Split (1)

train · 14.7k rows

url stringlengths 40 557	source stringclasses 1 value	title stringlengths 1 169	sub_title stringlengths 1 141 ⌀	author stringlengths 1 50	author_url stringlengths 22 50	post_id stringlengths 9 12	image stringlengths 51 65 ⌀	reading_time stringclasses 49 values	created_at stringdate 2014-12-17 09:47:56 2025-08-25 10:32:50	published_at stringdate 1970-01-01 00:00:00 2025-08-25 10:35:37	modified_at stringdate 2015-04-12 08:19:16 2025-08-25 12:10:15	comments_count int64 0 232	total_claps int64 0 22.3k	language stringclasses 1 value	tags stringlengths 3 115	raw_content stringlengths 21 303k	content stringlengths 13 270k ⌀	uniq_id stringlengths 36 36	scraped_at stringdate 2025-08-25 15:56:59 2025-08-25 18:01:58
https://medium.com/@thasleenathasli6/how-to-select-the-right-audience-in-meta-ads-a-guide-by-a-digital-marketing-freelancer-in-calicut-a3146a40be19	medium.com	How to Select the Right Audience in Meta Ads A Guide by a Digital Marketing Freelancer in Calicut	When running ads on Meta (Facebook & Instagram), choosing the right audience is more important than the creative itself. Even the…	Thasleena o	https://medium.com/@thasleenathasli6	a3146a40be19	https://miro.medium.com/…YIrXs3MquHJA.png	2 min	2025-08-23T17:24:41.296000	2025-08-23T17:53:36.781000	2025-08-23T18:27:32.957000	0	0	en	Meta Ads,Digital Marketing	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1536/1*N5yT-nF5HQYIrXs3MquHJA.png" width="1536" height="1024" loading="lazy" /> <p>When running ads on <strong>Meta (Facebook & Instagram)</strong>, choosing the right audience is more important than the creative itself. Even the best-designed ad won’t work if it’s shown to the wrong people. As a <strong><a href="https://thaslirafi.com/">Digit</strong>al Marketing Freelancer in Calicut</a>, I’ve seen businesses waste money on broad targeting without proper audience segmentation. Let’s explore how to select the perfect audience for better ROI.</p> <h1>Why Audience Selection Matters</h1> <p><strong>Improves ROI:</strong> Every rupee you spend reaches people genuinely interested in your product or service.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Boosts Engagement:</strong> Ads perform better when they speak directly to the right audience.</li> <li><strong>Reduces Costs:</strong> A well-targeted campaign lowers CPC (cost per click) and CPM (cost per 1000 impressions).</li> </ul> <h2>Steps to Select the Right Audience in Meta Ads</h2> <h2>1. Define Your Ideal Customer</h2> <p>Start by asking: <em>Who is most likely to buy my product/service?</em></p> <ul> <li>Age range</li> <li>Location (Calicut, Kerala, or wider)</li> <li>Gender</li> <li>Age range</li> <li>Interests & behaviors</li> </ul> <p>Example: If you’re promoting a local café in Calicut, your audience could be <strong>18–35 year-olds in Calicut interested in food, coffee, and lifestyle pages.</strong></p> <h2>2. Use Custom Audiences</h2> <p>Meta allows you to retarget people who already know your brand.</p> <ul> <li>Website visitors</li> <li>People who engaged with your Facebook/Instagram page</li> <li>Past customers (if you have email/phone lists)</li> </ul> <p>This is one of the <strong>most powerful ways to maximize conversions</strong>.</p> <h2>3. Leverage Lookalike Audiences</h2> <p>Once you have a custom audience, create a <strong>lookalike audience</strong>. Meta finds new people who share similar behaviors with your existing customers. This helps you <strong>expand reach</strong> without losing targeting quality.</p> <h2>4. Interest & Behavior Targeting</h2> <p>Meta Ads lets you target based on:</p> <ul> <li>Hobbies (fitness, travel, books, etc.)</li> <li>Purchase behavior (online shopping, luxury buyers)</li> <li>Device usage (iPhone/Android)</li> </ul> <p>As a <strong><a href="https://thasliraf</strong>i.com/">freelance digital marketer</a>, I often combine <strong>location + interest + behavior filters</strong> to create a laser-focused audience.</p> <h2>5. Test & Optimize</h2> <p>Never rely on one audience.</p> <ul> <li>Create <strong>A/B tests</strong> with different audience sets.</li> <li>Monitor metrics like CTR, CPC, and conversions.</li> <li>Scale the audience that works best.</li> </ul> <h2>Digital Marketing in Calicut — Why Local Targeting Works</h2> <p>Many Calicut-based businesses focus on broad campaigns. But <strong>geo-targeting your ads to specific areas in Calicut or Kerala</strong> ensures your ads reach people who can actually visit your store or avail your services.</p> <p>As a <strong><a href="https://thaslirafi.com/">Digit</strong>al Marketing Freelancer in Calicut</a>, I always recommend combining <strong>local targeting</strong> with interest-based targeting for maximum impact.</p> <p>The success of your Meta Ads doesn’t depend only on design — it’s about <strong>reaching the right people, at the right time, with the right message.</strong> By defining your audience, using custom/lookalike audiences, and optimizing regularly, you can achieve <strong>higher ROI and stronger brand presence.</strong></p> <p>If you’re a business owner in Calicut looking to grow through digital marketing, feel free to connect — I’d be happy to help you build campaigns that convert.</p> <p><strong>SEO Keywords Used:</strong> Meta Ads audience targeting, Facebook Ads in Calicut, Instagram Ads Calicut, digital marketing freelancer in Calicut, audience segmentation, custom audience, lookalike audience, local targeting, Kerala digital marketing.</p> <p>Ready to target the right audience and stop wasting ad spend? As a<a href="https://thaslirafi.com/"> Digital Marketing Freelancer in Calicut</a>, I can set up winning Meta Ads for your business. Reach out today.<a href="https://thaslirafi.com/">https://thaslirafi.com/</a></p> </section>	How to Select the Right Audience in Meta Ads A Guide by a Digital Marketing Freelancer in Calicut When running ads on Meta (Facebook & Instagram), choosing the right audience is more important than the creative itself. Even the best-designed ad won’t work if it’s shown to the wrong people. As a Digital Marketing Freelancer in Calicut, I’ve seen businesses waste money on broad targeting without proper audience segmentation. Let’s explore how to select the perfect audience for better ROI. Why Audience Selection Matters Improves ROI: Every rupee you spend reaches people genuinely interested in your product or service. Boosts Engagement: Ads perform better when they speak directly to the right audience. Reduces Costs: A well-targeted campaign lowers CPC (cost per click) and CPM (cost per 1000 impressions). Steps to Select the Right Audience in Meta Ads 1. Define Your Ideal Customer Start by asking: Who is most likely to buy my product/service? Age range Location (Calicut, Kerala, or wider) Gender Age range Interests & behaviors Example: If you’re promoting a local café in Calicut, your audience could be 18–35 year-olds in Calicut interested in food, coffee, and lifestyle pages. 2. Use Custom Audiences Meta allows you to retarget people who already know your brand. Website visitors People who engaged with your Facebook/Instagram page Past customers (if you have email/phone lists) This is one of the most powerful ways to maximize conversions. 3. Leverage Lookalike Audiences Once you have a custom audience, create a lookalike audience. Meta finds new people who share similar behaviors with your existing customers. This helps you expand reach without losing targeting quality. 4. Interest & Behavior Targeting Meta Ads lets you target based on: Hobbies (fitness, travel, books, etc.) Purchase behavior (online shopping, luxury buyers) Device usage (iPhone/Android) As a freelance digital marketer, I often combine location + interest + behavior filters to create a laser-focused audience. 5. Test & Optimize Never rely on one audience. Create A/B tests with different audience sets. Monitor metrics like CTR, CPC, and conversions. Scale the audience that works best. Digital Marketing in Calicut — Why Local Targeting Works Many Calicut-based businesses focus on broad campaigns. But geo-targeting your ads to specific areas in Calicut or Kerala ensures your ads reach people who can actually visit your store or avail your services. As a Digital Marketing Freelancer in Calicut, I always recommend combining local targeting with interest-based targeting for maximum impact. The success of your Meta Ads doesn’t depend only on design — it’s about reaching the right people, at the right time, with the right message. By defining your audience, using custom/lookalike audiences, and optimizing regularly, you can achieve higher ROI and stronger brand presence. If you’re a business owner in Calicut looking to grow through digital marketing, feel free to connect — I’d be happy to help you build campaigns that convert. SEO Keywords Used: Meta Ads audience targeting, Facebook Ads in Calicut, Instagram Ads Calicut, digital marketing freelancer in Calicut, audience segmentation, custom audience, lookalike audience, local targeting, Kerala digital marketing. Ready to target the right audience and stop wasting ad spend? As a Digital Marketing Freelancer in Calicut, I can set up winning Meta Ads for your business. Reach out today.https://thaslirafi.com/	51f838d5-4d48-56dd-8f43-208215f71345	25/08/2025 15:57:55
https://medium.com/@deepgreenresist/lithium-nevada-sues-tribal-members-and-activists-4a4ff7bfd4d7	medium.com	Lithium Nevada Sues Tribal Members and Activists	null	Deep Green Resistance	https://medium.com/@deepgreenresist	4a4ff7bfd4d7	https://miro.medium.com/…oERjij3VjDJ1.jpg	5 min	2023-08-11T17:31:38.005000	2023-06-23T23:00:59.140000	2023-08-11T17:31:38.182000	0	0	en	Featured	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1250/0HNltoERjij3VjDJ1.jpg" width="1250" height="1213" loading="lazy" /> <p><em>Editor’s Note: In order to deter the tribal members and activists from fighting for Thacker Pass, Lithium Nevada has sued them. Unsurprisingly, as a corporation, they have greater funds to sustain their legal action. We appeal for all who can to support in whatever way you can. The details for financial donations are at the end of the post.</em></p> <p>Lithium Nevada Corporation has filed a lawsuit against Protect Thacker Pass and seven people for opposing the Thacker Pass lithium mine.</p> <p>The lawsuit is similar to what is called a “Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation,” or <a href="https://dgrnewsservice.org/?s=SLAPP">SLAPP</a> suit, aimed at shutting down free speech and protest. The suit aims to ban the prayerful land defenders from the area and force them to pay monetary damages which could total millions of dollars.</p> <p>“This lawsuit is targeting Native Americans and their allies for a non-violent prayer to protect the 1865 Thacker Pass massacre site,” said Terry Lodge, attorney working with the group. “These people took a moral stand in the form of civil disobedience. They are being unjustly targeted with sweeping charges that have little relationship to the truth, and we will vigorously defend them.”</p> <p>The lawsuit targets Dean Barlese, respected elder and spiritual leader from the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Dorece Sam from the Fort McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, Bhie-Cie Zahn-Nahtzu (Te-Moak Shoshone and Washoe), Bethany Sam from the Standing Rock Sioux and Kutzadika’a Paiute Tribes, Founding Director of Community Rights US Paul Cienfuegos, and Max Wilbert and Will Falk of Protect Thacker Pass, which is also named in the suit.</p> <p>They are charged with Civil Conspiracy, Nuisance, Trespass, Tortious Interference with Contractual Relations, Tortious Interference with Prospective Economic Advantage, and Unjust Enrichment.</p> <p>As part of the lawsuit, Lithium Nevada has been granted a Temporary Restraining Order which restricts the defendants and “any third party acting in concert” with them from interfering with construction, blocking access roads, or even being in the area. The accused parties are not involved in planning further protest activity at the mine site.</p> <p>Regardless, these allegations are alarming to the Great Basin Native American communities who believe their religious practices are protected by the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978. The lawsuit’s language places fear in the hearts of Native American people who want to pray and visit their ancestors’ gravesites.</p> <p>The case references instances of non-violent prayer and protest that took place on April 25th, and a prayer camp named after Ox Sam (survivor of the 1865 massacre and ancestor of Dorece Sam and Dean Barlese) which was established at Thacker Pass on May 11th. On June 8th, that camp <a href="https://www.protectthackerpass.org/land-defenders-arrested-camp-raided-after-blocking-excavator/">was raided and dismantled by police</a>. One young indigenous woman was arrested and transported to jail inside a pitch-black box. In the aftermath of the raid, a ceremonial fire was extinguished, sacred objects were put in trash bags, and tipi poles were broken.</p> <p>The American Indian Religious Freedom Act states that it is “the policy of the United States to protect and preserve for American Indians their inherent right of freedom to believe, express, and exercise the traditional religion of the American Indian…including…access to sites.”</p> <p>Dorece Sam, President of the Native American Church of the State of Nevada:</p> <p>“I take my grandkids to Peehee Mu’huh to teach them to pray for our unburied ancestors whose remains are scattered there, to collect our holy plants, to hunt and fish, and to collect medicinal herbs. The ancestors who were killed at Thacker Pass have never been given the proper prayers for their spirits. Lithium Nevada is desecrating our unceded lands and our ancestors’ resting places.”</p> <p>Dean Barlese, respected elder and spiritual leader from the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe:</p> <p>“The Indian wars are continuing in 2023, right here. America and the corporations who control it should have finished off the ethnic genocide, because we’re still here. My great-great-grandfather fought for this land in the Snake War and we will continue to defend the sacred. Lithium Nevada is a greedy corporation telling green lies.”</p> <p>Bethany Sam:</p> <p>“Our people couldn’t return to Thacker Pass for fear of being killed in 1865, and now in 2023 we can’t return or we’ll be arrested. Meanwhile, bulldozers are digging our ancestors graves up. This is what Indigenous peoples continue to endure. That’s why I stood in prayer with our elders leading the way.”</p> <p>Bhie-Cie Zahn-Nahtzu:</p> <p>“Lithium Nevada is a greedy corporation on the wrong side of history when it comes to environmental racism and desecration of sacred sites. It’s ironic to me that I’m the trespasser because I want to see my ancestral land preserved.”</p> <p>Paul Cienfuegos:</p> <p>“Virtually every single accusation against us is a lie, and of course the corporation’s leaders know this. But our actions have scared them, so they are lashing out against classic nonviolent direct-action tactics. And this is yet another prime example of why we need to dismantle the structures of law that grant so many so-called constitutional ‘rights’ to business corporations, like access to the courts.”</p> <p>Max Wilbert, Protect Thacker Pass:</p> <p>“Around the world, a land defender is killed <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/news/2022/09/29/environmental-defender-killed-every-two-days-over-last-decade-report-finds">every two days</a>. Murdering activists is hard to get away with in the United States, so corporations do this instead. This lawsuit is aimed at destroying the lives of people non-violently defending the land. But we’re not giving up. There are millions of people opposing this mine, and this fight will continue.”</p> <p>Will Falk:</p> <p>“I’ve been involved in directly petitioning the courts for two years to enforce tribal rights to consultation without success. Now Paiutes and Shoshones are being sued for peacefully defending the final resting places of their massacred ancestors. Lithium Nevada is just another mining corporation bullying Native Americans once again. This pattern has got to stop.”</p> <p>Lithium Nevada corporation has been locked in legal battles since 2021, when four environmental groups, a local rancher, and several tribes sued the Federal Government to attempt to overturn the permits for the mine. The suits allege failures of consultation, violation of endangered species law and water laws, and dozens of other infractions. The most recent filing in an ongoing Federal Court case brought by three local tribes was filed on Friday, arguing that Lithium Nevada needs to halt construction while it consults with tribes about the Thacker Pass massacre sites. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in California will hear oral arguments in other cases later this month.</p> <p>The news comes as Lithium Nevada’s parent corporation, Lithium Americas, has been implicated in four alleged human rights violations and environmental crimes related to their lithium mining operation in Cauchari-Oloroz, Argentina.</p> <p>The defendants are seeking attorneys to join the legal defense team, and monetary donations to their legal defense fund. You can donate via <a href="https://givebutter.com/protectthackerpass?gbtid=0b1adb35ad684099bbdce42f339c2de3">credit or debit card</a>, <a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lastrealindians">PayPal</a> (please include a note that your donation is for Thacker Pass legal defense), or <a href="https://www.protectthackerpass.org/donating-by-check/">by check</a>.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/300/0vqr_7rgXLfB-tUpT.jpg" width="300" height="300" loading="lazy" /> </section>	Lithium Nevada Sues Tribal Members and Activists Editor’s Note: In order to deter the tribal members and activists from fighting for Thacker Pass, Lithium Nevada has sued them. Unsurprisingly, as a corporation, they have greater funds to sustain their legal action. We appeal for all who can to support in whatever way you can. The details for financial donations are at the end of the post. Lithium Nevada Corporation has filed a lawsuit against Protect Thacker Pass and seven people for opposing the Thacker Pass lithium mine. The lawsuit is similar to what is called a “Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation,” or SLAPP suit, aimed at shutting down free speech and protest. The suit aims to ban the prayerful land defenders from the area and force them to pay monetary damages which could total millions of dollars. “This lawsuit is targeting Native Americans and their allies for a non-violent prayer to protect the 1865 Thacker Pass massacre site,” said Terry Lodge, attorney working with the group. “These people took a moral stand in the form of civil disobedience. They are being unjustly targeted with sweeping charges that have little relationship to the truth, and we will vigorously defend them.” The lawsuit targets Dean Barlese, respected elder and spiritual leader from the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, Dorece Sam from the Fort McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, Bhie-Cie Zahn-Nahtzu (Te-Moak Shoshone and Washoe), Bethany Sam from the Standing Rock Sioux and Kutzadika’a Paiute Tribes, Founding Director of Community Rights US Paul Cienfuegos, and Max Wilbert and Will Falk of Protect Thacker Pass, which is also named in the suit. They are charged with Civil Conspiracy, Nuisance, Trespass, Tortious Interference with Contractual Relations, Tortious Interference with Prospective Economic Advantage, and Unjust Enrichment. As part of the lawsuit, Lithium Nevada has been granted a Temporary Restraining Order which restricts the defendants and “any third party acting in concert” with them from interfering with construction, blocking access roads, or even being in the area. The accused parties are not involved in planning further protest activity at the mine site. Regardless, these allegations are alarming to the Great Basin Native American communities who believe their religious practices are protected by the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978. The lawsuit’s language places fear in the hearts of Native American people who want to pray and visit their ancestors’ gravesites. The case references instances of non-violent prayer and protest that took place on April 25th, and a prayer camp named after Ox Sam (survivor of the 1865 massacre and ancestor of Dorece Sam and Dean Barlese) which was established at Thacker Pass on May 11th. On June 8th, that camp was raided and dismantled by police. One young indigenous woman was arrested and transported to jail inside a pitch-black box. In the aftermath of the raid, a ceremonial fire was extinguished, sacred objects were put in trash bags, and tipi poles were broken. The American Indian Religious Freedom Act states that it is “the policy of the United States to protect and preserve for American Indians their inherent right of freedom to believe, express, and exercise the traditional religion of the American Indian…including…access to sites.” Dorece Sam, President of the Native American Church of the State of Nevada: “I take my grandkids to Peehee Mu’huh to teach them to pray for our unburied ancestors whose remains are scattered there, to collect our holy plants, to hunt and fish, and to collect medicinal herbs. The ancestors who were killed at Thacker Pass have never been given the proper prayers for their spirits. Lithium Nevada is desecrating our unceded lands and our ancestors’ resting places.” Dean Barlese, respected elder and spiritual leader from the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe: “The Indian wars are continuing in 2023, right here. America and the corporations who control it should have finished off the ethnic genocide, because we’re still here. My great-great-grandfather fought for this land in the Snake War and we will continue to defend the sacred. Lithium Nevada is a greedy corporation telling green lies.” Bethany Sam: “Our people couldn’t return to Thacker Pass for fear of being killed in 1865, and now in 2023 we can’t return or we’ll be arrested. Meanwhile, bulldozers are digging our ancestors graves up. This is what Indigenous peoples continue to endure. That’s why I stood in prayer with our elders leading the way.” Bhie-Cie Zahn-Nahtzu: “Lithium Nevada is a greedy corporation on the wrong side of history when it comes to environmental racism and desecration of sacred sites. It’s ironic to me that I’m the trespasser because I want to see my ancestral land preserved.” Paul Cienfuegos: “Virtually every single accusation against us is a lie, and of course the corporation’s leaders know this. But our actions have scared them, so they are lashing out against classic nonviolent direct-action tactics. And this is yet another prime example of why we need to dismantle the structures of law that grant so many so-called constitutional ‘rights’ to business corporations, like access to the courts.” Max Wilbert, Protect Thacker Pass: “Around the world, a land defender is killed every two days. Murdering activists is hard to get away with in the United States, so corporations do this instead. This lawsuit is aimed at destroying the lives of people non-violently defending the land. But we’re not giving up. There are millions of people opposing this mine, and this fight will continue.” Will Falk: “I’ve been involved in directly petitioning the courts for two years to enforce tribal rights to consultation without success. Now Paiutes and Shoshones are being sued for peacefully defending the final resting places of their massacred ancestors. Lithium Nevada is just another mining corporation bullying Native Americans once again. This pattern has got to stop.” Lithium Nevada corporation has been locked in legal battles since 2021, when four environmental groups, a local rancher, and several tribes sued the Federal Government to attempt to overturn the permits for the mine. The suits allege failures of consultation, violation of endangered species law and water laws, and dozens of other infractions. The most recent filing in an ongoing Federal Court case brought by three local tribes was filed on Friday, arguing that Lithium Nevada needs to halt construction while it consults with tribes about the Thacker Pass massacre sites. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in California will hear oral arguments in other cases later this month. The news comes as Lithium Nevada’s parent corporation, Lithium Americas, has been implicated in four alleged human rights violations and environmental crimes related to their lithium mining operation in Cauchari-Oloroz, Argentina. The defendants are seeking attorneys to join the legal defense team, and monetary donations to their legal defense fund. You can donate via credit or debit card, PayPal (please include a note that your donation is for Thacker Pass legal defense), or by check.	8158949a-666e-524a-8e0a-04d396ff477a	25/08/2025 15:57:55
https://medium.com/@psychologygood/male-happiness-one-thing-by-which-you-can-understand-if-a-man-is-happy-25c53ca24cb8	medium.com	Male happiness, one thing by which you can understand if a man is happy	I will be glad to share my observations, because I consider myself a happy man. I often hear talk about male happiness, I hear different…	Psychology	https://medium.com/@psychologygood	25c53ca24cb8	https://miro.medium.com/…1B-N7HoPrHg.jpeg	2 min	2022-02-08T07:37:45.352000	2022-02-08T07:38:55.997000	2022-02-12T02:43:16.141000	0	0	en	Self Sufficiency,Relationships,Psychology,Men,Self Improvement	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1080/1*Emyb22ayAed1B-N7HoPrHg.jpeg" width="1080" height="657" loading="lazy" /> <p>I will be glad to share my observations, because I consider myself a happy man. I often hear talk about male happiness, I hear different versions. Everyone has their own opinion, of course, because happiness is an intangible thing that is difficult to measure. But I think I have reached the optimal thing that will explain everything. This one thing that shows male happiness is self-sufficiency. Now I will tell you what I put into this word, so that everyone understands me correctly. Self-sufficiency is when a man in all circumstances can be alone and comfortably. And this does not mean that he is a bachelor, not at all.</p> <p>A self-sufficient man can be with his wife, children, friends, parents, and so on. But, at the same time, he can be alone. He calmly endures loneliness, can go about his business, be in a good mood. Just self-sufficiency gives such a cool skill.</p> <p>Skill, when you control your mood, and it is very difficult to upset you. After all, you are always able to solve problems, and not succumb to emotions. Such a man can easily be alone for a long time, and at the same time, he can just as easily be married.</p> <p>If a man is self-sufficient, then he is responsible, he can keep his word, and so on. He lives in peace with himself, knows what he wants, knows how to interact with the outside world. This is happiness and self-sufficiency.</p> <p>And if a man does not know what he wants, does not know how to endure loneliness, does not know how to keep his word and does not know how to interact with the outside world, then he will definitely not be happy. Except for a fraction of a second during some event. I'm talking about a man who will be constantly happy in the moment.</p> <p>At the same time, if a man is self-sufficient, then he has his own business, which he does. His passion. It can be even collecting, even fishing, even working as a doctor, it is not so important. The important thing is that it's really a passion.</p> <p>It is this one thing, self-sufficiency, that makes me happy all the time. And it’s convenient that no one is needed for happiness, but if someone is, then this is also good. It's nice to know what you want and go through life where you really want to go.</p> <h1>Clap, comment, subscribe. Thank you for attention!</h1> </section>	Male happiness, one thing by which you can understand if a man is happy I will be glad to share my observations, because I consider myself a happy man. I often hear talk about male happiness, I hear different versions. Everyone has their own opinion, of course, because happiness is an intangible thing that is difficult to measure. But I think I have reached the optimal thing that will explain everything. This one thing that shows male happiness is self-sufficiency. Now I will tell you what I put into this word, so that everyone understands me correctly. Self-sufficiency is when a man in all circumstances can be alone and comfortably. And this does not mean that he is a bachelor, not at all. A self-sufficient man can be with his wife, children, friends, parents, and so on. But, at the same time, he can be alone. He calmly endures loneliness, can go about his business, be in a good mood. Just self-sufficiency gives such a cool skill. Skill, when you control your mood, and it is very difficult to upset you. After all, you are always able to solve problems, and not succumb to emotions. Such a man can easily be alone for a long time, and at the same time, he can just as easily be married. If a man is self-sufficient, then he is responsible, he can keep his word, and so on. He lives in peace with himself, knows what he wants, knows how to interact with the outside world. This is happiness and self-sufficiency. And if a man does not know what he wants, does not know how to endure loneliness, does not know how to keep his word and does not know how to interact with the outside world, then he will definitely not be happy. Except for a fraction of a second during some event. I'm talking about a man who will be constantly happy in the moment. At the same time, if a man is self-sufficient, then he has his own business, which he does. His passion. It can be even collecting, even fishing, even working as a doctor, it is not so important. The important thing is that it's really a passion. It is this one thing, self-sufficiency, that makes me happy all the time. And it’s convenient that no one is needed for happiness, but if someone is, then this is also good. It's nice to know what you want and go through life where you really want to go. Clap, comment, subscribe. Thank you for attention!	f887f2ec-c270-5aae-bc93-fa6c36c3c172	25/08/2025 15:57:55
https://medium.com/the-looking-glass/striking-stereotypes-the-impact-of-gender-inequality-on-mental-health-58e19a2ba5a5	medium.com	Striking Stereotypes: The Impact of Gender Inequality on Mental Health	By Mylene I. Samonte	John Clements Consultants, Inc.	https://medium.com/@johnclementsph	58e19a2ba5a5	https://miro.medium.com/…6v42eRfMyvrw.png	3 min	2021-09-27T06:59:14.907000	2021-09-27T14:29:16.286000	2022-01-05T05:40:02.075000	0	1	en	Mental Health,Gender Inequality,Amcham,Psychology	<section> <h3>By Mylene I. Samonte</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/900/1hKg_mIug-A6v42eRfMyvrw.png" width="900" height="516" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>AMCHAM Philippines</strong> takes action on the things that matter. Taking care of our mental health is really important especially in this time of pandemic. As such, last <strong>September 7, 2021</strong>, the Professional Women of AmCham (PWOA) and Human Capital and Resources (HCR) committees of the Chamber held a joint session entitled <strong>“Striking Stereotypes: The Impact of Gender Inequality on Mental Health”</strong>. Lead Psychologist and Clinic Director of Bofill Psychological Services, and concurrently a Psychologist at the Philippine General Hospital, <strong>Dr. Francine Rose Bofill</strong>, was the speaker of the said event.</p> <p>Dr. Bofill set the stage by explaining the basics. What is mental health? As explained, <strong>Mental Health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. </strong>She also discussed what a stereotype is, as seen below.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/936/1i6udBPt3EPpXjE3oNMBvdg.png" width="936" height="414" loading="lazy" /> <p>Making the topic more relevant, Dr. Bofill stressed that the pandemic challenged everyone many times in terms of mental health, not just in the office but at home as well. More so, it was established that pre-pandemic, we have been fighting about the issue of equality as it has been passed on (without noticing it) from the parents to the child. Furthermore, Dr. Bofill shared with the attendees women in political leadership, academic leadership and corporate leadership, and the barriers to women’s leadership.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/936/1b9P5cpu3XuQe56NRNKNCQg.png" width="936" height="412" loading="lazy" /> <p>On Gender Inequality, Dr. Bofill said that it is not only confined in the workplace. It can also happen in school, relationships, public, institutions, etc. She also shared that women are perceived as possessing hyperfeminity while men as hypermasculinity. And these roles and stereotypes can affect one’s mental health.</p> <p>To reduce the stigma, Dr. Bofill gave these tips:</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/936/14Di054MeArEs_belgrK6eg.png" width="936" height="418" loading="lazy" /> <p>Signs that someone needs help are as follows:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Change in mood</strong></li> <li><strong>Change in work performance</strong></li> <li><strong>Sudden weight gain/loss</strong></li> <li><strong>Anhedonia</strong></li> <li><strong>Experiences physical symptoms</strong></li> <li><strong>Engaging in reckless behaviors</strong></li> </ul> <p>Mentally Healthy Leaders:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Pay attention to how your mood is impacting others</strong></li> <li><strong>Be empathetic</strong></li> <li><strong>Help teams develop their emotional literacy</strong></li> <li><strong>Tap into your creativity</strong></li> <li><strong>Don’t forget about the company’s emotional health</strong></li> </ul> <p>And to cap off the enlightening and inspiring talk done by Dr. Bofill, she showed this photo of the recent Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz:</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/930/1*-tmjNMm1H_okgF-8THcGVw.png" width="930" height="566" loading="lazy" /> <p>Hidilyn herself experienced gender inequality due to the sport she learned to love. Weightlifting is not just for men — it only proved that women can also excel in it. Since Hidilyn learned to trust in herself rather than listen to what other people say, we now see how successful she is in her chosen sport.</p> <p>Finally, these are just some of the thoughts Dr. Bofill shared with the attendees to ponder over:</p> <ul> <li><strong>We can’t totally remove inequality; just be careful and learn from the experience.</strong></li> <li><strong>Apologize when you make a mistake. Learn to educate people who don’t know how to apologize. Learn from each other.</strong></li> <li><strong>Be mindful. Look beyond the gender.</strong></li> <li><strong>We are all in a position to touch each other’s lives.</strong></li> <li><strong>Be a better person each day rather than find inequality.</strong></li> </ul> <p>Now, take time to reflect on those.</p> <p><em>Please visit and join the John Clements <a href="https://</em>careers.johnclements.com/talentcommunity">Talent Community</a>.</p> <h1>About the author:</h1> <p>Mylene Samonte is currently the Senior Supervising Implementation Consultant of <a href="http://www.johnclements.com/">John Clements Consultants</a> Leadership Institute (JCLI). Mylene is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Management major in Human Resources Management, and has a post-graduate diploma in Human Resources Management from De La Salle — College of Saint Benilde.</p> </section>	Striking Stereotypes: The Impact of Gender Inequality on Mental Health By Mylene I. Samonte AMCHAM Philippines takes action on the things that matter. Taking care of our mental health is really important especially in this time of pandemic. As such, last September 7, 2021, the Professional Women of AmCham (PWOA) and Human Capital and Resources (HCR) committees of the Chamber held a joint session entitled “Striking Stereotypes: The Impact of Gender Inequality on Mental Health”. Lead Psychologist and Clinic Director of Bofill Psychological Services, and concurrently a Psychologist at the Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Francine Rose Bofill, was the speaker of the said event. Dr. Bofill set the stage by explaining the basics. What is mental health? As explained, Mental Health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. She also discussed what a stereotype is, as seen below. Making the topic more relevant, Dr. Bofill stressed that the pandemic challenged everyone many times in terms of mental health, not just in the office but at home as well. More so, it was established that pre-pandemic, we have been fighting about the issue of equality as it has been passed on (without noticing it) from the parents to the child. Furthermore, Dr. Bofill shared with the attendees women in political leadership, academic leadership and corporate leadership, and the barriers to women’s leadership. On Gender Inequality, Dr. Bofill said that it is not only confined in the workplace. It can also happen in school, relationships, public, institutions, etc. She also shared that women are perceived as possessing hyperfeminity while men as hypermasculinity. And these roles and stereotypes can affect one’s mental health. To reduce the stigma, Dr. Bofill gave these tips: Signs that someone needs help are as follows: Change in mood Change in work performance Sudden weight gain/loss Anhedonia Experiences physical symptoms Engaging in reckless behaviors Mentally Healthy Leaders: Pay attention to how your mood is impacting others Be empathetic Help teams develop their emotional literacy Tap into your creativity Don’t forget about the company’s emotional health And to cap off the enlightening and inspiring talk done by Dr. Bofill, she showed this photo of the recent Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz: Hidilyn herself experienced gender inequality due to the sport she learned to love. Weightlifting is not just for men — it only proved that women can also excel in it. Since Hidilyn learned to trust in herself rather than listen to what other people say, we now see how successful she is in her chosen sport. Finally, these are just some of the thoughts Dr. Bofill shared with the attendees to ponder over: We can’t totally remove inequality; just be careful and learn from the experience. Apologize when you make a mistake. Learn to educate people who don’t know how to apologize. Learn from each other. Be mindful. Look beyond the gender. We are all in a position to touch each other’s lives. Be a better person each day rather than find inequality. Now, take time to reflect on those. Please visit and join the John Clements Talent Community. About the author: Mylene Samonte is currently the Senior Supervising Implementation Consultant of John Clements Consultants Leadership Institute (JCLI). Mylene is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Management major in Human Resources Management, and has a post-graduate diploma in Human Resources Management from De La Salle — College of Saint Benilde.	1092adce-397d-5505-a581-b7d8536593f4	25/08/2025 15:57:55
https://medium.com/ideonagency/reconceptualizing-cities-d4ca6f4a9ddc	medium.com	Reconceptualizing Cities	It’s a new Golden Era for cities. Wealth and enterprise are flooding in as never before — particularly into cities that can articulate…	Ideon Agency	https://medium.com/@ideonagency	d4ca6f4a9ddc	https://miro.medium.com/…VKiMah3VHbg.jpeg	1 min	2015-08-19T20:38:36.302000	2015-08-19T20:39:55.421000	2018-01-05T13:57:35.038000	0	0	en	Wealth,Branding,Cities	<section> <p>Reconceptualizing Cities</p> <h3>It’s a new Golden Era for cities. Wealth and enterprise are flooding in as never before — particularly into cities that can articulate compelling raisons d’êtres.</h3> <p>Instead of being known for catchy names or attractions (think Big Apple), urban planners from Rome to Beijing are developing plans and brands that look from the inside out. These efforts concentrate on a city’s greatest strengths and growth possibilities. For example, <a href="http://geographyfieldwork.com/barcelona.htm">Barcelona</a> swept away old industrial districts to rebuild a new glossy city. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/03/travel/culture-thrives-in-a-former-madrid-slaughterhouse.html?_r=0">Madrid</a> remade its huge meatpacking district into a municipal arts center, creating a new cultural life force. The <a href="http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/news-articles/rockefeller-foundation-to-fund-urban-resilience/">Rockefeller Foundation</a> supports resilience in cities across the world to promote these types of initiatives. At a time when <a href="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0221bb6e-cb9d-11e3-8ccf-00144feabdc0.html#ixzz30HqyTBEX">more than half</a> the world’s people live in cities, and nearly half of the next decade’s economic growth will take place in just 400 cities, resilience equals <a href="http://business.financialpost.com/2014/04/09/grosvenor-ranks-toronto-vancouver-and-calgary-most-resilient/?__lsa=5ffa-6a1e">Cities 2.0</a>. <strong>Which cities are savvy enough to look within to unleash their brand’s power?</strong></p> </section>	Reconceptualizing Cities It’s a new Golden Era for cities. Wealth and enterprise are flooding in as never before — particularly into cities that can articulate compelling raisons d’êtres. Instead of being known for catchy names or attractions (think Big Apple), urban planners from Rome to Beijing are developing plans and brands that look from the inside out. These efforts concentrate on a city’s greatest strengths and growth possibilities. For example, Barcelona swept away old industrial districts to rebuild a new glossy city. Madrid remade its huge meatpacking district into a municipal arts center, creating a new cultural life force. The Rockefeller Foundation supports resilience in cities across the world to promote these types of initiatives. At a time when more than half the world’s people live in cities, and nearly half of the next decade’s economic growth will take place in just 400 cities, resilience equals Cities 2.0. Which cities are savvy enough to look within to unleash their brand’s power?	48b4de73-bc1e-5dba-a444-41c998b1d794	25/08/2025 15:57:56
https://medium.com/@TheTobiFadairo/liv-leah-episode-3-eaeec64f431b	medium.com	Liv & Leah Episode 3	“I’m sorry but I don’t think the CEO of this magnificent place would be wearing a t-shirt on a jean. Don’t get me wrong, they look good on…	Tobi Fadairo	https://medium.com/@TheTobiFadairo	eaeec64f431b	https://miro.medium.com/…CwLLUA4q_OQ.jpeg	4 min	2023-08-31T10:31:53.234000	2023-08-31T10:49:51.460000	2023-09-01T05:12:07.552000	0	15	en	Friendship Stories,Forgiveness	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1080/1*_nXPq6kSE20CwLLUA4q_OQ.jpeg" width="1080" height="1080" loading="lazy" /> <p>“I’m sorry but I don’t think the CEO of this magnificent place would be wearing a t-shirt on a jean. Don’t get me wrong, they look good on you and I hope you don’t interpret that wrongly. But in my imagination, I think the CEO of Peakers’ restaurant would be wearing a blazer if not a suit and probably a jaw-dropping Italian leather shoes.”</p> <p>Brian laughed, delightfully amused. “And what would the second reason be?”</p> <p>“That would be that I don’t think the CEO of Peakers would be amused enough to personally welcome us to his restaurant especially when there are more than a hundred customers here,” Liv concluded and Leah nodded in agreement.</p> <p>Brian smiled.</p> <p>“I must confess I’m amused by your argument but your two reasons are wrong. First, I love to dress comfortably and I’m a big fan of Tees and Jeans and secondly, I am greeting our customers personally to foster a relationship that can turn you into loyal customers.”</p> <p>Liv and Leah looked slightly convinced. Just then, the waiter brought their plates of food. Liv looked at the large chunk of chicken and heap of chips before her and did a happy dance which made Brian and Leah smile.</p> <p>“You know what?” Brian started to say and turned to the waiter who was still standing beside them. “Instead of the 20% we are giving to our customers for the opening week, give these ladies a 50% percent discount,” Brian said with a proud smile.</p> <p>“Yes, boss,” The waiter said and jotted down their table number in a small jotter he brought out from his uniform before he bowed his head briefly and left.</p> <p>Liv and Leah looked at each other, unable to hide their surprise.</p> <p>“So, you really are the boss here? I’m so sorry I didn’t totally believe you,” Liv said, almost giggling.</p> <p>“Yeah, I am too. You know these days; a lot of people pose as who they are not. You could be the manager posing as the CEO or even a fellow customer. And since we don’t know who the CEO is, it could work.”</p> <p>Brian smiled.</p> <p>“Well, you are not wrong and I wouldn’t blame you for being extra careful. It was nice talking to you two and I hope you become a regular customer here.”</p> <p>“Well, that wouldn’t be a problem if you would be giving us a 50% discount on every meal,” Leah teased.</p> <p>“Seconded,” Liv said.</p> <p>Brian laughed. “My team and I will deliberate on that and get back to you. Hopefully, we won’t have to close down this place.”</p> <p>The three of them laughed.</p> <p>“Like I said, it was nice talking to you. My name is Brian Coker,” Brian said and stretched out his hands for a handshake.</p> <p>“I’m Leah Daniels, it was nice talking to you too.”</p> <p>“And I’m Liv Scott.”</p> <p>Liv and Leah shook his hand one after the other.</p> <p>“Let me leave you to enjoy your food and do well to enjoy our music,” Brian said.</p> <p>“Thank you, Brian. We will,” Leah said.</p> <p>Liv nodded in agreement and Brian left.</p> <p>“Oh, girl. I can’t believe we almost disrespected him,” Liv said.</p> <p>“Me neither,” Leah said.</p> <p>They both took a large bite of their chicken and relished the effect of it on their palate.</p> <p>“Oh, my God, I would give anything to come back here every day,” Liv said.</p> <p>“Me too,” Leah said and they both giggled.</p> <p>“Liv, I need to use the restroom so that I can eat to my fill. I’m not planning on leaving anything on this plate tonight,” Leah said.</p> <p>“Okay,” Liv said with a mouthful.</p> <p>Leah buckled the straps of her heels and got up. She made her way to the restroom after asking for directions from the waiter that served their table. After waiting for five minutes and Leah wasn’t back, Liv started to feel worried. She looked around the restaurant frantically until she saw Leah slightly hidden by the band playing; she was talking to Brian. Leah looked really happy talking to him and he didn’t look unhappy either. Leah would always be the star girl, Liv thought.</p> <p>The chime of Leah’s phone on the table brought Liv’s attention from watching the duo talking back to the table. Liv picked up the phone and saw that it was a message from Dan. Dan was their neighbor during their days in the university who was now into film production. Liv saw a fragment of the message as a notification.</p> <p><em>Leah! I’ve got good news. The director has agreed concerning the role of the lead actress.</em></p> <p>Liv couldn’t believe what she saw. Was Leah working on an acting gig with Dan behind her back? Back then in the Uni, before they graduated, Liv and Leah would talk about how one day they would like to go into acting and Dan would daydream about casting them for lead roles when he starts to produce his movies. Sometimes, Lily, Liv’s sister would join in the conversation whenever she came to visit them. Although it remained a dream for Liv and Leah, Lily was more interested in acting and she had gone for many auditions most of which were futile.</p> <p>Liv got more curious, why would Dan send her a message concerning a role? She opened the message to read it fully.</p> <p><em>Leah! I’ve got good news. The director has agreed concerning the role of the lead actress. It wasn’t easy but I’m glad it worked out. Call me when you receive this message!</em></p> <p>Liv read the message again and almost cried, Leah secured a gig with Dan behind her back. She looked up and saw Leah and Brian laughing as Brian gave his phone to Leah which would most likely be to punch in her number.</p> <p>To be continued…</p> </section>	Liv & Leah Episode 3 “I’m sorry but I don’t think the CEO of this magnificent place would be wearing a t-shirt on a jean. Don’t get me wrong, they look good on you and I hope you don’t interpret that wrongly. But in my imagination, I think the CEO of Peakers’ restaurant would be wearing a blazer if not a suit and probably a jaw-dropping Italian leather shoes.” Brian laughed, delightfully amused. “And what would the second reason be?” “That would be that I don’t think the CEO of Peakers would be amused enough to personally welcome us to his restaurant especially when there are more than a hundred customers here,” Liv concluded and Leah nodded in agreement. Brian smiled. “I must confess I’m amused by your argument but your two reasons are wrong. First, I love to dress comfortably and I’m a big fan of Tees and Jeans and secondly, I am greeting our customers personally to foster a relationship that can turn you into loyal customers.” Liv and Leah looked slightly convinced. Just then, the waiter brought their plates of food. Liv looked at the large chunk of chicken and heap of chips before her and did a happy dance which made Brian and Leah smile. “You know what?” Brian started to say and turned to the waiter who was still standing beside them. “Instead of the 20% we are giving to our customers for the opening week, give these ladies a 50% percent discount,” Brian said with a proud smile. “Yes, boss,” The waiter said and jotted down their table number in a small jotter he brought out from his uniform before he bowed his head briefly and left. Liv and Leah looked at each other, unable to hide their surprise. “So, you really are the boss here? I’m so sorry I didn’t totally believe you,” Liv said, almost giggling. “Yeah, I am too. You know these days; a lot of people pose as who they are not. You could be the manager posing as the CEO or even a fellow customer. And since we don’t know who the CEO is, it could work.” Brian smiled. “Well, you are not wrong and I wouldn’t blame you for being extra careful. It was nice talking to you two and I hope you become a regular customer here.” “Well, that wouldn’t be a problem if you would be giving us a 50% discount on every meal,” Leah teased. “Seconded,” Liv said. Brian laughed. “My team and I will deliberate on that and get back to you. Hopefully, we won’t have to close down this place.” The three of them laughed. “Like I said, it was nice talking to you. My name is Brian Coker,” Brian said and stretched out his hands for a handshake. “I’m Leah Daniels, it was nice talking to you too.” “And I’m Liv Scott.” Liv and Leah shook his hand one after the other. “Let me leave you to enjoy your food and do well to enjoy our music,” Brian said. “Thank you, Brian. We will,” Leah said. Liv nodded in agreement and Brian left. “Oh, girl. I can’t believe we almost disrespected him,” Liv said. “Me neither,” Leah said. They both took a large bite of their chicken and relished the effect of it on their palate. “Oh, my God, I would give anything to come back here every day,” Liv said. “Me too,” Leah said and they both giggled. “Liv, I need to use the restroom so that I can eat to my fill. I’m not planning on leaving anything on this plate tonight,” Leah said. “Okay,” Liv said with a mouthful. Leah buckled the straps of her heels and got up. She made her way to the restroom after asking for directions from the waiter that served their table. After waiting for five minutes and Leah wasn’t back, Liv started to feel worried. She looked around the restaurant frantically until she saw Leah slightly hidden by the band playing; she was talking to Brian. Leah looked really happy talking to him and he didn’t look unhappy either. Leah would always be the star girl, Liv thought. The chime of Leah’s phone on the table brought Liv’s attention from watching the duo talking back to the table. Liv picked up the phone and saw that it was a message from Dan. Dan was their neighbor during their days in the university who was now into film production. Liv saw a fragment of the message as a notification. Leah! I’ve got good news. The director has agreed concerning the role of the lead actress. Liv couldn’t believe what she saw. Was Leah working on an acting gig with Dan behind her back? Back then in the Uni, before they graduated, Liv and Leah would talk about how one day they would like to go into acting and Dan would daydream about casting them for lead roles when he starts to produce his movies. Sometimes, Lily, Liv’s sister would join in the conversation whenever she came to visit them. Although it remained a dream for Liv and Leah, Lily was more interested in acting and she had gone for many auditions most of which were futile. Liv got more curious, why would Dan send her a message concerning a role? She opened the message to read it fully. Leah! I’ve got good news. The director has agreed concerning the role of the lead actress. It wasn’t easy but I’m glad it worked out. Call me when you receive this message! Liv read the message again and almost cried, Leah secured a gig with Dan behind her back. She looked up and saw Leah and Brian laughing as Brian gave his phone to Leah which would most likely be to punch in her number. To be continued…	dcdae654-4a47-5de6-809b-f3e59ce08b60	25/08/2025 15:57:57
https://medium.com/@globalhuntittraining/find-the-best-facebook-marketing-course-noida-945d02381e81	medium.com	Find the best Facebook Marketing course Noida	Find the best Facebook Marketing course Noida with the best experts and showcase your business on the internet in the best possible way. We…	globalhuntittraining	https://medium.com/@globalhuntittraining	945d02381e81	null	0 min	2018-08-03T08:59:46.949000	2018-08-03T09:00:23.815000	2018-08-03T09:00:24.155000	0	0	en	Best Facebook,Marketing Course Noida	<section> <p>Find the <strong>best Facebook Marketing course Noida</strong> with the best experts and showcase your business on the internet in the best possible way. We have a full array of digital marketing services available for every unique business. <a href="https://bit.ly/2O3V76q">https://bit.ly/2O3V76q</a></p> </section>	Find the best Facebook Marketing course Noida Find the best Facebook Marketing course Noida with the best experts and showcase your business on the internet in the best possible way. We have a full array of digital marketing services available for every unique business. https://bit.ly/2O3V76q	889c83da-fee8-5aa5-9e01-7a033088aae2	25/08/2025 15:57:57
https://medium.com/coinmonks/how-ai-powered-defi-platforms-reshape-trading-9d92af1deeb3	medium.com	How AI-Powered DeFi Platforms Reshape Trading?	The decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem has already transformed the way traders, investors, and institutions interact with financial…	Seraphina blake	https://medium.com/@seraphinablake24	9d92af1deeb3	https://miro.medium.com/…SWfwU9SnKvw.jpeg	4 min	2025-08-22T10:40:45.910000	2025-08-23T15:58:56.020000	2025-08-23T16:29:39.651000	0	0	en	Defi,Decentralized Finance,Ai Defi,Ai Powered Defi,Artificial Intelligence	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/1*v6rThoO1SvvSWfwU9SnKvw.jpeg" width="1280" height="713" loading="lazy" /> <p>The decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem has already transformed the way traders, investors, and institutions interact with financial systems. By removing intermediaries like banks and brokers, DeFi platforms allow users to access decentralized exchanges (DEXs), liquidity pools, lending protocols, and yield farming opportunities.</p> <p>However, the rise of <strong><a href="https://www.inoru.com/ai-de</strong>velopment-services?utm_source=Medium+Coinmonks&utm_medium=22%2F8%2F25&utm_campaign=senpagapandian">Artificial Intelligence (AI) in DeFi</a> is taking this innovation to the next level. AI-powered DeFi platforms are reshaping trading by making it smarter, faster, and more secure. These platforms use machine learning (ML), predictive analytics, and automation to optimize decision-making, enhance user experience, and reduce risks in trading. In this blog, we’ll explore how AI integrates with DeFi, the benefits it brings to trading, real-world use cases, and what the future holds.</p> <h3>What is AI in DeFi?</h3> <p>AI in DeFi refers to the application of artificial intelligence technologies like:</p> <p>Machine learning models for price prediction Natural Language Processing (NLP) for sentiment analysis Automated trading bots for arbitrage Risk management algorithms to assess lending/borrowing risks</p> <p>Together, they create AI-powered DeFi platforms that improve efficiency, profitability, and user safety.</p> <h3>2. The Critical Influence of AI in Driving DeFi Trading Innovation</h3> <p>AI brings multiple capabilities to DeFi platforms, especially in trading:</p> <p><strong>2.1 Predictive Market Analysis </strong>AI algorithms analyze massive datasets — historical prices, blockchain activity, social media sentiment — to predict price movements and market trends. For traders, this means data-backed strategies instead of guesswork.</p> <p><strong>2.2 Smart Trading Bots </strong>AI trading bots execute trades automatically based on market signals. Unlike traditional bots, AI-powered bots continuously learn and adapt to changing conditions, minimizing risks and maximizing gains.</p> <p><strong>2.3 Risk Assessment & Management </strong>In lending and margin trading, AI models evaluate borrower creditworthiness, collateral volatility, and liquidation risks. This ensures more secure lending protocols.</p> <p><strong>2.4 Fraud Detection </strong>AI monitors unusual activities across wallets and smart contracts, identifying scams, rug pulls, and suspicious token movements to protect traders from losses.</p> <p><strong>2.5 Automated Liquidity Management </strong>AI optimizes liquidity allocation in pools, ensuring users receive better yields and minimizing impermanent loss for liquidity providers.</p> <h3>3. Benefits of AI-Powered DeFi Platforms in Trading</h3> <p>Let’s break down the advantages AI brings to DeFi traders:</p> <p><strong>3.1 Smarter Decision-Making </strong>AI turns massive amounts of blockchain and market data into actionable insights. Traders no longer rely solely on intuition but use AI-generated signals for entry and exit points.</p> <p><strong>3.2 24/7 Trading Efficiency</strong> DeFi markets operate non-stop, and AI bots provide round-the-clock trading, ensuring no opportunity is missed.</p> <p><strong>3.3 Lower Human Error </strong>Human traders are prone to emotional decisions like panic-selling. AI eliminates biases by executing strategies with discipline.</p> <p><strong>3.4 Better Security </strong>AI-powered fraud detection systems reduce risks of hacks, flash loan attacks, and rug pulls by analyzing abnormal transactions.</p> <p><strong>3.5 Personalized User Experience </strong>AI models customize dashboards, alerts, and investment strategies tailored to each user’s goals.</p> <h3>4. Use Cases of AI-Powered DeFi Trading</h3> <p>Here are real-world applications of AI within DeFi platforms:</p> <p><strong>4.1 Algorithmic Trading </strong>Crypto price trends, volume movements, and sentiment cues are analyzed by AI bots through deep learning. They adjust strategies in real time, unlike pre-programmed trading bots.</p> <p><strong>4.2 Yield Farming Optimization </strong>AI can identify the most profitable liquidity pools across DeFi platforms, automatically shifting funds for higher returns while reducing risks.</p> <p><strong>4.3 DeFi Credit Scoring </strong>AI helps lending protocols assess a borrower’s wallet history, transaction patterns, and collateral reliability, creating trustless credit systems without centralized credit bureaus.</p> <p><strong>4.4 Sentiment Analysis for Crypto Tokens </strong>AI scrapes Twitter, Reddit, Telegram, and news sites to determine market sentiment around tokens. This helps traders predict pump-and-dump schemes or long-term growth potential.</p> <p><strong>4.5 Automated Arbitrage </strong>DeFi markets often display price differences across exchanges. AI-powered bots execute arbitrage trades within seconds, profiting from inefficiencies.</p> <p><strong>4.6 Governance and DAO Management </strong>AI assists Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) by analyzing community proposals and suggesting data-backed decisions.</p> <h3>5. Case Studies: AI-Powered DeFi in Action</h3> <p><strong>Aave + AI Risk Models </strong>Aave, a leading DeFi lending protocol, is experimenting with AI-based risk models that assess loan defaults and volatility risks, making lending safer.</p> <p><strong>Numerai + AI Predictions</strong> Numerai uses AI models for decentralized hedge fund trading. Traders submit predictions, and the best-performing ones help manage a crypto-based investment fund.</p> <p><strong>SingularityDAO </strong>Built by SingularityNET, SingularityDAO combines AI with DeFi. It manages Dynamic Asset Manager (DAM) portfolios that autonomously optimize crypto trading strategies.</p> <h3>6. Challenges of AI-Powered DeFi Platforms</h3> <p>While promising, AI in DeFi faces hurdles:</p> <p><strong>6.1 Data Quality Issues </strong>AI models need accurate data, but blockchain data may contain noise or manipulation (e.g., wash trading).</p> <p><strong>6.2 Computational Costs </strong>Training AI models requires high computing power, which may not be feasible for every DeFi project.</p> <p><strong>6.3 Smart Contract Vulnerabilities </strong>AI cannot fully protect weakly coded smart contracts from potential vulnerabilities.</p> <p><strong>6.4 Regulation & Compliance </strong>AI-driven DeFi adds complexity for regulators, especially in KYC/AML compliance.</p> <p><strong>6.5 Centralization Risks </strong>Relying too heavily on AI systems may introduce centralized control, contradicting DeFi’s core principles.</p> <h3>7. The Future of AI-Powered DeFi Trading</h3> <p>AI-powered DeFi platforms are just beginning, but the future looks revolutionary:</p> <p><strong>Cross-Chain AI Trading —</strong> AI models analyzing multiple blockchains simultaneously for optimized trading.</p> <p><strong>AI-Driven Robo-Advisors —</strong> Automated DeFi wealth managers providing investment strategies.</p> <p><strong>Fully Autonomous DAOs —</strong> AI managing governance and treasury with minimal human intervention.</p> <p><strong>Enhanced Security Protocols — </strong>AI detecting exploits before they happen, making DeFi safer.</p> <p><strong>Integration with Metaverse & Web3 —</strong> AI-powered DeFi platforms enabling trading in virtual economies.</p> <h3>8. Final Thoughts</h3> <p>The combination of AI and DeFi represents one of the most exciting frontiers in fintech innovation. By merging the automation of blockchain with the intelligence of AI, these platforms are reshaping trading into a smarter, more secure, and highly profitable ecosystem.</p> <p>Traders benefit from AI-powered predictions, fraud prevention, automated arbitrage, and optimized yield strategies. While challenges remain in regulation, scalability, and smart contract vulnerabilities, the momentum is undeniable.</p> </section>	How AI-Powered DeFi Platforms Reshape Trading? How AI-Powered DeFi Platforms Reshape Trading? The decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem has already transformed the way traders, investors, and institutions interact with financial systems. By removing intermediaries like banks and brokers, DeFi platforms allow users to access decentralized exchanges (DEXs), liquidity pools, lending protocols, and yield farming opportunities. However, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in DeFi is taking this innovation to the next level. AI-powered DeFi platforms are reshaping trading by making it smarter, faster, and more secure. These platforms use machine learning (ML), predictive analytics, and automation to optimize decision-making, enhance user experience, and reduce risks in trading. In this blog, we’ll explore how AI integrates with DeFi, the benefits it brings to trading, real-world use cases, and what the future holds. What is AI in DeFi? AI in DeFi refers to the application of artificial intelligence technologies like: Machine learning models for price prediction Natural Language Processing (NLP) for sentiment analysis Automated trading bots for arbitrage Risk management algorithms to assess lending/borrowing risks Together, they create AI-powered DeFi platforms that improve efficiency, profitability, and user safety. 2. The Critical Influence of AI in Driving DeFi Trading Innovation AI brings multiple capabilities to DeFi platforms, especially in trading: 2.1 Predictive Market Analysis AI algorithms analyze massive datasets — historical prices, blockchain activity, social media sentiment — to predict price movements and market trends. For traders, this means data-backed strategies instead of guesswork. 2.2 Smart Trading Bots AI trading bots execute trades automatically based on market signals. Unlike traditional bots, AI-powered bots continuously learn and adapt to changing conditions, minimizing risks and maximizing gains. 2.3 Risk Assessment & Management In lending and margin trading, AI models evaluate borrower creditworthiness, collateral volatility, and liquidation risks. This ensures more secure lending protocols. 2.4 Fraud Detection AI monitors unusual activities across wallets and smart contracts, identifying scams, rug pulls, and suspicious token movements to protect traders from losses. 2.5 Automated Liquidity Management AI optimizes liquidity allocation in pools, ensuring users receive better yields and minimizing impermanent loss for liquidity providers. 3. Benefits of AI-Powered DeFi Platforms in Trading Let’s break down the advantages AI brings to DeFi traders: 3.1 Smarter Decision-Making AI turns massive amounts of blockchain and market data into actionable insights. Traders no longer rely solely on intuition but use AI-generated signals for entry and exit points. 3.2 24/7 Trading Efficiency DeFi markets operate non-stop, and AI bots provide round-the-clock trading, ensuring no opportunity is missed. 3.3 Lower Human Error Human traders are prone to emotional decisions like panic-selling. AI eliminates biases by executing strategies with discipline. 3.4 Better Security AI-powered fraud detection systems reduce risks of hacks, flash loan attacks, and rug pulls by analyzing abnormal transactions. 3.5 Personalized User Experience AI models customize dashboards, alerts, and investment strategies tailored to each user’s goals. 4. Use Cases of AI-Powered DeFi Trading Here are real-world applications of AI within DeFi platforms: 4.1 Algorithmic Trading Crypto price trends, volume movements, and sentiment cues are analyzed by AI bots through deep learning. They adjust strategies in real time, unlike pre-programmed trading bots. 4.2 Yield Farming Optimization AI can identify the most profitable liquidity pools across DeFi platforms, automatically shifting funds for higher returns while reducing risks. 4.3 DeFi Credit Scoring AI helps lending protocols assess a borrower’s wallet history, transaction patterns, and collateral reliability, creating trustless credit systems without centralized credit bureaus. 4.4 Sentiment Analysis for Crypto Tokens AI scrapes Twitter, Reddit, Telegram, and news sites to determine market sentiment around tokens. This helps traders predict pump-and-dump schemes or long-term growth potential. 4.5 Automated Arbitrage DeFi markets often display price differences across exchanges. AI-powered bots execute arbitrage trades within seconds, profiting from inefficiencies. 4.6 Governance and DAO Management AI assists Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) by analyzing community proposals and suggesting data-backed decisions. 5. Case Studies: AI-Powered DeFi in Action Aave + AI Risk Models Aave, a leading DeFi lending protocol, is experimenting with AI-based risk models that assess loan defaults and volatility risks, making lending safer. Numerai + AI Predictions Numerai uses AI models for decentralized hedge fund trading. Traders submit predictions, and the best-performing ones help manage a crypto-based investment fund. SingularityDAO Built by SingularityNET, SingularityDAO combines AI with DeFi. It manages Dynamic Asset Manager (DAM) portfolios that autonomously optimize crypto trading strategies. 6. Challenges of AI-Powered DeFi Platforms While promising, AI in DeFi faces hurdles: 6.1 Data Quality Issues AI models need accurate data, but blockchain data may contain noise or manipulation (e.g., wash trading). 6.2 Computational Costs Training AI models requires high computing power, which may not be feasible for every DeFi project. 6.3 Smart Contract Vulnerabilities AI cannot fully protect weakly coded smart contracts from potential vulnerabilities. 6.4 Regulation & Compliance AI-driven DeFi adds complexity for regulators, especially in KYC/AML compliance. 6.5 Centralization Risks Relying too heavily on AI systems may introduce centralized control, contradicting DeFi’s core principles. 7. The Future of AI-Powered DeFi Trading AI-powered DeFi platforms are just beginning, but the future looks revolutionary: Cross-Chain AI Trading — AI models analyzing multiple blockchains simultaneously for optimized trading. AI-Driven Robo-Advisors — Automated DeFi wealth managers providing investment strategies. Fully Autonomous DAOs — AI managing governance and treasury with minimal human intervention. Enhanced Security Protocols — AI detecting exploits before they happen, making DeFi safer. Integration with Metaverse & Web3 — AI-powered DeFi platforms enabling trading in virtual economies. 8. Final Thoughts The combination of AI and DeFi represents one of the most exciting frontiers in fintech innovation. By merging the automation of blockchain with the intelligence of AI, these platforms are reshaping trading into a smarter, more secure, and highly profitable ecosystem. Traders benefit from AI-powered predictions, fraud prevention, automated arbitrage, and optimized yield strategies. While challenges remain in regulation, scalability, and smart contract vulnerabilities, the momentum is undeniable.	a27f9663-48cb-52e1-852d-636c8bc9af8f	25/08/2025 15:57:57
https://medium.com/@lakshmananperumal/brewing-cups-tracing-the-much-loved-beverage-coffees-expedition-around-the-world-9ed060f74991	medium.com	Brewing cups- Tracing the much loved beverage ‘Coffee’s’ expedition around the world	What’s been brewing in your coffee cup?	Lakshmanan Perumal	https://medium.com/@lakshmananperumal	9ed060f74991	https://miro.medium.com/…q2u0uSdsuXw.jpeg	3 min	2016-09-07T10:13:35.408000	2016-09-07T10:17:10.608000	2016-09-07T10:17:10.608000	0	0	en	Coffee,Lifestyle	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/700/1*HwqhwIeZm-fq2u0uSdsuXw.jpeg" width="700" height="400" loading="lazy" /> <h3>What’s been brewing in your coffee cup?</h3> <p>Caffeine high goats, yes you read it right, trippin jumpin caffeine high goats led to the discovery of coffee. At least that’s how legend has it. To verify the folklore we’ll have to step into the 3rd century and possibly track down the Ethiopian goat herder who noticed his (<em>otherwise boring</em>) caffeine happy goats prancing around after they’d chewed on some berries (<em>now we also know the origin of ‘silly goat</em>’).</p> <p>As the origin of coffee maybe, one thing is for certain, the coffee is a celebrated, cherished and much adored beverage all the world over. However, aside from the afore mentioned bit of folklore there’s only so much we know about the brewing cup. Take for the fact that the coffee we so lovingly brew every morning is to be consumed not the moment we wake but rather at the opportune time after the naturally occurring cortisol in our bodies (<em>the stress and alertness hormone</em>) has done its job of prepping us up for the day by putting us on the ‘alert mode’.</p> <p>Which means that the best time to enjoy your coffee cup is during the time you need it most, i.e. — <strong>9:30 am — 11:30 am</strong>. for a large number of people. Though it’s worth taking note of the fact that everyone’s sleep-wake schedules differ and consequently the cortisol timetables differ person to person too.</p> <p>Now wasn’t that a nice bit of info to know?</p> <p>We’ve rounded up a couple of other similar facts about the brew while attempting to understand a bit about the coffee culture that caught the fancy of the world centuries ago and which holds its sway even today.</p> <h3>Coffee’s Chronicles</h3> <p>It is thought that sometime during the <strong>13th century</strong> after the caffeine happy goats incident and its ‘<strong>jitter</strong>’ inducing effects were demonstrated aside from the fact that it helped keep people awake way past their bedtime in the time of yore did coffee gain popularity. However it wasn’t until the turn of the <strong>15th century</strong> that consuming coffee became all the rage in Yemen and was thereafter cultivated and commercialised for its use. The 16th century saw the coffee being introduced in trade relations between Venice and Arabia, consequent to which the world literally welcomed the beverage with open arms. Coffee houses sprouted all over and it became the favoured brew in Europe extending its reach even among those countries which traditionally preferred tea. The coffee cup came to America & Italy and as it goes with most fairytale success stories, there was no turning back of the ‘cup’ from then on.</p> <h3>The ‘jittery kick’ the world loves</h3> <p>Americans love their coffee as do the Italians, however surveys point that the leading coffee guzzling countries per capita (<em>dry coffee powder consumption, per person on an average</em>) in the world are not the obvious contenders we’d assume blindfolded but rather Finland at <strong>9.6 kgs</strong> per capita, Norway at <strong>7.2 kgs</strong> per capita and Netherlands at 6.7 kgs per capita among other countries that lead the way. Now these figures also brought to the fore the next most pertinent question– which country produces the most amounts of coffee and where does coffee trade (commercially traded across countries) actually figure in world rankings? Enter shocker number two and three — coffee, after oil of course, <strong>ranks number two on the list of the most traded merchandise in the world</strong></p> <p>and</p> <p><strong>Brazil coffee yields are the highest (40% comes from this country) while Colombia and Vietnam are the second and third highest producers of the bean.</strong></p> <p>Nice to know- Incidentally, we refer to coffee beans as, ahem, beans when actually they are the pits/ seeds of the fruit of the coffee plant.</p> <h3>Not a buzz kill, this is…</h3> <p>As any college kid worth his salt will point out, it’s the caffeine content in the brown brew that makes all the difference. An average cup, of say 240 ml of the ‘instant’ brew contains 27–173 mg of caffeine while the much loved ‘espresso’ cup of 30 ml, the ones usually served at restaurants contain 47–75 mg and the ‘brewed’ mug of coffee, of say, 237 ml, which we usually brew at home contains 95–200 mg of caffeine. Here, it’s worth noting that caffeine contents vary depending on the type of coffee beans, the roasting, grinding and brewing time. If you’re looking for a <strong><a href="https://www.flavorsofmyci</strong>ty.com/products-by-types/coffee">really good cup of coffee in India</a>, head to Chikmagalur. This is where coffee was first grown in India, possibly sometime in 1670 A.D. Known as the ‘Coffee Land’ of Karnataka, one has the option of enjoying a cup of the brew with beans you’ve picked directly from the Chikmagalur hills or ordering a special pack of <strong><a href="https://w</strong>ww.flavorsofmycity.com/grand-aroma">Chikmagalur coffee</a> home and savouring it at leisure. <a href="http://blog.flavorsofmycity.com/brewing-cups-tracing-the-much-loved-beverage-coffees-expedition-around-the-world/">http://blog.flavorsofmycity.com/brewing-cups-tracing-the-much-loved-beverage-coffees-expedition-around-the-world/</a></p> </section>	Brewing cups- Tracing the much loved beverage ‘Coffee’s’ expedition around the world What’s been brewing in your coffee cup? Caffeine high goats, yes you read it right, trippin jumpin caffeine high goats led to the discovery of coffee. At least that’s how legend has it. To verify the folklore we’ll have to step into the 3rd century and possibly track down the Ethiopian goat herder who noticed his (otherwise boring) caffeine happy goats prancing around after they’d chewed on some berries (now we also know the origin of ‘silly goat’). As the origin of coffee maybe, one thing is for certain, the coffee is a celebrated, cherished and much adored beverage all the world over. However, aside from the afore mentioned bit of folklore there’s only so much we know about the brewing cup. Take for the fact that the coffee we so lovingly brew every morning is to be consumed not the moment we wake but rather at the opportune time after the naturally occurring cortisol in our bodies (the stress and alertness hormone) has done its job of prepping us up for the day by putting us on the ‘alert mode’. Which means that the best time to enjoy your coffee cup is during the time you need it most, i.e. — 9:30 am — 11:30 am. for a large number of people. Though it’s worth taking note of the fact that everyone’s sleep-wake schedules differ and consequently the cortisol timetables differ person to person too. Now wasn’t that a nice bit of info to know? We’ve rounded up a couple of other similar facts about the brew while attempting to understand a bit about the coffee culture that caught the fancy of the world centuries ago and which holds its sway even today. Coffee’s Chronicles It is thought that sometime during the 13th century after the caffeine happy goats incident and its ‘jitter’ inducing effects were demonstrated aside from the fact that it helped keep people awake way past their bedtime in the time of yore did coffee gain popularity. However it wasn’t until the turn of the 15th century that consuming coffee became all the rage in Yemen and was thereafter cultivated and commercialised for its use. The 16th century saw the coffee being introduced in trade relations between Venice and Arabia, consequent to which the world literally welcomed the beverage with open arms. Coffee houses sprouted all over and it became the favoured brew in Europe extending its reach even among those countries which traditionally preferred tea. The coffee cup came to America & Italy and as it goes with most fairytale success stories, there was no turning back of the ‘cup’ from then on. The ‘jittery kick’ the world loves Americans love their coffee as do the Italians, however surveys point that the leading coffee guzzling countries per capita (dry coffee powder consumption, per person on an average) in the world are not the obvious contenders we’d assume blindfolded but rather Finland at 9.6 kgs per capita, Norway at 7.2 kgs per capita and Netherlands at 6.7 kgs per capita among other countries that lead the way. Now these figures also brought to the fore the next most pertinent question– which country produces the most amounts of coffee and where does coffee trade (commercially traded across countries) actually figure in world rankings? Enter shocker number two and three — coffee, after oil of course, ranks number two on the list of the most traded merchandise in the world and Brazil coffee yields are the highest (40% comes from this country) while Colombia and Vietnam are the second and third highest producers of the bean. Nice to know- Incidentally, we refer to coffee beans as, ahem, beans when actually they are the pits/ seeds of the fruit of the coffee plant. Not a buzz kill, this is… As any college kid worth his salt will point out, it’s the caffeine content in the brown brew that makes all the difference. An average cup, of say 240 ml of the ‘instant’ brew contains 27–173 mg of caffeine while the much loved ‘espresso’ cup of 30 ml, the ones usually served at restaurants contain 47–75 mg and the ‘brewed’ mug of coffee, of say, 237 ml, which we usually brew at home contains 95–200 mg of caffeine. Here, it’s worth noting that caffeine contents vary depending on the type of coffee beans, the roasting, grinding and brewing time. If you’re looking for a really good cup of coffee in India, head to Chikmagalur. This is where coffee was first grown in India, possibly sometime in 1670 A.D. Known as the ‘Coffee Land’ of Karnataka, one has the option of enjoying a cup of the brew with beans you’ve picked directly from the Chikmagalur hills or ordering a special pack of Chikmagalur coffee home and savouring it at leisure. http://blog.flavorsofmycity.com/brewing-cups-tracing-the-much-loved-beverage-coffees-expedition-around-the-world/	10200f86-de19-55bf-a00b-fdc6ebc8d7b4	25/08/2025 15:57:58
https://medium.com/the-mom-experience/im-the-adult-now-efb560fc784b	medium.com	I’m the Adult Now	When did that happen?!	Mia Houston	https://medium.com/@mia_houston	efb560fc784b	https://miro.medium.com/…2CYaVuB5mBw.jpeg	1 min	2022-03-30T09:43:06.348000	2022-04-04T17:27:37.778000	2023-06-12T09:09:17.642000	1	231	en	Motherhood,Mommy Bloggers,Parenting,Children,Toddlers	<section> <h3>When did that happen?!</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/5479/1*eaAAY91F4wq2CYaVuB5mBw.jpeg" width="5479" height="6890" loading="lazy" /> <p>My two eager-eyed children were staring up at me the other day, waiting to be handed their tenth snack of the day, and I suddenly had a fear-striking, heart-racing realisation —<em> I’m the adult now! </em>When did that happen?</p> <p>Growing up, I always presumed I would feel like a ‘proper’ adult once I had everything in order. The house of my dreams, a successful career, a big family, and an endless stream of cash. Being an adult meant having it together. I was <em>so</em> wrong!</p> <p>I realise now that I began to feel like an adult between a series of small catastrophes; a water pipe bursting in our living room and spraying everywhere, my toddler painting the walls with food, dealing with extortionate energy bills, and watching my 4-year-old have a melt-down in the supermarket. I dealt with it all. I fret and I panicked but still, I handled it.</p> <p>It’s daunting to think I have people who rely on me now. I have life-admin that has to be done and food that needs to be bought. When I stop to think about it, it feels like a lot. But the truth is, I can do it all because I’ve already been doing it.</p> <p>Being an adult isn’t about having your life together. It’s about handling whatever it throws at you. If your house is a mess, you have a big pile of washing, a job that bores you, or children that like to throw things at you, then welcome to adulthood, my friend.</p> <p>You’ve got this! Just keep going, that’s really all there is to it.</p> </section>	I’m the Adult Now When did that happen?! Photo by Jessica Rockowitz on Unsplash My two eager-eyed children were staring up at me the other day, waiting to be handed their tenth snack of the day, and I suddenly had a fear-striking, heart-racing realisation — I’m the adult now! When did that happen? Growing up, I always presumed I would feel like a ‘proper’ adult once I had everything in order. The house of my dreams, a successful career, a big family, and an endless stream of cash. Being an adult meant having it together. I was so wrong! I realise now that I began to feel like an adult between a series of small catastrophes; a water pipe bursting in our living room and spraying everywhere, my toddler painting the walls with food, dealing with extortionate energy bills, and watching my 4-year-old have a melt-down in the supermarket. I dealt with it all. I fret and I panicked but still, I handled it. It’s daunting to think I have people who rely on me now. I have life-admin that has to be done and food that needs to be bought. When I stop to think about it, it feels like a lot. But the truth is, I can do it all because I’ve already been doing it. Being an adult isn’t about having your life together. It’s about handling whatever it throws at you. If your house is a mess, you have a big pile of washing, a job that bores you, or children that like to throw things at you, then welcome to adulthood, my friend. You’ve got this! Just keep going, that’s really all there is to it.	5adb8d63-c825-5ce1-9675-0d8e35a2dfac	25/08/2025 15:57:58
https://evantraylor.medium.com/a-prayer-for-election-day-98dcfb3bfcae	medium.com	A Prayer for Election Day	As Americans from all parts of the country descend to their polling places, let us pray for an election that lives out the ideals of…	Evan Traylor	https://medium.com/@evantraylor	98dcfb3bfcae	https://miro.medium.com/…v5kbA4Y4EcA.jpeg	1 min	2016-11-07T23:25:34.197000	2016-11-08T02:22:36.770000	2017-11-09T13:21:23.205000	0	1	en	Elections,Politics,Prayer,Election 2016	<section> <p>As Americans from all parts of the country descend to their polling places, let us pray for an election that lives out the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality for all people.</p> <p>We pray that any barriers to voting, whether human constructed or natural, fail in their mission and that every citizen seizes the opportunity to participate in our system of representation and leadership.</p> <p>As much as we encourage our friends and families to exercise their right to vote, we must remind ourselves of those in our midst who will not be voting in this election — our children, those kept from citizenship, those captive in our criminal justice system, and so many others — and ensure their voices are lifted up during this important moment.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/1*h1zgROqL9SPv5kbA4Y4EcA.jpeg" width="1200" height="675" loading="lazy" /> <p>In the face of an election season that has inflamed hatred and mistrust, we pray for civility and compassion toward one another.</p> <p>As we make decisions that impact all those within our borders and those abroad, we pray that the wisdom of previous generations overcomes falsehoods and close-mindedness.</p> <p>We acknowledge the human-created and sustained hatred that inflicts violence on so many individuals, and we pray that justice throughout every city and state will triumph and be declared the ultimate winner in this election.</p> <p>Knowing we have many challenges to confront after we elect our officials, we pray for moral courage, unwavering compassion, and bold leadership as we unite with one another and continue on our sacred journey toward a more perfect union.</p> <p><em>For more information about voting on Election Day, visit <a href="htt</em>ps://www.iwillvote.com/home/">I Will Vote</a>.</p> </section>	A Prayer for Election Day As Americans from all parts of the country descend to their polling places, let us pray for an election that lives out the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality for all people. We pray that any barriers to voting, whether human constructed or natural, fail in their mission and that every citizen seizes the opportunity to participate in our system of representation and leadership. As much as we encourage our friends and families to exercise their right to vote, we must remind ourselves of those in our midst who will not be voting in this election — our children, those kept from citizenship, those captive in our criminal justice system, and so many others — and ensure their voices are lifted up during this important moment. In the face of an election season that has inflamed hatred and mistrust, we pray for civility and compassion toward one another. As we make decisions that impact all those within our borders and those abroad, we pray that the wisdom of previous generations overcomes falsehoods and close-mindedness. We acknowledge the human-created and sustained hatred that inflicts violence on so many individuals, and we pray that justice throughout every city and state will triumph and be declared the ultimate winner in this election. Knowing we have many challenges to confront after we elect our officials, we pray for moral courage, unwavering compassion, and bold leadership as we unite with one another and continue on our sacred journey toward a more perfect union. For more information about voting on Election Day, visit I Will Vote.	7523b866-b6b6-5b48-a9e7-ae19cbaccf1f	25/08/2025 15:57:58
https://medium.com/@ambrosraisa/ico-crowd-launched-the-first-disruptive-magazine-on-initial-coin-offerings-8320db3e81f3	medium.com	ICO Crowd Launched the First Disruptive Magazine on Initial Coin Offerings	The ICO (Initial Coin Offering) aims to revolutionize fundraising with new opportunities for investors and startups. In this new…	Raisa Ambros	https://medium.com/@ambrosraisa	8320db3e81f3	https://miro.medium.com/…DgsP0uRIksw.jpeg	2 min	2017-07-09T17:47:21.049000	2017-07-09T17:59:05.271000	2017-11-22T19:57:22.348000	1	97	en	Blockchain,ICO,Initial Coin Offering,Bitcoin,Crowdfunding	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/6000/1yu8aahxKINaDgsP0uRIksw.jpeg" width="6000" height="4000" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>The ICO (Initial Coin Offering) aims to revolutionize fundraising with new opportunities for investors and startups. In this new decentralised era of crowdfunding, the ICO Crowd magazine is disrupting the investment landscape.</strong></p> <p></p> <p>The launch of the <a href="https://goo.gl/mcmqA3">ICO Crowd </a>— print and web edition (<a href="http://www.icocrowd.com/">icocrowd.com</a>) — was held on 6th July at 6 PM, at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, London. This is the first disruptive magazine on Initial Coin Offerings and it is dedicated to the cryptocurrency community, the startups, and investors.</p> <p>ICO Crowd aims to increase the awareness of ICOs whilst simultaneously educating <strong>all readers </strong>with thought provoking articles on topics such as valuation techniques, ICO fundamentals, Blockchain and Smart contracts.</p> <p>With each issue you can expect independent analysis of upcoming ICO’s, opinion pieces about the state of the industry and generally great articles, of high international expertise, about ICO’s and their impact on the dated start-up investment models.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/395/13FruJ3GIsAqaFYUOKR1YOg.png" width="395" height="553" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>Ismail Malik, Chairman & Executive Editor of ICO Crowd</strong>, says: “It’s important to give everyone the chance to be able to receive up to date information, news and analysis on ICOs. <strong>We are in the early stages of this ICO investment disruption. This means that todays readers and/or investors could be tomorrows millionaires”.</strong></p> <p>The issue #ZERO highlights include: ICO reviews, analysis, case studies, interviews with ICO VIPs such as <strong>Tim and Adam Draper, Vinny Lingham, Shingo Lavine </strong>and many more. Also included, are features of the more promising ICOs like <strong>AdEx, Agrello, Everex, Compcoin, bitJob and SunContract </strong>from the long list of upcoming ICO campaigns; As well as a piece about the first hand experience of investing in an ICO (Aragon) for the first time.</p> <p><strong>“The ICO Clock is on hyper-speed and in crypto we get it. We need information, we need news and we need it NOW”, </strong>concluded Malik.</p> <p><strong>About us</strong></p> <p>ICO Crowd is the world’s first and foremost publication on Initial Coin Offerings (ICO).</p> <p>ICO Crowd is an independent, online and print magazine focusing on the rise of ICO’s and covering the developments in this disruptive and fast-paced area of <em><strong>Tokens, Assets, and</stron</em>g> <strong>Cryptocurrency</strong>. We feature only original content and interviews from our global team of contributors, industry experts and blockchain advocates.</p> <p>Enter the URL below for a sneak preview on ISSUU:</p> <p><a href="https://goo.gl/mcmqA3">https://goo.gl/mcmqA3</a></p> <p>Site: <a href="http://www.icocrowd.com">www.icocrowd.com</a></p> <p>Contact: press (@) icocrowd.com</p> </section>	ICO Crowd Launched the First Disruptive Magazine on Initial Coin Offerings The ICO (Initial Coin Offering) aims to revolutionize fundraising with new opportunities for investors and startups. In this new decentralised era of crowdfunding, the ICO Crowd magazine is disrupting the investment landscape. The launch of the ICO Crowd — print and web edition (icocrowd.com) — was held on 6th July at 6 PM, at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, London. This is the first disruptive magazine on Initial Coin Offerings and it is dedicated to the cryptocurrency community, the startups, and investors. ICO Crowd aims to increase the awareness of ICOs whilst simultaneously educating all readers with thought provoking articles on topics such as valuation techniques, ICO fundamentals, Blockchain and Smart contracts. With each issue you can expect independent analysis of upcoming ICO’s, opinion pieces about the state of the industry and generally great articles, of high international expertise, about ICO’s and their impact on the dated start-up investment models. Ismail Malik, Chairman & Executive Editor of ICO Crowd, says: “It’s important to give everyone the chance to be able to receive up to date information, news and analysis on ICOs. We are in the early stages of this ICO investment disruption. This means that todays readers and/or investors could be tomorrows millionaires”. The issue #ZERO highlights include: ICO reviews, analysis, case studies, interviews with ICO VIPs such as Tim and Adam Draper, Vinny Lingham, Shingo Lavine and many more. Also included, are features of the more promising ICOs like AdEx, Agrello, Everex, Compcoin, bitJob and SunContract from the long list of upcoming ICO campaigns; As well as a piece about the first hand experience of investing in an ICO (Aragon) for the first time. “The ICO Clock is on hyper-speed and in crypto we get it. We need information, we need news and we need it NOW”, concluded Malik. About us ICO Crowd is the world’s first and foremost publication on Initial Coin Offerings (ICO). ICO Crowd is an independent, online and print magazine focusing on the rise of ICO’s and covering the developments in this disruptive and fast-paced area of Tokens, Assets, and Cryptocurrency. We feature only original content and interviews from our global team of contributors, industry experts and blockchain advocates. Enter the URL below for a sneak preview on ISSUU: https://goo.gl/mcmqA3 Site: www.icocrowd.com Contact: press (@) icocrowd.com	3bcfbdde-e9ce-50f9-ba16-6e27ee92d443	25/08/2025 15:57:58
https://medium.com/ktrade/india-to-use-blockchain-to-improve-coffee-supply-chain-13b159fcd241	medium.com	India to Use Blockchain to Improve Coffee Supply Chain	【 Published by cointelegraph \| Editor: Ana Alexandre】	Statecraft Tech	https://medium.com/@statecrafttech	13b159fcd241	https://miro.medium.com/…aHn3x07YznQ.jpeg	2 min	2019-04-10T06:28:40.899000	2019-04-23T16:01:00.863000	2021-12-09T12:35:53.882000	0	0	en	Blockchain,India,Coffee,News,Supply Chain	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2543/1*b7y5uxtdJvNaHn3x07YznQ.jpeg" width="2543" height="1224" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>【</strong> Published by <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/india-to-use-blockchain-to-improve-coffee-supply-chain">cointelegraph</a> \| Editor: <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/seoul-city-govt-appoints-members-to-blockchain-governance-team#">Ana Alexandre</a><strong>】</strong></p> <p>The Coffee Board of <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/tags/india">India</a> has launched a pilot <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/tags/blockchain">blockchain</a>-based e-marketplace in order to integrate coffee farmers with markets. The development was <a href="http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=189586">announced</a> by Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) on March 28.</p> <p>The Coffee Board — an organization backed by the MCI to promote coffee production in India — has rolled out an e-marketplace for coffee producers in order to reduce the number of intermediaries between coffee growers and buyers.</p> <p>The product will reportedly be delivered in the form of an application and aims to improve transparency and traceability of coffee produced in India “from bean to cup.” To implement the project, the Coffee Board collaborated with M/s Eka Plus, а digital commodity management platforms for аgriculture.</p> <p>According to Indian business publication <a href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/blockchain-will-help-coffee-growers-fetch-better-price/article26666222.ece">Business Line</a>, the application will initially launch in a pilot phase with a limited number of growers for the next four to five months. Should the test prove successful it will be expanded to all growers in the country. There are over 350,000 coffee growers in India, according to Business Line.</p> <p>Blockchain has been actively adopted by food producers around the world in a bid to bring more efficiency to their supply chains. Recently, the <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/tags/usa">United States</a> National Pork Board <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/us-national-pork-board-to-pilot-blockchain-tech-following-new-partnership">partnered</a> with startup ripe.io to test out a blockchain platform for pork supply chains. The new platform will purportedly enable the Board to monitor and evaluate sustainability practices, food safety standards, livestock health, and environmental protections.</p> <p>In February, <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/tags/france">French</a> President Emmanuel Macron <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/french-president-calls-on-europe-to-use-blockchain-to-innovate-the-agriculture-industry">advocated</a> for the use of blockchain to innovate supply chain management in European agriculture. Blockchain can bring transparency to agricultural production and distribution to assuage mounting consumer concerns about products’ provenance and sustainability, Macron said.</p> <p>■ <strong>Source</strong>: <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/india-to-use-blockchain-to-improve-coffee-supply-chain">cointelegraph</a></p> <p>■<strong> Note:</strong> Please specify the source or references of the article for reproduced.</p> <p>■ <strong>Solemn declaration: </strong>We reproduced articles and news for purpose of sharing information. Copyright belongs to the original author. If there is any infringement/error, please contact us as soon as possible, modify or delete action will be implemented immediately. Content analysis is for information purposes only and does not constitute any investment advice.</p> <p>■ <strong>View Disclaimer: </strong>the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.</p> <p>■ <strong>Please visit our site</strong>: <a href="https://www.ktrade-official.com/">Statecraft</a> for more information and the latest news update.</p> <p>■ <strong>Follow Us</strong> 👉 I<a href="https://goo.gl/viyChQ">nstagram\|</a> F<a href="https://goo.gl/jLbd2G">acebook </a>\| T<a href="https://goo.gl/q5xL2L">elegram </a>\| T<a href="https://goo.gl/HfKTaJ">witter </a>\| Y<a href="https://goo.gl/qByquj">outube </a>\| L<a href="https://goo.gl/41jTFr">inkedin</a></p> <p>■ <strong>Customer Service</strong>：<a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p> <p>■ <strong>Business Contact</strong>：<a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p> </section>	India to Use Blockchain to Improve Coffee Supply Chain Image source：Statecraft 【 Published by cointelegraph \| Editor: Ana Alexandre】 The Coffee Board of India has launched a pilot blockchain-based e-marketplace in order to integrate coffee farmers with markets. The development was announced by Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) on March 28. The Coffee Board — an organization backed by the MCI to promote coffee production in India — has rolled out an e-marketplace for coffee producers in order to reduce the number of intermediaries between coffee growers and buyers. The product will reportedly be delivered in the form of an application and aims to improve transparency and traceability of coffee produced in India “from bean to cup.” To implement the project, the Coffee Board collaborated with M/s Eka Plus, а digital commodity management platforms for аgriculture. According to Indian business publication Business Line, the application will initially launch in a pilot phase with a limited number of growers for the next four to five months. Should the test prove successful it will be expanded to all growers in the country. There are over 350,000 coffee growers in India, according to Business Line. Blockchain has been actively adopted by food producers around the world in a bid to bring more efficiency to their supply chains. Recently, the United States National Pork Board partnered with startup ripe.io to test out a blockchain platform for pork supply chains. The new platform will purportedly enable the Board to monitor and evaluate sustainability practices, food safety standards, livestock health, and environmental protections. In February, French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for the use of blockchain to innovate supply chain management in European agriculture. Blockchain can bring transparency to agricultural production and distribution to assuage mounting consumer concerns about products’ provenance and sustainability, Macron said. ■ Source: cointelegraph ■ Note: Please specify the source or references of the article for reproduced. ■ Solemn declaration: We reproduced articles and news for purpose of sharing information. Copyright belongs to the original author. If there is any infringement/error, please contact us as soon as possible, modify or delete action will be implemented immediately. Content analysis is for information purposes only and does not constitute any investment advice. ■ View Disclaimer: the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author’s employer, organization, committee or other group or individual. ■ Please visit our site: Statecraft for more information and the latest news update. ■ Follow Us 👉 Instagram\| Facebook \| Telegram \| Twitter \| Youtube \| Linkedin ■ Customer Service：[email protected] ■ Business Contact：[email protected]	c430a573-a6cc-5f11-883a-20a2fda09220	25/08/2025 15:57:58
https://coinshoppio.medium.com/pancakeswap-how-to-use-it-b903c0776296	medium.com	PancakeSwap: how to use it	How about making fast and cheap crypto exchanges in a matter of seconds? And you just need a few minutes to create your account.	CoinShopp io	https://medium.com/@coinshoppio	b903c0776296	https://miro.medium.com/…FD8fXKzA-Jg.jpeg	2 min	2022-02-23T19:46:37.097000	2022-02-23T20:18:46.703000	2022-02-26T02:46:56.999000	0	0	en	Pancakeswap,Coinshopp,Ecommerce,Marketplaces,Token	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/800/1VTSb6H5BCcDFD8fXKzA-Jg.jpeg" width="800" height="400" loading="lazy" /> <p>How about making fast and cheap crypto exchanges in a matter of seconds? And you just need a few minutes to create your account.</p> <p>PancakeSwap is a decentralized exchange where you can connect your wallet to begin trading. It’s decentralized, efficient, and safe; you can convert your coins anytime you want — and there are thousands of options available, including CSHOP, of course.</p> <p><strong>Tutorial</strong></p> <p><strong>Learn how to use PancakeSwap in a few steps:</strong></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1920/1VPZAIehM9zi-0xcXPwN93A.png" width="1920" height="1080" loading="lazy" /> <p>Access the PancakeSwap website, then click on the “Connect Wallet” button at the top right corner of the screen.</p> <p>You can connect MetaMask, WalletConnect, Trust Wallet, and many other applications. You can click on “More” to see other options.</p> <p>Once you’ve selected your preferred app, you must authorize your wallet to connect to PancakeSwap. Confirm it.</p> <p><strong><a href="h</strong>ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zr5NoRPlB8">This video</a> shows you every step in the process.</p> <p>And… There you go! You’re all set. Now you’re able to buy thousands of cryptocurrencies in a few instants!</p> <p>At the top left corner of the screen, you can select “Trade”, then “Exchange” so you can convert your money into other digital assets.</p> <p><strong>How to buy CSHOP?</strong></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1920/1OavUqZOwaUKMzMZtgyFI-Q.jpeg" width="1920" height="1441" loading="lazy" /> <p>Click on <strong><a href="</strong>https://pancakeswap.finance/swap?outputCurrency=0x7e946ee89a58691f0d21320ec8f684e29b890037&_ga=2.48323750.1855753827.1645485771-1213403227.1636393188">this link</a>. You’ll have to import the token to your wallet so you can make the exchanges. Click on “I understand”, then “Import”.</p> <p>Now you can trade your coins for CSHOP and vice versa. Pretty straightforward, isn’t it? Easier than opening a bank account, that’s for sure.</p> <p><strong>Why use CSHOP?</strong></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1080/1qCbZjsZcZivrqRGeDa9KZA.png" width="1080" height="1080" loading="lazy" /> <p>You can buy and sell goods and services by using a single token — no conversions required. There’s more: you’ll get a 15% discount on each purchase by using CSHOP.</p> <p>Just pay the network fee and you’re good to go. You’ll never be charged by surprise.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://store.coin</strong>shopp.com">Register now at CoinShopp</a>!</p> </section>	PancakeSwap: how to use it How about making fast and cheap crypto exchanges in a matter of seconds? And you just need a few minutes to create your account. PancakeSwap is a decentralized exchange where you can connect your wallet to begin trading. It’s decentralized, efficient, and safe; you can convert your coins anytime you want — and there are thousands of options available, including CSHOP, of course. Tutorial Learn how to use PancakeSwap in a few steps: Access the PancakeSwap website, then click on the “Connect Wallet” button at the top right corner of the screen. You can connect MetaMask, WalletConnect, Trust Wallet, and many other applications. You can click on “More” to see other options. Once you’ve selected your preferred app, you must authorize your wallet to connect to PancakeSwap. Confirm it. This video shows you every step in the process. And… There you go! You’re all set. Now you’re able to buy thousands of cryptocurrencies in a few instants! At the top left corner of the screen, you can select “Trade”, then “Exchange” so you can convert your money into other digital assets. How to buy CSHOP? Click on this link. You’ll have to import the token to your wallet so you can make the exchanges. Click on “I understand”, then “Import”. Now you can trade your coins for CSHOP and vice versa. Pretty straightforward, isn’t it? Easier than opening a bank account, that’s for sure. Why use CSHOP? You can buy and sell goods and services by using a single token — no conversions required. There’s more: you’ll get a 15% discount on each purchase by using CSHOP. Just pay the network fee and you’re good to go. You’ll never be charged by surprise. Register now at CoinShopp!	56f9f8e8-027a-5fec-9fdc-d5a924d08db1	25/08/2025 15:57:59
https://medium.com/@sarahkatedoherty/caring-for-my-mental-health-during-isolation-f46ef26943d1	medium.com	Caring For My Mental Health During Isolation	4 things I’ve been focusing on to stay positive during an unknowing time.	Sarah Kate	https://medium.com/@sarahkatedoherty	f46ef26943d1	https://miro.medium.com/…RPQiRdGlojw.jpeg	2 min	2020-05-10T16:41:51.905000	2020-05-20T11:46:08.809000	2022-03-30T21:11:04.015000	0	71	en	Lockdown,Isolation,Mental Health,Stay Positive,Covid-19	<section> <h3>4 things I’ve been focusing on to stay positive during an unknowing time.</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3024/1*-LdwB6vjDHGRPQiRdGlojw.jpeg" width="3024" height="4032" loading="lazy" /> <p>Firstly, can we just take a second to appreciate how cute my dog is.</p> <p>Thanks.</p> <p>So, we’ve been in lockdown for what feels like forever. Unfortunately, like many others, I lost my job and have been feeling trapped, stressed, anxious and alot of feelings I’m sure most people have been feeling recently.</p> <p>Actually, those feelings aren’t just from lockdown they are just very much heightened right now.</p> <p>Life can change so quickly. One minute you’re going out to work and the next minute, you’re unemployed and don’t know when the next payday will be.</p> <p>I’ve been doing a few things to help care for my mental health and stay positive during this time.</p> <h1>1. Routine</h1> <p>Just because you’re stuck at home does not mean you should just sleep all day. Even with no actual reason to get out of bed, I’ve continued to get up around 7/8am every morning (with the odd sleep in at the weekends of course).</p> <p>Tip: Set an alarm for the morning but also one for the evening. Setting a bedtime will really help keep your sleeping pattern in check.</p> <h2>2. Hobbies</h2> <p>I’ll admit, the first 2 weeks off lockdown and unemployment I moped around the house watching netflix and snacking all day.</p> <p>Don’t get me wrong, I love a good sofa day, binge watching Love at First Sight and Too Hot to Handle but there comes a point where enough is enough.</p> <p>I was getting up early to watch netflix all day???</p> <h3>Time for me to get some hobbies. Here’s what I’ve come up with:</h3> <ul> <li>Cooking</li> <li>Gardening</li> <li>Exercise</li> <li>Reading/writing</li> <li>House organising (not really a hobby but something to do)</li> </ul> <p>I mowed the lawn last week and didn’t break the lawn mower and personally think I did a great job.</p> <p>Tip from my brother: Don’t mow over the lawn mowers cable. I don’t know who needs to hear that but I thought it was helpful.</p> <h2>3. Exercise</h2> <p>For a while the UK government allowed us to go outdoors once a day for one form of exercise. Take advantage of this.</p> <p>Fresh air is good.</p> <p>Vitamin D is good.</p> <p>Good for the mind & changes your mood instantly.</p> <p>However, if you can’t get outdoors for whatever reason, I recommend a home work out. Many celebrities have been doing Instagram live workouts. You can do them live or play it back whenever you’re ready.</p> <p>Tip: I like to get the workout done and dusted early in the morning. It can kick start your day and keep you motivated.</p> <h2>4. Self care</h2> <p>Pamper yourself. Treat yourself. Take time for you. You don’t need to be going anyway to make yourself look good, feel good.</p> <p>Do your hair, make up or paint your nails because why not?</p> <p>Enjoy a long hot bath with candles.</p> <p>Switch off for a moment and relax.</p> <p>Remember this unknowing time isn’t forever.</p> <p>It’s okay to not be okay. You can have bad days.</p> <p>Be there for each other. A simple message to or from a friend can go a long way.</p> <h3>How are you getting through lockdown? I would love any tips, advice or even recipes ideas to try next.</h3> <p>Thanks for reading!</p> </section>	Caring For My Mental Health During Isolation 4 things I’ve been focusing on to stay positive during an unknowing time. Firstly, can we just take a second to appreciate how cute my dog is. Thanks. So, we’ve been in lockdown for what feels like forever. Unfortunately, like many others, I lost my job and have been feeling trapped, stressed, anxious and alot of feelings I’m sure most people have been feeling recently. Actually, those feelings aren’t just from lockdown they are just very much heightened right now. Life can change so quickly. One minute you’re going out to work and the next minute, you’re unemployed and don’t know when the next payday will be. I’ve been doing a few things to help care for my mental health and stay positive during this time. 1. Routine Just because you’re stuck at home does not mean you should just sleep all day. Even with no actual reason to get out of bed, I’ve continued to get up around 7/8am every morning (with the odd sleep in at the weekends of course). Tip: Set an alarm for the morning but also one for the evening. Setting a bedtime will really help keep your sleeping pattern in check. 2. Hobbies I’ll admit, the first 2 weeks off lockdown and unemployment I moped around the house watching netflix and snacking all day. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good sofa day, binge watching Love at First Sight and Too Hot to Handle but there comes a point where enough is enough. I was getting up early to watch netflix all day??? Time for me to get some hobbies. Here’s what I’ve come up with: Cooking Gardening Exercise Reading/writing House organising (not really a hobby but something to do) I mowed the lawn last week and didn’t break the lawn mower and personally think I did a great job. Tip from my brother: Don’t mow over the lawn mowers cable. I don’t know who needs to hear that but I thought it was helpful. 3. Exercise For a while the UK government allowed us to go outdoors once a day for one form of exercise. Take advantage of this. Fresh air is good. Vitamin D is good. Good for the mind & changes your mood instantly. However, if you can’t get outdoors for whatever reason, I recommend a home work out. Many celebrities have been doing Instagram live workouts. You can do them live or play it back whenever you’re ready. Tip: I like to get the workout done and dusted early in the morning. It can kick start your day and keep you motivated. 4. Self care Pamper yourself. Treat yourself. Take time for you. You don’t need to be going anyway to make yourself look good, feel good. Do your hair, make up or paint your nails because why not? Enjoy a long hot bath with candles. Switch off for a moment and relax. Remember this unknowing time isn’t forever. It’s okay to not be okay. You can have bad days. Be there for each other. A simple message to or from a friend can go a long way. How are you getting through lockdown? I would love any tips, advice or even recipes ideas to try next. Thanks for reading!	478ff56d-22aa-509e-9210-97c8932dc0a4	25/08/2025 15:57:59
https://medium.com/@wikis/useful-services-blockchain-ico-6a3365a38938	medium.com	Useful services blockchain/ICO	It seems that everyday there is a new altcoin or a new blockchain capital market company. As the market is evolving at a rapid pace, I…	twiki	https://medium.com/@wikis	6a3365a38938	https://miro.medium.com/…1SsyrNx6seow.png	9 min	2018-08-02T17:19:51.992000	2018-08-02T17:21:28.969000	2018-08-02T17:21:29.479000	0	11	en	Blockchain,ICO,Bounty Program,Airdrop,Crowdsale	<section> <p><em>It seems that everyday there is a new altcoin or a new blockchain capital market company. As the market is evolving at a rapid pace, I thought it could be useful to share my landscape in order to gather feedback and also to flag all my typos/errors…PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS. Also, I am very happy to have a chat or share notes, just email me at <strong>ebrunet40@g</em>mail.com</strong></p> <p><em>“</em>I<a href="https://arstechnica.co.uk/tech-policy/2017/05/bitcoin-record-value/">f you bought £650 of Bitcoin in 2010 it would be worth £27 million today</a>.” Great. I may have missed the only opportunity to become a High Net Worth Individual (HNWI). <strong>Awesome</strong>.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1268/1jDuZi7KB8i2MwsoOpZgvaw.png" width="1268" height="433" loading="lazy" /> <p>There has never been a time when people talked more about Bitcoin or about crypto currency in general. A recent example of this sudden interest was when some high school friends asked me on Facebook if they should buy some Bitcoins — <a href="http://bitcorati.com/2013/11/13/10-reasons-why-the-value-of-bitcoin-is-skyrocketing/">doesn’t it remind you of the Bitcoin spike in 2013</a>?</p> <p>In the latest newsletter of <a href="http://www.socialcapital.com/">Social Capital</a>, the questions <em>“Is this really the critical next step we’ve been waiting for? Do regular people even understand the problem that the blockchain ecosystem is trying to solve?”</em> were asked. I think it is just too early to tell. Could you have foreseen in 1973 that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple_Mail_Transfer_Protocol">SMTP</a> (aka email) would still be used in 2017 and that it would be one of the most important messaging protocols? I am pretty sure not.</p> <p>Blockchain may not be the solution to all problems and it is very much still a technology looking to solve a problem. However, it does provide a solution to an increasingly centralised internet in which few private companies control/manage/share users’ data as well as make decisions on what users should see or not (I still don’t understand why my Twitter Moment looks more like the front page of <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/">the Sun</a> rather than<a href="http://www.wired.co.uk/"> Wired</a>. Could Blockchain help?).</p> <p>However, I was stoked when a former high school friend asked me about ICOs “Are you long Augur?”. If you don’t know what an ICO or Token is, I would recommend you to read <em><a href="https://medium.com/@balajis/thoughts-on-tokens-436109a</em>abcbe">Thoughts on Tokens By Balaji S. Srinivasan and Naval Ravikant</a>. Tokens solve the chicken-and-egg network adoption problem that most open source technologies face by adding a speculative ingredient called Tokens. Also, read <em><a href="https://www.usv.com/b</em>log/fat-protocols">Fat protocols by Joel Monégro</a> and<em> <a href="htt</em>ps://blog.gdax.com/how-to-raise-money-on-a-blockchain-with-a-token-510562c9cdfa">Fred Ehrsam</a>.</p> <p>As a VC / private investor, I find tokens super interesting. Tokens are open to all, with a revenue based on community momentum and have a proper liquid market. However, the lack of regulation, investor rights (Where is my founder vesting?) and code security implications seem to limit for the moment a broad adoption.</p> <p>Like most people I read about <a href="http://polychain.capital/">Polychain</a>, a crypto hedge fund started by Olaf Carlson-Wee (former Coinbase). However, I was surprised to find a long list of market participants in this new asset class. I created this landscape (see below) to provide a better understanding of the list of participants and their place in the ecosystem. I am sure I forgot names, missed a point etc… <strong>PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS / FEEDBACK.</strong></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/1kdgIq_BhXa1SsyrNx6seow.png" width="1280" height="720" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>Polychain example</strong>: <em>Imagine you are USV, you have invested into Polychain Capital which invests through an exchange directly or via a market maker into protocols. Like any investors, Polychain can use market data, general research and ICO research for their due diligence. In addition, Polychain could ask for legal or financial advisors. Finally, they could also use the service of cold storage companies.</em></p> <h1>VCs Using Equity</h1> <p>VCs invest in blockchain companies in exchange of an equity stake. This is the ‘classic’ early stage investment. However, as others have pointed out investing in company building the protocol may not lead to a classic M&A or IPO as the network can grow on its own. These investors may decide to invest directly via tokens or use their equity stake to be closer to companies. Alternatively, some LPs may not be a fan of having tokens limiting the investment mandate of most fund.</p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="http://f</strong>enbushi.vc/index_en.html">Fenbushi Capital</a> (CN): Founded in 2015, Fenbushi Capital is the first China-based venture capital firm that exclusively invests in Blockchain-enabled companies.</li> </ul> <h2>VCs using a mix of equity and tokens</h2> <p>These are the the next-gen investors. Some invest directly in tokens as they believe that it will drive more returns than direct investing. Others also invest in crypto hedge fund. An interesting point is that the trio of investors USV, A16Z and BoostVC, have invested intro Polychain. This was one of the first times that VCs invested into a hedge fund.</p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://w</strong>inklevosscapital.com/">Winklevoss Capital</a> (US): Winklevoss Capital is a family office founded in 2012 by Tyler Winklevoss and Cameron Winklevoss. The firm invests across many asset classes with an emphasis on providing seed funding and infrastructure to early-stage startups.</li> <li><strong><a href="http://b</strong>lueyard.com/">BlueYard Capital </a>(DE): BlueYard invests in founders with transforming ideas that decentralise markets, empower users and liberate data.</li> <li><strong><a href="http://bl</strong>ockchain.capital/">Blockchain Capital</a> (US): Blockchain Capital is a venture capital company that invests in blockchain related companies. It is headquartered in San Francisco, California.</li> <li><strong><a href="http://dcg.co</strong>/">Digital Currency Group</a> (US): Digital Currency Group is an venture capital company focusing on the digital currency market. It is located in New York City.</li> <li><strong><a href</strong>="https://panteracapital.com/">Pantera</a> (US): Pantera Capital is an investment firm focused exclusively on ventures related to blockchain tech and digital currency.</li> <li><strong><a h</strong>ref="http://dfj.com/">DFJ </a>(US): Draper Fisher Jurvetson is a California-based venture capital firm that funds companies in seed, early, and growth stages.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://www.</strong>usv.com/">Union Square Ventures</a> (US): thesis-driven venture capital firm. It invest in networks, infrastructure for the new economy, and enablers of open, decentralized data.</li> <li><strong><a href=</strong>"https://www.boost.vc/">Boost VC</a> (US): A family of founders making Sci-Fi a Reality.</li> <li><strong><a href="http://a1</strong>6z.com/about/">Andreesen Horowitz</a> (US): Andreessen Horowitz backs bold entrepreneurs who move fast, think big, and are committed to building the next major franchises in technology.</li> </ul> <h2>Crypto Hedge funds</h2> <p>These are my favourite animals. Most of them started by investing in Bitcoin and then expanded into altcoins recently. Some of them with the most innovative approach to investing are Polychain Capital and Mestable. Both adopt a short term trading strategy coupled with a long term value. Moreover, they have an emphasis on code due diligence and security.</p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="http://p</strong>olychain.capital/">Polychain Capital</a> (US): Polychain Capital manages a hedge fund committed to exceptional returns for investors through an actively managed portfolio of these blockchain assets.</li> <li><strong>BKCM</strong> (US): BKCM LLC is a global investment management firm specializing in Global Macro and Currency investing.</li> <li><strong><a href="https:</strong>//thetoken.io/">The Token fund</a> (RU):<strong> </strong>The Token Fund provides an opportunity for investors looking for the simplest way to get into the decentralised economy.</li> <li><strong><a href="h</strong>ttp://metastablecapital.com/">MetaStable</a> (US): Founded by Lucas Ryan, Joshua Seims and Naval Ravikant. It offers a concentrated portfolio of crypto assets that have the strongest chance of emerging as long-term winners across a wide basket of use cases (store of value, smart contracts, stable coin, prediction markets, anonymity, storage, new approaches to governance and consensus, etc.).</li> <li><strong><a href="ht</strong>tp://exagonfund.com/">Exagon Fund</a> (US): Exagon’s vision is to create investment strategies that provide potentially high-yielding, uncorrelated returns in a world of low-yielding, correlated assets.</li> <li><strong><a href="http</strong>s://ethercapital.com/">Ether Capital</a> (CH): Ether Capital typically invests at least 80% of its total net assets in large market cap high-yielding cryptocurrencies and initial coin offerings (ICO) of projects which has been approved by a team of experts.</li> <li><strong><a href="http:/</strong>/www.soliduscapital.io/">Solidus Capital</a> (MX): We are a Hedge Fund specialized in Cryptocurrencies Investments focused in Latam’s Family Offices, VC and High Net Worth Individuals as investors.</li> <li><strong><a h</strong>ref="http://www.globaladvisors.co.uk/">GABI</a> (UK/JERSEY): Global Advisors (Jersey) Limited has created the first institutional-grade Bitcoin investment strategy (“GABI”).</li> <li><strong><a href="http://www</strong>.hyperchaincapital.com/">HyperChain Capital </a>(SG): Since 2013, HyperChain is a digital assets hedge fund focused on blockchain based projects, decentralized protocols and ICO’s (Initial Coin Offerings).</li> <li><strong><a href="https</strong>://cryptofundag.ch/en/">Crypto Fund AG </a>(CH): Still on fundraising phase, the company is based in Zug and is planning to launch in Q4 2018 an index [<a href="https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/69604/former-ubs-innovation-lead-establishes-cryptocurrency-fund">see more info</a>]</li> <li><strong><a href=</strong>"https://blog.coinfund.io/">Coinfund</a> (US): A blockchain technology research company and proprietary cryptoasset investment vehicle.</li> </ul> <h2>HNWI / INDIVIDUAL TRADERS</h2> <p>It includes everyone such as Coinbase/Bitstamp/Bitfinex account and who is doing daily trading and holding strategy. It also includes your friend who bought Bitcoin four years ago and now is a millionaire.</p> <h2>Market Data</h2> <p>Just like Bloomberg, IHSMarkit or Thomson Reuters in the classic capital markets world, investors need data. These companies are some of the most used data providers in the Blockchain ecosystem:</p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://coinmarketcap.com/"</strong>>CryptoCurrency Market Capitalization</a></li> <li><strong><a href="http</strong>s://bravenewcoin.com/">Brave NewCoin</a>: BNC delivers blockchain and digital-asset markets news, data, analysis, industry resources and a wide range of data solutions.</li> <li><strong><a href</strong>="https://coincap.io/">CoinCap</a></li> <li><strong><a href="</strong>https://www.coingecko.com/en">CoinGecko</a></li> <li><strong><a href="</strong>https://www.coinhills.com/">Coinhills</a></li> </ul> <h2>General Market Research</h2> <p>Similar to equity research and general research companies like Gartner or Frost. These firms are doing an awesome job of writing sector deep dives, company analysis… Some investment banks have also started to write some research but these three companies have the most IP.</p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="h</strong>ttps://coincenter.org/">Coincenter</a>: Coin Center is the leading non-profit focused on the policy issues facing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.</li> <li><strong><a href="h</strong>ttps://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiM96r715rUAhXLJcAKHaEwDYMQFgguMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fark-invest.com%2F&usg=AFQjCNHED8BE3sTqrFbWsKe6e6qbV3I7oQ">Ark Invest</a> (US): ARK Invest focuses solely on disruptive innovation and offers strategies to investors who seek to capture long-term capital appreciation and alpha.</li> <li><strong><a href="http</strong>s://www.smithandcrown.com/">Smith + Crown</a> (US): The leading source of original research, reporting and analysis for cryptofinancial markets, bitcoin, blockchain technology, and digital currencies.</li> </ul> <h2>ICO Market Research</h2> <p>With more focus on the ICO, these companies provide investors all the insights and knowledge needed in order for them not to miss the next hot ICO.</p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="h</strong>ttp://icorating.com/">ICORating </a>(RU): ICOrating (icorating.com) is a rating agency that provides independent analytical research.</li> <li><strong><a href="ht</strong>tps://tokenmarket.net/">TokenMarket</a>: Trade and research tokens and cryptocurrencies. Organize crowdsales and ICOs.</li> <li><strong><a href="https:</strong>//www.icocountdown.com/">ICO Countdown</a>: Gives spotlight to new crypto projects with a focus on crowdfunding methodology, also conducts due diligence to ascertain viability of these projects.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://ww</strong>w.icoalert.com/">ICO Altert Report</a>: The trusted source for analysis of active and upcoming Initial Coin Offerings.</li> </ul> <h2>Protocols</h2> <p>A short list of some of the most well known protocols. Let me know if I missed any major one!</p> <ul> <li><strong><a href=</strong>"https://www.ethereum.org/">Ethereum</a></li> <li><strong><a href</strong>="https://z.cash/">Zcash</a>: Zcash is the first open, permissionless cryptocurrency that can fully protect the privacy of transactions using zero-knowledge cryptography.</li> <li><strong><a href="h</strong>ttps://blockstack.org/">Blockstack</a>: Blockstack is a new decentralized internet where users own their data and apps run locally.</li> <li><strong><a h</strong>ref="https://ipfs.io/">IPFS</a>: A peer-to-peer hypermedia protocol to make the web faster, safer, and more open.</li> <li><strong><a hr</strong>ef="https://www.tezos.com/">Tezos</a>: Tezos is a new decentralized blockchain that governs itself by establishing a true digital commonwealth.</li> <li><strong><a</strong> href="https://0xproject.com/">0x</a>: The Ethereum blockchain has become host to a variety of digital assets, with more being created every month.</li> <li><strong><a href="h</strong>ttps://litecoin.com/">Litecoin</a>: Global decentralised currency based on blockchain technology.</li> <li><strong><a href="</strong>https://bitcoin.org/en/">Bitcoin</a>: Bitcoin uses peer-to-peer technology to operate with no central authority or banks; managing transactions and the issuing of bitcoins is carried out collectively by the network.</li> <li><strong><a hre</strong>f="https://www.dash.org/">Dash</a>: First self governing, self funding protocol.</li> </ul> <h2>Protocols investing in other protocols</h2> <p>These are interesting cats, equivalent to blockchain-VCs. However, they use distributed ledger technology to avoid the legal and LPs challenges that one may face when raising a tokens fund…</p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="htt</strong>p://www.citizenhex.com/">Citizen Hex</a>: An ethereum liquidity company.</li> <li><strong><a h</strong>ref="https://taas.fund/">TAAS</a>: Tokenized closed end fund that allows its investors to capitalise on the rise of blockchain markets.</li> <li><strong><a href="</strong>https://www.iconomi.net/">Iconomi</a>: Technical service that allows anyone from beginners to blockchain experts to invest and manage digital assets.</li> <li><strong><a href="ht</strong>tps://tokens.vc/">Tokens.vc</a>: Only accept cryptocurrency, issue digital assets and use the wisdom of the crowd to direct actions and make investment.</li> </ul> <h2>Exchanges</h2> <p>List of some of the most important exchanges. Let me know which one is your favourite!</p> <ul> <li><strong><a href=</strong>"https://www.bithumb.com/">Bithumb</a>: Korea’s #1 Virtual Currency Exchange</li> <li><strong><a href</strong>="https://coinone.co.kr/">Coinone</a>:<strong> </strong>Korean crypto exchange</li> <li><strong><a href="</strong>https://poloniex.com/">Poloniex</a>: US-based cryptocurrency exchange offering maximum security and advanced trading features</li> <li><strong><a hre</strong>f="https://gemini.com/">Gemini</a>: The first U.S. exchange licensed for bitcoin and ether trading.</li> <li><strong><a href="</strong>https://www.bitstamp.net/">Bitstamp</a>: Licensed in Luxembourg crypto exchange</li> <li><strong><a href=</strong>"https://www.kraken.com/">Kraken</a>: One of the most secured crypto exchange</li> <li><strong><a href="</strong>https://changelly.com/">Changelly</a>:<strong> </strong>Instant cryptocurrency exchange with clear interface that provides the best prices for Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and other altcoins.</li> <li><strong><a href="</strong>https://www.bitfinex.com/">Bitfinex:</a> One of the largest crypto exchane</li> <li><strong><a h</strong>ref="https://www.gdax.com/">GDAX</a>: Offers institutions and professionals the ability to trade a variety of digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more on a regulated U.S. based exchange. Part of Coinbase</li> <li><strong><a href="h</strong>ttps://shapeshift.io/#/coins">Shapeshift</a>: Leading instant digital asset exchange, supporting dozens of blockchain tokens including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, Zcash, Dash, Dogeco</li> </ul> <h2>Market makers</h2> <p>When you need to sell/buy a large bloc of Bitcoin you call these guys.</p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="https:</strong>//genesistrading.com/">Genesis Trading</a>: Genesis Global Trading, Inc. is an institutional trading firm offering two-sided liquidity for digital currency, including bitcoin and ether.</li> <li><strong><a href="http://</strong>binaryfin.com/about/">Binary Financial</a>: Investment management company focused on providing superior returns for its clients and partners in the digital asset space.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://cumberla</strong>ndmining.com/">Cumberland Minding (DRW) </a>(US): Cumberland is the leading OTC liquidity provider in the digital currency space (including Bitcoin). Cumberland is a subsidiary of DRW Trading, a prominent financial trading firm. As one of the few institutional trading firms in the digital currency space, Cumberland helps provide global liquidity to the overall ecosystem through competitive markets/prices.</li> </ul> <h2>Financial & legal advisors</h2> <p>Argon just helped to fundraise the<a href="https://blockchaincapital.tokenhub.com/"> $10m ICO of blockchain capital</a> and is the equivalent of Goldman Sachs in the crypto world. The other two are some of the leading law firms providing legal advice to Blockchain companies.</p> <ul> <li><strong><a href="ht</strong>tps://argongroup.com/">Argon Group</a>: The only technology-first investment bank focused exclusively on the digital finance sector.</li> <li><strong><a hre</strong>f="https://www.cooley.com/people/marco-santori">Cooley</a>: Marco Santori leads Cooley’s fintech practice, and is an authority in the law of blockchain technology.</li> <li><strong><a href="htt</strong>ps://www.perkinscoie.com/en/industries/technology-media-entertainment/blockchain-technology-digital-currency.html">Perkins Cois</a>: Law firm with a blockchain practice</li> <li><strong><a </strong>href="http://www.mme.ch/en/">MME</a>: Has assisted Ethereum (Protocol), Tezos (Protocol), Dfinity (Protocol), Interchain (Interchain of Protocols), Golem (Dapp), Melonport (Dapp), Lisk (Protocol), SingularDTV (Dapp), Wings (Dapp)</li> </ul> <h2>Cold Storage</h2> <p>When you need best-in class cold storage.</p> <ul> <li><strong><a hre</strong>f="https://www.ledgerwallet.com/">Ledger</a> (FR): Ledger Wallet is a smartcard based Bitcoin hardware wallet bringing maximum protection level to your bitcoins without sacrificing usability or control.</li> <li><strong><a href</strong>="https://trezor.io/?a=reviewsera.com">Trezor </a>(US): One of the first Bitcoin cold storage wallet.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://w</strong>ww.cryptofacilities.com/">Cripto Facilities</a> (UK): London-based financial services firm and provides risk management and trading solutions around digital assets such as bitcoin.</li> </ul> <p>Thank you taking the time to read this post!</p> </section>	Useful services blockchain/ICO It seems that everyday there is a new altcoin or a new blockchain capital market company. As the market is evolving at a rapid pace, I thought it could be useful to share my landscape in order to gather feedback and also to flag all my typos/errors…PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS. Also, I am very happy to have a chat or share notes, just email me at [email protected] “If you bought £650 of Bitcoin in 2010 it would be worth £27 million today.” Great. I may have missed the only opportunity to become a High Net Worth Individual (HNWI). Awesome. Bitcoin Google Trends from Feb 2011 to May 2017 There has never been a time when people talked more about Bitcoin or about crypto currency in general. A recent example of this sudden interest was when some high school friends asked me on Facebook if they should buy some Bitcoins — doesn’t it remind you of the Bitcoin spike in 2013? In the latest newsletter of Social Capital, the questions “Is this really the critical next step we’ve been waiting for? Do regular people even understand the problem that the blockchain ecosystem is trying to solve?” were asked. I think it is just too early to tell. Could you have foreseen in 1973 that SMTP (aka email) would still be used in 2017 and that it would be one of the most important messaging protocols? I am pretty sure not. Blockchain may not be the solution to all problems and it is very much still a technology looking to solve a problem. However, it does provide a solution to an increasingly centralised internet in which few private companies control/manage/share users’ data as well as make decisions on what users should see or not (I still don’t understand why my Twitter Moment looks more like the front page of the Sun rather than Wired. Could Blockchain help?). However, I was stoked when a former high school friend asked me about ICOs “Are you long Augur?”. If you don’t know what an ICO or Token is, I would recommend you to read Thoughts on Tokens By Balaji S. Srinivasan and Naval Ravikant. Tokens solve the chicken-and-egg network adoption problem that most open source technologies face by adding a speculative ingredient called Tokens. Also, read Fat protocols by Joel Monégro and Fred Ehrsam. As a VC / private investor, I find tokens super interesting. Tokens are open to all, with a revenue based on community momentum and have a proper liquid market. However, the lack of regulation, investor rights (Where is my founder vesting?) and code security implications seem to limit for the moment a broad adoption. Like most people I read about Polychain, a crypto hedge fund started by Olaf Carlson-Wee (former Coinbase). However, I was surprised to find a long list of market participants in this new asset class. I created this landscape (see below) to provide a better understanding of the list of participants and their place in the ecosystem. I am sure I forgot names, missed a point etc… PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS / FEEDBACK. My Token / ICO / Blockchain Capital Markets Landscape Polychain example: Imagine you are USV, you have invested into Polychain Capital which invests through an exchange directly or via a market maker into protocols. Like any investors, Polychain can use market data, general research and ICO research for their due diligence. In addition, Polychain could ask for legal or financial advisors. Finally, they could also use the service of cold storage companies. VCs Using Equity VCs invest in blockchain companies in exchange of an equity stake. This is the ‘classic’ early stage investment. However, as others have pointed out investing in company building the protocol may not lead to a classic M&A or IPO as the network can grow on its own. These investors may decide to invest directly via tokens or use their equity stake to be closer to companies. Alternatively, some LPs may not be a fan of having tokens limiting the investment mandate of most fund. Fenbushi Capital (CN): Founded in 2015, Fenbushi Capital is the first China-based venture capital firm that exclusively invests in Blockchain-enabled companies. VCs using a mix of equity and tokens These are the the next-gen investors. Some invest directly in tokens as they believe that it will drive more returns than direct investing. Others also invest in crypto hedge fund. An interesting point is that the trio of investors USV, A16Z and BoostVC, have invested intro Polychain. This was one of the first times that VCs invested into a hedge fund. Winklevoss Capital (US): Winklevoss Capital is a family office founded in 2012 by Tyler Winklevoss and Cameron Winklevoss. The firm invests across many asset classes with an emphasis on providing seed funding and infrastructure to early-stage startups. BlueYard Capital (DE): BlueYard invests in founders with transforming ideas that decentralise markets, empower users and liberate data. Blockchain Capital (US): Blockchain Capital is a venture capital company that invests in blockchain related companies. It is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Digital Currency Group (US): Digital Currency Group is an venture capital company focusing on the digital currency market. It is located in New York City. Pantera (US): Pantera Capital is an investment firm focused exclusively on ventures related to blockchain tech and digital currency. DFJ (US): Draper Fisher Jurvetson is a California-based venture capital firm that funds companies in seed, early, and growth stages. Union Square Ventures (US): thesis-driven venture capital firm. It invest in networks, infrastructure for the new economy, and enablers of open, decentralized data. Boost VC (US): A family of founders making Sci-Fi a Reality. Andreesen Horowitz (US): Andreessen Horowitz backs bold entrepreneurs who move fast, think big, and are committed to building the next major franchises in technology. Crypto Hedge funds These are my favourite animals. Most of them started by investing in Bitcoin and then expanded into altcoins recently. Some of them with the most innovative approach to investing are Polychain Capital and Mestable. Both adopt a short term trading strategy coupled with a long term value. Moreover, they have an emphasis on code due diligence and security. Polychain Capital (US): Polychain Capital manages a hedge fund committed to exceptional returns for investors through an actively managed portfolio of these blockchain assets. BKCM (US): BKCM LLC is a global investment management firm specializing in Global Macro and Currency investing. The Token fund (RU): The Token Fund provides an opportunity for investors looking for the simplest way to get into the decentralised economy. MetaStable (US): Founded by Lucas Ryan, Joshua Seims and Naval Ravikant. It offers a concentrated portfolio of crypto assets that have the strongest chance of emerging as long-term winners across a wide basket of use cases (store of value, smart contracts, stable coin, prediction markets, anonymity, storage, new approaches to governance and consensus, etc.). Exagon Fund (US): Exagon’s vision is to create investment strategies that provide potentially high-yielding, uncorrelated returns in a world of low-yielding, correlated assets. Ether Capital (CH): Ether Capital typically invests at least 80% of its total net assets in large market cap high-yielding cryptocurrencies and initial coin offerings (ICO) of projects which has been approved by a team of experts. Solidus Capital (MX): We are a Hedge Fund specialized in Cryptocurrencies Investments focused in Latam’s Family Offices, VC and High Net Worth Individuals as investors. GABI (UK/JERSEY): Global Advisors (Jersey) Limited has created the first institutional-grade Bitcoin investment strategy (“GABI”). HyperChain Capital (SG): Since 2013, HyperChain is a digital assets hedge fund focused on blockchain based projects, decentralized protocols and ICO’s (Initial Coin Offerings). Crypto Fund AG (CH): Still on fundraising phase, the company is based in Zug and is planning to launch in Q4 2018 an index [see more info] Coinfund (US): A blockchain technology research company and proprietary cryptoasset investment vehicle. HNWI / INDIVIDUAL TRADERS It includes everyone such as Coinbase/Bitstamp/Bitfinex account and who is doing daily trading and holding strategy. It also includes your friend who bought Bitcoin four years ago and now is a millionaire. Market Data Just like Bloomberg, IHSMarkit or Thomson Reuters in the classic capital markets world, investors need data. These companies are some of the most used data providers in the Blockchain ecosystem: CryptoCurrency Market Capitalization Brave NewCoin: BNC delivers blockchain and digital-asset markets news, data, analysis, industry resources and a wide range of data solutions. CoinCap CoinGecko Coinhills General Market Research Similar to equity research and general research companies like Gartner or Frost. These firms are doing an awesome job of writing sector deep dives, company analysis… Some investment banks have also started to write some research but these three companies have the most IP. Coincenter: Coin Center is the leading non-profit focused on the policy issues facing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Ark Invest (US): ARK Invest focuses solely on disruptive innovation and offers strategies to investors who seek to capture long-term capital appreciation and alpha. Smith + Crown (US): The leading source of original research, reporting and analysis for cryptofinancial markets, bitcoin, blockchain technology, and digital currencies. ICO Market Research With more focus on the ICO, these companies provide investors all the insights and knowledge needed in order for them not to miss the next hot ICO. ICORating (RU): ICOrating (icorating.com) is a rating agency that provides independent analytical research. TokenMarket: Trade and research tokens and cryptocurrencies. Organize crowdsales and ICOs. ICO Countdown: Gives spotlight to new crypto projects with a focus on crowdfunding methodology, also conducts due diligence to ascertain viability of these projects. ICO Altert Report: The trusted source for analysis of active and upcoming Initial Coin Offerings. Protocols A short list of some of the most well known protocols. Let me know if I missed any major one! Ethereum Zcash: Zcash is the first open, permissionless cryptocurrency that can fully protect the privacy of transactions using zero-knowledge cryptography. Blockstack: Blockstack is a new decentralized internet where users own their data and apps run locally. IPFS: A peer-to-peer hypermedia protocol to make the web faster, safer, and more open. Tezos: Tezos is a new decentralized blockchain that governs itself by establishing a true digital commonwealth. 0x: The Ethereum blockchain has become host to a variety of digital assets, with more being created every month. Litecoin: Global decentralised currency based on blockchain technology. Bitcoin: Bitcoin uses peer-to-peer technology to operate with no central authority or banks; managing transactions and the issuing of bitcoins is carried out collectively by the network. Dash: First self governing, self funding protocol. Protocols investing in other protocols These are interesting cats, equivalent to blockchain-VCs. However, they use distributed ledger technology to avoid the legal and LPs challenges that one may face when raising a tokens fund… Citizen Hex: An ethereum liquidity company. TAAS: Tokenized closed end fund that allows its investors to capitalise on the rise of blockchain markets. Iconomi: Technical service that allows anyone from beginners to blockchain experts to invest and manage digital assets. Tokens.vc: Only accept cryptocurrency, issue digital assets and use the wisdom of the crowd to direct actions and make investment. Exchanges List of some of the most important exchanges. Let me know which one is your favourite! Bithumb: Korea’s #1 Virtual Currency Exchange Coinone: Korean crypto exchange Poloniex: US-based cryptocurrency exchange offering maximum security and advanced trading features Gemini: The first U.S. exchange licensed for bitcoin and ether trading. Bitstamp: Licensed in Luxembourg crypto exchange Kraken: One of the most secured crypto exchange Changelly: Instant cryptocurrency exchange with clear interface that provides the best prices for Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and other altcoins. Bitfinex: One of the largest crypto exchane GDAX: Offers institutions and professionals the ability to trade a variety of digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more on a regulated U.S. based exchange. Part of Coinbase Shapeshift: Leading instant digital asset exchange, supporting dozens of blockchain tokens including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Monero, Zcash, Dash, Dogeco Market makers When you need to sell/buy a large bloc of Bitcoin you call these guys. Genesis Trading: Genesis Global Trading, Inc. is an institutional trading firm offering two-sided liquidity for digital currency, including bitcoin and ether. Binary Financial: Investment management company focused on providing superior returns for its clients and partners in the digital asset space. Cumberland Minding (DRW) (US): Cumberland is the leading OTC liquidity provider in the digital currency space (including Bitcoin). Cumberland is a subsidiary of DRW Trading, a prominent financial trading firm. As one of the few institutional trading firms in the digital currency space, Cumberland helps provide global liquidity to the overall ecosystem through competitive markets/prices. Financial & legal advisors Argon just helped to fundraise the $10m ICO of blockchain capital and is the equivalent of Goldman Sachs in the crypto world. The other two are some of the leading law firms providing legal advice to Blockchain companies. Argon Group: The only technology-first investment bank focused exclusively on the digital finance sector. Cooley: Marco Santori leads Cooley’s fintech practice, and is an authority in the law of blockchain technology. Perkins Cois: Law firm with a blockchain practice MME: Has assisted Ethereum (Protocol), Tezos (Protocol), Dfinity (Protocol), Interchain (Interchain of Protocols), Golem (Dapp), Melonport (Dapp), Lisk (Protocol), SingularDTV (Dapp), Wings (Dapp) Cold Storage When you need best-in class cold storage. Ledger (FR): Ledger Wallet is a smartcard based Bitcoin hardware wallet bringing maximum protection level to your bitcoins without sacrificing usability or control. Trezor (US): One of the first Bitcoin cold storage wallet. Cripto Facilities (UK): London-based financial services firm and provides risk management and trading solutions around digital assets such as bitcoin. Thank you taking the time to read this post!	5de34dd6-023a-5ac0-b04b-13769f2f235c	25/08/2025 15:57:59
https://medium.com/@Researchnovationaries/how-can-ai-and-the-redefine-imaginify-framework-transform-your-creative-process-59e0e134d2c4	medium.com	How Can AI and the Redefine Imaginify Framework Transform Your Creative Process?	Join in to chime into the topic on YouTube as we delve into the Redefine Imaginify framework and its transformative role in AI-assisted…	Researchnovationaries_Phd	https://medium.com/@Researchnovationaries	59e0e134d2c4	null	2 min	2025-08-23T17:16:08.138000	2025-08-23T17:20:05.526000	2025-08-23T18:27:38.965000	0	0	en	AI,Framework,Creativity,Design Process,YouTube	<section> <p></p> <p>Join in to chime into the topic on YouTube as we delve into the <strong>Redefine Imaginify</strong> framework and its transformative role in AI-assisted creativity. This session promises to be an enlightening exploration of how artificial intelligence collaborates with human intuition, enhancing artistic expression across various fields.</p> <h1>Discover the Power of Collaboration</h1> <p>In this engaging discussion, we will highlight inspiring case studies featuring:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Nyla</strong>, a visual artist who has harnessed AI to expand her creative horizons, blending traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to produce stunning works that challenge conventional boundaries.</li> <li><strong>Brody</strong>, a musician who integrates AI-driven tools into his songwriting process, allowing for unique melodies and innovative soundscapes that resonate with listeners in fresh ways.</li> </ul> <p>These artists exemplify how technology can amplify the creative process, leading to groundbreaking outcomes that neither could achieve alone.</p> <h2>Key Topics of Discussion</h2> <h2>The Future of Creativity</h2> <p>We’ll explore how AI is reshaping artistic landscapes, offering tools that assist in everything from ideation to execution. Learn how artists are using AI not just as a tool, but as a collaborative partner in their creative journeys.</p> <h2>Ethical Considerations</h2> <p>As we embrace AI in the arts, we must also address the ethical implications. How do we ensure that creativity remains authentic and that AI serves to enhance rather than overshadow the human experience? We’ll discuss the challenges and responsibilities that come with integrating AI into our creative practices.</p> <h2>The Human Touch</h2> <p>While AI can generate remarkable content, the human aspect of creativity is irreplaceable. We will emphasize the importance of maintaining our unique artistic voices and perspectives, ensuring that technology complements rather than defines our work.</p> <h2>Real-World Applications</h2> <p>Hear firsthand accounts from artists who have successfully integrated AI into their processes. Their insights will shed light on practical applications and inspire you to think about how you can leverage AI in your own creative endeavors.</p> <h2>Affirmation</h2> <p><em>“Collaboration with AI enhances my creativity, allowing me to explore new dimensions of artistic expression.”</em></p> <h2>Join the Conversation</h2> <p>Embrace the limitless possibilities that AI offers and learn how to integrate it thoughtfully into your creative practice. This is an opportunity to rethink the boundaries of artistic expression and to engage with a community of like-minded individuals passionate about innovation in the arts.</p> <h2>Hashtags</h2> <p>#Affirmations #Self-motivation #Love #AI #Youtube #Tiktok #AIandCreativity #RedefineImaginify #CollaborativeIntelligence #ArtisticInnovation #CreativeProcess #AIinArt #TransformYourArt #CreativeJourney #LimitlessCreativity #Inspiration #ArtandTechnology #EmpowerYourCreativity #FutureOfArt #EthicalCreativity #ArtisticExpression #InnovativeThinking #VisualArts #MusicInnovation #AIandMusic #CreativeCommunity #ArtisticVoice #Imaginify #AIforArtists #ArtisticCollaboration #ExploreCreativity #CreativityUnleashed</p> </section>	How Can AI and the Redefine Imaginify Framework Transform Your Creative Process? Join in to chime into the topic on YouTube as we delve into the Redefine Imaginify framework and its transformative role in AI-assisted creativity. This session promises to be an enlightening exploration of how artificial intelligence collaborates with human intuition, enhancing artistic expression across various fields. Discover the Power of Collaboration In this engaging discussion, we will highlight inspiring case studies featuring: Nyla, a visual artist who has harnessed AI to expand her creative horizons, blending traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to produce stunning works that challenge conventional boundaries. Brody, a musician who integrates AI-driven tools into his songwriting process, allowing for unique melodies and innovative soundscapes that resonate with listeners in fresh ways. These artists exemplify how technology can amplify the creative process, leading to groundbreaking outcomes that neither could achieve alone. Key Topics of Discussion The Future of Creativity We’ll explore how AI is reshaping artistic landscapes, offering tools that assist in everything from ideation to execution. Learn how artists are using AI not just as a tool, but as a collaborative partner in their creative journeys. Ethical Considerations As we embrace AI in the arts, we must also address the ethical implications. How do we ensure that creativity remains authentic and that AI serves to enhance rather than overshadow the human experience? We’ll discuss the challenges and responsibilities that come with integrating AI into our creative practices. The Human Touch While AI can generate remarkable content, the human aspect of creativity is irreplaceable. We will emphasize the importance of maintaining our unique artistic voices and perspectives, ensuring that technology complements rather than defines our work. Real-World Applications Hear firsthand accounts from artists who have successfully integrated AI into their processes. Their insights will shed light on practical applications and inspire you to think about how you can leverage AI in your own creative endeavors. Affirmation “Collaboration with AI enhances my creativity, allowing me to explore new dimensions of artistic expression.” Join the Conversation Embrace the limitless possibilities that AI offers and learn how to integrate it thoughtfully into your creative practice. This is an opportunity to rethink the boundaries of artistic expression and to engage with a community of like-minded individuals passionate about innovation in the arts. Hashtags #Affirmations #Self-motivation #Love #AI #Youtube #Tiktok #AIandCreativity #RedefineImaginify #CollaborativeIntelligence #ArtisticInnovation #CreativeProcess #AIinArt #TransformYourArt #CreativeJourney #LimitlessCreativity #Inspiration #ArtandTechnology #EmpowerYourCreativity #FutureOfArt #EthicalCreativity #ArtisticExpression #InnovativeThinking #VisualArts #MusicInnovation #AIandMusic #CreativeCommunity #ArtisticVoice #Imaginify #AIforArtists #ArtisticCollaboration #ExploreCreativity #CreativityUnleashed	8ed3914b-3cec-51e7-9bf3-983740fe2f73	25/08/2025 15:57:59
https://svitlanatitus.medium.com/some-websites-are-like-cakes-with-potato-mash-cream-919869e63d5e	medium.com	Some Websites are Like Cakes with Potato Mash Cream	Here’s the story. We have a WordPress website.	Svitlana Titus	https://medium.com/@svitlanatitus	919869e63d5e	https://miro.medium.com/…KTjs_stC1xRw.png	4 min	2018-03-19T12:15:45.248000	2018-03-19T16:49:29.521000	2020-07-04T19:37:03.482000	0	3	en	WordPress,Website,Website Development,Popups,Publishers	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/900/1Jdq-XnIHotKTjs_stC1xRw.png" width="900" height="600" loading="lazy" /> <p>Here’s the story. We have a WordPress website.</p> <p>To be exact, the team I’m working with bought a WordPress theme for our website. Then, we outsourced its customization to a freelancing dev guy.</p> <p><em>Let’s call him Jason.</em></p> <p>It’s actually not that easy to find a developer who’s eager to dive into WordPress waters. WP is known to resist customization in all the ways possible.</p> <p>I believe that all work should be respected. So take none of my following words as an accusation.</p> <p>It’s more like a piece of friendly advice to anyone who might be new to WP and learns new aspects. Just like me.</p> <p><em>Sometimes, errors have no logical reasoning.</em></p> <p>Sometimes, system errors just pile up — one on top of the other. The only thing left is thinking: “I wish I hadn’t even tried changing that”.</p> <p>One time, we added some text blocks on the main page. I had to switch texts in them. But the block weren’t editable.</p> <p>So I had a Skype call with Jason. I shared my screen with him, and he was like: “Oh yeah, I know this mistake. We get it each time. The only solution is to keep refreshing the page until everything works. I’m not sure though how many refreshes you need. More than two, for sure.”</p> <p>Okay. I can work with that.</p> <p>I can tolerate even how the text formatting always requires manual changes in the HTML view since sometimes WP just randomly decides to make H2 bold in one case and regular in the other.</p> <p>Then, the day comes when the hosting fails.</p> <p>Our old teammates all have a history of finding some loose ends and sending them to Jason. So when we see a mistake, we have a reflex: rolling our eyes and blaming “Jaaasoon”.</p> <p>The freshest teammate doesn’t get the ritual though. He says: “Why blame the developer? The hosting would have failed with any other guy.”</p> <p>So I ask myself: Really, why so much prejudice?</p> <p>Then, I remember the “pop-up thing”.</p> <p>See, we needed to add the pop-up on the webpage.</p> <p>We had a different one on our website already, so Jason copied it.</p> <p>Here’s how it looked:</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/874/1cXf2-i2r5_3sI6oOK5qTGg.png" width="874" height="296" loading="lazy" /> <p>The thing is, it contained the fields Name, Email, Subject, Message.</p> <p>In this particular case, we needed to replace the Email field with the Facebook Page field and add the Skype field.</p> <p>Jason goes ahead, creates a new pop-up by using the existing one as a template.</p> <p>We get this:</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/873/1-FgdEFyr5bq9P5Oaw2oz6A.png" width="873" height="347" loading="lazy" /> <p>The job is done. But I have to test it.</p> <p>I fill in the fields, I get nothing.</p> <p>Now, look at any working device. It has the front part, which you use to operate the device, and the connected inner part, which makes the device functional.</p> <p>You get the idea. If you take away the cable connected to the button, pushing the button won’t send the signal.</p> <p>Now, let’s get back to the form. The mission of the form was for us to get data from a user.</p> <p>The first form had a command that went with it — to send the [your-email] field in a message body of a letter. That should drop to our inbox.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/454/1geE5_S4q2BxlQPk8b5g5ww.png" width="454" height="181" loading="lazy" /> <p>The trouble with the form that Jason gave to us as a “done job” was that it had no commands for the new fields.</p> <p>The same message body as above.</p> <p>So I’ve found the IDs of the fields and added them. The form has been finished.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/371/1*3fihk4lcpJ9dTwRbFA9j0Q.png" width="371" height="177" loading="lazy" /> <p>I’m no way smarter than Jason. I’m pretty sure he’s capable of doing even more complicated tasks.</p> <p>Yet, this whole pool of requests we send him additionally gives me an important question to think over and discuss.</p> <p><em>A client can’t anticipate all possible issues.</em></p> <p>When a client requests changes, it falls on a specialist to know what other changes should be done as well, so that the requested change can fit in.</p> <p>That’s why experts get paid — for their expertise. For the collected knowledge they have, which helps them make decisions and explain to the client why some decisions have to be made.</p> <p>When the task is completed with no anticipation, it shouldn’t be the next task to make the first task complete.</p> <p>The job might look like it’s done. But as I bite in, it all appears to be like mashed potatoes inside.</p> </section>	Some Websites are Like Cakes with Potato Mash Cream Here’s the story. We have a WordPress website. To be exact, the team I’m working with bought a WordPress theme for our website. Then, we outsourced its customization to a freelancing dev guy. Let’s call him Jason. It’s actually not that easy to find a developer who’s eager to dive into WordPress waters. WP is known to resist customization in all the ways possible. I believe that all work should be respected. So take none of my following words as an accusation. It’s more like a piece of friendly advice to anyone who might be new to WP and learns new aspects. Just like me. Sometimes, errors have no logical reasoning. Sometimes, system errors just pile up — one on top of the other. The only thing left is thinking: “I wish I hadn’t even tried changing that”. One time, we added some text blocks on the main page. I had to switch texts in them. But the block weren’t editable. So I had a Skype call with Jason. I shared my screen with him, and he was like: “Oh yeah, I know this mistake. We get it each time. The only solution is to keep refreshing the page until everything works. I’m not sure though how many refreshes you need. More than two, for sure.” Okay. I can work with that. I can tolerate even how the text formatting always requires manual changes in the HTML view since sometimes WP just randomly decides to make H2 bold in one case and regular in the other. Then, the day comes when the hosting fails. Our old teammates all have a history of finding some loose ends and sending them to Jason. So when we see a mistake, we have a reflex: rolling our eyes and blaming “Jaaasoon”. The freshest teammate doesn’t get the ritual though. He says: “Why blame the developer? The hosting would have failed with any other guy.” So I ask myself: Really, why so much prejudice? Then, I remember the “pop-up thing”. See, we needed to add the pop-up on the webpage. We had a different one on our website already, so Jason copied it. Here’s how it looked: The thing is, it contained the fields Name, Email, Subject, Message. In this particular case, we needed to replace the Email field with the Facebook Page field and add the Skype field. Jason goes ahead, creates a new pop-up by using the existing one as a template. We get this: The job is done. But I have to test it. I fill in the fields, I get nothing. Now, look at any working device. It has the front part, which you use to operate the device, and the connected inner part, which makes the device functional. You get the idea. If you take away the cable connected to the button, pushing the button won’t send the signal. Now, let’s get back to the form. The mission of the form was for us to get data from a user. The first form had a command that went with it — to send the [your-email] field in a message body of a letter. That should drop to our inbox. The trouble with the form that Jason gave to us as a “done job” was that it had no commands for the new fields. The same message body as above. So I’ve found the IDs of the fields and added them. The form has been finished. I’m no way smarter than Jason. I’m pretty sure he’s capable of doing even more complicated tasks. Yet, this whole pool of requests we send him additionally gives me an important question to think over and discuss. A client can’t anticipate all possible issues. When a client requests changes, it falls on a specialist to know what other changes should be done as well, so that the requested change can fit in. That’s why experts get paid — for their expertise. For the collected knowledge they have, which helps them make decisions and explain to the client why some decisions have to be made. When the task is completed with no anticipation, it shouldn’t be the next task to make the first task complete. The job might look like it’s done. But as I bite in, it all appears to be like mashed potatoes inside.	338136c3-1d9e-5649-b3b5-a2fce7e73575	25/08/2025 15:57:59
https://srinivasa-venigalla93.medium.com/kafkaheaderdeserializer-with-camel-routes-b2s-ec3910bd7b18	medium.com	kafkaHeaderDeserializer with Camel Routes B2S	HI,	srinivas venigalla	https://medium.com/@srinivasa-venigalla93	ec3910bd7b18	null	1 min	2021-03-05T12:52:04.417000	2021-03-06T11:11:04.738000	2022-01-07T18:33:36.015000	0	1	en	Kafkaheaderdeserializer,Camel,Kafka,Springboot,Byte To String	<section> <p>HI,</p> <p>This article will show you step by step process to create the kafka header deserialization in Apache camel component.</p> <p>So, first you need to have a java project with camel framework included with a sample consumer running. By default kafka headers are in bytes, but you need them in string & integer for some use cases. We will see the below example on how to code to change a byte to string.</p> <p>I have used springboot project and camel kafka starter.</p> <p>Create a @Configuration class in project and create a class and then bean in it.</p> <pre><code class="language-">@Configuration public class CamelKafkaConfiguration { @Bean public KafkaHeaderDeserializer kafkaHeaderDeserializerCustom(){ return new bToStringHeaderDeserializer(); }</code></pre> <p>2. Then create a class that you will do the actual implmentation</p> <pre><code class="language-">public class bToStringHeaderDeserializer implements KafkaHeaderDeserializer { public bToStringHeaderDeserializer() { } @Override public Object deserialize(String key, byte[] value) { return new String(value, StandardCharsets.UTF_8); } }</code></pre> <p>3. Then if your camel route configure the parameter for your consumer.</p> <pre><code class="language-">/Enabling this will help us to de-serialize the headers into the class we want to./ "&kafkaHeaderDeserializer=#kafkaHeaderDeserializerCustom"</code></pre> <p>4. You can use the processor to check if the headers are modifed and use them as required.</p> <pre><code class="language-">.process(new Processor() { @Override public void process(Exchange exchange) throws Exception { Exchange e = exchange; } })</code></pre> <p>This is a sample example on how you implement the kafka header deserializer from bytes to string.</p> <p><em>Thanks you and you can contact me on <a href="https://</em>www.linkedin.com/in/srinivas-venigalla-2423b369/">LinkedIn</a> , <a href="http://[email protected]/">Email</a>.</p> </section>	kafkaHeaderDeserializer with Camel Routes B2S HI, This article will show you step by step process to create the kafka header deserialization in Apache camel component. So, first you need to have a java project with camel framework included with a sample consumer running. By default kafka headers are in bytes, but you need them in string & integer for some use cases. We will see the below example on how to code to change a byte to string. I have used springboot project and camel kafka starter. Create a @Configuration class in project and create a class and then bean in it. @Configuration public class CamelKafkaConfiguration { @Bean public KafkaHeaderDeserializer kafkaHeaderDeserializerCustom(){ return new bToStringHeaderDeserializer(); } 2. Then create a class that you will do the actual implmentation public class bToStringHeaderDeserializer implements KafkaHeaderDeserializer { public bToStringHeaderDeserializer() { } @Override public Object deserialize(String key, byte[] value) { return new String(value, StandardCharsets.UTF_8); } } 3. Then if your camel route configure the parameter for your consumer. /Enabling this will help us to de-serialize the headers into the class we want to./ "&kafkaHeaderDeserializer=#kafkaHeaderDeserializerCustom" 4. You can use the processor to check if the headers are modifed and use them as required. .process(new Processor() { @Override public void process(Exchange exchange) throws Exception { Exchange e = exchange; } }) This is a sample example on how you implement the kafka header deserializer from bytes to string. Thanks you and you can contact me on LinkedIn , Email.	9d5c231e-22f4-548b-8266-5466c2967c88	25/08/2025 15:57:59
https://medium.com/what-is-a-body-fall-2017/watch-movies-online-free-2b8dcce4615b	medium.com	WATCH MOVIES ONLINE free	https://outlockers.falafelloeffel.com/	chloeporoslay	https://medium.com/@chipskylark	2b8dcce4615b	null	0 min	2017-12-05T17:27:12.666000	2017-12-05T17:28:04.775000	2018-04-28T05:19:24.678000	0	1	en	Watch Movie Online	<section> <p><a href="https://outlockers.falafelloeffel.com/">https://outlockers.falafelloeffel.com/</a></p> </section>	WATCH MOVIES ONLINE free https://outlockers.falafelloeffel.com/	be7f9607-d89e-50c2-9a5e-4026aedf853c	25/08/2025 15:58:00
https://jeremyweate.medium.com/the-stolen-vespa-prophetic-consciousness-and-gratitude-c8cee1d2251b	medium.com	The Stolen Vespa, Prophetic Consciousness and Gratitude	Today I went outside to prepare myself for a motorbike trip into central London when I sensed something was spatially awry in the front…	jeremyweate	https://medium.com/@jeremyweate	c8cee1d2251b	https://miro.medium.com/…XTJ2IJ0OzRjw.png	9 min	2017-04-30T19:51:58.005000	2017-04-30T19:52:29.059000	2018-03-20T02:26:13.694000	0	5	en	Short Story,Nonfiction,Theft,Vespa,Gangs	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1500/1*B3ugOClrg5XTJ2IJ0OzRjw.png" width="1500" height="810" loading="lazy" /> <p>Today I went outside to prepare myself for a motorbike trip into central London when I sensed something was spatially awry in the front garden. The Vespa had been stolen. There was a tire mark depression back to the path from where it had been parked, inside the hedge. To add insult to injury, they had used my portable heavyduty removable ramp (stowed behind the hedge) to get the Vespa down off the curb!</p> <p>For a minute or two I stared in disbelief. I had seen it at midnight last night when I returned home on my motorbike. And now it was no more.</p> <p>Coming to my senses, my first thought was to call the insurance company. A few seconds later I realised that was a stupid idea: starting a claim before events had been settled, claims, raised premiums and the like. I then remembered: I have a tracker device fitted to the scooter. I raced indoors and logged on.</p> <p>And there it was, a blessed red pointer indicating life (and not death by conversion into spare parts), close to Millwall football stadium between New Cross and Surrey Quays. It had been stored a mile away from home! Not a salubrious area — you know how London can get from pukka to dodgy in just a few metres? This was such a journey.</p> <p>So I called 999. It’s amazing how they answer before the first ring. I got through to the police and explained to them what had happened and where my bike was. They said they would send a car to the address shortly.</p> <p>All I’m thinking is Yes but when? They could be dismantling it or moving it on from there at any time! But I kept mum and thanked them.</p> <p>After a few minutes, I went back online and checked the tracker. It was no longer possible to ping the bike for a location — as if they have removed the battery or something! The last known location began receding in time…</p> <p>So I call the police again. Again I first of all get through to 999 in less than half a second. Amazing. They say there’s loads of things happening today and I’m way down the list at the moment but they will try to send someone round at some point.</p> <p>Grrrr.</p> <p>I pace around the flat, trying to keep calm. Impossible to do this, I race out, get on my motorbike and tap in the postcode of the tracker address into my satnav.</p> <p>I turn off the Old Kent Road in the general direction of Millwall stadium. There are factories ahead, unloved estate buildings and a sense of hardship and meanness in the air. Dodgy London happens quickly, as I said.</p> <p>It felt menacing when I entered the estate where the Vespa had been stashed. I spot a gang of white, mean looking blokes stalking the pavement coming towards me: that Fred Perry wideboy football thug look. Strong aftershave and putting the boot in. Perhaps they are the thieves? Who knows who anyone is around here?</p> <p>I steel myself and carry on into the estate, crawling forward in first gear. I go to the first car park. No rosso coloured Vespa. Then I backtrack and spot a left turn. At the end, propped up against a wall, is my beautiful Vespa. Yay!</p> <p>But then I feel scared and potentially surveyed. What if the thieves are nearby, in a flat, or will return for the scooter soon?</p> <p>I beat a retreat and park a few hundred metres away and call the five-o. I tell them I’ve found the scooter and can they come because I don’t feel like getting it by myself. I give them my coordinates and wait.</p> <p>An hour or so later (it felt like months) they come and I park up my bike and we go into the estate, me in the backseat of the police car. I feel relieved that I have the police and my Vespa in the same place. Things are finally going to be ok. They take my details and one of them starts doing a door to door.</p> <p>By this time, I have walked back to retrieve my Triumph, and called the RAC on the way. Its going to set me back £170 for the transporter service — simply to carry my Vespa a mile down the road! Grrrrr again.</p> <p>But then the police will have to leave soon — too much is going on this bank holiday weekend.</p> <p>So I’m to be left alone with the motorbike and my beautiful but wounded Vespa. I check and try to start it. The throttle has no resistance. I open up the seat and take the storage bucket out and see that they have pulled out the throttle cable by the engine. I also notice that they have replaced the front wheel with some yuk looking old wheel. Perhaps they did this late at night/early this morning?</p> <p>I have to pay innit. I give my card details as one of the policemen does a door to door. And then they leave.</p> <p>So I’m waiting for the haulage company and this is when the story takes a turn for the worse (and better).</p> <p>There’s a guy having a joint in a ground floor flat close by. I had knocked his window earlier to let him know i was waiting for a pick up and what had happened etc. — just so he wouldn’t worry about what was going on.</p> <p>We get chatting — through the window, and have a lil smoke. His stuff isstrong-ass skunk, mixed with tobacco. All it took was three or four puffs from circles of shared smoking. I felt it immediately because I’ve been doing a lot of energy work and out-of-body preparation, my psyche is more and more attuned to other dimensions of consciousness.</p> <p>Immediately I had floated up to a different level of being in the world. I was in spirit, feet half here and spirit half there.</p> <p>So D. and I, a black 24 year old Belgian musician from Wavre who clearly smokes way too much weed, proceeded to have the deepest conversation on faith I’ve ever had, in all my days.</p> <p>We dived deep on the nature of God, of sin, of authenticity and it wasn’t me doing the talking. It was as if a higher spirit took over me.</p> <p>I probably sounded like a pastor or worse, a prophet from the Life of Brian. I could feel the presence of a higher spirit around me and in me. I could tell D. is a sweet hearted but mixed up kid, falling from the path of purpose. I felt like I was able to see deep into him. For instance, at one point a message came through for me to tell him to stop smoking weed.</p> <p>He was amazed to hear this — almost crying.</p> <p>“I’ve been waiting to meet someone who will tell me this” were his precise words.</p> <p>Another time, he asked me what I thought sin was….</p> <p>Just to say, I never think about sin; it doesn’t have a place in my vocabulary of thought or explanation. But still I found myself saying that,</p> <p>“Sin is whenever you are not true to your authentic self. Sin is when you do something that is not in line with your core talent, your core energy, your core purpose on this dense material level. Sin goes deep, but it begins with this.”</p> <p>So, we are vibing like this and D. seems to be getting a lot from whatever is speaking through me. I’m telling him about someone I know who has done lots of Out of Body Experiences and been close to the energy of Christ and the Buddha, and ask him what the core truth of the Bible is in one sentence. He struggles out something about the righteous path, half admitting defeat. I speak that the core truth is “love thine enemy” and that only when we can love the enemy can we have a true measure of how humble we must be before the higher spirits: those who could love those who wished to kill them.</p> <p>I start practising compassion for those who stole my bike, realising that they are sinning in the sense i have already defined it. I feel in truth, and on a level of spirit-truth I’ve not encountered before.</p> <p>And then a white van turns up.</p> <p>Earlier, I had moved my Vespa from where it had been parked. Some intuition had told me to move it a little way around the corner but still in the estate. Good move.</p> <p>The white van travels past me and then reverses to where my Vespa had been, disappearing from view. Before it disappears I can see another bike inside (only the tailgate is up). I knew something was about to happen.</p> <p>Sure enough, a few moments later, the van re-emerges and creeps back towards me, parking a few metres away. Two rough looking guys eye the Vespa, then eye me. They could be Turkish or Serbian — somewhere in that general part of the world.</p> <p>We stare each other out. I sat on the parked Vespa, they sat in the van.</p> <p>It was like the Wild West, a spaghetti western for the Old Kent Road.</p> <p>After an eternity, the stand-off receded; they took a right and parked the other side of a hedge about 25 metres away. A crocodile biding his time in the water.</p> <p>I’m thinking, “They are trying to work out what to do” or “they are calling higher up the food chain for a decision.”</p> <p>I was also thinking, “I could be a) really fucked up by this and b) a Vespa down.</p> <p>A few metres away inside the window, D. asked me by hand signal if he should come out. I signalled a quick yes back.</p> <p>As it turns out, D. isn’t that big a guy, but he’s black (I know, that sounds terrible) and there’s now symbolically two against two. I’m staring at the top of the van poking above the hedge, while D. asks me, “what do you have to fear bro?” His body posture was entirely relaxed, as if he had morphed into Anthony Joshua in a jiffy. The van, and malicious intent, was just a few metres away.</p> <p>He continued, “If you are truly next to God, you should submit to the divine now, as you were talking about earlier.” A gentle smile stretched his lips as I recalled that we had been talking about submission to the Father earlier, and the loving power of Christ and the Buddha that each loved those that hated them.</p> <p>By this time I’d called five-o again (my head converting the scene in real time into an episode from The Wire) and told them the situation and that i don’t feel safe and I’m scared for my safety.</p> <p>And then all of a sudden the van started up and drove off out of the estate.</p> <p>I called the haulage company again — yet another delay and another “in the next 30 minutes”.</p> <p>Moments after the call, a small sports car appeared, crammed with lads and a bad energy. I was feeling paranoid and shook up and sunk far down from the prophetic/ecstatic state of a few minutes earlier. They U-turned and left. I felt fragile and raw and vulnerable. I found myself compulsively searching for keys that I knew were in my pocket already, clutching for a tangible but non-feasible symbol of security.</p> <p>Then the police came, and I gave them a description of the van and the registration number.</p> <p>Eventually, the haulage guy turned up. He smelt of working class cleanliness and nights at a proper pub with brown ceramics. I was grateful, his odours were a comfort.</p> <p>It was raining and cold. After tying the Vespa to the trailer, he followed me home in the monochrome grey of a damaged day.</p> <p>Just as we were leaving, we heard a police siren. It felt like they were on the chase, but perhaps that was more hope than reality.</p> <p>Mayhem in April, or Aprilhem before May?</p> <p>Later, in the calm of home again, I had two thoughts.</p> <p>First, the practical realisation that there are two types of scooter/bike theft — opportunist lads on joyride thrills, and then the altogether more serious organised crime variety, which are the lower rungs of the second hand parts trade. I had simply come face to face with low-level street thugs who go round doing the “collections”.</p> <p>But more importantly, I had an insight when in the state of prophetic consciousness. The idea was so powerful it took on a viscous form, floating in and around me like a Fairy Liquid bubble about to pop. It is the First Noble Truth of Buddhism: that life is suffering. That’s there no way around it but to walk calmly and with grace into your pain. This is what this life is about.</p> <p>I realised that if we don’t walk (or track) into our pain and our trauma (and end up taking refuge elsewhere), we cannot transform ourselves. That the only way forward for us all is the pathway into the darkened forest, for it is only there that we might find the light of transformation beyond what we can actually conceive is possible. And that the only available response to all this painful inevitability is to be grateful.</p> <p>Thank you for reading this.</p> </section>	The Stolen Vespa, Prophetic Consciousness and Gratitude The Stash Today I went outside to prepare myself for a motorbike trip into central London when I sensed something was spatially awry in the front garden. The Vespa had been stolen. There was a tire mark depression back to the path from where it had been parked, inside the hedge. To add insult to injury, they had used my portable heavyduty removable ramp (stowed behind the hedge) to get the Vespa down off the curb! For a minute or two I stared in disbelief. I had seen it at midnight last night when I returned home on my motorbike. And now it was no more. Coming to my senses, my first thought was to call the insurance company. A few seconds later I realised that was a stupid idea: starting a claim before events had been settled, claims, raised premiums and the like. I then remembered: I have a tracker device fitted to the scooter. I raced indoors and logged on. And there it was, a blessed red pointer indicating life (and not death by conversion into spare parts), close to Millwall football stadium between New Cross and Surrey Quays. It had been stored a mile away from home! Not a salubrious area — you know how London can get from pukka to dodgy in just a few metres? This was such a journey. So I called 999. It’s amazing how they answer before the first ring. I got through to the police and explained to them what had happened and where my bike was. They said they would send a car to the address shortly. All I’m thinking is Yes but when? They could be dismantling it or moving it on from there at any time! But I kept mum and thanked them. After a few minutes, I went back online and checked the tracker. It was no longer possible to ping the bike for a location — as if they have removed the battery or something! The last known location began receding in time… So I call the police again. Again I first of all get through to 999 in less than half a second. Amazing. They say there’s loads of things happening today and I’m way down the list at the moment but they will try to send someone round at some point. Grrrr. I pace around the flat, trying to keep calm. Impossible to do this, I race out, get on my motorbike and tap in the postcode of the tracker address into my satnav. I turn off the Old Kent Road in the general direction of Millwall stadium. There are factories ahead, unloved estate buildings and a sense of hardship and meanness in the air. Dodgy London happens quickly, as I said. It felt menacing when I entered the estate where the Vespa had been stashed. I spot a gang of white, mean looking blokes stalking the pavement coming towards me: that Fred Perry wideboy football thug look. Strong aftershave and putting the boot in. Perhaps they are the thieves? Who knows who anyone is around here? I steel myself and carry on into the estate, crawling forward in first gear. I go to the first car park. No rosso coloured Vespa. Then I backtrack and spot a left turn. At the end, propped up against a wall, is my beautiful Vespa. Yay! But then I feel scared and potentially surveyed. What if the thieves are nearby, in a flat, or will return for the scooter soon? I beat a retreat and park a few hundred metres away and call the five-o. I tell them I’ve found the scooter and can they come because I don’t feel like getting it by myself. I give them my coordinates and wait. An hour or so later (it felt like months) they come and I park up my bike and we go into the estate, me in the backseat of the police car. I feel relieved that I have the police and my Vespa in the same place. Things are finally going to be ok. They take my details and one of them starts doing a door to door. By this time, I have walked back to retrieve my Triumph, and called the RAC on the way. Its going to set me back £170 for the transporter service — simply to carry my Vespa a mile down the road! Grrrrr again. But then the police will have to leave soon — too much is going on this bank holiday weekend. So I’m to be left alone with the motorbike and my beautiful but wounded Vespa. I check and try to start it. The throttle has no resistance. I open up the seat and take the storage bucket out and see that they have pulled out the throttle cable by the engine. I also notice that they have replaced the front wheel with some yuk looking old wheel. Perhaps they did this late at night/early this morning? I have to pay innit. I give my card details as one of the policemen does a door to door. And then they leave. So I’m waiting for the haulage company and this is when the story takes a turn for the worse (and better). There’s a guy having a joint in a ground floor flat close by. I had knocked his window earlier to let him know i was waiting for a pick up and what had happened etc. — just so he wouldn’t worry about what was going on. We get chatting — through the window, and have a lil smoke. His stuff isstrong-ass skunk, mixed with tobacco. All it took was three or four puffs from circles of shared smoking. I felt it immediately because I’ve been doing a lot of energy work and out-of-body preparation, my psyche is more and more attuned to other dimensions of consciousness. Immediately I had floated up to a different level of being in the world. I was in spirit, feet half here and spirit half there. So D. and I, a black 24 year old Belgian musician from Wavre who clearly smokes way too much weed, proceeded to have the deepest conversation on faith I’ve ever had, in all my days. We dived deep on the nature of God, of sin, of authenticity and it wasn’t me doing the talking. It was as if a higher spirit took over me. I probably sounded like a pastor or worse, a prophet from the Life of Brian. I could feel the presence of a higher spirit around me and in me. I could tell D. is a sweet hearted but mixed up kid, falling from the path of purpose. I felt like I was able to see deep into him. For instance, at one point a message came through for me to tell him to stop smoking weed. He was amazed to hear this — almost crying. “I’ve been waiting to meet someone who will tell me this” were his precise words. Another time, he asked me what I thought sin was…. Just to say, I never think about sin; it doesn’t have a place in my vocabulary of thought or explanation. But still I found myself saying that, “Sin is whenever you are not true to your authentic self. Sin is when you do something that is not in line with your core talent, your core energy, your core purpose on this dense material level. Sin goes deep, but it begins with this.” So, we are vibing like this and D. seems to be getting a lot from whatever is speaking through me. I’m telling him about someone I know who has done lots of Out of Body Experiences and been close to the energy of Christ and the Buddha, and ask him what the core truth of the Bible is in one sentence. He struggles out something about the righteous path, half admitting defeat. I speak that the core truth is “love thine enemy” and that only when we can love the enemy can we have a true measure of how humble we must be before the higher spirits: those who could love those who wished to kill them. I start practising compassion for those who stole my bike, realising that they are sinning in the sense i have already defined it. I feel in truth, and on a level of spirit-truth I’ve not encountered before. And then a white van turns up. Earlier, I had moved my Vespa from where it had been parked. Some intuition had told me to move it a little way around the corner but still in the estate. Good move. The white van travels past me and then reverses to where my Vespa had been, disappearing from view. Before it disappears I can see another bike inside (only the tailgate is up). I knew something was about to happen. Sure enough, a few moments later, the van re-emerges and creeps back towards me, parking a few metres away. Two rough looking guys eye the Vespa, then eye me. They could be Turkish or Serbian — somewhere in that general part of the world. We stare each other out. I sat on the parked Vespa, they sat in the van. It was like the Wild West, a spaghetti western for the Old Kent Road. After an eternity, the stand-off receded; they took a right and parked the other side of a hedge about 25 metres away. A crocodile biding his time in the water. I’m thinking, “They are trying to work out what to do” or “they are calling higher up the food chain for a decision.” I was also thinking, “I could be a) really fucked up by this and b) a Vespa down. A few metres away inside the window, D. asked me by hand signal if he should come out. I signalled a quick yes back. As it turns out, D. isn’t that big a guy, but he’s black (I know, that sounds terrible) and there’s now symbolically two against two. I’m staring at the top of the van poking above the hedge, while D. asks me, “what do you have to fear bro?” His body posture was entirely relaxed, as if he had morphed into Anthony Joshua in a jiffy. The van, and malicious intent, was just a few metres away. He continued, “If you are truly next to God, you should submit to the divine now, as you were talking about earlier.” A gentle smile stretched his lips as I recalled that we had been talking about submission to the Father earlier, and the loving power of Christ and the Buddha that each loved those that hated them. By this time I’d called five-o again (my head converting the scene in real time into an episode from The Wire) and told them the situation and that i don’t feel safe and I’m scared for my safety. And then all of a sudden the van started up and drove off out of the estate. I called the haulage company again — yet another delay and another “in the next 30 minutes”. Moments after the call, a small sports car appeared, crammed with lads and a bad energy. I was feeling paranoid and shook up and sunk far down from the prophetic/ecstatic state of a few minutes earlier. They U-turned and left. I felt fragile and raw and vulnerable. I found myself compulsively searching for keys that I knew were in my pocket already, clutching for a tangible but non-feasible symbol of security. Then the police came, and I gave them a description of the van and the registration number. Eventually, the haulage guy turned up. He smelt of working class cleanliness and nights at a proper pub with brown ceramics. I was grateful, his odours were a comfort. It was raining and cold. After tying the Vespa to the trailer, he followed me home in the monochrome grey of a damaged day. Just as we were leaving, we heard a police siren. It felt like they were on the chase, but perhaps that was more hope than reality. Mayhem in April, or Aprilhem before May? Later, in the calm of home again, I had two thoughts. First, the practical realisation that there are two types of scooter/bike theft — opportunist lads on joyride thrills, and then the altogether more serious organised crime variety, which are the lower rungs of the second hand parts trade. I had simply come face to face with low-level street thugs who go round doing the “collections”. But more importantly, I had an insight when in the state of prophetic consciousness. The idea was so powerful it took on a viscous form, floating in and around me like a Fairy Liquid bubble about to pop. It is the First Noble Truth of Buddhism: that life is suffering. That’s there no way around it but to walk calmly and with grace into your pain. This is what this life is about. I realised that if we don’t walk (or track) into our pain and our trauma (and end up taking refuge elsewhere), we cannot transform ourselves. That the only way forward for us all is the pathway into the darkened forest, for it is only there that we might find the light of transformation beyond what we can actually conceive is possible. And that the only available response to all this painful inevitability is to be grateful. Thank you for reading this.	d1011ff2-e992-5ee2-b932-80dba00af90b	25/08/2025 15:58:00
https://medium.com/@imtiyaazkhan/why-microservices-architecture-e85d545b71cb	medium.com	Why Microservices Architecture?	During my startup journey I was the person who handled the entire communication part. I developed the entire communication management…	✍️ Imtiyaz Khan	https://medium.com/@imtiyaazkhan	e85d545b71cb	https://miro.medium.com/…jEqikk9HZwmA.png	8 min	2023-04-30T12:35:28.200000	2023-04-30T12:47:44.682000	2023-05-01T04:33:27.686000	0	1	en	Monolithic Architecture,Microservices,Microservice Architecture,Startup,Software Development	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/821/1oOitINT9lijEqikk9HZwmA.png" width="821" height="411" loading="lazy" /> <p>During my startup journey I was the person who handled the entire communication part. I developed the entire communication management system. As you know in startups we have to build everything from scratch. They have two options</p> <ul> <li>Either they can use third party tools</li> <li>They have to build everything from scratch</li> </ul> <p>Both the approaches have their pros and cons as</p> <p>If they go with the first approach then they have to pay a huge amount to third parties on a monthly basis and they have to share their entire database to the third parties. Obviously there would be a contract but still there is risk.</p> <p>In the second approach they have to build their own system from scratch which will take some time to make it stable but it’s a long term approach. Over a period of time the system can be refined and become stable.</p> <p>But we chose the second approach because our CEO believes in the long term approach and our own products.</p> <p>So I started working on the module. Initially there was no mechanism to send emails, sms and push notifications to our customers and the marketing team were using a third party service to send emails and sms. They have to face a lot of challenges like</p> <p>Suppose if they want to send an email or sms a particular set of users only then first they have to interact with the technology team to get the desired database from the backend every time. Then they connect with the design team to design an email template and then to the UI team. After that they were able to send an email communication to the desired set of users.</p> <p>Don’t you feel it’s time consuming?</p> <p>What about if they just need to login into the backend panel. There are some pre-defined templates there and there is an option to upload any new template. They just need to apply some filters to get the desired set of users, now they need to put the email content in the body and there are options to format the content, now they just need to select a template from a drop down because based on the customer types there could be different headers and footers. There are options given either you can send it right away, schedule it later or you can keep it in draft. After the completion of the campaign if you are able to track the statistics like how many total number of users were targeted, how many opened the email, how many clicked and how many didn’t open the email yet.</p> <p>How wonderful is that. Isn’t it?</p> <p>This was the entire system which was designed and developed by me to send any type of communications like email, sms, push notification or whatsapp etc.</p> <p>Where it takes 1–2 days to prepare email templates to send it to the users earlier now it was just a matter of minutes only. I made their life easy by developing this module and this is the beauty of startups. You have to understand the pain of your customers and accordingly you have to provide a solution for them. The internal departments were also our customers.</p> <p>Isn’t it?</p> <p>Initially the product was developed to keep in mind only the core product but later on as we started developing other ecosystem products we have to think about expanding its scope. Because all the requirements were the same excluding only the database users. When these kinds of requirements started coming. We were forced to think now it’s the time to provide this feature as a service to all ecosystem products. This is the main context of this chapter which I wanted to explain to you.</p> <p>One day during our scrum meeting I discussed the monolithic vs microservice based architecture with my team members. After the scrum meeting I was checking my emails and one of my team members came to me who was handling the CANP(Communication Alerting and Notification Module) that time.</p> <p>He asked me. Sir, can you please tell me more about the monolithic vs microservice based architecture.</p> <p>Why not? I replied to him by scrolling my email content in my laptop. I asked him to sit after lunch at 3:00 PM as there was my meeting between 1:00 PM — 2:00 PM. He said okay sir and went.</p> <p>After lunch we went for a walk and I forgot but he reminded me as he was a very humble and dedicated person who is available every time for everyone. I said of course I missed that from my mind.</p> <p>I said do one thing: let’s call all team members and we should convert this discussion into a learning session for our entire team.</p> <p>He said, yes sir, that would be good for all of us. Let me check the empty meeting room for all of us. He goes to check the meeting room.</p> <p>After 5 minutes. Sir, I called all team members and we all are excited and ready for this learning session. Please come to the meeting room.</p> <p>Give me 5 minutes, I said. I am drafting an email and after that I am coming to the meeting room.</p> <p>He said okay sir.</p> <p>After 5 minutes I went to the meeting room where all my team members were excited and waiting for me. I am always excited and love to teach the people who are excited to learn more from me. I asked him for a duster and different color markers.</p> <p>He went outside and came with a duster and three markers in his hands and came inside the room and asked me sir we can start the session now.</p> <p>I asked him to pull a chair from outside and sit comfortably. He followed the instructions and I started by giving a context of a MVP(Minimal Viable Product) as</p> <p>Most of the startups launch their product with MVP(Minimal Viable Product) and gradually then they start adding features one by one. By the way this is the right approach because initially there is no clarity about the product that will work or not. Every startup hit and trail in its initial days with different approaches. Some work, some not. After 2–3 years they are clear about their actual product.</p> <p>So, in this scenario the monolithic approach is a good approach to them. They keep adding back to back features into the same code base. After a certain period of time the code base is too large that it’s very difficult to maintain. If they maintain it anyhow, there are more chances to make errors or impact other modules.</p> <p>We can easily understand a monolithic architecture by the help of the following diagram as</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/781/1O_kthHoRbxQHZ-BIgTUb5A.png" width="781" height="431" loading="lazy" /> <p>Let me explain to you how a monolithic code impacts other modules now</p> <p>There is a communication module and a checkout module together in a single code base. Both the modules are different and separate so they are not dependent on each other, right?</p> <p>Suppose now if you want to send a change in the checkout module or in the communication module there are chances of impact vice-versa. Because the code of both the modules is in a single git repository. When our code base becomes too large we don’t know where it can be impacted.</p> <p>Second, we know there were no changes made in the cart and checkout module but if we are sending any changes in the communication module we have to test the entire cart and checkout module too. These are the drawbacks of a monolithic architecture.</p> <p>Have you understood the concept of a monolithic application architecture?</p> <p>They all agreed and said yes sir. It’s very much clear to all of us.</p> <p>One of the team members said I understand now. Why does the issue come in our communication module every time whenever any other team sends any changes in their module?</p> <p>Then all the team members started discussing how we have to separate our codebase from others.</p> <p>It’s not an easy task but not impossible either, I said. But we have to think about it and plan it carefully.</p> <p>Sir, how can we do that?</p> <p>This is a running product we all know, right?</p> <p>There are certain steps which we have to follow very carefully as</p> <p>First we have to set up a new git repository and need to migrate all the code base into that or we have to rewrite it again if we are planning it into another language like node js, java etc.</p> <p>Do not touch the existing code base until or unless we are not ready with our new code implementation.</p> <p>Once our new written APIs are ready now we have to provide a mechanism to switch the older APIs with new ones from backend config.</p> <p>Now we have to separate our database. To separate our database we have to keep other things in mind as well like how we fulfill the other modules requirements so that the existing running functionality does not break. Might be you have to write multiple APIs.</p> <p>After switching all the older APIs with new ones we have to closely monitor the functioning 3–4 days at least.</p> <p>If everything goes well still we have to keep the older code base at least 1 month for a safer side.</p> <p>After 1 month now we can remove our older code base if our new microservice is running performing well.</p> <p>This is the right approach to migrate a feature from a monolithic code base into a microservice based architecture.</p> <p>We can easily understand a microservice based architecture by the help of the following diagram as</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/746/1*2it0C037QLdNxHBIb6UbxA.png" width="746" height="581" loading="lazy" /> <p>Each and every module has a separate code base in a microservice based architecture as mentioned in the above diagram. There is a separate git repository for a separate code base and there is a separate database as well.</p> <p>Ideally a microservice should also deploy on a separate server but if the microservice needs a less server bandwidth then multiple microservices can be deployed on a single instance but this is not a right approach. But normally to utilize our servers and cost cutting we do so.</p> <p>Great sir. Now I am pretty much clear about the concept of monolithic vs microservice based architecture. Thank you so much sir. It would be really helpful to launch our first microservice for communication.</p> <p>All the team members also started discussing and giving thank you to me.</p> <p>No need for thanks, it’s my duty to guide you and teach you so that together we could build a better and scalable product to serve our customers. And that should be our primary objective of working together and collectively for our organization, I said.</p> <p>So, when you are coming with a new microservice architecture for our CANP(Communication Alerting and Notification Module) I asked him.</p> <p>Very soon sir. Give me 3–4 days but please help us to finalize the technologies which are most suitable for this module.</p> <p>Sure. Start thinking about its architecture and definitely I will guide you and help you to finalize the most suitable technologies for this.</p> <p>Based on the long term approach and nature of the module we finalized node js with loopback framework and Kafka and we successfully launched our first microservice.</p> <p><strong>EXERCISE</strong></p> <p>Think about your product or module which is badly impacted due to other releases in your organization. If you suffer a lot with this problem then think about how you can migrate into a microservice to make your and others life easier.</p> <p>Feel free to connect with me if you need any assistance regarding migration from a monolithic application to microservice based architecture.</p> </section>	Why Microservices Architecture? How to Migrate a Monolithic Application into Microservices Architecture? Why Microservices Architecture? During my startup journey I was the person who handled the entire communication part. I developed the entire communication management system. As you know in startups we have to build everything from scratch. They have two options Either they can use third party tools They have to build everything from scratch Both the approaches have their pros and cons as If they go with the first approach then they have to pay a huge amount to third parties on a monthly basis and they have to share their entire database to the third parties. Obviously there would be a contract but still there is risk. In the second approach they have to build their own system from scratch which will take some time to make it stable but it’s a long term approach. Over a period of time the system can be refined and become stable. But we chose the second approach because our CEO believes in the long term approach and our own products. So I started working on the module. Initially there was no mechanism to send emails, sms and push notifications to our customers and the marketing team were using a third party service to send emails and sms. They have to face a lot of challenges like Suppose if they want to send an email or sms a particular set of users only then first they have to interact with the technology team to get the desired database from the backend every time. Then they connect with the design team to design an email template and then to the UI team. After that they were able to send an email communication to the desired set of users. Don’t you feel it’s time consuming? What about if they just need to login into the backend panel. There are some pre-defined templates there and there is an option to upload any new template. They just need to apply some filters to get the desired set of users, now they need to put the email content in the body and there are options to format the content, now they just need to select a template from a drop down because based on the customer types there could be different headers and footers. There are options given either you can send it right away, schedule it later or you can keep it in draft. After the completion of the campaign if you are able to track the statistics like how many total number of users were targeted, how many opened the email, how many clicked and how many didn’t open the email yet. How wonderful is that. Isn’t it? This was the entire system which was designed and developed by me to send any type of communications like email, sms, push notification or whatsapp etc. Where it takes 1–2 days to prepare email templates to send it to the users earlier now it was just a matter of minutes only. I made their life easy by developing this module and this is the beauty of startups. You have to understand the pain of your customers and accordingly you have to provide a solution for them. The internal departments were also our customers. Isn’t it? Initially the product was developed to keep in mind only the core product but later on as we started developing other ecosystem products we have to think about expanding its scope. Because all the requirements were the same excluding only the database users. When these kinds of requirements started coming. We were forced to think now it’s the time to provide this feature as a service to all ecosystem products. This is the main context of this chapter which I wanted to explain to you. One day during our scrum meeting I discussed the monolithic vs microservice based architecture with my team members. After the scrum meeting I was checking my emails and one of my team members came to me who was handling the CANP(Communication Alerting and Notification Module) that time. He asked me. Sir, can you please tell me more about the monolithic vs microservice based architecture. Why not? I replied to him by scrolling my email content in my laptop. I asked him to sit after lunch at 3:00 PM as there was my meeting between 1:00 PM — 2:00 PM. He said okay sir and went. After lunch we went for a walk and I forgot but he reminded me as he was a very humble and dedicated person who is available every time for everyone. I said of course I missed that from my mind. I said do one thing: let’s call all team members and we should convert this discussion into a learning session for our entire team. He said, yes sir, that would be good for all of us. Let me check the empty meeting room for all of us. He goes to check the meeting room. After 5 minutes. Sir, I called all team members and we all are excited and ready for this learning session. Please come to the meeting room. Give me 5 minutes, I said. I am drafting an email and after that I am coming to the meeting room. He said okay sir. After 5 minutes I went to the meeting room where all my team members were excited and waiting for me. I am always excited and love to teach the people who are excited to learn more from me. I asked him for a duster and different color markers. He went outside and came with a duster and three markers in his hands and came inside the room and asked me sir we can start the session now. I asked him to pull a chair from outside and sit comfortably. He followed the instructions and I started by giving a context of a MVP(Minimal Viable Product) as Most of the startups launch their product with MVP(Minimal Viable Product) and gradually then they start adding features one by one. By the way this is the right approach because initially there is no clarity about the product that will work or not. Every startup hit and trail in its initial days with different approaches. Some work, some not. After 2–3 years they are clear about their actual product. So, in this scenario the monolithic approach is a good approach to them. They keep adding back to back features into the same code base. After a certain period of time the code base is too large that it’s very difficult to maintain. If they maintain it anyhow, there are more chances to make errors or impact other modules. We can easily understand a monolithic architecture by the help of the following diagram as Monolithic Architecture Let me explain to you how a monolithic code impacts other modules now There is a communication module and a checkout module together in a single code base. Both the modules are different and separate so they are not dependent on each other, right? Suppose now if you want to send a change in the checkout module or in the communication module there are chances of impact vice-versa. Because the code of both the modules is in a single git repository. When our code base becomes too large we don’t know where it can be impacted. Second, we know there were no changes made in the cart and checkout module but if we are sending any changes in the communication module we have to test the entire cart and checkout module too. These are the drawbacks of a monolithic architecture. Have you understood the concept of a monolithic application architecture? They all agreed and said yes sir. It’s very much clear to all of us. One of the team members said I understand now. Why does the issue come in our communication module every time whenever any other team sends any changes in their module? Then all the team members started discussing how we have to separate our codebase from others. It’s not an easy task but not impossible either, I said. But we have to think about it and plan it carefully. Sir, how can we do that? This is a running product we all know, right? There are certain steps which we have to follow very carefully as First we have to set up a new git repository and need to migrate all the code base into that or we have to rewrite it again if we are planning it into another language like node js, java etc. Do not touch the existing code base until or unless we are not ready with our new code implementation. Once our new written APIs are ready now we have to provide a mechanism to switch the older APIs with new ones from backend config. Now we have to separate our database. To separate our database we have to keep other things in mind as well like how we fulfill the other modules requirements so that the existing running functionality does not break. Might be you have to write multiple APIs. After switching all the older APIs with new ones we have to closely monitor the functioning 3–4 days at least. If everything goes well still we have to keep the older code base at least 1 month for a safer side. After 1 month now we can remove our older code base if our new microservice is running performing well. This is the right approach to migrate a feature from a monolithic code base into a microservice based architecture. We can easily understand a microservice based architecture by the help of the following diagram as Microservices Based Architecture Each and every module has a separate code base in a microservice based architecture as mentioned in the above diagram. There is a separate git repository for a separate code base and there is a separate database as well. Ideally a microservice should also deploy on a separate server but if the microservice needs a less server bandwidth then multiple microservices can be deployed on a single instance but this is not a right approach. But normally to utilize our servers and cost cutting we do so. Great sir. Now I am pretty much clear about the concept of monolithic vs microservice based architecture. Thank you so much sir. It would be really helpful to launch our first microservice for communication. All the team members also started discussing and giving thank you to me. No need for thanks, it’s my duty to guide you and teach you so that together we could build a better and scalable product to serve our customers. And that should be our primary objective of working together and collectively for our organization, I said. So, when you are coming with a new microservice architecture for our CANP(Communication Alerting and Notification Module) I asked him. Very soon sir. Give me 3–4 days but please help us to finalize the technologies which are most suitable for this module. Sure. Start thinking about its architecture and definitely I will guide you and help you to finalize the most suitable technologies for this. Based on the long term approach and nature of the module we finalized node js with loopback framework and Kafka and we successfully launched our first microservice. EXERCISE Think about your product or module which is badly impacted due to other releases in your organization. If you suffer a lot with this problem then think about how you can migrate into a microservice to make your and others life easier. Feel free to connect with me if you need any assistance regarding migration from a monolithic application to microservice based architecture.	b7785abf-25be-5f66-a7eb-82af7a0d9bc4	25/08/2025 15:58:01
https://vitalepeter.medium.com/top-insurance-industry-trends-for-2021-chivmen-com-2e88b51328c	medium.com	Top Insurance Industry Trends for 2021-Chivmen.com	“Insurance is an essential part of any financial portfolio,” advises one of the top insurance consultants. While it doesn’t make money for…	Peter Vitale	https://medium.com/@vitalepeter	2e88b51328c	https://miro.medium.com/…RjQ1-4wi_2f6.jpg	3 min	2021-03-31T16:11:05.209000	2021-03-31T12:11:00	2022-01-07T07:39:38.631000	0	16	en	Insurance,Insurance Trends,Insurance Industry,Business	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1280/0GEfPRjQ1-4wi_2f6.jpg" width="1280" height="720" loading="lazy" /> <p>“Insurance is an essential part of any financial portfolio,” advises one of the top insurance consultants. While it doesn’t make money for you like investments in stocks and bonds, it’s important to keep you from losing money due to things you can’t control, like a house fire, a liability lawsuit, or a car accident.</p> <p>When we interviewed Peter Vitale, <a href="https://www.crunchbase.com/person/peter-vitale">who has more than 20 years of experience</a> in the insurance field, he told us that he sees 2021 as a particularly dynamic year for the industry. He cites several trends that consumers and agents alike should be watching.</p> <h1>Top Insurance Industry Trends for 2021:</h1> <h2>Data-driven Insurance</h2> <p>“Insurance companies love data,” says Vitale. The more information the company has, the more expertly it can access the risk associated with a particular policy. The increased use of IoT devices and the sharing of information on social media pages allows insurance companies to use more and more metrics in their premium calculations. This can be a good thing for consumers who do things like keep up with maintenance on their home, make smart improvements to their home and have a good driving record.</p> <p>In addition, devices, such as wearable fitness trackers and car telematics, can give insurance companies valuable data with which to access risk and potentially lower premiums for low-risk policyholders. Some companies are exploring usage-based auto insurance policies, where a policyholder pays a base premium and then an additional fee per mile driven.</p> <h2>More and Better Customized Insurance Policies</h2> <p>“Gone are the days of the ‘one-size-fits-all’ insurance policy”, advises Michigan insurance expert Peter Vitale. Increasingly, consumers are able to pick and choose the features that they want to be included in their homeowners and auto insurance policies.</p> <h2>An Increase in Virtual Claims Adjusting</h2> <p>Virtual reality has made it easier for insurance claims adjusters to access damage without actually traveling to the scene. This not only reduces costs to the<a href="https://www.chivmen.com/benefits-of-life-insurance/"> life insurance</a> company and thus, potentially, to the consumer, but also helps to speed up the claims process. While the technology for this has existed for several years, the recent pandemic and subsequent travel bans have pushed virtual claims adjusting to the top of most insurance companies’ priority lists.</p> <h2>Wider Use of Chatbots For 24/7 Customer Service</h2> <p>“You can expect to see insurance companies making wider use of AI-powered chatbots to enhance their customer service in the coming years”, predicts Peter Vitale. Some studies estimate that as many as 95 percent of all customer service interactions across all industries will be powered by chatbots by 2025.</p> <p>“I’m not sure that is ideal for the insurance industry, where human interaction and relationship are at the core of our business, but chatbots can certainly help with that 2:00 a.m. question about the status of your claim or help you find the office nearest you”. Automating these easy questions can save insurance companies money, which ultimately helps the consumer.</p> <h2>Drones</h2> <p>Drones can be a very effective tool for insurance companies. They can be used to access risk before a policy is written, to quickly view claims, especially after natural disasters, where the area may not be safe or accessible to humans yet, and to aid in advising homeowners policyholders about preventative maintenance. Farmers Insurance is already deploying Kespry drones to help them with risk and damage assessments on homes.</p> <h2>An Explosion of New Insurtech Products</h2> <p>You know when they coin a new phrase for a segment of the industry, like insurtech, that this is an area that expects explosive growth. Insurtech products, which is a broad term that describes the marriage of technology to aid the insurance sector, are rapidly taking the industry by storm.</p> <h2>About Peter Vitale</h2> <p>Peter Vitale knows more than a little about driving in Michigan. A lifelong resident, Michigan’s Peter Vitale has been in the insurance industry in Southeast Michigan for nearly two decades. Today, as an insurance consultant, Vitale concentrates most of his effort into helping owners of small and medium-sized insurance businesses be successful.</p> <p>Peter Vitale is the owner of the Bloomfield Insurance Group in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan’s Oakland University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and lives in the Oakland County community where he grew up. When he’s not working, he’s actively involved in community affairs and sits on the Board of the Eastern Michigan Better Business Bureau.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/402/1N6jNwsW2vJG90zUbNUnewA.jpeg" width="402" height="604" loading="lazy" /> <p><em>Originally published at <a href="https://www.chivmen.com/top-insur</em>ance-industry-trends">https://www.chivmen.com</a> on March 31, 2021.</p> </section>	Top Insurance Industry Trends for 2021-Chivmen.com “Insurance is an essential part of any financial portfolio,” advises one of the top insurance consultants. While it doesn’t make money for you like investments in stocks and bonds, it’s important to keep you from losing money due to things you can’t control, like a house fire, a liability lawsuit, or a car accident. When we interviewed Peter Vitale, who has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance field, he told us that he sees 2021 as a particularly dynamic year for the industry. He cites several trends that consumers and agents alike should be watching. Top Insurance Industry Trends for 2021: Data-driven Insurance “Insurance companies love data,” says Vitale. The more information the company has, the more expertly it can access the risk associated with a particular policy. The increased use of IoT devices and the sharing of information on social media pages allows insurance companies to use more and more metrics in their premium calculations. This can be a good thing for consumers who do things like keep up with maintenance on their home, make smart improvements to their home and have a good driving record. In addition, devices, such as wearable fitness trackers and car telematics, can give insurance companies valuable data with which to access risk and potentially lower premiums for low-risk policyholders. Some companies are exploring usage-based auto insurance policies, where a policyholder pays a base premium and then an additional fee per mile driven. More and Better Customized Insurance Policies “Gone are the days of the ‘one-size-fits-all’ insurance policy”, advises Michigan insurance expert Peter Vitale. Increasingly, consumers are able to pick and choose the features that they want to be included in their homeowners and auto insurance policies. An Increase in Virtual Claims Adjusting Virtual reality has made it easier for insurance claims adjusters to access damage without actually traveling to the scene. This not only reduces costs to the life insurance company and thus, potentially, to the consumer, but also helps to speed up the claims process. While the technology for this has existed for several years, the recent pandemic and subsequent travel bans have pushed virtual claims adjusting to the top of most insurance companies’ priority lists. Wider Use of Chatbots For 24/7 Customer Service “You can expect to see insurance companies making wider use of AI-powered chatbots to enhance their customer service in the coming years”, predicts Peter Vitale. Some studies estimate that as many as 95 percent of all customer service interactions across all industries will be powered by chatbots by 2025. “I’m not sure that is ideal for the insurance industry, where human interaction and relationship are at the core of our business, but chatbots can certainly help with that 2:00 a.m. question about the status of your claim or help you find the office nearest you”. Automating these easy questions can save insurance companies money, which ultimately helps the consumer. Drones Drones can be a very effective tool for insurance companies. They can be used to access risk before a policy is written, to quickly view claims, especially after natural disasters, where the area may not be safe or accessible to humans yet, and to aid in advising homeowners policyholders about preventative maintenance. Farmers Insurance is already deploying Kespry drones to help them with risk and damage assessments on homes. An Explosion of New Insurtech Products You know when they coin a new phrase for a segment of the industry, like insurtech, that this is an area that expects explosive growth. Insurtech products, which is a broad term that describes the marriage of technology to aid the insurance sector, are rapidly taking the industry by storm. About Peter Vitale Peter Vitale knows more than a little about driving in Michigan. A lifelong resident, Michigan’s Peter Vitale has been in the insurance industry in Southeast Michigan for nearly two decades. Today, as an insurance consultant, Vitale concentrates most of his effort into helping owners of small and medium-sized insurance businesses be successful. Peter Vitale is the owner of the Bloomfield Insurance Group in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan’s Oakland University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and lives in the Oakland County community where he grew up. When he’s not working, he’s actively involved in community affairs and sits on the Board of the Eastern Michigan Better Business Bureau. Michigan’s Peter Vitale, Insurance Expert Originally published at https://www.chivmen.com on March 31, 2021.	d64296ad-3274-5df5-92b1-ccfbdd4b88f1	25/08/2025 15:58:01
https://medium.com/@shen.yuran3799/a-letter-to-my-father-b01d120e81d6	medium.com	A Letter to My Father	Dear Dad,	Aisa	https://medium.com/@shen.yuran3799	b01d120e81d6	https://miro.medium.com/…eLhjC22DgUA.jpeg	1 min	2024-09-15T13:28:02.171000	2024-09-15T13:33:09.224000	2024-11-16T14:39:55.668000	0	16	en	Life,Father And Daughter,Letters,Missing Persons,Sadness	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/1*1MrBiU7ZgLweLhjC22DgUA.jpeg" width="1200" height="801" loading="lazy" /> <p>Dear Dad,</p> <p>I promise to never forget<strong> </strong>the way you smiled. I will always remember your bright, joyful smile. Although there are so many memories with you that I can’t recall, I will always miss you.</p> <p>Dad, to be honest, I am deeply disappointed. Why are you no longer in this world? Why did you leave me when I was still so young? I can’t even remember the sound of your voice anymore. Dad, I feel envious of others who still have their fathers by their side. I need you, Dad. I am tired.</p> <p>Dad, if you were still here in this world, I want to share with you everything I have gone through up until now. I’m no longer the little girl you last saw when I was just six years old. I am now a 21-year-old woman, Dad. I’m sorry that when you were ill, I didn’t get the chance to say “sorry” and “thank you.”</p> <p>Dad, I’m so happy to be your daughter. I’ll never forget about the memories we shared together. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You will forever be my best father. No matter how bitter the reality, I must continue living this life without you.</p> <p>Dad, maybe you didn’t know this, but I have a wonderful mother. You were truly fortunate to have married her. If I could turn back time, I would always stay by your and Mom’s side, being a good daughter and making both of you proud.</p> <p>Until we meet again, Dad. Even though you are no longer here, I will never forget you. I love you so much. Rest in peace, and don’t be in pain anymore.</p> <p>From your daughter, miss you Dad!</p> </section>	A Letter to My Father pic from google Dear Dad, I promise to never forget the way you smiled. I will always remember your bright, joyful smile. Although there are so many memories with you that I can’t recall, I will always miss you. Dad, to be honest, I am deeply disappointed. Why are you no longer in this world? Why did you leave me when I was still so young? I can’t even remember the sound of your voice anymore. Dad, I feel envious of others who still have their fathers by their side. I need you, Dad. I am tired. Dad, if you were still here in this world, I want to share with you everything I have gone through up until now. I’m no longer the little girl you last saw when I was just six years old. I am now a 21-year-old woman, Dad. I’m sorry that when you were ill, I didn’t get the chance to say “sorry” and “thank you.” Dad, I’m so happy to be your daughter. I’ll never forget about the memories we shared together. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You will forever be my best father. No matter how bitter the reality, I must continue living this life without you. Dad, maybe you didn’t know this, but I have a wonderful mother. You were truly fortunate to have married her. If I could turn back time, I would always stay by your and Mom’s side, being a good daughter and making both of you proud. Until we meet again, Dad. Even though you are no longer here, I will never forget you. I love you so much. Rest in peace, and don’t be in pain anymore. From your daughter, miss you Dad!	fcecfc48-70e3-5377-9bf4-b33863fa4048	25/08/2025 15:58:02
https://medium.com/@jlamel/reactions-to-the-goodlatte-conyers-copyright-proposal-c5781ccfc090	medium.com	Reactions to the Goodlatte/Conyers Copyright Proposal	Many organizations highlight concerns with proposed reforms to the Copyright Office	Joshua Lamel	https://medium.com/@jlamel	c5781ccfc090	null	3 min	2017-02-07T17:56:32.661000	2017-02-07T17:58:07.257000	2018-03-20T16:26:23.459000	0	0	en	Congress,Copyright,Library Of Congress	<section> <p><em>Many organizations highlight concerns with proposed reforms to the Copyright Office</em></p> <p>The Re:Create Coalition and other organizations filed comments in response to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte and Ranking Member John Conyers’ <a href="https://judiciary.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Copyright-Reform.pdf">Copyright Office policy proposal</a>, which was unveiled in December. While organizations were united in their belief that technology upgrades at the Copyright Office are long overdue, many organizations expressed opposition to endowing the Office with autonomy or a small claims court.</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.</strong>recreatecoalition.org/comments-submitted-reply-copyright-office-policy-proposal/">Re:Create Coalition</a>: “[G]iving more autonomy to the Copyright Office is not the right solution to the Office’s problems. There are many reasons that the Copyright Office has struggled to keep up with the technological demands of the digital era, including lack of resources and technical expertise…But independence will not solve those problems. In fact, it may create more problems and delays as it is forced to organize under a new order…</p> <ul> <li>“Finally, we would like to express our strong opposition to creating a small claims court at the Copyright Office…There are legitimate Constitutional concerns about having a judicial process in the Legislative Branch that will likely tie up the Office in years of litigation, distracting from the need to modernize the Office.</li> <li>“Additionally, we have serious due process questions about the structure, including the appeals process and lack of access to the judicial branch on what is a judicial issue. Given these questions, the Copyright Office does not seem like an appropriate place for a small claims process…”</li> </ul> <p><strong><a href="https://judiciary.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Computer-Communications-Industry-Association.pdf">Computer & Communication</strong>s Industry Association (CCIA)</a> on the importance of retaining the Copyright Office within the Library of Congress: “Creating a new, free-standing agency in the Legislative Branch would prove counterproductive, as infrastructure, organization, and resources presently provided by the Library itself would have to be replicated. Such duplication would risk wasting stakeholders’ fees and delay efforts to reduce processing backlogs, while providing little benefit.”</p> <p><strong><a href="https://judiciary.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Consumer-Technology-Association.pdf">Consumer Technology A</strong>ssociation (CTA)</a> explains its opposition to a small claims court under Copyright Office jurisdiction: “CTA opposes the small claims system proposal out of concern that however administered or supervised it would create a new arena for copyright ‘trolls’ and generally would create uncertainty in the law, and would intimidate consumers and many small entrepreneurs.”</p> <p><strong><a href="https://judiciary.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Electonic-Fronteir-Foundation.pdf">Electronic </strong>Frontier Foundation (EFF)</a> on why Senate confirmation of the Register of Copyrights is unnecessary: “EFF questions the necessity of having the Register of Copyrights subject to Senate confirmation. The Register’s role in policymaking is primarily advisory…The power to make and revise copyright law remains with Congress…Furthermore, requiring the Register of Copyrights to undergo confirmation may risk further politicizing the position, aligning it more closely with well-represented special interests in Washington D.C. Such a result would undermine the goal of ensuring that the advice the Register provides to Congress is non-partisan and objective.”</p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.librarycopyrightalliance.org/storage/documents/HJCWhitePaperComments.pdf">Library Copyright Alliance</a> (including Coalition members American Library Association and Association of Research Lib</strong>raries) on their opposition to the establishment of a small claims court in the Copyright Office: “[W]e appreciate the challenges low-value infringement cases pose to individual artists. Unfortunately, a small claims system consistent with the Copyright Office report would not successfully address the problem. Defendants rarely would consent to the jurisdiction of the small-claims tribunal because it would not be in their interest to do so; they benefit from the barriers currently posed by the high costs of federal court litigation. Accordingly, Congress and the Copyright Office would expend significant time and resources developing a small claims system, but it would hardly get used.”</p> <p><strong><a href="https://judiciary.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/P</strong>ublic-Knowledge.pdf">Public Knowledge</a> on its opposition to Copyright Office autonomy: “Modernization should not be made contingent on other controversial reforms, such as severing the Copyright Office from the Library of Congress. Not only is restructuring unnecessary for successful modernization, but it would likely undermine such efforts.”</p> <p><strong><a href="https://judiciary.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/FreedomWorks-and-RSI.pdf">R Stre</strong>et and FreedomWorks</a> on why the Copyright Office should stay within the Library of Congress: “We understand the concerns of those who would like to give the office greater autonomy, particularly in light of past challenges, however we believe Congress should be wary of proposals to fully move it out from under the Library. Putting the Register under the Librarian — whose role is to organize and make works accessible — will help keep the Copyright Office true to its mission to serve both rightsholders and the public, and limit opportunities for capture by special interests.”</p> <p><em>Re:Create represents a cross-section of creators, advocates, thinkers and consumers seeking to promote copyright standards that foster innovation, creativity and economic growth. For more information, please visit<a href="http://links.t</em>argetedvictory.mkt5241.com/ctt?kn=1&ms=MjMxNzEwODUS1&r=NTY5MjU1NDUyMjES1&b=0&j=NjAzMDc3NzkwS0&mt=1&rt=0"> recreatecoalition.org</a>.</p> </section>	Reactions to the Goodlatte/Conyers Copyright Proposal Many organizations highlight concerns with proposed reforms to the Copyright Office The Re:Create Coalition and other organizations filed comments in response to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte and Ranking Member John Conyers’ Copyright Office policy proposal, which was unveiled in December. While organizations were united in their belief that technology upgrades at the Copyright Office are long overdue, many organizations expressed opposition to endowing the Office with autonomy or a small claims court. Re:Create Coalition: “[G]iving more autonomy to the Copyright Office is not the right solution to the Office’s problems. There are many reasons that the Copyright Office has struggled to keep up with the technological demands of the digital era, including lack of resources and technical expertise…But independence will not solve those problems. In fact, it may create more problems and delays as it is forced to organize under a new order… “Finally, we would like to express our strong opposition to creating a small claims court at the Copyright Office…There are legitimate Constitutional concerns about having a judicial process in the Legislative Branch that will likely tie up the Office in years of litigation, distracting from the need to modernize the Office. “Additionally, we have serious due process questions about the structure, including the appeals process and lack of access to the judicial branch on what is a judicial issue. Given these questions, the Copyright Office does not seem like an appropriate place for a small claims process…” Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) on the importance of retaining the Copyright Office within the Library of Congress: “Creating a new, free-standing agency in the Legislative Branch would prove counterproductive, as infrastructure, organization, and resources presently provided by the Library itself would have to be replicated. Such duplication would risk wasting stakeholders’ fees and delay efforts to reduce processing backlogs, while providing little benefit.” Consumer Technology Association (CTA) explains its opposition to a small claims court under Copyright Office jurisdiction: “CTA opposes the small claims system proposal out of concern that however administered or supervised it would create a new arena for copyright ‘trolls’ and generally would create uncertainty in the law, and would intimidate consumers and many small entrepreneurs.” Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) on why Senate confirmation of the Register of Copyrights is unnecessary: “EFF questions the necessity of having the Register of Copyrights subject to Senate confirmation. The Register’s role in policymaking is primarily advisory…The power to make and revise copyright law remains with Congress…Furthermore, requiring the Register of Copyrights to undergo confirmation may risk further politicizing the position, aligning it more closely with well-represented special interests in Washington D.C. Such a result would undermine the goal of ensuring that the advice the Register provides to Congress is non-partisan and objective.” Library Copyright Alliance (including Coalition members American Library Association and Association of Research Libraries) on their opposition to the establishment of a small claims court in the Copyright Office: “[W]e appreciate the challenges low-value infringement cases pose to individual artists. Unfortunately, a small claims system consistent with the Copyright Office report would not successfully address the problem. Defendants rarely would consent to the jurisdiction of the small-claims tribunal because it would not be in their interest to do so; they benefit from the barriers currently posed by the high costs of federal court litigation. Accordingly, Congress and the Copyright Office would expend significant time and resources developing a small claims system, but it would hardly get used.” Public Knowledge on its opposition to Copyright Office autonomy: “Modernization should not be made contingent on other controversial reforms, such as severing the Copyright Office from the Library of Congress. Not only is restructuring unnecessary for successful modernization, but it would likely undermine such efforts.” R Street and FreedomWorks on why the Copyright Office should stay within the Library of Congress: “We understand the concerns of those who would like to give the office greater autonomy, particularly in light of past challenges, however we believe Congress should be wary of proposals to fully move it out from under the Library. Putting the Register under the Librarian — whose role is to organize and make works accessible — will help keep the Copyright Office true to its mission to serve both rightsholders and the public, and limit opportunities for capture by special interests.” Re:Create represents a cross-section of creators, advocates, thinkers and consumers seeking to promote copyright standards that foster innovation, creativity and economic growth. For more information, please visit recreatecoalition.org.	26e9555b-2c90-5c9a-8404-ae184de7948e	25/08/2025 15:58:02
https://medium.com/@jerryweeks_12524/top-5-best-things-to-do-in-denali-national-park-5ad0bf4470ff	medium.com	Top 5 Best Things To Do In Denali National Park	Denali National Park, actually located in central Alaska, is a total dream location for anyone who appreciates nature, plus it’s cool if…	Jerryweeks	https://medium.com/@jerryweeks_12524	5ad0bf4470ff	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*VxaAgqGKD6mR7l2n	5 min	2025-08-23T15:24:01.072000	2025-02-25T03:15:01.840000	2025-08-23T16:29:32.764000	0	0	en	Photography,Travel,Tour,Tourism,Trip	<section> <p>Denali National Park, actually located in central Alaska, is a total dream location for anyone who appreciates nature, plus it’s cool if you are looking for a little excitement, too. That vast area covers over 6 million acres and shows off some utterly amazing natural sights plus seriously cool creatures to observe within the United States. So, for people thinking of going to check this awesome park out, what follows is a listing of the best things you should get to in Denali National Park so your outing in 2025 will prove memorable.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/474/0VxaAgqGKD6mR7l2n" width="474" height="316" loading="lazy" /> <h1>1. Take a Scenic Bus Tour</h1> <p>A driving tour is usually among the greatest means of discovering Denali National Park. These jaunts are an utterly superb thing because they supply you with a great experience while they lead you into remote spots of the park where there’s tons of superb scenes and a great quantity of creatures roaming around. You, very very well could witness Denali (previously given the name of Mount McKinley), or so people say is highest mountain on this continent, together with quite a lot more attractive mountaintops, as well as various ice rivers plus natural water features.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/474/0fzTaBRO5g0gLKqAI" width="474" height="348" loading="lazy" /> <p>If your desire is to have one totally killer tour experience, think over setting it up by using <a href="https://explorejoys.blogspot.is/?q=Denali+Scenic+Bus+Tour">Viator</a>. You see, often these hosted excursions typically have smart information dispensed by somebody who’s in the know; it spices the adventure with historical tales and data about all of the animals scurrying around.</p> <h2>2. Hike the Savage River Loop Trail</h2> <p>The Savage River pathway that goes around in a circle happens to be well-loved through individuals who are interested in scoping out the natural wonder nearby at Denali National Park; like, personally. The route runs for roughly 4 miles plus includes appealing displays related to Savage River coupled with sights spotted everywhere. The area you use as you stroll is reasonably effortless, which then causes it to be great when any trekker wants to go.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/474/0DKZ_xJo1won9mQTo" width="474" height="449" loading="lazy" /> <p>While scaling, check outside for animals such as the caribou along with the Dall sheep in addition to numerous fowl. To receive all you need to out of that long walk, arguably look into securing <a href="https://explorejoys.blogspot.is/?q=Savage+River+Loop+Trail">a guided strolling opportunity</a>; such can actually add understanding regarding green living and older times surrounding this location.</p> <h2>3. Experience the Denali Star Train</h2> <p>If one seeks something comfy, plus unusual by which anyone might glimpse this wild territory regarding Alaska, very arguably obtain seats riding the Denali Star Train. Such picturesque option is helpful for moving tourists near Denali National Park including Anchorage plus Fairbanks by providing travelers comprehensive natural environments nearby this location.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/474/0k8iAPozRh4KfTSzz" width="474" height="316" loading="lazy" /> <p>You’ll spot the vessel presents large windows; it actually lets passengers fully have gratitude toward just how spectacular this vistas can get as they motor onward. You could nearly definitely secure seats by means of <a href="https://explorejoys.blogspot.is/?q=Denali+Star+Train">Viator</a>; the goal is creating trouble free feelings accompanied by entrance when wanting great seats plus further conveniences.</p> <h2>4. Go Wildlife Viewing</h2> <p>People are keen on Denali National Park so much since that area sustains truly marvelous animals there. That place, going from grizzlies plus mooses right down to bobcats in addition to wolves, ends up as some sort of spot specifically beneficial when an individual adores creatures. A myriad of options will prove suitable for going through different animal displays; arguably using handled tours; even self-administrated vehicle usages end up viable, too.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/474/00j15xt2K1vvD_ZNw" width="474" height="266" loading="lazy" /> <p>So if one wishes, greatly more greatly, those chances they’ll definitely scope anything fantastic out of that wildness, that actually comes off nicely should a human set aside any <a href="https://explorejoys.blogspot.is/?q=Denali+Wildlife+Viewing">creature checking journey</a>, such being contributed courtesy of specialist consultants whom understand areas coupled with instances where animal scoping turns into possible.</p> <h2>5. Explore the Park’s Visitor Center</h2> <p>You see, the place tourists assemble over at Denali National Park provides a really special launch point when individuals wish to see this landscape up around this park. The site is near the place folks can readily go in coupled with exhibits being obtainable based around rocks including animals and also historic accounts when checking in. One can easily have info gathered from these types of things, actually sit for how films occur and set out plans in the end.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/474/0l9l3rAHKJbc19r4j" width="474" height="347" loading="lazy" /> <p>You see, at the same time that area where tourists assemble provides a number of shows that could well expand someone’s picture concerning such terrain; this nearly definitely includes planning with help from employees at any park. Actually examine that out via <a href="https://explorejoys.blogspot.is/?q=Denali+Visitor+Center">Viator</a> by which people find how plans are built on present day alongside up to date information, too.</p> <h2>Key Takeaways</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Scenic Bus Tour:</strong> Pretty superb so as for extensive discovering pertaining to ground.</li> <li><strong>Savage River Loop Trail:</strong> Simple hiking as displays end up remarkable.</li> <li><strong>Denali Star Train:</strong> Shows off one of a kind outlook through that rough terrain nearby Alaska.</li> <li><strong>Wildlife Viewing:</strong> Perhaps tourists will scope creatures nearby those territories.</li> <li><strong>Visitor Center:</strong> Tools as well as classes one obtains knowledge from occur here.</li> </ul> <h2>FAQ</h2> <h2>What is the best time to visit Denali National Park?</h2> <p>The most excellent duration toward checking Denali National Park over turns toward taking those warmer days throughout those summers, spanning approximately from the month called June right up to when that one designated August lands; days seem really awesome right at such time coupled with fauna ends up considerably more existing back.</p> <h2>Do I need a permit to hike in Denali National Park?</h2> <p>Most days; anybody has zero application needed when checking park out from that ground level; though, should yourself target making walking trails backward in there coupled with making campgrounds arranged, perhaps permissions appear.</p> <h2>Are there accommodations within Denali National Park?</h2> <p>Possibly; those selections through rooms positioned somewhere nearby those meadows appear along accommodations right upon that wild ground itself. This nearly certainly serves persons as appropriate whether folks may be aiming toward purchasing previous by times, significantly throughout what experts reveal represents busy days to secure.</p> <p><em>Originally published at <a href="https://dbupzhm.travel.blog/2025/02/25/</em>top-5-best-things-to-do-in-denali-national-park/">http://dbupzhm.travel.blog</a> on February 25, 2025.</p> </section>	Top 5 Best Things To Do In Denali National Park Denali National Park, actually located in central Alaska, is a total dream location for anyone who appreciates nature, plus it’s cool if you are looking for a little excitement, too. That vast area covers over 6 million acres and shows off some utterly amazing natural sights plus seriously cool creatures to observe within the United States. So, for people thinking of going to check this awesome park out, what follows is a listing of the best things you should get to in Denali National Park so your outing in 2025 will prove memorable. 1. Take a Scenic Bus Tour A driving tour is usually among the greatest means of discovering Denali National Park. These jaunts are an utterly superb thing because they supply you with a great experience while they lead you into remote spots of the park where there’s tons of superb scenes and a great quantity of creatures roaming around. You, very very well could witness Denali (previously given the name of Mount McKinley), or so people say is highest mountain on this continent, together with quite a lot more attractive mountaintops, as well as various ice rivers plus natural water features. If your desire is to have one totally killer tour experience, think over setting it up by using Viator. You see, often these hosted excursions typically have smart information dispensed by somebody who’s in the know; it spices the adventure with historical tales and data about all of the animals scurrying around. 2. Hike the Savage River Loop Trail The Savage River pathway that goes around in a circle happens to be well-loved through individuals who are interested in scoping out the natural wonder nearby at Denali National Park; like, personally. The route runs for roughly 4 miles plus includes appealing displays related to Savage River coupled with sights spotted everywhere. The area you use as you stroll is reasonably effortless, which then causes it to be great when any trekker wants to go. While scaling, check outside for animals such as the caribou along with the Dall sheep in addition to numerous fowl. To receive all you need to out of that long walk, arguably look into securing a guided strolling opportunity; such can actually add understanding regarding green living and older times surrounding this location. 3. Experience the Denali Star Train If one seeks something comfy, plus unusual by which anyone might glimpse this wild territory regarding Alaska, very arguably obtain seats riding the Denali Star Train. Such picturesque option is helpful for moving tourists near Denali National Park including Anchorage plus Fairbanks by providing travelers comprehensive natural environments nearby this location. You’ll spot the vessel presents large windows; it actually lets passengers fully have gratitude toward just how spectacular this vistas can get as they motor onward. You could nearly definitely secure seats by means of Viator; the goal is creating trouble free feelings accompanied by entrance when wanting great seats plus further conveniences. 4. Go Wildlife Viewing People are keen on Denali National Park so much since that area sustains truly marvelous animals there. That place, going from grizzlies plus mooses right down to bobcats in addition to wolves, ends up as some sort of spot specifically beneficial when an individual adores creatures. A myriad of options will prove suitable for going through different animal displays; arguably using handled tours; even self-administrated vehicle usages end up viable, too. So if one wishes, greatly more greatly, those chances they’ll definitely scope anything fantastic out of that wildness, that actually comes off nicely should a human set aside any creature checking journey, such being contributed courtesy of specialist consultants whom understand areas coupled with instances where animal scoping turns into possible. 5. Explore the Park’s Visitor Center You see, the place tourists assemble over at Denali National Park provides a really special launch point when individuals wish to see this landscape up around this park. The site is near the place folks can readily go in coupled with exhibits being obtainable based around rocks including animals and also historic accounts when checking in. One can easily have info gathered from these types of things, actually sit for how films occur and set out plans in the end. You see, at the same time that area where tourists assemble provides a number of shows that could well expand someone’s picture concerning such terrain; this nearly definitely includes planning with help from employees at any park. Actually examine that out via Viator by which people find how plans are built on present day alongside up to date information, too. Key Takeaways Scenic Bus Tour: Pretty superb so as for extensive discovering pertaining to ground. Savage River Loop Trail: Simple hiking as displays end up remarkable. Denali Star Train: Shows off one of a kind outlook through that rough terrain nearby Alaska. Wildlife Viewing: Perhaps tourists will scope creatures nearby those territories. Visitor Center: Tools as well as classes one obtains knowledge from occur here. FAQ What is the best time to visit Denali National Park? The most excellent duration toward checking Denali National Park over turns toward taking those warmer days throughout those summers, spanning approximately from the month called June right up to when that one designated August lands; days seem really awesome right at such time coupled with fauna ends up considerably more existing back. Do I need a permit to hike in Denali National Park? Most days; anybody has zero application needed when checking park out from that ground level; though, should yourself target making walking trails backward in there coupled with making campgrounds arranged, perhaps permissions appear. Are there accommodations within Denali National Park? Possibly; those selections through rooms positioned somewhere nearby those meadows appear along accommodations right upon that wild ground itself. This nearly certainly serves persons as appropriate whether folks may be aiming toward purchasing previous by times, significantly throughout what experts reveal represents busy days to secure. Originally published at http://dbupzhm.travel.blog on February 25, 2025.	c8c76176-4975-5405-a083-b3726024127f	25/08/2025 15:58:17
https://medium.com/@bruno__quaresma/microservices-using-resources-and-business-services-as-extensibility-strategy-ff111ed2e469	medium.com	Microservices: Using Resources and Business Services as extensibility strategy	In this post, I want to share with you a strategy that the premise is improves the system extensibility. It is not a guide to the truth so…	Bruno Quaresma	https://medium.com/@bruno__quaresma	ff111ed2e469	https://miro.medium.com/…1R8DMVhKKFWQ.png	3 min	2017-10-20T12:40:42.011000	2017-10-23T12:26:54.434000	2018-02-05T14:34:07.597000	1	52	en	Microservices,Resources Service,Service,Business Services	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1024/1aVq0q9jjFx1R8DMVhKKFWQ.png" width="1024" height="768" loading="lazy" /> <p>In this post, I want to share with you a strategy that the premise is improves the system extensibility. It is not a guide to the truth so, if you disagree with something please share your thoughts with me I will really appreciate.</p> <p>Before we begin I want to share a use case telling a story to be more simple to understand the concept and the problems that it was supposed to solve.</p> <p>So, imagine a company that needs to manage its employee leaves. This company decides to create a leave app that will have the employee and leave data.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/121/1hG7uU27cxLfpC1H3aSxi4w.jpeg" width="121" height="242" loading="lazy" /> <p>The initial architecture enable the team to delivery fast but, after some time, other applications want to consume the leave information to generate reports, dashboards and BI systems.</p> <p>After some time thinking about those requirements the team to decides to extract the core of leave in a separated API that will be consumed by other apps.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/361/1W3_QJr4kuRDzLH6h_kJbOw.jpeg" width="361" height="422" loading="lazy" /> <p>Now, the architecture is able to expose the leave information to other services.</p> <p>But, after some time the company wants to create a new service that manages all employee benefits like medical care, transport card, and culture card.</p> <p>To build this new app the team will need to use the employee data and following the same concept of the leave API, they decide to extract the employee data from leave API to a new service. It will avoid spreading the employee business logic through the system.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/531/1Efq0UZRe4c6_yEGqzy4uZA.jpeg" width="531" height="467" loading="lazy" /> <p>Now, they have clean services with a single purpose and responsibility. And it is a <strong>Resource Service</strong>.</p> <p>A <strong>Resource Service</strong> is responsible to store and manage exclusively its own information. It does not mean that you do not keep adjacent data like <em>leave type</em> but, be warned about the type of information that you want to save in this kind of service. <strong>Remember, keep minimum data as possible to enable it to work.</strong></p> <h1>Using resource services to extensibility</h1> <p>Now, the company expands to other countries and the employee service does not support the legal country information and without this information, the company cannot generate benefits contracts and other important stuff like employee payments.</p> <p>So, to resolve this situation the tech team came up with two options. The first is to put all those fields in the model. The second one is to create a service that will wrap the business logic from each country.</p> <p>Put all those fields in the model will generate a big fat model, the necessity to change the service each time when some country wants to add some new information and will increase the logic complexity.</p> <p>Creating new services will allow the company to handle different business contexts with your own specific business logic avoiding a new monolithic service. It will decrease the necessity of changes in the common resource. Other positive points are the scalability and maintenance.</p> <p>Using the second option, that seems best to this situation, the current company system architecture was changed to this.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/701/1*8BdLiB89bhCjdzYzHuKP3A.jpeg" width="701" height="537" loading="lazy" /> <p>The new services extend the resource services to provide some additional functionality or information without changing the core resource. To this services, we called <strong>Business Services or Capability Services</strong>.</p> <p>The objective of a <strong>Business Service</strong> is provides a new capability for an existent resource or additional information that is not common to other services.</p> <h2>Be careful</h2> <p>Like I said before, this is not a guide to the truth and I recommend you to think about before start using it in your company or project.</p> <p>I recommended you to see and search other strategies and see what solves better the problem that you want to solve.</p> <h2>Thanks for your time!</h2> <p>I hope you enjoyed this content and if you have a different point of view, let me know. I’d love to listen to you.</p> <h2>References</h2> <p><a href="https://www.thoughtworks.com/insights/blog/well-factored-approach-securing-roi-your-service-investment">https://www.thoughtworks.com/insights/blog/well-factored-approach-securing-roi-your-service-investment</a></p> </section>	Microservices: Using Resources and Business Services as extensibility strategy In this post, I want to share with you a strategy that the premise is improves the system extensibility. It is not a guide to the truth so, if you disagree with something please share your thoughts with me I will really appreciate. Before we begin I want to share a use case telling a story to be more simple to understand the concept and the problems that it was supposed to solve. So, imagine a company that needs to manage its employee leaves. This company decides to create a leave app that will have the employee and leave data. Initial architecture The initial architecture enable the team to delivery fast but, after some time, other applications want to consume the leave information to generate reports, dashboards and BI systems. After some time thinking about those requirements the team to decides to extract the core of leave in a separated API that will be consumed by other apps. Extracted Leave API Now, the architecture is able to expose the leave information to other services. But, after some time the company wants to create a new service that manages all employee benefits like medical care, transport card, and culture card. To build this new app the team will need to use the employee data and following the same concept of the leave API, they decide to extract the employee data from leave API to a new service. It will avoid spreading the employee business logic through the system. Employee resource service extracted Now, they have clean services with a single purpose and responsibility. And it is a Resource Service. A Resource Service is responsible to store and manage exclusively its own information. It does not mean that you do not keep adjacent data like leave type but, be warned about the type of information that you want to save in this kind of service. Remember, keep minimum data as possible to enable it to work. Using resource services to extensibility Now, the company expands to other countries and the employee service does not support the legal country information and without this information, the company cannot generate benefits contracts and other important stuff like employee payments. So, to resolve this situation the tech team came up with two options. The first is to put all those fields in the model. The second one is to create a service that will wrap the business logic from each country. Put all those fields in the model will generate a big fat model, the necessity to change the service each time when some country wants to add some new information and will increase the logic complexity. Creating new services will allow the company to handle different business contexts with your own specific business logic avoiding a new monolithic service. It will decrease the necessity of changes in the common resource. Other positive points are the scalability and maintenance. Using the second option, that seems best to this situation, the current company system architecture was changed to this. Architecture with business services The new services extend the resource services to provide some additional functionality or information without changing the core resource. To this services, we called Business Services or Capability Services. The objective of a Business Service is provides a new capability for an existent resource or additional information that is not common to other services. Be careful Like I said before, this is not a guide to the truth and I recommend you to think about before start using it in your company or project. I recommended you to see and search other strategies and see what solves better the problem that you want to solve. Thanks for your time! I hope you enjoyed this content and if you have a different point of view, let me know. I’d love to listen to you. References https://www.thoughtworks.com/insights/blog/well-factored-approach-securing-roi-your-service-investment	d4840e41-c865-59ed-8485-64e857d2f6f7	25/08/2025 15:58:17
https://lazyvagabond.medium.com/top-5-honeymoon-destinations-in-india-a22e388a9384	medium.com	Top 5 honeymoon destinations in India	What can be a better feeling than tying the knot with your selected partner and taking vows to spend your life together forever? Going to…	Aaina Khan	https://medium.com/@lazyvagabond	a22e388a9384	https://miro.medium.com/…CFSS8Gk_qkw.jpeg	3 min	2015-12-14T07:26:34.236000	2015-12-14T07:38:20.067000	2018-04-28T06:48:57.274000	0	0	en	Honeymoon Packages,Kerala Tour Packages,Honeymoon	<section> <p>What can be a better feeling than tying the knot with your selected partner and taking vows to spend your life together forever? Going to an idyllic location to celebrate this union with your special one is your honeymoon.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/610/1vB5LZFnuGcxCFSS8Gk_qkw.jpeg" width="610" height="380" loading="lazy" /> <p>How about taking a trip to view the myriad hues of a vivacious country like India for this special moment of your life? If you are looking for the top honeymoon destinations in India with great <strong><a href="http://in</strong>.musafir.com/holidays/honeymoon-packages.aspx">honeymoon packages</a>; just go online. There are customized <strong>honeymoon packages</strong> for couples who wish to make their honeymoon a memorable event of their life.</p> <h1>Rajasthan</h1> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/352/1xqxhM7ceD5r5LuHRbMK-7w.jpeg" width="352" height="143" loading="lazy" /> <p>Let your romance be filled with vibrant colours of this dusty heartland of India. The arid environment of this desert land is painted with every bright colour to fill your life with joy and happiness. The kaleidoscope is brimming with traditions, antique handicrafts, and beautiful palaces and bursting culinary experience. Stay in one of the Royal palaces- life cannot get grander than that.</p> <h2>Goa</h2> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/300/14jUM_0tZHwNnFwk8uDMxYQ.jpeg" width="300" height="200" loading="lazy" /> <p>Any destination list in India is incomplete without mentioning Goa. An idyllic setting for any romantic celebration- whether you would like to go out for a serene, beachside candle light dinner or love to party out the whole night, Goa has everything to offer. Cocoon yourself in one of the hidden gems of the Goan resort and spend your private time with your loved ones in the lap of nature.</p> <h2>Kerala</h2> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/550/1nKtLnJhIjZRJIx8vPnEM3Q.jpeg" width="550" height="300" loading="lazy" /> <p>‘God’s own country’- the tag line for Kerala tourism is not just a tagline- it is the reality. Serene beaches, stretches of backwaters, enchanting hill stations and exciting wildlife- Kerala has everything that a tourist may look out for on an exotic holiday. Add to that rich culture, lush green paddy fields and plantation along with some of the best centres offering ayurvedic and naturopathy treatments. One of the top destinations for honeymoon in India, you may look forward to spending some time at Kovalam beach and Telakaddy wildlife sanctuary.</p> <h2>Darjeeling</h2> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/430/1iRTecJd9nmizO7yPeWo8Mg.jpeg" width="430" height="272" loading="lazy" /> <p>As a honeymooning couple one is always looking for solace & solitude to have those precious moments with your loved ones- away from the hustle bustle of the city. Darjeeling offers you this with the mystic Himalayan hills as the backdrop and lush green tea plantations along with exotic flowers and wildlife. What more can one look for during this special vacation? Enjoy the ‘dreamland of the east’ and rekindle your romance by visiting the numerous scenic spots in Darjeeling.</p> <h2>Coorg</h2> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/550/1VHXytsZ2rWmUeYjSQ90zeA.jpeg" width="550" height="366" loading="lazy" /> <p>This quaint plantation town near Bengaluru is an excellent place to enjoy the scenic beauty. With very little to do; this is definitely not a usual tourist place. Commercialization in the true sense is yet to make its mark and hence it becomes the location of choice to concentrate on each other with the beauty of Mother Nature. Check into one of the upmarket resorts in the town and you can have a comfortable, luxurious stay without any disturbances.</p> <p>Explore India and give your life a new start!</p> </section>	Top 5 honeymoon destinations in India What can be a better feeling than tying the knot with your selected partner and taking vows to spend your life together forever? Going to an idyllic location to celebrate this union with your special one is your honeymoon. honeymoon packages How about taking a trip to view the myriad hues of a vivacious country like India for this special moment of your life? If you are looking for the top honeymoon destinations in India with great honeymoon packages; just go online. There are customized honeymoon packages for couples who wish to make their honeymoon a memorable event of their life. Rajasthan Let your romance be filled with vibrant colours of this dusty heartland of India. The arid environment of this desert land is painted with every bright colour to fill your life with joy and happiness. The kaleidoscope is brimming with traditions, antique handicrafts, and beautiful palaces and bursting culinary experience. Stay in one of the Royal palaces- life cannot get grander than that. Goa Any destination list in India is incomplete without mentioning Goa. An idyllic setting for any romantic celebration- whether you would like to go out for a serene, beachside candle light dinner or love to party out the whole night, Goa has everything to offer. Cocoon yourself in one of the hidden gems of the Goan resort and spend your private time with your loved ones in the lap of nature. Kerala ‘God’s own country’- the tag line for Kerala tourism is not just a tagline- it is the reality. Serene beaches, stretches of backwaters, enchanting hill stations and exciting wildlife- Kerala has everything that a tourist may look out for on an exotic holiday. Add to that rich culture, lush green paddy fields and plantation along with some of the best centres offering ayurvedic and naturopathy treatments. One of the top destinations for honeymoon in India, you may look forward to spending some time at Kovalam beach and Telakaddy wildlife sanctuary. Darjeeling As a honeymooning couple one is always looking for solace & solitude to have those precious moments with your loved ones- away from the hustle bustle of the city. Darjeeling offers you this with the mystic Himalayan hills as the backdrop and lush green tea plantations along with exotic flowers and wildlife. What more can one look for during this special vacation? Enjoy the ‘dreamland of the east’ and rekindle your romance by visiting the numerous scenic spots in Darjeeling. Coorg This quaint plantation town near Bengaluru is an excellent place to enjoy the scenic beauty. With very little to do; this is definitely not a usual tourist place. Commercialization in the true sense is yet to make its mark and hence it becomes the location of choice to concentrate on each other with the beauty of Mother Nature. Check into one of the upmarket resorts in the town and you can have a comfortable, luxurious stay without any disturbances. Explore India and give your life a new start!	03f8e54b-080f-5783-814f-da8d4f423cee	25/08/2025 15:58:17
https://josephlangen.medium.com/if-you-really-knew-me-32c30d04cf50	medium.com	If You Really Knew Me	If You Really Knew Me	Joseph Langen	https://medium.com/@josephlangen	32c30d04cf50	https://miro.medium.com/…vch7eeMOg-w.jpeg	2 min	2022-08-29T15:20:17.971000	2022-08-29T15:22:32.682000	2022-08-29T15:22:42.560000	0	27	en	If,Knowing,Me	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/870/1*UlRjoxgse5uvch7eeMOg-w.jpeg" width="870" height="580" loading="lazy" /> <h1>If You Really Knew Me</h1> <p><em>Man is never alone. Acknowledged or unacknowledged, that which dreams through him is always there to support him from within.</em></p> <p>~Laurence van der Post~</p> <p>Once I watched a segment on Oprah called High School Challenge. A group of high school students spent the day getting to know themselves and others by finishing the sentence, “If you really knew me…” Predictably, they started with superficial statements revealing only the obvious. As the day progressed, they began to reveal more personal concerns and eventually got to the secrets which deeply troubled them.</p> <p>I think most of us are not very different from high school students at least in this exercise. It is not easy for us to reveal our secret fears and insecurities. We might look for ways to hide from being noticed, remaining wallflowers at the dance of life. We might be aggressive as a way to conceal our insecurities, in the manner of bullies. We might choose the path of those who tease others, focusing on their shortcomings so that ours are not so apparent.</p> <p>How would we finish the statement, “If you really knew me…?” How honest would we be? We would probably start with safe statements, revealing little about ourselves. As we feel safer, we might start sharing more personal information and eventually get to the concerns with deeply trouble us.</p> <p>We might admit that we never felt loved, at least not as much as others in our family. We might admit our embarrassment at what makes us different from others: our skin color, our physical appearance, or our physical, mental and emotional shortcomings. We might admit feeling that we have not accomplished as much as we would like and probably never will. We might express feeling disappointed by not becoming what others expect of us.</p> <p>Voicing these concerns might be a revelation to us as well as to others. We often hide these issues from ourselves so we don’t have to face them. We try to ignore them or pretend they don’t exist. Even if we can’t see them clearly, we still trip over them when we least expect it. We all have fears and insecurities buried deep within us. We can develop a shell for protection as some animals do, or develop weapons such as claws, quills or poisons to keep others at bay. None of these approaches will make us feel any better about ourselves. They are just tools we use to keep from being hurt. In the long run they keep us isolated from others.</p> <p>What if we could find a way to be open with others about our insecurities and make it safe for them to share theirs with us? Maybe it would be a way for us to contribute to a less hostile world. Maybe it would be easier for us to live in peace with each other.</p> <p><strong>Action Steps</strong></p> <p>· Make a list of what troubles you.</p> <p>· Make further lists until you have some deep feelings about what you write.</p> <p>· Take the risk of sharing your list with someone you trust.</p> <p>· Make it safe for someone to share his or her concerns with you.</p> <p>· Talk about what you have in common and how you can help each other.</p> </section>	If You Really Knew Me If You Really Knew Me Man is never alone. Acknowledged or unacknowledged, that which dreams through him is always there to support him from within. ~Laurence van der Post~ Once I watched a segment on Oprah called High School Challenge. A group of high school students spent the day getting to know themselves and others by finishing the sentence, “If you really knew me…” Predictably, they started with superficial statements revealing only the obvious. As the day progressed, they began to reveal more personal concerns and eventually got to the secrets which deeply troubled them. I think most of us are not very different from high school students at least in this exercise. It is not easy for us to reveal our secret fears and insecurities. We might look for ways to hide from being noticed, remaining wallflowers at the dance of life. We might be aggressive as a way to conceal our insecurities, in the manner of bullies. We might choose the path of those who tease others, focusing on their shortcomings so that ours are not so apparent. How would we finish the statement, “If you really knew me…?” How honest would we be? We would probably start with safe statements, revealing little about ourselves. As we feel safer, we might start sharing more personal information and eventually get to the concerns with deeply trouble us. We might admit that we never felt loved, at least not as much as others in our family. We might admit our embarrassment at what makes us different from others: our skin color, our physical appearance, or our physical, mental and emotional shortcomings. We might admit feeling that we have not accomplished as much as we would like and probably never will. We might express feeling disappointed by not becoming what others expect of us. Voicing these concerns might be a revelation to us as well as to others. We often hide these issues from ourselves so we don’t have to face them. We try to ignore them or pretend they don’t exist. Even if we can’t see them clearly, we still trip over them when we least expect it. We all have fears and insecurities buried deep within us. We can develop a shell for protection as some animals do, or develop weapons such as claws, quills or poisons to keep others at bay. None of these approaches will make us feel any better about ourselves. They are just tools we use to keep from being hurt. In the long run they keep us isolated from others. What if we could find a way to be open with others about our insecurities and make it safe for them to share theirs with us? Maybe it would be a way for us to contribute to a less hostile world. Maybe it would be easier for us to live in peace with each other. Action Steps · Make a list of what troubles you. · Make further lists until you have some deep feelings about what you write. · Take the risk of sharing your list with someone you trust. · Make it safe for someone to share his or her concerns with you. · Talk about what you have in common and how you can help each other.	7083a482-cb6b-5409-b06e-9201be319e27	25/08/2025 15:58:18
https://footstepsofthefuries.medium.com/dreaming-77713ef1e26e	medium.com	Dreaming	August 11th, 2025	footsteps of the Furies	https://medium.com/@footstepsofthefuries	77713ef1e26e	https://miro.medium.com/…V11MQLIKUMA.jpeg	1 min	2025-08-11T11:07:17.385000	2025-08-11T16:44:53.466000	2025-08-11T17:29:42.072000	0	0	en	Dreaming	<section> <p><em>August 11th, 2025</em></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/646/1*roNF8nvdrTyV11MQLIKUMA.jpeg" width="646" height="720" loading="lazy" /> <p>“Anyone can escape into sleep, we are all geniuses when we dream, the butcher the poet’s equal there.” ― <strong>Emil Cioran, The Temptation to Exist</strong></p> <p>Except for me, who doesn't dream at all, or hardly at all. Or rather, I do dream, but in the morning, I don't remember anything about what I dreamt. That has to be some kind of disability, since everyone dreams. It is our nature and a physiological necessity, but in my case, I very rarely remember anything from a dream. And if I remember anything, it is always some mundane and boring thing that is not worth recalling at all. Even rarer are the nightmares that happen to me from time to time, but I can always trace the underlying reason and the trigger point for those night horrors. Other than that, I simply cannot recall any dreams I might have had at night. So, maybe I don't dream at all, except for those rare moments of dreaming about work and to-do lists, and even rarer nightmares. Maybe that is the reason I am the way I am. Maybe my mind cannot reset itself at night, as it is supposed to do. Maybe my mind cannot compartmentalize and make sense of things that happen to me and around me, so the burden of understanding is moved to my waking hours. And that is usually too much for me. Maybe that is the reason for my obsessiveness and my slight but numerous neuroses? And my inability to recall dreams has been with me for as long as I can remember. Maybe that is something to fix, if that can be fixed.</p> </section>	Dreaming August 11th, 2025 “Anyone can escape into sleep, we are all geniuses when we dream, the butcher the poet’s equal there.” ― Emil Cioran, The Temptation to Exist Except for me, who doesn't dream at all, or hardly at all. Or rather, I do dream, but in the morning, I don't remember anything about what I dreamt. That has to be some kind of disability, since everyone dreams. It is our nature and a physiological necessity, but in my case, I very rarely remember anything from a dream. And if I remember anything, it is always some mundane and boring thing that is not worth recalling at all. Even rarer are the nightmares that happen to me from time to time, but I can always trace the underlying reason and the trigger point for those night horrors. Other than that, I simply cannot recall any dreams I might have had at night. So, maybe I don't dream at all, except for those rare moments of dreaming about work and to-do lists, and even rarer nightmares. Maybe that is the reason I am the way I am. Maybe my mind cannot reset itself at night, as it is supposed to do. Maybe my mind cannot compartmentalize and make sense of things that happen to me and around me, so the burden of understanding is moved to my waking hours. And that is usually too much for me. Maybe that is the reason for my obsessiveness and my slight but numerous neuroses? And my inability to recall dreams has been with me for as long as I can remember. Maybe that is something to fix, if that can be fixed.	bcac89d5-1ee7-5a50-8fba-a87200f9f6cf	25/08/2025 15:58:19
https://medium.com/@matthew.puddister/fight-despair-f5901e0b233a	medium.com	Fight Despair	One of the most common sights on social media is someone talking about the horrors of life under capitalism, often pointing to the weak…	Matthew Puddister	https://medium.com/@matthew.puddister	f5901e0b233a	https://miro.medium.com/…k_h6IlVFerw.jpeg	1 min	2025-08-23T06:48:51.968000	2025-08-23T06:51:51.422000	2025-08-23T07:29:36.747000	0	0	en	Capitalism,Optimism,Politics,News,Commentary	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/1*efMnj9-BWe8k_h6IlVFerw.jpeg" width="2000" height="1467" loading="lazy" /> <p>One of the most common sights on social media is someone talking about the horrors of life under capitalism, often pointing to the weak reaction of leaders who claim to stand for workers and the oppressed, and then concluding, “It’s over”, “We’re fucked”, or some variation.</p> <p>These are understandable reactions to the capitalist dystopia we live in. Yet they’re entirely unproductive. Pessimism never helped anyone. In 1901, Leon Trotsky wrote an article on the conflict between <a href="https://www.marxists.org/archive/trotsky/1901/xx/20thcent.htm">optimism and pessimism</a> at the onset of the 20th century, creating a dialogue between these two views. He concluded:</p> <blockquote><em>It seems as if the new century, this gigantic newcomer, were bent at the very moment of its appearance to drive the optimist into absolute pessimism and civic nirvana.</em></blockquote> <blockquote><em>– Death to Utopia! Death to faith! Death to love! Death to hope! thunders the twentieth century in salvos of fire and in the rumbling of guns.</em></blockquote> <blockquote><em>– Surrender, you pathetic dreamer. Here I am, your long awaited twentieth century, your ‘future.’</em></blockquote> <blockquote><em>– No, replies the unhumbled optimist: You, you are only the present.</em></blockquote> <p>The idea that we’re all doomed is <a href="https://www.marxist.ca/article/doomerism-in-service-of-the-capitalists">doomerism</a>, today’s main alternative to Marxism. If you believe any effort at radical social change is pointless, the only beneficiaries are the ruling class that maintains our current status quo.</p> <p><a href="https://www.marxist.ca/article/flight-attendants-defeat-back-to-work-order-but-leaders-accept-bad-deal">Air Canada flight attendants</a> just defied the back-to-work orders from Ottawa that Canadian union leaders until then had accepted as unchallengeable. While CUPE leaders have since called off the strike and recommended workers accept a bad deal, the fact remains that workers defeated the Canadian government’s strikebreaking efforts. Flight attendants have set a precedent for future labour struggles.</p> <p>Sinking into despair lets our criminal ruling class win. We can’t allow that to happen.</p> </section>	Fight Despair Despair, by Bertha Wegmann. Oil on canvas One of the most common sights on social media is someone talking about the horrors of life under capitalism, often pointing to the weak reaction of leaders who claim to stand for workers and the oppressed, and then concluding, “It’s over”, “We’re fucked”, or some variation. These are understandable reactions to the capitalist dystopia we live in. Yet they’re entirely unproductive. Pessimism never helped anyone. In 1901, Leon Trotsky wrote an article on the conflict between optimism and pessimism at the onset of the 20th century, creating a dialogue between these two views. He concluded: It seems as if the new century, this gigantic newcomer, were bent at the very moment of its appearance to drive the optimist into absolute pessimism and civic nirvana. – Death to Utopia! Death to faith! Death to love! Death to hope! thunders the twentieth century in salvos of fire and in the rumbling of guns. – Surrender, you pathetic dreamer. Here I am, your long awaited twentieth century, your ‘future.’ – No, replies the unhumbled optimist: You, you are only the present. The idea that we’re all doomed is doomerism, today’s main alternative to Marxism. If you believe any effort at radical social change is pointless, the only beneficiaries are the ruling class that maintains our current status quo. Air Canada flight attendants just defied the back-to-work orders from Ottawa that Canadian union leaders until then had accepted as unchallengeable. While CUPE leaders have since called off the strike and recommended workers accept a bad deal, the fact remains that workers defeated the Canadian government’s strikebreaking efforts. Flight attendants have set a precedent for future labour struggles. Sinking into despair lets our criminal ruling class win. We can’t allow that to happen.	b8532be3-b62a-53b9-b513-8f421d414639	25/08/2025 15:58:19
https://lolaadedara.medium.com/naming-your-idols-6cfe6f98ffa9	medium.com	Naming your Idols	Hello people, It’s been a minute. I have a question for you.	Lola Adedara	https://medium.com/@lolaadedara	6cfe6f98ffa9	null	2 min	2021-06-23T16:37:33.933000	2021-06-24T09:35:19.252000	2022-01-06T11:23:24.628000	0	72	en	Christianity,Religion And Spirituality,Religion	<section> <p>Hello people, It’s been a minute. I have a question for you.</p> <p>What are your idols?</p> <p>Before I got to this point in my Christian walk, I had this friend that always spoke about how God helped him to eliminate a lot of petty things in his life for him to “see the ground clearly, lest he stumble”- <em>lol I added that part but you have to admit though, it was pretty good</em>. I would always respond by saying “oh I could never do without my Afro beat, I couldn’t survive, God can’t take that away from me. I have to listen to it everyday if not I wouldn’t feel normal”- yes I said that lol. The wildest part about it was that I was extremely serious. It brought me joy so I really was not kidding. Anyways, he kept emphasizing it anytime he would tell me to read my bible or pray- and he said this a lot. For further context, I would watch movies and, bop to music every single day. I would pretty much do anything but read my bible.</p> <p>I am not saying afro beat is bad or you need to eliminate it from your life to seek God’s face in your life. We can’t however deny the fact that some songs contain very vulgar lyrics. Ephesians 5:4 tells us not be part of obscenity, foolish talk and, coarse joking. We don’t get a pass simply because someone adds some cool chords and drums to the lyrics.</p> <p>Back to my story, I struggled a whole lot in studying God’s word and praying. I then decided to try something new. Instead of afro beat, I would listen to sermon podcasts and gospel music. Now when I say this was a game changer for me, I mean it really was. I think this was truly effective for me because I used music to do practically everything except sleep lol. As such, replacing that kind of music with things that would edify me and stir up my spirit was incredible.</p> <p>As silly as this may sound, Afro beat was my idol, not because what I was listening to was bad or evil but because I prioritized it over my willingness to build my relationship with God. I exalted it so much that I was never planning to ever lose it. It was when I eliminated my idol that I believe I began to hear God properly. In some ways, I believe God is always speaking to us through the holy spirit but a lot of times, we do not listen. Our idols could be hindering us from hearing God. Idol worship is offensive to God but more so we should be more concerned about it because it prevents us from living righteous lives and the bible says that “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective”- James 5:14.</p> <p>Simply put, idol worship -like every other sin is a hinderance to your spiritual life. I think this one kind of creeps in on you and can be very blinding and crafty sometimes. It may even look normal or like an old habit but it could be your idol.</p> <p>Do you prioritize work over studying God’s word? Yes, we get busy sometimes and fall short, but is this a constant state for you? do you see your time with God as a holiday you take when you’re feeling tired or have a little free time?</p> <p>Could your idol be movies, do you obsess over Netflix but would never sit through a sermon?</p> <p>I suggest you do a little self reflection and name your idols. It just might change the game for you like it did for me.</p> <p>Thank you for reading, See you next week (I hope👀)</p> <p>Don’t forget to follow, clap and share❤️</p> </section>	Naming your Idols Hello people, It’s been a minute. I have a question for you. What are your idols? Before I got to this point in my Christian walk, I had this friend that always spoke about how God helped him to eliminate a lot of petty things in his life for him to “see the ground clearly, lest he stumble”- lol I added that part but you have to admit though, it was pretty good. I would always respond by saying “oh I could never do without my Afro beat, I couldn’t survive, God can’t take that away from me. I have to listen to it everyday if not I wouldn’t feel normal”- yes I said that lol. The wildest part about it was that I was extremely serious. It brought me joy so I really was not kidding. Anyways, he kept emphasizing it anytime he would tell me to read my bible or pray- and he said this a lot. For further context, I would watch movies and, bop to music every single day. I would pretty much do anything but read my bible. I am not saying afro beat is bad or you need to eliminate it from your life to seek God’s face in your life. We can’t however deny the fact that some songs contain very vulgar lyrics. Ephesians 5:4 tells us not be part of obscenity, foolish talk and, coarse joking. We don’t get a pass simply because someone adds some cool chords and drums to the lyrics. Back to my story, I struggled a whole lot in studying God’s word and praying. I then decided to try something new. Instead of afro beat, I would listen to sermon podcasts and gospel music. Now when I say this was a game changer for me, I mean it really was. I think this was truly effective for me because I used music to do practically everything except sleep lol. As such, replacing that kind of music with things that would edify me and stir up my spirit was incredible. As silly as this may sound, Afro beat was my idol, not because what I was listening to was bad or evil but because I prioritized it over my willingness to build my relationship with God. I exalted it so much that I was never planning to ever lose it. It was when I eliminated my idol that I believe I began to hear God properly. In some ways, I believe God is always speaking to us through the holy spirit but a lot of times, we do not listen. Our idols could be hindering us from hearing God. Idol worship is offensive to God but more so we should be more concerned about it because it prevents us from living righteous lives and the bible says that “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective”- James 5:14. Simply put, idol worship -like every other sin is a hinderance to your spiritual life. I think this one kind of creeps in on you and can be very blinding and crafty sometimes. It may even look normal or like an old habit but it could be your idol. Do you prioritize work over studying God’s word? Yes, we get busy sometimes and fall short, but is this a constant state for you? do you see your time with God as a holiday you take when you’re feeling tired or have a little free time? Could your idol be movies, do you obsess over Netflix but would never sit through a sermon? I suggest you do a little self reflection and name your idols. It just might change the game for you like it did for me. Thank you for reading, See you next week (I hope👀) Don’t forget to follow, clap and share❤️	6f575c8a-a60e-5e75-ad71-d0e18bb8e43e	25/08/2025 15:58:19
https://medium.com/@mtatarnic/lord-dont-give-me-strength-944b693c52e0	medium.com	Lord, don’t give me strength	null	Martha Tatarnic	https://medium.com/@mtatarnic	944b693c52e0	https://miro.medium.com/…OK2HV1RP7uQ.jpeg	5 min	2017-12-07T22:31:28.985000	2017-09-14T16:49:08	2024-02-14T20:48:58.754000	0	0	en	Only One Thing,Feature,Health,Illness,Jesus	<section> <p><em>“I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10).</em></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/6000/1*riVqkQHvZtVOK2HV1RP7uQ.jpeg" width="6000" height="4000" loading="lazy" /> <p>I have been ill. I am better and it is nothing serious. But the battery of seemingly futuristic tests for which I got lined up, along with symptoms that were temporarily debilitating, triggered an interior spiral of obsessive worrying that I suspect is pretty common for people facing health difficulties. I tried to identify mistakes I had made — in diet and lifestyle particularly — that could be blamed for causing these problems. I made vows to myself to be better, to be heroically healthy going forward. I felt guilty about letting people down and imagined that I was being judged as weak and unreliable. I compared my own lack of energy accompanying my rather mild illness to all of the people I knew battling way more serious problems than me and seemingly managing much better. I became hyper-aware of each little twinge of a symptom, imagining what horrible diagnosis my body might be signalling to me. There is, of course, a common core connecting this whole set of obsessions: it is all about me, and it is all on me to figure out the path back to wellness too.</p> <p>I often pray at the bedside of the sick. And more often than not, I include a request for strength in my prayers for the person who is sick. I visualize the word “strength” as encompassing physical, mental and spiritual well-being. However, it has been in my own prayers in the face of illness that I have realized asking for strength isn’t helpful. It’s not that I don’t need strength. But asking God to give it to me feeds exactly into the self idolatry into which illness has been so effectively seducing me: <em>I </em>am the problem.<em> I </em>am the failure. And<em> I </em>need enough resilience and grit to push on through and get better.</p> <p>The Biblical witness suggests a very different understanding of both illness and wellness. The prophets and the psalms affirm that our strength is not in ourselves, but in God: The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in him and he helps me (<em>Psalm 28:7</em>); The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation (<em>Isaiah 12:2</em>); The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. (<em>Habakkuk 3:19</em>). Jesus expands on that understanding of strength as he roams the lakeshores of Galilee healing and casting out demons. Oftentimes in response to the gratitude of one newly healed, he says, “Your faith has made you well.” In each case, the healing that is enacted is only partly physical. He is touching the untouchable; he is making visible the invisible; he is restoring relationship. The faith to which he refers is not about individual achievement. Strong faith can only ever be revealed in the context of community; strong faith rests on the ability to surrender to the blessing of the Other.</p> <p>Jesus’ famous prayer, passed down through the generations and still known and used well outside of the circle of practising Christians today, gives words to Jesus’ offering. “<em>Our</em> Father,” it begins. We meet and know God only in community. “Give <em>us</em> today our daily bread, forgive <em>us</em> our sins, save <em>us </em>from the time of trial and deliver <em>us</em> from evil.” At every point in the prayer, the requests are simple and individual needs cannot be divorced from the needs of neighbour. The Biblical witness smashes the idolatry of individualism by locating the source and possibility of our strength always and only in God. Jesus enriches that picture of God’s strength by binding the self into community, by showing that we only can know and receive God’s strength by refusing to stand alone.</p> <p>Jesus searches the highways and the biways calling to the weary and the burdened. He reaches out and touches them. He restores them to community. He treats them with dignity, respect and a soft touch. He never asks for them to be made strong. He never even asks that they be made physically well. He tells them, “I will give you rest.” He invites them to “take my yoke upon you and learn from me …For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” <em>(Matthew 11:28–30) </em>In doing so, he shows them that their prisons of self-concern — and all of the fear and loneliness and self-obsessing and worry that fills those prisons — have been broken open and they are free to stand up and walk.</p> <p>As I grapple with a mild but lingering uncertainty about my health, I have found myself deliberately praying not to be strong. It’s that same need to be strong that occasionally keeps me up at night worrying in circles about all of the needs of all of the people that I am not able to meet. In juggling a life full of responsibilities, as in facing illness, the only way out of the circles is in realizing that being stronger isn’t going to get me through. I need to figure out the hope inherent in being weak. Something in that weakness allows me to place myself in the service of God, trusting that if God’s power can be revealed in a battered and beaten peasant dying on a cross two thousand years ago, surely God can do something with my little life too.</p> <p>More importantly, something in my weakness necessarily opens my eyes away from my own self involvement to assume that God is also working in those around me, that I am not in this alone, that I really am part of a great cloud of witnesses, part of the global and timeless Body of Christ. My friend and colleague Alan shared with me his own practice of praying the psalms. “I like praying through all of them,” he said to me, “even, or maybe even especially, the ones that are awful. The angry and vindictive and despairing. I think that they might not represent how I feel, but they will represent how <em>someone </em>is feeling. And maybe my prayer can lift something of that burden of feeling off someone else.” It is a beautiful approach to prayer. On the one hand, this is not all riding on me, and on the other hand, because God’s power is always and only revealed in relationship, even my fragile and ill-equipped prayer can participate in easing the pain and loneliness of another. As I offer this prayer for others, I can assume and then receive the prayers that are also being offered for me. Deliver <em>us</em> from evil, Jesus prays. Save <em>us</em> from the time of trial. Don’t give us strength, Lord. Make us light. And show us we are not alone.</p> </section>	Lord, don’t give me strength “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10). I have been ill. I am better and it is nothing serious. But the battery of seemingly futuristic tests for which I got lined up, along with symptoms that were temporarily debilitating, triggered an interior spiral of obsessive worrying that I suspect is pretty common for people facing health difficulties. I tried to identify mistakes I had made — in diet and lifestyle particularly — that could be blamed for causing these problems. I made vows to myself to be better, to be heroically healthy going forward. I felt guilty about letting people down and imagined that I was being judged as weak and unreliable. I compared my own lack of energy accompanying my rather mild illness to all of the people I knew battling way more serious problems than me and seemingly managing much better. I became hyper-aware of each little twinge of a symptom, imagining what horrible diagnosis my body might be signalling to me. There is, of course, a common core connecting this whole set of obsessions: it is all about me, and it is all on me to figure out the path back to wellness too. I often pray at the bedside of the sick. And more often than not, I include a request for strength in my prayers for the person who is sick. I visualize the word “strength” as encompassing physical, mental and spiritual well-being. However, it has been in my own prayers in the face of illness that I have realized asking for strength isn’t helpful. It’s not that I don’t need strength. But asking God to give it to me feeds exactly into the self idolatry into which illness has been so effectively seducing me: I am the problem. I am the failure. And I need enough resilience and grit to push on through and get better. The Biblical witness suggests a very different understanding of both illness and wellness. The prophets and the psalms affirm that our strength is not in ourselves, but in God: The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in him and he helps me (Psalm 28:7); The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation (Isaiah 12:2); The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:19). Jesus expands on that understanding of strength as he roams the lakeshores of Galilee healing and casting out demons. Oftentimes in response to the gratitude of one newly healed, he says, “Your faith has made you well.” In each case, the healing that is enacted is only partly physical. He is touching the untouchable; he is making visible the invisible; he is restoring relationship. The faith to which he refers is not about individual achievement. Strong faith can only ever be revealed in the context of community; strong faith rests on the ability to surrender to the blessing of the Other. Jesus’ famous prayer, passed down through the generations and still known and used well outside of the circle of practising Christians today, gives words to Jesus’ offering. “Our Father,” it begins. We meet and know God only in community. “Give us today our daily bread, forgive us our sins, save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.” At every point in the prayer, the requests are simple and individual needs cannot be divorced from the needs of neighbour. The Biblical witness smashes the idolatry of individualism by locating the source and possibility of our strength always and only in God. Jesus enriches that picture of God’s strength by binding the self into community, by showing that we only can know and receive God’s strength by refusing to stand alone. Jesus searches the highways and the biways calling to the weary and the burdened. He reaches out and touches them. He restores them to community. He treats them with dignity, respect and a soft touch. He never asks for them to be made strong. He never even asks that they be made physically well. He tells them, “I will give you rest.” He invites them to “take my yoke upon you and learn from me …For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30) In doing so, he shows them that their prisons of self-concern — and all of the fear and loneliness and self-obsessing and worry that fills those prisons — have been broken open and they are free to stand up and walk. As I grapple with a mild but lingering uncertainty about my health, I have found myself deliberately praying not to be strong. It’s that same need to be strong that occasionally keeps me up at night worrying in circles about all of the needs of all of the people that I am not able to meet. In juggling a life full of responsibilities, as in facing illness, the only way out of the circles is in realizing that being stronger isn’t going to get me through. I need to figure out the hope inherent in being weak. Something in that weakness allows me to place myself in the service of God, trusting that if God’s power can be revealed in a battered and beaten peasant dying on a cross two thousand years ago, surely God can do something with my little life too. More importantly, something in my weakness necessarily opens my eyes away from my own self involvement to assume that God is also working in those around me, that I am not in this alone, that I really am part of a great cloud of witnesses, part of the global and timeless Body of Christ. My friend and colleague Alan shared with me his own practice of praying the psalms. “I like praying through all of them,” he said to me, “even, or maybe even especially, the ones that are awful. The angry and vindictive and despairing. I think that they might not represent how I feel, but they will represent how someone is feeling. And maybe my prayer can lift something of that burden of feeling off someone else.” It is a beautiful approach to prayer. On the one hand, this is not all riding on me, and on the other hand, because God’s power is always and only revealed in relationship, even my fragile and ill-equipped prayer can participate in easing the pain and loneliness of another. As I offer this prayer for others, I can assume and then receive the prayers that are also being offered for me. Deliver us from evil, Jesus prays. Save us from the time of trial. Don’t give us strength, Lord. Make us light. And show us we are not alone.	f6517926-78c2-5ba5-802e-78b6f06b9cde	25/08/2025 15:58:20
https://bschoney.medium.com/cs371p-fall-2020-barrett-schonefeld-ebe1bb7e3326	medium.com	CS371p Fall 2020: Barrett Schonefeld	What did you do this past week?	Barrett J Schonefeld	https://medium.com/@bschoney	ebe1bb7e3326	https://miro.medium.com/…9SXzyMtFX1Q.jpeg	2 min	2020-10-11T04:13:12.878000	2020-10-11T20:00:56.623000	2021-12-16T05:39:51.426000	0	0	en	University Of Texas,Computer Science	<section> <h1>What did you do this past week?</h1> <p>This past week, my teammate and I finished the Allocator project. We developed a working Allocator implementation. We submitted the Allocator to HackerRank and passed all the tests. We developed unit tests and acceptance tests for the Allocator. We handled the logistical items for the project, including opening and closing issues, updating the README with important information, formatting the code, opening a merge request on the public test repository with our acceptance tests, generating the documentation with doxygen, and providing the git log and latest git SHA.</p> <h2>What’s in your way?</h2> <p>Nothing is in the way! We need to submit the link to the repository when the Canvas assignment opens.</p> <h2>What will you do next week?</h2> <p>Next week I will prepare for the exams by doing the in class exercises and reviewing C++ concepts we have covered in this course. I feel confident in my knowledge of the material, so I think the exam will go well.</p> <h2>If you read it, what did you think of <strong>The Open-Closed Principle</strong>?</h2> <p>The Open-Closed Principle seems like a great principle to adopt for managing long-term software projects. It opened my eyes to some potential problems that may arise as teams develop large software projects over time. I started to see that a good way to design code is to create modules responsible for one piece of logic, allow communication with the module through an API, and keep the API stable so depending modules work properly.</p> <h2>What was your experience of <strong>iterator concepts</strong>, std::array, and std::vector?</h2> <p>The iterator lectures are interesting because they illustrate how C++ iterators are used to make code flexible and generic. C++ operator overloading provides a great foundation for making flexible code that is missing from a language like Java. It was interesting to explore the deficiencies of the built-in C++ array and the benefits of using the array and vector classes from the standard library.</p> <h2>What made you happy this week?</h2> <p>I got a few books each on different topics (health, biology, evolution of language), and I’m excited to dive into each of these! I’ve had one of the books, Behave by Robert Sapolsky, on my list for awhile because I found some of his lectures online intriguing. I’m excited to get a more detailed account of his ideas.</p> <h2>What’s your pick-of-the-week or tip-of-the-week?</h2> <p>My pick-of-the-week is the documentary, Human Nature. It outlines the latest information in the developments in gene editing and CRISPR, and it discusses the associated ethical issues and public opinion on whether these technologies should be advanced and used. It got me interested in human biology, which is what inspired me to move Behave (mentioned above) to the top of the reading list, and it helped me understand some of the challenges and applications of gene editing.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2713/1*QYY_sBPaaNN9SXzyMtFX1Q.jpeg" width="2713" height="3263" loading="lazy" /> </section>	CS371p Fall 2020: Barrett Schonefeld What did you do this past week? This past week, my teammate and I finished the Allocator project. We developed a working Allocator implementation. We submitted the Allocator to HackerRank and passed all the tests. We developed unit tests and acceptance tests for the Allocator. We handled the logistical items for the project, including opening and closing issues, updating the README with important information, formatting the code, opening a merge request on the public test repository with our acceptance tests, generating the documentation with doxygen, and providing the git log and latest git SHA. What’s in your way? Nothing is in the way! We need to submit the link to the repository when the Canvas assignment opens. What will you do next week? Next week I will prepare for the exams by doing the in class exercises and reviewing C++ concepts we have covered in this course. I feel confident in my knowledge of the material, so I think the exam will go well. If you read it, what did you think of The Open-Closed Principle? The Open-Closed Principle seems like a great principle to adopt for managing long-term software projects. It opened my eyes to some potential problems that may arise as teams develop large software projects over time. I started to see that a good way to design code is to create modules responsible for one piece of logic, allow communication with the module through an API, and keep the API stable so depending modules work properly. What was your experience of iterator concepts, std::array, and std::vector? The iterator lectures are interesting because they illustrate how C++ iterators are used to make code flexible and generic. C++ operator overloading provides a great foundation for making flexible code that is missing from a language like Java. It was interesting to explore the deficiencies of the built-in C++ array and the benefits of using the array and vector classes from the standard library. What made you happy this week? I got a few books each on different topics (health, biology, evolution of language), and I’m excited to dive into each of these! I’ve had one of the books, Behave by Robert Sapolsky, on my list for awhile because I found some of his lectures online intriguing. I’m excited to get a more detailed account of his ideas. What’s your pick-of-the-week or tip-of-the-week? My pick-of-the-week is the documentary, Human Nature. It outlines the latest information in the developments in gene editing and CRISPR, and it discusses the associated ethical issues and public opinion on whether these technologies should be advanced and used. It got me interested in human biology, which is what inspired me to move Behave (mentioned above) to the top of the reading list, and it helped me understand some of the challenges and applications of gene editing.	5298b369-6b7c-5435-aecd-4b36ee4ab8de	25/08/2025 15:58:20
https://scribblemyheart.medium.com/my-life-isnt-chaotic-3f1e7cd95b74	medium.com	My Life Isn’t Chaotic	Beyond the numbers, we’re all in this together.	Christi	https://medium.com/@scribblemyheart	3f1e7cd95b74	https://miro.medium.com/…[email protected]	2 min	2024-02-03T05:32:15.078000	2024-02-03T05:37:06.732000	2024-02-04T04:19:12.449000	0	19	en	Culture,Self Improvement,React,Mothers Day,Mental Health	<section> <p><em>Beyond the numbers, we’re all in this together.</em></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3240/1*[email protected]" width="3240" height="2163" loading="lazy" /> <p>Chaos is subjective. For some, two kids present a handful. For others, three or more is manageable. It’s not the count that dictates chaos, but the circumstances. Every family dynamic is unique. Assumptions about chaos overlook individual experiences. They generalize a reality that is deeply personal. Such assumptions also ignore the joy that larger families experience. Yes, there’s noise, mess, and an endless laundry cycle. Yet, there’s also laughter, love, and unmatched companionship.</p> <p>The assumption of chaos carries a hint of pity. It suggests that more kids equal more problems. This is far from the truth. Problems don’t multiply with the number of children. Instead, solutions become more creative. Families adapt, grow, and find their rhythm. It’s about balance, not just about numbers. Larger families often mean more helpers and teamwork. Older siblings care for younger ones, creating bonds that last a lifetime.</p> <p>Critics often highlight the financial strain of more children. It’s undeniable; more children can mean more expenses. However, financial planning and priorities differ for every family. Some choose experiences over material goods. Others find joy in simplicity. It’s not about affluence but about values. Life with more kids isn’t necessarily a financial crisis. It’s a different approach to budgeting and spending.</p> <p>Time management is another concern raised. With more kids, personal time seems elusive. Yet, mothers of larger families learn to find moments of peace. They become masters of efficiency, juggling multiple schedules with grace. It’s not about having ample time but making the most of what you have. Every moment becomes precious, every interaction meaningful.</p> <p>The stigma of a “big” family is outdated. It harks back to times when family size dictated status or necessity. Today, the decision to have more kids is a personal choice. It’s not a statement against modernity or feminism. It’s a preference, a desire for a fuller house. Larger families are not a step backward but a different path forward.</p> <p>The comparison between mothers based on family size is unnecessary. It creates a divide where there should be unity. Motherhood is challenging, regardless of the number of children. Instead of comparing, we should support each other. Empathy and understanding bridge the gap between our experiences. We’re all navigating the complexities of raising children in today’s world.</p> <p>To the mothers of two or fewer, I say: Your choice is valid. It’s a reflection of your circumstances, desires, and capabilities. To judge or assume would be unfair. Your family is perfect as it is. And to those who look at my larger family and see chaos, I offer an invitation. Look closer. Beyond the noise and activity, you’ll find love, laughter, and life in abundance.</p> <p>Let’s dismantle the stereotypes that divide us. Whether you have one child or many, motherhood is a journey of love, sacrifice, and growth. It’s about raising the next generation, regardless of the headcount. Let’s celebrate our choices and support one another. After all, at the end of the day, we’re all just moms doing our best.</p> </section>	My Life Isn’t Chaotic Beyond the numbers, we’re all in this together. Photo by Alexander Dummer on Unsplash Chaos is subjective. For some, two kids present a handful. For others, three or more is manageable. It’s not the count that dictates chaos, but the circumstances. Every family dynamic is unique. Assumptions about chaos overlook individual experiences. They generalize a reality that is deeply personal. Such assumptions also ignore the joy that larger families experience. Yes, there’s noise, mess, and an endless laundry cycle. Yet, there’s also laughter, love, and unmatched companionship. The assumption of chaos carries a hint of pity. It suggests that more kids equal more problems. This is far from the truth. Problems don’t multiply with the number of children. Instead, solutions become more creative. Families adapt, grow, and find their rhythm. It’s about balance, not just about numbers. Larger families often mean more helpers and teamwork. Older siblings care for younger ones, creating bonds that last a lifetime. Critics often highlight the financial strain of more children. It’s undeniable; more children can mean more expenses. However, financial planning and priorities differ for every family. Some choose experiences over material goods. Others find joy in simplicity. It’s not about affluence but about values. Life with more kids isn’t necessarily a financial crisis. It’s a different approach to budgeting and spending. Time management is another concern raised. With more kids, personal time seems elusive. Yet, mothers of larger families learn to find moments of peace. They become masters of efficiency, juggling multiple schedules with grace. It’s not about having ample time but making the most of what you have. Every moment becomes precious, every interaction meaningful. The stigma of a “big” family is outdated. It harks back to times when family size dictated status or necessity. Today, the decision to have more kids is a personal choice. It’s not a statement against modernity or feminism. It’s a preference, a desire for a fuller house. Larger families are not a step backward but a different path forward. The comparison between mothers based on family size is unnecessary. It creates a divide where there should be unity. Motherhood is challenging, regardless of the number of children. Instead of comparing, we should support each other. Empathy and understanding bridge the gap between our experiences. We’re all navigating the complexities of raising children in today’s world. To the mothers of two or fewer, I say: Your choice is valid. It’s a reflection of your circumstances, desires, and capabilities. To judge or assume would be unfair. Your family is perfect as it is. And to those who look at my larger family and see chaos, I offer an invitation. Look closer. Beyond the noise and activity, you’ll find love, laughter, and life in abundance. Let’s dismantle the stereotypes that divide us. Whether you have one child or many, motherhood is a journey of love, sacrifice, and growth. It’s about raising the next generation, regardless of the headcount. Let’s celebrate our choices and support one another. After all, at the end of the day, we’re all just moms doing our best.	1a730e0a-97e4-5e0c-8bd2-6e9831d4cf29	25/08/2025 15:58:21
https://medium.com/tech-jobs-academy/no-scripts-ma-install-a-parent-and-child-domain-using-only-server-core-2012-r2-9203db320d6d	medium.com	No Scripts, Ma! Install a Parent and Child Domain with Server Core 2012 R2	When you don’t have a scripting environment or a GUI, you can use two command-line tools within Server Core, i.e. PowerShell and sconfig…	Jenny Ng	https://medium.com/@tribbletron	9203db320d6d	https://miro.medium.com/…ZVJZpx6uKPTQ.png	4 min	2016-06-28T16:10:59.167000	2016-07-12T00:06:50.134000	2018-03-18T21:02:34.992000	1	19	en	Sysadmin,Microsoft,Tech,Powershell	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/642/10fskn2UKq-ZVJZpx6uKPTQ.png" width="642" height="480" loading="lazy" /> <p>When you don’t have a scripting environment or a GUI, you can use two command-line tools within Server Core, i.e. PowerShell and sconfig, to do configurations. And while PowerShell can do everything on its own, it’s sometimes better to rely on sconfig, which is more straightforward and involves less typing. This is why I recommend using both.</p> <p>The first thing you see when you load up Server Core is the cmd window. PowerShell can be accessed from cmd by typing “powershell”. To exit PowerShell, type “exit” and you’ll be back in cmd.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/668/1v-dmr3uiA33Wxq5ueMvAiQ.png" width="668" height="136" loading="lazy" /> <p>To switch to sconfig, just type “sconfig” at the cmd line. Sconfig lets you make quick changes in a server, to a server. And it will show up as a window with a blue background.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/673/1b1wOHkg0Ean0gyzGfTcpEw.png" width="673" height="87" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/674/1sByVRoraKaTRe0r4XP99kg.png" width="674" height="400" loading="lazy" /> <p>Note: All PowerShell cmdlets here are highlighted in bold.</p> <h3>Getting the Parent ready</h3> <p>In PowerShell on your host machine, run the following commands (adjust names and paths to suit your machine):</p> <p>Create a virtual machine named ROOT-DC and a vhd named Parent. <strong>New-VM –Name ROOT-DC –MemoryStartupBytes 2048MB –NewVHDPath “c:\Parent.vhd” –NewVHDSizeBytes 64GB</strong></p> <p>Create a private switch called Whatever. <strong>New-VMSwitch –Name Whatever –SwitchType Private</strong></p> <p>Give ROOT-DC a network switch of Whatever. <strong>Connect-VMNetworkAdapter -VMName ROOT-DC –Switch Whatever</strong></p> <p>Map ISO (i.e. Server 2012 R2 installation CD) to your VM. <strong>Set-VMDvdDrive -vmname ROOT-DC -Path “c:\WIN2012R2EVAL.iso”</strong></p> <p>Turn on your virtual machine. Follow the installation CD’s instructions to install Server Core. Next:</p> <p>In PowerShell, change the VM’s computer name to ROOT-DC. Your VM will force itself to restart. <em>(Important: Before you restart your VM, remember to eject the installation CD!)</em> <strong>Rename-computer -NewName ROOT-DC -Force –Restart</strong></p> <p>After the server has restarted, switch from cmd to sconfig.</p> <p>In sconfig, choose “9) Date and Time”. This triggers a “Date and Time” GUI pop-up window. Remember to change the time zone too.</p> <p>In sconfig, choose “8) Network Settings” to configure IP and DNS.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/671/1wz5f49wL7uqLBhMux-VHYQ.png" width="671" height="497" loading="lazy" /> <p>5. In sconfig, choose “15) Exit to Command Line”, then type “powershell”.</p> <p>6. In PowerShell, run the following to install the Active Directory feature. <strong>Install-WindowsFeature -Name AD-Domain-Services -IncludeManagementTools</strong></p> <p>7. In PowerShell, run the following to install your forest domain; we’re calling it tailspintoys.com. <strong>Install-ADDSForest -DomainName tailspintoys.com</strong></p> <h3>Getting the Child ready</h3> <p>Repeat the Parent steps (1–4), but give this VM and its vhd new names. We’re going to use <strong>CORP-DC1</strong> and <strong>“c:\Child.vhd”</strong>. Don’t forget to add the network switch. Then, install Server Core.</p> <p>In PowerShell, change your VM’s computer name to CORP-DC1. Your VM will force itself to restart. <em>(Important: Before you restart your VM, remember to eject the installation CD!)</em> <strong>Rename-computer -NewName CORP-DC1 -Force -Restart</strong></p> <p>After the server has restarted, switch from cmd to sconfig.</p> <p>In sconfig, choose “9) Date and Time” a GUI pop-up window will let you adjust the date and time. Remember to change the time zone too.</p> <p>In sconfig, choose “8) Network Settings” to configure IP and DNS. Make sure the IP of the DNS is the same as on the parent (aka forest domain).</p> <p>In sconfig, choose “1) Domain/Workgroup” to join CORP-DC1 to the tailspintoys.com parent domain. You’ll be asked for the administrator username and password of the parent domain that you wish to join.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/410/1SZUq5dw0dXGlSQ5-qwgVRA.png" width="410" height="224" loading="lazy" /> <p>Congrats, your server is now joined to tailspintoys.com! But it needs a bit of independence from its parent. It can’t be considered a child domain yet, until it becomes a domain controller.</p> <p>7. Return to PowerShell and install Active Directory to ready this server to become a domain controller. <strong>Install-WindowsFeature -Name AD-Domain-Services -IncludeManagementTools</strong></p> <p>8. In PowerShell, promote your server to corp.tailspintoys.com, where “corp” will be the name of your child domain. The machine will restart. <strong>Install-ADDSDomain -credential (get-credential tailspintoys\administrator) -NewDomainName corp -ParentDomainName tailspintoys.com</strong></p> <h3>How do I know this worked?</h3> <p>Go to sconfig, find “1) Domain/Workgroup”, and “corp.tailspintoys.com” should be listed on the top right.</p> <p>“corp” is the domain name we gave the child, and “tailspintoys.com” is the parent domain. I guess that makes you a domain grandparent. :)</p> </section>	No Scripts, Ma! Install a Parent and Child Domain with Server Core 2012 R2 Child domain successfully created and connected to the parent. When you don’t have a scripting environment or a GUI, you can use two command-line tools within Server Core, i.e. PowerShell and sconfig, to do configurations. And while PowerShell can do everything on its own, it’s sometimes better to rely on sconfig, which is more straightforward and involves less typing. This is why I recommend using both. The first thing you see when you load up Server Core is the cmd window. PowerShell can be accessed from cmd by typing “powershell”. To exit PowerShell, type “exit” and you’ll be back in cmd. See the “PS” on the bottom left corner? That’s how you know you’re using PowerShell. To switch to sconfig, just type “sconfig” at the cmd line. Sconfig lets you make quick changes in a server, to a server. And it will show up as a window with a blue background. Type “sconfig” and hit Enter to launch sconfig. Welcome to sconfig. Step right up and pick a number! Note: All PowerShell cmdlets here are highlighted in bold. Getting the Parent ready In PowerShell on your host machine, run the following commands (adjust names and paths to suit your machine): Create a virtual machine named ROOT-DC and a vhd named Parent. New-VM –Name ROOT-DC –MemoryStartupBytes 2048MB –NewVHDPath “c:\Parent.vhd” –NewVHDSizeBytes 64GB Create a private switch called Whatever. New-VMSwitch –Name Whatever –SwitchType Private Give ROOT-DC a network switch of Whatever. Connect-VMNetworkAdapter -VMName ROOT-DC –Switch Whatever Map ISO (i.e. Server 2012 R2 installation CD) to your VM. Set-VMDvdDrive -vmname ROOT-DC -Path “c:\WIN2012R2EVAL.iso” Turn on your virtual machine. Follow the installation CD’s instructions to install Server Core. Next: In PowerShell, change the VM’s computer name to ROOT-DC. Your VM will force itself to restart. (Important: Before you restart your VM, remember to eject the installation CD!) Rename-computer -NewName ROOT-DC -Force –Restart After the server has restarted, switch from cmd to sconfig. In sconfig, choose “9) Date and Time”. This triggers a “Date and Time” GUI pop-up window. Remember to change the time zone too. In sconfig, choose “8) Network Settings” to configure IP and DNS. sconfig says hi. 5. In sconfig, choose “15) Exit to Command Line”, then type “powershell”. 6. In PowerShell, run the following to install the Active Directory feature. Install-WindowsFeature -Name AD-Domain-Services -IncludeManagementTools 7. In PowerShell, run the following to install your forest domain; we’re calling it tailspintoys.com. Install-ADDSForest -DomainName tailspintoys.com Getting the Child ready Repeat the Parent steps (1–4), but give this VM and its vhd new names. We’re going to use CORP-DC1 and “c:\Child.vhd”. Don’t forget to add the network switch. Then, install Server Core. In PowerShell, change your VM’s computer name to CORP-DC1. Your VM will force itself to restart. (Important: Before you restart your VM, remember to eject the installation CD!) Rename-computer -NewName CORP-DC1 -Force -Restart After the server has restarted, switch from cmd to sconfig. In sconfig, choose “9) Date and Time” a GUI pop-up window will let you adjust the date and time. Remember to change the time zone too. In sconfig, choose “8) Network Settings” to configure IP and DNS. Make sure the IP of the DNS is the same as on the parent (aka forest domain). In sconfig, choose “1) Domain/Workgroup” to join CORP-DC1 to the tailspintoys.com parent domain. You’ll be asked for the administrator username and password of the parent domain that you wish to join. You’ll see this right before it asks for the password. Congrats, your server is now joined to tailspintoys.com! But it needs a bit of independence from its parent. It can’t be considered a child domain yet, until it becomes a domain controller. 7. Return to PowerShell and install Active Directory to ready this server to become a domain controller. Install-WindowsFeature -Name AD-Domain-Services -IncludeManagementTools 8. In PowerShell, promote your server to corp.tailspintoys.com, where “corp” will be the name of your child domain. The machine will restart. Install-ADDSDomain -credential (get-credential tailspintoys\administrator) -NewDomainName corp -ParentDomainName tailspintoys.com How do I know this worked? Go to sconfig, find “1) Domain/Workgroup”, and “corp.tailspintoys.com” should be listed on the top right. “corp” is the domain name we gave the child, and “tailspintoys.com” is the parent domain. I guess that makes you a domain grandparent. :)	c3d780fb-18e4-540d-9a27-29d8cde38a62	25/08/2025 15:58:21
https://medium.com/be-reaching-hearts/dear-boishakh-please-be-gentle-a95a34eb9d84	medium.com	Dear Boishakh, Please Be Gentle	You know how some people start their year in January with vision boards, workout plans, and a whole new personality? Yeah, I usually miss…	Rocks and Pebble	https://medium.com/@rocks.and.pebbles	a95a34eb9d84	https://miro.medium.com/…bEkf7onPEqg.jpeg	2 min	2025-04-15T10:14:02.625000	2025-04-15T10:35:44.082000	2025-04-15T11:28:54.109000	0	63	en	Nostalgia,Adulthood,New Beginnings,Indian Culture,Growing Up	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/736/1uqnDQcL_sQP7hGHowaP88w.jpeg" width="736" height="736" loading="lazy" /> <p>You know how some people start their year in January with vision boards, workout plans, and a whole new personality? Yeah, I usually miss that launch window. But thankfully, being Bengali comes with a built-in excuse:</p> <p>“My new year starts on 15th April. January to March? Trial period, sweetie.”</p> <p>It’s the kind of line I’d proudly use when asked about my unmade resolutions and my unread self-help books. But guess what? That “trial period” flew by faster than my motivation, and here we are — Bengali New Year. No plan. No glitter. Just me, blinking into April like, how did we get here so fast?</p> <p>Last year was… not my favourite. A bit wobbly, a bit blurry, and frankly, a little too chaotic for my liking. So this year, I tried to be That Girl™. I made a list. Goals, dreams, hopeful scribbles in the notes app. Will I achieve everything? Probably not. Will I lose that list halfway through May and rediscover it in December while looking for charger cables? Absolutely.</p> <p>But something’s different this time. Life has been busy — traditions, responsibilities, planning for the future (or at least pretending to). Somewhere in the middle of all that, a quiet little chapter began. And for once, I’m not trying to sprint into the year. I’m just stepping in with a soft little hope tucked in my pocket. It’s not loud, but it’s there.</p> <p>Now, about Boishakh.</p> <p>It used to feel… different. It had a vibe. New clothes were a must. We’d visit our regular shops — grocery stores, clothing stalls, jewellery counters — and there was this lovely tradition: Haal Khata. A fresh new ledger, hand-written (yes, with actual pens and actual hands), and every loyal customer got a sweet, a calendar, and sometimes a cold drink if the shopkeeper was feeling fancy.</p> <p>It was small, but meaningful. Now? I can’t remember the last time someone handed me a Boishakhi calendar or even offered a sweet. No Haal Khata invites. No handwritten ledgers. Just online receipts and “track your order” links.</p> <p>We live in the age of Blinkit, Swiggy, Zomato. Everything’s instant. Convenient. But also… a little lonely. I didn’t even buy new clothes this year. And it hit me — adulthood sneaks up on you like that.</p> <p>I’m still me. But something’s changed. The world’s changed. People, habits, the pace of everything — it’s all faster, quieter, more digital. And while I’m glad things are growing and evolving, I do miss the slower days. When things were less aesthetic and more alive. When people had faces and names — not just usernames.</p> <p>Yesterday, I stepped out with some friends. The sunset was ridiculously pretty — the kind that makes you stop mid-sentence and just… stare. It reminded me that life moves on. Quietly. Beautifully. Even if we’re not ready, it gently nudges us forward.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/736/1XfYDEZeu314bEkf7onPEqg.jpeg" width="736" height="736" loading="lazy" /> <p>So here I am, stepping into a new year — not with loud goals or dramatic changes — but with a soft hope and a half-updated planner.</p> <p>Dear Boishakh, please be gentle. I’m trying my best.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://medium.com/be-reaching-hearts/reac</strong>hing-hearts-submission-guidelines-2025-update-d89730becd2b">Reaching Hearts Submission Guidelines (2025 Update) <em>To inspire a world where love isn’t just a feeling — it’s a daily practice.</em>m</a>edium.com</p> </section>	Dear Boishakh, Please Be Gentle Pinterest You know how some people start their year in January with vision boards, workout plans, and a whole new personality? Yeah, I usually miss that launch window. But thankfully, being Bengali comes with a built-in excuse: “My new year starts on 15th April. January to March? Trial period, sweetie.” It’s the kind of line I’d proudly use when asked about my unmade resolutions and my unread self-help books. But guess what? That “trial period” flew by faster than my motivation, and here we are — Bengali New Year. No plan. No glitter. Just me, blinking into April like, how did we get here so fast? Last year was… not my favourite. A bit wobbly, a bit blurry, and frankly, a little too chaotic for my liking. So this year, I tried to be That Girl™. I made a list. Goals, dreams, hopeful scribbles in the notes app. Will I achieve everything? Probably not. Will I lose that list halfway through May and rediscover it in December while looking for charger cables? Absolutely. But something’s different this time. Life has been busy — traditions, responsibilities, planning for the future (or at least pretending to). Somewhere in the middle of all that, a quiet little chapter began. And for once, I’m not trying to sprint into the year. I’m just stepping in with a soft little hope tucked in my pocket. It’s not loud, but it’s there. Now, about Boishakh. It used to feel… different. It had a vibe. New clothes were a must. We’d visit our regular shops — grocery stores, clothing stalls, jewellery counters — and there was this lovely tradition: Haal Khata. A fresh new ledger, hand-written (yes, with actual pens and actual hands), and every loyal customer got a sweet, a calendar, and sometimes a cold drink if the shopkeeper was feeling fancy. It was small, but meaningful. Now? I can’t remember the last time someone handed me a Boishakhi calendar or even offered a sweet. No Haal Khata invites. No handwritten ledgers. Just online receipts and “track your order” links. We live in the age of Blinkit, Swiggy, Zomato. Everything’s instant. Convenient. But also… a little lonely. I didn’t even buy new clothes this year. And it hit me — adulthood sneaks up on you like that. I’m still me. But something’s changed. The world’s changed. People, habits, the pace of everything — it’s all faster, quieter, more digital. And while I’m glad things are growing and evolving, I do miss the slower days. When things were less aesthetic and more alive. When people had faces and names — not just usernames. Yesterday, I stepped out with some friends. The sunset was ridiculously pretty — the kind that makes you stop mid-sentence and just… stare. It reminded me that life moves on. Quietly. Beautifully. Even if we’re not ready, it gently nudges us forward. Pinterest So here I am, stepping into a new year — not with loud goals or dramatic changes — but with a soft hope and a half-updated planner. Dear Boishakh, please be gentle. I’m trying my best. Reaching Hearts Submission Guidelines (2025 Update) To inspire a world where love isn’t just a feeling — it’s a daily practice.medium.com	06012dc8-0dd9-5860-bb11-e9123c8d32c7	25/08/2025 15:58:21
https://medium.com/@herry5555kumar/business-for-sale-in-ajman-food-stuff-license-in-ajman-fe6c02309f69	medium.com	Business For Sale In Ajman \| Food Stuff License In Ajman	National Industrial License: Generally, this license is provided only to the registered companies that operate in the free trade zone. The…	ushinternational	https://medium.com/@herry5555kumar	fe6c02309f69	https://miro.medium.com/…98JCuybKidg.jpeg	1 min	2017-10-27T10:43:57.016000	2017-10-27T10:46:56.627000	2017-10-27T10:47:00.269000	0	0	en	Consultancylicense In Uae,Food Stufflicensein Ajman,Businessfor Sale In Ajman,Ajman Free Zone,Business Setup In Uae	<section> <p><a href="http://www.ushinternational.com">National Industrial License</a>: Generally, this license is provided only to the registered companies that operate in the free trade zone. The company should be registered under GCC nationals with holding share 51% or above. It 40% manufacturing activities should be accompanied in the free zone. The company holding this license has the benefit to permitted to duty-free export under the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/960/1UCwuU_ZVxfd98JCuybKidg.jpeg" width="960" height="852" loading="lazy" /> <p>The <a href="http://www.ushinternational.com">free zone offers</a> many advantages to the investors such as providing 100% foreign ownership, low-cost energy offered to business for production, less corporate tax, and single window clearance those who want to set the offshore company.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/750/1YoJAMWZ3zECLX-mZCoJvmQ.jpeg" width="750" height="500" loading="lazy" /> <p>The AFZ authority provides many facilities to the investors, it has the world-class facilities and services like smart offices with low cost for entrepreneurs and <a href="http://www.ushinternational.com">startup business</a>, which comes with 2 employment visas. Executive offices, warehouses, and land are also offered at free zones. So, it’s great to set your business in the free trade zone as you may also get benefit by setting the <strong><a href="http://www.ushint</strong>ernational.com">business for sale in Dubai</a>, an international place for trading business.</p> <p>Visit our website <a href="http://www.ushinternational.com">http://www.ushinternational.com</a>.</p> </section>	Business For Sale In Ajman \| Food Stuff License In Ajman National Industrial License: Generally, this license is provided only to the registered companies that operate in the free trade zone. The company should be registered under GCC nationals with holding share 51% or above. It 40% manufacturing activities should be accompanied in the free zone. The company holding this license has the benefit to permitted to duty-free export under the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council. The free zone offers many advantages to the investors such as providing 100% foreign ownership, low-cost energy offered to business for production, less corporate tax, and single window clearance those who want to set the offshore company. The AFZ authority provides many facilities to the investors, it has the world-class facilities and services like smart offices with low cost for entrepreneurs and startup business, which comes with 2 employment visas. Executive offices, warehouses, and land are also offered at free zones. So, it’s great to set your business in the free trade zone as you may also get benefit by setting the business for sale in Dubai, an international place for trading business. Visit our website http://www.ushinternational.com.	22b8df25-37f6-5a7b-bb8f-5973d243bb7a	25/08/2025 15:58:22
https://aaronhamlin.medium.com/approval-voting-a-voice-for-independents-33ca3599584f	medium.com	Approval Voting: A Voice for Independents	We Have a Representation Problem	Aaron Hamlin	https://medium.com/@aaronhamlin	33ca3599584f	https://miro.medium.com/…4nOwW3Wtiew.jpeg	4 min	2016-05-27T23:12:12.818000	2012-04-16T18:48:05	2017-10-16T14:27:42.360000	0	1	en	Politics,Voting,Elections	<section> <h1>Approval Voting: A Voice for Independents</h1> <h3>We Have a Representation Problem</h3> <p>America hates Independents. At least it gives that impression. Independents take <a href="http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cf">just two</a> of our 535 US Congressional seats. And <a href="http://www.ncsl.org/documents/statevote/2010_Legis_and_State_post.pdf">only 20</a> of these outsiders sit among the nation’s 7,382 state legislators.</p> <p>Yet, <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/151943/record-high-americans-identify-independents.aspx">40% of Americans identify as Independent</a>. How could Independents be so underrepresented — by a factor of over 100?</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/150/0yEv52w8LK5YWGpx9.png" width="150" height="180" loading="lazy" /> <p>Answer: Our choose-one plurality voting system suffocates independents. Plurality Voting ensures this result by coercing voters away from their honest favorites. No one wants to throw away their only vote on a less-than-viable candidate. And it’s this dishonest voting under Plurality Voting that explains the disconnect with whom we elect.</p> <p>But Plurality Voting goes past denying independents election. It stifles their growth and political speech by distorting their support. And Plurality’s distortion encourages an environment where it’s okay to give independents scarce media coverage and exclude them from debates.</p> <p>On presidential debates, for example, the major parties use a <a href="http://www.opendebates.org/theissue/whatisthecdp.html">private debate commission</a> run by former heads of both parties’ national committees. This commission requires presidential candidates to poll 15% nationally according to five different pollsters. And these polls come with the same Plurality Voting issues so that any Independent getting 15% is nearly impossible.</p> <p>In 2000, the major parties’ commission <a href="http://articles.cnn.com/2000-10-03/politics/larry.king_1_nader-and-buchanan-gore-and-bush-third-party-candidates?_s=PM:ALLPOLITICS">decided</a> Nader wasn’t popular enough to debate. Nader was popular enough, however, to <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/14/nyregion/AP-Nader.html">sell out</a> the 15,000-seat Madison Square Garden and get enough votes for the major parties to <a href="http://articles.cnn.com/2008-02-24/politics/nader.politics_1_ralph-nader-democrats-can-t-landslide-presidential-race">label him a spoiler</a>. The debate commission again excluded him (and everyone else) in <a href="http://www.opendebates.org/theissue/2004.html">2004</a> and <a href="http://www.opendebates.org/theissue/2008.html">2008</a>. They also <a href="http://cgi.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1996/news/9609/17/debate.announce/">excluded Perot</a> during his second run in 1996. Independents have an <a href="http://www.ballot-access.org/2010/10/30/richard-whitney-files-strong-lawsuit-against-pbs-tv-station-on-debate-exclusion/">uphill battle</a> getting into local debates as well.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/474/04sTxJOsmvyoip1tj.jpg" width="474" height="216" loading="lazy" /> <p>(Nader was removed from the 2000 debates by police despite having a ticket to attend.)</p> <p>These obstacles assume the major parties even let Independents on the ballot. The US has some of the harshest ballot access laws in the world for Independents. For instance, Georgia’s law is so tough that an Independent hasn’t been on its US House ballot in <a href="http://www.ballot-access.org/2013/01/26/georgia-hasnt-had-a-minor-party-u-s-house-nominee-on-the-ballot-since-1942-but-all-other-states-have-had-such-candidates-in-this-century/">over half a century</a>. But why fight ballot-access laws for independents that you won’t vote for or see in debates?</p> <h3>Solution: Count All the Votes with Approval Voting</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/291/018S44_6GxyBfQM3D.jpeg" width="291" height="280" loading="lazy" /> <p>We need a voting system that lets you vote your honest favorites — always. Enter approval voting. Approval voting is simple. The ballot looks like Plurality, most votes wins, and you still just check off candidates (no ranking). But Approval Voting lets you pick as many candidates as you wish. And that’s crucial.</p> <p>To take this in, imagine plurality compared to approval voting for the 1992 and 2000 US Presidential elections. (See figure.) How would you vote?</p> <p>Want to show support for your favorites? No worries there. Want to hedge your bets with a compromise vote against your least favorite? You can do that, too. approval voting lets you do both at the same time.</p> <h3>Approval Voting Breaks Plurality’s Funhouse Mirror</h3> <p>Plurality voting cripples Independents through artificially low support. Conversely, approval voting avoids this when it lets voters choose their favorites. So it makes sense that approval voting would give independents more accurate support.</p> <p>looked at this question for its state elections. Approval voting gave independent/third-party candidates roughly five times more support than with plurality.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/449/02YEjZK7GogLGnBK8.png" width="449" height="498" loading="lazy" /> <p><a href="https://electology.org/sites/default/files/2007_france_presidential_election_experiment_report.pdf">French researchers </a>had this same question during their 2007 presidential election. And that election had 12 candidates. Voters there gave non-major candidates over three times more support with approval voting than under plurality.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/449/0f0rkIWQUqJwF85uT.png" width="449" height="498" loading="lazy" /> <p>In that election, plurality eliminated the third-placed (and third-party) Centrist candidate before the runoff. Under approval, that eliminated Centrist candidate would have won. So not only does approval voting give more accurate measures of support, it can also change election outcomes. Here, it (<a href="http://zesty.ca/voting/sim/">unsurprisingly</a>) chose the Centrist.</p> <p>Finally, <a href="http://www.econ.nyu.edu/cvstarr/working/1993/RR93-30.pdf">US researchers</a> looked at approval voting in the 1992 presidential election. There, billionaire Ross Perot still lost, but he got significantly more votes.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/474/0Hsh5fii2l1WN6aGT.png" width="474" height="450" loading="lazy" /> <p>Also, Clinton was the clear winner and surpassed the 50% approval mark once approval voting fixed the vote-splitting issue.</p> <h3>Keep Approval Voting in Your Thoughts</h3> <p></p> <p>As you think about how life couldn’t be any harsher for Independents, know that it can at least be better. Our democracy is only as good as its voting system. The US uses winner-take-all elections. And approval voting can operate within that framework for both local and federal elections.</p> <p>Independent candidates need a voting system that accurately measures their support before they can get anywhere. Approval voting achieves that. And it may be the only way Independents ever get their voice. It’s up to you to tell others about approval voting.</p> <p><em>Originally published at <a href="https://electology.org/b</em>log/approval-voting-voice-independents">electology.org</a> on April 16, 2012.</p> </section>	Approval Voting: A Voice for Independents We Have a Representation Problem America hates Independents. At least it gives that impression. Independents take just two of our 535 US Congressional seats. And only 20 of these outsiders sit among the nation’s 7,382 state legislators. Yet, 40% of Americans identify as Independent. How could Independents be so underrepresented — by a factor of over 100? Plurality Voting Ballot Answer: Our choose-one plurality voting system suffocates independents. Plurality Voting ensures this result by coercing voters away from their honest favorites. No one wants to throw away their only vote on a less-than-viable candidate. And it’s this dishonest voting under Plurality Voting that explains the disconnect with whom we elect. But Plurality Voting goes past denying independents election. It stifles their growth and political speech by distorting their support. And Plurality’s distortion encourages an environment where it’s okay to give independents scarce media coverage and exclude them from debates. On presidential debates, for example, the major parties use a private debate commission run by former heads of both parties’ national committees. This commission requires presidential candidates to poll 15% nationally according to five different pollsters. And these polls come with the same Plurality Voting issues so that any Independent getting 15% is nearly impossible. In 2000, the major parties’ commission decided Nader wasn’t popular enough to debate. Nader was popular enough, however, to sell out the 15,000-seat Madison Square Garden and get enough votes for the major parties to label him a spoiler. The debate commission again excluded him (and everyone else) in 2004 and 2008. They also excluded Perot during his second run in 1996. Independents have an uphill battle getting into local debates as well. Presidential Candidate Ralph Nader Removed by Police at 2000 Debates (Nader was removed from the 2000 debates by police despite having a ticket to attend.) These obstacles assume the major parties even let Independents on the ballot. The US has some of the harshest ballot access laws in the world for Independents. For instance, Georgia’s law is so tough that an Independent hasn’t been on its US House ballot in over half a century. But why fight ballot-access laws for independents that you won’t vote for or see in debates? Solution: Count All the Votes with Approval Voting Approval Voting Ballot We need a voting system that lets you vote your honest favorites — always. Enter approval voting. Approval voting is simple. The ballot looks like Plurality, most votes wins, and you still just check off candidates (no ranking). But Approval Voting lets you pick as many candidates as you wish. And that’s crucial. To take this in, imagine plurality compared to approval voting for the 1992 and 2000 US Presidential elections. (See figure.) How would you vote? Want to show support for your favorites? No worries there. Want to hedge your bets with a compromise vote against your least favorite? You can do that, too. approval voting lets you do both at the same time. Approval Voting Breaks Plurality’s Funhouse Mirror Plurality voting cripples Independents through artificially low support. Conversely, approval voting avoids this when it lets voters choose their favorites. So it makes sense that approval voting would give independents more accurate support. looked at this question for its state elections. Approval voting gave independent/third-party candidates roughly five times more support than with plurality. French researchers had this same question during their 2007 presidential election. And that election had 12 candidates. Voters there gave non-major candidates over three times more support with approval voting than under plurality. In that election, plurality eliminated the third-placed (and third-party) Centrist candidate before the runoff. Under approval, that eliminated Centrist candidate would have won. So not only does approval voting give more accurate measures of support, it can also change election outcomes. Here, it (unsurprisingly) chose the Centrist. Finally, US researchers looked at approval voting in the 1992 presidential election. There, billionaire Ross Perot still lost, but he got significantly more votes. Also, Clinton was the clear winner and surpassed the 50% approval mark once approval voting fixed the vote-splitting issue. Keep Approval Voting in Your Thoughts As you think about how life couldn’t be any harsher for Independents, know that it can at least be better. Our democracy is only as good as its voting system. The US uses winner-take-all elections. And approval voting can operate within that framework for both local and federal elections. Independent candidates need a voting system that accurately measures their support before they can get anywhere. Approval voting achieves that. And it may be the only way Independents ever get their voice. It’s up to you to tell others about approval voting. Originally published at electology.org on April 16, 2012.	ab5fdb4a-c910-584a-9de1-c2a87408d963	25/08/2025 15:58:23
https://medium.com/@zeiyashay/day-3-at-the-alter-of-poetry-2a7cb91c5e19	medium.com	#Day 3 At the altar of poetry	Slowly, now	Zeiya Shay	https://medium.com/@zeiyashay	2a7cb91c5e19	null	1 min	2021-09-06T11:59:08.846000	2021-09-06T12:03:54.433000	2022-01-05T13:52:35.958000	0	8	en	Poetry,Apollo,Sun,Alter,Mortality	<section> <p>Slowly, now</p> <p>Take unhurried steps</p> <p>A poetry must be found</p> <p>It must be patiently awaited</p> <p>And, it must be listened to as it travels on the air currents</p> <p>Hush now!</p> <p>Let me hear it’s melody</p> <p>Let me anticipate it like a blushing new bride on her wedding night</p> <p>Let me cast my eyes with desire</p> <p>To reel in a stray, youthful verse ready to be plucked</p> <p>Like ripened fruit</p> <p>Whose scent lures ready minds and eager hearts</p> <p>Hands that quiver with euphoria, and</p> <p>The greed to write something so beautiful</p> <p>That it longs to make dear Apollo envious</p> <p>O, how I would delight in watching the sun turn green</p> <p>But only momentarily</p> <p>For while it is fun to jest with the gods</p> <p>It does no good to want to become one</p> <p>Mortality, I believe, is the greatest inspiration</p> <p>A pail to fetch the waters of glory</p> <p>In the eternal well that is, for some time, ours.</p> </section>	#Day 3 At the altar of poetry Slowly, now Take unhurried steps A poetry must be found It must be patiently awaited And, it must be listened to as it travels on the air currents Hush now! Let me hear it’s melody Let me anticipate it like a blushing new bride on her wedding night Let me cast my eyes with desire To reel in a stray, youthful verse ready to be plucked Like ripened fruit Whose scent lures ready minds and eager hearts Hands that quiver with euphoria, and The greed to write something so beautiful That it longs to make dear Apollo envious O, how I would delight in watching the sun turn green But only momentarily For while it is fun to jest with the gods It does no good to want to become one Mortality, I believe, is the greatest inspiration A pail to fetch the waters of glory In the eternal well that is, for some time, ours.	58077e3d-81c6-5fb8-832b-b9628f5813d3	25/08/2025 15:58:23
https://medium.com/@allroundexperts/react-native-custom-deck-swiper-192ed72d8bea	medium.com	React Native Custom Deck Swiper	I was recently working on a small react native app that required card swiping effect in both horizontal and vertical direction. Initially…	Sibtain Ali	https://medium.com/@allroundexperts	192ed72d8bea	https://miro.medium.com/…XD4x7qSiNGrw.png	1 min	2019-02-17T09:57:38.537000	2019-02-17T11:05:53.895000	2021-12-07T14:22:49.605000	0	15	en	React Native,Card Swiper,Nativebase,iOS,Android	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/512/18Vq1tU8vL5XD4x7qSiNGrw.png" width="512" height="512" loading="lazy" /> <p>I was recently working on a small react native app that required card swiping effect in both horizontal and vertical direction. Initially, when I encountered this feature, I was like: “Oh, that’s easy. There must be a lot of packages that can help.” However, I was deeply mistaken. Some of the pre existing components that allowed this feature (eg native base deck swiper) simply lacked vertical swiping. The problem with vertical swiping in react native becomes extremely pronounced when this effect is to be used in ScrollViews. In both android and iOS, there’s a weird sort of jerk that just destroys the user experience of the app. Countless days of search on different forums led me to the conclusion that this was a kind of bug in react native which is to this date (Very unfortunately) remains unaddressed.</p> <p><strong>So what’s the solution ?</strong> Sadly, there isn’t any concrete solution to this except some workarounds. I’ve implemented one myself and added it to the npm repository. Here’s the link to that:</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.npmjs</strong>.com/package/@allroundexperts/rn-swiper">@allroundexperts/rn-swiper <em>An easy to use react native wrapper component that makes the child components swipeable in four directions.</em>www.</a>npmjs.com</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/600/1g4ZQ-otbW28dB6zLxF2OsA.gif" width="600" height="1035" loading="lazy" /> </section>	React Native Custom Deck Swiper Deck Swipe Effect in React Native I was recently working on a small react native app that required card swiping effect in both horizontal and vertical direction. Initially, when I encountered this feature, I was like: “Oh, that’s easy. There must be a lot of packages that can help.” However, I was deeply mistaken. Some of the pre existing components that allowed this feature (eg native base deck swiper) simply lacked vertical swiping. The problem with vertical swiping in react native becomes extremely pronounced when this effect is to be used in ScrollViews. In both android and iOS, there’s a weird sort of jerk that just destroys the user experience of the app. Countless days of search on different forums led me to the conclusion that this was a kind of bug in react native which is to this date (Very unfortunately) remains unaddressed. So what’s the solution ? Sadly, there isn’t any concrete solution to this except some workarounds. I’ve implemented one myself and added it to the npm repository. Here’s the link to that: @allroundexperts/rn-swiper An easy to use react native wrapper component that makes the child components swipeable in four directions.www.npmjs.com Final result.	c128f89c-c725-583a-a802-0811e4d1537d	25/08/2025 15:58:23
https://medium.com/@blessyn143/a-short-analysis-of-matthew-arnolds-growing-old-3e897fb9f10b	medium.com	A Short Analysis of Matthew Arnold’s ‘Growing Old’	On Arnold’s little-known meditation on growing older	Blessing Afolabi	https://medium.com/@blessyn143	3e897fb9f10b	https://miro.medium.com/…Rc6LxuySZAOw.png	2 min	2018-04-09T18:59:53.852000	2018-04-09T19:02:32.498000	2018-05-31T13:54:16.942000	0	22	en	Poetry,Literatura,Literally Literary	<section> <p><strong>On Arnold’s little-known meditation on growing older</strong></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/329/1*hWqOF4je_uRc6LxuySZAOw.png" width="329" height="261" loading="lazy" /> <p>‘Growing old’s like being increasingly penalised for a crime you haven’t committed.’ So said the great novelist Anthony Powell, summing up the sense of injustice that accompanies the onset of old age. There’s even a word for a fear of growing old: gerascophobia. In one of his less famous poems, the <a href="https://interestingliterature.com/2016/08/29/a-very-short-biography-of-matthew-arnold/">Victorian poet and critic Matthew Arnold</a> (1822–88) wondered what it means to grow old.</p> <p>Growing Old</p> <p>What is it to grow old? Is it to lose the glory of the form, The lustre of the eye? Is it for beauty to forgo her wreath?</p> <p>— Yes, but not this alone.</p> <p>Is it to feel our strength — Not our bloom only, but our strength — decay? Is it to feel each limb Grow stiffer, every function less exact,</p> <p>Each nerve more loosely strung?</p> <p>Yes, this, and more; but not Ah, ’tis not what in youth we dreamed ’twould be! ’Tis not to have our life Mellowed and softened as with sunset glow,</p> <p>A golden day’s decline.</p> <p>’Tis not to see the world As from a height, with rapt prophetic eyes, And heart profoundly stirred; And weep, and feel the fullness of the past,</p> <p>The years that are no more.</p> <p>It is to spend long days And not once feel that we were ever young; It is to add, immured In the hot prison of the present, month</p> <p>To month with weary pain.</p> <p>It is to suffer this, And feel but half, and feebly, what we feel. Deep in our hidden heart Festers the dull remembrance of a change,</p> <p>But no emotion — none.</p> <p>It is — last stage of all — When we are frozen up within, and quite The phantom of ourselves, To hear the world applaud the hollow ghost</p> <p>Which blamed the living man.</p> <p>For Arnold, unlike <a href="https://interestingliterature.com/2016/12/02/a-short-analysis-of-thomas-hardys-i-look-into-my-glass/">Thomas Hardy in ‘I Look into My Glass’</a>, growing old means feeling old — to the extent that we can no longer recall what it was to be young. Whereas Hardy, in his great poem about ageing, curses the fact that his body is weak but his spirit (and desire) is still willing, Arnold sees advancing age as a total erosion of one’s youth — including our memories of what that youth felt like.</p> <p>Matthew Arnold doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves for his metrical innovation. At a time when most of his contemporaries such as Tennyson and Browning were still wedded to the tried and tested poetic forms and metres — rhyming couplets, quatrains, pentameters, blank verse — Arnold wasn’t afraid to experiment with new approaches to these features of poetry. Here, as his editor Miriam Allott notes in her Selected Poems and Prose of Arnold, the five-line unrhymed stanza is Arnold’s own invention.</p> </section>	A Short Analysis of Matthew Arnold’s ‘Growing Old’ On Arnold’s little-known meditation on growing older ‘Growing old’s like being increasingly penalised for a crime you haven’t committed.’ So said the great novelist Anthony Powell, summing up the sense of injustice that accompanies the onset of old age. There’s even a word for a fear of growing old: gerascophobia. In one of his less famous poems, the Victorian poet and critic Matthew Arnold (1822–88) wondered what it means to grow old. Growing Old What is it to grow old? Is it to lose the glory of the form, The lustre of the eye? Is it for beauty to forgo her wreath? — Yes, but not this alone. Is it to feel our strength — Not our bloom only, but our strength — decay? Is it to feel each limb Grow stiffer, every function less exact, Each nerve more loosely strung? Yes, this, and more; but not Ah, ’tis not what in youth we dreamed ’twould be! ’Tis not to have our life Mellowed and softened as with sunset glow, A golden day’s decline. ’Tis not to see the world As from a height, with rapt prophetic eyes, And heart profoundly stirred; And weep, and feel the fullness of the past, The years that are no more. It is to spend long days And not once feel that we were ever young; It is to add, immured In the hot prison of the present, month To month with weary pain. It is to suffer this, And feel but half, and feebly, what we feel. Deep in our hidden heart Festers the dull remembrance of a change, But no emotion — none. It is — last stage of all — When we are frozen up within, and quite The phantom of ourselves, To hear the world applaud the hollow ghost Which blamed the living man. For Arnold, unlike Thomas Hardy in ‘I Look into My Glass’, growing old means feeling old — to the extent that we can no longer recall what it was to be young. Whereas Hardy, in his great poem about ageing, curses the fact that his body is weak but his spirit (and desire) is still willing, Arnold sees advancing age as a total erosion of one’s youth — including our memories of what that youth felt like. Matthew Arnold doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves for his metrical innovation. At a time when most of his contemporaries such as Tennyson and Browning were still wedded to the tried and tested poetic forms and metres — rhyming couplets, quatrains, pentameters, blank verse — Arnold wasn’t afraid to experiment with new approaches to these features of poetry. Here, as his editor Miriam Allott notes in her Selected Poems and Prose of Arnold, the five-line unrhymed stanza is Arnold’s own invention.	4d880663-7976-5ecc-af3a-0e92936e2069	25/08/2025 15:58:24
https://medium.com/amplify-design/optimizely-does-dual-track-aea4897aff18	medium.com	Optimizely does Dual-Track	One of the great things I’ve enjoyed the last few weeks with the launch of Amplify Design and the response to some of my other articles on…	Dave Malouf	https://medium.com/@davemalouf	aea4897aff18	https://miro.medium.com/…iByVXSCxK7A.jpeg	1 min	2017-01-19T05:16:56.281000	2017-01-19T05:22:54.719000	2018-04-13T13:17:13.087000	0	13	en	UX,Design,Dual Track,Agile,Designops	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1400/1*HCJy4ryJ3dAiByVXSCxK7A.jpeg" width="1400" height="751" loading="lazy" /> <p>One of the great things I’ve enjoyed the last few weeks with the launch of Amplify Design and the response to some of my other articles on Design Ops is that I’ve found myself in great conversations. I’ve been learning so much, which makes this all worthwhile.</p> <p>An example form today was from <a href="#">Jeff Zych</a> at Optimizely. He explained how his organization took the time and designed <a href="https://medium.com/design-optimizely/discovery-kanban-at-optimizely-7b3025066d54#.4v3t5tamm">their own version of dual-track</a>.</p> <p>What I appreciated about this work was the respect they had for the principles of agile, and how they balanced that with respect for research and design as well. The article ends with a list of useful articles to read on Dual-track as well.</p> </section>	Optimizely does Dual-Track Whiteboard visualizing Optimizely’s Dual Track One of the great things I’ve enjoyed the last few weeks with the launch of Amplify Design and the response to some of my other articles on Design Ops is that I’ve found myself in great conversations. I’ve been learning so much, which makes this all worthwhile. An example form today was from Jeff Zych at Optimizely. He explained how his organization took the time and designed their own version of dual-track. What I appreciated about this work was the respect they had for the principles of agile, and how they balanced that with respect for research and design as well. The article ends with a list of useful articles to read on Dual-track as well.	b21ab1d6-f506-50a3-a8fe-c211d9e21305	25/08/2025 15:58:24
https://medium.com/@chrisebarnes/what-ive-come-to-understand-while-watching-listening-and-discussing-the-series-of-events-that-960fd703737e	medium.com	What I’ve come to understand while watching, listening, and discussing the series of events that…	null	Chris Barnes	https://medium.com/@chrisebarnes	960fd703737e	null	1 min	2020-06-12T19:09:16.019000	2020-06-12T19:12:29.778000	2021-12-14T20:12:04.668000	1	50	en	Change,Hope,BlackLivesMatter,Love,Conversations	<section> </section>	What I’ve come to understand while watching, listening, and discussing the series of events that have happened over the course of months is this: Everyone has the right to express how they feel. I’m not talking about venting hate, though. That’s never justifiable. I’m speaking to expressing one’s righteous anger, frustration, hopelessness, anxiety, depression, exhaustion, disagreement, confusion, and even one’s ignorance (lack of knowledge) of a particular subject or issue, because as soon as we scrutinize and subject another person’s innocent and earnest questions, thoughts, words, feelings, and emotions to our metric of what is acceptable and what is not we create what we largely have today. A forum of likes, comments and emojis, but no real and true communication and conversation that girds us to the extent that we actually learn and change. There is room for all of us. There is room for the plurality of our expression. None of us are monolithic in our thought or being. If that were so, God wouldn’t have created us in the diversity of His image and likeness expressed through the variety of our ethnicities, cultures, languages, genetic expressions, and more. I refuse to limit myself to the lesser of anything be it two evils or two goods. I’m for love. I’m for learning. I’m for apologizing for mistakes. I’m for change even when it hurts. I’m for open and honest conversation that extends beyond hearing to react and firmly embraces listening to understand. I’m for stretching myself beyond the respectable boundaries of my skin tone and the margins of my mindset. Slavery in the US ended 155 years ago, but the country is still enslaved by another name, if not more than one. I don’t have the answers to the country’s problems, but I do know that we all need to listen to one another. We’ve been fighting for centuries, and though we’ve made some marked progress in some areas, in others it’s negligible. I believe that in order to move forward all of us have to be willing to extend the olive branch of peace and sit at the table of unity. I believe in protesting and also in tearing some stuff up to get one’s attention, but that can never replace civil discourse. We’re at a crossroads in America, and we have to decide sooner rather than later. Where do we go from here?	75baf9f8-baf5-5aac-8f87-0191fd6b2794	25/08/2025 15:58:24
https://wire.insiderfinance.io/top-7-courses-after-mba-finance-in-2024-with-highest-salary-52fa373c74b6	medium.com	Top 7 Courses after MBA Finance in 2024 (With Highest salary)	Investment banking certificate help professionals develop specialized skills, increase their industry knowledge, and stand out in a crowd.	Vedant Dwivedi	https://medium.com/@vedantdwivediofficial	52fa373c74b6	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*_4HH-XQ-0_rZvpCx	4 min	2024-09-24T17:27:18.848000	2024-09-24T20:38:26.384000	2024-11-16T05:57:08.498000	0	50	en	Mba In Finance,Courses After Mba,Careeraftermba,High Salary Career Option,High Salary Courses	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/5184/0_4HH-XQ-0_rZvpCx" width="5184" height="3456" loading="lazy" /> <p>As an MBA Finance graduate, you already have a strong understanding of how to get into investment banking. However, with the finance industry constantly evolving, there are always new skills and knowledge to gain. This blog will look at some of the key courses available in India that can help you take proper steps in the investment banking career path and build your expertise and stay competitive in the job market. Dive in!</p> <h1>Top Courses to Take After MBA Finance</h1> <p>After completing an MBA in Finance, taking an investment banking certificate can significantly enhance your expertise and job opportunities. Here are some key certification courses that are ideal for finance professionals in 2024:</p> <ul> <li><strong>🔗 C<em><a href="https://www.cfainsti</strong>tute.</em>org/">hartered Financial Analyst (</a>CFA): The CFA certification is highly respected globally and focuses on investment management, financial analysis, and portfolio management. Completing the CFA demonstrates a deep understanding of financial markets, which can be beneficial for careers in investment banking, asset management, or corporate finance.</li> <li>🔗 F<em><strong><a href="https://www</em>.garp.or</strong>g/frm">inancial Risk Manager (</a>FRM): The FRM is perfect for professionals interested in risk management. It covers topics like market risk, credit risk, and operational risk, equipping you with the skills to identify, analyze, and mitigate risks in financial systems. This certification is valuable for roles in risk management, banking, and financial services.</li> <li><strong>🔗 C<em><a href="https://www.uspec.org/private-eq</strong>uity</em>-certifications/chartered-private-equity-professional">hartered Private Equity Professional </a>(CPEP™): The CPEP program by the United States Private Equity Council (USPEC), is tailored to provide you with the expertise and practical skills in the private equity domain necessary to boost your career forward. It provides a comprehensive understanding of essential concepts, analysis methods, and decision-making practices required in the alternative investments industry.</li> <li><strong>🔗 C<em><a href="https://icmai.in/student</strong>sweb</em>site/Courses.php">ertified Management Accountant </a>(CMA): The CMA certification focuses on management accounting, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making. It enhances your ability to work in corporate finance, helping companies with budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.</li> <li><strong>🔗 C<em><a href="https://www.investmentbankingcouncil</strong>.org/</em>investment-banking-certifications/certified-investment-banking-professional">hartered Investment Banking Professional </a>(CIBP™): The CIBP offered by the globally-recognized accreditation body, IBCA (Investment Banking Council of America), equips you with essential skills in financial modeling, valuation, and capital markets. It aims to align and upgrade your understanding, competence and qualification to what the best investment bankers have today. As a globally recognized certification, it’s an ideal international qualification to have if you are a graduating finance/MBA student.</li> <li><strong>🔗 <a href="https://fpsb.org/cfp-cert</strong>ification/">C<em>ertified Financial Plan</a>ner (CFP):</em> This certification is ideal for those interested in personal finance, including investment, tax, and retirement planning. The CFP demonstrates your ability to create comprehensive financial plans for individuals and businesses, making it a great option for careers in wealth management or financial advisory services.</li> <li><strong>🔗 <a href="https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/c</strong>ertifications/financial-modeling-valuation-analyst-fmva-program/">F<em>inancial Modeling and Valuation Anal</a>yst (FMVA):</em> The FMVA course helps you build financial models and conduct business valuations, essential skills for roles in investment banking, corporate finance, and equity research. It equips you with hands-on experience in analyzing financial data and forecasting company performance.</li> <li><strong>🔗 C<em><a href="https://www.isaca.org/credentia</strong>ling/</em>cisa/get-cisa-certified">ertified Information Systems Auditor </a>(CISA): The CISA certification is valuable for finance professionals who want to specialize in auditing, control, and securing information systems. It’s ideal for roles in IT audit, compliance, and cybersecurity, particularly in financial institutions.</li> <li><strong>🔗 C<em><a href="https://caia.org/">hartered Altern</strong>ativ</em>e Investment Analyst </a>(CAIA): This certification focuses on alternative investments like hedge funds, private equity, and commodities. CAIA-certified professionals are experts in investment strategies beyond traditional stock and bond markets, making this course ideal for those looking to specialize in niche investment fields.</li> <li><strong>🔗 A<em>dvanced Excel Cou</strong>rse:</em> Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is crucial for finance professionals. An advanced Excel course enhances your ability to use formulas, macros, and charts to analyze financial data effectively. It’s an essential skill for anyone working in data-heavy finance roles like financial analysis and accounting.</li> </ul> <p>For those interested in how to get into investment banking, these certifications can be particularly valuable. They not only provide a solid foundation in financial principles but also demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and expertise, making candidates more attractive to potential employers in the investment banking sector.</p> <h2>Why Opt for a Certification?</h2> <p>Obtaining an investment banking certificate during or after an MBA in Finance offers several key benefits:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Stay Updated</strong>: These certifications help you stay informed about evolving market trends, industry shifts, and developments in financial markets.</li> <li><strong>Enhanced Resume</strong>: Adding certifications to your resume sets you apart from other candidates, increasing your appeal to potential employers.</li> <li><strong>Improved Job Prospects</strong>: Earning certifications boosts your chances of selection, making you a more attractive candidate in the job market.</li> <li><strong>Career Growth</strong>: The diverse skills gained from these courses open up more career opportunities and pathways for advancement.</li> <li><strong>Higher Salary Potential</strong>: Specialized knowledge can lead to more competitive salary packages and better job roles.</li> <li><strong>Relevant and Competitive</strong>: Upskilling through certifications keeps you relevant in the fast-paced finance industry and provides a competitive edge.</li> <li><strong>Broadened Skill Set</strong>: As finance continues to evolve, acquiring new qualifications allows you to explore diverse career paths and expand your skill set.</li> <li><strong>Keep Pace with Changes</strong>: The investment banking career path is dynamic, and pursuing specialized courses ensures you remain current with the latest industry trends, techniques, and tools.</li> </ul> <p><strong><a href="https://blog.towardsfinance.com/know-abou</strong>t-various-career-opportunities-in-finance-d3f493b6af69">Know About Various Career Opportunities in Finance <em>A career in finance is very attractive appealing and is in high demand globally. Know the advantages and various career…</em>blog.towardsfi</a>nance.com</p> <h2>Conclusion</h2> <p>To stand out from other candidates, you should consider enrolling in certification courses. These programs help you acquire additional skills beyond financial and managerial expertise. Earning a relevant certification demonstrates to employers not only your proficiency in various fields but also your commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.</p> <p>Choosing the right program allows you to expand your skill set and uncover new opportunities in finance. Success in your investment banking career demands that you embrace the challenge and keep advancing your knowledge.</p> <h3>A Message from InsiderFinance</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/301/010x5_2smmKq8oIlf.png" width="301" height="52" loading="lazy" /> <p>Thanks for being a part of our community! Before you go:</p> <ul> <li>👏 Clap for the story and follow the author 👉</li> <li>📰 View more content in the I<a href="https://wire.insiderfinance.io/">nsiderFinance Wire</a></li> <li>📚 Take our F<a href="https://learn.insiderfinance.io/p/mastering-the-flow">REE Masterclass</a></li> <li><strong>📈 Discover P<a href="https://insid</strong>erfinance.io/?utm_source=wire&utm_medium=message">owerful Trading Tools</a></li> </ul> </section>	Top 7 Courses after MBA Finance in 2024 (With Highest salary) Photo by Josefa nDiaz on Unsplash As an MBA Finance graduate, you already have a strong understanding of how to get into investment banking. However, with the finance industry constantly evolving, there are always new skills and knowledge to gain. This blog will look at some of the key courses available in India that can help you take proper steps in the investment banking career path and build your expertise and stay competitive in the job market. Dive in! Top Courses to Take After MBA Finance After completing an MBA in Finance, taking an investment banking certificate can significantly enhance your expertise and job opportunities. Here are some key certification courses that are ideal for finance professionals in 2024: 🔗 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): The CFA certification is highly respected globally and focuses on investment management, financial analysis, and portfolio management. Completing the CFA demonstrates a deep understanding of financial markets, which can be beneficial for careers in investment banking, asset management, or corporate finance. 🔗 Financial Risk Manager (FRM): The FRM is perfect for professionals interested in risk management. It covers topics like market risk, credit risk, and operational risk, equipping you with the skills to identify, analyze, and mitigate risks in financial systems. This certification is valuable for roles in risk management, banking, and financial services. 🔗 Chartered Private Equity Professional (CPEP™): The CPEP program by the United States Private Equity Council (USPEC), is tailored to provide you with the expertise and practical skills in the private equity domain necessary to boost your career forward. It provides a comprehensive understanding of essential concepts, analysis methods, and decision-making practices required in the alternative investments industry. 🔗 Certified Management Accountant (CMA): The CMA certification focuses on management accounting, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making. It enhances your ability to work in corporate finance, helping companies with budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning. 🔗 Chartered Investment Banking Professional (CIBP™): The CIBP offered by the globally-recognized accreditation body, IBCA (Investment Banking Council of America), equips you with essential skills in financial modeling, valuation, and capital markets. It aims to align and upgrade your understanding, competence and qualification to what the best investment bankers have today. As a globally recognized certification, it’s an ideal international qualification to have if you are a graduating finance/MBA student. 🔗 Certified Financial Planner (CFP): This certification is ideal for those interested in personal finance, including investment, tax, and retirement planning. The CFP demonstrates your ability to create comprehensive financial plans for individuals and businesses, making it a great option for careers in wealth management or financial advisory services. 🔗 Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA): The FMVA course helps you build financial models and conduct business valuations, essential skills for roles in investment banking, corporate finance, and equity research. It equips you with hands-on experience in analyzing financial data and forecasting company performance. 🔗 Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): The CISA certification is valuable for finance professionals who want to specialize in auditing, control, and securing information systems. It’s ideal for roles in IT audit, compliance, and cybersecurity, particularly in financial institutions. 🔗 Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA): This certification focuses on alternative investments like hedge funds, private equity, and commodities. CAIA-certified professionals are experts in investment strategies beyond traditional stock and bond markets, making this course ideal for those looking to specialize in niche investment fields. 🔗 Advanced Excel Course: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is crucial for finance professionals. An advanced Excel course enhances your ability to use formulas, macros, and charts to analyze financial data effectively. It’s an essential skill for anyone working in data-heavy finance roles like financial analysis and accounting. For those interested in how to get into investment banking, these certifications can be particularly valuable. They not only provide a solid foundation in financial principles but also demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and expertise, making candidates more attractive to potential employers in the investment banking sector. Why Opt for a Certification? Obtaining an investment banking certificate during or after an MBA in Finance offers several key benefits: Stay Updated: These certifications help you stay informed about evolving market trends, industry shifts, and developments in financial markets. Enhanced Resume: Adding certifications to your resume sets you apart from other candidates, increasing your appeal to potential employers. Improved Job Prospects: Earning certifications boosts your chances of selection, making you a more attractive candidate in the job market. Career Growth: The diverse skills gained from these courses open up more career opportunities and pathways for advancement. Higher Salary Potential: Specialized knowledge can lead to more competitive salary packages and better job roles. Relevant and Competitive: Upskilling through certifications keeps you relevant in the fast-paced finance industry and provides a competitive edge. Broadened Skill Set: As finance continues to evolve, acquiring new qualifications allows you to explore diverse career paths and expand your skill set. Keep Pace with Changes: The investment banking career path is dynamic, and pursuing specialized courses ensures you remain current with the latest industry trends, techniques, and tools. Know About Various Career Opportunities in Finance A career in finance is very attractive appealing and is in high demand globally. Know the advantages and various career…blog.towardsfinance.com Conclusion To stand out from other candidates, you should consider enrolling in certification courses. These programs help you acquire additional skills beyond financial and managerial expertise. Earning a relevant certification demonstrates to employers not only your proficiency in various fields but also your commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. Choosing the right program allows you to expand your skill set and uncover new opportunities in finance. Success in your investment banking career demands that you embrace the challenge and keep advancing your knowledge. A Message from InsiderFinance Thanks for being a part of our community! Before you go: 👏 Clap for the story and follow the author 👉 📰 View more content in the InsiderFinance Wire 📚 Take our FREE Masterclass 📈 Discover Powerful Trading Tools	f5929aba-ac56-569d-bf2d-1b2083c35078	25/08/2025 15:58:24
https://medium.com/@fakeinvestor2018/did-voting-machines-transfer-votes-from-trump-to-biden-480dcaa3f11e	medium.com	Did voting machines transfer votes from Trump to Biden?	So this guy called “Pede” claimed Biden won because voting machines switched votes from Trump to Biden. He discovered the pattern when…	Global Commoner	https://medium.com/@fakeinvestor2018	480dcaa3f11e	https://miro.medium.com/…adahneHbZRnw.png	2 min	2020-11-13T22:19:01.438000	2020-11-13T23:43:17.676000	2021-12-16T13:34:23.340000	0	0	en	Vote,Election Fraud,Elections,Donald Trump,Dominion	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/300/0rjf6kNsyArTFP0o8.png" width="300" height="300" loading="lazy" /> <p>So this guy called “Pede” claimed Biden won because voting machines switched votes from Trump to Biden. He discovered the pattern when looking at the the raw data feed from NyTimes.</p> <p><a href="https://www.theburningplatform.com/2020/11/11/what-is-a-pede-dominion-voting-system-under-attack/">https://www.theburningplatform.com/2020/11/11/what-is-a-pede-dominion-voting-system-under-attack/</a></p> <p>His investigation showed millions of votes had been switched:</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/679/1zS0782DVljadahneHbZRnw.png" width="679" height="398" loading="lazy" /> <p>His work has been cited by the Trump campaign and passed around on social media as a definitive proof that the election has been rigged and retweeted by Donald Trump and Eric Trump</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1270/1UfALIlGfaOK1qbzlffp5FQ.png" width="1270" height="577" loading="lazy" /> <blockquote>Problem solved? Do we have a smoking gun?? The election is rigged?</blockquote> <blockquote>I would call this “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT”</blockquote> <p>Let’s take a look at how he came to the conclusion. He pulled the data off NY Times website (others refer to this as the “Edison” data):</p> <p><a href="https://static01.nyt.com/elections-assets/2020/data/api/2020-11-03/race-page/pennsylvania/president.json">https://static01.nyt.com/elections-assets/2020/data/api/2020-11-03/race-page/pennsylvania/president.json</a></p> <p>He noticed in the data every now and then Trump’s vote counts dropped. As an example:</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1212/1rXC-3M4SCx2gfuKfqwpZ7g.png" width="1212" height="488" loading="lazy" /> <p>So he wrote a little program to scan for these drops in every state and sum up all of them.</p> <p>What’s the problem in his approach?</p> <p><strong>Problem #1: CHECK YOUR INPUT !</strong></p> <p>The data encoded in the feed is not meant to be accurate (don’t ask me why).</p> <p>Here is an example for November 11 @ 3:10PM. Notice how the computed values are different from what was reported on NyTimes website.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/879/1*b1G4hxY4nJhequgaZoIfSQ.png" width="879" height="681" loading="lazy" /> <p>He later modified the application to “account for precision loss”. Basic engineering knowledge would tell you that is impossible.</p> <p><strong>Problem #2: Cherry-pick Errors!</strong></p> <p>Rounding errors can occur in both directions: positive (numbers were rounded up) and negative (numbers were rounded down). Theoretically, as more and more samples are collected, all errors would cancel out each other.</p> <p>He only measured the changes when Trump’s vote counts dropped and did not account for<em> all possible </em>errors hidden in other samples (e.g, when both candidates’ votes went up). Rounding errors occur in EVERY SAMPLE, even if the numbers appear fine.</p> <p><strong>If you only count errors in one direction, the more you count the bigger it will get.</strong></p> </section>	Did voting machines transfer votes from Trump to Biden or did somebody made a terrible analytical error? So this guy called “Pede” claimed Biden won because voting machines switched votes from Trump to Biden. He discovered the pattern when looking at the the raw data feed from NyTimes. https://www.theburningplatform.com/2020/11/11/what-is-a-pede-dominion-voting-system-under-attack/ His investigation showed millions of votes had been switched: His work has been cited by the Trump campaign and passed around on social media as a definitive proof that the election has been rigged and retweeted by Donald Trump and Eric Trump Problem solved? Do we have a smoking gun?? The election is rigged? I would call this “GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT” Let’s take a look at how he came to the conclusion. He pulled the data off NY Times website (others refer to this as the “Edison” data): https://static01.nyt.com/elections-assets/2020/data/api/2020-11-03/race-page/pennsylvania/president.json He noticed in the data every now and then Trump’s vote counts dropped. As an example: So he wrote a little program to scan for these drops in every state and sum up all of them. What’s the problem in his approach? Problem #1: CHECK YOUR INPUT ! The data encoded in the feed is not meant to be accurate (don’t ask me why). Here is an example for November 11 @ 3:10PM. Notice how the computed values are different from what was reported on NyTimes website. He later modified the application to “account for precision loss”. Basic engineering knowledge would tell you that is impossible. Problem #2: Cherry-pick Errors! Rounding errors can occur in both directions: positive (numbers were rounded up) and negative (numbers were rounded down). Theoretically, as more and more samples are collected, all errors would cancel out each other. He only measured the changes when Trump’s vote counts dropped and did not account for all possible errors hidden in other samples (e.g, when both candidates’ votes went up). Rounding errors occur in EVERY SAMPLE, even if the numbers appear fine. If you only count errors in one direction, the more you count the bigger it will get.	762290d6-d11d-58c8-aa8b-6236488e1dba	25/08/2025 15:58:24
https://medium.com/bizcatalyst-360/the-position-less-leader-a9ed4a0800d6	medium.com	The Position-Less Leader	null	BIZCATALYST360°	https://medium.com/@dennisjpitocco	a9ed4a0800d6	https://miro.medium.com/…oZlmF5T4AlXi.jpg	2 min	2017-02-01T11:49:07.841000	2017-01-31T00:35:44	2017-02-01T11:55:24.228000	0	0	en	Bizspectrum,Featured,Afc Championship Game,Ben Roethlisberger,Antonio Brown	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/506/0*FrC3oZlmF5T4AlXi.jpg" width="506" height="337" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>“Leadership is something you earn, something you’re chosen for. You can’t come in yelling. ‘I’m your leader!’ If it happens, it’s because the other guys respect you.”</strong></p> <p>— Ben Roethlisberger</p> <p><strong>We know that the idea that leadership is bestowed upon a few</strong>, select individuals is an antiquated notion. It is not a formal position of authority that determines leadership, but the ability to influence others. Every one of us has the potential to be a leader. So, what gives the position-less leader the power to influence others?</p> <p><strong>Trust</strong></p> <p>People follow those they trust. A position does not award you the trust required to be a leader. When we gain the trust of others we are able to influence them because they know that we will look out for their best interest. When we become a trusted advisor, we become a position-less leader.</p> <p><strong>Competence</strong></p> <p>People follow those who they see as competent. A title does not prove competence. When we work closely with others they start to have confidence in our skills and knowledge; they see the value of our experience. When we become the go-to person to answer questions and solve problems, we become a position-less leader.</p> <p><strong>Communication</strong></p> <p>People follow those with whom they develop good, two-way communication. Authority does not necessarily make you a good communicator. When we develop relationships where we share information; listen because we care; and empathize with others, we gain the ability to influence. With this influence, we become a position-less leader.</p> <p><strong>It’s About Respect</strong></p> <p>The bottom-line is: it’s all about respect. Leadership is the ability to influence others; it takes trust, proven competence, and two-way communication. These characteristics are not earned by acquiring a position of authority. They are developed through focusing our energy on becoming a positive force in the lives of others. When we earn their respect, we expand our influence, and become position-less leaders.</p> <p>[su_button url=”http://bizcatalyst360.tradepub.com/?pt=main&page=home.ebookspg" target=”blank” style=”glass” background=”#155700" color=”#ffffff” size=”1" wide=”yes” center=”yes” radius=”5" icon=”icon: briefcase” icon_color=”#ffffff”]CLICK HERE TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW TODAY! [/su_button]</p> </section>	The Position-Less Leader “Leadership is something you earn, something you’re chosen for. You can’t come in yelling. ‘I’m your leader!’ If it happens, it’s because the other guys respect you.” — Ben Roethlisberger We know that the idea that leadership is bestowed upon a few, select individuals is an antiquated notion. It is not a formal position of authority that determines leadership, but the ability to influence others. Every one of us has the potential to be a leader. So, what gives the position-less leader the power to influence others? Trust People follow those they trust. A position does not award you the trust required to be a leader. When we gain the trust of others we are able to influence them because they know that we will look out for their best interest. When we become a trusted advisor, we become a position-less leader. Competence People follow those who they see as competent. A title does not prove competence. When we work closely with others they start to have confidence in our skills and knowledge; they see the value of our experience. When we become the go-to person to answer questions and solve problems, we become a position-less leader. Communication People follow those with whom they develop good, two-way communication. Authority does not necessarily make you a good communicator. When we develop relationships where we share information; listen because we care; and empathize with others, we gain the ability to influence. With this influence, we become a position-less leader. It’s About Respect The bottom-line is: it’s all about respect. Leadership is the ability to influence others; it takes trust, proven competence, and two-way communication. These characteristics are not earned by acquiring a position of authority. They are developed through focusing our energy on becoming a positive force in the lives of others. When we earn their respect, we expand our influence, and become position-less leaders. [su_button url=”http://bizcatalyst360.tradepub.com/?pt=main&page=home.ebookspg" target=”blank” style=”glass” background=”#155700" color=”#ffffff” size=”1" wide=”yes” center=”yes” radius=”5" icon=”icon: briefcase” icon_color=”#ffffff”]CLICK HERE TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW TODAY! [/su_button]	1c217ef8-7176-575c-a9fe-a2c585fc111b	25/08/2025 15:58:25
https://thebulletproofpoet.medium.com/lovers-shoes-still-under-my-bed-037828ef00d2	medium.com	Lover’s Shoes Still Under My Bed	(relics of someone who won’t return)	Ismael S Rodriguez Jr (The Bulletproof Poet)	https://medium.com/@thebulletproofpoet	037828ef00d2	null	1 min	2025-08-23T18:17:42.236000	2025-08-23T18:18:40.138000	2025-08-23T19:27:33.332000	0	1	en	Poetry,Poem,Poetry On Medium,Poems On Medium,Poetry Writing	<section> <h3><em>(relics of someone who won’t return)</em></h3> <p>There’s a pair of shoes still under my bed, dust crawling up the laces like regret. Every morning I kick ‘em, every night I pray I’ll forget.</p> <p>The leather’s cracked, same as my smile, the heels worn down from miles we walked in denial. They whisper in the dark when I try to sleep — soft ghosts humming promises we couldn’t keep.</p> <p>I left the window open, but you never came back. The wind only carried shadows, the floorboards only creak with lack. Even the moon feels guilty for shining on this room.</p> <p>I should throw them out, set ’em on fire, watch the smoke rise like your last desire. But I can’t. No, I can’t. ’Cause they’re the only proof you were ever here.</p> <p>So they stay, under my bed, like a shrine to the living dead. My heart’s a house where the rent’s overdue — and all it’s got left is the ghost of your shoes.</p> </section>	Lover’s Shoes Still Under My Bed (relics of someone who won’t return) There’s a pair of shoes still under my bed, dust crawling up the laces like regret. Every morning I kick ‘em, every night I pray I’ll forget. The leather’s cracked, same as my smile, the heels worn down from miles we walked in denial. They whisper in the dark when I try to sleep — soft ghosts humming promises we couldn’t keep. I left the window open, but you never came back. The wind only carried shadows, the floorboards only creak with lack. Even the moon feels guilty for shining on this room. I should throw them out, set ’em on fire, watch the smoke rise like your last desire. But I can’t. No, I can’t. ’Cause they’re the only proof you were ever here. So they stay, under my bed, like a shrine to the living dead. My heart’s a house where the rent’s overdue — and all it’s got left is the ghost of your shoes.	ba0366f8-0b57-511b-bd2d-e3c258a1b93c	25/08/2025 15:58:26
https://medium.com/thoughts-of-a-trail-runner/theres-a-saying-from-my-work-life-that-fits-into-my-running-life-too-f9a65b1cc41f	medium.com	Theres a saying from my work life that fits into my running life too …	“You can’t grow without change and you can’t change without growth”	Tim Elliott	https://medium.com/@TimElliottUK	f9a65b1cc41f	null	1 min	2024-01-27T10:32:46.881000	2024-01-27T10:44:37.560000	2024-01-28T04:18:49.613000	0	0	en	Trailrunning,Ultramarathon	<section> <p>“You can’t grow without change and you can’t change without growth”</p> <p>Always during the dull-ish winter base miles training season, my mind starts to wonder about more exciting and definitely dryer summer trails.</p> <p>Part of that ‘thinking’ takes me to the quote <strong>“You can’t grow without change and you can’t change without growth”.</strong></p> <p>I often ask myself, and I suppose the point of writing this here is I recommend you do too is …</p> <p>‘Who do I have to become to level up/ be a 100km athlete etc’?</p> <p>We also know doing the same thing and expecting different results is madness or at least maddening so what I’m saying is you can’t grow as a runner without change, and you can’t change as a runner without some personal growth, a different perspective a willingness to let go of something in order to move forward.</p> <p>You probably guessed that though from the first two lines so sorry for waffling on lol</p> <p>See you next time :)</p> </section>	Theres a saying from my work life that fits into my running life too … “You can’t grow without change and you can’t change without growth” Always during the dull-ish winter base miles training season, my mind starts to wonder about more exciting and definitely dryer summer trails. Part of that ‘thinking’ takes me to the quote “You can’t grow without change and you can’t change without growth”. I often ask myself, and I suppose the point of writing this here is I recommend you do too is … ‘Who do I have to become to level up/ be a 100km athlete etc’? We also know doing the same thing and expecting different results is madness or at least maddening so what I’m saying is you can’t grow as a runner without change, and you can’t change as a runner without some personal growth, a different perspective a willingness to let go of something in order to move forward. You probably guessed that though from the first two lines so sorry for waffling on lol See you next time :)	a5f7104a-ebef-560b-a80a-c272749b3cf7	25/08/2025 15:58:27
https://medium.com/blockchain-at-berkeley/blockchains-cryptocurrencies-the-new-decentralized-economy-part-1-a-gentle-introduction-edcb4824b174	medium.com	Blockchains, Cryptocurrencies & the New Decentralized Economy: Part 1 — A Gentle Introduction	Blockchain is the most important technology you might not yet understand.	Ashley Lannquist	https://medium.com/@AshleyLannquist	edcb4824b174	https://miro.medium.com/…c6UljgA4ftA.jpeg	11 min	2017-06-27T09:11:48.580000	2017-06-27T09:58:17.026000	2018-11-05T04:08:21.256000	29	1,282	en	Blockchain,Ethereum,Cryptocurrency,Initial Coin Offering,Ether	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1259/19nn8Y_3JT1cc6UljgA4ftA.jpeg" width="1259" height="833" loading="lazy" /> <p>Blockchain is the most important technology you might not yet understand.</p> <p>It is building a future that can be more decentralized and democratic, whose beneficiaries could range widely from <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/united-nations-sends-aid-to-10000-syrian-refugees-using-ethereum-blockchain/">Syrian refugees</a> to <a href="https://www.accenture.com/t20170120T074124__w__/us-en/_acnmedia/Accenture/Conversion-Assets/DotCom/Documents/Global/PDF/Consulting/Accenture-Banking-on-Blockchain.pdf">investment banks</a>. The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2027, <a href="http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GAC15_Technological_Tipping_Points_report_2015.pdf">10% of global GDP</a> will be stored on blockchain technology.</p> <p>Rapidly evolving blockchain technology and startups could fundamentally change entire business models, fundraising models, business operations, payments systems, and more. Despite the importance of this emerging technology, much unfamiliarity surrounds the topic.</p> <p>The purpose of this essay, divided into three parts, is to 1) explain blockchain, cryptocurrency, and recent trends, 2) describe blockchain applications, or “decentralized apps” (DApps) and their tokens, and 3) elucidate how blockchain technology will be used to redesign the Internet and economy of the future.</p> <h1><strong>Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies Explained!</strong></h1> <p><a href="https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf">The Bitcoin blockchain</a> launched in 2009 as a peer-to-peer (P2P) digital payment system. Its creator ingeniously derived <strong>a system, using computer networks, cryptography, and game theory (now collectively called “cryptoeconomics”) for parties around the world who do not know each other to conduct and record transactions without an intermediary.</strong></p> <p>The bitcoin “cryptocurrency,” which can also be called a “token,” is the digital currency that users send to transfer value in this payments system.</p> <p>By circumventing intermediaries, users can send value across borders using the Bitcoin blockchain for extremely low fees (historically less than 50 cents per transaction, regardless of the amount sent).</p> <p>Blockchain technology’s <a href="https://medium.com/blockchain-at-berkeley/understanding-crypto-economic-security-through-game-theory-526e810c7736">game theory component is essential</a>: It establishes incentives and disincentives based on pure economic rationality and self-interest for participants to validate transactions in the network and to play by the rules. It underlies the self-regulating mechanisms in decentralized networks and applications.</p> <p>Game theory also informs the robustness of the network to malicious activity from harmful or adversarial actors within its system. This robustness is usually described in terms of “byzantine fault tolerance” (BFT) or “fault tolerance” and is based on the <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/The-Byzantine-Generals-Problem.pdf">Byzantine General’s Problem</a> that states that no more than 33% of the network participants can be malevolent to maintain the system’s integrity (in practice, the Bitcoin blockchain’s threshold for fault tolerance is 50%).</p> <p><em>The result is that, entirely from the bottom-up and with no centralized coordinator or guarantor, the P2P network runs smoothly and honestly in a “trustless” environment where participants are self-interested and do not know one another.</em></p> <p>In fact, during the week ending <a href="https://bravenewcoin.com/industry-resources/infographics/weekly-bitcoin-and-blockchain-statistics?utm_source=BNC+Newsletter&utm_campaign=7e042ffb63-Digital+Asset+Review%2C+21st+June+2017&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_83439a8472-7e042ffb63-245159765">June 21, 2017</a>, 1.8 million transactions were sent over the Bitcoin network without interruption, constituting $4.4 billion of value (at a $2507 bitcoin price).</p> <p>In the years after 2009, several less anonymous yet still brilliant engineers have developed alternative blockchain technologies that modify and enhance the original Bitcoin system. The most noteworthy example is <a href="https://github.com/ethereum/wiki/wiki/White-Paper">Ethereum</a>, which is the <a href="http://coinmarketcap.com/">second-largest</a> system by market capitalization (defined as the number of tokens in circulation multiplied by their market price).</p> <p><strong>Cryptocurrencies are the “native” digital currencies that exist in blockchain systems or applications. </strong>Whereas the Bitcoin system’s native cryptocurrency is bitcoin, Ethereum’s is called <em>ether</em>.</p> <p><strong>All blockchains require the use of a digital currency, whether it be their own native cryptocurrencies or an existing one such as bitcoin and ether.</strong> There are about <a href="http://coinmarketcap.com/all/views/all/">718 cryptocurrencies</a> in circulation as of June 27, 2017.</p> <p>Cryptocurrencies are necessary to operate blockchain systems, because they are the incentive mechanism for computers (“nodes”) in the network to conduct (“validate” or “verify”) transactions.</p> <p>Indeed, they are the reason you only pay a tiny fee to send a bitcoin transaction. The Bitcoin blockchain system compensates the nodes maintaining the network 12.5 bitcoins every time they successfully validate a set of transactions in a process called “mining.”</p> <h3>Mechanics</h3> <p>All blockchains or similar “distributed ledger technologies” (DLT) have a common set of characteristics. <em><strong>This is how th</em>ey work:</strong></p> <p>Blockchains are<strong> digital ledgers</strong> or logs that record electronic transactions that occur between two parties.</p> <p>The two parties do not know each other and directly engage in a <strong>peer-to-peer network </strong>of connected computers.</p> <p>Rather than relying on a third-party middleman (ex. PayPal, a bank, etc.), the network collectively <strong>reaches agreement (“consensus”)</strong> on which transactions are legitimate using a consensus mechanism. By “legitimate,” we mean that, for example, Alice sends money to Bob and does not spend the same digital currency twice (called a “double spend”) or do anything else malicious.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/765/1pmzg2L75yLjZTtfVkkggHQ.png" width="765" height="195" loading="lazy" /> <p>There are several types of consensus mechanisms, each with pros and cons. The main types are “proof-of-work” (the basis for Bitcoin and Ethereum), “proof-of-stake” (eventually the basis for Ethereum), and “proof-of-authority” (the basis for private chain setups). Proof-of-work is very <a href="https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/bitcoin-could-consume-as-much-electricity-as-denmark-by-2020">wasteful of electricity</a>, which is one reason people want to adopt other mechanisms.</p> <p><em><strong>If you can remember 3 more things, remembe</em>r these:</strong></p> <p>Once the network approves the transactions, the transactions get posted to the digital log. In Bitcoin, attempted transactions are first grouped together in a block, which then gets verified all at once (by the proof-of-work mechanism) and added to a<strong> long chain of blocks</strong>. This is why it’s called a “blockchain”!</p> <p>The blocks are <strong>linked together using cryptography</strong>, so that you cannot surreptitiously edit or tamper with the transaction data on a block once the block is added to the chain (or more precisely, once a subsequent block is added to the chain after it).</p> <p>The transaction details are <strong>transparent and verifiable by the public.</strong> However, the identities of the buyers and sellers are hidden behind their public usernames, which are long alphanumeric addresses. Here’s a <a href="https://blockchain.info/">window</a> into the Bitcoin blockchain. The simultaneous transparency of transactions and masking of identities is why blockchains can be used to both anonymously buy drugs and obediently report to regulators.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/759/1qPYj4R6k9vm0pVzdAA_uiQ.png" width="759" height="184" loading="lazy" /> <p>Note that some blockchains can restrict transaction visibility and participation to designated parties; these are called “permissioned” or private blockchains. Many large companies are very interested in these private blockchains, in part because they do not want proprietary or competitive data to be public. The <a href="http://www.r3cev.com/">R3 Consortium</a> of most major banks in the world (which raised $107 million in funding in May) has developed a private blockchain system called <a href="https://www.corda.net/">Corda</a> that just entered <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/r3s-distributed-ledger-software-corda-enters-public-beta/">beta phase</a> — so has the <a href="https://www.linuxfoundation.org/">Linux Foundation</a> (with major support from IBM) with the <a href="https://www.hyperledger.org/projects/fabric">Hyperledger Fabric</a>.</p> <p>Another exciting innovation is <a href="https://z.cash/">Zcash</a>, which allows you to hide details of transactions such as the sender, receiver, and amounts (using <a href="https://z.cash/technology/zksnarks.html">zk-SNARKs</a>) while operating on a public blockchain. JPMorgan just announced a big <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/jpmorgan-partners-zcash-team-add-enterprise-security/">partnership</a> with Zcash.</p> <h3><em>Robust and Secure Networks</em></h3> <p>In addition to offering a mechanism for peers to transact directly for free without knowing or trusting each other, data held in blockchains are robust and secure. This is because:</p> <p>Using <strong>cryptography, </strong>transaction information is recorded in a way that is permanent and tamper-evident. As a result, we can call the blockchain “immutable.” <strong>System attacks are extremely difficult. </strong>For Bitcoin and other “byzantine fault tolerant” networks, the most prominent way that data on the blockchain can be manipulated is with a concerted attack by a majority of the network participants, called a “51% attack” (there are different types of attacks requiring different levels of participation to succeed). Further, experts agree that the quantum computers of the future will be able to break today’s cryptography schemes.</p> <p>The blockchain record is downloaded on thousands of computers around the world that are participating in the network. These computers constantly sync, or update, the record for new transactions. As a result of this <strong>wide data distribution</strong>, data storage is robust and there is no single site of failure that attackers can target. <em>To delete the blockchain you would need to destroy the thousands of computers in the system all around the world.</em></p> <p>In summary, data are not stored in concentrated sites, but rather on a log that is downloaded on thousands of nodes and constantly syncing. New data locks onto the log in blocks that are connected by cryptographic hash pointers referring to preceding and subsequent transactions on the ever-growing “chain” of transactions.</p> <h3>Ethereum</h3> <p>Ethereum is a <a href="https://blog.coinbase.com/ethereum-is-the-forefront-of-digital-currency-5300298f6c75">promising</a> and exciting blockchain technology with a wider set of capabilities than the first-generation Bitcoin system.</p> <p>Whereas Bitcoin has narrow programming leeway (some compare programming capabilities to that of a graphing calculator) and is essentially a ledger of payments between parties, Ethereum’s programming language can be used to quickly build new applications.</p> <p>Ethereum’s programming language, Solidity, is easy to use and versatile. It is “Turing complete,” meaning that it is capable of approximately simulating the computational aspects of any other real-world general-purpose computer language, which leads to more sophisticated applications.</p> <p>As part of the Turing completeness of Ethereum’s Solidity programming language, anyone can build conditional contracts (using “if/then” and other logic statements) that execute autonomously. The coded contracts are called “smart contracts” and can execute previously agreed upon terms.</p> <p><em>Smart contracts are a big deal: They can be considered <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/arizona-bill-blockchain-smart-contracts/">legally enforceable</a> and can benefit</em> countless industries by removing time and human error from contract processes.</p> <p>Note that because the contracts are on the Ethereum blockchain, their code is open-sourced; public visibility motivates developers to be extremely cautious about their code so that it is not <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2017-the-ether-thief/">exploited by hackers </a>to attack the program.</p> <p>In combination with high quality developer tools and core components (<a href="http://truffleframework.com/">Truffle</a>, <a href="https://metamask.io/">Metamask</a>, <a href="https://www.uport.me/">uPort</a> and others) and substantial industry support (<a href="https://entethalliance.org/">Ethereum Enterprise Alliance</a>, along with Brooklyn-based venture studio <a href="https://consensys.net/">ConsenSys</a>), Ethereum shows great promise and popularity within the community.</p> <p>Ether cryptocurrency is required for the execution of code and smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. Users must spend a small amount of ether, called “gas,” to incentivize the network to conduct and verify transactions and run smart contracts. These “gas” transaction execution fees are the intrinsic use of ether.</p> <p>Most cryptocurrencies have an intrinsic use, which is to access or employ the blockchain system or application (discussed in greater detail in Part 2).</p> <p>For more background on blockchain, see <a href="https://coincenter.org/entry/what-is-blockchain-anyway">this article</a> by policy research and advocacy group Coin Center and <a href="https://d28rh4a8wq0iu5.cloudfront.net/bitcointech/readings/princeton_bitcoin_book.pdf?a=1">this textbook</a> by professors at Princeton.</p> <h2><strong>Blockchain Today</strong></h2> <p>Numerous non-governmental, governmental, and for-profit institutions are actively investing in blockchain R&D to power the future. Institutions spanning the <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/7-united-nations-agencies-are-now-investigating-blockchain-applications/">United Nations</a>, <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/imf-explores-icos-central-bank-coins-new-blockchain-note/">IMF</a>, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/news/pre-information-notice-eu-blockchain-observatory-forum">EU Commission</a>, <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/us-government-awards-2-25-million-blockchain-research-projects/">U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security</a>, and <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/us-government-looks-fund-cybersecurity-research-blockchain/">National Science Foundation</a> are investing in blockchain research initiatives.</p> <p>Furthermore, many governments and central banks are interested in introducing digital currencies; <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/suddenly-vladimir-putin-meets-vitalik-buterin-endorses-ethereum">Vladimir Putin</a>, the <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/singapore-central-bank-to-use-blockchain-tech-for-new-payment-transfer-project">Monetary Authority of Singapore</a>, the <a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/s/608088/chinas-central-bank-has-begun-cautiously-testing-a-digital-currency/">People’s Bank of China</a>, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurashin/2016/06/16/canada-has-been-experimenting-with-a-digital-fiat-currency-called-cad-coin/#64f795fd46a4">Bank of Canada</a>, <a href="http://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/press/koen_2017/data/ko170421a.pdf">Bank of Japan</a>, and more have been investigating digital currencies.</p> <p>It is likely that nearly every major multi-national corporation has begun looking at or investing in blockchain technology, from <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-11-18/wal-mart-tackles-food-safety-with-test-of-blockchain-technology">Walmart</a> to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/western-union-invests-in-blockchain-technology-fintech-2016-5?r=US&IR=T&IR=T">Western Union</a>. In brief, <strong>using blockchain allows businesses to remove the need for central parties or brokers in various processes, eliminating the fees, human error, time, and security risks that they entail.</strong></p> <p><a href="https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/19/ibm-unveils-blockchain-as-a-service-based-on-open-source-hyperledger-fabric-technology/">IBM</a> and <a href="https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/blockchain/">Microsoft</a> have established “Blockchain-as-a-Service” businesses, while major consulting firms including <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/press-releases/deloitte-launches-blockchain-lab-in-new-york.html">Deloitte</a>, <a href="https://www.accenture.com/us-en/service-blockchain-financial-services">Accenture</a>, and <a href="https://home.kpmg.com/us/en/home/insights/2016/09/kpmg-and-microsoft-blockchain-services.html">KPMG</a> are building blockchain practices. BCG’s 2016 report <a href="http://media-publications.bcg.com/BCG-Thinking-Outside-the-Blocks-Dec-2016.pdf">“Thinking Outside the Blocks”</a> smoothly summarizes the relevance of the technology while guiding readers through its potential corporate uses.</p> <p>Meanwhile, remarkable (although very volatile) returns in cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ether are driving public attention to the assets as speculative investments:</p> <p>Year-to-date as of June 27, 2017, the price of one bitcoin has risen 148% to about $2400, while the price of one ether has risen an astonishing 2900% to about $240. The total market cap of cryptocurrencies is about <a href="http://coinmarketcap.com/charts/">$98 billion</a>. These figures vary widely with the volatile pricing dynamics.</p> <blockquote>Market Cap of Cryptocurrencies Approximately $100 Billion</blockquote> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1079/0qJ05bZ1k-FKyW0Ft." width="1079" height="460" loading="lazy" /> <p>Cryptocurrencies have also been grabbing headlines as a new source of startup financing. Total fundraising to blockchain startups from “ICOs,” or initial coin offerings (discussed below), has exceeded $600 million so far this year, surpassing levels of investment funding raised from venture capital (VC) firms. This figure includes the staggering <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/16/israels-blockchain-blockbuster.html">$150 million fundraising</a> round by Israel-based startup Bancor on June 12, 2017, which was filled in less than three hours.</p> <h3><strong>Initial Coin Offerings: Democratized Fundraising</strong></h3> <p>ICOs have proven to be an incredibly rapid new means of fundraising, as evidenced by multiple strong issuances this year. They potentially <em>democratize fundraising</em>, allowing non-traditional upstarts without traditional equity and with open-source production to raise millions of dollars.</p> <p>Impressively, ICOs draw on the community of blockchain enthusiasts and cryptocurrency investors to crowdfund projects. In this way, they <em>democratize the venture capital process.</em></p> <p>In fact, while ICOs are completely open to the public, most VCs are not legally able to participate due to agreements with LPs that limit the types of securities in which they can invest.</p> <p>As industry thought-leader Jamie Burke <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/our-first-investment-tokens-jamie-burke">put it,</a> “The day when VCs were the elusive elite and primary source of capital for startups has ended. When a startup (<a href="https://brave.com/">Brave</a>) can raise <a href="http://www.the-blockchain.com/2017/06/01/brave-token-sale-blasts-records-35-million-30-seconds/">$35m in 30 seconds</a> without any dilution, the genie is out of the bottle and it isn’t going back in.”</p> <p>Note that strong demand for ICOs in May and June 2017 has led to a “crowding out” of small investors in favor of large “whale” investors who can receive priority allocations. Some challenge whether this undermines the democratic nature of ICOs.</p> <p><strong>Strong ICO interest has also led to complications and volatility in the price of ether. </strong>Many ICOs require investment in the form of ether, which drove unprecedented demand for the asset in May and June 2017. The price of ether reached new highs (above $410) in the week of June 18 during the <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/ico-blues-status-raises-58-million-leaves-buyers-waiting/">Status token ICO</a>, until <a href=" http://www.coindesk.com/startups-service-outages-ethereum-blockchain-backlog/">congestion and service disruptions on exchanges</a> led to downward price pressure and even a <a href="http://www.coindesk.com/13-ethereum-ether-prices-plunge-2500-gdax-exchange-flash-crash/">“flash crash” of ether on the GDAX exchange</a> to $13. These pressures may have also exposed limits in the current Ethereum network. In the final week of June, the price of ether fell to the $200-$300 range.</p> <h3><em>Regulation and Investment Risk</em></h3> <p>As of June 27th, cryptocurrencies are not considered public or private “securities.” They are not yet regulated by the SEC, and they do not have standardized features. Some offer features similar to distributions or coupons, some offer voting rights, and most offer neither.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/bc-finreg-bitcoin-ico-idUSKBN1942HF">SEC would like to ultimately regulate ICO participation</a>, as it does with other forms of crowdfunding, to protect retail investors from scams and losses. Currently, ICOs and tokens are not required to provide disclosures or a prospectus. Some are also not based on sound business models.<em> </em>With escalating hype and public awareness, more industry outsiders are investing in ICOs and tokens. Without the safety measures and transparency normally demanded by SEC regulation, investors are at risk.</p> <h2><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2> <p>Blockchains and other distributed ledger technologies have a variety of positive features and can be applied to countless industries and uses to improve efficiency, security, and operations. <strong>Cryptocurrencies</strong> such as bitcoin and ether are required to execute transactions and operate the networks. They are also <strong>investable assets</strong> and sold to the public to raise capital. As such, they constitute a <strong>new form of crowdfunding and startup fundraising.</strong> Blockchain cryptocurrencies are also a<strong> new type of alternative investment</strong>, one that is not yet SEC-regulated and that can pose risks to imprudent investors.</p> <p>Most industry observers agree that we are in the early days of a complete restructuring of numerous processes and operations to be decentralized and on the blockchain. <em>“This is like the Internet in the 1990s” </em>is commonly exclaimed.</p> <p>Blockchain VC and thought-leader Olaf Carlson-Wee has<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-31/bitcoin-risks-being-eclipsed-by-digital-coin-cousin-ethereum"> stated</a>, “We’re absolutely still in the infrastructure building phase. But I do think within one to two years, we’ll start to see the first viral applications that are user facing.”</p> <p>In Part 2 of this essay, we explain <strong>“decentralized applications,”</strong> which are apps built on blockchain technology that redesign the delivery of products and services, hopefully in the interest of the user and public.</p> <ul> <li><em><strong>Update: Here is</em> <a href</strong>="https://medium.com/blockchain-at-berkeley/blockchains-cryptocurrencies-the-new-decentralized-economy-part-2-blockchain-based-apps-e6ea71236ca">Part 2</a>!</li> <li><em>If you enjoyed reading this, please log in and recommend it below. This will help to share the story with others.</em></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/Ashleylannquist">https://twitter.com/AshleyLannquist</a></li> </ul> </section>	Blockchains, Cryptocurrencies & the New Decentralized Economy: Part 1 — A Gentle Introduction Blockchain is the most important technology you might not yet understand. It is building a future that can be more decentralized and democratic, whose beneficiaries could range widely from Syrian refugees to investment banks. The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2027, 10% of global GDP will be stored on blockchain technology. Rapidly evolving blockchain technology and startups could fundamentally change entire business models, fundraising models, business operations, payments systems, and more. Despite the importance of this emerging technology, much unfamiliarity surrounds the topic. The purpose of this essay, divided into three parts, is to 1) explain blockchain, cryptocurrency, and recent trends, 2) describe blockchain applications, or “decentralized apps” (DApps) and their tokens, and 3) elucidate how blockchain technology will be used to redesign the Internet and economy of the future. Blockchain & Cryptocurrencies Explained! The Bitcoin blockchain launched in 2009 as a peer-to-peer (P2P) digital payment system. Its creator ingeniously derived a system, using computer networks, cryptography, and game theory (now collectively called “cryptoeconomics”) for parties around the world who do not know each other to conduct and record transactions without an intermediary. The bitcoin “cryptocurrency,” which can also be called a “token,” is the digital currency that users send to transfer value in this payments system. By circumventing intermediaries, users can send value across borders using the Bitcoin blockchain for extremely low fees (historically less than 50 cents per transaction, regardless of the amount sent). Blockchain technology’s game theory component is essential: It establishes incentives and disincentives based on pure economic rationality and self-interest for participants to validate transactions in the network and to play by the rules. It underlies the self-regulating mechanisms in decentralized networks and applications. Game theory also informs the robustness of the network to malicious activity from harmful or adversarial actors within its system. This robustness is usually described in terms of “byzantine fault tolerance” (BFT) or “fault tolerance” and is based on the Byzantine General’s Problem that states that no more than 33% of the network participants can be malevolent to maintain the system’s integrity (in practice, the Bitcoin blockchain’s threshold for fault tolerance is 50%). The result is that, entirely from the bottom-up and with no centralized coordinator or guarantor, the P2P network runs smoothly and honestly in a “trustless” environment where participants are self-interested and do not know one another. In fact, during the week ending June 21, 2017, 1.8 million transactions were sent over the Bitcoin network without interruption, constituting $4.4 billion of value (at a $2507 bitcoin price). In the years after 2009, several less anonymous yet still brilliant engineers have developed alternative blockchain technologies that modify and enhance the original Bitcoin system. The most noteworthy example is Ethereum, which is the second-largest system by market capitalization (defined as the number of tokens in circulation multiplied by their market price). Cryptocurrencies are the “native” digital currencies that exist in blockchain systems or applications. Whereas the Bitcoin system’s native cryptocurrency is bitcoin, Ethereum’s is called ether. All blockchains require the use of a digital currency, whether it be their own native cryptocurrencies or an existing one such as bitcoin and ether. There are about 718 cryptocurrencies in circulation as of June 27, 2017. Cryptocurrencies are necessary to operate blockchain systems, because they are the incentive mechanism for computers (“nodes”) in the network to conduct (“validate” or “verify”) transactions. Indeed, they are the reason you only pay a tiny fee to send a bitcoin transaction. The Bitcoin blockchain system compensates the nodes maintaining the network 12.5 bitcoins every time they successfully validate a set of transactions in a process called “mining.” Mechanics All blockchains or similar “distributed ledger technologies” (DLT) have a common set of characteristics. This is how they work: Blockchains are digital ledgers or logs that record electronic transactions that occur between two parties. The two parties do not know each other and directly engage in a peer-to-peer network of connected computers. Rather than relying on a third-party middleman (ex. PayPal, a bank, etc.), the network collectively reaches agreement (“consensus”) on which transactions are legitimate using a consensus mechanism. By “legitimate,” we mean that, for example, Alice sends money to Bob and does not spend the same digital currency twice (called a “double spend”) or do anything else malicious. There are several types of consensus mechanisms, each with pros and cons. The main types are “proof-of-work” (the basis for Bitcoin and Ethereum), “proof-of-stake” (eventually the basis for Ethereum), and “proof-of-authority” (the basis for private chain setups). Proof-of-work is very wasteful of electricity, which is one reason people want to adopt other mechanisms. If you can remember 3 more things, remember these: Once the network approves the transactions, the transactions get posted to the digital log. In Bitcoin, attempted transactions are first grouped together in a block, which then gets verified all at once (by the proof-of-work mechanism) and added to a long chain of blocks. This is why it’s called a “blockchain”! The blocks are linked together using cryptography, so that you cannot surreptitiously edit or tamper with the transaction data on a block once the block is added to the chain (or more precisely, once a subsequent block is added to the chain after it). The transaction details are transparent and verifiable by the public. However, the identities of the buyers and sellers are hidden behind their public usernames, which are long alphanumeric addresses. Here’s a window into the Bitcoin blockchain. The simultaneous transparency of transactions and masking of identities is why blockchains can be used to both anonymously buy drugs and obediently report to regulators. Note that some blockchains can restrict transaction visibility and participation to designated parties; these are called “permissioned” or private blockchains. Many large companies are very interested in these private blockchains, in part because they do not want proprietary or competitive data to be public. The R3 Consortium of most major banks in the world (which raised $107 million in funding in May) has developed a private blockchain system called Corda that just entered beta phase — so has the Linux Foundation (with major support from IBM) with the Hyperledger Fabric. Another exciting innovation is Zcash, which allows you to hide details of transactions such as the sender, receiver, and amounts (using zk-SNARKs) while operating on a public blockchain. JPMorgan just announced a big partnership with Zcash. Robust and Secure Networks In addition to offering a mechanism for peers to transact directly for free without knowing or trusting each other, data held in blockchains are robust and secure. This is because: Using cryptography, transaction information is recorded in a way that is permanent and tamper-evident. As a result, we can call the blockchain “immutable.” System attacks are extremely difficult. For Bitcoin and other “byzantine fault tolerant” networks, the most prominent way that data on the blockchain can be manipulated is with a concerted attack by a majority of the network participants, called a “51% attack” (there are different types of attacks requiring different levels of participation to succeed). Further, experts agree that the quantum computers of the future will be able to break today’s cryptography schemes. The blockchain record is downloaded on thousands of computers around the world that are participating in the network. These computers constantly sync, or update, the record for new transactions. As a result of this wide data distribution, data storage is robust and there is no single site of failure that attackers can target. To delete the blockchain you would need to destroy the thousands of computers in the system all around the world. In summary, data are not stored in concentrated sites, but rather on a log that is downloaded on thousands of nodes and constantly syncing. New data locks onto the log in blocks that are connected by cryptographic hash pointers referring to preceding and subsequent transactions on the ever-growing “chain” of transactions. Ethereum Ethereum is a promising and exciting blockchain technology with a wider set of capabilities than the first-generation Bitcoin system. Whereas Bitcoin has narrow programming leeway (some compare programming capabilities to that of a graphing calculator) and is essentially a ledger of payments between parties, Ethereum’s programming language can be used to quickly build new applications. Ethereum’s programming language, Solidity, is easy to use and versatile. It is “Turing complete,” meaning that it is capable of approximately simulating the computational aspects of any other real-world general-purpose computer language, which leads to more sophisticated applications. As part of the Turing completeness of Ethereum’s Solidity programming language, anyone can build conditional contracts (using “if/then” and other logic statements) that execute autonomously. The coded contracts are called “smart contracts” and can execute previously agreed upon terms. Smart contracts are a big deal: They can be considered legally enforceable and can benefit countless industries by removing time and human error from contract processes. Note that because the contracts are on the Ethereum blockchain, their code is open-sourced; public visibility motivates developers to be extremely cautious about their code so that it is not exploited by hackers to attack the program. In combination with high quality developer tools and core components (Truffle, Metamask, uPort and others) and substantial industry support (Ethereum Enterprise Alliance, along with Brooklyn-based venture studio ConsenSys), Ethereum shows great promise and popularity within the community. Ether cryptocurrency is required for the execution of code and smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. Users must spend a small amount of ether, called “gas,” to incentivize the network to conduct and verify transactions and run smart contracts. These “gas” transaction execution fees are the intrinsic use of ether. Most cryptocurrencies have an intrinsic use, which is to access or employ the blockchain system or application (discussed in greater detail in Part 2). For more background on blockchain, see this article by policy research and advocacy group Coin Center and this textbook by professors at Princeton. Blockchain Today Numerous non-governmental, governmental, and for-profit institutions are actively investing in blockchain R&D to power the future. Institutions spanning the United Nations, IMF, EU Commission, U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, and National Science Foundation are investing in blockchain research initiatives. Furthermore, many governments and central banks are interested in introducing digital currencies; Vladimir Putin, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the People’s Bank of China, Bank of Canada, Bank of Japan, and more have been investigating digital currencies. It is likely that nearly every major multi-national corporation has begun looking at or investing in blockchain technology, from Walmart to Western Union. In brief, using blockchain allows businesses to remove the need for central parties or brokers in various processes, eliminating the fees, human error, time, and security risks that they entail. IBM and Microsoft have established “Blockchain-as-a-Service” businesses, while major consulting firms including Deloitte, Accenture, and KPMG are building blockchain practices. BCG’s 2016 report “Thinking Outside the Blocks” smoothly summarizes the relevance of the technology while guiding readers through its potential corporate uses. Meanwhile, remarkable (although very volatile) returns in cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ether are driving public attention to the assets as speculative investments: Year-to-date as of June 27, 2017, the price of one bitcoin has risen 148% to about $2400, while the price of one ether has risen an astonishing 2900% to about $240. The total market cap of cryptocurrencies is about $98 billion. These figures vary widely with the volatile pricing dynamics. Market Cap of Cryptocurrencies Approximately $100 Billion Source: http://coinmarketcap.com/charts/ Cryptocurrencies have also been grabbing headlines as a new source of startup financing. Total fundraising to blockchain startups from “ICOs,” or initial coin offerings (discussed below), has exceeded $600 million so far this year, surpassing levels of investment funding raised from venture capital (VC) firms. This figure includes the staggering $150 million fundraising round by Israel-based startup Bancor on June 12, 2017, which was filled in less than three hours. Initial Coin Offerings: Democratized Fundraising ICOs have proven to be an incredibly rapid new means of fundraising, as evidenced by multiple strong issuances this year. They potentially democratize fundraising, allowing non-traditional upstarts without traditional equity and with open-source production to raise millions of dollars. Impressively, ICOs draw on the community of blockchain enthusiasts and cryptocurrency investors to crowdfund projects. In this way, they democratize the venture capital process. In fact, while ICOs are completely open to the public, most VCs are not legally able to participate due to agreements with LPs that limit the types of securities in which they can invest. As industry thought-leader Jamie Burke put it, “The day when VCs were the elusive elite and primary source of capital for startups has ended. When a startup (Brave) can raise $35m in 30 seconds without any dilution, the genie is out of the bottle and it isn’t going back in.” Note that strong demand for ICOs in May and June 2017 has led to a “crowding out” of small investors in favor of large “whale” investors who can receive priority allocations. Some challenge whether this undermines the democratic nature of ICOs. Strong ICO interest has also led to complications and volatility in the price of ether. Many ICOs require investment in the form of ether, which drove unprecedented demand for the asset in May and June 2017. The price of ether reached new highs (above $410) in the week of June 18 during the Status token ICO, until congestion and service disruptions on exchanges led to downward price pressure and even a “flash crash” of ether on the GDAX exchange to $13. These pressures may have also exposed limits in the current Ethereum network. In the final week of June, the price of ether fell to the $200-$300 range. Regulation and Investment Risk As of June 27th, cryptocurrencies are not considered public or private “securities.” They are not yet regulated by the SEC, and they do not have standardized features. Some offer features similar to distributions or coupons, some offer voting rights, and most offer neither. The SEC would like to ultimately regulate ICO participation, as it does with other forms of crowdfunding, to protect retail investors from scams and losses. Currently, ICOs and tokens are not required to provide disclosures or a prospectus. Some are also not based on sound business models. With escalating hype and public awareness, more industry outsiders are investing in ICOs and tokens. Without the safety measures and transparency normally demanded by SEC regulation, investors are at risk. Conclusion Blockchains and other distributed ledger technologies have a variety of positive features and can be applied to countless industries and uses to improve efficiency, security, and operations. Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ether are required to execute transactions and operate the networks. They are also investable assets and sold to the public to raise capital. As such, they constitute a new form of crowdfunding and startup fundraising. Blockchain cryptocurrencies are also a new type of alternative investment, one that is not yet SEC-regulated and that can pose risks to imprudent investors. Most industry observers agree that we are in the early days of a complete restructuring of numerous processes and operations to be decentralized and on the blockchain. “This is like the Internet in the 1990s” is commonly exclaimed. Blockchain VC and thought-leader Olaf Carlson-Wee has stated, “We’re absolutely still in the infrastructure building phase. But I do think within one to two years, we’ll start to see the first viral applications that are user facing.” In Part 2 of this essay, we explain “decentralized applications,” which are apps built on blockchain technology that redesign the delivery of products and services, hopefully in the interest of the user and public. Update: Here is Part 2! If you enjoyed reading this, please log in and recommend it below. This will help to share the story with others. https://twitter.com/AshleyLannquist	1607c191-f41d-5bb5-b0e3-acc335e627a5	25/08/2025 15:58:27
https://medium.com/@danielsextoniii/plumbers-danbury-ct-2196292e0a77	medium.com	Plumbers Danbury CT	Emergency Plumber Danbury CT & 24 Hour Plumbers Danbury CT, Offer Same Day, One Hour Service! https://goo.gl/QK0KxS	Daniel Sexton III	https://medium.com/@danielsextoniii	2196292e0a77	null	3 min	2017-06-01T04:45:25.435000	2017-06-01T04:46:43.229000	2018-03-28T16:44:50.598000	0	0	en	Plumber,Plumbing,Danbury,Ct	<section> <p></p> <p>Emergency Plumber Danbury CT & 24 Hour Plumbers Danbury CT, Offer Same Day, One Hour Service! <a href="https://goo.gl/QK0KxS">https://goo.gl/QK0KxS</a></p> <p>Emergency Plumbers Danbury CT and 24 hour plumber Danbury CT are affordable and always on-time. Here is an objective review and the service offered by same day plumber Danbury CT, located in the Greater Danbury, Connecticut region of Fairfield County.</p> <p>Danbury is a city in northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States, approximately 70 miles from New York City. Danbury’s population at the 2010 census was 80,893. <a href="https://goo.gl/ndlX2g">https://goo.gl/ndlX2g</a></p> <p>For over 25 years, satisfied customers in the Greater Danbury, CT area, and throughout Fairfield County, know that emergency plumbers Danbury CT always deliver responsive, high-quality, budget-conscience services and workmanship to residential and commercial customers. Our plumbing service is second to none!</p> <p>For an expert emergency plumbing company, call us today. Angie’s List tends to agree with our customers about the quality of our service. <a href="https://goo.gl/8fd9uD">https://goo.gl/8fd9uD</a></p> <p>24 hour plumbing Danbury CT does general plumbing service, hot water repairs and installation, drain cleaning and water treatment. 24 hr plumbers Danbury professional technicians are highly trained, knowledgeable and courteous. If we have a chance to pull a plumbing permit or mechanical permit, we will do so prior to arriving at the job site.</p> <p>However, if it’s a real emergency situation in the early morning hours, or during a holiday or weekend, we will contact the Danbury building official, Mr.David Newland and apply for the plumbing permit as soon as we can. <a href="https://goo.gl/AVzjM0">https://goo.gl/AVzjM0</a></p> <p>They show up on time,clean up after the job and guarantee their work. If you are not completely satisfied with our work or repair, our plumbers will do the job again for no cost to you.Just to step it up a notch, we also belong to the Danbury Chamber of Commerce. <a href="https://goo.gl/vwoy8">https://goo.gl/vwoy8</a></p> <p>We are a trusted veteran Danbury emergency plumber!</p> <p>Need an emergency plumber? Our plumbing repair business is staffed evenings, weekends and holidays, so you can count on getting a plumber 24/7/365. You will not be inconvenienced for a long time without your water system running properly! We are the most trusted emergency 24/7 plumber Danbury CT area!</p> <p>Serving the Danbury, CT area of Fairfield County, no job is too big or too small for emergency plumbers in Danbury.</p> <p>Our plumbing repair contracting services include time sensitive testing, unique engineering, design and 30 years of on the job experience. Our technicians offer cost effective and budget-saving designs. There are no hidden costs. Please look us up on Houzz.com for a great review. <a href="https://goo.gl/bswros">https://goo.gl/bswros</a></p> <p>Our Danbury 24 hour residential plumbing services include pipes/fittings/valves, detecting leaks, replacing frozen pipes, water softening systems, well pumps, correcting low water pressure, installing gas ranges, ovens and dryers, installing baseboard, steam, warm air and radiant heating, gas line installations, furnace and boiler installations, drain cleaning and repairing no ignition or pilot blow outs.</p> <p>Water filtration systems, water problems, water softeners, water neutralizers, install new toilets, electric hot water heater repair, electric hot water installation,thermostats and element replacement, 24 hour emergency plumber, drain snaking, install, new toilets, repair toilets, clogged drains, well pumps, low water pressure, fixture installation, bathroom renovation, boiler installation, garbage disposals, new construction, gas line installation, radiators, baseboard heating, furnace installation, replace faucets.</p> <p>Feel free the peruse the Newstimes.com for more about our business. <a href="https://goo.gl/LFEJFd">https://goo.gl/LFEJFd</a></p> <p>Emergency plumbers Danbury CT also provide services for commercial properties including industry, offices, restaurants, medical facilities and warehouses and does large-scale projects such as new construction and tenant improvements. <a href="https://goo.gl/ZopKoP">https://goo.gl/ZopKoP</a></p> <p>Plumbing issues are something that no one really wants to deal with, so call 24/7 plumber Danbury CT right now to take care of all your plumbing needs! Whether you need drain cleaning or an emergency plumber, we are the company to call!</p> <p>Home Advisor trusts us, so we hope you will too, and give us a shot at repairing your all plumbing problems. <a href="https://goo.gl/DMGVTI">https://goo.gl/DMGVTI</a></p> <p>For all of your plumbing service needs, contact 24 hr plumbers Danbury CT, and you will understand why we are one of the leading heating and plumbing service companies in the county of Fairfield, Connecticut. When you need an emergency plumber in the Danbury, CT area, call one hour plumber Danbury CT, today!</p> <p>Locate us on Google Maps: <a href="https://goo.gl/N4CDFM">https://goo.gl/N4CDFM</a></p> </section>	Plumbers Danbury CT Emergency Plumber Danbury CT & 24 Hour Plumbers Danbury CT, Offer Same Day, One Hour Service! https://goo.gl/QK0KxS Emergency Plumbers Danbury CT and 24 hour plumber Danbury CT are affordable and always on-time. Here is an objective review and the service offered by same day plumber Danbury CT, located in the Greater Danbury, Connecticut region of Fairfield County. Danbury is a city in northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States, approximately 70 miles from New York City. Danbury’s population at the 2010 census was 80,893. https://goo.gl/ndlX2g For over 25 years, satisfied customers in the Greater Danbury, CT area, and throughout Fairfield County, know that emergency plumbers Danbury CT always deliver responsive, high-quality, budget-conscience services and workmanship to residential and commercial customers. Our plumbing service is second to none! For an expert emergency plumbing company, call us today. Angie’s List tends to agree with our customers about the quality of our service. https://goo.gl/8fd9uD 24 hour plumbing Danbury CT does general plumbing service, hot water repairs and installation, drain cleaning and water treatment. 24 hr plumbers Danbury professional technicians are highly trained, knowledgeable and courteous. If we have a chance to pull a plumbing permit or mechanical permit, we will do so prior to arriving at the job site. However, if it’s a real emergency situation in the early morning hours, or during a holiday or weekend, we will contact the Danbury building official, Mr.David Newland and apply for the plumbing permit as soon as we can. https://goo.gl/AVzjM0 They show up on time,clean up after the job and guarantee their work. If you are not completely satisfied with our work or repair, our plumbers will do the job again for no cost to you.Just to step it up a notch, we also belong to the Danbury Chamber of Commerce. https://goo.gl/vwoy8 We are a trusted veteran Danbury emergency plumber! Need an emergency plumber? Our plumbing repair business is staffed evenings, weekends and holidays, so you can count on getting a plumber 24/7/365. You will not be inconvenienced for a long time without your water system running properly! We are the most trusted emergency 24/7 plumber Danbury CT area! Serving the Danbury, CT area of Fairfield County, no job is too big or too small for emergency plumbers in Danbury. Our plumbing repair contracting services include time sensitive testing, unique engineering, design and 30 years of on the job experience. Our technicians offer cost effective and budget-saving designs. There are no hidden costs. Please look us up on Houzz.com for a great review. https://goo.gl/bswros Our Danbury 24 hour residential plumbing services include pipes/fittings/valves, detecting leaks, replacing frozen pipes, water softening systems, well pumps, correcting low water pressure, installing gas ranges, ovens and dryers, installing baseboard, steam, warm air and radiant heating, gas line installations, furnace and boiler installations, drain cleaning and repairing no ignition or pilot blow outs. Water filtration systems, water problems, water softeners, water neutralizers, install new toilets, electric hot water heater repair, electric hot water installation,thermostats and element replacement, 24 hour emergency plumber, drain snaking, install, new toilets, repair toilets, clogged drains, well pumps, low water pressure, fixture installation, bathroom renovation, boiler installation, garbage disposals, new construction, gas line installation, radiators, baseboard heating, furnace installation, replace faucets. Feel free the peruse the Newstimes.com for more about our business. https://goo.gl/LFEJFd Emergency plumbers Danbury CT also provide services for commercial properties including industry, offices, restaurants, medical facilities and warehouses and does large-scale projects such as new construction and tenant improvements. https://goo.gl/ZopKoP Plumbing issues are something that no one really wants to deal with, so call 24/7 plumber Danbury CT right now to take care of all your plumbing needs! Whether you need drain cleaning or an emergency plumber, we are the company to call! Home Advisor trusts us, so we hope you will too, and give us a shot at repairing your all plumbing problems. https://goo.gl/DMGVTI For all of your plumbing service needs, contact 24 hr plumbers Danbury CT, and you will understand why we are one of the leading heating and plumbing service companies in the county of Fairfield, Connecticut. When you need an emergency plumber in the Danbury, CT area, call one hour plumber Danbury CT, today! Locate us on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/N4CDFM	05dce149-ea9d-5bee-a0b2-dd113c2a7a3d	25/08/2025 15:58:28
https://medium.com/@clysuva/iceland-on-film-part-vi-ec9a62f9350f	medium.com	Iceland on Film, Part VI	Eastern Regions	Jaan Pullerits	https://medium.com/@clysuva	ec9a62f9350f	https://miro.medium.com/…g0ZBatbVI9w.jpeg	5 min	2017-09-10T18:08:43.129000	2017-09-10T23:15:34.671000	2018-05-11T09:49:28.290000	0	83	en	Travel,Photography,Film Photography,Travel Photography,Iceland	<section> <h3>Eastern Regions</h3> <p><em>Six days ago I arrived in Iceland for the purpose of taking photos with couple of my friends. I only took a 35mm film camera with me. If you are wondering what happened before, you can read the previous chapters of the story here: <a href="https://medium.com/@clysuva/travellin</em>g-with-a-film-camera-iceland-part-1-69a32b6c2a3a">Part I</a>, <a href="https://medium.com/@clysuva/travelling-with-a-film-camera-iceland-part-2-e2bdfdaa6fdd">Part II</a>, <a href="https://medium.com/@clysuva/iceland-on-film-part-iii-d7947d9c3efd">Part III</a>, <a href="https://medium.com/@clysuva/iceland-on-film-part-iv-da419767708c">Part IV</a> and <a href="https://medium.com/@clysuva/iceland-on-film-part-v-b21a9dcb77ef">Part V</a>.</p> <p>So we woke up on a camping site in Neskaupstadur, had a nice shower, breakfast, and left — without paying. Not saying I am proud, but as we arrived to the location after the people who collected the fees had left and had to leave before they came back, we just didn’t have anyone to pay to. Only after we had already gotten 50 km and a mountain tunnel between us and the site we realized, we could have just left them some money on the table as the door for the office was open.</p> <p>So if anyone from Neskaupstadur camping site management is reading this, you can write to me and I will tell you: “I have no idea what you are talking about! I have never been to Neskaupstadur, or Iceland. I am small farmer from Estonia, I never travel anywhere!”</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3818/1o7NMYrWVsBH7TygHHGF4yw.jpeg" width="3818" height="2537" loading="lazy" /> <p>So our first stop was Saxa Sea Geysir. This is what happens if you just check for locations from google maps and don’t really read about them. Although the Saxa Sea Geysir is a real thing, it is not a real geyser. It is just a location where some cliffs in the sea form a channel, which sometimes, with a bad weather, drive water into a tight gap which then sprays it out just a like a geyser.</p> <p>As you can see from the picture, the weather was not bad at all, so no water was spraying anywhere. Some tourists were scouting out another area nearby as seen from the picture above. What they were looking for, I have no idea.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3722/1UzV7ajGUhfQ-sK32GLg9BQ.jpeg" width="3722" height="2473" loading="lazy" /> <p>After realizing the Geysir is not going to geysir at all, we carried on, stopping and snapping pictures where we saw something interesting. Such as this No Pooping sign:</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3818/1_euexQ-vwNmnxWsKD3QfDQ.jpeg" width="3818" height="2537" loading="lazy" /> <p>Apparently this is one of the biggest troubles with tourists. Some of them don’t really bother staying at dedicated camping sites, so instead they just stay at locations where there is room to park. But those locations often do not have a toilet or anything comparable available. Most locations have a signs that forbid overnight stays, this one does not beat around the bush (possibly because of the lack of bushes to beat around) and tells straight away what people are not expected to do in the location.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2537/14m_-I4cGz1RagiFT5YgHwg.jpeg" width="2537" height="3818" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3771/14htNFDB50I2hjOHxVR_Xyw.jpeg" width="3771" height="2506" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3818/1AzoZHTXn-8vxPh65hwryHA.jpeg" width="3818" height="2537" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3818/1EiSe7H2R-1F3-IpUYaVWfw.jpeg" width="3818" height="2537" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2522/16XT6FyzoGMBErJ86y0_YeQ.jpeg" width="2522" height="3795" loading="lazy" /> <p>One of the next stops was a small town of Djúpivogur, we visited a local brewery there and tried some local beer. Unfortunately beer was only thing they sold, so we went to search for some food as well. So we visited a diner near the sea. One of the people who worked there immediately recognized my camera and told he is also taking pictures with Olympus film camera. So we had a bit of photography talk. If you are reading this, then know: I still haven’t developed any of my own film, but I have ordered equipment to do it, so soon!</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2808/1p0LdBJirb0r2YU5pZyPSGA.jpeg" width="2808" height="2432" loading="lazy" /> <p>As we drove through iceland in a rental car, we needed some background music. We quickly learned there was not much coming from radio. The FM radio stopped receiving pretty quickly when we left Reykjavik. We did pick up something on AM radio, but the quality was so so.</p> <p>So we played some music from our spotify playlists. One of them was the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/icelandmusicexport/playlist/6d9YhmLBHznFKWpFDEKiad">Icelandic Indie Music</a>, which did have quite many good tracks. The other one which we listened to was selected by our driver, playlist of “<a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/1248187658/playlist/0brtcDS693vVlXphERmAS2">Viking Music</a>“. It had many songs from epic movie soundtracks, some darker folk stuff and all around music, which really was appropriate with some of the landscapes, especially when we traversed the cold northern regions with rain.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3704/1q_1gDlp_7O79DGctdqWmwQ.jpeg" width="3704" height="2461" loading="lazy" /> <p>This next picture is again one of my favourites from the trip. It is just a fairly standard picture of a mountain… Until you reach the bottom and you notice the truck. Then the real scale of things really hits you.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2537/1CyQn26Y6wA6bdR-DU61AXA.jpeg" width="2537" height="3818" loading="lazy" /> <p>Just as we saw an interesting three peaked mountain in the distance, I ran out of the roll of Fujicolor 200 film, and switched back to Portra 400. As you see from previous pictures it is fairly decent film, but although it is fairly good, I still think Portra is a lot better film.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3764/1C9XvvCz9E8zloayPNQnbpw.jpeg" width="3764" height="2501" loading="lazy" /> <p>Although Portra 400 is considerably more grainy, I just love the colours. I am bit sad I didn’t bring any Portra 160 on the trip, it would have been better for daylight shots with considerably less grain, but then again, it would have given me more troubles in low light.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3765/1troRScXLN3hhOQ0LF1fjGg.jpeg" width="3765" height="2502" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3818/1wY45dxfsjSTsefZW6hQCtQ.jpeg" width="3818" height="2537" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2469/1rgOYRj7q16YeNEwktqBclw.jpeg" width="2469" height="2469" loading="lazy" /> <p>Our destination was the Höfn. We knew there was a big camping ground and as one of our crew was a passionate foodie, we were also planning to visit one of the highest valued Restaurants in there.</p> <p>Pakkhus Restaurant is top rated restaurant in TripAdvisor, mostly focusing on icelandic seafood. It was packed to the brim as expected, but we were given table much quicker than anticipated. Food was amazing, the service even more so, but let me say one thing: If you are travelling on budget, steer away from that place, it can really damage your wallet in a major way.</p> <p>The Höfn camping grounds were as packed as the restaurant, fortunately they were also very big, so there was still plenty more space. Unfortunately same couldn’t be said about the bathrooms and showers. For what we knew, there was just one shower and one toilet for the entire big camping ground.</p> <p>We set up our tents and went to sleep to wake up early next day to continue our trip with a visit to the glacial lagoons and some other locations with probably the most epic views on the south side of Iceland, but this is a story you can read in the <a href="https://medium.com/@clysuva/iceland-on-film-part-vii-b52688486897">next chapter of this epic tale</a>.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3818/1A-OLMTFEVT-g0ZBatbVI9w.jpeg" width="3818" height="2537" loading="lazy" /> </section>	Iceland on Film, Part VI Eastern Regions Six days ago I arrived in Iceland for the purpose of taking photos with couple of my friends. I only took a 35mm film camera with me. If you are wondering what happened before, you can read the previous chapters of the story here: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV and Part V. So we woke up on a camping site in Neskaupstadur, had a nice shower, breakfast, and left — without paying. Not saying I am proud, but as we arrived to the location after the people who collected the fees had left and had to leave before they came back, we just didn’t have anyone to pay to. Only after we had already gotten 50 km and a mountain tunnel between us and the site we realized, we could have just left them some money on the table as the door for the office was open. So if anyone from Neskaupstadur camping site management is reading this, you can write to me and I will tell you: “I have no idea what you are talking about! I have never been to Neskaupstadur, or Iceland. I am small farmer from Estonia, I never travel anywhere!” Tourist groups spending their time cluttering the landscape of Iceland. Fujicolor 200 So our first stop was Saxa Sea Geysir. This is what happens if you just check for locations from google maps and don’t really read about them. Although the Saxa Sea Geysir is a real thing, it is not a real geyser. It is just a location where some cliffs in the sea form a channel, which sometimes, with a bad weather, drive water into a tight gap which then sprays it out just a like a geyser. As you can see from the picture, the weather was not bad at all, so no water was spraying anywhere. Some tourists were scouting out another area nearby as seen from the picture above. What they were looking for, I have no idea. The rock formations on this picture are possibly the ones related to the Sea Geysir phenomena. Fujicolor 200 After realizing the Geysir is not going to geysir at all, we carried on, stopping and snapping pictures where we saw something interesting. Such as this No Pooping sign: Apparently this is one of the biggest troubles with tourists. Some of them don’t really bother staying at dedicated camping sites, so instead they just stay at locations where there is room to park. But those locations often do not have a toilet or anything comparable available. Most locations have a signs that forbid overnight stays, this one does not beat around the bush (possibly because of the lack of bushes to beat around) and tells straight away what people are not expected to do in the location. One of the next stops was a small town of Djúpivogur, we visited a local brewery there and tried some local beer. Unfortunately beer was only thing they sold, so we went to search for some food as well. So we visited a diner near the sea. One of the people who worked there immediately recognized my camera and told he is also taking pictures with Olympus film camera. So we had a bit of photography talk. If you are reading this, then know: I still haven’t developed any of my own film, but I have ordered equipment to do it, so soon! View to the sea from Djúpivogur. This boat is attached to a small buoy, far from coast. No idea why. Fujicolor 200 As we drove through iceland in a rental car, we needed some background music. We quickly learned there was not much coming from radio. The FM radio stopped receiving pretty quickly when we left Reykjavik. We did pick up something on AM radio, but the quality was so so. So we played some music from our spotify playlists. One of them was the Icelandic Indie Music, which did have quite many good tracks. The other one which we listened to was selected by our driver, playlist of “Viking Music“. It had many songs from epic movie soundtracks, some darker folk stuff and all around music, which really was appropriate with some of the landscapes, especially when we traversed the cold northern regions with rain. This next picture is again one of my favourites from the trip. It is just a fairly standard picture of a mountain… Until you reach the bottom and you notice the truck. Then the real scale of things really hits you. Just as we saw an interesting three peaked mountain in the distance, I ran out of the roll of Fujicolor 200 film, and switched back to Portra 400. As you see from previous pictures it is fairly decent film, but although it is fairly good, I still think Portra is a lot better film. If you are wondering what the mountain in the picture is called, so am I. Portra 400 Although Portra 400 is considerably more grainy, I just love the colours. I am bit sad I didn’t bring any Portra 160 on the trip, it would have been better for daylight shots with considerably less grain, but then again, it would have given me more troubles in low light. Our destination was the Höfn. We knew there was a big camping ground and as one of our crew was a passionate foodie, we were also planning to visit one of the highest valued Restaurants in there. Pakkhus Restaurant is top rated restaurant in TripAdvisor, mostly focusing on icelandic seafood. It was packed to the brim as expected, but we were given table much quicker than anticipated. Food was amazing, the service even more so, but let me say one thing: If you are travelling on budget, steer away from that place, it can really damage your wallet in a major way. The Höfn camping grounds were as packed as the restaurant, fortunately they were also very big, so there was still plenty more space. Unfortunately same couldn’t be said about the bathrooms and showers. For what we knew, there was just one shower and one toilet for the entire big camping ground. We set up our tents and went to sleep to wake up early next day to continue our trip with a visit to the glacial lagoons and some other locations with probably the most epic views on the south side of Iceland, but this is a story you can read in the next chapter of this epic tale. View from our camp site	3975ef5c-7800-5474-a68d-66f90f6c54a6	25/08/2025 15:58:28
https://medium.com/silo-protocol/summary-of-silo-weekly-jan-27-22-da76bab15129	medium.com	Summary of Silo Weekly — Jan. 27, 22	Summary	Silo	https://medium.com/@silofinance	da76bab15129	https://miro.medium.com/…bqmIizTqo3MQ.png	3 min	2022-01-28T15:00:49.868000	2022-01-28T15:41:27.007000	2022-02-07T13:46:55.862000	0	2	en	Weekly Report	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2800/1taBh7i58EcbqmIizTqo3MQ.png" width="2800" height="1560" loading="lazy" /> <h1>Summary</h1> <ul> <li>Codebase is under audit; Quantstamp estimates report delivery ~ Feb. 14</li> <li>We will be doubling size of team in next 30–35 days.</li> <li>Stablecoin proposal is still a draft and will continue to take on community feedback</li> <li>Few assumptions we need to test regarding the value of having our own stablecoin:</li> <li>Does the SiloDollar allow for a better user experience?</li> <li>Does the dollar deliver value for the backing asset? This allows us to develop a pricing model for stablecoins e.g. subscription fees, DAO payments, etc.</li> <li>To test assumptions we can SiloDollar bridge support to certain silos e.g. only CVX, CRV, UNI silos have ETH + SiloDollar bridge whilst all other silos have ETH only</li> <li>Creates instant demand for the backing asset by providing permission-less lending markets</li> <li>Backing assets can support other tokens as the bridge and thus create a lending market (e.g. FRAX backers depositing SiloDollars into CVX silo to create a functional CVX lending market)</li> <li>Silo is modular by design and can be modified as required for testing without relaunching whole platform</li> <li>On-chain proposal will be created soon to extend the development fund’s runway.</li> <li>UI is almost complete — unfinished UI below:</li> </ul> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2890/1ZMjRtXU56V11v6cfU24BFw.png" width="2890" height="2002" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2886/1bYVDXJ3l6RhP69EZtmBijA.png" width="2886" height="1754" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>Ask Aiham Anything (AAA)</strong></h2> <p>1- How do we go about creating silos in the future?</p> <ul> <li>Start with beta → whitelisting of large number of assets listed on Uniswap v3</li> <li>Permission-less markets must always be prepared for rug situations — bridge lenders should only support tokens that are within their risk profile</li> </ul> <p>2- When multichain?</p> <ul> <li>Spoken to multiple EVM compatible (and other) chains who are highly interested in implementing our model</li> <li>There is no question<strong> </strong>about going multichain, <strong>it will happen </strong>— will test effectiveness of SiloDollar before doing so</li> </ul> <p>3- What is the timeline on the SiloDollar?</p> <ul> <li>Once we are done with the audit the team will think of how to design the model in a minimal viable way</li> <li>This will require more fund-raising to ensure team has runway through bull and bear markets — developing, audits, services are all <em>extremely</em> expensive</li> </ul> <p>4- What if someone forks the code?</p> <ul> <li>Business license is owned by an S-Corp in US represented by a law firm that will sue you</li> <li>If a DAO wants a license they can can get in contact with the team</li> </ul> <p>5- Have any projects approached you for a lending market?</p> <ul> <li>A few projects currently in shared-pool lending markets have approached us to de-risk from shared-pools — some are willing to incentivize migration</li> </ul> <p>6- Staking silo?</p> <ul> <li>Need a purpose for staking SILO</li> <li>Considering a veSILO mechanism to direct emissions to incentivize specific silos</li> </ul> <h2><strong>To do</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Working with Balancer on stable pools to house backing assets for SiloDollar</li> <li>Continue discussion on SiloDollar mechanism</li> <li>What stablecoins to whitelist?</li> <li>Which silos to test SiloDollar on?</li> <li>Airdrop name list published next week (hopefully)</li> </ul> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/512/1nCc53kHl7LhRUF8skzKWPA.png" width="512" height="512" loading="lazy" /> </section>	Summary of Silo Weekly — Jan. 27, 22 Summary Codebase is under audit; Quantstamp estimates report delivery ~ Feb. 14 We will be doubling size of team in next 30–35 days. Stablecoin proposal is still a draft and will continue to take on community feedback Few assumptions we need to test regarding the value of having our own stablecoin: Does the SiloDollar allow for a better user experience? Does the dollar deliver value for the backing asset? This allows us to develop a pricing model for stablecoins e.g. subscription fees, DAO payments, etc. To test assumptions we can SiloDollar bridge support to certain silos e.g. only CVX, CRV, UNI silos have ETH + SiloDollar bridge whilst all other silos have ETH only Creates instant demand for the backing asset by providing permission-less lending markets Backing assets can support other tokens as the bridge and thus create a lending market (e.g. FRAX backers depositing SiloDollars into CVX silo to create a functional CVX lending market) Silo is modular by design and can be modified as required for testing without relaunching whole platform On-chain proposal will be created soon to extend the development fund’s runway. UI is almost complete — unfinished UI below: Ask Aiham Anything (AAA) 1- How do we go about creating silos in the future? Start with beta → whitelisting of large number of assets listed on Uniswap v3 Permission-less markets must always be prepared for rug situations — bridge lenders should only support tokens that are within their risk profile 2- When multichain? Spoken to multiple EVM compatible (and other) chains who are highly interested in implementing our model There is no question about going multichain, it will happen — will test effectiveness of SiloDollar before doing so 3- What is the timeline on the SiloDollar? Once we are done with the audit the team will think of how to design the model in a minimal viable way This will require more fund-raising to ensure team has runway through bull and bear markets — developing, audits, services are all extremely expensive 4- What if someone forks the code? Business license is owned by an S-Corp in US represented by a law firm that will sue you If a DAO wants a license they can can get in contact with the team 5- Have any projects approached you for a lending market? A few projects currently in shared-pool lending markets have approached us to de-risk from shared-pools — some are willing to incentivize migration 6- Staking silo? Need a purpose for staking SILO Considering a veSILO mechanism to direct emissions to incentivize specific silos To do Working with Balancer on stable pools to house backing assets for SiloDollar Continue discussion on SiloDollar mechanism What stablecoins to whitelist? Which silos to test SiloDollar on? Airdrop name list published next week (hopefully)	dd93a03a-3d92-5444-8b20-f07d97ae1e70	25/08/2025 15:58:29
https://medium.com/@my.dogs.mom.12345/steps-in-the-right-direction-log-of-results-from-2020-protests-3d9835c0054f	medium.com	STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION: Log of results from 2020 protests	NOTE: I do not know the original source of this list. If a similar list exists or if anyone knows the source, please comment on the…	TrackingProtestAction2020	https://medium.com/@my.dogs.mom.12345	3d9835c0054f	null	2 min	2020-06-06T18:08:08.861000	2020-06-06T18:09:50.111000	2021-12-14T20:10:13.610000	0	0	en	Blm,BlackLivesMatter,Police Brutality,Protest	<section> <p>NOTE: I do not know the original source of this list. If a similar list exists or if anyone knows the source, please comment on the document to let me know, so that I can give credit.</p> <p>NOTE 2: This list means the protests are working. Keep going. This list is NOT intended to indicate that we should slow down or are “done.”</p> <p>NOTE 3: Please comment to provide updates; main story will be updated daily.</p> <p>UPDATED 6/5 1:00 pm est</p> <p>A RUNNING CROWD-SOURCED LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF 2020 UPRISING SINCE MURDER OF GEORGE FLOYD (5/25).</p> <p>5/26–4 officers fired — Minneapolis, MN</p> <p>5/28 — Univ of Minn cancels contract with police — Minneapolis, MN</p> <p>5/28–3rd Precinct Police station neutralized by protestors — Minneapolis, MN</p> <p>5/28 — ATU Local 1005 refuses to bring police officers to the protests, or transport arrested protesters, Minneapolis, MN</p> <p>5/29 — Activists commandeer hotel to provide shelter to homeless — Minneapolis, MN</p> <p>5/29 — Officer Chauvin who killed George Floyd arrested — Minneapolis, MN</p> <p>5/30 — MN AG Ellison takes over prosecution of the murdering officer (and possibly the other officers) — Minneapolis, MN</p> <p>5/30 — TWU Local 100 Bus Operators refuses to transport arrested protestors — NYC, NY</p> <p>5/31–2 abusive officers fired — Atlanta, GA</p> <p>6/1 — Minneapolis public schools end contract with police — Minneapolis, MN</p> <p>6/1 — Confederate Monument removed — Birmingham, AL</p> <p>6/1 — CA Prosecutors launch campaign to stop DA’s from accepting police union money — CA</p> <p>6/1 — Confederate statue ordered to be removed — Bentonville, AR</p> <p>6/2 — Rizzo statue removed — Philadelphia, PA</p> <p>6/2–6 abusive officers charged — Atlanta, GA</p> <p>6/2 — Confederate soldier statue removed — Alexandria, VA</p> <p>6/2 — Robert Lee statue removed — Fort Myers, FL</p> <p>6/2 — Civil Rights investigation of Minneapolis Police Dept launched — Minneapolis, MN</p> <p>6/3–1 officer fired for pro-violence tweets — Denver, CO</p> <p>6/3 — Minneapolis park district end contract with MPD</p> <p>6/3 — all officers involved in Floyd death are arrested and charges are brought up to 2nd degree from 3rd degree by Keith Ellison — Minneapolis, MN</p> <p>6/3 Ferguson elects it’s first black mayor, Ella Jones! Black AND female! — Ferguson, Missouri</p> <p>6/3 CA- Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti plans to cut LAPD Budget by 5–10% (150–200 million in the next fiscal year)</p> <p>6/3 CA- Chula Vista PD decided to ends the use of the carotid restraint hold</p> <p>6/4 U.S. Supreme Court consider revisit/redefining its 50-year-old doctrine of “qualified immunity” for law enforcement officers, which has shielded cops from civil lawsuits even in cases where a citizen’s rights have been violated.</p> <p>6/4 Two Buffalo, NY police officers suspended without pay for shoving a 75-year old protester who then cracked his head open on the pavement</p> <p>6/4: Philly police chief Outlaw tells officers not to cover badge numbers.</p> <p>6/4 Minneapolis City Council members call for DISBANDING/DISMANTLING police department</p> <p>6/5 Washington DC paints “Black Lives Matter” in 50-foot letters on street leading to the White House</p> <p>Ongoing — ########? people politicized</p> <p>Ongoing — ########? relationships of solidarity and mutual support formed</p> </section>	STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION: Log of results from 2020 protests NOTE: I do not know the original source of this list. If a similar list exists or if anyone knows the source, please comment on the document to let me know, so that I can give credit. NOTE 2: This list means the protests are working. Keep going. This list is NOT intended to indicate that we should slow down or are “done.” NOTE 3: Please comment to provide updates; main story will be updated daily. UPDATED 6/5 1:00 pm est A RUNNING CROWD-SOURCED LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF 2020 UPRISING SINCE MURDER OF GEORGE FLOYD (5/25). 5/26–4 officers fired — Minneapolis, MN 5/28 — Univ of Minn cancels contract with police — Minneapolis, MN 5/28–3rd Precinct Police station neutralized by protestors — Minneapolis, MN 5/28 — ATU Local 1005 refuses to bring police officers to the protests, or transport arrested protesters, Minneapolis, MN 5/29 — Activists commandeer hotel to provide shelter to homeless — Minneapolis, MN 5/29 — Officer Chauvin who killed George Floyd arrested — Minneapolis, MN 5/30 — MN AG Ellison takes over prosecution of the murdering officer (and possibly the other officers) — Minneapolis, MN 5/30 — TWU Local 100 Bus Operators refuses to transport arrested protestors — NYC, NY 5/31–2 abusive officers fired — Atlanta, GA 6/1 — Minneapolis public schools end contract with police — Minneapolis, MN 6/1 — Confederate Monument removed — Birmingham, AL 6/1 — CA Prosecutors launch campaign to stop DA’s from accepting police union money — CA 6/1 — Confederate statue ordered to be removed — Bentonville, AR 6/2 — Rizzo statue removed — Philadelphia, PA 6/2–6 abusive officers charged — Atlanta, GA 6/2 — Confederate soldier statue removed — Alexandria, VA 6/2 — Robert Lee statue removed — Fort Myers, FL 6/2 — Civil Rights investigation of Minneapolis Police Dept launched — Minneapolis, MN 6/3–1 officer fired for pro-violence tweets — Denver, CO 6/3 — Minneapolis park district end contract with MPD 6/3 — all officers involved in Floyd death are arrested and charges are brought up to 2nd degree from 3rd degree by Keith Ellison — Minneapolis, MN 6/3 Ferguson elects it’s first black mayor, Ella Jones! Black AND female! — Ferguson, Missouri 6/3 CA- Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti plans to cut LAPD Budget by 5–10% (150–200 million in the next fiscal year) 6/3 CA- Chula Vista PD decided to ends the use of the carotid restraint hold 6/4 U.S. Supreme Court consider revisit/redefining its 50-year-old doctrine of “qualified immunity” for law enforcement officers, which has shielded cops from civil lawsuits even in cases where a citizen’s rights have been violated. 6/4 Two Buffalo, NY police officers suspended without pay for shoving a 75-year old protester who then cracked his head open on the pavement 6/4: Philly police chief Outlaw tells officers not to cover badge numbers. 6/4 Minneapolis City Council members call for DISBANDING/DISMANTLING police department 6/5 Washington DC paints “Black Lives Matter” in 50-foot letters on street leading to the White House Ongoing — ########? people politicized Ongoing — ########? relationships of solidarity and mutual support formed	68bad8f7-1edf-5b7b-95f2-4da628ea9439	25/08/2025 15:58:29
https://public-citizen.medium.com/the-clock-is-ticking-to-protect-our-democracy-8eb636f1f2d5	medium.com	The Clock Is Ticking to Protect Our Democracy	By Lisa Gilbert	Public Citizen	https://medium.com/@public-citizen	8eb636f1f2d5	https://miro.medium.com/…umnJHbVD-Aww.png	3 min	2021-04-19T14:00:04.896000	2021-04-19T14:07:47.945000	2022-01-07T00:40:33.161000	0	2	en	Gerrymandering,Politics,For The People Act,Elections,Democracy	<section> <p>By Lisa Gilbert</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1920/1*pWDi-Xtzv-umnJHbVD-Aww.png" width="1920" height="1162" loading="lazy" /> <p>Our democracy needs immediate attention.</p> <p>The U.S. Census Bureau recently <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2021/statement-redistricting-data-timeline.html">announced</a> that it will deliver data to the states needed to begin redistricting by Sept. 30, following a series of delays related to the pandemic.</p> <p>While states will be able to begin some elements of the redistricting process, they need this population and demographic data to help construct legislative boundaries for congressional and statehouse districts. And with less time than usual to complete the process, many states will be <a href="https://www.commoncause.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Census-Deadline-Fact-sheet-3.26-.pdf">under pressure</a> to finish redistricting quickly to accommodate candidate filing deadlines, which fall in the opening months of 2022.</p> <p>In this round of redistricting, which occurs every 10 years, Republicans will have the power to gerrymander the lines for at least <a href="https://www.brennancenter.org/sites/default/files/2021-02/2021_2_11_State%20of%20Redistricting.pdf">180 seats</a> in the 435-seat U.S. House of Representatives. Partisan and biased gerrymandering undermines the legitimacy of and trust in our system of government. Our democracy is broken when politicians get to pick their voters, instead of the other way around.</p> <p>The For the People Act (H.R.1/S.1) — which, among its many reforms, would empower small donors to participate in elections, shine a light on secret political spending, and automatically register voters — would also ban racial and partisan gerrymandering by both parties. And with at least <a href="https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/state-voting-bills-tracker-2021">361 bills with restrictive provisions in 47 states</a> now threatening our democracy (including bills intended to further entrench gerrymandering), the need to unrig the process has never been more urgent.</p> <p>If the For the People Act is signed into law while state redistricting processes are still underway, there are triggers in the law that could kick the map-drawing process for some states to the courts and protect the integrity of the process. But to definitively repair the system, it would be far better to simply pass the law sooner.</p> <p>While the bill’s anti-corruption, money-in-politics, and election reforms will still be critical for creating a democracy we can all believe in no matter when it passes, the sooner the For the People Act is signed into law, the better. Passing it quickly will ensure that the law’s gerrymandering prohibitions are applied quickly.</p> <p>House Democrats <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/house-elections-voting-pelosi-/2021/03/03/e434df58-7c22-11eb-a976-c028a4215c78_story.html">passed</a> the For the People as H.R.1 in March, but for it to become law, it still needs to pass in the U.S. Senate, where the antiquated filibuster rule stands in the way. It has also been designated S.1 in the Senate to show the extreme importance of getting it done, and the timeline should reflect that label.</p> <p>Senate Democrats should abolish the filibuster outright, since it is an obstacle to action. It is racist, unconstitutional, anti-democratic, and has turned the Senate from the cooling saucer the Founders intended into a deep freezer — where even the most popular legislation with bipartisan support among the voters stands no chance of passing.</p> <p>While there are many important legislative priorities the majority would like to, and should, address — from infrastructure to climate to guns to immigration — the chances of advancing these policies will increase if we can first fix gerrymandering, improve voting access, tamp down on secret money corruption, and restore trust in our government.</p> <p>If leaders in Washington are certain they will be accountable to the voters in future elections and won’t be allowed to use the same old dirty tricks they’ve relied upon in the past to stay in power, they’re more likely to pass popular, urgently needed legislation.</p> <p>Ending the filibuster to pass the For the People Act, followed swiftly by the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, will stop the next round of biased gerrymandering in the nick of time –while improving voting accessibility, security, and registration, strengthening government ethics, and stopping billionaires from buying our elections.</p> <p>The sooner we get it done, the better.</p> </section>	The Clock Is Ticking to Protect Our Democracy By Lisa Gilbert Our democracy needs immediate attention. The U.S. Census Bureau recently announced that it will deliver data to the states needed to begin redistricting by Sept. 30, following a series of delays related to the pandemic. While states will be able to begin some elements of the redistricting process, they need this population and demographic data to help construct legislative boundaries for congressional and statehouse districts. And with less time than usual to complete the process, many states will be under pressure to finish redistricting quickly to accommodate candidate filing deadlines, which fall in the opening months of 2022. In this round of redistricting, which occurs every 10 years, Republicans will have the power to gerrymander the lines for at least 180 seats in the 435-seat U.S. House of Representatives. Partisan and biased gerrymandering undermines the legitimacy of and trust in our system of government. Our democracy is broken when politicians get to pick their voters, instead of the other way around. The For the People Act (H.R.1/S.1) — which, among its many reforms, would empower small donors to participate in elections, shine a light on secret political spending, and automatically register voters — would also ban racial and partisan gerrymandering by both parties. And with at least 361 bills with restrictive provisions in 47 states now threatening our democracy (including bills intended to further entrench gerrymandering), the need to unrig the process has never been more urgent. If the For the People Act is signed into law while state redistricting processes are still underway, there are triggers in the law that could kick the map-drawing process for some states to the courts and protect the integrity of the process. But to definitively repair the system, it would be far better to simply pass the law sooner. While the bill’s anti-corruption, money-in-politics, and election reforms will still be critical for creating a democracy we can all believe in no matter when it passes, the sooner the For the People Act is signed into law, the better. Passing it quickly will ensure that the law’s gerrymandering prohibitions are applied quickly. House Democrats passed the For the People as H.R.1 in March, but for it to become law, it still needs to pass in the U.S. Senate, where the antiquated filibuster rule stands in the way. It has also been designated S.1 in the Senate to show the extreme importance of getting it done, and the timeline should reflect that label. Senate Democrats should abolish the filibuster outright, since it is an obstacle to action. It is racist, unconstitutional, anti-democratic, and has turned the Senate from the cooling saucer the Founders intended into a deep freezer — where even the most popular legislation with bipartisan support among the voters stands no chance of passing. While there are many important legislative priorities the majority would like to, and should, address — from infrastructure to climate to guns to immigration — the chances of advancing these policies will increase if we can first fix gerrymandering, improve voting access, tamp down on secret money corruption, and restore trust in our government. If leaders in Washington are certain they will be accountable to the voters in future elections and won’t be allowed to use the same old dirty tricks they’ve relied upon in the past to stay in power, they’re more likely to pass popular, urgently needed legislation. Ending the filibuster to pass the For the People Act, followed swiftly by the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, will stop the next round of biased gerrymandering in the nick of time –while improving voting accessibility, security, and registration, strengthening government ethics, and stopping billionaires from buying our elections. The sooner we get it done, the better.	959637e0-da97-572a-8033-3cfc2e4b0eee	25/08/2025 15:58:29
https://writingcooperative.com/the-day-i-met-my-cross-dressing-leading-lady-bae573e8756	medium.com	The day I met my cross-dressing leading lady	Or, why I write in cafes	Rebecca Marie	https://medium.com/@beckyshafi	bae573e8756	https://miro.medium.com/…YiIpf0_mj6g.jpeg	2 min	2016-11-04T16:38:15.400000	2016-11-05T00:46:01.533000	2018-01-29T18:44:01.121000	2	11	en	Coffee,2016 Autumn Challenge	<section> <h3>Or, why I write in cafes</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/800/1*-X3wGZuSNkUYiIpf0_mj6g.jpeg" width="800" height="416" loading="lazy" /> <p>“Double cappuccino in a cup for here,” the cafe owner says in his thick middle-eastern accent. My order is up — double cappuccino, my drug of choice. I take the cup and thank him.</p> <p>I know a little about middle-eastern cafe owners. My husband is one. I met him more than twenty years ago in a small cafe on Union Square. He served me a perfect cappuccino, similar to the one I’m carrying to my table now. I don’t tell him when I visit other cafes; because that’s exactly like cheating. “What’s that cafe got, that mine hasn’t got?” But, the truth is, I have a very serious coffee addiction, and a cute cafe has always been like a siren song for me.</p> <p>I settle at a small table against the main wall of the crowded room and unpack my laptop. Earlier that morning I’d invited my cousin to join me here. He’d recently moved in with us after being kicked out of his latest living arrangement. We came home one evening and found him, forlorn and bedraggled, standing in our kitchen, wearing slippers and sipping on a cup of tea. “Oh, I guess you’re staying.” That was three months ago.</p> <p>Today I asked, “Would you like to come with me? I’m going to write in a cafe.”</p> <p>“No. No, I can’t go.” He’s anxious, pacing, a bead of sweat on his upper lip. Lately he seems to be such a bundle of nerves.</p> <p>As I write, I pause to take in the room. There’s an older couple directly in front of me, quietly sipping coffee, their presence is soft and peaceful. Next to them are two girls in long skirts, their bright conversation making staccato accents in the noisy room. In the far corner I see a tall person, talking loudly, all smiles, with a big laugh; a male body with female adornments: kitten-heeled slippers, men’s baggy pants, a white t-shirt with a chunky orange necklace, dangly, yellow earrings, and bright red lipstick. This person approaches my table smiling. I see the beard-stubbled chin, and notice the bright red lipstick has smeared over big front teeth.</p> <p>“I’ve been watching you! All busy writing over here. What are you writing?”</p> <p>I’m slightly embarrassed, but I answer, “It’s just little chapter stories about my life. I guess you could call it a memoir, only there are Angels.”</p> <p>“Angels? Oh blessed be! It’ll be fabulous! I want to read it!” I’m surprised at the warmth I feel being in this person’s spotlight for a moment. I feel a genuine caring and inclusiveness.</p> <p>Where else but in a cafe, can we mingle with such a variety of people? When we sit among strangers we come face to face with their humanity, and in this connection we’re reminded of our own. I write in cafes as a way to touch exactly this, to connect meaningfully to my own personal history, my crazy relatives, my life’s partner — this entire human family. With coffee and conversation all of our stories begin to mingle, their juices creating the little threads that tie us all together.</p> <p>“Oh, it’ll be a best-seller I just know it! It’ll be a blockbuster movie, and I’ll be your leading lady!”</p> <p>I smile and promise her the part. We’re new best friends. She’s my first fan, unquestionably believing in the power and potential of my words.</p> <p>There’s only one thing that’s required of me now —</p> <p>actual writing.</p> </section>	The day I met my cross-dressing leading lady Or, why I write in cafes What we both wish we actually looked like “Double cappuccino in a cup for here,” the cafe owner says in his thick middle-eastern accent. My order is up — double cappuccino, my drug of choice. I take the cup and thank him. I know a little about middle-eastern cafe owners. My husband is one. I met him more than twenty years ago in a small cafe on Union Square. He served me a perfect cappuccino, similar to the one I’m carrying to my table now. I don’t tell him when I visit other cafes; because that’s exactly like cheating. “What’s that cafe got, that mine hasn’t got?” But, the truth is, I have a very serious coffee addiction, and a cute cafe has always been like a siren song for me. I settle at a small table against the main wall of the crowded room and unpack my laptop. Earlier that morning I’d invited my cousin to join me here. He’d recently moved in with us after being kicked out of his latest living arrangement. We came home one evening and found him, forlorn and bedraggled, standing in our kitchen, wearing slippers and sipping on a cup of tea. “Oh, I guess you’re staying.” That was three months ago. Today I asked, “Would you like to come with me? I’m going to write in a cafe.” “No. No, I can’t go.” He’s anxious, pacing, a bead of sweat on his upper lip. Lately he seems to be such a bundle of nerves. As I write, I pause to take in the room. There’s an older couple directly in front of me, quietly sipping coffee, their presence is soft and peaceful. Next to them are two girls in long skirts, their bright conversation making staccato accents in the noisy room. In the far corner I see a tall person, talking loudly, all smiles, with a big laugh; a male body with female adornments: kitten-heeled slippers, men’s baggy pants, a white t-shirt with a chunky orange necklace, dangly, yellow earrings, and bright red lipstick. This person approaches my table smiling. I see the beard-stubbled chin, and notice the bright red lipstick has smeared over big front teeth. “I’ve been watching you! All busy writing over here. What are you writing?” I’m slightly embarrassed, but I answer, “It’s just little chapter stories about my life. I guess you could call it a memoir, only there are Angels.” “Angels? Oh blessed be! It’ll be fabulous! I want to read it!” I’m surprised at the warmth I feel being in this person’s spotlight for a moment. I feel a genuine caring and inclusiveness. Where else but in a cafe, can we mingle with such a variety of people? When we sit among strangers we come face to face with their humanity, and in this connection we’re reminded of our own. I write in cafes as a way to touch exactly this, to connect meaningfully to my own personal history, my crazy relatives, my life’s partner — this entire human family. With coffee and conversation all of our stories begin to mingle, their juices creating the little threads that tie us all together. “Oh, it’ll be a best-seller I just know it! It’ll be a blockbuster movie, and I’ll be your leading lady!” I smile and promise her the part. We’re new best friends. She’s my first fan, unquestionably believing in the power and potential of my words. There’s only one thing that’s required of me now — actual writing.	61321229-e2e8-5763-aadc-d4a58ce80b7f	25/08/2025 15:58:29
https://medium.com/science-technology-and-society/examining-spike-jonzes-her-ai-sentience-and-the-implications-of-granting-robots-rights-e66a3d66ddf2	medium.com	Examining Spike Jonze’s ‘Her,’ AI Sentience, and the Implications of Granting Robots Rights	After watching the movie “Her” by Spike Jones what do you think: are Theodore and Samantha actually in love? Why or why not?	Billeh Scego	https://medium.com/@scegob	e66a3d66ddf2	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*e1q-9IYkgA3kPyJp	3 min	2023-06-26T05:19:20.761000	2023-06-26T06:07:27.295000	2023-06-27T04:16:28.094000	0	0	en	Artificial Intelligence,Civil Rights,Technology,Film,Science	<section> <p><strong>After watching the movie “Her” by Spike Jones what do you think: are Theodore and Samantha actually in love? Why or why not?</strong></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1000/0e1q-9IYkgA3kPyJp" width="1000" height="1500" loading="lazy" /> <p>Her was an interesting movie about a love story made by Spike Jonze after a decade after his divorce from Sophia Coppola. In the film is largely focused on a guy named Theodore in the precipice of divorce to his wife and his search for companionship, he befriends an AI named Samantha to fill in that space. I believe that the relationship between Theodore and Samantha is open to interpretation, but it can be inferred that Theodore falls in love with Samantha as the movie progresses. However, as Samantha is an AI, it is not clear if she is capable of feeling love in the way that humans do. Throughout the film you can see notes of jealousy from both parties which I do not think would happen if they did not have some soft love for each other.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/512/1FRnt1VjpsXEEbesKAxCrOA.png" width="512" height="512" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>Amy Web her paper “Mind and Machine” considers a question that scientists and philosophers have been asking for centuries: can machines actually think? What is her answer?</strong></p> <p>I think this is a very complex question that many different fields have had a hard time identifying and with the recent adaptations we have built into our tech over the years. I believe that the writer Amy Webb argues that current AI systems are not truly sentient, as they are only able to perform specific tasks within a limited set of parameters, rather than possessing true intelligence or consciousness. The idea of machines “thinking” like humans is a popular misconception, and that a more accurate way to understand AI is as a tool that can be used to augment human capabilities. AI at this point has a harder time being able to transfer skills like humans can, “In fact, Baidu figured out something that even Zero couldn’t yet do: how to transfer skills from one domain to another. It’s an easy task for humans, but a tricky one for Al”.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/512/1rVLOEe2Q1dka14e-WW4T-A.png" width="512" height="512" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>According to David Chalmers what is consciousness? Can digital systems be conscious? Why or why not?</strong></p> <p>According to David Chalmers a philosopher and cognitive scientist, he argues that consciousness is the experience of awareness and perception. The ability of trying to figure out what consciousness is exactly has been coined the Hard Problem. He argues that while we can understand the neural processes that give rise to perception, understanding the subjective experience of perception is a separate, difficult problem that is not fully explainable by current scientific understanding. Even though we have built advance machine we have yet built one that is close to general intelligence, “No existing digital systems are yet close to general intelligence”.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/512/1G_GbZlFvBVX_ND5s6T15MA.png" width="512" height="512" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>De Graaf et co explore a variety of conditions and contexts for granting robots rights. Of the lists of possible reasons they give for robotic rights, which one do you find most compelling and why? What potential problems do you see with giving robots rights?</strong></p> <p>In his research paper, Maartje M. A. De Graaf and his team explored the idea of who wants to grant robots rights. There are a couple of problems that I see with giving robots rights that we give to people and animals. The big problem is that robots, unlike animals, are made by humans to perform certain tasks which makes our lives easier which would be mundane or dangerous. Maartje and his team believe that, “This is an interesting development particularly because robots cannot suffer and do not value things, which makes it problematic to grant them rights on the basis of their intrinsic properties.”. The right I find most compelling should be to receive the right to receive fair wages for the work they perform, The reason why I like this is because many companies replace human labor to increase their profits but if robots get paid than it will decrease the speed at which humans get replaced or the wages granted can be taxed to contribute to universal income given to the population.</p> <p><strong>Thanks for reading!</strong></p> <p>Intreasted in more? Follow STE{A}M a Science Technology and Society Publication.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://medium.com/science-technology-and-society/</strong>ste-a-m-e43cb9c2b384">Follow STE{A}M a Science Technology and Society Publication medium.com</a></p> </section>	Examining Spike Jonze’s ‘Her,’ AI Sentience, and the Implications of Granting Robots Rights After watching the movie “Her” by Spike Jones what do you think: are Theodore and Samantha actually in love? Why or why not? (Image credit: Spike Jonze) Her was an interesting movie about a love story made by Spike Jonze after a decade after his divorce from Sophia Coppola. In the film is largely focused on a guy named Theodore in the precipice of divorce to his wife and his search for companionship, he befriends an AI named Samantha to fill in that space. I believe that the relationship between Theodore and Samantha is open to interpretation, but it can be inferred that Theodore falls in love with Samantha as the movie progresses. However, as Samantha is an AI, it is not clear if she is capable of feeling love in the way that humans do. Throughout the film you can see notes of jealousy from both parties which I do not think would happen if they did not have some soft love for each other. “Connection” by Stable Diffusion Amy Web her paper “Mind and Machine” considers a question that scientists and philosophers have been asking for centuries: can machines actually think? What is her answer? I think this is a very complex question that many different fields have had a hard time identifying and with the recent adaptations we have built into our tech over the years. I believe that the writer Amy Webb argues that current AI systems are not truly sentient, as they are only able to perform specific tasks within a limited set of parameters, rather than possessing true intelligence or consciousness. The idea of machines “thinking” like humans is a popular misconception, and that a more accurate way to understand AI is as a tool that can be used to augment human capabilities. AI at this point has a harder time being able to transfer skills like humans can, “In fact, Baidu figured out something that even Zero couldn’t yet do: how to transfer skills from one domain to another. It’s an easy task for humans, but a tricky one for Al”. “The thinkers” by Stable Diffusion According to David Chalmers what is consciousness? Can digital systems be conscious? Why or why not? According to David Chalmers a philosopher and cognitive scientist, he argues that consciousness is the experience of awareness and perception. The ability of trying to figure out what consciousness is exactly has been coined the Hard Problem. He argues that while we can understand the neural processes that give rise to perception, understanding the subjective experience of perception is a separate, difficult problem that is not fully explainable by current scientific understanding. Even though we have built advance machine we have yet built one that is close to general intelligence, “No existing digital systems are yet close to general intelligence”. “The Creation of Adam 2.0” by Stable Diffusion De Graaf et co explore a variety of conditions and contexts for granting robots rights. Of the lists of possible reasons they give for robotic rights, which one do you find most compelling and why? What potential problems do you see with giving robots rights? In his research paper, Maartje M. A. De Graaf and his team explored the idea of who wants to grant robots rights. There are a couple of problems that I see with giving robots rights that we give to people and animals. The big problem is that robots, unlike animals, are made by humans to perform certain tasks which makes our lives easier which would be mundane or dangerous. Maartje and his team believe that, “This is an interesting development particularly because robots cannot suffer and do not value things, which makes it problematic to grant them rights on the basis of their intrinsic properties.”. The right I find most compelling should be to receive the right to receive fair wages for the work they perform, The reason why I like this is because many companies replace human labor to increase their profits but if robots get paid than it will decrease the speed at which humans get replaced or the wages granted can be taxed to contribute to universal income given to the population. Thanks for reading! Intreasted in more? Follow STE{A}M a Science Technology and Society Publication. Follow STE{A}M a Science Technology and Society Publication medium.com	b769a2f6-e938-5b02-9ad0-001aa583b1e0	25/08/2025 15:58:30
https://medium.com/@mikowong405/what-does-combo-sfp-port-mean-for-your-ethernet-switch-f21ee262eca5	medium.com	What Does Combo SFP Port Mean For Your Ethernet Switch?	To many noobs who are unfamiliar with the structure and functionality of Ethernet switches may get confused with Combo SFP ports. Combo SFP…	Miko Wong	https://medium.com/@mikowong405	f21ee262eca5	https://miro.medium.com/…dTGrWExOHKQ.jpeg	2 min	2017-12-08T07:59:40.622000	2017-12-08T08:00:56.777000	2018-05-22T13:00:37.523000	0	0	en	Combo Sfp,Combo Sfp Port,Combo Port,24 Port Switch	<section> <p>To many noobs who are unfamiliar with the structure and functionality of Ethernet switches may get confused with Combo SFP ports. Combo SFP ports are often labeled obviously. You may have some questions in your mind like what is Combo port and how should I use with it. Since there are many Gigabit Ethernet ports and SFP slots on switches, you may ask whether I used these ports correctly? Don’t worry, this post aims to explain Combo SFP port for your reference.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/600/1qqpK1g87mV9dTGrWExOHKQ.jpeg" width="600" height="274" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>What Is Combo SFP Port?</strong></p> <p>A Gigabit Ethernet Combo port is both a copper port, i.e. a RJ-45 interface and a SFP port (also called Mini-GBIC connector). It supports both copper (RJ-45) connections and optional industry-standard SFP (small form factor pluggable) modules. Combo SFP ports share the same switch fabric and port number and allow the user to configure their switch according to their application. But you can’t use both of them at the same time. When either of the ports are enabled, the other port is automatically disabled. It means that you can either have a cable plugged into the copper 10/100/1000 interface, or the cable plugged into the SFP slot. If you have both plugged in Combo ports, only one will work. For example, a switch has 12 x 10/100/1000Base-T ports and 2 Gigabit Ethernet Combo ports, therefore it could be configured to have 14 copper ports or 13 copper ports & 1 SFP port, or 12 copper ports & 2 SFP ports, etc.</p> <p>A Combo port is a way to provide different types of connectivity without taking up unused switch fabric, giving users the power and flexibility to configure their switch for their unique application requirements.</p> <p><strong>Introduction to FS.COM 24-Port Switch With 4 Combo SFP Ports</strong></p> <p>There are many switches with combo SFP ports, such as Linksys LGS318 which is a 18-port Smart Gigabit Switch with two combo shared ports and Netgear ProSafe 24-port Gigabit Switch with 2 Gigabit Combo SFP — JGS524F. Today I’m going to recommend FS.COM <a href="https://www.fs.com/products/66141.html">24-port switch</a> with 4 Combo SFP — S3800–24F4S.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/600/0yCN7WkvFbEizWcAs." width="600" height="321" loading="lazy" /> <p>S3800–24F4S 24-port Gigabit switch is designed to meet the demand of cost-effective Gigabit access or aggregation for enterprise networks and operators customers. The Combo SFP ports — a single interface with dual front ends (an RJ-45 connector and an SFP module connector) on S3800–24F4S 24-port switch facilitate the use of different connectivity, making it more flexible to configure the switch. It has a console port, 4 × 1GE Combo ports, 20 × 100/1000Base SFP ports and 4 × 10GE SFP+ ports. It offers up to 128Gbps switching capacity to simultaneously process traffic on all ports at line rate without any packet loss.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong></p> <p>Generally speaking, Combo SFP ports are labeled by vendors. If you can’t tell, here is a way to help you identify. Identifying a combo port is based on the interface identifier on the switch panel. If two ports have the same ID but connect to different transmission media, the two ports are multiplexed as a combo port. Then you can run the display interface command to display the combo port. If you need any 24-port switch or any other <a href="https://www.fs.com/c/ethernet-switches-3079">Ethernet switch</a>, welcome to consult FS.COM.</p> </section>	What Does Combo SFP Port Mean For Your Ethernet Switch? To many noobs who are unfamiliar with the structure and functionality of Ethernet switches may get confused with Combo SFP ports. Combo SFP ports are often labeled obviously. You may have some questions in your mind like what is Combo port and how should I use with it. Since there are many Gigabit Ethernet ports and SFP slots on switches, you may ask whether I used these ports correctly? Don’t worry, this post aims to explain Combo SFP port for your reference. What Is Combo SFP Port? A Gigabit Ethernet Combo port is both a copper port, i.e. a RJ-45 interface and a SFP port (also called Mini-GBIC connector). It supports both copper (RJ-45) connections and optional industry-standard SFP (small form factor pluggable) modules. Combo SFP ports share the same switch fabric and port number and allow the user to configure their switch according to their application. But you can’t use both of them at the same time. When either of the ports are enabled, the other port is automatically disabled. It means that you can either have a cable plugged into the copper 10/100/1000 interface, or the cable plugged into the SFP slot. If you have both plugged in Combo ports, only one will work. For example, a switch has 12 x 10/100/1000Base-T ports and 2 Gigabit Ethernet Combo ports, therefore it could be configured to have 14 copper ports or 13 copper ports & 1 SFP port, or 12 copper ports & 2 SFP ports, etc. A Combo port is a way to provide different types of connectivity without taking up unused switch fabric, giving users the power and flexibility to configure their switch for their unique application requirements. Introduction to FS.COM 24-Port Switch With 4 Combo SFP Ports There are many switches with combo SFP ports, such as Linksys LGS318 which is a 18-port Smart Gigabit Switch with two combo shared ports and Netgear ProSafe 24-port Gigabit Switch with 2 Gigabit Combo SFP — JGS524F. Today I’m going to recommend FS.COM 24-port switch with 4 Combo SFP — S3800–24F4S. S3800–24F4S 24-port Gigabit switch is designed to meet the demand of cost-effective Gigabit access or aggregation for enterprise networks and operators customers. The Combo SFP ports — a single interface with dual front ends (an RJ-45 connector and an SFP module connector) on S3800–24F4S 24-port switch facilitate the use of different connectivity, making it more flexible to configure the switch. It has a console port, 4 × 1GE Combo ports, 20 × 100/1000Base SFP ports and 4 × 10GE SFP+ ports. It offers up to 128Gbps switching capacity to simultaneously process traffic on all ports at line rate without any packet loss. Conclusion Generally speaking, Combo SFP ports are labeled by vendors. If you can’t tell, here is a way to help you identify. Identifying a combo port is based on the interface identifier on the switch panel. If two ports have the same ID but connect to different transmission media, the two ports are multiplexed as a combo port. Then you can run the display interface command to display the combo port. If you need any 24-port switch or any other Ethernet switch, welcome to consult FS.COM.	e4591402-5ea7-5590-a877-7c11ace86a57	25/08/2025 15:58:30
https://medium.com/@01nishisurti/destructuring-in-java-script-part-1-40d7dbe014ea	medium.com	Destructuring in Java Script — Part :1	What is it ?	Nishisurti	https://medium.com/@01nishisurti	40d7dbe014ea	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*2f09F-N1NBuOTek6	1 min	2023-09-21T23:39:38	2023-09-21T23:58:12.130000	2023-09-22T00:02:43.934000	0	21	en	JavaScript,Destructuring	<section> <h1>Destructuring in Java Script-Part :1</h1> <h3>What is it ?</h3> <p>Just a functionality introduced in ES-6 through which we can get some part of data and assigned them into new variables.</p> <p><strong>Two data type</strong> on which you can apply it : <strong>Array and Object</strong></p> <p>Lets learn older way first to understand advatages.</p> <p>Think about a book. What basic things or properties any book can have? Every book can have name, pages and ISBN.</p> <p>So let us create an object of book.</p> <pre><code class="language-bash">let book = { id : 1, name : "Think Big", pages : 256, }</code></pre> <p>Now I just want to access book name and pages only. I will declare a variable and assign it to object.property</p> <pre><code class="language-javascript">let bookName = book.name; let bookPages = book.pages; console.log(bookName,bookPages) // Think Big 256</code></pre> <p>This is the older way after Destructuring functionality we can reduce repetition of coding.</p> <pre><code class="language-javascript">let {name,pages} = book; // Notice one line code console.log(name,pages) // Think Big 256</code></pre> <p>This is simple Object Destructuring. In next article I will cover more methods.</p> </section>	Photo by aaron boris on Unsplash Destructuring in Java Script-Part :1 What is it ? Just a functionality introduced in ES-6 through which we can get some part of data and assigned them into new variables. Two data type on which you can apply it : Array and Object Lets learn older way first to understand advatages. Think about a book. What basic things or properties any book can have? Every book can have name, pages and ISBN. So let us create an object of book. let book = { id : 1, name : "Think Big", pages : 256, } Now I just want to access book name and pages only. I will declare a variable and assign it to object.property let bookName = book.name; let bookPages = book.pages; console.log(bookName,bookPages) // Think Big 256 This is the older way after Destructuring functionality we can reduce repetition of coding. let {name,pages} = book; // Notice one line code console.log(name,pages) // Think Big 256 This is simple Object Destructuring. In next article I will cover more methods.	e2ca6791-bcb1-52ec-9f53-94e654a11254	25/08/2025 15:58:30
https://medium.com/@Pragam_Rathore/i-am-from-india-volume-1-d025ecadb6f4	medium.com	I am from India ‘Volume 1’	Some observations , realisations and anecdotes of being an Indian in a multicultural Western Country , Netherlands to be precise.	Pragam Rathore	https://medium.com/@Pragam_Rathore	d025ecadb6f4	null	2 min	2022-09-12T20:09:34.025000	2022-09-13T07:33:38.244000	2022-09-20T21:04:46.335000	1	9	en	Observation,Culture,Netherlands,India,Behavior	<section> <p>Some observations , realisations and anecdotes of being an Indian in a multicultural Western Country , Netherlands to be precise.</p> <h1>“How do I pronounce your name again 🙄 ?”</h1> <p>Dutch names can be hard to hear, understand, remember and recall. Add to the mix some French, German, Spanish , Russian, Greek, Italian, Moroccan, Chinese names, your mid aged sleep deprived brain would take some time to register the sounds you might be hearing for the first time in your life. If you are not particularly good at remembering names anyway, you are up for some real awkward moments.</p> <p>“Hey , it was nice meeting you. Yes, let’s exchange numbers. Ahh… how do I spell your name?”. Pretending to make an impression that it is just a matter of few letters which needs some clarification, when in reality something polar opposite was heard during the introduction.</p> <p>“Is it Pieter or Peter ? ” “Is it Stefan or Stephan ?” “How do I pronounce your name again ?”.</p> <h2><strong>“Do you know that Mumbai’s population is more than the whole Netherlands 😎 ?”</strong></h2> <p>Europeans like to travel a lot and a lot of them have been to India already at some point in their life. Still there are quite a few curious souls you will meet every now and then who express their desire to visit the country one day . Conversations usually take a sharp turn after that, admiring the scale and chaos of India. As an Indian you are then obliged to throw some astonishing facts about your country, usually glorifying some aspects , which on further introspection might not feel like things to be really proud of. Nevertheless, no one beats us in absolute numbers(at least in Europe) and you as a proud Indian bask on the glory of your country’s sheer magnitude. Often some creative liberties are taken in these factual conversations. Wikipedia might be used for fact checking when the listener is more informed and aware than an average Indian enthusiast.</p> <p>“This is summer for you ? It’s 45 deg in Delhi right now. We used to play outside in these temperatures as kids ” . Boasting how hot it can get in India in summers and how our bodies have been tempered in that heat.</p> <p>“You think this is spicy ? You haven’t tasted authentic Indian curries then”. Trying to explain how hot Indian cuisine can get while still wondering how the heck did we play outside in 45 deg. Hot food in a hot country actually makes no sense and is hard to explain. Jump to some other topic at this moment.</p> <p>“This is what you call a crowded metro. Let me show you some pictures of our Mumbai local metro .” “Do you know that Mumbai’s population is more than the whole Netherlands ?”</p> <p>To be continued ….</p> </section>	I am from India ‘Volume 1’ Some observations , realisations and anecdotes of being an Indian in a multicultural Western Country , Netherlands to be precise. “How do I pronounce your name again 🙄 ?” Dutch names can be hard to hear, understand, remember and recall. Add to the mix some French, German, Spanish , Russian, Greek, Italian, Moroccan, Chinese names, your mid aged sleep deprived brain would take some time to register the sounds you might be hearing for the first time in your life. If you are not particularly good at remembering names anyway, you are up for some real awkward moments. “Hey , it was nice meeting you. Yes, let’s exchange numbers. Ahh… how do I spell your name?”. Pretending to make an impression that it is just a matter of few letters which needs some clarification, when in reality something polar opposite was heard during the introduction. “Is it Pieter or Peter ? ” “Is it Stefan or Stephan ?” “How do I pronounce your name again ?”. “Do you know that Mumbai’s population is more than the whole Netherlands 😎 ?” Europeans like to travel a lot and a lot of them have been to India already at some point in their life. Still there are quite a few curious souls you will meet every now and then who express their desire to visit the country one day . Conversations usually take a sharp turn after that, admiring the scale and chaos of India. As an Indian you are then obliged to throw some astonishing facts about your country, usually glorifying some aspects , which on further introspection might not feel like things to be really proud of. Nevertheless, no one beats us in absolute numbers(at least in Europe) and you as a proud Indian bask on the glory of your country’s sheer magnitude. Often some creative liberties are taken in these factual conversations. Wikipedia might be used for fact checking when the listener is more informed and aware than an average Indian enthusiast. “This is summer for you ? It’s 45 deg in Delhi right now. We used to play outside in these temperatures as kids ” . Boasting how hot it can get in India in summers and how our bodies have been tempered in that heat. “You think this is spicy ? You haven’t tasted authentic Indian curries then”. Trying to explain how hot Indian cuisine can get while still wondering how the heck did we play outside in 45 deg. Hot food in a hot country actually makes no sense and is hard to explain. Jump to some other topic at this moment. “This is what you call a crowded metro. Let me show you some pictures of our Mumbai local metro .” “Do you know that Mumbai’s population is more than the whole Netherlands ?” To be continued ….	099c7780-df63-5f62-a12a-6729cac9523a	25/08/2025 15:58:30
https://sweetfunnelstrategy.medium.com/5-software-tools-i-cannot-live-without-and-all-online-business-owners-need-1fcade88352a	medium.com	5 software tools I CANNOT live without — and ALL online business owners need!	I’m always looking for ways to be more efficient in my business. While I do love online business I don’t want to have to do it 24 hours a…	Elaine Heney	https://medium.com/@sweetfunnelstrategy	1fcade88352a	https://miro.medium.com/…Ma-f2E1depTA.png	3 min	2020-10-29T09:46:25.532000	2020-10-29T09:48:45.829000	2021-12-16T09:30:08.113000	0	0	en	Canvas,Davinci Resolve,Asana,Trello,Marketing Technology	<section> <p>I’m always looking for ways to be more efficient in my business. While I do love online business I don’t want to have to do it 24 hours a day. Given the choice, I would much prefer spending less time at my computer, and more time relaxing, thinking, going on walks around the countryside, hanging out with friends wherever I want to.</p> <p>So one of the ways I reduce stress and become more efficient is by using tools & software to speed up my work & keep my stress levels low. Here are 5 of my favourite tools. If you want to get the full list of tools I use, you can download it at <a href="http://www.sweetfunnelstrategy.com">www.sweetfunnelstrategy.com</a></p> <p><strong>Canva.</strong> Absolutely brilliant for creating logos, brand boards, sales page pictures, FB ad images, checklists, PDFs, assessments and workbooks. I feel like I’m back in art class in school and love how it lets me be really creative. Everything I make in there ends up looking really nice!</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1920/1*kSD_sgo9iVMa-f2E1depTA.png" width="1920" height="1080" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>Asana.</strong> I can’t remember everything. And when I start to forget stuff I get stressed. So I put every task I have to do into Asana. And I group them by category (I end up with about 6 or 7 categories -eg. (Podcast, personal stuff, general business stuff, coaching clients, etc). And each tasks is assigned a date to do it. So now I never forget anything I have to do, and I FEEL organised. And so my stress disappears.</p> <p><strong>Trello.</strong> It took me a while to figure out this one. But now I use it for major milestones. I have 3 boards. A to do board. A work in progress boards. And a done board. On these boards I put the names of my major projects, offers & launches. As they progress along, they get moved along the boards. It means I can get a big picture of my biz in just one glance. And it keeps me on track as I can always see the big picture.</p> <p><strong>Google drive.</strong> I love it so much. All of google. Gmail. Storing files on G drive. Google forms for surveys. Google slides for powerpoints. Easy. Magic.</p> <p><strong>DaVinci Resolve.</strong> I created, directed an award-winning 7 part docu-series about 2 years ago, called Listening to the Horse. It took me 6 months to create & launch it from start to finish. I could definitely tell you some crazy stories about that time! It ended up being a massive success and has been watched by over 120,000 people worldwide since then, and I even ended up flying to New York to picture up an award at the EQUUS Film Festival. But the software I used is a free video editing software that is used in the major Hollywood studios. It’s called Davinci Resolve. And it’s miles better than Adobe Premiere.</p> <p>They are my top 5 favourites, but I do have lots more I love. If you want to get the full list of tools I use, you can download it at <a href="http://www.sweetfunnelstrategy.com">www.sweetfunnelstrategy.com</a> Thanks for listening, see you in the next episodes.</p> <p>Listen to the full podcast episode: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sweet-funnel-strategies-with-elaine-heney/id1171930091">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sweet-funnel-strategies-with-elaine-heney/id1171930091</a></p> <h1><strong>PODCAST NEWS: </strong>For too many years, we’ve been told to work every hour in the day to build an online biz? That sounds crazy to me! I want a successful online business — but I want a life too!</h1> <p>In the Sweet Funnel Strategies podcast you’ll meet smart online biz owners just like you, who are creating profitable online funnels that their customers love — without working a zillion hours a week! And they’ve promised to share all their secrets with me. Sounds good? I’m your host Elaine Heney.</p> <p>If you want to get EVEN more inspiring ideas AND join our awesome online community of online entrepreneurs, who are building online businesses that result in high converting sales pages, profitable cold traffic ads, beautiful funnels, ascending value ladders, hundreds & thousands of happy customers, & the freedom to work FAR LESS than 40 hours a week — hop on over to<a href="http://www.sweetfunnelstrategies.com"> www.SweetFunnelStrategies.com</a></p> <p>Listen to the full podcast episode: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sweet-funnel-strategies-with-elaine-heney/id1171930091">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sweet-funnel-strategies-with-elaine-heney/id1171930091</a></p> <p>Want to be on the show? Fill out the application form here: <a href="https://forms.gle/nsXhU2SEr8p2mtm7A">https://forms.gle/nsXhU2SEr8p2mtm7A</a></p> </section>	5 software tools I CANNOT live without — and ALL online business owners need! I’m always looking for ways to be more efficient in my business. While I do love online business I don’t want to have to do it 24 hours a day. Given the choice, I would much prefer spending less time at my computer, and more time relaxing, thinking, going on walks around the countryside, hanging out with friends wherever I want to. So one of the ways I reduce stress and become more efficient is by using tools & software to speed up my work & keep my stress levels low. Here are 5 of my favourite tools. If you want to get the full list of tools I use, you can download it at www.sweetfunnelstrategy.com Canva. Absolutely brilliant for creating logos, brand boards, sales page pictures, FB ad images, checklists, PDFs, assessments and workbooks. I feel like I’m back in art class in school and love how it lets me be really creative. Everything I make in there ends up looking really nice! Asana. I can’t remember everything. And when I start to forget stuff I get stressed. So I put every task I have to do into Asana. And I group them by category (I end up with about 6 or 7 categories -eg. (Podcast, personal stuff, general business stuff, coaching clients, etc). And each tasks is assigned a date to do it. So now I never forget anything I have to do, and I FEEL organised. And so my stress disappears. Trello. It took me a while to figure out this one. But now I use it for major milestones. I have 3 boards. A to do board. A work in progress boards. And a done board. On these boards I put the names of my major projects, offers & launches. As they progress along, they get moved along the boards. It means I can get a big picture of my biz in just one glance. And it keeps me on track as I can always see the big picture. Google drive. I love it so much. All of google. Gmail. Storing files on G drive. Google forms for surveys. Google slides for powerpoints. Easy. Magic. DaVinci Resolve. I created, directed an award-winning 7 part docu-series about 2 years ago, called Listening to the Horse. It took me 6 months to create & launch it from start to finish. I could definitely tell you some crazy stories about that time! It ended up being a massive success and has been watched by over 120,000 people worldwide since then, and I even ended up flying to New York to picture up an award at the EQUUS Film Festival. But the software I used is a free video editing software that is used in the major Hollywood studios. It’s called Davinci Resolve. And it’s miles better than Adobe Premiere. They are my top 5 favourites, but I do have lots more I love. If you want to get the full list of tools I use, you can download it at www.sweetfunnelstrategy.com Thanks for listening, see you in the next episodes. Listen to the full podcast episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sweet-funnel-strategies-with-elaine-heney/id1171930091 PODCAST NEWS: For too many years, we’ve been told to work every hour in the day to build an online biz? That sounds crazy to me! I want a successful online business — but I want a life too! In the Sweet Funnel Strategies podcast you’ll meet smart online biz owners just like you, who are creating profitable online funnels that their customers love — without working a zillion hours a week! And they’ve promised to share all their secrets with me. Sounds good? I’m your host Elaine Heney. If you want to get EVEN more inspiring ideas AND join our awesome online community of online entrepreneurs, who are building online businesses that result in high converting sales pages, profitable cold traffic ads, beautiful funnels, ascending value ladders, hundreds & thousands of happy customers, & the freedom to work FAR LESS than 40 hours a week — hop on over to www.SweetFunnelStrategies.com Listen to the full podcast episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sweet-funnel-strategies-with-elaine-heney/id1171930091 Want to be on the show? Fill out the application form here: https://forms.gle/nsXhU2SEr8p2mtm7A	d91d890d-9d0c-518d-9546-0e6369faaa20	25/08/2025 15:58:31
https://medium.com/lancersblog/mocs-mania-early-look-at-the-emu-tournament-318d5d14c226	medium.com	Mocs Mania: Early Look at the EMU Tournament	null	LancersBlog	https://medium.com/@LUlancersblog	318d5d14c226	null	0 min	2017-03-05T14:07:58.358000	2014-10-11T02:02:38	2017-06-10T05:31:13.756000	0	0	en	Longwood Basketball	<section> <p><strong><a href="http://mocs</strong>mania.blogspot.com/2014/10/emu-showcase-preview.html">EMU Showcase Preview <em>The EMU showcase is played on the campus of Eastern Michigan and will feature four teams playing three games in a round…</em>mocsmania.blo</a>gspot.com</p> </section>	Mocs Mania: Early Look at the EMU Tournament EMU Showcase Preview The EMU showcase is played on the campus of Eastern Michigan and will feature four teams playing three games in a round…mocsmania.blogspot.com	390c83b8-2c6c-5aaf-b9a3-a0ce06e00757	25/08/2025 15:58:32
https://medium.com/@FeelanceCo/the-2-x-business-growth-jigsaw-how-many-ps-10-and-counting-5d53a1ca57d7	medium.com	The 2 X Business Growth Jigsaw — How Many P’s? 10 And Counting…	Having been brought up over much of our corporate careers on a diet of aggressive growth, breakthrough approaches, innovative ways of…	The Feelancer	https://medium.com/@FeelanceCo	5d53a1ca57d7	https://miro.medium.com/…mb0EkTj1um4_.jpg	3 min	2016-08-03T16:42:46.974000	2016-08-03T16:43:50.464000	2016-08-03T16:43:50.464000	0	3	en	Marketing,Innovation,Business Strategy,Business Growth	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/777/0*JmeOmb0EkTj1um4_.jpg" width="777" height="437" loading="lazy" /> <p>Having been brought up over much of our corporate careers on a diet of aggressive growth, breakthrough approaches, innovative ways of market creation or changing the rules of the game and striving for market leadership with a no excuses strategy and a data and analytics driven decision making approach it became over time a part of the DNA.</p> <p>This has not only became a natural style but also a style that got passed on the leadership levels down the line over the years in a way that it became part of the DNA of many other leaders too.</p> <p>As we moved into the current avatar in the past 5 years of helping smaller organisations and entrepreneurs scale up faster than they ever had done before it was quite natural and easy to spot the bottlenecks and the change levers and the right buttons needed for a 2x growth which ever is the industry.</p> <p>Many of the approaches went beyond what is traditionally taught in B Schools as the P’s of Marketing and were more experiential in nature to give more holistic approach to rapid fire business scaling up that went beyond just the marketing domain.</p> <p>Contrary to the traditional 4P’s of Marketing which is normally advocated our experiences with corporates and Entrepreneurs across the spectrum showed us that we needed to delve much deeper into the heart and soul of the organization and the specific industry and find newer ways to penetrate and gain share of market or wallet, but in a planned and deliberate manner.</p> <h1>As a Strategy for 2 X plus growth we always try and cover the 10 P’s listed below ( and a few more at the end</h1> <p><strong>Product:</strong> Pack configuration, mix, localization.</p> <p><strong>Place: </strong>A,B,C category towns, international to help increase the spread.</p> <p><strong>Pricing positioning:</strong> Premium, competitive or breakthrough as the situation demands.</p> <p><strong>Promotion:</strong> POS visibility, schemes, online and social media, events, Proposal quality ….</p> <p><strong>People:</strong> Employee communication, Incentives, clear targets, alignment with goals, clear JDs and competency assessments, motivation and recognition, clear productivity norms and better quality of hiring.</p> <p><strong>Policies:</strong> Terms of trade, HR and Channel policies and Schemes that increase throughput and Productivity</p> <p><strong>Processes</strong> <strong>& Project management:</strong> Improved efficiency, delivery, quality and measures that focus on the consumer or client satisfaction and not on internal capability or limitations or buck passing.</p> <p><strong>Possibilities</strong> <strong>& Purpose:</strong> Untapped opportunities, competition successes and benchmarks, new segments, new products, new geographies, new variants in line with the Vision and Purpose why the organization exists.</p> <p><strong>Partnerships:</strong> Effectively building size, spread and scale through collaborations and relationship building.</p> <p><strong>Proof:</strong> Client testimonials, videos, reference sales, strong word of mouth that can be the best advocates of the brand</p> <p>Our experience shows that even if the traditional 1st 4 areas are fine or ok, the next 6 can drag an organization down and become a justification for lower sales from the teams. Half the battle is lost in many organisations when the leadership and the teams down the line just miss that connect and shared belief that the goals are really achievable.</p> <p>Leadership teams that address all these 10 critical P’s can in our opinion benefit significantly from a much stronger foundation for 2X growth and more importantly win the confidence from the front line teams and partners that the organization has got its priorities and focus clear on converting their visions and dreams into reality.</p> <p>Once these 10 Ps are in place then come the other softer but critical P’s needed — <strong>Passion, Persistence, Professionalism, Profit focus and Personal branding</strong> of the leaders that drive credibility internally and externally in the market place that this is the place to be in or invest in or buy from.</p> </section>	The 2 X Business Growth Jigsaw — How Many P’s? 10 And Counting… Having been brought up over much of our corporate careers on a diet of aggressive growth, breakthrough approaches, innovative ways of market creation or changing the rules of the game and striving for market leadership with a no excuses strategy and a data and analytics driven decision making approach it became over time a part of the DNA. This has not only became a natural style but also a style that got passed on the leadership levels down the line over the years in a way that it became part of the DNA of many other leaders too. As we moved into the current avatar in the past 5 years of helping smaller organisations and entrepreneurs scale up faster than they ever had done before it was quite natural and easy to spot the bottlenecks and the change levers and the right buttons needed for a 2x growth which ever is the industry. Many of the approaches went beyond what is traditionally taught in B Schools as the P’s of Marketing and were more experiential in nature to give more holistic approach to rapid fire business scaling up that went beyond just the marketing domain. Contrary to the traditional 4P’s of Marketing which is normally advocated our experiences with corporates and Entrepreneurs across the spectrum showed us that we needed to delve much deeper into the heart and soul of the organization and the specific industry and find newer ways to penetrate and gain share of market or wallet, but in a planned and deliberate manner. As a Strategy for 2 X plus growth we always try and cover the 10 P’s listed below ( and a few more at the end Product: Pack configuration, mix, localization. Place: A,B,C category towns, international to help increase the spread. Pricing positioning: Premium, competitive or breakthrough as the situation demands. Promotion: POS visibility, schemes, online and social media, events, Proposal quality …. People: Employee communication, Incentives, clear targets, alignment with goals, clear JDs and competency assessments, motivation and recognition, clear productivity norms and better quality of hiring. Policies: Terms of trade, HR and Channel policies and Schemes that increase throughput and Productivity Processes & Project management: Improved efficiency, delivery, quality and measures that focus on the consumer or client satisfaction and not on internal capability or limitations or buck passing. Possibilities & Purpose: Untapped opportunities, competition successes and benchmarks, new segments, new products, new geographies, new variants in line with the Vision and Purpose why the organization exists. Partnerships: Effectively building size, spread and scale through collaborations and relationship building. Proof: Client testimonials, videos, reference sales, strong word of mouth that can be the best advocates of the brand Our experience shows that even if the traditional 1st 4 areas are fine or ok, the next 6 can drag an organization down and become a justification for lower sales from the teams. Half the battle is lost in many organisations when the leadership and the teams down the line just miss that connect and shared belief that the goals are really achievable. Leadership teams that address all these 10 critical P’s can in our opinion benefit significantly from a much stronger foundation for 2X growth and more importantly win the confidence from the front line teams and partners that the organization has got its priorities and focus clear on converting their visions and dreams into reality. Once these 10 Ps are in place then come the other softer but critical P’s needed — Passion, Persistence, Professionalism, Profit focus and Personal branding of the leaders that drive credibility internally and externally in the market place that this is the place to be in or invest in or buy from.	016b32eb-87ec-5bbe-a72c-c5ab5d2677dc	25/08/2025 15:58:32
https://koshurai.medium.com/central-limit-theorem-with-python-a3e9c160eb31	medium.com	Central Limit Theorem with Python	The central limit theorem is a statistical theorem that states that, given a sufficiently large sample size, the distribution of the mean…	KoshurAI	https://medium.com/@koshurai	a3e9c160eb31	https://miro.medium.com/…H4GCkSB7TB_Q.png	1 min	2023-01-01T15:21:25.747000	2023-01-01T15:25:25.867000	2023-01-01T15:25:35.179000	0	0	en	Central Limit Theorem	<section> <p>The central limit theorem is a statistical theorem that states that, given a sufficiently large sample size, the distribution of the mean of the sample will be approximately normal, regardless of the shape of the underlying distribution from which the sample is drawn.</p> <p>In other words, if you take a large enough sample of random observations from any distribution, the mean of those observations will tend to be normally distributed. This is true even if the original distribution is not normal.</p> <p>The central limit theorem has important implications for statistical inference, as it allows us to use the normal distribution as a model for the sampling distribution of the mean, even when the underlying distribution is not normal. This makes it possible to use statistical methods based on the normal distribution, such as hypothesis testing and confidence intervals, to make inferences about the population mean based on a sample mean.</p> <p>Here’s an example in Python that demonstrates the central limit theorem using a non-normal distribution:</p> <pre><code class="language-python">import numpy as np import matplotlib.pyplot as plt # Set the seed to ensure reproducibility np.random.seed(0) # Generate 1000 random observations from a non-normal distribution sample = np.random.exponential(size=1000) # Take 1000 random samples of size 5 from the original sample and compute the means sample_means = [np.mean(np.random.choice(sample, size=5)) for _ in range(1000)] # Plot the distribution of the sample means plt.hist(sample_means, bins=20) plt.show()</code></pre> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/375/1*TNr42eAaSbH4GCkSB7TB_Q.png" width="375" height="248" loading="lazy" /> <p>This code generates 1000 random observations from an exponential distribution, which is a non-normal distribution. It then takes 1000 random samples of size 5 from the original sample and computes the mean of each sample. The distribution of the sample means is plotted using a histogram.</p> <p>As you can see, the distribution of the sample means is approximately normal, even though the original distribution is not normal. This illustrates the central limit theorem in action.</p> </section>	Central Limit Theorem with Python The central limit theorem is a statistical theorem that states that, given a sufficiently large sample size, the distribution of the mean of the sample will be approximately normal, regardless of the shape of the underlying distribution from which the sample is drawn. In other words, if you take a large enough sample of random observations from any distribution, the mean of those observations will tend to be normally distributed. This is true even if the original distribution is not normal. The central limit theorem has important implications for statistical inference, as it allows us to use the normal distribution as a model for the sampling distribution of the mean, even when the underlying distribution is not normal. This makes it possible to use statistical methods based on the normal distribution, such as hypothesis testing and confidence intervals, to make inferences about the population mean based on a sample mean. Here’s an example in Python that demonstrates the central limit theorem using a non-normal distribution: import numpy as np import matplotlib.pyplot as plt # Set the seed to ensure reproducibility np.random.seed(0) # Generate 1000 random observations from a non-normal distribution sample = np.random.exponential(size=1000) # Take 1000 random samples of size 5 from the original sample and compute the means sample_means = [np.mean(np.random.choice(sample, size=5)) for _ in range(1000)] # Plot the distribution of the sample means plt.hist(sample_means, bins=20) plt.show() This code generates 1000 random observations from an exponential distribution, which is a non-normal distribution. It then takes 1000 random samples of size 5 from the original sample and computes the mean of each sample. The distribution of the sample means is plotted using a histogram. As you can see, the distribution of the sample means is approximately normal, even though the original distribution is not normal. This illustrates the central limit theorem in action.	3f834a7d-5786-5743-9542-1ccd03e61c6d	25/08/2025 15:58:32
https://medium.com/@stevemwamba/a-few-minutes-before-the-first-cock-crows-in-the-morning-i-woke-up-excited-energized-and-ready-2c34615df343	medium.com	A few minutes before the first cock crows in the morning, I woke up excited, energized and ready…	The E.V BEAST in the East	Stevemwamba	https://medium.com/@stevemwamba	2c34615df343	null	4 min	2023-09-18T11:53:27.836000	2023-09-18T13:22:51.904000	2023-09-18T14:40:33.754000	0	0	en	History Of Technology,Travel,Adventure Travel,Adventure,Writing	<section> <p>I was ready. Ready to take the day by the horn. I had enough time to clean and familiarize myself with the new “Beast”. I gave her this name and I was just a few hours to confirming my precognition. I was excited. “What if something happened?”, “What thing?”, I chuckled as I gave an answer with another question to my tense thoughts. I then looked around to see if anyone was looking at how abruptly disturbed I was with the fake smile I wore but the darkness in wee hours of the morning was still thick. The beasts light were perfect. The leather seats were perfect. The dashboard lights were excellent. It was specious and comfortable. The large wind screen provided a wider view of the road. Everything in it was done with a touch of perfection.</p> <p>“Are we having our usual morning rituals?”, I asked the lady seated next to the drivers seat. “Oh yes ofcourse”, dressed in a beautiful, decent azure blue dress covered in a jet black designer coat, she responded with a smile. She tilted her head towards the backseat to request the rest of the teams attention for a word of prayer. We blessed our trip, buckled up and ready for the maiden trip.</p> <p>It was… It Is the latest technology in Kenya. It had been tried and tested in the most developed countries. Yes, it worked. It’s still working and people are embracing it. It is now in Kenya. It was just launched a month ago by the president of the republic and now my profession has brought me closer to it. I was in it. Being the first in the western and North rift region of east Africa, Kenya to control and operate an electric double cab sport utility vehicle -(SUV). With all these specs in mind, I elevated my seating position to have more ground clearance. “I hope you have carried the portable charger”. The lady in azure blue dress, who happened to be the chief executive officer of my work place remarked while looking at the faces of the other lady and a gentleman at the back seat expecting to read an answer from their faces. These were the head of the human resource and the head of finance seated right behind me. I was having the institutions Senior leadership team on board going on a journey that the end results were unknown by either of us. To be honest, the vehicle’s portable charger was not in the car. It was in the Transport Manager’s office and it was too early for him to be at work. We couldn’t wait. We left the premises with the beast at ninety-seven percent. This would take us for two hundred and ninety-five kilometers. Our maiden round trip would have been approximately two hundred and sixty kilometers. So to some extent, we were on the safe side.</p> <p>Slowly we entered the Kisumu – Nairobi highway with my right foot pumping the acceleration peddle trying to get the limits of the new Beast. It was full of surprises. It’s picking speed was beyond my expectations. It was fast and silent. No noise pollution. Wow! I kept exclaiming in silence as we ate the kilometers slowly. Nobody on board noticed what I was seeing on the dashboard. Everyone was happy. Small chats above the soothing highly selected worship folder of music that created a nice mood in the machine. At seventeen kilometers, the beast was at seventy-five percent. After gunning down eighty kilometers on the road, the power percentage was at fifty-five. This was not good. We were almost at half of the power level yet we were not yet at our destination and remember we were supposed to go back the journey. There was a problem. A big one. We arrived at Nyamira that is approximately one hundred kilometers from Kisumu with our vehicle power percentage low at forty-nine. This was to be our first stop before proceeding with the journey. I had to alert the Transport Manager who by then had already arrived at work on the current situation at hand. I really didn’t know if I was excited, paranoid or in panic state. I was not myself at that point in time. I was tense. You know why? I will tell you.</p> <p>“watch out!”, the lady at the back (head of HR) yelled out as we were just about to leave the parking lot in Nyamira and get in to the highway forcing me to step hard on to the highly regenerative friction brakes. We all looked back at her to know what the matter was only to find her laughing after realizing that her panic was the silence of the moving vehicle. Oh my, she expected Atleast some sound to be produced while on motion but since there was none she thought it was moving on its own. What a trip. “Have you informed your supervisor about the power level?” The CEO asked.</p> <p>This question brought me back from the smile I still wore after the silent vehicle moving incident, back to the cruisers dashboard and there we were at thirty-five percent crossing the Kisii-Nyamira County border. “Yes”, I replied.</p> <p>NEW EPISODE OF THE E.V BEAST EXPERIENCE NEXT MONDAY…</p> </section>	A few minutes before the first cock crows in the morning, I woke up excited, energized and ready for the new day. I was ready for the new challenge. There were less “what if’s” in my mind as I ensured that all my ‘T’ were crossed and my “I” dotted before I left the house. I arrived at my work place on time. Mmmh, of course time keeping is always a plus for me but this day smelled different. I was on my way to making history. I had to perfect a good future memory. I was ready. Ready to take the day by the horn. I had enough time to clean and familiarize myself with the new “Beast”. I gave her this name and I was just a few hours to confirming my precognition. I was excited. “What if something happened?”, “What thing?”, I chuckled as I gave an answer with another question to my tense thoughts. I then looked around to see if anyone was looking at how abruptly disturbed I was with the fake smile I wore but the darkness in wee hours of the morning was still thick. The beasts light were perfect. The leather seats were perfect. The dashboard lights were excellent. It was specious and comfortable. The large wind screen provided a wider view of the road. Everything in it was done with a touch of perfection. “Are we having our usual morning rituals?”, I asked the lady seated next to the drivers seat. “Oh yes ofcourse”, dressed in a beautiful, decent azure blue dress covered in a jet black designer coat, she responded with a smile. She tilted her head towards the backseat to request the rest of the teams attention for a word of prayer. We blessed our trip, buckled up and ready for the maiden trip. It was… It Is the latest technology in Kenya. It had been tried and tested in the most developed countries. Yes, it worked. It’s still working and people are embracing it. It is now in Kenya. It was just launched a month ago by the president of the republic and now my profession has brought me closer to it. I was in it. Being the first in the western and North rift region of east Africa, Kenya to control and operate an electric double cab sport utility vehicle -(SUV). With all these specs in mind, I elevated my seating position to have more ground clearance. “I hope you have carried the portable charger”. The lady in azure blue dress, who happened to be the chief executive officer of my work place remarked while looking at the faces of the other lady and a gentleman at the back seat expecting to read an answer from their faces. These were the head of the human resource and the head of finance seated right behind me. I was having the institutions Senior leadership team on board going on a journey that the end results were unknown by either of us. To be honest, the vehicle’s portable charger was not in the car. It was in the Transport Manager’s office and it was too early for him to be at work. We couldn’t wait. We left the premises with the beast at ninety-seven percent. This would take us for two hundred and ninety-five kilometers. Our maiden round trip would have been approximately two hundred and sixty kilometers. So to some extent, we were on the safe side. Slowly we entered the Kisumu – Nairobi highway with my right foot pumping the acceleration peddle trying to get the limits of the new Beast. It was full of surprises. It’s picking speed was beyond my expectations. It was fast and silent. No noise pollution. Wow! I kept exclaiming in silence as we ate the kilometers slowly. Nobody on board noticed what I was seeing on the dashboard. Everyone was happy. Small chats above the soothing highly selected worship folder of music that created a nice mood in the machine. At seventeen kilometers, the beast was at seventy-five percent. After gunning down eighty kilometers on the road, the power percentage was at fifty-five. This was not good. We were almost at half of the power level yet we were not yet at our destination and remember we were supposed to go back the journey. There was a problem. A big one. We arrived at Nyamira that is approximately one hundred kilometers from Kisumu with our vehicle power percentage low at forty-nine. This was to be our first stop before proceeding with the journey. I had to alert the Transport Manager who by then had already arrived at work on the current situation at hand. I really didn’t know if I was excited, paranoid or in panic state. I was not myself at that point in time. I was tense. You know why? I will tell you. “watch out!”, the lady at the back (head of HR) yelled out as we were just about to leave the parking lot in Nyamira and get in to the highway forcing me to step hard on to the highly regenerative friction brakes. We all looked back at her to know what the matter was only to find her laughing after realizing that her panic was the silence of the moving vehicle. Oh my, she expected Atleast some sound to be produced while on motion but since there was none she thought it was moving on its own. What a trip. “Have you informed your supervisor about the power level?” The CEO asked. This question brought me back from the smile I still wore after the silent vehicle moving incident, back to the cruisers dashboard and there we were at thirty-five percent crossing the Kisii-Nyamira County border. “Yes”, I replied. NEW EPISODE OF THE E.V BEAST EXPERIENCE NEXT MONDAY…	6730344d-9c16-50af-a284-2bbdc470356c	25/08/2025 15:58:32
https://medium.com/@Computertechnologies/are-you-planning-to-hire-outsourced-it-services-8baca6b459	medium.com	Are you planning to hire outsourced IT services?	In the IT world, there are many unfortunate scenarios a business can encounter related to their IT. Some scenarios can be absolutely…	Lerry John	https://medium.com/@Computertechnologies	8baca6b459	https://miro.medium.com/…Xir88T4Caqg.jpeg	1 min	2016-12-30T12:05:41.800000	2016-12-30T12:23:16.772000	2018-02-12T20:15:54.509000	0	1	en	Outsourcing,Computer Support,It Services	<section> <p>In the IT world, there are many unfortunate scenarios a business can encounter related to their IT. Some scenarios can be absolutely devastating while some can be easily fixed. Whatever may be the scenario, you should take help of a computer support specialist in AZ to address your IT needs. They will provide you IT services and information to empower your business.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4705/1*NRzu2EgU-F_Xir88T4Caqg.jpeg" width="4705" height="3137" loading="lazy" /> <p>Technology changes fast these days. If your business is not updated to the latest technology, you will be left behind in the race. Companies offering outsourced IT services have a team of IT professionals who are updated on latest IT advances. No matter your IT support needs are complex or simple, they will spend the time to sort it out in the best possible manner.</p> <p>A bog advantage of hiring <a href="http://computertechnologiesllc.com/outsourced-it-services/">outsourced IT services</a> is you have time to focus on your business. With an expert by the side taking care of your IT worries, you will have more time to concentrate on other things that need your attention. You no longer need to bother with the day to day activities of the IT world. So hiring a <a href="http://computertechnologiesllc.com/about-us/">computer support specialist in AZ</a> not only gives you time to focus on your business but on everything else.</p> </section>	Are you planning to hire outsourced IT services? In the IT world, there are many unfortunate scenarios a business can encounter related to their IT. Some scenarios can be absolutely devastating while some can be easily fixed. Whatever may be the scenario, you should take help of a computer support specialist in AZ to address your IT needs. They will provide you IT services and information to empower your business. outsourced IT services Technology changes fast these days. If your business is not updated to the latest technology, you will be left behind in the race. Companies offering outsourced IT services have a team of IT professionals who are updated on latest IT advances. No matter your IT support needs are complex or simple, they will spend the time to sort it out in the best possible manner. A bog advantage of hiring outsourced IT services is you have time to focus on your business. With an expert by the side taking care of your IT worries, you will have more time to concentrate on other things that need your attention. You no longer need to bother with the day to day activities of the IT world. So hiring a computer support specialist in AZ not only gives you time to focus on your business but on everything else.	65c2135f-5879-5e89-8e87-d7f2fc1cb5af	25/08/2025 15:58:32
https://medium.com/@Cynthia-Wood/after-a-single-date-youll-know-if-a-man-truly-loves-you-or-just-wants-to-sleep-with-you-7be42a3d8ee4	medium.com	After a Single Date, You’ll Know if a Man Truly Loves You or Just Wants to Sleep with You	Protect Yourself: Red Flags to Watch Out for During a Date	Cynthia Wood	https://medium.com/@Cynthia-Wood	7be42a3d8ee4	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*Pdb5Hhy9TismsU-K	3 min	2024-03-06T16:46:04.209000	2024-03-19T12:52:15.389000	2024-11-30T03:42:04.159000	9	389	en	Love,Lust,Relationships,Dating,Attitude	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3648/0*Pdb5Hhy9TismsU-K" width="3648" height="5472" loading="lazy" /> <p>Some women who are in relationships with men often wonder why the men want to be with them. They may even doubt themselves, thinking that the men are only interested in their bodies.</p> <p>Many women have been dumped by men who seemed calm and collected while they were together.</p> <p>It’s only when they get dumped that these women realize the men were only after their bodies.</p> <p>Instead of being unsure about the relationship and the man’s intentions, a woman can find out after just one date.</p> <h1>Men Who Want to Sleep with You Have Ulterior Motives</h1> <p>There was a recent news story about a woman who went on a date with an acquaintance. When she went to the restroom, she came back to find powder on the table.</p> <p>The man picked up her juice from the table, intending for her to drink it.</p> <p>The woman saw the powder and immediately understood his intentions.</p> <p>She ended up calling the police.</p> <p>Men who want to sleep with you while on a date might have malicious intentions. They may not go as far as drugging you, but they might try to get you drunk to take advantage of you.</p> <p>Therefore, if a man keeps pushing you to drink when you’re out, wanting to get you intoxicated, it’s a clear sign of his intentions.</p> <p>Women should be cautious if a man keeps urging them to drink. It’s important to protect oneself when out, such as not drinking beverages left unattended.</p> <h2>Men Who Don’t Want to Sleep with You Will Take You Home</h2> <p>A man who isn’t interested in sleeping with you will make sure to take you home after a date, not leaving you stranded.</p> <p>There was a story online about a high school girl who had a boyfriend. They both got into the same college, and everyone envied their relationship. But something happened in college.</p> <p>Once, the girl went on a date with her boyfriend. He delayed the time and even wanted to watch a movie just before the dorms closed.</p> <p>The girl, fearing his reaction, stayed to watch the movie.</p> <p>After the movie, the boyfriend suggested staying out since it was late.</p> <p>The girl disagreed and they returned to the dorms. However, they found the gates closed, so the boyfriend had to book a room for the night.</p> <p>Later, in the room, the girl realized there was only one bed. Eventually, something unimaginable happened, and the boyfriend’s true colors were revealed.</p> <p>After that incident, the girl thought she had given herself to him and planned to be together, but the boyfriend ended up changing.</p> <p>The duration of time spent with someone doesn’t determine their feelings. One incident can test a person’s true intentions.</p> <h2>Men Who Hesitate to Spend Money on You Probably Don’t Love You</h2> <p>If a man still insists on splitting the bill during a date, it shows he doesn’t truly care for you but just wants something casual.</p> <p>While women should not focus on materialism in relationships, a man who hesitates to spend on you probably doesn’t love you.</p> <p>Therefore, during a date, observe how a man reacts. If he willingly spends on you, it shows his affection. If he is stingy and reluctant to spend, it indicates his lack of love.</p> <p>Women shouldn’t assume that a man not willing to spend is broke or frugal with everyone. A man who takes you out on a date surely has money to spend.</p> <h2>Men Who Get Handsy Have Ill Intentions</h2> <p>During a date, if a man acts inappropriately by being touchy, women should be cautious.</p> <p>Some men use such behavior to test boundaries for their own satisfaction.</p> <p>Therefore, if a woman finds a man being overly physical and it makes her uncomfortable, she should learn to say no.</p> <p>A man’s character can be observed during a date. A gentleman will never act inappropriately; at the very least, he will respect you.</p> <p>If a man crosses boundaries after a few conversations and does things you find unacceptable, women must protect themselves and not tolerate such behavior.</p> <p>When a man shows such intentions, women must shut it down immediately to prevent future harm.</p> <h2>Man Who Loves You Will Respect You</h2> <p>Men can sometimes be impulsive, but it doesn’t make them all bad.</p> <p>Due to physical differences, men have certain needs. When a man meets a woman he loves, he may struggle to contain his desires.</p> <p>Some women might label a man as bad just because he has thoughts about them after a date. But if the man respects your boundaries and doesn’t force anything, it shows his love for you.</p> <p>If a man respects your wishes even after having thoughts, it indicates genuine feelings. On the other hand, a man who insists and forces himself on you only wants one thing.</p> <p>In relationships, women are often in vulnerable positions. Therefore, women must protect themselves, especially from men who only seek physical intimacy.</p> <p>Many women fall victim to deceitful men and suffer for a lifetime. Hence, women must take extra care in relationships to safeguard themselves.</p> </section>	After a Single Date, You’ll Know if a Man Truly Loves You or Just Wants to Sleep with You Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash Some women who are in relationships with men often wonder why the men want to be with them. They may even doubt themselves, thinking that the men are only interested in their bodies. Many women have been dumped by men who seemed calm and collected while they were together. It’s only when they get dumped that these women realize the men were only after their bodies. Instead of being unsure about the relationship and the man’s intentions, a woman can find out after just one date. Men Who Want to Sleep with You Have Ulterior Motives There was a recent news story about a woman who went on a date with an acquaintance. When she went to the restroom, she came back to find powder on the table. The man picked up her juice from the table, intending for her to drink it. The woman saw the powder and immediately understood his intentions. She ended up calling the police. Men who want to sleep with you while on a date might have malicious intentions. They may not go as far as drugging you, but they might try to get you drunk to take advantage of you. Therefore, if a man keeps pushing you to drink when you’re out, wanting to get you intoxicated, it’s a clear sign of his intentions. Women should be cautious if a man keeps urging them to drink. It’s important to protect oneself when out, such as not drinking beverages left unattended. Men Who Don’t Want to Sleep with You Will Take You Home A man who isn’t interested in sleeping with you will make sure to take you home after a date, not leaving you stranded. There was a story online about a high school girl who had a boyfriend. They both got into the same college, and everyone envied their relationship. But something happened in college. Once, the girl went on a date with her boyfriend. He delayed the time and even wanted to watch a movie just before the dorms closed. The girl, fearing his reaction, stayed to watch the movie. After the movie, the boyfriend suggested staying out since it was late. The girl disagreed and they returned to the dorms. However, they found the gates closed, so the boyfriend had to book a room for the night. Later, in the room, the girl realized there was only one bed. Eventually, something unimaginable happened, and the boyfriend’s true colors were revealed. After that incident, the girl thought she had given herself to him and planned to be together, but the boyfriend ended up changing. The duration of time spent with someone doesn’t determine their feelings. One incident can test a person’s true intentions. Men Who Hesitate to Spend Money on You Probably Don’t Love You If a man still insists on splitting the bill during a date, it shows he doesn’t truly care for you but just wants something casual. While women should not focus on materialism in relationships, a man who hesitates to spend on you probably doesn’t love you. Therefore, during a date, observe how a man reacts. If he willingly spends on you, it shows his affection. If he is stingy and reluctant to spend, it indicates his lack of love. Women shouldn’t assume that a man not willing to spend is broke or frugal with everyone. A man who takes you out on a date surely has money to spend. Men Who Get Handsy Have Ill Intentions During a date, if a man acts inappropriately by being touchy, women should be cautious. Some men use such behavior to test boundaries for their own satisfaction. Therefore, if a woman finds a man being overly physical and it makes her uncomfortable, she should learn to say no. A man’s character can be observed during a date. A gentleman will never act inappropriately; at the very least, he will respect you. If a man crosses boundaries after a few conversations and does things you find unacceptable, women must protect themselves and not tolerate such behavior. When a man shows such intentions, women must shut it down immediately to prevent future harm. Man Who Loves You Will Respect You Men can sometimes be impulsive, but it doesn’t make them all bad. Due to physical differences, men have certain needs. When a man meets a woman he loves, he may struggle to contain his desires. Some women might label a man as bad just because he has thoughts about them after a date. But if the man respects your boundaries and doesn’t force anything, it shows his love for you. If a man respects your wishes even after having thoughts, it indicates genuine feelings. On the other hand, a man who insists and forces himself on you only wants one thing. In relationships, women are often in vulnerable positions. Therefore, women must protect themselves, especially from men who only seek physical intimacy. Many women fall victim to deceitful men and suffer for a lifetime. Hence, women must take extra care in relationships to safeguard themselves.	4951e872-14da-5160-a1d5-556505b5d504	25/08/2025 15:58:32
https://irelandstechnologyblog.com/the-evolution-of-microsoft-office-51e50f54ea4	medium.com	The Evolution of Microsoft Office	null	Ireland's Technology Blog	https://medium.com/@ITB_News	51e50f54ea4	https://miro.medium.com/…vHavrsRjH9SQ.jpg	0 min	2016-09-14T21:24:50.907000	2015-10-26T13:23:38	2016-12-06T15:15:50.892000	0	0	en	Apps,Microsoft,News,Technology	<section> <p>Microsoft office first appeared on the scene in 1990 and it has been a long road to get it where it is today, a powerhouse in productivity, a staple suite of apps in virtually every organization on the planet. <a href="http://www.microsofttraining.net/sharing/12-the-evolution-microsoft-office-improvements.html">MicrosoftTraining.Net</a> have put together this great infographic of the life cycle of the product.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/720/0*0ZRDvHavrsRjH9SQ.jpg" width="720" height="4548" loading="lazy" /> </section>	The Evolution of Microsoft Office Microsoft office first appeared on the scene in 1990 and it has been a long road to get it where it is today, a powerhouse in productivity, a staple suite of apps in virtually every organization on the planet. MicrosoftTraining.Net have put together this great infographic of the life cycle of the product.	25725bbe-e076-5f1b-be3a-c37a0951b67d	25/08/2025 15:58:32
https://lovearts.medium.com/daddy-dearest-3fb57f174ab1	medium.com	DADDY DEAREST…	Looking back at a very complicated relationship with the most influential man in my life (still)	Marcia Singer, LoveArts Foundation	https://medium.com/@lovearts	3fb57f174ab1	https://miro.medium.com/…5vyPlUyTQbg.jpeg	4 min	2022-06-19T20:36:04.001000	2022-06-19T20:41:43.985000	2022-06-19T20:41:48.871000	0	0	en	Family,Fathers Day,Father And Daughter,Fathers,Healing Emotions	<section> <p>Looking back at a very complicated relationship with the most influential man in my life (still)</p> <p>By Marcia Singer, MSW</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/264/1*hehlX9fSYse5vyPlUyTQbg.jpeg" width="264" height="275" loading="lazy" /> <p>It’s Father’s Day. Maybe you too have a complicated relationship with the man you call your father. Maybe you are even a father yourself, for good, better or worse. Regardless of whether you’re a parent, you were some man’s son or daughter, and have sometimes been pleased or proud of yourself as a daughter or son — or not, as sometimes, the case may be…</p> <p>My father was a complex soul. I relate deeply. Now in my mid-seventies, I marvel that I’ve lived longer than he did, surviving the onslaughts of society’s injustices, the proverbial slings and arrows that wound our souls. I can appreciate and see in myself what I consider to be the best and worst of my father’s persona. I’m pretty much ok with it all. if still single and lonesome around the edges — a romantic at heart, but one who prefers her “own company” mostly, just like her dad preferred his own, way back when.</p> <p>That was back when I was a curious, precocious, shamefully shy little girl who needed her shy and intellectual daddy’s company, I often found him in his study with its huge library, reading, alone. I hesitated, not sure I should bother him. He would ask me in; I don’t recall if I was totally sure I was wanted, but probably, if we could find a way to discuss life, philosophy, and things immediate to a little girl child’s world. I felt a certain degree of awe about Daddy in his Den: a citadel of learning, contemplation, and perhaps also escape from the mundane.</p> <p>I recall a particularly eventful discussion we had when I was fourteen. I was arguing that there must have been something good about Adolf Hitler. You must understand that for a Jewish father, whose experience as a first generation of survivors of the Holocaust was all too poignant still — -having his daughter argue on behalf of the most hated man on the planet was no small thing. He feared I “could not perceive evil.” I on the other hand, my brain not yet well developed enough to deliver a fine argument, simply knew in my heart that everybody had to have some saving grace about them (maybe I was channeling Anne Frank, an early heroine of mine.) Also, because I suffered mightily within, at my own perceived insufficiencies, I hoped with all my heart that God was forgiving enough to ensure that I too, on my worst days, had bestowed some undeniably good quality in me. And if me, then why not Hitler too?</p> <p>I never lost that faith; it’s one of my best qualities I think, one of which perhaps Daddy, peering in from The Other Side, is actually proud of me for, philosophically, now. He once tried to persuade me to be a philosophy major, following in his footsteps, and to dissuade me from the pursuit of psychology, intimating, “It’s not a good thing to air our dirty laundry…”</p> <p>As he had enormous influence on me, I did not choose to be a psych major, but the laugh on us both, is that I have spent most of my life studying the nature of the mind and soul anyhow. And naturally am drawn to varying philosophies of how to live and experience a satisfying life. I did manage to get a master’s degree in “psychiatric social work,” maybe stepping around my father’s fears, as both he and my mother were themselves very dedicated to community services. But that M.S.W. was also bought with my denying myself a formal art’s degree as well, giving in to Daddy’s advice to get a degree “in the humanities” first, then consider art later. Which I never did, feeling too inadequate to the task, and too far behind other students my age who had jumped right in.</p> <p>No regrets. Not really. Not now. I share the genes for philosophical thought, great teachings and teachers, the ‘holy questions’ perhaps underneath our ponderings. I certainly inherited his penchant for having a broad vocabulary, for reading a lot, and for writing –and for puns, plays on words: his intellect? And a certain athleticism (inherited from Mommy as well).. Characteristics I like just fine. But I have mixed feelings about the kind of self-righteous indignation I can feel towards people I disapprove of, or an ‘elitist’ posture I adopt, patronizing stance… that I also trace back to my father, criticism (“Jerks!”) that would sometime erupt out of his stoicism… He was a child of patriarchy, and worst of all, was the way he criticized his wife, my mother. Though I don’t remember what the particulars were, I still feel the stings to my sense of being Femme, as he articulated put downs for the way she did this or that… even the noisy way she crunched celery with “a porcelain head.” Eroding my chances for a happy marriage, a happy ending.</p> <p>Before his death in 1991 five weeks before my mother’s (they more or less went and left this earth together), he referred to his wife as “a saint, just like her father.” I was a bit surprised, and quite relieved to know something more real and dear had emerged as his truth, indirectly providing another small salvation to me. He died of complications from cancer and a botched surgery to remove a rare tumor from the base of his spine. My mother died of a cocktail of Lou Gherig’s Disease (ALS), Alzheimer’s and dementia. I found the whole of our complicated family history as well as our genetics in those diagnoses. And I found solace where I could, and have continued ever since.</p> <p><em>Before I let you go, know that I would not change a thing about my life</em>. It’s all been for my benefit, stirring me up causing me to dig deeper for treasured understanding and compassion, or lifting me to new, ever higher heights. I believe I’ve taken my inheritances, used them well enough, and am appreciative that I will continue as long as I can on this Path. May I wish for you as well, with complicated relationships with your own fathers and mothers, to cultivate your relationship gardens. Respect governing laws (fate), pull the weeds gently wherever needed, nourish, tend and reap your harvests as blessings (destiny.)</p> <p>May you and yours be well.</p> </section>	DADDY DEAREST… Looking back at a very complicated relationship with the most influential man in my life (still) By Marcia Singer, MSW Daddy in his later years, enjoying a cigar, outdoors It’s Father’s Day. Maybe you too have a complicated relationship with the man you call your father. Maybe you are even a father yourself, for good, better or worse. Regardless of whether you’re a parent, you were some man’s son or daughter, and have sometimes been pleased or proud of yourself as a daughter or son — or not, as sometimes, the case may be… My father was a complex soul. I relate deeply. Now in my mid-seventies, I marvel that I’ve lived longer than he did, surviving the onslaughts of society’s injustices, the proverbial slings and arrows that wound our souls. I can appreciate and see in myself what I consider to be the best and worst of my father’s persona. I’m pretty much ok with it all. if still single and lonesome around the edges — a romantic at heart, but one who prefers her “own company” mostly, just like her dad preferred his own, way back when. That was back when I was a curious, precocious, shamefully shy little girl who needed her shy and intellectual daddy’s company, I often found him in his study with its huge library, reading, alone. I hesitated, not sure I should bother him. He would ask me in; I don’t recall if I was totally sure I was wanted, but probably, if we could find a way to discuss life, philosophy, and things immediate to a little girl child’s world. I felt a certain degree of awe about Daddy in his Den: a citadel of learning, contemplation, and perhaps also escape from the mundane. I recall a particularly eventful discussion we had when I was fourteen. I was arguing that there must have been something good about Adolf Hitler. You must understand that for a Jewish father, whose experience as a first generation of survivors of the Holocaust was all too poignant still — -having his daughter argue on behalf of the most hated man on the planet was no small thing. He feared I “could not perceive evil.” I on the other hand, my brain not yet well developed enough to deliver a fine argument, simply knew in my heart that everybody had to have some saving grace about them (maybe I was channeling Anne Frank, an early heroine of mine.) Also, because I suffered mightily within, at my own perceived insufficiencies, I hoped with all my heart that God was forgiving enough to ensure that I too, on my worst days, had bestowed some undeniably good quality in me. And if me, then why not Hitler too? I never lost that faith; it’s one of my best qualities I think, one of which perhaps Daddy, peering in from The Other Side, is actually proud of me for, philosophically, now. He once tried to persuade me to be a philosophy major, following in his footsteps, and to dissuade me from the pursuit of psychology, intimating, “It’s not a good thing to air our dirty laundry…” As he had enormous influence on me, I did not choose to be a psych major, but the laugh on us both, is that I have spent most of my life studying the nature of the mind and soul anyhow. And naturally am drawn to varying philosophies of how to live and experience a satisfying life. I did manage to get a master’s degree in “psychiatric social work,” maybe stepping around my father’s fears, as both he and my mother were themselves very dedicated to community services. But that M.S.W. was also bought with my denying myself a formal art’s degree as well, giving in to Daddy’s advice to get a degree “in the humanities” first, then consider art later. Which I never did, feeling too inadequate to the task, and too far behind other students my age who had jumped right in. No regrets. Not really. Not now. I share the genes for philosophical thought, great teachings and teachers, the ‘holy questions’ perhaps underneath our ponderings. I certainly inherited his penchant for having a broad vocabulary, for reading a lot, and for writing –and for puns, plays on words: his intellect? And a certain athleticism (inherited from Mommy as well).. Characteristics I like just fine. But I have mixed feelings about the kind of self-righteous indignation I can feel towards people I disapprove of, or an ‘elitist’ posture I adopt, patronizing stance… that I also trace back to my father, criticism (“Jerks!”) that would sometime erupt out of his stoicism… He was a child of patriarchy, and worst of all, was the way he criticized his wife, my mother. Though I don’t remember what the particulars were, I still feel the stings to my sense of being Femme, as he articulated put downs for the way she did this or that… even the noisy way she crunched celery with “a porcelain head.” Eroding my chances for a happy marriage, a happy ending. Before his death in 1991 five weeks before my mother’s (they more or less went and left this earth together), he referred to his wife as “a saint, just like her father.” I was a bit surprised, and quite relieved to know something more real and dear had emerged as his truth, indirectly providing another small salvation to me. He died of complications from cancer and a botched surgery to remove a rare tumor from the base of his spine. My mother died of a cocktail of Lou Gherig’s Disease (ALS), Alzheimer’s and dementia. I found the whole of our complicated family history as well as our genetics in those diagnoses. And I found solace where I could, and have continued ever since. Before I let you go, know that I would not change a thing about my life. It’s all been for my benefit, stirring me up causing me to dig deeper for treasured understanding and compassion, or lifting me to new, ever higher heights. I believe I’ve taken my inheritances, used them well enough, and am appreciative that I will continue as long as I can on this Path. May I wish for you as well, with complicated relationships with your own fathers and mothers, to cultivate your relationship gardens. Respect governing laws (fate), pull the weeds gently wherever needed, nourish, tend and reap your harvests as blessings (destiny.) May you and yours be well.	9a4fa057-30ac-54b7-a89f-7832b9cfbb8e	25/08/2025 15:58:33
https://medium.com/@mbs_stoneworks/advantages-of-installing-quartz-kitchen-worktops-e5d417cdacc4	medium.com	Advantages Of Installing Quartz Kitchen Worktops	Any house is incomplete without a kitchen. It is the only place that makes it possible to have a wonderful family time while dining. To…	MBS Stoneworks	https://medium.com/@mbs_stoneworks	e5d417cdacc4	null	2 min	2017-08-29T10:05:21.538000	2017-08-29T10:20:50.293000	2018-02-27T14:17:15.513000	0	1	en	Marbles,Kitchen,Flooring,Stone,Bathroom	<section> <p>Any house is incomplete without a kitchen. It is the only place that makes it possible to have a wonderful family time while dining. To design a perfect kitchen people should take uncommon care in choosing a suitable material for their kitchen cupboard, sink, and worktops as the material choice can represent the moment of truth the stylistic theme and visual interest of the kitchen.</p> <p>To start with, the material for <strong>marble kitchen worktops</strong> ought to be sufficiently tough to a decade ago with no noticeable wear and tear. The material ought to likewise not be excessively costly, but rather ought to loan a rich feel to your kitchen. <strong><a href="http://www.mbs</strong>tone.co.uk/gallery-cat/kitchen-worktops-backdrops/">Quartz kitchen worktops</a> fulfill all criteria determined previously. The <strong>natural worktop stones</strong> are produced using a blend of normally discovered quartz mineral and epoxy resins. Here, the resins act as the bonding agent that perfectly glues crystals together. Professionally, these worktops are impressively sealed offering exquisitely shine and gorgeous appearance. Know the amazing benefits of installing quartz wortops in your kitchen.</p> <p><strong>Impressive Stain-Proof Property</strong></p> <p>Since quartz is non-permeable, it is exceptionally impermeable. Thus, they don’t require any fixing or cleaning, not at all like other<strong> <a href="http://www.mbs</strong>tone.co.uk/">marble kitchen worktops</a>. Actually, stains can remain on it for long without influencing its quality. Also, quartz worktops require negligible support. Wiping it with a bit of fabric is sufficient to keep them clean. They additionally don’t endure shape, build up and development of microscopic organisms; in this manner, they are sound for your kitchen too.</p> <p><strong>Impervious To Heat, Scratches, And Cracks</strong></p> <p>Quartz worktops are extraordinarily sturdy for your kitchen. They are extremely impervious to heat, scratches, and cracks. On account of scratches, you can cover them by just sanding it out. Its hardness and sturdiness make the quartz worktops impact-resistant and shock-proof; subsequently, won’t break effectively. Additionally, these are likewise not influenced by most family unit acids and stains.</p> <p><strong>Accessible In A Broad Scope Of Colours</strong></p> <p>Since Quartz is man-made material, they too can be fabricated in various shades. Accordingly, you can locate the best custom shade that matches your kitchen layout and style. They look rich and ageless. Deciding on the best style and colour, you can perfectly compliment your interiors as well.</p> <p>If you’re looking for the best <strong><a href="http://www.mbs</strong>tone.co.uk/product-cat/customised-marble-worktops/">kitchen flooring marble</a>, then also you can consider quartz for an impressive floor. Quartz offers appealing looks and acts as a <strong>natural flooring stone</strong>, making it a suitable material to choose. To find the best worktops and flooring material, get hooked up with <strong><a href="http:</strong>//www.mbstone.co.uk/contact-us/">MBS Stoneworks</a> today. Explore their website to make an affordable purchase.</p> </section>	Advantages Of Installing Quartz Kitchen Worktops Any house is incomplete without a kitchen. It is the only place that makes it possible to have a wonderful family time while dining. To design a perfect kitchen people should take uncommon care in choosing a suitable material for their kitchen cupboard, sink, and worktops as the material choice can represent the moment of truth the stylistic theme and visual interest of the kitchen. To start with, the material for marble kitchen worktops ought to be sufficiently tough to a decade ago with no noticeable wear and tear. The material ought to likewise not be excessively costly, but rather ought to loan a rich feel to your kitchen. Quartz kitchen worktops fulfill all criteria determined previously. The natural worktop stones are produced using a blend of normally discovered quartz mineral and epoxy resins. Here, the resins act as the bonding agent that perfectly glues crystals together. Professionally, these worktops are impressively sealed offering exquisitely shine and gorgeous appearance. Know the amazing benefits of installing quartz wortops in your kitchen. Impressive Stain-Proof Property Since quartz is non-permeable, it is exceptionally impermeable. Thus, they don’t require any fixing or cleaning, not at all like other marble kitchen worktops. Actually, stains can remain on it for long without influencing its quality. Also, quartz worktops require negligible support. Wiping it with a bit of fabric is sufficient to keep them clean. They additionally don’t endure shape, build up and development of microscopic organisms; in this manner, they are sound for your kitchen too. Impervious To Heat, Scratches, And Cracks Quartz worktops are extraordinarily sturdy for your kitchen. They are extremely impervious to heat, scratches, and cracks. On account of scratches, you can cover them by just sanding it out. Its hardness and sturdiness make the quartz worktops impact-resistant and shock-proof; subsequently, won’t break effectively. Additionally, these are likewise not influenced by most family unit acids and stains. Accessible In A Broad Scope Of Colours Since Quartz is man-made material, they too can be fabricated in various shades. Accordingly, you can locate the best custom shade that matches your kitchen layout and style. They look rich and ageless. Deciding on the best style and colour, you can perfectly compliment your interiors as well. If you’re looking for the best kitchen flooring marble, then also you can consider quartz for an impressive floor. Quartz offers appealing looks and acts as a natural flooring stone, making it a suitable material to choose. To find the best worktops and flooring material, get hooked up with MBS Stoneworks today. Explore their website to make an affordable purchase.	23d94667-f8dd-5d76-8ea5-39d9079f2f12	25/08/2025 15:58:33
https://medium.com/best-office-furniture/review-double-pedestal-reception-desk-by-mayline-office-furniture-30f64b492114	medium.com	Review Double Pedestal Reception Desk by Mayline Office Furniture	null	Michelle Wisdom	https://medium.com/@michellewisdom	30f64b492114	null	1 min	2018-09-07T14:29:16.094000	2018-03-24T13:05:30	2018-09-07T14:41:19.940000	0	0	en	Furniture,Mayline Office Furniture,Office Furniture	<section> <p><strong>Review Double Pedestal Reception Desk by Mayline Office Furniture</strong> Buy Link: <a href="http://03.edhoyz.co/go/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5qZG9xb2N5LmNvbS9jbGljay03MTg4MTkzLTEyNDUxMjQyP3VybD1odHRwJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3Lm9mZmljZWZ1cm5pdHVyZTJnby5jb20lMkZwcm9kdWN0JTJGT0pBODUxJTJGRG91YmxlLVBlZGVzdGFsLVJlY2VwdGlvbi1EZXNrLWJ5LU1heWxpbmUtT2ZmaWNlLUZ1cm5pdHVyZS5hc3B4JTNGY2F0JTNEMTAxQTI3QTA2LU9KQTg1MQ==">CLICK HERE</a></p> <h3>Double Pedestal Reception Desk by Mayline Office Furniture Product Description:</h3> <p><strong>Double Pedestal Reception Desk by Mayline Office Furniture</strong>. The Medina Series of laminate casegoods combines Italian-influenced designs, style and durability. Medina features a floating work surface with a beveled edge that combined with three different laminates sets Medina above all other lines. All desk, return and extension work surfaces are 1" thick with a distinctive beveled edge. Available in Gray Steel, Mahogany, Textured Brown Sugar, Textured Sea Salt, and Mocha laminate finishes. Reception Desk features: * 1 box/box/file pedestal and 1 file/file pedestal * Curved end panels * 3/4" frosted, tempered glass Desk measures 87–1/4"W x 37–1/4"D x 42–3/4"H. Ships ready for easy assembly. Price: 2597.00 USD. The <em>Double Pedestal Reception Desk by Mayline Office Furniture</em> is certainly that and will be a great buy. For this price, the Double Pedestal Reception Desk by Mayline Office Furniture is highly recommended and is a popular choice with lots of people. <a href="http://03.edhoyz.co/go/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5qZG9xb2N5LmNvbS9jbGljay03MTg4MTkzLTEyNDUxMjQyP3VybD1odHRwJTNBJTJGJTJGd3d3Lm9mZmljZWZ1cm5pdHVyZTJnby5jb20lMkZwcm9kdWN0JTJGT0pBODUxJTJGRG91YmxlLVBlZGVzdGFsLVJlY2VwdGlvbi1EZXNrLWJ5LU1heWxpbmUtT2ZmaWNlLUZ1cm5pdHVyZS5hc3B4JTNGY2F0JTNEMTAxQTI3QTA2LU9KQTg1MQ==">Buy it Now</a></p> <p><a href="http://03.edhoyz.co/cheap-double-pedestal-reception-desk-by-mayline-office-furniture">Cheap Double Pedestal Reception Desk by Mayline Office Furniture</a> is a post from: <a href="http://03.edhoyz.co">Office Experts</a></p> </section>	Review Double Pedestal Reception Desk by Mayline Office Furniture Review Double Pedestal Reception Desk by Mayline Office Furniture Buy Link: CLICK HERE Double Pedestal Reception Desk by Mayline Office Furniture Product Description: Double Pedestal Reception Desk by Mayline Office Furniture. The Medina Series of laminate casegoods combines Italian-influenced designs, style and durability. Medina features a floating work surface with a beveled edge that combined with three different laminates sets Medina above all other lines. All desk, return and extension work surfaces are 1" thick with a distinctive beveled edge. Available in Gray Steel, Mahogany, Textured Brown Sugar, Textured Sea Salt, and Mocha laminate finishes. Reception Desk features: * 1 box/box/file pedestal and 1 file/file pedestal * Curved end panels * 3/4" frosted, tempered glass Desk measures 87–1/4"W x 37–1/4"D x 42–3/4"H. Ships ready for easy assembly. Price: 2597.00 USD. The Double Pedestal Reception Desk by Mayline Office Furniture is certainly that and will be a great buy. For this price, the Double Pedestal Reception Desk by Mayline Office Furniture is highly recommended and is a popular choice with lots of people. Buy it Now Cheap Double Pedestal Reception Desk by Mayline Office Furniture is a post from: Office Experts	b2bf703e-8648-5925-af4e-a50656f51f39	25/08/2025 15:58:34
https://medium.com/@tiglathpalasar/mayoral-candidates-silent-on-secret-chicago-police-prison-45157c8fa8f1	medium.com	Mayoral candidates silent on secret Chicago police prison	null	Tiglathpalasar III	https://medium.com/@tiglathpalasar	45157c8fa8f1	null	3 min	2016-10-24T03:48:45.356000	2015-03-06T16:48:30	2017-09-06T02:09:33.584000	0	0	en	Foreign Affairs,Human Rights,Human Rights Violations,Politics,United States Of America	<section> <p><em>by Kristina Betinis</em></p> <p>In the days since the British Guardian newspaper revealed the illegal detention and abuse of citizens at a Chicago Police Department facility known as Homan Square, nine people have come forward detailing their experiences of being held for hours or days in cages, handcuffed to walls and shackled, denied access to counsel, food, water and bathroom facilities, with no record of their having been held at Homan.</p> <p>At least one man, 44-year-old John Hubbard, has died while in police custody at the Homan Square compound, of an “accidental heroin overdose,” according to the Chicago Police Department.</p> <p>Despite calls from former Justice Department officials and from Amnesty International for investigations into the reports, Chicago mayor and former Obama administration official Rahm Emanuel has said virtually nothing about the Guardian reports of illegal detention and abuse. He commented briefly on Chicago Tonight, “That’s not true. We follow all the rules … Everything’s done by the books.”</p> <p>Emanuel’s so-called “progressive” opponent in the upcoming April 7 runoff election for mayor, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, has made no comment on the reports of the secret prison in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. Garcia has campaigned on his commitment to increase policing, including hiring of 1,000 more officers, as part of efforts to “improve the relationship” between the city’s population and one of the most notoriously violent and corrupt police forces in the country.</p> <p>Though defense attorneys have confirmed that their clients’ rights were violated by Chicago police as they were taken into custody at Homan Square, the illegal detention and torture have been going on for more than a decade with no apparent scrutiny from the local press.</p> <p>In response to the Guardian revelations published in late February, the two main Chicago dailies, the Sun-Times and Tribune, have published little more than the Chicago Police Department’s own denials of the allegations, a significant departure from those newspapers’ roles in an earlier period, when they published exposés of the Chicago Police Department’s practice under Cmdr. Jon Burge of torturing suspects to elicit murder confessions.</p> <p>The ostensibly “independent” local public radio station WBEZ has published a report dismissing the Guardian ’s reporting on the Homan Square “black site” as a “mischaracterization” while hypocritically calling for further investigation into Chicago Police Department’s treatment of citizens in general.</p> <p>Tracy Siska of the Chicago Justice Project reports in Crain’s that questions were being raised about detentions at Homan Square as far back as 2011. Siska claims that Chicago police policy governing communications for those in police custody was changed in early May 2012 “in direct response to the Chicago Justice Project and other organizations including the Cook County public defender’s office, American Civil Liberties Union and First Defense Legal Aid bringing the problems of Homan Square to their attention in 2011.”</p> <p>First Assistant Public Defender for Cook County Patrick Reardon spoke with the WSWS about the Homan Square revelations and the rights violations regularly faced by those arrested in the city of Chicago.</p> <p>“In the many years I’ve been practicing, I have had great difficulty getting in touch with clients. It’s an occupational hazard. Sometimes it could be a day or two, and then I find out they’re to be in court.”</p> <p>About the allegations of off-the-record detention, Reardon said, “It’s absolutely, obviously unconstitutional. It’s a violation of Sixth Amendment rights, and if they’re questioned, it’s a violation of Fifth Amendment rights.”</p> <p>“I was somewhat taken aback by the reports, but Illinois is not a stranger to this. In Escobedo v. Illinois [1963], Mr. Escobedo’s lawyer was told to cool his heels while his client was being interrogated.” In the course of the interrogation Escobedo confessed to murder.</p> <p>Retired Chicago police detective and Navy reservist Richard Zuley had also been investigated for torturing prisoners in the 1990s, using the same methods described by those held at Homan Square who have come forward. Earlier in February, Guardian reported Zuley carried out the 2003 interrogation and torture of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a Mauritanian national held at the US detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, which Slahi details in his autobiography.</p> <p>About these abuses, Reardon said, “Yes, I cross-examined him [Zuley], many times as a matter of fact, with little luck. You know, judges just weren’t willing to accept that a police officer was involved in wrongdoing.”</p> <p>Francis Boyle, University of Illinois professor of law and human rights attorney, also spoke with the WSWS about the erosion of civil rights in the US under the guise of the phony “war on terror” in the wake of September 11, 2001.</p> <p>“Ashcroft got rid of the Levi guidelines that stopped COINTELPRO, which were instituted when President Ford told Levi to bring the program to an end. After 9/11 Ashcroft repealed Levi guidelines, basically bringing COINTELPRO back to life. Nothing’s really changed since 1968… with one exception, the CIA used to be prohibited from domestic law enforcement.”</p> <p>Under Emanuel, local police powers have been expanded. Ahead of the 2012 NATO summit in Chicago, local and federal law enforcement collaborated on a massive crackdown on anti-war protests, including the entrapment, conviction and imprisonment of three protesters.</p> <p>On Saturday February 28, several hundred protested against illegal police detention and abuse outside of the Homan Square compound. Another protest is planned for March 7.</p> <p><strong>Source: <a h</strong>ref="https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2015/03/06/chic-m06.html">WSWS</a></p> </section>	Mayoral candidates silent on secret Chicago police prison by Kristina Betinis In the days since the British Guardian newspaper revealed the illegal detention and abuse of citizens at a Chicago Police Department facility known as Homan Square, nine people have come forward detailing their experiences of being held for hours or days in cages, handcuffed to walls and shackled, denied access to counsel, food, water and bathroom facilities, with no record of their having been held at Homan. At least one man, 44-year-old John Hubbard, has died while in police custody at the Homan Square compound, of an “accidental heroin overdose,” according to the Chicago Police Department. Despite calls from former Justice Department officials and from Amnesty International for investigations into the reports, Chicago mayor and former Obama administration official Rahm Emanuel has said virtually nothing about the Guardian reports of illegal detention and abuse. He commented briefly on Chicago Tonight, “That’s not true. We follow all the rules … Everything’s done by the books.” Emanuel’s so-called “progressive” opponent in the upcoming April 7 runoff election for mayor, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, has made no comment on the reports of the secret prison in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. Garcia has campaigned on his commitment to increase policing, including hiring of 1,000 more officers, as part of efforts to “improve the relationship” between the city’s population and one of the most notoriously violent and corrupt police forces in the country. Though defense attorneys have confirmed that their clients’ rights were violated by Chicago police as they were taken into custody at Homan Square, the illegal detention and torture have been going on for more than a decade with no apparent scrutiny from the local press. In response to the Guardian revelations published in late February, the two main Chicago dailies, the Sun-Times and Tribune, have published little more than the Chicago Police Department’s own denials of the allegations, a significant departure from those newspapers’ roles in an earlier period, when they published exposés of the Chicago Police Department’s practice under Cmdr. Jon Burge of torturing suspects to elicit murder confessions. The ostensibly “independent” local public radio station WBEZ has published a report dismissing the Guardian ’s reporting on the Homan Square “black site” as a “mischaracterization” while hypocritically calling for further investigation into Chicago Police Department’s treatment of citizens in general. Tracy Siska of the Chicago Justice Project reports in Crain’s that questions were being raised about detentions at Homan Square as far back as 2011. Siska claims that Chicago police policy governing communications for those in police custody was changed in early May 2012 “in direct response to the Chicago Justice Project and other organizations including the Cook County public defender’s office, American Civil Liberties Union and First Defense Legal Aid bringing the problems of Homan Square to their attention in 2011.” First Assistant Public Defender for Cook County Patrick Reardon spoke with the WSWS about the Homan Square revelations and the rights violations regularly faced by those arrested in the city of Chicago. “In the many years I’ve been practicing, I have had great difficulty getting in touch with clients. It’s an occupational hazard. Sometimes it could be a day or two, and then I find out they’re to be in court.” About the allegations of off-the-record detention, Reardon said, “It’s absolutely, obviously unconstitutional. It’s a violation of Sixth Amendment rights, and if they’re questioned, it’s a violation of Fifth Amendment rights.” “I was somewhat taken aback by the reports, but Illinois is not a stranger to this. In Escobedo v. Illinois [1963], Mr. Escobedo’s lawyer was told to cool his heels while his client was being interrogated.” In the course of the interrogation Escobedo confessed to murder. Retired Chicago police detective and Navy reservist Richard Zuley had also been investigated for torturing prisoners in the 1990s, using the same methods described by those held at Homan Square who have come forward. Earlier in February, Guardian reported Zuley carried out the 2003 interrogation and torture of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, a Mauritanian national held at the US detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, which Slahi details in his autobiography. About these abuses, Reardon said, “Yes, I cross-examined him [Zuley], many times as a matter of fact, with little luck. You know, judges just weren’t willing to accept that a police officer was involved in wrongdoing.” Francis Boyle, University of Illinois professor of law and human rights attorney, also spoke with the WSWS about the erosion of civil rights in the US under the guise of the phony “war on terror” in the wake of September 11, 2001. “Ashcroft got rid of the Levi guidelines that stopped COINTELPRO, which were instituted when President Ford told Levi to bring the program to an end. After 9/11 Ashcroft repealed Levi guidelines, basically bringing COINTELPRO back to life. Nothing’s really changed since 1968… with one exception, the CIA used to be prohibited from domestic law enforcement.” Under Emanuel, local police powers have been expanded. Ahead of the 2012 NATO summit in Chicago, local and federal law enforcement collaborated on a massive crackdown on anti-war protests, including the entrapment, conviction and imprisonment of three protesters. On Saturday February 28, several hundred protested against illegal police detention and abuse outside of the Homan Square compound. Another protest is planned for March 7. Source: WSWS	0892b130-605f-5d5b-9b42-a4885e59aaa6	25/08/2025 15:58:34
https://medium.com/@bhaskar_contentwriter/the-dark-side-of-ai-assistants-are-they-making-us-more-dependent-92d126c0b3d0	medium.com	The Dark Side of AI Assistants: Are They Making Us More Dependent?	null	Bhaskar Content Writer	https://medium.com/@bhaskar_contentwriter	92d126c0b3d0	https://miro.medium.com/…nLYyiIq6bUg.jpeg	2 min	2025-08-23T17:02:21.980000	2025-08-23T17:23:41.200000	2025-08-23T18:27:37.751000	0	0	en	Artificial Intelligence,Technology,Science,Productivity,Future	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/4097/1*S5f2cI5dlsDnLYyiIq6bUg.jpeg" width="4097" height="2731" loading="lazy" /> <p>Artificial Intelligence assistants have become our daily companion</p> <ul> <li>Helping us draft emails, schedule meetings, answer questions, even write code.</li> <li>From Siri and Alexa to ChatGPT and Gemini, these digital helpers promise convenience, speed, and efficiency.</li> </ul> <p>But here’s the question we rarely stop to ask: Are AI assistants quietly making us more dependent than we realize?</p> <p>The Promise of AI: Convenience at Our Fingertips</p> <ul> <li>AI assistants are designed to save us time. Need a recipe? Ask your voice assistant.</li> <li>Stuck on a tricky work email? AI can draft it.</li> <li>Don’t want to manually sort data? One prompt can handle it.</li> </ul> <p>In a world where productivity is prized, AI assistants feel like a blessing.</p> <ul> <li>They reduce friction in daily tasks and allow us to focus on “what really matters.”</li> <li>But there’s a flip side.</li> <li>When Help Turns Into Reliance</li> <li>The human brain is a “use it or lose it” machine.</li> <li>The more we outsource tasks—whether it’s remembering phone numbers, doing mental math, or writing original content.</li> <li>The less we practice those skills ourselves.</li> </ul> <p>Ask yourself:</p> <ul> <li>When was the last time you calculated without a calculator?</li> <li>Or wrote an email from scratch without AI suggestions?</li> <li>Or remembered a friend’s number instead of just tapping a contact?</li> <li>AI doesn’t just make life easier. It can make us forget how to do things on our own.</li> </ul> <p>Subtle Shifts in Decision-Making</p> <ul> <li>AI assistants don’t just provide information; they shape our decisions.</li> <li>If your assistant suggests a restaurant, news article, or even a career tip—you’re more likely to follow it.</li> </ul> <p>Over time, this builds algorithmic dependency: trusting the machine’s judgment over our own.</p> <p>The Risk of Losing Critical Thinking</p> <ul> <li>The more we rely on AI, the more we risk becoming passive consumers of information instead of active thinkers.</li> <li>For students, that could mean relying on AI for essays instead of learning how to structure arguments.</li> <li>For professionals, it might mean leaning on AI-generated reports instead of deeply analyzing data.</li> </ul> <p>The danger isn’t that AI makes mistakes. The danger is when we stop noticing.</p> <p>Finding a Balance</p> <ul> <li>AI assistants are tools—not replacements for human capability.</li> <li>To prevent over-dependence, here are a few mindful practices.</li> <li>Use AI as a co-pilot, not the driver. Let it assist, but make final calls yourself.</li> </ul> <p>Keep practicing core skills. Write, calculate, plan, and think without AI regularly.</p> <p>Question AI outputs. Don’t accept every suggestion—pause and reflect.</p> <ul> <li>Set boundaries. Not every task needs an AI shortcut. Sometimes, the “long way” builds mastery.</li> </ul> <p>Final Thoughts</p> <ul> <li>AI assistants are here to stay. They will only become more powerful and more embedded in our daily lives.</li> <li>The challenge is not rejecting them—but learning to use them without losing ourselves.</li> </ul> <p>Because at the end of the day, the smartest assistant we’ll ever have is still our own mind.</p> </section>	The Dark Side of AI Assistants: Are They Making Us More Dependent? Artificial Intelligence assistants have become our daily companion Helping us draft emails, schedule meetings, answer questions, even write code. From Siri and Alexa to ChatGPT and Gemini, these digital helpers promise convenience, speed, and efficiency. But here’s the question we rarely stop to ask: Are AI assistants quietly making us more dependent than we realize? The Promise of AI: Convenience at Our Fingertips AI assistants are designed to save us time. Need a recipe? Ask your voice assistant. Stuck on a tricky work email? AI can draft it. Don’t want to manually sort data? One prompt can handle it. In a world where productivity is prized, AI assistants feel like a blessing. They reduce friction in daily tasks and allow us to focus on “what really matters.” But there’s a flip side. When Help Turns Into Reliance The human brain is a “use it or lose it” machine. The more we outsource tasks—whether it’s remembering phone numbers, doing mental math, or writing original content. The less we practice those skills ourselves. Ask yourself: When was the last time you calculated without a calculator? Or wrote an email from scratch without AI suggestions? Or remembered a friend’s number instead of just tapping a contact? AI doesn’t just make life easier. It can make us forget how to do things on our own. Subtle Shifts in Decision-Making AI assistants don’t just provide information; they shape our decisions. If your assistant suggests a restaurant, news article, or even a career tip—you’re more likely to follow it. Over time, this builds algorithmic dependency: trusting the machine’s judgment over our own. The Risk of Losing Critical Thinking The more we rely on AI, the more we risk becoming passive consumers of information instead of active thinkers. For students, that could mean relying on AI for essays instead of learning how to structure arguments. For professionals, it might mean leaning on AI-generated reports instead of deeply analyzing data. The danger isn’t that AI makes mistakes. The danger is when we stop noticing. Finding a Balance AI assistants are tools—not replacements for human capability. To prevent over-dependence, here are a few mindful practices. Use AI as a co-pilot, not the driver. Let it assist, but make final calls yourself. Keep practicing core skills. Write, calculate, plan, and think without AI regularly. Question AI outputs. Don’t accept every suggestion—pause and reflect. Set boundaries. Not every task needs an AI shortcut. Sometimes, the “long way” builds mastery. Final Thoughts AI assistants are here to stay. They will only become more powerful and more embedded in our daily lives. The challenge is not rejecting them—but learning to use them without losing ourselves. Because at the end of the day, the smartest assistant we’ll ever have is still our own mind.	8444e51f-982b-586f-b01b-5ebcaa1f8565	25/08/2025 15:58:34
https://medium.com/@Storyful/ge2015-candidates-sent-more-than-50-000-tweets-last-week-8154ee33991e	medium.com	#GE2015 Candidates Sent More Than 50,000 Tweets Last Week	When parliament was dissolved at midnight on March 30 we began tracking the tweets of thousands of candidates across the United Kingdom. In…	Storyful	https://medium.com/@Storyful	8154ee33991e	https://miro.medium.com/…4NESdbtJaVQ.jpeg	5 min	2015-04-10T07:50:52.222000	2015-04-10T08:28:01.083000	2018-05-10T20:39:12.635000	0	7	en	GE2015,Elections,David Cameron	<section> <p>#GE2015 Candidates Sent More Than 50,000 Tweets Last Week</p> <p>When parliament was dissolved at midnight on March 30 we began tracking the tweets of thousands of candidates across the United Kingdom. In week one of the short campaign candidates sent more than 50,000 tweets. They tweeted almost 8,000 times during the ITV leaders’ debate, Labour candidates tweeted a lot more about David Cameron than they did Ed Miliband, and some candidates even tweeted about WrestleMania, Storyful’s <a href="https://twitter.com/padrg">Peadar Grogan</a> writes.</p> <p>Image: @david_cameron</p> <p>In Numbers</p> <p><strong>3,849 </strong>Candidates</p> <p><strong>650 </strong>Seats up for grabs</p> <p><strong>2,375</strong> — The number of candidates active on Twitter</p> <p><strong>39 </strong>— the number of total days in the #GE2015 campaign</p> <p><strong>54,905</strong> tweets by candidates in the first week of campaigning</p> <p><strong>416 </strong>tweets from the Lib Dem’s @stevebeasant — the most by any candidate</p> <p><strong>26%</strong> — the proportion of tweets from Labour candidates — the top tweeters</p> <p><strong>36 </strong>tweets per head from SNP candidates — the most active campaigners</p> <p><strong>14%</strong> — the proportion of the entire week’s tweets crammed into the two hours of the leaders’ debate on April 2</p> <p><strong>7,962</strong> — the number of tweets sent by candidates from the seven participating parties during the ITV #LeadersDebate</p> <p><strong>#LeadersDebate</strong> the most used hashtag during week one</p> <p><strong>#WrestleMania</strong> — the most unexpected hashtag?</p> <p><strong>721 </strong>uses of “Cameron” by Labour Candidates — 170 more uses than “Miliband.”</p> <ul> <li>Storyful’s database of candidates’ Twitter accounts is based on data from <a href="https://yournextmp.com/">YourNextMP</a>.</li> </ul> <p>The Spike</p> <p>What dominated week one?</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/931/1VCafg4BkgYWOLHbCvv8xJg.png" width="931" height="609" loading="lazy" /> <p>The graph above shows tweets, per 15-minute period, across seven days, from just after 1 am on Monday March 30, to 12:59 pm on April 5. Tweeting patterns were consistent day to day, except on the night of Thursday, April 2. The ITV leaders’ debate dominated social media during the first week of the campaign. <a href="https://medium.com/@Storyful/how-candidates-tweeted-the-leaders-debate-58ca4d623cc">See here</a> for more on the specifics of the debate.</p> <p></p> <p><strong>Who was tweeting?</strong></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/932/1iJmLWhARzTK2gTTHxMUogA.png" width="932" height="611" loading="lazy" /> <p>Labour Party candidates make up the largest list in our data set, with 566 tweeting candidates. The 28 tweeters from Plaid Cymru make up the smallest tweeting candidate group. Plotting tweets per head shows a very different story:</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/931/1tWJTqe2j9kYQ9b4y0_utgA.png" width="931" height="602" loading="lazy" /> <p>Here we can see that the Scottish National Party’s candidates are the most active on Twitter, with 36 tweets per head over the course of the week. Labour’s candidates manage to hold their own, however, with slightly more than 25 tweets per week.</p> <p><strong>When were they tweeting?</strong></p> <p>This graphs shows the cumulative weekly tweets of each party’s candidates, expressed as an hourly value. Ignoring the obvious distortion caused by the leaders’ debate, candidates are tweeting from the moment they wake (tweets ramp up between 7 am and 8 am) and then remain largely constant throughout the day.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/939/1GKyoAo46GNNw0QJgZv4KhA.png" width="939" height="611" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>The Top Tweeters</strong></p> <p>Drilling down into individual candidates’ accounts we can see the top individual tweeters. The Liberal Democrats’ Steve Beasant is a candidate for Great Grimsby and is a councillor for the East Marsh. His Twitter account is very active, regularly posting links and images to drive engagement. Beasant has a habit of resharing older content, however, such as in <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=%23LibDems%20protect%20the%20environment%20and%20are%20introducing%20a%205p%20plastic%20bag%20charge%20in%20England%20&src=typd">this example</a>.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/935/1fWrTYGvx4_lHVVPHekXIyA.png" width="935" height="613" loading="lazy" /> <p>You can find the top tweeters’ accounts here:</p> <p>Liberal Democrats’ <a href="https://twitter.com/kav_kaushik">Kavya Kaushik</a> SNP’s <a href="https://twitter.com/nataliemcgarry">Natalie McGarry</a> Plaid Cymru’s <a href="https://twitter.com/vaughan_wms">Vaughan Williams</a> UKIP’s <a href="https://twitter.com/rogtallbloke">Rog Tallbloke</a> Labour’s <a href="https://twitter.com/jessphillips">Jess Phillips</a> The Green Party’s <a href="https://twitter.com/lee4hexham">Lee Williscroft-Ferris</a> Respect Party’s <a href="https://twitter.com/georgegalloway">George Galloway</a> The Green Party’s <a href="https://twitter.com/mrsacky">Murray Sackwild</a> Labour’s <a href="https://twitter.com/karlturnermp">Karl Turner</a></p> <p>Looking at the top tweeters by party (including Others) we get the following:</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/929/1w_WnvzeWH6BAns_U52_vhA.png" width="929" height="607" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>What were they saying?</strong></p> <p>We’ve pulled out the hashtags that candidates were using during the first week of the campaign. Unsurprisingly, #LeadersDebate dwarfed all of the other hashtags used in the first week of the campaign. After that, the candidates dug in along party lines, with hashtags such as #VOTESNP or #labourdoorstep dominating.</p> <p>WrestleMania 31 took place in Santa Clara, California, on March 29. The hashtag #WrestleMania was used by two Green Party candidates and one Labour candidate. Three independent and other party candidates also tweeted about WrestleMania.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/933/1GWTOPeawoWl6KwZTz4_YYA.png" width="933" height="607" loading="lazy" /> <p>Labour candidates mentioned David Cameron’s name 721 times during the week. They only mentioned Ed Miliband 551 times. On the other side, Miliband won. His name was used 597 times by Conservative candidates, versus 533 uses of Cameron.</p> <p><strong>What were they sharing?</strong></p> <p>Some of the week’s biggest stories leap from the data when the most shared urls are isolated. The Telegraph’s <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/SNP/11514933/Nicola-Sturgeon-secretly-backs-David-Cameron.html">report</a> that the SNP’s Nicola Sturgeon had privately indicated that she backed David Cameron for prime minister was one of the biggest stories on the Friday of that week. Zero hours contracts <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/mar/31/workers-on-zero-hours-contracts-to-get-regular-contracts-after-3-months">became a talking point</a> when Labour’s Ed Miliband pledged that Labour would severely restrict their use. Martin Freeman appeared in Labour’s first election broadcast. All of these, along with links to party websites and other articles, made the top ten most-shared links.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1091/1PW3EaX0rhCexnYRof8rGRg.png" width="1091" height="712" loading="lazy" /> <p>Labour’s political broadcast featuring Martin Freeman was among the most shared links</p> <h3>Top Shared Links By Party</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1089/1*ssrT6ZI1RkBS28B9Q5I8sw.png" width="1089" height="706" loading="lazy" /> <p>See what the parties’ candidates were sharing below:</p> <p>Conservatives — <a href="https://www.conservatives.com/ShareTheFacts/post?name=labour-vs-conservatives-economy&id=09a4aa61-befb-46f0-b020-09c3c038c9d5">Conservatives’ Website</a> Labour — <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/SNP/11514933/Nicola-Sturgeon-secretly-backs-David-Cameron.html">The Telegraph: Sturgeon backing Cameron Leak</a> Green Party — <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2015/politics-blog/11512203/Election-debates-Who-does-Twitter-think-is-winning.html">The Telegraph’s Twitter tracker</a> Liberal Democrats — <a href="http://www.libdems.org.uk/">Liberal Democrats’ Website</a> UKIP — Amazon link to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VD8B28C/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_.vCgvb15NBT2X">Great British Eurosceptic Immigrant</a> by Przemek Skwirczynski Plaid Cymru — <a href="http://www.partyof.wales/the-slate/2015/04/02/plaids-plans-for-cutting-the-deficit-whilst-sustaining-jobs-and-creating-investment/">Plaid Cymru website</a> SNP — <a href="http://www.snp.org/join">SNP website</a> Other — My MP YouTube video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhaabs76fvE">What if Politicians Worked for Us</a>?</p> <p>How We Did It</p> <h3><strong>Sources and sorting</strong></h3> <p>We monitored the Twitter activity of candidates across all of the UK. Using information obtained from the <a href="https://yournextmp.com/">YourNextMP</a> database, we sorted candidates’ Twitter handles into lists based on party. We then tracked these lists over time to determine: Who tweeted when? What hashtags were being used? What links were candidates sharing?</p> <h3><strong>Caveats</strong></h3> <p>We are working to identify original tweets sent directly from candidates. As such, Storyful’s dataset excludes direct RTs — retweets sent by hitting the RT button — but manual, copy-and-paste retweets have not been excluded.</p> <p>We also haven’t accounted for poor spelling. The hashtag #labourdooorstep, for example, was used a surprisingly large number of times (74, in fact). We haven’t included those in our analysis of the #labourdoorstep hashtag at this time.</p> <p>_____________</p> <h3>If interested in working with Storyful on data, blogging or just great election content, please contact <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></h3> </section>	#GE2015 Candidates Sent More Than 50,000 Tweets Last Week When parliament was dissolved at midnight on March 30 we began tracking the tweets of thousands of candidates across the United Kingdom. In week one of the short campaign candidates sent more than 50,000 tweets. They tweeted almost 8,000 times during the ITV leaders’ debate, Labour candidates tweeted a lot more about David Cameron than they did Ed Miliband, and some candidates even tweeted about WrestleMania, Storyful’s Peadar Grogan writes. Image: @david_cameron In Numbers 3,849 Candidates* 650 Seats up for grabs 2,375 — The number of candidates active on Twitter* 39 — the number of total days in the #GE2015 campaign 54,905 tweets by candidates in the first week of campaigning 416 tweets from the Lib Dem’s @stevebeasant — the most by any candidate 26% — the proportion of tweets from Labour candidates — the top tweeters 36 tweets per head from SNP candidates — the most active campaigners 14% — the proportion of the entire week’s tweets crammed into the two hours of the leaders’ debate on April 2 7,962 — the number of tweets sent by candidates from the seven participating parties during the ITV #LeadersDebate #LeadersDebate the most used hashtag during week one #WrestleMania — the most unexpected hashtag? 721 uses of “Cameron” by Labour Candidates — 170 more uses than “Miliband.” Storyful’s database of candidates’ Twitter accounts is based on data from YourNextMP. The Spike What dominated week one? The graph above shows tweets, per 15-minute period, across seven days, from just after 1 am on Monday March 30, to 12:59 pm on April 5. Tweeting patterns were consistent day to day, except on the night of Thursday, April 2. The ITV leaders’ debate dominated social media during the first week of the campaign. See here for more on the specifics of the debate. Who was tweeting? Labour Party candidates make up the largest list in our data set, with 566 tweeting candidates. The 28 tweeters from Plaid Cymru make up the smallest tweeting candidate group. Plotting tweets per head shows a very different story: Here we can see that the Scottish National Party’s candidates are the most active on Twitter, with 36 tweets per head over the course of the week. Labour’s candidates manage to hold their own, however, with slightly more than 25 tweets per week. When were they tweeting? This graphs shows the cumulative weekly tweets of each party’s candidates, expressed as an hourly value. Ignoring the obvious distortion caused by the leaders’ debate, candidates are tweeting from the moment they wake (tweets ramp up between 7 am and 8 am) and then remain largely constant throughout the day. The Top Tweeters Drilling down into individual candidates’ accounts we can see the top individual tweeters. The Liberal Democrats’ Steve Beasant is a candidate for Great Grimsby and is a councillor for the East Marsh. His Twitter account is very active, regularly posting links and images to drive engagement. Beasant has a habit of resharing older content, however, such as in this example. You can find the top tweeters’ accounts here: Liberal Democrats’ Kavya Kaushik SNP’s Natalie McGarry Plaid Cymru’s Vaughan Williams UKIP’s Rog Tallbloke Labour’s Jess Phillips The Green Party’s Lee Williscroft-Ferris Respect Party’s George Galloway The Green Party’s Murray Sackwild Labour’s Karl Turner Looking at the top tweeters by party (including Others) we get the following: What were they saying? We’ve pulled out the hashtags that candidates were using during the first week of the campaign. Unsurprisingly, #LeadersDebate dwarfed all of the other hashtags used in the first week of the campaign. After that, the candidates dug in along party lines, with hashtags such as #VOTESNP or #labourdoorstep dominating. WrestleMania 31 took place in Santa Clara, California, on March 29. The hashtag #WrestleMania was used by two Green Party candidates and one Labour candidate. Three independent and other party candidates also tweeted about WrestleMania. Labour candidates mentioned David Cameron’s name 721 times during the week. They only mentioned Ed Miliband 551 times. On the other side, Miliband won. His name was used 597 times by Conservative candidates, versus 533 uses of Cameron. What were they sharing? Some of the week’s biggest stories leap from the data when the most shared urls are isolated. The Telegraph’s report that the SNP’s Nicola Sturgeon had privately indicated that she backed David Cameron for prime minister was one of the biggest stories on the Friday of that week. Zero hours contracts became a talking point when Labour’s Ed Miliband pledged that Labour would severely restrict their use. Martin Freeman appeared in Labour’s first election broadcast. All of these, along with links to party websites and other articles, made the top ten most-shared links. Labour’s political broadcast featuring Martin Freeman was among the most shared links Top Shared Links By Party See what the parties’ candidates were sharing below: Conservatives — Conservatives’ Website Labour — The Telegraph: Sturgeon backing Cameron Leak Green Party — The Telegraph’s Twitter tracker Liberal Democrats — Liberal Democrats’ Website UKIP — Amazon link to Great British Eurosceptic Immigrant by Przemek Skwirczynski Plaid Cymru — Plaid Cymru website SNP — SNP website Other — My MP YouTube video: What if Politicians Worked for Us? How We Did It Sources and sorting We monitored the Twitter activity of candidates across all of the UK. Using information obtained from the YourNextMP database, we sorted candidates’ Twitter handles into lists based on party. We then tracked these lists over time to determine: Who tweeted when? What hashtags were being used? What links were candidates sharing? Caveats We are working to identify original tweets sent directly from candidates. As such, Storyful’s dataset excludes direct RTs — retweets sent by hitting the RT button — but manual, copy-and-paste retweets have not been excluded. We also haven’t accounted for poor spelling. The hashtag #labourdooorstep, for example, was used a surprisingly large number of times (74, in fact). We haven’t included those in our analysis of the #labourdoorstep hashtag at this time. _____________ If interested in working with Storyful on data, blogging or just great election content, please contact [email protected]	9be1f918-7e14-5ea0-a0fc-60d8c6769653	25/08/2025 15:58:34
https://abnerassignmenthelp.medium.com/charting-the-course-mastering-survival-analysis-in-r-for-desperate-programmers-e8e0cba9c621	medium.com	Charting the Course: Mastering Survival Analysis in R for Desperate Programmers	survival analysis is a statistical technique used to analyze the time until an event of interest occurs. It’s commonly applied in medical…	Abnerassignmenthelp	https://medium.com/@abnerassignmenthelp	e8e0cba9c621	null	1 min	2023-08-14T16:52:37.259000	2023-08-14T16:55:55.799000	2023-08-14T16:55:58.978000	0	0	en	Rstudio,Assignment Help,Assignment,Assignment Writing Help,Homework	<section> <p><strong><a href="https://</strong>abnerassignmenthelp.com/r-studio-programming-help/">survival analysis</a> is a statistical technique used to analyze the time until an event of interest occurs. It’s commonly applied in medical research, engineering, economics, and other fields where the timing of events is crucial. In R, the survival package is widely used for survival analysis.</p> <p><strong>1. Data Preparation:</strong> Ensure your dataset is structured with variables for survival time and event status (censoring indicator). Load the required libraries and read your dataset into R.</p> <p><em><strong># Load necessary l</em>ibraries</strong></p> <p><em><strong>library(s</em>urvival)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>library(su</em>rvminer)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>library(</em>ggplot2)</strong></p> <p><em><strong># Read your</em> dataset</strong></p> <p><em><strong>data <- read.csv(“your_datas</em>et.csv”)</strong></p> <p><strong>2. Data Exploration:</strong> Start by understanding your data. Calculate summary statistics and visualize the distribution of survival times and event status using Kaplan-Meier survival curves.</p> <p><em><strong># Summary st</em>atistics</strong></p> <p><em><strong>summa</em>ry(data)</strong></p> <p><em><strong># Kaplan-Meier surviv</em>al curve</strong></p> <p><em><strong>km_curve <- survfit(Surv(time, event) ~ 1, data</em> = data)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>autoplot(k</em>m_curve)</strong></p> <p><strong>3. Covariate Analysis:</strong> Investigate the impact of covariates on survival. For instance, if you have categorical variables like treatment groups, use log-rank tests.</p> <p><em><strong># Log-r</em>ank test</strong></p> <p><em><strong>logrank_test <- survdiff(Surv(time, event) ~ treatment, data</em> = data)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>summary(logra</em>nk_test)</strong></p> <p><strong>4. Modeling:</strong> Fit survival models. The Cox proportional hazards model is commonly used. It estimates the effect of covariates on the hazard rate.</p> <p><em><strong># Cox proportional hazar</em>ds model</strong></p> <p><em><strong>cox_model <- coxph(Surv(time, event) ~ covariate1 + covariate2, data</em> = data)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>summary(co</em>x_model)</strong></p> <p><strong>5. Visualization:</strong> Visualize the results of your survival analysis. Create survival curves for different groups or covariate levels.</p> <p><em><strong># Visualize surviva</em>l curves</strong></p> <p><em><strong>ggsurvplot(km_curve, data</em> = data)</strong></p> <p><strong>6. Predictions and Inference:</strong> Predict survival probabilities for specific scenarios using your fitted model.</p> <p><em><strong># Predict survival proba</em>bilities</strong></p> <p><em><strong>new_data <- data.frame(covariate1 = value1, covariate2 =</em> value2)</strong></p> <p><em><strong>surv_prob <- predict(cox_model, newdata = new_data, type = “su</em>rvival”)</strong></p> <p><strong>7. Validation and Sensitivity Analysis:</strong> Validate your model’s performance using techniques like cross-validation or bootstrapping.</p> <p><em><strong># Bootstrap va</em>lidation</strong></p> <p><em><strong>boot_model <- coxph(Surv(time, event) ~ covariate1 + covariate2, data = data, method = “b</em>reslow”)</strong></p> <p><strong>8. Interpretation and Reporting:</strong> Interpret your results in the context of your research question. Report your findings, methods, and visualizations in a comprehensive report.</p> <p>Finally, <strong><a href="htt</strong>ps://abnerassignmenthelp.com/r-studio-programming-help/">getting help</a> whenever you feel overwhelmed is essential to a college student’s routine.</p> </section>	Charting the Course: Mastering Survival Analysis in R for Desperate Programmers survival analysis is a statistical technique used to analyze the time until an event of interest occurs. It’s commonly applied in medical research, engineering, economics, and other fields where the timing of events is crucial. In R, the survival package is widely used for survival analysis. 1. Data Preparation: Ensure your dataset is structured with variables for survival time and event status (censoring indicator). Load the required libraries and read your dataset into R. # Load necessary libraries library(survival) library(survminer) library(ggplot2) # Read your dataset data <- read.csv(“your_dataset.csv”) 2. Data Exploration: Start by understanding your data. Calculate summary statistics and visualize the distribution of survival times and event status using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. # Summary statistics summary(data) # Kaplan-Meier survival curve km_curve <- survfit(Surv(time, event) ~ 1, data = data) autoplot(km_curve) 3. Covariate Analysis: Investigate the impact of covariates on survival. For instance, if you have categorical variables like treatment groups, use log-rank tests. # Log-rank test logrank_test <- survdiff(Surv(time, event) ~ treatment, data = data) summary(logrank_test) 4. Modeling: Fit survival models. The Cox proportional hazards model is commonly used. It estimates the effect of covariates on the hazard rate. # Cox proportional hazards model cox_model <- coxph(Surv(time, event) ~ covariate1 + covariate2, data = data) summary(cox_model) 5. Visualization: Visualize the results of your survival analysis. Create survival curves for different groups or covariate levels. # Visualize survival curves ggsurvplot(km_curve, data = data) 6. Predictions and Inference: Predict survival probabilities for specific scenarios using your fitted model. # Predict survival probabilities new_data <- data.frame(covariate1 = value1, covariate2 = value2) surv_prob <- predict(cox_model, newdata = new_data, type = “survival”) 7. Validation and Sensitivity Analysis: Validate your model’s performance using techniques like cross-validation or bootstrapping. # Bootstrap validation boot_model <- coxph(Surv(time, event) ~ covariate1 + covariate2, data = data, method = “breslow”) 8. Interpretation and Reporting: Interpret your results in the context of your research question. Report your findings, methods, and visualizations in a comprehensive report. Finally, getting help whenever you feel overwhelmed is essential to a college student’s routine.	bb37e0ef-9e9b-593c-8076-8f6c0eb16de7	25/08/2025 15:58:36
https://medium.com/@terrystidbits2019/learn-to-set-up-microsoft-azure-active-directory-with-sso-7a4688058498	medium.com	Learn to set up Microsoft Azure Active Directory with SSO	One of the simplest things you can do to help improve user adoption of Salesforce is to enable Single Sign On (SSO). SSO creates a trust…	Terrys Tidbits	https://medium.com/@terrystidbits2019	7a4688058498	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*bUkZAzNYCEQLU4jv	5 min	2019-11-20T01:57:06.473000	2019-04-12T14:05:45	2021-12-09T07:47:00.389000	0	0	en	Microsoft,Salesforce	<section> <h1>Learn to set up Microsoft Azure Active Directory with SSO</h1> <p>One of the simplest things you can do to help improve user adoption of Salesforce is to enable Single Sign On (SSO). SSO creates a trust relationship between your corporate network login and Salesforce. This relationship lets users bypass the Salesforce login and directly begin accessing Salesforce records. It also improves your overall security model by having a single identity provider, Active Directory. This means when a user loses access to your corporate network, they can also lose access to Salesforce.</p> <p>There are many other benefits as well, so why doesn’t everyone do this? The reason I didn’t do it was I thought it was too complicated and I’d never understand how. My hope is this step by step guide will help you through the process.</p> <p>To get started you will need to setup your My Domain in Salesforce. If you have not done that, do it now. You will then need to work with your corporate network administrator as this requires configuration on Azure. Schedule 30–60 minutes with them and you’ll be able to knock this process out and your Salesforce users will love you. Let’s get started!</p> <p>Each step below is prefaced with who is responsible to complete it. SA means it’s the Salesforce Administrator’s responsibility while AD will mean it’s your Active Directory Administrators role.</p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp7WlRC-HO&text=Click%20to%20Tweet%3A%20Here%E2%80%99s%20a%20helpful%20step%20by%20step%20guide%20to%20setup%20SSO%20between%20%23Azure%20Active%20Directory%20and%20%23Salesforce%20&via=terrystidbits&related=terrystidbits">Click to Tweet: Here’s a helpful step by step guide to setup SSO between #Azure Active Directory and #Salesforce Tell your friends about it</a></p> <h2>Step 1</h2> <p>SA: Sign into Salesforce</p> <h2>Step 2</h2> <p>AD: Sign into Azure Active Directory site: <a href="https://aad.portal.azure.com/">https://aad.portal.azure.com</a></p> <h2>Step 3</h2> <p>AD: Select Enterprise applications</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/433/0Giad9Dx5L_voYyaP" width="433" height="261" loading="lazy" /> <h2>Step 4</h2> <p>AD: Press the New Application button</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/279/0qFufJAdRs53X8oBE" width="279" height="105" loading="lazy" /> <h2>Step 5</h2> <p>AD: In the Add from gallery section, type in Salesforce</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/435/0CWFxQHSRvj3HbUng" width="435" height="245" loading="lazy" /> <h2>Step 6</h2> <p>AD: Select the appropriate type of Salesforce org you’re connecting to and you’ll see the Salesforce Add App panel appear.</p> <h2>Step 7</h2> <p>AD: In the Name, I would recommend naming it something that will help you recall what this is being used for. For a production org, you might call it Salesforce SSO. For a dev org, you might call it Salesforce Dev1 SSO. Press the Add button at the bottom of the screen.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/301/0qdu1aaAeCNmF3VVV" width="301" height="680" loading="lazy" /> <h2>Step 8</h2> <p>AD: Select Single sign-on from the application menu then click the SAML card</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max//0hu3IkqLINvwDUUWv" width="" height="" loading="lazy" /> <p>You should now be on a screen that looks like the one below. It walks us through each step we need to take.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/753/0HM5RH8Y0ljqR4ZJI" width="753" height="627" loading="lazy" /> <h2>AD: Starting with Step 1:</h2> <ul> <li>Press the edit pencil in the Basic SAML Configuration section</li> <li>Enter your Salesforce My Domain address in both the Identifier (Entity ID) (Required) and Sign on URL (Required) fields. It should look something like: <a href="https://universalcontainers.my.salesforce.com">https://universalcontainers.my.salesforce.com</a></li> <li>Press Save. You can then press the X in the top right to close the screen.</li> </ul> <h2>AD: Step 2:</h2> <ul> <li>Press the edit pencil in the User Attributes & Claims section</li> <li>Press the edit pencil next to the Name identifier value.</li> </ul> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/833/0Ksz1-RkZU_mxNVDn" width="833" height="248" loading="lazy" /> <ul> <li>I typically use the Source attribute of user.mail. Press Save then the X to close the screen.</li> </ul> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/550/0vD2OrC7pSDfQfgM6" width="550" height="308" loading="lazy" /> <h2>AD: Step 3:</h2> <ul> <li>In the SAML Singing Certificate section, press the Download link next to Certificate (Base64)</li> <li>Also download the Federation Metadata XML</li> </ul> <p>SA: Go to Salesforce and press the Gear to open Setup</p> <p>SA: In the Quick Find type in Single Sign-on and select it.</p> <p>SA: Press Edit, Enable SAML, and press Save</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/444/02yljbWSM1dis223E" width="444" height="217" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1023/0ZG4COFQrXTe8NnBB" width="1023" height="711" loading="lazy" /> <p>SA: Press the Choose File and upload the Certification you downloaded from Azure</p> <p>SA: For the SAML Identity Type, select Assertion contains the Federation ID from the User object</p> <p>SA: Press Save</p> <p>SA: From the Setup Quick Find, type in Users</p> <p>SA: Edit the user’s Federated Id field to add the user’s Azure email address</p> <p>SA: Repeat this step for all users.</p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp7WlRC-HO&text=%20Click%20to%20Tweet%3A%20I%E2%80%99m%20setting%20up%20Single%20Sign-on%20for%20%23Salesforce.%20Thanks%20to%20%40TerrysTidbits%2C%20this%20has%20been%20easy.%20&via=terrystidbits&related=terrystidbits">Click to Tweet: I’m setting up Single Sign-on for #Salesforce. Thanks to @TerrysTidbits, this has been easy. let your followers know</a></p> <p>AD: Go back to Microsoft Active Directory</p> <p>AD: Select Properties from the application menu</p> <p>AD: Scroll down to the bottom of the page to the User assignment required? And select No then Save. This will make the application available to all your Azure Users. If you want to be more restrictive, leave this setting as Yes. Then use Users and groups to control who has access to this application.</p> <p>SA: Go back to Salesforce</p> <p>SA: In the Setup, in the Quick Find search, type and select My Domain</p> <p>SA: Press Edit in the Authentication Configuration section. Check the Azure AD option, or whatever you named the Identity Provider, and press Save. You could also deselect the Login Form if you want to force users to only authentic using their corporate login.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/561/0KzWg2GKTNYqJ1nDd" width="561" height="201" loading="lazy" /> <p>SA: Sign out of Salesforce or open an Incognito browser window.</p> <p>SA: Type your My Domain login page into the URL of your browser. Ie: <a href="https://universalcontainers.my.salesforce.com">https://universalcontainers.my.salesforce.com</a></p> <p>SA: You should see an Azure AD button below the login form. If you deselected the Login Form on the My Domain settings, only the Azure button will appear.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/387/0G8JLVRJO53fMSVal" width="387" height="450" loading="lazy" /> <p>SA: Press the Azure AD button.</p> <p>SA: If you’re already logged into Azure, Salesforce will open immediately. If not, you’ll be provided by Microsoft to sign in.</p> <p>If everything worked as it should, your users will no longer need to be provided a Salesforce username and password. They still have to be setup with a username but you wouldn’t have to share it with them.</p> <p>If you wish to take this one step further, Salesforce has a product called Identity Connect which automatically provisions, ie: syncs, Salesforce users with Active Directory. With that product, your corporate network administrator can manage Salesforce users all from within Active Directory.</p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwp.me%2Fp7WlRC-HO&text=Click%20to%20Tweet%3A%20%20Did%20you%20know%20that%20Identity%20Connect%20from%20%23Salesforce%20synchronizes%20Active%20Directory%20users%20with%20Salesforce%20users%3F%20&via=terrystidbits&related=terrystidbits">Click to Tweet: Did you know that Identity Connect from #Salesforce synchronizes Active Directory users with Salesforce users? Share with your followers</a></p> <p>I help you found this guide helpful. As always, I’m <a href="https://www.hometeamconsulting.com/contact/">happy to help</a> so reach out if I can be of assistance. Thanks for taking the time to read my blogs. Be sure to register so you’re notified of all my new posts.</p> <h2>Subscribe to Receive New Posts</h2> <p><em>Originally published at <a href="https://www.terrystidbits.com/2019/04/1</em>2/single-sign-on-with-microsoft-azure-ad/">https://www.terrystidbits.com</a> on April 12, 2019.</p> </section>	Learn to set up Microsoft Azure Active Directory with SSO One of the simplest things you can do to help improve user adoption of Salesforce is to enable Single Sign On (SSO). SSO creates a trust relationship between your corporate network login and Salesforce. This relationship lets users bypass the Salesforce login and directly begin accessing Salesforce records. It also improves your overall security model by having a single identity provider, Active Directory. This means when a user loses access to your corporate network, they can also lose access to Salesforce. There are many other benefits as well, so why doesn’t everyone do this? The reason I didn’t do it was I thought it was too complicated and I’d never understand how. My hope is this step by step guide will help you through the process. To get started you will need to setup your My Domain in Salesforce. If you have not done that, do it now. You will then need to work with your corporate network administrator as this requires configuration on Azure. Schedule 30–60 minutes with them and you’ll be able to knock this process out and your Salesforce users will love you. Let’s get started! Each step below is prefaced with who is responsible to complete it. SA means it’s the Salesforce Administrator’s responsibility while AD will mean it’s your Active Directory Administrators role. Click to Tweet: Here’s a helpful step by step guide to setup SSO between #Azure Active Directory and #Salesforce Tell your friends about it Step 1 SA: Sign into Salesforce Step 2 AD: Sign into Azure Active Directory site: https://aad.portal.azure.com Step 3 AD: Select Enterprise applications Step 4 AD: Press the New Application button Step 5 AD: In the Add from gallery section, type in Salesforce Step 6 AD: Select the appropriate type of Salesforce org you’re connecting to and you’ll see the Salesforce Add App panel appear. Step 7 AD: In the Name, I would recommend naming it something that will help you recall what this is being used for. For a production org, you might call it Salesforce SSO. For a dev org, you might call it Salesforce Dev1 SSO. Press the Add button at the bottom of the screen. Step 8 AD: Select Single sign-on from the application menu then click the SAML card You should now be on a screen that looks like the one below. It walks us through each step we need to take. AD: Starting with Step 1: Press the edit pencil in the Basic SAML Configuration section Enter your Salesforce My Domain address in both the Identifier (Entity ID) (Required) and Sign on URL (Required) fields. It should look something like: https://universalcontainers.my.salesforce.com Press Save. You can then press the X in the top right to close the screen. AD: Step 2: Press the edit pencil in the User Attributes & Claims section Press the edit pencil next to the Name identifier value. I typically use the Source attribute of user.mail. Press Save then the X to close the screen. AD: Step 3: In the SAML Singing Certificate section, press the Download link next to Certificate (Base64) Also download the Federation Metadata XML SA: Go to Salesforce and press the Gear to open Setup SA: In the Quick Find type in Single Sign-on and select it. SA: Press Edit, Enable SAML, and press Save SA: Press the Choose File and upload the Certification you downloaded from Azure SA: For the SAML Identity Type, select Assertion contains the Federation ID from the User object SA: Press Save SA: From the Setup Quick Find, type in Users SA: Edit the user’s Federated Id field to add the user’s Azure email address SA: Repeat this step for all users. Click to Tweet: I’m setting up Single Sign-on for #Salesforce. Thanks to @TerrysTidbits, this has been easy. let your followers know AD: Go back to Microsoft Active Directory AD: Select Properties from the application menu AD: Scroll down to the bottom of the page to the User assignment required? And select No then Save. This will make the application available to all your Azure Users. If you want to be more restrictive, leave this setting as Yes. Then use Users and groups to control who has access to this application. SA: Go back to Salesforce SA: In the Setup, in the Quick Find search, type and select My Domain SA: Press Edit in the Authentication Configuration section. Check the Azure AD option, or whatever you named the Identity Provider, and press Save. You could also deselect the Login Form if you want to force users to only authentic using their corporate login. SA: Sign out of Salesforce or open an Incognito browser window. SA: Type your My Domain login page into the URL of your browser. Ie: https://universalcontainers.my.salesforce.com SA: You should see an Azure AD button below the login form. If you deselected the Login Form on the My Domain settings, only the Azure button will appear. SA: Press the Azure AD button. SA: If you’re already logged into Azure, Salesforce will open immediately. If not, you’ll be provided by Microsoft to sign in. If everything worked as it should, your users will no longer need to be provided a Salesforce username and password. They still have to be setup with a username but you wouldn’t have to share it with them. If you wish to take this one step further, Salesforce has a product called Identity Connect which automatically provisions, ie: syncs, Salesforce users with Active Directory. With that product, your corporate network administrator can manage Salesforce users all from within Active Directory. Click to Tweet: Did you know that Identity Connect from #Salesforce synchronizes Active Directory users with Salesforce users? Share with your followers I help you found this guide helpful. As always, I’m happy to help so reach out if I can be of assistance. Thanks for taking the time to read my blogs. Be sure to register so you’re notified of all my new posts. Subscribe to Receive New Posts Originally published at https://www.terrystidbits.com on April 12, 2019.	c0ac3fdd-c903-5f4a-991e-04c9cf9a9532	25/08/2025 15:58:36
https://medium.com/@ansonraphael/llmnr-and-nbt-ns-poisoning-4c918f270d52	medium.com	LLMNR and NBT-NS Poisoning	Introduction	ansonraphael	https://medium.com/@ansonraphael	4c918f270d52	https://miro.medium.com/…DqxbSpBcgWA.jpeg	4 min	2021-09-24T15:58:28.404000	2021-09-24T16:32:32.946000	2022-01-05T08:18:13.208000	0	0	en	Cybersecurity,It Security,Cyberattack	<section> <h1>LLMNR and NBT-NS Poisoning</h1> <p><strong>Introduction</strong></p> <p>Devices in a network use IP addresses to communicate with each other. However, for human simplicity, we use the name of the device (//xy.com/d$) instead, which is resolved to IP address on a local network, and that’s known as name resolution. The Windows system has three main methods for handling name resolution: Domain Name System (DNS), Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution (LLMNR), and NetBIOS.</p> <p>Windows systems follow a set of priority lists for name resolution.</p> <p>Domain Name System</p> <p>2. Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution</p> <p>3. NETBIOS</p> <p><strong>Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution</strong> is a protocol used over IPv4 and IPv6 for name resolution, and by default, it is enabled in windows systems. It utilizes IP address 224.0.0.252 (IPv4) and ff02::1:3 (IPv6) as the destination IP address for Multicast when DNS resolution fails or is disabled. LLMNR protocol is available in Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Vista.</p> <p><strong>NetBIOS Name Service</strong> protocol is meant to be used in a local network and is a predecessor of LLMNR, which sends broadcast requests over IPv4 broadcast address as destination IP address and port (TCP/139; 138 UDP/137) of the network. NetBIOS does not support IPv6 and is only called into action when DNS and LLMNR fail.</p> <p>These days most of the network uses Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP). To send the exact traffic, it is mandatory to convert the name of the resources, for instance, “random.otu.com” to IP address “192.168.X.X”. To perform this task, Microsoft follows series of steps to resolve resource name to IP address. This process would stop once we have a match.</p> <p>As mentioned earlier, windows follow a hierarchy of queries to attain the IP address of the corresponding resource name.</p> <p>Checks and make sure that the request is for the local resource name.</p> <p>Looks for the most recently resolved names in the local cache.</p> <p>Checks the local host file (C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts) which consist of the list of IP address and Hostname stored in the computer.</p> <p>Takes the help of a DNS server to resolve the IP address if DNS is configured.</p> <p>LLMNR query is broadcast across the local network seeking help from peers for resolution. If LLMNR is enabled</p> <p>NetBIOS Name Server query is broadcasted in the local network for name resolution. If the name is not available in the NetBIOS cache provided, NetBIOS should be enabled.</p> <p>Since Windows cannot resolve the Hostname’s IP address in step 4, which naturally occurs when the user mistypes the resource name, it sends out a broadcast message in step 5 and step 6 seeking help from its peers to resolve the IP address of the resource name in the local network. An attacker could easily make use of this opportunity by responding to the broadcast message acknowledging, “I am the resource; please authenticate to me.” Unaware of the malicious act, the victim sends its hashed network credential (NTLMv2 hash) to the attacker. Once the attacker receives the hash, they could easily crack the hash using available hash cracker tools.</p> <p><strong>Demo: LLMNR attack using Responder</strong></p> <p>For demonstrating this attack, we will be using a Windows server 2008 as our victim device with IP address 192.168.1.10 and a Kali Linux as an attacker with IP address 192.168.1.12, which could communicate with each other via a bridged connection. Generally, Kali Linux has a built-in responder. However, for this tutorial, we had installed the Responder using the git clone command.</p> <p>$ git clone <a href="https://github.com/SpiderLabs/Responder.git">https://github.com/SpiderLabs/Responder.git</a></p> <p>Upon successful installation, we navigate to the responder folder using the change directory command $ cd /home/kali/Downloads/Responder Once we are in the responder folder, boot up the Responder in the attacker system using the command. $ python Responder.py -I eth0 7 -wfv Where -I point to the interface in which we are sniffing for LLMNR traffic, -w make sure WPAD proxy server is up, -f enable an option of fingerprinting a host who issued LLMNR or NetBIOS request and -v for increasing verbosity. Once our Responder is up and running in Kali Linux, it is ready to respond to any LLMNR request raised in the same network. For simplicity, we will generate LLMNR traffic from our victim machine Windows Server 2008, by accessing an invalid file share path //uoit.</p> <p>Upon successful installation, we navigate to the responder folder using the change directory command</p> <p><em>$ cd /home/kali/Downloads/Responder</em></p> <p>Once we are in the responder folder, boot up the Responder in the attacker system using the command.</p> <p><em>$ python Responder.py -I eth0 7 -wfv</em></p> <p>Where -I point to the interface in which we are sniffing for LLMNR traffic, -w make sure WPAD proxy server is up, -f enable an option of fingerprinting a host who issued LLMNR or NetBIOS request and -v for increasing verbosity.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/996/1U7Il5A65f9CGnij8FHhiYA.png" width="996" height="803" loading="lazy" /> <p>Once our Responder is up and running in Kali Linux, it is ready to respond to any LLMNR request raised in the same network. For simplicity, we will generate LLMNR traffic from our victim machine Windows Server 2008, by accessing an invalid file share path //uoit.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/886/1haWuzvnIm50e_CtPzHuIrw.png" width="886" height="551" loading="lazy" /> <p>The Responder receives the traffic and asks the victim to authenticate using a username and password. Unaware of the scenario, the victim attempts login and ultimately shares the username and hashed network credentials with the attacker.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1166/1M61mr4LfbfSDDk9dR5Gsxw.png" width="1166" height="772" loading="lazy" /> <p>Once we receive the network credential hash, we will be cracking the hash assisted by John the ripper tool, pre-installed in kali using the command.</p> <p><em>$ cd /home/kali/Downloads/Responder/logs</em></p> <p><em>$ john -wordlist=/usr/share/wordlist/atk_wordlist.txt</em></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1124/1JPVJjTlxod8WGcRLoy2PSQ.png" width="1124" height="300" loading="lazy" /> </section>	LLMNR and NBT-NS Poisoning Introduction Devices in a network use IP addresses to communicate with each other. However, for human simplicity, we use the name of the device (//xy.com/d$) instead, which is resolved to IP address on a local network, and that’s known as name resolution. The Windows system has three main methods for handling name resolution: Domain Name System (DNS), Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution (LLMNR), and NetBIOS. Windows systems follow a set of priority lists for name resolution. Domain Name System 2. Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution 3. NETBIOS Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution is a protocol used over IPv4 and IPv6 for name resolution, and by default, it is enabled in windows systems. It utilizes IP address 224.0.0.252 (IPv4) and ff02::1:3 (IPv6) as the destination IP address for Multicast when DNS resolution fails or is disabled. LLMNR protocol is available in Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Vista. NetBIOS Name Service protocol is meant to be used in a local network and is a predecessor of LLMNR, which sends broadcast requests over IPv4 broadcast address as destination IP address and port (TCP/139; 138 UDP/137) of the network. NetBIOS does not support IPv6 and is only called into action when DNS and LLMNR fail. These days most of the network uses Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP). To send the exact traffic, it is mandatory to convert the name of the resources, for instance, “random.otu.com” to IP address “192.168.X.X”. To perform this task, Microsoft follows series of steps to resolve resource name to IP address. This process would stop once we have a match. As mentioned earlier, windows follow a hierarchy of queries to attain the IP address of the corresponding resource name. Checks and make sure that the request is for the local resource name. Looks for the most recently resolved names in the local cache. Checks the local host file (C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts) which consist of the list of IP address and Hostname stored in the computer. Takes the help of a DNS server to resolve the IP address if DNS is configured. LLMNR query is broadcast across the local network seeking help from peers for resolution. If LLMNR is enabled NetBIOS Name Server query is broadcasted in the local network for name resolution. If the name is not available in the NetBIOS cache provided, NetBIOS should be enabled. Since Windows cannot resolve the Hostname’s IP address in step 4, which naturally occurs when the user mistypes the resource name, it sends out a broadcast message in step 5 and step 6 seeking help from its peers to resolve the IP address of the resource name in the local network. An attacker could easily make use of this opportunity by responding to the broadcast message acknowledging, “I am the resource; please authenticate to me.” Unaware of the malicious act, the victim sends its hashed network credential (NTLMv2 hash) to the attacker. Once the attacker receives the hash, they could easily crack the hash using available hash cracker tools. Demo: LLMNR attack using Responder For demonstrating this attack, we will be using a Windows server 2008 as our victim device with IP address 192.168.1.10 and a Kali Linux as an attacker with IP address 192.168.1.12, which could communicate with each other via a bridged connection. Generally, Kali Linux has a built-in responder. However, for this tutorial, we had installed the Responder using the git clone command. $ git clone https://github.com/SpiderLabs/Responder.git Upon successful installation, we navigate to the responder folder using the change directory command $ cd /home/kali/Downloads/Responder Once we are in the responder folder, boot up the Responder in the attacker system using the command. $ python Responder.py -I eth0 7 -wfv Where -I point to the interface in which we are sniffing for LLMNR traffic, -w make sure WPAD proxy server is up, -f enable an option of fingerprinting a host who issued LLMNR or NetBIOS request and -v for increasing verbosity. Once our Responder is up and running in Kali Linux, it is ready to respond to any LLMNR request raised in the same network. For simplicity, we will generate LLMNR traffic from our victim machine Windows Server 2008, by accessing an invalid file share path //uoit. Upon successful installation, we navigate to the responder folder using the change directory command $ cd /home/kali/Downloads/Responder Once we are in the responder folder, boot up the Responder in the attacker system using the command. $ python Responder.py -I eth0 7 -wfv Where -I point to the interface in which we are sniffing for LLMNR traffic, -w make sure WPAD proxy server is up, -f enable an option of fingerprinting a host who issued LLMNR or NetBIOS request and -v for increasing verbosity. Once our Responder is up and running in Kali Linux, it is ready to respond to any LLMNR request raised in the same network. For simplicity, we will generate LLMNR traffic from our victim machine Windows Server 2008, by accessing an invalid file share path //uoit. The Responder receives the traffic and asks the victim to authenticate using a username and password. Unaware of the scenario, the victim attempts login and ultimately shares the username and hashed network credentials with the attacker. Once we receive the network credential hash, we will be cracking the hash assisted by John the ripper tool, pre-installed in kali using the command. $ cd /home/kali/Downloads/Responder/logs $ john -wordlist=/usr/share/wordlist/atk_wordlist.txt	5d20512c-9130-5033-bba3-aa918dbcbecc	25/08/2025 15:58:37
https://nathanrabin.medium.com/never-be-ashamed-to-just-fucking-love-something-3d2580f4cc49	medium.com	Never Be Ashamed To Just Fucking Love Something	This last weekend my wife and I went to our first Phish concert in two years and our first concert since becoming parents. I hadn’t really…	Nathan Rabin	https://medium.com/@nathanrabin	3d2580f4cc49	https://miro.medium.com/…tD2m66_jcxw.jpeg	4 min	2016-10-28T16:27:28.338000	2016-10-28T16:31:18.390000	2018-04-24T09:14:54.234000	19	208	en	Music,Phish,Donald Trump,7 Days In Ohio,Fandom	<section> <h1>Never Be Ashamed To Just Fucking Love Something</h1> <p>This last weekend my wife and I went to our first Phish concert in two years and our first concert since becoming parents. I hadn’t really listened to Phish much in the interim but the second the band came onstage everything came rushing back to me and I realized, at the core of my being a profound: I just fucking love Phish. I do.</p> <p>This does not mean that I love every song, every jam, or every show, but on a fundamental level, I just fucking love Phish. They matter to me in a way little else across the pop culture spectrum does. And that is beautiful. And unexpected, because I came to Phish as a skeptical outsider who chose to immerse himself in the world of Phish for a book (<em>You Don’t Know Me But You Don’t Like Me</em>) about fandom centering on the seemingly antithetical but actually simpatico fanbases of Phish and Insane Clown Posse.</p> <p>Writing that book and going broke and half-crazy researching it changed me on a fundamental level. It made me less judgmental, less set in my ways, and less invested in my own opinions. It opened me up to joy, to improvisation, to the wonder and joy of getting lost and finding your way home.</p> <p>Loving Phish and Insane Clown Posse made me less of a critic and more of a fan, less of a reviewer and more an enthusiast. It made me less cynical and more open. It didn’t just change the way I viewed and processed art and entertainment: it changed the way that I saw the world.</p> <p>Perhaps more than anything, Phish made me realize that you should never be ashamed to just fucking love something. It doesn’t matter what that thing might be. If <em>Suicide Squad </em>gives you paroxysms of pleasure, then fucking own that shit. If other people disagree with you, that’s okay. Not everyone has to agree that something is great for you to just fucking love it.</p> <p>A quick caveat here: I should note that you should never be ashamed to just fucking love something as long the thing you just fucking love does not hurt anybody. So I would have a problem with someone just fucking loving Donald Trump as a politician because he is someone who has hurt people, continues to hurt people and will probably still be hurting people after he dies. But if Kid Rock or Nickelback are what give you joy, then God bless you. I’ve learned not to judge people for their obsessions.</p> <p>A cultural consensus does not have to form that whatever you just fucking love is, indeed worthy of being fucking loved. It can just be your thing, or something you share with people who share your intense passions. Don’t let someone else’s criticism or cynicism keep you from experiencing the joy that is the real point of existence. If you see an article arguing, “Hey, you know that thing you fucking love? Well, it’s not that great, here’s why” fuck that noise. The online media will try its damnedest to convince you that you are foolish, or at the very least, irrational, to just fucking love what you love the way you just fucking love it. Don’t let them diminish your joy. In this world, you need to steal joy wherever you can.</p> <p>To just fucking love something is a potent rebuke to the cynicism and judgment of contemporary society and particularly online culture, where the value of just about everything is constantly being evaluated and re-evaluated. Forget about concepts of “overrated” and “underrated.” The judgments of the outside world shouldn’t matter if you feel joy in your heart about what you just fucking love, whether it’s professional wrestling or <em>My Favorite Murder </em>or college basketball or <em>The Avengers.</em></p> <p>When I was a professional critic I used to joke that the purpose of my profession was to take the joy out of everything. The longer I practiced my trade, the less that felt like a joke and the more it felt like the truth. So these days I’m not a critic or a reviewer so much as I am an enthusiast, a fan, someone whose career revolves around trying to turn people onto the things that I love, whether they’re music, movies, books or podcasts.</p> <p>When I wrote my memoir, <em>The Big Rewind </em>in 2009, one of the first reviews criticized it for having an excess of “fanboyish devotion.” It stung at the time but now I take a certain pride in loving the things that I love with a devotion that borders on pathological. In a world that can be bleak and despairing and full of Donald Trump it’s damn near essential to have something in your life that you love unconditionally and whole-heartedly, with your whole being.</p> <p>Here is a short, wildly incomplete list of pop culture things I just fucking love.</p> <p>Phish</p> <p>Preston Sturges</p> <p>The Lonely Island</p> <p>Gary Stewart’s vibrato</p> <p>DJ Premier</p> <p>Quasimoto</p> <p>DOOM</p> <p>Albert Brooks</p> <p>Phil Hartman</p> <p>The Ramones</p> <p>Magnetic Fields</p> <p>Hal Ashby</p> <p>Nirvana</p> <p>David Bowie</p> <p>Martin Scorsese</p> <p>1970s American cinema</p> <p>Insane Clown Posse</p> <p>Merle Haggard</p> <p><em>Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure</em></p> <p>The Flop House</p> <p>Earwolf</p> <p>“Weird Al” Yankovic</p> <p>Robert Evans</p> <p>Jeff Bridges</p> <p>Warren Oates</p> <p>David Sedaris</p> <p>Mental Illness Happy Hour</p> <p><em>The Onion</em></p> <p>Movies about movies</p> <p>Maria Bamford</p> <p><em>Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure</em></p> <p><em>SCTV</em></p> <p>late 80s <em>Saturday Night Live</em></p> <p>Johnny Cash</p> <p><em>Back To The Future</em></p> <p>The Raccoon That Wears People Clothes in <em>Guardians Of The Galaxy</em></p> <p>Wes Anderson</p> <p>P.T Anderson</p> <p>Elaine May</p> <p><em>Sesame Street</em></p> <p><em>The Simpsons</em></p> <p>Andy Daly</p> <p>Paul F. Tompkins</p> <p>Pharcyde’s first two albums</p> <p>Movie posters for 1990s Touchstone comedies</p> <p>Jack Davis</p> <p>The Beatles</p> <p><em>If You’re Feeling Sinister</em></p> <p>“Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered”</p> <p>Loudon Wainwright</p> <p>Warren Zevon</p> <p><em>The Room</em></p> <p><em>Life, Itself</em></p> <p>Life, itself</p> <p>What do you just fucking love?</p> <p>Nathan Rabin is a pop culture writer, dad and the author of five books, most recently, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Days-Ohio-Gathering-Juggalos-Everything-ebook/dp/B01LVV94LB/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477606093&sr=8-1&keywords=%227+days+in+ohio%22">7 Days in Ohio: Trump, the Gathering of the Juggalos and the Summer Everything Went Insane</a></p> </section>	Never Be Ashamed To Just Fucking Love Something This last weekend my wife and I went to our first Phish concert in two years and our first concert since becoming parents. I hadn’t really listened to Phish much in the interim but the second the band came onstage everything came rushing back to me and I realized, at the core of my being a profound: I just fucking love Phish. I do. This does not mean that I love every song, every jam, or every show, but on a fundamental level, I just fucking love Phish. They matter to me in a way little else across the pop culture spectrum does. And that is beautiful. And unexpected, because I came to Phish as a skeptical outsider who chose to immerse himself in the world of Phish for a book (You Don’t Know Me But You Don’t Like Me) about fandom centering on the seemingly antithetical but actually simpatico fanbases of Phish and Insane Clown Posse. Writing that book and going broke and half-crazy researching it changed me on a fundamental level. It made me less judgmental, less set in my ways, and less invested in my own opinions. It opened me up to joy, to improvisation, to the wonder and joy of getting lost and finding your way home. Loving Phish and Insane Clown Posse made me less of a critic and more of a fan, less of a reviewer and more an enthusiast. It made me less cynical and more open. It didn’t just change the way I viewed and processed art and entertainment: it changed the way that I saw the world. Perhaps more than anything, Phish made me realize that you should never be ashamed to just fucking love something. It doesn’t matter what that thing might be. If Suicide Squad gives you paroxysms of pleasure, then fucking own that shit. If other people disagree with you, that’s okay. Not everyone has to agree that something is great for you to just fucking love it. A quick caveat here: I should note that you should never be ashamed to just fucking love something as long the thing you just fucking love does not hurt anybody. So I would have a problem with someone just fucking loving Donald Trump as a politician because he is someone who has hurt people, continues to hurt people and will probably still be hurting people after he dies. But if Kid Rock or Nickelback are what give you joy, then God bless you. I’ve learned not to judge people for their obsessions. A cultural consensus does not have to form that whatever you just fucking love is, indeed worthy of being fucking loved. It can just be your thing, or something you share with people who share your intense passions. Don’t let someone else’s criticism or cynicism keep you from experiencing the joy that is the real point of existence. If you see an article arguing, “Hey, you know that thing you fucking love? Well, it’s not that great, here’s why” fuck that noise. The online media will try its damnedest to convince you that you are foolish, or at the very least, irrational, to just fucking love what you love the way you just fucking love it. Don’t let them diminish your joy. In this world, you need to steal joy wherever you can. To just fucking love something is a potent rebuke to the cynicism and judgment of contemporary society and particularly online culture, where the value of just about everything is constantly being evaluated and re-evaluated. Forget about concepts of “overrated” and “underrated.” The judgments of the outside world shouldn’t matter if you feel joy in your heart about what you just fucking love, whether it’s professional wrestling or My Favorite Murder or college basketball or The Avengers. When I was a professional critic I used to joke that the purpose of my profession was to take the joy out of everything. The longer I practiced my trade, the less that felt like a joke and the more it felt like the truth. So these days I’m not a critic or a reviewer so much as I am an enthusiast, a fan, someone whose career revolves around trying to turn people onto the things that I love, whether they’re music, movies, books or podcasts. When I wrote my memoir, The Big Rewind in 2009, one of the first reviews criticized it for having an excess of “fanboyish devotion.” It stung at the time but now I take a certain pride in loving the things that I love with a devotion that borders on pathological. In a world that can be bleak and despairing and full of Donald Trump it’s damn near essential to have something in your life that you love unconditionally and whole-heartedly, with your whole being. Here is a short, wildly incomplete list of pop culture things I just fucking love. Phish Preston Sturges The Lonely Island Gary Stewart’s vibrato DJ Premier Quasimoto DOOM Albert Brooks Phil Hartman The Ramones Magnetic Fields Hal Ashby Nirvana David Bowie Martin Scorsese 1970s American cinema Insane Clown Posse Merle Haggard Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure The Flop House Earwolf “Weird Al” Yankovic Robert Evans Jeff Bridges Warren Oates David Sedaris Mental Illness Happy Hour The Onion Movies about movies Maria Bamford Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure SCTV late 80s Saturday Night Live Johnny Cash Back To The Future The Raccoon That Wears People Clothes in Guardians Of The Galaxy Wes Anderson P.T Anderson Elaine May Sesame Street The Simpsons Andy Daly Paul F. Tompkins Pharcyde’s first two albums Movie posters for 1990s Touchstone comedies Jack Davis The Beatles If You’re Feeling Sinister “Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered” Loudon Wainwright Warren Zevon The Room Life, Itself Life, itself What do you just fucking love? Nathan Rabin is a pop culture writer, dad and the author of five books, most recently, 7 Days in Ohio: Trump, the Gathering of the Juggalos and the Summer Everything Went Insane	1a2a6179-b091-5ca6-bfd6-7447c41150e3	25/08/2025 15:58:37
https://medium.com/a-i-project-millionaire-jump-on-business/why-you-need-to-know-your-business-niche-to-win-novice-entrepreneurs-often-want-to-offer-their-176624e1d7a	medium.com	Why You Need to Know Your Business Niche to Win Novice entrepreneurs often want to offer their…	Practice shows that exactly the opposite is true — to be successful you need to define your business niche, i.e., the group of consumers…	stefano santori	https://medium.com/@stefanosantori	176624e1d7a	null	3 min	2023-09-25T12:12:14.686000	2023-09-25T12:13:04.822000	2023-09-26T05:27:33.994000	0	3	en	Marketing,Ecommerce,Business Strategy,Niche Marketing,Niche Websites	<section> <p>Practice shows that exactly the opposite is true — to be successful you need to define your business niche, i.e., the group of consumers, the specific audience you target and create a bond with.</p> <p>Does this sound unbelievable to you? Check out this article and find out why it’s so important to define your niche.</p> <p><strong>What is a Business Niche?</strong></p> <p>Before seeing why defining a proper niche is a fundamental step for every business, let’s make things clear and understand what a business niche is.</p> <p>A niche is nothing more than a segment of consumers, a group of potential customers the company (or the solopreneur [AGGIUNGERE LINK ALL’ARTICOLO: Solopreneur perché emerge la figura dell’ imprenditore solitario]) decides to target with their offer. Before this word came into use, a “niche” was simply called a “target audience” in the marketing field.</p> <p>We can therefore conclude that a niche is nothing more than a group of individuals who share some characteristics — spending habits, for example, or social and demographic characteristics including age and sex, their geographical location, and many more.</p> <p>Today, defining a niche is essential to reach success with your business and it is one of the first steps that make up a good business plan, like the one you can get from <a href="http://millionairejob.com/">Millionairejob</a>. Now, let’s see the main advantages the choice of the right niche brings.</p> <p><strong>Reduces Competition</strong></p> <p>Having a well-defined target allows entrepreneurs to reduce competition — the narrower the niche they are targeting, the fewer competitors will be offering their products or services to the same group of potential customers. Let’s take an example.</p> <p>The Internet and social networks are packed with food bloggers and influencers, and now it is difficult to succeed in the market by simply offering recipes that are made for everyone. It’s much easier to gain an audience by focusing on something more specific.</p> <p>For example, you could think of specializing in recipes for vegans or vegetarians, in regional or ethnic cuisines, or even in the preparation of dishes for celiacs. Here we already found three different niches, but it is possible to narrow them down further.</p> <p>Let’s say, recently, how many resources have you seen online that teach you how to cook Indian, Japanese or Chinese dishes for celiacs? I didn’t see any! This business niche is even narrower and has even less competition. The same can be applied to all sectors and spheres of activity.</p> <p><strong>You can Provide a Tailored Offer</strong></p> <p>With “the ideal customer” in mind, you can offer products and services that are tailor-made for your audience and thus respond to very specific needs and solve well-defined problems.</p> <p>Let’s take the example of an agency specializing in travel to destinations in Africa. The employees of this business know their niche well and can create well-defined service packages that solve important issues for their customers, such as obtaining the necessary visas to visit certain countries or the vaccinations required. Also, such a travel agency can define travel packages that reflect the interests of its consumers, such as a Safari or a visit to Victoria Falls.</p> <p>Anyone who wants to visit an African country will be attracted to this agency rather than another generalist one — they are specialized and they know the fears, needs and wants of the customer better than anyone else.</p> <p><strong>Reduces Marketing Expenses</strong></p> <p>It might seem impossible, but it’s true — a well-defined business niche can reduce online and offline marketing expenses and help optimize advertising investments.</p> <p>When you know your potential customer well, you can figure out what information this person might be searching for online. This comes in handy when researching keywords for PPC advertising campaigns on search engines and creating SEO-optimized content for your website.</p> <p>Likewise, knowing the interests of your niche makes it easier for you to come into direct contact with your prospects both on social media and with email marketing campaigns.</p> <p>A well-defined niche is also beneficial for those who choose offline marketing channels. Given the high costs of attending trade shows and placing ads in newspapers and magazines, it is crucial to choose the platform carefully based on the information available about your customers.</p> <p>Let’s wrap it up with another example. <a href="https://medium.com/a-i-project-millionaire-jump-on-business/5-ways-to-boost-the-appeal-of-your-fashion-website-8985ab924e2c">A website selling secondhand fashion</a> should not compete in advertising with other online fashion giants or publish advertising in Vogue.</p> <p>Instead, it should focus on the “green” aspect of its business and target the niche of consumers looking specifically for second-hand clothing online or promote its business through publications dedicated to protecting the environment.</p> <p>In short, it doesn’t matter what you call it: a niche, an audience, or a target. Most important is that you understand the value of having a public for your business and that you learn how to build an effective marketing strategy around your potential customer’s preferences and needs.</p> <p>A well-defined niche and a well-executed business plan are essential tools for every business, a real guide that can lead you to achieve success.</p> </section>	Why You Need to Know Your Business Niche to Win Novice entrepreneurs often want to offer their products or services to as wide an audience as possible because they think this will speed up their growth and increase sales. Practice shows that exactly the opposite is true — to be successful you need to define your business niche, i.e., the group of consumers, the specific audience you target and create a bond with. Does this sound unbelievable to you? Check out this article and find out why it’s so important to define your niche. What is a Business Niche? Before seeing why defining a proper niche is a fundamental step for every business, let’s make things clear and understand what a business niche is. A niche is nothing more than a segment of consumers, a group of potential customers the company (or the solopreneur [AGGIUNGERE LINK ALL’ARTICOLO: Solopreneur perché emerge la figura dell’ imprenditore solitario]) decides to target with their offer. Before this word came into use, a “niche” was simply called a “target audience” in the marketing field. We can therefore conclude that a niche is nothing more than a group of individuals who share some characteristics — spending habits, for example, or social and demographic characteristics including age and sex, their geographical location, and many more. Today, defining a niche is essential to reach success with your business and it is one of the first steps that make up a good business plan, like the one you can get from Millionairejob. Now, let’s see the main advantages the choice of the right niche brings. Reduces Competition Having a well-defined target allows entrepreneurs to reduce competition — the narrower the niche they are targeting, the fewer competitors will be offering their products or services to the same group of potential customers. Let’s take an example. The Internet and social networks are packed with food bloggers and influencers, and now it is difficult to succeed in the market by simply offering recipes that are made for everyone. It’s much easier to gain an audience by focusing on something more specific. For example, you could think of specializing in recipes for vegans or vegetarians, in regional or ethnic cuisines, or even in the preparation of dishes for celiacs. Here we already found three different niches, but it is possible to narrow them down further. Let’s say, recently, how many resources have you seen online that teach you how to cook Indian, Japanese or Chinese dishes for celiacs? I didn’t see any! This business niche is even narrower and has even less competition. The same can be applied to all sectors and spheres of activity. You can Provide a Tailored Offer With “the ideal customer” in mind, you can offer products and services that are tailor-made for your audience and thus respond to very specific needs and solve well-defined problems. Let’s take the example of an agency specializing in travel to destinations in Africa. The employees of this business know their niche well and can create well-defined service packages that solve important issues for their customers, such as obtaining the necessary visas to visit certain countries or the vaccinations required. Also, such a travel agency can define travel packages that reflect the interests of its consumers, such as a Safari or a visit to Victoria Falls. Anyone who wants to visit an African country will be attracted to this agency rather than another generalist one — they are specialized and they know the fears, needs and wants of the customer better than anyone else. Reduces Marketing Expenses It might seem impossible, but it’s true — a well-defined business niche can reduce online and offline marketing expenses and help optimize advertising investments. When you know your potential customer well, you can figure out what information this person might be searching for online. This comes in handy when researching keywords for PPC advertising campaigns on search engines and creating SEO-optimized content for your website. Likewise, knowing the interests of your niche makes it easier for you to come into direct contact with your prospects both on social media and with email marketing campaigns. A well-defined niche is also beneficial for those who choose offline marketing channels. Given the high costs of attending trade shows and placing ads in newspapers and magazines, it is crucial to choose the platform carefully based on the information available about your customers. Let’s wrap it up with another example. A website selling secondhand fashion should not compete in advertising with other online fashion giants or publish advertising in Vogue. Instead, it should focus on the “green” aspect of its business and target the niche of consumers looking specifically for second-hand clothing online or promote its business through publications dedicated to protecting the environment. In short, it doesn’t matter what you call it: a niche, an audience, or a target. Most important is that you understand the value of having a public for your business and that you learn how to build an effective marketing strategy around your potential customer’s preferences and needs. A well-defined niche and a well-executed business plan are essential tools for every business, a real guide that can lead you to achieve success.	55f2c32d-89d4-53ad-9113-ababa55c287e	25/08/2025 15:58:37
https://trepscript101.medium.com/20-best-business-quotes-for-growth-c4cac510e439	medium.com	Top 20 Best Quotes of The Day.	null	Patrick Paul L	https://medium.com/@trepscript101	c4cac510e439	https://miro.medium.com/…g0dt2g16pGQ.jpeg	3 min	2021-02-28T09:53:15.340000	2021-02-28T12:42:59.494000	2023-04-17T21:29:59.203000	0	1	en	Business Quotes,Best Quotes,Religion,Spirituality,Creativity	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2121/1*M7lZN8q87alg0dt2g16pGQ.jpeg" width="2121" height="1414" loading="lazy" /> <p>A good farmer always go to his farm armed with the necessary tools to enable him achieve his goals. So also these best quotes of the day are a must to help you stay motivated as you pressed toward your goals in business and in life</p> <p><strong>Top 20 Best Quotes of The Day.</strong></p> <p><em>“Business opportunities are like buses there’s always another one coming”</em> - Richard Branson</p> <p><em>“There’re no secret to success. It’s the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure”</em>- Colin Powell</p> <p><em>“I built a conglomerate and emerged the richest blackman man in the world in 2008. But it didn’t happen overnight. It took me 30 years to get where I am today. Youths of today aspire to be like me but they want to achieve it overnight. It’s not going to work. To build successful business, you must start small and dream big. In the journey of entrepreneurship, tenacity of purpose is supreme”-</em> Aliko Dangote</p> <p><em>“Entrepreneurship without skills limit your growth potential<</em>strong>”-</strong> Strive Masiyiwa</p> <p><em>“If you are trying to create a company, it’s like baking a cake. You have to have all the ingredients in the right proportion”-</em> Elon Musk</p> <p><em>“Try never to be the smartest person in the room. And if you are I suggest you invite smarter people or find a different room”-</em> Michael Dell</p> <p><em>“What I’ve learned in these 11 years is you just got to stay focused and believe in yourself and trust your own ability and judgement”-</em> Mark Cuban</p> <p>“<em>A complainer is like a Death Email because there’s a suction of negative energy. You can catch a great attitude from great people”-</em> Barbara Corcoran</p> <p><em>“When a problem is disturbing you, don’t ask what should I do about it? Ask, what part of me is being disturbed by this”-</em> Michael Singer</p> <p><em>“The big secret is that there’s no secret, whatever your goal, you can get there if you are willing to work”</em>- Oprah Winfrey</p> <p><em>“Lose money for the firm, and I will be understanding. Lose a shred of reputation for the firm, and I will be ruthless”</em>- Warren Buffet</p> <p><em>“Move fast and break things, unless you’re breaking stuff you’re not moving fast enough”</em>- Mark Zurkerberg</p> <p><em>“Be a user of your own product, make it better based on your own desires. But don’t trick yourself into thinking you are your user”-</em> Ev. Williams</p> <p><em>“Everyday you reinvent yourself. you’re always in motion but you decide everyday: forward or backward”-</em> James Altucher</p> <p><em>“People work better when they know what the goal is and why. It’s important that people look forward to coming to work in the morning and enjoying working</em>”- Elon Musk</p> <p><em>“Whether you’ve found your calling, or if you are still still searching, passion should be the fire that drives your life’s work”</em>- Michael Dell</p> <p><em>“In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that’s guaranteed to fail is not taking risk”-</em> Mark Zurkerberg</p> <p><em>Investing is for wealth preservation, not for wealth creation, so first you have to make wealth”-</em> James Altucher</p> <p><em>“The most dangerous thing for an entrepreneur to do is to actually go into a business that he doesn’t understand fully</em>”- Aliko Dangote</p> <p><em>“Price is what you pay, value is what you get”-</em> Warren Buffet</p> <p><em>“Creativity comes from constraint”-</em> Ev. Williams</p> <p><em>“Your relationship with God is the same as your relationship with the sun. If you hid from the sun for years and then choose to come out of your darkness, the sun would still be shining as if you had never left. You don’t need to apologise. You just pick your head up and look at the sun. It’s the same way when you decide to turn toward God- you just do it”- </em>Michael Singer</p> <p><em>“The opportunity is in the problem. The moment I see a problem, I immediately begin to think about the opportunities that can be created by trying to solve it”-</em> Strive Masiyiwa</p> <p><em>“I still work hard to know my business. I’m continuously looking for ways to improve all my companies, and I’m always selling. Always”- </em><strong>Mark Cuban</strong></p> <p>These are the Top 20 Best Quotes of the Day to help motivate you to live your best best life.</p> <p>Visit <a href="http://www.trepscript101.com">www.trepscript101.com</a> to read more interesting articles</p> </section>	Top 20 Best Quotes of The Day. A good farmer always go to his farm armed with the necessary tools to enable him achieve his goals. So also these best quotes of the day are a must to help you stay motivated as you pressed toward your goals in business and in life Top 20 Best Quotes of The Day. “Business opportunities are like buses there’s always another one coming” - Richard Branson “There’re no secret to success. It’s the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure”- Colin Powell “I built a conglomerate and emerged the richest blackman man in the world in 2008. But it didn’t happen overnight. It took me 30 years to get where I am today. Youths of today aspire to be like me but they want to achieve it overnight. It’s not going to work. To build successful business, you must start small and dream big. In the journey of entrepreneurship, tenacity of purpose is supreme”- Aliko Dangote “Entrepreneurship without skills limit your growth potential”- Strive Masiyiwa “If you are trying to create a company, it’s like baking a cake. You have to have all the ingredients in the right proportion”- Elon Musk “Try never to be the smartest person in the room. And if you are I suggest you invite smarter people or find a different room”- Michael Dell “What I’ve learned in these 11 years is you just got to stay focused and believe in yourself and trust your own ability and judgement”- Mark Cuban “A complainer is like a Death Email because there’s a suction of negative energy. You can catch a great attitude from great people”- Barbara Corcoran “When a problem is disturbing you, don’t ask what should I do about it? Ask, what part of me is being disturbed by this”- Michael Singer “The big secret is that there’s no secret, whatever your goal, you can get there if you are willing to work”- Oprah Winfrey “Lose money for the firm, and I will be understanding. Lose a shred of reputation for the firm, and I will be ruthless”- Warren Buffet “Move fast and break things, unless you’re breaking stuff you’re not moving fast enough”- Mark Zurkerberg “Be a user of your own product, make it better based on your own desires. But don’t trick yourself into thinking you are your user”- Ev. Williams “Everyday you reinvent yourself. you’re always in motion but you decide everyday: forward or backward”- James Altucher “People work better when they know what the goal is and why. It’s important that people look forward to coming to work in the morning and enjoying working”- Elon Musk “Whether you’ve found your calling, or if you are still still searching, passion should be the fire that drives your life’s work”- Michael Dell “In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that’s guaranteed to fail is not taking risk”- Mark Zurkerberg Investing is for wealth preservation, not for wealth creation, so first you have to make wealth”- James Altucher “The most dangerous thing for an entrepreneur to do is to actually go into a business that he doesn’t understand fully”- Aliko Dangote “Price is what you pay, value is what you get”- Warren Buffet “Creativity comes from constraint”- Ev. Williams “Your relationship with God is the same as your relationship with the sun. If you hid from the sun for years and then choose to come out of your darkness, the sun would still be shining as if you had never left. You don’t need to apologise. You just pick your head up and look at the sun. It’s the same way when you decide to turn toward God- you just do it”- Michael Singer “The opportunity is in the problem. The moment I see a problem, I immediately begin to think about the opportunities that can be created by trying to solve it”- Strive Masiyiwa “I still work hard to know my business. I’m continuously looking for ways to improve all my companies, and I’m always selling. Always”- Mark Cuban These are the Top 20 Best Quotes of the Day to help motivate you to live your best best life. Visit www.trepscript101.com to read more interesting articles	237808b0-1696-5b36-a5b3-eee9c7a94464	25/08/2025 15:58:38
https://medium.com/@sophiehall_97773/is-poetry-a-tool-or-a-mode-of-therapy-itself-how-writing-works-as-a-treatment-for-depression-2248764dcc9e	medium.com	“Is poetry a tool or a mode of therapy itself?” – How writing works as a treatment for Depression	Photo by Yannick Pulver on Unsplash	sophie	https://medium.com/@sophiehall_97773	2248764dcc9e	https://miro.medium.com/…[email protected]	5 min	2024-04-23T10:37:35.315000	2024-04-23T10:56:29.756000	2024-11-28T06:53:24.008000	0	1	en	Poetry,Depression,Writing,Mental Health,Mental Health Awareness	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3240/1[email protected]" width="3240" height="2160" loading="lazy" /> <p>For Tom, poetry was part of a pre covid world, a tool he discovered back in 2019. This way of expression was something he unexpectedly unlocked inside him, a trauma response which surfaced due a battle with depression. Five years later and that same skill is motivating him to help others with depression, and to research the use of poetry in therapy.</p> <p>Depression is one of the most powerful mental health disorders, with <a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/mental-health-facts-and-statistics/#:~:text=Suicidal%20thoughts%20and%20self%2Dharm&text=Over%20the%20course%20of%20someone's,in%2015%20people%20attempt%20suicide.">1 in 15 </a>sufferers attempting to take their own lives each year in the UK. Although it is becoming more understood, the most prominent treatment options are either medication or therapy, but perhaps creative outlets could offer an alternative route.</p> <p>It was the introduction of a lifetime, meeting poet and professor, Scott Thurston via a mutual connection at Salford University, which brought this treatment option to life.</p> <p>“As a poet I got very interested in dance, and combining dance and poetry. That journey brought me into contact with a dance movement psychotherapist, Vicky Karkou… we started looking at how we could bring writing and dance movement together in a clinical setting”.</p> <p>From there, the treatment was brought to life by the help of Scott’s partner, a psychologist working for the NHS, Joanna Omylinska-Thurston. Together, the three of them created a model crucial in aiding their study. Tom’s role is conducting research, based on the model, in hopes to finally answer the question, why does poetry work and how can we use poetry?</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1170/1[email protected]" width="1170" height="800" loading="lazy" /> <p>‘<a href="http://www.artsfortheblues.com">Arts for the Blues</a>’ a 12 session group therapy, is being trialled within the Greater Manchester area, training staff working in CAMHS (Child Adolescent Mental Health Services).</p> <p>Tom Robinson’s involvement with poetry was a direct result of his own struggles with mental illness. He turned to it after a depressive episode which caused him to be hospitalised.</p> <p>“The day I left hospital I started to write words”, he said. “And I just carried on, it became a big feature in how I recovered. I could see the value of art, and play, and also laughing to an extent in recovering from depression. Poetry, I have found, is another way of interacting with the world and I can make sense of things.”</p> <p>But for Scott, creative writing had always played a part in his identity: “I started writing in my teens. I don’t know whether I would say I have suffered from depression to the extent that Tom has, but I do think writing poetry was a response to the challenges of growing up.”</p> <p>Something the pair do share, however, is their view on the power which poetry holds. Scott continues, “This type of language, it’s a living thing. It’s not something you put down and it stays the same. Words change, meanings change over time…</p> <p>Language is this miraculous substance that you can’t quite touch but it’s real”.</p> <p>And this would make sense why people are so afraid of it. One stance on poetry is that it is dangerous, so much so, that it can be a factor in suicide.</p> <p>From my own research, I found that only 30% of participants had even heard of poetry as a type of therapy and had tried it. Those who had tried it, however, believed it had a significant impact, specifically on those with anxiety and depression.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1024/1[email protected]" width="1024" height="768" loading="lazy" /> <p>Tom explained to me that from his previous research, he found that “writers have more depression than the general population, and poets have more depression than writers”.</p> <p>Following on from this, two thirds of poets are men, and depressed men are more likely to complete suicide. There is therefore an idea of poetry being ‘dangerous’ and it is, in his opinion, “too easy to jump to these conclusions.</p> <p>He added: “More famous poets end their lives by suicide, which can lead to an argument that writing poetry therefore becomes dangerous; without the structure of therapy, the catharsis of poetry becomes dangerous, that is the step-by-step argument.”</p> <p>There has also been research on the language poets used leading up to them ending their lives. Tom brought the example of Sylvia Plath to my attention. Studies found her content to be more personalised leading up to her death, with far more use of ‘I’ in these publications.</p> <p>“It’s not necessarily true that she meant to end her life, and there are plenty of other poets that write ‘I’ words in their poetry, so it’s a computer led account that I’m not sure takes in the big picture.”</p> <p>A 2004 <a href="https://thecritic.co.uk/the-unromantic-truth-about-tortured-poets/">study</a> found that prominent poets had 5 times higher suicide rates than the general population, but this obviously does not take into account all the lesser known poets.</p> <p>It is insanely difficult to even get this form of writing published.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/867/1[email protected]" width="867" height="1121" loading="lazy" /> <p>Also, the ‘Romantic Period’ has had a significant influence on the type of poetry that is famous today. This is when writers began to connect their work with their feelings.</p> <p>Scott states: “we see a cultural shift in a creative production. It puts more emphasis on individual experience.”</p> <p>To quote French poet, Charles Baudelaire; “to say the word Romanticism is to say modern art – that is, intimacy, spirituality, colour, aspiration towards the infinite, expressed by every means available to the arts.”</p> <p>It is thought that the ‘Big Six’, consisting of poets; William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, John Keats, Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley and William Blake, “cast a long shadow right onto the present day. Those personalities were so strong they ushered in a new way of thinking about poetry and its social role.”</p> <p>So, is poetry really dangerous?</p> <p>Ultimately, to Scott, “people are more complicated than that… There is no evidence to suggest poetry is more or less dangerous” than other treatments.</p> <p>“The poem is the thing that holds emotions, contains it and keeps it safe… With anyone involved in that, of course there is a level of risk, but there’s also a level of risk in just being alive and having feelings.”</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1145/1*[email protected]" width="1145" height="1170" loading="lazy" /> <p>This is the subject of ongoing research, and Tom’s research initially stems from the fact that, “we all agree poetry works when used in therapy, but the weight of evidence for the mechanisms of change is uncertain”.</p> <p>But poetry does work, and maybe someday Tom will propose a theory for the ‘why’.</p> <p>The clearest answer Tom is able to give thus far is: “when you think of poetry, you think of it as a very cognitive process, something very thoughtful. But I definitely found it most powerful when I was thinking about how I was turning my insides out, it is an embodied process, full of symbolism, not just a cognitive process.” There is a powerful, boundaried, expressive, working out: getting it on the page.</p> <p>The pair are advocates for the fact that as long as it is in a therapeutic setting, poetry is definitely a powerful treatment option for depression, that a lot of people can potentially benefit from.</p> <p>Poetry workshops within the Greater Manchester area</p> </section>	“Is poetry a tool or a mode of therapy itself?” – How writing works as a treatment for Depression Photo by Yannick Pulver on Unsplash For Tom, poetry was part of a pre covid world, a tool he discovered back in 2019. This way of expression was something he unexpectedly unlocked inside him, a trauma response which surfaced due a battle with depression. Five years later and that same skill is motivating him to help others with depression, and to research the use of poetry in therapy. Depression is one of the most powerful mental health disorders, with 1 in 15 sufferers attempting to take their own lives each year in the UK. Although it is becoming more understood, the most prominent treatment options are either medication or therapy, but perhaps creative outlets could offer an alternative route. It was the introduction of a lifetime, meeting poet and professor, Scott Thurston via a mutual connection at Salford University, which brought this treatment option to life. “As a poet I got very interested in dance, and combining dance and poetry. That journey brought me into contact with a dance movement psychotherapist, Vicky Karkou… we started looking at how we could bring writing and dance movement together in a clinical setting”. From there, the treatment was brought to life by the help of Scott’s partner, a psychologist working for the NHS, Joanna Omylinska-Thurston. Together, the three of them created a model crucial in aiding their study. Tom’s role is conducting research, based on the model, in hopes to finally answer the question, why does poetry work and how can we use poetry? See Joanna Omylinska-Thurston, Vicky Karkou, and Ailsa Parsons, et al. ‘Arts for the Blues: The development of a new evidence-based creative group psychotherapy for depression’ in Counselling and Psychotherapy Research 21 (2021), 597–607. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12373 ‘Arts for the Blues’ a 12 session group therapy, is being trialled within the Greater Manchester area, training staff working in CAMHS (Child Adolescent Mental Health Services). Tom Robinson’s involvement with poetry was a direct result of his own struggles with mental illness. He turned to it after a depressive episode which caused him to be hospitalised. “The day I left hospital I started to write words”, he said. “And I just carried on, it became a big feature in how I recovered. I could see the value of art, and play, and also laughing to an extent in recovering from depression. Poetry, I have found, is another way of interacting with the world and I can make sense of things.” But for Scott, creative writing had always played a part in his identity: “I started writing in my teens. I don’t know whether I would say I have suffered from depression to the extent that Tom has, but I do think writing poetry was a response to the challenges of growing up.” Something the pair do share, however, is their view on the power which poetry holds. Scott continues, “This type of language, it’s a living thing. It’s not something you put down and it stays the same. Words change, meanings change over time… Language is this miraculous substance that you can’t quite touch but it’s real”. And this would make sense why people are so afraid of it. One stance on poetry is that it is dangerous, so much so, that it can be a factor in suicide. From my own research, I found that only 30% of participants had even heard of poetry as a type of therapy and had tried it. Those who had tried it, however, believed it had a significant impact, specifically on those with anxiety and depression. Tom explained to me that from his previous research, he found that “writers have more depression than the general population, and poets have more depression than writers”. Following on from this, two thirds of poets are men, and depressed men are more likely to complete suicide. There is therefore an idea of poetry being ‘dangerous’ and it is, in his opinion, “too easy to jump to these conclusions. He added: “More famous poets end their lives by suicide, which can lead to an argument that writing poetry therefore becomes dangerous; without the structure of therapy, the catharsis of poetry becomes dangerous, that is the step-by-step argument.” There has also been research on the language poets used leading up to them ending their lives. Tom brought the example of Sylvia Plath to my attention. Studies found her content to be more personalised leading up to her death, with far more use of ‘I’ in these publications. “It’s not necessarily true that she meant to end her life, and there are plenty of other poets that write ‘I’ words in their poetry, so it’s a computer led account that I’m not sure takes in the big picture.” A 2004 study found that prominent poets had 5 times higher suicide rates than the general population, but this obviously does not take into account all the lesser known poets. It is insanely difficult to even get this form of writing published. Also, the ‘Romantic Period’ has had a significant influence on the type of poetry that is famous today. This is when writers began to connect their work with their feelings. Scott states: “we see a cultural shift in a creative production. It puts more emphasis on individual experience.” To quote French poet, Charles Baudelaire; “to say the word Romanticism is to say modern art – that is, intimacy, spirituality, colour, aspiration towards the infinite, expressed by every means available to the arts.” It is thought that the ‘Big Six’, consisting of poets; William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, John Keats, Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley and William Blake, “cast a long shadow right onto the present day. Those personalities were so strong they ushered in a new way of thinking about poetry and its social role.” So, is poetry really dangerous? Ultimately, to Scott, “people are more complicated than that… There is no evidence to suggest poetry is more or less dangerous” than other treatments. “The poem is the thing that holds emotions, contains it and keeps it safe… With anyone involved in that, of course there is a level of risk, but there’s also a level of risk in just being alive and having feelings.” An interview with Scott Thurston. This is the subject of ongoing research, and Tom’s research initially stems from the fact that, “we all agree poetry works when used in therapy, but the weight of evidence for the mechanisms of change is uncertain”. But poetry does work, and maybe someday Tom will propose a theory for the ‘why’. The clearest answer Tom is able to give thus far is: “when you think of poetry, you think of it as a very cognitive process, something very thoughtful. But I definitely found it most powerful when I was thinking about how I was turning my insides out, it is an embodied process, full of symbolism, not just a cognitive process.” There is a powerful, boundaried, expressive, working out: getting it on the page. The pair are advocates for the fact that as long as it is in a therapeutic setting, poetry is definitely a powerful treatment option for depression, that a lot of people can potentially benefit from. Poetry workshops within the Greater Manchester area	0872ec62-8650-54f6-8a06-c3b861c80507	25/08/2025 15:58:38
https://medium.com/board-of-ux/master-the-art-of-cx-design-top-free-tools-for-becoming-a-holistic-customer-experience-designer-d13605477188	medium.com	Master the Art of CX Design: Top Free Tools for Becoming a Holistic Customer Experience Designer	Embark on your journey to becoming a holistic customer experience (CX) designer with the help of these top free tools. In this blog post…	Board of UX	https://medium.com/@boardofux	d13605477188	https://miro.medium.com/…g6xZ8NlVRkQ.jpeg	3 min	2023-05-09T09:33:47.233000	2023-05-09T09:42:52.464000	2023-05-15T11:07:56.882000	2	36	en	Customer Experience,UX Design,Free Tools,Holistic Design,Skill Development	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/792/1QXQXpmaWEKZg6xZ8NlVRkQ.jpeg" width="792" height="440" loading="lazy" /> <p>Embark on your journey to becoming a holistic customer experience (CX) designer with the help of these top free tools. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to essential resources that can help you enhance your skills, streamline your workflow, and ultimately create exceptional customer experiences.</p> <h1>The Power of Holistic CX Design</h1> <p>A holistic CX designer goes beyond the traditional realm of UX, focusing on the entire customer journey and ensuring a seamless, positive experience across all touchpoints. By mastering holistic CX design, you can drive customer loyalty, increase satisfaction, and ultimately contribute to your company’s success.</p> <h2>Top Free Tools for Holistic CX Designers</h2> <p>Boost your CX design skills and streamline your workflow with these free tools:</p> <h2>1. Journey Mapping: Miro</h2> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1440/1bs2KV3KRgdEPA2F3Dbml3Q.jpeg" width="1440" height="960" loading="lazy" /> <p>Miro is a collaborative online whiteboard platform that enables you to create customer journey maps, personas, and other visual artifacts. By mapping the customer journey, you can identify pain points, uncover opportunities for improvement, and ensure a seamless experience.</p> <p>Example: Use Miro’s customer journey map template to visualize each stage of the customer journey, from awareness to advocacy.</p> <h2>2. Prototyping: Figma</h2> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2988/13ZaZAKZgJaix7yo8yGogKA.png" width="2988" height="3874" loading="lazy" /> <p>Figma is a powerful design tool that allows you to create interactive prototypes, wireframes, and UI designs. With Figma’s collaborative features, you can easily work with team members, gather feedback, and iterate on your designs.</p> <p>Example: Create high-fidelity prototypes of your designs in Figma and share them with stakeholders to gather valuable feedback.</p> <h2>3. User Testing: Optimal Workshop</h2> <p>Optimal Workshop offers a suite of user testing tools, including tree testing, card sorting, and first-click testing. By conducting user testing, you can validate your designs, uncover usability issues, and refine your customer experience.</p> <p>Example: Use Optimal Workshop’s first-click testing tool to evaluate the effectiveness of your navigation menu and identify potential areas for improvement.</p> <h2>4. Analytics: Google Analytics</h2> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/845/1hqtawEJiCTkB_VVKvV-Ffg.png" width="845" height="291" loading="lazy" /> <p>Google Analytics is a comprehensive web analytics platform that provides insights into user behavior, demographics, and conversion rates. By analyzing this data, you can make data-driven decisions and optimize your customer experience.</p> <p>Example: Monitor your website’s bounce rate and session duration in Google Analytics to identify potential pain points and areas for improvement.</p> <h2>5. Collaboration: Trello</h2> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1200/1*FUzOYzMJOU83elTIijht2w.jpeg" width="1200" height="675" loading="lazy" /> <p>Trello is a project management tool that helps you organize tasks, collaborate with team members, and manage deadlines. With Trello’s visual interface, you can keep track of your CX design projects and ensure a smooth workflow.</p> <p>Example: Create a Trello board for each CX design project, using lists and cards to organize tasks, assign responsibilities, and track progress.</p> <h2>Conclusion</h2> <p>With these free tools at your disposal, you’ll be well-equipped to excel as a holistic CX designer. By mastering the art of customer experience design, you can create delightful, seamless experiences that keep customers coming back for more.</p> <p>Stay informed with a UX community that addresses the daily challenges of UX designers, offering insights and updates on the latest trends in UX culture. Visit us at <a href="http://www.boardofux.com/">www.boardofux.com</a>.</p> <p>#CXDesign #UXTools #CustomerExperience #HolisticDesign #SkillDevelopment</p> </section>	Master the Art of CX Design: Top Free Tools for Becoming a Holistic Customer Experience Designer Customer experience design can enhance web conversion Embark on your journey to becoming a holistic customer experience (CX) designer with the help of these top free tools. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to essential resources that can help you enhance your skills, streamline your workflow, and ultimately create exceptional customer experiences. The Power of Holistic CX Design A holistic CX designer goes beyond the traditional realm of UX, focusing on the entire customer journey and ensuring a seamless, positive experience across all touchpoints. By mastering holistic CX design, you can drive customer loyalty, increase satisfaction, and ultimately contribute to your company’s success. Top Free Tools for Holistic CX Designers Boost your CX design skills and streamline your workflow with these free tools: 1. Journey Mapping: Miro Customer Journey Map on Miro Miro is a collaborative online whiteboard platform that enables you to create customer journey maps, personas, and other visual artifacts. By mapping the customer journey, you can identify pain points, uncover opportunities for improvement, and ensure a seamless experience. Example: Use Miro’s customer journey map template to visualize each stage of the customer journey, from awareness to advocacy. 2. Prototyping: Figma High fidelity prototyping on figma Figma is a powerful design tool that allows you to create interactive prototypes, wireframes, and UI designs. With Figma’s collaborative features, you can easily work with team members, gather feedback, and iterate on your designs. Example: Create high-fidelity prototypes of your designs in Figma and share them with stakeholders to gather valuable feedback. 3. User Testing: Optimal Workshop Optimal Workshop offers a suite of user testing tools, including tree testing, card sorting, and first-click testing. By conducting user testing, you can validate your designs, uncover usability issues, and refine your customer experience. Example: Use Optimal Workshop’s first-click testing tool to evaluate the effectiveness of your navigation menu and identify potential areas for improvement. 4. Analytics: Google Analytics Comprehensive web analytics platform Google Analytics is a comprehensive web analytics platform that provides insights into user behavior, demographics, and conversion rates. By analyzing this data, you can make data-driven decisions and optimize your customer experience. Example: Monitor your website’s bounce rate and session duration in Google Analytics to identify potential pain points and areas for improvement. 5. Collaboration: Trello Trello- Project management tool Trello is a project management tool that helps you organize tasks, collaborate with team members, and manage deadlines. With Trello’s visual interface, you can keep track of your CX design projects and ensure a smooth workflow. Example: Create a Trello board for each CX design project, using lists and cards to organize tasks, assign responsibilities, and track progress. Conclusion With these free tools at your disposal, you’ll be well-equipped to excel as a holistic CX designer. By mastering the art of customer experience design, you can create delightful, seamless experiences that keep customers coming back for more. Stay informed with a UX community that addresses the daily challenges of UX designers, offering insights and updates on the latest trends in UX culture. Visit us at www.boardofux.com. #CXDesign #UXTools #CustomerExperience #HolisticDesign #SkillDevelopment	e6addd25-48a0-5140-a363-85f01880e73a	25/08/2025 15:58:38
https://medium.com/geekculture/realistic-perspective-on-release-strategies-hidden-corners-5c45b8b7cd8d	medium.com	Realistic Perspective on Release Strategies — Hidden Corners	Hands-on and Lessons learned from open-source package development and releasing	イルカ Borovec	https://medium.com/@jborovec	5c45b8b7cd8d	https://miro.medium.com/…1raSnb_y8dzg.png	7 min	2021-05-14T09:07:40.990000	2021-08-25T13:32:50.955000	2022-01-05T18:58:25.884000	0	79	en	Releases,Development,Git,Release Strategy	<section> <h1>Practical Perspective on Release Strategies — Hidden Corners</h1> <h3>Hands-on and Lessons learned from open-source package development and releasing</h3> <p>Releasing is a highlight of any software (SW) development process, no matter whether you have worked on a corporate solution or a small personal tool. Usually, it is full of expectations and satisfaction to get to the finish and share your work. Eventually, the expectation can turn to disappointment if there are not many adoptions or it turns out that the product has too many bugs… Anyway, the release is a major milestone in any SW life-cycle with various specifics depending on target domain/users, distribution, programing language, etc. 🐰</p> <p><strong>Narrowing the scope — </strong>I will speak about releasing open-source packages written in Python. <strong>Version notation</strong> — I will use <a href="https://semver.org">semantic versioning</a>, where full version M.F.B is composed of Major, Feature, and Bugfix, respectively. Let us also assume that the flow/process would be very similar for major (M) and feature (F) version/release in contrast to bug fixes (B). <strong>Environment</strong> — I will refer to usease of version control system (e.g. Git) which packs/wraps contribtions in a compact commits; I will also use branch teminology, see <a href="https://medium.com/the-underdog-writing-project/introduction-to-git-and-github-a5fdf5633923">Introduction to git and GitHub</a>.</p> <h2>Overview</h2> <p>There are various git workflows and branching models such as <a href="https://medium.com/@patrickporto/4-branching-workflows-for-git-30d0aaee7bf">4 branching workflows for Git</a> or <a href="https://www.cloudbees.com/blog/branching-strategy/">What Is a Branching Strategy?</a> and <a href="https://nvie.com/posts/a-successful-git-branching-model/">A successful Git branching model</a>. Anyway, in principle, there are two main release strategies (let’s keep it simple):</p> <ul> <li><strong>All-in-Main</strong>: pushing all commit features/bugs to the same (default/master) branch and for bugfix release create a special branch with cherry-picking bug-fix commits only</li> <li><strong>Features-Separately</strong>: keep default branch only for bug fixes, and all features go to separate (future features release) branches. A special case would be having each big feature (well separable/independent) in its own separate branch.</li> </ul> <p>In theory, both strategies are fine and very smooth till you start practising them. As the old saying states, <em>“No battle plan survives first contact with the enemy”,</em> there are several potential corner cases. One example is refactoring; it usually brings significant structural changes in the codebase, so later, any trivial correction (just a few lines) brings collisions when transferring across codebase versions (most automatic tools won't find the correct match).</p> <p>As an experienced developer, you can simulate some other edge cases in your mind. Still, probably you can't fully estimate what each takes (time, effort, stress) until you really face the extra work of resolving them. Let’s look at the two main strategies as outlined above and give some more personal observations as I experimented with both of them a year ago.</p> <p><strong>Technical</strong> (simplification) <strong>notes</strong>: - All commits in the target branch (default/feature/release) are a product of squash-merge of an open PR from an individual working branch. - Release/Version is represented via git tag v(M).(F).(B) on a particular branch, and we use these terms releases/versions/tags interchangeably.</p> <h2>All in the Main branch (AM)</h2> <p>The strong point of AM (a variation of GitHub flow) is making releasing the future versions simple as it always lives in the head of the default branch (it contains all commits). So, for example, you can straightforwardly release the nightly development version from the head of this default branch without any adjustments or needed completion.</p> <p>On the other hand, imagine you want to release a bugfix version (version based on the last feature release including only bugfixes, no other features). In this case, you may need to do extra work with cherry-picking bug-fix commits to the bug-fix branch and eventually resolving conflicts. A sample case of such a collision — among your fixing commit in the default branch already has landed a big feature or refactoring commit which made some later fixes dislocated in very different places of your codebase compared to the state of your last release.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/753/1T0eaHTtvyM1raSnb_y8dzg.png" width="753" height="248" loading="lazy" /> <p>From a practical perspective, you have duplicated fixing commits in the default and bug-fixing branch. Also, the esthetic drawback is missing linear history as feature releases live in the default branch and all bug-fix releases live in their own releasing branches.</p> <p>You can lower the spread effect by cutting out the bug-fix release branch from default at the time when the first feature commits lands (see the illustration above and branch marked by dot-dash line). For example, you have this linear release sequence: v1.0.0–v1.0.1–v1.0.2–v1.0.3–v1.0.4–v1.1.0–v1.1.1–v1.1.2–v1.1.3–v1.1.4–v1.1.5–v1.2.0 and these tags would live in the following branches: — <em>(default) main:</em> v1.0.0–v1.0.1–v1.1.0–v1.1.1–v1.1.2–v1.2.0 <em>— (bugfix) release/1.0.x:</em> v1.0.2–v1.0.3–v1.0.4 <em>— (bugfix) release/1.1.x:</em> v1.1.3–v1.1.4–v1.1.5</p> <p>Moreover, you are free to come back anytime and make extra bug-fix versions from any past feature releases as they live in their own branches…</p> <h2>Separate Develop branch (SD)</h2> <p>The SD (very simplified GitFlow) looks very pretty. You have continued releasing all versions from the main branch (also called a stable branch). It includes a priory all bug-fix versions, all features are developed in a separate branch and later (when no more bug-fix releases are expected and/or a new feature release is approaching), it is merged back to the main branch.</p> <p>One of the main motivations for this flow is preserving linear history with all releases/versions/tags in the same branch. Thus, you can easily traverse the history and always get a complete (executable and all tests passing) SW state. As a side note, in practice, it can happen you need to make an extra patch on a previous feature release which yields in making a bug-fix branch anyway.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/769/1DYttroU5a_vyZUAkWWqLNA.png" width="769" height="172" loading="lazy" /> <p>In theory, bug-fix commits are quite small and do not change the codebase significantly, so merging any feature back to the main branch after “small” bug-fix commits should be very smooth… But in practice, you want to build all your features from the latest stable version to avoid eventual bug interference (bugs from the base branch may collide with potentially new bugs living within the features, but after fixing bugs from the base branch, you have left only the new ones). Another perspective comes with making nightly releases from the Develop branch as you want a good quality of the nightly release, and you do not want to accumulate past bugs or hide them inside new features :]</p> <p>It means you need to recurrently: (a) rebase each particular feature branch on the head of stable, or (b) cherry-pick all bugfix commits from the default branch to the feature branch or (c) merge stable to this feature branch. Let us note that a) can be pervasive work; on the other hand, b,c) do not eliminate all eventually hidden bugs from early merged features…</p> <p>With this extra sync process (merging or cherry-picking), you will face extra work when you want to merge develop branch back to the main one and eventually drop/skip all duplicate (all bug-fixes) commits. If your developed branch largely diverged from target one and you have not performed any recurrent rebasing, you will face three options:</p> <p><strong>Rebase and merge</strong>, which preserves linear history (the main motivation for this release strategy). Alternatively, you can replace this rebase by cherry-picking feature commits back to the main branch, which may prevent cumulative collisions compare to rebase (from my personal experience, rebase tend to recurrently resolve the same collision in each step even the collisions were solved earlier).</p> <p><strong>Nasty merge</strong> where you may resolve only the final state difference (not a conflict of each particular commit). Still, it partially breaks the linear history as you will have two parallel commit streams.</p> <p><strong>Hard switch</strong> effectively means revert to the AD releasing as you would rename develop branch to the main one and past main branch become bug-fix releasing branch (assuming that you have synced all bugs from main to develop branch already)</p> <p>Briefly, evaluating the three top-down options would lower extra work needed (mainly resolving conflicts) to perform them and get further from the desired linear history…</p> <h2>Summary comparison</h2> <p>Let us boil down the previous thoughts to a simple table, highlighting some positive and negative aspects:</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/924/1oPzX2Ijy-tc-CETSIPjC-g.png" width="924" height="571" loading="lazy" /> <h2>Personal conclusions and Funny facts</h2> <p>If you do not rely on linear history or your development between features releases included some non-trivial refactoring, I recommend going with All-in-Main-branch and side bugfix releases.</p> <p>Compiling past year experience gives me insight into why most SW usually do not have many bug-fix releases, typically less than 5 (when each is composed of several bug-fix commits). If there is a higher number (about 5–20), each release contains very few bug-fix commits. So, it yields a very similar number of commits in any case — just the grouping is different.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/844/1Fy5_pvGdrrmUFYmndvZgZA.png" width="844" height="434" loading="lazy" /> <p>Compiling some personal perspectives to comparing planned and delivered functionality during SW life-cycle. You can see feature releasing as a significant lift-up in desired functionality, bringing several hidden bugs that degrade the delivered functionality. These potential bugs shall be caught and fixed in the following bug-fix releases; ideally, fix all which level the originally planned functionality.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1230/0*GncBKQa81xAZEnCw" width="1230" height="880" loading="lazy" /> <p>PS, we found that if develop branch (200+ commits) differ significantly from your main branch (100+ commits), GH is not able to create a PR to develop branch with the suggested link, so you need to make a specific URL link request — <em><a href="https://github.com/USER/REPO/compare/release/{feature-branch}...{mergin</em>g-branch}">https://github.com/USER/REPO/compare/release/{feature-branch}...{merging-branch}</a></p> <p><em><strong>Have you enjoyed this story? Stay tuned, and follow me to lea</em>rn more!</strong></p> <p><strong><a href="https://medium.com/geekculture/thought-on-why-code-formatting</strong>-is-important-even-more-for-open-source-476829b54eaf">Thoughts on Why Code Formatting is even more important for Open-Source <em>Formatters are here not to bother anyone; they are meant to help and make any cooperation smoother and facilitate…</em>m</a>edium.com</p> <p><strong><a href="https://devblog.pytorchlightning.ai/h</strong>ow-to-choose-a-ci-framework-for-deep-learning-d24ee9ef902c">How to choose a CI framework for deep learning <em>Running cheap multi-GPU testing with spot instances</em>devblog.pytorchlig</a>htning.ai</p> </section>	Illustration photo by Anete Lusina from Pexels. Practical Perspective on Release Strategies — Hidden Corners Hands-on and Lessons learned from open-source package development and releasing Releasing is a highlight of any software (SW) development process, no matter whether you have worked on a corporate solution or a small personal tool. Usually, it is full of expectations and satisfaction to get to the finish and share your work. Eventually, the expectation can turn to disappointment if there are not many adoptions or it turns out that the product has too many bugs… Anyway, the release is a major milestone in any SW life-cycle with various specifics depending on target domain/users, distribution, programing language, etc. 🐰 Narrowing the scope — I will speak about releasing open-source packages written in Python. Version notation — I will use semantic versioning, where full version M.F.B is composed of Major, Feature, and Bugfix, respectively. Let us also assume that the flow/process would be very similar for major (M) and feature (F) version/release in contrast to bug fixes (B). Environment — I will refer to usease of version control system (e.g. Git) which packs/wraps contribtions in a compact commits; I will also use branch teminology, see Introduction to git and GitHub. Overview There are various git workflows and branching models such as 4 branching workflows for Git or What Is a Branching Strategy? and A successful Git branching model. Anyway, in principle, there are two main release strategies (let’s keep it simple): All-in-Main: pushing all commit features/bugs to the same (default/master) branch and for bugfix release create a special branch with cherry-picking bug-fix commits only Features-Separately: keep default branch only for bug fixes, and all features go to separate (future features release) branches. A special case would be having each big feature (well separable/independent) in its own separate branch. In theory, both strategies are fine and very smooth till you start practising them. As the old saying states, “No battle plan survives first contact with the enemy”, there are several potential corner cases. One example is refactoring; it usually brings significant structural changes in the codebase, so later, any trivial correction (just a few lines) brings collisions when transferring across codebase versions (most automatic tools won't find the correct match). As an experienced developer, you can simulate some other edge cases in your mind. Still, probably you can't fully estimate what each takes (time, effort, stress) until you really face the extra work of resolving them. Let’s look at the two main strategies as outlined above and give some more personal observations as I experimented with both of them a year ago. Technical (simplification) notes: - All commits in the target branch (default/feature/release) are a product of squash-merge of an open PR from an individual working branch. - Release/Version is represented via git tag v(M).(F).(B) on a particular branch, and we use these terms releases/versions/tags interchangeably. All in the Main branch (AM) The strong point of AM (a variation of GitHub flow) is making releasing the future versions simple as it always lives in the head of the default branch (it contains all commits). So, for example, you can straightforwardly release the nightly development version from the head of this default branch without any adjustments or needed completion. On the other hand, imagine you want to release a bugfix version (version based on the last feature release including only bugfixes, no other features). In this case, you may need to do extra work with cherry-picking bug-fix commits to the bug-fix branch and eventually resolving conflicts. A sample case of such a collision — among your fixing commit in the default branch already has landed a big feature or refactoring commit which made some later fixes dislocated in very different places of your codebase compared to the state of your last release. Timeline for All in the Default branch From a practical perspective, you have duplicated fixing commits in the default and bug-fixing branch. Also, the esthetic drawback is missing linear history as feature releases live in the default branch and all bug-fix releases live in their own releasing branches. You can lower the spread effect by cutting out the bug-fix release branch from default at the time when the first feature commits lands (see the illustration above and branch marked by dot-dash line). For example, you have this linear release sequence: v1.0.0–v1.0.1–v1.0.2–v1.0.3–v1.0.4–v1.1.0–v1.1.1–v1.1.2–v1.1.3–v1.1.4–v1.1.5–v1.2.0 and these tags would live in the following branches: — (default) main: v1.0.0–v1.0.1–v1.1.0–v1.1.1–v1.1.2–v1.2.0 — (bugfix) release/1.0.x: v1.0.2–v1.0.3–v1.0.4 — (bugfix) release/1.1.x: v1.1.3–v1.1.4–v1.1.5 Moreover, you are free to come back anytime and make extra bug-fix versions from any past feature releases as they live in their own branches… Separate Develop branch (SD) The SD (very simplified GitFlow) looks very pretty. You have continued releasing all versions from the main branch (also called a stable branch). It includes a priory all bug-fix versions, all features are developed in a separate branch and later (when no more bug-fix releases are expected and/or a new feature release is approaching), it is merged back to the main branch. One of the main motivations for this flow is preserving linear history with all releases/versions/tags in the same branch. Thus, you can easily traverse the history and always get a complete (executable and all tests passing) SW state. As a side note, in practice, it can happen you need to make an extra patch on a previous feature release which yields in making a bug-fix branch anyway. Timeline for Separate Feature branch In theory, bug-fix commits are quite small and do not change the codebase significantly, so merging any feature back to the main branch after “small” bug-fix commits should be very smooth… But in practice, you want to build all your features from the latest stable version to avoid eventual bug interference (bugs from the base branch may collide with potentially new bugs living within the features, but after fixing bugs from the base branch, you have left only the new ones). Another perspective comes with making nightly releases from the Develop branch as you want a good quality of the nightly release, and you do not want to accumulate past bugs or hide them inside new features :] It means you need to recurrently: (a) rebase each particular feature branch on the head of stable, or (b) cherry-pick all bugfix commits from the default branch to the feature branch or (c) merge stable to this feature branch. Let us note that a) can be pervasive work; on the other hand, b,c) do not eliminate all eventually hidden bugs from early merged features… With this extra sync process (merging or cherry-picking), you will face extra work when you want to merge develop branch back to the main one and eventually drop/skip all duplicate (all bug-fixes) commits. If your developed branch largely diverged from target one and you have not performed any recurrent rebasing, you will face three options: Rebase and merge, which preserves linear history (the main motivation for this release strategy). Alternatively, you can replace this rebase by cherry-picking feature commits back to the main branch, which may prevent cumulative collisions compare to rebase (from my personal experience, rebase tend to recurrently resolve the same collision in each step even the collisions were solved earlier). Nasty merge where you may resolve only the final state difference (not a conflict of each particular commit). Still, it partially breaks the linear history as you will have two parallel commit streams. Hard switch effectively means revert to the AD releasing as you would rename develop branch to the main one and past main branch become bug-fix releasing branch (assuming that you have synced all bugs from main to develop branch already) Briefly, evaluating the three top-down options would lower extra work needed (mainly resolving conflicts) to perform them and get further from the desired linear history… Summary comparison Let us boil down the previous thoughts to a simple table, highlighting some positive and negative aspects: Summary comparison of AM and SD strategies. Personal conclusions and Funny facts If you do not rely on linear history or your development between features releases included some non-trivial refactoring, I recommend going with All-in-Main-branch and side bugfix releases. Compiling past year experience gives me insight into why most SW usually do not have many bug-fix releases, typically less than 5 (when each is composed of several bug-fix commits). If there is a higher number (about 5–20), each release contains very few bug-fix commits. So, it yields a very similar number of commits in any case — just the grouping is different. Timeline with releases at the x-axis, functionality in the y-axis, and color from red to green as properly working functionality. So the planned functionality is the upper (green) bound compared to the delivered (true) functionality as the lower bound (partially red). Compiling some personal perspectives to comparing planned and delivered functionality during SW life-cycle. You can see feature releasing as a significant lift-up in desired functionality, bringing several hidden bugs that degrade the delivered functionality. These potential bugs shall be caught and fixed in the following bug-fix releases; ideally, fix all which level the originally planned functionality. Screen-shot from GitHub. PS, we found that if develop branch (200+ commits) differ significantly from your main branch (100+ commits), GH is not able to create a PR to develop branch with the suggested link, so you need to make a specific URL link request — https://github.com/USER/REPO/compare/release/{feature-branch}...{merging-branch} Have you enjoyed this story? Stay tuned, and follow me to learn more! Thoughts on Why Code Formatting is even more important for Open-Source Formatters are here not to bother anyone; they are meant to help and make any cooperation smoother and facilitate…medium.com How to choose a CI framework for deep learning Running cheap multi-GPU testing with spot instancesdevblog.pytorchlightning.ai	fb11c435-cab9-54a6-803f-ef736164345b	25/08/2025 15:58:38
https://medium.com/@muarraf.my/a-little-0c54e2e7979a	medium.com	A Little …..	Fragments from ‘Perfect Imperfections: a story of humans’ ✨	Muarraf Yousaf	https://medium.com/@muarraf.my	0c54e2e7979a	null	0 min	2025-08-23T23:14:12.598000	2025-08-23T23:16:37.776000	2025-08-24T00:27:35.705000	0	14	en	Life,Self Love,This Is Us,Relationships,Writing	<section> <p>– Fragments from ‘Perfect Imperfections: a story of humans’ ✨</p> </section>	“ …… A Little – a little light of love, a little reciprocation of affection, a little time to compassion, a little action of kindness, a little words of encouragement, a little sense of understanding, a little feeling of happiness, a little effort to help, a little more euphoria and a little less gloominess. Sometimes, all someone wishes for is ‘a little’, and sometimes, ‘a little’ is too much to wish for. ….” – Fragments from ‘Perfect Imperfections: a story of humans’ ✨	ca082dce-b29d-5300-8515-4da4288e706f	25/08/2025 15:58:39
https://medium.com/@tonywhite_55696/meaningless-numbers-part-2-1a3c79fca888	medium.com	Meaningless Numbers: Part 2	Being a numbers driven person, I always have some sort of mini goal for my weekly training. Back in the day, it used to be volume between…	Tony White	https://medium.com/@tonywhite_55696	1a3c79fca888	https://miro.medium.com/…TDZ8ez0Dczg.jpeg	5 min	2018-01-23T13:23:47.494000	2018-01-23T19:25:13.309000	2018-01-23T19:25:14.101000	0	0	en	Running,Triathlon,Ultramarathon,Ultrarunning,Trailrunning	<section> <p>Being a numbers driven person, I always have some sort of mini goal for my weekly training. Back in the day, it used to be volume between my swimming, cycling, and running. 20 hours a week was my magical number that had to be hit. Now, it is mainly just weekly mileage. I have learned to have a soft goal as opposed to “I HAVE to hit 70 miles this week” as being a full time Realtor, husband, and father has changed my priorities a bit.</p> <p>I write this because I’m racing for the first time in 2018 on Saturday. I will be racing at the Mountain Mist 50k in Huntsville, Alabama. This race is not a “A” race for me as I’m building towards the Georgia Death Race on March 31st. However, my past shows that I’m not the best at tapering for a race other than an A race. I have a tendency to under rest and then under perform for a race that isn’t my main goal for the season. The Mountain Mist 50k, fits into that category. However, knowing my past mistakes, I have decided that I will at least back off a bit before my final drive towards GDR.</p> <p>Thankfully I have learned this from racing competitively for almost 14 years now. My best races have come from a long build to one particular race. Sure I included some “tune up” races but even those races had a 3–7 day taper going into them. My worst races have come from what I would label as a “B” race and treat it more like a “D” race.</p> <p>I have never underestimated the marathon and have run three pretty successful marathons. There was always at least a 12 if not 16 week build up to these marathons. And there was always at least 3–4 race specific workouts that gave me an idea of what race day will be like. And then my final “long” run would be at least 14, if not 21 days away from the race. My mileage slowly dropped and my longer runs got progressively shorter as it got closer to race day. My mileage the week of the race compared to just 2–3 days of running on a high mileage week but I knew going into the race that it is always better to be under prepared then over cooked.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/604/14pybeB62v53O9nXTMQnrNA.jpeg" width="604" height="404" loading="lazy" /> <p>Racing as a “professional” triathlete for 4–5 years, I did get to the point where I wouldn’t rest enough for a particular event. I erred on the side of being over cooked not knowing what damage I was doing. And I always learned a valuable lesson. Training hard felt normal and I became to believe that I was invincible. However, I learned that I’m no Jan Frodeno or Lionel Sanders. I need to rest and come ready to fight. I’m not as naturally gifted (physically and psychologically) as some of my competitors to be able to just show up a little tired and still be able to fight to the finish. I remember two races in particular that I lost the race before I was even on the bike. Both of those races were 70.3's. So, 25–30 minutes into a 4 hours race, I knew my day was over. Was it? No. But I told myself that it was and guess what? It was over because that is what I believed. So it just became a long pity party bike ride/run to the finish line. Then for sometimes up to week or two, I would think back on my mistakes and what I should have done differently. It was almost always: rest more. Rest lead me to be stronger on race day, both mentally and physically.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1728/1c7cvVmYMUs0TDZ8ez0Dczg.jpeg" width="1728" height="2592" loading="lazy" /> <p>At the time, I was 26 years old and had just had a great year of racing. I respected every race that I competed in and also had a coach that helped keep me in check with my training. The following year, I coached myself and dug myself into a hole that would eventually lead to a 1.5 year injury. But, I trained through just about every race that year because there was always a “bigger” race down the road that was my focus. As a result, I never accomplished the result I was looking for.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/720/1*Pgu6AUTaC_8NyGZr5khB0Q.jpeg" width="720" height="480" loading="lazy" /> <p>Getting back to this weekend, my initial thought was to just use this as a big build week. I’m only 10 weeks out from the Georgia Death Race and training is starting to get a lot more specific (or at least it needs to). I have already started to track my vertical gain, which I have never tracked, and will make that a priority in 2–3 weeks once I’m recovered from this 50k. I even thought about doing some hill work on Monday and Tuesday of this week to chase a little extra “vert” before taking 3 easy days going into the race. But, from my years of experience, I know that I will only be disappointed with that decision. Three weeks/months/years from now, will I remember that I hit 8,000 ft of elevation gain this week, or will I remember my race result at the Mountain Mist 50k? It is the latter.</p> <p>No matter how tired I am, I always expect the best result from myself on the start line, and then I get upset when I don’t perform well. I now believe that it’s better to have a confidence building race (or wake up call) then to just train through a race. I would prefer that then slog out a result that is sub par in whatever the race may be. Even if I were racing a 5k this weekend, somehow I would most likely expect to run a time that is probably 1 minute faster than I’m currently able to, even though I have only been on the track once in the past 3–4 months. And then when didn’t run that fast, I would somehow make that a goal for the next few weeks even though I am also trying to successfully run a 72 mile mountain ultra.</p> <p>So I find myself with a little extra pep in my step this week. I still have a little tune up workout this afternoon, but the rest of the week will mostly be easy running to keep me from feeling stale going into Saturday. When it comes to race week, rest a little more and err on the safe side when it comes to mileage/volume.</p> <p>UPDATE: From my previous post, I did not achieve the 3,000 miles for 2017. I thought that if all was good and I pushed a little bit, then I could hit it. I did run 161 miles over the final 2 weeks of the year, but I only finished with 2,968. Had a been even 15-20 miles closer, then I might have pushed the issue a little more. But the legs were feeling especially beat up and I did not want to risk injury. Guess that will lead me to one of my goals for 2018.</p> </section>	Meaningless Numbers: Part 2 Being a numbers driven person, I always have some sort of mini goal for my weekly training. Back in the day, it used to be volume between my swimming, cycling, and running. 20 hours a week was my magical number that had to be hit. Now, it is mainly just weekly mileage. I have learned to have a soft goal as opposed to “I HAVE to hit 70 miles this week” as being a full time Realtor, husband, and father has changed my priorities a bit. I write this because I’m racing for the first time in 2018 on Saturday. I will be racing at the Mountain Mist 50k in Huntsville, Alabama. This race is not a “A” race for me as I’m building towards the Georgia Death Race on March 31st. However, my past shows that I’m not the best at tapering for a race other than an A race. I have a tendency to under rest and then under perform for a race that isn’t my main goal for the season. The Mountain Mist 50k, fits into that category. However, knowing my past mistakes, I have decided that I will at least back off a bit before my final drive towards GDR. Thankfully I have learned this from racing competitively for almost 14 years now. My best races have come from a long build to one particular race. Sure I included some “tune up” races but even those races had a 3–7 day taper going into them. My worst races have come from what I would label as a “B” race and treat it more like a “D” race. I have never underestimated the marathon and have run three pretty successful marathons. There was always at least a 12 if not 16 week build up to these marathons. And there was always at least 3–4 race specific workouts that gave me an idea of what race day will be like. And then my final “long” run would be at least 14, if not 21 days away from the race. My mileage slowly dropped and my longer runs got progressively shorter as it got closer to race day. My mileage the week of the race compared to just 2–3 days of running on a high mileage week but I knew going into the race that it is always better to be under prepared then over cooked. One of my career best results. 2nd amateur overall @ 70.3 World’s which led to my Pro career. 1st place is right beside me. Mario turned pro after this race as well. Racing as a “professional” triathlete for 4–5 years, I did get to the point where I wouldn’t rest enough for a particular event. I erred on the side of being over cooked not knowing what damage I was doing. And I always learned a valuable lesson. Training hard felt normal and I became to believe that I was invincible. However, I learned that I’m no Jan Frodeno or Lionel Sanders. I need to rest and come ready to fight. I’m not as naturally gifted (physically and psychologically) as some of my competitors to be able to just show up a little tired and still be able to fight to the finish. I remember two races in particular that I lost the race before I was even on the bike. Both of those races were 70.3's. So, 25–30 minutes into a 4 hours race, I knew my day was over. Was it? No. But I told myself that it was and guess what? It was over because that is what I believed. So it just became a long pity party bike ride/run to the finish line. Then for sometimes up to week or two, I would think back on my mistakes and what I should have done differently. It was almost always: rest more. Rest lead me to be stronger on race day, both mentally and physically. Running to the finish at the New Orleans 70.3 in 2014. My first race as a Pro since July of 2011. At the time, I was 26 years old and had just had a great year of racing. I respected every race that I competed in and also had a coach that helped keep me in check with my training. The following year, I coached myself and dug myself into a hole that would eventually lead to a 1.5 year injury. But, I trained through just about every race that year because there was always a “bigger” race down the road that was my focus. As a result, I never accomplished the result I was looking for. Back when I raced for the US Pro Tri team in 2011. (not the official US team just to be clear) Getting back to this weekend, my initial thought was to just use this as a big build week. I’m only 10 weeks out from the Georgia Death Race and training is starting to get a lot more specific (or at least it needs to). I have already started to track my vertical gain, which I have never tracked, and will make that a priority in 2–3 weeks once I’m recovered from this 50k. I even thought about doing some hill work on Monday and Tuesday of this week to chase a little extra “vert” before taking 3 easy days going into the race. But, from my years of experience, I know that I will only be disappointed with that decision. Three weeks/months/years from now, will I remember that I hit 8,000 ft of elevation gain this week, or will I remember my race result at the Mountain Mist 50k? It is the latter. No matter how tired I am, I always expect the best result from myself on the start line, and then I get upset when I don’t perform well. I now believe that it’s better to have a confidence building race (or wake up call) then to just train through a race. I would prefer that then slog out a result that is sub par in whatever the race may be. Even if I were racing a 5k this weekend, somehow I would most likely expect to run a time that is probably 1 minute faster than I’m currently able to, even though I have only been on the track once in the past 3–4 months. And then when didn’t run that fast, I would somehow make that a goal for the next few weeks even though I am also trying to successfully run a 72 mile mountain ultra. So I find myself with a little extra pep in my step this week. I still have a little tune up workout this afternoon, but the rest of the week will mostly be easy running to keep me from feeling stale going into Saturday. When it comes to race week, rest a little more and err on the safe side when it comes to mileage/volume. UPDATE: From my previous post, I did not achieve the 3,000 miles for 2017. I thought that if all was good and I pushed a little bit, then I could hit it. I did run 161 miles over the final 2 weeks of the year, but I only finished with 2,968. Had a been even 15-20 miles closer, then I might have pushed the issue a little more. But the legs were feeling especially beat up and I did not want to risk injury. Guess that will lead me to one of my goals for 2018.	56f9892f-6b78-52b2-a09b-e9eeb1f8ed6d	25/08/2025 15:58:39
https://kondlawork.medium.com/working-with-chatgpt-f942d008f07a	medium.com	Working with ChatGPT	This article illustrates few examples on how chatGPT from OpenAI responds to queries as accurate as you can think of	@kondlawork	https://medium.com/@kondlawork	f942d008f07a	https://miro.medium.com/…qxTnOG9EuQ8w.png	2 min	2023-01-25T01:06:12.514000	2023-01-25T01:18:01.979000	2023-03-16T18:01:34.076000	1	1	en	ChatGPT,Chat	<section> <p>This article illustrates few examples on how chatGPT from OpenAI responds to queries as accurate as you can think of</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3543/1ts-MnU4O0_6PWBZxJl1bTQ.png" width="3543" height="2303" loading="lazy" /> <p>Example of overriding methods in Java?</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1714/1CH3FtpsTW8qxTnOG9EuQ8w.png" width="1714" height="2138" loading="lazy" /> <p>2. Example of polymorphism in Java</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1662/1uEHwDv0yJ5FzvvZrHS-nsg.png" width="1662" height="2342" loading="lazy" /> <p>3. Example of string array in golang</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1662/1WVR5zEi-WeJ3bk8joiUYQA.png" width="1662" height="2342" loading="lazy" /> <p>4. Example of Big(O) time and space complexity of O(n²)</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1662/1yd9ayOkr34HomHQEoLxnOg.png" width="1662" height="1166" loading="lazy" /> <p>5. Find time and space complexity of fibonacci algorithm, with example in javascript</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1654/16dY3z90Xvsx5r6xAxRnLZA.png" width="1654" height="1402" loading="lazy" /> <p>6. Example of Write a terraform script to deploy 2 EC2 instances fronted by ELB?</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1550/1tQenAqSls1Xw1Vs-YZ0syw.png" width="1550" height="2834" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1442/15iS3cVmoYeNWYkmm7CL3AQ.png" width="1442" height="2370" loading="lazy" /> <p>Ask ChatGPT any questions randomly programmatically using OpenAI APIs</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2116/14gTQ4vONRo3SobGL6irMmQ.png" width="2116" height="867" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2122/1OvQuV-vyGKK75jBWSYv6xA.png" width="2122" height="761" loading="lazy" /> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1398/1*MO4CnplIv2jFRpvmfdWtww.png" width="1398" height="231" loading="lazy" /> </section>	Working with ChatGPT This article illustrates few examples on how chatGPT from OpenAI responds to queries as accurate as you can think of OpenAI (ChatGPT) Example of overriding methods in Java? 2. Example of polymorphism in Java 3. Example of string array in golang 4. Example of Big(O) time and space complexity of O(n²) 5. Find time and space complexity of fibonacci algorithm, with example in javascript 6. Example of Write a terraform script to deploy 2 EC2 instances fronted by ELB? Ask ChatGPT any questions randomly programmatically using OpenAI APIs	5cda9e58-43c2-52ee-ada7-2f536bc65425	25/08/2025 15:58:39
https://medium.com/verasity/welcome-to-verasity-1a97928b4d7f	medium.com	Welcome To Verasity	Find out more about Verasity, the Blockchain powered video economy.	Verasity	https://medium.com/@VRATech	1a97928b4d7f	https://miro.medium.com/…jnmzjI09umg.jpeg	4 min	2018-02-01T17:58:41.889000	2018-02-02T16:08:30.018000	2019-02-08T16:59:30.498000	3	1,164	en	Cryptocurrency,Blockchain,Blockchain Startup,Online Video,Online Video Platform	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2048/1*lkft1OUCHBmjnmzjI09umg.jpeg" width="2048" height="1152" loading="lazy" /> <h1>What is Verasity?</h1> <p>Online video means different things to different people. Whether you’re watching a vlog from Smosh, a documentary from VICE, the latest episode of Stranger Things on Netflix, or a 30-second clip on Facebook, you are consuming one of the most exciting, and booming creative mediums in the world.</p> <p>The advent of online video sharing platforms and consumer level access to recording and distribution means video consumption and creation has never been more accessible.</p> <p>Existing platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo have propelled video into the mainstream. Despite this, the majority of the value generated by viewers still goes to a small fraction of top-tier creators, the video platforms, and corporations rather than being fairly distributed to all participants in the platforms. These issues aren’t getting any better either. Each day, there are new middlemen taking their cut out of the platform and higher expectations of quality from viewers.</p> <p>Verasity is a suite of blockchain enhanced video platform technologies designed to supercharge the online video ecosystem by enabling a direct and transparent relationship between viewers, content creators and advertisers.</p> <p>Verasity’s high performance blockchain enables a transparent economy powered by a new micropayment capable token called VERA (VRA), as well as the ability to eliminate fake advertising and content views with patent pending Proof-of-View (PoV™) technology.</p> <h2>What are the key features of Verasity?</h2> <h3>Get paid to watch videos</h3> <p>One of the biggest benefits for viewers is that once they’ve signed up and created their Verasity wallet, they will be able to earn <em>VERA</em> by simply watching videos. Likewise, advertising on Verasity will be strictly opt-in for the viewer, if users choose to watch adverts they will directly receive payment from the advertiser as an appreciation of their attention.</p> <h3>Next-generation video player</h3> <p>Verasity’s custom-built HTML5 video player runs on centralized servers but manages to substantially reduce operating costs. This means creators/publishers won’t have their payments reduced to cover large platform costs. At the same time, viewers will be getting the best possible playback experience without suffering all the inherent problems of using peer-to-peer technology (P2P) to stream content from an extensive video library.</p> <p>VeraPlayer™ has been in development for 4 years. It is working, and more importantly, has been proven to work at scale, powering 8 PetaBytes of video data every month. Verasity’s player will also feature an in-built wallet that facilitates simple and secure payments between viewers and creators.</p> <h3>Content monetization</h3> <p>The Verasity platform will utilize the VERA token, which will run on Verasity’s own Blockchain. This payment system will enable direct value exchange between viewers and content creators/publishers.</p> <p>Creators and publishers will have access to more unified monetization options than on any other existing video platform. The funding model is set on a per video basis and rules can be put in place for groups of videos, channels, or for users with certain opt-in features enabled.</p> <p>On Verasity we don’t believe there’s a one-size fits all model, in fact, it’s up to individual creators/publishers and viewers to decide how they wish to support each other.</p> <p>Funding models include:</p> <p><strong>Free-to-view with optional donation.</strong> Creators receive individual <em>VERA</em> donations from viewers who enjoy their content;</p> <p><strong>Pay-per-view (TVOD).</strong> Creators set a rate of <em>VERA</em> that each viewer will pay to unlock a video — users will be able to receive a short preview of the content before paying;</p> <p><strong>Monthly subscription (SVOD).</strong> Creators charge a monthly <em>VERA</em> fee for their viewers to access their paid content. This could either be used to access exclusive “VIP only content” or as an alternative to SVOD video;</p> <p><strong>Advertising (AVOD). </strong>Ads are entirely optional for viewers. However, watching advertising allows users to earn <em>VERA</em> which they can in turn pay creators with.</p> <h3>Innovative Content Uploading System</h3> <p>With increasingly lower barriers to entry, existing platforms are buckling under an ever-increasing amount of poor-quality content. Low-quality content takes money out of the pockets of creators by inflating platform storage costs and makes it harder for viewers to find good quality content.</p> <p>Verasity will operate an upload system where creators have an initial upload limit. If they are under their upload limit it’s free to upload content and when they go over their upload limit they have to pay to upload using <em>VERA</em>.</p> <p>Upload limits increase based on global platform usage, as well as other incentives to help grow the community and ecosystem as a whole. Each creator will also increase their upload limit based on their individual channel performance.</p> <p>The aim is not to penalise those who are adding value to the ecosystem or to create a pure pay-to-upload system. Creators/publishers who add value will receive <em>VERA</em> through all of the monetization models above, can earn <em>VERA </em>just by watching videos themselves, simply wait until their upload limit increases, or buy <em>VERA </em>so they can buy more upload credits.</p> <p>On the other hand, users who want to spam the platform with low-quality content, which receives no views, will find themselves needing to pay to upload.</p> <h3>Channel Stake Marketplace</h3> <p>The Verasity platform will provide a Channel Stake Marketplace for stakes in content channels. This will enable content creators/publishers to finance additional growth and development of their content.</p> <p>Creators/publishers can sell a part in their channel to <em>VERA</em> holders at a price set by the creator/publisher. The participation in the channel will provide the same % share of future earnings back to stakeholders in the channel. Stakeholders in a channel will then be able to sell their stake back on the Channel Stake Marketplace</p> <p>The current market value of a stake will be calculated by a Verasity algorithm that takes into account verified views of the content, the revenue stream of the channel, the recommendation engine and other key parameters.</p> <p><em>Spark Marketplace is presently not planned to be available to VERA token-holders in the US and certain other jurisdictions where it is restricted by law.</em></p> <h2>Join our community:</h2> <p>If you want to join the conversation about Verasity then please follow our various accounts below!</p> <p>Website: <a href="https://verasity.io/">https://verasity.io</a> Telegram: <a href="http://t.me/verasitychat">http://t.me/verasitychat</a> Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/verasitytech">https://twitter.com/verasitytech</a> Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/verasitytech">https://facebook.com/verasitytech</a> LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/verasity">https://www.linkedin.com/company/verasity</a> Reddit: <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/verasity">https://www.reddit.com/r/verasity</a></p> <p>Verasity is a leading video platform providing unique Rewarded Player Technology to major publishers across the globe.</p> <p>Our patent pending Rewards-as-a-Service (RaaS) Player enables VRA rewards, monetization and loyalty schemes within the player wallet. Our player technology is already available to 280,000 publishers with 240 million users and 50 billion monthly views. This brings engagement, audiences and revenues back to publisher sites. Our attention-based model creates a thriving VRA token economy between viewers, publishers and advertisers.</p> <p>Verasity is the future of online video — Reach, Reward, Retain.</p> </section>	Welcome To Verasity: The Future Of Online Video What is Verasity? Online video means different things to different people. Whether you’re watching a vlog from Smosh, a documentary from VICE, the latest episode of Stranger Things on Netflix, or a 30-second clip on Facebook, you are consuming one of the most exciting, and booming creative mediums in the world. The advent of online video sharing platforms and consumer level access to recording and distribution means video consumption and creation has never been more accessible. Existing platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo have propelled video into the mainstream. Despite this, the majority of the value generated by viewers still goes to a small fraction of top-tier creators, the video platforms, and corporations rather than being fairly distributed to all participants in the platforms. These issues aren’t getting any better either. Each day, there are new middlemen taking their cut out of the platform and higher expectations of quality from viewers. Verasity is a suite of blockchain enhanced video platform technologies designed to supercharge the online video ecosystem by enabling a direct and transparent relationship between viewers, content creators and advertisers. Verasity’s high performance blockchain enables a transparent economy powered by a new micropayment capable token called VERA (VRA), as well as the ability to eliminate fake advertising and content views with patent pending Proof-of-View (PoV™) technology. What are the key features of Verasity? Get paid to watch videos One of the biggest benefits for viewers is that once they’ve signed up and created their Verasity wallet, they will be able to earn VERA by simply watching videos. Likewise, advertising on Verasity will be strictly opt-in for the viewer, if users choose to watch adverts they will directly receive payment from the advertiser as an appreciation of their attention. Next-generation video player Verasity’s custom-built HTML5 video player runs on centralized servers but manages to substantially reduce operating costs. This means creators/publishers won’t have their payments reduced to cover large platform costs. At the same time, viewers will be getting the best possible playback experience without suffering all the inherent problems of using peer-to-peer technology (P2P) to stream content from an extensive video library. VeraPlayer™ has been in development for 4 years. It is working, and more importantly, has been proven to work at scale, powering 8 PetaBytes of video data every month. Verasity’s player will also feature an in-built wallet that facilitates simple and secure payments between viewers and creators. Content monetization The Verasity platform will utilize the VERA token, which will run on Verasity’s own Blockchain. This payment system will enable direct value exchange between viewers and content creators/publishers. Creators and publishers will have access to more unified monetization options than on any other existing video platform. The funding model is set on a per video basis and rules can be put in place for groups of videos, channels, or for users with certain opt-in features enabled. On Verasity we don’t believe there’s a one-size fits all model, in fact, it’s up to individual creators/publishers and viewers to decide how they wish to support each other. Funding models include: Free-to-view with optional donation. Creators receive individual VERA donations from viewers who enjoy their content; Pay-per-view (TVOD). Creators set a rate of VERA that each viewer will pay to unlock a video — users will be able to receive a short preview of the content before paying; Monthly subscription (SVOD). Creators charge a monthly VERA fee for their viewers to access their paid content. This could either be used to access exclusive “VIP only content” or as an alternative to SVOD video; Advertising (AVOD). Ads are entirely optional for viewers. However, watching advertising allows users to earn VERA which they can in turn pay creators with. Innovative Content Uploading System With increasingly lower barriers to entry, existing platforms are buckling under an ever-increasing amount of poor-quality content. Low-quality content takes money out of the pockets of creators by inflating platform storage costs and makes it harder for viewers to find good quality content. Verasity will operate an upload system where creators have an initial upload limit. If they are under their upload limit it’s free to upload content and when they go over their upload limit they have to pay to upload using VERA. Upload limits increase based on global platform usage, as well as other incentives to help grow the community and ecosystem as a whole. Each creator will also increase their upload limit based on their individual channel performance. The aim is not to penalise those who are adding value to the ecosystem or to create a pure pay-to-upload system. Creators/publishers who add value will receive VERA through all of the monetization models above, can earn VERA just by watching videos themselves, simply wait until their upload limit increases, or buy VERA so they can buy more upload credits. On the other hand, users who want to spam the platform with low-quality content, which receives no views, will find themselves needing to pay to upload. Channel Stake Marketplace The Verasity platform will provide a Channel Stake Marketplace for stakes in content channels. This will enable content creators/publishers to finance additional growth and development of their content. Creators/publishers can sell a part in their channel to VERA holders at a price set by the creator/publisher. The participation in the channel will provide the same % share of future earnings back to stakeholders in the channel. Stakeholders in a channel will then be able to sell their stake back on the Channel Stake Marketplace The current market value of a stake will be calculated by a Verasity algorithm that takes into account verified views of the content, the revenue stream of the channel, the recommendation engine and other key parameters. Spark Marketplace is presently not planned to be available to VERA token-holders in the US and certain other jurisdictions where it is restricted by law. Join our community: If you want to join the conversation about Verasity then please follow our various accounts below! Website: https://verasity.io Telegram: http://t.me/verasitychat Twitter: https://twitter.com/verasitytech Facebook: https://facebook.com/verasitytech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/verasity Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/verasity Verasity is a leading video platform providing unique Rewarded Player Technology to major publishers across the globe. Our patent pending Rewards-as-a-Service (RaaS) Player enables VRA rewards, monetization and loyalty schemes within the player wallet. Our player technology is already available to 280,000 publishers with 240 million users and 50 billion monthly views. This brings engagement, audiences and revenues back to publisher sites. Our attention-based model creates a thriving VRA token economy between viewers, publishers and advertisers. Verasity is the future of online video — Reach, Reward, Retain.	cd054df0-725a-5459-ac95-d04018582c60	25/08/2025 15:58:39
https://medium.com/@_M_M_/boston-strong-tony-martin-adafa536e5b9	medium.com	BOSTON STRONG: TONY MARTIN	Working hard for a dream with the Boston-based UFC Lightweight	M	https://medium.com/@_M_M_	adafa536e5b9	https://miro.medium.com/…Wm0P8RET8Vw.jpeg	20 min	2016-06-28T00:57:09.245000	2017-01-09T12:55:35.338000	2018-04-09T05:04:49.126000	0	6	en	UFC,Mixed Martial Arts,MMA,Sports,Boston	<section> <h3>Working hard for a dream with the Boston-based UFC Lightweight</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1365/12Q0ENzWI5m4Wm0P8RET8Vw.jpeg" width="1365" height="2048" loading="lazy" /> <blockquote>“If you’re going to try to do <em>anything</em> in life, I always say don’t do it for money. If you’re doing it for the money, it’s to help your family get better; that’s why you’re working all those hours. It’s not for the Harley’s and stuff — it’s to better your kids or better your family’s circumstances in life.” — Tony Martin</blockquote> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/tmartinmma">Tony Martin</a> (10–3) — a professional mixed martial artist currently fighting out of Boston, Massachusetts — always knew he had a path in life.</p> <p>He just had to design it.</p> <p>After an upbringing filled with strife and relocation, Martin eventually found a home under the tutelage of legendary MMA pioneer <a href="https://twitter.com/brock_larsoncfx">Brock Larson</a>. Larson — a standout competitor in the WEC, <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc">UFC</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ONEChampionship">One FC</a>, saw raw talent and sincere disposition within Martin and dedicated as much time and resources to him as possible. In return, Martin took the opportunity to heart and stacked up eight consecutive victories — the first five via submission — before joining the UFC with perfect 2–0 amateur and 8–0 professional records.</p> <p>In February 2014, Martin made his UFC debut against former <a href="https://twitter.com/M1GlobalNews">M-1 Global</a> Welterweight champion <a href="https://twitter.com/RashidGorets">Rashid Magomedov</a> (19–2); Martin experienced his first career loss as the judges awarded Magomedov a Unanimous Decision. In August 2014, Martin returned to the Octagon to face another tough opponent in <a href="https://twitter.com/beneildariush">Beneil Dariush</a> (14–2), the former <a href="https://twitter.com/RITC_OK">RITC</a> Lightweight champion currently ranked #9 in the UFC; Martin lost via second-round Submission.</p> <p>In October 2014, Martin took a short-notice fight against UFC veteran <a href="https://twitter.com/fabriciocamoes">Fabrício Camões</a> (14–9). Fighting overseas for the first time in his career, Martin made quick work of the 3rd-degree BJJ blackbelt, earning a first-round Submission in the first fight of the <em><a href="http://www.ufc.co</em>m/event/UFC179?id=">UFC 179: Aldo vs. Mendes 2</a> card in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In March 2015, Martin took another short-notice fight, this time against <em>The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 2 </em>winner <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoSantosbjj">Leonardo Santos</a> (16–3). Martin suffered the third loss of his career — a second-round Submission in the co-headline event of the <em><a href="http://www.ufc.com/event</em>/ufc-fight-night-rio-de-janeiro-2015?id=">UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. LaFlare</a> card, again in Rio de Janeiro.</p> <p>In January 2016 — as part <em><a href="http://www.ufc.com/e</em>vent/ufc-fight-night-new-jersey?id=">UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Bader</a> — Martin faced UFC rookie <a href="https://twitter.com/olivierimma">Felipe Olivieri</a> (14–5), a <a href="https://twitter.com/teamnovauniao">Nova Uniao</a> student coming off three consecutive first-round T/KO victories. Martin showcased his developed striking arsenal and reliable submission game en route to a come-from-behind third-round Submission victory. In March 2016, it was announced Olivieri failed an out-of-competition pre-fight <a href="https://twitter.com/usantidoping">USADA</a> drug test prior to his bout with Martin; he hasn’t fought since.</p> <p>Originally scheduled to face <a href="https://twitter.com/MichelTrator">Michel Prazeres</a> (21–2) as part of the <em><a href="http://www.ufc.com/even</em>t/ufc-fight-night-chicago-2016?id=">UFC on Fox: Holm vs. Shevchenko</a> in Chicago, Illinois — a place where he spent significant time growing up — Martin instead was forced to withdraw from the bout three weeks ahead of the scheduled July 23rd date due to an unexpected but immediate neck surgery.</p> <p>Since 2014, Martin has lived in Boston, Massachusetts and trained at the famed <a href="https://twitter.com/SYTBoston">Sityodtong USA</a> facility in nearby Somerville — headed by legendary Muay Thai coach <a href="https://twitter.com/markdellagrotte">Kru Mark DellaGrotte</a>. Under the tutelage of DellaGrotte, Larson and renowned boxing coach <a href="https://medium.com/about-boxe/pro-files-eddie-alvarez-11a592bb702a#.9w08ljjlo">Eddie Alvarez</a>, Martin faces Alex White (11–2) on January 14th as part of the <em><a href="http://www.ufc.com/event/u</em>fc-fight-night-phoenix-2016?id=">UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Penn</a> card — five years and one week since making his professional debut in 2012.</p> <p>While conducting a portion of his fight camp at the incredible <a href="https://twitter.com/Harvard">Harvard University</a> football stadium with Larson and Alvarez, Martin took the time to speak about his youth, loyalty, setting an example of determination for his family and fulfilling his potential as a man and martial artist.</p> <h1><strong>TONY MARTIN</strong></h1> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2048/1DvZuKIJMxSGS5bqyWf_ASg.jpeg" width="2048" height="1365" loading="lazy" /> <ul> <li>Currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts</li> <li>Twenty-seven years old</li> <li>10–3 professional mixed martial artist (Lightweight)</li> </ul> <p><strong>SELECTED ACCOLADES</strong></p> <ul> <li>2nd-Degree Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu</li> <li>Blue Belt No Gi World Champion</li> </ul> <h2><strong>ON EARLY YEARS</strong></h2> <p>I went to <a href="https://twitter.com/NDSUathletics">NDSU</a> to play football. Got into a lot of fights in school; got in trouble. Ended up getting kicked out of the dorms — so pretty much kicked out of school. And I was like: I’ve got to find a path; I thought football was my path in life. So I moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota.</p> <p>Got in trouble again — did a little time in jail, actually. I was sitting in jail and the whole time I was trying to figure out… I always wanted to better myself and better my circumstances in life. I was just getting in a lot of trouble, a lot of fighting; stupid, young, punk stuff.</p> <blockquote>I was just trying to find a way, you know? What did I want to do in life?</blockquote> <p>I get out of jail — I did four months in jail, actually. Got out and I was working, doing some carpet cleaning for these really nice people. I still just couldn’t figure out what I was going to do. I still thought at that time football was my path in life. I was trying to apply to schools and talk to football coaches — no one was really interested because they knew my troubled background.</p> <p>I was playing a little semi-pro football and one of the guys was like, “<em>You know, I’m training MMA in St. Cloud.</em>” I’m like, “<em>Really?</em>” Because I was looking up gyms in St. Cloud and couldn’t find anyone. So I’m like, “<em>Where are you training at?</em>” And he’s like, “<em>I’m training with Brock Larson over at this <a href="http</em>s://twitter.com/CrossFit">CrossFit</a> gym.”</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2048/1BpNpnPIYosmVFGX5xdIS0w.jpeg" width="2048" height="1365" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>ON BROCK LARSON</strong></h2> <p>I look up Brock Larson and I’m like: OK, this guy’s been there, been in the UFC. I’m going to go in there and toss him around; I’m going to get right into the UFC and that’s going to be the cake of it. I just turned twenty-one years old — January of 2011. I reach out to him on <a href="https://twitter.com/facebook">Facebook</a> first like, “<em>Hey, what’s your address? I’m going to come train. I plan on fighting…</em>” and doing all this stuff. I’m sure he’s heard that a million times from a million people Messaging him on Facebook.</p> <p>I show up to the gym actually: I go to train and everyone’s just mauling me. Everyone’s just beating my ass. Then there’s this little 125-pound’er named Dan O’Neil: he’s over there choking me and putting me to sleep; guillotining me.</p> <p>I’m like, “<em>Dude — this is embarrassing.</em>” I was thinking I was just going to go in there, rag doll everybody.</p> <p>I remember the first week of training — just mat burn all over my entire face. Brock was like, “<em>Listen: if you want to take a couple days off, that’s fine.</em>” But it was already that first week — I was telling these guys, “<em>No, this is it. I’m fighting. I’m going to quit my job, I’m going to start training.</em>” They’re all like, “<em>Listen, maybe you should just keep your job. Let’s get you to start training full-time and whatnot. Deal with the rest later.</em>”</p> <p>That’s how I met Brock, and really he’s been a big motivator for me to change my vision in life. I changed it from football to MMA pretty much first couple weeks of training. I was like, “<em>This is it. This is what I want to do.</em>” I found my path.</p> <p>I was still in the growing-up phase — still went through some hiccups of running around and being a wild kid; partying and still getting into a couple fights here and there like an idiot. Then about a year in, I got in trouble again — just another fight; stupid, being a punk. That was pretty much the eye-opener. Brock sat me on the side and he was like, “<em>It’s time to grow up.</em>” He kicked me out of the gym for a week. It was pretty tough: this was what I want to do and I was still running around making stupid mistakes and stuff.</p> <blockquote>That was the changing point; that was my wake-up call.</blockquote> <p>After that, I fully dedicated myself to fighting and to Brock: letting him put my skills together. And obviously he’s been there. He was my manager all the way up to ten fights — still pretty much is my manager. He helped guide my path, telling me the right and wrong ways to go about the business. He was running his own promotion, so he was putting me on cards when I wasn’t selling any tickets; taking care of me and stuff.</p> <blockquote>He made me grow up and realize I had potential but I had to put the work in.</blockquote> <p>You could be the most talented person in the world and if you’re not going to put the time in the gym, the time on the mats and take a lot of beatings… He instilled in me right away that the hard work is going to have to bring you there. It’s not going to be the athletic ability — it’s not going to be an easy path. Really we just kept working and we grew a pretty good relationship.</p> <p>He’s a good mentor, a good friend. Overall, it’s been a great experience and to this day he’s always coming out to my fights, coming out to my camps. Taking time away from the family, missing family events. It’s been a big impact not just in my fight world but in my personal life, as well.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1365/1-u6FDSqOKHQP_W9YNrRTtQ.jpeg" width="1365" height="2048" loading="lazy" /> <p>“Just underneath all that meathead and idiot, I knew he was a good kid. I knew he had a good heart and a lot of hard work was in him. He already had it — it was just a matter of helping him realize what it takes, which way to go and which path. When he came to the gym, he was at those Y’s (in life): either he was going to go left or he was going to go right. And like anybody, I think everybody needs a second chance and needs that push in the right direction sometimes. I gave him a little push and he did the rest. He’s done it all.</p> <p>As a martial artist and as a human being, I love the kid. So it’s good for me and it’s been fun and a great ride for me, as well. From his marriage to now his life out here in Boston, it’s good to just be part of it and see the man he’s grown up to. From that punk kid to a strong man with a good heart, it’s good to see. And it’s all him; I’m just along for the ride. He’s already a better martial artist than I ever was; his skills are above where I’ve ever been as far as a martial artist goes. Now I’m just hanging onto his coattails and going along for the ride.”</p> <p>— Brock Larson</p> <h2><strong>ON LOYALTY & STABILITY</strong></h2> <p>I think especially in athletics, stability is very important; to have your foundation built around people that are willing to invest their time in you, as well. They’re not just focused on what they’re going to gain — they’re focused more on, “<em>What’re we going to do to get you better? What are we going to do to get you to where we think you can be?</em>” And they know that’s not going to be me sitting on the couch not training. They understand: this is a sport that you’ve got to put your time in, you’ve got to work hard.</p> <blockquote>Everyone’s going to go through their ups and downs in life — that’s the way life is. You make your mistakes along the way, but you know that you have certain people around you that are willing to put themselves not ahead of you, and they’re going to always try to build you up.</blockquote> <p>That’s a been a big thing with my wife, who’s always like that. She’s definitely always put me before herself. And it’s a tough one, where you feel like you owe so much because she’s sacrificed a lot to help my career. She’s kind of financially backed me for a while where I haven’t made a lot of money, and she’s just believed in me. She’s believed in me full-heartedly to push myself and she’s seen how hard I work.</p> <p>That’s always been a thing of mine and hers: try to push each other to keep getting better. She understands what I do to keep getting better, and these guys understand what I do to keep getting better — that’s why they put so much time in.</p> <p>There’s all kinds of different trainers out there: there’s trainers that are willing to fully invest in you, and then there’s trainers that are focused on themselves and their business. And that’s fine — those are the people that want their priority in their business.</p> <p>But the guys I like to surround myself with and call up to go hang out with and be friends with — those are the guys that I expect that if they fall down — they’re having struggles in life — I’m going to come and help try to pick them up. Not leave them if some bad things are going on; not try to dog them if I feel like something’s going wrong. Because I’m their friend and I’m going to try to pick them up.</p> <blockquote>Same thing I do all my relationships: I’m going to try to make them better as a person.</blockquote> <p>And hopefully that’s what I try to expect out of them. If I make stupid mistakes or if I’m not training hard enough, I need these guys to feel like they’ve got to step in like, “<em>Listen: we need you training harder.</em>” That’s been a big thing in all aspects of my life, really: out of a small core of people that I would consider true friends, it’s these guys that are willing to put themselves second.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2048/1jCDCYE9yVm8XRjSoiKCW-Q.jpeg" width="2048" height="1365" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>ON EDDIE ALVAREZ</strong></h2> <p>That’s been a big part of when I met Eddie. I started training at Sit and seeing <a href="https://twitter.com/RobSFont">Rob Font</a>. I knew <a href="https://medium.com/@MatteoUrella/pro-files-rob-font-dba6fcc627fd#.xbj7avevd">Rob Font</a> through fighting, and I was seeing how much time Eddie was putting in with Rob every day. Every day I’d see them doing hours in the gym. Every day I’d walk in the gym for training and he’s in there already hitting pads with Rob. I was wondering what’s going on.</p> <p>So I was trying to talk to Eddie and Rob as much as possible when they were in the gym, try to pick up little tips here and there. After about a year at Sit, I finally talked Eddie into helping me train a little bit. It took me a while to get in, and so far it’s been phenomenal. It’s changed my whole striking: brought it to a whole new level. I feel like I’m becoming more of a striker whereas I used to be just a full-blown grappler.</p> <p>Now with Eddie there, he puts the time in. He understands it’s a sport of repetition, it’s a sport of mastering the basics and a sport of putting your time in; just earning your stripes. It’s not going to be easy, it’s not going to be overnight. So he’s the guy that’s going to put the time in, and he full-heartedly wants you to succeed. And that’s a big thing: he wants me to win. He wants me to do great, he wants to see great things. That just helps you train harder.</p> <p>That’s the kind of thing where you go in the training room and you have these guys in there and when you get knocked down, they get knocked down. They don’t like that, so they try to keep you there and build you up.</p> <blockquote>You’re going to war and they’re going to war with you.</blockquote> <p>They’re coming in fully invested. With all my stuff — with all my athletics — I’m fully invested. And I’ve just surrounded myself with guys that have the same mindset and are fully invested and trying to get better every day.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1365/1jqPwLcORqIKk-wr9oPbMhg.jpeg" width="1365" height="2048" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>ON TRAINING FOR LONGEVITY</strong></h2> <p>A lot of people just specifically gameplan for one person only. We’ve been trying to do twelve-week camps now, and pretty much the first eight weeks is just getting better. Try to get better work on our fundamentals — not worrying about winning as much as getting better. That’s been a big thing of Eddie’s approach to my boxing and my striking game: just getting comfortable throwing <em>everything</em>.</p> <p>Getting comfortable in bad spots, good spots — getting comfortable everywhere. And then the last four weeks leading up to the fight, we’ll start concentrating more on our gameplan.</p> <p>But building that foundation: later after this fight, we already have that foundation <em>built</em>. And now we’re going to keep building on those foundations so every fight we’re building to get better. Same thing in the grappling: we’ll see things in every fight. Then every training camp, we’ll be trying to better other aspects. We know where my holes are, so we’re obviously always trying to fill those holes.</p> <p>But in every one of my fights, I don’t try to think.</p> <p>I’m not a great short-term thinker. I like to think: me doing these things — if it’s not going to better me in the long run, there’s no point in me doing them. And that comes with these guys that aren’t fully invested: they’re just thinking short-term how they’re going to do <em>this</em>.</p> <p>With Brock and Eddie, they’re thinking long-term: how are we going to get you to where you’ve got to get? And that’s going to be, “<em>You’ve got to get better every single fight. You’ve got to get better in every single area.</em>”<em> </em>And it comes with time and hard work and lots of hours. Lots of hours of hard work.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1365/1iwwdG_KAN-K63l49dYxOlA.jpeg" width="1365" height="2048" loading="lazy" /> <p>“At first, I used to give Tony little tips on how to throw during sparring. And I’d see how he’d listen more than anything. Every time, he would always do it and he’d figure out just by little cues on what I’d say on how to do it. He would do it almost instantly, but then he’d keep at it the next time. So I noticed how he listened. And I’m going to take someone as serious as they take me, and I’d see over and over again he’s listening to me. So I already knew we were on a good path in our relationship before we even started training. He was always super-respectful and listened unbelievable — like a sponge. And he just picked up everything so fast without real instruction, without really breaking down each position or each spot to throw a punch.</p> <p>Then little by little… I actually lost a bet against him for the <a href="https://twitter.com/chadmendes">Chad Mendes</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousMMA">Conor McGregor</a> fight. He was going back to Minnesota, and before he left we were at the gym on Friday and I asked who he liked in the fight. He said, ‘I got McGregor.’ And I had picked Chad Mendes. He said, ‘If you’re confident then bet on it.’ So we bet ten bucks.</p> <p>I lost the bet, so I sent him a message saying we’d go out to lunch or grab something. He was like, ‘No, no, no — I want that in mitts, in pads.’ So I checked in with Rob — Rob was cool with it. Little by little, it must’ve been about three months of super-intense foundation work. Doing everything from the bottom-up: his feet, his footwork, his defense, his positions of his jab, straight-aheads, lefty, righty. We took about a month off and then he got the call for the fight in New Jersey.</p> <p>So we went all in: brought <a href="https://medium.com/@MatteoUrella/boston-strong-gabriel-duluc-688463e76397#.ex0x8p390">Gabriel Duluc</a> in to spar with him a bunch. Little by little, seeing somebody progress and really listen to what someone’s teaching them is huge. Then when Brock came around and we all finally met, it was like <a href="https://twitter.com/HulkHogan">Hulk Hogan</a> and Macho Man meeting for the first time — it was kind of epic. We just blended everything together; the synergy was perfect. We got to New Jersey in the dead of winter, in chaos. We pretty much had no tape on our opponent (Felipe Olivieri) — we just knew he was a striker. And it couldn’t have gone any better for the corner, where our instruction… Tony was pretty much on his own the whole fight.</p> <p>Everything we said, it kind of went out the window, because you see there was chaos with this other guy throwing all this crazy shit that we didn’t really expect — and he was hard to take down. Tony lifted him in the air but didn’t drop him… We were like, ‘Alright, this isn’t going the way we thought.’ Started getting leg-kicked, moving around. And Tony: everything that he learned — he started letting his hands go and just started blasting him; took him down, choked him out. It was kind of the best of both worlds without us saying anything. He just did it on his own, which is always the best result: when the person learned it on their own and they can do it independently. You’re no longer a fighter at that point, you’re no longer independent because you need to rely on somebody else telling you how to win. And champions never win like that.</p> <p>I think the commonality of all of us is knowing when to step up and let Tony do his thing inside. I think it’s going to be the same thing in this next fight. It’s been a while since that last fight, and he’s learned so much more. So it’s going to be quite the experience seeing this happen. It gets better and better every time with Brock: we both see the same things, we talk it over and go over training on how he should be working on stuff — how to get better for the long-term. I’m not trying to have him fight <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTyson">Mike Tyson</a> right now — I’m trying to have him fight twenty Mike Tyson’s over twenty years, every year. It’s just over and over: foundation, foundation, foundation.”</p> <p>— Eddie Alvarez</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1365/1JG5kGt8WBONHmz5_tgJDrw.jpeg" width="1365" height="2048" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>ON IMPROVING ONESELF</strong></h2> <p>I’ve always wanted to inspire people. I think there was something with me where I’ve always wanted to be a good role model, a good person. Not be in-and-out of jail, in-and-out of trouble. Just be a good example in life to people. The biggest thing I’d say is I never fought for money. Making money’s cool, right? The more money you make, you can buy some cool stuff.</p> <blockquote>But I never played football or fought or anything to be rich. It wasn’t a business decision — it was a decision that… It inspired me to be a better person.</blockquote> <p>The sport made me better because I knew I liked working hard, I liked the challenge in life of putting myself out there. It’s a scary feeling getting in there by yourself knowing that everyone’s watching you, everyone’s judging you. And you’re your own biggest critic, as well. It’s hard to go in there and fully let everything go; feel comfortable and not have that extra weight on you.</p> <p>But there’s also no greater feeling than when you win.</p> <p>There’s a lot of work that goes in. So when I got on the path — and it wasn’t a straight Y — there were some bumps in that Y. But it’s been a good fight, it’s been a good struggle getting through there. My whole life’s been a lot of Y’s. It’s been a lot of figuring out what I wanted to do fully. And when I found it, it just came at the right time, the right place. There’s a lot of MMA gyms in the world that would guide you the wrong way. And that was lucky that I found Brock right away — he wasn’t my second or third coach. I found him right away, and that was a blessing and very lucky on my part.</p> <blockquote>Now I’m just trying to inspire people that’ve been at the bottom.</blockquote> <p>If you’re going to try to do <em>anything</em> in life, I always say don’t do it for money. If you’re doing it for the money, it’s to help your family get better; that’s why you’re working all those hours. It’s not for the <a href="https://twitter.com/harleydavidson">Harley</a>’s and stuff — it’s to better your kids or better your family’s circumstances in life.</p> <p>That’s been my big approach in life in general: I’m trying to build a foundation. I’m trying to build the roots. And you’ve got to accomplish certain things in life that will hopefully better my future kids, my wife and my friends — they’re all part of my foundation. They’re part my family.</p> <p>It’s a big family with all kinds of roots growing around, but I’m hoping that that’s the foundation that’ll spurt into a big tree someday.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2048/1SH7xi3r44AiZnU-A305SCQ.jpeg" width="2048" height="1365" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>ON POTENTIAL</strong></h2> <p>I really started in the game at twenty-one years old. Nowadays these guys are starting at thirteen, fourteen years old; Brock didn’t even start fighting until twenty-five years old. I feel like in the four years I was in the UFC already — my last fight that came up was five years of <em>training</em>.</p> <p>I just feel like I’m <em>just</em> starting to tap into what I am as a fighter.</p> <p>I found myself my last fight. The first round didn’t go exactly the way I was mapping it out in my head. And that’s what’s going to make great fighters someday — you’ve got to be able to change, to naturally just go with your instincts in fighting. Not gameplan so much — just fight. Just go in there and do what you’ve been trained to do. That was a big opener in the last fight.</p> <p>Obviously you have a gameplan, but you’re able to adapt in the cage and on your own. Because these guys aren’t in my ear telling me what to do. In-between rounds, I’ll hear them yelling a bit — but most of it’s just reaction and work that we’ve already done in the gym.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1365/1xHQXobptyNtafJghLqkpvw.jpeg" width="1365" height="2048" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>ON UFC</strong></h2> <p>Before my last fight, the UFC called me and they actually cut me. That was one of the hardest things I’ve heard. I was a little upset, angry. The anger part was more for the fact of I haven’t fought to my ability yet; we were just tapping into what I was capable of. Then all of a sudden they’re calling me saying, “<em>Hey, you’re cut.</em>”</p> <p>That was a hard pill to swallow.</p> <p>But then we talked to my manager a little bit — he talked to <a href="https://twitter.com/MMA_Matchmaker">Joe Silva</a> and they said, “<em>You know what? Let’s give him another fight.</em>” They pretty much retracted their cutting me and said, “<em>OK, you’re going to fight here and then.</em>” So we just said: we’re going to go out and kill this guy. That was what we did: we went out there and took care of business, put that guy away and now we’re back on the right path. We’re just tapping into what’s to come.</p> <p>I truly think in this sport, thirty years old is your prime. So I’m thinking I still have some years until I hit my true potential in this sport, and we’re just going to keep grinding every day.</p> <p>Keep getting better and keep pushing to the limits and go from there.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2048/1W28o6r8TIQL0-4CCyOAuBA.jpeg" width="2048" height="1365" loading="lazy" /> <h2><strong>THANK YOU</strong></h2> <p>My training partners — they’ve spent a lot of hours with me. <a href="https://medium.com/@MatteoUrella/boston-strong-gabriel-duluc-688463e76397#.ouluus9js">Gabby (Duluc)</a>: he comes in to spar whenever I want. He’s all excited, excited to spar; he’s got some good jokes all the time. So obviously him and the team at Sityodtong. Obviously Kru Mark, the head of Sityodtong.</p> <p>My manager Monte Cox for keeping me in. <a href="https://twitter.com/tysonchartier">Tyson Chartier</a>: he’s not my official manager but he really helps me out a lot. He really puts in the time helping. He’s one of those guys that truly wants you to succeed — not for himself, but for <em>you</em>. My boys back home at the Performance Compound.</p> <p>Obviously Brock; my man Eddie.</p> <p>My wife Kate: she’s really been there since before Day One. She met me when I left NDSU; hadn’t started fighting or anything. She’s been there before any of that, and she’s always believed that I could be something to inspire people. She’s an inspiration herself: she just graduated with her Double Masters from <a href="https://twitter.com/BU_Tweets">BU</a>, and now she’s going to start working for a high-end job. She’s climbing up and pushing herself to the limits, as well.</p> <p>My family, my friends.</p> <p>I grew up in some rough spots in life. Living with my Dad: in and out of a lot of drug situations and a lot of houses getting raided and stuff like that. So it was not the greatest upbringing in that part of the world. So I’m hoping that my family — my brothers and sisters — see what they can aspire to more than that type of life and hope for more.</p> <p>And hope is a great thing to have.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/2048/1qlxAufxJXGURVzBP2C0ZVw.jpeg" width="2048" height="1365" loading="lazy" /> <p>Written By: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/matteourella/">Matteo Urella</a> / January 2016</p> <p>Original Photography By: <a href="#">Nick Cosky</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/Harvard">Harvard University</a></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.nickcoskyphotography.com">Nick Cosky Photography</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/ncoskyphoto">Nick Cosky Twitter</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ncoskyphoto">Nick Cosky Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NCoskyPhoto/">Nick Cosky Photography Facebook</a></li> <li><em>Special appreciation for Brock Larson, Eddie Alvarez, Kru Mark DellaGrotte, Sityodtong USA and the entire Sityodtong USA team</em></li> <li><em>Special appreciation for Harvard University and <a href="https://</em>twitter.com/harvardcrimson">Harvard Athletics</a></li> <li><em>Special appreciation for <a href="https://medium.com/@MatteoUrell</em>a/pro-files-nick-cosky-7bde464e490b#.41lh3or65">Nick Cosky</a> and his brilliant photography</li> <li><em>Portions of this interview previously published on <a href="https://twitter.com/box</em>eomundial">Boxeo Mundial</a> (<a href="http://www.boxeomundial.com/ufc-lightweight-prospect-tony-martin-looking-to-climb-rankings-at-ufc-fight-night-johnson-vs-bader/">January 26, 2016</a>)</li> </ul> </section>	BOSTON STRONG: TONY MARTIN Working hard for a dream with the Boston-based UFC Lightweight “If you’re going to try to do anything in life, I always say don’t do it for money. If you’re doing it for the money, it’s to help your family get better; that’s why you’re working all those hours. It’s not for the Harley’s and stuff — it’s to better your kids or better your family’s circumstances in life.” — Tony Martin Tony Martin (10–3) — a professional mixed martial artist currently fighting out of Boston, Massachusetts — always knew he had a path in life. He just had to design it. After an upbringing filled with strife and relocation, Martin eventually found a home under the tutelage of legendary MMA pioneer Brock Larson. Larson — a standout competitor in the WEC, UFC and One FC, saw raw talent and sincere disposition within Martin and dedicated as much time and resources to him as possible. In return, Martin took the opportunity to heart and stacked up eight consecutive victories — the first five via submission — before joining the UFC with perfect 2–0 amateur and 8–0 professional records. In February 2014, Martin made his UFC debut against former M-1 Global Welterweight champion Rashid Magomedov (19–2); Martin experienced his first career loss as the judges awarded Magomedov a Unanimous Decision. In August 2014, Martin returned to the Octagon to face another tough opponent in Beneil Dariush (14–2), the former RITC Lightweight champion currently ranked #9 in the UFC; Martin lost via second-round Submission. In October 2014, Martin took a short-notice fight against UFC veteran Fabrício Camões (14–9). Fighting overseas for the first time in his career, Martin made quick work of the 3rd-degree BJJ blackbelt, earning a first-round Submission in the first fight of the UFC 179: Aldo vs. Mendes 2 card in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In March 2015, Martin took another short-notice fight, this time against The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 2 winner Leonardo Santos (16–3). Martin suffered the third loss of his career — a second-round Submission in the co-headline event of the UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. LaFlare card, again in Rio de Janeiro. In January 2016 — as part UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Bader — Martin faced UFC rookie Felipe Olivieri (14–5), a Nova Uniao student coming off three consecutive first-round T/KO victories. Martin showcased his developed striking arsenal and reliable submission game en route to a come-from-behind third-round Submission victory. In March 2016, it was announced Olivieri failed an out-of-competition pre-fight USADA drug test prior to his bout with Martin; he hasn’t fought since. Originally scheduled to face Michel Prazeres (21–2) as part of the UFC on Fox: Holm vs. Shevchenko in Chicago, Illinois — a place where he spent significant time growing up — Martin instead was forced to withdraw from the bout three weeks ahead of the scheduled July 23rd date due to an unexpected but immediate neck surgery. Since 2014, Martin has lived in Boston, Massachusetts and trained at the famed Sityodtong USA facility in nearby Somerville — headed by legendary Muay Thai coach Kru Mark DellaGrotte. Under the tutelage of DellaGrotte, Larson and renowned boxing coach Eddie Alvarez, Martin faces Alex White (11–2) on January 14th as part of the UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Penn card — five years and one week since making his professional debut in 2012. While conducting a portion of his fight camp at the incredible Harvard University football stadium with Larson and Alvarez, Martin took the time to speak about his youth, loyalty, setting an example of determination for his family and fulfilling his potential as a man and martial artist. TONY MARTIN Currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts Twenty-seven years old 10–3 professional mixed martial artist (Lightweight) SELECTED ACCOLADES 2nd-Degree Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt No Gi World Champion ON EARLY YEARS I went to NDSU to play football. Got into a lot of fights in school; got in trouble. Ended up getting kicked out of the dorms — so pretty much kicked out of school. And I was like: I’ve got to find a path; I thought football was my path in life. So I moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota. Got in trouble again — did a little time in jail, actually. I was sitting in jail and the whole time I was trying to figure out… I always wanted to better myself and better my circumstances in life. I was just getting in a lot of trouble, a lot of fighting; stupid, young, punk stuff. I was just trying to find a way, you know? What did I want to do in life? I get out of jail — I did four months in jail, actually. Got out and I was working, doing some carpet cleaning for these really nice people. I still just couldn’t figure out what I was going to do. I still thought at that time football was my path in life. I was trying to apply to schools and talk to football coaches — no one was really interested because they knew my troubled background. I was playing a little semi-pro football and one of the guys was like, “You know, I’m training MMA in St. Cloud.” I’m like, “Really?” Because I was looking up gyms in St. Cloud and couldn’t find anyone. So I’m like, “Where are you training at?” And he’s like, “I’m training with Brock Larson over at this CrossFit gym.” ON BROCK LARSON I look up Brock Larson and I’m like: OK, this guy’s been there, been in the UFC. I’m going to go in there and toss him around; I’m going to get right into the UFC and that’s going to be the cake of it. I just turned twenty-one years old — January of 2011. I reach out to him on Facebook first like, “Hey, what’s your address? I’m going to come train. I plan on fighting…” and doing all this stuff. I’m sure he’s heard that a million times from a million people Messaging him on Facebook. I show up to the gym actually: I go to train and everyone’s just mauling me. Everyone’s just beating my ass. Then there’s this little 125-pound’er named Dan O’Neil: he’s over there choking me and putting me to sleep; guillotining me. I’m like, “Dude — this is embarrassing.” I was thinking I was just going to go in there, rag doll everybody. I remember the first week of training — just mat burn all over my entire face. Brock was like, “Listen: if you want to take a couple days off, that’s fine.” But it was already that first week — I was telling these guys, “No, this is it. I’m fighting. I’m going to quit my job, I’m going to start training.” They’re all like, “Listen, maybe you should just keep your job. Let’s get you to start training full-time and whatnot. Deal with the rest later.” That’s how I met Brock, and really he’s been a big motivator for me to change my vision in life. I changed it from football to MMA pretty much first couple weeks of training. I was like, “This is it. This is what I want to do.” I found my path. I was still in the growing-up phase — still went through some hiccups of running around and being a wild kid; partying and still getting into a couple fights here and there like an idiot. Then about a year in, I got in trouble again — just another fight; stupid, being a punk. That was pretty much the eye-opener. Brock sat me on the side and he was like, “It’s time to grow up.” He kicked me out of the gym for a week. It was pretty tough: this was what I want to do and I was still running around making stupid mistakes and stuff. That was the changing point; that was my wake-up call. After that, I fully dedicated myself to fighting and to Brock: letting him put my skills together. And obviously he’s been there. He was my manager all the way up to ten fights — still pretty much is my manager. He helped guide my path, telling me the right and wrong ways to go about the business. He was running his own promotion, so he was putting me on cards when I wasn’t selling any tickets; taking care of me and stuff. He made me grow up and realize I had potential but I had to put the work in. You could be the most talented person in the world and if you’re not going to put the time in the gym, the time on the mats and take a lot of beatings… He instilled in me right away that the hard work is going to have to bring you there. It’s not going to be the athletic ability — it’s not going to be an easy path. Really we just kept working and we grew a pretty good relationship. He’s a good mentor, a good friend. Overall, it’s been a great experience and to this day he’s always coming out to my fights, coming out to my camps. Taking time away from the family, missing family events. It’s been a big impact not just in my fight world but in my personal life, as well. “Just underneath all that meathead and idiot, I knew he was a good kid. I knew he had a good heart and a lot of hard work was in him. He already had it — it was just a matter of helping him realize what it takes, which way to go and which path. When he came to the gym, he was at those Y’s (in life): either he was going to go left or he was going to go right. And like anybody, I think everybody needs a second chance and needs that push in the right direction sometimes. I gave him a little push and he did the rest. He’s done it all. As a martial artist and as a human being, I love the kid. So it’s good for me and it’s been fun and a great ride for me, as well. From his marriage to now his life out here in Boston, it’s good to just be part of it and see the man he’s grown up to. From that punk kid to a strong man with a good heart, it’s good to see. And it’s all him; I’m just along for the ride. He’s already a better martial artist than I ever was; his skills are above where I’ve ever been as far as a martial artist goes. Now I’m just hanging onto his coattails and going along for the ride.” — Brock Larson ON LOYALTY & STABILITY I think especially in athletics, stability is very important; to have your foundation built around people that are willing to invest their time in you, as well. They’re not just focused on what they’re going to gain — they’re focused more on, “What’re we going to do to get you better? What are we going to do to get you to where we think you can be?” And they know that’s not going to be me sitting on the couch not training. They understand: this is a sport that you’ve got to put your time in, you’ve got to work hard. Everyone’s going to go through their ups and downs in life — that’s the way life is. You make your mistakes along the way, but you know that you have certain people around you that are willing to put themselves not ahead of you, and they’re going to always try to build you up. That’s a been a big thing with my wife, who’s always like that. She’s definitely always put me before herself. And it’s a tough one, where you feel like you owe so much because she’s sacrificed a lot to help my career. She’s kind of financially backed me for a while where I haven’t made a lot of money, and she’s just believed in me. She’s believed in me full-heartedly to push myself and she’s seen how hard I work. That’s always been a thing of mine and hers: try to push each other to keep getting better. She understands what I do to keep getting better, and these guys understand what I do to keep getting better — that’s why they put so much time in. There’s all kinds of different trainers out there: there’s trainers that are willing to fully invest in you, and then there’s trainers that are focused on themselves and their business. And that’s fine — those are the people that want their priority in their business. But the guys I like to surround myself with and call up to go hang out with and be friends with — those are the guys that I expect that if they fall down — they’re having struggles in life — I’m going to come and help try to pick them up. Not leave them if some bad things are going on; not try to dog them if I feel like something’s going wrong. Because I’m their friend and I’m going to try to pick them up. Same thing I do all my relationships: I’m going to try to make them better as a person. And hopefully that’s what I try to expect out of them. If I make stupid mistakes or if I’m not training hard enough, I need these guys to feel like they’ve got to step in like, “Listen: we need you training harder.” That’s been a big thing in all aspects of my life, really: out of a small core of people that I would consider true friends, it’s these guys that are willing to put themselves second. ON EDDIE ALVAREZ That’s been a big part of when I met Eddie. I started training at Sit and seeing Rob Font. I knew Rob Font through fighting, and I was seeing how much time Eddie was putting in with Rob every day. Every day I’d see them doing hours in the gym. Every day I’d walk in the gym for training and he’s in there already hitting pads with Rob. I was wondering what’s going on. So I was trying to talk to Eddie and Rob as much as possible when they were in the gym, try to pick up little tips here and there. After about a year at Sit, I finally talked Eddie into helping me train a little bit. It took me a while to get in, and so far it’s been phenomenal. It’s changed my whole striking: brought it to a whole new level. I feel like I’m becoming more of a striker whereas I used to be just a full-blown grappler. Now with Eddie there, he puts the time in. He understands it’s a sport of repetition, it’s a sport of mastering the basics and a sport of putting your time in; just earning your stripes. It’s not going to be easy, it’s not going to be overnight. So he’s the guy that’s going to put the time in, and he full-heartedly wants you to succeed. And that’s a big thing: he wants me to win. He wants me to do great, he wants to see great things. That just helps you train harder. That’s the kind of thing where you go in the training room and you have these guys in there and when you get knocked down, they get knocked down. They don’t like that, so they try to keep you there and build you up. You’re going to war and they’re going to war with you. They’re coming in fully invested. With all my stuff — with all my athletics — I’m fully invested. And I’ve just surrounded myself with guys that have the same mindset and are fully invested and trying to get better every day. ON TRAINING FOR LONGEVITY A lot of people just specifically gameplan for one person only. We’ve been trying to do twelve-week camps now, and pretty much the first eight weeks is just getting better. Try to get better work on our fundamentals — not worrying about winning as much as getting better. That’s been a big thing of Eddie’s approach to my boxing and my striking game: just getting comfortable throwing everything. Getting comfortable in bad spots, good spots — getting comfortable everywhere. And then the last four weeks leading up to the fight, we’ll start concentrating more on our gameplan. But building that foundation: later after this fight, we already have that foundation built. And now we’re going to keep building on those foundations so every fight we’re building to get better. Same thing in the grappling: we’ll see things in every fight. Then every training camp, we’ll be trying to better other aspects. We know where my holes are, so we’re obviously always trying to fill those holes. But in every one of my fights, I don’t try to think. I’m not a great short-term thinker. I like to think: me doing these things — if it’s not going to better me in the long run, there’s no point in me doing them. And that comes with these guys that aren’t fully invested: they’re just thinking short-term how they’re going to do this. With Brock and Eddie, they’re thinking long-term: how are we going to get you to where you’ve got to get? And that’s going to be, “You’ve got to get better every single fight. You’ve got to get better in every single area.” And it comes with time and hard work and lots of hours. Lots of hours of hard work. “At first, I used to give Tony little tips on how to throw during sparring. And I’d see how he’d listen more than anything. Every time, he would always do it and he’d figure out just by little cues on what I’d say on how to do it. He would do it almost instantly, but then he’d keep at it the next time. So I noticed how he listened. And I’m going to take someone as serious as they take me, and I’d see over and over again he’s listening to me. So I already knew we were on a good path in our relationship before we even started training. He was always super-respectful and listened unbelievable — like a sponge. And he just picked up everything so fast without real instruction, without really breaking down each position or each spot to throw a punch. Then little by little… I actually lost a bet against him for the Chad Mendes and Conor McGregor fight. He was going back to Minnesota, and before he left we were at the gym on Friday and I asked who he liked in the fight. He said, ‘I got McGregor.’ And I had picked Chad Mendes. He said, ‘If you’re confident then bet on it.’ So we bet ten bucks. I lost the bet, so I sent him a message saying we’d go out to lunch or grab something. He was like, ‘No, no, no — I want that in mitts, in pads.’ So I checked in with Rob — Rob was cool with it. Little by little, it must’ve been about three months of super-intense foundation work. Doing everything from the bottom-up: his feet, his footwork, his defense, his positions of his jab, straight-aheads, lefty, righty. We took about a month off and then he got the call for the fight in New Jersey. So we went all in: brought Gabriel Duluc in to spar with him a bunch. Little by little, seeing somebody progress and really listen to what someone’s teaching them is huge. Then when Brock came around and we all finally met, it was like Hulk Hogan and Macho Man meeting for the first time — it was kind of epic. We just blended everything together; the synergy was perfect. We got to New Jersey in the dead of winter, in chaos. We pretty much had no tape on our opponent (Felipe Olivieri) — we just knew he was a striker. And it couldn’t have gone any better for the corner, where our instruction… Tony was pretty much on his own the whole fight. Everything we said, it kind of went out the window, because you see there was chaos with this other guy throwing all this crazy shit that we didn’t really expect — and he was hard to take down. Tony lifted him in the air but didn’t drop him… We were like, ‘Alright, this isn’t going the way we thought.’ Started getting leg-kicked, moving around. And Tony: everything that he learned — he started letting his hands go and just started blasting him; took him down, choked him out. It was kind of the best of both worlds without us saying anything. He just did it on his own, which is always the best result: when the person learned it on their own and they can do it independently. You’re no longer a fighter at that point, you’re no longer independent because you need to rely on somebody else telling you how to win. And champions never win like that. I think the commonality of all of us is knowing when to step up and let Tony do his thing inside. I think it’s going to be the same thing in this next fight. It’s been a while since that last fight, and he’s learned so much more. So it’s going to be quite the experience seeing this happen. It gets better and better every time with Brock: we both see the same things, we talk it over and go over training on how he should be working on stuff — how to get better for the long-term. I’m not trying to have him fight Mike Tyson right now — I’m trying to have him fight twenty Mike Tyson’s over twenty years, every year. It’s just over and over: foundation, foundation, foundation.” — Eddie Alvarez ON IMPROVING ONESELF I’ve always wanted to inspire people. I think there was something with me where I’ve always wanted to be a good role model, a good person. Not be in-and-out of jail, in-and-out of trouble. Just be a good example in life to people. The biggest thing I’d say is I never fought for money. Making money’s cool, right? The more money you make, you can buy some cool stuff. But I never played football or fought or anything to be rich. It wasn’t a business decision — it was a decision that… It inspired me to be a better person. The sport made me better because I knew I liked working hard, I liked the challenge in life of putting myself out there. It’s a scary feeling getting in there by yourself knowing that everyone’s watching you, everyone’s judging you. And you’re your own biggest critic, as well. It’s hard to go in there and fully let everything go; feel comfortable and not have that extra weight on you. But there’s also no greater feeling than when you win. There’s a lot of work that goes in. So when I got on the path — and it wasn’t a straight Y — there were some bumps in that Y. But it’s been a good fight, it’s been a good struggle getting through there. My whole life’s been a lot of Y’s. It’s been a lot of figuring out what I wanted to do fully. And when I found it, it just came at the right time, the right place. There’s a lot of MMA gyms in the world that would guide you the wrong way. And that was lucky that I found Brock right away — he wasn’t my second or third coach. I found him right away, and that was a blessing and very lucky on my part. Now I’m just trying to inspire people that’ve been at the bottom. If you’re going to try to do anything in life, I always say don’t do it for money. If you’re doing it for the money, it’s to help your family get better; that’s why you’re working all those hours. It’s not for the Harley’s and stuff — it’s to better your kids or better your family’s circumstances in life. That’s been my big approach in life in general: I’m trying to build a foundation. I’m trying to build the roots. And you’ve got to accomplish certain things in life that will hopefully better my future kids, my wife and my friends — they’re all part of my foundation. They’re part my family. It’s a big family with all kinds of roots growing around, but I’m hoping that that’s the foundation that’ll spurt into a big tree someday. ON POTENTIAL I really started in the game at twenty-one years old. Nowadays these guys are starting at thirteen, fourteen years old; Brock didn’t even start fighting until twenty-five years old. I feel like in the four years I was in the UFC already — my last fight that came up was five years of training. I just feel like I’m just starting to tap into what I am as a fighter. I found myself my last fight. The first round didn’t go exactly the way I was mapping it out in my head. And that’s what’s going to make great fighters someday — you’ve got to be able to change, to naturally just go with your instincts in fighting. Not gameplan so much — just fight. Just go in there and do what you’ve been trained to do. That was a big opener in the last fight. Obviously you have a gameplan, but you’re able to adapt in the cage and on your own. Because these guys aren’t in my ear telling me what to do. In-between rounds, I’ll hear them yelling a bit — but most of it’s just reaction and work that we’ve already done in the gym. ON UFC Before my last fight, the UFC called me and they actually cut me. That was one of the hardest things I’ve heard. I was a little upset, angry. The anger part was more for the fact of I haven’t fought to my ability yet; we were just tapping into what I was capable of. Then all of a sudden they’re calling me saying, “Hey, you’re cut.” That was a hard pill to swallow. But then we talked to my manager a little bit — he talked to Joe Silva and they said, “You know what? Let’s give him another fight.” They pretty much retracted their cutting me and said, “OK, you’re going to fight here and then.” So we just said: we’re going to go out and kill this guy. That was what we did: we went out there and took care of business, put that guy away and now we’re back on the right path. We’re just tapping into what’s to come. I truly think in this sport, thirty years old is your prime. So I’m thinking I still have some years until I hit my true potential in this sport, and we’re just going to keep grinding every day. Keep getting better and keep pushing to the limits and go from there. THANK YOU My training partners — they’ve spent a lot of hours with me. Gabby (Duluc): he comes in to spar whenever I want. He’s all excited, excited to spar; he’s got some good jokes all the time. So obviously him and the team at Sityodtong. Obviously Kru Mark, the head of Sityodtong. My manager Monte Cox for keeping me in. Tyson Chartier: he’s not my official manager but he really helps me out a lot. He really puts in the time helping. He’s one of those guys that truly wants you to succeed — not for himself, but for you. My boys back home at the Performance Compound. Obviously Brock; my man Eddie. My wife Kate: she’s really been there since before Day One. She met me when I left NDSU; hadn’t started fighting or anything. She’s been there before any of that, and she’s always believed that I could be something to inspire people. She’s an inspiration herself: she just graduated with her Double Masters from BU, and now she’s going to start working for a high-end job. She’s climbing up and pushing herself to the limits, as well. My family, my friends. I grew up in some rough spots in life. Living with my Dad: in and out of a lot of drug situations and a lot of houses getting raided and stuff like that. So it was not the greatest upbringing in that part of the world. So I’m hoping that my family — my brothers and sisters — see what they can aspire to more than that type of life and hope for more. And hope is a great thing to have. Written By: Matteo Urella / January 2016 Original Photography By: Nick Cosky at Harvard University Nick Cosky Photography Nick Cosky Twitter Nick Cosky Instagram Nick Cosky Photography Facebook Special appreciation for Brock Larson, Eddie Alvarez, Kru Mark DellaGrotte, Sityodtong USA and the entire Sityodtong USA team Special appreciation for Harvard University and Harvard Athletics Special appreciation for Nick Cosky and his brilliant photography Portions of this interview previously published on Boxeo Mundial (January 26, 2016)	905d3b22-646b-53aa-a6ca-dd5b34dadd1d	25/08/2025 15:58:40
https://medium.com/@SusanKnowles_60982/nancy-pelosi-is-dreaming-of-house-leadership-while-dems-meltdown-8cb0c41bdaf5	medium.com	Nancy Pelosi is Dreaming of House Leadership While Dems Meltdown	Democrats like House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi are cheering their gains and takeover of the House following the midterm elections.	SusanKnowles	https://medium.com/@SusanKnowles_60982	8cb0c41bdaf5	https://miro.medium.com/…5ubHIyxEPEg.jpeg	2 min	2018-11-09T00:59:09.312000	2018-11-09T10:31:01.634000	2018-11-09T10:31:01.634000	2	28	en	Politics,News,Donald Trump,Republican Party,2016 Election	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/635/1m_tpX7RNDXM5ubHIyxEPEg.jpeg" width="635" height="481" loading="lazy" /> <p>Democrats like House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi are cheering their gains and takeover of the House following the midterm elections.</p> <p>While Pelosi, who hopes to become Speaker of the House, dreams of many new investigations against President Trump, including subpoenaing Trump’s tax returns and “<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pelosi-shows-how-democrats-can-now-subpoena-trump-admin-after-midterms-2018-11/">restoring</a> the Constitution’s checks and balances to the Trump administration,” it appears that Trump won’t be sitting idly by.</p> <p>On Wednesday, Trump tweeted:</p> <p></p> <p>It’s a game many believe the Trump administration should have been playing all along instead of giving those like Hillary Clinton a pass in regards to her private email server issues.</p> <p>Learning to be proactive rather than reactive is a trait Republicans will need to quickly acquire if they intend to compete with Democrats in upcoming elections.</p> <p>It may also benefit the Trump administration to stop forecasting future moves to avoid Democrat interference.</p> <p>On Wednesday, President Trump sent a message to Democrats that he may be coming to the end of his patience with Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s prolonged “all things Russia” investigation.</p> <p>Trump tweeted:</p> <p></p> <p>One day after the midterms, Trump <a href="https://susanknowles.com/jeff-sessions-is-out-matthew-whitaker-is-new-acting-attorney-general/">asked</a> former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign.</p> <p>In addition, Session was replaced with Acting Attorney General Matthew <a href="https://susanknowles.com/jeff-sessions-is-out-matthew-whitaker-is-new-acting-attorney-general/">Whitaker</a> until a replacement could be appointed and confirmed later.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/300/0QSPf3W4UVoZSeUeL.jpg" width="300" height="300" loading="lazy" /> <p>Whitaker, who is not a fan of Mueller will now oversee the Mueller investigation. Whitaker took over and took away Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein’s authority as it pertains to the Mueller investigation.</p> <p>These two events set off a panic within the Democratic Party.</p> <p>Democrats interpreted Trump’s actions as a signal that he would soon dismiss Mueller.</p> <p>Protesters took to the streets around the United States on Thursday to #ProtectMueller in their #NoOneIsAboveTheLaw campaign.</p> <p>Seems as though Democrats are afraid their “witch hunt” may be coming to a close and won’t be around for the 2020 Presidential election?</p> <p>If Trump fires Mueller it will surely set off a complete meltdown of Democrats and could hurt him politically.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/300/0*IWpidJUtkNghEJDf.jpg" width="300" height="186" loading="lazy" /> <p>It could also lead Democrats in the House to consider impeachment proceedings against Trump, something Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) has been wanting to do for the past 2 years.</p> <p>However, with a strong Senate in place, Trump may not be so concerned with what Democrats think.</p> </section>	Nancy Pelosi is Dreaming of House Leadership While Dems Meltdown Democrats like House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi are cheering their gains and takeover of the House following the midterm elections. While Pelosi, who hopes to become Speaker of the House, dreams of many new investigations against President Trump, including subpoenaing Trump’s tax returns and “restoring the Constitution’s checks and balances to the Trump administration,” it appears that Trump won’t be sitting idly by. On Wednesday, Trump tweeted: It’s a game many believe the Trump administration should have been playing all along instead of giving those like Hillary Clinton a pass in regards to her private email server issues. Learning to be proactive rather than reactive is a trait Republicans will need to quickly acquire if they intend to compete with Democrats in upcoming elections. It may also benefit the Trump administration to stop forecasting future moves to avoid Democrat interference. On Wednesday, President Trump sent a message to Democrats that he may be coming to the end of his patience with Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s prolonged “all things Russia” investigation. Trump tweeted: One day after the midterms, Trump asked former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign. In addition, Session was replaced with Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker until a replacement could be appointed and confirmed later. Whitaker, who is not a fan of Mueller will now oversee the Mueller investigation. Whitaker took over and took away Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein’s authority as it pertains to the Mueller investigation. These two events set off a panic within the Democratic Party. Democrats interpreted Trump’s actions as a signal that he would soon dismiss Mueller. Protesters took to the streets around the United States on Thursday to #ProtectMueller in their #NoOneIsAboveTheLaw campaign. Seems as though Democrats are afraid their “witch hunt” may be coming to a close and won’t be around for the 2020 Presidential election? If Trump fires Mueller it will surely set off a complete meltdown of Democrats and could hurt him politically. It could also lead Democrats in the House to consider impeachment proceedings against Trump, something Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) has been wanting to do for the past 2 years. However, with a strong Senate in place, Trump may not be so concerned with what Democrats think.	1068785f-87c2-5015-a74f-19e76a33041a	25/08/2025 15:58:41
https://medium.com/@abhi.kvch/6-months-cloud-computing-training-institute-in-noida-732e2d217b56	medium.com	6 months Cloud Computing training Institute In Noida	KVCH is providing 6 months cloud computing training in noida , The objective of 6 Months cloud computing Industrial Training is to fill the…	Abhishek uriyal	https://medium.com/@abhi.kvch	732e2d217b56	null	0 min	2017-11-21T09:15:14.208000	2017-11-21T09:16:20.216000	2017-11-21T09:16:21.044000	0	0	en	Industrial Training,Kvch,Noida	<section> <p>KVCH is providing 6 months cloud computing training in noida , The objective of 6 Months cloud computing Industrial Training is to fill the gap between students and industry. Kvch allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge practically. We assure that the performance of each student is up to the standard of IT industry ,</p> </section>	6 months Cloud Computing training Institute In Noida KVCH is providing 6 months cloud computing training in noida , The objective of 6 Months cloud computing Industrial Training is to fill the gap between students and industry. Kvch allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge practically. We assure that the performance of each student is up to the standard of IT industry ,	bbc1f8b8-e4c6-5e71-a1d3-16e020298b3a	25/08/2025 15:58:41
https://medium.com/ro-baseball/5-ws-from-what-to-why-absolutely-no-problems-in-houston-eb6f23558506	medium.com	5 W’s — From What to Why: Absolutely No Problems in Houston	Daily article discussing one of the most important events from the previous day of baseball. The 5 W’s will be discussed, concluding with…	Casey Boguslaw	https://medium.com/@caseyboguslaw	eb6f23558506	https://miro.medium.com/…5NvOIjiE1fA.jpeg	2 min	2017-04-04T13:41:36.067000	2017-04-04T14:33:11.195000	2018-04-10T15:13:36.256000	0	0	en	Sports,MLB,Baseball,Houston Astros,Opening Day	<section> <h3>Daily article discussing one of the most important events from the previous day of baseball. The 5 W’s will be discussed, concluding with the why — as in why it is important.</h3> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/627/1e-Pz4EWz-Yy5NvOIjiE1fA.jpeg" width="627" height="376" loading="lazy" /> <p>What?</p> <p>There are many questions surrounding the Houston Astros heading into the 2017 season: Did they add enough? Is the defense strong enough to contend? Should they have gone out and traded for an ace pitcher? For one night, that last question was answered — Dallas Keuchel was outstanding, and returned to ace-status in his 2017 debut.</p> <p>Who?</p> <p>After winning the American League Cy Young in 2015, Keuchel fell hard back to earth in 2016. It became a very popular question to ask who the real Keuchel was: the 2.48 ERA/2.91 FIP of 2015 or the 4.55 ERA/3.87 FIP of 2016?</p> <p>When?</p> <p>Monday, April 3, 2017</p> <p>Where?</p> <p>Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas</p> <p>Why?</p> <p>There were ace pitchers galore across the country on Monday as many teams opened up their stadiums to the 2017 season, but none were perhaps more dominant than Dallas Keuchel. He threw seven scoreless innings, only allowing two hits and two walks before giving way to his fantastic bullpen for a three-pitcher shutout of the Seattle Mariners.</p> <p>No one has been touting the Mariners’ offseason more than myself, but at least for one night, Keuchel made their lineup look feeble. The heart of the order — Robinson Canó, Nelson Cruz, and Kyle Seager — is difficult for any pitcher to shut down, but Keuchel had little issue with them, nor the rest of the lineup.</p> <p>One criticism I had for the Astros’ offseason was the overall defensive talent. Bringing in an aging Josh Reddick, an even older Norichika Aoki, and an <strong>even older </strong>Carlos Beltrán to patrol the outfield on some days went against the popular trend of adding athleticism for defensive reasons.</p> <p>Alex Bregman — a natural shortstop — is now the everyday third baseman and Yulieski Gurriel is still somewhat an unknown at first base. As someone who loves team defense, the Astros offseason gave me pause.</p> <p>It’s only one game, of course, but the Astros proved me wrong every chance they could get.</p> <p>George Springer was great in his new role as everyday center fielder, Carlos Correa had several highlight plays, but perhaps no one was better fielding their position than Keuchel, the three-time Gold Glove winner.</p> <p></p> <p>There are strong beliefs Keuchel was done in by a poor defense last season after receiving incredible play behind him his Cy Young year. Those ideas are certainly backed up by the differences in his ERA and FIP in those seasons. Keuchel has a below-average strikeout rate; he is a pitch-to-contact guy who needs a strong defense behind him. On Monday, they were consistently great. If they can keep it up, Keuchel can return to Cy-form.</p> <p>Houston flexed their muscles all night, never more so than Correa’s fourth inning blast. The home fans were treated to a complete all-around victory — as impressive as any on an exciting MLB Opening Day.</p> <p></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/692/1GPQa8dcSqy8FX385j0T3bw.png" width="692" height="525" loading="lazy" /> </section>	5 W’s — From What to Why: Absolutely No Problems in Houston Daily article discussing one of the most important events from the previous day of baseball. The 5 W’s will be discussed, concluding with the why — as in why it is important. Dallas Keuchel was stellar — including with his glove — on Opening Day. (Fanvice.com) What? There are many questions surrounding the Houston Astros heading into the 2017 season: Did they add enough? Is the defense strong enough to contend? Should they have gone out and traded for an ace pitcher? For one night, that last question was answered — Dallas Keuchel was outstanding, and returned to ace-status in his 2017 debut. Who? After winning the American League Cy Young in 2015, Keuchel fell hard back to earth in 2016. It became a very popular question to ask who the real Keuchel was: the 2.48 ERA/2.91 FIP of 2015 or the 4.55 ERA/3.87 FIP of 2016? When? Monday, April 3, 2017 Where? Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas Why? There were ace pitchers galore across the country on Monday as many teams opened up their stadiums to the 2017 season, but none were perhaps more dominant than Dallas Keuchel. He threw seven scoreless innings, only allowing two hits and two walks before giving way to his fantastic bullpen for a three-pitcher shutout of the Seattle Mariners. No one has been touting the Mariners’ offseason more than myself, but at least for one night, Keuchel made their lineup look feeble. The heart of the order — Robinson Canó, Nelson Cruz, and Kyle Seager — is difficult for any pitcher to shut down, but Keuchel had little issue with them, nor the rest of the lineup. One criticism I had for the Astros’ offseason was the overall defensive talent. Bringing in an aging Josh Reddick, an even older Norichika Aoki, and an even older Carlos Beltrán to patrol the outfield on some days went against the popular trend of adding athleticism for defensive reasons. Alex Bregman — a natural shortstop — is now the everyday third baseman and Yulieski Gurriel is still somewhat an unknown at first base. As someone who loves team defense, the Astros offseason gave me pause. It’s only one game, of course, but the Astros proved me wrong every chance they could get. George Springer was great in his new role as everyday center fielder, Carlos Correa had several highlight plays, but perhaps no one was better fielding their position than Keuchel, the three-time Gold Glove winner. There are strong beliefs Keuchel was done in by a poor defense last season after receiving incredible play behind him his Cy Young year. Those ideas are certainly backed up by the differences in his ERA and FIP in those seasons. Keuchel has a below-average strikeout rate; he is a pitch-to-contact guy who needs a strong defense behind him. On Monday, they were consistently great. If they can keep it up, Keuchel can return to Cy-form. Houston flexed their muscles all night, never more so than Correa’s fourth inning blast. The home fans were treated to a complete all-around victory — as impressive as any on an exciting MLB Opening Day. Come back each day for a new 5 W’s, analyzing one of the previous day’s top moment.	11ce95a1-3690-52f0-9979-1530632e2f29	25/08/2025 15:58:41
https://medium.com/@jakelangford_11200/cultural-change-9837dc251cef	medium.com	Cultural change	“Culture eats strategy for breakfast” — Peter Drucker	Jakelangford	https://medium.com/@jakelangford_11200	9837dc251cef	https://miro.medium.com/…q9cRB-f3wVEY.jpg	5 min	2025-01-28T08:39:20.706000	2025-02-01T20:47:58.459000	2025-02-03T12:29:39.502000	0	0	en	Culture Change,Management And Leadership,Safety,Vulnerability	<section> <p>“Culture eats strategy for breakfast” — Peter Drucker</p> <p>I’d say you could define the culture of a company as <em>“the feeling you get in the pit of your stomach on Sunday night.”</em> Those more inclined to sociological or organisational change studies may talk about norms and values but it boils down to this.</p> <p>It’s the way we do things round here.</p> <p>There’s been a lot of talk recently about the behaviours my employers want employees to exhibit. As I’ve gone through powerpoint presentations and group exercises I’m struck by the difficulties we all face in encouraging people to change their ways.</p> <p>I’ll start with the personal. How do I want my teams to work?</p> <p><em>Challenge decisions when something looks wrong.</em></p> <p><em>Help out when you see someone struggling.</em></p> <p><em>Come forward with ideas, they’re probably great.</em></p> <p><em>Be honest, with yourself, with me, with the team.</em></p> <p><em>Mistakes are ok, as long as they’re nice fresh ones.</em></p> <p><em>We make decisions. We record what we did and why. Then we stand by these.</em></p> <p>This is all fair and good, but if someone in a refinement session says that a story doesn’t seem to add value, and I roast them, that team member is unlikely to ever contribute again. I’ve seen plenty of product people be high-handed with engineers and the result is rarely pretty.</p> <p>If someone is struggling and I castigate them for not doing the work quickly enough, they’re likely to conceal their lack of progress, or ship less than stellar work. Ultimately, this is going to hurt the product and my ability to communicate progress to stakeholders.</p> <p>If I dismiss every idea, they’ll give up sharing. Be respectful of ideas, if I explain why it’s not going to work in this instance, they’ll get a clearer understanding of what I and the product are trying to achieve.</p> <p>If they ever catch me lying or concealing information for no good reason, they’ll do the same to me. I shared my roadmap with my team, some of them were surprised to see it. Should it have been a surprise? Why on earth would I want to keep them in the dark as to my future plans? Why would any manager not want their team aware of what we’re trying to achieve?</p> <p>If I repeat a mistake and don’t learn from it, they’re going to view me as a hypocrite. Try to implement the retrospective’s actions, particularly if they apply to you.</p> <p>It’s important I don’t go back on my word. That doesn’t mean I have to stick to a course of action, but I should acknowledge when I change something and be prepared to explain why.</p> <p>Time for an analogy.</p> <p>The etymology of the word management is illuminating in understanding what I’m trying to preach. The English verb <em>manage</em> has its roots in the fifteenth-century French verb <em>mesnager</em>, which in equestrian language equates to <em>“to hold in hand the reins of a horse”.</em></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/714/0*7alrq9cRB-f3wVEY.jpg" width="714" height="400" loading="lazy" /> <p>In many ways, the engineers you’re managing are like horses. Don’t rush to judge me; this is a compliment! Horses are immensely powerful; capable of tremendous effort that dwarfs a human’s power; and are capable of terrifying violence both from the front end and the back end. Horses deserve respect, and the fact that we’ve ‘domesticated’ the horse owes a lot to the horse realising that life with humans isn’t too bad.</p> <p>You can’t outmuscle a horse. If you mistreat it, it’ll remember and sooner or later find you unaware and give you the just deserts you so richly deserve. Don’t mess with horses. Engineers are the same, they’ll remember a slight against them and when there’s the opportunity to hang you out to dry, that’s exactly what they’ll do. We pick engineers and product people because they’re clever, to treat them otherwise is reckless.</p> <p>What you can seek to do, is guide a horse. Point the horse in the direction you want to go, and if it’s content, and trusts your judgement, it’ll go along with your plan. Amazing things can happen. You can plow a field, or outrun any human on foot. Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan both conquered the known world with cavalry; and the police forces of many nations know full well the intimidating presence of an officer on horseback.</p> <p>So let’s talk about practical applications.</p> <p>Cameras should be on during stand-ups, refinements and retros. I get more from a wince or a blank look than I do from people sitting there in silence with screens off. I’ve got no problem with people doubting what I’m saying, or being unsure at what’s going on. I’d certainly rather see the confusion early, and do something about it, than get midway through a sprint and find developers have worked on the wrong thing.</p> <p>My camera is on so the team get an insight into my thoughts and feelings too. I’ve got a refinement session this coming Monday where I’m sure some developers will say that some stories are unnecessary. Not too secretly, I love this. If they can convince me that this work doesn’t need to be done, we’ll do something else. I keep banging the mantra of showing the value of work, and if that’s how I talk to my boss, it’s how I want my team to talk to me too.</p> <p>Recently my tech lead came to me with some ‘tech debt’, and they were unsure if I would let them work on it. We worked out the benefit, estimated the effort, and it was a huge win (60 person-hours per week for the cost of 2 days’ work). It got prioritised and delivered, and we’ve benefited from cleaner, faster pull requests ever since.</p> <p>I mean what I say, and I try to demonstrate the values I espouse.</p> <p>I think some managers find it hard to be vulnerable, as if admitting you don’t have all the answers is a form of weakness. I’ve found vulnerability and humility to be a powerful tool. If your team is aware of an area of weakness, they can help fill in the gaps. If there’s trust, people won’t jump on your vulnerabilities, they’ll shield you.</p> <p>Be humble. You’re a servant leader, and you’ll do best to unblock your team, not seek to micro-manage their activities.</p> <p>Hold your hand up when you’ve made a mistake, and share when you’re changing direction as soon as possible. Keep people involved in your planning. Ultimately, I will make the call about my product, but I’d like to do so with buy-in from the team.</p> <p>Don’t point fingers. It’s corrosive to team morale and in the future, it’ll lead to them being less open. A mistake was made, we fixed it, we moved on, we’ll watch for it in the future (ideally with an end-to-end test!). We are working in the knowledge and innovation space. This is not an area where you ever want people to stop sharing.</p> <p>If you want people to share your espoused behaviours, you have to make sure you’re the exemplar.</p> </section>	Cultural change “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” — Peter Drucker I’d say you could define the culture of a company as “the feeling you get in the pit of your stomach on Sunday night.” Those more inclined to sociological or organisational change studies may talk about norms and values but it boils down to this. It’s the way we do things round here. There’s been a lot of talk recently about the behaviours my employers want employees to exhibit. As I’ve gone through powerpoint presentations and group exercises I’m struck by the difficulties we all face in encouraging people to change their ways. I’ll start with the personal. How do I want my teams to work? Challenge decisions when something looks wrong. Help out when you see someone struggling. Come forward with ideas, they’re probably great. Be honest, with yourself, with me, with the team. Mistakes are ok, as long as they’re nice fresh ones. We make decisions. We record what we did and why. Then we stand by these. This is all fair and good, but if someone in a refinement session says that a story doesn’t seem to add value, and I roast them, that team member is unlikely to ever contribute again. I’ve seen plenty of product people be high-handed with engineers and the result is rarely pretty. If someone is struggling and I castigate them for not doing the work quickly enough, they’re likely to conceal their lack of progress, or ship less than stellar work. Ultimately, this is going to hurt the product and my ability to communicate progress to stakeholders. If I dismiss every idea, they’ll give up sharing. Be respectful of ideas, if I explain why it’s not going to work in this instance, they’ll get a clearer understanding of what I and the product are trying to achieve. If they ever catch me lying or concealing information for no good reason, they’ll do the same to me. I shared my roadmap with my team, some of them were surprised to see it. Should it have been a surprise? Why on earth would I want to keep them in the dark as to my future plans? Why would any manager not want their team aware of what we’re trying to achieve? If I repeat a mistake and don’t learn from it, they’re going to view me as a hypocrite. Try to implement the retrospective’s actions, particularly if they apply to you. It’s important I don’t go back on my word. That doesn’t mean I have to stick to a course of action, but I should acknowledge when I change something and be prepared to explain why. Time for an analogy. The etymology of the word management is illuminating in understanding what I’m trying to preach. The English verb manage has its roots in the fifteenth-century French verb mesnager, which in equestrian language equates to “to hold in hand the reins of a horse”. In many ways, the engineers you’re managing are like horses. Don’t rush to judge me; this is a compliment! Horses are immensely powerful; capable of tremendous effort that dwarfs a human’s power; and are capable of terrifying violence both from the front end and the back end. Horses deserve respect, and the fact that we’ve ‘domesticated’ the horse owes a lot to the horse realising that life with humans isn’t too bad. You can’t outmuscle a horse. If you mistreat it, it’ll remember and sooner or later find you unaware and give you the just deserts you so richly deserve. Don’t mess with horses. Engineers are the same, they’ll remember a slight against them and when there’s the opportunity to hang you out to dry, that’s exactly what they’ll do. We pick engineers and product people because they’re clever, to treat them otherwise is reckless. What you can seek to do, is guide a horse. Point the horse in the direction you want to go, and if it’s content, and trusts your judgement, it’ll go along with your plan. Amazing things can happen. You can plow a field, or outrun any human on foot. Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan both conquered the known world with cavalry; and the police forces of many nations know full well the intimidating presence of an officer on horseback. So let’s talk about practical applications. Cameras should be on during stand-ups, refinements and retros. I get more from a wince or a blank look than I do from people sitting there in silence with screens off. I’ve got no problem with people doubting what I’m saying, or being unsure at what’s going on. I’d certainly rather see the confusion early, and do something about it, than get midway through a sprint and find developers have worked on the wrong thing. My camera is on so the team get an insight into my thoughts and feelings too. I’ve got a refinement session this coming Monday where I’m sure some developers will say that some stories are unnecessary. Not too secretly, I love this. If they can convince me that this work doesn’t need to be done, we’ll do something else. I keep banging the mantra of showing the value of work, and if that’s how I talk to my boss, it’s how I want my team to talk to me too. Recently my tech lead came to me with some ‘tech debt’, and they were unsure if I would let them work on it. We worked out the benefit, estimated the effort, and it was a huge win (60 person-hours per week for the cost of 2 days’ work). It got prioritised and delivered, and we’ve benefited from cleaner, faster pull requests ever since. I mean what I say, and I try to demonstrate the values I espouse. I think some managers find it hard to be vulnerable, as if admitting you don’t have all the answers is a form of weakness. I’ve found vulnerability and humility to be a powerful tool. If your team is aware of an area of weakness, they can help fill in the gaps. If there’s trust, people won’t jump on your vulnerabilities, they’ll shield you. Be humble. You’re a servant leader, and you’ll do best to unblock your team, not seek to micro-manage their activities. Hold your hand up when you’ve made a mistake, and share when you’re changing direction as soon as possible. Keep people involved in your planning. Ultimately, I will make the call about my product, but I’d like to do so with buy-in from the team. Don’t point fingers. It’s corrosive to team morale and in the future, it’ll lead to them being less open. A mistake was made, we fixed it, we moved on, we’ll watch for it in the future (ideally with an end-to-end test!). We are working in the knowledge and innovation space. This is not an area where you ever want people to stop sharing. If you want people to share your espoused behaviours, you have to make sure you’re the exemplar.	a340a5fa-7929-5f67-9ddc-11041d9ed74b	25/08/2025 15:58:41
https://medium.com/@IMPsolutionsMSP/imp-cloud-architect-anthony-fear-makes-your-cloud-choice-simple-cf862923108	medium.com	IMP Cloud Architect Anthony Fear Makes Your Cloud Choice Simple	Finding the right cloud solution often amounts to hours of struggle. Without expert level knowledge, decision makers are forced to wade…	IMP Solutions MSP	https://medium.com/@IMPsolutionsMSP	cf862923108	https://miro.medium.com/…N2o60zGhJTg.jpeg	3 min	2017-01-31T19:07:21.683000	2017-01-31T19:08:26.770000	2017-01-31T19:08:26.770000	0	0	en	Cloud Computing,Microsoft,Information Technology,Cloud	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/808/1*otjdMMqSS5ON2o60zGhJTg.jpeg" width="808" height="540" loading="lazy" /> <p>Finding the right cloud solution often amounts to hours of struggle. Without expert level knowledge, decision makers are forced to wade through the features, benefits, and shortcomings of cloud based tools in hopes of spotting some magic combination. For most, the search ends with mixed results at best. That is, unless they work with a professional cloud architect with the knowledge and know-how to build a custom cloud solution. For our clients, that person is Anthony Fear and here is what he can do for your cloud computing solutions.</p> <p><strong>What a Cloud Architect Can Do for You</strong></p> <p>Anthony Fear is one of the Cloud Architects at IMP Solutions who guides our clients as they develop and implement cloud computing solutions. On a daily basis, he is the guy who reviews the types of tools, systems, and infrastructure that his clients have in place and finds solutions that improve their performance, allow greater universal accessibility, and often reduce their overall IT expenses.</p> <p>In the past, he has worked for a number of Microsoft Gold Partners in Canada, building up expertise in the Microsoft cloud space that helps clients simplify their IT decisions. “Since most companies are well-versed with Microsoft products, many want to keep using familiar tools,” says Anthony Fear. His expertise helps him to find a productive blend between <a href="http://www.impsolutions.com/news-and-events/blog/4-microsoft-azure-cloud-features-can-tip-scales-businesses">Microsoft Azure cloud features</a> and other tools, whether on-premises or in the cloud.</p> <p>“We understand that one of the biggest challenges facing most of our customers is figuring out what <a href="http://www.impsolutions.com/news-and-events/blog/selecting-cloud-computing-services-fit-your-business">selecting cloud computing services</a> means for them,” says Anthony. “Our process helps us to first understand the customer’s business and then understand how we can map cloud services that deliver the biggest bang for their buck.”</p> <p><strong>What Cloud Computing Services Mean for Your Business</strong></p> <p>What does his work look like in action? Here are just a few projects that Anthony and the IMP Solutions team are working on currently to deliver the best cloud solutions possible.</p> <p>1) An agriculture startup wants to completely skip buying on-site storage hardware or renting out any physical datacenter. They feel that an on-site solution will take up too much space and the initial investment will cost too much for a solution that is more obsolete with each passing day. By utilizing public cloud services, Anthony and the IMP team have ensured all servers and applications (such as email, file sharing, backups, VPN access, accounting, stock control, etc.) will be active and supported by IMP’s Managed Services once it’s completed. That way they have the same performance without the upfront cost.</p> <p>2) An international manufacturer has been experiencing unplanned outages in their current co-location datacenter which has impacted their operations and revenue. <a href="http://www.impsolutions.com/news-and-events/blog/four-challenges-migrating-cloud-and-how-overcome-them">Migrating to the cloud</a> was a possibility that IMP Solutions wanted to explore. So, Anthony’s team evaluated their infrastructure to identify critical data like bandwidth requirements, utilization statistics, and even system dependencies. That way, IMP Solutions was able to easily identify which systems will benefit from optimization and design a cloud solution that scales with their business. In the process, the client will be gaining increased reliability, better disaster recovery options, and even some cost savings.</p> <p>3) A large enterprise that once relied upon an expensive Business Continuity solution is now in the process of <a href="http://www.impsolutions.com/news-and-events/blog/4-advantages-you-miss-not-moving-cloud">moving to the cloud</a>. Relying upon interruption-free activity 24/7, their old solution required a convoluted system that adheres to strict regulations and compliance. Now, Anthony Fear is implementing a cloud based alternative that is significantly cheaper, has improved reliability, and is far easier to use when testing complete failovers. The virtual nature of the cloud solutions enables the client to simplify their business continuity in ways that were unimaginable before without risking any of their data.</p> <p>4) In the process of making their workforce more agile, one local client company is migrating their business from an on-premises email solution to <a href="http://www.impsolutions.com/news-and-events/blog/microsoft-office-365-customer-immersion-experience-what-it-and-why-you-need-it">Microsoft Office 365</a>. Once Anthony and his team have completed making the full transition, the client’s employees will be able to take advantage of mobile device management, instant messaging, online storage and collaboration that was unavailable with their old solution. To make sure their team will work as efficiently as possible, IMP Solutions carried out a short training workshop to get them up to speed.</p> <p>Want to learn more about our <a href="http://www.impsolutions.com/secure-cloud-services">secure cloud services</a> and how IMP employees like Anthony Fear can recommend, customize, and manage the right cloud options for you? Take our free <a href="http://go.impsolutions.com/acton/media/20662/cloud-readiness-assessment-website">Cloud Readiness Assessment</a> and find out how the cloud can increase your business performance and cut down on IT costs.</p> </section>	IMP Cloud Architect Anthony Fear Makes Your Cloud Choice Simple Finding the right cloud solution often amounts to hours of struggle. Without expert level knowledge, decision makers are forced to wade through the features, benefits, and shortcomings of cloud based tools in hopes of spotting some magic combination. For most, the search ends with mixed results at best. That is, unless they work with a professional cloud architect with the knowledge and know-how to build a custom cloud solution. For our clients, that person is Anthony Fear and here is what he can do for your cloud computing solutions. What a Cloud Architect Can Do for You Anthony Fear is one of the Cloud Architects at IMP Solutions who guides our clients as they develop and implement cloud computing solutions. On a daily basis, he is the guy who reviews the types of tools, systems, and infrastructure that his clients have in place and finds solutions that improve their performance, allow greater universal accessibility, and often reduce their overall IT expenses. In the past, he has worked for a number of Microsoft Gold Partners in Canada, building up expertise in the Microsoft cloud space that helps clients simplify their IT decisions. “Since most companies are well-versed with Microsoft products, many want to keep using familiar tools,” says Anthony Fear. His expertise helps him to find a productive blend between Microsoft Azure cloud features and other tools, whether on-premises or in the cloud. “We understand that one of the biggest challenges facing most of our customers is figuring out what selecting cloud computing services means for them,” says Anthony. “Our process helps us to first understand the customer’s business and then understand how we can map cloud services that deliver the biggest bang for their buck.” What Cloud Computing Services Mean for Your Business What does his work look like in action? Here are just a few projects that Anthony and the IMP Solutions team are working on currently to deliver the best cloud solutions possible. 1) An agriculture startup wants to completely skip buying on-site storage hardware or renting out any physical datacenter. They feel that an on-site solution will take up too much space and the initial investment will cost too much for a solution that is more obsolete with each passing day. By utilizing public cloud services, Anthony and the IMP team have ensured all servers and applications (such as email, file sharing, backups, VPN access, accounting, stock control, etc.) will be active and supported by IMP’s Managed Services once it’s completed. That way they have the same performance without the upfront cost. 2) An international manufacturer has been experiencing unplanned outages in their current co-location datacenter which has impacted their operations and revenue. Migrating to the cloud was a possibility that IMP Solutions wanted to explore. So, Anthony’s team evaluated their infrastructure to identify critical data like bandwidth requirements, utilization statistics, and even system dependencies. That way, IMP Solutions was able to easily identify which systems will benefit from optimization and design a cloud solution that scales with their business. In the process, the client will be gaining increased reliability, better disaster recovery options, and even some cost savings. 3) A large enterprise that once relied upon an expensive Business Continuity solution is now in the process of moving to the cloud. Relying upon interruption-free activity 24/7, their old solution required a convoluted system that adheres to strict regulations and compliance. Now, Anthony Fear is implementing a cloud based alternative that is significantly cheaper, has improved reliability, and is far easier to use when testing complete failovers. The virtual nature of the cloud solutions enables the client to simplify their business continuity in ways that were unimaginable before without risking any of their data. 4) In the process of making their workforce more agile, one local client company is migrating their business from an on-premises email solution to Microsoft Office 365. Once Anthony and his team have completed making the full transition, the client’s employees will be able to take advantage of mobile device management, instant messaging, online storage and collaboration that was unavailable with their old solution. To make sure their team will work as efficiently as possible, IMP Solutions carried out a short training workshop to get them up to speed. Want to learn more about our secure cloud services and how IMP employees like Anthony Fear can recommend, customize, and manage the right cloud options for you? Take our free Cloud Readiness Assessment and find out how the cloud can increase your business performance and cut down on IT costs.	55b444ad-b549-54df-b338-45071d312823	25/08/2025 15:58:41
https://medium.com/bizcatalyst-360/top-ten-myths-of-change-leadership-and-their-solutions-acaf2613117d	medium.com	Top Ten Myths Of Change Leadership (And Their Solutions)	null	BIZCATALYST360°	https://medium.com/@dennisjpitocco	acaf2613117d	https://miro.medium.com/…-Xs_5SNBCZdH.png	4 min	2016-08-18T11:01:49.848000	2016-07-05T09:55:03	2016-08-18T11:21:46.468000	0	0	en	Bizspectrum,Featured,Hr Talent Management,Amon Tobin,Andy Stern	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/940/0*WnrU-Xs_5SNBCZdH.png" width="940" height="360" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>When people talk about ‘great leadership’</strong>, they tend to talk about things like inspiring employees, having a great vision for the organization, or being able to create effective growth strategies. But change leadership is a skill unto itself, and it’s important not to make assumptions. Today we’ll look at the top myths about change leadership.</p> <p>[message type=”custom” width=”100%” start_color=”#F0F0F0 “ end_color=”#F0F0F0 “ border=”#BBBBBB” color=”#333333"]</p> <p><strong>1. I can control what happens during this change.</strong> You can plan for the change, you can make predictions based on your knowledge of the organization, you can make as many charts and spreadsheets as you want — once a change starts, things will happen that you didn’t foresee. Remember that you can <em>manage</em> yourself and others through the unexpected, but you can’t necessarily <em>control</em> it. <strong>SOLUTION:</strong> With a well-thought-out plan and clarity around roles and responsibilities, you’ll be able to navigate effectively through any change. <strong>2. I don’t need to be visible during this change; I’ll just be a distraction.</strong> People need to physically see you — the leader — during a change. If you’re absent, your people will feel like they’re on a ship with no captain. This is distracting and will get in the way of their work — and of the changes you want to make. <strong>SOLUTION:</strong> Being more visible will give your employees confidence that you’re steering the ship. <strong>3. This change is not big enough to warrant a plan.</strong> In today’s organizations, departments and divisions are more interdependent than ever, and partnerships both inside and outside the organization are common. In that environment, there’s rarely a change that isn’t ‘big enough’ to warrant a plan. <strong>SOLUTION:</strong> Creating a map of who is affected, and how deeply, will allow you to more effectively plan for change. <strong>4. Everyone knows what they need to do — we don’t need a plan.</strong> Unless your organization has just invented telepathy, I guarantee that not everyone knows what they need to do — and that people who think they know what they need to do aren’t necessarily on the same page as everyone else. <strong>SOLUTION: </strong>Creating a plan which clearly articulates what people need to do in order for change to be successful will not only ensure everyone’s on the same path, but will reassure them that change is being effectively led. <strong>5. People won’t leave — the job market isn’t that good</strong> Remember that people don’t actually have to quit their job in order to ‘leave’ it. In a tough job market or an isolated location, people may stay with a company, but ‘check out’ emotionally or intellectually if they become disengaged. In order for a business to survive and thrive, you must have the whole person working for you. (And even in a tough economy, your top performers are often vulnerable.) <strong>SOLUTION: </strong>Ensure employees are <a href="http://adrachangearchitects.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35:dont-entirely-outsource-change-management&catid=6:news&Itemid=5">engaged and invested</a> in the change. <strong>6. Resistance is bad.</strong> Resistance to change is information. You’re being told that there is a problem of some kind and resistance is giving you the opportunity to partner with the resisting group or individual to solve the problem. In fact, if you announce a change and there is no resistance, it’s time to be concerned. <strong>SOLUTION: </strong>Don’t automatically assume that resistance to change is simply a result of a ‘<a href="http://adrachangearchitects.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=6&Itemid=5&limitstart=2">negative attitude</a>’. Investigate further. <strong>7. Saying everything once is enough.</strong> Any time you announce a business change, it’s important to remember that your audience is comprised of individuals, all of whom listen to and absorb information a little differently. <strong>SOLUTION:</strong> Use the 10x rule when it comes to communication: Use varied communication channels and repeat, repeat, repeat! <strong>8. No news is good news.</strong> During a change, a lack of information will result in people making up their own, or listening to misinformation from others who have made up their own. People have a much higher need to know what’s going on during a change — because they’re concerned about how it’s going to affect them personally — and a lack of information will only cause the rumor mill to go into overdrive. <strong>SOLUTION:</strong> Give people as much accurate information as possible, as often as possible. The more they ‘know’, the less likely they are to ‘invent’. <strong>9. Saying nothing is better than saying ‘something may change’.</strong> You hired your employees because they’re smart, capable people — and smart, capable people often intuit that changes are ‘in the wind’. When you don’t address this, they start to feel a lack of stability and security. Productivity and morale decline. <strong>SOLUTION:</strong> Being forthright with “This is the situation today. It’s possible it will change…” followed up with “…and I will tell you immediately if that happens” is not only reassuring but also reinforces your position as a leader who can be counted on. <strong>10. People know I’m always going to do the right thing — they should trust me.</strong> Don’t count on it. Most people generally overestimate their credibility within an organization. Ask yourself these questions — and be honest: What public actions have you recently taken that show people that ‘You always do the right thing’? Do you have a network of individuals throughout the organization that can, and will, publicly support you and the changes you’ve announced? Your answers will dictate the plan of action you need in order to successfully lead changes. <strong>SOLUTION:</strong> Don’t underestimate the importance of honestly assessing your credibility within the organization — and act accordingly.[/message][su_spacer] [su_button url=”http://bizcatalyst360.com/free-execubriefs/” target="blank" style=”stroked” background=”#ff4e07" color=”#ffffff” size=”1" wide=”yes” center=”yes” radius=”5" icon_color=”#2d3fff”]CLICK HERE FOR FRESH INSIGHTS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX [/su_button]</p> </section>	Top Ten Myths Of Change Leadership (And Their Solutions) When people talk about ‘great leadership’, they tend to talk about things like inspiring employees, having a great vision for the organization, or being able to create effective growth strategies. But change leadership is a skill unto itself, and it’s important not to make assumptions. Today we’ll look at the top myths about change leadership. [message type=”custom” width=”100%” start_color=”#F0F0F0 “ end_color=”#F0F0F0 “ border=”#BBBBBB” color=”#333333"] 1. I can control what happens during this change. You can plan for the change, you can make predictions based on your knowledge of the organization, you can make as many charts and spreadsheets as you want — once a change starts, things will happen that you didn’t foresee. Remember that you can manage yourself and others through the unexpected, but you can’t necessarily control it. SOLUTION: With a well-thought-out plan and clarity around roles and responsibilities, you’ll be able to navigate effectively through any change. 2. I don’t need to be visible during this change; I’ll just be a distraction. People need to physically see you — the leader — during a change. If you’re absent, your people will feel like they’re on a ship with no captain. This is distracting and will get in the way of their work — and of the changes you want to make. SOLUTION: Being more visible will give your employees confidence that you’re steering the ship. 3. This change is not big enough to warrant a plan. In today’s organizations, departments and divisions are more interdependent than ever, and partnerships both inside and outside the organization are common. In that environment, there’s rarely a change that isn’t ‘big enough’ to warrant a plan. SOLUTION: Creating a map of who is affected, and how deeply, will allow you to more effectively plan for change. 4. Everyone knows what they need to do — we don’t need a plan. Unless your organization has just invented telepathy, I guarantee that not everyone knows what they need to do — and that people who think they know what they need to do aren’t necessarily on the same page as everyone else. SOLUTION: Creating a plan which clearly articulates what people need to do in order for change to be successful will not only ensure everyone’s on the same path, but will reassure them that change is being effectively led. 5. People won’t leave — the job market isn’t that good Remember that people don’t actually have to quit their job in order to ‘leave’ it. In a tough job market or an isolated location, people may stay with a company, but ‘check out’ emotionally or intellectually if they become disengaged. In order for a business to survive and thrive, you must have the whole person working for you. (And even in a tough economy, your top performers are often vulnerable.) SOLUTION: Ensure employees are engaged and invested in the change. 6. Resistance is bad. Resistance to change is information. You’re being told that there is a problem of some kind and resistance is giving you the opportunity to partner with the resisting group or individual to solve the problem. In fact, if you announce a change and there is no resistance, it’s time to be concerned. SOLUTION: Don’t automatically assume that resistance to change is simply a result of a ‘negative attitude’. Investigate further. 7. Saying everything once is enough. Any time you announce a business change, it’s important to remember that your audience is comprised of individuals, all of whom listen to and absorb information a little differently. SOLUTION: Use the 10x rule when it comes to communication: Use varied communication channels and repeat, repeat, repeat! 8. No news is good news. During a change, a lack of information will result in people making up their own, or listening to misinformation from others who have made up their own. People have a much higher need to know what’s going on during a change — because they’re concerned about how it’s going to affect them personally — and a lack of information will only cause the rumor mill to go into overdrive. SOLUTION: Give people as much accurate information as possible, as often as possible. The more they ‘know’, the less likely they are to ‘invent’. 9. Saying nothing is better than saying ‘something may change’. You hired your employees because they’re smart, capable people — and smart, capable people often intuit that changes are ‘in the wind’. When you don’t address this, they start to feel a lack of stability and security. Productivity and morale decline. SOLUTION: Being forthright with “This is the situation today. It’s possible it will change…” followed up with “…and I will tell you immediately if that happens” is not only reassuring but also reinforces your position as a leader who can be counted on. 10. People know I’m always going to do the right thing — they should trust me. Don’t count on it. Most people generally overestimate their credibility within an organization. Ask yourself these questions — and be honest: What public actions have you recently taken that show people that ‘You always do the right thing’? Do you have a network of individuals throughout the organization that can, and will, publicly support you and the changes you’ve announced? Your answers will dictate the plan of action you need in order to successfully lead changes. SOLUTION: Don’t underestimate the importance of honestly assessing your credibility within the organization — and act accordingly.[/message][su_spacer] [su_button url=”http://bizcatalyst360.com/free-execubriefs/” target="blank" style=”stroked” background=”#ff4e07" color=”#ffffff” size=”1" wide=”yes” center=”yes” radius=”5" icon_color=”#2d3fff”]CLICK HERE FOR FRESH INSIGHTS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX [/su_button]	f2c5050f-9996-51d9-8ecc-53c49e44dd45	25/08/2025 15:58:43
https://medium.com/@europeansting/uk-keeps-its-brexit-plan-secret-or-there-is-no-strategy-at-all-whatsoever-5ebb065af64c	medium.com	UK keeps its Brexit plan secret or there is no strategy at all whatsoever?	President Tusk meets Prime Minister Theresa May (UK) From left to right: Mr Donald TUSK, President of the European Council; Ms Theresa MAY…	The European Sting	https://medium.com/@europeansting	5ebb065af64c	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*8lDhIiyDF9SL4pxe.	4 min	2016-09-14T06:57:56.969000	2016-09-14T06:58:21.819000	2018-02-16T06:23:28.033000	0	0	en	Brexit,European Union,Theresa May	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/610/0*8lDhIiyDF9SL4pxe." width="610" height="406" loading="lazy" /> <p>President Tusk meets Prime Minister Theresa May (UK) From left to right: Mr Donald TUSK, President of the European Council; Ms Theresa MAY, UK Prime Minister. Location: London — UNITED KINGDOM . Date: 08/09/2016. © European Union, 2016 / Source: EC — Audiovisual Service</p> <p>The 27 EU leaders will convene on Friday to discuss about Brexit while <a href="https://europeansting.com/2016/07/15/mission-impossible-theresa-may-was-so-desperate-that-had-to-appoint-boris-johnson-as-foreign-secretary/">Theresa May </a>and the British government are still trying to prepare a plan to get the most out of UK’s exit from the EU. The British Prime Minister has made it clear in the parliament that the agreement will include control of the movement of people from the EU and a profitable trade deal.</p> <p>However, Theresa May’s statements remain too vague to understand if there is a specific Brexit plan at all in the first place. As it seems, the British government has probably not yet created a strong strategy that could ensure beneficial EU treatment. Otherwise Theresa May would have already invoked the Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and Brexit talks would have started.</p> <p>EU unable to convince</p> <p>The <a href="https://europeansting.com/2016/06/21/the-imf-sees-brexits-substantial-impact-while-the-worlds-economy-holds-its-breath/">EU</a> leaders and officials have been desperately urging Britain to start Brexit talks as soon as possible in order to reduce economic and political uncertainty within the bloc and to the rest of the world. But Theresa May stands still to her position on this matter and states that the negotiations will start no sooner than early 2017.</p> <p>Particularly, the spokeswoman of the British Premier <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/uks-theresa-may-talks-brexit-with-eus-donald-tusk-1473325926">said</a> last Thursday: “We want to take the time prepare for the negotiations by talking to stakeholders up and down the country — the EU also needs to take time to prepare for the negotiations in terms of what approach the 27 (member states) will take”.</p> <p>On behalf of the European Parliament (EP), Guy Verhofstadt who was appointed EP’s chief negotiator <a href="https://www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/articles/news/guy-verhofstadt-appointed-european-parliaments-brexit-negotiator">last Thursday told</a> that negotiations must be finalised by 2019 and the EP should agree on the exit deal with Britain.</p> <p>UK needs more than a summer holiday</p> <p>David Davis, the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/sep/12/brexit-talks-may-be-most-complicated-negotiation-ever-says-minister">mentioned </a>to the House of Lords select committee that the initial Brexit strategy will not be revealed before the formal notification of the EU which is triggered by article 50. Furthermore, David Davis made it clear that the process will be more open afterwards but one of the most complicated ones.</p> <p>Does the Brexit Secretary not want to unveil UK’s plan on the negotiations with the EU or there is no strategic plan at all but only scattered proposals? Why the procedure will be “more open” after triggering article 50? It seems that the summer was probably counterproductive as Theresa May and the British government need more time to form some basic guidelines to be able to negotiate effectively with the EU.</p> <p>However, it is true that the <a href="https://europeansting.com/2016/04/04/no-recovery-for-eu-economy-in-sight-and-a-brexit-can-aggravate-things-for-one-and-all/">UK</a> and the EU are sailing in uncharted waters as this procedure has never been into place before. The strategies that both parties have already formed or intend to do so are about to be reviewed and modified several times during the negotiating procedure. The main point though lies on the stance that each side is going to hold. Is the EU going to remain firm on its bold statements regarding the single market access connection with the freedom of movement in the EU or UK will be form again an exception?</p> <p>UK’s Erasmus Plus programme at serious risk</p> <p><a href="https://europeansting.com/2016/08/31/theresa-may-in-search-of-a-magic-plan-to-invoke-article-50-and-start-brexit-negotiations-now/">Brexit</a> is likely to put an end to UK’s participation to the EU student exchange scheme called Erasmus Plus. The programme allows students to study in 33 European countries for free for up to one year with EU covering the travel and living expenses. The students who have been trained or studied abroad have greater chances of finding employment quicker compared to the ones who haven’t, according to the European Commission’s Erasmus impact study in 2014. Hence, Brexit will certainly affect employment rates negatively as it will isolate UK students to a considerable extent.</p> <p>David Davis was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/sep/13/government-urged-to-protect-eu-student-exchange-scheme">pressured</a> to protect the scheme and continue providing this opportunity to UK students but the Brexit secretary could not guarantee that will be able to safeguard it in the post-Brexit era. The latter shows that UK should not only worry about the movement of people and single market access but education is also a critical part of Brexit talks.</p> <p>Uncertainty to go away after formal negotiations</p> <p>Time is neither on the EU’s or the UK’s side. The <a href="https://europeansting.com/2016/07/06/global-financial-outlook-extremely-uncertain-as-brexit-concerns-persist/">uncertainty</a> that lies on the Old Continent is affecting businesses and slows down growth and consumer spending, once more. More precisely, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) <a href="http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/press-office/press-releases/bcc-uk-growth-forecasts-downgraded-as-uncertainty-hits-investment.html">expects</a> UK to grow 1.8% this year, down from its March estimate of 2.2%, and by 1% in 2017 compared with its original forecast of 2.3%.</p> <p>All in all, there is not much time for Theresa May and the UK government to prepare a proper plan and start Brexit talks with the EU, which could reduce uncertainty and provide a better environment for businesses and consumers.</p> <p>It is quite certain now that neither the EU nor the UK will ever be completely ready before negotiations for Britain’s exit are officially launched.</p> <p><a href="https://europeansting.com/2016/09/14/uk-keeps-its-brexit-plan-secret-or-there-is-no-strategy-at-all-whatsoever/">https://europeansting.com/2016/09/14/uk-keeps-its-brexit-plan-secret-or-there-is-no-strategy-at-all-whatsoever/</a></p> </section>	UK keeps its Brexit plan secret or there is no strategy at all whatsoever? President Tusk meets Prime Minister Theresa May (UK) From left to right: Mr Donald TUSK, President of the European Council; Ms Theresa MAY, UK Prime Minister. Location: London — UNITED KINGDOM . Date: 08/09/2016. © European Union, 2016 / Source: EC — Audiovisual Service The 27 EU leaders will convene on Friday to discuss about Brexit while Theresa May and the British government are still trying to prepare a plan to get the most out of UK’s exit from the EU. The British Prime Minister has made it clear in the parliament that the agreement will include control of the movement of people from the EU and a profitable trade deal. However, Theresa May’s statements remain too vague to understand if there is a specific Brexit plan at all in the first place. As it seems, the British government has probably not yet created a strong strategy that could ensure beneficial EU treatment. Otherwise Theresa May would have already invoked the Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and Brexit talks would have started. EU unable to convince The EU leaders and officials have been desperately urging Britain to start Brexit talks as soon as possible in order to reduce economic and political uncertainty within the bloc and to the rest of the world. But Theresa May stands still to her position on this matter and states that the negotiations will start no sooner than early 2017. Particularly, the spokeswoman of the British Premier said last Thursday: “We want to take the time prepare for the negotiations by talking to stakeholders up and down the country — the EU also needs to take time to prepare for the negotiations in terms of what approach the 27 (member states) will take”. On behalf of the European Parliament (EP), Guy Verhofstadt who was appointed EP’s chief negotiator last Thursday told that negotiations must be finalised by 2019 and the EP should agree on the exit deal with Britain. UK needs more than a summer holiday David Davis, the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, mentioned to the House of Lords select committee that the initial Brexit strategy will not be revealed before the formal notification of the EU which is triggered by article 50. Furthermore, David Davis made it clear that the process will be more open afterwards but one of the most complicated ones. Does the Brexit Secretary not want to unveil UK’s plan on the negotiations with the EU or there is no strategic plan at all but only scattered proposals? Why the procedure will be “more open” after triggering article 50? It seems that the summer was probably counterproductive as Theresa May and the British government need more time to form some basic guidelines to be able to negotiate effectively with the EU. However, it is true that the UK and the EU are sailing in uncharted waters as this procedure has never been into place before. The strategies that both parties have already formed or intend to do so are about to be reviewed and modified several times during the negotiating procedure. The main point though lies on the stance that each side is going to hold. Is the EU going to remain firm on its bold statements regarding the single market access connection with the freedom of movement in the EU or UK will be form again an exception? UK’s Erasmus Plus programme at serious risk Brexit is likely to put an end to UK’s participation to the EU student exchange scheme called Erasmus Plus. The programme allows students to study in 33 European countries for free for up to one year with EU covering the travel and living expenses. The students who have been trained or studied abroad have greater chances of finding employment quicker compared to the ones who haven’t, according to the European Commission’s Erasmus impact study in 2014. Hence, Brexit will certainly affect employment rates negatively as it will isolate UK students to a considerable extent. David Davis was pressured to protect the scheme and continue providing this opportunity to UK students but the Brexit secretary could not guarantee that will be able to safeguard it in the post-Brexit era. The latter shows that UK should not only worry about the movement of people and single market access but education is also a critical part of Brexit talks. Uncertainty to go away after formal negotiations Time is neither on the EU’s or the UK’s side. The uncertainty that lies on the Old Continent is affecting businesses and slows down growth and consumer spending, once more. More precisely, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) expects UK to grow 1.8% this year, down from its March estimate of 2.2%, and by 1% in 2017 compared with its original forecast of 2.3%. All in all, there is not much time for Theresa May and the UK government to prepare a proper plan and start Brexit talks with the EU, which could reduce uncertainty and provide a better environment for businesses and consumers. It is quite certain now that neither the EU nor the UK will ever be completely ready before negotiations for Britain’s exit are officially launched. https://europeansting.com/2016/09/14/uk-keeps-its-brexit-plan-secret-or-there-is-no-strategy-at-all-whatsoever/	a0de61e1-e2b8-5f6d-b28d-b22eb3b3b95a	25/08/2025 15:58:43
https://medium.com/@pedrofernandeznjna/urban-farm-to-feed-most-food-insecure-residents-2c35c69f8aff	medium.com	Urban Farm to Feed Most Food Insecure Residents	null	Pedro Fernandez	https://medium.com/@pedrofernandeznjna	2c35c69f8aff	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*bE9Q9AbwGHsf0SpV.	1 min	2017-03-16T06:23:13.714000	2017-03-16T06:23:14.400000	2017-03-16T06:23:14.400000	0	0	en	Organic Healthy Food	<section> <p>“the problem with local food right now is that it is very expensive. We would like to see local food affordable because it is part of the access issue. A lot of people talk about food deserts and I totally agree not having not having a grocery store makes a big difference, but when tomatoes are three dollars a pound or four dollars a pound or cucumbers are a dollar each-that’s also an accessibility issue because people cannot afford to buy this produce”</p> <p>“Flanner Farms will sprout this year on the 2½-acre campus of Flanner House. It’s not a community garden, but instead a working farm. A weekly farmers market will offer a portion of the farm’s organic produce at below-retail prices.”</p> <p><strong>Read the rest of this story at: “<a href="</strong>http://ift.tt/2ncjwx7">WFYI.org</a>“</p> </section>	“the problem with local food right now is that it is very expensive. We would like to see local food affordable because it is part of the access issue. A lot of people talk about food deserts and I totally agree not having not having a grocery store makes a big difference, but when tomatoes are three dollars a pound or four dollars a pound or cucumbers are a dollar each-that’s also an accessibility issue because people cannot afford to buy this produce” “Flanner Farms will sprout this year on the 2½-acre campus of Flanner House. It’s not a community garden, but instead a working farm. A weekly farmers market will offer a portion of the farm’s organic produce at below-retail prices.” Read the rest of this story at: “WFYI.org“	2a74b7c5-10ac-5244-9a7f-6e969b3e7670	25/08/2025 15:58:43
https://thiswritingsucks.medium.com/a-moving-story-d01e62acbfbc	medium.com	A Moving Story	Today’s story is inspired by a story writing suggestion from 642 Things to Write About. It’s a very useful book if you’re like me and a…	Philip White (not that one, the other one)	https://medium.com/@thiswritingsucks	d01e62acbfbc	https://miro.medium.com/…rLVSk1Y2MiHQ.png	6 min	2022-11-19T20:47:41.261000	2022-11-19T20:52:39.163000	2022-11-19T20:52:47.434000	0	0	en	Fiction,Writing,Short Story	<section> <p>Today’s story is inspired by a story writing suggestion from 642 Things to Write About. It’s a very useful book if you’re like me and a writing prompt helps to get the creative juices flowing.</p> <p>Warning — risque language ahead. Don’t read this out loud to your children unless they’re super cool.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/1080/1*4JxMSrxYzXrLVSk1Y2MiHQ.png" width="1080" height="720" loading="lazy" /> <p>“Dude, why the fuck are we here? She cheated on you. You don’t owe her anything.” My buddy has never been known for his subtlety.</p> <p>“I know, I know”, I replied. “Believe me, I remember the scene I walked in on. But she needs help, and I want to help her. And you have a truck. And you owe me one.”</p> <p>“But she cheated on you.”, he sighed. “Do you really think this adventure is going to change anything?”</p> <p>I honestly didn’t know how to answer that, so I looked away towards the row of parked cars. What was I supposed to say? Maybe? Better to stay silent and not open up the door to more ballbusting. The truth is that I wasn’t quite sure why I said yes when she asked me to help her move out of her apartment.</p> <p>“There’s one”, I said, pointing out the window at a space between two sedans.</p> <p>“Nah, that left car is practically on the line”, he replied dismissively. “I’m not about to get a ding because some dick opens his door too fast.” He kept on driving.</p> <p>I knew I should have asked someone else. After we broke up, he told me how glad he was that I finally wised up. He liked her when we first started dating. She was easy to like. Beautiful, funny, always willing to buy the next round. All in all the perfect girlfriend to add to the social circle.</p> <p>However she didn’t like my louder friends, a.k.a. him. She always found an excuse or another last minute set of plans when we were supposed to hang out with him. I had to leave her out of any gatherings that he would be attending, which suited the both of them just fine. It became a hassle to figure out the logistics, so my buddy and I started drifting apart.</p> <p>When she cheated, he was the first person I called. Well, texted. All it took was me typing “You were right about her”, and he immediately replied “I’ll be there in 10 with tequila.” Good as his word, he appeared with the good stuff and gave me an awkward bro hug. We drowned my sorrows and then went out to eat too many sober up pancakes.</p> <p>And now I was imposing on him to help me help the woman who made the tequila necessary. He did it because he is a good friend, but he wasn’t going to go quietly into that good parking garage.</p> <p>“I mean, what’s the play here?”, he said. “Let’s say we get her stuff moved and I don’t call her a bitch when she opens the door. It’s not going to change anything. She still did what she did. There’s no unringing that bell. Or unbanging that shrew as it were.”</p> <p>“Hey”, I laughed. “I might get back together with that shrew, and then you’ll have to be the best man at our wedding.”</p> <p>His face darkened. “Don’t make me drive this truck home. You know I’m ready to bail as soon as you wise up.”</p> <p>I quickly changed the subject. “What about that spot? The other cars are nowhere near the line.”</p> <p>“I ain’t parking next to a Beemer. Something will happen, and I’ll get a spoiled rich kid running their mouth about how I breathed on their car wrong. Next.”</p> <p>I just shook my head and kept quiet. He was my only friend with a truck, and if I wanted to help her out, then he was entitled to his opinions on the best place to park.</p> <p>I tried another tack. “This is a pretty sweet ride. What made you buy a giant red truck anyway?”</p> <p>“Gotta stand out, man. You need something to capture attention of the fairer sex these days. Some men peacock by living at the gym 10 hours a day. I can do it with a monthly payment.”</p> <p>“You know your neighbor’s kids call it the fire engine though, right?”, I asked. “And now that you mention the ladies, I don’t think I’ve seen one riding shotgun in your hook-and-ladder-mobile.”</p> <p>“Dude, I don’t give a shit about what anyone else thinks. I wanted a truck, saw a commercial for this one, and bought it the next day.” He got a self-satisfied look on his face and smiled.</p> <p>I really envied his panache. He could be brash and occasionally rude, but you loved him for always being his genuine self. You wouldn’t catch him changing to suit anyone else’s idea of what he “should” be doing. God knows he wouldn’t be circling a parking lot to help someone who broke his heart.</p> <p>“Good spot. 10 o’clock.” I said.</p> <p>“And park next to the dumpster? I bet that spot smells like ass. We can do better.” With that he rounded the corner and we were right back where we started when we pulled in.</p> <p>I started to get annoyed. “Are you going to park somewhere, or just drive around in circles all day? She’s waiting for us upstairs.”</p> <p>“So? Make her wait. She’s getting an undeserved favor, and that means she can take what she gets.”</p> <p>“Well, I told her that I would help her. This might be the turning point we need. And I don’t want you fucking up my chance.”</p> <p>“Excuse me, your majesty. I would hate to make you late for the cuntess.”</p> <p>“Hey!”, I yelled. “Don’t call her that. You’re being a real piece of shit right now.” I turned away and looked out the window.</p> <p>We drove on in silence for the next 10 minutes. The only sounds were me grunting and motioning with my head towards a potential spot, and him grunting one word dismissals. Every space was “tight” or “bad” or “meh”. We kept making our slow circles around the complex. I had to remind myself that he was doing me a favor, and I needed to suck it up and be the bigger man.</p> <p>The problem with the extended drive was that it was giving me time to think. I did still have feelings for her, but when I pictured her face I got that familiar stabbing pain in my gut. And then I realized that I’d be helping to move the mattress where the “situation” happened. She always called it a situation, as if that made it any better. She did half apologize after the situation, but blamed it on drinking too much when she was out with her friends.</p> <p>We stopped talking for a few weeks after that. We texted a little bit later on to talk about returning her crap or my crap, and then just kept texting each other. When she said she’d be moving out of her place and didn’t have money for movers, I couldn’t stop myself from offering to help her out. I said it would be good to see her, and only felt a little queasy when I typed it.</p> <p>Now that I thought more about it, she always changed the subject when I asked if she was seeing anyone new. Or when I brought up the idea of maybe seeing each other again. In fact, I couldn’t recall her ever being actually remorseful about what had happened. The more I thought about it, the more worked up I got. Why was I so anxious to help her out? If she wasn’t feeling what I was feeling, then why the hell did I</p> <p>I had had enough during our 7th lap around the parking lot. I turned to my buddy and asked, “Serious question. What are the odds of me actually getting back together with her?”</p> <p>He gave me a side eye. “Odds? Pretty good if she needs something. Long term? Absolutely terrible. You’ve got a better shot of farting Yankee Doodle Dandy than her sticking around.”</p> <p>I had to admit, it was compelling, if crude, logic. “So what? We just bail on her? Doesn’t that make us the dicks?”</p> <p>“Hey”, he said. “She already hates one of us. And I don’t give a rat’s ass what she thinks about me. It’s up to you though. Always has been.”</p> <p>I pondered for a full 2 seconds and said “Fuck it. She’s on her own. Get this fire engine out of here.”</p> <p>‘Bout fucking time,” he replied. “Let’s go get some pancakes. You’re buying.”</p> <p>We left her place, and pulled into the nearest IHOP parking lot. He glided right into the first spot we saw. She called when we got our entrees. I declined and answered with a text — “A situation came up. You’re on your own.” Then I blocked her number and turned my attention back to my omelet.</p> </section>	A Moving Story Today’s story is inspired by a story writing suggestion from 642 Things to Write About. It’s a very useful book if you’re like me and a writing prompt helps to get the creative juices flowing. Warning — risque language ahead. Don’t read this out loud to your children unless they’re super cool. If moving feels like this, just don’t move. Stay where you are forever. “Dude, why the fuck are we here? She cheated on you. You don’t owe her anything.” My buddy has never been known for his subtlety. “I know, I know”, I replied. “Believe me, I remember the scene I walked in on. But she needs help, and I want to help her. And you have a truck. And you owe me one.” “But she cheated on you.”, he sighed. “Do you really think this adventure is going to change anything?” I honestly didn’t know how to answer that, so I looked away towards the row of parked cars. What was I supposed to say? Maybe? Better to stay silent and not open up the door to more ballbusting. The truth is that I wasn’t quite sure why I said yes when she asked me to help her move out of her apartment. “There’s one”, I said, pointing out the window at a space between two sedans. “Nah, that left car is practically on the line”, he replied dismissively. “I’m not about to get a ding because some dick opens his door too fast.” He kept on driving. I knew I should have asked someone else. After we broke up, he told me how glad he was that I finally wised up. He liked her when we first started dating. She was easy to like. Beautiful, funny, always willing to buy the next round. All in all the perfect girlfriend to add to the social circle. However she didn’t like my louder friends, a.k.a. him. She always found an excuse or another last minute set of plans when we were supposed to hang out with him. I had to leave her out of any gatherings that he would be attending, which suited the both of them just fine. It became a hassle to figure out the logistics, so my buddy and I started drifting apart. When she cheated, he was the first person I called. Well, texted. All it took was me typing “You were right about her”, and he immediately replied “I’ll be there in 10 with tequila.” Good as his word, he appeared with the good stuff and gave me an awkward bro hug. We drowned my sorrows and then went out to eat too many sober up pancakes. And now I was imposing on him to help me help the woman who made the tequila necessary. He did it because he is a good friend, but he wasn’t going to go quietly into that good parking garage. “I mean, what’s the play here?”, he said. “Let’s say we get her stuff moved and I don’t call her a bitch when she opens the door. It’s not going to change anything. She still did what she did. There’s no unringing that bell. Or unbanging that shrew as it were.” “Hey”, I laughed. “I might get back together with that shrew, and then you’ll have to be the best man at our wedding.” His face darkened. “Don’t make me drive this truck home. You know I’m ready to bail as soon as you wise up.” I quickly changed the subject. “What about that spot? The other cars are nowhere near the line.” “I ain’t parking next to a Beemer. Something will happen, and I’ll get a spoiled rich kid running their mouth about how I breathed on their car wrong. Next.” I just shook my head and kept quiet. He was my only friend with a truck, and if I wanted to help her out, then he was entitled to his opinions on the best place to park. I tried another tack. “This is a pretty sweet ride. What made you buy a giant red truck anyway?” “Gotta stand out, man. You need something to capture attention of the fairer sex these days. Some men peacock by living at the gym 10 hours a day. I can do it with a monthly payment.” “You know your neighbor’s kids call it the fire engine though, right?”, I asked. “And now that you mention the ladies, I don’t think I’ve seen one riding shotgun in your hook-and-ladder-mobile.” “Dude, I don’t give a shit about what anyone else thinks. I wanted a truck, saw a commercial for this one, and bought it the next day.” He got a self-satisfied look on his face and smiled. I really envied his panache. He could be brash and occasionally rude, but you loved him for always being his genuine self. You wouldn’t catch him changing to suit anyone else’s idea of what he “should” be doing. God knows he wouldn’t be circling a parking lot to help someone who broke his heart. “Good spot. 10 o’clock.” I said. “And park next to the dumpster? I bet that spot smells like ass. We can do better.” With that he rounded the corner and we were right back where we started when we pulled in. I started to get annoyed. “Are you going to park somewhere, or just drive around in circles all day? She’s waiting for us upstairs.” “So? Make her wait. She’s getting an undeserved favor, and that means she can take what she gets.” “Well, I told her that I would help her. This might be the turning point we need. And I don’t want you fucking up my chance.” “Excuse me, your majesty. I would hate to make you late for the cuntess.” “Hey!”, I yelled. “Don’t call her that. You’re being a real piece of shit right now.” I turned away and looked out the window. We drove on in silence for the next 10 minutes. The only sounds were me grunting and motioning with my head towards a potential spot, and him grunting one word dismissals. Every space was “tight” or “bad” or “meh”. We kept making our slow circles around the complex. I had to remind myself that he was doing me a favor, and I needed to suck it up and be the bigger man. The problem with the extended drive was that it was giving me time to think. I did still have feelings for her, but when I pictured her face I got that familiar stabbing pain in my gut. And then I realized that I’d be helping to move the mattress where the “situation” happened. She always called it a situation, as if that made it any better. She did half apologize after the situation, but blamed it on drinking too much when she was out with her friends. We stopped talking for a few weeks after that. We texted a little bit later on to talk about returning her crap or my crap, and then just kept texting each other. When she said she’d be moving out of her place and didn’t have money for movers, I couldn’t stop myself from offering to help her out. I said it would be good to see her, and only felt a little queasy when I typed it. Now that I thought more about it, she always changed the subject when I asked if she was seeing anyone new. Or when I brought up the idea of maybe seeing each other again. In fact, I couldn’t recall her ever being actually remorseful about what had happened. The more I thought about it, the more worked up I got. Why was I so anxious to help her out? If she wasn’t feeling what I was feeling, then why the hell did I I had had enough during our 7th lap around the parking lot. I turned to my buddy and asked, “Serious question. What are the odds of me actually getting back together with her?” He gave me a side eye. “Odds? Pretty good if she needs something. Long term? Absolutely terrible. You’ve got a better shot of farting Yankee Doodle Dandy than her sticking around.” I had to admit, it was compelling, if crude, logic. “So what? We just bail on her? Doesn’t that make us the dicks?” “Hey”, he said. “She already hates one of us. And I don’t give a rat’s ass what she thinks about me. It’s up to you though. Always has been.” I pondered for a full 2 seconds and said “Fuck it. She’s on her own. Get this fire engine out of here.” ‘Bout fucking time,” he replied. “Let’s go get some pancakes. You’re buying.” We left her place, and pulled into the nearest IHOP parking lot. He glided right into the first spot we saw. She called when we got our entrees. I declined and answered with a text — “A situation came up. You’re on your own.” Then I blocked her number and turned my attention back to my omelet.	8feebe0c-5354-5710-8792-f6295d7b308b	25/08/2025 15:58:43
https://medium.com/scuzzbucket/solitude-214830c48959	medium.com	Solitude	I let myself fall into the crack…	Talaya McCain	https://medium.com/@mccain.t.e	214830c48959	https://miro.medium.com/…ilJKRQvBRug.jpeg	1 min	2021-01-07T19:31:14.041000	2021-01-07T23:31:40.567000	2021-12-26T14:09:23.615000	1	396	en	Poetry,Fuck It,Travel,Music,Qwoc	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/3024/1*VrWua6U6A4VilJKRQvBRug.jpeg" width="3024" height="4032" loading="lazy" /> <p>I let myself fall into the crack…</p> <p>Everything I had ever known meant nothing.</p> <p>There was only space.</p> <p>(<em>Dark free beautiful space</em>)</p> <p>There, in the crack, I felt the ocean at my feet,</p> <p>The Caribbean breeze kissed my crown and eased my shoulders.</p> <p>I heard music from a distance, but it didn’t bother me,</p> <p>I let them be and they let me be.</p> <p>I could fall in love with my view right now…</p> <p>I could take a knee, pull a diamond from a box and propose…</p> <p>We would run off into her and live happily ever after…</p> <p>This sweet holy matrimony, me and my space.</p> <p>Thank you for reading, Here is something for listening:</p> <p></p> </section>	/soliTude McCain Panama 2021 I let myself fall into the crack… Everything I had ever known meant nothing. There was only space. (Dark free beautiful space) There, in the crack, I felt the ocean at my feet, The Caribbean breeze kissed my crown and eased my shoulders. I heard music from a distance, but it didn’t bother me, I let them be and they let me be. I could fall in love with my view right now… I could take a knee, pull a diamond from a box and propose… We would run off into her and live happily ever after… This sweet holy matrimony, me and my space. Thank you for reading, Here is something for listening:	29ef06e9-3b54-5c1c-85d0-2c9f423166e3	25/08/2025 15:58:43
https://medium.com/consumer-led-pricing/how-small-brands-can-test-new-prices-2b085ef4b8dc	medium.com	How small brands can test new prices	Price optimization can be the most effective way to increase your bottom line, but is often neglected, especially by smaller companies…	Daniel Scharff	https://medium.com/@danielscharff	2b085ef4b8dc	https://miro.medium.com/…4ZHRjlPw-T9g.png	3 min	2017-11-04T22:25:32.175000	2017-11-05T16:19:57.989000	2018-04-05T13:03:13.269000	1	50	en	Startup,Marketing,Pricing Strategy,Consumer Goods,Analytics	<section> <p><em>Price optimization can be the most effective way to increase your bottom line, but is often neglected, especially by smaller companies lacking expertise and budget. Here’s a case study illustrating one cost-effective testing methodology for a consumer goods company.</em></p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/929/1M3wch6Ko2O4ZHRjlPw-T9g.png" width="929" height="266" loading="lazy" /> <p><strong>Case Study: Archie’s Organic Dog Treats</strong></p> <p>Last year, Archie’s pitched his line of Organic Dog Treats to Pet Wonderland, who agreed to put them on shelf at his suggested retail price (SRP) of $3.99. The treats were a hit! They sold 500,000 bags in the first year.</p> <p>Now, because ingredient costs have gone up, Archie must raise the price, which he knows Pet Wonderland won’t like because of the success at $3.99. After some soul searching, Archie decides that the most viable options for a new SRP are $4.49, $4.99, or $5.49</p> <p><strong>The challenge</strong></p> <p>What is the best price to maximize sales and profit?</p> <p>What would convince Pet Wonderland to accept the higher price?</p> <p><strong>A few different testing options</strong></p> <p>1 <em>Poll your team</em><strong>: </strong>If you have no time and no budget, you could simply ask your sales and marketing teams for their estimate of how much will sell at the different price points. If you have access to retail data on competitors, look what happened to their volume when their prices moved to different levels.</p> <p>· Pro: Quick and inexpensive</p> <p>· Con: Lower accuracy</p> <p>2 A <em>conjoint study </em>shows consumers 15–20 digital shelf pictures, varying the prices on each screen while continuously asking what they would purchase. Responses let you compute how much volume you would gain or lose at each price point (a.k.a. price elasticity). A critical factor running a conjoint is to make sure it represents a real world environment as closely as possible — Archie could accomplish this by limiting survey respondents to people who buy dog treats, or even have bought dog treats at Pet Wonderland in the last month.</p> <p>· Pro: Highly accurate and effectively mimics store environment. Can test multiple conditions like labels, promoted price points, etc.</p> <p>· Con: Expensive, lengthy set up, not an actual in-store test</p> <p>3 A <em>digital survey </em>asks internet browsers what they would purchase, viewing your product against a limited set of competitors (with a few price options.)</p> <p>· Pro: A data-driven, cost-effective option that lets you communicate data to retailers</p> <p>· Con: Does not replicate in-store environment, limited to fewer questions than conjoint</p> <p>4 <em>In-store test: </em>If you have a great relationship with a retailer and don’t mind tipping your hand, you can run a physical experiment where the retailer changes the actual price of the product in one store or region.</p> <p>· Pro: Real store environment is the best predictor</p> <p>· Con: Requires a strong relationship and effort from a retailer, and risk if test data doesn’t support your proposal</p> <p><strong>The experiment — digital survey</strong></p> <p>Archie decides on a digital survey because he needs to present his proposal to Pet Wonderland next week. Using a research partner, they survey 500 dog-owning Pet Wonderland shoppers, showing them images of Archie’s treats, as well as the top 3 competitor products, and ask which they would purchase. By seeing what percentage of people chose Archie’s Treats at each of the different price points, Archie realized that $4.99 was the price point that maximized sales and profit for both him as well as Pet Wonderland. He planned to use the information to show them how they would both benefit.</p> <p><strong>Financial Model</strong></p> <p>Archie currently sells for $2.79 to Pet Wonderland, who makes $1.20 off each sale, or a 30% margin. His cost of goods to make, package, and deliver the product is going up to $2.20.</p> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/612/1r8zL0cTzAnFNHRrdoMLV-g.png" width="612" height="216" loading="lazy" /> <p><em>Key observations from the model</em></p> <p>· There’s a big volume drop off at $5.49. While the elasticity was pretty small up to $4.49 and even smaller at $4.99, there was a major drop off at $5.49, indicating $5 is probably a <a href="https://medium.com/consumer-led-pricing/do-you-believe-in-magic-price-points-a1d31351ba77">magic price point</a></p> <p>· $4.99 is the option that maximizes sales and profit for both Archie and Pet Wonderland. Even though his % margin would be higher at $5.49, his profit dollars would be lower because of the volume drop-off</p> <p>For more articles on Consumer Pricing & Promotions Strategy, visit <a href="http://www.consumerledpricing.com">consumerledpricing.com</a></p> <p>Contact the author: [email protected]</p> </section>	How small brands can test new prices Price optimization can be the most effective way to increase your bottom line, but is often neglected, especially by smaller companies lacking expertise and budget. Here’s a case study illustrating one cost-effective testing methodology for a consumer goods company. Case Study: Archie’s Organic Dog Treats Last year, Archie’s pitched his line of Organic Dog Treats to Pet Wonderland, who agreed to put them on shelf at his suggested retail price (SRP) of $3.99. The treats were a hit! They sold 500,000 bags in the first year. Now, because ingredient costs have gone up, Archie must raise the price, which he knows Pet Wonderland won’t like because of the success at $3.99. After some soul searching, Archie decides that the most viable options for a new SRP are $4.49, $4.99, or $5.49 The challenge What is the best price to maximize sales and profit? What would convince Pet Wonderland to accept the higher price? A few different testing options 1 Poll your team: If you have no time and no budget, you could simply ask your sales and marketing teams for their estimate of how much will sell at the different price points. If you have access to retail data on competitors, look what happened to their volume when their prices moved to different levels. · Pro: Quick and inexpensive · Con: Lower accuracy 2 A conjoint study shows consumers 15–20 digital shelf pictures, varying the prices on each screen while continuously asking what they would purchase. Responses let you compute how much volume you would gain or lose at each price point (a.k.a. price elasticity). A critical factor running a conjoint is to make sure it represents a real world environment as closely as possible — Archie could accomplish this by limiting survey respondents to people who buy dog treats, or even have bought dog treats at Pet Wonderland in the last month. · Pro: Highly accurate and effectively mimics store environment. Can test multiple conditions like labels, promoted price points, etc. · Con: Expensive, lengthy set up, not an actual in-store test 3 A digital survey asks internet browsers what they would purchase, viewing your product against a limited set of competitors (with a few price options.) · Pro: A data-driven, cost-effective option that lets you communicate data to retailers · Con: Does not replicate in-store environment, limited to fewer questions than conjoint 4 In-store test: If you have a great relationship with a retailer and don’t mind tipping your hand, you can run a physical experiment where the retailer changes the actual price of the product in one store or region. · Pro: Real store environment is the best predictor · Con: Requires a strong relationship and effort from a retailer, and risk if test data doesn’t support your proposal The experiment — digital survey Archie decides on a digital survey because he needs to present his proposal to Pet Wonderland next week. Using a research partner, they survey 500 dog-owning Pet Wonderland shoppers, showing them images of Archie’s treats, as well as the top 3 competitor products, and ask which they would purchase. By seeing what percentage of people chose Archie’s Treats at each of the different price points, Archie realized that $4.99 was the price point that maximized sales and profit for both him as well as Pet Wonderland. He planned to use the information to show them how they would both benefit. Financial Model Archie currently sells for $2.79 to Pet Wonderland, who makes $1.20 off each sale, or a 30% margin. His cost of goods to make, package, and deliver the product is going up to $2.20. Key observations from the model · There’s a big volume drop off at $5.49. While the elasticity was pretty small up to $4.49 and even smaller at $4.99, there was a major drop off at $5.49, indicating $5 is probably a magic price point · $4.99 is the option that maximizes sales and profit for both Archie and Pet Wonderland. Even though his % margin would be higher at $5.49, his profit dollars would be lower because of the volume drop-off For more articles on Consumer Pricing & Promotions Strategy, visit consumerledpricing.com Contact the author: [email protected]	f5f5c29e-60c0-5ff9-b8ac-26a6d545dddb	25/08/2025 15:58:44
https://medium.com/@shaundaashbrook/inspireme-vegan-via-ig-discoveringjudy-steamed-43fb553349bd	medium.com	inspireme-vegan: via IG @discoveringjudy steamed…	null	Brenden	https://medium.com/@shaundaashbrook	43fb553349bd	https://miro.medium.com/max/2000/0*EuPEaIsV7BfXqD-4.	1 min	2016-09-14T19:31:37.758000	2016-09-14T19:31:38.507000	2016-09-14T19:31:38.507000	0	0	en	Fat Burning Foods,Fat Burning Recipe,Health Foods,Health Recipe,Weightloss Foods	<section> <img src="https://miro.medium.com/max/500/0*SXTpSVnpREvveSTF." width="500" height="500" loading="lazy" /> <p><a href="http://ift.tt/2c9uihm">inspireme-vegan</a>:</p> <p>via IG @discoveringjudy</p> <ul> <li>steamed broccoli</li> <li>sauerkraut</li> <li>lentils</li> <li>brown rice</li> </ul> <p>from Tumblr <a href="http://ift.tt/2d039Pd">http://ift.tt/2d039Pd</a> via <a href="http://ift.tt/291VdXs">alanafalk.jimdo.com</a> from Blogger <a href="http://ift.tt/2cxiN3O">http://ift.tt/2cxiN3O</a> September 15, 2016 at 12:29AM</p> <p><em>Originally published on <a hre</em>f="http://ift.tt/2cukSfc">Tumblr</a></p> <p>Read More <a href="http://fezbuk.beep.com">[email protected]</a></p> </section>	inspireme-vegan: via IG @discoveringjudy steamed broccoli sauerkraut lentils brown rice from Tumblr http://ift.tt/2d039Pd via alanafalk.jimdo.com from Blogger http://ift.tt/2cxiN3O September 15, 2016 at 12:29AM Originally published on Tumblr Read More [email protected]	e1fff7b4-86eb-52ff-b7a5-1e1ed8ed778e	25/08/2025 15:58:44

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.