies tend to revert to their historical averages over time. This makes <strong>mean reversion trading</strong> particularly attractive to crypto traders.</p>
<h3>Why Mean Reversion is Effective in Crypto:</h3>
<p><strong>Market Volatility</strong>: The inherent price swings in the crypto market provide more frequent opportunities for mean reversion strategies.</p>
<p><strong>Psychological Factors</strong>: Traders often react emotionally to market changes, causing overbuying or overselling, which naturally corrects itself over time.</p>
<p><strong>Liquidity Conditions</strong>: As the market matures, liquidity increases, making the conditions ripe for mean reversion patterns to emerge.</p>
<p>Using mean reversion in <strong>crypto trading</strong> involves analyzing price charts and identifying when a coin has moved too far from its average price. Traders then take positions based on the assumption that the price will eventually revert to its mean.</p>
<h2>Strategies for Mean Reversion Trading</h2>
<p><strong>Mean reversion strategies</strong> are diverse and can be adapted to different trading styles. Below are some key approaches traders use to capitalize on mean reversion in crypto markets:</p>
<h3>1. Simple Moving Average (SMA) Strategy</h3>
<p>The <strong>SMA strategy</strong> uses the average price of an asset over a specific period, such as 20, 50, or 200 days, to determine the mean. Traders watch for moments when the price deviates significantly from the SMA and enter trades when they believe the price will revert to the mean.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Example</strong>: If Bitcoin’s price has been trading above its 50-day SMA for an extended period, a mean reversion trader might short Bitcoin, expecting the price to fall back to the average.</li>
</ul>
<h3>2. Exponential Moving Average (EMA) Strategy</h3>
<p>The <strong>EMA strategy</strong> works similarly to the SMA, but it gives more weight to recent prices, making it more responsive to recent market conditions. This is useful in the volatile crypto market, where quick reactions can lead to profitable trades.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Example</strong>: In a fast-moving market, if Ethereum’s price deviates dramatically from its 10-day EMA, traders might assume it will revert to the mean and place trades accordingly.</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. Bollinger Bands Strategy</h3>
<p><strong>Bollinger Bands</strong> are a popular tool for mean reversion trading. These bands consist of a middle band (the mean) and two outer bands that represent standard deviations of the price. When the price moves outside of these bands, it is often a signal that the asset is overbought or oversold and will revert back to the mean.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Example</strong>: If Litecoin’s price moves above the upper Bollinger Band, it might be considered overbought, signaling a potential short trade.</li>
</ul>
<h3>4. Algorithmic Trading for Mean Reversion</h3>
<p>With the rise of <strong>algorithmic trading</strong> and <strong>automated crypto trading</strong>, implementing mean reversion strategies has become much easier. By using algorithms to automatically detect deviations from the mean, traders can set predefined rules for when to buy or sell. This reduces the emotional bias that can often cloud judgment and ensures that trades are executed with precision.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Example</strong>: An algorithm can be programmed to automatically buy a cryptocurrency when its price drops below the 50-day EMA and sell when it rises above the EMA.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Role of Automated Trading in Mean Reversion</h2>
<p>In <strong>automated crypto trading</strong>, traders use software to execute trades based on preset conditions. This is particularly useful for mean reversion strategies, where precise timing is crucial. Automation allows traders to take advantage of market opportunities without constantly monitoring the charts.</p>
<h3>Advantages of Automated Trading in Mean Reversion:</h3>
<p><strong>Speed</strong>: Automated systems react faster than human traders, capturing price movements more effectively.</p>
<p><strong>Consistency</strong>: Algorithms follow predefined rules without the interference of emotions, leading to more disciplined trading.</p>
<p><strong>Efficiency</strong>: Automated systems can scan multiple markets and cryptocurrencies simultaneously, ensuring that no trading opportunities are missed.</p>
<p>Popular <strong>algorithmic trading</strong> platforms, such as Tradetomato allow traders to set up mean reversion strategies easily. This can include triggering buy or sell orders when certain technical indicators, like SMAs or Bollinger Bands, signal that a reversion is imminent.</p>
<h2>Risks of Mean Reversion Trading</h2>
<p>While <strong>mean reversion trading</strong> can be a profitable strategy, it’s important to acknowledge the potential risks, especially in the unpredictable world of crypto.</p>
<p><strong>Extended Trends</strong>: Cryptocurrencies can sometimes trend away from the mean for long periods. A trader betting on a quick return to the mean might face losses if the trend continues unexpectedly.</p>
<p><strong>Market Conditions</strong>: Major events, like regulatory changes or technological breakthroughs, can push crypto prices to new levels, invalidating mean reversion predictions.</p>
<p><strong>False Signals</strong>: Technical indicators may occasionally generate false signals, leading to unprofitable trades.</p>
<p>For this reason, many experienced traders combine <strong>mean reversion strategies</strong> with <strong>risk management</strong> techniques, such as stop-loss orders, to mitigate potential losses.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p><strong>Mean reversion trading</strong> is a time-tested strategy that can be highly effective in <strong>crypto trading</strong>, where price volatility offers regular opportunities. By understanding how prices tend to revert to their average, traders can capitalize on these fluctuations to maximize profits.</p>
<p>Moreover, with the growing popularity of <strong>automated crypto trading</strong> and <strong>algorithmic trading</strong>, traders can implement mean reversion strategies with greater efficiency and precision. As with all trading strategies, it’s essential to understand the risks and adapt to market conditions.</p>
<p>Whether you’re a crypto newbie or an experienced trader, mean reversion offers a structured, logical approach to navigating the ups and downs of the market.</p>
<p>Are you ready to incorporate mean reversion into your crypto trading strategy? Start experimenting today and see how this proven approach can boost your results.</p>
<h2>FAQ</h2>
<p><strong>1. Is mean reversion trading suitable for beginners?</strong>
Yes, mean reversion trading can be a good strategy for beginners as it’s based on observable price behavior. However, it’s important to thoroughly understand the technical indicators involved and consider using <strong>automated trading</strong> tools to execute trades efficiently.</p>
<p><strong>2. Can mean reversion be automated in crypto trading?</strong>
Absolutely. Many traders use <strong>algorithmic trading</strong> platforms that automate mean reversion strategies. This allows for quick, emotion-free execution of trades based on predefined criteria.</p>
<p><strong>3. What are the risks of mean reversion trading?</strong>
The main risk is that the asset may not revert to its mean as expected. In crypto markets, trends can last longer than anticipated, leading to potential losses. Always use <strong>risk management</strong> tools like stop-loss orders.</p>
<p><em><strong>Level Up Your Crypto </em>Game!</strong> <strong>📈</strong></p>
<p><em>Get the latest insights, strategies, and expert tips from Tradetomato straight into your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter and never miss a beat in crypto trading!</em></p>
<p><em>👉 S<a href="https://www.tradetomato.com/#newsletter">ubs</em>cribe now for your weekly dose of trading wisdom!</a></p>
<h2>About Tradetomato</h2>
<p>Tradetomato is the ultimate trade automation platform that makes trading simple for everyone. Deploy our plug & play algorithms with just a click to trade like a pro without the hassle. No more complexities. Just easy, automated trading at your fingertips.</p>
<p>Powered by the <a href="https://documentation.tradetomato.com/tradetomato/tokenomics">Tradetomato Token</a> (TTM) and boosted with AI and machine learning, our platform puts your portfolio on autopilot. Effortlessly automate and manage your crypto across exchanges and wallets through a single powerful interface.</p>
<p>Join us at Tradetomato and navigate the crypto world with confidence and expertise.</p>
<p><a href="https://app.tradetomato.com/sign-up">Sign up</a> today and level up your trading! 📈</p>
<p><a href="https://www.tradetomato.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://t.me/Tradetomatochat">Telegram Chat</a> | <a href="https://t.me/tradetomato">Telegram Ann.</a>| <a href="https://twitter.com/trade_tomato">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://discord.gg/58tgf8H7H9">Discord</a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradetomato">Linkedin</a></p>
</section>
|
Mean Reversion Trading
How Traders Capitalize on Price Fluctuations Returning to the Mean
In the volatile markets of crypto trading, prices often fluctuate wildly. However, one consistent principle many traders rely on is mean reversion trading. This strategy capitalizes on the idea that after extreme highs or lows, prices tend to “revert” or return to their average over time. Whether you’re new to crypto, an enthusiastic trader, or even a seasoned pro, understanding how to leverage this trading strategy could enhance your profitability.
In this article, we’ll break down the fundamentals of mean reversion, how it applies to crypto trading, and how automated and algorithmic trading can help simplify the process.
What is Mean Reversion Trading?
Mean reversion trading is a strategy based on the idea that asset prices fluctuate around an average or “mean” price over time. When a price strays significantly from this mean, traders expect it to revert back. This creates opportunities to buy when prices are low (below the mean) and sell when they rise (above the mean).
The mean can be calculated in different ways, such as using a simple moving average (SMA) or exponential moving average (EMA). These moving averages act as a benchmark to help identify when a price is deviating significantly, signaling potential buying or selling opportunities.
For example:
Overbought conditions: When a cryptocurrency’s price shoots far above its average, it might indicate that the asset is overbought and due for a decline.
Oversold conditions: Conversely, when the price drops significantly below the average, it might signal that the asset is oversold and due for a rise.
By trading based on these signals, you can potentially profit from the inevitable return to the mean price.
How Mean Reversion Works in Crypto Trading
In the crypto market, volatility is common. Prices can surge or plummet due to a variety of factors, such as news events, investor sentiment, or market manipulation. However, despite this volatility, many cryptocurrencies tend to revert to their historical averages over time. This makes mean reversion trading particularly attractive to crypto traders.
Why Mean Reversion is Effective in Crypto:
Market Volatility: The inherent price swings in the crypto market provide more frequent opportunities for mean reversion strategies.
Psychological Factors: Traders often react emotionally to market changes, causing overbuying or overselling, which naturally corrects itself over time.
Liquidity Conditions: As the market matures, liquidity increases, making the conditions ripe for mean reversion patterns to emerge.
Using mean reversion in crypto trading involves analyzing price charts and identifying when a coin has moved too far from its average price. Traders then take positions based on the assumption that the price will eventually revert to its mean.
Strategies for Mean Reversion Trading
Mean reversion strategies are diverse and can be adapted to different trading styles. Below are some key approaches traders use to capitalize on mean reversion in crypto markets:
1. Simple Moving Average (SMA) Strategy
The SMA strategy uses the average price of an asset over a specific period, such as 20, 50, or 200 days, to determine the mean. Traders watch for moments when the price deviates significantly from the SMA and enter trades when they believe the price will revert to the mean.
Example: If Bitcoin’s price has been trading above its 50-day SMA for an extended period, a mean reversion trader might short Bitcoin, expecting the price to fall back to the average.
2. Exponential Moving Average (EMA) Strategy
The EMA strategy works similarly to the SMA, but it gives more weight to recent prices, making it more responsive to recent market conditions. This is useful in the volatile crypto market, where quick reactions can lead to profitable trades.
Example: In a fast-moving market, if Ethereum’s price deviates dramatically from its 10-day EMA, traders might assume it will revert to the mean and place trades accordingly.
3. Bollinger Bands Strategy
Bollinger Bands are a popular tool for mean reversion trading. These bands consist of a middle band (the mean) and two outer bands that represent standard deviations of the price. When the price moves outside of these bands, it is often a signal that the asset is overbought or oversold and will revert back to the mean.
Example: If Litecoin’s price moves above the upper Bollinger Band, it might be considered overbought, signaling a potential short trade.
4. Algorithmic Trading for Mean Reversion
With the rise of algorithmic trading and automated crypto trading, implementing mean reversion strategies has become much easier. By using algorithms to automatically detect deviations from the mean, traders can set predefined rules for when to buy or sell. This reduces the emotional bias that can often cloud judgment and ensures that trades are executed with precision.
Example: An algorithm can be programmed to automatically buy a cryptocurrency when its price drops below the 50-day EMA and sell when it rises above the EMA.
The Role of Automated Trading in Mean Reversion
In automated crypto trading, traders use software to execute trades based on preset conditions. This is particularly useful for mean reversion strategies, where precise timing is crucial. Automation allows traders to take advantage of market opportunities without constantly monitoring the charts.
Advantages of Automated Trading in Mean Reversion:
Speed: Automated systems react faster than human traders, capturing price movements more effectively.
Consistency: Algorithms follow predefined rules without the interference of emotions, leading to more disciplined trading.
Efficiency: Automated systems can scan multiple markets and cryptocurrencies simultaneously, ensuring that no trading opportunities are missed.
Popular algorithmic trading platforms, such as Tradetomato allow traders to set up mean reversion strategies easily. This can include triggering buy or sell orders when certain technical indicators, like SMAs or Bollinger Bands, signal that a reversion is imminent.
Risks of Mean Reversion Trading
While mean reversion trading can be a profitable strategy, it’s important to acknowledge the potential risks, especially in the unpredictable world of crypto.
Extended Trends: Cryptocurrencies can sometimes trend away from the mean for long periods. A trader betting on a quick return to the mean might face losses if the trend continues unexpectedly.
Market Conditions: Major events, like regulatory changes or technological breakthroughs, can push crypto prices to new levels, invalidating mean reversion predictions.
False Signals: Technical indicators may occasionally generate false signals, leading to unprofitable trades.
For this reason, many experienced traders combine mean reversion strategies with risk management techniques, such as stop-loss orders, to mitigate potential losses.
Conclusion
Mean reversion trading is a time-tested strategy that can be highly effective in crypto trading, where price volatility offers regular opportunities. By understanding how prices tend to revert to their average, traders can capitalize on these fluctuations to maximize profits.
Moreover, with the growing popularity of automated crypto trading and algorithmic trading, traders can implement mean reversion strategies with greater efficiency and precision. As with all trading strategies, it’s essential to understand the risks and adapt to market conditions.
Whether you’re a crypto newbie or an experienced trader, mean reversion offers a structured, logical approach to navigating the ups and downs of the market.
Are you ready to incorporate mean reversion into your crypto trading strategy? Start experimenting today and see how this proven approach can boost your results.
FAQ
1. Is mean reversion trading suitable for beginners?
Yes, mean reversion trading can be a good strategy for beginners as it’s based on observable price behavior. However, it’s important to thoroughly understand the technical indicators involved and consider using automated trading tools to execute trades efficiently.
2. Can mean reversion be automated in crypto trading?
Absolutely. Many traders use algorithmic trading platforms that automate mean reversion strategies. This allows for quick, emotion-free execution of trades based on predefined criteria.
3. What are the risks of mean reversion trading?
The main risk is that the asset may not revert to its mean as expected. In crypto markets, trends can last longer than anticipated, leading to potential losses. Always use risk management tools like stop-loss orders.
Level Up Your Crypto Game! 📈
Get the latest insights, strategies, and expert tips from Tradetomato straight into your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter and never miss a beat in crypto trading!
👉 Subscribe now for your weekly dose of trading wisdom!
About Tradetomato
Tradetomato is the ultimate trade automation platform that makes trading simple for everyone. Deploy our plug & play algorithms with just a click to trade like a pro without the hassle. No more complexities. Just easy, automated trading at your fingertips.
Powered by the Tradetomato Token (TTM) and boosted with AI and machine learning, our platform puts your portfolio on autopilot. Effortlessly automate and manage your crypto across exchanges and wallets through a single powerful interface.
Join us at Tradetomato and navigate the crypto world with confidence and expertise.
Sign up today and level up your trading! 📈
Website | Telegram Chat | Telegram Ann.| Twitter | Discord | Linkedin
|
61088c7f-07cf-5868-b9b5-8bc267710ff1
|
25/08/2025 15:57:48
|
|
https://medium.com/@arrowchain.coin/arrow-new-medium-blog-basic-informations-2d9d7a40eadb
|
medium.com
|
Arrow: New Medium Blog & Basic Information
|
First of all, welcome to Arrow‘s new Medium blog!
|
ArrowChain
|
https://medium.com/@arrowchain.coin
|
2d9d7a40eadb
|
1 min
|
2022-11-20T11:48:00.144000
|
2022-11-21T19:37:14.340000
|
2022-11-29T14:58:32.986000
| 2 | 7 |
en
|
Cryptocurrency,Blockchain,Privacy Coin,Proof Of Work,Equihash
|
<section>
<p><strong>Arrow: New Medium Blog & Basic Information</strong></p>
<p>First of all, welcome to Arrow‘s new Medium blog!</p>
<p>Here, we want to publish regular newsletters and information about Arrow to keep people up to date on how the project is going.</p>
<p>Arrow is a truly private digital cryptocurrency and a block-one fork of Zcash.</p>
<p><strong>Basic Informations:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Coin name: Arrow</li>
<li>Coin symbol: ARW</li>
<li>Type: private cryptocurrency</li>
<li>Algorithm: Equihash Heavy (192,7)</li>
<li>Block time: 45 seconds</li>
<li>Total coins: 210,000,000</li>
<li>Genesis block: 07 July 2019</li>
<li>Website: <a href="https://arrowchain.org">https://arrowchain.org</a></li>
<li>Whitepaper: <a href="https://arrowchain.org/whitepaper">https://arrowchain.org/whitepaper</a></li>
<li>Source link: <a href="https://github.com/Arrowchain">https://github.com/Arrowchain</a></li>
<li>Wallet: <a href="https://github.com/Arrowchain/quiver/releases">https://github.com/Arrowchain/quiver/releases</a></li>
<li>Block explorer: <a href="http://explorer.arrowchain.org/">http://explorer.arrowchain.org/</a></li>
<li>Discord: <a href="https://discord.gg/npjN2TmReS">https://discord.gg/npjN2TmReS</a></li>
<li>Bitcointalk link: <a href="https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5156285">https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5156285</a></li>
<li>Miningpoolstats: <a href="https://miningpoolstats.stream/arrow">https://miningpoolstats.stream/arrow</a></li>
<li>Exchange: <a href="https://safe.trade/">https://safe.trade/</a></li>
</ul>
</section>
|
Arrow: New Medium Blog & Basic Information
First of all, welcome to Arrow‘s new Medium blog!
Here, we want to publish regular newsletters and information about Arrow to keep people up to date on how the project is going.
Arrow is a truly private digital cryptocurrency and a block-one fork of Zcash.
Basic Informations:
Coin name: Arrow
Coin symbol: ARW
Type: private cryptocurrency
Algorithm: Equihash Heavy (192,7)
Block time: 45 seconds
Total coins: 210,000,000
Genesis block: 07 July 2019
Website: https://arrowchain.org
Whitepaper: https://arrowchain.org/whitepaper
Source link: https://github.com/Arrowchain
Wallet: https://github.com/Arrowchain/quiver/releases
Block explorer: http://explorer.arrowchain.org/
Discord: https://discord.gg/npjN2TmReS
Bitcointalk link: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5156285
Miningpoolstats: https://miningpoolstats.stream/arrow
Exchange: https://safe.trade/
|
3827053d-41c3-50a0-ae42-1494c8c54c74
|
25/08/2025 15:57:49
|
|
https://medium.com/@samshaz/june-2016-updates-for-get-transform-in-excel-2016-and-the-power-query-add-in-feec850b19d9
|
medium.com
|
June 2016 updates for Get & Transform in Excel 2016 and the Power Query add-in
| null |
sameer khan
|
https://medium.com/@samshaz
|
feec850b19d9
| null |
0 min
|
2017-05-21T18:29:48.684000
|
2017-05-21T18:30:28.617000
|
2017-05-21T18:30:29.770000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Office 365,Microsoft Office
|
<section>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.officesetupenterproductkey.com/blog/office-setup-enter-pro</strong>duct-key/june-2016-updates-for-get-transform-in-excel-2016-and-the-power-query-add-in/">June 2016 updates for Get & Transform in Excel 2016 and the Power Query add-in
<em>Excel 2016 includes a powerful new set of features based on Power Query technology, which provides fast, easy data…</em>www.officesetupenterprodu</a>ctkey.com</p>
</section>
|
June 2016 updates for Get & Transform in Excel 2016 and the Power Query add-in
June 2016 updates for Get & Transform in Excel 2016 and the Power Query add-in
Excel 2016 includes a powerful new set of features based on Power Query technology, which provides fast, easy data…www.officesetupenterproductkey.com
|
402a5f4b-1e41-573b-803c-4cf847751e8c
|
25/08/2025 15:57:49
|
https://medium.com/@liv.rites/who-was-she-before-the-world-told-her-who-she-should-be-87ad8eabecbf
|
medium.com
|
Who was she before the world told her who she should be?
|
Monsters don’t sleep under your bed; they sleep inside your head
|
liv.rites ♡
|
https://medium.com/@liv.rites
|
87ad8eabecbf
|
1 min
|
2025-08-13T08:05:33.732000
|
2025-08-20T11:32:03.796000
|
2025-08-20T12:30:02.530000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Writing,Insecurity,This Happened To Me,Beauty,Mental Health
|
<section>
<p>Monsters don’t sleep under your bed; they sleep inside your head</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/736/1*mQ9_VmxVHD61i_bnwmfXSQ.jpeg" width="736" height="437" loading="lazy" />
<p>I looked in the mirror today,</p>
<p>But the reflection did not belong to me,</p>
<p>I saw a girl -</p>
<p>A girl whose eyes once held fire, but now</p>
<p>It’s just smoulder, like a candle wick long blown out.</p>
<p>A girl whose skin once knew the feeling of warmth but now holds the memory of colour.</p>
<p>A girl whose lips were once touched by the blush of life.</p>
<p>A girl whose collarbones rise like ridges, carved by hunger and expectations underneath her fragile skin.</p>
<p>A girl who only holds the memory of a mind free of voices that are not her own.</p>
<p>A girl with an ocean of emotions in her heart, waves crashing against the dam of her mouth -</p>
<p>But not a single drop escapes.</p>
<p>A girl silently drowning in a storm,</p>
<p>A storm tearing the garden her soul once held.</p>
<p>A girl lost between the pages of what the world wants her to be.</p>
<p>A girl who no longer knows how to look in the mirror without the filter of beauty standards.</p>
<p>A girl who compares herself to every stranger, questioning her existence.</p>
<p>A girl who doesn’t know who she is beneath the layers of people’s opinions, expectations, and definitions, none of which are her own.</p>
<p>A girl,</p>
<p>A girl who can’t remember who she was before the world told her who she should be</p>
<p>Song: <a href="https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=k4V3Mo61fJM">Fix You</a> by COLDPLAY</p>
<p>I wrote this poem a while back when I was feeling the pressure of social media, and I felt like I didn't know who I was anymore.</p>
<p>If you enjoyed this, tap that 👏 to show some love! Up to 50 claps per person — just saying 😄. Stay safe</p>
</section>
|
Who was she before the world told her who she should be?
Monsters don’t sleep under your bed; they sleep inside your head
I looked in the mirror today,
But the reflection did not belong to me,
I saw a girl -
A girl whose eyes once held fire, but now
It’s just smoulder, like a candle wick long blown out.
A girl whose skin once knew the feeling of warmth but now holds the memory of colour.
A girl whose lips were once touched by the blush of life.
A girl whose collarbones rise like ridges, carved by hunger and expectations underneath her fragile skin.
A girl who only holds the memory of a mind free of voices that are not her own.
A girl with an ocean of emotions in her heart, waves crashing against the dam of her mouth -
But not a single drop escapes.
A girl silently drowning in a storm,
A storm tearing the garden her soul once held.
A girl lost between the pages of what the world wants her to be.
A girl who no longer knows how to look in the mirror without the filter of beauty standards.
A girl who compares herself to every stranger, questioning her existence.
A girl who doesn’t know who she is beneath the layers of people’s opinions, expectations, and definitions, none of which are her own.
A girl,
A girl who can’t remember who she was before the world told her who she should be
Song: Fix You by COLDPLAY
I wrote this poem a while back when I was feeling the pressure of social media, and I felt like I didn't know who I was anymore.
If you enjoyed this, tap that 👏 to show some love! Up to 50 claps per person — just saying 😄. Stay safe
|
ef71933b-2abe-5e67-9d62-48d82264f016
|
25/08/2025 15:57:49
|
|
https://farkleup.medium.com/two-greatest-hits-on-this-historic-day-in-america-5a565dc16de7
|
medium.com
|
Presenting Two Greatest Hits on This Historic Day in America
|
Donald Trump’s Mojo, Simple Yet Complex
|
Jeffrey Field
|
https://medium.com/@farkleup
|
5a565dc16de7
|
0 min
|
2017-01-20T14:59:12.757000
|
2017-01-20T15:07:28.867000
|
2018-05-27T15:34:24.512000
| 0 | 3 |
en
|
Donald Trump,2017 Inauguration,Brainwashing,Putin,Russia
|
<section>
<p><em><strong><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Manchurian_Candidate_(1962_film)">The Manchurian Candidate</a> was selected in 1994 for preservation in the United States <a href="https://en.wikiped</em>ia.org/w</strong>iki/National_Film_Registry">National Film Registry</a> by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Congress">Library of Congress</a> as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.</p>
<h1><a href="https://extranewsfeed.com/donald-trump-s-mojo-simple-yet-complex-f174ff50e904#.d4qdb5n83">Donald Trump’s Mojo</a>, <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VqE8eaeovso/T8_-vYMCfxI/AAAAAAAABt8/DEKeirwVlUw/s1600/julia51.JPG">Simple Yet Complex</a></h1>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max//1*8xufYFPjkwYRGZ1tNBh10Q.jpeg" width="" height="" loading="lazy" />
</section>
|
Presenting Two Greatest Hits on This Historic Day in America
The Manchurian Candidate was selected in 1994 for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
Donald Trump’s Mojo, Simple Yet Complex
|
47a278da-daea-5973-85bd-0b5acd035fc7
|
25/08/2025 15:57:49
|
|
https://medium.com/seamgen-blog/technology-and-the-2016-election-starters-guide-8611fd071072
|
medium.com
|
Technology and the 2016 Election: Starter’s Guide
| null |
Joshua Larky
|
https://medium.com/@joshualarky
|
8611fd071072
|
4 min
|
2016-11-03T01:23:20.500000
|
2016-11-03T01:23:17
|
2018-02-06T15:32:15.440000
| 0 | 1 |
en
|
2016 Election,Agile,App Development,Mobile Apps,Presidential Election
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/770/0*-vo07jElrA6Z2C5o.jpg" width="770" height="511" loading="lazy" />
<p>At Seamgen, we are sometimes blinded by our infatuation with technology. But we are working on escaping our box, verging beyond <a href="http://www.seamgen.com/work/">mobile app development</a> to investigate the upcoming 2016 election.</p>
<p>Technology, continuing the trend in recent years, has been even more influential in this year’s election. This post will tackle Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump’s pushes to incorporate technology into their campaigns, along with voting apps, and more. After reading this post, you’ll have a better understanding of available resources and technological influences in the 2016 election.</p>
<h3>Hillary Clinton and Analytics</h3>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1024/0*lPQxsaqAErdOlLp8.jpg" width="1024" height="698" loading="lazy" />
<p>Hillary Clinton’s team has leveraged big data and analytics software in a way never seen before. <a href="http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2016/09/hillary-clinton-data-campaign-elan-kriegel-214215">A recent article in Politico</a> outlined the analytics genius that is Elan Kriegel. The brains behind Clinton’s analytics department, he formerly worked under the Obama campaign; his proprietary electoral models allowed Barack’s team to capitalize on the right times to contact voters, and the best ways to gain returns from campaigning.</p>
<p>Building off Kriegel’s success with Obama, Clinton’s campaign never makes a move before consulting Kriegel’s department and his analytics models. Clinton’s success thus far is in large part to her team’s willingness to trust the predictive models, structuring her campaigning to be as efficient as possible.</p>
<p>Kriegel’s greatest creation yet may be the unique ‘cost per flippable delegate’ algorithm, instrumental in her push to beat Bernie Sanders in the primary. Every dollar of her television advertising budget was allotted through this algorithm, aimed at the most cost-efficient way to victory in the Democratic primary.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/450/0*bqftyv08oD5G1C97.jpg" width="450" height="600" loading="lazy" />
<p>Elan Kriegel, Hillary Clinton’s Director of Analytics</p>
<p>Many have attributed Clinton’s current lead over Trump to his reluctance to incorporate analytics into his campaign strategy. Elan Kriegel and his team are setting a standard for elections to come with their reliance on predictive modeling and analytics software.</p>
<h3>Donald Trump and Twitter</h3>
<p>While social media has become a necessary tool for candidates during election seasons, Trump has really capitalized on the possibilities of twitter. With just shy of 13 million followers, Donald Trump’s Twitter account is a great place for his followers to get an interactive experience in the election.</p>
<p>Trump often prides himself on his Twitter account, and for good reason. He currently averages about 28,000 new followers daily on his account, churning out over 20 live tweets every day.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/905/0*XWacEiW33FoxsczR.png" width="905" height="439" loading="lazy" />
<p>While Hillary Clinton has about 10 million followers on Twitter, her followers’ engagement is nowhere near that of Trump’s supporters. While Clinton’s tweets rarely surpass 5,000 likes, Trump’s rarely get below 20,000 likes. With a relatively similar amount of Twitter followers, it becomes clear that Trump is far better at leveraging his celebrity status through social media.</p>
<p>With the introduction of radio at the start of the 20th century, voters could hear their candidates speak; with television half a century later, it became possible to watch candidates’ speeches. The beauty of social media platforms like Twitter is the closeness one feels to their candidate.</p>
<p>Every like and retweet adds up, and Trump’s supporters have an interactive platform to agree with and support their candidate. No longer do his supporters watch from a distance as he campaigns. Twitter brings the excitement of the campaign to everyday Americans at their computer, tablet, or smartphone.</p>
<h3>Technology and Voting</h3>
<h3>Democracy Works</h3>
<p>A non-profit focused on increasing voter turnout since 2010, Democracy Works has two current projects, TurboVote and Ballot Scout.</p>
<h3>TurboVote</h3>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/952/0*QrNg0IDcQC_YdIOk.png" width="952" height="886" loading="lazy" />
<p>The easy voting app, TurboVote is free and signup takes a couple minutes. The TurboVote database logs information about all 50 states and the voting rules and procedures associated with each one.</p>
<p>Once signed up, the app sends you text and email reminders as election deadlines approach to ensure your ballot is cast and your voice is heard.</p>
<h3>Ballot Scout</h3>
<p>There’s a certain level of uncertainty associated with voting by mail. <em>Did my ballot reach its destination?</em></p>
<p><em>Why hasn’t the ballot I requested arrived yet?</em></p>
<p>Ballot Scout takes the worry out of mail-in-voting by allowing you to track your ballot, just like you would any other package. By adding a USPS Intelligent Mail barcode to every absentee ballot envelope, you get restored peace of mind that your ballot reached the election office.</p>
<p>A cost-effective, transparent addition to voting-by-mail, Ballot Scout works for both voters and election administrators. For more information, <a href="http://democracy.works/">visit their website here.</a></p>
<h3>Real Clear Politics</h3>
<p>We’re sure you’ve read through political news before, and seen references to the RCP national average. Well, here’s the direct source.</p>
<p>Real Clear Politics averages all the recent polls together, providing a more accurate picture of how the candidates are doing. And it doesn’t stop at presidential candidates either. Search through and you’ll find polls conducted for open Senate seats and more.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/889/0*OIxtbLXo3dyMr04m.png" width="889" height="560" loading="lazy" />
<p>We love the easy-to-read charts for the 2016 election with the RCP polling average, favorability ratings, and live betting odds. For the quick numbers that matter most, we recommend <a href="http://www.realclearpolitics.com/">visiting their website</a>.</p>
<h3>The 2016 Election</h3>
<p>The 2016 election is approaching, with only a week’s time until voting closes and the ballots are tallied. We hope you’re more informed about technology’s place in our political process, and in the coming years, we know its role in politics will only increase.</p>
<p>Did you enjoy this article?</p>
<p>Check out our recent article diving into<a href="http://www.seamgen.com/blog/tech-magnates-investments/"> 5 tech magnates and their recent investments</a>.</p>
<p>You might also like our <a href="http://www.seamgen.com/blog/amazon-antitrust-cheat-sheet/">cheat sheet to Amazon & antitrust cases</a>.</p>
<p>Craving something more in-depth? We also wrote an <a href="http://www.seamgen.com/blog/ultimate-guide-hiring-software-development-company/">ultimate guide to hiring a software development company</a>.</p>
<p><em>Originally published at <a href="http:/</em>/www.seamgen.com/blog/technology-2016-election-starters-guide/">Seamgen Blog</a>.</p>
</section>
|
Technology and the 2016 Election: Starter’s Guide
At Seamgen, we are sometimes blinded by our infatuation with technology. But we are working on escaping our box, verging beyond mobile app development to investigate the upcoming 2016 election.
Technology, continuing the trend in recent years, has been even more influential in this year’s election. This post will tackle Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump’s pushes to incorporate technology into their campaigns, along with voting apps, and more. After reading this post, you’ll have a better understanding of available resources and technological influences in the 2016 election.
Hillary Clinton and Analytics
Hillary Clinton’s team has leveraged big data and analytics software in a way never seen before. A recent article in Politico outlined the analytics genius that is Elan Kriegel. The brains behind Clinton’s analytics department, he formerly worked under the Obama campaign; his proprietary electoral models allowed Barack’s team to capitalize on the right times to contact voters, and the best ways to gain returns from campaigning.
Building off Kriegel’s success with Obama, Clinton’s campaign never makes a move before consulting Kriegel’s department and his analytics models. Clinton’s success thus far is in large part to her team’s willingness to trust the predictive models, structuring her campaigning to be as efficient as possible.
Kriegel’s greatest creation yet may be the unique ‘cost per flippable delegate’ algorithm, instrumental in her push to beat Bernie Sanders in the primary. Every dollar of her television advertising budget was allotted through this algorithm, aimed at the most cost-efficient way to victory in the Democratic primary.
Elan Kriegel, Hillary Clinton’s Director of Analytics
Many have attributed Clinton’s current lead over Trump to his reluctance to incorporate analytics into his campaign strategy. Elan Kriegel and his team are setting a standard for elections to come with their reliance on predictive modeling and analytics software.
Donald Trump and Twitter
While social media has become a necessary tool for candidates during election seasons, Trump has really capitalized on the possibilities of twitter. With just shy of 13 million followers, Donald Trump’s Twitter account is a great place for his followers to get an interactive experience in the election.
Trump often prides himself on his Twitter account, and for good reason. He currently averages about 28,000 new followers daily on his account, churning out over 20 live tweets every day.
While Hillary Clinton has about 10 million followers on Twitter, her followers’ engagement is nowhere near that of Trump’s supporters. While Clinton’s tweets rarely surpass 5,000 likes, Trump’s rarely get below 20,000 likes. With a relatively similar amount of Twitter followers, it becomes clear that Trump is far better at leveraging his celebrity status through social media.
With the introduction of radio at the start of the 20th century, voters could hear their candidates speak; with television half a century later, it became possible to watch candidates’ speeches. The beauty of social media platforms like Twitter is the closeness one feels to their candidate.
Every like and retweet adds up, and Trump’s supporters have an interactive platform to agree with and support their candidate. No longer do his supporters watch from a distance as he campaigns. Twitter brings the excitement of the campaign to everyday Americans at their computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Technology and Voting
Democracy Works
A non-profit focused on increasing voter turnout since 2010, Democracy Works has two current projects, TurboVote and Ballot Scout.
TurboVote
The easy voting app, TurboVote is free and signup takes a couple minutes. The TurboVote database logs information about all 50 states and the voting rules and procedures associated with each one.
Once signed up, the app sends you text and email reminders as election deadlines approach to ensure your ballot is cast and your voice is heard.
Ballot Scout
There’s a certain level of uncertainty associated with voting by mail. Did my ballot reach its destination?
Why hasn’t the ballot I requested arrived yet?
Ballot Scout takes the worry out of mail-in-voting by allowing you to track your ballot, just like you would any other package. By adding a USPS Intelligent Mail barcode to every absentee ballot envelope, you get restored peace of mind that your ballot reached the election office.
A cost-effective, transparent addition to voting-by-mail, Ballot Scout works for both voters and election administrators. For more information, visit their website here.
Real Clear Politics
We’re sure you’ve read through political news before, and seen references to the RCP national average. Well, here’s the direct source.
Real Clear Politics averages all the recent polls together, providing a more accurate picture of how the candidates are doing. And it doesn’t stop at presidential candidates either. Search through and you’ll find polls conducted for open Senate seats and more.
We love the easy-to-read charts for the 2016 election with the RCP polling average, favorability ratings, and live betting odds. For the quick numbers that matter most, we recommend visiting their website.
The 2016 Election
The 2016 election is approaching, with only a week’s time until voting closes and the ballots are tallied. We hope you’re more informed about technology’s place in our political process, and in the coming years, we know its role in politics will only increase.
Did you enjoy this article?
Check out our recent article diving into 5 tech magnates and their recent investments.
You might also like our cheat sheet to Amazon & antitrust cases.
Craving something more in-depth? We also wrote an ultimate guide to hiring a software development company.
Originally published at Seamgen Blog.
|
03765908-1849-535c-a5e1-f559c811fa63
|
25/08/2025 15:57:49
|
|
https://professionalhumancollective.medium.com/the-rules-of-people-e2ac75a5f8b1
|
medium.com
|
The Rules of People
|
Based on the book by Richard Templar
|
Professional Humans World
|
https://medium.com/@professionalhumancollective
|
e2ac75a5f8b1
|
5 min
|
2025-07-08T13:50:38.571000
|
2025-07-08T14:18:29.920000
|
2025-07-08T18:29:49.181000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Society,Psychology,Philosophy,Spirituality,Design
|
<section>
<p><em>Based on the book by Richard Templar</em></p>
<p>Someone once gave me advice when I asked how I could better understand the structures & logic behind decisions how to make sense of complex environments. She said this</p>
<p>“You will never fully understand a business, because businesses have people & people are complex.”</p>
<p>It sounded obvious at first. Then, slowly, it became tattoes in my brain.</p>
<p>Naturally, I wanted to understand more of what she meant. In good timing, someone kind gifted me a book. It didn’t promise to fix people. It simply tried to understand them</p>
<p>Reading it, I found myself tracing the emotional geography of moments when someone’s words didn’t match their energy. Or when I felt suddenly invisible in the presence of someone I cared about. We all go through these things. Sometimes more than once</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/736/1*Ja8CWhXt_L6TkJ6jJFMwwQ.jpeg" width="736" height="563" loading="lazy" />
<p>Here is an incomplete list, gathered in bruises & observation</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Most people don’t meet you where you are
</strong> They meet you where they are</li>
<li><strong>We assume understanding comes with closeness
</strong>It doesn’t. Many people connect from their current emotional skill level, which may be limited for many reason, dont assume</li>
<li><strong>Sometimes you’re not meeting
</strong> them you’re meeting their childhood, their unfinished grief, their fear in disguise</li>
<li><strong>People protect their stories
</strong> even when those stories harm them</li>
<li><strong>We cling to beliefs we formed in pain
</strong> “I’m too much.” “I’ll be left.” “I have to earn care.” These aren’t truths. They’re survival myths.
Still, many live by them & lash out when they feel threatened</li>
<li><strong>People project what they can’t face in themselves
</strong>Accusations often carry autobiography “You’re selfish.” “You’re unrealibale.” That’s often what they fear in themselves, or what they once experienced & never healed. <em>Hot tip for empaths: I learned to ask myself “Is this mine?” If not, let it fall</em></li>
<li><strong>Control often outweighs connection
</strong> Closeness requires vulnerability & vulnerability feels like danger. So people control the plans, the story, the tone of the room. They build fortresses instead of bridges</li>
<li><strong>Most cruelty is a cry for safety, badly translated
</strong>That cold tone, that sharp jab, that silence it usually masks fear, shame, or desperation not to be hurt again. It’s not about you. But it can hurt you, if you don’t learn to name it early</li>
<li><strong>Words can lie. Energy rarely does
</strong>People might say “I’m fine.” or “It’s no big deal.” But your body knows when something’s off. Trust it. Tune into the frequency under the sentence</li>
<li><strong>Some people are loyal to their wounds
</strong>They don’t want healing they want familiarity. Even if it’s painful. Even if it costs them love. You can hold space, but you cannot drag someone toward their own transformation. That isn’t care. That’s labour. And robbing them of autonomy & adulthood</li>
<li><strong>People express care in the language they were taught</strong> even if it’s fractured
Some show it by fixing. Others by teasing. Others through silence.
It may not feel like care. But it might be all they know.
The real question is “Does this feel safe & nourishing?” If not, your nervous system already has the answer</li>
<li><strong>Connection without safety is performance</strong>
If you’re constantly performing being “easy,” being “fun,” shrinking to keep the peace that’s not connection. That’s survival. The right people won’t need a version of you. They’ll want the real thing</li>
<li><strong>Everyone wants to be seen. </strong>But not everyone knows how to let themselves be seen. This hit me like a truck. Underneath the armour, most people are whispering some version of “please tell me I matter”
If you can hold that truth in your heart & still keep your boundaries
you’ve done something wild</li>
</ul>
<p>Service design is often seen as a way to improve systems. But systems don’t fail in isolation they fail through relationships. In silences. In shame. In resistance disguised as protocol. Which means we’re never just designing services. We’re designing within human environments thick with unspoken emotion</p>
<ul>
<li>A fear of getting it wrong</li>
<li>A community’s generational distrust of institutions</li>
<li>A constant need to stay in control (becuase of the first point)</li>
<li>A frontline worker’s quiet burnout dressed as resilience</li>
</ul>
<p>These aren’t edge cases. These are the design conditions. And this is where service design becomes invaluable. Not only because it maps what’s visible, but because it helps us surface what’s hidden</p>
<p><strong>We ask not only “What’s the problem?” But also “What’s protecting this problem from changing?”</strong></p>
<p>We don’t just improve experiences. We reveal emotional contracts. We make the invisible visible. We name the cost of silence</p>
<p>Emotional literacy is what keeps services from collapsing under denial. It’s what makes systems human. And keeps them humane</p>
<h1>What can this mean for service designers</h1>
<p>Emotional fluency isn’t an add on to our practice it’s core to it. Why? Because beneath every journey map lies a power dynamic. Map it. Beneath every research insight, a lived tension. And beneath every failed implementation someone’s unspoken fear</p>
<p>To be an effective service designer, we might need to</p>
<h3>1. Design for the emotional system, not just the service system</h3>
<p>Map emotional journeys alongside user journeys. Track how people feel at each stage not just what they <em>do</em>
<strong>Question: </strong>Where might fear show up? Where might shame live in this service?</p>
<h3>2. Build safety into every step</h3>
<p>Psychological safety isn’t just a facilitation technique it’s an outcome. Create space in workshops and interviews where it’s safe to say <em>“I don’t know.” </em>Build feedback loops that protect, not punish (I actully cant understand why people cant feel comfortable saying this)</p>
<h3>3. Make power visible</h3>
<p>Power is often the silent killer of innovation. Use mapping to explore
Who has the power to say yes? Who has the power to delay change?</p>
<h3>4. Design with, not for</h3>
<p>You cannot see the full emotional terrain from the outside. Bring people into the processnot just for feedback, but for authorship. Invite story, not just data. Invite resistance it always points to something real</p>
<h3>5. Treat patterns like people</h3>
<p>When you notice a pattern, aniexity, avoidance, deflection, fear don’t dismiss it. Explore it. Give people space to breathe
<strong> Question</strong>: What does this behaviour protect? What truth is too hard to name? Because until you name it, it will keep designing the service for you</p>
<h3>6. Use your own body as data</h3>
<p>If your gut says “something’s off” it probably is. Ive said this many times, ill say it again. Service designers can also be sensors. Learn to trust what your body picks up before your brain can explain it</p>
<p>Design isn’t just about improving only outcomes. It’s about understanding people well enough to know why those outcomes keep falling apart.</p>
<p>Design isn’t neutral. And people aren’t predictable</p>
<p>With enough listening, noticing, & reflection of the self, we get better</p>
<p>At
building trust
changing systems
being of service</p>
<p><strong>Reflection</strong>
There’s no real manual for people. Only fragments. You won’t always know who will see you. Or who might wound you in the exact spot you thought had healed. But you can learn not to harden. But to discern</p>
<p><strong>Personal note to self</strong>
I will stay soft, but not unguarded
I will stay open, but not exposed
I will stay kind, but not carry what isn’t mine</p>
</section>
|
The Rules of People
Based on the book by Richard Templar
Someone once gave me advice when I asked how I could better understand the structures & logic behind decisions how to make sense of complex environments. She said this
“You will never fully understand a business, because businesses have people & people are complex.”
It sounded obvious at first. Then, slowly, it became tattoes in my brain.
Naturally, I wanted to understand more of what she meant. In good timing, someone kind gifted me a book. It didn’t promise to fix people. It simply tried to understand them
Reading it, I found myself tracing the emotional geography of moments when someone’s words didn’t match their energy. Or when I felt suddenly invisible in the presence of someone I cared about. We all go through these things. Sometimes more than once
David Stewart
Here is an incomplete list, gathered in bruises & observation
Most people don’t meet you where you are
They meet you where they are
We assume understanding comes with closeness
It doesn’t. Many people connect from their current emotional skill level, which may be limited for many reason, dont assume
Sometimes you’re not meeting
them you’re meeting their childhood, their unfinished grief, their fear in disguise
People protect their stories
even when those stories harm them
We cling to beliefs we formed in pain
“I’m too much.” “I’ll be left.” “I have to earn care.” These aren’t truths. They’re survival myths.
Still, many live by them & lash out when they feel threatened
People project what they can’t face in themselves
Accusations often carry autobiography “You’re selfish.” “You’re unrealibale.” That’s often what they fear in themselves, or what they once experienced & never healed. Hot tip for empaths: I learned to ask myself “Is this mine?” If not, let it fall
Control often outweighs connection
Closeness requires vulnerability & vulnerability feels like danger. So people control the plans, the story, the tone of the room. They build fortresses instead of bridges
Most cruelty is a cry for safety, badly translated
That cold tone, that sharp jab, that silence it usually masks fear, shame, or desperation not to be hurt again. It’s not about you. But it can hurt you, if you don’t learn to name it early
Words can lie. Energy rarely does
People might say “I’m fine.” or “It’s no big deal.” But your body knows when something’s off. Trust it. Tune into the frequency under the sentence
Some people are loyal to their wounds
They don’t want healing they want familiarity. Even if it’s painful. Even if it costs them love. You can hold space, but you cannot drag someone toward their own transformation. That isn’t care. That’s labour. And robbing them of autonomy & adulthood
People express care in the language they were taught even if it’s fractured
Some show it by fixing. Others by teasing. Others through silence.
It may not feel like care. But it might be all they know.
The real question is “Does this feel safe & nourishing?” If not, your nervous system already has the answer
Connection without safety is performance
If you’re constantly performing being “easy,” being “fun,” shrinking to keep the peace that’s not connection. That’s survival. The right people won’t need a version of you. They’ll want the real thing
Everyone wants to be seen. But not everyone knows how to let themselves be seen. This hit me like a truck. Underneath the armour, most people are whispering some version of “please tell me I matter”
If you can hold that truth in your heart & still keep your boundaries
you’ve done something wild
Service design is often seen as a way to improve systems. But systems don’t fail in isolation they fail through relationships. In silences. In shame. In resistance disguised as protocol. Which means we’re never just designing services. We’re designing within human environments thick with unspoken emotion
A fear of getting it wrong
A community’s generational distrust of institutions
A constant need to stay in control (becuase of the first point)
A frontline worker’s quiet burnout dressed as resilience
These aren’t edge cases. These are the design conditions. And this is where service design becomes invaluable. Not only because it maps what’s visible, but because it helps us surface what’s hidden
We ask not only “What’s the problem?” But also “What’s protecting this problem from changing?”
We don’t just improve experiences. We reveal emotional contracts. We make the invisible visible. We name the cost of silence
Emotional literacy is what keeps services from collapsing under denial. It’s what makes systems human. And keeps them humane
What can this mean for service designers
Emotional fluency isn’t an add on to our practice it’s core to it. Why? Because beneath every journey map lies a power dynamic. Map it. Beneath every research insight, a lived tension. And beneath every failed implementation someone’s unspoken fear
To be an effective service designer, we might need to
1. Design for the emotional system, not just the service system
Map emotional journeys alongside user journeys. Track how people feel at each stage not just what they do
Question: Where might fear show up? Where might shame live in this service?
2. Build safety into every step
Psychological safety isn’t just a facilitation technique it’s an outcome. Create space in workshops and interviews where it’s safe to say “I don’t know.” Build feedback loops that protect, not punish (I actully cant understand why people cant feel comfortable saying this)
3. Make power visible
Power is often the silent killer of innovation. Use mapping to explore
Who has the power to say yes? Who has the power to delay change?
4. Design with, not for
You cannot see the full emotional terrain from the outside. Bring people into the processnot just for feedback, but for authorship. Invite story, not just data. Invite resistance it always points to something real
5. Treat patterns like people
When you notice a pattern, aniexity, avoidance, deflection, fear don’t dismiss it. Explore it. Give people space to breathe
Question: What does this behaviour protect? What truth is too hard to name? Because until you name it, it will keep designing the service for you
6. Use your own body as data
If your gut says “something’s off” it probably is. Ive said this many times, ill say it again. Service designers can also be sensors. Learn to trust what your body picks up before your brain can explain it
Design isn’t just about improving only outcomes. It’s about understanding people well enough to know why those outcomes keep falling apart.
Design isn’t neutral. And people aren’t predictable
With enough listening, noticing, & reflection of the self, we get better
At
building trust
changing systems
being of service
Reflection
There’s no real manual for people. Only fragments. You won’t always know who will see you. Or who might wound you in the exact spot you thought had healed. But you can learn not to harden. But to discern
Personal note to self
I will stay soft, but not unguarded
I will stay open, but not exposed
I will stay kind, but not carry what isn’t mine
|
cf12bf54-a6c3-585e-ba20-eb5271ad47c2
|
25/08/2025 15:57:49
|
|
https://medium.com/lancersblog/gameday-preview-vs-bluefield-state-3-9-50dd83788422
|
medium.com
|
GameDay Preview: vs Bluefield State (3–9)
| null |
LancersBlog
|
https://medium.com/@LUlancersblog
|
50dd83788422
| null |
2 min
|
2017-03-05T14:07:40.181000
|
2013-12-13T13:33:04
|
2017-03-05T21:29:14.261000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Longwood Basketball
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/287/0*r_gY8PAB4zn55W04.png" width="287" height="68" loading="lazy" />
<p><strong>Where:</strong> Historic Willett Hall
<strong>When:</strong> Saturday, December 14, 5 PM
<strong>TV:</strong> <a href="http://www.bigsouthsports.com/video">Big South Network</a></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://lancer</strong>sblog.proboards.com/thread/229/game-11-bluefield-state">LancersBlog GameThread</a></p>
<p>It’s been a long week without basketball thanks to exams and the Lancers will look to knock the rust off their game with a home match up against Division II Bluefield State on Saturday. The Big Blues come into the game with a 3–9 mark after losing to Salem International and Francis Marion this week. Lonwood looks to inch back closer to .500 after a tremendous effort last Saturday that culminated in a loss to Eastern Kentucky.</p>
<p>So what do we know about Bluefield State and can they give Longwood trouble? For starters, they have played a Big South opponent this year when they traveled to Lexington to take on VMI last month. The Keydets had no trouble dispatching them 121–80 behind 25 points from freshman Q.J. Peterson. From an individual side the Big Blues have some interesting match ups for Longwood, starting with 6'9 junior Samuel Ouedraogo. Ouedraogo is not a scoring threat at 6.9 points per game, but he is among the Division II ranks top rebounders at 13.8 boards per night. Will Longwood slip into a 2–3 defense to try to neutralize the big man?</p>
<p>From a scoring perspective 6'0 guard Shakir Dunning has been the star for Bluefield State, thus far this year he is averaging over 21 points per game. 6'2 senior Treon Claiborne has also been productive averaging 17.5 points per game. Expect a good number of Blues fans to be in Willett on Saturday with three Bluefield State players coming from Virginia (two from the Richmond area).</p>
<p>For Longwood, the Lancers need to immediately shake off the rust and focus on playing the quality basketball that they exhibited against EKU. Longwood has not dominated a non-Division I opponent yet this year and I’m sure Lancers fans are looking for that Saturday and on Tuesday against Virginia Intermont. A solid performance against both of these teams could springboard Longwood into a tough road stretch where they’ll play six of seven games away from Willett Hall.</p>
</section>
|
GameDay Preview: vs Bluefield State (3–9)
Where: Historic Willett Hall
When: Saturday, December 14, 5 PM
TV: Big South Network
LancersBlog GameThread
It’s been a long week without basketball thanks to exams and the Lancers will look to knock the rust off their game with a home match up against Division II Bluefield State on Saturday. The Big Blues come into the game with a 3–9 mark after losing to Salem International and Francis Marion this week. Lonwood looks to inch back closer to .500 after a tremendous effort last Saturday that culminated in a loss to Eastern Kentucky.
So what do we know about Bluefield State and can they give Longwood trouble? For starters, they have played a Big South opponent this year when they traveled to Lexington to take on VMI last month. The Keydets had no trouble dispatching them 121–80 behind 25 points from freshman Q.J. Peterson. From an individual side the Big Blues have some interesting match ups for Longwood, starting with 6'9 junior Samuel Ouedraogo. Ouedraogo is not a scoring threat at 6.9 points per game, but he is among the Division II ranks top rebounders at 13.8 boards per night. Will Longwood slip into a 2–3 defense to try to neutralize the big man?
From a scoring perspective 6'0 guard Shakir Dunning has been the star for Bluefield State, thus far this year he is averaging over 21 points per game. 6'2 senior Treon Claiborne has also been productive averaging 17.5 points per game. Expect a good number of Blues fans to be in Willett on Saturday with three Bluefield State players coming from Virginia (two from the Richmond area).
For Longwood, the Lancers need to immediately shake off the rust and focus on playing the quality basketball that they exhibited against EKU. Longwood has not dominated a non-Division I opponent yet this year and I’m sure Lancers fans are looking for that Saturday and on Tuesday against Virginia Intermont. A solid performance against both of these teams could springboard Longwood into a tough road stretch where they’ll play six of seven games away from Willett Hall.
|
16a21b1d-d06d-5e1f-bae2-62c3a04119ac
|
25/08/2025 15:57:50
|
https://medium.com/@alejandr0re/mom-is-16-228-km-away-5-lessons-learned-in-3-months-next-to-her-26a3e17eeee6
|
medium.com
|
Mom is 16,228 km away: 5 Lessons learned in 3 months next to her
|
“This is our song
That carries in the air a message of love
It has the taste of true happiness
This is our song
It’s like the wind, the…
|
Alejandro Rendon
|
https://medium.com/@alejandr0re
|
26a3e17eeee6
|
https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*UvzqxRCXpM4xKcim
|
2 min
|
2024-01-28T01:30:44.751000
|
2024-02-17T06:01:49.711000
|
2024-02-18T04:19:02.374000
| 0 | 45 |
en
|
Family,Sustainability,Love,Quality Of Life
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/5472/0*UvzqxRCXpM4xKcim" width="5472" height="3648" loading="lazy" />
<p>“This is our song
That carries in the air a message of love
It has the taste of true happiness
This is our song
It’s like the wind, the sea, and the sun
It’s the real true happiness.”</p>
<p>That’s part of a Spanish song my mom and I chose on her recent visit to Australia. We listened to this song several times and feel it will be a part of our lives for a while.</p>
<p>These are the types of experiences you want to have in life, to connect with people, with your family and with your parents.</p>
<p>It’s not a secret that we spend part of our childhood with our parents, and they become important assets in our lives.</p>
<p>My father passed away when I was twelve years old, one of the most difficult moments of my life. In 2019, I moved to Australia, and I have been here for nearly five years.</p>
<p>I often reflect on the distance from my family, especially my mom, and occasionally I feel guilty about not being closer to them and her. I reckon it’s a feeling all migrants can have, and I’ve come to understand it.</p>
<p>Among the people who hold immense significance in my life, my mom stands out as one of the most relevant figures. Not only for being my mom, but also because she is a figure of joy, diversity and resilience.</p>
<p>Reflecting on our strong connection, several lessons have been learned from her recent visit to Australia:</p>
<h3><strong>1. Be present with your parents</strong></h3>
<p>Embracing the present moment emerges as the biggest thing you can do to improve relationships, particularly with your parents.</p>
<p>I know we are busy with work and our social commitments, but they will only be here for a few more years.</p>
<p>Being present includes active listening, keen observation of subtle nuances, and simple pleasures like sharing a cup of tea or discussing aspirations.</p>
<p>Disconnection from technology facilitated this engagement.</p>
<h3>2. Discover new hobbies and respect personal growth</h3>
<p>I’ve come to appreciate the influence of habits in fostering equilibrium. While our personalities and hobbies differ, our connection remains the same guiding us by personal growth and mutual understanding.</p>
<p>My mom has become more spiritual, and I’m enjoying equilibrium and well-being through sustainability.</p>
<p>She learnt from me and I learnt from her. We learnt from each other.</p>
<h3>3. Gratitude</h3>
<p>This is something I have been improving recently. Cultivating gratitude for each moment shared was significant.</p>
<p>Recognising every interaction as a precious gift can help us increase awareness.</p>
<p>We dedicated time to be grateful for everyone who made this experience unforgettable and every single moment in this country together.</p>
<h3>4. Prioritising experiences over materialism</h3>
<p>Fulfilment comes from experiences rather than material acquisition.</p>
<p>We embarked on journeys to explore new landscapes, nurture and cities, aligning everything with sustainability and conscientious living values.</p>
<p>We met the budget by being more sustainable and exploring parks and botanical gardens.</p>
<p>I can’t deny we did some shopping, but it’s normal; it’s part of the experience.</p>
<h3>5. Impermanence of Life</h3>
<p>The nature of existence is a reminder to see each opportunity for growth and connection while we are here.</p>
<p>Life is today, and everything can change. Each year unfolds with its unique experiences, embracing life’s uncertainties with courage and purpose.</p>
<p>In essence, our connection transcends geographical boundaries, serving as a source of strength, wisdom and everyday introspection.</p>
<p>Through shared experiences, conversation, and constant support, she continues to shape my journey with love and guidance.</p>
</section>
|
Mom is 16,228 km away: 5 lessons learned in 3 months next to her
Photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash
“This is our song
That carries in the air a message of love
It has the taste of true happiness
This is our song
It’s like the wind, the sea, and the sun
It’s the real true happiness.”
That’s part of a Spanish song my mom and I chose on her recent visit to Australia. We listened to this song several times and feel it will be a part of our lives for a while.
These are the types of experiences you want to have in life, to connect with people, with your family and with your parents.
It’s not a secret that we spend part of our childhood with our parents, and they become important assets in our lives.
My father passed away when I was twelve years old, one of the most difficult moments of my life. In 2019, I moved to Australia, and I have been here for nearly five years.
I often reflect on the distance from my family, especially my mom, and occasionally I feel guilty about not being closer to them and her. I reckon it’s a feeling all migrants can have, and I’ve come to understand it.
Among the people who hold immense significance in my life, my mom stands out as one of the most relevant figures. Not only for being my mom, but also because she is a figure of joy, diversity and resilience.
Reflecting on our strong connection, several lessons have been learned from her recent visit to Australia:
1. Be present with your parents
Embracing the present moment emerges as the biggest thing you can do to improve relationships, particularly with your parents.
I know we are busy with work and our social commitments, but they will only be here for a few more years.
Being present includes active listening, keen observation of subtle nuances, and simple pleasures like sharing a cup of tea or discussing aspirations.
Disconnection from technology facilitated this engagement.
2. Discover new hobbies and respect personal growth
I’ve come to appreciate the influence of habits in fostering equilibrium. While our personalities and hobbies differ, our connection remains the same guiding us by personal growth and mutual understanding.
My mom has become more spiritual, and I’m enjoying equilibrium and well-being through sustainability.
She learnt from me and I learnt from her. We learnt from each other.
3. Gratitude
This is something I have been improving recently. Cultivating gratitude for each moment shared was significant.
Recognising every interaction as a precious gift can help us increase awareness.
We dedicated time to be grateful for everyone who made this experience unforgettable and every single moment in this country together.
4. Prioritising experiences over materialism
Fulfilment comes from experiences rather than material acquisition.
We embarked on journeys to explore new landscapes, nurture and cities, aligning everything with sustainability and conscientious living values.
We met the budget by being more sustainable and exploring parks and botanical gardens.
I can’t deny we did some shopping, but it’s normal; it’s part of the experience.
5. Impermanence of Life
The nature of existence is a reminder to see each opportunity for growth and connection while we are here.
Life is today, and everything can change. Each year unfolds with its unique experiences, embracing life’s uncertainties with courage and purpose.
In essence, our connection transcends geographical boundaries, serving as a source of strength, wisdom and everyday introspection.
Through shared experiences, conversation, and constant support, she continues to shape my journey with love and guidance.
|
0a59db86-9c28-5ec6-8032-0b887f513e85
|
25/08/2025 15:57:51
|
https://thepalestineproject.medium.com/yes-it-is-genocide-634a07ea27d4
|
medium.com
|
Yes, it is genocide
|
In most cases of genocide, from Bosnia to Namibia, from Rwanda to Armenia, the perpetrators of the murder said they were acting in…
|
The Palestine Project
|
https://medium.com/@thepalestineproject
|
634a07ea27d4
|
10 min
|
2024-04-18T10:08:13.412000
|
2024-04-18T10:28:08.651000
|
2024-11-28T13:55:38.030000
| 83 | 3,236 |
en
|
Gaza,Genocide,Israel,Palestine,Holocaust
|
<section>
<h1><strong>Yes, it is genocide</strong></h1>
<h3><em>In most cases of genocide, from Bosnia to Namibia, from Rwanda to Armenia, the perpetrators of the murder said they were acting in self-defence. The fact that what is happening in Gaza does not resemble the Holocaust, writes Holocaust scholar Amos Goldberg, does not mean that it is not genocide</em></h3>
<p>By<strong> <a href="https:</strong>//www.mekomit.co.il/ps/134005/">Amos Goldberg*</a> • Translated by <strong><a href="</strong>https://www.facebook.com/sol.salbe">Sol Salbe</a></p>
<p>*<strong>Amos Goldberg</strong> is a Holocaust and genocide researcher at the Hebrew University, whose book VeZcharta — And Thou Shalt Remember: Five Critical Readings in Israeli Holocaust Remembrance will be published by Resling in the coming weeks.</p>
<p><strong>Yes, it is genocide</strong>. It is so difficult and painful to admit it, but despite all that, and despite all our efforts to think otherwise, after six months of brutal war we can no longer avoid this conclusion. Jewish history will henceforth be stained with the mark of Cain for the “most horrible of crimes,” which cannot be erased from its forehead. As such, this is the way it will be viewed in history’s judgment for generations to come.</p>
<p>From a legal point of view, there is still no telling what the International Court of Justice in The Hague will decide, although in light of its temporary rulings so far and in light of increasing prevalence of reports by jurists, international organisations, and investigative journalists, the trajectory of the prospective judgement seems quite clear.
As early as January 26, the ICJ <a href="https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/192/192-20240126-ord-01-00-en.pdf">ruled</a> overwhelmingly (14–2) that Israel may be committing genocide in Gaza. On 28 March, following Israel’s deliberate starvation of the Gazan populace in Gaza, the court issued additional <a href="https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/192/192-20240328-pre-01-00-en.pdf">orders</a> (this time by a vote of 15–1, with the only dissent coming from Israeli Judge Aharon Barak) calling on Israel not to deny Palestinians their rights which are protected under the Genocide Convention.</p>
<p>The well-argued, and well-reasoned <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session55/advance-versions/a-hrc-55-73-auv.pdf">report</a> by UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, reached a slightly more determined conclusion and is another layer in establishing the understanding that Israel is indeed committing genocide. Israeli academic Dr. Lee Mordechai’s detailed and periodically updated <a href="https://www.academia.edu/114277495/%D7%A2%D7%93%D7%95%D7%AA_%D7%A2%D7%9C_%D7%9E%D7%9C%D7%97%D7%9E%D7%AA_%D7%97%D7%A8%D7%91%D7%95%D7%AA_%D7%91%D7%A8%D7%96%D7%9C_15_4_24">report</a> [Heb], which collects information on the level of Israeli violence in Gaza, reached the same conclusion. Leading academics such as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krznHIAgwcY&t=6s">Jeffrey Sachs</a>, a professor of economics at Columbia University (and a Jew with a warm attitude <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BmtO04CXZc">toward traditional Zionism</a>), with whom heads of state all over the world regularly consult on international issues, speaks of the Israeli genocide as something taken for granted.</p>
<p>Excellent investigative reports such as <a href="https://www.mekomit.co.il/%d7%9e%d7%a7%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%95%d7%aa-%d7%94%d7%a6%d7%91%d7%90-%d7%99%d7%95%d7%93%d7%a2-%d7%a9%d7%a4%d7%a6%d7%a6%d7%95%d7%aa-%d7%91%d7%9e%d7%a0%d7%94%d7%a8%d7%95%d7%aa-%d7%99%d7%9b%d7%95%d7%9c%d7%95/">those</a> [Heb] of Yuval Avraham in Local Call, and especially his recent <a href="https://www.972mag.com/lavender-ai-israeli-army-gaza/">investigation</a> of the artificial intelligence systems used by the military in selecting targets and carrying out the assassinations, further deepen this accusation. The fact that the military allowed, for example, the killing of 300 innocent people and the destruction of an entire residential quarter in order to take out one Hamas brigade commander shows that military targets are almost incidental targets for killing civilians and that every Palestinian in Gaza is a target for killing. This is the logic of genocide.</p>
<p>Yes. I know, they are all antisemites or self-hating Jews. Only we, Israelis, whose minds are fed by the IDF Spokesperson’s announcements and exposed only to the images sifted for us by the Israeli media, see reality as it is. As if interminable literature had not been written about the social and cultural denial mechanisms of societies committing serious war crimes. Israel is really a paradigmatic case of such societies, a case that will still be taught in every university seminar in the world dealing with the subject.
It will be several years before the court in The Hague will hand down its verdict, but we must not look at the catastrophic situation purely through legal lenses. What is happening in Gaza is genocide because the level and pace of indiscriminate killing, destruction, mass expulsions, displacement, famine, <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/02/israelopt-un-experts-appalled-reported-human-rights-violations-against">executions</a>, the wiping out of cultural and religious institutions, the crushing of elites (including the killing of journalists), and the sweeping dehumanisation of the Palestinians — create an overall picture of genocide, of a deliberate conscious crushing of Palestinian existence in Gaza.</p>
<p>In the way we normally understand such concepts, Palestinian Gaza as a geographical-political-cultural-human complex no longer exists. Genocide is the deliberate annihilation of a collective or part of it — not all of its individuals. And that’s what’s happening in Gaza. The result is undoubtedly genocide. The numerous <a href="https://law4palestine.org/law-for-palestine-releases-database-with-500-instances-of-israeli-incitement-to-genocide-continuously-updated/">declarations</a> of extermination by senior Israeli government officials, and the general exterminating tone of the public discourse, rightly pointed out by Haaretz columnist <a href="https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2024-01-05/ty-article-opinion/.premium/dont-blame-the-gatekeepers-for-the-genocide-inciting-extremists-in-israels-government/0000018c-d646-daf6-a5df-d77e470c0000">Carolina Landsman</a>, indicate that this was also the intention.</p>
<p>Israelis mistakenly think that to be viewed as such a genocide needs to look like the Holocaust. They imagine trains, gas chambers, crematoria, killing pits, concentration and extermination camps, and the systematic persecution to death of all members of the group of victims to the last one. An occurrence like this has indeed not taken place in Gaza. In a similar way to what happened in the Holocaust, most Israelis also imagine that the victims collective is not involved in violent activity or actual conflict, and that the murderers exterminate them because of an insane senseless ideology. This is also not the case with Gaza.
The brutal Hamas attack of October 7 was a heinous terrible crime. Some 1,200 people were killed or murdered, including more than 850 Israeli (and foreign) civilians, including many children and the elderly, some 240 live Israelis were abducted to Gaza, and atrocities such as rape were committed. This is an event with Profound, catastrophic, and lasting traumatic effects for many years, certainly for the direct victims and their immediate circle, but also for Israeli society as a whole. The attack forced Israel to respond in self-defence.</p>
<p>However, although each case of genocide has a different character, in the scope and features of the murder, the common denominator of most of them is that they were carried through out of an authentic sense of self-defence. Legally, an event cannot be both self-defence and genocide. These two legal categories are mutually exclusive. But historically, self-defence is not incompatible with genocide, but is usually one of its main causes, if not the main one.</p>
<p>In Srebrenica — on which the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2007/02/210142">determined</a> on two different levels that a genocide took place in July 1995 — “only” about 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and youths, over the age of 16, were murdered. The women and children had been expelled earlier.</p>
<p>The Bosnian Serb forces were responsible for the murder, their offensive took place in the midst of a bloody civil war, during which both sides committed war crimes (albeit immeasurably more by the Serbs) and which erupted following a unilateral decision by the Bosnian Croats and Muslims to break away from Yugoslavia and establish an independent Bosnian state, in which the Serbs were a minority.</p>
<p>Bosnian Serbs, with bleak past memories of persecution and murder from World War II, felt threatened. The complexity of the conflict, in which neither side was innocent, did not prevent the ICC from recognising the Srebrenica massacre as an act of genocide, which exceeded the other war crimes committed by the parties, since these crimes cannot justify genocide. The court explained that the Serbian forces intentionally destroyed, through murder, expulsion and destruction Bosnian-Muslim existence in Srebrenica. Today, by the way, Bosnian Muslims live there again, and some of the mosques that were destroyed have been reinstated. But the genocide continues to haunt the descendants of murderers and victims alike.
The case of Rwanda is totally different. There, for a long time, as part of the Belgian colonial control structure, based on divide and rule, the Tutsi minority group ruled, and it oppressed the Hutu majority group. However, in the 1960s the situation was reversed, and upon independence from Belgium in 1962, the Hutu took control of the country and adopted an oppressive and discriminatory policy against the Tutsi, this time too with the support of the former colonial powers.</p>
<p>Gradually, this policy became intolerable, and a brutal bloody civil war broke out in 1990, beginning with the invasion of a Tutsi army, the Rwanda Patriotic Front, consisting mainly of Tutsi who fled Rwanda after the fall of colonial rule. As a result, in the eyes of the Hutu regime, the Tutsi became collectively identified with an actual military enemy.
During the war, both sides committed serious crimes on Rwandan soil, as well as on the soil of neighboring countries to which the war spilled over. Neither side was absolutely innocent or absolutely evil. The civil war ended with the Arusha Accords, signed in 1993, which were supposed to involve Tutsi people in government institutions, the army, and state structures.</p>
<p>But these agreements collapsed, and in April 1994, Rwanda’s Hutu president’s plane was shot down. To this day, it is not known who shot down the plane, and it is believed that they were actually Hutu fighters. However, the Hutu were convinced that the crime had been committed by Tutsi resistance fighters, and this was perceived as a genuine threat to the country. The Tutsi genocide was on its way. The official rationale for the act of genocide was the need to remove the Tutsi existential threat once and for all.
The case of the Rohingya, which the Biden administration recently recognised as genocide, is very different again. Initially, after Myanmar (formerly Burma) independence in 1948, the Muslim Rohingya were seen as equal citizens and part of the mostly Buddhist national entity. But over the years, and especially after the establishment of the military dictatorship in 1962, Burmese nationalism was identified with several dominant ethnic groups, who were mainly Buddhist, of which the Rohingya were not a member.</p>
<p>In 1982 and thereafter, citizenship laws were enacted, stripping most Rohingya of their citizenship and their rights. They were viewed as foreigners and as a threat to the existence of the state. The Rohingya, among whom there have been small rebel groups in the past, made an effort not to be dragged into violent resistance, but in 2016 many felt they could not prevent their disenfranchisement, repression, state and mob violence against them, and their gradual expulsion, and an underground Rohingya movement attacked Myanmar police stations.
The reaction was brutal. Raids by Myanmar’s security forces expelled most Rohingya from their villages, many were massacred, and their villages completely obliterated. When in March 2022 Secretary of State Antony Blinken <a href="https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-the-united-states-holocaust-memorial-museum/">read</a> out the statement at the Holocaust Museum in Washington 2022 acknowledging that what was done to Rohingya was genocide, he said that in 2016 and 2017, about 850,000 Rohingya were deported to Bangladesh and about 9,000 of them were murdered. This was enough to recognise what was done to Rohingya as the eighth such an occurrence that the United States views as a genocide, apart from the Holocaust. The Rohingya case reminds us of what many genocide scholars have established in terms of research, and is very relevant to the case of Gaza: a link between ethnic cleansing and genocide.</p>
<p>The connection between the two phenomena is twofold, and both are relevant to Gaza, where the vast majority of the population was expelled from their places of residence, and only Egypt’s refusal to absorb masses of Palestinians on its territory prevented them from leaving Gaza. On the one hand, ethnic cleansing signals the willingness to eliminate the enemy group at any cost and without compromise, and therefore easily slips into genocide or is part of it. On the other hand, ethnic cleansing usually creates conditions that enable or cause (e.g. disease and famine) the partial or complete extermination of the group of victims.
In the case of Gaza, the “safe haven zones” have often become death traps and deliberate extermination zones, and in these refuges Israel deliberately starves out the population. For this reason, there are <a href="https://www.jeffsachs.org/interviewsandmedia/9ymgbc9ee8f45tnscxdwbgxepzgmd8">quite a few</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc0mws9NT-0">commentators</a> who <a href="https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-01-02/israel-gaza-west-bank-settlements-facts-on-the-ground">believe</a> that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VpWvq1wd20">ethnic cleansing</a> is the goal of the fighting in Gaza.</p>
<p>The genocide of Armenians during World War I also had a context. During the declining years of the Ottoman Empire, Armenians developed their own national identity and demanded self-determination. Their different religious and ethnic character, as well as their strategic location on the border between the Ottoman and Russian empires, made them a dangerous population in the eyes of the Ottoman authorities.
Horrific outbreaks of violence against the Armenians occurred as early as the end of the 19th century, and therefore some Armenians were indeed sympathetic to the Russians and saw them as potential liberators. Small Armenian-Russian groups even collaborated with the Russian army against the Turks, calling on their brethren across the border to join them, which led to an intensification of the sense of an existential threat in the eyes of the Ottoman regime. This sense of a threat, which developed during a deep crisis of the empire, was a major factor in the development of the Armenian Genocide, which also began a process of expulsion.</p>
<p>The first genocide of the twentieth century was also executed out of a concept of self-defense by the German settlers against the Herero and Nama people in southwest Africa (present-day Namibia). As a result of the severe repression by the German settlers, the locals rebelled and in a brutal attack murdered some 123 (perhaps more) unarmed men. The sense of threat in the small settler community, which numbered only a few thousand, was real, and Germany feared that it had lost its deterrence vis-à-vis the natives.
The response was in accordance with the perceived threat. Germany sent an army led by an unrestrained commander, and there, too, out of a sense of self-defence, most of these tribesmen were murdered between 1904 and 1908 — some by direct killing, some under conditions of hunger and thirst forced on them by the Germans (again by deportation, this time to the Omaka desert) and some in cruel internment and labour camps. Similar processes occurred during the expulsion and extermination of indigenous peoples in North America, especially during the 19th century.</p>
<p>In all these cases, the perpetrators of the genocide felt an existential threat, more or less justified, and the genocide came in response. The destruction of the collective of victims was not contrary to an act of self-defence, but from an authentic motive of self-defence.
In 2011, I had a short <a href="https://www.haaretz.co.il/opinions/2011-10-14/ty-article-opinion/0000017f-efc5-d497-a1ff-efc597630000">article</a> [Heb] published in Haaretz about the genocide in Southwest Africa, concluding with the following words: “ We can learn from the Herero and Nama genocide how colonial domination, based on a sense of cultural and racial superiority, can spill over, in the face of local rebellion, into horrific crimes such as mass expulsion, ethnic cleansing and genocide. The case of the Herero rebellion should serve as a horrifying warning sign for us here in Israel, which has already known one Nakba in its history.”</p>
<p>Translated by <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/s</strong>ol.salbe">Sol Salbe</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sol.salbe">Middle East News Service</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.mekomit.co.il/ps/134005/">שיחה מיקומית</a> <em>(Local Call)</em> <a href="https://www.mekomit.co.il/ps/134005/">Hebrew original article</a>:</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.mekomi</strong>t.co.il/ps/134005/">כן, זה רצח עם - שיחה מקומית
<em>כן, זה רצח עם. למרות שכל כך קשה וכואב להודות בכך ולמרות כל המאמצים לחשוב אחרת, בתום חצי שנה של מלחמה אכזרית לא ניתן…</em>www.meko</a>mit.co.il</p>
</section>
|
Jewish history will be stained by what Israel did in Gaza. Palestinians after the bombing in Rafah, April 2024 (Photo: Abed Rahim Khativ / Flash 90)
Yes, it is genocide
In most cases of genocide, from Bosnia to Namibia, from Rwanda to Armenia, the perpetrators of the murder said they were acting in self-defence. The fact that what is happening in Gaza does not resemble the Holocaust, writes Holocaust scholar Amos Goldberg, does not mean that it is not genocide
By Amos Goldberg* • Translated by Sol Salbe
*Amos Goldberg is a Holocaust and genocide researcher at the Hebrew University, whose book VeZcharta — And Thou Shalt Remember: Five Critical Readings in Israeli Holocaust Remembrance will be published by Resling in the coming weeks.
Yes, it is genocide. It is so difficult and painful to admit it, but despite all that, and despite all our efforts to think otherwise, after six months of brutal war we can no longer avoid this conclusion. Jewish history will henceforth be stained with the mark of Cain for the “most horrible of crimes,” which cannot be erased from its forehead. As such, this is the way it will be viewed in history’s judgment for generations to come.
From a legal point of view, there is still no telling what the International Court of Justice in The Hague will decide, although in light of its temporary rulings so far and in light of increasing prevalence of reports by jurists, international organisations, and investigative journalists, the trajectory of the prospective judgement seems quite clear.
As early as January 26, the ICJ ruled overwhelmingly (14–2) that Israel may be committing genocide in Gaza. On 28 March, following Israel’s deliberate starvation of the Gazan populace in Gaza, the court issued additional orders (this time by a vote of 15–1, with the only dissent coming from Israeli Judge Aharon Barak) calling on Israel not to deny Palestinians their rights which are protected under the Genocide Convention.
The well-argued, and well-reasoned report by UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, reached a slightly more determined conclusion and is another layer in establishing the understanding that Israel is indeed committing genocide. Israeli academic Dr. Lee Mordechai’s detailed and periodically updated report [Heb], which collects information on the level of Israeli violence in Gaza, reached the same conclusion. Leading academics such as Jeffrey Sachs, a professor of economics at Columbia University (and a Jew with a warm attitude toward traditional Zionism), with whom heads of state all over the world regularly consult on international issues, speaks of the Israeli genocide as something taken for granted.
Excellent investigative reports such as those [Heb] of Yuval Avraham in Local Call, and especially his recent investigation of the artificial intelligence systems used by the military in selecting targets and carrying out the assassinations, further deepen this accusation. The fact that the military allowed, for example, the killing of 300 innocent people and the destruction of an entire residential quarter in order to take out one Hamas brigade commander shows that military targets are almost incidental targets for killing civilians and that every Palestinian in Gaza is a target for killing. This is the logic of genocide.
Yes. I know, they are all antisemites or self-hating Jews. Only we, Israelis, whose minds are fed by the IDF Spokesperson’s announcements and exposed only to the images sifted for us by the Israeli media, see reality as it is. As if interminable literature had not been written about the social and cultural denial mechanisms of societies committing serious war crimes. Israel is really a paradigmatic case of such societies, a case that will still be taught in every university seminar in the world dealing with the subject.
It will be several years before the court in The Hague will hand down its verdict, but we must not look at the catastrophic situation purely through legal lenses. What is happening in Gaza is genocide because the level and pace of indiscriminate killing, destruction, mass expulsions, displacement, famine, executions, the wiping out of cultural and religious institutions, the crushing of elites (including the killing of journalists), and the sweeping dehumanisation of the Palestinians — create an overall picture of genocide, of a deliberate conscious crushing of Palestinian existence in Gaza.
In the way we normally understand such concepts, Palestinian Gaza as a geographical-political-cultural-human complex no longer exists. Genocide is the deliberate annihilation of a collective or part of it — not all of its individuals. And that’s what’s happening in Gaza. The result is undoubtedly genocide. The numerous declarations of extermination by senior Israeli government officials, and the general exterminating tone of the public discourse, rightly pointed out by Haaretz columnist Carolina Landsman, indicate that this was also the intention.
Israelis mistakenly think that to be viewed as such a genocide needs to look like the Holocaust. They imagine trains, gas chambers, crematoria, killing pits, concentration and extermination camps, and the systematic persecution to death of all members of the group of victims to the last one. An occurrence like this has indeed not taken place in Gaza. In a similar way to what happened in the Holocaust, most Israelis also imagine that the victims collective is not involved in violent activity or actual conflict, and that the murderers exterminate them because of an insane senseless ideology. This is also not the case with Gaza.
The brutal Hamas attack of October 7 was a heinous terrible crime. Some 1,200 people were killed or murdered, including more than 850 Israeli (and foreign) civilians, including many children and the elderly, some 240 live Israelis were abducted to Gaza, and atrocities such as rape were committed. This is an event with Profound, catastrophic, and lasting traumatic effects for many years, certainly for the direct victims and their immediate circle, but also for Israeli society as a whole. The attack forced Israel to respond in self-defence.
However, although each case of genocide has a different character, in the scope and features of the murder, the common denominator of most of them is that they were carried through out of an authentic sense of self-defence. Legally, an event cannot be both self-defence and genocide. These two legal categories are mutually exclusive. But historically, self-defence is not incompatible with genocide, but is usually one of its main causes, if not the main one.
In Srebrenica — on which the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia determined on two different levels that a genocide took place in July 1995 — “only” about 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and youths, over the age of 16, were murdered. The women and children had been expelled earlier.
The Bosnian Serb forces were responsible for the murder, their offensive took place in the midst of a bloody civil war, during which both sides committed war crimes (albeit immeasurably more by the Serbs) and which erupted following a unilateral decision by the Bosnian Croats and Muslims to break away from Yugoslavia and establish an independent Bosnian state, in which the Serbs were a minority.
Bosnian Serbs, with bleak past memories of persecution and murder from World War II, felt threatened. The complexity of the conflict, in which neither side was innocent, did not prevent the ICC from recognising the Srebrenica massacre as an act of genocide, which exceeded the other war crimes committed by the parties, since these crimes cannot justify genocide. The court explained that the Serbian forces intentionally destroyed, through murder, expulsion and destruction Bosnian-Muslim existence in Srebrenica. Today, by the way, Bosnian Muslims live there again, and some of the mosques that were destroyed have been reinstated. But the genocide continues to haunt the descendants of murderers and victims alike.
The case of Rwanda is totally different. There, for a long time, as part of the Belgian colonial control structure, based on divide and rule, the Tutsi minority group ruled, and it oppressed the Hutu majority group. However, in the 1960s the situation was reversed, and upon independence from Belgium in 1962, the Hutu took control of the country and adopted an oppressive and discriminatory policy against the Tutsi, this time too with the support of the former colonial powers.
Gradually, this policy became intolerable, and a brutal bloody civil war broke out in 1990, beginning with the invasion of a Tutsi army, the Rwanda Patriotic Front, consisting mainly of Tutsi who fled Rwanda after the fall of colonial rule. As a result, in the eyes of the Hutu regime, the Tutsi became collectively identified with an actual military enemy.
During the war, both sides committed serious crimes on Rwandan soil, as well as on the soil of neighboring countries to which the war spilled over. Neither side was absolutely innocent or absolutely evil. The civil war ended with the Arusha Accords, signed in 1993, which were supposed to involve Tutsi people in government institutions, the army, and state structures.
But these agreements collapsed, and in April 1994, Rwanda’s Hutu president’s plane was shot down. To this day, it is not known who shot down the plane, and it is believed that they were actually Hutu fighters. However, the Hutu were convinced that the crime had been committed by Tutsi resistance fighters, and this was perceived as a genuine threat to the country. The Tutsi genocide was on its way. The official rationale for the act of genocide was the need to remove the Tutsi existential threat once and for all.
The case of the Rohingya, which the Biden administration recently recognised as genocide, is very different again. Initially, after Myanmar (formerly Burma) independence in 1948, the Muslim Rohingya were seen as equal citizens and part of the mostly Buddhist national entity. But over the years, and especially after the establishment of the military dictatorship in 1962, Burmese nationalism was identified with several dominant ethnic groups, who were mainly Buddhist, of which the Rohingya were not a member.
In 1982 and thereafter, citizenship laws were enacted, stripping most Rohingya of their citizenship and their rights. They were viewed as foreigners and as a threat to the existence of the state. The Rohingya, among whom there have been small rebel groups in the past, made an effort not to be dragged into violent resistance, but in 2016 many felt they could not prevent their disenfranchisement, repression, state and mob violence against them, and their gradual expulsion, and an underground Rohingya movement attacked Myanmar police stations.
The reaction was brutal. Raids by Myanmar’s security forces expelled most Rohingya from their villages, many were massacred, and their villages completely obliterated. When in March 2022 Secretary of State Antony Blinken read out the statement at the Holocaust Museum in Washington 2022 acknowledging that what was done to Rohingya was genocide, he said that in 2016 and 2017, about 850,000 Rohingya were deported to Bangladesh and about 9,000 of them were murdered. This was enough to recognise what was done to Rohingya as the eighth such an occurrence that the United States views as a genocide, apart from the Holocaust. The Rohingya case reminds us of what many genocide scholars have established in terms of research, and is very relevant to the case of Gaza: a link between ethnic cleansing and genocide.
The connection between the two phenomena is twofold, and both are relevant to Gaza, where the vast majority of the population was expelled from their places of residence, and only Egypt’s refusal to absorb masses of Palestinians on its territory prevented them from leaving Gaza. On the one hand, ethnic cleansing signals the willingness to eliminate the enemy group at any cost and without compromise, and therefore easily slips into genocide or is part of it. On the other hand, ethnic cleansing usually creates conditions that enable or cause (e.g. disease and famine) the partial or complete extermination of the group of victims.
In the case of Gaza, the “safe haven zones” have often become death traps and deliberate extermination zones, and in these refuges Israel deliberately starves out the population. For this reason, there are quite a few commentators who believe that ethnic cleansing is the goal of the fighting in Gaza.
The genocide of Armenians during World War I also had a context. During the declining years of the Ottoman Empire, Armenians developed their own national identity and demanded self-determination. Their different religious and ethnic character, as well as their strategic location on the border between the Ottoman and Russian empires, made them a dangerous population in the eyes of the Ottoman authorities.
Horrific outbreaks of violence against the Armenians occurred as early as the end of the 19th century, and therefore some Armenians were indeed sympathetic to the Russians and saw them as potential liberators. Small Armenian-Russian groups even collaborated with the Russian army against the Turks, calling on their brethren across the border to join them, which led to an intensification of the sense of an existential threat in the eyes of the Ottoman regime. This sense of a threat, which developed during a deep crisis of the empire, was a major factor in the development of the Armenian Genocide, which also began a process of expulsion.
The first genocide of the twentieth century was also executed out of a concept of self-defense by the German settlers against the Herero and Nama people in southwest Africa (present-day Namibia). As a result of the severe repression by the German settlers, the locals rebelled and in a brutal attack murdered some 123 (perhaps more) unarmed men. The sense of threat in the small settler community, which numbered only a few thousand, was real, and Germany feared that it had lost its deterrence vis-à-vis the natives.
The response was in accordance with the perceived threat. Germany sent an army led by an unrestrained commander, and there, too, out of a sense of self-defence, most of these tribesmen were murdered between 1904 and 1908 — some by direct killing, some under conditions of hunger and thirst forced on them by the Germans (again by deportation, this time to the Omaka desert) and some in cruel internment and labour camps. Similar processes occurred during the expulsion and extermination of indigenous peoples in North America, especially during the 19th century.
In all these cases, the perpetrators of the genocide felt an existential threat, more or less justified, and the genocide came in response. The destruction of the collective of victims was not contrary to an act of self-defence, but from an authentic motive of self-defence.
In 2011, I had a short article [Heb] published in Haaretz about the genocide in Southwest Africa, concluding with the following words: “ We can learn from the Herero and Nama genocide how colonial domination, based on a sense of cultural and racial superiority, can spill over, in the face of local rebellion, into horrific crimes such as mass expulsion, ethnic cleansing and genocide. The case of the Herero rebellion should serve as a horrifying warning sign for us here in Israel, which has already known one Nakba in its history.”
Translated by Sol Salbe, Middle East News Service
שיחה מיקומית (Local Call) Hebrew original article:
כן, זה רצח עם - שיחה מקומית
כן, זה רצח עם. למרות שכל כך קשה וכואב להודות בכך ולמרות כל המאמצים לחשוב אחרת, בתום חצי שנה של מלחמה אכזרית לא ניתן…www.mekomit.co.il
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d9cb66c9-c7c7-50ed-9016-b8a346e7a97f
|
25/08/2025 15:57:51
|
|
https://irstaxapp.medium.com/why-how-to-file-a-tax-extension-592bc80a8021
|
medium.com
|
Why & How to file a tax extension ?
|
First , let us know why one should file tax extension application to IRS . In fact , I should start with fundamental question “what is tax…
|
Prashant Thakur
|
https://medium.com/@irstaxapp
|
592bc80a8021
| null |
3 min
|
2017-12-24T04:28:09.089000
|
2017-12-24T04:32:36.322000
|
2018-06-10T08:26:48.254000
| 1 | 1 |
en
|
Taxes,Tax Returns,Irs,Tax Reform,USA
|
<section>
<p>First , let us know why one should file <strong>tax extension </strong>application to IRS . In fact , I should start with fundamental question “what is tax extension ?”. The simple answer to this question is : <em>a tax extension is nothing but the grant of time to file tax return beyond tax day</em> . If you apply for tax extension , an automatic six months extension of filing date is granted. For example , for Tax Year 2017 , the tax day is 15th April 2018 . If for any reason you think you are not able to file tax return by 15th April , you can file a Form to IRS before 15th April . That filing application will make you eligible to extension of time till 15th October 2018 ( for Tax Year 2017)</p>
<h1>Why to file for tax extension ?</h1>
<p>Apart from the six extra months you get on filing extension application , here are five other clear benefits of exension of your tax return filing date</p>
<p><strong>No penalty for failure to file tax return</strong> . You do not require to pay penal interest which is quite high at 5 % of the tax outstanding as on due date for filing tax return. Get an idea of quantum of your penal interest by using this <a href="http://www.irstaxapp.com/filing-taxes-late-penalty-calculator/">failure to file penalty calculator.</a></p>
<p><strong>More time to claim refund</strong> , in case you forgot to claim refund for the tax year for which you got extension of time to file. This is because , there’s a three-year deadline for receiving a refund . The time limit of 3 years is computed from original filing deadline (for example April 15, 2018, for the year 2017).But if you get filing extension, the limitations to claim refund is also extended by six months. Thus you be getting more time for refund claim</p>
<p><strong>Extra time for to fund a retirement plan. </strong>This benefit is for Self-employed persons . . Filing an extension provides these taxpayers with an extra six months to fund their retirement plan may want to fund a SEP-IRA, solo 401(k) or SIMPLE-IRA plan for themselves</p>
<p>Additional time to re characterize an IRA contribution. As long as your IRA is funded by the April deadline, you can change the nature of the IRA by the October extended deadline. Essentially, you can turn your <a href="http://www.irstaxapp.com/ira-contribution-limit-know/">traditional IRA contribution</a> into a Roth IRA, or a Roth IRA contribution into a traditional IRA contribution. This is helpful if you’re not sure if your eligible for one type of IRA.</p>
<p>You can even use this provision to re characterize a Roth conversion back to a traditional IRA.</p>
<p>Provides additional time to make various elections on your tax return. There are a wide variety of decisions that can be made on the tax return, such as deciding whether to depreciate equipment or take a Section 179 deduction, and whether to carry back or forward any business losses. Those decisions must be made when the tax return is filed. Filing an extension gives you extra time to make those decisions.</p>
<h2>3 Ways to Request for Tax Extension Deadline</h2>
<p>You can pay all or part of your estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an extension of filing date . For payment , you can use Direct Pay,the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, or using a credit or debit card.</p>
<p>You can file application for extension of due date for filing tax return by submitting Form 4868 electronically . This you can do irs e file extension either through your home computer or by seeking help of tax professional who uses e-file.</p>
<p>Lastly , you can file a paper Form 4868 and enclose payment of your estimate of tax due.</p>
<p>So if you properly estimate your tax liability using the information available to you, entering your total tax liability on line 4 of Form 4868, and file the same either electronically or in paper mode , you are guaranteed six month tax extension .</p>
<h2>I live out side USA . Is there any special rule for me ?</h2>
<p>The answer is Yes. You get <strong>an automatic 2-month extension</strong> to file tax return and even pay federal income tax if</p>
<ul>
<li>you are a U.S. citizen or</li>
<li>resident alien,</li>
</ul>
<p>and on the regular due date of your return:</p>
<ul>
<li>You are living outside the United States and Puerto Rico and your main place of business or post of duty is outside the United States and Puerto Rico, or</li>
<li>You are in military or naval service on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico.</li>
</ul>
<p>Please read irs detailed guide for people <a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p54/ch01.html">Living outside the United States</a></p>
<h2>Can I file a second extension on my taxes ?</h2>
<p>Answer is a definite No because the practice of second extension was stopped after tax year 2005 . Upto tax year 2005, a taxpayer could file IRS Tax Form 4868 for a a four-month automatic tax extension and by completing Tax Form 2688 he could have another 2 months extension . However , you now get six months initial tax extension by filing form 4868 so , no second extension can be obtained.</p>
<p>Next Post</p>
<p><a href="http://www.irstaxapp.com/what-are-529-college-savings-plans-tax-issues/">What are 529 college savings plans tax issues!</a></p>
<p><em>Originally published at <a href="http://ww</em>w.irstaxapp.com/how-to-file-a-tax-extension/">www.irstaxapp.com</a>.</p>
</section>
|
Why & How to file a tax extension ?
First , let us know why one should file tax extension application to IRS . In fact , I should start with fundamental question “what is tax extension ?”. The simple answer to this question is : a tax extension is nothing but the grant of time to file tax return beyond tax day . If you apply for tax extension , an automatic six months extension of filing date is granted. For example , for Tax Year 2017 , the tax day is 15th April 2018 . If for any reason you think you are not able to file tax return by 15th April , you can file a Form to IRS before 15th April . That filing application will make you eligible to extension of time till 15th October 2018 ( for Tax Year 2017)
Why to file for tax extension ?
Apart from the six extra months you get on filing extension application , here are five other clear benefits of exension of your tax return filing date
No penalty for failure to file tax return . You do not require to pay penal interest which is quite high at 5 % of the tax outstanding as on due date for filing tax return. Get an idea of quantum of your penal interest by using this failure to file penalty calculator.
More time to claim refund , in case you forgot to claim refund for the tax year for which you got extension of time to file. This is because , there’s a three-year deadline for receiving a refund . The time limit of 3 years is computed from original filing deadline (for example April 15, 2018, for the year 2017).But if you get filing extension, the limitations to claim refund is also extended by six months. Thus you be getting more time for refund claim
Extra time for to fund a retirement plan. This benefit is for Self-employed persons . . Filing an extension provides these taxpayers with an extra six months to fund their retirement plan may want to fund a SEP-IRA, solo 401(k) or SIMPLE-IRA plan for themselves
Additional time to re characterize an IRA contribution. As long as your IRA is funded by the April deadline, you can change the nature of the IRA by the October extended deadline. Essentially, you can turn your traditional IRA contribution into a Roth IRA, or a Roth IRA contribution into a traditional IRA contribution. This is helpful if you’re not sure if your eligible for one type of IRA.
You can even use this provision to re characterize a Roth conversion back to a traditional IRA.
Provides additional time to make various elections on your tax return. There are a wide variety of decisions that can be made on the tax return, such as deciding whether to depreciate equipment or take a Section 179 deduction, and whether to carry back or forward any business losses. Those decisions must be made when the tax return is filed. Filing an extension gives you extra time to make those decisions.
3 Ways to Request for Tax Extension Deadline
You can pay all or part of your estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an extension of filing date . For payment , you can use Direct Pay,the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, or using a credit or debit card.
You can file application for extension of due date for filing tax return by submitting Form 4868 electronically . This you can do irs e file extension either through your home computer or by seeking help of tax professional who uses e-file.
Lastly , you can file a paper Form 4868 and enclose payment of your estimate of tax due.
So if you properly estimate your tax liability using the information available to you, entering your total tax liability on line 4 of Form 4868, and file the same either electronically or in paper mode , you are guaranteed six month tax extension .
I live out side USA . Is there any special rule for me ?
The answer is Yes. You get an automatic 2-month extension to file tax return and even pay federal income tax if
you are a U.S. citizen or
resident alien,
and on the regular due date of your return:
You are living outside the United States and Puerto Rico and your main place of business or post of duty is outside the United States and Puerto Rico, or
You are in military or naval service on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico.
Please read irs detailed guide for people Living outside the United States
Can I file a second extension on my taxes ?
Answer is a definite No because the practice of second extension was stopped after tax year 2005 . Upto tax year 2005, a taxpayer could file IRS Tax Form 4868 for a a four-month automatic tax extension and by completing Tax Form 2688 he could have another 2 months extension . However , you now get six months initial tax extension by filing form 4868 so , no second extension can be obtained.
Next Post
What are 529 college savings plans tax issues!
Originally published at www.irstaxapp.com.
|
956d99ca-85b7-5c15-80e7-87a5f1abe688
|
25/08/2025 15:57:51
|
https://medium.com/@theperfectlatte2018/incredible-benefits-of-green-tea-998d770b4e75
|
medium.com
|
Incredible Benefits of Green Tea
|
Bitter, grassy and does not smell nice are how some people describe green tea. But did you know that green tea offers benefits that are…
|
The Perfect Latte
|
https://medium.com/@theperfectlatte2018
|
998d770b4e75
|
1 min
|
2018-09-02T04:56:38.278000
|
2018-09-02T05:03:05.701000
|
2018-09-02T05:03:06.010000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Health,Green Tea,Coffee,Coffee Shop
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/960/1*YRuJrYeQfaHIIfgzrjpomg.jpeg" width="960" height="640" loading="lazy" />
<p>Bitter, grassy and does not smell nice are how some people describe green tea. But did you know that green tea offers benefits that are amazingly healthy? According to Okakura Kakuzō, a Japanese scholar, <em>“Tea began as a medicine and grew into a beverage.”</em></p>
<p>The only reason that green tea becomes harsh in taste is when it has been brewed incorrectly like if the leaves were not rinsed properly during preparation or the temperature of water is too much.</p>
<p>Here are some of the incredible benefits you will get from green tea.</p>
<p>1. <strong>Burns fat.</strong> Clinical studies suggest that drinking green tea results in less hunger while it boosts your metabolism and helps you burn fat.</p>
<p>2. <strong>Improves dental health.</strong> Studies show that the catechins in green tea can prevent the growth of Streptococcus mutans, which is a harmful bacterium in the mouth. In addition, drinking green tea reduces bad breath.</p>
<p>3. <strong>Aids Relaxation</strong>. Green tea has amino acid L-theanine which has anti-anxiety effects which helps in decreasing stress and helping reduce depression.</p>
<p>4. <strong>Sustains Healthy, Glowing Skin.</strong> Antioxidants in green tea also prevents skin damage and wrinkles. It can also protect your skin from the sun.</p>
<p>5. <strong>Live Longer.</strong> Green tea lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases. According to research, green tea lowers cholesterol profile. Its antioxidant properties reduce high blood pressure. Hence, making you stronger and healthier.</p>
<p>Green tea is valuable to your physical body and mind. Drink and enjoy a well-prepared cup of green tea and its beneficial components will take care of the rest to a healthier and more confident you.</p>
</section>
|
Incredible Benefits of Green Tea
Green Tea
Bitter, grassy and does not smell nice are how some people describe green tea. But did you know that green tea offers benefits that are amazingly healthy? According to Okakura Kakuzō, a Japanese scholar, “Tea began as a medicine and grew into a beverage.”
The only reason that green tea becomes harsh in taste is when it has been brewed incorrectly like if the leaves were not rinsed properly during preparation or the temperature of water is too much.
Here are some of the incredible benefits you will get from green tea.
1. Burns fat. Clinical studies suggest that drinking green tea results in less hunger while it boosts your metabolism and helps you burn fat.
2. Improves dental health. Studies show that the catechins in green tea can prevent the growth of Streptococcus mutans, which is a harmful bacterium in the mouth. In addition, drinking green tea reduces bad breath.
3. Aids Relaxation. Green tea has amino acid L-theanine which has anti-anxiety effects which helps in decreasing stress and helping reduce depression.
4. Sustains Healthy, Glowing Skin. Antioxidants in green tea also prevents skin damage and wrinkles. It can also protect your skin from the sun.
5. Live Longer. Green tea lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases. According to research, green tea lowers cholesterol profile. Its antioxidant properties reduce high blood pressure. Hence, making you stronger and healthier.
Green tea is valuable to your physical body and mind. Drink and enjoy a well-prepared cup of green tea and its beneficial components will take care of the rest to a healthier and more confident you.
|
f80328c6-ec93-5249-a87b-8197745a7672
|
25/08/2025 15:57:51
|
|
https://medium.com/data-science/coffees-by-region-process-grade-and-price-7e17c3c44baf
|
medium.com
|
Coffees by Region, Process, Grade, and Price
|
300+ beans with grades and prices
|
Robert McKeon Aloe
|
https://medium.com/@rmckeon
|
7e17c3c44baf
| https://miro.medium.com/…[email protected]
|
4 min
|
2020-09-12T06:06:31.276000
|
2020-10-20T13:02:35.168000
|
2021-12-16T07:21:45.084000
| 0 | 8 |
en
|
Coffee,Data,Data Science,Food,Economics
|
<section>
<h3>300+ beans with grades and prices</h3>
<p>I love buying green beans from <a href="https://www.sweetmarias.com">Sweet Maria</a>’s. I’ve been roasting for 6 years now, and I’ve gotten the majority of my green beans from them. I was curious though, how well Q-scores trended with cost, so I pulled all their data and did some simple analysis. In short, I found a general trend with cost so you have to pay more to get higher scored beans, which should be higher quality. I also found certain features correlate more to cost than other.</p>
<p>The main caveat is that these beans are based on what Sweet Maria’s procures, which is based in part on their customer base. So any analysis can not generalize outside of Sweet Maria’s due to their curation. It would be very interesting to do this type of analysis across multiple sellers, but their data was not as easily accessible as Sweet Maria’s.</p>
<h1>Q-Score</h1>
<p>Sweet Maria’s has a <a href="https://library.sweetmarias.com/the-evolution-of-sweet-marias-cupping-descriptions/">slightly different cupping criteria</a> than the SCA criteria summarized below:</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1100/1*[email protected]" width="1100" height="972" loading="lazy" />
<h2>Raw Data</h2>
<p>Pulling data from Sweet Maria’s was not the easiest to do. They don’t have a database to pull from, but they have an archive of over 300 beans from over the years. So I viewed them all at the same time, then selected every bean to compare. This gave me an initial table, but I didn’t have the scores.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2388/1*[email protected]" width="2388" height="1668" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1668/1*[email protected]" width="1668" height="2388" loading="lazy" />
<p>For the Q-Scores, I tapped on the image for the scoring, and I did this for all 300+ beans.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2388/1*[email protected]" width="2388" height="1668" loading="lazy" />
<p>From here, I selected everything and saved it to a data sheet.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1284/1*[email protected]" width="1284" height="1072" loading="lazy" />
<p>I used this data to manually enter the score into a new column. I have the opportunity to look at the other data, but I was mainly concerned about score. This allowed me to have nice clean data, but it did take some time and concentration.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1854/1*[email protected]" width="1854" height="1291" loading="lazy" />
<h2>Cost vs Quality Analysis</h2>
<p>Overall, I found a trend between Q-score and price, but it isn’t always the case. I looked at each regions, and African beans clearly dominate for Q-Score, but they have a looser trend for cost as compared to South American beans which have a stronger relationship between cost and quality.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1286/1*[email protected]" width="1286" height="1012" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1358/1*[email protected]" width="1358" height="1047" loading="lazy" />
<p>I also looked at processing and cultivar type. The main trend here is a stronger correlation for cost for Dry processed over Wet processed. Bourbon types have a strong correlation to cost as well.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1360/1*[email protected]" width="1360" height="1041" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1620/1*[email protected]" width="1620" height="1029" loading="lazy" />
<p>Finally, I looked at the correlation between cost and quality across some of these metrics. Correlation is a way to understand how different two variables are and how well they trend with each other. Correlation can be positive (proportionally related) or negative (inversely proportionally related).</p>
<p>In looking by region, decaf beans has a negative correlation to price, but the sample size was small. South American beans have the highest correlation to between quality and price.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1620/1*[email protected]" width="1620" height="915" loading="lazy" />
<p>Looking at processing and type, Dry processing has a higher correlation between quality and price than wet, and while some of the other numbers are bounce around, they have few samples.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1610/1*[email protected]" width="1610" height="921" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1601/1*[email protected]" width="1601" height="1261" loading="lazy" />
<p>For type, Bourbon matches what we saw in the graph, which Heirloom has no correlation between quality and price.</p>
<p>I looked at Sweet Maria’s inventory of coffees, and I found a general correlation between grade and price. It is higher for certain regions and processing types over others, but I’m glad to find when I spend more, I typically get more in terms of quality.</p>
<p>If you like, follow me on <a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/espressofun?source=post_page---------------------------">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://m.youtube.com/channel/UClgcmAtBMTmVVGANjtntXTw?source=post_page---------------------------">YouTube</a> where I post videos of espresso shots on different machines and espresso related stuff. You can also find me on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-mckeon-aloe-01581595?source=post_page---------------------------">LinkedIn</a>.</p>
<h2>Further readings of mine:</h2>
<p><a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/the-economics-of-home-roasting-coffee-93003ea31ee8">The Economics of Home Roasting Coffee</a></p>
<p><a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/coffee-bean-degassing-d747c8a9d4c9">Coffee Bean Degassing</a></p>
<p><a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/deconstructed-coffee-split-roasting-grinding-and-layering-for-better-espresso-fd408c1ac535">Deconstructed Coffee: Split Roasting, Grinding, and Layering for Better Espresso</a></p>
<p><a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/pre-infusion-for-espresso-visual-cues-for-better-espresso-c23b2542152e">Pre-infusion for Espresso: Visual Cues for Better Espresso</a></p>
<p><a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/the-shape-of-coffee-fa87d3a67752">The Shape of Coffee</a></p>
<p><a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/p/8cf623ea27ef">To Stir or To Swirl: Better Espresso Experience</a></p>
<p><a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/spicy-espresso-grind-hot-tamp-cold-36bb547211ef">Spicy Espresso: Grind Hot, Tamp Cold for Better Coffee</a></p>
<p><a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/overthinking-life/staccato-espresso-leveling-up-espresso-70b68144f94">Staccato Espresso: Leveling Up Espresso</a></p>
<p><a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/the-impact-of-paper-filters-on-espresso-cfaf6e047456">Improving Espresso with Paper Filters</a></p>
<p><a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/coffee-solubility-in-espresso-an-initial-study-88f78a432e2c">Coffee Solubility in Espresso: An Initial Study</a></p>
<p><a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/staccato-tamping-improving-espresso-without-a-sifter-b22de5db28f6">Staccato Tamping: Improving Espresso without a Sifter</a></p>
<p><a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/@rmckeon/espresso-simulation-first-steps-in-computer-models-56e06fc9a13c">Espresso Simulation: First Steps in Computer Models</a></p>
<p><a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/pressure-pulsing-for-better-espresso-62f09362211d">Pressure Pulsing for Better Espresso</a></p>
<p><a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/@rmckeon/coffee-data-sheet-d95fd241e7f6">Coffee Data Sheet</a></p>
<p><a href="https://towardsdatascience.com/espresso-filters-an-analysis-7672899ce4c0">Espresso filter analysis</a></p>
</section>
|
Coffees by Region, Process, Grade, and Price
300+ beans with grades and prices
I love buying green beans from Sweet Maria’s. I’ve been roasting for 6 years now, and I’ve gotten the majority of my green beans from them. I was curious though, how well Q-scores trended with cost, so I pulled all their data and did some simple analysis. In short, I found a general trend with cost so you have to pay more to get higher scored beans, which should be higher quality. I also found certain features correlate more to cost than other.
The main caveat is that these beans are based on what Sweet Maria’s procures, which is based in part on their customer base. So any analysis can not generalize outside of Sweet Maria’s due to their curation. It would be very interesting to do this type of analysis across multiple sellers, but their data was not as easily accessible as Sweet Maria’s.
Q-Score
Sweet Maria’s has a slightly different cupping criteria than the SCA criteria summarized below:
Raw Data
Pulling data from Sweet Maria’s was not the easiest to do. They don’t have a database to pull from, but they have an archive of over 300 beans from over the years. So I viewed them all at the same time, then selected every bean to compare. This gave me an initial table, but I didn’t have the scores.
Screenshots shared with permission by Sweet Maria’s
For the Q-Scores, I tapped on the image for the scoring, and I did this for all 300+ beans.
Screenshots shared with permission by Sweet Maria’s
From here, I selected everything and saved it to a data sheet.
Images of spider graphs shared with permission by Sweet Maria’s
I used this data to manually enter the score into a new column. I have the opportunity to look at the other data, but I was mainly concerned about score. This allowed me to have nice clean data, but it did take some time and concentration.
Image by Author
Cost vs Quality Analysis
Overall, I found a trend between Q-score and price, but it isn’t always the case. I looked at each regions, and African beans clearly dominate for Q-Score, but they have a looser trend for cost as compared to South American beans which have a stronger relationship between cost and quality.
I also looked at processing and cultivar type. The main trend here is a stronger correlation for cost for Dry processed over Wet processed. Bourbon types have a strong correlation to cost as well.
Finally, I looked at the correlation between cost and quality across some of these metrics. Correlation is a way to understand how different two variables are and how well they trend with each other. Correlation can be positive (proportionally related) or negative (inversely proportionally related).
In looking by region, decaf beans has a negative correlation to price, but the sample size was small. South American beans have the highest correlation to between quality and price.
Looking at processing and type, Dry processing has a higher correlation between quality and price than wet, and while some of the other numbers are bounce around, they have few samples.
For type, Bourbon matches what we saw in the graph, which Heirloom has no correlation between quality and price.
I looked at Sweet Maria’s inventory of coffees, and I found a general correlation between grade and price. It is higher for certain regions and processing types over others, but I’m glad to find when I spend more, I typically get more in terms of quality.
If you like, follow me on Twitter and YouTube where I post videos of espresso shots on different machines and espresso related stuff. You can also find me on LinkedIn.
Further readings of mine:
The Economics of Home Roasting Coffee
Coffee Bean Degassing
Deconstructed Coffee: Split Roasting, Grinding, and Layering for Better Espresso
Pre-infusion for Espresso: Visual Cues for Better Espresso
The Shape of Coffee
To Stir or To Swirl: Better Espresso Experience
Spicy Espresso: Grind Hot, Tamp Cold for Better Coffee
Staccato Espresso: Leveling Up Espresso
Improving Espresso with Paper Filters
Coffee Solubility in Espresso: An Initial Study
Staccato Tamping: Improving Espresso without a Sifter
Espresso Simulation: First Steps in Computer Models
Pressure Pulsing for Better Espresso
Coffee Data Sheet
Espresso filter analysis
|
7eae2ae8-75a1-576a-929c-70add8fdebfc
|
25/08/2025 15:57:51
|
https://medium.com/the-read-optional/week-13-divisional-review-afc-south-239814e774b0
|
medium.com
|
Week 13 Divisional Review: AFC South
| null |
Oliver Connolly
|
https://medium.com/@ollieconnolly
|
239814e774b0
|
https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*WI2K3wLsIVSBLCeR.
|
5 min
|
2016-04-27T17:03:58.705000
|
2014-12-02T14:03:01
|
2017-01-25T14:44:26.811000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
AFC South,American Football,Andrew Luck
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max//0*WI2K3wLsIVSBLCeR." width="" height="" loading="lazy" />
<p><strong>Houston Texans 45 (6–6)</strong></p>
<p><em>vs Tennessee Titans 21 (2–10)</em></p>
<p>It was a good old fashioned beatdown for the Tennessee Titans when they came into divisonal rivals Houston’s house on Sunday, as the hosts ran out to a 24–0 half-time lead and never looked back. Backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick could do no wrong in his return to the starting lineup in the absence of Ryan Mallett, throwing for scores to Ryan Griffin and Arian Foster in the first quarter. He would go on to add four touchdowns to his tally in the remainder of the game, giving him an astonishing haul of six on the day, to five different receivers. He was not the only one to have a career day, as DeAndre Hopkins had two scores from nine receptions and a mammoth 238 yards. Add into the mix a JJ Watt score, as well as a sack and fumble for the defensive beast and all was well in Texas this weekend.</p>
<p><strong>Standout Performer</strong> — Ryan Fitzpatrick — 24/33, 358 yards, 6 touchdowns — this was justice for the veteran QB. Having watched Mallett pick up an injury in the pre-game warmup last week and have the Houston hierachy still favour him over Fitzpatrick must have hurt. His repaid their glaring lack of faith with a huge day, picking apart the Titans defense for huge gains and scores.</p>
<p><strong>Next Opponent — @ Jacksonville Jaguars</strong></p>
<p><strong>Key Matchup</strong> — DeAndre Hopkins v Demetrius McCray — Hopkins will be looking to continue his fine season, and standout performance, against the weak Jaguars next week. McCray will need to contain him in a similar way that he managed against Odell Beckham Jr. in Jacksonville’s win over the Giants.</p>
<p><strong>Team Status — </strong>Middle of the pack</p>
<p>— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max//0*uxYtUkiqapIBFgMJ." width="" height="" loading="lazy" />
<p><strong>Tennessee Titans 21 (2–10)</strong></p>
<p><em>@ Houston Texans 45 (6–6)</em></p>
<p>It was a case of too little too late for the Titans, who managed to tie the second half of their matchup with the Texans 21 apiece; the issue being that they were already behind 24–0 at that point. They suffered a torrid time on defense, being carved up through the air by Fitzpatrick and then not being able to respond with anything substantial. Zach Mettenberger was at least fairly solid in throwing a score and a pick, before being leveled by Watt and having to leave the game with a shoulder injury. In his place Jake Locker could not replicate the bouncebackability of Fitzpatrick, as he threw a pick on his first play and followed it up with another to go along with a touchdown. The future does not look bright in Tennessee, Bishop Sankey has shown little promise and Kendall Wright has lacked the consistency to be considered a threat week-in week-out. An overhaul is needed this off-season.</p>
<p><strong>Standout Performer</strong> — Kendall Wright — 7 receptions, 132 yards, 1 touchdown — the receiver easily had his highest yardage game of the season and took in a 36-yard score to start the second half to give the Titans fans some semblance of hope for a comeback.</p>
<p><strong>Next Opponent — @ New York Giants</strong></p>
<p><strong>Key Matchup</strong> — Jason McCourty v Odell Beckham Jr. — McCourty will have seen that keeping Beckham Jr quiet is the key to quelling the Giants offense and forcing Eli Manning into mistakes. If he can keep the rookie receiver in check the Titans may be able to grab their third win of the year against a Giants team still shell shocked by the Jaguar’s second half heroics.</p>
<p><strong>Team Status — </strong>Deadbeats</p>
<p>— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max//0*f7xIs4SZy1O5Hdw1." width="" height="" loading="lazy" />
<p><strong>Indianapolis Colts 49 (8–4)</strong></p>
<p><em>vs Washington 27 (3–9)</em></p>
<p>Andrew Luck is developing a horrible habit of starting games slowly, throwing an early pick against Washington this week. However, he also has the undeniable ability to correct these issues and finish strongly. The QB had a career high five touchdowns in the rout, hitting Donte Moncrief and Coby Fleener for two scores apiece, with TY Hilton grabbing the fifth. He got help along the ground in the form of second year RB Dan Herron who went for 88 yards and a touchdown, eclipsing Trent Richardson’s typical 12 yards from eight carries. If Herron can continue to play at this level, the Colts will go into the post-season with reduced concerns about their talent in the backfield following the injury to Ahmad Bradshaw. They will though be aware that they need to start games quickly and efficiently, playoff teams will not allow the come-from-behind-wins that squads such as Washington do.</p>
<p><strong>Standout Performer — </strong>Donte Moncrief — 3 receptions, 134 yards, 2 touchdowns — the explosive rookie receiver had a welcome return to Luck’s focus, taking in first a 48 yard score and then a 79 yard one to complete a huge game.</p>
<p><strong>Next Opponent — @ Cleveland Browns</strong></p>
<p><strong>Key Matchup</strong> — Vontae Davis v Josh Gordon — at some point you have to figure that Gordon will go off and show the talent that elevated him to elite receiver status last year. Davis will need to keep him under wraps on Sunday to prevent that day coming this week.</p>
<p><strong>Team Status </strong>— On the rise</p>
<p>— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —</p>
<p><strong>Jacksonville Jaguars 25 (2–10)</strong></p>
<p>vs New York Giants 24 (3–9)</p>
<p>Nothing’s ever easy for the Jaguars and their fans, as they required a late go-ahead field goal to grab their second win of the year, despite forcing three fumbles from the Giants. Trailing 21–3 at half-time, Jacksonville rallied to get scores from a JT Thomas fumble recovery, a Marqise Lee touchdown and then an Aaron Colvin fumble recovery score, before Josh Scobee’s kick gave them their first lead of the contest. As well as the win, there were plenty of plus points for Blake Bortles who managed to avoid throwing a pick for the first time since week three and also rushed for 68 yards on just five carries. His decision making and reads were much more assured and this can only be a good thing for the rookie playcaller. Spirit has never been an issue for the Jaguars young squad, but getting wins has. On Sunday they showed the two together, may this be the start of better times to come?</p>
<p><strong>Standout Performer</strong> — Blake Bortles — 21/35, 194 yards, 1 touchdown, 5 carries, 68 yards — whilst the numbers may not be spectacular, the importance of Sunday’s win and performance cannot be overstated. This was a huge step forward for the rookie and he will look to build on this next week.</p>
<p><strong>Next Opponent — vs Houston Texans</strong></p>
<p><strong>Key Matchup</strong> — Blake Bortles v JJ Watt — the rookie QB will know what Watt is capable of and will be looking for all the help he can get from his offensive line to give him protection in the pocket to allow him to go through his reads.</p>
<p><strong>Team Status — </strong>Deadbeats</p>
</section>
|
Week 13 Divisional Review: AFC South
Houston Texans 45 (6–6)
vs Tennessee Titans 21 (2–10)
It was a good old fashioned beatdown for the Tennessee Titans when they came into divisonal rivals Houston’s house on Sunday, as the hosts ran out to a 24–0 half-time lead and never looked back. Backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick could do no wrong in his return to the starting lineup in the absence of Ryan Mallett, throwing for scores to Ryan Griffin and Arian Foster in the first quarter. He would go on to add four touchdowns to his tally in the remainder of the game, giving him an astonishing haul of six on the day, to five different receivers. He was not the only one to have a career day, as DeAndre Hopkins had two scores from nine receptions and a mammoth 238 yards. Add into the mix a JJ Watt score, as well as a sack and fumble for the defensive beast and all was well in Texas this weekend.
Standout Performer — Ryan Fitzpatrick — 24/33, 358 yards, 6 touchdowns — this was justice for the veteran QB. Having watched Mallett pick up an injury in the pre-game warmup last week and have the Houston hierachy still favour him over Fitzpatrick must have hurt. His repaid their glaring lack of faith with a huge day, picking apart the Titans defense for huge gains and scores.
Next Opponent — @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Key Matchup — DeAndre Hopkins v Demetrius McCray — Hopkins will be looking to continue his fine season, and standout performance, against the weak Jaguars next week. McCray will need to contain him in a similar way that he managed against Odell Beckham Jr. in Jacksonville’s win over the Giants.
Team Status — Middle of the pack
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Tennessee Titans 21 (2–10)
@ Houston Texans 45 (6–6)
It was a case of too little too late for the Titans, who managed to tie the second half of their matchup with the Texans 21 apiece; the issue being that they were already behind 24–0 at that point. They suffered a torrid time on defense, being carved up through the air by Fitzpatrick and then not being able to respond with anything substantial. Zach Mettenberger was at least fairly solid in throwing a score and a pick, before being leveled by Watt and having to leave the game with a shoulder injury. In his place Jake Locker could not replicate the bouncebackability of Fitzpatrick, as he threw a pick on his first play and followed it up with another to go along with a touchdown. The future does not look bright in Tennessee, Bishop Sankey has shown little promise and Kendall Wright has lacked the consistency to be considered a threat week-in week-out. An overhaul is needed this off-season.
Standout Performer — Kendall Wright — 7 receptions, 132 yards, 1 touchdown — the receiver easily had his highest yardage game of the season and took in a 36-yard score to start the second half to give the Titans fans some semblance of hope for a comeback.
Next Opponent — @ New York Giants
Key Matchup — Jason McCourty v Odell Beckham Jr. — McCourty will have seen that keeping Beckham Jr quiet is the key to quelling the Giants offense and forcing Eli Manning into mistakes. If he can keep the rookie receiver in check the Titans may be able to grab their third win of the year against a Giants team still shell shocked by the Jaguar’s second half heroics.
Team Status — Deadbeats
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Indianapolis Colts 49 (8–4)
vs Washington 27 (3–9)
Andrew Luck is developing a horrible habit of starting games slowly, throwing an early pick against Washington this week. However, he also has the undeniable ability to correct these issues and finish strongly. The QB had a career high five touchdowns in the rout, hitting Donte Moncrief and Coby Fleener for two scores apiece, with TY Hilton grabbing the fifth. He got help along the ground in the form of second year RB Dan Herron who went for 88 yards and a touchdown, eclipsing Trent Richardson’s typical 12 yards from eight carries. If Herron can continue to play at this level, the Colts will go into the post-season with reduced concerns about their talent in the backfield following the injury to Ahmad Bradshaw. They will though be aware that they need to start games quickly and efficiently, playoff teams will not allow the come-from-behind-wins that squads such as Washington do.
Standout Performer — Donte Moncrief — 3 receptions, 134 yards, 2 touchdowns — the explosive rookie receiver had a welcome return to Luck’s focus, taking in first a 48 yard score and then a 79 yard one to complete a huge game.
Next Opponent — @ Cleveland Browns
Key Matchup — Vontae Davis v Josh Gordon — at some point you have to figure that Gordon will go off and show the talent that elevated him to elite receiver status last year. Davis will need to keep him under wraps on Sunday to prevent that day coming this week.
Team Status — On the rise
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Jacksonville Jaguars 25 (2–10)
vs New York Giants 24 (3–9)
Nothing’s ever easy for the Jaguars and their fans, as they required a late go-ahead field goal to grab their second win of the year, despite forcing three fumbles from the Giants. Trailing 21–3 at half-time, Jacksonville rallied to get scores from a JT Thomas fumble recovery, a Marqise Lee touchdown and then an Aaron Colvin fumble recovery score, before Josh Scobee’s kick gave them their first lead of the contest. As well as the win, there were plenty of plus points for Blake Bortles who managed to avoid throwing a pick for the first time since week three and also rushed for 68 yards on just five carries. His decision making and reads were much more assured and this can only be a good thing for the rookie playcaller. Spirit has never been an issue for the Jaguars young squad, but getting wins has. On Sunday they showed the two together, may this be the start of better times to come?
Standout Performer — Blake Bortles — 21/35, 194 yards, 1 touchdown, 5 carries, 68 yards — whilst the numbers may not be spectacular, the importance of Sunday’s win and performance cannot be overstated. This was a huge step forward for the rookie and he will look to build on this next week.
Next Opponent — vs Houston Texans
Key Matchup — Blake Bortles v JJ Watt — the rookie QB will know what Watt is capable of and will be looking for all the help he can get from his offensive line to give him protection in the pocket to allow him to go through his reads.
Team Status — Deadbeats
|
74fbfd0e-9181-53b4-a4ad-9928c35a024e
|
25/08/2025 15:57:51
|
https://musgrove.medium.com/about-that-400-mil-d0b545da91be
|
medium.com
|
About That $400 mil…
|
The US State Department came out and said last week that the person who was issuing that rather large amount of $400 million in cash, which…
|
Michael B. Musgrove
|
https://medium.com/@musgrove
|
d0b545da91be
| null |
1 min
|
2016-08-21T10:07:08.823000
|
2016-08-21T10:41:20.306000
|
2017-10-03T17:50:53.824000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
BlackLivesMatter,Politics,Scandal,Terrorism,Barack Obama
|
<section>
<p>The US State Department came out and said last week that the person who was issuing that rather large amount of $400 million in cash, which I believe was B Obama, was using it as “leverage” to release the 4 hostages being held. Or, for people that know how to speak plain english, a ransom.</p>
<p>Obama’s up on Martha’s Vineyard again for 16 days or so of vacation. Did we not get a written “receipt” for that 400 million? I mean, in the real world, when I repay someone a debt, as Obama insists this was for, there are a few things that need to happen. Acknowledgement of receiving the money is one of them. And customarily, the document would even say what that money was for. Did we not get anything like that? Or are those hostages our receipt?</p>
<p>His circumventing Congress once again and basically funding terrorists with ransom money that he shouldn’t be paying is probably(I hope nothing worse occurs between now and his term end) the pinnacle of his shady Chicago style tenure. What he’s done is very serious, and no one is saying boo. He’s playing golf and not even worried about it. Or much else. The media is silent. Liberals are silent. And now the people who will be killed with his ransom payment will be silent too. Amazing.</p>
<p>I really try not to be this type of person, but this is just too good. A guy I argue with over his dumb political stances regularly was featured on some random person’s Fail Compilation video for progressives, black lives matter, and that whole scene, which has way over 2 million views as of this writing. I won’t say who he is, but I’ll give you a hint: he lives in Virginia but his backdrop in his shot is Charleston. Nice to have some vilification. And a nice crowd to be associated with, by the way.</p>
<p></p>
</section>
|
About That $400 mil…
The US State Department came out and said last week that the person who was issuing that rather large amount of $400 million in cash, which I believe was B Obama, was using it as “leverage” to release the 4 hostages being held. Or, for people that know how to speak plain english, a ransom.
Obama’s up on Martha’s Vineyard again for 16 days or so of vacation. Did we not get a written “receipt” for that 400 million? I mean, in the real world, when I repay someone a debt, as Obama insists this was for, there are a few things that need to happen. Acknowledgement of receiving the money is one of them. And customarily, the document would even say what that money was for. Did we not get anything like that? Or are those hostages our receipt?
His circumventing Congress once again and basically funding terrorists with ransom money that he shouldn’t be paying is probably(I hope nothing worse occurs between now and his term end) the pinnacle of his shady Chicago style tenure. What he’s done is very serious, and no one is saying boo. He’s playing golf and not even worried about it. Or much else. The media is silent. Liberals are silent. And now the people who will be killed with his ransom payment will be silent too. Amazing.
I really try not to be this type of person, but this is just too good. A guy I argue with over his dumb political stances regularly was featured on some random person’s Fail Compilation video for progressives, black lives matter, and that whole scene, which has way over 2 million views as of this writing. I won’t say who he is, but I’ll give you a hint: he lives in Virginia but his backdrop in his shot is Charleston. Nice to have some vilification. And a nice crowd to be associated with, by the way.
|
9ad81941-60ad-50e3-94b0-4b58a2b4fc89
|
25/08/2025 15:57:51
|
https://medium.com/@lisacharleson/dnf-30cf3c48bef
|
medium.com
|
DNF
|
Did. Not. Finish.
|
Lisa Charleson
|
https://medium.com/@lisacharleson
|
30cf3c48bef
| null |
2 min
|
2016-10-04T18:13:33.013000
|
2016-10-04T18:49:37.040000
|
2018-04-11T03:48:54.393000
| 0 | 2 |
en
|
Running,Failure,Ultramarathon,Ultrarunning,Determination
|
<section>
<p>Did. Not. Finish.</p>
<p>I did not finish the race I hung my whole season on. The race I was training for all year. 8 hours. 31 miles. That should have been doable.</p>
<p>It wasn’t. I sabotaged myself a month before and ran a 50k for the first time at another race. I ignored a nagging injury hoping that in taper it would rest itself away. Without proper recovery, with an injury, and possible conditions that make my joints hinges of pain; I pinned on my bib and set off.</p>
<p>First leg I felt amazing. It was the first I had ran without pain in weeks. The people I was running with said things like “Go on ahead! You are going so strong!” but I stayed with them. Second leg, just amazing. So much single track! My favorite!</p>
<p>That third leg though…My hip started to ache. Then the pain grew sharp. This was a 5 mile long leg and it should have been pretty easy. Instead I was creeping down the downhills. My friends worried about me. I was worried about costing them precious minutes. Later my husband told me he could see where it all started to go wrong. He was tracking me and saw the pace slow. I made it a little over 12 miles before I had to drop out or risk falling down the next downhill.</p>
<p>So rather than finish, and rather than wallow in my lack of finishing, I went to cheer on my friends. There were a lot of them in this race. Hugs and smiles, admonishments to eat, drink and get out of the aid stations. Waiting until we had seen the last people through the 2nd to last station before heading to the finish. Getting chummy with a few of the volunteers who started giving us updates about where our friends were (they were pretty much DFL thanks to that 3rd leg with me) and cheering everyone in. Handing out beers (I’m not sure who’s they actually were, but we handed them out anyways) and food and hugs. Our group had the last people to finish and we were the last people to leave.</p>
<p>No one told me I failed. No one told me I wasn’t properly prepared. There was lots of hugging and crying all around as we had all just done something really, really hard.</p>
<p>I kept my bib. I’m going to put it underneath next year’s bib. My finish time for this year is going to be next years finish time+ 365 days.</p>
</section>
|
DNF
Did. Not. Finish.
I did not finish the race I hung my whole season on. The race I was training for all year. 8 hours. 31 miles. That should have been doable.
It wasn’t. I sabotaged myself a month before and ran a 50k for the first time at another race. I ignored a nagging injury hoping that in taper it would rest itself away. Without proper recovery, with an injury, and possible conditions that make my joints hinges of pain; I pinned on my bib and set off.
First leg I felt amazing. It was the first I had ran without pain in weeks. The people I was running with said things like “Go on ahead! You are going so strong!” but I stayed with them. Second leg, just amazing. So much single track! My favorite!
That third leg though…My hip started to ache. Then the pain grew sharp. This was a 5 mile long leg and it should have been pretty easy. Instead I was creeping down the downhills. My friends worried about me. I was worried about costing them precious minutes. Later my husband told me he could see where it all started to go wrong. He was tracking me and saw the pace slow. I made it a little over 12 miles before I had to drop out or risk falling down the next downhill.
So rather than finish, and rather than wallow in my lack of finishing, I went to cheer on my friends. There were a lot of them in this race. Hugs and smiles, admonishments to eat, drink and get out of the aid stations. Waiting until we had seen the last people through the 2nd to last station before heading to the finish. Getting chummy with a few of the volunteers who started giving us updates about where our friends were (they were pretty much DFL thanks to that 3rd leg with me) and cheering everyone in. Handing out beers (I’m not sure who’s they actually were, but we handed them out anyways) and food and hugs. Our group had the last people to finish and we were the last people to leave.
No one told me I failed. No one told me I wasn’t properly prepared. There was lots of hugging and crying all around as we had all just done something really, really hard.
I kept my bib. I’m going to put it underneath next year’s bib. My finish time for this year is going to be next years finish time+ 365 days.
|
c386721e-f935-5dde-aee1-94e425df0c51
|
25/08/2025 15:57:52
|
https://medium.com/@sanjushaw/2-months-26-articles-and-100-followers-heres-my-journey-b4b2f8250b4f
|
medium.com
|
2- Months, 26 articles and 100 Followers. Here’s my journey.
|
Through this article I’ll be sharing the methods I used, my journey, bits of advices, some lessons on how I gained 100 Follows on Medium…
|
Sanju Shaw
|
https://medium.com/@sanjushaw
|
b4b2f8250b4f
|
3 min
|
2022-08-08T05:53:01.649000
|
2022-08-08T06:22:30.202000
|
2022-08-08T06:22:32.168000
| 10 | 377 |
en
|
100 Followers,100 Followers On Medium,Lessons Learned,Advice,Writing
|
<section>
<h3>Through this article I’ll be sharing the methods I used, my journey, bits of advices, some lessons on how I gained 100 Follows on Medium. So, stick till the end.</h3>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/396/1*SSOd7B8lg_zlQ0nmjn_uLQ.png" width="396" height="290" loading="lazy" />
<p>Since, 2021 I knew about Medium through a YouTube video. Doesn’t remember it’s name neither of Channel’s a random recommendation though. It took me a year to finally decide to write on Medium. <em>So, here’s my journey in a nutshell.</em></p>
<p><strong>The Beginning</strong></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/220/1*jLk47O56gTLlaysYv9wa5w.gif" width="220" height="124" loading="lazy" />
<p><strong>On May 29th,2022 </strong>I published my first article with headline <strong>“My 10-min PPM…”. </strong>It was a regarding my regular morning exercise as monotonous to read as the headline sounds. Actually on the same day I posted one another article due to my childish thought of impressing the algorithm. <em>Results weren’t elevating 1st one was bad but 2nd was worse. </em>Somehow I recalled of having some self-written poems, why not just showcase them to the world. Luckily they played out well.</p>
<p><strong>The Pause</strong></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/220/1*MitWdFqNLSgWdam6P84_vw.gif" width="220" height="124" loading="lazy" />
<p>Kept them posting for a while until a stagnant period arrived. In those days I didn’t use to get any Claps, reads and get barely any views. <em><strong>Hence, shifted </em>the gear</strong> to long-form articles which assist me in diminishing the stagnant phase in my growth chart.</p>
<blockquote>Thus I learnt, sometimes to achieve your goals you’ve to change your ways not your goal.</blockquote>
<p><strong>The Lessons</strong></p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/679/1*X3MObHoORYhdjrSWhbjbog.jpeg" width="679" height="452" loading="lazy" />
<p>• Make a crystal clear mind if you want to be visible on Medium. There will always be hard times if you haven’t any professional or web level writing experience before.<em><strong> Thoughts of giving up are common. </strong>Be patient it doesn’t happen overni</em>ght or fortnight.
More importantly don’t envy of other writers who gained <strong>100+ followers</strong> within a week or a month. It’s just because they’ve a sound knowledge of their creation, on how keeping readers hooked and seduce them to read their writings often. Informally speaking they have experience and you’re gaining experience.</p>
<p>•<strong>Publish your writing in a Publication </strong>cause they possess a good reader base.</p>
<p>•<strong>Always share</strong> your writings on <em><strong>Facebook, Twitter, redd</em>it etc. </strong>My more than half of the posts gains majority of its views from Facebook groups.</p>
<p>•<strong>Try to engage </strong>with other writer’s post<em><strong> read them, clap, comment, h</em>ighlight</strong> it really helps in long-term. Together with, it helps you to understand you errs and improve your writing quality.</p>
<ul>
<li>There are often such posts where the writer announces a <strong>Follow-for-Follow</strong> stuff, take part in that, it helps for real in increasing the number of followers. You can create a your own <em>Follow-for-Follow </em>on social media groups too.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Thanks to all those writers who Followed me on Medium without them this target could never be accomplished. Sincere thanks to them. They believed that my writings are worth of reading and appreciation. I will try my best to never disappoint them with my creation and never compromise with quality.</h3>
<p>Find me on <strong>Facebook </strong>and<strong> Twitter </strong>both profile links link with their respective icons above.</p>
<p>Show me your support by simply:</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/498/1*SXIGhaF84SUONcTjmn2pzQ.gif" width="498" height="331" loading="lazy" />
</section>
|
2- Months, 26 articles and 100 Followers. Here’s my journey.
Through this article I’ll be sharing the methods I used, my journey, bits of advices, some lessons on how I gained 100 Follows on Medium. So, stick till the end.
Image source: Google Images
Since, 2021 I knew about Medium through a YouTube video. Doesn’t remember it’s name neither of Channel’s a random recommendation though. It took me a year to finally decide to write on Medium. So, here’s my journey in a nutshell.
The Beginning
GIF source: Tenor
On May 29th,2022 I published my first article with headline “My 10-min PPM…”. It was a regarding my regular morning exercise as monotonous to read as the headline sounds. Actually on the same day I posted one another article due to my childish thought of impressing the algorithm. Results weren’t elevating 1st one was bad but 2nd was worse. Somehow I recalled of having some self-written poems, why not just showcase them to the world. Luckily they played out well.
The Pause
GIF source: Tenor
Kept them posting for a while until a stagnant period arrived. In those days I didn’t use to get any Claps, reads and get barely any views. Hence, shifted the gear to long-form articles which assist me in diminishing the stagnant phase in my growth chart.
Thus I learnt, sometimes to achieve your goals you’ve to change your ways not your goal.
The Lessons
Image source: Google images
• Make a crystal clear mind if you want to be visible on Medium. There will always be hard times if you haven’t any professional or web level writing experience before. Thoughts of giving up are common. Be patient it doesn’t happen overnight or fortnight.
More importantly don’t envy of other writers who gained 100+ followers within a week or a month. It’s just because they’ve a sound knowledge of their creation, on how keeping readers hooked and seduce them to read their writings often. Informally speaking they have experience and you’re gaining experience.
•Publish your writing in a Publication cause they possess a good reader base.
•Always share your writings on Facebook, Twitter, reddit etc. My more than half of the posts gains majority of its views from Facebook groups.
•Try to engage with other writer’s post read them, clap, comment, highlight it really helps in long-term. Together with, it helps you to understand you errs and improve your writing quality.
There are often such posts where the writer announces a Follow-for-Follow stuff, take part in that, it helps for real in increasing the number of followers. You can create a your own Follow-for-Follow on social media groups too.
Thanks to all those writers who Followed me on Medium without them this target could never be accomplished. Sincere thanks to them. They believed that my writings are worth of reading and appreciation. I will try my best to never disappoint them with my creation and never compromise with quality.
Find me on Facebook and Twitter both profile links link with their respective icons above.
Show me your support by simply:
GIF source: Tenor
|
b020c1e0-75c5-59c1-8d1f-50875e173466
|
25/08/2025 15:57:52
|
|
https://medium.com/@JonatanHenchman/emmanuel-mudiays-former-high-school-teammate-terrance-ferguson-works-out-with-nuggets-5cfc3a46aebf
|
medium.com
|
Emmanuel Mudiay’s Former High School Teammate Terrance Ferguson Works Out with Nuggets
| null |
Jonathan henchman
|
https://medium.com/@JonatanHenchman
|
5cfc3a46aebf
| null |
0 min
|
2017-06-08T22:52:13.618000
|
2017-06-08T22:52:14.472000
|
2017-06-08T22:52:15.620000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Jonathan Henchman
|
<section>
</section>
|
Terrance Ferguson could feel right at home on the UCHealth Practice Court at the Pepsi Center on Thursday.
|
2a46c7c0-12fe-548d-8cb8-1fab450dd6a0
|
25/08/2025 15:57:53
|
https://medium.com/@topcamssites/top-cams-sites-kimmylive-cd2af8d87447
|
medium.com
|
Top Cams Sites kimmylive
| null |
Top cams sites
|
https://medium.com/@topcamssites
|
cd2af8d87447
|
2 min
|
2016-08-30T18:07:54.101000
|
2016-08-30T18:07:54.824000
|
2016-08-30T18:07:54.824000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Topcamsites
|
<section>
<p>Hi I’m kimmylive and I love <a href="https://webcamreports.com/top-sites-review.php">Top Cam Sites</a>, American girl who is smart, pretty and witty. Great personality. Gets along great with everyone. Who loves to go out,have fun and meet new people., I speak English.</p>
<p>I Feel Like: 21</p>
<p>Sexual Preference: Straight</p>
<p>Real Job: Student</p>
<p>My Kinks: Shaved</p>
<p>My Fetishes: Humiliation,Foot Fetish</p>
<p>What turns me on: Guys who are confidence with what they got</p>
<p>What turns me off: Being rushed and rudness!!</p>
<p>My Expertise: Lady in the streets but a freak in the bed. Role Play</p>
<p>I love ImLive Video Chat because: I love Imlive because it allows me to meet new people and also it allows me to be my own boss.
It give me the privilege of expressing myself the way I know best.</p>
<h3>Summary:</h3>
<p>Hi I’m kimmylive and I love Top Cam Sites that is, I talk English. National girl who’s very, clever and amusing. Wonderful personality. Gets along good with everyone. Who wants to head have fun and satisfy folks that are new. Personally I Think Like 21 Sexual Desire Directly Authentic Career Scholar Our Kinks Shaved Our Fetishes Embarrassment,Footfetish What becomes myself on Guys who are using what they got What transforms us off Being hurried and rudness assurance!! The Expertise Girl inside the streets but a freak in the mattress. Role Play I love ImLive Video-Chat because I love Imlive as it permits me to generally meet new folks and also it allows everyone to become my own, personal employer.
It offer me of expressing myself just how I am aware finest the opportunity.</p>
<p>Hidden Solutions to Adult Sex Webcams Identified What to Do About Adult Sex Webcams Before It Is Too Late What Charlize experienced that she’s deemed among the most gorgeous women in Hollywood today. Windowshopping sounds an excellent considered to impress your girlfriend just in case your pocket allows. Please remember that whatever suggests whether the video-chat really can be preserved.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/0*c4M90gamVMcwM2-4.jpg" width="640" height="480" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/0*CkyP20XP10MCPRME.jpg" width="640" height="480" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/0*Pmd3xR6bn89bxN4L.jpg" width="640" height="480" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/640/0*pnsSaJuKcQw93dPn.jpg" width="640" height="480" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/112/0*KQPMa6fWu7R1V_Z2." width="112" height="16" loading="lazy" />
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1/0*GjcdvEdjMWDas6fE." width="1" height="1" loading="lazy" />
</section>
|
Top Cam Sites kimmylive
Hi I’m kimmylive and I love Top Cam Sites, American girl who is smart, pretty and witty. Great personality. Gets along great with everyone. Who loves to go out,have fun and meet new people., I speak English.
I Feel Like: 21
Sexual Preference: Straight
Real Job: Student
My Kinks: Shaved
My Fetishes: Humiliation,Foot Fetish
What turns me on: Guys who are confidence with what they got
What turns me off: Being rushed and rudness!!
My Expertise: Lady in the streets but a freak in the bed. Role Play
I love ImLive Video Chat because: I love Imlive because it allows me to meet new people and also it allows me to be my own boss.
It give me the privilege of expressing myself the way I know best.
Summary:
Hi I’m kimmylive and I love Top Cam Sites that is, I talk English. National girl who’s very, clever and amusing. Wonderful personality. Gets along good with everyone. Who wants to head have fun and satisfy folks that are new. Personally I Think Like 21 Sexual Desire Directly Authentic Career Scholar Our Kinks Shaved Our Fetishes Embarrassment,Footfetish What becomes myself on Guys who are using what they got What transforms us off Being hurried and rudness assurance!! The Expertise Girl inside the streets but a freak in the mattress. Role Play I love ImLive Video-Chat because I love Imlive as it permits me to generally meet new folks and also it allows everyone to become my own, personal employer.
It offer me of expressing myself just how I am aware finest the opportunity.
Hidden Solutions to Adult Sex Webcams Identified What to Do About Adult Sex Webcams Before It Is Too Late What Charlize experienced that she’s deemed among the most gorgeous women in Hollywood today. Windowshopping sounds an excellent considered to impress your girlfriend just in case your pocket allows. Please remember that whatever suggests whether the video-chat really can be preserved.
|
423612c1-e761-5db6-a49c-858bbc2f9096
|
25/08/2025 15:57:53
|
|
https://medium.com/@quantinomy/a-primer-for-the-quantiacs-q16-contest-6c32d8c11c86
|
medium.com
|
A Primer for the Quantiacs Q16 Contest
|
If you’re into algorithmic trading you’ve probably come across some websites where you can run backtests for your strategies. There used to…
|
Quantinomy
|
https://medium.com/@quantinomy
|
6c32d8c11c86
|
5 min
|
2021-08-06T16:14:46.867000
|
2021-08-06T19:48:55.001000
|
2023-11-23T17:07:29.497000
| 0 | 17 |
en
|
Trading,Algorithmic Trading,Quantitative Finance,Trading Competition
|
<section>
<p>If you’re into algorithmic trading you’ve probably come across some websites where you can run backtests for your strategies. There used to be several ones where you could also participate in contests and/or get an allocation for your algorithm. Today, Quantiacs is the only one I know of where you can win an allocation without any risk. Well, there’s the risk of losing the time you spend on developing algorithms, but you shouldn’t consider this as a waste because you always learn something.</p>
<p>Right now, there’s a Referral Program on the Quantiacs platform for the Q16 contest. If you click on any of the links below and sign up as a new user, you and me will both get $ 15 when your first strategy enters the contest.</p>
<h1>What’s that contest about?</h1>
<p>You submit a strategy and if it is among the 7 best in terms of Sharpe ratio at the end of the contest, you’ll get an allocation and they’ll give you 10 % of your strategy’s winnings.</p>
<p>For the current Q16 contest your algo has to trade crypto-currencies. You can only trade long and the cryptos have to be among the top 10 in terms of market-cap. If the backtest result for your strategy also has a Sharpe ratio of at least 1, you can submitt it to take part in the competition. You can find more details on the <a href="https://quantiacs.com/contest?utm_source=reference&utm_medium=19014">Quantiacs website</a>.</p>
<h2>How do I start?</h2>
<p>Obviously you need to <a href="https://quantiacs.com/personalpage/login?utm_source=reference&utm_medium=19014">sign up</a> first. Don’t worry, its completely free and they don’t spam you. Once you’re logged in you will see your user area with a menu on the left. Under <em>Development</em> → <em>Examples</em> you’ll find a strategy called <em>Q16 Quick Start. </em>When you click on it, you’ll see a preview for the Jupyter notebook.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1920/1*L1AwNckCv0eB822h-lSDrQ.png" width="1920" height="942" loading="lazy" />
<p>Go ahead and click on the <em>Clone</em> button above and it will be in your <em>My Strategies</em> tab. Now you can work on it by clicking on either the <em>Jupyter</em> or the <em>JupyterLab</em> button. It will take a few seconds for your environment to be loaded an then there will be a tree with some files and folders plus some text below. This text contains important information, so reading it would be a good idea.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1264/1*ptDsx2nwsq7UZQLh5TI-9Q.png" width="1264" height="904" loading="lazy" />
<p>To get to the actual strategy, click on <em>strategy.ipynb</em> and the notebook will open. When it has loaded you can run the 3rd cell and the backtest will start (to run a jupyter cell, select it and press shift+enter or click the play button called <em>Run</em>).</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1164/1*qv2Fmab6Pz_QtqkxLOdHjA.png" width="1164" height="616" loading="lazy" />
<h2>What does this Strategy do?</h2>
<p>This algorithm fulfills almost all criteria for the contest, you could submitt it as it is if it weren’t for the correlation filter. It filters out any algo with a correlation of 90 % or more to any other submitted strategy or any example provided by Quantiacs unless it has a higher Sharpe ratio.</p>
<p>So, let’s look at the code and see what it actualy does. First the imported libraries:</p>
<pre><code class="language-python">import xarray as xr
import qnt.ta as qnta
import qnt.backtester as qnbt
import qnt.data as qndata</code></pre>
<p>The data on Quantiacs comes as xarrays and the backtester also expects this type to be returned by the strategy. Xarray is similar to Pandas but can handle more than 2 dimensions. <em>qnt</em> is the Quantiacs library we need for submissions, most importantly <em>qnt.data</em> which contains data like open, high, low close prices. You’ll never guess what <em>qnt.backtester</em> is. It’s the backtester! Not quite so obvious is <em>qnt.ta</em> wich is a library containing several technical indicators like the simple moving average used further down.</p>
<p>The load_data function is necessary in order to feed data to the backtester for each simulated trading day.</p>
<pre><code class="language-python">def load_data(period):
return qndata.cryptodaily_load_data(tail=period)</code></pre>
<p>The backtester is basically a loop iterating over each day from the start date to the end of the backtest with only the data we would have known at that day. The <em>period</em> parameter determines for how many days you will get historical data, it can be set when the backtester gets called.</p>
<p>Now the actual strategy</p>
<pre><code class="language-python">def strategy(data):
close = data.sel(field="close")
is_liquid = data.sel(field="is_liquid")
sma_slow = qnta.sma(close, 200).isel(time=-1)
sma_fast = qnta.sma(close, 20).isel(time=-1)
weights = xr.where(sma_slow < sma_fast, 1, 0)
weights = weights * is_liquid
weights = weights / 10.0
return weights</code></pre>
<p>It uses 2 moving averages, a 200-day and a 20-day MA. All cryptos where the 20-MA is above the 200-MA will be bought/held, all others will be dropped. As mentioned in the beginning of this article, you have to trade the 10 cryptos with the highest market cap. That’s what the <em>is_liquid</em> field is for, it has a value of 1 for the top 10 and 0 (or NaN) for all others. So by multiplying the weights with <em>is_liquid</em> you make sure you only buy/hold the top 10.</p>
<h2>What are weights anyway?</h2>
<p>They determine how much of the capital (including currently held assets) is invested in each symbol in percentage and could look like this:</p>
<pre><code class="language-">BTC 0.1
ETH 0.1</code></pre>
<p>In this case you would invest 10 % of your capital in Bitcoin and 10 % in Ether. In the code above they are created in the part with weights = xr.where . The syntax for xr.where is xr.where(condition, value_where_condition_is_met, value_otherwise)
so it sets a 1 to a symbol if the 20-MA is higher than the 200-MA and a zero to all others. A weight of 1 would mean we invest 100 % in that asset, so by dividing all weights by 10 we make sure we don’t invest more than we have (10 because of the top-10-filter).</p>
<h2>The Backtest</h2>
<p>Now we have an idea what’s going on in the code, we can call the backtester:</p>
<pre><code class="language-python">weights = qnbt.backtest(
competition_type="crypto_daily_long",
load_data=load_data,
lookback_period=365,
start_date="2014-01-01",
strategy=strategy
)</code></pre>
<p>Let’s look at the arguments used here. You need to specify the competition type, for the Q16 contest it’s <em>crypto_daily_long</em>, for future contests you might have to specify a different type. We need to tell the backtester our <em>load_data</em> and <em>strategy</em> functions, which have conveniently the same names as the parameters. To submitt an algo to the Q16 contest it must start 2014–01–01 or earlier, but if you’re still developing you can of course set the <em>start_date</em> to a later date. In this case we could leave out the <em>lookback_period</em>, because if none is given it defaults to 365. This is where the <em>load_data</em> function gets the <em>period</em> from and if you would use a slower moving average, like 500-day, you would also need to set the <em>lookback_period</em> to more than 500 in order to get enough data.</p>
<h2>Now it’s your turn!</h2>
<p>Try to change some variables like the MA periods, use different indicators and conditions and make me proud by joining the contest and winning an allocation!
That’s it for now. I encurage you to look a bit further down the quick start template, there are many useful informations. Also look at the docs on the Quantiacs website and if you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to ask a question in the Quantiacs forum.
Oh, and don’t forget to use <a href="https://quantiacs.com/personalpage/login?utm_source=reference&utm_medium=19014">my promo</a> link so we can both get that $ 15!</p>
</section>
|
A Primer for the Quantiacs Q16 Contest
If you’re into algorithmic trading you’ve probably come across some websites where you can run backtests for your strategies. There used to be several ones where you could also participate in contests and/or get an allocation for your algorithm. Today, Quantiacs is the only one I know of where you can win an allocation without any risk. Well, there’s the risk of losing the time you spend on developing algorithms, but you shouldn’t consider this as a waste because you always learn something.
Right now, there’s a Referral Program on the Quantiacs platform for the Q16 contest. If you click on any of the links below and sign up as a new user, you and me will both get $ 15 when your first strategy enters the contest.
What’s that contest about?
You submit a strategy and if it is among the 7 best in terms of Sharpe ratio at the end of the contest, you’ll get an allocation and they’ll give you 10 % of your strategy’s winnings.
For the current Q16 contest your algo has to trade crypto-currencies. You can only trade long and the cryptos have to be among the top 10 in terms of market-cap. If the backtest result for your strategy also has a Sharpe ratio of at least 1, you can submitt it to take part in the competition. You can find more details on the Quantiacs website.
How do I start?
Obviously you need to sign up first. Don’t worry, its completely free and they don’t spam you. Once you’re logged in you will see your user area with a menu on the left. Under Development → Examples you’ll find a strategy called Q16 Quick Start. When you click on it, you’ll see a preview for the Jupyter notebook.
Go ahead and click on the Clone button above and it will be in your My Strategies tab. Now you can work on it by clicking on either the Jupyter or the JupyterLab button. It will take a few seconds for your environment to be loaded an then there will be a tree with some files and folders plus some text below. This text contains important information, so reading it would be a good idea.
To get to the actual strategy, click on strategy.ipynb and the notebook will open. When it has loaded you can run the 3rd cell and the backtest will start (to run a jupyter cell, select it and press shift+enter or click the play button called Run).
What does this Strategy do?
This algorithm fulfills almost all criteria for the contest, you could submitt it as it is if it weren’t for the correlation filter. It filters out any algo with a correlation of 90 % or more to any other submitted strategy or any example provided by Quantiacs unless it has a higher Sharpe ratio.
So, let’s look at the code and see what it actualy does. First the imported libraries:
import xarray as xr
import qnt.ta as qnta
import qnt.backtester as qnbt
import qnt.data as qndata
The data on Quantiacs comes as xarrays and the backtester also expects this type to be returned by the strategy. Xarray is similar to Pandas but can handle more than 2 dimensions. qnt is the Quantiacs library we need for submissions, most importantly qnt.data which contains data like open, high, low close prices. You’ll never guess what qnt.backtester is. It’s the backtester! Not quite so obvious is qnt.ta wich is a library containing several technical indicators like the simple moving average used further down.
The load_data function is necessary in order to feed data to the backtester for each simulated trading day.
def load_data(period):
return qndata.cryptodaily_load_data(tail=period)
The backtester is basically a loop iterating over each day from the start date to the end of the backtest with only the data we would have known at that day. The period parameter determines for how many days you will get historical data, it can be set when the backtester gets called.
Now the actual strategy
def strategy(data):
close = data.sel(field="close")
is_liquid = data.sel(field="is_liquid")
sma_slow = qnta.sma(close, 200).isel(time=-1)
sma_fast = qnta.sma(close, 20).isel(time=-1)
weights = xr.where(sma_slow < sma_fast, 1, 0)
weights = weights * is_liquid
weights = weights / 10.0
return weights
It uses 2 moving averages, a 200-day and a 20-day MA. All cryptos where the 20-MA is above the 200-MA will be bought/held, all others will be dropped. As mentioned in the beginning of this article, you have to trade the 10 cryptos with the highest market cap. That’s what the is_liquid field is for, it has a value of 1 for the top 10 and 0 (or NaN) for all others. So by multiplying the weights with is_liquid you make sure you only buy/hold the top 10.
What are weights anyway?
They determine how much of the capital (including currently held assets) is invested in each symbol in percentage and could look like this:
BTC 0.1
ETH 0.1
In this case you would invest 10 % of your capital in Bitcoin and 10 % in Ether. In the code above they are created in the part with weights = xr.where . The syntax for xr.where is xr.where(condition, value_where_condition_is_met, value_otherwise)
so it sets a 1 to a symbol if the 20-MA is higher than the 200-MA and a zero to all others. A weight of 1 would mean we invest 100 % in that asset, so by dividing all weights by 10 we make sure we don’t invest more than we have (10 because of the top-10-filter).
The Backtest
Now we have an idea what’s going on in the code, we can call the backtester:
weights = qnbt.backtest(
competition_type="crypto_daily_long",
load_data=load_data,
lookback_period=365,
start_date="2014-01-01",
strategy=strategy
)
Let’s look at the arguments used here. You need to specify the competition type, for the Q16 contest it’s crypto_daily_long, for future contests you might have to specify a different type. We need to tell the backtester our load_data and strategy functions, which have conveniently the same names as the parameters. To submitt an algo to the Q16 contest it must start 2014–01–01 or earlier, but if you’re still developing you can of course set the start_date to a later date. In this case we could leave out the lookback_period, because if none is given it defaults to 365. This is where the load_data function gets the period from and if you would use a slower moving average, like 500-day, you would also need to set the lookback_period to more than 500 in order to get enough data.
Now it’s your turn!
Try to change some variables like the MA periods, use different indicators and conditions and make me proud by joining the contest and winning an allocation!
That’s it for now. I encurage you to look a bit further down the quick start template, there are many useful informations. Also look at the docs on the Quantiacs website and if you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to ask a question in the Quantiacs forum.
Oh, and don’t forget to use my promo link so we can both get that $ 15!
|
2284371d-f097-57eb-889f-9e1991a3082a
|
25/08/2025 15:57:54
|
|
https://medium.com/@JonatanHenchman/traffic-on-interstate-25-north-of-denver-3334be107ef3
|
medium.com
|
Traffic on Interstate 25 north of Denver.
| null |
Jonathan henchman
|
https://medium.com/@JonatanHenchman
|
3334be107ef3
| null |
0 min
|
2017-04-06T22:52:20.588000
|
2017-04-06T22:52:21.255000
|
2017-04-06T22:52:21.255000
| 0 | 0 |
en
|
Jonathan Henchman
|
<section>
</section>
|
Traffic on Interstate 25 north of Denver.
|
371d3eb2-92a8-5c13-87b9-7c0297cb0923
|
25/08/2025 15:57:54
|
https://medium.com/@markeroseman/the-value-of-prison-labor-as-established-by-exception-and-disgrace-b7e32a3b33f4
|
medium.com
|
The Value of Prison Labor: As Established by Exception and Disgrace
|
The critical prison reform topic of jobs has been a recurring theme of my posts.[1] The topic brings into focus populations of people…
|
Mark Roseman
|
https://medium.com/@markeroseman
|
b7e32a3b33f4
|
6 min
|
2018-08-02T23:10:08.632000
|
2018-08-02T23:12:57.210000
|
2018-08-02T23:12:57.683000
| 0 | 15 |
en
|
BlackLivesMatter
|
<section>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/300/0*UPapUV-2sz3YKxUp.jpg" width="300" height="300" loading="lazy" />
<p>The critical prison reform topic of jobs has been a recurring theme of my posts.<a href="http://markeroseman.com/prison-reform/the-value-of-prison-labor-as-established-by-exception-and-disgrace/#_ftn1">[1]</a> The topic brings into focus populations of people released from prison each year. In 2016, state and federal prisons released about 626,000 people, according to the <a href="https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/p16.pdf">U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics</a>.</p>
<p>What about inmates’ job opportunities while in prison? Having a job on the inside is a means of gaining self-respect, using dead time productively, and earning money for a smooth and lasting reentry into society. The problem is that inmate labor is legally compensated on a scale equal to slave labor wages: three hots and a cot<a href="http://markeroseman.com/prison-reform/the-value-of-prison-labor-as-established-by-exception-and-disgrace/#_ftn2">[2]</a>plus some small change. Imagine leaving confinement with no financial resources after years of incarceration. That’s the reality for men and women reentering their communities.</p>
<p>In California, the state gives a person leaving confinement $200 cash to reboot his or her life. For those with no support system on the outside, the money is exhausted in a day for the purchase of food, clothing, over-the-counter medicine, and temporary housing. There is little opportunity to save money while incarcerated. Incarcerated people are slaves to the state thanks to the Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution, which prohibits slavery — unless you’re a convict who, no matter the sentence, is indelibly stained as very low in the caste-like system of hierarchical standing.</p>
<p>During my two-year prison term (2003–2005), I had a job as a porter in the prison library. The job description for a porter included mopping floors and cleaning toilets. In actuality, I worked as a librarian, recommending books, repairing battered paperbacks, and keeping the circulation of the collection flowing with checkouts and returns. I was given porter status on paper to justify my hourly pay of $0.08 per hour. A well-paying job paid $0.37 per hour.</p>
<p>In a 2004 study entitled “<a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/226532820/An-economic-analysis-of-prison-labor-in-the-United-States">An Economic Analysis of Prison Labor in the United States</a>,” <a href="https://scholarworks.umass.edu/do/search/?q=author_lname%3A%22Bair%22%20author_fname%3A%22Asatar%20P%22&start=0&context=179873">Asatar P. Bair, discusses his research </a>regarding the economic scope of prison inmate labor:</p>
<p><em>This research yields the striking conclusion that the basic organization of prison labor in the U.S. today most closely resembles a form of slavery. Inmates are compelled by economic, cultural, and political forces to enter into this prison slavery, where the products of their labor are taken by others both inside and outside the prison.</em></p>
<p><em>The effects of prison slavery on both the inmates who are enslaved as well as on American society as a whole are also explored. We find that as the prison has been transformed over the last 150 years by social movements, legal changes, and economic forces, so too has prison slavery. We also find that these social changes have allowed slavery to continue and even to expand in American society, despite the Civil War and the abolition of slavery outside prisons.</em></p>
<p>According to this report, “a conservative estimate places the value of these [state and federal inmates’ goods and services] at $9 billion.”</p>
<p>Current state hourly rates for inmates are tantamount to slave labor. Here’s a partial list of regular jobs (nonindustry) from Wendy Sawyer’s 2017 Prison Reform Initiative article, “How Much Do Incarcerated People Earn in Each State?”:</p>
<p>To see the full list of states, click <a href="https://www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2017/04/10/wages/">here.</a></p>
<h1>Connecting Historical Dots</h1>
<p>Let’s connect some historical dots that get us to the contemporary prison reform issue of prison slave labor. One dot leads to a national disgrace forged by the founders in Article 1 of the United States Constitution. Another dot is the exception clause written into the Thirteenth Amendment, prohibiting slavery for nonconvicts through hate-based politics. I argue that these class-based legislative actions devalued the monetary worth of work performed by the 2.2 million people currently enslaved in US jails and prisons.</p>
<p>Completing a term of one’s conviction reshapes a person’s identity through the lens of a devaluation of self and leaves one with questions: Who am I? What is my value? Where do I fit in? What can I do now? Not having a job or being grossly underpaid is cruel, but not unusual, in our national prison system.</p>
<h2>Three-Fifths of a Person — Really?</h2>
<p>The first marker — Article 1, Section 2, Clause 3 of the US Constitution — was ratified in 1788. Early in its history, the United States government evidenced its contemptuously vile dismissal of black people with an obscene formula that designated them as a percentage of a human being. Really — it’s there in the early DNA of the Constitution in the <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/articles/article-i">article</a>:</p>
<p><em>Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, </em>three fifths of all other Persons. <em>(emphasis added)</em></p>
<p>The reference to <a href="https://www.usconstitution.net/constfaq_q59.html">“all other persons”</a> in Article 1 means slaves, and the stain on social rights for people of color continues today in its many pernicious forms. History shows that forced labor was common throughout the states when this passage was drafted. There doesn’t seem to be any reason other than contempt for southern slaves to conjure up the idea that they were three-fifths people (while northern slaves were considered whole persons).</p>
<p>A quote from the answer of a question on <a href="https://www.quora.com/What-does-article-1-section-2-clause-3-of-the-United-States-constitution-imply">Quora</a> — “What does article 1, section 2, clause 3 of the United States constitution imply?” — makes this important point to support the racist spirit behind the three-fifths absurdity.</p>
<p><em>Nowhere in this passage is any suggestion that the number of representatives should have any relationship to the number of people eligible to elect the representatives. In fact, the inverse is implied: Congressional representation was apportioned according to the labor power available in the state, not how many people the state government represented.</em></p>
<h2>The Antebellum Historical Dot</h2>
<p>The time between 1778 and the Civil War (1861–1865) was deplorable for blacks. In his memoir published in 1845, <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Narrative-L</em>ife-Frederick-Douglass/dp/0486284999">Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass</a>, the former slave, fervent abolitionist, penetrating orator, and advocate for change in the polarizing racial practices of this country gives a true picture of slavery.</p>
<p>Frederick Douglass saw slavery from a humanistic view. That view, in my opinion, accurately describes the story of the southern black slaves, post-Article 1. For example, Douglass describes a scene he experienced where slaves were sold like farm animals, and he gives a great insight to the depravity of the slaveholders and their complete disconnect from any empathy for other human beings and the condition of slaves because of color, centuries of forced hereditary slavery, and the festering raw self-degradation mirrored upon them and their families for such acts:</p>
<p><em>We were all ranked together at the valuation. Men and women, old and young, married and single, were ranked with horses, sheep, and swine. There were horses and men, cattle and women, pigs and children, all holding the same rank in the scale of being, and [they] were all subjected to the same narrow examination. Silvery-headed age[d] and sprightly youth, maids and matrons, had to undergo the same indelicate inspection. </em>At this moment, I saw more clearly than ever the brutalizing effects of slavery upon both slave and slave holder. <em>(emphasis added)</em></p>
<h2>The Thirteenth Amendment Historical Dot</h2>
<p>Ratified in 1865, the <a href="http://fileserver.net-texts.com/asset.aspx?dl=no&id=27082">Thirteenth Amendment</a> is written in clear English that concretizes the marginalization and subordination of formerly incarcerated people to this day:</p>
<p><em>Neither slavery or involuntary servitude, </em>except as a punishment for crime<em> whereof the party </em>shall have been duly convicted<em>, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. (emphasis added)</em></p>
<p>Frederick Douglass describes how the widespread <em><a href="http://book</em>s.google.com/books?id=jEnhsdRlFB4C&pg=PA23&lpg=PA23&dq=poor+to+maintain+state+convicts+within+prison+walls.+Hence+the+convicts+are+leased+out+to+work+for+railway+contractors,&source=bl&ots=Dz6akQflWY&sig=hp8_Nj1Kdd2M_TqIV6G11mMrFJc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=8QTtU7m8NYiZyATC-4L4Dg&ved=0CCUQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=poor%20to%20maintain%20state%20convicts%20within%20prison%20walls.%20Hence%20the%20convicts%20are%20leased%20out%20to%20work%20for%20railway%20contractors%2C&f=false">convict lease system</a> exploited the punishment clause:</p>
<p><em>[States] claim to be too poor to maintain state convicts within prison walls. Hence the convicts are leased out to work for railway contractors, mining companies and those who farm large plantations. These companies assume charge of the convicts, work them as cheap labor and pay the states a handsome revenue for their labor. Nine-tenths of these convicts are Negroes.</em></p>
<p>Douglass goes on to note that so many blacks were behind bars because law enforcement tended to target them.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>American history is exhibit A to the denigration of black people. Exhibit B is the contemporary adoption of racist policies against blacks that bleed into the criminal justice and incarceration systems and drag other races into this contemptuous class-based mix.</p>
<p>Inmate labor generates billions of dollars of income for states, but in return, inmates are paid slave wages that undermine their reentry by the resultant financial destitution. I advocate for paying, at a minimum, the federal minimum wage to state and federal inmates. Being paid $7.25 an hour versus $0.08 can make a huge difference in being financially ready for reentry.</p>
<p>Your thought and insights are always welcome.</p>
<p>Image courtesy of 123rf</p>
</section>
|
The Value of Prison Labor: As Established by Exception and Disgrace
The critical prison reform topic of jobs has been a recurring theme of my posts.[1] The topic brings into focus populations of people released from prison each year. In 2016, state and federal prisons released about 626,000 people, according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics.
What about inmates’ job opportunities while in prison? Having a job on the inside is a means of gaining self-respect, using dead time productively, and earning money for a smooth and lasting reentry into society. The problem is that inmate labor is legally compensated on a scale equal to slave labor wages: three hots and a cot[2]plus some small change. Imagine leaving confinement with no financial resources after years of incarceration. That’s the reality for men and women reentering their communities.
In California, the state gives a person leaving confinement $200 cash to reboot his or her life. For those with no support system on the outside, the money is exhausted in a day for the purchase of food, clothing, over-the-counter medicine, and temporary housing. There is little opportunity to save money while incarcerated. Incarcerated people are slaves to the state thanks to the Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution, which prohibits slavery — unless you’re a convict who, no matter the sentence, is indelibly stained as very low in the caste-like system of hierarchical standing.
During my two-year prison term (2003–2005), I had a job as a porter in the prison library. The job description for a porter included mopping floors and cleaning toilets. In actuality, I worked as a librarian, recommending books, repairing battered paperbacks, and keeping the circulation of the collection flowing with checkouts and returns. I was given porter status on paper to justify my hourly pay of $0.08 per hour. A well-paying job paid $0.37 per hour.
In a 2004 study entitled “An Economic Analysis of Prison Labor in the United States,” Asatar P. Bair, discusses his research regarding the economic scope of prison inmate labor:
This research yields the striking conclusion that the basic organization of prison labor in the U.S. today most closely resembles a form of slavery. Inmates are compelled by economic, cultural, and political forces to enter into this prison slavery, where the products of their labor are taken by others both inside and outside the prison.
The effects of prison slavery on both the inmates who are enslaved as well as on American society as a whole are also explored. We find that as the prison has been transformed over the last 150 years by social movements, legal changes, and economic forces, so too has prison slavery. We also find that these social changes have allowed slavery to continue and even to expand in American society, despite the Civil War and the abolition of slavery outside prisons.
According to this report, “a conservative estimate places the value of these [state and federal inmates’ goods and services] at $9 billion.”
Current state hourly rates for inmates are tantamount to slave labor. Here’s a partial list of regular jobs (nonindustry) from Wendy Sawyer’s 2017 Prison Reform Initiative article, “How Much Do Incarcerated People Earn in Each State?”:
To see the full list of states, click here.
Connecting Historical Dots
Let’s connect some historical dots that get us to the contemporary prison reform issue of prison slave labor. One dot leads to a national disgrace forged by the founders in Article 1 of the United States Constitution. Another dot is the exception clause written into the Thirteenth Amendment, prohibiting slavery for nonconvicts through hate-based politics. I argue that these class-based legislative actions devalued the monetary worth of work performed by the 2.2 million people currently enslaved in US jails and prisons.
Completing a term of one’s conviction reshapes a person’s identity through the lens of a devaluation of self and leaves one with questions: Who am I? What is my value? Where do I fit in? What can I do now? Not having a job or being grossly underpaid is cruel, but not unusual, in our national prison system.
Three-Fifths of a Person — Really?
The first marker — Article 1, Section 2, Clause 3 of the US Constitution — was ratified in 1788. Early in its history, the United States government evidenced its contemptuously vile dismissal of black people with an obscene formula that designated them as a percentage of a human being. Really — it’s there in the early DNA of the Constitution in the article:
Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. (emphasis added)
The reference to “all other persons” in Article 1 means slaves, and the stain on social rights for people of color continues today in its many pernicious forms. History shows that forced labor was common throughout the states when this passage was drafted. There doesn’t seem to be any reason other than contempt for southern slaves to conjure up the idea that they were three-fifths people (while northern slaves were considered whole persons).
A quote from the answer of a question on Quora — “What does article 1, section 2, clause 3 of the United States constitution imply?” — makes this important point to support the racist spirit behind the three-fifths absurdity.
Nowhere in this passage is any suggestion that the number of representatives should have any relationship to the number of people eligible to elect the representatives. In fact, the inverse is implied: Congressional representation was apportioned according to the labor power available in the state, not how many people the state government represented.
The Antebellum Historical Dot
The time between 1778 and the Civil War (1861–1865) was deplorable for blacks. In his memoir published in 1845, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, the former slave, fervent abolitionist, penetrating orator, and advocate for change in the polarizing racial practices of this country gives a true picture of slavery.
Frederick Douglass saw slavery from a humanistic view. That view, in my opinion, accurately describes the story of the southern black slaves, post-Article 1. For example, Douglass describes a scene he experienced where slaves were sold like farm animals, and he gives a great insight to the depravity of the slaveholders and their complete disconnect from any empathy for other human beings and the condition of slaves because of color, centuries of forced hereditary slavery, and the festering raw self-degradation mirrored upon them and their families for such acts:
We were all ranked together at the valuation. Men and women, old and young, married and single, were ranked with horses, sheep, and swine. There were horses and men, cattle and women, pigs and children, all holding the same rank in the scale of being, and [they] were all subjected to the same narrow examination. Silvery-headed age[d] and sprightly youth, maids and matrons, had to undergo the same indelicate inspection. At this moment, I saw more clearly than ever the brutalizing effects of slavery upon both slave and slave holder. (emphasis added)
The Thirteenth Amendment Historical Dot
Ratified in 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment is written in clear English that concretizes the marginalization and subordination of formerly incarcerated people to this day:
Neither slavery or involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. (emphasis added)
Frederick Douglass describes how the widespread convict lease system exploited the punishment clause:
[States] claim to be too poor to maintain state convicts within prison walls. Hence the convicts are leased out to work for railway contractors, mining companies and those who farm large plantations. These companies assume charge of the convicts, work them as cheap labor and pay the states a handsome revenue for their labor. Nine-tenths of these convicts are Negroes.
Douglass goes on to note that so many blacks were behind bars because law enforcement tended to target them.
Conclusion
American history is exhibit A to the denigration of black people. Exhibit B is the contemporary adoption of racist policies against blacks that bleed into the criminal justice and incarceration systems and drag other races into this contemptuous class-based mix.
Inmate labor generates billions of dollars of income for states, but in return, inmates are paid slave wages that undermine their reentry by the resultant financial destitution. I advocate for paying, at a minimum, the federal minimum wage to state and federal inmates. Being paid $7.25 an hour versus $0.08 can make a huge difference in being financially ready for reentry.
Your thought and insights are always welcome.
Image courtesy of 123rf
|
9dc258d8-c5fd-548b-bf03-e07a7f7e497c
|
25/08/2025 15:57:54
|
|
https://medium.com/vertex-ventures-il/retail-really-isnt-it-dead-fd423d6090df
|
medium.com
|
Retail, really? Isn’t it dead?
|
In 2018, we invested in 2 Retail-tech companies: Trigo Vision, a developer of a video-based retail automation platform, and another…
|
Aviad Ariel
|
https://medium.com/@aviadariel
|
fd423d6090df
|
4 min
|
2019-01-23T01:54:02.231000
|
2019-01-28T10:27:13.197000
|
2021-12-07T09:27:28.752000
| 1 | 103 |
en
|
Ecommerce,Retail Technology,Amazon Go,Venture Capital
|
<section>
<p>In 2018, we invested in 2 Retail-tech companies: Trigo Vision, a developer of a video-based retail automation platform, and another company which is still in stealth. Often the comments we have heard were along the lines of this title, so we decided to share this brief post with our early, high level thoughts about this space and observations from working with these companies, as well as with our fast-growing eCommerce-Tech portfolio companies - YotPo and Dynamic Yield.</p>
<p>Retail is a $28tn industry (Trillions, not Billions), growing at 4–5% YoY. The eCommerce segment is clearly growing much faster (~20% YoY), but it is just around 10% of the overall retail industry and expected to reach 15% in the coming years with decelerating growth rates. So we can say for sure that offline retail as an industry is not going anywhere, at least not in the foreseeable future.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/601/1*4h4rKH0l_bkxqiF5cFxR6w.jpeg" width="601" height="361" loading="lazy" />
<p>However, the retail industry is going through dramatic changes that will completely transform every aspect of it in the coming years. The rise of eCommerce and the dominance of Amazon in almost every segment in that market are driving big department stores and consumer electronics chains out of business and putting grocery players under pressure. Digital native brands emerge with direct to consumer (DTC) online strategy that is enhanced with offline stores, and more traditional brands are trying to catch up, investing heavily in their direct online and offline channels. Apple showed the world how Experiential Shopping is done right, with exceptional impact on brand and sales, and we have also seen new business models, like subscription, become mainstream. And then, of course, we have Amazon Go, the revolutionary no-line, no-checkout stores.</p>
<img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1144/1*RP9_kY8h7ssD5bcNxLerHA.jpeg" width="1144" height="648" loading="lazy" />
<p>We can only imagine what is being discussed these days in board and senior management meetings at Retail companies, but it is probably safe to say they spend much of their time thinking about their strategy in the new world, and one of the first things they are doing is turning to technology. Over the years we have seen little change in how stores operate, with only limited impact by technology. Even technologies like RFID, that, when done right, can improve operations and margins, are still not mainstream within stores. But our belief is that 2018 was the inflection point. Over the past few months, we have seen, on a weekly basis, news about new partnerships between retailers and tech companies, both startups and tech giants. Retailers are much more engaged with the tech ecosystem, with budgeted programs, senior management sponsorship and C-level visits to tech hubs. One of our portfolio companies was even invited to show case its tech to and share its vision with the board of a multi billion retailer.</p>
<p>So a multi trillion dollar industry is being disrupted with many of the incumbents likely to disappear, while new winners emerge, and with technology playing a key role going forward. Sounds like Disneyland for entrepreneurs and investors. What’s the catch?</p>
<p>The catch is that we are early in the innovation cycle, and these are still retail companies: big, slow and often led by internal politics rather than strategy. This is not going to go away easily and quickly (and for some maybe never). In addition, we need to remember that most players are yet to have real strategy and are often just reacting to what we all read in the news, with frequent shifts in priorities. Lastly, the change is not a cosmetic one but rather a deep one that would most likely require the restructuring of the organizations and their internal processes, the hiring of talent currently not existing in these companies, as well as the implementation of complex set of technologies, with a mix of hardware and software, which will take time and likely to be costly.</p>
<p>So assuming we are now on square one, where do we start? At this stage of the innovation cycle, we prefer to focus on deep technology companies that would allow retailers to fundamentally change how they run their business and in-store customer experience. One example is companies that help close the logistics gap with Amazon, allowing to compete on both price and time of delivery (e.g., CommonSense Robotics, Bringg). Another example is companies that help retailers compete in the era of Amazon Go (e.g., our Trigo Vision). The technical challenge here is that most retailers don’t have the luxury of building new stores or completely retool existing ones with expensive, sensor heavy, technology, so they need a much cheaper and leaner approach (e.g., Video only), which also allows gradual adoption — start with in-store analytics and security capabilities before moving to fully automated stores. Clearly many other opportunities would emerge, but just like the case with other markets, we expect a quick shift from under to over investment in the space, leading to highly noisy and competitive market for startups, and this is one of the reasons we opted to invest in a few of the early movers that may be well positioned to rise above the noise.</p>
<p></p>
<p>To summarize, we see a lot of similarities to what we have seen in the automotive space over the past 3–4 years. Highly disruptive trends driving innovation in both technology and business models, and incumbents having to invest heavily and collaborate with startups to remain competitive. However, there are also couple fundamental differences between the automotive and retail markets, mainly around the fact it is unlikely anyone will get injured by an autonomous shop, at least not physically, and, except perhaps for privacy issues, regulators are unlikely to interfere. Also, while autonomous cars are said to be 5–10 years away, Amazon-Go is here and quickly expanding. So, we expect to see the change takes place much faster in retail, with potentially better ability for startups to build and scale a business in the space.</p>
</section>
|
Retail, really? Isn’t it dead?
In 2018, we invested in 2 Retail-tech companies: Trigo Vision, a developer of a video-based retail automation platform, and another company which is still in stealth. Often the comments we have heard were along the lines of this title, so we decided to share this brief post with our early, high level thoughts about this space and observations from working with these companies, as well as with our fast-growing eCommerce-Tech portfolio companies - YotPo and Dynamic Yield.
Retail is a $28tn industry (Trillions, not Billions), growing at 4–5% YoY. The eCommerce segment is clearly growing much faster (~20% YoY), but it is just around 10% of the overall retail industry and expected to reach 15% in the coming years with decelerating growth rates. So we can say for sure that offline retail as an industry is not going anywhere, at least not in the foreseeable future.
Retail and eCommerce sales worldwide (data from statista.com)
However, the retail industry is going through dramatic changes that will completely transform every aspect of it in the coming years. The rise of eCommerce and the dominance of Amazon in almost every segment in that market are driving big department stores and consumer electronics chains out of business and putting grocery players under pressure. Digital native brands emerge with direct to consumer (DTC) online strategy that is enhanced with offline stores, and more traditional brands are trying to catch up, investing heavily in their direct online and offline channels. Apple showed the world how Experiential Shopping is done right, with exceptional impact on brand and sales, and we have also seen new business models, like subscription, become mainstream. And then, of course, we have Amazon Go, the revolutionary no-line, no-checkout stores.
A slide from YotPo’s board deck: three of its customers, all digital native brands, are going offline
We can only imagine what is being discussed these days in board and senior management meetings at Retail companies, but it is probably safe to say they spend much of their time thinking about their strategy in the new world, and one of the first things they are doing is turning to technology. Over the years we have seen little change in how stores operate, with only limited impact by technology. Even technologies like RFID, that, when done right, can improve operations and margins, are still not mainstream within stores. But our belief is that 2018 was the inflection point. Over the past few months, we have seen, on a weekly basis, news about new partnerships between retailers and tech companies, both startups and tech giants. Retailers are much more engaged with the tech ecosystem, with budgeted programs, senior management sponsorship and C-level visits to tech hubs. One of our portfolio companies was even invited to show case its tech to and share its vision with the board of a multi billion retailer.
So a multi trillion dollar industry is being disrupted with many of the incumbents likely to disappear, while new winners emerge, and with technology playing a key role going forward. Sounds like Disneyland for entrepreneurs and investors. What’s the catch?
The catch is that we are early in the innovation cycle, and these are still retail companies: big, slow and often led by internal politics rather than strategy. This is not going to go away easily and quickly (and for some maybe never). In addition, we need to remember that most players are yet to have real strategy and are often just reacting to what we all read in the news, with frequent shifts in priorities. Lastly, the change is not a cosmetic one but rather a deep one that would most likely require the restructuring of the organizations and their internal processes, the hiring of talent currently not existing in these companies, as well as the implementation of complex set of technologies, with a mix of hardware and software, which will take time and likely to be costly.
So assuming we are now on square one, where do we start? At this stage of the innovation cycle, we prefer to focus on deep technology companies that would allow retailers to fundamentally change how they run their business and in-store customer experience. One example is companies that help close the logistics gap with Amazon, allowing to compete on both price and time of delivery (e.g., CommonSense Robotics, Bringg). Another example is companies that help retailers compete in the era of Amazon Go (e.g., our Trigo Vision). The technical challenge here is that most retailers don’t have the luxury of building new stores or completely retool existing ones with expensive, sensor heavy, technology, so they need a much cheaper and leaner approach (e.g., Video only), which also allows gradual adoption — start with in-store analytics and security capabilities before moving to fully automated stores. Clearly many other opportunities would emerge, but just like the case with other markets, we expect a quick shift from under to over investment in the space, leading to highly noisy and competitive market for startups, and this is one of the reasons we opted to invest in a few of the early movers that may be well positioned to rise above the noise.
To summarize, we see a lot of similarities to what we have seen in the automotive space over the past 3–4 years. Highly disruptive trends driving innovation in both technology and business models, and incumbents having to invest heavily and collaborate with startups to remain competitive. However, there are also couple fundamental differences between the automotive and retail markets, mainly around the fact it is unlikely anyone will get injured by an autonomous shop, at least not physically, and, except perhaps for privacy issues, regulators are unlikely to interfere. Also, while autonomous cars are said to be 5–10 years away, Amazon-Go is here and quickly expanding. So, we expect to see the change takes place much faster in retail, with potentially better ability for startups to build and scale a business in the space.
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25/08/2025 15:57:55
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