#15. Risk management strategies

[techmarkethunter]

what is gift nifty?

Title: Unwrapping the Gift of Nifty: A Guide to Navigating the Stock Market Introduction: In the dynamic world of finance, the stock market stands out as a fascinating arena where investors can explore various opportunities. One such avenue that has gained immense popularity is trading in Nifty, a flagship index of the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE). In this blog post, we’ll dive into…

[soulcaretherapist]

Divine Talent

In the Matrix Destiny chart, I will be sharing a thread about the talent arcana energies, which is the position you most frequently ask about. The spot marked with X on the map is what we call divine talent, which represents the talents your soul is inherently born with in this life.

1 - You have many ideas and can generate ideas easily. When activated positively, you have the potential to succeed in whatever you touch.

2 - You can understand other people's motivations, that is, you can grasp why they do what they do at a glance. This gives you esoteric abilities.

3 - You have a good taste and a high sense of aesthetics. You have the ability to expand; you can turn a small task into big projects.

4 - You excel in team management and establishing authority. You have a strong talent for attracting money. If money isn’t coming to you, it means you are activating this area negatively.

5 - You have a talent for learning and teaching. You can master anything and explain everything you know in a way the other side can understand.

6 - Your communication skills and sincerity stand out. You are someone people come to for advice, trust what you say, and listen to your words.

7 - You have the ability to progress quickly in any job, reach your desired goals, and inspire change in both yourself and those around you.

8 - It's hard, if not impossible, for others to lie to you. You can approach everything objectively. You can achieve balance and harmony.

9 - You are more mature than your age, and this grants you wisdom. You have the ability to achieve your inner goals (knowing yourself, realizing your dreams and desires) on your own.

10 - This is a placement that brings luck. You have the talent to manage finances easily and spot profitable opportunities. You can easily attract people to yourself.

11 - Your physical and spiritual endurance is strong. You can do everything at once. You know your strengths and can use them in the most accurate way.

12 - Spiritual practices (like meditation, breathing, reiki) work well for you and have healing effects when applied to others. You have a different perspective and can solve seemingly unsolvable problems.

13 - You can make the necessary changes in every area of life and are not afraid to take risks. You can learn multiple things at once. You have the ability to easily absorb deep and detailed information.

14 - You have diplomacy and mediation skills. You can calm conflicts and maintain your composure during these processes.

15 - By opening yourself to others, you can show them what they cannot see in themselves. You can easily identify others' weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and talents.

16 - You are talented in directing people, organizing, and creating strategies. You can foresee events and chart your course accordingly.

17 - Your ability to express yourself is unique and creative. You can be the center of attention in any field you wish, shine, and stand out from the crowd.

18 - Your subconscious is very powerful. You may receive information through dreams, and your dreams may come true. Your manifesting ability is strong; everything you visualize can come into your life.

19 - You have leadership qualities and can inspire/give strength to others for success. You have the ability to not give up no matter what.

20 - You have good speaking skills and can influence masses. You can create systems from nothing and have excellent analytical skills. It's hard to confuse you.

21 - You have an aptitude for foreign languages and cultures. You can adapt to any environment. You can produce knowledge and content for a wide audience or listener base.

22 - Your decisions and thoughts may be unpredictable by those around you. You influence people with your positive energy. You can turn every tough task into fun and achieve results that will surprise everyone.

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - September 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my new(ly repurposed) Patreon!

1. A beam of hope for North America’s most endangered sparrow

“Dozens of conservationists, gathered some distance away to avoid spooking the skittish sparrows, celebrated the [release of the 1000th captive-raised sparrow] in an unprecedented recovery program that in only a few years has doubled the bird’s wild population, from a mere 80 five years ago to some 200 today. […] “What we have achieved is the best case scenario.””

2. U.S. overdose deaths plummet, saving thousands of lives

“"In the states that have the most rapid data collection systems, we’re seeing declines of twenty percent, thirty percent," said Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta, an expert on street drugs at the University of North Carolina. […] According to Donaldson, many people using fentanyl now carry naloxone, a medication that reverses most opioid overdoses. He said his friends also use street drugs with others nearby, ready to offer aid and support when overdoses occur.”

3. Propagated corals reveal increased resistance to bleaching across the Caribbean during the fatal heat wave of 2023

“”[… Y]oung corals bred for restoration are a lot more resistant to bleaching under extreme levels of heat stress than the prevailing corals on the reef." [… Unlike with the previous propagation strategy, fragmentation, e]very time a population reproduces, new offspring receive newly mixed sets of genes through recombination, making them different from their parent colonies and thus enabling adaptation.”

4. Habitat Management Helps At-Risk Butterflies

“For a number of at-risk butterflies in the United States, habitat management can play an important role in keeping them from going extinct. [… “In] places where people are actively engaged with ways to manage the habitat, the butterflies are doing the best,” said Cheryl Schultz, a professor of conservation biology at Washington State University[….]”

5. Study: Protecting the ocean helps fight malnutrition

“[The study] found that fish catches in coral reefs could increase by up to 20 percent by expanding sustainable-use marine protected areas — that is, areas where some fishing is allowed with restrictions[, … and] that sustainable-use marine protected areas have on average 15 percent more fish biomass than non-protected areas. […] “Allowing regulated fishing in marine protected areas can support healthy fish populations, while also having a positive impact on the quality of life of surrounding communities.””

6. [FWS] Advances Effort to Create Urban Conservation Footprint in Tucson

““We want to continue to work together to create an urban footprint to improve access to nature, conserve habitats, and improve air and water quality.” […] The area provides habitat for several federally listed species, including southwestern willow flycatcher, western yellow-billed cuckoo, and Mexican garter snake. If protected, the area will also help connect critical habitat for jaguar and Chiracahua leopard frog.”

7. ‘Exciting’ solar breakthrough means energy can be kept in sustainable batteries that don’t overheat

“The technology is based on a specially designed molecule of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen that changes shape when it comes into contact with sunlight. These are common elements - providing an alternative to other technologies relying on scarce materials like lithium. […] A unique feature of the system is that the molecules also provide cooling in the photovoltaic cell[, which can store solar energy “for up to 18 years.”]”

8. Sea turtles make big comeback on sandy beaches at 2 British military bases in Cyprus

“[… The] number of nests surpass[ed] last year’s record count by nearly 25%, environmentalists said Tuesday. […] “The steep increase in turtle nests has been the result of a consistent, systematic ‘hands-off’ approach, together with enforcement efforts to minimize illegal, damaging activities on nesting beaches[….” D]aily patrols by volunteers ensure that aluminum cages set atop the nests remain in place to protect the turtles from predators like foxes and dogs.”

9. First ever photograph of rare bird species New Britain Goshawk

“The last documented scientific record of the bird is from 1969[….] Working closely with [“the Indigenous Mengen and Mamusi peoples”], WWF hopes to support local stewardship to safeguard the future of these incredible biodiversity hotspots through community-led conservation.”

10. Hospitals begin offering breakthrough radiation therapy for metastatic cancer tumors

“[First,] a patient is injected with a radioactive glucose (or sugar) tracer. The machine picks up the tracer in real time and in bright colors, [… then] reads a signal from the cancer cells breaking down the tracer. [… “The] machine is automatically and autonomously reacting and responding to those signals by shooting radiation back to their source[….]””

September 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[reasonsforhope]

Seven thousand more UAW members just walked off the job, expanding the strike to two more plants. Twenty-five thousand autoworkers are now on strike, and the walkout could continue to escalate if the Big Three don’t budge in negotiations.

[UAW president Shawn] Fain announced that Stellantis would be spared this time. The union had been expected to strike all three companies, but, said Region 1 director LaShawn English, three minutes before Fain was scheduled to go on Facebook Live, the UAW received frantic emails from company representatives.

[Note: Love that for the UAW. Also laughing so hard. Three minutes before the next round of strikes were annouced!!]

According to Fain, Stellantis made “significant progress” on cost-of-living allowances, the right not to cross a picket line, and the right to strike over product commitments and plant closures. “We are excited about this momentum at Stellantis and hope it continues,” Fain said...

“See You Next Week — Maybe?”

“These guys wanted to go out a long time ago,” said Cody Zaremba, a Local 602 member at the Lansing GM plant after the news broke that his plant would be joining the strike. “We’re ready. Everybody, truly, I believe, in the entire membership. They’re one with what’s going on.”

Five thousand workers at thirty-eight parts distribution centers across twenty-one states have been on strike since last Friday [September 22, 2023], along with thirteen thousand at three assembly plants in Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri who walked out on September 15. (See a map of all struck facilities here.) ...

The UAW is now calling on community supporters to organize small teams to canvass dealerships that sell and repair Big Three cars and trucks. On Tuesday, the union issued a canvassing tool kit with instructions, flyers, press releases, and talking points.

In negotiations with Ford and GM, autoworkers have clinched some important gains. Among them is an agreement by both companies to end at least one of the many tiers in current contracts, putting workers at certain parts plants back on the same wage scale as assembly workers. The top rate for Big Three assembly workers is currently around $32...

Ford was spared in last week’s escalation, because bargainers there had made further progress on gains for workers.

But today, the UAW once again called out workers at Ford and GM, putting some muscle behind its bold demands — a big wage boost, a shorter workweek, elimination of tiers, cost-of-living adjustments tied to inflation, protection from plant closures, conversion of temps to permanent employees, and the restoration of retiree health care and benefit-defined pensions to all workers.

-via Jacobin, September 29, 2023. Article continues below.

Keep Them Guessing

This year, for the first time in recent history, the union has played the three auto companies against each other with its strike strategy, departing from the union’s tradition of choosing one target company and patterning an agreement at the other two.

The stand-up strike strategy draws inspiration from an approach known as CHAOS (Create Havoc Around Our System), first deployed in 1993 by Alaska Airlines flight attendants, who announced they would be striking random flights. Although they struck only seven flights in a two-month period, Alaska had to send scabs on every plane, just in case. The unpredictability drew enormous media attention and drove management up the wall. Meanwhile the union was able to conserve its strength and minimize risk.

The companies miscalculated where the UAW was going to strike first, stockpiling engines and shipping them cross-country to the wrong facilities. Autoworkers relished the self-inflicted supply chain chaos on UAW Facebook groups and other social media platforms.

Nonstrikers’ morale on the factory floor has gotten a boost from rank and filers organizing to refuse voluntary overtime. With support both from Fain and the reform caucus Unite All Workers for Democracy (UAWD), workers have been encouraging each other to “Eight and Skate,” meaning to turn down extra work and decline to do management any favors.

Majority Public Support

A majority of Americans support the UAW strikers, and the Big Three have taken a PR hit since the strike began, according to a new survey conducted by the business intelligence firm Caliber.

“Eighty-seven percent of respondents told us they were aware of the strike,” Caliber CEO Shahar Silbershatz told the Intercept. “It’s clear the strike is not just causing commercial repercussions, but reputational repercussions as well.”

These reputational repercussions will only worsen...

"We Can Unmake It"

Fain didn't pull any punches in his speech... “That’s what’s different about working-class people. Whether we’re building cars or trucks or running parts distribution centers; whether we’re writing movies or performing TV shows... we do the heavy lifting. We do the real work. Not the CEOs, not the executives.

"And though we don’t know it, that’s what power is. We have the power. The world is of our making. The economy is of our making. This industry is of our making.

“And as we’ve shown, when we withhold our labor, we can unmake it.”

-via Jacobin, September 29, 2023

[shisuisui]

Sparring friends?

wc: 1,3k, fluff, Shisui and Y/n are in their feels

Age 15

At the Konoha training grounds, far from the tumult of the village, Y/n and Shisui were face to face, circling each other and ready to lunge at every moment. They both had one of their sparring sessions which usually ended up with one of them giving up to not hurt the other and them both sharing some sweets from a small local shop they visited often.

Both were determined to win. Shisui grinned and activated his Sharingan. “Hey, that´s not fair. No Sharingan!” Y/n shouted at him. “Life´s not fair love. You have improved a lot since our last spar. But are you sure you can keep up with the legendary Uchiha Shisui?" She had blushed at the pet name. For some time Shisui had started calling her pet names and she didn´t know what to make out of it. Love, darling, princess… they did not help her crush on her best friend. She had to focus.

Y/n chuckled, her hair shifting slightly as she adopted a combat-ready stance. "Don't underestimate me, Shisui. I'm not going down without a fight." He only flashed her his beautiful, charming smile, and with a swift, fluid motion, Shisui lunged forward, his kunai flashing in the sunlight. Y/n dodged it, her kunai ready in hand. Their blades clashed, each strike resonating with precision and skill. There was no way she could outsmart him with his Sharingan activated. She had an idea but didn´t know how he would react and if it was going to be effective. As they engaged in different attacks and counters, Y/n let out a flirtatious remark, putting on a slightly suggestive tone to her voice. "Is that all you've got, Shisui? I was expecting a real challenge." He countered all her attacks and managed to get a firm grip on both her forearms holding them in between them, trapping her effectively.

Shisui chuckled, their faces mere inches apart as they sparred. His face inched closer until he was close to her ear. "Oh Y/n, I have so much more to show you, of course only if you think you can handle it.” She blushed furiously and blew some smoke into his face, creating a cloud of dust and lighting it up with a click of her teeth. The cloud erupted in flames. At least she could blame her flushed cheeks on the flames in front of her.

He was gone. She slowly turned around, scanning her surroundings. Where was he? He was called Shisui the Body Flicker for a reason. With her chakra, she slowly created a chakra net on the floor which was spreading further and further. With it, she could track all the movements in her surroundings. They knew each other's techniques and strategies so well that their sparring sessions were as much a test of skill as they were a chance to enjoy each other's company. She found him. While checking her surroundings she sensed his chakra. His chakra signature was engraved in her brain. She would find him anywhere. And he knew it, which is why he was suddenly standing behind her, holding the kunai to her neck. Damn it he was fast! She turned her head, looking up at him and showing him the greatest puppy eyes she could muster while wetting her lips and pouting innocently. His gaze faltered. Y/n took advantage of that momentary opening and swept Shisui off his feet, sending him to the ground with a gentle thud. She stood over him, a playful grin on her face. "Looks like I win this round."

Shisui laughed as he lay on the ground, his gaze fixed on the girl above him. The sun behind her gave the impression of a halo around her head while she was basking in the orange light of the afternoon. He was mesmerized, to say the least. Why did it have to be her? Why did he have to fall in love with his best friend? He couldn´t risk this friendship. The Uchiha´s were already frowned upon by most of the villagers, and he couldn´t lose her. So, he just enjoyed every intimate moment he had with her. Tried to memorize every little mark on her face, everything that made her smile, what she disliked, and tried to not think about pressing his lips against her every time he was on the receiving end of one of those dashing smiles.

She held out her hand to help him up. An olive branch is being handed out. But Shisui, mischievous as he is had other plans. He took her hand in his and made a calculated move, attempting to bring Y/n down to the ground. With a swift motion, he lunged toward her, aiming to pin her to the grass. However, Y/n knew him very well and with her quick reflexes and agility, interjected his plans.

As Shisui moved in to execute his manoeuvre, Y/n expertly countered his attack. She deftly moved her body, using his momentum against him. In a fluid and graceful motion, she flipped them both over, and suddenly, she was on top of Shisui, pinning him to the grass. She was straddling his thighs, pinning his arms to the ground. And he let her. She knew that if he wanted to, he could´ve won easily against her. Now their faces were mere inches apart. Shisui´s Sharingan was still activated but his gaze softened as he met Y/n's eyes. "Impressive move darling, but do not underestimate me.” Sending her a wink he grabbed Y/n and used her own momentum to roll them both down a grassy hillside. They had reached a part of the training grounds that had a slope. Shisui and Y/n tumbled down together, laughter escaping their lips as they lost control. Shisui held on tightly onto her, his arms encircling her waist while she wrapped hers around his neck.

When they finally came to a stop at the bottom of the hill, Y/n found herself on top of Shisui again, but this time their bodies closely intertwined. Their laughter faded, replaced by a silence filled with unspoken emotions. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Shisui's Sharingan was like a swirling pool of mystery, drawing Y/n in. She was always fascinated by his eyes. Many feared the power of the red orbs, but she knew a different side. She knew of these red eyes trying everything to protect others. She knew of these eyes that had saved her countless times. And now she was so close to them. So close that their noses were touching. Y/n's eyes held a warmth and affection that was impossible to ignore.

A blush crept on Shisui´s cheeks mirroring Y/n`s own. The tension between the two friends was electrifying. They found themselves drawing closer and closer until their lips were only an inch apart. Shisui watched her carefully for any sign of discomfort. Seeing none he saw it as his cue to close the gap between them. “NIISAAAAAAAN! Where should we train?” Jumping away Y/n and both scrambled to their feet at the sound of a child´s voice. Faces red as a tomato they both watched how a little Sasuke came into view followed by Itachi. When Sasuke saw them both he immediately ran over. “Shisui-nii, Y/n-nee, look Nii-san will teach me how to throw shuriken today.” They both tried to sound enthusiastic while talking to Sasuke concealing their disappointment of their moment being gone. Shisui and Y/n knew what would´ve happened if the little Uchiha hadn´t disrupted them. They were going to kiss each other. And both wanted to do it.

Itachi the smart person that he is realised what was going on. Only raising an eyebrow while looking between Shisui and Y/n he chose not to say anything to not embarrass them further. Sasuke continued rambling and in the end Y/n and Shisui stayed to watch the lesson and occasionally voice their input. Neither mentioning what nearly happened.

[dragonthunders01]

Spectember D7: Kin Selection

After 15 million years the fluvial regions of central Africa have been changing in magnitude but their ecosystem remained similar to the time humans once stood on their shores, and as they have been gone for a long time their inhabitants kept evolving, no much of the fauna to the exception of the forest dwelling ones have changed, new species split from the older ones and other replaced previous ones. Fishes have been as fluid in change as the river they live, and so some have always tried to adapt with new strategies for their own survival or even their relatives.

In this case remarks a species of elephantfish (Mormyridae), a group of very diverse electric fishes from Africa characterized by their developed brains compared to other bony fishes, they have been experiencing further specialization with their intelligence that has changed their survival strategies, The Caretaker elephant-fish (Gnathoscalprum comifamilis) is a sample species of it, descendant of the Peters's elephant-nose fish (Gnathonemus petersii) it differs little of their ancestors morphologically with a average length of 25 cm long, though it has a more robust pointy chin and a larger tail electric muscle that help them to perceive their environment more than other species, although this is not what makes them stranger compared to other species.

The thing that differs them is their social lifestyle, they gather in small groups composed by close familiars, sisters, brothers and often 2 or 4 parents that are the dominant of the group with dozens of younger individuals per breeding season, they recognize each other thanks to a specific learned systems of electric pings each of the familiar learn and memorize, to recognize each other, this varying of family and family and anybody outside of them are aggressively kick out. The group often live upon caring for them and the members often scattering the bottom for food or shelter, normally the brothers and sisters are proactively caring for the minor and main reproductive couple even risking their life, even if that means they likely will never reproduce with other, this behavior imprints on other of the same family and can be carried by the descendants of the reproductive couple which can be passed to another generation. A way to avoid inbreeding often go with lonely individuals of other families that managed to leave their group, that can properly unite successfully with other family if they are capable to prove they can benefit them, or if they straight up kill one of the main couples, which from there will select another mate of the same family and kick the original one that survive, this helping them to avoid inbreeding.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

From November 2022

By Cate Swannell

IF further proof was needed that infection with SARS-CoV-2 has long-term sequelae for the human body, research led by Monash University has provided it, highlighting the need for GPs and other frontline physicians to be aware of their patients’ COVID-19 history.

The research, led by epidemiologist and PhD candidate Stacey Rowe, and coauthored by Victorian Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton and renowned infectious disease epidemiologist Professor Allen Cheng, among others, is published by the MJA.

“Essentially what we wanted to do was look to see what sort of hospitalisations might have been associated with having COVID-19 – did it cause other than respiratory complications, for example,” Ms Rowe told InSight+.

Rowe and colleagues analysed population-wide surveillance and administrative data for all laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases notified to the Victorian Department of Health from 23 January 2020 to 31 May 2021 – prior to the vaccination rollout and the appearance of the Omicron variant – and linked hospital admissions data (admission dates to 30 September 2021).

“A total of 20 594 COVID-19 cases were notified, and 2992 people (14.5%) were hospitalised with COVID-19,” Rowe and colleagues reported in the MJA.

“The incidence of hospitalisation within 89 days of onset of COVID-19 was higher than during the baseline period for several conditions, including myocarditis and pericarditis (IRR, 14.8; 95% CI, 3.2–68.3), thrombocytopenia (IRR, 7.4; 95% CI, 4.4–12.5), pulmonary embolism (IRR, 6.4; 95% CI, 3.6–11.4), acute myocardial infarction (IRR, 3.9; 95% CI, 2.6–5.8), and cerebral infarction (IRR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.4–3.9).”

In other words, says Ms Rowe, “there are considerable risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection” beyond the initial COVID-19 illness.

“You are 15 times more likely to acquire myocarditis requiring hospitalizations following COVID-19 compared with beforehand,” she said.

“Things like heart attacks, or acute myocardial infarction occur quite proximally to getting COVID infection, but other conditions such as the clotting conditions – pulmonary embolism, for example — that risk was highest later in the course of COVID illness, highest around 14 to 60 days following COVID illness.”

Other results were also telling.

“The incidence of hospitalisation with cerebral infarction was twice as high after COVID-19 onset as during the baseline period,” Rowe and colleagues wrote. “Other investigators (here, here and here) have estimated the risk of stroke to be 2–13 times as high for people with COVID-19.”

Professor Cheng, speaking with InSight+, said with testing and tracing of positive COVID-19 cases now not mandatory in Australia, it was harder to know just who has had COVID.

“What this study does suggest is that [the possibility of a previous COVID illness] should be on the radar, because there is a window of elevated risk,” he said.

“If someone presents with, say, chest pain, within a couple of months of having COVID, we really need to be attentive to that, because it’s probably a bit more likely that pain does represent a myocardial infarction than at other times.

“You can’t say that every heart attack that happens after COVID is due to COVID. But there is a period of elevated risk, and it seems to be close to when you got COVID.”

Rowe and colleagues recommend vaccination and “other mitigation strategies”.

“Our findings indicate the need for ongoing COVID-19 mitigation measures, including vaccination, and support the early diagnosis and management of complications in people with histories of SARS-CoV-2 infection,” they wrote.

“The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying symptom persistence and the development of major complications still need to be elucidated, the prevalence of the post-COVID-19 condition (by vaccination status) established, and the risks of complications following vaccination quantified.”

Professor Cheng told InSight+:

“What [this study] does show is you’re better off not getting COVID and whatever way that you do that is probably a good thing.

“Vaccination is the simplest way to protect yourself from getting COVID, but it’s not perfect. Not going out when there’s a lot of COVID out there, wearing masks, improving ventilation and all those other things, are also important.”

At one point in the MJA article the authors wrote:

“Some COVID-19 complications clinically resemble those reported after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, which is important when evaluating putatively post-vaccination adverse events. Further, we found that the incidence of hospitalisation with severe cardiac and thrombo-embolic events after SARS-CoV-2 infection was higher than the reported risk of these events after vaccination.”

Ms Rowe told InSight+:

“What we found with this study, and what other studies have found internationally is the risk of myocarditis is higher following SARS-CoV-2 infection, than it is following vaccination.

“While people [who feel they have been injured by the vaccine] might grab on to that, there are lots of studies now demonstrating that the risk is higher following infection, than it is following vaccination.”

Professor Cheng agreed.

“It’s important to acknowledge that people do get side-effects after vaccination – myocarditis happens, often after the second dose, usually within a day or so,” he said. “That’s very unambiguously due to vaccination.

“But the question from a public health point of view is, do the benefits outweigh the risks. COVID itself can cause myocarditis at a higher rate [than vaccination]. And that means you’re still better off getting vaccinated.”

Ms Rowe said the study showed that COVID-19 was not a simple respiratory disease.

“These findings really demonstrate COVID-19 is a multi-organ disease, it’s not a respiratory infection. If more research can be channelled into understanding those pathophysiological mechanisms, then we can then start thinking about how best we can prevent these.”

Study link: www.mja.com.au/journal/2023/218/1/associations-between-covid-19-and-hospitalisation-respiratory-and-non

[sunshinesmebdy]

WhatsInDaSky? - July 15, 2024

Astrology provides us with a unique lens through which we can anticipate and navigate the ebbs and flows of business and finance. As we move through the second half of July, today’s significant astrological transits promise to leave a substantial imprint on the financial landscape: Moon in Scorpio trine Saturn in Pisces, Moon in Scorpio opposite Mars in Taurus, and Mars in Taurus conjunct Uranus in Taurus. Let’s dive into what these transits signify and how you can harness their energies for your business ventures.

Understanding the Transits:

Moon in Scorpio trine Saturn in Pisces: This aspect suggests a deep, intuitive understanding of long-term financial goals and strategies. There’s a potential for uncovering hidden financial opportunities through thorough research and analysis. However, it also indicates a need for caution and patience in financial matters.

Impact on Business and Finance:

This harmonious aspect between the Moon in Scorpio and Saturn in Pisces is a powerful time for emotional stability and structured creativity in business. Scorpio’s deep, investigative nature paired with Saturn’s disciplined influence in Pisces fosters an environment where intuition and practicality merge seamlessly.

Opportunities:

Strategic Planning: This transit is perfect for long-term strategic planning. Trust your instincts while grounding them in solid research and realistic projections.

Financial Prudence: Focus on conservative financial management. Investments made during this time should be well-researched and aligned with your long-term goals.

Resilience: Emotional resilience will be high, allowing you to navigate any business challenges with a calm and composed mindset.

Actions to Take:

Conduct in-depth market research and analysis.

Reevaluate and solidify your business plans and strategies.

Prioritize sustainable and responsible financial practices.

Moon in Scorpio opposite Mars in Taurus: This transit can bring intense emotional energy to financial decisions. It might lead to impulsive actions or a strong desire for financial security. Balancing these opposing energies is key.

Impact on Business and Finance:

An opposition between the Moon in Scorpio and Mars in Taurus creates a tension between emotional depth and assertive action. This transit can stir intense feelings and potential conflicts but also offers an opportunity to confront and resolve underlying issues in your business.

Challenges:

Conflict: Be mindful of heightened emotions that could lead to conflicts with partners, employees, or clients.

Impulsivity: Avoid making rash financial decisions based on emotional reactions.

Opportunities:

Conflict Resolution: Use this transit to address and resolve long-standing issues in your business relationships.

Passion and Drive: Channel the intensity into productive activities that require determination and persistence.

Actions to Take:

Practice active listening and empathy in communications to defuse potential conflicts.

Take time to cool down and think critically before making any major financial decisions.

Engage in activities that channel emotional intensity into constructive outcomes, like strategic brainstorming sessions.

Mars in Taurus conjunct Uranus in Taurus: This powerful combination indicates a potential for radical changes in business and finance. There’s a strong drive for financial independence and a desire to break free from traditional financial models. However, impulsivity and risk-taking could also be heightened.

Impact on Business and Finance:

The conjunction of Mars and Uranus in Taurus is a dynamic and potentially disruptive transit. It brings a burst of innovative energy and a drive for radical change, which can be both exciting and unsettling for businesses.

Opportunities:

Innovation: This is a prime time for breakthroughs and implementing unconventional ideas. Embrace technological advancements and innovative solutions.

Bold Moves: Take calculated risks that could propel your business forward. This transit favors bold, decisive action.

Challenges:

Volatility: Expect the unexpected. Financial markets and business operations might experience sudden changes.

Impulsiveness: The drive for change can lead to hasty decisions. Balance innovation with caution.

Actions to take:

Be open to new technologies and methods that can enhance your business efficiency and growth.

Prepare for potential disruptions by having contingency plans in place.

Evaluate risks carefully before making significant changes, ensuring they align with your long-term vision.

Today’s astrological transits bring a blend of stability, intensity, and innovation to the business and financial realms. By understanding and harnessing the energies of the Moon in Scorpio trine Saturn in Pisces, Moon in Scorpio opposite Mars in Taurus, and Mars in Taurus conjunct Uranus in Taurus, you can navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence and clarity. As always, let the stars guide you, but ground your decisions in thorough research and strategic planning for the best outcomes.

[askgildaseniors]

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Nely Galán, an Emmy Award-winning producer and media mogul, as she shares her journey of business success and financial literacy. Nely discusses her experience as an immigrant and how her determination and strategic decision-making skills led her to become a self-made businesswoman. Learn about her time working with industry giants like HBO, Avon, CBS, ESPN, Sony, NBC, FOX, and figures such as Joan Rivers, Rupert Murdoch, Norman Lear, and Gene Simmons. This video is packed with valuable insights on entrepreneurship, business leadership, and overcoming obstacles. Nely Galán offers practical tips on how to start your own business, manage risk, and develop entrepreneurial skills. Whether you're looking to enhance your career development, improve your business strategy, or find inspiration from success stories, this video has it all. Nely Galán has achieved substantial success in real estate by focusing on strategic property investments. Her philosophy, encapsulated in the phrase "Don't buy shoes, buy buildings," emphasizes the importance of purchasing affordable properties, especially in emerging markets. Nely also emphasizes the importance of networking, calculated risk-taking, and financial literacy in achieving business success. Discover her unique "Nelyism" approach and gain knowledge from one of the most inspiring women in leadership today. Perfect for anyone interested in business, entrepreneurship, and Latina empowerment.

DISCLAIMER: The following program contains material, situations, and/or themes that may disturb some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.

A National CORE Production supporting the Hope Through Housing Foundation. Join us to uncover the art of turning dreams into reality.

CHAPTERS: 00:00: How Latino Entrepreneurs Overcome Financial Obstacles 02:42: The Road to Financial Freedom 04:30: How I Became a Young Journalist 07:30: Defying Expectations 12:32: The Hidden Value of Education 15:40: How to Prioritize What Matters 18:49: Failure Isn't the End 22:11: Find Your Voice 24:56: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Limiting Beliefs 27:29: How I Rebooted My Life and Found True Success 34:21: A Message of Empowerment and Inspiration

[nintendowife]

I finished Etrian Odyssey Nexus on Nintendo 3DS a week ago. Excellent game, though at some point I felt like it was a bit too lengthy. It took me 107 hours to clear the 13 labyrinths and defeat the final boss.

I named my guild "Aelfendir" and this was my final team.

Fleurelis Class: Sovereign/Ninja Atk + Def buffs to party and elemental endows. Ninja as a subclass with clone skill allowed for 2 buffers at the same time!

Aevintyr Class: Hero/Highlander When Sovereign's clone was not needed, Hero could spawn an Afterimage to deal additional damage. Regiment Rave (melee cut/fire attack to 1 enemy at end of turn, grows stronger as allies do more damage to that target) was pretty good for high dmg. Subclass Highlander's passive skills were for extra atk and def.

Panda Class: Protector/Shogun Interestingly my tank was possibly my best damage dealer. I made them a Vampire which gave +100 HP and 10% boost to all base stats. Vampire regens HP each turn at night but during the day takes damage each turn and also when walking in labyrinths. Vampire paired nicely with subclass Shogun's passive skill Avidya Sight (all ATK increases at night). Shield Flare (until end of next turn, taking damage will trigger a ranged fire counterattack) was the secret sauce of this character. When the Protector was hit with multi-hit skills, Shield Flare hit back for each hit! It also did 4000+ dmg as the last hit to kill the final boss, even with atk reduction debuff.

Plyyshi Class: Arcanist/Medic The swiss knife for debuffs, status ailments, binds and healing. The circle skills healed party each turn and Medic as a subclass gave access to more powerful healing skills and bind/status removal.

Azrael Class: Zodiac/Shogun Multi-Strike Ether allowed Meteor to hit up to 15 times. Shogun's Avidya Sight was great for atk boost at night.

At some point in the game I also used a Highlander/Gunner which was a high risk, high reward type of character. High atk and skills that drain HP from party to boost damage. I felt the subclass Gunner's Multi-Shot (may use attack skills a second time) made the character extra risky for the final boss as the HP draining skills can trigger twice too, leaving the party at very low HP, so I went with Hero instead.

I managed to defeat the final boss on my first try, which I didn't expect. I was struggling a bit as its skills squished 2-3 of my characters with one hit a couple of times during the fight and due to this I missed the opportunity to use Zodiac's powerful Force Boost skill as well.

Etrian Odyssey Nexus has a fantastic art style and the soundtrack is really good. Especially the boss fights had great music. The character customization here is true peak level - so many options my head was spinning! You can pick the base class for the character (and later a subclass), freely pick a portrait from any class's portrait selections, hair and eye color can be freely selected with RGB slider, skin color can be picked from a palette, and there's a large selection of character voices to choose from. I spent several hours creating my characters as I had even purchased an extra portraits DLC. Skills can be selected from a skill tree and each character has 4 slots for equipment too.

The dungeon crawling gameplay had a good challenge level (I played on Basic difficulty which is the default) and mapping the labyrinths was satisfying. Sometimes when I started playing it was hard to put the game down.

I recommend Etrian Odyssey Nexus for people who love to build a party from scratch and come up with good strategies to take on challenging bosses.

[soneatisland]

40 reasons why reading books can be a transformative habit:

1. Mental Stimulation: Keeps your brain active and sharp, reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

2. Stress Reduction: Reading can help you relax and reduce stress levels.

3. Knowledge Acquisition: Books are a great source of knowledge on a variety of topics.

4. Vocabulary Expansion: The more you read, the more words you are exposed to.

5. Improved Focus: Reading requires concentration, which can enhance your attention span.

6. Better Writing Skills: Exposure to well-written work improves your own writing style.

7. Empathy Building: Fiction helps readers understand others’ perspectives and emotions.

8. Cultural Understanding: Books allow you to explore different cultures and ways of life.

9. Self-Improvement: Non-fiction books provide actionable insights for personal growth.

10. Entertainment: Books offer endless entertainment without the need for technology.

11. Improved Memory: Reading regularly enhances memory by requiring you to recall details, characters, and themes.

12. Critical Thinking: Analyzing a book’s content improves your ability to think critically.

13. Inspiration and Motivation: Many books, especially biographies and self-help books, inspire readers to achieve more.

14. Increased Creativity: Reading stimulates imagination, leading to more creative thinking.

15. Improved Sleep: Reading before bed can help signal to your body that it’s time to relax and rest.

16. Emotional Management: Books provide comfort during difficult times, offering coping strategies and understanding.

17. Escapism: Books offer an escape from the stresses of daily life by immersing you in another world.

18. Conversation Starters: Reading gives you topics to discuss with friends and colleagues.

19. Goal Setting: Books on personal development encourage setting and achieving goals.

20. Building Discipline: Developing a reading habit fosters discipline and consistency.

21. Lifelong Learning: Books provide ongoing learning opportunities in every stage of life.

22. Perspective Shifting: Reading helps you see the world through different lenses.

23. Cognitive Flexibility: Exposure to different ideas helps your brain adapt and shift between topics.

24. Self-Reflection: Many books prompt readers to reflect on their own lives and values.

25. Mindfulness: Reading can be a meditative practice, promoting a state of focus and mindfulness.

26. Improved Imagination: Fiction, in particular, stimulates your ability to visualize and imagine new scenarios.

27. Development of Analytical Skills: Following plotlines or themes enhances your ability to analyze complex information.

28. Time Management: Reading regularly can teach you how to prioritize time effectively.

29. Increased Productivity: Books can provide tips and strategies for better productivity and time management.

30. Emotional Intelligence: Reading stories with complex characters helps develop emotional intelligence.

31. Learning from Others' Mistakes: Non-fiction, particularly biographies, allows you to learn from others' life experiences.

32. Entertainment on a Budget: Reading is a low-cost form of entertainment with an almost infinite variety of material.

33. Breaking Monotony: Reading is an engaging way to break free from everyday routines.

34. Family Bonding: Reading together or sharing books fosters connection with family members.

35. Developing a Growth Mindset: Books encourage you to believe in the potential for personal improvement.

36. Enhanced Communication Skills: Reading improves both your verbal and written communication skills.

37. Boost in Self-Confidence: Gaining knowledge and insights boosts your confidence in various conversations and activities.

38. Exploration of New Ideas: Books expose you to concepts and possibilities you might never encounter otherwise.

39. Learning to Think Independently: Reading helps you form your own opinions and resist groupthink.

40. A Positive Habit: Reading is a healthy, enriching habit that can become a daily routine for life.

Whether for personal development, entertainment, or education, books offer endless benefits

[gowns]

Among so many heinous problems trickling down on our heads from the top of the film industry is that of intellectual property. It’s not that adaptations are new, but that the ability to make a living by creating anything else has only recently been destroyed. IP obsession has killed the mid-budget movie, it’s killed the movie star, and it’s coming for the rest of the industry. This is as much a problem for audiences as for filmmakers (at any level), and it all comes from the same place: Unchecked greed, and the familiarity with which we accept it.

Tidy, consistent, sustainable profits—the kind of thing generated by movie studios that once offered a diverse slate of reasonably budgeted adult dramas, teen-date rom-coms, family films, and fence-swinging art movies—are a thing of the past for those in charge of the industry. Other forces from the entertainment world are certainly at play, specifically the rise of prestige TV as a destination for what the movies have abandoned. But the pivot to the IP Era feels simple, because it feels familiar. It’s because tidy, consistent, sustainable profits aren’t enough. There must be growth. There must be domination. There must be Shared Universes.

This attitude goes beyond being risk-averse. Risk aversion isn’t new. Single-minded speculation, trying to alchemize IP into gold, is.

The management decisions keeping workers from their fair pay—as described by Writers Guild of America board member John Rogers in a thread about the current strike—are the same ones milking old IP for all it’s worth: “The new robber barons of Hollywood are on a suicide run.” This shift is tech-bro economics, Wall Street-fellating “vulture capitalism” here to feast on the industry, not further it.

...Sure, an executive could gamble on a few million dollars on an “idea” from a “writer.” They could also flip the big Binder O’ Properties to a random page, do a rail of coke off of it and spend $100 million to reboot whatever’s underneath. A new Ghostbusters? Another go at the Dark Universe? Let’s do it! Monopolies, even monopolies built on unsustainable properties—on the slums of Baltic and Mediterranean Avenues, in board game terms—have the potential to be more than profitable. They can define decades of strategy. Investors like that. It feels stable yet exciting, predictable yet potentially limitless.

“We’re going to focus on franchises,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav assured investors. “We haven’t had a Superman movie in 13 years. We haven’t done a Harry Potter in 15 years.”

It doesn’t matter if viewers are burned out or if the franchise is inextricably linked to a raging asshole. There’s recognizable media out there just asking to be exploited into an empire, one that could grow and grow and grow. If it eventually burns like Rome—say, if you’re former Disney CEO Bob Chapek and your streaming business continues to bleed money despite releasing bad franchise movies directly onto it—then you can simply fiddle your little heart out, floating away on your golden parachute. Naturally, studio leadership favors this approach, which in turn sets the precedent for the only kinds of movies their companies finance, market and stuff into theaters.

We, the country’s moviegoing public, have already been trained to understand this. 

Pretty consistently, folks go to the movies when they recognize something and stay home when they don’t. Looking at the past 10 years of box office Top 10s, it’s far faster to note which movies aren’t based on a pre-existing property: Frozen, Gravity, Inside Out, Zootopia, The Secret Life of Pets, Sing, Onward and Tenet.

That’s it. Eight movies out of 100. 

Two of them even let you see a person.

But in the IP Era, people are merely a liability. Movies seeking this modern kind of success—as many sequels, spin-offs and merchandise tie-ins as possible—only need humans in front of the camera when they function as an extension of IP. Laura Dern, Sam Neill and Jeff Goldblum were brought back for the latest Jurassic World cash-grab to excite us as embodied reminders of a better movie. They’re not actors anymore. They’re mascots. 

When you realize that that’s all AAA actors are being cast as, it becomes obvious why the biggest blockbusters have recently boiled down to ensembles standing around reskinned warehouses and parking lots. As Jake Ures writes, “when acting has been reduced to stewarding IP,” you don’t want people getting invested in the stars. Rather, “it’s better for investors if they function as empty vessels for stories much bigger than them, ones that can be endlessly iterated long after they’re out of the picture.”

...Performers have long feared being themselves turned into IP. Jet Li famously skipped out on The Matrix sequels so his moves wouldn’t be digitized in some Warner Bros. library, to be used to whatever future end by a company that no longer needed his martial artistry. This, by the way, is the plot of Space Jam: A New Legacy, as LeBron James attempts to avoid the same fate…threatened by the in-universe Warner Bros. Really, this idea is so normalized as to be the bad guy’s plan in a kid’s movie. Netflix is trying to own the rights to its actors’ simulated voices “by all technologies and processes now known or hereafter developed, throughout the universe and in perpetuity.” It’s not about creating something, it’s about owning something, forever.

And that’s the success model. Increasingly, it’s the only model. Because now we crave it, beaten into submission by the sheer onslaught of “Remember that?” requels, legacy sequels and reboots released since Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Star Trek and Star Wars: The Force Awakens helped establish the monoculture model of filmmaking. Audiences didn’t do this to pop culture. It was the corporate powers that invested in and encouraged their most ravenous demographic, turning “audiences” into “fandoms.” We’ve had slop shoveled onto our pop culture prison cafeteria trays for decades, and the prison-industrial multiplex expects us to give our compliments to the chef for another meal of empty-calorie Easter eggs.

[read more - jacob oller for paste magazine]

[finvestmentpro]

Which Small-Cap Funds Are Holding the Largest Cash Positions?

 When it comes to investing in small-cap mutual funds, one of the savvy investors often examine is the amount of cash reserves held by the fund. High cash reserves can provide a cushion during fluctuating markets, allowing fund managers to grab opportunities

as they protect or arise against downturns. small-cap funds, which typically invest in smaller companies with higher growth potential, are often more changing than large-cap funds, making the management of cash even more critical.

In this article, We will know the small-cap mutual funds that are currently holding substantial cash reserves.

Why Cash Reserves Matter in Small-Cap Funds.

Cash reserves are a vital component in a fund's strategy, especially in the small-cap sector. Small-cap stocks are known for their potential to generate higher returns, but they can also experience significant price swings due to market volatility or changes in investor sentiment. When a small-cap fund has a healthy amount of cash on hand, the fund manager can make tactical decisions during market downturns. For instance, they may choose to invest in undervalued stocks or wait for better market conditions before deploying more capital. Conversely, too little cash can expose the fund to liquidity risks, forcing managers to sell off assets at less-than-ideal prices.

Top Small-Cap Funds with Significant Cash Holdings

 While many small-cap mutual funds are fully invested inequities, some maintain higher cash positions to balance risk and take advantage of future buying opportunities. Below are a few small-cap mutual funds known for their prudent cash management strategies:

1. XYZ Small-Cap Growth Fund

   This fund is known for its cautious approach, with nearly 15% of its assets in cash and cash equivalents. The fund's managers believe in holding cash during periods of market uncertainty, allowing them to take advantage of attractive stock valuations when the opportunity arises.

2.  ABC Small-Cap Value Fund

   A veteran in the small-cap space, ABC Small-Cap Value Fund has maintained approximately 12% of its portfolio in cash. This strategy helps it mitigate the risks associated with investing in small, volatile companies, especially during economic downturns.

3. 123 Small-Cap Dividend Fund

   While typically focused on smaller companies that pay dividends, this fund also keeps a significant portion of its assets in cash—around 10%. The fund manager uses this cash to navigate market turbulence and seek out dividend-paying companies with strong growth prospects.

4. PQR Small-Cap Aggressive Fund  

   Known for its more aggressive investment style, PQR still holds about 8% of its assets in cash, particularly as a buffer against unexpected market swings. This allows the fund manager to pivot quickly in response to changing market conditions while maintaining a focus on high-growth small-cap stocks.

While cash reserves may not always lead to short-term gains, they offer fund managers flexibility and security during uncertain times. For investors who prioritize risk management, choosing small-cap mutual funds with significant cash holdings can be a wise move. These funds are better equipped to navigate volatile markets and capitalize on opportunities as they arise. Always consider a fund’s overall strategy and investment philosophy before making your investment decision.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Credit fundraising slows down in Brazil

Trend driven by closure of contributions, particularly in more liquid portfolios

After seven consecutive months of record-breaking net funding, corporate debt funds saw their first slowdown of the year. A report from Banco ABC Brasil’s research department shows that in September, the volume of fundraising dropped from the previous range of R$40 billion to R$50 billion per month to just R$17 billion. According to fund managers, the deceleration is primarily due to large funds—especially those with high liquidity, allowing same-day or next-day redemptions—that had been attracting most of the investments in the category since the beginning of the year. These funds are now closing to new contributions, as surging demand has driven risk premiums on bonds down significantly, making it harder to allocate resources effectively.

A survey conducted by Valor on the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) website revealed that between September 5 and October 14, Santander closed five funds to new funding, three of which were corporate debt funds, with the remaining two focused on infrastructure. The two incentivized debenture funds reopened briefly but soon closed again. During the same period, Itaú Asset closed about 15 fixed-income funds, three of which were dedicated exclusively to corporate debt, while reopening three others, two of which were corporate debt funds. Caixa closed a corporate debt fund, and BTG Pactual shut down an infrastructure fund. Among independent players, SulAmérica also closed a corporate debt fund.

In the case of infrastructure funds, halting new contributions had already become a common practice since May, when risk premiums plummeted, and the supply of new issues failed to meet demand. Sparta, for instance, was one of the first to adopt this strategy, and many of its products have remained closed in recent months. However, closures within corporate debt were sporadic and minimal until September and October, when they became more widespread.

Continue reading.

[mariacallous]

Iran’s second strike on Israeli soil with a barrage of missiles on October 1 marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two regional powers. After Israel’s assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July and the more recent killings of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Gen. Abbas Nilforoushan of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Beirut, Iran launched an overt, substantial, and direct attack against its sworn enemy. The Iran-Israel conflict now risks pushing the entire Middle East to the brink of a full regional war.

Regardless of whether that war takes place, the exchange of attacks by Iran and Israel has already led to a new regional power equation that will last far beyond this specific confrontation. Seven far-reaching strategic consequences of the Iran-Israel conflict have become discernible.

First, the foundation of Iran’s national security and military strategy is gradually shifting from a reliance on nonstate military allies in the region toward a new form of deterrence. This profound transformation can be observed in the replacement of key figures in Iran’s military organization: from Gen. Qassem Soleimani, a former commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force who was responsible for Iran’s extraterritorial military operation in the region, to Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC’s aerospace forces. This suggests that Iran’s gray-zone strategy, which prioritized indirect conflict by nonstate allies including Hamas and Hezbollah, is now becoming a complementary approach.

Second, Iran has also abandoned its posture of “strategic patience.” Since the end of the bloody eight-year war with Iraq, Iranian military leaders adopted a covert strategy based on absorbing substantial pain while retaliating at a time of their choosing. Nonetheless, decades of continuous Israeli sabotage on Iranian soil downgraded Iran’s “strategic ambiguity” to what became known as passive strategic patience, marked by a lack of retaliatory action. Despite its apparent reluctance to make bold decisions in domestic politics, Iran has now abandoned its strategic patience for the second time. It has concluded, after intense pressure by influential supporters and the broader public opinion within the country, that a failure to retaliate would mark a strategic inflection point.

Third, Iran has now established a publicly discernable policy on deterrence. The IRGC’s forceful retaliation showcased Iran’s will and ability to carry out a damaging attack on Israel. In contrast to the first strike in April, where most Iranian missiles and drones were interdicted, the second missile strike proved more successful, penetrating Israeli advanced defense systems. Despite Israel having one of the most heavily defended airspaces in the world, equipped with the most sophisticated anti-missile technology, several Iranian missiles managed to hit key airfields in Israel. This highlights the centrality of missile power in Iran’s national security strategy, reinforcing that its missile capabilities will likely remain nonnegotiable in future talks with the West. Tehran may now be further motivated to enhance its military capabilities, which could involve deploying Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, purchasing Russian-made anti-missile defense systems, and expanding military cooperation with Moscow.

Fourth, Iran’s new red line toward Israel has also been defined. For nearly 15 years, Tel Aviv has conducted destructive strikes on Iranian military bases in Syria, even directly targeting Iranian senior generals. However, Israel’s bombardment of Iran’s consulate in Damascus in early April crossed a critical threshold, prompting Iran to hit Israel back with a barrage of less advanced missiles and drones two weeks later. This marked a collapse of Iran’s traditional red lines with Israel. In response to continued Israeli actions, including the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran and of Hezbollah in Beirut, Iran’s retaliation was aimed at reestablishing a level of deterrence. For the next time, Iran crossed two significant red lines: striking Israeli territory from its own soil and targeting a nuclear-armed state. Interestingly, Iran hit the territory of another nuclear power, Pakistan, less than 10 months earlier. Tehran’s message was clear: The sanctity of its own territory is a fundamental red line for both the government and society, even if it cannot fully protect its military bases in the Levant from Israeli airstrikes. With no firmly established red line to contain the Iranian-Israeli rivalry, both sides will likely seek to redraw the boundaries through the continuation of tit-for-tat strikes, particularly in the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election this year.

Fifth, Iran’s influence in the Arab street has apparently increased. The soft power gains from this recent attack might potentially restore Iran’s popularity in the Muslim world, which was tarnished by Tehran’s unwavering support for Syria’s Assad regime. Since the war with Hamas in Gaza, Iran’s support among Palestinians and Arab communities has notably risen. The victory of Masoud Pezeshkian in the recent Iranian presidential election, coupled with a strong voice of regional cooperation led by Vice President for Strategic Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, may help reduce tension between Tehran and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf. Nonetheless, Iran still lacks a strong regional initiative and may face challenges in fully capitalizing on this opportunity and translating this influence into tangible shifts in the regional power arrangement.

Sixth, Israel’s retaliatory operation against Iran could drastically transform Tehran’s nuclear policy. There are strong voices in Iran, predominantly in the hardliner camp, advocating for the pursuit of nuclear power as a strategic means to restore the country’s full deterrence. These proponents argue that Iran’s most effective tool for deterring Israeli aggression lies in its strategic decision to fully develop nuclear weapons. The reasoning behind this argument could gain substantial momentum following any potential Israeli retaliatory assault on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. As a result, the prospect of any Israeli military strike may serve to further accelerate Tehran’s pursuit of nuclear power. The West’s obsession with Iran’s complete disarmament, combined with granting Israel a blank check to pressure Iran’s nonstate allies in the Levant and even Iranian territory might have an unintentional consequence: a nuclear-armed Iran.

Seventh, this conflict highlights a clash between technological power and geopolitical power. While Iran benefits from significant geopolitical advantages, Israel’s Achilles heel lies in its geopolitical vulnerability, confined to a small territory between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean. This geopolitical difference has shaped their strategies as Iran has favored its gray-zone operations supported by its network of nonstate allies, while Israel relies on its first-shock, preemptive strike strategy rooted in technological superiority. Although technology plays an increasingly important role in military revolutions, geopolitical factors continue to be essential in shaping the trajectory of regional competitions. Technology erodes the weight of enduring geopolitical realities, but it can never fully erase them.

In that sense, the escalated Iran-Israel conflict also challenges simplistic narratives about the “end of the Middle East” in U.S. foreign policy. In a broader context, the destiny of Washington’s grand competitions in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions is increasingly pitched down the Persian Gulf-Levant axis where Tehran has been strengthening its ties with Moscow and Beijing. This dynamic is recentering geopolitics in the Middle East. The Iran-Israel conflict is one of its early manifestations, but it is also far from the final chapter.

[thibosworld]

MANAGING YOUR FINANCES

A Comprehensive Guide to Saving Money and Sticking to a Budget

Saving money and adhering to a budget can be challenging for many individuals. It demands significant discipline and commitment. Often, the most daunting aspect of saving is simply getting started. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to develop a straightforward and realistic strategy for saving towards both short-term and long-term goals, whether it’s purchasing a house, buying a car, or fulfilling a lifelong dream of traveling the world. By prioritizing essential expenses and cutting out non-essentials, you can achieve your financial objectives. Here are some effective tips to help you manage your finances. .... Get an affordable auto insurance cover clik here https://tmtrcks.com/238479/186

Tip 1: Track Your Expenses

The initial step in saving money is to understand your spending habits. Keep a detailed record of all expenses, including small purchases like coffee and household items, in addition to regular monthly bills. You can use methods that suit you best, such as a notebook, a spreadsheet, or an online spending tracker. After compiling your data, categorize your expenses—such as gas, groceries, and housing—and calculate thee

Tip 2: Include Savings in Your Budget

With a clear understanding of your monthly expenses, you can create a budget that reflects your income and expenditures. This budget should enable you to plan your spending and minimize overspending. Remember to include irregular expenses, such as car maintenance. Allocate a specific amount for savings, starting with an amount that feels manageable. Gradually aim to increase your savings to 15-20% of your income.

Tip 3: Cut Back on Spending

If you find it challenging to save as much as you’d like, it may be time to reassess your expenses. Identify non-essential items, such as entertainment and dining out, where you can cut back. Additionally, explore options to reduce fixed monthly costs, like car insurance or cell phone plans. Implementing small changes in your daily spending can lead to significant savings over time.

Tip 4: Set Savings Goals

Establishing clear savings goals can be a powerful motivator. Consider what you wish to save for in both the short term (one to three years) and the long term (four years or more). Estimate the amount needed and the timeframe to reach those goals. This clarity will help you stay focused and disciplined in your savings efforts.

Tip 5: Determine Your Financial Priorities

Your financial goals will significantly influence how you allocate your savings. For instance, if you anticipate needing a new car soon, it’s prudent to start saving for it now. However, don’t lose sight of long-term goals like retirement. Prioritizing your savings objectives will help you distribute your resources effectively and ensure that all important financial needs are addressed.

Tip 6: Choose the Right Tools

Various savings and investment accounts can help you achieve both short-term and long-term goals. You don’t have to limit yourself to a single option. Carefully evaluate account features such as balance minimums, fees, interest rates, and risk levels. This will enable you to select a combination of tools that best suits your savings objectives.

Short-term Goals

For immediate access to funds, consider FDIC-insured deposit accounts like:

-Savings Accounts .Easy access to your money.

- Certificates of Deposit (CDs) Typically offer higher interest rates in exchange for locking your funds for a set period.

Long-term Goals

For future needs, such as retirement or education, consider:

IRAs or 529 Plans Tax-efficient savings accounts.

Securities Stocks or mutual funds accessible through brokerage accounts.

Tip 7: Automate Your Savings

Most banks provide automated transfer options between checking and savings accounts. You can decide when and how much to transfer, or even set up your direct deposit to allocate a portion of your paycheck directly into savings. This automation reduces the temptation to spend and simplifies the saving process. Additionally, consider using credit card rewards or spare change programs that round up purchases and deposit the difference into a savings account.

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Tip 8: Monitor Your Progress

Regularly review your budget and track your savings progress. Monthly assessments not only help you stay on course with your savings plan but also allow you to identify and resolve any issues promptly. Understanding your savings trajectory may inspire you to discover even more effective ways to reach your financial goals faster.

By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate a disciplined approach to budgeting and saving, paving the way to achieve your financial aspirations

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