#May 2020 tech trend

[loud-whistling-yes]

All i know is the Season 9 of Hermitcraft, hc x dsmp crossover and Tilly do us apart. The rest you mention is foreign to me. So yeah and also I agreed that no person should see the entirety of dsmp history. Like damn... many things have occur in a short period of time?!

Glad you've asked! Here is a list of things part of mcyt history that has happened in the last 4 years:

Hermitcraft season 7 will be 4 years old in a month (February 2020)

The dsmp will be 4 too in a few months (April 2020)

Dream SMP War by Sadist, the video that caused one of the largest surges of popularity for the dsmp, turns 4 in August

Doomsday celebrated it's 3rd anniversary about a week ago (6th January 2021)

Yes. Almost ALL of the dsmp story up to that point happened within the span of about 5 months. From the VERY BEGINNING OF THE DISC SAGA TO THE TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF LMANBURG. It all took place from July to early January. What the fuck.

3rd life will be turning 3 in April (April 2021)

Penismp turns 3 in May. I cannot stress this enough. Remember the fake smp that predated goncharov BY A FUCKING YEAR AND A HALF and trended 3rd on Tumblr for 2 days straight??? That was almost 3 years ago now.

The surge of popularity for Passerine happens around May of 2021, following Sadist's animation Sunsprite's Eulogy

Empires season 1 will be 3 years old in June

Hermitcraft season 8 will also be 3 in June (exactly one week apart! Esmp started on 12th June while hcs8 started on the 19th)

Yes, you heard it right, the life series and empires predate season 8! Pearl and Gem became hermits roughly a week AFTER the cactus ring.

June 2021 is ALSO the month where MCC Pride 2021 took place. Y'know, the one with Wilbur's office on fire and technoblade getting nicknamed Tech by grian. THIS IS ALSO turning 3 this year. June 2021 was a wild month.

Techno's escape from prison will be 3 years old this year too. September fucking 2021. It's been 3 years since this happened.

The canary's curse has been a concept in the fandom for a little over 2 years now, following jimmy's final death in last life (early November 2021)

Moon Big also occurred around this time frame, which means it's turning 3 this year!

Mangoball becomes a dsmp fandom staple around early December 2021

The 2 year anniversary of @/chrisrin's curses last life animation is in 2 days! (16th January 2022)

Following the end of empires season 1, hermitcraft season 8 and the lore drought of the dsmp, this is where the big Content Drought of 2022 happens. This is where dreamempirescraft became a thing. This is also where that drawing came from.

Hermitcraft season 9 will also be 2 soon (March 2022). Longest season, everyone.

Double life is currently a year and a half old! (June 2022) Every mention of tilly, pearl being the devil, the scarlet pearl, something wicked this way comes, ALL of it, came from a year and a half ago

Yes, this means that season 9 saw the beginning and end of not one, not two, but THREE seasons of the life series. Longest season, everyone.

Speaking of longest season, anyone remember the esmp crossover? This will also turn 2 this year (November 2022)

Qsmp is about to turn a year old soon! This is less of a fact to make you feel old but a fact that makes you think "ALL THAT IN LESS THAN A YEAR?????", and you'd be right! What the fuck! How did this all happen in less than a year!

[mariacallous]

Since entering Georgia politics in 2020, state Rep. Michelle Au has been called every name in the book: Chinese spy, foreign plant, “agent of the Chinese Communist Party.”

Au recalled this experience in March as she pushed back against a bill to ban “agents“ of China and other “foreign adversaries“ from purchasing farmland in the state, as well as property near military installations. The bill’s mostly Republican backers argued that it would defend against national security threats; Au and other critics warned that the measure would fuel xenophobia.

“It stokes this suspicion and this sensibility that many of us face in our everyday lives—even before this type of bill was being passed—that Asian Americans and Chinese Americans in particular are perpetually foreign,” said Au, a 46-year-old anesthesiologist and a Democrat in Georgia’s House of Representatives. “We are cast under a light of suspicion that other immigrants are not.”

The bill, which was signed into law in April, reflects how concerns about China’s influence loom large in Georgia, a swing state that proved key in the 2020 U.S. presidential election and that both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are desperate to win on Nov. 5. It’s not just land ownership that has raised national security concerns in the state. Georgia Tech, a top public university, recently severed a long-standing partnership with a Chinese university.

At the same time, Chinese American communities are intimately familiar with how rocky U.S.-China relations and inflammatory rhetoric can stoke hostility against Asian Americans, which surged nationwide in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, during Trump’s presidency. In Georgia, fears about hate crimes intensified after a gunman stormed three spas in Atlanta in 2021 and killed eight people, six of whom were Asian women.

“While attention may have moved from [the 2021 shootings], the fear that Asian Americans, Chinese Americans [feel] is still very much there,” said Marvin Lim, another Democratic state representative in Georgia. He added that these communities have long grappled with the question of where they fit in.

Georgia’s Chinese American community, which today consists of more than 80,000 people, accounts for just a slice of the state’s electorate. But it offers a window into how geopolitical pressures weigh on Chinese American voters ahead of an election partly defined by a U.S. hawkishness toward Beijing.

“Asian American voters in Georgia are the fastest-growing voting demographic and voting bloc,” said Murtaza Khwaja, the executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta, a legal advocacy group. It’s, he said, “an electorate that wants to see themselves represented and see candidates emerge from those communities.”

Georgia’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) population has grown by more than 50 percent since 2010, with many people settling in the Atlanta-area counties of Forsyth and Gwinnett. In 2020, they made their electoral power clear. Voter turnout among the group surged by a staggering 84 percent compared to the 2016 election—an increase that helped Biden win the battleground state and the Democrats take the Senate.

Those trends were also visible nationally, as Asian Americans—a group long overlooked by both politicians and pollsters—increased their turnout by 40 percent, with most of those ballots cast for Biden. The bloc could be even more decisive this time around. Between January and June, Asian Americans logged the sharpest increase in voter registration of any racial group in the United States, compared to the same period in 2020.

“As the fastest-growing racial group in the country and also the fastest-growing electorate in this country, we are stating very clearly that elected officials can no longer take us for granted,” said Cynthia Choi, the co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, a U.S.-based coalition. “We deserve to have our rights protected. We deserve to feel that we can establish roots in this country. We deserve to have protections and to feel safe.”

This political evolution is underway as competition with China has become one of the rare areas of bipartisan agreement in Washington. Trump spent his four years in the White House waging a trade war with China and using inflammatory language that deepened concerns about xenophobia against Chinese and Asian Americans. After taking office in 2021, President Joe Biden expanded on many of Trump’s policies with his own campaign of tariffs and tough restrictions; Harris is expected to take a similarly hawkish approach.

Chinese Americans’ voting preferences remain somewhat hazy, in part because the community is not monolithic, with deep political divisions across generations, professions, proximity to immigration, gender, and education level. Like other Asian American demographic groups, many Chinese Americans also do not have long familial traditions of voting for Republicans or Democrats, resulting in weaker party affiliation.

The AAPI community has “a lot of new American voters. We have a lot of naturalized citizens, people who maybe haven’t voted in the past,” said Au. “If you’re thinking about just the math of it, these are voters who are up for grabs.”

There are some overarching trends. Nationally, the majority of Chinese American voters lean Democratic, according to the Pew Research Center. They also largely favor Harris over Trump; A 2024 voter survey by AAPI Data found that 65 percent of Chinese American respondents backed Harris, compared to 24 percent who preferred Trump. Forty-five percent of respondents believed that Harris would do a better job dealing with China—more than double the percent that supported Trump’s approach.

The outlook is more complicated along individual issue areas. Take economic policy, which remains a top concern for Georgia’s Chinese Americans, according to Khwaja. “Many in the Chinese American community here in Georgia are small-business owners or physicians who own their practice or of the like,” he said. “The economy is an incredibly important issue for them.”

Yet Chinese American voters overall are divided on which party does a better job when it comes to economic policy. According to one survey by AAPI Data, one-third of Chinese American respondents believed Republicans had a better approach to jobs and the economy, which only slightly edged out the 31 percent who favored the Democrats and the 29 percent who felt there was no difference between the parties. One-third of Chinese American respondents also favored Republicans’ record on inflation, compared to the 26 percent who preferred that of the Democrats.

It’s also difficult to tell how U.S.-China relations will sway the vote among the demographic. Among Asian Americans, Chinese Americans are the only group in which the majority does not view their ancestral homeland favorably, according to Pew, underscoring how some voters may prefer a tough-on-China approach in this year’s election.

Fei-Ling Wang, a professor of international affairs at Georgia Tech, said that some Chinese Americans in Georgia may favor Trump because his rhetoric makes him seem tougher on Beijing than Harris—even if that’s not necessarily true in practice. “Many Chinese Americans, in my opinion, they sort of read the rhetoric more than [the] substance,” he said.

On the other hand, some voters may worry about what that kind of tough talk means for them. Nearly two-thirds of Chinese Americans believe that the current U.S.-China relationship negatively affects how they are treated, according to a recent study by the nonprofit Committee of 100 and NORC at the University of Chicago. More than 80 percent of respondents expressed concern about how both presidential candidates’ rhetoric toward China could fuel discrimination in the United States.

“The majority of domestic xenophobia and anti-Asian sentiment is driven by American foreign policy,” Khwaja said. “I think even those that would be supportive of legislation or … rhetoric critical of the Chinese government, there’s a reservation and caution of the form that it’s taken and how they themselves and their families would be targeted.”

These issues could prove pivotal on Nov. 5 in the battleground of Georgia, where polls are pointing to a thin margin between Harris and Trump; as of Oct. 16, polling averages showed Trump in the lead by around one point. Four years after Asian Americans in Georgia showed up at the polls in record numbers, those same voters may now be gearing up for another round.

“I was told as a first-time candidate, ‘Don’t bother talking to Asian voters because Asian people don’t vote,’” Au said. “I think we’re realizing that that is wrong, and people are now actively like, ‘Oh, we were sleeping on the Asian Americans. We’ve got to get them to vote for us.’”

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Kelby Vera at HuffPost:

Vivek Ramaswamy got quite a strong reaction from conservatives when he tried to explain hiring trends across the tech sector in a culturally-charged social media post on Thursday. In an extended post shared on X, the tech entrepreneur wrote about how “top companies often hire foreign-born & first-generation engineers over ‘native’ Americans,” claiming the imbalance “isn’t because of an innate American IQ deficit (a lazy & wrong explanation)” but rather because of differences on the societal level. “A key part of it comes down to the c-word: culture,” Ramaswamy continued, before telling readers, “Tough questions demand tough answers & if we’re really serious about fixing the problem, we have to confront the TRUTH.” The CEO-turned-politician’s assessment? That “American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long.” Ramaswamy suggested that entertainment has had an outsized impact on shaping mainstream American values “at least since the 90s and likely longer.”

“A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers,” he claimed. Comparing and contrasting characters from several popular ’90s sitcoms, Ramaswamy went on to say, “A culture that venerates Cory from ‘Boy Meets World,’ or Zach & Slater over Screech in ‘Saved by the Bell,’ or ‘Stefan’ over Steve Urkel in ‘Family Matters,’ will not produce the best engineers.” His solution? “More math tutoring, fewer sleepovers. More weekend science competitions, fewer Saturday morning cartoons. More books, less TV. More creating, less ‘chillin.’ More extracurriculars, less ‘hanging out at the mall.’” While Ramaswamy’s point about pop culture seemed reasonable enough, the entrepreneur’s diagnosis veered into problematic overgeneralizations when he claimed the difference boiled down to families’ cultural and geographic backgrounds. “Most normal American parents look skeptically at ‘those kinds of parents,’” he wrote. “More normal American kids view such ‘those kinds of kids’ with scorn. If you grow up aspiring to normalcy, normalcy is what you will achieve.”

[...] Ramaswamy then tried to rally readers to help shift the status quo by envisioning a future where America “once again prioritizes achievement over normalcy; excellence over mediocrity; nerdiness over conformity; hard work over laziness.” While he pinned demographic disparities across the tech world on supposed cultural differences, the imbalance is more likely about dollars and cents. In 2020, a study by the Economic Policy Institute found that employers that rely on America’s H-1B visa program to recruit temporary employees with “highly specialized” skills and technical education often pay those workers well below the market wages. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Walmart, Google, Apple and Facebook have all made robust use of the program to fill job shortages. With President-elect Donald Trump preparing to implement a draconian deportation strategy when he assumes office next month, conservatives still seem to be at odds over how to approach the labor shortages troubling many of America’s biggest and most profitable businesses. Though Tesla CEO Elon Musk, like Ramaswamy, has vowed to be behind Trump’s harsh immigration policies, on Wednesday he posted that “the number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low,” and the country needs “to recruit top talent wherever they may be.”

DOGE co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy helped spark MAGA-on-MAGA violence over his X post on cultural differences on work expectations between native-born and foreign-born Americans.

[lakecountylibrary]

It's my favorite time of year! Time to make my annual blog post about the best queer books I read in the last 12 months!

I've been doing this since 2017 so here, go back and see some trends: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

Now, you may look at the covers of this year's batch and think... Four out of five of those are... kind of intense looking. Are you okay. And the answer is no, but are any of us? These books will help! Probably!

The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson (lesbian, gay, bisexual, poly characters)

Ok so this book comes with like. All of the trigger warnings. Government sanctioned homophobia, racism, eugenics, graphic depictions of violence... read this one when you're feeling strong. It's a fantasy novel about characters who fight against those things in a world colonized by a profit-driven (and often, too familiar) empire. Brilliantly written, but steel your heart.

Twelve Percent Dread by @emilyscartoons (nonbinary characters)

Let's lighten up a bit, shall we? This one's a graphic novel that, as promised on the back cover, is fast paced and action-packed. Follow the adventures of Katie and Nas as they navigate jobs, adulthood, and the whims of one eccentric tech CEO who's going to change the world, one way or another.

The World We Make by @nkjemisin (ace, gay, lesbian, trans characters)

This one's a sequel, so sorry (not sorry) you're going to have to read The City We Became first. You'll love it, and you'll love this sequel. It's about New York manifested in human avatars, and it's about home and the power of being where you belong. The characters deal with some very real, familiar problems - and then they STOMP ON THEM WITH AWESOME GIANT CITY POWERS. Very satisfying read, highly recommend.

Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir (wlw characters & general gender shenanigans)

This one's the third in the series, also not sorry about this one, start with Gideon the Ninth. It's sci fi! It's necromancy! God is there and he's depressed. It's really hard to describe.

A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow (bisexual, lesbian characters)

A novella for when you are short on time or attention span and want a Sleeping Beauty remix told by an author who knows her folklore. Definitely have the second novella in the series, A Mirror Mended, on hand for when you finish - you'll want more.

See more of Robin's recs

[beardedmrbean]

Years after the death of George Floyd shined a spotlight on societal inequities, diversity professionals say some companies are turning their backs on the progress that's been made to address them.

Madison Butler is one of the many diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professionals that companies previously brought on their payroll to ensure their business is equitable and accessible for people of all backgrounds.

But in recent months, Butler said she has found it increasingly hard to find work -- and she's not alone.

DEI positions have been disproportionately hit by layoffs across industries, but particularly at tech companies, which have faced financial challenges as sales slowed from the blistering pace attained during the pandemic.

When Butler reached out to DEI professionals who planned to hire her for consulting, she said companies have told her: "'Oh, this person is no longer with the company.' 'Oh, this person has been laid off.' 'Oh, this person no longer works here effective last month.'

Melody, who is using only her first name for privacy reasons, is also a DEI professional and said she was laid off along with others on her DEI team within just a few months of their hiring.MORE: DEI: What does it mean and what is its purpose?

"It's difficult to be somewhere for a brief period of time and feel like you didn't even have the time to make the impact you wanted to make," Melody told ABC News.

"The workplace is so full of human beings and we're not robots," she added. "We definitely need people at work who can help us feel like we belong there."

Nationwide call to action

George Floyd, a Black man, was killed by a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020 during an arrest. His death prompted a nationwide movement in which protesters demanded individuals and organizations alike take action in addressing societal injustices that impact historically marginalized groups.

To do this, some companies sought out the expertise of DEI professionals like Butler and Melody.

"We suddenly saw everyone coming out of the woodwork wanting to hire a lot of them, hiring inaugural DEI folks," Melody said. "And you had to wonder, like, are people actually ready for this? Or is this a trend that we're seeing?"

DEI initiatives are often intended to address workplace culture and conditions, such as inaccessibility in the workplace for disabled people, poor retention rates for workers of color and other inequalities faced by marginalized groups.MORE: Rise in anti-LGBTQ hate and extremism captured in new reports

From September 2019 to September 2020, job postings for diversity, inclusion and belonging positions on the hiring website Indeed rose by 56.3%, the company said.

A LinkedIn study found that chief diversity and inclusion officer positions grew by 168.9% from 2019 to 2022.

The rapid organizational movement toward addressing inequalities was initially exciting for DEI professionals. But in just a couple of years, that excitement wavered as growth rapidly fell apart.

"The honeymoon is over," Cecil Howard, a DEI consultant and former chief diversity officer at the University of South Florida, told ABC News.

"Right after George Floyd's killing, everybody who didn't have a diversity office quickly created a diversity office," he added. "A few years later, they started realizing, 'We checked the box and things are a little quieter now.'"

DEI begins to disappear

Starting in late 2020 -- months after the killing of Floyd set off a racial reckoning -- a host of companies escalated cuts of DEI professionals, a survey of more than 600 companies from data firm Revelio Labs found.

Last year, the layoffs accelerated significantly, the study found.MORE: Where guaranteed income programs are growing in the US

One in three DEI professionals lost their roles over a one-year period ending in December, the survey said. Over that period, the study added, non-DEI workers experienced a relatively lower attrition rate of 21%.

The job losses owe to several trends: a sluggish economy that prompted cost cuts, a softening of the scrutiny that held corporations to account over racial justice and a rise of conservative backlash against DEI, some DEI professionals told ABC News.

"In 2020 a lot of organizations reacted to the market, reacted to social events taking place without really having a clear understanding of what DEI is and how it should be enabled in business," Christie Lindor, a diversity strategist and CEO of Tessi Consulting, told ABC News.

"When things get rough, these are the areas that go," Lindor added.

Speaking to laid-off DEI professionals, Howard noticed job losses concentrated among individuals who criticized an employer's diversity-related policies or offered ambitious ideas for reform, he said.

"The separations weren't coming from organizations that were really serious about enhancing their culture," he said, describing a chilling effect for DEI professionals: "We don't need you to be a voice; we need you to be a face."

At the same time, conservative elected officials such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott began to target DEI initiatives.

DeSantis last month signed into law a bill that prohibits state or federal spending on DEI programs at public universities in Florida.

The acronym, DeSantis said, should be reinterpreted as "discrimination, exclusion and indoctrination."

In February, Abbott's office ordered state agencies to stop using diversity, equity and inclusion programs in hiring, calling them "illegal."

Abbott's chief of staff, Gardner Pate claimed these programs "proactively encourage discrimination in the workplace," and do the opposite of what they claim to do.

And in June, Abbott signed a ban on diversity offices in state-funded higher education institutions.

In a statement, a spokesperson from Abbott's office told ABC News that "the issue is not diversity – the issue is that equity is not equality, and DEI practices conflate the two."

The statement continued, "Some universities and woke professors have been using DEI to advance political agendas and exclude conservative viewpoints on college campuses. These efforts adversely affect our students, limit exposure to diverse thought, and destroy our education system."

DeSantis' office did not respond to ABC News' requests for comment.

Lindor accused elected officials like Abbott and DeSantis of "weaponizing" DEI for political purposes, calling conservative political attacks one of the "driving forces" behind cuts in the field.

Butler and Melody believe that anti-DEI policies intend to turn back progress made by marginalized groups toward equality.

"People fear losing power," said Butler. "So much of this work has to be centered around deconstructing things like white supremacy, deconstructing status quos. And those status quos and white supremacy protect people in positions of power."

Without these DEI policies, professionals fear that organizations may fall back into patterns that create unhealthy or exclusive work cultures that drive away diverse candidates, employees and customers alike.

"If we don't have employees that understand people of different cultures, different backgrounds – companies are going to find themselves losing good employees to discriminatory practices," said Brit Levy, a former DEI employee who was laid off from Meta.MORE: How Colorado Springs, with a history of hate, built LGBTQ safe spaces after the Club Q shooting

She continued, "It's going to be an uphill battle for retention. Employee morale is going to go down because now you have these employees that feel like targets they have targets on their back."

Companies choosing to slash DEI programs could face difficulty hiring candidates from underrepresented groups and understanding the needs of a diverse customer base, Lindor said.

"It's not just about being progressive as an organization," Howard said. "Start looking at the bottom line."

Some states that have banned workplace affirmative action -- a diversity initiative that allows employers to consider race as one factor in hiring -- saw that such bans negatively impacted diversity in the workplace, according to a Harvard study. The study analyzed the workforces of four state government following the ban and found that these states saw significant declines in the number of Black women, Latino men and Asian women working there.

Meanwhile, the number of white men in the workplaces increased, the study says.

Diversity has also proven to be good for business, according to several studies that indicate that companies that are more diverse are more innovative and in turn, more profitable.

Companies that fail to diversify could fall behind, especially in the tech industry, where a surge in the development of AI has heightened the importance of innovation, Lindor said.

"We're seeing more candidates who want to join companies that align with their values," Lindor said. "It's difficult for companies to authentically say DEI is a priority when they're cutting."

"We're going to start to see the results of that in the marketplace in the years to come," she added.

[fantasyfactorxx]

How might fake news and propaganda factor into the use of social media for activists and protesters (e.g. 5G technology causing Covid-19, US’s anti-lockdown protests, Trump using the term ‘Chinese virus’)?

Introduction

The arrival of social media in the digital era has completely altered how information is exchanged, consumed, and distributed. These platforms have given activists and protestors unheard-of tools for advocacy and mobilization, but they have also become a breeding ground for false knowledge and misinformation. This contradiction has given birth to nuanced and frequently tense interactions between knowledge sharing and how it is manipulated within the manipulated the context of activism. Social media may be used by activists and protestors to disseminate false information or conspiracy theories in an effort to support their cause. For instance, misleading statements attributing 5G technology to the Covid-19 pandemic’s spread disseminated rapidly on social media, causing confusion and concern.

Impact of fake news on the society

According to (Olan et. al 2022), the core principles in flowing news and private information are deeply rooted in truth notions and communication accuracy theories. As SM platforms, particularly Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, enable the widespread sharing of information and news, the influence of SM, particularly on political issues, has been drawing greater attention (Vosoughi et. al 2018). The main components of those social websites, according to (Hwang, Yuan & Weng 2007), include users creating or contributing material, users annotating content with tags, users evaluating content, and adding friends or contacts who have similar interests.

5G Technology causing Covid-19

When Covid-19 spread to cities in Europe and America, countervailing claims towards the accepted belief about the virus’s origins immediately surfaced (Flaherty, Sturm & Farries 2022). Covid-19 hasn’t led to any fresh conspiracy theories, but rather improvisations on many existing ones, which in this case, researchers relate Covid-19 to mobile electromagnetic frequencies and employ many of the faults in reasoning and methodology to “prove” its validity. Of the numerous Covid-related false information stories, this one has arguably had the biggest, most noticeable effects and as of early April 2020, followers of rumour attacked a number of mobile towers in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and other nations as well as some of the technicians who maintain them (Osborne 2020). The researchers noticed that for six of the nations, searches for the novel coronavirus and 5G surged in the same week of April 5 although beginning at separate times (Moreira 2021). A peak was seen the prior week in South Africa and the United Kingdom, and additionally, 5G searches increased in size more quickly than other search phrases (Moreira 2021). The trend of inquiries for hydroxychloroquine was distinctive and included three separate peaks which was probably a reflection of the months-long talks on the potential advantages of the medicine (Moreira 2021).

US’s anti-lockdown protests

According to (BBC News 2020), although there are indications that infection rates are reducing in some regions, the United States had over 761,000 infections and moreover 40,000 fatalities, and the numbers are gradually growing in April 2020. The stay-at-home restrictions enforced by state governments to stop the spread of Covid-19 are criticized by protesters as being excessive and since gun rights organizations were among the organizers and pointed to violations of civil freedoms, several attendees also arrived (BBC News 2020).  According to cell phone location data, protesters at anti-lockdown demonstrations, some of which have been linked to Covid-19 instances, frequently travel hundreds of kilometres to events, then return to all areas of their states and even pass into neighbouring ones (Wilson 2020).

Trump using the term ‘Chinese virus’

According to (Rogers, Jakes & Swanson 2020), President Trump defended dubbing the coronavirus the “Chinese Virus”, despite mounting accusations that he is doing so in a racist and anti-Chinese manner. The consequences of this made people in America to become Anti-Asian, which led to a series of assaults against Asian populations in the United States, including a serial of shootings in Georgia that claimed the lives of six women of Asian origins (Reja 2021). Trump’s intention in using the term “Chinese virus” is to to deflect wrath towards China and avoid accepting responsibility for the outbreak and politicians have long attempted to disavow responsibility (Moynihan & Porumbescu 2020). When politicians attempt to avoid responsibility, research frequently shows that they point the finger upon other politicians or public or commercial service providers (Moynihan & Porumbescu 2020).

Extra References

Moynihan & Porumbescu 2020, Trump’s ‘Chinese virus’ slur makes some people blame Chinese Americans. But others blame Trump., viewed 11 October 2023, <https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/09/16/trumps-chinese-virus-slur-makes-some-people-blame-chinese-americans-others-blame-trump/>

[retirebetternownv]

The Top Current Trends in Las Vegas Real Estate

Las Vegas, Nevada is known for its world-renowned entertainment, casinos, and hospitality industries. However, in recent years, the city has also become an attractive real estate market due to its growing economy and diverse population. In this post, we’ll explore the top current trends in Las Vegas real estate that anyone looking to invest or buy a property in the area should know.

Increased demand for single-family homes

The pandemic has prompted buyers to seek larger and more comfortable living spaces, and Las Vegas is no exception. Single-family homes have seen a spike in demand, as people look for privacy, home offices, and outdoor amenities. According to the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors (GLVAR), single-family home sales rose by 8.7% in 2020, with an average sales price of $354,000. As a result, these properties are now selling much faster, and buyers may find themselves in bidding wars.

Booming luxury market

The luxury real estate market in Las Vegas has seen significant growth in recent years, with high-end buyers seeking luxury villas, penthouses, and homes in exclusive areas. According to the GLVAR, luxury home sales increased by 46.8% in 2020, with the average sales price reaching $1,350,000. Luxury buyers are looking for modern amenities, exclusive locations, and personalized services, combining the comfort of home with upscale experiences.

Growth in commercial real estate

Las Vegas has always had a strong commercial real estate market due to its tourism and hospitality industries, but new industries like tech and healthcare have been driving demand as well. According to CBRE, office vacancy rates in Vegas have dropped for the fourth consecutive quarter in 2021, with tech and financial firms accounting for the majority of leasing activity. Additionally, the city is investing heavily in the healthcare industry, with new hospitals and medical facilities opening across the city.

Increasing interest in short-term rentals

Las Vegas is a popular destination for tourism, and as a result, short-term rentals like Airbnb have gained popularity. Homeowners can earn significant income by renting out their properties for a few days or weeks, especially during peak travel seasons. However, investors should be aware of the city’s strict regulations on short-term rentals, including fees and permits required for operating a rental property.

The growing interest in sustainable real estate

Las Vegas is becoming a leader in sustainable development and green real estate, with developers and homeowners embracing energy-efficient technologies and environmentally-friendly design. For example, the city’s new Circa Resort & Casino is one of the few LEED Gold-certified hotels in the world, with sustainable features like solar panels, rainwater collection, and energy-efficient lighting. Additionally, more homeowners are opting for green building materials, solar panels, and energy-saving appliances when building or renovating their homes.

Virtual real estate tours

The pandemic has changed the way the real estate industry operates, with virtual tours and remote viewings becoming a necessity. Las Vegas real estate agents and developers have embraced technology, offering virtual tours, drone footage, and 3D renderings of properties. Many buyers are now able to view properties from the comfort of their own homes, making the buying process more efficient and convenient.

The rise of remote work

The pandemic has also accelerated the trend of remote work, with many companies allowing employees to work from home permanently. As a result, more people are looking to move away from expensive cities like New York and San Francisco, and Las Vegas is an attractive option. The city offers a lower cost of living, a warmer climate, and an abundance of outdoor activities, making it an ideal place for remote workers to call home.

In the end, the Las Vegas real estate market has been evolving quickly in recent years, with new trends emerging that offer opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors. Whether you’re looking for a single-family home or a luxury condo, the city’s real estate market is diverse and growing. Additionally, Las Vegas’s unique mix of industries, sustainability initiatives, and remote work opportunities make it an attractive location for anyone looking to invest in property or relocate to a thriving city.

[chillaxconsciousness]

ur totally dead!

exploring digital ghosts, tools for grieving and legacies

written by kaylz

Have you ever wondered what happens when you die? Well, sucks, I can’t answer that question.

               What I can talk about is what happens to your social media and online data when you die; an issue not often considered by the masses who are caught up in the present cycles of consumerism and the newest TikTok trends, or the older generation who doesn’t understand the world’s rapidly evolving technology. However, there is a dedicated following of those interested in the topic of thanotechnology, digital technology used post-death for things like memorialization.

               Oliver Misraje writes about thanotechnology, how our legacies outlast us online, ghosts in the digital space and some ways people use technology to process or express their grief in the article “The Internet is a Graveyard”. Misraje explains how after we die our digital remains, the data we leave behind on social media and other technological networks, form a “HTTP ghost” of the user we were. This ghost becomes our digital legacy, offering a snapshot of insight into our curated online personality and life in the 21st century more broadly. We are constantly creating digital archives — that we don’t own — of our day-to-day lives. These can be valuable historical resources for the future if Big Tech companies (like Facebook and Apple) don't delete them, but this means that these companies control the future of our historical narrative just like they control what happens with our current data.

               Often, the issue of digital legacies isn’t relevant until someone is already gone. If you’ve had a loved one pass is recent years then you may have had to go through the process of deleting or memorializing their social media accounts, which usually requires a proof of death; this may include a death certificate, obituary article, or an online will. A popular example is the Instagram account of child star Cameron Boyce, popular from the Disney Channel show Jessie, who died in 2019 from complications with epilepsy. His account still retains 12.1 million followers, but has a distinct “Remembering” banner in the bio.

Considering that 4.48 billion people use social media (that’s more than half the population!!) and there will be a projected 4.9 billion inactive accounts on Facebook by 2100, it’s important to know how to protect your digital legacy. FYI, the best way to ensure your digital accounts are handled when you die is to create an online will or appoint a legacy contact who has access to your passwords when the time comes.

Another way technology can help us come to terms with death is through emerging digital tools that help us grieve. Misraje’s article contains examples of using AI or chatbots to seek closure, trying Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy, and the terrifying prospect of Big Tech monopolizing on our digital ghosts. Underappreciated online resources also include hotlines and messaging services that support people struggling with mental health issues or crises.

Another interesting suggestion from Misraje is poetic therapy. Humans have been writing poems about loss and in memoriam of loved ones since the days of Ancient Greece, and the poetic form of the elegy was popularized during the Renaissance. It led to classics like W.H. Auden’s “In Memory of W.B. Yeats” and the lyric, “Is it romantic how all my elegies / Eulogize me?” by Taylor Swift on the bonus track “the lakes” from her 2020 album folklore.

Eulogies and elegies are similar, with the key difference being that an elegy is typically some kind of prose, but both are writings that express sorrow or melancholy – usually over the loss of a family member, close friend, or lover. Misraje’s article includes an example of how a journalist named Vauhini Vara successfully prompted GPT-3 to write about her sister’s death. With the recent explosion of popularity for AI systems like ChatGPT, why not use the easily accessible digital tools at the tips of your fingers to process overwhelming emotions like grief and explore the human ability to create emotional connection with technology?

Or, if you’re feeling technology-adverse, you can always try it the old-fashioned way and write out your own feelings with a pen and some paper. Grief is one of those nearly intangible emotions, functioning – much like the Internet itself – in an omnipresent and difficult-to-pin-down way, and everyone has to experience and process it in their own time. Yet, regardless of your comfort level with using digital tools to grieve, it’s important to understand how thanotechnology is developing and the impact it can have on your digital legacy.

Ultimately, I’ll never be able to tell you what happens when you die, but I can advise you to protect your digital legacy – and pick a legacy contact who will never show your family your spam Instagram account.

TTYL, kaylz :)

[wilsondavalosnieves]

Kash Patel Starts Weekly FBI Director Calls Amid Controversy

Kash Patel Starts Weekly FBI Director Calls Amid Controversy

Kash Patel's confirmation as FBI Director signals a troubling new chapter for the agency, one characterized by deep political polarization and questionable integrity. Confirmed by a razor-thin margin, the opposition's concerns about Patel's qualifications and ethical compass suggest an alarming trend: the politicization of a once-sacrosanct institution.

Patel's background is rooted in controversy. His prior roles in the Trump administration raise red flags not only because of his involvement in contentious actions but also due to his rhetoric that undermines democratic processes. Comments questioning the 2020 election's legitimacy reflect a troubling mindset—one not suited for the neutrality that the FBI must uphold.

His initial proposal to collaborate with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for agents’ physical training might sound innocuous, but it encapsulates a larger issue: a performance-based culture that distracts from pressing responsibilities. The FBI, a pivotal agency in maintaining national security, should not be sidetracked by sports affiliations. This proposal illustrates a questionable prioritization—improving fitness amidst a backdrop of calls for accountability.

The very act of Patel organizing a call with field office leaders is profound. It’s his first as director; a chance to align the FBI's myriad functions. However, addressing staff concerns tied to the January 6 investigations and the ensuing fallout reflects a leadership style steeped in reactivity rather than proactive governance. Patel’s remarks on “leaks” and loyalty evoke an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era—one that eschews transparency for insular allegiance.

The implications extend beyond the FBI’s internal culture. When a director expresses outrage at being questioned, it not only creates a rift within the agency but also signals to the public that accountability may be sacrificed in favor of loyalty. The broader challenge lies in restoring public faith in an institution that should embody impartiality and justice, not partisanship and retribution.

Furthermore, Patel's connections, notably with influential figures like Dana White and tech moguls such as Elon Musk, raise concerns about the intertwining of corporate interests with government operations. The FBI’s mission could become entangled with external agendas rather than remaining focused on its core functions of upholding the law.

Ultimately, as Patel embarks on this complex journey, the stakes are monumental. The public's faith in the FBI hinges on its ability to navigate partisanship while preserving the integrity of justice. We must remain vigilant.

Democracy demands accountability, unwavering principles, and ethical leadership. The role of the FBI within that framework must never be compromised—especially not by individuals with questionable motivations. In Patel's hands, the question looms large: will he rise above the fray, or will he succumb to the very politicization he once questioned?

[savingsuk]

International Trade and New Markets

International trade has always been a vital part of the world economy. Today, new markets in regions like Europe, Africa, and Asia present unique opportunities for growth and collaboration. Trade between countries can lead to economic development and improve living standards. Let’s dive deeper into how trade influences these regions and what new markets mean for businesses.

Understanding International Trade

International trade is simply the exchange of goods and services across borders. Countries can focus on producing what they are good at and import what they need. This trade enables nations to share resources, technologies, and ideas, ultimately boosting economic growth. For example, China exports electronics, while France is known for its luxury goods. By trading, both countries can enjoy products they otherwise wouldn't produce efficiently.

The EU: A Strong Trade Entity

The European Union (EU) is one of the largest trade blocks in the world. With 27 member countries, it enables a free flow of goods, services, and capital. The EU promotes trade agreements that lower tariffs and stimulate economic cooperation. Since 2016's Brexit, the EU has had to adapt its trade policies. The new landscape challenges some businesses while opening doors for others. For instance, trade deals with countries in Africa and Asia can help fill any gaps in imports that were once supplied by the UK.

Expanding Trade with Africa

Africa presents an exciting frontier for trade. As one of the fastest-growing regions, various countries within the continent are gaining attention. Africa’s young population and expanding middle-class offer a large market for goods and services. In 2021, African countries accounted for about 2.5% of total world merchandise trade. But, this could be changing. With initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the continent aims to boost its intra-continental trade significantly. Some key sectors that are booming in Africa include: - Agriculture: Many African countries produce crops like cocoa, coffee, and tea. - Technology: Mobile banking and tech startups are rising rapidly. - Textiles: The fashion industry is starting to use more locally sourced materials. These sectors provide ample opportunities for businesses, particularly from the EU and Asia, to invest and partner with local markets.

The Role of Asia in International Trade

Asia is another critical player in international trade. Countries like China, Japan, and India have established themselves as major export hubs. According to data from the World Trade Organization, Asia contributed to nearly 38% of world exports in 2020. Nations in Asia, such as Indonesia and Vietnam, are increasing their market share, especially in manufacturing and textiles. Their growing middle classes mean these countries are not just markets for what they produce but also consumers. Businesses looking to enter these emerging markets should pay attention to the following trends: - E-commerce Boom: More consumers in Asia are shopping online, providing a vast market for e-commerce businesses. - Supplier Diversity: Asia is becoming known for diverse supplier networks. - Sustainable Products: There’s a growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products. By understanding these dynamics, companies in the EU can tap into the thriving Asian markets.

Challenges in Global Trade

While there are many opportunities in these regions, challenges also exist. Different countries have unique trade regulations, tariffs, and cultural standards that can complicate entry into the market. For instance: - Some African nations struggle with infrastructure, making it harder to transport goods. - Regulatory environments in Asia can vary widely from one country to another. Navigating these challenges may require research and investment, but the potential rewards often outweigh the risks.

International Trade and New Markets

Future of Trade: Strategies for Growth

As firms look to capitalize on trade between regions, new strategies are vital for growth. Companies must keep up with current trends through innovations and flexible approaches. Some effective strategies include: - Adapting Local Tastes: Modifying products to cater to local preferences can attract new customers. - Building Partnerships: Collaborating with local businesses can ease market entry. - Investing in Technology: Utilizing data analytics can help companies understand new markets better. Organizations must remain proactive and adapt while staying informed about global economic shifts, especially in an ever-changing context.

Conclusion

International trade opens the door to new markets in regions like the EU, Africa, and Asia. The opportunities are vast, and by focusing on collaboration and strategic adaptations, businesses can thrive. The united efforts of these regions in trade can create economic prosperity across continents, reflecting the interconnectedness of today’s world. As trends evolve, so does the potential for innovative partnerships in growing markets. Staying informed about shifts in the landscape, consumer behavior, and regulatory changes is critical. With the right approach, businesses stand to gain immensely as they navigate these exciting new global trade paths. Read the full article

[visionaryvogues03]

The Impact of Interest Rates on Stock Market Trends

The federal reserve has diminished interest rates to almost zero percent during 2020 to support the people during the pandemic. As & when gradually when the market stabilized the stock market trends took a major turn in 2022. The economy recovered with inflation rising rapidly. The federal reserve, taking into account the stock market trends, cut the influential federal funds rate by 50 basis points in a crucial shift in September 2024. 

The Relationship Between Interest Rates and Market Trends

Stock market trends are largely influenced by monetary policy, particularly decisions made by central banks like the Federal Reserve. When interest rates rise, borrowing costs for businesses and consumers increase, which can lead to lower corporate profits, reduced consumer spending, and slower economic growth. Conversely, lower interest rates tend to boost economic activity by making borrowing cheaper and stimulating investment.

In a high-interest-rate environment, investors often shift their focus from equities to fixed-income securities like bonds, which offer safer returns. This shift in capital allocation affects stock prices and can lead to a decline in these trends. On the other hand, when interest rates are low, equities become more attractive due to the lower opportunity cost of holding stocks.

How Rising Interest Rates Affect Different Sectors

The impact of rising interest rates on stock market trends varies across sectors. Some industries, like financial services, tend to benefit, while others, such as technology and real estate, often face challenges.

Financial Sector: Banks and financial institutions generally profit from higher interest rates because they can charge more for loans, leading to increased revenue and profitability.

Technology Sector: High-growth tech companies, which rely heavily on borrowing for expansion, often see stock valuations decline as higher interest rates increase financing costs.

Real Estate: The real estate market is highly sensitive to interest rates. Higher borrowing costs can lead to reduced property investments, directly impacting real estate stocks.

Consumer Goods and Retail: Higher interest rates can reduce consumer purchasing power, leading to lower sales and weaker market trends in the retail sector.

The Role of Inflation in Stock Market Trends

Inflation is another key player in shaping stock market trends. Central banks use interest rate adjustments as a tool to control inflation. When inflation rises sharply, central banks may increase interest rates to cool down the economy. This can create uncertainty among investors, often leading to market corrections.

For instance, periods of aggressive rate hikes in response to inflationary pressures can lead to reduced corporate earnings, causing market trends to shift downward. Conversely, when inflation is under control and rates remain stable, markets tend to perform well, driving positive market trends.

Interest Rate Cuts and Market Growth

When central banks cut interest rates, the trends typically turn bullish. Lower interest rates reduce the cost of borrowing, making it easier for businesses to invest and expand. This often leads to higher corporate profits, stronger earnings reports, and overall market optimism.

For example, after the 2008 financial crisis, the Federal Reserve implemented near-zero interest rates, spurring significant growth in the stock market. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, aggressive rate cuts helped support market recoveries and drove bullish stock market trends.

Historical Perspective on Interest Rates and Stock Market Trends

Looking at historical data, interest rate policies have consistently influenced stock market trends. During the 1980s, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates sharply to combat inflation, resulting in market volatility. In contrast, the early 2000s saw a period of low-interest rates that fueled economic expansion and a bullish stock market.

The 2010s witnessed a gradual rise in interest rates post-recession, creating mixed effects on different industries. More recently, central banks worldwide have struggled to balance inflation control with economic growth, making interest rate decisions a key determinant of stock market trends.

Navigating Interest Rate Uncertainty

For executives, entrepreneurs, and managers, understanding how interest rates influence market trends is crucial for strategic decision-making. Here are some key takeaways:

Diversification: A well-diversified investment portfolio can mitigate risks associated with interest rate fluctuations.

Sector Rotation: Investors should monitor sectoral performance and adjust their portfolios based on how different industries react to interest rate changes.

Long-Term Perspective: Short-term market fluctuations due to interest rate decisions should not deter long-term investment strategies.

Monitoring Central Bank Policies: Staying informed about monetary policy decisions can help businesses and investors anticipate changes in market trends.

The Future of Interest Rates and Stock Market Trends

As the global economy faces new challenges, the future of interest rates remains uncertain. Central banks must strike a balance between curbing inflation and fostering economic growth. Investors and business leaders should closely monitor policy shifts, economic indicators, and geopolitical events to stay ahead of market trends.

With the rise of digital assets, alternative investments, and AI-driven trading strategies, the relationship between interest rates and market trends is evolving. Understanding these complexities will be vital for those aiming to make informed investment and business decisions.

Conclusion

Interest rates play a pivotal role in shaping stock market trends. Whether rising or falling, they influence investor sentiment, sector performance, and economic growth. For C-suite leaders, startup founders, and managers, keeping a close eye on interest rate movements is essential for making informed financial and strategic decisions. By understanding how interest rates interact with market trends, businesses can better position themselves for both risks and opportunities in an ever-evolving financial landscape.

Uncover the latest trends and insights with our articles on Visionary Vogues

[mariacallous]

Facing an increasingly suspicious research climate, a growing number of Chinese scientists are leaving the United States for positions abroad, the latest indicator of how worsening U.S.-China relations are complicating academic collaboration and could hamstring Washington’s tech ambitions. 

Chinese scientists living in the United States have for decades contributed to research efforts driving developments in advanced technology and science. But a growing number of them may now be looking elsewhere for work, as deteriorating geopolitical relations fuel extra scrutiny of Chinese researchers and Beijing ramps up efforts to recruit and retain talent. Between 2010 and 2021, the number of Chinese scientists leaving the United States has steadily increased, according to new research published last month. If the trend continues, experts warn that the brain drain could deal a major blow to U.S. research efforts in the long run. 

“It’s absolutely devastating,” said David Bier, the associate director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute. “So many of the researchers that the United States depends on in [the] advanced technology field are from China, or are foreign students, and this phenomenon is certainly going to negatively impact U.S. firms and U.S. research going forward.”

From semiconductor chips to artificial intelligence, technology has been at the forefront of U.S.-China competition, with both Washington and Beijing maneuvering to strangle each other’s sectors. Cooperation, even in key sectors like combating climate change, has been rare.

From 2010 to 2021, the number of scientists of Chinese descent who left the United States for another country has surged from 900 to 2,621, with scientists leaving at an expedited rate between 2018 and 2021, according to research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Nearly half of this group moved to China and Hong Kong in 2010, the study said, and a growing percentage of Chinese scientists have relocated to China over the years. 

While this number represents a small fraction of the Chinese scientists in the United States, the uptick reflects researchers’ growing concerns and broader apprehension amid a tense geopolitical climate. After surveying 1,304 Chinese American researchers, the report found that 89 percent of respondents wanted to contribute to U.S. science and technology leadership. Yet 72 percent also reported feeling unsafe as researchers in the United States, while 61 percent had previously considered seeking opportunities outside of the country. 

“Scientists of Chinese descent in the United States now face higher incentives to leave the United States and lower incentives to apply for federal grants,” the report said. There are “general feelings of fear and anxiety that lead them to consider leaving the United States and/or stop applying for federal grants.” 

The incentives to leave are twofold. Beijing has funneled resources into research and development programs and has long attempted to recruit scientists, even its own, from around the world. For one of its initiatives, the Thousand Talents Plan, Beijing harnessed at least 600 recruitment stations worldwide to acquire new talent. “China has been really trying to lure back scientists for a long time,” said Eric Fish, the author of China’s Millennials. 

But this latest outflow of Chinese scientists accelerated in 2018, the same year that then-U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled the China Initiative, a controversial program that was aimed at countering IP theft—and cast a chill over researchers of Chinese descent and collaborations with Chinese institutions. In 2020, he also issued a proclamation denying visas for graduate students and researchers affiliated with Chinese universities associated with the military. 

Although the Biden administration shut down the China Initiative, experts warn that its shadow still looms over Chinese scientists. More than one-third of respondents in the PNAS survey reported feeling unwelcome in the United States, while nearly two-thirds expressed concerns about research collaboration with China. 

“There is this chilling effect that we’re still witnessing now, where there is a stigma attached to collaboration with China,” said Jenny Lee, a professor at the Center for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Arizona. 

The challenges are emblematic of how the breakdown in U.S.-China relations has thrown universities into a geopolitical firestorm, particularly as some states’ lawmakers pressure them to sever ties with Chinese counterparts. On the U.S. side, interest in Mandarin language studies and study abroad has plummeted over the years, largely the result of worsening ties, Beijing’s growing repression, and the coronavirus pandemic. Today, while there are roughly 300,000 Chinese students in America, only 350 Americans studied in China in the most recent academic year. If interest continues to recede, experts warn of spillover effects that could hamper Washington’s understanding of Beijing. 

“We’re losing a generation of people who are knowledgeable about China,” said Daniel Murphy, the former director of the Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies at Harvard University. “I’m concerned that the United States is going about this issue in a way that excessively focuses on risks of the academic relationship, without due consideration for the benefits. And I think we see this in a whole host of arenas, and that it’s bipartisan.”

At the same time as a growing number of Chinese scientists exit the United States, new students appear to be facing higher barriers to entry as student visa denials and backlogs reach record high levels. According to a blog post by the Cato Institute, student visa denials peaked at about 35 percent in 2022—the highest rate recorded in two decades. 

Student visa denial data is not available by nationality, but Bier, the Cato Institute expert who wrote the piece, said that there is a high degree of correlation between denial rates for B-visas, or tourist visas, and student visas. “Having reviewed the B-visa denials in China, it’s pretty clear that the Chinese overall visa denial rate has increased significantly over the last few years and is at a level now where it’s the highest it’s been in decades,” he said. 

Just as some Chinese scientists are looking abroad, these challenges are pushing a growing number of international students to turn elsewhere for academic opportunities. Students are increasingly heading to countries like Canada, Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom, all of which are opening their doors to high-skilled workers and researchers. To attract more talent, the United Kingdom has issued “Global Talent” and “High Potential Individual” visas, which allow scholars from top universities to work there for 2-3 years and 1-5 years, respectively.

Universities are being impacted “by geopolitical tensions, by political agendas, and so it’s certainly inhibiting U.S. universities’ ability to attract the best and brightest,” Lee said.

[financedailymanagement]

Managing Investor Emotions: How Reducing Stress Can Improve Financial Outcomes

On May 1, 2020, Thomas S. Caldwell, Chairman and Founder of Caldwell Investment Management Ltd., shared valuable insights with WP Canada on why managing client stress is a crucial component of successful investing. In an era of uncertainty, Caldwell highlighted the essential role financial advisors play in guiding their clients through emotionally challenging periods.

Navigating Unprecedented Times

Caldwell acknowledged that the world is experiencing an era unlike any other, where even routine tasks, such as grocery shopping, feel surreal—comparable to scenes from a dystopian movie. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened stress levels for investors, making it more important than ever for financial professionals to provide reassurance and strategic guidance.

A key aspect of Caldwell’s work has always been addressing the emotional needs of his clients. However, during the pandemic, this responsibility has taken on even greater significance. As fear and uncertainty dominate the financial landscape, he emphasized that advisors must help clients maintain a clear perspective to avoid emotionally driven investment mistakes.

The Emotional Toll of Market Volatility

One of the greatest challenges in investment management is managing client emotions during market turbulence. Caldwell explained that fear-driven decisions often lead to significant financial losses. “A significant part of my job is helping people manage their emotions,” he said. “More money is lost on emotions than anything else.”

A common mistake investors make is selling off assets during market downturns, only to miss out on eventual recoveries. Caldwell noted that a disciplined, long-term approach is key to avoiding these pitfalls. He humorously mentioned that some advisors refer to certain clients as “reverse indicators,” meaning their instinct to sell often coincides with the market being on the brink of a rebound. This illustrates the importance of maintaining composure and adhering to a well-thought-out investment plan.

The Influence of 24-Hour News Cycles

The modern era of constant news updates—particularly during the COVID-19 crisis—has made it increasingly difficult for investors to stay focused on long-term goals. Caldwell pointed out that the relentless flow of information amplifies fear and anxiety, making rational decision-making more challenging.

“The 24-hour news cycle keeps people on edge, constantly looking for signs of market disaster,” he observed. “But investing isn’t about reacting to every headline—it’s about seeing the bigger picture.”

Caldwell also highlighted that humans, by nature, seek social reassurance, especially in times of uncertainty. This collective anxiety can contribute to impulsive financial decisions that work against an investor’s best interests.

Identifying Opportunities in Uncertain Markets

Despite the challenges, Caldwell remains optimistic about investment opportunities. He cautioned against blindly following market trends and instead encouraged investors to seek out undervalued companies with strong fundamentals.

While many investors are fixated on popular tech giants like Google and Netflix, Caldwell believes that value can be found in overlooked sectors. He advised that successful investing requires a forward-thinking approach, focusing on what the market will look like in the future rather than reacting solely to present conditions.

Interestingly, he also touched on the role of then-U.S. President Donald Trump in navigating the crisis. While not personally a supporter, Caldwell acknowledged Trump’s entrepreneurial mindset, suggesting it could help drive quicker economic solutions and recovery.

About Caldwell Investment Management

Caldwell Investments is a trusted provider of investment management and advisory services for Canadian retail and institutional investors. The firm serves financial institutions, pension funds, endowment funds, foundations, and private clients, offering personalized investment strategies designed for long-term stability and growth.

With a commitment to building lasting relationships and delivering reliable financial solutions, Caldwell Investment Management helps investors navigate complex market conditions with confidence.

Follow them on X to get more updates. 

(Disclaimer: We are not associated with Caldwell Investment Management Ltd.)

[newsmatik]

Chinese technical trees are best organized in five years on income, bank change

By Jiaxing Li Hong Kong (Reuters) – Chinese technical technical trends in Hong Kong on Friday’s time to win the sectorigials of the seller. The sign of the Tech Tech Tech Tech is closed 6.5%, its best result of the day from October, to reach over three years. That took over 6% of the week that was in the past, the length of May 2020. Hong Kong’s Brincearks Tondex Endex Advance Advanced 4% to…

[starseedfxofficial]

The Unseen Dance of Forex Markets: How Unemployment Rates and HFTs Hold the Key to Your Next Trade Alright, traders, let’s talk about the Forex market – and no, I’m not referring to some boring coffee-fueled chart analysis session. I'm diving into the real, gritty stuff that happens when unemployment rates and high-frequency trading (HFT) collide to change the game. Buckle up, because you’re about to uncover secrets that many traders miss, and believe me, these aren’t your average tips. Let’s make one thing clear: understanding how unemployment rates influence market behavior is like learning the dance moves to a super-charged tango that everyone thinks they know but really don’t. And on the other side, high-frequency trading is like the tech-savvy ninja that’s always one step ahead. What happens when these two forces unite? Well, that’s the magic we’re about to explore. Unemployment Rates: The Hidden Market Indicator First, let’s talk unemployment rates – you know, those monthly numbers everyone seems to glance at and then move on. But here's the thing: the unemployment rate isn’t just a number that shows how many people are out of work. Oh no, it’s a sneaky little indicator that whispers secrets about the health of the economy, inflation pressures, and most importantly, market volatility. Why should you care? Because in the Forex world, unemployment numbers drive central bank decisions, and guess who is hanging onto every word the central banks say? That’s right – high-frequency traders. Let’s paint a picture. Imagine it’s a Friday afternoon, and the U.S. Department of Labor releases a surprisingly high unemployment rate. The next thing you know, the currency market is all over the place. Why? Because the market's expectation was that the unemployment rate would be lower, signaling economic health. When it’s higher, traders panic, and central banks are expected to take action (like cutting rates). This is where you, the savvy trader, come in. Insider Secret: Be the First to React to Economic Data Here’s the pro tip: when you see a shift in the unemployment rate, don't just rely on the headline. Instead, dig deeper into the underlying context. Look at the historical patterns. If the unemployment rate is high in a country with an economy already on shaky ground, you may want to anticipate a weaker currency – and fast. For example: In 2020, when unemployment soared during the pandemic, major central banks like the Federal Reserve slashed interest rates. If you had anticipated this in advance, you could have capitalized on the subsequent USD decline in the Forex market. High-Frequency Trading (HFT): The Silent Predator Now, let’s talk about high-frequency trading (HFT). If unemployment rates are the elephant in the room, HFT is the ninja in the shadows. It’s fast, it’s relentless, and it's a bit of a mystery to most retail traders (and honestly, it might even scare you). But don’t worry—I’m here to break it down without making your head spin. HFT uses complex algorithms and ultra-fast computers to execute thousands of trades in fractions of a second. Imagine a trading strategy that doesn’t just react to news or economic reports, but predicts price movements milliseconds before they happen. It’s like having a crystal ball, except the ball is made of supercomputers. But here’s the thing: HFT doesn’t operate in a vacuum. It’s constantly analyzing factors like unemployment rates and economic data releases to gauge market sentiment. And if it sees a shocker in the unemployment numbers? It's ready to pounce before anyone else has even finished sipping their coffee. Insider Tip: Leverage the HFT Advantage Here’s the ninja move that’ll make your competitors sweat: watch the market right after major economic releases. While HFT firms are executing their trades at lightning speed, you can use your fundamental analysis to ride the coattails of their trades. Here’s how: Catch the Market Trend Early: If you see a major unemployment report coming up and expect volatility, set up alert systems to react quickly when the market shifts. Avoid Getting Left Behind: While the big players are using their algorithms to grab profits, you can capitalize on the initial market reaction—before the dust settles and liquidity returns. Use Scalping Techniques: Scalping is where you make small profits from frequent trades. When you combine it with fast market moves from HFT-driven volatility, you can rack up a series of small but consistent profits. How the Unemployment Rate and HFT Create Hidden Opportunities At this point, you might be thinking: “Great, but how does this all come together in a real-world scenario?” Well, let me connect the dots for you. When the unemployment rate surges unexpectedly, HFT algorithms react instantly. This creates price spikes and fluctuations that the average trader may miss. But as a savvy trader, you can exploit these opportunities by executing trades based on your own analysis of the unemployment data, combined with your knowledge of HFT’s response. You’ll be stepping into the market at just the right moment, ahead of the curve. A Real-World Example Let’s break this down with a real example from 2022. When the U.S. unemployment rate jumped, HFT algorithms immediately adjusted the price of USD pairs (EUR/USD, USD/JPY, etc.). But what did the retail traders miss? The subtle, initial price reversal that happened within seconds. The HFT traders knew it was coming before anyone else, but you can still capitalize on the trends by analyzing the data beforehand and executing faster than most. Master the Art of Timing: How You Can Get in the Game So, how can you become the master of timing when it comes to high-frequency trading and unemployment rate changes? Here’s a breakdown of actionable steps: Understand the Data: Always check the unemployment report along with the market expectations. If the data surprises the market, it can trigger massive shifts. Stay in the Loop: Follow real-time economic updates (and keep track of the central bank’s stance on employment). Economic calendars are your best friend here. Leverage HFT Reactions: After a surprise report, be ready for high volatility. Adjust your strategy to capture those initial swings before the market settles. Refine Your Strategy: Use advanced trading tools, like those offered by StarseedFX, to help automatically calculate your position sizes and set up real-time alerts for key events. Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Move Like a Ninja There you have it – the magic behind unemployment rates and high-frequency trading. Don’t be the trader that misses the boat. By combining fundamental analysis, high-frequency market movements, and your own advanced trading strategies, you’ll be able to capitalize on volatility like never before. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the info here, don’t worry! That’s why we’ve got exclusive services like Forex education and smart trading tools to guide you through the process. Whether you’re learning to track economic indicators or need real-time updates on market events, StarseedFX has got your back. Take Action Now: Start using these ninja tactics and unlock your full trading potential. Subscribe to our community for real-time insights, exclusive strategies, and the chance to learn from the pros. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated Read the full article

[beyondethical]

Beyond Ethical: Sustainable Clothing Brand Online in Bangalore

In a world increasingly focused on environmental conservation and responsible consumerism, sustainable clothing brands have gained prominence. Among these, Beyond Ethical stands out as a leading sustainable clothing brand online in Bangalore, offering eco-friendly, stylish, and ethically produced fashion. This blog delves into the journey, features, and offerings of this exceptional brand.

History and Cultural Significance of Sustainable Clothing Brands

Sustainable clothing has its roots in the awareness of environmental and social impacts caused by the fast fashion industry. Over the years, brands like Beyond Ethical have revolutionized the concept of ethical fashion by combining tradition with innovation. Bangalore, as a cultural hub, has been instrumental in supporting this transition, fostering a community that values sustainability.

Sustainable Clothing Brands History:

Year

Milestone

Impact

2000

Rise of sustainable fashion

Increased awareness about ethical consumerism

2010

Emergence of brands like Beyond Ethical

Local and global reach of sustainable practices

2020

Focus on online presence

Wider accessibility and awareness

2023

Popularity surge in Bangalore

Established as a hub for eco-conscious shopping

Unique Features of Beyond Ethical

Beyond Ethical distinguishes itself with a range of unique features:

l Eco-friendly Materials: Using organic cotton, recycled fabrics, and biodegradable dyes.

l Fair Trade Practices: Ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions.

l Carbon Neutral Production: Minimizing environmental footprint through green manufacturing processes.

Transparency: Providing detailed information about sourcing and production.

Style Inspiration

Beyond Ethical’s collections are inspired by:

Nature: Earthy tones and organic patterns.

Cultural Heritage: Modern takes on traditional Indian designs.

Minimalism: Simple, versatile pieces suitable for various occasions.

1. Beyond Ethical — Known for their wide range of eco-friendly options.

2. The Summer House — Offers organic clothing with elegant designs.

3. Ethic Attic — Promotes slow and sustainable fashion.

4. Caslay — Affordable and chic sustainable wear.

Buying Guide

When purchasing sustainable clothing, consider:

1. Material: Look for organic or recycled fabrics.

2. Certifications: Check for fair trade or eco-friendly certifications.

3. Style and Versatility: Choose timeless designs to maximize use.

4. Brand Values: Support brands that align with your ethical beliefs.

5. Trends and Modern Interpretations

Sustainable fashion trends in Bangalore include:

l Upcycled Fashion: Garments created from repurposed materials.

l Gender-neutral Designs: Inclusive and versatile options.

l Tech-infused Clothing: Smart textiles with eco-friendly features.

Recommendations

For those looking to explore clothing brands online in Bangalore, Beyond Ethical is an excellent starting point. Their collections cater to various tastes and budgets while staying true to sustainability principles.

Care and Maintenance Tips

To extend the lifespan of your sustainable clothing:

l Wash with cold water and eco-friendly detergents.

l Avoid excessive use of dryers; air-dry instead.

l Store in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.

Closing Call to Action

Join the movement towards a sustainable future by shopping with Beyond Ethical. Explore their range of eco-friendly clothing today at their sustainable clothing brand online in Bangalore store and make a conscious choice for yourself and the planet.

FAQs

1. What is a sustainable clothing brand?

A sustainable clothing brand focuses on eco-friendly materials, ethical practices, and reducing environmental impact.

2. Where can I find sustainable clothing brands near me?

Beyond Ethical is accessible as a sustainable clothing brand near me in Bangalore with an extensive online store.

3. Are sustainable clothes affordable?

While some pieces may be slightly costlier, they offer durability and long-term value, making them a smart investment.

4. How can I ensure the quality of sustainable clothing?

Check for certifications and customer reviews to gauge quality and authenticity.

5. Why choose a sustainable clothing brand online in Bangalore?

Bangalore is home to several eco-conscious brands, offering high-quality and stylish options that cater to diverse preferences.

Conclusion

Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity. With brands like Beyond Ethical leading the way, the transition to eco-friendly fashion has never been easier. Explore the finest collections from sustainable clothing brands online in Bangalore today and embrace a greener, more responsible