#Image Recognition Market share

[industrynewsupdates]

Image Recognition Market Size, Share And Trends Analysis Report

The global image recognition market size is expected to reach USD 128.3 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 12.8% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Image processing and recognition have evolved with numerous powerful applications, such as security and surveillance, and medical imaging that have created a great value from a business perspective. Functions of figure identification, such as facial or object recognition, visual geolocation, barcode reading, and automated driver assistance, among other industrial automation-related functions, have demonstrated the versatility of this technology. When combined with AI, this technology has begun to create valuable growth opportunities in several verticals, such as gaming, social networking, and e-commerce. For instance, Twitter and Facebook, two major platforms in the world of social networking, have benefited from the technology in terms of audience engagement as they have created a more connected experience by encouraging users to share images and tag their friends.

The advent of digital cameras, particularly cameras built into smartphones, has led to an exponential growth in the volume of digital content in the form of images and videos. A vast amount of visual and digital data is being captured and shared through several applications, websites, social networks, and other digital channels. Several businesses have leveraged this online content to deliver better and smarter services to their customers, with the use of digital image processing. For instance, in October 2019, SnapPay Inc., a U.S. based payment platform provider, has launched facial recognition payment technology in the North America region. By using this thechnology in its payment solution, the company has aimed at allowing its customers a new level of convenience for payments at retail outlets.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Image Recognition Market

Image Recognition Market Report Highlights

• Facial recognition dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 22.5% in 2023. The increasing demand for enhanced security measures across various industries, such as government, banking, and retail, has significantly contributed to the dominance of facial recognition systems.

• The service segment led the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 39.1% in 2023. The service segment offers tailored image recognition solutions that can be customized to meet the specific needs of businesses across various industries.

• The cloud segment held the largest market revenue share of 71.6% in 2023. The rise in the cloud-based market is due to its greater use in industries needing centralized monitoring, such as BFSI, media, government, and entertainment.

• The retail & e-commerce segment dominated the market with a share of 21.0% in 2023. E-commerce websites prioritize content management to enhance their product offerings and boost sales.

• The marketing & advertising segment held the largest market share of 29.6% in 2023. Many businesses adopted technology with advanced advertising, customer interaction, and branding to improve their marketing activities.

• North America image recognition market dominated the global market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 34.0% in 2023. The rise in the market is due to the growing inclusion of AI and mobile computing in online shopping and e-commerce industries.

Image Recognition Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented global image recognition market report based on, technique, component, deployment mode, vertical, application, and region:

Image Recognition Technique Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• QR/ Barcode Recognition

• Object Recognition

• Facial Recognition

• Pattern Recognition

• Optical Character Recognition

Image Recognition Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Hardware

• Software

• Service

o Managed

o Professional

o Training, Support, and Maintenance

Image Recognition Deployment Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Cloud

• On-Premises

Image Recognition Vertical Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Retail & E-commerce

• Media & Entertainment

• BFSI

• Automobile & Transportation

• Telecom & IT

• Government

• Healthcare

• Others

Image Recognition Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Augmented Reality

• Scanning & Imaging

• Security & Surveillance

• Marketing & Advertising

• Image Search

Image Recognition Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• North America

o U.S.

o Canada

o Mexico

• Europe

o UK

o Germany

o France

• Asia Pacific

o China

o India

o Japan

o Australia

o South Korea

• Latin America

o Brazil

• Middle East and Africa (MEA)

o Saudi Arabia

o South Africa

o UAE

Order a free sample PDF of the Image Recognition Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[aarunresearcher]

United States image recognition market size reached USD 10.1 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 20.5 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% during ​2025-2033​. 

[pureprofanelove24]

The Price of Worship

Chapter 3: The Third Force, The K-Pop Earthquake, and a Fateful Encounte

[Summary] [Prologue] [Chapter 1] [Chapter 2] [Chapter 3]

The rumors began as whispers on online forums and small news articles in regional media. A new male group, Saja Boys, was emerging in Busan, promising to shake up the foundations of K-pop. At first, they were just another debut in a saturated market. But the teasers and leaked photos showed something different: a raw charisma, a beauty that ranged from cute to intensely seductive, and a promise of undeniable talent. It didn't take long for whispers to turn into shouts, and all of Korea to turn its eyes to the phenomenon being born. In a few weeks, their songs dominated the charts, and their faces graced magazine covers.

In an elegant office in downtown Busan, the same demon Samyong, with his now permanently satisfied smile, gestured to five young men who barely contained their demonic auras under their human disguises. "The doors are open, my brothers, and the stage is set," he boomed, his voice vibrating with contagious enthusiasm. He didn't need to sell them the idea; they had known Jinu's plan for decades. Still, the pantomime of the "irresistible offer" was necessary for the few humans in the agency, for before the eagerly awaited Honmoon fracture, only a tiny, negligible number of capable demons had managed to escape and infiltrate the human world an agency composed solely of demons, besides being unfeasible, would be immediately discovered; the best and most sensible option was for the demons to occupy the highest and executive positions, subtly manipulating the situation while the remaining workers were composed of humans.

The launch of their first single was a tsunami. With each new song, each appearance on variety shows, each sold-out concert in Busan and, later, in Seoul – always being careful not to interact directly with HUNTRIX – the popularity of the Saja Boys skyrocketed. The cute Maknae, BABY, dominated social media with his calculated innocence and sharp raps. ABBY, the older brother with apparent muscles, set the stage on fire with his protective presence and seductive fan service. MYSTERY, the silent observer, kept fans speculating about his secrets, creating an obsession to unravel what lay behind his bangs. ROMANCE, the flirty boy, broke hearts and inspired fantasies with every wink and charming rogue smile and Jinu, the leader with his timeless beauty and "ideal boyfriend" aura, personified the image of perfection and stability that the public yearned for.

The K-pop fandoms, previously polarized between HUNTRIX and Vocaloid, began to fragment drastically. "My heart is now tripartite!" some commented. "I never thought a male group would do this to me, but Saja Boys are everything!" others wrote, shifting their loyalty or, at the very least, dividing it with growing fervor. The attention, adoration, and, crucially, the positive energy of the fans were pulverized in three directions, for Samyong and his colleagues, every new chart the Saja Boys dominated was a victory, another step towards the anarchy they craved. Distraction and division were a slow but effective poison for the barrier that held the Honmoon standing.

"Did you see Saja Boys' new song? Isn't it so catchy?" Luka asked, her voice soft and calm demeanor characteristic, as you and Rin stretched in the dressing room before a showcase. The damp towel on your neck was a relief after rehearsal, but Luka's excitement was palpable. Rin, always energetic, jumped into a sitting position, her eyes sparkling. "I loved their choreography! My favorite is Mystery, but Baby is really cool too, right, Miku?"

You nodded, a smile on your lips. "Yes, they're very talented. It's good to see more amazing groups in K-pop." There was no envy in your voices, just genuine curiosity and recognition of talent. For you, Luka, and Rin, the idol world was a stage where music reigned, and the love for music should be shared. Competition was just an incentive to work harder, to perfect every note and every move, and to give your best to the audience. When the Saja Boys began to receive the same, if not greater, attention, your management team, diligently controlled by infiltrated demons, ensured that the "bubble of protection" around you remained intact, for after all, you three had to be kept happy and healthy, both physically and mentally, to continue singing and, consequently, weakening the Honmoon.

A curious, unexpected event for the demons on Vocaloid's team was that, though fundamentally apathetic to human life, it would be undeniable to admit that constant coexistence led them to develop a peculiar attachment to you three. For three years, they had invested time, energy, and cunning to cultivate Vocaloid's talent, protecting them from industry predators and molding them into perfect weapons against the Honmoon. It was a pragmatic, almost possessive attachment, like a chef who cares for a rare and precious ingredient that shouldn't be consumed despite the exquisite promise of flavor. Some—the younger ones or those who spent more time directly with you—could even feel a slight and uncomfortable desire to "spare them" when the Honmoon finally fell, a remnant of human empathy they hated, but which you, in your purity, inadvertently managed to awaken.

They were efficient at filtering out negative news, softening criticism, and building an impeccable narrative for Vocaloid. "This is normal in the industry, girls," your manager assured them with a warm smile, deflecting the few barbs from the media and comparing them to the "toxicity" that HUNTRIX faced. "It's healthy to have competition, but your talent and authenticity are unquestionable. Focus on our music, and the fans will stay with us, loyal."

They were right; your fans' adoration remained fervent, shielded from the greatest toxicities. You continued to release hits, pack arenas, and inspire joy. The world outside might have been fragmenting, but within your bubble of passion and harmony, music was all that mattered, and for Vocaloid, success was a sweet melody, and the growing popularity of the Saja Boys, just another song added to the vibrant soundtrack of the industry.

As you three remained comfortable in the bubble of protection created by your demonically diligent team, the demons leading the Saja Boys' agency, seeking to solidify their position in the music industry and, more importantly, to ensure a "cordial" relationship with Vocaloid—since you three had proven to be a powerful weapon against the Honmoon—decided that securing a "friendship" would be essential to arrange joint events that would increase public attention and overshadow HUNTRIX. With this in mind, a meeting between the two groups was scheduled on a popular interactive variety show, where different idol groups participated in challenges and live interviews. The atmosphere on set was electric, with cameras focused on every interaction. Towards the end of the show, you, Luka, and Rin were preparing for the final performance alongside the Saja Boys, the audience applauding the rare union of talents when suddenly, a loud crack reverberated in the studio, and above your head, one of the giant spotlights, held by worn cables—and, of course, demonically manipulated to detach at the perfect moment—broke free with a metallic screech, plummeting towards you.

Time seemed to freeze in a distorted frame; you saw the mass of metal and glass, the size of a small car, hurtling towards you with terrifying speed, your mind locking in pure shock, unable to move a muscle or even scream. It was an immense weight, gravity accelerating, the shrill sound of metal detaching echoing in your ears like the ominous herald of something fatal. Your feet were glued to the floor, eyes wide, breath caught in your throat, all you could do was stare at the deadly gleam of the falling object, but before the spotlight's shadow could engulf you, an agile and unexpectedly strong figure leaped forward; it was BABY, the maknae of the Saja Boys.

In a swift and almost impossible movement for a normal human—so fast that for the cameras it was as if he had teleported from one side of the stage to the other in a matter of seconds—he violently pulled you aside, spinning his body to shield yours. You felt his impact against you, his arm wrapping around your waist and his body covering you almost entirely, despite him being smaller than you. In the next instant, the spotlight smashed onto the floor with a deafening thud, a metallic crash that made the studio tremble, shards of glass and incandescent sparks flying dangerously, mere inches from where you had been moments before, and the heat of the freshly impacted metal emanated from the crash site. An overhead camera recorded everything, focusing on the accident spot and then on both of you on the ground.

The audience, at home and in the studio, let out a collective scream of horror that quickly transformed into a murmur of shock, and then, into euphoric and thunderous applause as they realized the danger had been averted. The maknae of the Saja Boys, still covering your body with his on the floor, lifted his head and his eyes, previously slightly dark with the tension—in reality, annoyance—of the rescue, softened almost instantly into his public persona, full of concerned and cute gentleness. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice low and surprisingly soft, with a touch of "genuine" relief—at least that's how it seemed to the camera and the people present—you and he were still lying in each other's arms. "Are you hurt?" His voice and gaze were so gentle that it made you want to cry.

Luka and Rin, who were a few meters from you, screamed hysterically upon seeing the spotlight fall and BABY throw himself on top of you. In a flash, they were by your side, their faces contorted in panic. "Miku! Are you okay?! Are you hurt?" Luka exclaimed, her hands trembling uncontrollably as she hugged you tightly, checking every part of your body for any serious visible injuries beyond small, shallow cuts and scratches. "Baby, are you okay too? Oh my god, that was... that was terrible!" Rin said, her voice choked with tearful shock and fright; after making sure you weren't hurt, she seemed to remember that Baby had also been in danger saving you, and even with her gaze turned towards him, she, like Luka, still continued to embrace you. Both were pale, eyes wide and filled with tears of relief and terror. A production crew and on-set medics were already rushing to the scene, checking for damage, collecting shards, and ensuring that the small injuries caused by the fall and glass fragments were treated. The "hero" BABY had "injured" himself from the fall and fragments, having used his body as a shield for yours; luckily, they were just small scratches and minor cuts that wouldn't leave scars. Your demonic staff acted with cold efficiency, already starting to manage the narrative for the media, directing cameras and controlling information.

You were in shock, your body still trembling, your mind processing how close you had come to tragedy and how courageous and quick Baby had been. Luka and Rin's protective hugs were your safe haven amidst the chaos; they held you firmly, repeating words of relief and affection as the medical team examined you. Still in a state of fear, you could barely respond, only mumbling thanks. The fright was so immense that you just wanted to feel the security of your friends' arms and go home to sleep.

Backstage, after the emergency team confirmed that no one had been seriously injured and that both the front-row audience, you, and Baby had only suffered minor cuts, it was decided that the incident would be investigated as a "regrettable technical failure." The Vocaloid CEO, with a smile almost as maniacal as Samyong's, assured that everything was under control. "It was a scare, but fortunately, young BABY was a hero," he told you, despite showing satisfaction -at the plan's success - his eyes now holding a softer, more careful gaze directed at you and the tearful Luka and Rin

Still slightly shaky but with adrenaline subsiding, you looked for BABY. You found him in a less crowded corner, already back in his sweet and slightly embarrassed persona, your eyes observing him, filled with an almost childlike admiration. It was the first time you had seen someone so genuinely altruistic, so quick and selfless in protecting you.

An overwhelming wave of gratitude washed over you. "Thank you so much," you said, your voice a little hoarse with emotion, eyes welling up. "You... you saved me. I don't even know how to thank you... you were so brave, so fast." He just smiled, his eyes shining with a captivating innocence that seemed to fill the room. "It was nothing! I'm just glad you're okay. Anyone would do that." Feeling a deep connection and a need to reciprocate his kindness, you took out your phone. "Please, take my number. If you need anything, or if you want to talk... I really want to thank you properly." BABY accepted the phone, his fingers lightly brushing yours, and for a fleeting millisecond, you noticed a different glimmer in his eyes—a hint of something colder—but before you could understand what it was, his adorable maknae persona returned in full force.

The incident became the main topic of conversation in Korea—and around the world, as Vocaloid is so popular—for weeks. The video of BABY's rescue went viral, flooding news channels, gossip blogs, and social media. "BABY: The K-Pop Hero!", "Vocaloid's Guardian Angel!". In parallel, HUNTRIX's new song, which had been released on the same day as the accident, was completely overshadowed by the wave of popularity and heroism of the Saja Boys' maknae, overshadowing HUNTRIX's new music.

Far from the spotlights, in the privacy of their opulent dorm, the Saja Boys' star masks fell. BABY, formerly the shy and adorable maknae, now laughed with cruel amusement, rubbing his shoulder that had barely been grazed by the incident, but which he would use to attract public sympathy. "The human almost turned into a stain on the floor; it would have been a waste of flesh," he scoffed, rolling his eyes at ROMANCE. Baby's innate pride prevented him from even considering your own true fragility; he only saw you as another piece in his game. "So fragile. I almost had to exert myself to prevent her from staining me with her fear."

ROMANCE, sprawled lazily on the couch, his smile, which once promised love, now revealed a cold disdain; his lust wasn't for love, but for adoration and control. "And she even gave you her number. How pathetic," he sneered, his voice laced, but without passion. "These humans crave any crumb of connection, any fantasy of proximity, even with someone they barely know."

ABBY, the latent rage in his muscles, snorted, fists clenched. "All this for a mere spotlight. They are so fragile, it gets on my nerves. I can't wait to really crush something, something that actually resists. All this theater tires me." He ran a hand through his hair, impatience overflowing.

MYSTERY, seated in the darkest corner, observed in silence, his envy of human freedom manifesting as a cold, calculating curiosity about their behaviors. "Their desperation is our strength," he said, his voice almost a whisper. "The more they believe in 'connections' and 'heroes,' the more vulnerable they become. Her adoration for Baby will now connect her to us, without her realizing the web we are weaving." His lilac eyes, hidden beneath his bangs, gleamed with a cold, relentless analysis of the human psyche.

Jinu, the leader, watched his brothers-in-arms with an almost unreadable expression. The melancholic laziness he felt wasn't physical laziness, but a moral apathy, an existential weariness with the futility of human existence, too tormented by memories of the past to care about anything but his objective. He didn't participate in the mockery. "Focus. The objective is the barrier, not individual crushing; they are our allies for the barrier's fall, we shouldn't sabotage or alienate them. We must ensure a good professional relationship is the best alternative," he said, his voice calm and controlled, but with a hint of veiled irritation at their lack of professionalism. "Maintain your personas. We can't give them reasons to suspect; humanity is a resource, not an obstacle to be wasted. The show must go on, so the barrier can fall. Every interaction with Vocaloid is crucial." His dark eyes fixed on a distant point, reflecting a cold intelligence and a patience that transcended centuries.

For Rumi, Zoey, and Mira, the arrival of the Saja Boys was not an exciting novelty, but another overwhelming weight on their already bowed shoulders. They watched the news on their tablets, their eyes dark with fatigue and frustration. "They are everywhere," Zoey murmured, dropping the device onto the coffee table in the dorm. "It seems like every day they release something new, and the public... they are going crazy."

Rumi massaged her temples, her expression tense. The legacy of her mother—and of generations of previous huntresses—hung over her like a heavy crown, and with each new defeat to Vocaloid, and now to Saja Boys, she felt that she was failing not only herself but an entire lineage of huntresses. "We are the huntresses," she said, her voice choked, more to herself than to the others. "We should be able to handle this. We cannot be the weak link." Mira, her fists clenched on her knees, nodded. "The Honmoon is... strange," she confessed, her voice low, the barrier's "hunger" more intense each day. "I feel as if it's pulling me, as if it's starving. And this division of fans... it's as if the energy is being sucked somewhere else, and what's left for us is... contaminated."

The media's toxicity hit them brutally. Rumi's "nepo baby" accusations, Zoey's "Americanization," and Mira's "privilege" were amplified, contrasted with the "purity" and "humility" of the newcomers; the divided fandom was a direct blow to the source of their magic. They saw the online comments, the incessant fights between the fans of the three groups, and felt the purity of adoration disintegrate into anger and disunity. With each fandom fight, the Honmoon seemed to let out an imperceptible moan, a crack deepening.

Bob, their normal human and friendly manager, though concerned about the drop in the charts, desperately tried to console them, completely unaware of the real gravity of the situation. "Girls, calm down," Bob said, forcing a nervous smile. "It's a phase. Saja Boys are the novelty, it's normal, but you're still HUNTRIX! You're one of the biggest, if not the biggest, K-pop groups, and no one has the fan base you have in history! This is just a passing trend. Focus on delivering impeccable performances, and the public will return. This is just another industry challenge." His words, spoken with genuine intent to calm, sounded empty to HUNTRIX's ears; ironically, the same was said about Vocaloid, at first it was said they would be a passing trend, and now they are the main competitor of the huntresses. Who could say the situation wouldn't be the same with Saja Boys? And worse, what would they do if the situation repeated itself and Saja Boys weren't just a temporary trend? HUNTRIX now felt the dark truth of the Honmoon weakening in their own bodies.

And the live TV incident with Vocaloid and BABY... it was the last straw—a strategic blow that left them reeling—not that they knew it yet, as they hadn't even noticed the demons' manipulations, although they were beginning to suspect something was wrong with Vocaloid. Up until now, everything seemed like an accident that occurred at the worst possible moment. "Our song, which we released with so much effort, wasn't even mentioned," Zoey vented, her voice full of sad bitterness as the video of BABY saving the main vocalist played on loop on all news and entertainment screens. "It's like we're being erased. Our effort doesn't matter anymore... What do we do?" Her voice faded as insecurity crept into her tone. Mira silently watched Zoey try to merge with the sofa cushion while she herself sat at the low table, pondering all possible ways to reverse the situation, her sharp tongue and rebellious behavior silenced by the seriousness of the situation.

The fear of failure was a constant shadow, but determination was a flame that, though flickering, refused to die out. "We can't give up," Rumi declared, raising her head, eyes flashing. "We are HUNTRIX. Previous generations faced terrible things. No matter how difficult it gets, we will find a way. We need to find a way." Each of their gazes met, a silent pact of resilience. HUNTRIX were stressed, bruised by the industry and the weakening of their power source, but hope, that stubborn and unshakeable hope, still pulsed in their hearts. They knew the Honmoon depended on them, and that responsibility, however daunting, propelled them forward. The battle had only just begun, and they refused to lose.

NOTES: Hello!!! Another chapter released, and here are the chapter explanations:

The Saja Boys debuted. Unlike the movie, where they debut 5 years after the Huntrix, when they're already established in the music world and on the verge of exterminating the demons with the Golden Honmoon, in my fanfic, they debuted 2 years earlier.

Basically, the timeline is like this: almost two decades before Rumi was born, the demons hatch a plan. Five years before the movie begins, the Huntrix debut, and the Vocaloids debut in the same year. For three years, the two bands compete fiercely, and the Saja Boys debut in ANOTHER city where the Huntrix don't live.

I made this change for two reasons:

1. The movie's pacing is too rushed; in two weeks, they manage to become more popular than the Huntrix with ONE song.

2. Jinu's original plan was good and could have worked IF the Saja Boys had Had they not been IMMEDIATELY revealed as demons using their powers in front of the Huntrix after choosing to debut in the MOST protected city in Korea, if they had chosen another city they could have played stupid games, undermining the reach and loyalty of the Huntrix fans, who, let's face it, weren't that loyal since they became obsessed with the Saja Boys within days.

In the chapter, there's a comment about meat. Well, that's also a macabre change I made. In the film, although they only steal souls, people's bodies also disappear, and I wanted to justify the reason for this in the fanfic: the demons steal souls to feed Gwi-ma, who uses his energy to keep the demons alive. BUT they also need to feed on human flesh to strengthen themselves or to satisfy their hunger.In the film, when souls are stolen, the bodies remain and are classified as mysterious deaths or sudden illnesses. In the fanfic, as Honmoon weakens, the demons begin to drag the bodies to the underworld to eat and grow stronger

Demons can't starve to death, but they do wither and weaken, which is why it was so easy for hunters from previous generations to kill them and think they were all weak because they were weak from 400 years of imprisonment and starvation. This is a subtle change, but one I'll work on a lot in the future.

For now that's all for these notes. Tell me what you thought of the chapter, and don't forget that I'm open to any requests, comments, opinions, etc.

TAG LIST: @ph1lo-s0ph1a, @scara-simp69, @venommie, @snowy-violet, @mysteris-things, @airwolf92, @katzline, @azzberry, @minkyungseokie, @ratchetprime211, @momentomoribitch

[astrologydray]

♊️Gemini Mc in the each of the degrees🎭

If you have a Gemini Midheaven (MC), your career and public image are influenced by Gemini’s themes of communication, versatility, and intellectual curiosity. You may thrive in fields involving writing, media, technology, teaching, or sales.

• 0° Gemini (Gemini Point) – A natural communicator and intellectual. Could excel in media, journalism, or public speaking.

• 1° Gemini – Highly curious and adaptable. May pursue multiple careers or work in fast-paced industries.

• 2° Gemini – An engaging storyteller; could thrive in writing, publishing, or broadcasting.

• 3° Gemini – A quick thinker with a sharp mind. Prefers intellectually stimulating careers.

• 4° Gemini – Strong networking abilities. Success comes from making the right connections.

• 5° Gemini – A master of multitasking. Likely to have a career with variety and movement.

• 6° Gemini – Drawn to education, research, or public relations. A natural teacher or speaker.

• 7° Gemini – A witty and persuasive communicator; may succeed in sales or advertising.

• 8° Gemini – Talented with words. Could excel in writing, copywriting, or language-based work.

• 9° Gemini – A restless and curious mind. May struggle with career stability but excels in learning.

• 10° Gemini – Highly sociable; could be a media personality, influencer, or journalist.

• 11° Gemini – Gifted in technology or digital communication. Could work in social media, IT, or AI fields.

• 12° Gemini – Strong intuition for trends and information. Could thrive in consulting or marketing.

• 13° Gemini – A strong need for intellectual independence. Prefers freelance or flexible career paths.

• 14° Gemini – Charismatic and persuasive; a great public speaker or negotiator.

• 15° Gemini – Quick-witted and sharp. Could thrive in legal work, politics, or academia.

• 16° Gemini – Adaptable but needs to focus on long-term career goals. May switch jobs frequently.

• 17° Gemini – A highly creative mind. Could excel in advertising, writing, or entertainment.

• 18° Gemini – A gifted mimic. Could be successful in acting, voice work, or linguistics.

• 19° Gemini – Intellectually restless; needs a career that keeps them mentally engaged.

• 20° Gemini – Naturally persuasive and influential. Could thrive in leadership or media roles.

• 21° Gemini – Highly analytical; may be drawn to careers in data analysis, research, or science.

• 22° Gemini – A master of adaptation. Could work in multiple fields or juggle side hustles.

• 23° Gemini – A strong love for debate and discussion. May be drawn to law or philosophy.

• 24° Gemini – A creative storyteller. Success in journalism, screenwriting, or podcasting.

• 25° Gemini – Exceptionally sharp and quick-thinking; could be drawn to stock trading or strategic consulting.

• 26° Gemini – A love for teaching and sharing knowledge. Could be a professor, coach, or mentor.

• 27° Gemini – Highly independent; prefers self-employment or careers with autonomy.

• 28° Gemini – A media-savvy individual. Likely to gain public recognition through words or ideas.

• 29° Gemini (Anaretic Degree) – A master communicator with an intense drive for knowledge. Could become famous for their intellect, writing, or public speaking. However, they may struggle with indecision or restlessness in their career path.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Big Tech disrupted disruption

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/08/permanent-overlords/#republicans-want-to-defund-the-police

Before "disruption" turned into a punchline, it was a genuinely exciting idea. Using technology, we could connect people to one another and allow them to collaborate, share, and cooperate to make great things happen.

It's easy (and valid) to dismiss the "disruption" of Uber, which "disrupted" taxis and transit by losing $31b worth of Saudi royal money in a bid to collapse the world's rival transportation system, while quietly promising its investors that it would someday have pricing power as a monopoly, and would attain profit through price-gouging and wage-theft.

Uber's disruption story was wreathed in bullshit: lies about the "independence" of its drivers, about the imminence of self-driving taxis, about the impact that replacing buses and subways with millions of circling, empty cars would have on traffic congestion. There were and are plenty of problems with traditional taxis and transit, but Uber magnified these problems, under cover of "disrupting" them away.

But there are other feats of high-tech disruption that were and are genuinely transformative – Wikipedia, GNU/Linux, RSS, and more. These disruptive technologies altered the balance of power between powerful institutions and the businesses, communities and individuals they dominated, in ways that have proven both beneficial and durable.

When we speak of commercial disruption today, we usually mean a tech company disrupting a non-tech company. Tinder disrupts singles bars. Netflix disrupts Blockbuster. Airbnb disrupts Marriott.

But the history of "disruption" features far more examples of tech companies disrupting other tech companies: DEC disrupts IBM. Netscape disrupts Microsoft. Google disrupts Yahoo. Nokia disrupts Kodak, sure – but then Apple disrupts Nokia. It's only natural that the businesses most vulnerable to digital disruption are other digital businesses.

And yet…disruption is nowhere to be seen when it comes to the tech sector itself. Five giant companies have been running the show for more than a decade. A couple of these companies (Apple, Microsoft) are Gen-Xers, having been born in the 70s, then there's a couple of Millennials (Amazon, Google), and that one Gen-Z kid (Facebook). Big Tech shows no sign of being disrupted, despite the continuous enshittification of their core products and services. How can this be? Has Big Tech disrupted disruption itself?

That's the contention of "Coopting Disruption," a new paper from two law profs: Mark Lemley (Stanford) and Matthew Wansley (Yeshiva U):

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4713845

The paper opens with a review of the literature on disruption. Big companies have some major advantages: they've got people and infrastructure they can leverage to bring new products to market more cheaply than startups. They've got existing relationships with suppliers, distributors and customers. People trust them.

Diversified, monopolistic companies are also able to capture "involuntary spillovers": when Google spends money on AI for image recognition, it can improve Google Photos, YouTube, Android, Search, Maps and many other products. A startup with just one product can't capitalize on these spillovers in the same way, so it doesn't have the same incentives to spend big on R&D.

Finally, big companies have access to cheap money. They get better credit terms from lenders, they can float bonds, they can tap the public markets, or just spend their own profits on R&D. They can also afford to take a long view, because they're not tied to VCs whose funds turn over every 5-10 years. Big companies get cheap money, play a long game, pay less to innovate and get more out of innovation.

But those advantages are swamped by the disadvantages of incumbency, all the various curses of bigness. Take Arrow's "replacement effect": new companies that compete with incumbents drive down the incumbents' prices and tempt their customers away. But an incumbent that buys a disruptive new company can just shut it down, and whittle down its ideas to "sustaining innovation" (small improvements to existing products), killing "disruptive innovation" (major changes that make the existing products obsolete).

Arrow's Replacement Effect also comes into play before a new product even exists. An incumbent that allows a rival to do R&D that would eventually disrupt its product is at risk; but if the incumbent buys this pre-product, R&D-heavy startup, it can turn the research to sustaining innovation and defund any disruptive innovation.

Arrow asks us to look at the innovation question from the point of view of the company as a whole. Clayton Christensen's "Innovator's Dilemma" looks at the motivations of individual decision-makers in large, successful companies. These individuals don't want to disrupt their own business, because that will render some part of their own company obsolete (perhaps their own division!). They also don't want to radically change their customers' businesses, because those customers would also face negative effects from disruption.

A startup, by contrast, has no existing successful divisions and no giant customers to safeguard. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain from disruption. Where a large company has no way for individual employees to initiate major changes in corporate strategy, a startup has fewer hops between employees and management. What's more, a startup that rewards an employee's good idea with a stock-grant ties that employee's future finances to the outcome of that idea – while a giant corporation's stock bonuses are only incidentally tied to the ideas of any individual worker.

Big companies are where good ideas go to die. If a big company passes on its employees' cool, disruptive ideas, that's the end of the story for that idea. But even if 100 VCs pass on a startup's cool idea and only one VC funds it, the startup still gets to pursue that idea. In startup land, a good idea gets lots of chances – in a big company, it only gets one.

Given how innately disruptable tech companies are, given how hard it is for big companies to innovate, and given how little innovation we've gotten from Big Tech, how is it that the tech giants haven't been disrupted?

The authors propose a four-step program for the would-be Tech Baron hoping to defend their turf from disruption.

First, gather information about startups that might develop disruptive technologies and steer them away from competing with you, by investing in them or partnering with them.

Second, cut off any would-be competitor's supply of resources they need to develop a disruptive product that challenges your own.

Third, convince the government to pass regulations that big, established companies can comply with but that are business-killing challenges for small competitors.

Finally, buy up any company that resists your steering, succeeds despite your resource war, and escapes the compliance moats of regulation that favors incumbents.

Then: kill those companies.

The authors proceed to show that all four tactics are in play today. Big Tech companies operate their own VC funds, which means they get a look at every promising company in the field, even if they don't want to invest in them. Big Tech companies are also awash in money and their "rival" VCs know it, and so financial VCs and Big Tech collude to fund potential disruptors and then sell them to Big Tech companies as "aqui-hires" that see the disruption neutralized.

On resources, the authors focus on data, and how companies like Facebook have explicit policies of only permitting companies they don't see as potential disruptors to access Facebook data. They reproduce internal Facebook strategy memos that divide potential platform users into "existing competitors, possible future competitors, [or] developers that we have alignment with on business models." These categories allow Facebook to decide which companies are capable of developing disruptive products and which ones aren't. For example, Amazon – which doesn't compete with Facebook – is allowed to access FB data to target shoppers. But Messageme, a startup, was cut off from Facebook as soon as management perceived them as a future rival. Ironically – but unsurprisingly – Facebook spins these policies as pro-privacy, not anti-competitive.

These data policies cast a long shadow. They don't just block existing companies from accessing the data they need to pursue disruptive offerings – they also "send a message" to would-be founders and investors, letting them know that if they try to disrupt a tech giant, they will have their market oxygen cut off before they can draw breath. The only way to build a product that challenges Facebook is as Facebook's partner, under Facebook's direction, with Facebook's veto.

Next, regulation. Starting in 2019, Facebook started publishing full-page newspaper ads calling for regulation. Someone ghost-wrote a Washington Post op-ed under Zuckerberg's byline, arguing the case for more tech regulation. Google, Apple, OpenAI other tech giants have all (selectively) lobbied in favor of many regulations. These rules covered a lot of ground, but they all share a characteristic: complying with them requires huge amounts of money – money that giant tech companies can spare, but potential disruptors lack.

Finally, there's predatory acquisitions. Mark Zuckerberg, working without the benefit of a ghost writer (or in-house counsel to review his statements for actionable intent) has repeatedly confessed to buying companies like Instagram to ensure that they never grow to be competitors. As he told one colleague, "I remember your internal post about how Instagram was our threat and not Google+. You were basically right. The thing about startups though is you can often acquire them.”

All the tech giants are acquisition factories. Every successful Google product, almost without exception, is a product they bought from someone else. By contrast, Google's own internal products typically crash and burn, from G+ to Reader to Google Videos. Apple, meanwhile, buys 90 companies per year – Tim Apple brings home a new company for his shareholders more often than you bring home a bag of groceries for your family. All the Big Tech companies' AI offerings are acquisitions, and Apple has bought more AI companies than any of them.

Big Tech claims to be innovating, but it's really just operationalizing. Any company that threatens to disrupt a tech giant is bought, its products stripped of any really innovative features, and the residue is added to existing products as a "sustaining innovation" – a dot-release feature that has all the innovative disruption of rounding the corners on a new mobile phone.

The authors present three case-studies of tech companies using this four-point strategy to forestall disruption in AI, VR and self-driving cars. I'm not excited about any of these three categories, but it's clear that the tech giants are worried about them, and the authors make a devastating case for these disruptions being disrupted by Big Tech.

What do to about it? If we like (some) disruption, and if Big Tech is enshittifying at speed without facing dethroning-by-disruption, how do we get the dynamism and innovation that gave us the best of tech?

The authors make four suggestions.

First, revive the authorities under existing antitrust law to ban executives from Big Tech companies from serving on the boards of startups. More broadly, kill interlocking boards altogether. Remember, these powers already exist in the lawbooks, so accomplishing this goal means a change in enforcement priorities, not a new act of Congress or rulemaking. What's more, interlocking boards between competing companies are illegal per se, meaning there's no expensive, difficult fact-finding needed to demonstrate that two companies are breaking the law by sharing directors.

Next: create a nondiscrimination policy that requires the largest tech companies that share data with some unaffiliated companies to offer data on the same terms to other companies, except when they are direct competitors. They argue that this rule will keep tech giants from choking off disruptive technologies that make them obsolete (rather than competing with them).

On the subject of regulation and compliance moats, they have less concrete advice. They counsel lawmakers to greet tech giants' demands to be regulated with suspicion, to proceed with caution when they do regulate, and to shape regulation so that it doesn't limit market entry, by keeping in mind the disproportionate burdens regulations put on established giants and small new companies. This is all good advice, but it's more a set of principles than any kind of specific practice, test or procedure.

Finally, they call for increased scrutiny of mergers, including mergers between very large companies and small startups. They argue that existing law (Sec 2 of the Sherman Act and Sec 7 of the Clayton Act) both empower enforcers to block these acquisitions. They admit that the case-law on this is poor, but that just means that enforcers need to start making new case-law.

I like all of these suggestions! We're certainly enjoying a more activist set of regulators, who are more interested in Big Tech, than we've seen in generations.

But they are grossly under-resourced even without giving them additional duties. As Matt Stoller points out, "the DOJ's Antitrust Division has fewer people enforcing anti-monopoly laws in a $24 trillion economy than the Smithsonian Museum has security guards."

https://www.thebignewsletter.com/p/congressional-republicans-to-defund

What's more, Republicans are trying to slash their budgets even further. The American conservative movement has finally located a police force they're eager to defund: the corporate police who defend us all from predatory monopolies.

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

[cosmic-daydreamz02]

Career Reading

Placements to look at for your ideal career:

2nd house-how you make money

6th house-daily routine and work

10th house-career and public image

MC- career point.

11th house-social networks, long-term goals, opportunities for advancement (2nd from MC, so it shows the income from the career)

North Node - your life purpose and direction ; what you are meant to move towards in this lifetime

Part of Fortune - Where you find joy and success in this life, linked to both material and spiritual fulfillment

Vertex - represents fated encounters in your life. Where and how your destiny unfolds/ your turning point in life (not normally linked to career, but I think it can show what leads you to your true calling in this life especially if yours is in one of the money or career houses)

Saturn- rules discipline, structure, and long-term achievement, where you need to put in consistent effort to achieve success. Indicates your approach to responsibility in your career

Sun- core identity and life purpose, where you shine the most

Jupiter- expansion luck and growth. It shows your opportunities for success

Venus - where you can use your artistic abilities and social charm. It can also be how you attract money and resources

Signs and Career

Aries

• Career style: Assertive, pioneering, energetic, independent.

• Fields: Leadership roles, entrepreneurship, sports, military, anything involving action or competition.

• Drive: You take initiative and thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments where you can be first.

Taurus

• Career style: Steady, practical, patient, and value-oriented.

• Fields: Finance, banking, agriculture, real estate, art, luxury goods, anything involving material wealth or beauty.

• Drive: Security, stability, and a focus on building long-term wealth. Aesthetic and sensory satisfaction are important.

Gemini

• Career style: Communicative, versatile, adaptable, intellectual.

• Fields: Journalism, writing, teaching, marketing, sales, technology, anything that involves communication or travel.

• Drive: Curiosity and intellectual stimulation. You thrive in dynamic, social environments where you can multitask.

Cancer

• Career style: Nurturing, protective, intuitive, emotionally driven.

• Fields: Healthcare, caregiving, real estate, hospitality, education, psychology, anything that involves caring for others.

• Drive: Emotional security and a need to create a safe, supportive environment. You work best when you feel connected to your work on an emotional level.

Leo

• Career style: Charismatic, creative, confident, leadership-focused.

• Fields: Entertainment, arts, fashion, politics, sports, anything involving self-expression and performance.

• Drive: Recognition, fame, and the desire to shine. You excel in careers where you can showcase your talents and leadership.

Virgo

• Career style: Detail-oriented, analytical, service-minded, organized.

• Fields: Healthcare, administration, research, editing, writing, data analysis, anything involving precision and service.

• Drive: Efficiency and perfection. You aim to serve others by improving systems or contributing to something meaningful.

Libra

• Career style: Diplomatic, collaborative, partnership-oriented, aesthetically inclined.

• Fields: Law, diplomacy, art, design, beauty, fashion, anything involving partnership or justice.

• Drive: Harmony and balance in professional relationships. You thrive in roles where teamwork, fairness, and aesthetics are valued.

Scorpio

• Career style: Intense, transformative, secretive, powerful.

• Fields: Psychology, research, finance (especially investments, taxes, inheritance), surgery, anything involving transformation or mystery.

• Drive: Power and control. You are drawn to careers that allow you to dig deep and uncover hidden truths or manage shared resources.

Sagittarius

• Career style: Adventurous, philosophical, expansive, freedom-loving.

• Fields: Education, travel, law, publishing, international business, anything that involves exploration and knowledge-sharing.

• Drive: Freedom and expansion. You seek opportunities that allow you to learn, grow, and explore new horizons.

Capricorn

• Career style: Ambitious, disciplined, authoritative, responsible.

• Fields: Business, politics, government, finance, engineering, management, anything that involves structure, authority, and long-term goals.

• Drive: Success and achievement. You are career-focused and work tirelessly toward building a solid reputation and legacy.

Aquarius

• Career style: Innovative, humanitarian, unconventional, forward-thinking.

• Fields: Technology, science, social reform, innovation, group work, anything involving progressive change or social impact.

• Drive: Making a difference and creating a better future. You work best in collaborative or unconventional environments that allow for innovation.

Pisces

• Career style: Compassionate, imaginative, spiritual, idealistic.

• Fields: Art, music, healing, psychology, spirituality, charity work, anything that involves creativity, intuition, or service to others.

• Drive: Helping others and finding deeper meaning. You’re drawn to careers where you can use your empathy and creativity to make a positive impact.

Houses and Career Focus

1st House (Self-Identity, Public Persona)

You identify closely with your career. You're meant for careers where you're the leader or face of whatever you do, you're meant to be in the public eye somehow.

2nd House (Money, Resources, Values)

Financial stability and security is what drives you in your career. You would do good in careers related to banking and finance or sales (more like selling luxury goods or real estate)

3rd House (Communication, Learning, Siblings)

Communication, education, and travel. Or working in media. Teaching, writing, or sales/ anything that involves exchanges of info

4th House (Home, Family, Roots)

Home design, family business, real estate. Care giving or working from home. Emotional fulfillment through your career

5th House (Creativity, Pleasure, Children)

Creative fields, working with children. Career allows for self-expression. performance or leadership roles

6th House (Work Environment, Health, Service)

Service industry, Healthcare (especially if you have heavy virgo/pisces or 6th/12th placements), administration, work that requires tedious precision and detail

7th House (Partnerships, Marriage)

Collaboration, requires partnerships in career. Law, any counseling/consulting work, diplomat

8th House (Shared Resources, Transformation)

Finance (other peoples money like taxes, inheritance, etc), psychology, research/investigation

9th House (Philosophy, Travel, Higher Education)

Higher education, travel, law, publishing, career could be linked to foreign lands, (travel vlogger, professor, resort owner?)

10th House (Career, Reputation, Public Life)

Leadership, recognition, achieving goals, public image and success are emphasized

11th House (Community, Goals, Social Networks)

Community service/humanitarian work, technology, collective work

12th House (Spirituality, Solitude, Healing)

Healing, spirituality, charity work, hospitals, or creative/behind the scenes work like set design, director etc

[kleopatra45]

Greetings, I had request if you can post careers related to the 10th house/MC from both western and vedic perspective... Thanking you

Careers Related to the 10th House/MC: Western and Vedic Perspectives

The 10th house, often associated with the Midheaven (MC), is a pivotal house in astrology that governs career, public reputation, achievements, and how we strive for success. Both Western and Vedic astrology provide rich insights into the career potential through the analysis of this house, though they approach the interpretation differently.

Western Astrology:

In Western astrology, the 10th house and the Midheaven (MC) reveal the nature of one's career, public image, and long-term aspirations. The sign on the MC, the ruling planet of the MC, and any planets in the 10th house shape the direction of one’s professional life. Below is a breakdown of possible career paths based on the sign on the MC and the planets associated with the 10th house.

Aries MC: Individuals with Aries on the MC are natural leaders, driven by ambition and a pioneering spirit. They thrive in careers that allow them to take charge and lead, such as entrepreneurship, military roles, sports, or any field where quick decision-making and initiative are valued.

Taurus MC: Taurus on the MC suggests a career focused on stability, security, and material success. These individuals are drawn to professions in finance, real estate, agriculture, luxury goods, and any field where their practical nature and aesthetic sensibilities can shine.

Gemini MC: With Gemini on the MC, communication is key. These individuals excel in roles that involve writing, teaching, media, journalism, marketing, or any job that requires adaptability, networking, and intellectual engagement.

Cancer MC: Cancer on the MC often indicates a nurturing career path. These individuals may be drawn to professions related to caregiving, such as nursing, childcare, social work, or real estate, hospitality, and any job where creating a sense of home or emotional security is important.

Leo MC: Leo on the MC is associated with a desire for recognition and creative expression. Careers in entertainment, acting, politics, fashion, and leadership roles are common. These individuals often seek careers where they can stand out, inspire others, and express their creative talents.

Virgo MC: Virgo on the MC points to a meticulous and service-oriented approach to work. These individuals may excel in healthcare, research, editing, service industries, and any career that requires attention to detail, organization, and a focus on improving systems.

Libra MC: Libra on the MC is linked to careers involving beauty, harmony, and relationships. These individuals might be drawn to law, diplomacy, fashion, art, counseling, or any role that involves balancing opposing forces, aesthetics, or creating harmony in social settings.

Scorpio MC: Scorpio on the MC suggests a career involving intensity, transformation, and depth. These individuals may pursue careers in psychology, research, finance, detective work, or any field where they can explore the unknown, deal with crises, or engage in transformative work.

Sagittarius MC: Sagittarius on the MC is associated with careers that involve exploration, education, and the pursuit of knowledge. These individuals may find fulfillment in teaching, travel-related jobs, publishing, philosophy, or any field that allows them to broaden their horizons and share wisdom.

Capricorn MC: Capricorn on the MC is linked to ambition, structure, and long-term goals. These individuals are often drawn to careers in government, management, business, engineering, or any field where discipline, responsibility, and strategic planning are required.

Aquarius MC: Aquarius on the MC indicates a career path that involves innovation, humanitarian work, and social reform. These individuals may excel in technology, science, social causes, or any field where they can contribute to progressive change and work towards a better future for society.

Pisces MC: Pisces on the MC is associated with creativity, compassion, and spirituality. These individuals may be drawn to careers in the arts, healing, spirituality, film, photography, or any field where they can express their imagination and connect with the emotional or spiritual dimensions of life.

Vedic Astrology:

In Vedic astrology, the 10th house, also known as Karma Bhava, represents career, professional success, and one's contributions to society. The planet ruling the 10th house, the condition of Saturn (the natural significator of career), and the placement of planets in the 10th house are crucial in determining one's career path.

Sun in the 10th House: The Sun in the 10th house signifies leadership and authority. Individuals with this placement may pursue careers in government, politics, administration, or any role where they can be in charge. They are often seen in positions of power and influence, where their leadership qualities are recognized.

Moon in the 10th House: The Moon in the 10th house brings a nurturing and emotionally responsive approach to one's career. Individuals with this placement may excel in public relations, hospitality, healthcare, real estate, or any field that involves caring for others and creating a supportive environment. Their careers often involve a connection to the public or dealing with the needs of others.

Mars in the 10th House: Mars in the 10th house indicates a dynamic and action-oriented career. These individuals are likely to be drawn to careers in the military, engineering, sports, law enforcement, or any field that requires courage, determination, and physical energy. They excel in competitive environments and are often seen in roles that involve taking decisive action.

Mercury in the 10th House: Mercury in the 10th house signifies a career involving communication, intellect, and business acumen. Individuals with this placement may excel in writing, teaching, journalism, trade, commerce, or any profession that requires intellectual skills, adaptability, and the ability to convey information effectively.

Jupiter in the 10th House: Jupiter in the 10th house indicates a career in teaching, counseling, law, or finance. These individuals are often drawn to roles that involve guiding others, sharing knowledge, and upholding ethical principles. They may find success in academic fields, religious institutions, or any profession where wisdom and morality are valued.

Venus in the 10th House: Venus in the 10th house suggests a career in the arts, entertainment, fashion, or luxury goods. These individuals are often drawn to professions where beauty, aesthetics, and creativity play a central role. They may also find success in diplomacy, public relations, or any field that requires charm, social skills, and a sense of harmony.

Saturn in the 10th House: Saturn in the 10th house indicates a disciplined and structured approach to one's career. These individuals may pursue careers in politics, engineering, construction, or labor-related jobs. They are often seen in roles that require responsibility, hard work, and long-term commitment. Saturn's influence may also lead to careers involving law, administration, or any field where persistence and patience are key.

Rahu in the 10th House: Rahu in the 10th house signifies unconventional and innovative career paths. These individuals may be drawn to careers in media, technology, foreign jobs, or any field that involves breaking new ground and challenging societal norms. They may also find success in professions that deal with mystery, research, or hidden knowledge.

Ketu in the 10th House: Ketu in the 10th house indicates a career focused on spiritual pursuits, research, or the occult. These individuals may be drawn to roles that involve detachment from material success, such as in astrology, spiritual counseling, or any field where inner wisdom and insight are valued over external recognition. Ketu's influence may also lead to careers in fields that require a deep understanding of the metaphysical or esoteric.

Additionally, the D10 chart (Dasamsa) is used for a deeper analysis of career prospects.

I hope this helps! ���️

©️kleopatra45

[good-old-gossip]

A Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) attack on a busy market in western Darfur on Monday resulted in a "horrific massacre", a war monitor said on Wednesday.

The military's shelling of the Tur'rah market, located 80km north of el-Fasher, left hundreds dead, according to Emergency Lawyers, a group of lawyers who monitor the war in Sudan. While an official death toll has yet to be confirmed, Sudanese aid groups reported that at least 54 people were killed in the attack.

Darfur Victims Support (DVS), a local group that supports victims of the conflict, cited eyewitnesses who reported that some 126 civilians were killed in the attack, with many bodies "burnt beyond recognition".

The group noted that the market serves as a commercial hub for the surrounding areas and that it would have been thronging with people at the time of the attack, at approximately 2pm.

DVS condemned the strike as "deliberate and systematic," reporting that approximately 10 barrel bombs were dropped on the market. It further cited one witness who said that white phosphorous was used in the attack. Images shared by the group appeared to show charred bodies scattered among the smouldering ruins of the market stalls.

Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan arrived by plane in Sudan’s capital Khartoum after his troops recaptured the airport on Wednesday from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Reuters reported on Wednesday that RSF forces had mostly withdrawn from the capital, with the army deploying throughout several neighbourhoods, in what is one of the most significant developments of the two-year war between the army and the RSF.

Last Friday, Sudan’s army took full control of the country’s presidential palace in Khartoum, two years after it was seized by the paramilitary RSF. Today, Al Jazeera aired footage showing Burhan inside the presidential palace where he declared, “Khartoum is free”.

After closing in on the building on the Blue Nile in recent days, the army-aligned government announced its capture on Friday. “Today the flag is raised, the palace is back and the journey continues until victory is complete,” Khaled al-Aiser, Sudan’s information minister, wrote on X when the palace was captured.

The streets of Khartoum erupted in celebration on Tuesday after the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) declared the city free from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.

Following intense street battles, the SAF officially announced its control over Khartoum, sparking jubilant scenes among those who remained in the city. Mohamed Obaid, 40, from Nile East - a former RSF stronghold - described the terror of survival under occupation. “I stayed indoors for days without food, too afraid to step outside,” he recounted to Middle East Eye. “I don’t even want to remember those days.

You could die at any moment for no reason. “If you managed to reach a Starlink shop to exchange money, you’d find RSF fighters running the place, seizing 30 percent of your cash for no reason.

They controlled all supplies and sold them at outrageous prices.” Emad Hassan, who fled to Cairo when the conflict erupted, told MEE: “I never thought I’d use this key again,” waving the key to his long-abandoned home in Khartoum. Hassan compared his experience to that of Palestinian refugees, forced from their homes but never giving up the hope of return.

“They still carry the keys to their houses wherever they go. We Sudanese love our land. We will return. The RSF expelled us in the most humiliating way, but we will come back.”

Despite the jubilant scenes, for many displaced Sudanese, the situation remains too volatile to risk returning home.

Once a symbol of beauty at the confluence of the White and Blue Nile, the capital now bears the scars of war - widespread destruction, streets littered with debris, and homes filled with tragic stories.

Dead bodies of civilians and soldiers alike serve as grim reminders of the suffering endured.

✍️ MEE / Mohammed Amin

[industrynewsupdates]

Image Recognition Market Size, Trends, and Business Outlook 2024-2030

The global image recognition market size was valued at USD 53.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8% from 2024 to 2030. 

This growth is attributed to the increasing volumes of image data, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and the growing demand for automation across various sectors are pivotal. In addition, the integration of image recognition in applications such as healthcare, retail, and security enhances operational efficiency and customer engagement. Furthermore, the rise of edge computing and mobile solutions further supports market expansion.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Image Recognition Market 

Image recognition technology, powered by machine learning, has been embedded in several fields, such as self-driving vehicles, automated image organization of visual websites, and face identification on social networking websites. One of the most popular applications of image identification is social media monitoring, as visual listening and visual analytics are essential factors of digital marketing. Image recognition is highly used in applications related to safety and security, such as facial recognition used by law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, airports are increasingly using face remembrance technology at security checkpoints.

The growing popularity of high-bandwidth data services and advanced machine learning has led to a higher demand for image recognition technology among people. Establishments in different sectors such as media & entertainment, retail, IT & telecom, and Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) have led to the growing utilization of advanced technologies within their companies, consequently driving the acceptance of image recognition. The system for image recognition assists in recognizing objects, buildings, locations, logos, individuals, and other images. Moreover, advances in image recognition tech enable connecting offline materials such as brochures and magazines with promotional videos, AR experiences, and product details using images from a smartphone.

In addition, an automated system for recognizing images is essential in computer vision, as it can pinpoint an image or attribute within digital photos and videos. It allows users to collect and analyze data in real-time. Information is gathered in complex dimensions and results in numerical or symbolic data. Computer vision, an image recognition component, allows for object recognition, event detection, image reconstruction, learning, and video tracking tasks. Image recognition technology has seen various opportunities arise in areas such as big data analysis and successful branding of products and services, thanks to the expanding use of image databases.

Furthermore, since the database serves as the training material for image recognition solutions, open-source frameworks such as software libraries and software tools form the building blocks of the solution. These frameworks help prepare or train machines to learn from the images available in the database by providing different types of computer vision functions, such as medical screening, obstacle detection in vehicles, and emotion and facial recognition, among others. Some of the leading libraries for image recognition include UC Berkeley's Caffe, Google Tensor Flow, and Torch.

Image Recognition Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the image recognition market report based on, technique, component, deployment mode, vertical, application, and region.

Technique Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• QR/ Barcode Recognition

• Object Recognition

• Facial Recognition

• Pattern Recognition

• Optical Character Recognition

Component Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Hardware

• Software

• Service

• Managed

• Professional

• Training, Support, and Maintenance

Deployment Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Cloud

• On-Premises

Vertical Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Retail & E-commerce

• Media & Entertainment

• BFSI

• Automobile & Transportation

• Telecom & IT

• Government

• Healthcare

• Others

Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Augmented Reality

• Scanning & Imaging

• Security & Surveillance

• Marketing & Advertising

• Image Search

Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• North America

o U.S.

o Canada

o Mexico

• Europe

o UK

o Germany

o France

• Asia Pacific

o China

o India

o Japan

o Australia

o South Korea

• Latin America

o Brazil

• Middle East and Africa (MEA)

o Saudi Arabia

o South Africa

o UAE

Browse through Grand View Research's Next Generation Technologies Industry Research Reports.

• The global video management software market was valued at USD 9.69 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.5% from 2024 to 2030. 

• The global 3D Scanning market was valued at USD 3.95 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% from 2024 to 2030.

Key Companies And Market Share Insights

Some key companies in the image recognition market include Attrasoft, Inc., Blinkfire Analytics, Inc., Kairos AR, Inc., Catchroom, Chooch., Cloudsight, Inc., Google, GumGum, Inc., Hitachi, Ltd.; and others that focus on development with continuous innovations and enhancements.

• Blinkfire Analytics, Inc. specializes in AI-powered visual content analysis for sports, media, and entertainment industries. Blinkfire's proprietary platform uses computer vision and machine learning algorithms to automatically detect, track, and analyze brand exposures, logos, and sponsorships within images and videos, providing valuable insights for brands, teams, and leagues. The company's offerings include sponsorship valuation, brand monitoring, and audience engagement metrics, enabling clients to measure the effectiveness of their marketing efforts and optimize their sponsorship strategies.

• Kairos AR, Inc. provides facial recognition and image analysis solutions, offering products and services that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to deliver accurate and efficient image recognition capabilities. Kairos' flagship platform, Kairos Face Recognition, provides real-time facial recognition, identification, and verification, with security, access control, and customer experience applications. The company's other offerings include Kairos Demographics, which analyzes age, gender, and emotions, and Kairos Emotions, which detects and interprets emotional responses. Kairos' solutions are used across various industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail, and are designed to integrate with existing systems and infrastructure, enabling seamless deployment and scalability.

Key Image Recognition Companies:

The following are the leading companies in the image recognition market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends. 

• Attrasoft, Inc.

• Blinkfire Analytics, Inc.

• Catchroom

• Chooch.

• Cloudsight, Inc.

• Google

• GumGum, Inc.

• Hitachi, Ltd.

• Honeywell International Inc.

• Kairos AR, Inc.

• LTU Tech

• NEC Corporation

• Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

• DEEPSIGNALS

• Calrifai, Inc.

• Wikitude, a Qualcomm company

Recent Developments

• In April 2023, Chooch launched ImageChat, a solution that enables enterprises to create detailed computer vision models using text prompts. Trained on over 11 billion parameters and 400 million images, ImageChat can identify more than 40 million visual details. This innovative tool offered users to generate captions and keywords for images and videos and interact with visual content to gain deeper insights. Combining AI Vision with large language models, ImageChat enhances data reliability and accuracy, making it ideal for object detection and detailed reasoning applications.

Order a free sample PDF of the Image Recognition Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[aarunresearcher]

United States image recognition market size reached USD 10.1 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 20.5 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% during ​2025-2033​. The increasing development of sophisticated algorithms, particularly deep learning models, which has significantly improved the accuracy and performance of image recognition systems, is driving the market.

[angeliqueiguess]

Focus! (Character Endings) Pt.1

(must read after reading the fic)

Over the years, through relentless effort and unwavering dedication, NeoMagazine grew far beyond its humble beginnings, establishing itself as a global leader in its field. The magazine reached audiences across the world, breaking into major markets in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, where its content was not only widely recognized but genuinely admired.

What started as a local publication evolved into something much more significant—a creative powerhouse that resonated with readers from different cultures and backgrounds. NeoMagazine became more than just a magazine; it was a symbol of innovation, diversity, and inspiration, connecting people and ideas on an international scale.

Y/n Suh

After NeoMagazine’s growth and success, Y/n continued pursuing her passion for photography, just as she always had. However, this time, her talent and expertise took her to new heights. Her ability to capture more than just images—to tell stories and evoke emotions through her lens—set her apart in the world of high fashion. She became known for her striking work at haute couture runway shows and her portraits of top-tier models, earning opportunities to collaborate with major brands across the globe.

On a personal level, her bond with the team—who were more like friends than colleagues—had never been stronger. They remained her constant support system and a reminder of where it all began. Her relationship with Jaehyun was also thriving. After overcoming their past differences and challenges, they decided to take a significant step forward and move in together. Living under the same roof brought its share of adjustments, but it strengthened their connection, deepening their love and partnership as they built a life grounded in respect, understanding, and mutual support.

Johnny Suh

After the success of NeoMagazine, Johnny took the brand to a whole new level. With an ambitious vision, he began recruiting young talents from different parts of the world, helping them chase their dreams just as he had once done. His focus expanded beyond the magazine, diving into new creative ventures and becoming a key player in several multinational companies. His influence grew, not just as a media pioneer but as someone who inspired and empowered others to achieve greatness.

On a personal level, despite everything he had built, Johnny’s love for music never faded. The dream of becoming a DJ, once pushed aside, finally became a reality when Mark’s manager—knowing Johnny’s passion for music production—offered him a contract to start creating his own tracks. This opportunity led to the release of his debut album, "NEO", a project that showcased his creativity and love for experimentation. Johnny’s journey came full circle when he performed the album live at the iconic Coachella festival, fulfilling a lifelong dream and proving that it’s never too late to embrace the passions that fuel you.

Jung Jaehyun

After NeoMagazine’s growth, Jaehyun’s life seemed to stay mostly the same, albeit at a much faster pace. Calls and requests for runway shows and photoshoots skyrocketed, earning him greater recognition in the industry. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of his busy career, there came a moment when he paused to reflect: none of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of his friends and his girlfriend. Beyond his professional success, Jaehyun decided to take a bold step into the business world by acquiring 50% ownership of NeoMagazine. This move not only deepened his commitment to the brand but also played a significant role in driving the company’s exponential growth, solidifying it as a global leader in fashion and creativity.

On a personal note, Jaehyun chose to take a few months off to focus more on his relationship with Y/n. After her groundbreaking photography showcase, the two decided to move to California to start a fresh chapter together. During this time, a new creative spark began to emerge in him. What started as quiet curiosity evolved into something bigger when Jaehyun decided to explore music—a passion he had kept to himself for years. What began as a hobby soon turned into an exciting new venture, and almost spontaneously, he released his first single, "Dandelion". The song was an instant hit, resonating with fans of both fashion and music, and proving that Jaehyun was a multifaceted artist capable of excelling in more than one arena.

—-

Focus Masterlist // Main Masterlist

prev // next

Taglist: @apolloxxivmin @aerivrs @chan-yeoldelling @livingdoll-hara @cryingforjae @heavenjae @milanco @sibwol @neocupidd @minkyuncutie @miniature-tragedy @kukkurookkoo @kodasity @injunnie-lemon @thegracerammy @hahaechans @illitzen @pandagirl753 @flamingi

[cramberrytea]

How Could an Angel Break My Heart?

Characters: Kaidan x Kimiya (Original Character)

Summary: Doesn't absence make the heart grow fonder? For Kimiya's sake she hoped that wasn't the case. She hoped that those several years apart would assist her in forgetting about their shared past. However, upon seeing her childhood friend chained and shackled in an abandoned prison those hopes were turned to ash.

Word Count: 1,716

Warnings: Slight Angst, Kimiya being slightly hungover. (am i doing this right?)

A few wee notes:

first off i'm ngl this is my first time posting on here. Please give me grace while I try to be aesthetic, and learn tumblr etiquette.

second, the main character is a redguard woman (she's black y'all). while i describe her in detail please feel free to envision her however you'd like.

first few chapters are on the shorter side! sorry!

title is from the song "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" by toni braxton and babyface

Chapter 1 (Kimiya)

⋆｡‧˚ʚChapter 2ɞ˚‧｡⋆

───✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧────✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧────✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧────✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧───

　

With trembling hands, she gripped the parchment. The words were blurry from the tears in her eyes obscuring the image. But that didn’t matter, as she read the letter five times over. She knew, even through blurry eyes, exactly what each word said.

Even when the tears began to fall onto the words, smudging them beyond recognition, she knew what they said. She slid down the wall, her naked body trembling. Her cheeks and neck wet with fresh tears. Her wails bounced off the wood walls, as she clawed at her chest. The pain was so deep, too deep to get to. That didn’t stop her from trying.

She looked back down at the letter in her hands. It was torture reading this over and over again, but she had to understand. There had to be something she missed. So she read it again…’Dear—‘

“Kimiya�� A loud voice with an accent called out. At the sound of her name, the said woman jolted up out of her modest single bed. Her voluminous hair slanted into the shape the pillow forced it into. Several loose pieces of hay protrude outwards from her curly tresses in various locations. Under normal circumstances she would have applied her moisturizer and oils and braided her hair back. However last night was anything but a normal circumstance. Well, it actually was.

The soft clink of empty bottles of mead colliding helped remind her of the events from last night.

“By the Nine lass, this place is a sty. You really oughta clean up around here” Kimiya pried her eyes open. Crust from the intense sleep she had, and the tears she let out while unconscious, made it hard to finally open her eyes. Her eyes turned directly towards the red headed figure at the door to her room.

She whines, throwing herself back onto her pillow, attempting to go back to sleep.

“Fuck off Brynjolf. It’s your fault.” She grumbles out, her words muffled by the pillow covering her entire face.

“How so?” He teased leaning against the doorframe. “I don’t recall doing anything.”

“You were the one who challenged me to that stupid…hhhuhhm…challenge!” Kimiya tiredly argued. “You claimed you could drink me under the table! No way was I gonn…a let that slide! That’s defamation of character!” She continued pointing at him lazily.

“Speaking of, I believe I am owed 20 gold.” He says walking closer into the room. Stepping over the several bottles of Black-Briar Mead, and the occasional Honningbrew. Kimiya slaps a small sack of 20 gold into Brynjolf’s calloused hands, with way more force than necessary.

“You can add it to the grocery fund.” She says venomously from the same position on her bed.

He retraced his steps, over the empty bottles and back to the doorway.

“Great idea, I’m running to the market. Need anything?” He asks before he exits the room.

“More sleep.”

“It’s past noon, lass.”

“What that got to do with me?”

Brynjolf nodded. “Noted.”

Everything was quiet once Brynjolf left the house. As much as Kimiya tried her best to drift back off to sleep, her eyes remained locked on the wooden beams above her head. Another dream. Her eyes drifted down towards the wall, and her eyebrows furrowed as images from her dream resurfaced. The dream was closer to a memory than an actual dream. It makes sense that it would manifest in such a way, she thinks about what happened every day.

She hadn’t realized she’d been laying in bed so long until she heard rapid footsteps coming closer and closer to her room. Her door swung open, slamming into the wall beside it. At the sound of the collision Kimiya bolted up in her bed, her hand sliding under her pillow and grabbing her dagger in one fell swoop. She was ready to attack, until she saw her roommate.

“Maven’s here.” He says basically hanging on the doorknob of Kimiya’s room, before running back out.

At the realization that her employer was present at her house she jumped out of bed. Immediately running to her dresser, grabbing a pair of brown pants. She haphazardly stepped into her pair of pants, flopping onto the corner of her bed tugging her pants up to her waist. However at the sound of Brynjolf’s voice she stopped halfway.

“Maven, it’s a pleasure to see you—“

“Cut the pleasantries Brynjolf, where’s Kimiya?” Maven’s icy voice replies.

“She’s—“

Kimiya comes hastily jogging down the steps, into the dining room, where Maven and Brynjolf were located. The sound of thumping and colliding against furniture could be heard by the two in the dining room. Finally Kimiya bolts straight into the dining room. Her pants were hanging just below her butt, however her long flowy shirt covered it completely. Kimiya kept her legs wide in an attempt to keep her pants from sliding down her legs.

“Right here.” Brynjolf finishes.

“Kimiya,” Maven starts, turning her attention towards the woman who just entered the room.

The raven haired woman eyes Kimiya with a raised brow.

“Your stance is uncomfortably wide this morning.” She finishes before continuing on as if it was beneath her to notice. Brynjolf looked at his roommate with a look that read “what are you doing?!”

“I need you in Whiterun.” The air in the room grew stale as Kimiya’s heart dropped at the command, it would be a surprise if anyone didn’t hear it. “Sabjorn has once again declined my generous offer for a merger. I need you to gather information and report back to me. Do you understand me?”

Kimiya nods, soaking in the information.

“Loud and clear, ma’am.”

Maven nods in acknowledgement before turning towards the front door, however before she exited she turned towards Kimiya.

“And, do clean yourself up. You smell like the inside of an empty bottle of mead.” She finishes, glancing over at Kimiya with a quirked eyebrow. She didn’t miss the way Kimiya’s nostrils flared and the corners of her lips turned downwards into a slight scowl. Maven directed her brief attention which was on Kimiya back towards the door before gracefully exiting the home.

Kimiya bore into the door where Maven was previously, attempting to shoot a laser out of her eyes and into the unsuspecting skull of said woman. Sadly such things were impossible, so she had to use her imagination.

Kimiya let out an exasperated sigh once so tired herself out with the mental image of frying Maven’s head off, she leaned back onto the wall beside her. The slight shift in her body caused her loose hanging pants to slide down to her ankles with a plop.

Brynjolf watched as the pair of pants pooled at her ankles, he stared for a moment before looking up at his roommate with a deadpan look on his face.

“You couldn’t even put your pants on right, lass?”

Kimiya scoffed, stepping out her pants. “I was in a time crunch. Would you rather have me come down with no pants at all?” She grabbed the pair off the ground.

The lack of an answer from Brynjolf, was an answer within itself.

“Stop that.”

“I mean three years ago that would have been a definite yes.”

Before he could finish his sentence Kimiya was already walking up the steps back to her room

“I’m not listening to you!” She yells back. At the sound of her door slamming he let out a snicker.

Kimiya fell on her bed with a grunt. Maven’s words “I need you in Whiterun.” echoed in her mind, almost tauntingly. Her heart hammered in her chest at the thought of being… there. There’s no way to get around it, negotiating with Maven is futile and a waste of energy. She stared at the wood walls beside her. Memories flooded her mind and her lips crinkle into a frown, however she sits up and pushes herself up off the bed, stone faced.

After about 2 hours Kimiya finally came back down. She plopped her brown and gold pack on the table next to where Brynjolf was eating. She grabbed a few apples from the table, stuffing them in the bag.

“Headed out already?” He asked looking up from his plate, and towards the woman in light leather armor. A corset hugged her torso, not tight enough to be uncomfortable or anything. Her sleeves came down to her wrists, however the front part came to her knuckles. The sleeves were split down the middle and bound together by string, from her shoulders down to her wrists. Her boots came up to her mid thigh, stopping before her harness which sat on her upper thigh. Her voluminous hair was parted into several braids, which ran down her chest.

“Yeah, pretty sure Mavens orders weren’t to be done at my leisure.” She sighs, shrugging her bow over her shoulder, and shoving a dress in her pack with unneeded force. Brynjolf nods knowingly, attempting to take her mind elsewhere he starts on his list.

“Health potions?”

“Yeah, got five.”

“Stamina potions?”

“Also five.”

“Change of clothes”

“Yup.”

“Water skin?”

“Got it…wait.”

Brynjolf gave Kimiya a knowing look as she jogged upstairs to her room to grab her empty waterskin. Once she finally came down the steps she hooked the water skin onto her belt. “Got it.” She says with a triumphant smile.

“I see that.” He nods with a small amused smirk.

After the two had finally finished up their impromptu checklist Kimiya swung her bag over her shoulder.

“Well, roomie, I’m off.” she says as she extends an arm out towards Brynjolf. The redhead stands up from his chair wrapping his arm around her waist bringing her into a side hug. However before she could pull away, he put his hands on her shoulders holding her steady. His emerald eyes looking into her brown ones.

“You’ll be fine, you won't be there for long.” He says looking into her eyes, as if he was trying to force what he was saying into her brain. Kimiya pressed her lips into a firm line as she recalls her job, the task ahead, and the strenuous emotional regulation ahead. Brynjolf squeezes her shoulder as he looks down at her despondent expression. He exhales through his nose, rubbing her arm in comfort.

[get-seeds-right-here]

Sour Diesel:

Everything you need to know.

Sour Diesel is a known cannabis variety that has fascinated fans for years due, to its strong scent and powerful impact since its emergence in the early 1990s, as a significant part of cannabis culture.

## The Emergence of an Icon

The origins of Sour Diesel can be traced back, to New York City where a vibrant group of individuals had an influence on its development and availability, to the public.

The origins of Sour Diesel are not fully. Are believed to stem from Chemdawg 91 and Super Skunk strains coming to create a powerful hybrid known for its fuel like scent and energizing properties. Though the actual story, behind its creation is probably more complex, than just a mix of two varieties commonly told in cannabis lore.

“The hidden world of cannabis, in New York City”

In the scene of 1990s New York City. A hub of diverse strains and types. A close knit group of growers and dealers shared and traded their products freely. It was, within this environment that Sour Diesel emerged and thrived.

AJ and his team members. Referred to as The Bro, Weasel and Pinsky. Played a role, in popularizing Sour Diesel across the city. They were part of a community of marijuana enthusiasts who were always exploring strains and methods of cultivation.

The Albany Crew—an assembly of farmers, from New York—was instrumental in the evolution of Sour Diesel well. They nurtured iterations of the strain known as “Diesel 1” and “Diesel 2 ” setting the foundation, for the Sour Diesel that emerged later on.

“The Game of Names”

The origin of the name ” Sour Diesel” is quite interesting as it originated from a misunderstanding, by AJ himself. The story goes that a bucket labelled as “Our Diesel” with number 5 written on it was mistakenly read as ” Sour Diesel”.. Just like that the name stuck because it aptly describes the strains flavor profile which blends a fuel like “diesel” scent, with a tangy and sour undertone.

This story showcases how strain names, in the world of cannabis are often linked to chance occurrences or casual observations than intentional choices or deep meanings.

## Journey, to Stardom

In the mid ’90s Sour Diesel rose to fame rapidly. Gained a following, in New York City and beyond due to its powerful effects and unique scent that distinguished it from other strains available, at the time.

The price of Sour Diesel surged as its popularity rose significantly in the market and reached a peak where it was selling for a $50, per gram in New York City due, to its quality and the challenges associated with acquiring it.

Sour Diesels prestigious image was partly due, to its price tag, in the cannabis market. It gained a following among connoisseurs who were willing to splurge for a chance to experience this strain firsthand.

During the time before the internet became widespread and easily accessible, to everyone Sour Diesels popularity mainly relied on people sharing their experiences with friends. This strain gradually gained recognition, within the cannabis community through conversations and recommendations.

The organic marketing strategy worked wonders for Sour Diesel as its distinct qualities left a lasting impression, on users who became keen to recount their encounters with it to their peers. Sparking a word of mouth hype that continues now with an air of mystique surrounding the strain.

## The Trials of Growing Plants

Cultivating Sour Diesel is quite a challenge as it is an slender plant that demands room and meticulous care. This difficulty, in growing the strain adds to its allure. Clarifies the scarcity of Sour Diesel strains in the market.

Optimal circumstances, for growing Sour Diesel involve;

During the day the weather will range from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius). The evening temperatures range from 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 18 degrees Celsius). Make sure to provide your plants with a minimum of 18 hours of light each day during the growth phase. During the flowering stage the relative humidity typically hovers, around 50 to 60 percent.

The plants height necessitates ample vertical room prompting cultivators to utilize methods such, as topping or LST (Low Stress Training).

Growing Sour Diesel can be quite demanding due, to its flowering period of around 10 to 12 weeks before it matures fully—a hurdle for growers in areas, with growing seasons.

The extended period for the plant to bloom enhances the strength of the strain and results, in a range of terpenes in it. However it also raises concerns about problems such, as invasions or mold infestations especially when growing outdoors.

Growing Sour Diesel successfully can be quite rewarding despite the obstacles that may arise! This strain is famous, for yielding moderate to amounts of potent buds with THC levels averaging between 20% to 25% and in some cases even higher, during testing of certain phenotypes.

“The Profile of Terpenes”

Sour Diesel stands out for its blend of terpenes giving it a smell and influencing its effects significantly.

“Sour Diesel contains some terpenes that contribute to its aroma and flavor profile.”

“Limonene gives off those zesty and tangling citrus notes.” Myrcene adds a touch of earthiness and muskiness to the mix. Caryophyllene contributes peppery flavors to the mix. Pinene adds a hint of fragrance.

Sour Diesels energizing and uplifting effects are believed to be influenced by the presence of limonene in this strain of cannabis plant extract. Some research suggests that limonene is linked to enhancing mood and reducing stress levels in individuals.

“The Impact”

“Sour Diesel is well known for its invigorating and mentally stimulating effects that users frequently describe as uplifting.”

Feeling uplifted and ecstatic. Feeling inspired in a way.

Enjoys being, around people and chatting.

Sour Diesels effects are favored by many, for daytime activities like artistry and writing due to its stimulating properties that appeal to individuals such as artists and writers however its strong potency may prove too intense for beginners or individuals, with low THC tolerance levels.

“Medical Uses”

Sour Diesel is widely recognized for its use. Has also become a favorite, among those who use medical cannabis for various health purposes such, as…

Relaxation techniques Feeling better, from being, in the dumps Dealing with pain.

Boosting ones desire to eat.

There is a need to emphasize that despite the feedback, from users about the benefits of Sour Diesel and other cannabis strains, in the field; further research is required for a comprehensive understanding of their medicinal capabilities.

## The Tradition Lives On

“Sour Diesel continues to be a strain, in the cannabis community. Has led to the creation of many new hybrids and variations that are highly regarded for their impact, on cannabis culture and breeding.”

The West Coast Sour Fam has been instrumental, in safeguardi​ng. Adva​nci​ng the genetics of the strain by preserving the Sour Diesel line​age while also developing fresh versions that enhance its appealing qualities.

The widespread acclaim of Sour Diesel has resulted in the development of hybrid strains and crosses with some standout varieties being;

Sour Tsunami is a strain known for its CBD content, created by blending Sour Diesel with the CBD rich Sour Tsunami variety. Sour OG is a strain that combines the genetics of Sour Diesel and OG Kush. “Sour Jack is a strain created by blending Sour Diesel with Jack Herer.”

These crosses showcase how the genetic potential of Sour Diesel continues to leave a lasting impact, on the cannabis breeding community.

## The Struggle, with Being Genuine

Authentic Sour Diesel can be hard to come by despite its appeal, in the market today as many strains labeled as ” D” are often imitations or hybrids that fail to embody the genuine essence of the original strain.

Unveiling the Authentic Sour Diesel Variety.

The genuine article is recognized for its quality.

The scent is sharp and reminiscent of fuel, with hints of citrus. The strain offers a high with an uplifting buzz due, to its sativa dominant nature. Towering and slender plant form. It takes quite a while for the flowers to bloom, around 10 to 12 weeks.

People who are knowledgeable, about cannabis typically use a mix of these elements and trusted references to recognize genuine Sour Diesel strains.

“The Influence of Cannabis, on Society”

The impact of Sour Diesel goes beyond its makeup; this strain has achieved iconic status and is frequently mentioned in music and movies as well, as, in popular culture.

Music is a language that speaks to the soul and connects people, across cultures and generations.

Many known hip hop musicians such, as Eminem Wiz Khalifa and Action Bronson have mentioned Sour Diesel in their songs. These mentions have solidified Sour Diesels reputation as a quality and sought after strain, within mainstream culture.

Exploring the world of tourism.

In the expanding world of tourism, in areas many visitors are eager to experience the renowned strain Sour Diesel. Dispensaries, in these regions frequently showcase their selection of Sour Diesel and some cannabis tours take guests to cultivation sites or dispensaries that feature this strain.

## The Distribution of Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel originated in New York City. Its popularity soon extended beyond the city limits as cannabis lovers exchanged seeds and cuttings leading to its presence, in grow rooms and gardens nationwide and even globally.

European Impact

Sour Diesel gained popularity in Europe. Was well received in the Netherlands for its qualities, within the cannabis community there. Dutch seed banks crafted their variations of Sour Diesel by blending it with strains to produce fresh hybrid varieties. This European influence played a role in expanding the reach and renown of Sour Diesel on a scale.

“On the West Coast people often adjust to their surroundings.”

In California and along the West Coast of the United States Sour Diesel went through a transformation of its own. The strain adjusted to the growing conditions and tastes of consumers, in that area. West Coast Sour Diesel sometimes showcases a terpenes profile with certain variants having hints of citrus compared to those found in the East Coast.

“The Impact of Sour Diesel, on the Cannabis Advocacy Movement”

During a time when cannabis activism was, on the rise in the United States Sour Diesel became widely popular due, to its effects and perceived medical benefits, which supporters of cannabis law reform often highlighted in their advocacy efforts.

The advocacy, for the use of cannabis has gained momentum in years.

During the 1990s and 2000’s when the medical marijuana movement was, on the rise Sour Diesel stood out as a strain known for its healing properties. It was praised for its effectiveness in easing symptoms related to depression, chronic pain and PTSD making it a popular choice, among patients who use cannabis.

## Sour Diesel, in the Era of Legalization

With the expansion of cannabis legalization, in regions including the United States and beyond Sour Diesel has had to adjust to a changing and regulated landscape.

Navigating the complexities of markets can pose challenges.

Legal markets present obstacles, for growers looking to cultivate and distribute Sour Diesel.

Meeting the testing regulations can be tricky due, to Sour Diesels effects and diverse terpenes composition, at times. Expanding production can be challenging due, to the characteristics. Extended blooming period of this strain making it tricky to grow in large quantities. In the industry where consistency’s key, to success, in offering products and services that meet market demands can be quite a challenge when dealing with a strain known for its genetic diversity.

Despite facing these difficulties and obstacles along the way, to legalization Sour Diesel has also found avenues, for growth and expansion.

Legal markets have expanded access making it more convenient for consumers to get Sour Diesel from producers. Sour Diesel can now be found in a range of products aside, from the flower form – you can now enjoy it in concentrates, edibles and vape cartridges too! Advancements, in breeding efforts have been successful, in stabilizing the genetics of Sour Diesel and producing hybrid varieties.

“The Secrets Behind Sour Diesel; A Closer Look, at the Science”

As researchers delve deeper into cannabis studies and exploration progresses along the way they are gradually uncovering the details surrounding strains such, as Sour Diesel.

“The phenomenon known as the entourage effect.”

The entourage effect suggests that different substances, in cannabis interact together to create the plants effects; this concept is especially applicable to Sour Diesel strain due, to its mix of cannabinoids and terpenes believed to enhance its high and possible healing properties.

Ongoing and upcoming studies, on Sour Diesel are likely to concentrate on;

Determining the proportions of cannabinoids and terpenes that influence its impact. Researching the uses of its unique chemical composition. Exploring the impact of factors, on how its genetics are manifested

## Exploring Sour Diesel and the Art of Cannabis Appreciation

As the cannabis sector evolves over time a refined culture of expertise has surfaced, akin, to the one observed in the realms of wine and artisanal beer. Sour Diesel is notably influential, within this movement.

“Understanding the beauty of terpenes.”

The diverse blend of terpenes found in Sour Diesel has played a role, in educating consumers on the significance of terpenes, in the cannabis journey with numerous enthusiasts giving equal consideration to both a strains terpenes and its THC levels.

Passionate growers and breeders are constantly searching for. Safeguarding Sour Diesel variations through a process known as “pheno hunting.” This entails cultivating plants from seeds and choosing the ones that showcase the favorable characteristics.

“The upcoming trends, for Sour Diesel”

Looking ahead to the future will bring about elements that will shape the continued narrative of Sour Diesel.

As the market, for cannabis develops further over time​ consumers tastes could change​. Although Sour Diesel is currently liked​ evolving preferences may affect its position, in the market​. Nevertheless​, its esteemed reputation and distinct characteristics imply that it will probably continue to attract a loyal fan base​.

As we delve deeper into the realm of cannabis science advancements continue to emerge that could offer perspectives on Sour Diesel – potentially paving the way, for uses and enhanced cultivation methods or the development of stronger and more specific versions of this strain.

In wrapping up the discussion, about Sour Diesels transformation from a high end product in New York City to a cannabis symbol is an intriguing chapter in cannabis lore that highlights the creativity of secretive breeders and the tight knit cannabis community’s influence as well as the enduring charm of this distinct strain. Looking ahead to the landscape of Sour Diesels impact appears promising; whether it continues to be a strain in its own regard or serves as a genetic foundation, for emerging hybrids or sets the standard for evaluating new strains. Sour Diesel continues to intrigue and captivate cannabis lovers and researchers alike for years to come with its history and allure, in the cannabis community.

[mariacallous]

WIRED published a shocking investigation this week based on records, including audio recordings, of hundreds of emergency calls from United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers. The calls—which include reports of incidents of staff sexual assaults, suicide attempts, and head injuries—indicate a system inundated by life-threatening incidents, delayed treatment, and overcrowding.

In a 6-3 decision on Friday, the US Supreme Court upheld a Texas porn ID law, finding that age verification for explicit sites is constitutional. In a dissent, Justice Elena Kagan warned that this determination ignores First Amendment precedent and will have privacy implications for adults.

Looking at the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites last weekend, President Donald Trump posted initial announcements of the strikes on the social Network Truth Social, which then began suffering intermittent outages. And WIRED reported on assessments of the damage to the nuclear sites based on satellite photos taken before and after the bombing.

Meanwhile, Taiwan is scrambling to make its own unmanned aerial vehicles domestically as drones increasingly become a crucial weapon of war. The urgency comes as a potential conflict with China looms. And Telegram launched a purge of Chinese cryptocurrency markets last month, banning black markets that sold tens of billions of dollars in crypto-scam-related services. Now, though, the markets are rebranding and bouncing back with no further action from the communication platform.

But wait, there’s more! Each week, we round up the security and privacy news we didn’t cover in depth ourselves. Click the headlines to read the full stories. And stay safe out there.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is now using a mobile app called Mobile Fortify that allegedly allows agents to identify individuals by pointing a smartphone at their face or capturing contactless fingerprints, 404 Media reports. The app reportedly taps into government databases, including Customs and Border Protection’s Traveler Verification Service and a DHS biometric intelligence system, in an attempt to match facial images taken in the field against prior government-collected records. ICE says the tool is intended to help officers identify “unknown subjects,” but civil liberties advocates tell 404 Media that it may open the door to surveillance-driven profiling and wrongful arrests.

Nathan Freed Wessler of the ACLU told the site, “Face recognition technology is notoriously unreliable, frequently generating false matches and resulting in a number of known wrongful arrests across the country. Immigration agents relying on this technology to try to identify people on the street is a recipe for disaster. Congress has never authorized DHS to use face recognition technology in this way, and the agency should shut this dangerous experiment down."

US Feds Charge Group of Alleged Hackers Behind a Notorious Cybercrime Forum

Global law enforcement this week announced the bust of a group of alleged cybercriminal hackers accused of carrying out years of profit-focused data breaches and running a notorious cybercriminal forum and market known as Breachforums. French authorities arrested four members of the group who went by the names “ShinyHunters,” “Hollow,” “Noct,” and “Depressed,” though the police sources who shared the news with the French newspaper Le Parisien didn’t reveal the suspects’ real names. The US Justice Department, meanwhile, criminally charged Kai West, a young British man, with carrying out a broad, years-long hacking spree under the handle “Intelbroker” that inflicted $25 million total damage against victims before he was arrested in February. In addition to hacking and selling vast troves of stolen data, the group—or at least some subset of its members—appears to have served as administrators for Breachforums, a notorious sales forum for cybercriminal information and tools that was shut down in a law enforcement operation in 2023 but was later relaunched by its staff.

Scattered Spider Hackers Shift Their Targeting to the Airline Industry

The loose cybercriminal gang known as Scattered Spider has carried out data theft and ransomware incidents for years, most recently targeting the grocery industry, other retailers, and the insurance industry in the US and the UK. Now cybersecurity analysts at Mandiant and Palo Alto Networks say the group is turning their attention to the aviation and transportation sector. Specifically, hackers were behind a cybersecurity incident last week that took down some IT systems and the mobile app for Canadian airline WestJet, Axios reports. Now Hawaiian Airlines has said it’s experiencing a “cybersecurity incident” affecting its network, though it hasn’t yet revealed more details or any evidence that Scattered Spider is responsible. Cybersecurity firms tracking the group warn that other potential aviation and transportation industry targets should be on the lookout for the group, which often uses sophisticated social engineering to trick staff into letting them bypass multi-factor authentication and gain a foothold on target systems.

Hackers Breach a Norwegian Dam to Open Valve

Here’s a curiosity that we missed a couple weeks ago: A rare industrial control system hijacking incident in which an unknown hacker appears to have messed with the computer systems that control the Lake Risevatnet dam in southwest Norway, opening a valve to its maximum setting. The tampering, the motivation for which was far from clear, increased the dam’s water flow by nearly 500 liters a second, but didn’t come close to approaching a dangerous level. No one appears to have spotted the change for close to four hours. Officials told the Norwegian energy news outlet Energiteknikk, which broke the story, that a weak password on a web-accessible control panel allowed the unauthorized access.