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#Hand Tools Market Analysis
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FFXIV Forum
Fuck it, let's try again.
Some time ago I created a forum that didn't stay lively for very long, unfortunately, but I don't want to give up on it as I think forums offer something that no other tool for online community can offer: an actual community that doesn't rely on everyone acting like their own PR/marketing team.
So here it is, in case anyone's interested:
What does it have to offer?
A place to meet artists and roleplayers from the FFXIV fandom, where you won't be assailed by notifications like a Discord server, that's LGBTQ-friendly and won't ask you to post all the time to remain visible (contrary to social media).
What you'll find:
RP sections for your RP threads, easier to manage than on Tumblr, and without the pressure of being seen online on Discord because you wanted to talk to your friends but aren't in the mood for RP
A place to get help to create your character or write an NPC, if you're feeling insecure and want to try your hand at writing/roleplaying
Galleries for your writing, fanarts, screenshots, irl craft, etc. where you don't have to worry about peak hours to be seen
Forums where you can gush about your own characters and get asked questions: no need to have a big following anymore!
A place where you can discuss the lore and share your meta analysis to your heart content
A place to organize your own in-game event and promote it, once again without needing to build a big enough following for it to be noticed!
Yes, there's a NSFW section (that you have to ask to get access to). Forumactif—the host—is not in favor of this, however, so if Etheirys has enough success I might consider hosting it myself (but I'm not rich so we'll start with the free alternative for now and just keep it on the low XD)
And more!
I am taking suggestions to improve it and I'll gladly help you and answer your questions if you're not familiar with forums (or this sort of forums, anyways).
For those who don't know me or find me intimidating to talk to (I know it has happened) I've been leading communities big and small for about 18 years now, and I've always put a big emphasis on fairness, communication and patience.
(Please reblog so more people can see this!)
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tartanbowtie · 1 year
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Good Omens Heaven Is a Cult
In Good Omens, Heaven is a cult. A religious cult.
And Aziraphale and Crowley are not on the same page about this.
Crowley was cast out of the cult for (presumably) openly questioning it, and sees it for what it is. He is still deeply traumatised by the experience (we see it with his houseplants, his reactions to rejection, to forgiveness, etc), but he has shed his identity as a cult member entirely. He isn't that angel anymore, nor does he want to be. 
He has been forced to depend on another cult—Hell (which has some elements of a commercial cult, multi-level marketing style)—but very clearly resents having to do so. He isn't a demon by choice, and when Beelzebub offers a deal to welcome the former demon back, he tells them just where they can stick it. 
Aziraphale, on the other hand, is uncomfortable with Heaven, aware that it isn't nearly as good as it's supposed to be. He has distanced himself from it, but he hasn't left it, and he still can't admit to himself that it is a cult. He rationalises and makes excuses and uses mental compartmentalisation to deal with the massive cognitive dissonance. While he enjoys the relative freedom he's had after Heaven partly disowns him after Armageddidn't, he is still, deep down, in its clutches. He believes that underneath all the atrocities, Heaven is still "the good guys", and craves being welcomed back, because he still identifies as a cult member an angel.  And he carries his own religious trauma.
This is why he fundamentally can't understand that it is unthinkable for Crowley to return to the cult Heaven, to give up his independence, his identity, and become an obedient cult member angel again. He still thinks that Crowley, deep down, craves to be accepted by the cult again. And he really doesn't understand how hurtful his continued insistence on this is to Crowley. 
Crowley understands all that. He sees it, and he knows that you can't argue with a cult member to make them see that the cult is a cult, that it's toxic. It's something they have to discover for themselves. He knows that trying to force Aziraphale to see is most likely just going alienate him and drive him back into the arms of the cult (although he's so desperate in the final fifteen that he does just that).
He's been trying for 6,000 years to nudge Aziraphale into a position where he can make that discovery and admission, patiently offering the tools Aziraphale needs to get there.
And it seemed he was getting somewhere. Especially after Armageddidn't.
But then the Metatron showed up, expertly using cultish mind-control techniques to reel Aziraphale back into the cult.
Others have described the Metatron's manipulation tactics in great detail (here's a great YT analysis), so I'll just give a few examples here:
"I am your new best friend"; love bombing; threats, over-the-top promises
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denigration of the past self; emotional unfreezing; heightened emotion
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And finally, information compartmentalization; not letting you see the big picture until you are "ready" to accept it, or it's too late for you to back out (this is where I think the Metatron makes his fatal mistake, but more on that later)
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The Metatron skillfully plays on Aziraphale's millennia-long cultish conditioning to sacrifice his own wants and needs for the cult's Greater Good, his inferiority complex, and his genuine desire to protect and make right (he is a guardian angel, after all).
Paradoxically, Aziraphale’s love for Crowley makes him more susceptible to the Metatron's manipulation: He wants to keep Crowley safe, from Heaven (the Metatron's implicit threat), and from Hell's retribution (a danger that was always there, but which has become more tangible after Shax' threats). And as Supreme Archangel, he really believes he would be able to protect Crowley—if they're together in Heaven.
The Metatron's (insincere) offer to restore Crowley as an angel preys on Aziraphale's own guilt at (he believes) having caused Crowley to Fall. He sees a chance to make amends and right a wrong, to restore to Crowley what should never have been taken from him: his rightful place in the cult Heaven. Because as I said, he doesn't understand.
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But Crowley doesn't know that this is what's going through Aziraphale's mind. Or, his capacity to understand is effectively short-circuited when Crowley’s own religious trauma makes him think Aziraphale is saying he isn't good enough for Aziraphale the way he is.
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Nothing to see here, just an ex-cult member a fallen angel reenacting his religious trauma
Unpacking all the miscommunication going on in the ineffable divorce scene needs its own post or ten, or a hundred. But for the record, I don't believe in the coffee theory, the time-manipulation theory, or the body-swap theory. Or any of the other theories that make this anything other than the heartbreak of two people deeply in love, hurting each other because of a complete breakdown of communication caused by unresolved trauma.
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So Crowley drives away, gutted by the experience of laying his heart bare for Aziraphale only to be rejected, and of seeing his life companion choosing the cult over him, of going to the one place he cannot follow. I'm worried for Crowley. Yes, he is, at heart, an optimist. But how will our hero cope?
And Aziraphale is devastated, too, at having his outstretched hand slapped away, at having his own oblique declaration of love denied, at Crowley running away from them, from responsibility, again.
But still, this is where I am hopeful. Because Crowley's patient nudging hasn't been in vain. Aziraphale has already stopped the end of the world once, and he was the one who convinced Crowley to continue fighting long after Crowley would have given up (guardian angel, right?). 
I know, I know. Aziraphale didn't listen when Crowley told him "When Heaven ends life here on Earth, it'll be just as dead as if Hell ended it." But that's because he didn't know, then, what Crowley knew: that this was what Heaven was already planning at that very moment, and that the reason Heaven went after Gabriel was that he tried to stop it (Aziraphale probably still thinks it was for loving a demon, which further colours his thinking). Crowley never had the time to tell him. The Metatron saw to that. It's always too late. 
Or is it?
The Metatron has just told Aziraphale about the Second Coming, sure in his belief that he is "ready" to accept it. But Aziraphale isn't ready. He is appalled, shaken to his core. I think this is the moment the scales fall from his eyes, and he finally allows himself to see that Heaven is a cult. A destructive religious cult. And now, everything clicks into place for him. At last, Crowley's words and actions make sense. And our determined guardian angel starts making his plans.
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I don't know what Aziraphale is planning, if he's going to tear down the cult from within. But I think the Metatron is about to find out that evil always contains the seeds of its own destruction.
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vasito-de-leche · 8 months
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I've read all of your Reverse: 1999 related posts about a hundred times already and I'm still mesmerized! I love how your writing is fluid and meticulous — all of your analysis feels so precise that it might as well be official.
I was wondering if you could write a one-shot or headcanons about Forget Me Not with a human partner, whichever you believe to be more fitting; to extend what you said in his relationship headcanons. It's such a fascinating concept... at least I think so.
If you are not feeling up to it, I beg of you to at least write some of your thoughts about this. That would make me more than happy!
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;R1999 FORGET ME NOT - Relationship Headcanons (2)
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Compilation of headcanons about Forget Me Not's relationship with a human partner. A continuation of this post.
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thank you so much for the kind words! I really love talking about blorbos so it means a lot to me that you like my work!! for this post, I went for HCs since I already wrote two FMN fics lolol
warning for abusive/toxic relationships!
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Even though this is a continuation of the first relationship post, I feel it would be nice to bring back that one point I made about Forget Me Not's potential relationship with a human or mixed - just so everyone knows the themes this post will dwelve into!
The way I see it, all of Forget Me Not's relationships naturally lean towards unhealthy and dysfunctional dynamics, regardless of his partner's status. Being a pure-blooded arcanist only means you're simply trading a specific set of problems for different ones.
So when it comes to humans (note, humans, not mixed - that's a whole different can of worms) Forget Me Not is at his worst. After all, you represent everything that he sees wrong with this world, he's conflicted and torn between his hatred and his love.
He's a difficult character to grasp, but it's clear that he's fully dedicated to Manus Vindictae's goals, as they align with his own unique set of experiences and emotional baggage - this means that he would need a lot of work, effort and time to reconcile with many, many things such as being in a relationship. Especially one with a human. And yet, I don't think it's impossible for him to grow and change as a person.
On the subject of Forget Me Not's mentality towards a human partner.
I want to stress the fact that Forget Me Not is, above all, a cowardly man - it's easier for him to act behind the scenes and react accordingly than to be upfront and confrontational.
He's manipulative, but not controlling.
And one can argue that manipulation is just a different type of control, I agree! But I feel there's a bit more of nuance in this context. Compare characters like Arcana or Constantine to Forget Me Not - the former use manipulation as a means to an end, it's just one of the many tools they can employ to maintain their control over their respective groups. But they have other ways to remain on top. Forget Me Don't doesn't have anything else. When it comes to Forget Me Not, his manipulation comes across as the single thing he can do to win, or turn the tides to his favour, even if it means winning by the smallest of margins. Chances are he's already mentally prepared himself for the worst, anyway.
This originates from the fact that he's fully accepted the fact that he's inferior, that the universe will constantly try to undermine and step all over him, dealing the worst hand for him over and over - so for someone like him to win, he needs to outsmart and pull the strings from behind the scenes, to cheat at a system that could never allow him to get his way. Hence all the emphasis on his two-faced and contrasting themes (a snake in the grass, waiting to reveal itself. a docile and put together bartender, controlling the flow of the market, etc).
Why do I bring this up? Because when it comes to something as unfamiliar and daunting as falling in love with a human, Forget Me Not doesn't have it in him to even take the first step or decide how he even wants to approach the situation. He knows he's already at a disadvantage, and so he defaults to manipulating.
A lot of his behaviour is heavily dependant on your personality and the way you see his actions. Again, it's much easier for him to adapt like this than to confront why he's having so much problems admitting he might've caught feelings for you.
Basically, this is a lot of text to give some insight to why he manipulates you. It's not done out of the desire to control and dictate your every move, your every thought, let alone mold and/or break you into a more ideal partner - Forget Me Not can barely take responsibility for his own life, don't expect him to do that with yours. He does it because he's very sad, pathetic and desperate, that's about it!
His view on love is also an important thing to discuss in this specific point - in the first post I talked about how Forget Me Not is quick to catch feelings, he falls hard and fast. This still applies despite everything I just mentioned.
In the context of this relationship, love and hate simply go hand in hand to the point where he cannot tell one from the other.
He latches onto you like a parasite because you're the only person who seems to care for him or give him the time of day. As negative or harmful as his interactions with you could be, he's addicted to your presence.
If his partner is oblivious to his actions and ties with Manus Vindictae.
I decided it's easier for me to just tackle all the big possibilities, so here we go!
This is possibly the best outcome for Forget Me Not, a partner who is entirely oblivious to his unpleasant sides and morally corrupt actions. It doesn't even matter what your opinion on Manus Vindictae and their goals might be, because you don't know he's related to any of it! This way, he doesn't have to unpack any of those complex feelings and thoughts, nor think too hard on the fact that you're a human - who cares? You're not tainted with all that unnecessary knowledge.
And this would also allow him to continue living in denial, to indulge in a delusional fantasy in which he gets to be happy without putting any sort of work into being a better man. It's perfect for him!
The top priority is to keep you in the dark, and he'll do pretty much anything to make sure you never find out anything that could paint him in a negative light. If he could edit his own files - the ones that the Foundation had - to erase all traces of his past, then he would have no problem gaslighting, lying and playing all these mind games so that you only focus on how loving and doting he is as a partner. All while telling himself that he's simply protecting and shielding you from the horrors of the truth, that he doesn't want you to deal with the stress.
Forget Me Not could continue with this façade for years, presenting his best, most gentlemanly persona to you. It's easier for him to be vulnerable, to allow scarce moments of quiet, gentle intimacy, now that he has a way to excuse his actions.
I'd say that the only thing that could ruin it is, as usual, his own mind. He's the one who took all these precautions into maintaining the fantasy of a perfectly normal relationship, and yet he'll start spiraling into depression over that exact same thing. What if you were faking these feelings all along too? He made you fall in love with a fake version of himself because there's no way you'd love the real thing, etc etc.
Depending on how long you two might've been dating, I can see him choosing to disappear from your life without even saying goodbye. One day, he's just gone and he makes sure that you cannot find nor follow him. Alternatively, he can fall victim to the usual impulses and confess everything he's been hiding, to scare you away and see how you'd react to the truth.
If his partner is aware of his actions and ties to Manus Vindictae, while being very vocal against it.
This dynamic is the one that absolutely leans heavily into a very codependent, toxic mindset. The relationship itself makes no sense: you're a human, therefore someone who Forget Me Not resents and loathes. And he's a member of Manus Vindictae, a group you recognize as extremely dangerous and biased, rejecting all of their ideals.
And yet, you two stick together exactly because of that. Whether you have good intentions (wanting to fix him, save him, what have you) or not, it doesn't matter because Forget Me Not will instantly assume that you're exactly like him: you want someone who sees you for who you are.
Knowing that you openly disapprove of everything that he does and says is addictive, as he's spent a good chunk of his life concealing all of these aspects. Knowing that someone sees him in his totality, without turning away, without fear, it gets to his head pretty quickly. You're the only one who knows him and you continue to stand up to him, all while claiming that you care for him - Forget Me Not eats that shit up. It's a type of affection he's never been shown.
But the more you call him out on his bullshit, the more you attempt to help or challenge him, the more Forget Me Not will sink into Manus Vindictae's mindset - because he loves to see you put so much effort into a lost cause like him. His manipulation tactics are used to make you believe, just for a moment, that you can truly change him for the better. He pretends to breakdown, to reconsider his lifestyle, just so you don't feel disheartened and continue pushing him.
In the previous post, I said that Forget Me Not would get a little unhinged around his crush - this also applies here, but on a much bigger scale. Everything he does is a cry for attention, he wants you to witness everything and still come back to him every night.
Given how self-destructive Forget Me Not can be, he would never think of ending the relationship. It doesn't matter if you begin to pose a threat to Manus Vindictae or The Walden or whatever, he'd gladly give up everything he's worked for if it means having his life ruined by your hands.
If his partner is aware of his actions and ties to Manus Vindictae, but supports him wholeheartedly.
One would think that having a supportive partner who encourages Forget Me Not to never change and to commit as many crimes as he wants as long as he has fun, would be a dream come true - but he's much too paranoid to accept this reality, always expecting to have the rug pulled from under him the second his guard is down.
Now, when I say "support" I mean a lot of things! From truly siding with Manus Vindictae and hating humans as well, to simply being there for Forget Me Not no matter what - as usual, it's up to you!
Your never-ending kindness throws him in for a loop and he channels all that energy into figuring you out. What do you get out of this? Forget Me Not wants to know the catch, and he grows more and more vulnerable each time you show him that there's no catch - you just love him, that's it. All of him, scales and all. At his worst and at his best.
Confronting the antithesis of everything he's believed in is difficult, but overtime I think Forget Me Not would slowly reconsider things - if you, a human, coud love him so earnestly regardless of his constant hatred and bitterness towards the rest of your peers, well... Maybe he can learn a thing or two from you.
This dynamic is the most confusing, however, as Forget Me Not will be clinging onto you like his life depends on it only to keep you at arms' length, emotionally and physically, for the next few weeks. A lot of back and forth between those contrasting aspects, cold and hot, love and hate - but this is good because it's a sign that he's reconsidering things, that he can't just make up his mind with a half-assed excuse. Here, Forget Me Not lacks that conviction and confidence from the previous two points, he doesn't know how to get the upperhand when faced against such brutal, honest love.
His manipulation tactics come across as a half-hearted attempt to get you to slip up or to distract you from the fact that he's losing his edge. Forget Me Not relies on his distant and intimidating persona to operate, but none of that works on you, and so he attempts to keep up the façade to make himself look cruel and heartless.
I think this is when you get to see Forget Me Not at his most pathetic and saddest self - the way he's been lying to himself and to the world for years, how hard he tries to have power to make up for the fact that he has any substance as a person. How afraid he is of letting you in his life because by doing so, he'll have to step out of his bubble and face the consequences of his actions.
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randomfoggytiger · 4 months
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Kitchener Essences: David Duchovny
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Already tackled Gillian Anderson's essence here, so, it's David's turn!
John Kitchener, like Kibbe, created his system on top of the yin-yang methodology other stylists were constructing in the early 20th century. Yet instead of focusing on the body's structure as a whole (Kibbe's method), Kitchener zeroed in on the face: particularly, its holistic expression.
ESSENCES AND THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY
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(Credit to: Ellie-Jean Royden)
I'd previously written a post about the Feminine vs. Masculine balance in David Duchovny's face (post here); but found, as I was working on this project, that that method and the Kitchener method overlap each other. Both assess the yin (soft, rounded, curved lines) and yang (sharp, narrow or blunt, chiseled lines) of a person's face; and draw up a general impression others would have of them at a neutral first glance.
These tools may not appeal to everyone; but boy do they work hand and glove in the entertainment industry. Actors can disguise their natural essence in a role by embodying another person; can tone down their masculine vs. feminine balance with hair, makeup, and styling; and can lean into their natural aura for promotion and marketing. Of course, there is some degree of typecasting-- it would be harder (or impossible) for a person with Gamine Essence (smaller facial features with dynamic odds and ends) to pull off an Ethereal Essence (long, sleek, elongated, elegant lines) than it would for an Ethereal to pull off a Dramatic Essence (as Cate Blanchett did for Thor: Ragnarök.) This system also effectually proves Kibbe's warning: one cannot evaluate a person's Kibbe body type by the face alone-- Ingenue Leonardo DiCaprio and Classic (if I recall) Colin Firth are both Romantics, after all. Similarly, 5'2" Kibbe Theatrical Romantic Gillian Anderson and 5'10" Kibbe Dramatic Tilda Swinton share a striking Ethereal Essence.
**Note**: If you don't care to ingest the full post, skip straight to the DAVID DUCHOVNY header for his analysis.
DECODING KITCHENER ESSENCES FOR MEN
As per my first Essence post, I will be including transcripts and screenshots from Ellie-Jean Royden's video on the topic (here). Also, highly recommend Gabriella Arruda, who has a more practical, everyday wear approach to the Essences (as well as excellent videos combining them with the Kibbe Body Types-- my posts on GA's and DD's Kibbe here and here, respectively-- and seasonal color analysis.)
Dramatic
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The Most Yang Dominant (strong features)-- sharp, narrow, long, hard. Defined by: danger, wildness, boldness, theatrical, dark, extravagant, intense, dignified. Dramatic faces tend to have three or more elongated and “hard” traits: high and dominant cheekbones, long faces, sharp jawlines, sharp noses, slightly narrow eyes, narrow lips.  
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Dramatics look best in sharp, tailored clothes; in bold, extravagant, theatrical styles; …in unconventional or unusual patterns; in asymmetry or straight lines; …in unusual textures or dangerous styles (leather, for example.)  
Natural
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Yang Dominant (strong features)-- blunt, wide, broad, and elongated…instead of elongated, sharp, harsh (you might see men with Dramatic Essence as the villain in a movie… Natural Essence tends to be… the hero of the film.) Defined by: relaxed, earthy, sporty, active, wild, easygoing, approachable, rugged (...chopping a tree down or hacking a block of wood ready for a fire.) 
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They look best in simple, comfortable, relaxed clothes. They tend to look formal in the most casual and simple styles; whereas… in a suit, they tend to look quite constrained…. Jeans and a t-shirt… don’t look casual or sloppy… looks like it belongs…. Look good in loose fitting; sturdy, oversized sort of styles. Anything with unstructured shapes, layering, or denim. 
Gamine
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Yang Dominant (strong features)--  sharp or angular features, with some youthful elements (large and soft eyes, or slightly wide and soft noses, or slightly rounded cheekbones with a sharp jaw and narrow eyes.) Defined by: quirky, rebellious, whimsical, youthful (but not as youthful as Ingenue Essence), boyish, playful, fun. Like a Dramatic in some ways… with a youthful undercurrent to them.  
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They look really good when poking fun at fashion. They look good in mix-n-match or retro styles. They look good in bold colors or unusual patterns. High contrast; quite cool in rolled up jeans or “teenager” hoodies. They look good in lots of detail and compact styles and maybe some whimsical elements. 
Classic
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Neither Yang nor Yin Dominant (symmetrically balanced features)-- in the middle, not particularly sharp or soft; timeless, neutral features (no defining characteristic features.) Defined by: clean, timeless, elegant, sophisticated, formal, conservative.  
They look best in minimal details, allowing their own beauty to shine through. They look good in smooth and controlled lines. They become more memorable as everything else is "stripped" away. They look good in timeless looks-- it doesn't look boring or outdated; tends to look very elegant and chic. You could even describe them as looking regal... in these styles. They look good in symmetry, balance, neutral colors, and quality fabrics.
Romantic
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Yin Dominant (soft features)-- soft, round facial features; smouldering eyes; lush lips; slightly narrow jaws; round cheeks or slightly wide noses; often have dark hair and high contrast (like Dramatics, except with shorter, softer lines.) Defined by: sensual, alluring, lush, romantic.  
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They look good in soft, lush fabrics (like velvet.) Look best in bowties over long ties. They might look good in something a little undone, looser fabrics, softer fabrics. In red or lush colors. In large, rounded patterns. Jewels or jewel tones. 
Ingenue
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Yin Dominant (soft features)-- baby-like faces (lots of Hollywood male heartthrobs are Ingenues, ex. Leo DiCaprio); small, slightly wide noses; rounder eyes; round cheekbones; plump but smallish lips; rounded and shorter faces. Defined by: sweet looking, innocent, gentle, delicate, adorable, youthful (less “boudoir” than Romantics in the same styles.)
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They look best in delicate and small details. Whimsical styles; in anything vintage; in pastel or pale colors; in decorative styles like small floral prints or things that hark back to another era. They look really good in ornate, intricate sort of things. And of course, with soft, delicate fabrics. These men look much better in a bow tie than in a long tie because this mimics their short, rounded facial features. 
Ethereal
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The Most Yin Dominant (soft features)-- a meeting between yin and yang features. They have elongated faces; some sharp facial features like cheekbones or high foreheads, but with rounded or slightly wide set eyes or soft lips. (Not blending their yin and yang together like Classic, or contrasting it like Gamines.) Defined by: pure, wise, timeless, otherworldly, ageless, old souls, uncanny, celestial (tend to be cast in fantasy roles.) 
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They look really good in metallics; soft, lightweight, fluttery fabrics; vintage or period pieces with… fantastical, ornate, intricate elements. Too many overdone details tips into caricature; instead, they could opt for gray instead of black, or create a long visual line down with their hair.
DAVID DUCHOVNY
Let's start from the top: discovering what are David's worst essences.
What David Isn't
Dramatic
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Dramatic is the worst Essence for DD, turning his flare for the "out there" into costume and caricature, wearing him instead of the other way 'round. As such, he often hams up his poses or expressions to better match the energy of the shot, transforming it from avant-garde fashion to tongue-in-cheek performance art.
Gamine
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David is drawn to pizzazz, to bold colors, to unique styles. There's a part of his nature that responds to it-- which is easy to see why, when we explore his primary Essence. However: he walks right by the most flattering option to snatch up the second worst.
He's a handsome man, no doubt... but even his looks can't save him from the consequences of his dilapidated fashion sense. Youthful vibes very well with David; but he jumps upon an "aha!" too vigorously, overdoing it with more and more funky, punky, spiky, mismatchy elements. Not even his Kibbe can save him: if he'd been Romantic or Gamine instead of Soft Natural, his shorter bones might have been able to more effectively cover up the disjointed effect.
The bottom rows can be salvageable, as his hairstyle would be dependent on what outfit he wore with it. But even at face value, there's something off about too much tousle either way. The bland-for-him Classic Essence shirt in the last picture doesn't help matters.
Classic
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Classic is not the worst on David; but it's not the best, either.
Minimal detail on David tends to wash out his unique charm, burying it under too much finish or polish. The suit in the first picture appears to have been purposefully bought a size up in an attempt to "soften" the silhouette on DD (without success); and the second is too pinched and narrow in the shoulders and too widening and tailored at the hips (a typical Classic silhouette composed of equal parts yin and yang.) The two gray shirts, however, are better: they fit the lines of his body (Kibbe), are Medium Value gray (an aspect of his seasonal color analysis), and are better accessorized with tiny details (buttons and pockets.) Steps in the right direction, but not a complete victory.
Romantic
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David's styling and poses are overtly sexual here; but the result is more akin to off-the-clock lounging than reach-into-your-heart-through-your-eyes-and-consume-your-soul sensuality. Put more concisely, his sexy isn't boudoir or bodice ripper.
The top pose is the most off-kilter; but the second row's pictures are all salvageable. David's neutral expression in the first pic changes the effect into steamy relaxation; his pose and delicate elements in the second turns the shot into something fresh and almost soulful; and his luxuriously soft hair and pajamas in the third reads as one clean, complete look. The last two particularly are mixed with his primary and secondary Essences.
What David Is
Natural
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Maybe. Not discounting the possibility.
It wouldn't be a surprise: David is a Kibbe Soft Natural; and there is definite overlap between its lines and Kitchener's Essence. However: David can only handle teeny tiny amounts of it. Too much and he looks like a clean-shaven homeless man wearing the wealthy neighborhood's overpriced hand-me-downs instead of his old, gunky, raggedy hoodie. That, or a struggling artist.
The top left look is salvageable: his glasses are a complimentarily small detail, his sleeves are rolled up above the wrists, his hair isn't too wild or unkempt, and his pants aren't visible in the shot. Not the best, but definitely not the worst.
Ethereal
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The gray shirt's back! That's because, despite the intent of the shot, the end result is an Ethereal Essence come to life: long, luxurious, draping silhouette; lower contrast grey instead of a harsher, richer color like black; and shadowy, "otherworldly" set dressing.
David's first two looks are from the same photoshoot. The metallic sheen in his suit and Ethereal graphic on his shirt turn this look from a classic silhouette into a statement piece, one that perfectly accords with David's blink-and-you'll-miss-it expression and understated-overstated drama.
However: it's not his best Essence: lines that are too flowy or too long or too "flyaway" jar slightly with his persona-- not quite messy, but not quite right.
Ingenue
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David's best Essence is Ingenue-- and no wonder. Even early on his career, fans were calling him a puppy and wanting to take care of him.
His sensuality is expressed by irrepressible innocence, that element of childishness he misinterprets as Gamine's boyishly spunky, eternally youthful spark. With that in mind, he should focus on softer details instead-- not replacing his funky inclinations so much as tempering them. Funk on a smaller, scale: delicate ornateness instead of jagged edges and opposing prints; repeatable patterns instead of differing styles mashed together. David should also lean into buttons, comfy textured fabrics, and bowties to match the tiny, repeated curves in his face.
COMPARING OTHER SOFT NATURAL ESSENCES
Let's test out his Ingenue Essence.
How shall we do that? By comparing him to other men that share his same Kibbe Soft Natural body type.
Dramatic Essence: None
I don't have a Dramatic SN to compare; but i think we can all conclude that this Essence doesn't scream 'David Duchovny.'
Natural Essence: Brad Pitt and Robert Redford
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Brad and Robert are put together and at ease in differing levels of "dishevelment." David, though more "himself", does not (even with the same level of tailoring and styling care in the first photo as Brad.)
Gamine Essence: Gene Kelly
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Gene comes alive in bold, expressive, potentially clashing elements. David, however, looks mismatched and uncomfortable.
Classic Essence: John Wayne
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While John shines with minimal detail, David becomes flat.
Romantic Essence: George Clooney
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Here we can see George's effortless romanticism and David's endearing Ingenue charm radiating from their pores.
Ingenue Essence: Bing Crosby
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With both of their hair slicked up and back, it's too easy to spot the shared tiny, delicate aspects dominating Bing's and David's face. Bing's bowtie and David's small-scale tie further accentuate these features, as do their softer profiles and lower contrast.
Ethereal Essence: None
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Again, I was unable to find a Kibbe approved Soft Natural that fit the Ethereal requirements. However, I did find DD in an Ethereal shirt and studio set; so, let us gaze upon it, note it works but not fully, and move along.
COMPARING TWO INGENUE ESSENCES
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To further prove the Ingenue theory, we can compare him against Kibbe Romantic Elijah Wood's Ingenue Essence. Both have smaller scale facial features, softer lines, and softer silhouettes. They are also complimented very naturally by smaller scale accessories, smaller scale repeating patterns, smaller scale soft tailoring, and smaller scale bowties (compared to their regular ones.) These touches tap into and bring out their "cute" undercurrent easily and effectively.
ALL TOGETHER
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CONCLUSION
Ingenue-Ethereal, perhaps Ingenue-Ethereal-Natural. Not bad!
It makes sense why he and Gillian sold The X-Files: the softened bluntness of his Kibbe created a striking visual contrast against her narrow, sharp Kibbe while their close percentages of Ethereal Essence knit those differences back together in an otherworldly, mythical pursuit of the truth (be it men, monsters, or insane work hours.)
Meanwhile, David is drawn to characteristic detail, unfortunately expressing that dynamic essence through Gamine rather than its perfect twin Ingenue. Furthermore, his love of long, less-restrictive lines is also misplaced in the Natural Essence, whereas it would be right at home in the equally less restrictive but also softer and sleeker Ethereal Essence.
Thanks for reading~
Enjoy!
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janetjacksonseo · 11 months
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By Thom Hartmann
Back in 1967, a friend of mine and I hitchhiked from East Lansing, Michigan to San Francisco to spend the summer in Haight-Ashbury. One ride dropped us off in Sparks, Nevada, and within minutes of putting our thumbs out a city police car stopped and arrested us for vagrancy.
The cop, a young guy with an oversized mustache who was apologetic for the city’s policy, drove us to the desert a mile or so beyond the edge of town, where we hitchhiked standing by a distressing light-post covered with graffiti reading “39 hours without a ride,” “going on our third day,” and “anybody got any water?”
Vagrancy laws were so 20th century.
Today, the US Supreme Court heard a case involving efforts by the City of Grants Pass, Oregon to keep homeless people off its streets and out of its parks and other public property. The city had tried a number of things when the problem began to explode in the last year of the Trump administration, as The Oregonian newspaper notes:
“They discussed putting them in their old jail, creating an unwanted list, posting signs at the city border or driving people out of town... Currently, officers patrol the city nearly every day, Johnson said, handing out [$295] citations to people who are camping or sleeping on public property or for having too many belongings with them.”
The explosion in housing costs has triggered two crises: homelessness and inflation. The former is harming the livability of our cities and towns, and the Fed’s reaction to the latter threatens an incumbency-destroying recession just as we head into what will almost certainly be the most important election in American history.
The problem with housing inflation is so severe today that without it the nation’s overall core CPI inflation rate would be in the neighborhood of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s 2% goal.
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Graphic based on BLM data and interpretation by The Financial Times
Both homelessness and today’s inflation are the result of America — unlike many other countries — allowing housing to become a commodity that can be traded and speculated in by financial markets and overseas investors.
Forty-three years into America’s Reaganomics experiment, homelessness has gone from a problem to a crisis. Rarely, though, do you hear that Wall Street — a prime beneficiary of Reagan’s deregulation campaign — is helping cause it.
32% seems to be the magic threshold, according to research funded by the real estate listing company Zillow. When neighborhoods hit rent rates in excess of 32% of neighborhood income, homelessness explodes.
And we’re seeing it play out right in front of us in cities across America because a handful of Wall Street billionaires want to make a killing.
It wasn’t always this way in America.
Housing prices have spun out of control since my dad bought his house in 1957 when I was six years old. He got a Veteran’s Administration-subsidized loan and picked up the brand-new 3-bedroom-1-bath ranch house my 3 brothers and I grew up in, in suburban south Lansing, Michigan. It cost him $13,000, which was about twice what he made every year working a good union job in a tool-and-die shop.
When my dad bought his home in the 1950s the median price of a single-family house was 2.2 times the median American family income. Today, the Fed says, the median house sells for $479,500 while the median American personal income is $41,000 — a ratio of more than ten-to-one between housing costs and annual income.
As the Zillow study notes:
“Across the country, the rent burden already exceeds the 32% [of median income] threshold in 100 of the 386 markets included in this analysis….”
And wherever housing prices become more than three times annual income, homelessness stalks like the grim reaper.
We’re told that America’s cities have seen this increase in housing costs since the 1950s in some part because of the growing wealth and population of this country. There were, after all, 168 million people in the US the year my dad bought his house; today there are 330 million.
And it’s true that we haven’t been building enough new housing, particularly low-income housing, as 43 years of neoliberal Reaganomics have driven down wages and income for working-class people relative to all of their expenses while stopping the construction of virtually any new subsidized low-income housing.
But that’s not the only, or even the main dynamic, driving housing prices into the stratosphere — and, as a consequence, the crisis in homelessness — over the past decade. You can thank speculation for much of that.
As the Zillow-funded study noted:
“This research demonstrates that the homeless population climbs faster when rent affordability — the share of income people spend on rent — crosses certain thresholds. In many areas beyond those thresholds, even modest rent increases can push thousands more Americans into homelessness.”
So how did we get here?
It started with a wave of foreign buyers over the past 30 years (particularly from China, Canada, Mexico, India and Colombia) who, in just the one single year of 2020, picked up over 154,000 homes as their way of parking money in America. Which is part of why there are over 20 times more empty houses in America than there are homeless people.
As Marketwatch noted in a 2015 article titled “The Danger of Foreign Buyers Gobbling Up American Homes”:
“Unusual high appreciation of the aforementioned urban centers is due to the ever growing influx of foreign buyers — mostly wealthy Chinese — who view American residential real estate as the safest investment commodity. … According to a National Realtors Association survey, the Chinese spent $22 billion on U.S. housing in 12 months through March 2014…. [Other foreign buyers primarily include] Canadians, British, Indians and Mexicans.”
But foreign investment has been down for the past few years; what’s taken over and is really driving home prices today are massive, multi-billion-dollar US-based funds that sweep into neighborhoods and buy everything available, bidding against families and driving up housing prices.
As noted in a Wall Street Journal article titled “Meet Your New Landlord: Wall Street,” in just one suburb (Spring Hill) of Nashville, “In all of Spring Hill, four firms … own nearly 700 houses … [which] amounts to about 5% of all the houses in town.”
This is the tiniest tip of the iceberg.
“On the first Tuesday of each month,” notes the Journal article about a similar phenomenon in Atlanta, investors “toted duffels stuffed with millions of dollars in cashier’s checks made out in various denominations so they wouldn’t have to interrupt their buying spree with trips to the bank…”
The same thing is happening in cities and suburbs all across America; the investment goliaths use finely-tuned computer algorithms to sniff out houses they can turn into rental properties, making over-market and unbeatable cash bids often within minutes of a house hitting the market.
After stripping neighborhoods of homes families can buy, they then begin raising rents as high as the market will bear.
In the Nashville suburb of Spring Hill, for example, the vice-mayor, Bruce Hull, told the Journal you used to be able to rent “a three bedroom, two bath house for $1,000 a month.” Today, the Journal notes:
“The average rent for 148 single-family homes in Spring Hill owned by the big four [Wall Street investor] landlords was about $1,773 a month…”
Ryan Dezember, in his book Underwater: How Our American Dream of Homeownership Became a Nightmare, describes the story of a family trying to buy a home in Phoenix. Every time they entered a bid, they were outbid instantly, the price rising over and over, until finally the family’s father threw in the towel.
“Jacobs was bewildered,” writes Dezember. “Who was this aggressive bidder?”
Turns out it was Blackstone Group, now the world’s largest real estate investor. At the time they were buying $150 million worth of American houses every week, trying to spend over $10 billion. And that’s just a drop in the overall bucket.
In 2018, corporations bought 1 out of every 10 homes sold in America, according to Dezember, noting that, “Between 2006 and 2016, when the homeownership rate fell to its lowest level in fifty years, the number of renters grew by about a quarter.”
This all really took off around a decade ago, when Morgan Stanley published a 2011 report titled “The Rentership Society,” arguing that — in the wake of the 2008 Bush Housing Crash — snapping up houses and renting them back to people who otherwise would have wanted to buy them could be the newest and hottest investment opportunity for Wall Street’s billionaires and their funds.
Turns out, Morgan Stanley was right. Warren Buffett, KKR, and The Carlyle Group have all jumped into residential real estate, along with hundreds of smaller investment groups, and the National Home Rental Council has emerged as the industry’s premier lobbying group, working to block rent control legislation and other efforts to regulate the industry.
As John Husing, the owner of Economics and Politics Inc., told The Tennessean newspaper:
“What you have are neighborhoods that are essentially unregulated apartment houses. It could be disastrous for the city.”
Meanwhile, as unionization levels here remain among the lowest in the developed world, Reagan’s ongoing war on working people continues to wipe out America’s families.
At the same time that housing prices, both to purchase and to rent, are being driven through the roof by foreign and Wall Street investors, a survey published by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health found that American families are in crisis.
Their study found:
— “Thirty-eight percent (38%) of [all] households across the nation report facing serious financial problems in the previous few months.
— “There is a sharp income divide in serious financial problems, as 59% of those with annual incomes below $50,000 report facing serious financial problems in the past few months, compared with 18% of households with annual incomes of $50,000 or more.
— “These serious financial problems are cited despite 67% of households reporting that in the past few months, they have received financial assistance from the government.
— “Another significant problem for many U.S. households is losing their savings during the COVID-19 outbreak. Nineteen percent (19%) of U.S. households report losing all of their savings during the COVID-19 outbreak and not currently having any savings to fall back on.
— “At the time the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) eviction ban expired, 27% of renters nationally reported serious problems paying their rent in the past few months.”
These are not separate issues, and they are driving an explosion in homelessness.
The Zillow study found similarly damning data:
— “Communities where people spend more than 32% of their income on rent can expect a more rapid increase in homelessness.
— “Income growth has not kept pace with rents, leading to an affordability crunch with cascading effects that, for people on the bottom economic rung, increases the risk of homelessness.
— “The areas that are most vulnerable to rising rents, unaffordability, and poverty hold 15% of the U.S. population — and 47% of people experiencing homelessness.”
The Zillow study makes grim reading and is worth checking out. In community after community, when rent prices exceeded 32% of median household income, homelessness exploded. It’s measurable, predictable, and is destroying what’s left of the American working class, particularly minorities.
The loss of affordable homes also locks otherwise middle-class families out of the traditional way wealth is accumulated — through homeownership: Over 61% of all American middle-income family wealth is their home’s equity. And as families are priced out of ownership and forced to rent, they become more vulnerable to long-term economic struggles and homelessness.
Housing is one of the primary essentials of life. Nobody in America should be without it, and for society to work, housing costs must track incomes in a way that makes housing both available and affordable. This requires government intervention in the so-called “free market.”
— Last year, Canada banned most foreign buyers from buying residential property as a way of controlling their housing inflation.
— New Zealand similarly passed its no-foreigners law (except for Singaporeans and Australians) in 2018.
— Thailand requires a minimum investment of $1.2 million and the equivalent of a green card.
— Greece bans most non-EU citizens from buying real estate in most of the country.
— To buy residential housing in Denmark, it must be your primary residence and you must have lived in the country for at least 5 years.
— Vietnam, Austria, Hungary, and Cyprus also heavily restrict who can buy residential property, where, and under what terms.
This isn’t rocket science; the problem could be easily fixed by Congress if there was a genuine willingness to protect our real estate market from the vultures who’ve been circling it for years.
Unfortunately, when Clarence Thomas was the deciding vote to allow billionaires and hedge funds to legally bribe members of Congress in Citizens United, he and his four fellow Republicans opened the floodgates to “contributions” and “gifts” from foreign and Wall Street interests to pay off legislators to ignore the problem.
Because there’s no lobbying group for the interests of average homeowners or the homeless, it’s up to us to raise hell with our elected officials. The number for the Congressional switchboard is 202-224-3121.
If ever there was a time to solve this problem — and regulate corporate and foreign investment in American single-family housing — it’s now.
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tradesignalsbusiness · 10 months
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Forex trading signals for part-time traders
Forex trading can be a lucrative venture, even for those with limited time on their hands. Part-time traders often face the challenge of managing their trades efficiently. In this article, we'll explore the world of Forex trading signals and how they can be a valuable tool for part-time traders.
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What are Forex Trading Signals?
Forex trading signals are indicators or notifications that suggest optimal times to enter or exit a trade. These signals are generated through thorough market analysis by professional traders or automated systems. For part-time traders, relying on these signals can save time and provide valuable insights into the market.
Here are some tips for part-time traders:
Choose a Reliable Signal Provider: There are various signal providers in the market. Do your research and select a provider with a proven track record of accuracy.
Understand the Signals: It's essential to comprehend the signals you receive. This includes understanding the risk associated with each signal and how it aligns with your trading strategy.
Time Management: Part-time traders must efficiently manage their time. Set specific periods for analyzing signals, and stick to your trading plan.
Remember, while trading signals can be beneficial, they are not foolproof. It's crucial to combine them with your analysis and stay informed about market trends. Successful trading requires a combination of strategy, discipline, and continuous learning.
Happy trading!
Source:
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shotofstress · 2 months
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Yankees will die on the hill of "I only read kids books, bad YA books, and fics bc is my right to be ignorant my whole life, lack critical thinking, analysis skills, media literacy, etc and i will be angry when ppl tell me that you can't keep people reading only texts for 12yo kids". The amount of ppl, including "educated" ppl that say that is OK and that mature reading comprehension and general understanding of media analysis will just appear from thin air is ridiculous. The statements of this ppl is that when ppl read the same type of books over and over again "of course" kids and teens (and adults) will, eventually, choose more challenging texts bc they will, magically, generate skills and tools to do so. No. That's not how education works nor what the stages of development tell us. Why they think books for each age level exists? Someone just told me that "In usa part of the illiteracy is bc how picky the system is in regad of what kids can read". as a response to me saying that you can't be an adult and keep reading bad YA books made just for the money. Speaking of lack of literacy. How ppl can think that saying "you need to increase the challange the books present to the reader to better their skills, education, and intellect" is the same than saying "I want to ban books and forbid you of reading whatever the fuck bs ya book wrote by an IA or a ghost writer, with the same plot that 4677 other books that you are reading"? And this ppl is allowed to vote and decide how the world works?
The anti intellectualism is so deep in usa that even librarians (and probably teachers too) die on that trash hill. Reading reylo fic made book and hush hush only and for your whole life will not develop your literacy, your education nor ur critical thinking. This constante idea from usa ppl that by magic things will reach them and such is heinous. Is the same logic that the "invisible hand" (aka the hand of their usa civil evangelic god) will see the market. You will not get better at reading just "bc" by reading the same low effort books. Is like saying that you will become a chef by making toasted bread in the toaster machine every single time and nothing else. And saying "I only read teen books as an adults bc adult books are sad and I want to only be happy and use books for escapism" is not a good excuse for your active choice at remaining ignorant and uneducated. There are wholesome adult books, there is adults books about hope, books that are funny to read and still are for adults and teach you about the reality that ypu want to evade at all cost.
This desire to ignore the world by ignoring education is the perfect ambient to creating and rising fascists. No surprise that most usa ppl live in a bubble and even their left is incapable of seen how fascist they are too. Then they get angry when ppl tells them they are wrong.
Usa ppl will give any excuse before being able to understand the depth of their wrongs.
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climatecalling · 11 months
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Experts say that what we see on screen can help shape our sense of what’s normal – and therefore acceptable. Unfortunately, what we’re shown on TV is rarely a great guide for how we might begin reducing the climate impacts of food, which accounts for somewhere between 25% and 33% of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions. “Food systems are a vital piece of the climate puzzle,” said Ellis Watamanuk, senior director at Rare, a behavioral science-focused environmental non-profit. “Even if we got rid of fossil fuels today, we would still have to change the way we’re eating.” ... According to analysis from Rare, switching to a vegan or even just a “climatarian” diet (which excludes beef, lamb and goat, and limits poultry, pork and fish) is one of the most impactful climate actions a person can take – more so than sourcing food locally, recycling or skipping a flight from New York to Los Angeles. ... The oil and gas lobby has spent millions of dollars to convince the general public – and celebrity chefs – that gas appliances make for a better cooking experience. People often forget that “cooking with gas” isn’t some charming colloquialism, but a marketing term that the industry began pushing in the 1930s. ... An increasing number of professional chefs are switching simply because induction stoves are more precise, easier to clean, quieter and don’t heat up the whole kitchen unpleasantly. ... Just know that “you don’t need all these fancy tools – you can use what you already have on hand to make a really beautiful or hearty dish.”
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uthra-krish · 1 year
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The Skills I Acquired on My Path to Becoming a Data Scientist
Data science has emerged as one of the most sought-after fields in recent years, and my journey into this exciting discipline has been nothing short of transformative. As someone with a deep curiosity for extracting insights from data, I was naturally drawn to the world of data science. In this blog post, I will share the skills I acquired on my path to becoming a data scientist, highlighting the importance of a diverse skill set in this field.
The Foundation — Mathematics and Statistics
At the core of data science lies a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics. Concepts such as probability, linear algebra, and statistical inference form the building blocks of data analysis and modeling. Understanding these principles is crucial for making informed decisions and drawing meaningful conclusions from data. Throughout my learning journey, I immersed myself in these mathematical concepts, applying them to real-world problems and honing my analytical skills.
Programming Proficiency
Proficiency in programming languages like Python or R is indispensable for a data scientist. These languages provide the tools and frameworks necessary for data manipulation, analysis, and modeling. I embarked on a journey to learn these languages, starting with the basics and gradually advancing to more complex concepts. Writing efficient and elegant code became second nature to me, enabling me to tackle large datasets and build sophisticated models.
Data Handling and Preprocessing
Working with real-world data is often messy and requires careful handling and preprocessing. This involves techniques such as data cleaning, transformation, and feature engineering. I gained valuable experience in navigating the intricacies of data preprocessing, learning how to deal with missing values, outliers, and inconsistent data formats. These skills allowed me to extract valuable insights from raw data and lay the groundwork for subsequent analysis.
Data Visualization and Communication
Data visualization plays a pivotal role in conveying insights to stakeholders and decision-makers. I realized the power of effective visualizations in telling compelling stories and making complex information accessible. I explored various tools and libraries, such as Matplotlib and Tableau, to create visually appealing and informative visualizations. Sharing these visualizations with others enhanced my ability to communicate data-driven insights effectively.
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Machine Learning and Predictive Modeling
Machine learning is a cornerstone of data science, enabling us to build predictive models and make data-driven predictions. I delved into the realm of supervised and unsupervised learning, exploring algorithms such as linear regression, decision trees, and clustering techniques. Through hands-on projects, I gained practical experience in building models, fine-tuning their parameters, and evaluating their performance.
Database Management and SQL
Data science often involves working with large datasets stored in databases. Understanding database management and SQL (Structured Query Language) is essential for extracting valuable information from these repositories. I embarked on a journey to learn SQL, mastering the art of querying databases, joining tables, and aggregating data. These skills allowed me to harness the power of databases and efficiently retrieve the data required for analysis.
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Domain Knowledge and Specialization
While technical skills are crucial, domain knowledge adds a unique dimension to data science projects. By specializing in specific industries or domains, data scientists can better understand the context and nuances of the problems they are solving. I explored various domains and acquired specialized knowledge, whether it be healthcare, finance, or marketing. This expertise complemented my technical skills, enabling me to provide insights that were not only data-driven but also tailored to the specific industry.
Soft Skills — Communication and Problem-Solving
In addition to technical skills, soft skills play a vital role in the success of a data scientist. Effective communication allows us to articulate complex ideas and findings to non-technical stakeholders, bridging the gap between data science and business. Problem-solving skills help us navigate challenges and find innovative solutions in a rapidly evolving field. Throughout my journey, I honed these skills, collaborating with teams, presenting findings, and adapting my approach to different audiences.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation
Data science is a field that is constantly evolving, with new tools, technologies, and trends emerging regularly. To stay at the forefront of this ever-changing landscape, continuous learning is essential. I dedicated myself to staying updated by following industry blogs, attending conferences, and participating in courses. This commitment to lifelong learning allowed me to adapt to new challenges, acquire new skills, and remain competitive in the field.
In conclusion, the journey to becoming a data scientist is an exciting and dynamic one, requiring a diverse set of skills. From mathematics and programming to data handling and communication, each skill plays a crucial role in unlocking the potential of data. Aspiring data scientists should embrace this multidimensional nature of the field and embark on their own learning journey. If you want to learn more about Data science, I highly recommend that you contact ACTE Technologies because they offer Data Science courses and job placement opportunities. Experienced teachers can help you learn better. You can find these services both online and offline. Take things step by step and consider enrolling in a course if you’re interested. By acquiring these skills and continuously adapting to new developments, they can make a meaningful impact in the world of data science.
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crypto-news-26 · 25 days
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What Are Forex Signals?
What Are Forex Signals?
In the fast-paced world of forex trading, having accurate and timely information is crucial for making profitable decisions. This is where forex signals come into play. But what exactly are forex signals, and why are they so important?
Forex signals are trading suggestions or alerts that provide traders with information on potential trading opportunities in the forex market. These signals can include entry and exit points, stop-loss levels, and take-profit targets. Typically, forex signals are generated by experienced traders or advanced algorithms that analyze market conditions, trends, and technical indicators to identify potential trades.
There are two main types of forex signals: manual and automated. Manual signals are created by professional traders who share their insights based on their analysis of the market. Automated signals, on the other hand, are generated by trading algorithms that scan the market for opportunities based on pre-set criteria.
The Importance of Accurate Forex Signals
The accuracy of forex signals is crucial because it directly impacts a trader’s profitability. High-quality signals can help traders make informed decisions, reduce risks, and increase their chances of success in the volatile forex market. Conversely, inaccurate signals can lead to significant losses.
This is why choosing the right forex signal provider is essential. With hundreds of providers out there, finding one with a proven track record of accuracy can make all the difference.
Why Forex Elite Stands Out
Among the vast array of forex signal providers, Forex Elite has distinguished itself as the best in the industry. Out of 204 forex signal providers analyzed, Forex Elite ranks number one in terms of accuracy. With a remarkable success rate of over 90%, Forex Elite’s signals consistently deliver profitable trading opportunities.
What sets Forex Elite apart is its commitment to quality and transparency. The platform provides clear, concise signals that are easy to follow, even for beginner traders. Additionally, Forex Elite uses cutting-edge technology and advanced algorithms to analyze market data in real-time, ensuring that its signals are always up-to-date and reliable.
Moreover, Forex Elite’s team of seasoned traders and analysts bring a wealth of experience to the table. Their combined expertise helps to refine and improve the signal generation process, further enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of the signals provided.
Conclusion
In conclusion, forex signals are an indispensable tool for traders looking to navigate the complexities of the forex market. The key to success lies in finding a reliable signal provider with a proven track record of accuracy. Forex Elite stands out as the best in the business, boasting a success rate of over 90% and ranking number one out of 204 providers. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or just starting, Forex Elite offers the accurate and timely signals you need to maximize your trading success.
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pingmedia11 · 28 days
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The Best Digital Marketing Course in Agra
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Pingmedia stands out as one of the leading providers of Digital Marketing Course in Agra. Renowned for its comprehensive and practical approach, Ping media Digital Marketing Course is designed to equip students, professionals, and business owners with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the dynamic field of digital marketing.
Course Overview
Pingmedia’s Digital Marketing Course is meticulously crafted to cover a wide range of topics essential for mastering digital marketing. The course is structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges.
Key Features:
Comprehensive Curriculum: The course covers all crucial aspects of digital marketing, including SEO, SEM, SMM, content marketing, email marketing, and more.
Practical Training: Emphasis on hands-on learning through live projects and real-world scenarios.
Experienced Trainers: Learn from industry experts with extensive experience in digital marketing.
Flexible Learning Options: Available in both online and offline formats to cater to diverse needs.
Certification: Industry-recognized certification upon successful completion of the course.
Detailed Course Modules
Introduction to Digital Marketing
Overview of digital marketing and its importance
Key digital marketing channels and strategies
Understanding digital marketing metrics and KPIs
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
On-page and off-page SEO techniques
Keyword research and implementation
Technical SEO and website optimization
Tools for SEO analysis and tracking
Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
Introduction to Google Ads and PPC campaigns
Creating effective ad copy and landing pages
Budget management and bid strategies
Analyzing and optimizing campaign performance
Social Media Marketing (SMM)
Developing strategies for various social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn)
Content creation and curation
Social media advertising and analytics
Community management and engagement
Content Marketing
Crafting high-quality content for blogs, websites, and social media
Content planning and strategy
Techniques for content distribution and promotion
Measuring content effectiveness and ROI
Email Marketing
Building and managing email lists
Designing effective email campaigns and newsletters
Automation and personalization strategies
Analyzing email marketing metrics
Affiliate Marketing
Understanding affiliate marketing models and networks
Setting up and managing affiliate programs
Performance tracking and optimization
Best practices for working with affiliates
E-Commerce Marketing
Strategies for promoting online stores and products
Utilizing e-commerce platforms and tools
Product listing optimization and customer reviews
Handling promotions and sales campaigns
Mobile Marketing
Mobile marketing trends and strategies
App marketing and mobile advertising
SMS marketing and push notifications
Analyzing mobile marketing performance
Analytics and Reporting
Introduction to Google Analytics and other analytics tools
Tracking and interpreting website traffic and user behavior
Creating and presenting comprehensive reports
Using data to drive marketing decisions
Online Reputation Management (ORM)
Monitoring and managing online reputation
Strategies for handling negative feedback and reviews
Building and maintaining a positive online image
Web Design and Development Basics
Understanding the importance of a well-designed website
Basics of HTML, CSS, and WordPress
UX/UI design principles
Ensuring website speed and mobile responsiveness
Why Choose Pingmedia?
Expert Trainers: Pingmedia’s course is led by industry professionals with extensive experience and expertise in digital marketing. Their real-world insights and practical knowledge provide a valuable learning experience.
Practical Learning: The course includes hands-on training with live projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. This practical experience is crucial for building confidence and competence.
Flexibility: With options for both online and offline learning, Pingmedia accommodates different learning preferences and schedules, making it easier for students to balance their education with other commitments.
Career Support: Pingmedia provides robust career support, including resume building, interview preparation, and job placement assistance. The institute’s strong industry connections also facilitate internship and job placement opportunities.
Certification: The course culminates in an industry-recognized certification, which enhances employability and demonstrates proficiency in digital marketing.
Up-to-Date Curriculum: The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest trends and changes in the digital marketing landscape, ensuring that students learn the most current and relevant practices.
Target Audience
Students: Ideal for recent graduates or those pursuing degrees who want to start a career in digital marketing.
Professionals: Suitable for marketing professionals seeking to enhance their digital marketing skills and stay updated with industry trends.
Business Owners: Perfect for entrepreneurs looking to boost their online presence and drive business growth.
Freelancers: Great for individuals wanting to offer digital marketing services to clients.
Conclusion
Ping media Digital Marketing Course in Agra is a premier choice for anyone looking to build or advance their career in digital marketing. With its comprehensive curriculum, practical training, and expert instruction, the course equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive digital landscape. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your skills, Pingmedia provides a valuable educational experience that can help you achieve your goals.
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ansh-sahni · 1 month
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Who is Ansh Sahni? My Journey as a Digital marketer
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In 2022. I completed my schooling with a sense pf accomplishment but also a cloud of confusion about my future. The pressure to choose a career path was huge, and the question, “Who is Ansh Sahni?” stay in my mind. I want to build a name for myself, so that when people asked. “Who is Ansh Sahni” the answer would be clear and impressive. The journey to set up my identity began with this major decision.
The Beginning Struggle
After school, I was at a corner, uncertain about which direction to take. The fear pf not making a serious effect and being unknown haunted me. I wanted to make sure that if anyone asked, “Who is Ansh Sahni?” they would recognize my name and my achievements. Months pf self-analysis and research followed. I explored various career options, consider their pros and cons, trying to find the one that sound with my interest and desire.
Discovering Digital Marketing
In my search for a fulfilling career, I discovered digital marketing. Its interest me with its active nature and huge future for growth. The idea of connecting with audience, driving online engagement, and using digital tools to create impactful campaigns was fascinating. I decided to pursue a one-year course in digital marketing while continuing my college studies. This dual approach allowed me to gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills at the same time.
The First Step
I completed my digital marketing course in 2023, equipped with knowledge and wishing to put it into practice. Intern on to gain real-world experience, I began applying for internship. The process was challenging, and I faced rejection several times. However, I remained fearless. The thought of making a name for myself and make sure people knew “Who is Ansh Sahni?” kept me motivated.
Finally, after multiple interviews, I secured an internship at a company located far from my home. The distance creates a serious challenge, but I was ready to make the sacrifice for the sake of my career. Unluckily, after two months, the daily commute became immense, and I made the difficult decision to quit. My resolve remained strong, and I began searching for opportunities closer to home.
A New Beginning
The search for a new job was difficult, but staying in power paid off. One day I received a call from a company interested in my profile. After a successful interview, I was offered a position, and I gladly accepted. However, my previous employer refused to provide an experience letter, a setback that I had to overcome. In my new role, I was intent on to prove my worth and build my skills further.
Building Skills and Gaining Experience
My new job provided a valuable environment for growth. I worked actively, learning new strategies and sharpen my digital marketing skills. The hands-on experience was invaluable, and I accept every opportunity to contribute to the company’s success with each campaign, I grew more confident in my abilities and more set on to make sure that people would recognize my name. I stuggle to make my marks so that when asked, “Who is Ansh Sahni?” the answer would be a proof to my hard work and dedication.
Progress into Self-Work
After a year of gaining experience and building a solid foundation, I dedicated to take a bold step and start my own digital marketing ventures. This decision was driven by my aspiration to create a clear identify and achieve my long-term goals. I wanted to showcase my skill and creativity, and the best way to do that was through self-begin projects.
Starting my own venture was challenging but rewarding. It allowed me to apply everything I had learned, experiment with new ideas, and shape out a niche for myself in the digital marketing world this venture brought me closer to my ultimate goal: to make sure that when people searched “Who is Ansh Sahni?” they would find a strong story of application, growth and success.
The Road Ahead
Now, as I continue on this journey, I feel that I am just a few steps away from achieving my goal. My name is slowly gaining recognition, and my efforts dare succeeded. The question “Who is Ansh Sahni?” is starting to obtain responses filled with regard and respect. I am dedicated to continuing my hard work, learning, and developing in this ever-changing field.
Connect with Ansh Sahni
To stay updated with my latest attempt and connect with me, follow my social media profiles:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Quora
Instagram
Medium
Feel free to reach out, connect, and collaborate. I am always open to new opportunities and challenges in the digital marketing field.
Conclusion
The journey to setting my identity and making a name for myself in digital marketing has been filled with challenges and success. From the beginning confusion after school to discovering my passion for digital marketing, and from securing internships to starting my own ventures, each step has been a proof to my determination and hard work. Today as I stand on the limits of achieving my goal, I am proud of how far I’ve come. I am Ansh Sahni, a digital marketer dedicated to excellence and creativity, and I look forward to the future with hope and excitement.
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uniravbazaar · 2 months
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Top Strategies for Successful Stock Trading - Unirav Shopping
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Navigating the stock market can be both exhilarating and daunting. For beginners and seasoned investors alike, successful stock trading requires a strategic approach, a solid understanding of market dynamics, and continuous learning. This blog delves into the top strategies for successful stock trading, emphasizing the importance of planning, discipline, and informed decision-making.
1. Educate Yourself
Before diving into stock trading, it’s crucial to educate yourself about the market. Understanding the basic concepts, terminology, and mechanics of trading will lay a strong foundation for your investment journey.
Books and Online Courses: There are numerous resources available, from classic investment books like “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham to online courses offered by reputable institutions.
Financial News and Websites: Stay updated with financial news, market trends, and analysis from trusted sources like Bloomberg, CNBC, and MarketWatch.
Stock Simulators: Use stock simulators to practice trading without risking real money. This hands-on experience can help you understand market fluctuations and trading strategies.
2. Set Clear Goals and Objectives
Having clear financial goals and objectives is essential for successful stock trading. Define what you want to achieve with your investments, whether it’s long-term wealth accumulation, short-term gains, or income generation.
Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance to determine the types of stocks and trading strategies that suit you.
Time Horizon: Consider your investment time horizon, as this will influence your trading decisions and risk management strategies.
Capital Allocation: Decide how much capital you are willing to invest in the stock market and how you will allocate it across different stocks and sectors.
3. Develop a Trading Plan
A well-defined trading plan acts as a roadmap for your trading activities. It helps you stay disciplined and focused, reducing the likelihood of impulsive decisions.
Entry and Exit Criteria: Establish clear criteria for entering and exiting trades. This can include technical indicators, fundamental analysis, or a combination of both.
Position Sizing: Determine the size of your positions based on your risk tolerance and the overall market conditions.
Risk Management: Implement risk management strategies to protect your capital. This can involve setting stop-loss orders, diversifying your portfolio, and avoiding overleveraging.
4. Conduct Thorough Research
Thorough research is the backbone of successful stock trading. Analyzing companies, industries, and market trends can help you make informed investment decisions.
Fundamental Analysis: Evaluate a company’s financial health by examining its earnings, revenue, profit margins, and balance sheet. Pay attention to industry trends and economic factors that could impact the company’s performance.
Technical Analysis: Use technical analysis tools to study price charts, patterns, and indicators. This can help you identify potential entry and exit points and gauge market sentiment.
Sentiment Analysis: Monitor investor sentiment and news to understand the market’s mood and potential impact on stock prices.
5. Diversify Your Portfolio
Diversification is a crucial risk management strategy that involves spreading your investments across different asset classes, sectors, and geographic regions. This can help reduce the impact of any single stock’s poor performance on your overall portfolio.
Asset Allocation: Allocate your capital across various asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and commodities, to balance risk and reward.
Sector Diversification: Invest in stocks from different sectors to mitigate sector-specific risks.
Geographic Diversification: Consider investing in international stocks to reduce exposure to country-specific economic and political risks.
6. Stay Disciplined and Emotionally Detached
Emotional decision-making can be detrimental to stock trading. It’s essential to stay disciplined and stick to your trading plan, regardless of market volatility or emotional impulses.
Avoid Overtrading: Overtrading can lead to increased transaction costs and reduced overall returns. Stick to your trading plan and avoid making impulsive trades.
Manage Fear and Greed: Fear and greed are common emotions in stock trading. Develop strategies to manage these emotions, such as setting realistic expectations and using stop-loss orders.
Review and Adjust: Regularly review your trading plan and performance. Make necessary adjustments based on changing market conditions and your financial goals.
7. Utilize Stop-Loss and Take-Profit Orders
Stop-loss and take-profit orders are essential tools for managing risk and protecting your capital. These orders automatically close your positions at predetermined price levels, helping you lock in profits and limit losses.
Stop-Loss Orders: Set stop-loss orders to automatically sell a stock if its price falls below a certain level. This helps protect your capital from significant losses.
Take-Profit Orders: Use take-profit orders to automatically sell a stock when it reaches a predetermined profit level. This allows you to lock in gains and avoid holding onto winning positions for too long.
8. Keep an Eye on Market Trends
Staying informed about market trends and economic indicators can provide valuable insights for your trading decisions.
Economic Indicators: Monitor key economic indicators, such as GDP growth, unemployment rates, and inflation, as they can influence market sentiment and stock prices.
Market Trends: Identify and analyze market trends, such as bull and bear markets, to adjust your trading strategies accordingly.
News and Events: Stay updated on news and events that could impact the stock market, such as corporate earnings reports, geopolitical developments, and central bank announcements.
9. Learn from Your Mistakes
Mistakes are inevitable in stock trading, but they can also be valuable learning opportunities. Analyze your past trades to identify what went wrong and how you can improve your strategies.
Trading Journal: Keep a trading journal to document your trades, including entry and exit points, reasons for the trade, and outcomes. This can help you identify patterns and areas for improvement.
Self-Assessment: Regularly assess your trading performance and reflect on your decision-making process. Identify common mistakes and develop strategies to avoid them in the future.
Continuous Learning: Stay committed to continuous learning and improvement. Attend webinars, read books, and seek advice from experienced traders to enhance your skills.
10. Seek Professional Advice
If you’re unsure about your trading strategies or need personalized guidance, consider seeking advice from financial professionals. Financial advisors, brokers, and investment analysts can provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your needs.
Financial Advisors: Work with a financial advisor to develop a comprehensive investment plan and receive personalized advice.
Brokers: Consult with brokers who have expertise in stock trading and can provide valuable market insights and trade execution services.
Investment Analysts: Follow recommendations from investment analysts who conduct in-depth research and analysis on stocks and market trends.
Conclusion
Successful stock trading requires a combination of education, planning, discipline, and continuous learning. By implementing these top strategies, you can enhance your trading skills, make informed decisions, and achieve your financial goals. Remember, the stock market is unpredictable, and there are no guarantees of success. However, with a strategic approach and a commitment to learning, you can navigate the complexities of the market and build a successful trading career.
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Educational Resources: Utilizing various educational resources like books, online courses, and stock simulators significantly enhances trading knowledge and skills.
Clear Goals: Setting clear financial goals and objectives ensures a focused and disciplined approach to stock trading.
Comprehensive Trading Plan: A well-defined trading plan provides a roadmap for successful trading activities and helps avoid impulsive decisions.
Thorough Research: Conducting thorough research through fundamental, technical, and sentiment analysis leads to informed investment decisions.
Diversification: Diversifying investments across different asset classes, sectors, and geographic regions mitigates risks and enhances portfolio stability.
Emotional Discipline: Staying disciplined and emotionally detached from trading decisions minimizes the impact of market volatility and emotional impulses.
Risk Management Tools: Utilizing stop-loss and take-profit orders effectively manages risk and protects capital.
Market Awareness: Keeping an eye on market trends and economic indicators provides valuable insights for strategic trading decisions.
Learning from Mistakes: Analyzing past trades and learning from mistakes fosters continuous improvement and better trading strategies.
Professional Guidance: Seeking professional advice from financial advisors, brokers, and investment analysts offers personalized guidance and expert insights for successful stock trading.
By following these strategies and reviews, traders can enhance their chances of success in the dynamic and ever-changing world of stock trading.
Investing in the stock market can be an excellent way to build wealth over time. Whether you’re saving for retirement, aiming to make a major purchase, or just looking to grow your financial portfolio, understanding how to start investing in stocks is crucial. This guide will provide a step-by-step approach to get you started on your investment journey.
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janetjacksonseo · 11 months
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mariacallous · 1 year
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In today’s digital world, injustice lurks in the shadows of the Facebook post that’s delivered to certain groups of people at the exclusion of others, the hidden algorithm used to profile candidates during job interviews, and the risk-assessment algorithms used for criminal sentencing and welfare fraud detention. As algorithmic systems are integrated into every aspect of society, regulatory mechanisms struggle to keep up.
Over the past decade, researchers and journalists have found ways to unveil and scrutinize these discriminatory systems, developing their own data collection tools. As the internet has moved from browsers to mobile apps, however, this crucial transparency is quickly disappearing.
Third-party analysis of digital systems has largely been made possible by two seemingly banal tools that are commonly used to inspect what’s happening on a webpage: browser add-ons and browser developer tools.
Browser add-ons are small programs that can be installed directly onto a web browser, allowing users to augment how they interact with a given website. While add-ons are commonly used to operate tools like password managers and ad-blockers, they are also incredibly useful for enabling people to collect their own data within a tech platform’s walled garden.
Similarly, browser developer tools were made to allow web developers to test and debug their websites’ user interfaces. As the internet evolved and websites became more complex, these tools evolved too, adding features like the ability to inspect and change source code, monitor network activity, and even detect when a website is accessing your location or microphone. These are powerful mechanisms for investigating how companies track, profile, and target their users.
I have put these tools to use as a data journalist to show how a marketing company logged users’ personal data even before they clicked “submit” on a form and, more recently, how the Meta Pixel tool (formerly the Facebook Pixel tool) tracks users without their explicit knowledge in sensitive places such as hospital websites, federal student loan applications, and the websites of tax-filing tools.
In addition to exposing surveillance, browser inspection tools provide a powerful way to crowdsource data to study discrimination, the spread of misinformation, and other types of harms tech companies cause or facilitate. But in spite of these tools’ powerful capabilities, their reach is limited. In 2023, Kepios reported that 92 percent of global users accessed the internet through their smartphones, whereas only 65 percent of global users did so using a desktop or laptop computer.
Though the vast majority of internet traffic has moved to smartphones, we don’t have tools for the smartphone ecosystem that afford the same level of “inspectability” as browser add-ons and developer tools. This is because web browsers are implicitly transparent, while mobile phone operating systems are not.
If you want to view a website in your web browser, the server has to send you the source code. Mobile apps, on the other hand, are compiled, executable files that you usually download from places such as Apple’s iOS App Store or Google Play. App developers don’t need to publish the source code for people to use them.
Similarly, monitoring network traffic on web browsers is trivial. This technique is often more useful than inspecting source code to see what data a company is collecting on users. Want to know which companies a website shares your data with? You’ll want to monitor the network traffic, not inspect the source code. On smartphones, network monitoring is possible, but it usually requires the installation of root certificates that make users’ devices less secure and more vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks from bad actors. And these are just some of the differences that make collecting data securely from smartphones much harder than from browsers.
The need for independent collection is more pressing than ever. Previously, company-provided tools such as the Twitter API and Facebook’s CrowdTangle, a tool for monitoring what’s trending on Facebook, were the infrastructure that powered a large portion of research and reporting on social media. However, as these tools become less useful and accessible, new methods of independent data collection are needed to understand what these companies are doing and how people are using their platforms.
To meaningfully report on the impact digital systems have on society, we need to be able to observe what’s taking place on our devices without asking a company for permission. As someone who has spent the past decade building tools that crowdsource data to expose algorithmic harms, I believe the public should have the ability to peek under the hood of their mobile apps and smart devices, just as they can on their browsers. And it’s not just me: The Integrity Institute, a nonprofit working to protect the social internet, recently released a report that lays bare the importance of transparency as a lever to achieve public interest goals like accountability, collaboration, understanding, and trust.
To demand transparency from tech platforms, we need a platform-independent transparency framework, something that I like to call an inspectability API. Such a framework would empower even the most vulnerable populations to capture evidence of harm from their devices while minimizing the risk of their data being used in research or reporting without their consent.
An application programming interface (API) is a way for companies to make their services or data available to other developers. For example, if you’re building a mobile app and want to use the phone’s camera for a specific feature, you would use the iOS or Android Camera API. Another common example is an accessibility API, which allows developers to make their applications accessible to people with disabilities by making the user interface legible to screen readers and other accessibility tools commonly found on modern smartphones and computers. An inspectability API would allow individuals to export data from the apps they use every day and share it with researchers, journalists, and advocates in their communities. Companies could be required to implement this API to adhere to transparency best practices, much as they are required to implement accessibility features to make their apps and websites usable for people with disabilities.
In the US, residents of some states can request the data companies collect on them, thanks to state-level privacy laws. While these laws are well-intentioned, the data that companies share to comply with them is usually structured in a way that obfuscates crucial details that would expose harm. For example, Facebook has a fairly granular data export service that allows individuals to see, amongst other things, their “Off-Facebook activity.” However, as the Markup found during a series of investigations into the use of Pixel, even though Facebook told users which websites were sharing data, it did not reveal just how invasive the information being shared was. Doctor appointments, tax filing information, and student loan information were just some of the things that were being sent to Facebook. An inspectability API would make it easy for people to monitor their devices and see how the apps they use track them in real time.
Some promising work is already being done: Apple’s introduction of the App Privacy Report in iOS 15 marked the first time iPhone users could see detailed privacy information to understand each app’s data collection practices and even answer questions such as, “Is Instagram listening to my microphone?”
But we cannot rely on companies to do this at their discretion—we need a clear framework to define what sort of data should be inspectable and exportable by users, and we need regulation that penalizes companies for not implementing it. Such a framework would not only empower users to expose harms, but also ensure that their privacy is not violated. Individuals could choose what data to share, when, and with whom.
An inspectability API will empower individuals to fight for their rights by sharing the evidence of harm they have been exposed to with people who can raise public awareness and advocate for change. It would enable organizations such as Princeton’s Digital Witness Lab, which I cofounded and lead, to conduct data-driven investigations by collaborating closely with vulnerable communities, instead of relying on tech companies for access. This framework would allow researchers and others to conduct this work in a way that is safe, precise, and, most importantly, prioritizes the consent of the people being harmed.
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