#Influencer Sales Drive
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sarahboyerdigiexpert · 1 year ago
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Social commerce and shoppability have quickly become central elements in digital marketing's ever-evolving landscape, essential in shaping influencer marketing strategies. This shift reflects consumer preferences towards online shopping and social media personalities guiding purchase decisions. This article investigates how these two elements are revolutionizing influencer marketing efforts.
Integrating Social Commerce Into Influencer Marketing
Social commerce, the practice of selling products directly via social media platforms, has revolutionized how brands collaborate with influencers. Influencers have gone beyond being mere brand endorsers to become brand sales drivers. Mapiful and Alo Yoga have successfully leveraged influencers' reach to target niche audiences and integrated shoppable galleries on their websites, increasing the quality of the shopping experience and consumer confidence (Influencer Marketing Hub).
Influencer Communities -
Influencer marketing's effectiveness in social commerce depends heavily on its influencer communities. Research suggests that micro-influencers with smaller but more engaged followings tend to generate more excellent product knowledge and purchase intentions among consumers, mainly when they disclose sponsored content (ResearchGate). This highlights the significance of authenticity and relatability in influencer marketing.
Strategic Considerations in Influencer-Driven Social Commerce
To take full advantage of social commerce, brands must be strategically selective when selecting influencers and designing campaigns. Successful influencer marketing campaigns (Goat Agency) involve cultivating long-term relationships with influencers while providing seamless shopping experiences and encouraging creative freedom in content production - hallmarks that Wayfair and Superdrug have successfully used to craft impactful campaigns such as livestream product showcases with influencer content as well as including influencer content into seasonal marketing efforts.
Integrating social commerce and shoppability strategies into influencer marketing represents an innovative shift in how brands approach online sales and marketing. By harnessing influencer communities, cultivating long-term relationships, and offering seamless shopping experiences, brands can effectively engage consumers while driving sales in the digital space. As technology transforms the landscape, brands must adapt quickly to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the digital marketplace.
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manufacturerbusiness · 2 months ago
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Website: https://www.manufacturer.com/
Address: 4154 Glenview Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78476
Phone: 361-544-4567
Manufacturer Limited is a global corporation specializing in the production and distribution of a wide range of consumer and industrial products. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability, Manufacturer Limited serves diverse markets including automotive, electronics, appliances, healthcare, and more.
Business Email: [email protected]
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mushroomteddy · 9 months ago
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there's something a little evil about advertising an event after it's already sold out and can't get tickets to it anymore whatsoever, what's the point lol
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vishalkoli2299 · 2 years ago
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Brand activation agency
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#Brand activation agencies play a crucial role in helping businesses connect with their target audience and create memorable experiences. The#ultimately driving brand awareness#loyalty#and sales.#One of the key responsibilities of a brand activation agency is to understand the brand's values#objectives#and target audience. By gaining a deep understanding of these factors#the agency can develop strategies that align with the brand's identity and resonate with its intended audience. This involves conducting ex#analyzing consumer behavior#and identifying trends to ensure the brand activation campaign is relevant and impactful.#Once the agency has gathered all the necessary insights#they collaborate with the brand to develop a creative concept that encapsulates the brand's essence. This concept serves as the foundation#the agency ensures that every element of the campaign aligns with the brand's messaging and goals.#Brand activation agencies specialize in creating immersive experiences that captivate consumers and leave a lasting impression. They utiliz#such as experiential events#social media#and influencer marketing#to engage with the target audience. These agencies are skilled at transforming traditional marketing techniques into interactive and engagi#One of the most effective ways brand activation agencies create memorable experiences is through experiential events. These events provide#enabling them to forge a personal connection and create meaningful memories. Whether it's a pop-up shop#a product launch party#or a brand-sponsored festival#these events allow consumers to experience the brand in a tangible and exciting way.#In the digital age#brand activation agencies also leverage social media and influencer marketing to amplify the reach of their campaigns. By partnering with i#they can extend the brand's exposure and engage with a wider audience. This not only helps increase brand awareness but also encourages con#creating a ripple effect of positive brand sentiment.#Brand activation agencies also play a crucial role in measuring the success of their campaigns. Through data analytics and consumer feedbac#they evaluate the impact of their strategies and make adjustments as needed. This iterative process allows them to continuously optimize th#In conclusion
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esotericalchemist · 1 month ago
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𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 - 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 & 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐩 ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚
Masterlist this series - TikTok (Matrix of Destiny) - Masterlist - YouTube (subliminals)
This is part two of a 12-part series dedicated to helping you glow up using the wisdom of astrology. Each post dives into a different astrological house and how it influences your journey toward abundance, confidence, and personal transformation.
In this post, we’re focusing on the second house—the house of finances, self-worth, material gains, and personal values. The second house reveals how you build stability, align with your sense of value, and cultivate resources that support your goals. Glowing up your second house means strengthening your relationship with money, embracing your unique talents, and creating a material world that reflects your true worth and values.
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𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄
When Aries rules the second house, your approach to wealth, self-worth, and material security takes on the bold, fiery, and action-oriented qualities of Mars, its ruling planet. The challenge and reward of an Aries second house lie in learning to wield your natural instinct for initiative and courage to cultivate stability and abundance. Here’s how to unlock the full potential of this placement through focused glow-up strategies.
Financial Stability: The Battle for Abundance
With Aries ruling your second house, your relationship with finances is fiery and dynamic. This house asks you to treat wealth-building as a battlefield where confidence, decisive action, and a readiness to take risks determine success. You’re not one to wait passively for opportunities—they’re yours to seize.
Mars as your ruler suggests that actively pursuing wealth will serve you better than passive or slow-building strategies. You thrive in high-energy environments—industries like entrepreneurship, sales, or leadership roles allow your daring nature to shine. However, the volatility of Mars also means you’re prone to financial impulsiveness, so temper this with foresight and discipline. Wealth, for you, is best accumulated through action that feels aligned with your personal passions. Whether it’s diving headfirst into an entrepreneurial venture or leading a bold project, you’ll find success when your efforts match the bravery and initiative of Aries energy.
The Mars influence also suggests a need for financial independence. Depending too heavily on others, even trusted partners, can stifle your natural drive. While collaboration is valuable, make sure you’re steering your own ship when it comes to material security.
Self-Worth: The Fire of Inner Confidence
The second house doesn’t just rule external wealth—it also governs the wealth you hold within, your sense of self-worth. With Aries here, your self-esteem grows from acting decisively and pursuing goals that test your courage. Mars challenges you to see yourself as a warrior, carving out your worth through action.
This placement calls for bold moves that affirm your value in the world. Ask for that raise, demand fair compensation, and avoid undervaluing yourself out of modesty. But more importantly, this house invites you to connect your self-worth to actions that align with your values. Mars teaches that confidence grows not from external validation but from fearless action taken in pursuit of your own ambitions.
One potential pitfall of Aries ruling this house is tying self-worth too closely to achievements or possessions. True self-value comes not just from what you own or accomplish but from the daring spirit with which you pursue life. Align your efforts with what you truly desire, and your sense of self-worth will naturally grow, rooted in authenticity rather than external measures.
Material Gains: Aries-Driven Possessions
Material gains in the Aries second house are often linked to action and adventure. The possessions you value most are those that enable your dynamic lifestyle. For you, material goods aren’t just trophies—they’re tools for empowerment, reflecting your ambitions and need for movement.
You may find yourself drawn to bold, high-performance items: sleek vehicles, cutting-edge tech, or gear that supports physical activity and exploration. Mars’ influence suggests a love of possessions that carry a sense of power, such as leather jackets, quality watches, or items that are symbolic of strength and vitality. Aries energy isn’t about hoarding—it’s about owning fewer, high-impact pieces that represent who you are.
Your relationship with material goods also reflects your passion for immediate gratification, so it’s essential to cultivate mindfulness when making purchases. Ask yourself: Does this serve my long-term goals, or is it a fleeting desire? When your material possessions align with your values and ambitions, they become more than objects—they become allies in your journey.
Values: Aligning with Courage and Independence
The second house glow-up isn’t just about external wealth but about rooting your values in principles that feel authentically you. With Aries here, your values centre on independence, courage, and authenticity. You’re not interested in passive or outdated traditions—you’re here to carve your own path, guided by what feels true to your nature.
Mars encourages you to value action over words, passion over complacency. This can manifest as a preference for dynamic relationships, straightforward communication, and a disdain for anything that feels stagnant or inauthentic. Your glow-up comes when you identify what truly drives you and allow those values to guide your financial and material decisions. Pursue work and wealth in ways that empower your independence and reflect your fearlessness.
When you align with Aries’ courageous spirit, you bring fire to your material world. This house asks you to balance that fire with purpose and long-term vision. Mars wants you to fight for what matters, but the ultimate glow-up comes when you learn to channel that energy into a lasting legacy—something built not just on impulse but on passion and principle.
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𝐓𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐔𝐒 𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄
The second house governs financial stability, self-worth, material gains, and values, making it a natural domain for Taurus, the sign traditionally associated with this house. When Taurus rules your second house, your approach to these themes is grounded, patient, and rooted in a desire for comfort and security. Ruled by Venus, Taurus brings a deep connection to beauty, sensuality, and the tangible pleasures of life. Glowing up your Taurus second house is about creating sustainable wealth, cultivating unshakable self-worth, and surrounding yourself with material possessions that reflect your refined sense of value and purpose.
Financial Stability: The Art of Building and Sustaining Wealth
With Taurus ruling your second house, your financial glow-up requires a steady, methodical approach. Taurus thrives on consistency, and Venus encourages you to value quality over quantity when it comes to income sources and investments. Your best path to financial stability lies in cultivating wealth slowly but surely, avoiding the temptation of quick fixes or risky ventures.
Venus brings an innate understanding of value, making you naturally adept at recognising opportunities that promise long-term security. Your glow-up involves harnessing this gift by focusing on sustainable wealth-building strategies, such as long-term investments, property, or careers tied to tangible goods and aesthetics. Taurus energy is deeply connected to what can be seen and touched, so industries like design, beauty, agriculture, or real estate may align well with your chart.
Patience is your greatest financial asset, and discipline is your ally. While others may rush, your Taurus second house rewards consistency and careful planning. Creating a budget that reflects both practicality and indulgence ensures you’re building a financial life that feels both secure and fulfilling.
Self-Worth: Unshakable Confidence Rooted in Authenticity
The Taurus second house connects your self-worth to your ability to create and enjoy a stable, beautiful life. Venus encourages you to find confidence not in fleeting achievements but in the steady cultivation of a life that reflects your values. Your glow-up involves recognising that your worth is not tied to external validation but to your ability to honour yourself and your unique contributions.
Taurus here thrives when you feel grounded, so practices that connect you to your body and environment—like yoga, gardening, or simply taking time to enjoy nature—can help reinforce your sense of self-worth. Avoid the trap of measuring yourself against others; Taurus energy teaches that your value is inherent, like the steady growth of a tree or the beauty of a flower in bloom.
Venus also calls for you to indulge in self-love rituals that celebrate your uniqueness. Whether it’s investing in quality clothing, skincare, or experiences that nurture your soul, prioritise what makes you feel valued. The more you honour your own needs, the more others will recognise and respect your worth.
Material Gains: Curating a Life of Beauty and Purpose
Material possessions hold special significance in a Taurus second house. For you, abundance isn’t about excess—it’s about surrounding yourself with items that bring comfort, beauty, and joy. Your glow-up involves refining your relationship with material things, ensuring that they align with your values and contribute to your overall sense of harmony.
Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and pleasure, which means your material world should reflect your refined taste. You’re drawn to high-quality, timeless items: well-made furniture, luxurious fabrics, or artisanal goods. Your glow-up comes when you invest in possessions that stand the test of time and feel meaningful.
However, Taurus also teaches the value of restraint. While you appreciate luxury, it’s important to balance indulgence with practicality. Avoid accumulating for the sake of it and focus on curating a collection of possessions that truly resonate with your sense of purpose and identity.
Values: Building a Foundation of Beauty and Stability
The Taurus second house asks you to ground your values in what feels authentic, sustainable, and nourishing. Venus brings a deep connection to pleasure, but Taurus teaches that true satisfaction comes from cultivating a life of stability and harmony. Your glow-up involves aligning your financial and material pursuits with these principles.
You value consistency and reliability, and these traits should inform your decisions. Seek careers, investments, and relationships that bring a sense of peace and security rather than constant change or excitement. Taurus here also encourages you to prioritise beauty and creativity in your values. Whether it’s through art, music, or simple rituals like cooking or decorating, align your life with practices that inspire joy and gratitude.
Taurus energy thrives when life feels steady and abundant. Your ultimate glow-up comes when you live in alignment with your values, building a life that feels as luxurious and fulfilling on the inside as it looks on the outside.
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𝐆𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈 𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄
With Gemini ruling your second house, your approach to wealth and self-esteem is fluid, curious, and mentally engaging. Ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect, Gemini in this house thrives on versatility, adaptability, and a constant flow of ideas. Your glow-up here lies in embracing your intellectual strengths, diversifying your income, and aligning your material pursuits with values rooted in curiosity and creativity.
Financial Stability: Building Wealth Through Adaptability and Networking
With Gemini ruling the second house, financial stability comes through diversity and flexibility. Unlike more grounded signs, Gemini thrives when you keep your income streams dynamic. You’re not likely to stick with one monotonous job or rely on a single source of wealth—your glow-up involves exploring multiple opportunities, such as freelance work, consulting, or side hustles. Gemini’s innate adaptability means you can easily pivot when needed, making you highly resilient in the face of financial challenges.
Mercury’s influence suggests you have a natural talent for communication and intellectual pursuits. Careers in writing, marketing, teaching, sales, or technology may align well with your chart. To build financial stability, focus on sharpening your skills and staying informed about trends in your field—your ability to think quickly and stay ahead of the curve will ensure continued success.
One potential pitfall of this placement is a tendency toward financial restlessness or inconsistency. To glow up, pair your versatility with clear financial goals and systems that keep you accountable. Use apps or tools to track spending and savings, ensuring your adaptable nature doesn’t lead to scattered resources.
Self-Worth: Intelligence as the Root of Confidence
In a Gemini second house, self-worth is deeply tied to your intellect and communication skills. You feel most confident when you’re learning, teaching, or engaging in meaningful conversations. Your glow-up involves recognising the power of your mind and using it to shape your sense of self.
Mercury encourages you to constantly expand your knowledge, so investing in education, workshops, or skill-building activities is essential for reinforcing your self-esteem. Your worth isn’t determined by material possessions alone—it’s rooted in the versatility of your ideas and the connections you create through them.
However, Gemini energy can sometimes scatter, leading to a lack of focus. To truly glow up, work on grounding your intellectual energy. Regularly reflect on your achievements and articulate what you bring to the table. Your ability to adapt, learn quickly, and communicate effectively are invaluable assets that deserve acknowledgment, both from yourself and others.
Material Gains: A Curated Collection of Meaningful Items
Gemini in the second house thrives on variety and practicality when it comes to material possessions. You’re likely to favour items that stimulate your mind or serve a purpose rather than purely luxurious goods. Your glow-up involves curating a collection of possessions that reflect your intellectual curiosity and lively energy.
Books, gadgets, and tools that support communication—such as laptops, smartphones, or journals—often hold special significance for you. You may also value lightweight, portable items that align with your love of movement and exploration. Gemini energy isn’t about hoarding; you prefer to rotate and refresh your possessions frequently, keeping things exciting and relevant.
To glow up materially, focus on investing in items that enhance your adaptability and creativity. Avoid impulsive purchases that may feel exciting in the moment but lack lasting value. Instead, choose goods that inspire learning, productivity, or meaningful connection.
Values: Aligning with Curiosity and Connection
Your Gemini second house calls for values rooted in intellectual exploration, communication, and connection. Mercury inspires you to prioritise adaptability, quick thinking, and the free exchange of ideas. To glow up, ensure that your financial and material pursuits align with these principles.
You value relationships and information, often more than material wealth itself. Building abundance for you means investing in your network and fostering meaningful collaborations. Use your natural charm and wit to create opportunities through communication and connection.
Gemini energy also thrives on curiosity. Your glow-up involves embracing the idea that abundance comes from learning, growing, and sharing knowledge. Whether it’s exploring new career paths, taking classes, or diving into creative projects, your values should support your ever-evolving sense of curiosity.
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𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄
With Cancer ruling this house, your relationship with wealth is deeply tied to your emotions, intuition, and sense of security. Ruled by the Moon, Cancer energy thrives on nurturing what matters most, creating emotional and material stability, and aligning your resources with your heart’s desires. Your glow-up in the Cancer second house involves creating financial and personal abundance through emotional intelligence, mindful care, and meaningful connections.
Financial Stability: Nurturing Wealth with Emotional Connection
For Cancer second house individuals, financial stability comes from a sense of emotional security. You’re most effective at building wealth when you feel safe, supported, and connected to your goals on a personal level. Unlike other signs that may thrive on risk or bold moves, your path to financial growth is about steady, mindful progress. Your glow-up involves aligning your financial decisions with your emotional instincts and values.
Cancer’s Moon-ruled influence encourages you to focus on financial strategies that nurture both your resources and your sense of well-being. Family investments, property ownership, or savings plans tied to long-term security align beautifully with this energy. You might also excel in careers that involve caregiving, hospitality, or home-related industries, where your natural empathy and nurturing instincts can shine.
Be mindful of Cancer’s tendency toward emotional spending. To glow up financially, cultivate a budget or savings system that honours both your practical needs and your desire to indulge in comforts. Financial stability for you isn’t just about numbers—it’s about ensuring that your resources bring emotional peace and long-term security.
Self-Worth: Rooted in Emotional Strength and Nurturing
Cancer in the second house ties self-worth to your ability to nurture and protect what’s important to you. Your glow-up involves recognising that your value isn’t solely based on what you achieve or possess, but on the care, intuition, and emotional depth you bring to your life and relationships.
To cultivate self-worth, focus on developing emotional resilience. Cancer energy can sometimes waver with the cycles of the Moon, leaving you vulnerable to self-doubt. Ground yourself with practices like journaling, meditation, or rituals that help you reconnect with your inner strength. When you honour your emotions and the unique gifts you bring, your confidence naturally grows.
Your sense of worth also flourishes when you create a safe, nurturing environment for yourself. Invest in practices or items that make you feel emotionally secure—whether it’s setting boundaries in relationships, creating a cozy home space, or dedicating time to self-care routines that nourish your mind and body.
Material Gains: Building a Haven of Comfort and Care
Material possessions in a Cancer second house take on a sentimental quality. You value items not only for their function but also for the emotional connection they hold. Your glow-up involves curating a material world that feels like a sanctuary, reflecting your need for comfort, care, and emotional warmth.
You may be drawn to objects that remind you of family, heritage, or meaningful experiences—whether it’s a cherished heirloom, handcrafted decor, or cozy furnishings that evoke a sense of home. Cancer energy thrives on creating a nurturing environment, so possessions that contribute to your emotional well-being are key.
Be mindful of clinging to items that no longer serve you. While you may attach sentiment to your possessions, your glow-up involves learning to let go of things that don’t align with your current values or goals. Focus on surrounding yourself with items that genuinely bring joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging.
Values: Grounded in Care and Emotional Security
Your Cancer second house glow-up requires aligning your values with care, emotional authenticity, and long-term security. Ruled by the Moon, your values are deeply intuitive and tied to the ebb and flow of your emotions. To build abundance, focus on creating a foundation that nurtures both your material and emotional needs.
You value emotional connections and the well-being of those you love, often prioritising family and close relationships in your financial and material decisions. Your glow-up involves finding ways to balance your caring nature with your own needs. Invest in relationships and projects that feel mutually supportive, ensuring that your resources are spent in alignment with your personal values.
Cancer energy also thrives when life feels anchored and stable. Prioritise building a life that offers a sense of emotional and physical security, whether through creating a cozy home, establishing a savings cushion, or pursuing work that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
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𝐋𝐄𝐎 𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄
With Leo ruling this house, your approach to abundance is vibrant, passionate, and deeply connected to your sense of pride and individuality. Ruled by the Sun, Leo in the second house thrives on creating a life of grandeur and joy, where financial success is tied to self-expression and recognition. Your glow-up in this area requires embracing your creative power, owning your worth unapologetically, and aligning your material world with your radiant sense of self.
Financial Stability: Wealth as a Reflection of Your Inner Light
With Leo ruling your second house, financial stability isn’t just about accumulating wealth—it’s about creating a financial life that reflects your personal brilliance. Ruled by the Sun, Leo thrives when your income streams are tied to your creativity, leadership, or the pursuit of your passions. Your glow-up involves connecting your finances to work that feels meaningful and allows you to shine.
You’re likely drawn to careers or ventures where your individuality and talents are front and centre, such as the arts, entertainment, public relations, entrepreneurship, or leadership roles. Wealth-building for you often requires stepping into the spotlight and taking ownership of your unique gifts. To truly glow up financially, focus on cultivating income sources that celebrate your talents and align with your passion for making an impact.
Be mindful of Leo’s tendency toward indulgence. While you naturally appreciate luxury and grand gestures, true financial glow-up comes when you balance your love for splurging with thoughtful saving and investing. Build a financial plan that allows for both indulgence and long-term stability—ensuring that your wealth supports your bold dreams without leaving you stretched thin.
Self-Worth: Owning Your Royal Value
In a Leo second house, self-worth is intrinsically tied to your confidence and ability to stand tall in your authenticity. Your glow-up here involves fully embracing your inherent value and recognising that your worth is not just in what you achieve but in who you are.
The Sun’s influence encourages you to radiate self-assurance. Practise affirmations that reinforce your sense of pride, such as, “I am worthy of abundance and recognition.” Take bold steps to assert your value in professional and personal settings, whether it’s asking for a raise, showcasing your talents, or stepping into a leadership role. The more you honour your own value, the more others will naturally reflect it back to you.
However, avoid the trap of basing your self-worth solely on external validation. True Leo glow-up requires cultivating an inner sense of pride and joy that isn’t reliant on applause. Celebrate yourself daily for simply being you, and your confidence will shine brighter than ever.
Material Gains: Surround Yourself with Luxurious Inspiration
For a Leo second house, material possessions aren’t just about utility—they’re about beauty, inspiration, and the joy they bring. Your glow-up involves curating a material world that feels as radiant and regal as you are.
You’re drawn to items that make a statement, whether it’s bold jewellery, designer clothing, elegant furniture, or artistic decor. However, your material glow-up isn’t about excess—it’s about choosing pieces that reflect your personality and elevate your environment. Focus on quality over quantity, investing in items that feel timeless and meaningful.
Leo also loves to share its abundance with others. Whether it’s hosting gatherings or giving thoughtful gifts, you find joy in using your material resources to create shared moments of warmth and connection. Balance your generosity with mindfulness, ensuring that your giving aligns with your financial goals.
Values: Bold, Authentic, and Purposeful
Your Leo second house asks you to align your values with bold self-expression, generosity, and the pursuit of joy. Ruled by the Sun, this placement thrives when your financial and material pursuits reflect your true passions and your desire to live a purposeful life.
You value creativity, leadership, and authenticity, and these principles should guide your decisions. Choose opportunities that allow you to shine and surround yourself with people and projects that celebrate your individuality. Your glow-up involves aligning your resources with these values, ensuring that your material world supports a life filled with passion and purpose.
At its highest expression, Leo energy in the second house inspires you to use your abundance to uplift and inspire others. Whether it’s through mentorship, creative contributions, or acts of kindness, your values shine brightest when your resources are used to make the world a more vibrant and joyful place.
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𝐕𝐈𝐑𝐆𝐎 𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄
With Virgo ruling this house, your approach to abundance is rooted in practicality, precision, and purposeful growth. Ruled by Mercury, Virgo thrives on organisation, service, and the mastery of skills. To glow up your Virgo second house, you’ll need to focus on building financial stability through careful planning, cultivating self-worth by refining your talents, and aligning your material world with values of simplicity and utility.
Financial Stability: Building Wealth Through Discipline and Skill
Virgo in the second house suggests that your financial success is tied to your ability to plan, organise, and refine your approach. Your glow-up involves embracing the Virgoan traits of patience and diligence to create a stable and sustainable foundation for wealth.
You excel in careers or ventures where your analytical mind, attention to detail, and commitment to improvement are rewarded. Fields like health, education, writing, research, or craftsmanship align well with this placement. Your path to financial stability lies in honing a specific skill set or becoming an expert in a particular area. This specialisation allows you to offer value that others can’t easily replicate.
With Virgo’s influence, you’re naturally cautious about spending, preferring to save and invest carefully. While this is a strength, be mindful of overthinking or undervaluing opportunities. To glow up, trust your instincts when making decisions but avoid being overly critical or perfectionistic about your financial plans. Consistent, incremental growth is your key to abundance.
Self-Worth: Confidence Through Mastery and Service
Self-worth in a Virgo second house is deeply connected to your sense of purpose and contribution. Your glow-up requires recognising that your value isn’t just in what you do for others but in the unique skills and talents you bring to the table.
Mercury’s influence suggests that you find confidence in mastering your craft and refining your abilities. Focus on continuous self-improvement, whether it’s through professional development, acquiring new certifications, or enhancing your daily routines. As you become more skilled and knowledgeable, your sense of self-worth will naturally strengthen.
However, Virgo energy can sometimes lean toward self-criticism. To truly glow up, practise self-compassion and acknowledge your progress instead of fixating on perceived flaws. Celebrate the value of your precision, dedication, and problem-solving abilities—they’re what make you indispensable.
Material Gains: Functional and Meaningful Possessions
Material abundance in a Virgo second house is all about quality, functionality, and purpose. You’re drawn to items that are practical, well-made, and serve a specific purpose in your life. Your glow-up involves curating a material world that reflects simplicity and utility without sacrificing beauty.
Virgo energy thrives on organisation, so having a clean, clutter-free environment is essential. Invest in storage solutions, high-quality tools, or eco-friendly products that align with your values. Minimalism often appeals to this placement, as it allows you to focus on what truly matters rather than being weighed down by excess.
Be mindful of Virgo’s tendency to overanalyse purchases. While it’s wise to prioritise practicality, don’t deny yourself the occasional indulgence in items that bring joy or inspiration. Your material glow-up involves finding a balance between utility and comfort, ensuring that your possessions support both your goals and your well-being.
Values: Simplicity, Service, and Sustainability
With Virgo ruling your second house, your values are rooted in simplicity, service, and a desire to create order and improvement. To glow up, align your financial and material choices with these principles, ensuring that your actions reflect your dedication to purpose and practicality.
You value efficiency, responsibility, and making a meaningful contribution to the world. Whether it’s through work, relationships, or how you manage your resources, you thrive when your actions feel intentional and aligned with a greater good. Sustainability may also be a priority for you—investing in eco-friendly practices or products is a natural fit for Virgo energy.
Your ultimate glow-up comes when you embrace the idea that abundance doesn’t have to be extravagant. Instead, it’s about living a life that feels balanced, purposeful, and aligned with your personal definition of success.
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𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐑𝐀 𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄
With Libra ruling this house, your approach to abundance is shaped by balance, harmony, and relationships. Ruled by Venus, Libra’s energy brings a refined sense of aesthetics, a desire for fairness, and a focus on cultivating beauty and connection. Your glow-up in the Libra second house involves creating financial stability through partnerships, elevating your self-worth by embracing grace and diplomacy, and aligning your material world with your refined values of elegance and balance.
Financial Stability: The Power of Collaboration and Aesthetic Appeal
Libra in the second house suggests that financial growth for you often comes through collaboration and interpersonal connections. Ruled by Venus, this placement encourages you to leverage your charm, diplomacy, and ability to build strong relationships to create wealth. Your glow-up involves seeking opportunities that allow you to work with others in harmonious, mutually beneficial ways.
Careers tied to beauty, design, fashion, art, law, or social networking align beautifully with Libra’s aesthetic and relational energy. Financial stability often comes when you channel your natural eye for refinement into creative or advisory roles that benefit from your balanced perspective. Collaborative ventures, partnerships, or roles where you can mediate and connect people can be especially lucrative.
However, Libra’s tendency to avoid conflict or decision-making can sometimes hinder progress. To glow up financially, focus on asserting yourself in negotiations and making firm choices about your financial goals. Trust your ability to balance intuition and logic, ensuring that your financial path feels aligned with both your head and heart.
Self-Worth: Finding Balance Through Grace and Inner Beauty
Self-worth in a Libra second house is intrinsically tied to how you value harmony, relationships, and your ability to create beauty in your life. Your glow-up requires recognising that your worth isn’t tied to external validation or approval but to your inner sense of balance and grace.
Ruled by Venus, this placement invites you to cultivate self-love and confidence by surrounding yourself with beauty and practising self-care. This might include indulging in routines that make you feel elegant, such as skincare rituals, stylish clothing, or artistic hobbies. When you honour yourself with the same care and attention you give to others, your confidence naturally flourishes.
Be mindful of Libra’s tendency to compare. Your glow-up involves letting go of the need to measure yourself against others and instead celebrating your unique ability to bring harmony and refinement to any situation. Your value lies in your innate ability to inspire balance, connection, and beauty wherever you go.
Material Gains: A Life of Elegance and Harmony
Material possessions in a Libra second house are often more than just objects—they are extensions of your refined taste and love of beauty. Your glow-up involves curating a material world that reflects your Venus-ruled aesthetic while balancing practicality and indulgence.
You’re naturally drawn to high-quality, tasteful items, such as art, fine jewellery, or elegant furniture. Libra energy thrives on symmetry and balance, so your possessions are likely carefully selected to create a harmonious environment. Your glow-up isn’t about excess but about choosing timeless pieces that resonate with your sense of style and serenity.
However, Libra’s focus on appearances can sometimes lead to overspending on superficial items. To glow up materially, ensure that your purchases align with your values and contribute to your long-term goals. Surround yourself with things that not only bring joy but also enhance the overall flow and balance of your life.
Values: Harmony, Beauty, and Connection
Your Libra second house glow-up requires aligning your values with the themes of beauty, fairness, and meaningful relationships. You’re drawn to experiences and possessions that create harmony and elevate your surroundings, and your ultimate abundance comes when you prioritise these principles in your decisions.
You value equality and connection, and this should guide your financial and material pursuits. Whether it’s negotiating fair terms in a business deal, supporting causes that promote justice, or investing in collaborative ventures, your glow-up involves ensuring that your actions reflect your ideals of balance and mutual benefit.
Venus also reminds you to prioritise joy and beauty. Abundance for you isn’t just about wealth—it’s about living a life that feels harmonious, elegant, and full of meaningful connections.
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𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐏𝐈𝐎 𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄
The second house governs finances, self-worth, material gains, and values, and with Scorpio ruling this house, your approach to abundance is intense, transformative, and deeply rooted in emotional and psychological power. Ruled by Mars and Pluto, Scorpio in the second house suggests that wealth and self-worth for you are tied to themes of resilience, regeneration, and uncovering hidden potential. Your glow-up in this area involves harnessing your natural resourcefulness, transforming your relationship with money and self-esteem, and aligning your material world with values of depth and authenticity.
Financial Stability: Transformative Wealth Building
With Scorpio ruling the second house, financial stability for you is rarely linear—it’s a process of transformation and empowerment. Mars and Pluto’s influence suggests that you are most successful when you approach wealth-building with focus, determination, and a willingness to face challenges head-on. Your glow-up involves embracing the idea that setbacks can be opportunities to rise stronger, with a deeper understanding of your financial potential.
Scorpio’s affinity for depth and investigation means you excel in fields tied to research, finance, psychology, or anything that requires uncovering hidden value. You may also find success in areas involving shared resources, such as investments, inheritance, or collaborations. Your ability to understand complex systems and see opportunities where others may not gives you a unique edge in building wealth.
To glow up financially, commit to long-term strategies and avoid quick fixes or impulsive decisions. Scorpio thrives on control, so learning to manage your resources with precision—whether through budgeting, investing, or debt reduction—can significantly enhance your financial stability. Use Pluto’s transformative energy to release old money habits that no longer serve you, replacing them with intentional practices that empower your future.
Self-Worth: Empowerment Through Inner Transformation
Self-worth in a Scorpio second house is deeply tied to emotional resilience and personal transformation. Your glow-up involves recognising that your value lies not in superficial achievements but in your ability to rise from challenges with strength and authenticity.
Scorpio teaches you to confront and heal any fears or insecurities around self-esteem. Journaling, therapy, or spiritual practices can help you dive deep into your subconscious and address limiting beliefs about your worth. As you work through these layers, you’ll discover an unshakable sense of confidence rooted in your ability to navigate life’s complexities.
Your glow-up also involves owning your power. Stop downplaying your talents or hiding your intensity for fear of being “too much.” Scorpio’s gift is its ability to go deep, and your self-worth flourishes when you channel that depth into meaningful pursuits. Embrace your mysterious and magnetic nature—it’s part of what makes you truly valuable.
Material Gains: Meaningful Possessions with Depth and Purpose
In a Scorpio second house, material possessions are less about surface-level luxury and more about meaning and transformation. You’re drawn to items that carry emotional weight or hidden value, such as vintage pieces, family heirlooms, or objects with a personal or symbolic connection.
Your glow-up involves curating a material world that reflects your depth and authenticity. Quality over quantity is key—Scorpio energy favours timeless, durable items that stand the test of time. Consider investing in assets that grow in value, such as real estate, precious metals, or art, which align with Scorpio’s transformative nature.
Be mindful of Scorpio’s tendency toward extremes. Avoid hoarding possessions out of emotional attachment or swinging between splurging and deprivation. Balance is essential. By consciously choosing items that enhance your environment and support your goals, you create a material world that feels empowering and aligned with your values.
Values: Authenticity, Depth, and Emotional Security
Your Scorpio second house calls for values rooted in authenticity, emotional depth, and personal empowerment. Ruled by Mars and Pluto, this placement encourages you to prioritise what truly matters over superficial gains. To glow up, align your financial and material pursuits with these principles, ensuring that your actions reflect your deeper sense of purpose.
Scorpio thrives on transformation, so your values should include the willingness to evolve and grow. Whether it’s releasing old attachments, healing past wounds, or embracing new opportunities, your glow-up involves trusting the process of change and recognising its role in your journey to abundance.
Emotional security is also key for Scorpio in the second house. Your ultimate glow-up comes when you create a life that feels financially stable and emotionally fulfilling, where your resources support your inner strength and sense of empowerment.
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𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐔𝐒 𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄
The second house governs financial stability, self-worth, material possessions, and values, and with Sagittarius ruling this house, your approach to abundance is expansive, optimistic, and adventurous. Ruled by Jupiter, the planet of growth and opportunity, Sagittarius in the second house suggests that your wealth and self-worth are tied to freedom, exploration, and the pursuit of knowledge. Your glow-up in this area involves embracing expansive financial strategies, cultivating a mindset of abundance, and aligning your material world with values of growth, adventure, and higher purpose.
Financial Stability: Expanding Horizons for Wealth
With Sagittarius in the second house, financial stability comes from embracing opportunities that allow for growth and exploration. Jupiter’s influence suggests that your path to abundance often involves taking risks, thinking big, and pursuing ventures that align with your passions and ideals. You thrive when you step out of your comfort zone, whether through international business, education, publishing, or entrepreneurial pursuits.
Your financial glow-up requires focusing on long-term strategies that align with your expansive vision. Sagittarius energy can sometimes lead to impulsive spending or scattered efforts, so developing a structured approach to saving and investing is key. Consider diversifying your income sources or exploring investments in areas that excite you, such as travel, education, or global markets.
Jupiter also encourages generosity, and you may find that giving—whether through philanthropy, mentorship, or sharing resources—creates a cycle of abundance. Just be mindful of overextending yourself financially. Balance your big-picture goals with practical steps to ensure sustainable wealth-building.
Self-Worth: Confidence Through Expansion and Optimism
Self-worth in a Sagittarius second house is deeply tied to your sense of freedom and ability to pursue your passions. Your glow-up involves recognising that your value comes from your adventurous spirit, intellectual curiosity, and willingness to embrace life’s possibilities.
Sagittarius thrives on learning and growth, so cultivating self-esteem involves investing in experiences that expand your horizons. This might mean pursuing higher education, traveling to new places, or diving into philosophical or spiritual practices that resonate with you. Each step you take toward broadening your perspective reinforces your sense of self-worth.
However, Sagittarius can sometimes tie self-worth to external achievements or the approval of others. To truly glow up, focus on internal validation. Trust that your value isn’t just in what you achieve but in your ability to inspire, explore, and bring optimism to everything you do.
Material Gains: Living Big and Bold
Material possessions in a Sagittarius second house are tied to your love of adventure and freedom. You’re drawn to items that represent experiences, learning, or the world at large—think travel gear, books, or souvenirs from far-flung places. Your glow-up involves curating a material world that reflects your expansive and adventurous energy.
Sagittarius energy isn’t about accumulating for the sake of it; it’s about owning items that support your journey. A well-loved backpack, a library of inspirational books, or tools for creative exploration may hold more value to you than traditional luxury items. However, Jupiter’s influence can sometimes lead to overindulgence or impractical purchases, so it’s essential to balance your desires with thoughtful planning.
Invest in possessions that align with your passions and provide lasting value. Whether it’s gear for outdoor adventures, a high-quality laptop for travel writing, or a meaningful piece of art, focus on items that bring joy and support your goals.
Values: Freedom, Growth, and Exploration
Your Sagittarius second house calls for values rooted in freedom, personal growth, and the pursuit of knowledge. Ruled by Jupiter, this placement encourages you to prioritise opportunities for expansion and align your financial and material decisions with your higher ideals.
You value experiences over possessions, and your ultimate glow-up involves creating a life where your resources support your ability to explore and learn. Whether it’s saving for travel, investing in education, or building a career that allows for flexibility, your financial and material world should reflect your love for growth and adventure.
Generosity is another key value for Sagittarius in the second house. Sharing your resources—whether through mentorship, charity, or collaboration—reinforces your sense of abundance and creates a positive flow of energy. At the same time, ensure you’re prioritising your own needs to maintain balance.
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𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐍 𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄
The second house governs financial stability, self-worth, material possessions, and values, making it a natural domain for Capricorn's steady, disciplined, and ambitious energy. Ruled by Saturn, Capricorn in the second house brings a focus on long-term success, resilience, and creating a foundation of lasting value. Your glow-up in this area involves mastering financial discipline, building unshakable self-worth through achievement, and aligning your material world with values of responsibility, purpose, and legacy.
Financial Stability: Building Wealth with Patience and Purpose
With Capricorn ruling your second house, financial stability is a gradual process, built through hard work, discipline, and strategic planning. Ruled by Saturn, this placement emphasises the importance of structure and delayed gratification in your approach to wealth. Your glow-up involves creating a financial plan that prioritises long-term goals over immediate rewards.
Capricorn thrives in fields that require expertise, responsibility, and leadership. Careers in finance, management, government, engineering, or any role that involves building or sustaining systems align well with this energy. To elevate your financial stability, focus on steady growth—invest in retirement plans, savings accounts, or property that appreciates over time.
Saturn’s influence can sometimes bring fear of financial insecurity. To glow up, shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance by recognising the value of your efforts. Avoid taking shortcuts or risky ventures that promise quick wealth, as Capricorn thrives on strategies that withstand the test of time. Embrace patience as a key to your financial success.
Self-Worth: Confidence Through Achievement and Integrity
Self-worth in a Capricorn second house is deeply tied to your sense of achievement and your ability to build something meaningful. Your glow-up involves recognising that your value isn’t just in what you accomplish but in the integrity and resilience you demonstrate along the way.
Capricorn encourages you to find confidence through discipline and mastery. Set clear goals for personal and professional growth, and celebrate your progress, even if it’s incremental. Building confidence doesn’t have to come from monumental achievements—consistently showing up and honouring your commitments is just as powerful.
However, Saturn can sometimes bring self-doubt or a tendency to overwork in pursuit of validation. To truly glow up, practise self-compassion and acknowledge your intrinsic worth, separate from external accomplishments. Focus on aligning your actions with your long-term values and honouring your unique journey.
Material Gains: Quality and Longevity Over Quantity
Material possessions in a Capricorn second house are less about indulgence and more about durability, quality, and practicality. You value items that serve a purpose, stand the test of time, and reflect your ambition and professionalism.
Your glow-up involves curating a material world that supports your goals and reinforces your sense of stability. Think timeless clothing pieces, high-quality tools or equipment, and investments in property or goods that appreciate in value. Capricorn energy is drawn to items that represent success, such as a tailored suit, a reliable vehicle, or a well-organised workspace.
While you may lean toward frugality, don’t deny yourself small indulgences that celebrate your achievements. Rewarding yourself for hard work reinforces a positive relationship with wealth. Balance practicality with moments of enjoyment to ensure your material world feels both functional and fulfilling.
Values: Responsibility, Legacy, and Perseverance
Your Capricorn second house glow-up requires aligning your values with responsibility, legacy, and a commitment to long-term success. Saturn asks you to prioritise what truly matters, focusing on actions and investments that create lasting impact.
You value discipline, hard work, and reliability, and these principles should guide your financial and material decisions. Whether it’s pursuing a career that allows you to make a tangible difference or building a legacy for future generations, your glow-up involves connecting your efforts to a larger purpose.
Capricorn also teaches the value of resilience. Challenges and setbacks may come, but your ability to persevere and adapt ensures your ultimate success. Aligning your financial goals with a sense of mission and integrity brings not only abundance but also deep personal satisfaction.
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𝐀𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐔𝐒 𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄
With Aquarius ruling this house, your approach to abundance is innovative, unconventional, and rooted in ideals of progress and collective benefit. Ruled by Saturn and Uranus, Aquarius in the second house brings a dual energy of structure and rebellion, making your wealth-building journey unique and often ahead of its time. Your glow-up in this area involves embracing innovative financial strategies, aligning your self-worth with your individuality, and curating a material world that reflects your futuristic and humanitarian values.
Financial Stability: Innovation Meets Purpose
With Aquarius ruling the second house, financial stability comes through unconventional and forward-thinking approaches. Ruled by Uranus, this placement encourages you to think outside the box when it comes to wealth-building. You’re drawn to careers or ventures tied to technology, social progress, or cutting-edge industries. Entrepreneurship, roles in science or tech, or innovative business models like freelancing or start-ups can align beautifully with this energy.
Aquarius thrives on networking and collaboration, so your financial glow-up often involves building connections with like-minded individuals or being part of a collective effort. Group investments, crowdfunding, or even working in cooperative settings can amplify your resources. However, Saturn’s influence reminds you to maintain a structured plan amidst your innovative ideas. Balancing creative strategies with financial discipline ensures that your wealth-building efforts are sustainable.
One potential challenge of this placement is inconsistency or an aversion to traditional financial systems. To glow up, find ways to work within established frameworks while still pursuing your unconventional ideas. Tools like budgeting apps or automated savings plans can help you stay on track without stifling your free-spirited nature.
Self-Worth: Confidence in Your Uniqueness
Self-worth in an Aquarius second house is deeply tied to your individuality and your ability to contribute to something larger than yourself. Your glow-up involves recognising that your value lies not in fitting into societal norms but in your unique perspective and capacity to innovate.
Aquarius encourages you to build confidence by embracing your eccentricities and focusing on intellectual or creative pursuits. Whether it’s mastering a skill, exploring a niche interest, or championing a cause, your self-worth grows when you honour your authentic self. Trust in your ability to lead and inspire others through your originality.
However, Aquarius can sometimes detach emotionally, leading to a sense of isolation or undervaluation. To truly glow up, reconnect with your personal values and what makes you feel fulfilled. Ground your self-worth in both your individuality and your ability to connect meaningfully with others.
Material Gains: A Futuristic and Functional Approach
Material possessions in an Aquarius second house are often linked to technology, progress, or utility. You value items that serve a purpose, enhance your intellectual pursuits, or align with your ideals. Your glow-up involves curating a material world that reflects your love of innovation and individuality.
You may be drawn to gadgets, eco-friendly products, or minimalist designs that emphasise function over extravagance. Aquarius energy often favours cutting-edge tools—think smart devices, renewable energy solutions, or futuristic decor. Possessions that align with your vision for the future or support your creative and intellectual growth are particularly meaningful.
Be mindful of impulsive purchases driven by trends or a desire for novelty. To glow up, focus on acquiring items that have lasting value and resonate with your principles. Balancing your desire for progress with practical considerations ensures that your material world remains sustainable and aligned with your goals.
Values: Innovation, Progress, and Collective Good
Your Aquarius second house calls for values rooted in innovation, social progress, and the collective good. Ruled by Saturn and Uranus, this placement encourages you to align your financial and material pursuits with ideals that go beyond personal gain.
You thrive when your actions contribute to a larger purpose, whether it’s through supporting humanitarian causes, advocating for sustainability, or creating systems that benefit your community. Your glow-up involves ensuring that your financial goals align with these values, creating a sense of purpose and fulfilment in your material pursuits.
At its highest expression, Aquarius energy in the second house inspires you to use your resources to drive change. Whether it’s investing in groundbreaking technologies, supporting social movements, or mentoring others, your values shine brightest when your wealth serves as a tool for progress and collective upliftment.
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𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝟐𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄
With Pisces ruling this house, your relationship with wealth and self-esteem is intuitive, compassionate, and deeply tied to your spiritual and emotional world. Ruled by Jupiter and Neptune, Pisces in the second house brings an energy of imagination, faith, and creativity to your pursuit of abundance. Your glow-up in this area involves trusting your intuition in financial matters, cultivating self-worth through connection and creativity, and aligning your material world with values of compassion, beauty, and spiritual meaning.
Financial Stability: Trusting Intuition and Creative Flow
With Pisces ruling the second house, your financial glow-up begins with embracing your intuition and imaginative nature. You may not follow a traditional path to wealth, as your financial success often comes through creative, artistic, or spiritual pursuits. Careers in the arts, healing professions, or work tied to compassion and service align well with this placement.
Jupiter’s expansive influence suggests that opportunities often come to you when you trust in the flow of life. This doesn’t mean abandoning structure entirely—balancing intuitive decision-making with practical steps is key. Neptune’s influence can sometimes blur boundaries, leading to financial confusion or over-idealism, so it’s important to ground your dreams in reality. Seek financial advice or tools that help clarify your goals without stifling your imaginative nature.
To glow up financially, focus on monetising your creative talents or intuitive gifts. Whether it’s through writing, music, design, or holistic practices, your wealth-building journey thrives when you align your resources with a deeper sense of purpose.
Self-Worth: Embracing Your Compassionate and Creative Nature
Self-worth in a Pisces second house is deeply tied to your ability to connect with others and your spiritual and creative gifts. Your glow-up involves recognising that your value isn’t based on material success alone but on your capacity to inspire and uplift those around you.
Pisces encourages you to build confidence through acts of compassion and creativity. Dedicate time to projects or practices that feed your soul, whether it’s volunteering, creating art, or exploring your spirituality. These pursuits remind you of your inherent value, separate from external validation.
However, Neptune’s influence can sometimes lead to self-doubt or a tendency to undervalue your contributions. To truly glow up, set boundaries that protect your energy and prioritise self-care. Honour your sensitivity as a strength, not a weakness, and surround yourself with people who appreciate and respect your unique gifts.
Material Gains: A World of Beauty and Meaning
In a Pisces second house, material possessions often hold emotional or spiritual significance. You’re drawn to items that evoke beauty, creativity, or a sense of wonder. Your glow-up involves curating a material world that reflects your connection to the ethereal and inspires your imagination.
You may be particularly drawn to artistic objects, symbolic items, or things that bring comfort and peace, such as candles, soft textiles, or water-inspired decor. Pisces energy isn’t about accumulation—it’s about creating an environment that nourishes your soul. Invest in items that spark joy and align with your values, avoiding clutter or possessions that drain your energy.
Be mindful of Neptune’s tendency to blur practicality with fantasy. While you may feel tempted to overspend on idealistic or escapist pursuits, grounding your material choices in long-term goals ensures your possessions contribute meaningfully to your life.
Values: Compassion, Creativity, and Spiritual Connection
Your Pisces second house calls for values rooted in compassion, creativity, and a sense of spiritual connection. Jupiter and Neptune encourage you to prioritise a life that feels meaningful, even if it doesn’t align with traditional definitions of success.
You value experiences and connections that uplift and inspire, and your financial and material pursuits should reflect this. Your glow-up involves aligning your resources with your ideals, whether it’s through supporting charitable causes, investing in creative projects, or cultivating a lifestyle that feels peaceful and aligned with your inner world.
Pisces energy also thrives when life feels spiritually fulfilling. Incorporating practices like meditation, journaling, or rituals into your routine helps you stay connected to your values and ensures your decisions remain aligned with your higher self.
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Astro Observations from a Hidden Garden
~Gemini houses Edition
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♊︎⟶Monotony is not for Gemini Midheaven. They thrive in dynamic environments, often excelling in multiple professions or creative ventures simultaneously. Travel, sales, and teaching are particularly appealing as they align with they love for action, communication, and intellectual engagement.
♊︎⟶Independence sparked 9th house Gemini drive to explore the world and seek out new experiences. During their educational years, they were highly active, participating in various activities that expanded their perspectives and enriched their life.
♊︎⟶With such a dynamic social life, honing 11th house Gemini communication skills will help them maintain more stable and fulfilling friendships. Being clear in their intentions and maintaining open lines of dialogue with others can prevent conflicts and deepen their connections.
♊︎⟶4th house Gemini might inherit communication skills or physical traits from a family member.
♊︎⟶A love for travel, particularly by air, reflects 9th house Gemini desire to experience new places and cultures. While them enjoy efficiency, they also appreciate the charm of scenic journeys, like those by train.
♊︎⟶Artistically inclined, Gemini Midheaven bring creativity and charm to their work, which makes them highly appealing to colleagues and clients alike.
♊︎⟶While 11th house Gemini enjoy having a lot of casual friends, it's important to them to maintain regular communication with those who have been part of their life for longer. This ongoing connection is beneficial and keeps their social circle grounded.
♊︎⟶As they address and heal from past pain, 8th house Gemini discover greater inner peace. Their outgoing and communicative nature supports this process, allowing them to share their journey and deepen their understanding of themself.
♊︎⟶When faced with unfair criticism or insinuations, it's best to 12th house Gemini not to engage in conflict but instead focus on their own ideas and creativity. While their active mind generates brilliant ideas when they're alone, it's important to strike a balance between emotion and rational thought to ensure that your judgment remains clear.
♊︎⟶While a small family or even no children may be part of the 5th house Gemini future, their interactions with children or younger people often involve understanding and bridging differences in personality. They bring thoughtfulness to these relationships, valuing personal connection over material gestures.
♊︎⟶Gemini Ascendant approach life with flexibility and adaptability, embracing change and thriving in dynamic environments. While they may struggle to balance their emotional world, their compassionate nature and quick understanding of others make them engaging and relatable.
♊︎⟶8th house Gemini may have faced deep emotional wounds in the past related to deception, manipulation, or harmful comments that impacted their mental well-being. These experiences may have influenced certain defensive behaviors, such as playing mental games or using words as weapons.
♊︎⟶While 4th house Gemini enjoy socializing, they equally value alone time and may not feel compelled to establish strong roots in one location. This balance allows them to focus on personal growth and exploration.
♊︎⟶As 4th house Gemini age, their thoughts and ideas become more refined, and they may feel an increasing desire to express them through writing, public speaking, or other creative outlets. These talents often keep you mentally stimulated and engaged.
♊︎⟶In close relationships, 8th house Gemini ability to openly discuss issues and work toward solutions is a strength. They bring a practical and thoughtful approach to resolving conflicts, which fosters deeper connections with others.
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♊︎⟶6th house Gemini adventurous and dynamic nature thrives in environments that challenge and stimulate them. They excel at managing a busy schedule and juggling multiple tasks, thanks to their adaptability and creative approach to problem-solving. While strict routines may not be their preference, they bring energy and innovation to their daily responsibilities.
♊︎⟶Gemini Midheaven wit, humor, and ability to connect with others make them a natural leader in group settings.
♊︎⟶4th house Gemini have a flexible attitude toward home life, valuing freedom and exploration over deep attachment to a specific place. They're open to relocating if it better suits theirs evolving needs and aspirations.
♊︎⟶To a 5th house Gemini, communication is essential in matters of the heart. They value forming intimate bonds through discovery and conversation, and their easygoing nature makes them naturally appealing in social and romantic settings.
♊︎⟶7th house Gemini craving for new experiences often extends to their love life, but honesty and open communication are key to avoiding complications. Being upfront about their desires and boundaries strengthens trust and connection with their partners.
♊︎⟶At times, 10th house Gemini may grapple with self-doubt, but their dedication and persistence ensure that they remain productive and focused on their goals. Success for them comes from embracing diversity and staying true to their dynamic, creative spirit.
♊︎⟶Naturally gifted in exchanging ideas, Gemini Rising individuals are intellectually curious and socially active. Their sharp wit and ability to learn quickly make them effective communicators, though they may occasionally come across as brusque.
♊︎⟶A thirst for knowledge and new experiences drives 4th house Gemini, whether through travel, intellectual pursuits, or hobbies that allow them to communicate and share their insights. This constant curiosity fuels their personal growth and enriches their life journey.
♊︎⟶11th house Gemini tend to juggle multiple dreams or goals at once, and it’s not uncommon for these ambitions to change frequently. While this adaptability serves them well, it can sometimes create instability in relationships if your shifting focus leads to misunderstandings.
♊︎⟶While 7th house Gemini are drawn to articulate and intelligent individuals, it’s equally important to embrace their own knowledge and creativity. Confidence in their intellectual and free-spirited nature helps them connect more authentically.
♊︎⟶6th house Gemini contagious enthusiasm and positive attitude inspire those around them. People are drawn to their zest for life and the lively spirit them bring to any situation.
♊︎⟶A love for learning drives 3rd house Gemini, especially in academic or structured settings. However, balancing multiple interests is key to avoiding overwhelm and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently.
♊︎⟶2nd house Gemini natives ability to adjust to any financial situation is one of their greatest strengths, allowing them to navigate challenges with ease and resilience.
♊︎⟶Adaptable, curious, and perceptive, Gemini Rising are quick thinkers with a love for variety and new experiences. Their restless energy drives them to seek excitement and avoid boredom, though it may lead to indecision and anxiety.
♊︎⟶8th house Gemini rational mind and resilience are powerful tools for overcoming these challenges. While the process of healing and emotional transformation may be difficult, their intelligence and self-awareness guide them toward healthier ways of relating to themself and others.
♊︎⟶In love, 7th house Gemini may lean toward rationality when faced with challenges, analyzing rather than fully feeling their emotions. Allowing yourself to experience the full spectrum of emotions enriches their relationships and personal growth.
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♊︎⟶Gemini Ascendants often process their identity and experiences through a mental lens, thriving on logic and analysis. However, if emotions and desires are not acknowledged, they may struggle to achieve true self-understanding.
♊︎⟶With a sharp eye for detail, 6th house Gemini enjoy delving into complex projects and finding unique solutions. This ability makes them effective in both personal and professional endeavors.
♊︎⟶5th house Gemini analytical mind thrives on challenges, games, and mental stimulation. They enjoy hobbies that engage their intellect and creativity, bringing fun and excitement into your life.
♊︎⟶2nd house Gemini quick thinking and adaptability are assets, but focusing on one venture at a time rather than spreading yourself thin will prevent financial turbulence. Consolidating interests and streamlining efforts can enhance your financial success.
♊︎⟶11th house Gemini social life thrives on new encounters, especially when they travel, offering them ample opportunities to expand their circle.
♊︎⟶11th house Gemini aspirations and goals are likely to shift over time, and they are comfortable with this evolution. Embracing change in their personal and professional life allows them to adapt and pursue new opportunities. This flexibility is beneficial, as it keeps their mind engaged and their ambitions fresh.
♊︎⟶7th house Gemini deeply value intellectually stimulating conversations with their partner. Sharing ideas and learning from each other is essential to building fulfilling relationships. Their talent for engaging others keeps relationships lively and exciting.
♊︎⟶9th house Gemini thrive on keeping life interesting and constantly shifting directions in search of the next adventure. For them, exploration isn’t just a pastime—it’s a core motivation that keeps them energized and inspired.
♊︎⟶9th house Gemini ability to embrace change and new ideas is contagious, often inspiring those around them. However, their quick shifts in focus mean that companions must keep up with their fast-paced approach to exploring opportunities.
♊︎⟶Strong connections with family and neighbors are significant to 3rd house Gemini natives, and they prioritize staying in touch and maintaining harmony in these relationships.
♊︎⟶12th house Gemini should be prepared for the possibility of theft or intellectual property being taken without their permission. Though this might not always lead to major issues, it’s wise to be aware of the potential for such situations.
♊︎⟶11th house Gemini naturally attract a wide variety of friends, though their connections may not always be long-lasting.
♊︎⟶Objectivity and a conceptual view of success enable 10th house Gemini to define their professional aspirations on their own terms. They excel in roles that involve communication, whether through writing, speaking, or publishing, and they're likely drawn to careers that keep them mentally stimulated and engaged.
♊︎⟶3rd house Gemini excel in expressing their ideas clearly and persuasively, with a natural curiosity and a flexible mind that thrives on exploring diverse topics. Their sharp wit and engaging conversational style makes them a captivating communicator.
♊︎⟶6th house Gemini ability to think outside the box and adapt to changing circumstances is one of their greatest strengths, enabling them to navigate challenges with ease and creativity.
♊︎⟶It's important 12th house Gemini to be mindful of their emotions, particularly feelings of resentment or negativity that may arise unexpectedly, often linked to something said by a family member or neighbor. These feelings may not manifest immediately but could resurface in future interactions, so being aware of them can help them address any underlying issues before they escalate.
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♊︎⟶Caring deeply about their health, 6th house Gemini may occasionally find themself overly concerned with maintaining it. Striking a balance between physical and mental well-being is key, and taking time to rest and recharge helps them sustain their vitality.
♊︎⟶5th house Gemini have an appreciation for beauty and sensory experiences, often indulging in activities that allow them to relax and express themself. Their love for creative pursuits and intellectual engagement keeps they free time fulfilling.
♊︎⟶7th house Gemini are attracted to funny, curious, and intellectually driven partners who share their sense of adventure. Someone who balances their free spirit with stability and commitment can create a harmonious and enduring bond.
♊︎⟶Maintaining intellectual connections with family is important to 4th house Gemini, often facilitated through conversations or technology. However, forming deep emotional bonds within the family may be more challenging.
♊︎⟶12th house Gemini need to be careful with written communication, as remarks made in documents or notes could potentially be used against them. This includes paying close attention to contracts and fine print to avoid misunderstandings that might put them at a disadvantage.
♊︎⟶A strong intellectual foundation, potentially influenced by Gemini Midheaven upbringing or opposite-sex parent, supports their sharp communication skills and sociable nature. This background contributes to their ability to form meaningful friendships and professional connections.
♊︎⟶Short trips and exploring new places bring 3rd house Gemini joy, fueling their curiosity and sense of adventure. These experiences often inspire fresh perspectives and ideas.
♊︎⟶2nd house Gemini should avoid mixing finances with family or neighbors, as it could lead to complications. While your logical approach to money is helpful, try not to overthink or create overly complex financial plans—simplicity can be just as effective.
♊︎⟶Others admire 9th house Gemini unique outlook on life, shaped by a diverse range of experiences. While some may see their constant movement as a lack of focus, their view it as a way to stay alert, active, and fully engaged in the world.
♊︎⟶With a wealth of ideas for generating income, 2nd house Gemini approach finances with intelligence and creativity. However, there’s a tendency to let money slip away, so practicing mindfulness with spending and saving can help create stability.
♊︎⟶11th house Gemini value intellectually stimulating individuals, particularly those in fields like journalism, publishing, or other areas of communication.
♊︎⟶In relationships, 5th house Gemini seek affection and depth, appreciating partners who care for them genuinely. While them enjoy treating loved ones to material comforts, their focus remains on building meaningful connections.
♊︎⟶Fields such as teaching, writing, transportation, and tourism are particularly promising for 2nd house Gemini natives. Exploring new investments or switching careers may also bring financial growth and satisfaction.
♊︎⟶12th house Gemini secret opponents are those who may be intelligent and strategic in their actions could be present, and it’s important to approach interactions with caution to avoid triggering conflicts. Maintaining awareness and discretion can help prevent misunderstandings and keep you focused on your own path.
♊︎⟶While 3rd house Gemini excel at noticing details, larger projects or seeing the "big picture" may be more challenging. Their open-mindedness and eagerness to explore new perspectives help them balance these tendencies.
♊︎⟶Socializing is important to 11th house Gemini for mental stimulation, and their thrive in environments where they're surrounded by diverse individuals.
♊︎⟶5th house Gemini success may come through fields such as technology, finance (stocks and bonds), media, or software. Their logical and clear-thinking nature serves them well in these areas, enabling them to navigate them effectively.
♊︎⟶Gemini Midheaven possess a natural adaptability and a wide range of interests that open many doors to success. Their curiosity and multifaceted talents make it hard to commit to a single goal, but this versatility allows them to thrive in diverse fields, particularly those that require mental agility and creative problem-solving.
(CC) AstroJulia Some Rights Reserved
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fashionteahouse · 4 months ago
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ultimate masterlist
started: 10/12/2024
updated: 10/22/2024
~ heyy beautiful people, I have decided to create this master list to make my page more easier to navigate and enjoy :) i take request so feel free to drop whatever you want because I write everyday! the wolfpack is my preference but I will write for any other twilight characters as well :> however, I wont write about jacob black x renesmee and quil x claire xoxo *(plagiarism of my writing is NOT allowed)*
Twilight Saga
moodboards
bella swan
leah clearwater
paul lahote
jared cameron
jacob black
seth clearwater
sam uley
emily young
embry call
charlie swan
wolf pack imagines
paul lahote
the other woman
moving on
detonate
cybertwee
under the influence
feel good all over
circumambient
4 wings
fine whine
you'll miss me when I'm not around
dinner
beautiful people with beautiful problems
love's in need of love today
provider
ride the dragon
24 hours
rewind
rewind part 2
7 years
but daddy i love him
reaper
animals
happiness is a butterfly
skyline to
keep driving
who? what!
best interest
even if it hurts
homemade dynamite
babydoll
immaterial
radical
what you waiting for?
forever
fourfiveseconds
little freak
embry call
miss camaraderie
kerosene
claws
kiss it better
hot wind blows
velvet 4 sale
butterfly effect
belly of the beat
genesis
self control
it is what it is
best to you
honeymoon
jacob black
chosen
ray of light
dreams, fairytales, fantasies
sam uley
dance the night away
sour candy
jared cameron
is it cold in the water?
seth clearwater
venus fly
bad habit
human behavior
supernova
next level
quil ateara
xxxo
play destroy
time will tell
infinite love without fulfillment
paul x reader x embry
swim good
wolfpack smut
paul lahote x reader
nitrous
jacob black x reader
difficult
wolf pack series
paul lahote x reader
out of your league part 1
out of your league part 2
out of your league part 3
out of your league part 4
out of your league part 5
out of your league part 6
out of your league part 7
out of your league part 8
out of your league part 9
out of your league part 10
out of your league part 11
embry call x reader
black cat part 1
black cat part 2
don't let me be misunderstood part 1
dont let me be misunderstood part 2
crystal ball part 1
jared cameron x reader
thought i knew you part 1
thought i knew you part 2
vampire imagines
garrett x reader
snowchild
jasper hale
last time i saw you
volturi imagines
alec x reader
space and time
twilight imagines
charlie swan x reader
bouncin
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adafruit · 2 months ago
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🎄💾🗓️ Day 9: Retrocomputing Advent Calendar - The Apple Lisa 🎄💾🗓️
The Apple Lisa, introduced on January 19, 1983, was a pioneering personal computer notable for its graphical user interface (GUI) and mouse input, a big departure from text-based command-line interfaces. Featured a Motorola 68000 CPU running at 5 MHz, 1 MB of RAM (expandable to 2 MB), and a 12-inch monochrome display with a resolution of 720×364 pixels. The system initially included dual 5.25-inch "Twiggy" floppy drives, later replaced by a single 3.5-inch Sony floppy drive in the Lisa 2 model. An optional 5 or 10 MB external ProFile hard drive provided more storage.
The Lisa's price of $9,995 (equivalent to approximately $30,600 in 2023) and performance issues held back its commercial success; sales were estimated at about 10,000 units.
It introduced advanced concepts such as memory protection and a document-oriented workflow, which influenced future Apple products and personal computing.
The Lisa's legacy had a huge impact on Apple computers, specifically the Macintosh line, which adopted and refined many of its features. While the Lisa was not exactly a commercial success, its contributions to the evolution of user-friendly computing interfaces are widely recognized in computing history.
These screen pictures come from Adafruit fan Philip " It still boots up from the Twiggy hard drive and runs. It also has a complete Pascal Development System." …"mine is a Lisa 2 with the 3.5” floppy and the 5 MB hard disk. In addition all of the unsold Lisa machines reached an ignominious end."
What end was that? From the Verge -
In September 1989, according to a news article, Apple buried about 2,700 unsold Lisa computers in Logan, Utah at a very closely guarded garbage dump. The Lisa was released in 1983, and it was Apple’s first stab at a truly modern, graphically driven computer: it had a mouse, windows, icons, menus, and other things we’ve all come to expect from “user-friendly” desktops. It had those features a full year before the release of the Macintosh.
Article, and video…
youtube
Check out the Apple Lisa page on Wikipedia
, the Computer History's article -
and the National Museum of American History – Behring center -
Have first computer memories? Post’em up in the comments, or post yours on socialz’ and tag them #firstcomputer #retrocomputing – See you back here tomorrow!
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the-joy-of-knowledge · 7 months ago
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Thinking Fast & Slow
Understanding System 1 and System 2 Thinking.
In Daniel Kahneman's seminal work, "Thinking, Fast and Slow," he introduces the concept of two systems of thought: System 1 and System 2. These systems operate in different ways, shaping our decisions, behaviors, and habits.
System 1: The Fast Thinker
System 1 is our intuitive, automatic, and quick mode of thinking. It operates with little or no effort . This system is responsible for our immediate reactions and gut feelings.
Characteristics of System 1:
Automatic and Quick: Requires minimal effort.
Emotional: Driven by emotions and immediate impressions.
Unconscious: Operates without conscious awareness.
Fast: Reacts instantly to stimuli.
Examples of System 1 Behaviors:
Binge Eating: Grabbing a bag of chips and consuming it mindlessly while watching TV.
Impulsive Shopping: Buying items on impulse because they are on sale or displayed attractively.
Driving on a Familiar Route: Navigating through known streets without consciously thinking about each turn.
Reacting to a Sudden Noise: Jumping in response to a loud sound.
System 2: The Slow Thinker
System 2 is our analytical, deliberate, and effortful mode of thinking. This system is responsible for making more deliberate choices and reflecting on complex issues.
Characteristics of System 2:
Effortful and Deliberate: Requires mental effort and attention.
Rational: Driven by logic and reasoning.
Conscious: Operates with full awareness.
Slow: Takes time to process information.
Examples of System 2 Behaviors:
Intentional Eating: Planning meals ahead of time to ensure a balanced diet.
Careful Budgeting: Analyzing finances and creating a budget to manage spending.
Learning a New Skill: Dedicating time and effort to practice and improve.
Solving Complex Problems: Taking time to think through a difficult work-related issue or a puzzle.
How System 1 and System 2 Affect Our Habits
Our habits are largely influenced by the interplay between these two systems. System 1 often governs habits formed through repeated behaviors and routines, while System 2 comes into play when we try to change or form new, deliberate habits.
System 1 Habits:
Unhealthy Eating: Reaching for comfort food when stressed, driven by emotional responses.
Procrastination: Putting off tasks in favor of immediate, less demanding activities.
Mindless Browsing: Scrolling through social media without a specific purpose.
System 2 Habits:
Regular Exercise: Planning and adhering to a workout schedule.
Mindful Meditation: Setting aside time for mindfulness practices.
Continuous Learning: Reading books or taking courses to gain new knowledge and skills.
Practical Applications
I have realized that for me to form a new habit, I have to constantly fight against System 1 behavior (checking my phone first thing in the morning, impulsive eating etc). By fighting against it, I mean reminding myself of my intentions, taking time to ask myself why I really need another brownie. It is difficult at first but understanding the differences between System 1 and System 2 can help us make better decisions and develop healthier habits. For example, recognizing that binge eating is a System 1 behavior can lead us to implement System 2 strategies, such as meal planning and mindful eating, to counteract it.
Tips to Engage System 2:
Pause and Reflect: Before making decisions, take a moment to consider the consequences.
Create Routines: Establish structured routines that require conscious effort initially but can eventually become automatic.
Set Clear Goals: Define specific, achievable goals to guide deliberate actions.
Practice Self-Control: Develop self-discipline through regular practice and reinforcement.
By harnessing the power of System 2 thinking, we can override the automatic responses of System 1, leading to more intentional and beneficial habits.
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fuck-customers · 3 months ago
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This was a couple of decades ago when I worked in sales, let’s say for an electronics company or appliance company or something similar to that. We had an older gentleman come in and he wanted to buy some high end stuff and quite a bit of it, so we were more than willing to help him out. Things started getting out of hand with him pretty quickly though. He was starting to demand that during the delivery and installation we would do stuff above and beyond what we could do because what he was asking for was against corporate policy. When we started to explain some of this to him he was all “You don’t know who I am, do you?” and he started to tell us that he used to be the ceo of a global company that I’ll leave unnamed. Think something big like energy, tech, or media. A company that has products in almost every household. He was telling us how corporate policies are all about lawyers and accountants and he doesn’t give a damn about that kind of stuff. If anything went wrong he wouldn’t hold anyone accountable and we could take him for his word. He said he used to make multimillion dollar deals on the golf course or over dinner with nothing more than handshakes and promises of phone calls over the next week to further hash things out.
We all thought this man was full of shit but he was willing to spend a lot of money, so we just let him keep on talking while we figured out ways to talk him down from his unrealistic expectations. It felt like a hostage negotiation. From time to time he would go on tangents and give us his “insider knowledge” about this company or that. It was all far from insider knowledge. It was everyday stuff that could easily be learned by reading Forbes or The Wall Street Journal.
I was the main salesperson and his first point of contact so I talked to him the most. He talked foul and looked completely disheveled. Everything about him and the whole interaction was the exact opposite of the types of corporate businessmen I was used to dealing with. I was starting to think we were getting conned. After about two long and painful hours the sale was completed and payments went through, much to my surprise. While a lot of equipment needed to be delivered, I volunteered to load the stuff we had on hand into his car. When we got out to the parking lot I saw that his car was a busted up and rusted out relic from the mid ‘80s. I thought that there was no way an ex-ceo of a global company would be driving something so crappy. I was convinced that he was just taking us for a ride for God know’s what reason.
When I got home from work that night I googled his name. Lo and behold there he was with photographs and articles. Tons of them. Not only was he who he said he was, he actually downplayed his career. I printed out some of the articles to take into work the next day. My boss, my coworkers, and I went over them, just dumb struck. We just couldn’t believe it. This complete asshole was exactly who he said he was. We ended up calling the installers to give them a heads up and warn them that they were probably be going to deal with one of the most difficult customers they’d see that year.
We never saw him again. On the one hand we were happy because none of us wanted to deal with him again. On the other hand we were kind of disappointed. He spent money without even trying.
I believed he was who he said he was before you said you looked him up.
The really rich people (worth billions) will drive a thirty year old car, wear clothes decades out of date, and expect a lot of things "extra" on everything they do buy. That's how they stay rich. The CEO of our company is still using a flip phone and came to our meeting (when I was still in corporate) in jeans and a t-shirt. And that dude is worth billions.
The showoff's (flashy car, new phone/bag/shoes) either are millionaires that will not be rich their whole life. Or celebrities/influencer's that need to have that image of wealth.
At least that's my experience in retail corporate and working security for the mouse.
-Rodney
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antiporn-activist · 1 year ago
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A Marketplace of Girl Influencers Managed by Moms and Stalked by Men
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/22/us/instagram-child-influencers.html
Seeking social media stardom for their underage daughters, mothers post images of them on Instagram. The accounts draw men sexually attracted to children, and they sometimes pay to see more.
Feb. 22, 2024
By Jennifer Valentino-DeVries and Michael H. Keller
The ominous messages began arriving in Elissa’s inbox early last year.
“You sell pics of your underage daughter to pedophiles,” read one. “You’re such a naughty sick mom, you’re just as sick as us pedophiles,” read another. “I will make your life hell for you and your daughter.”
Elissa has been running her daughter’s Instagram account since 2020, when the girl was 11 and too young to have her own. Photos show a bright, bubbly girl modeling evening dresses, high-end workout gear and dance leotards. She has more than 100,000 followers, some so enthusiastic about her posts that they pay $9.99 a month for more photos.
Over the years, Elissa has fielded all kinds of criticism and knows full well that some people think she is exploiting her daughter. She has even gotten used to receiving creepy messages, but these — from “Instamodelfan” — were extreme. “I think they’re all pedophiles,” she said of the many online followers obsessed with her daughter and other young girls.
Elissa and her daughter inhabit the world of Instagram influencers whose accounts are managed by their parents. Although the site prohibits children under 13, parents can open so-called mom-run accounts for them, and they can live on even when the girls become teenagers.
But what often starts as a parent’s effort to jump-start a child’s modeling career, or win favors from clothing brands, can quickly descend into a dark underworld dominated by adult men, many of whom openly admit on other platforms to being sexually attracted to children, an investigation by The New York Times found. 
For this investigation, the reporters analyzed 2.1 million Instagram posts, monitored months of online chats of professed pedophiles and interviewed over 100 people, including parents and children.
Thousands of accounts examined by The Times offer disturbing insights into how social media is reshaping childhood, especially for girls, with direct parental encouragement and involvement. Some parents are the driving force behind the sale of photos, exclusive chat sessions and even the girls’ worn leotards and cheer outfits to mostly unknown followers. The most devoted customers spend thousands of dollars nurturing the underage relationships.
The large audiences boosted by men can benefit the families, The Times found. The bigger followings look impressive to brands and bolster chances of getting discounts, products and other financial incentives, and the accounts themselves are rewarded by Instagram’s algorithm with greater visibility on the platform, which in turn attracts more followers.
One calculation performed by an audience demographics firm found 32 million connections to male followers among the 5,000 accounts examined by The Times.
Interacting with the men opens the door to abuse. Some flatter, bully and blackmail girls and their parents to get racier and racier images. The Times monitored separate exchanges on Telegram, the messaging app, where men openly fantasize about sexually abusing the children they follow on Instagram and extol the platform for making the images so readily available.
“It’s like a candy store 😍😍😍,” one of them wrote. “God bless instamoms 🙌,” wrote another.
The troubling interactions on Instagram come as social media companies increasingly dominate the cultural landscape and the internet is seen as a career path of its own.
Nearly one in three preteens lists influencing as a career goal, and 11 percent of those born in Generation Z, between 1997 and 2012, describe themselves as influencers. The so-called creator economy surpasses $250 billion worldwide, according to Goldman Sachs, with U.S. brands spending more than $5 billion a year on influencers.
Health and technology experts have recently cautioned that social media presents a “profound risk of harm” for girls. Constant comparisons to their peers and face-altering filters are driving negative feelings of self-worth and promoting objectification of their bodies, researchers found.
But the pursuit of online fame, particularly through Instagram, has supercharged the often toxic phenomenon, The Times found, encouraging parents to commodify their children’s images. Some of the child influencers earn six-figure incomes, according to interviews.
“I really don’t want my child exploited on the internet,” said Kaelyn, a mother in Melbourne, Australia, who like Elissa and many other parents interviewed by The Times agreed to be identified only by a middle name to protect the privacy of her child.
“But she’s been doing this so long now,” she said. “Her numbers are so big. What do we do? Just stop it and walk away?”
In investigating this growing and unregulated ecosystem, The Times analyzed 2.1 million Instagram posts, monitored months of online chats of professed pedophiles and reviewed thousands of pages of police reports and court documents.
Reporters also interviewed more than 100 people, including parents in the United States and three other countries, their children, child safety experts, tech company employees and followers of the accounts, some of whom were convicted sex offenders.
This is how The Times found its sample of 5,000 mom-run accounts.
The accounts range from dancers whose mothers diligently cull men from the ranks of followers, to girls in skimpy bikinis whose parents actively encourage male admirers and sell them special photo sets. While there are some mom-run accounts for boys, they are the exception.
Some girls on Instagram use their social media clout to get little more than clothing discounts; others receive gifts from Amazon wish lists, or money through Cash App; and still others earn thousands of dollars a month by selling subscriptions with exclusive content.
In interviews and online comments, parents said that their children enjoyed being on social media or that it was important for a future career. But some expressed misgivings. Kaelyn, whose daughter is now 17, said she worried that a childhood spent sporting bikinis online for adult men had scarred her.
“She’s written herself off and decided that the only way she’s going to have a future is to make a mint on OnlyFans,” she said, referring to a website that allows users to sell adult content to subscribers. “She has way more than that to offer.”
She warned mothers not to make their children social media influencers. “With the wisdom and knowledge I have now, if I could go back, I definitely wouldn’t do it,” she said. “I’ve been stupidly, naïvely, feeding a pack of monsters, and the regret is huge.”
Account owners who report explicit images or potential predators to Instagram are typically met with silence or indifference, and those who block many abusers have seen their own accounts’ ability to use certain features limited, according to the interviews and documents. In the course of eight months, The Times made over 50 reports of its own about questionable material and received only one response.
Meta, Instagram’s parent company, found that 500,000 child Instagram accounts had “inappropriate” interactions every day, according to an internal study in 2020 quoted in legal proceedings.
In a statement to The Times, Andy Stone, a Meta spokesman, said that parents were responsible for the accounts and their content and could delete them anytime.
“Anyone on Instagram can control who is able to tag, mention or message them, as well as who can comment on their account,” Mr. Stone added, noting a feature that allows parents to ban comments with certain words. “On top of that, we prevent accounts exhibiting potentially suspicious behavior from using our monetization tools, and we plan to limit such accounts from accessing subscription content.”
Influencers use TikTok, too, but Instagram is easier for parents to navigate and better suited to the kinds of photos that brands want. It is also home to a longstanding network of parents and brands that predated TikTok.
From time to time, Instagram removes child-influencer accounts for unspecified reasons or because people flag them as inappropriate, The Times found. In extreme cases, parents and photographers have been arrested or convicted of child exploitation, but barring evidence of illegal images, most of the activity does not draw the attention of law enforcement.
Like many parents, Elissa, who received the threatening messages about her daughter’s photos, said she protected her daughter by handling the account exclusively herself. Ultimately, she concluded, the Instagram community is dominated by “disgusting creeps,” but she nonetheless keeps the account up and running. Shutting it down, she said, would be “giving in to bullies.”
The account’s risks became apparent last spring when the person messaging her threatened to report her to the police and others unless she completed “a small task.” When she did not respond, the person emailed the girl’s school, saying Elissa sold “naughty” pictures to pedophiles.
Days later, the girl tearfully explained to her mother that school officials had questioned her about the Instagram account. They showed her images that her mother had posted — one of the girl in hot pants and fishnets, another in a leotard and sweatshirt.
Elissa had reported the blackmail to the local sheriff, but school officials only dropped the matter after an emotional interrogation of the girl.
“I was crying,” the girl said in an interview. “I was just scared. I didn’t understand what was going on.”
‘Walking Advertising’
In today’s creator economy, companies often turn to social media influencers to attract new customers. Giants like Kim Kardashian, who has 364 million followers on Instagram, have turned the phenomenon into a big business.
Young girls strive to do the same.
In the dance and gymnastics worlds, teens and preteens jockey to become brand ambassadors for products and apparel. They don bikinis in Instagram posts, walk runways in youth fashion shows and offer paid subscriptions to videos showing the everyday goings-on of children seeking internet fame.
“We costumed somebody for ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ thinking that would be huge P.R., but we ended up finding out the bigger return on investment is these microinfluencers,” she said. “We have parents that will spend thousands of dollars to buy styles that no one else will have. That’s our best market.”
The most successful girls can demand $3,000 from their sponsors for a single post on Instagram, but monetary gain can be elusive for others, who receive free or discounted clothes in exchange for their posts and have to pay for their own hairstyling and makeup, among other costs. Even youth fashion shows, including events in New York that coincide but are not affiliated with New York Fashion Week, charge the girls to participate and charge their parents to attend.
In interviews, parents defended spending the money to promote their daughters’ influencer ambitions, describing them as extracurricular activities that build confidence, develop friendships and create social media résumés that will follow them into adulthood.
“It’s like a little security blanket,” said a New Jersey mother whose mom-run account has led to paid modeling jobs for her daughter and invitations to work with sought-after choreographers. “She can help pay for college if she does it right,” she said.
A mother in Alabama said parents couldn’t ignore the reality of this new economy.
“Social media is the way of our future, and I feel like they’ll be behind if they don’t know what’s going on,” the mother said. “You can’t do anything without it now.”
One 12-year-old girl in Maryland, who spoke with The Times alongside her mother, described the thrill of seeing other girls she knows wear a brand she represents in Instagram posts.
“People are actually being influenced by me,” she said.
In 2022, Instagram launched paid subscriptions, which allows followers to pay a monthly fee for exclusive content and access. The rules don’t allow subscriptions for anyone under 18, but the mom-run accounts sidestep that restriction. The Times found dozens that charged from 99 cents to $19.99. At the highest price, parents offered “ask me anything” chat sessions and behind-the-scenes photos.
Child safety experts warn the subscriptions and other features could lead to unhealthy interactions, with men believing they have a special connection to the girls and the girls believing they must meet the men’s needs.
“I have reservations about a child feeling like they have to satisfy either adults in their orbit or strangers who are asking something from them,” said Sally Theran, a professor at Wellesley College and clinical psychologist who studies online relationships. “It’s really hard to give consent to that when your frontal lobe isn’t fully developed.”
Instagram isn’t alone in the subscription business. Some parents promote other platforms on their mom-run accounts. One of them, Brand Army, caters to adult influencers but also has “junior channel” parent-run subscriptions ranging from free to $250 monthly.
“Message me anytime. You will have more opportunities for buying and receiving super exclusive content😘,” read a description for a $25 subscription to a minor’s account. For $100 a month, subscribers can get “live interactive video chats,” unlimited direct messages and a mention on the girl’s Instagram story.
The Times subscribed to several accounts to glean what content is being offered and how much money is being made. On one account, 141 subscribers liked a photo only available to those who paid $100 monthly, indicating over $14,000 in subscription revenue.
Some of the descriptions also highlight the revealing nature of photos. One account for a child around 14 years old encouraged new sign-ups at the end of last year by branding the days between Christmas and New Year’s as “Bikini Week.” An account for a 17-year-old girl advertised that she wasn’t wearing underwear in a workout photo set and, as a result, the images were “uh … a lot spicier than usual.”
The girl’s “Elite VIP” subscription costs $250 a month.
Brand Army’s founder, Ramon Mendez, said that junior-channel users were a minority on his platform and that moderating their pages had grown so problematic that he discontinued new sign-ups.
“We’ve removed thousands of pieces of content,” he said. “The parents’ behavior is just disgusting. We don’t want to be part of it.”
‘The Wealth of the Wicked’
“You are so sexy,” read one comment on an image of a 5-year-old girl in a ruffled bikini. “Those two little things look great thru ur top,” said another on a video of a girl dancing in a white cropped shirt, who months later posted pictures of her 11th birthday party.
For many mom-run accounts, comments from men — admiring, suggestive or explicit — are a recurring scourge to be eradicated, or an inescapable fact of life to be ignored. For others, they are a source to be tapped.
“The first thing I do when I wake up and the last thing I do when I go to bed is block accounts,” said Lynn, the mother of a 6-year-old girl in Florida who has about 3,000 followers from the dance world.
Another mother, Gail from Texas, described being desensitized to the men’s messages. “I don’t have as much of an emotional response anymore,” she said. “It’s weird to be so numb to that, but the quantity is just astounding.”
Meta does not provide public information about who uses Instagram, so The Times analyzed data from the audience firms Modash and HypeAuditor, which estimate follower demographics based on their own algorithms.
The proportion of male followers varied greatly in The Times’s sample, according to the estimates. Many accounts had a few thousand followers who were mostly female. But while men accounted for about 35 percent of the audience overall, their presence grew dramatically as accounts became more popular. Many with more than 100,000 followers had a male audience of over 75 percent, and a few of them over 90 percent, the analysis showed.
To be sure, not all men following the accounts have bad intentions. Some are grandparents and fathers of the young influencers. Many have inoffensive profiles and simply post compliments or greetings, and mothers react appreciatively.
“In responding or even hitting ‘like’ on it, it boosts your algorithm,” said a mother in Florida whose 16-year-old daughter has been an Instagram influencer for six years. “We tried shutting comments off at one point, and some of the brands didn’t like that.”
Brands that feature children from mom-run accounts face similar challenges.
Dean Stockton, who runs a small clothing company in Florida called Original Hippie, often features girls from the Instagram accounts, who earn a commission when customers use personalized discount codes. After initially deleting many male followers, he now sees them as a way to grow the account and give it a wider audience because the platform rewards large followings.
“The Bible says, ‘The wealth of the wicked is laid up for the righteous,’” he said. “So sometimes you got to use the things of this world to get you to where you need to be, as long as it’s not harming anybody.”
Mr. Stockton said he deleted male followers who were disrespectful or sexual in their interactions. An examination by The Times of the three dozen brands that are popular among mom-run accounts found inappropriate, predatory or pornographic followers in almost all of the brands’ accounts, including Original Hippie.
Many of the men posted pornography, or their bios included sexual language and emojis that child protection experts say pedophiles can use to signal interest in children. For instance, one follower of a children’s dance wear brand described himself as a “thong & anl sx lover.” A user named “sexy_69nazi” followed a children’s apparel company and exclusively posted pornography.
Chixit, a brand selling swimwear and other clothing, describes itself as “an International Sorority,” but business records show that it was run by Philip Russo, who advertised himself as a tutor operating out of his home in the Hudson Valley of New York. Other websites registered to Mr. Russo’s email are a tutoring business and inactive domain names describing sex with animals.
After The Times reached out to Mr. Russo, the website for his tutoring business went offline. He did not respond to multiple messages seeking comment.
‘Girls Become a Currency’
The vast world of child-influencer followers on Instagram includes men who have been charged with or convicted of sex crimes, and those who engage in forums off platform where child sexual abuse imagery, including of girls on Instagram, is shared.
The Times traced the account of one follower, who goes by the moniker “jizzquizz,” to a man named Joshua V. Rubel, 39. He was convicted in 2008 of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl and is listed on the New Jersey sex offender registry. (Instagram’s policy bars sex offenders from using the platform, and the company said it removed two accounts after The Times pointed them out.)
Another account belongs to Daniel Duane Huver, a man in Lansing, Mich., who told law enforcement in 2018 that he had “top fan status” on girls’ pages, a designation bestowed by Instagram’s sister company, Facebook. The police searched Mr. Huver’s cellphone after it was confiscated by his probation officer and found hundreds of images and videos of children, including many considered inappropriate and sexually suggestive and two believed to be illegal (showing minors engaged in explicit acts.)
Mr. Huver told officers he was sexually attracted to children and masturbated to images of them, according to police records. He was charged with possession of child sexual abuse material, but the prosecutor in Eaton County later dropped charges, citing insufficient evidence because of the poor quality of the imagery.
Mr. Rubel did not respond to requests for comment. Mr. Huver said that the police mischaracterized his words and that the lack of prosecution was evidence he had done nothing wrong.
In monitoring multiple Telegram chat rooms, The Times found men who treat children’s Instagram pages and subscription services as menus to satisfy their fantasies. They trade information about parents considered receptive to producing and selling “private sets” of images.
A group with more than 4,000 members was highly organized, with an F.A.Q. page and a Google sheet that tracked nearly 700 children, identifying them by hashtags to help members find them within the long chat history. The group’s logo showed a child’s hand in an adult hand.
The Times asked the Canadian Center for Child Protection, an organization that monitors online child exploitation, to review links and other potentially illegal material posted by the Telegram groups and elsewhere. The center identified child sexual abuse imagery involving multiple underage Instagram models from around the world, as well as sexualized videos of others, including a preteen girl wearing a thong and a young teenager raising her dress to show her bikini bottom.
Men in these groups frequently praise the advent of Instagram as a golden age for child exploitation.
“I’m so glad for these new moms pimping their daughters out,” wrote one of them. “And there’s an infinite supply of it — literally just refresh your Instagram Explore page there’s fresh preteens.”
A small group of men go even further and cultivate business and patronage relationships with mothers.
One man posts videos and photos on Instagram of girls thanking him for shopping sprees, gifts like iPhones and iPads, and cash. If he does not receive a message of gratitude quickly, he sometimes shames the mother and daughter on his private Instagram account.
Another makes recommendations about increasing visibility by using specific hashtags and photographers. But two mothers said they became suspicious, and stopped working with the man, after he suggested they make certain their daughters’ nipples and other private areas could be detected through their outfits.
A third man tried to persuade a mother to sell her daughter’s used leotards because many men, including himself, were “collectors,” according to a recording of the conversation.
“In retrospect I feel like such a stupid mom, but I’m not stupid,” said a mother of a young gymnast, who dealt with similar men before she realized they were predators and received threatening messages from several of them. “I didn’t understand what grooming was.”
Sometimes the men flirt or try to develop virtual romances with mothers, offer to protect them and become possessive and angry if they interact with other men.
“It’s almost like the girls become a currency,” said the gymnast’s mother, who did not want to be named.
This feeling of ownership and jealousy can drive attempts at blackmail, The Times found.
Instamodelfan, who sent threatening messages to Elissa, sent blackmail threats to at least five other mom-run accounts. When one mother responded, he demanded that she sexually abuse her child and send him photos and videos, emails to the mother show. She refused and contacted law enforcement.
The Times communicated with a person identified on Telegram as Instamodelfan who said that he lashed out at the mothers because he believed other men got illegal images of children and he wanted them for himself.
Reporters also received information from an anonymous tipster, who they later found was linked to the blackmailer, indicating that some parents had produced explicit imagery of their daughters.
The Canadian center reviewed the imagery and said it included illegal nude photos of two girls. One girl’s mother said she was shaken to learn of the photos and did not know who could have made them. The other girl, now 17, said in an interview that the photos were for her and a girlfriend and that she told law enforcement that they had been stolen.
Others images either were borderline illegal, were too poor quality to be conclusive or were digitally altered, the center said.
Several mothers who had been identified by the tipster said they reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which, they said, had conducted an investigation. The F.B.I. declined to comment.
Ultimately, the gymnast’s mother said, a federal agent told them to stop talking to men online.
“They told everyone to get off Instagram,” she said. “‘You’re in over your head. Get off.’ That’s what they told us.”
‘My Limit of Pedophiles’
Meta failed to act on multiple reports made by parents and even restricted those who tried to police their own followers, according to interviews and materials provided by the parents.
If parents block too many followers’ accounts in a day, Meta curtails their ability to block or follow others, they said.
“I remember being told, like, I’ve reached my limit,” said a mother of two dancers in Arizona who declined to be named. “Like what? I reached my limit of pedophiles for today. OK, great.”
Mr. Stone, the Meta spokesman, said “there are lots of reasons an account might face limitations or restrictions based the account’s activity,” and therefore it was difficult to know why parents encountered these problems.
Ms. Pastore of LA Dance Designs said it was “very much overdue” for Instagram to add the ability to filter by age and sex to help identify suspicious followers. “If you’re starting to gain a following, there needs to be some sort of way to control it,” she said.
Even some egregious violations led to no action by Meta.
One parent reported a photo of erect male genitalia sent in a direct message. Another reported an account that reposted children’s photos with explicit captions. A third reported a user who propositioned her child for sex, offering $65,000 for “an hour” with the girl.
In response to those three reports, Meta said either that the communications did not violate “community guidelines” or that its staff did not have time to review them. In other cases, Meta told parents that it relied on its “technology” to determine the content was “probably” not a violation.
Separately, The Times found comments that included links to sites identified by the Canadian center as trading illegal, nude imagery of children. None of those reports received a response from Meta.
Former Meta trust and safety employees described an organization overwhelmed despite knowing about the problem for years.
“You hear, ‘I reported this account, it was harassing my daughter, why is he back?’” said a former investigator for the company who requested anonymity. “There are not enough people, resources and systems to tackle all of it.”
In recent years, conspiracy theories like QAnon, which claims Democratic politicians are trafficking children, have led to an excess of unfounded reports that have muddled the evaluation of child abuse tips, three former Meta trust and safety employees said.
A 2020 document that surfaced in a lawsuit described child safety as a “non-goal” at Meta. “If we do something here, cool,” the document said. “But if we do nothing at all, that’s fine too.” The lawsuit was brought against Meta and other companies claiming damage from using social media. Lawyers for the plaintiffs declined to provide more information about the document.
In documents from 2018 included in a separate lawsuit making similar claims of harm, a top Facebook executive told Instagram’s chief executive that unless changes were made, Facebook and Instagram were “basically massive ‘victim discovery services,’” an allusion to the considerable evidence of abuse on the platforms.
Mr. Stone, the Meta spokesman, disputed the suggestion that the trust team was understaffed and underfunded, saying that 40,000 employees worked on safety and security and that the company had invested $20 billion in such efforts since 2016. He also referred to a previous statement about the lawsuits, saying they “mischaracterize our work using selective quotes and cherry-picked documents.”
In addition, he noted that Meta reported more suspected child abuse imagery to the authorities than any other company each year. In December, it announced plans to encrypt its messaging services, which would reduce the reports.
‘It’s All Over Instagram’
Experts in child protection and development say young people should never be made to have negative feelings about their bodies. But clothing that is appropriate in a gym or dance competition may take on an unintended meaning when shared online.
Children’s dance attire regularly features strappy bra tops, sheer fabric and bikini bottoms, and popular cheer outfits combine sports bras with little skirts — part of a long-term trend toward more revealing clothing for girls.
“In the dance world we’re in, they’re half naked all the time and their legs are in the air,” said a mother in Massachusetts who declined to be named. “And if you’re not used to seeing that, maybe it’s different.”
Lynn, whose granddaughter in Texas is an ambassador for a cheerleading brand, said there was no logic to the reactions her posts received. Photos of the girl’s feet attract the most extreme comments, she said. “You can’t stop weird people, I guess.”
Still, many of the would-be influencers suffer. In some instances criticism of the posts, and accompanying bullying, becomes so severe that mothers turn to home-schooling.
“She got slaughtered all through primary school,” said Kaelyn, the mother in Melbourne. “Children were telling her, ‘We can’t play with you because my mom said too many perverts follow you on the internet.’”
In the United States, parents have substantial leeway in making decisions about their children. But people who suspect illegal behavior on Instagram quickly discover that the authorities are overwhelmed and typically focus on the clearest-cut cases.
Even the most unsettling images of sexualized child influencers tend to fall into a legal gray area. To meet the federal definition of so-called child pornography, the law generally requires a “lascivious exhibition” of the anal or genital area, though courts have found the requirement can be met without nudity or sheer clothing.
There have been criminal prosecutions against parents accused in child sexual abuse cases.
In Louisiana last year, a mother was arrested and charged with working with a photographer to produce illegal images of her daughter in a thong bikini. In Texas, a mother was sentenced to 32 years in prison in December for producing nude photos of her 8-year-old daughter with the same photographer. And in North Carolina, a mother is awaiting trial on charges that she took her 15-year-old daughter to a photographer who sexually abused her and she failed to get medical help when the girl tried to kill herself, according to court documents.
Still, those prosecutions are rare, and some male followers of the mom-run accounts openly welcome the windfall.
“As long as this stuff legally exists, I just enjoy it :),” one of them wrote on Telegram.
“Exactly,” another responded. “It’s all over Instagram.”
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cyberl33ch · 7 months ago
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Excuse Me, Miss? Chapter 2
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masterlist, part one, part three, part four
summary: Neighbor turned business partner, romantic or conflict of interest?
word count: 1.14k
tw: angst, eventual smut, conflict of interest, alcohol consumption, & hopeless feeling.
pairing: Neighbor/BusinessPartner!Abby x NepoBaby!Reader
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“Excuse me, Miss?” Your reminiscing is interrupted by a familiar voice. You turn around to lock eyes with none other than…Abby? After standing there trying to piece together a valid reason Abby had business at your dad's company. You never found one…this is also when you realize you didn’t know much about her and lowkey could’ve gotten kidnapped last night. Cheers to impulsive, alcohol-influenced actions…right?? 
“What are you doing here?” You say with a slightly dropped jaw and raised eyebrow. “I have a…uh-” Whatever Abby was going to say gets cut off by your father entering the room, standing beside Abby, and putting a hand on her shoulder. “I see you’ve met my daughter..” Your father says clenching his jaw, you can practically hear his teeth grinding.
“D-daughter?” Abby says, widening her eyes as she stammers over her words. Your father nods confirming Abby’s worst fear, looking at you both as silence fills the room. “Well, we have a business meeting.” He says motioning Abby towards a chair, which was also a polite “get the fuck out.” 
You took that and ran with it literally, clocking out and booking it to the parking garage where your car was. After getting in you take the biggest exhale of your life swearing you could rip your hair out follicle by follicle.
Starting up the car ready to get in bed and sulk you get a knock on your window, rolling it down you meet gazes with Abby again. She cast quite the shadow being that your car was slightly low to the ground, she looked relaxed with one hand in her pocket looking down at you with those eyes. 
“I was just gonna ask- um…if we could talk tomorrow?” She says nervously, slightly taking a step back as she scratches the back of her neck. “Uhh sure yeah.” You say letting a yawn escape showing how exhausted you were. You both bid your goodbyes as Abby takes a step back watching you drive out of the parking spot. 
Waking up in the sunlight is therapeutic to others, especially with the view in your bedroom but to you, it’s just another sunrise.
You felt it was time to try something different since you hadn’t sipped tequila a whole day. Everything has been giving you a fresh start kind of feel. New “job”, new things, new skills, even a new milf next door. Isn’t life beautiful?
While sitting in the living room deciding what to watch for your employee holiday. Yesterday when they told you it was an employee holiday you had to google what that was because you thought regular employees worked year round.
You decide to cook yourself for once, but you never really took it upon yourself to cook, often ordering takeout or just eating chips and liquor. 
However, you do have a couple of recipes locked into your brain from when your mother used to cook with you as a kid.
You always feel cozy from most of her recipes even the simple ones, she always adds her twist on everything. Even to this day, you have a positive view of her to which your dad has never taken a likeness.
Nevertheless, this day isn’t about the past it’s about relaxation-. You quickly stopped in your tracks realizing Abby hadn’t crossed your mind once since you’d risen out of your bed. 
It takes you two plates of food and a few seasons of The Walking Dead to finally come up with a justifiable reason for why Abby had any business at your dad's company, let alone a meeting.
During the time you were helping her move boxes into her place, you saw some boxes marked work supplies. Maybe she was there negotiating or even offering something. It wasn’t rare for smaller companies to try and use your dad as a way to the top or to even skyrocket sales. 
Knocks at your door making you jolt up, pausing the TV show that earlier had your gears going. Having a gut feeling about who was on the other side of the door you found it best to not contemplate and just act so you opened the door with the fakest smile you could force out.
Abby’s facial expressions were caught off guard if anything. “Hey…is now a good time or? I could always come back later-” She practically vomited out. “You’re fine, come in,” You say, stepping aside and letting a grin creep up on your face.
You gestured Abby towards a cozier room with a fireplace, you’d just finished renovating it so why not show it to someone and get your money's worth?
As you two sat down an awkward space in between you two, which honestly made the decorations on the fireplace all the more interesting. “I’m guessing you want to know why I was at Ray's- Your father's workplace,” Abby said, you responding with an eager nod. 
The first-name basis makes the situation seem way deeper than it seemed on the surface level. “Well I own a few small companies and he was thinking of taking a small percentage of my shares.” She says searching for any sign of discomfort in your eyes.
You hum hoping to keep the conversation from souring again but that seems impossible with the way she's scooting closer to you and soul-searching in your irises. 
This alone pushing nothing but heat to your core has you looking in any other direction but her face. “Hey, you haven’t told me why you were there?” Abby questions looking a little more amused than you’d like.
“My dad has me covering for a worker there so…” You say rather blankly. Abby, catching on that you would rather not elaborate further, didn't push or press any more buttons. Instead, she gave you an invitation to an art gallery that was happening later in the day. 
Kindly taking the invitation she shows herself out as you race to your office so you can see what people wear to art galleries.
Quickly choosing Pinterest as a way to pinpoint things you can incorporate into the outfit. Sighing, shutting off your computer, and seeing your reflection on the monitor gives you the grounding you so badly need. 
What if this was just a friendly invitation…or better yet a pity one. Maybe she wanted to make a good impression on you hoping you’d run back to your father and report.
Trying to stay on the positive side of things you tell yourself she probably just wants to get into your good graces in general. Hoping that today will be you, wine, great art, and a milf. God bless America.
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☆ my masterlist
(tell me in my ask my anything's if you have a request!)
(divider by @gigittamic)
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carsthatnevermadeitetc · 1 year ago
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Simca 1100, 1967. Among the first unibody cars to offer the now industry standard transversely mounted engine and front-wheel drive, with all-around independent suspension, disc brakes and rack and pinion steering. The 1100 was an early mainstream hatchback with folding rear seats for maximum space utilisation and practicality. The car was an instant sales success across Europe and is said to have influenced Volkswagen's board who were contemplating the future of their mostly rear engined/aircooled model range. The 1100 refers to the car’s position within the Simca range rather than its cubic capacity, it was available with engines of 944, 1118, and 1294cc. Its success was a factor in influencing Chrysler to up their shareholding in the Société Industrielle de Mécanique et Carrosserie Automobile (Simca) to a point where they took full control of the company.
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am-i-the-asshole-official · 11 months ago
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AITA for blocking my business partner and our mutual friends?
First of all, I want to establish that I'm not an idiot. I don't think I'm the smartest person in the world, I didn't do very well in school, and I'm generally a bit forgetful. I've been struggling with undiagnosed mental illness and neurodivergency for my entire life. My family growing up was very anti therapy and I've only recently brought anything up to a doctor. However, I like to think I manage myself pretty well. I have my own systems for doing things, and they may be unconventional, but it works. I've come to terms with the fact that no matter what I do, I'm going to have to work a lot harder than the average person and get a lot less credit. That's just how it is. I have two jobs, one of which is at a restaurant, and the other is a business that I started with my friend. It's still fairly small and local, but I'm really proud of how far it's come.
Me and my business partner, we'll call her Shelly, have a group of friends that we hang out with from time to time. I honestly don't like them very much, but Shelly, who has been my best friend for over a decade really enjoys hanging out with them, so though I've expressed to her that I want to start seeing them less, I've stayed friends with them, both to make Shelly happy and to avoid any drama that might be caused.
Among this group of friends is someone we'll call Dianne. Dianne will insult and berate me consistently, and then insist it was a joke. Nobody has ever laughed, and I have told Dianne that I don't find any of it funny. The other members of the friend group (aside from Shelly) said that this is just how she expresses that she likes somebody, and tried to make it seem like playful banter, but the insults are incredibly one-sided (I've never said an ill word about her to any of them, and especially not to her. I'm not rude.) and she never insults anyone but me and sometimes Shelly.
Recently ( a couple months or so ago) she started taking digs at my intelligence, as I have been a few minutes late to a couple of our hangouts, and I have trouble with my left and right. I said explicitly that I don't like it when people treat me like an idiot. I tried to be polite, but I won't stand for that. Also, being late and directions are very common things for people to struggle with, so I don't understand why that insinuates that I'm at all unintelligent. She also may have gotten this idea because I don't tend to laugh at her jokes, which are mostly things like "that's what she said" and other cheap and immature sex jokes. She usually tries to brush off the fact that I don't laugh by saying I must be dumb because I don't get her jokes. I do, they're just not very clever and I clearly have a different sense of humor than her.
I just kept trying to avoid any sort of conflict, because the rest of the group makes Shelly really happy. But then it started to get worse. The whole group seemed to be influenced by these jokes, and stopped expecting me to be able to do anything. I wasn't even the designated driver anymore, even though I'm usually the obvious choice because I don't drink. Dianne told me I'd probably crash because she didn't think I could read street signs. I've driven her home multiple times (during none of which she's been sober enough to remember my driving ability) and I've never driven at all irresponsibly while any of them were in the car. The whole group, aside from Shelly, began making jokes about how I was the resident airhead. For my birthday, Dianne got me a toddler sippy cup, and a card that said "Congrats, you're 2!". Get it. Because I'm so stupid I'm basically a child. Ha ha. So funny I forgot to laugh.
The last straw for me was when Shelly sent me a business email that was like "Are you going to be able to get the books done in time?" and basically told me to make sure I wasn't lazy when it came to keeping track of the sales, even though I've never been late with that kind of stuff. I really care about our business, and I keep track of all of the financials and do our taxes. I don't have a degree or anything, I could never afford college, so I emailed Shelly back very passive-agressively about how if she doesn't think I can do it in time, she can hire a real accountant.
We met with the friendgroup the next day and I was incredibly pissed. Dianne made another dig at me, something about our business probably going under because I'm too incompetent to do anything. I snapped. In the midst of yelling at her, I said "I am not stupid. You don't get to treat me like I am." and she said "But aren't you, though?" and I stormed out. I blocked everyone, except for Shelly.
I texted Shelly and said that she could be friends with whoever she wants, but that I'm never speaking to any of them ever again. Shelly said that I was being overdramatic, and that they're all being awkward to her now because they know that we're such good friends. I apologized for putting her in a position where she felt like she was in the middle, but told her that I was not about to take any more of that treatment. I told her I'm disappointed that after all this time, she let other people dictate the way that she sees me. When her new friends call me stupid, I can let it slide off of my back, but when my best friend of over a decade starts treating me like I'm incompetent and I can't get anything done, that really hurts. She told me that I need to learn to take a joke. I blocked her too after that. We've continued having meetings and being mostly civil, but we haven't spoken outside of that, and all the friendship is gone.
I'm mostly concerned about how this situation is going to affect our business, because I have worked so hard and I'd hate to see it fail because of petty drama and insults. I'm now feeling like I made a huge mistake by blowing up. Should I have just kept quiet to protect my job and friendship?
What are these acronyms?
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justinspoliticalcorner · 2 months ago
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Oliver Willis at Daily Kos:
Drinking raw, unpasteurized milk was once mainly touted by a small group of people on the left, often those skeptical of corporate farming. But now, as concerns increase about the possibility that avian flu might be transmittable to humans via consumption of raw milk, MAGA conservatives have taken up the cause. The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn against consuming unpasteurized milk. Pasteurization kills pathogens in milk, and when that process is skipped, the milk may contain dangerous germs, such as salmonella, E. coli, listeria, and others. The CDC has recorded 202 outbreaks involving raw milk between 1998 and 2018, resulting in over 2,600 illnesses and 228 hospitalizations.
Since 2020, several Republican-led states have passed legislation or changed regulations allowing the sale of raw milk, despite these health concerns. The states include Alaska, Georgia, Iowa, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming. At the same time, MAGA influencers have started promoting raw milk. Alex Clark, a podcast host for the far-right students group Turning Point USA, has extolled the virtues of raw milk for pregnant women, despite that the FDA has specifically warned that pregnancies can be harmed through the consumption of raw milk. Undeterred by science, Turning Point USA has sold T-shirts and glass straws with pro-raw-milk slogans.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, is a raw-milk advocate as well. Speaking before a pro-raw-milk group in 2022, Kennedy said it is the only type of milk he consumes. He has also advocated for eliminating federal regulations governing raw milk and has complained about the “aggressive suppression” of raw milk.  [...] Conservatism has historically been motivated by mistrust of the scientific establishment and the scientific process, along with a desire to “trigger” liberals with disturbing behavior. In recent history, this drive was demonstrated by conservative complaints and protests about masking during the COVID-19 pandemic, even as public health officials advocated for masking to stop the spread of the virus. Conservatives also railed against mandatory vaccination policies, though these policies were a key weapon in the fight against infection.
Why is MAGA/MAHA world obsessed with raw milk? Because in their warped worldview, it’s all about sticking it to the “liberals” and opposing expertise.
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growingstories · 2 years ago
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Side business
Gianni, a 23-year-old marketeer that recently graduated, landed a job as a junior press officer at a prestigious Italian fashion brand. As he embarked on his exciting new career, he began sharing his adventures on social media. His Instagram account quickly gained popularity, attracting an audience of over 50,000 followers.
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His boss discovered Gianni's growing online influence and recognized its potential. Impressed by his ability to engage with an audience, Gianni was promoted to a senior position within the company. His boss even suggested a plan for Gianni to collaborate with other influencers and showcase outfits before they hit the stores. This strategy greatly boosted the brand's sales and left everyone involved thrilled with the results.
Gianni's online presence caught the attention of travel brands, who saw a perfect opportunity to collaborate with him. Combining his passion for travel with his current job seemed like a dream come true. Eventually, Gianni was offered a different position that allowed him to travel the world as a brand ambassador and head of social media. This proved to be a tremendous success, as he earned money by partnering with other brands and posting about their products. His healthy lifestyle and fitness journey also made him a sought-after expert, leading to features in renowned publications like Vogue, Vanity Fair, and G.Q Gianni's popularity continued to rise, and he enjoyed the luxury of a lavish lifestyle, complete with a glamorous personal trainer, Francesco. Francesco drives a Porsche and loves fancy watches.
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For many years, Gianni thrived, giving Ted talks and attending exclusive parties, collaborating with numerous companies and earning substantial amounts of money. He even purchased a grand house in Tuscany and shared the renovation process online, engaging his followers with step-by-step updates and showcasing furniture brands.
Eventually, Gianni decided to leave his day job and focus solely on endorsement deals. He started offering online courses, recording podcasts from his home studio, and hosting, pay exclusive-per-view live Q&A sessions for his subscribers. While Gianni received many tempting offers of a sexual nature, he always declined. However, one evening, after consuming a few drinks, he engaged in a private, sexually explicit Q&A session with a follower named Franco89. This opened the door to more explicit conversations and eventually led Gianni to create a secret OnlyFans account. There, he redirected fans who desired sexually oriented content, including Franco89.
FitFrank, who Gianni initially didn't recognize, messaged him one day. Their conversations quickly evolved, and they eventually engaged in virtual intimate encounters. Although Gianni had his reservations, FitFrank eventually persuaded him to participate in paid jerk-off sessions, which they conducted weekly.
Amidst his immense success, Gianni received fan mail, flowers, and outfits from well-known brands. Due to his excellent physique, he could easily request any outfit he desired. One day, he found a box of cupcakes and received message a from FitFrank insinuating that he knew about the cupcakes. Initially Gianni dismissed, it, assuming it was a coincidence. However, after tasting and enjoying the cupcakes during one of his live sessions, FitFrank sent him a message, revealing that he was aware of Gianni’s indulgence. Intrigued, Gianni engaged in a conversation with FitFrank, who made an unusual offer: €100 for each cupcake Gianni ate during a live session. Although Gianni hesitated at first, FitFrank increased the offer to €1000 for two live eating sessions per month. Succumbing to the allure of the lucrative deal, Gianni agreed to indulge himself weekly.
Gianni's popularity continued to soar, and endorsement offers poured in, particularly for swimwear. Whenever he posted about a particular brand, it sold out immediately. His fit body, dedication to fitness, and healthy eating habits had transformed him into a lifestyle specialist, attracting media attention from magazines such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and GQ.
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However, as Gianni's workload increased, he found less time for travel and decided to reduce his trips. Instead, he focused on providing online courses and hosting events exclusively in Italy. He also introduced paid subscriptions for his live Q&A sessions, further boosting his income.
Despite his success, Gianni couldn't help but notice his clothes becoming tighter. Concerned about his appearance, he decided to end his deal with FitFrank and ignored his messages. However, FitFrank responded by sending cupcakes every morning, tempting Gianni to continue their arrangement. Eventually, FitFrank offered even more money, €1000 per cake. Gianni decided to extend the deal for one more month.
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The cakes became larger and more challenging to consume, but Gianni managed to complete each one. FitFrank saw Gianni's dedication and increased the offer to €5000 per month after the last cake. Although the cakes grew in size, Gianni determination remained unwavering.
Despite his success, Gianni's lifestyle began to take a toll on his physique. Personal trainer Francesco expressed concern and suggested a diet to help Gianni lose weight. Francesco feared that having a visibly overweight ambassador would harm his own reputation. Gianni understood the need for change and revealed his to followers that he had gained weight during a renovation project. He created a weight loss program with Francesco for his fans, which received a positive response during the pre-sale phase.
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However, Gianni's weight gain continued, exacerbated by his ongoing indulgence in FitFrank's cakes and cupcakes. Francesco confronted Gianni during a live session, shocked by his additional weight gain. Promising to do better, Gianni continued his collaboration with Francesco, now paying for the fitness program.
After two weeks, Gianni realized that his efforts were futile, and he had only gained more weight. Francesco, furious with Gianni's lack of progress, demanded that he publicly announce the end of their collaboration or face legal consequences. Gianni reluctantly complied, confessing to his followers that he was too weak to continue the program. He stepped on the scale and broke down in tears at realization that he the had gained a significant amount of weight.
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Confused and desperate, Gianni questioned why he had continued the eating sessions despite having no financial need. Was it simply for attention? FitFrank, aware of Gianni's struggles, initiated a deep conversation that evening, forming a strong connection between them.
As Gianni's weight continued to increase due to FitFrank's challenges and his own overulindgence, he embarked on a four-week, all-inclusive trip to various resorts. The luxurious accommodations offered exquisite indulgences, leaving little time for exercise and fitness. He found himself in a predicament when thewear swim brands he had collaborated with realized his significant weight gain, causing them to distance themselves from him. Gianni grew about anxious his future and impact the his weight gain would have on his career.
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During this uncertain time, FitFrank remained a constant presence, sending messages and offering support. Feeling a sense of care and connection, Gianni appreciated FitFrank's attention. They grew closer, building a relationship that felt as though they had known each other for years.
 To salvage his career, Gianni had to lose weight, but the temptation of indulgent food and alcohol endorsements made it difficult to stick to his diet. In a desperate move, he accepted a deal with a champagne brand to become their brand ambassador for a year. This involved a week-long trip to a champagne mansion to sample the entire range and create content. The trip consisted of lavish tastings and extravagant meals, leaving Gianni hungover and on the brink of failure. He returned home feeling exhausted and defeated.
Gianni's weight became a source of worry, both for himself and the brands he had collaborated with. FitFrank continued to send him chocolates, and Gianni, feeling discouraged, started eating them. When FitFrank reached out, Gianni confessed his struggles, and their conversation became progressively intimate. However, during one chat, a technical glitch revealed FitFrank's identity, leaving Gianni enraged.
Confronting Francesco at the gym, Gianni discovered his personal trainer's secret life as a creator of weight gain content. Francesco had been secretly livestreaming and profiting from Gianni's weight gain journey, while driving an extravagant lifestyle. Francesco confessed to making over €450,000 from donations by viewers fascinated with Gianni's transformation.
 Feeling betrayed by Francesco, Gianni hatched a plan to regain control. He proposed a new arrangement to FitFrank, demanding a majority of the revenue, FitFrank's authentic appearance and FitFrank joins in on food challenges. If FitFrank refused, Gianni threatened to expose him to his clients. Relantly, Francesco agreed, realizing that he had little choice if he wanted to maintain his luxurious lifestyle.
Together, Gianni and FitFrank continued their indulgent food challenges, delighting their followers with their ever-expanding physiques. FitFrank's following and body grew, and their loyal fans paid top dollar for their content. The money poured in, but Gianni couldn't help but wonder if his obsession with food and attention had gone too far. And how far will he go?
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