#access control systems internet city

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Apple fucked us on right to repair (again)

Today (September 22), I'm (virtually) presenting at the DIG Festival in Modena, Italy. Tonight, I'll be in person at LA's Book Soup for the launch of Justin C Key's "The World Wasn’t Ready for You." On September 27, I'll be at Chevalier's Books in Los Angeles with Brian Merchant for a joint launch for my new book The Internet Con and his new book, Blood in the Machine.

Right to repair has no cannier, more dedicated adversary than Apple, a company whose most innovative work is dreaming up new ways to sneakily sabotage electronics repair while claiming to be a caring environmental steward, a lie that covers up the mountains of e-waste that Apple dooms our descendants to wade through.

Why does Apple hate repair so much? It's not that they want to poison our water and bodies with microplastics; it's not that they want to hasten the day our coastal cities drown; it's not that they relish the human misery that accompanies every gram of conflict mineral. They aren't sadists. They're merely sociopathically greedy.

Tim Cook laid it out for his investors: when people can repair their devices, they don't buy new ones. When people don't buy new devices, Apple doesn't sell them new devices. It's that's simple:

https://www.inverse.com/article/52189-tim-cook-says-apple-faces-2-key-problems-in-surprising-shareholder-letter

So Apple does everything it can to monopolize repair. Not just because this lets the company gouge you on routine service, but because it lets them decide when your phone is beyond repair, so they can offer you a trade-in, ensuring both that you buy a new device and that the device you buy is another Apple.

There are so many tactics Apple gets to use to sabotage repair. For example, Apple engraves microscopic Apple logos on the subassemblies in its devices. This allows the company to enlist US Customs to seize and destroy refurbished parts that are harvested from dead phones by workers in the Pacific Rim:

https://repair.eu/news/apple-uses-trademark-law-to-strengthen-its-monopoly-on-repair/

Of course, the easiest way to prevent harvested components from entering the parts stream is to destroy as many old devices as possible. That's why Apple's so-called "recycling" program shreds any devices you turn over to them. When you trade in your old iPhone at an Apple Store, it is converted into immortal e-waste (no other major recycling program does this). The logic is straightforward: no parts, no repairs:

https://www.vice.com/en/article/yp73jw/apple-recycling-iphones-macbooks

Shredding parts and cooking up bogus trademark claims is just for starters, though. For Apple, the true anti-repair innovation comes from the most pernicious US tech law: Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

DMCA 1201 is an "anti-circumvention" law. It bans the distribution of any tool that bypasses "an effective means of access control." That's all very abstract, but here's what it means: if a manufacturer sticks some Digital Rights Management (DRM) in its device, then anything you want to do that involves removing that DRM is now illegal – even if the thing itself is perfectly legal.

When Congress passed this stupid law in 1998, it had a very limited blast radius. Computers were still pretty expensive and DRM use was limited to a few narrow categories. In 1998, DMCA 1201 was mostly used to prevent you from de-regionalizing your DVD player to watch discs that had been released overseas but not in your own country.

But as we warned back then, computers were only going to get smaller and cheaper, and eventually, it would only cost manufacturers pennies to wrap their products – or even subassemblies in their products – in DRM. Congress was putting a gun on the mantelpiece in Act I, and it was bound to go off in Act III.

Welcome to Act III.

Today, it costs about a quarter to add a system-on-a-chip to even the tiniest parts. These SOCs can run DRM. Here's how that DRM works: when you put a new part in a device, the SOC and the device's main controller communicate with one another. They perform a cryptographic protocol: the part says, "Here's my serial number," and then the main controller prompts the user to enter a manufacturer-supplied secret code, and the master controller sends a signed version of this to the part, and the part and the system then recognize each other.

This process has many names, but because it was first used in the automotive sector, it's widely known as VIN-Locking (VIN stands for "vehicle identification number," the unique number given to every car by its manufacturer). VIN-locking is used by automakers to block independent mechanics from repairing your car; even if they use the manufacturer's own parts, the parts and the engine will refuse to work together until the manufacturer's rep keys in the unlock code:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/24/rent-to-pwn/#kitt-is-a-demon

VIN locking is everywhere. It's how John Deere stops farmers from fixing their own tractors – something farmers have done literally since tractors were invented:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/08/about-those-kill-switched-ukrainian-tractors/

It's in ventilators. Like mobile phones, ventilators are a grotesquely monopolized sector, controlled by a single company Medtronic, whose biggest claim to fame is effecting the world's largest tax inversion in order to manufacture the appearance that it is an Irish company and therefore largely untaxable. Medtronic used the resulting windfall to gobble up most of its competitors.

During lockdown, as hospitals scrambled to keep their desperately needed supply of ventilators running, Medtronic's VIN-locking became a lethal impediment. Med-techs who used donor parts from one ventilator to keep another running – say, transplanting a screen – couldn't get the device to recognize the part because all the world's civilian aircraft were grounded, meaning Medtronic's technicians couldn't swan into their hospitals to type in the unlock code and charge them hundreds of dollars.

The saving grace was an anonymous, former Medtronic repair tech, who built pirate boxes to generate unlock codes, using any housing they could lay hands on to use as a case: guitar pedals, clock radios, etc. This tech shipped these gadgets around the world, observing strict anonymity, because Article 6 of the EUCD also bans circumvention:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/07/10/flintstone-delano-roosevelt/#medtronic-again

Of course, Apple is a huge fan of VIN-locking. In phones, VIN-locking is usually called "serializing" or "parts-pairing," but it's the same thing: a tiny subassembly gets its own microcontroller whose sole purpose is to prevent independent repair technicians from fixing your gadget. Parts-pairing lets Apple block repairs even when the technician uses new, Apple parts – but it also lets Apple block refurb parts and third party parts.

For many years, Apple was the senior partner and leading voice in blocking state Right to Repair bills, which it killed by the dozen, leading a coalition of monopolists, from Wahl (who boobytrap their hair-clippers with springs that cause their heads irreversibly decompose if you try to sharpen them at home) to John Deere (who reinvented tenant farming by making farmers tenants of their tractors, rather than their land).

But Apple's opposition to repair eventually became a problem for the company. It's bad optics, and both Apple customers and Apple employees are volubly displeased with the company's ecocidal conduct. But of course, Apple's management and shareholders hate repair and want to block it as much as possible.

But Apple knows how to Think Differently. It came up with a way to eat its cake and have it, too. The company embarked on a program of visibly support right to repair, while working behind the scenes to sabotage it.

Last year, Apple announced a repair program. It was hilarious. If you wanted to swap your phone's battery, all you had to do was let Apple put a $1200 hold on your credit card, and then wait while the company shipped you 80 pounds' worth of specialized tools, packed in two special Pelican cases:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/22/apples-cement-overshoes/

Then, you swapped your battery, but you weren't done! After your battery was installed, you had to conference in an authorized Apple tech who would tell you what code to type into a laptop you tethered to the phone in order to pair it with your phone. Then all you had to do was lug those two 40-pound Pelican cases to a shipping depot and wait for Apple to take the hold off your card (less the $120 in parts and fees).

By contrast, independent repair outfits like iFixit will sell you all the tools you need to do your own battery swap – including the battery! for $32. The whole kit fits in a padded envelope:

https://www.ifixit.com/products/iphone-x-replacement-battery

But while Apple was able to make a showy announcement of its repair program and then hide the malicious compliance inside those giant Pelican cases, sabotaging right to repair legislation is a lot harder.

Not that they didn't try. When New York State passed the first general electronics right-to-repair bill in the country, someone convinced New York Governor Kathy Hochul to neuter it with last-minute modifications:

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/12/weakened-right-to-repair-bill-is-signed-into-law-by-new-yorks-governor/

But that kind of trick only works once. When California's right to repair bill was introduced, it was clear that it was gonna pass. Rather than get run over by that train, Apple got on board, supporting the legislation, which passed unanimously:

https://www.ifixit.com/News/79902/apples-u-turn-tech-giant-finally-backs-repair-in-california

But Apple got the last laugh. Because while California's bill contains many useful clauses for the independent repair shops that keep your gadgets out of a landfill, it's a state law, and DMCA 1201 is federal. A state law can't simply legalize the conduct federal law prohibits. California's right to repair bill is a banger, but it has a weak spot: parts-pairing, the scourge of repair techs:

https://www.ifixit.com/News/69320/how-parts-pairing-kills-independent-repair

Every generation of Apple devices does more parts-pairing than the previous one, and the current models are so infested with paired parts as to be effectively unrepairable, except by Apple. It's so bad that iFixit has dropped its repairability score for the iPhone 14 from a 7 ("recommend") to a 4 (do not recommend):

https://www.ifixit.com/News/82493/we-are-retroactively-dropping-the-iphones-repairability-score-en

Parts-pairing is bullshit, and Apple are scum for using it, but they're hardly unique. Parts-pairing is at the core of the fuckery of inkjet printer companies, who use it to fence out third-party ink, so they can charge $9,600/gallon for ink that pennies to make:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/11/ink-stained-wretches-battle-soul-digital-freedom-taking-place-inside-your-printer

Parts-pairing is also rampant in powered wheelchairs, a heavily monopolized sector whose predatory conduct is jaw-droppingly depraved:

https://uspirgedfund.org/reports/usp/stranded

But if turning phones into e-waste to eke out another billion-dollar stock buyback is indefensible, stranding people with disabilities for months at a time while they await repairs is so obviously wicked that the conscience recoils. That's why it was so great when Colorado passed the nation's first wheelchair right to repair bill last year:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/06/when-drm-comes-your-wheelchair

California actually just passed two right to repair bills; the other one was SB-271, which mirrors Colorado's HB22-1031:

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB271

This is big! It's momentum! It's a start!

But it can't be the end. When Bill Clinton signed DMCA 1201 into law 25 years ago, he loaded a gun and put it on the nation's mantlepiece and now it's Act III and we're all getting sprayed with bullets. Everything from ovens to insulin pumps, thermostats to lightbulbs, has used DMCA 1201 to limit repair, modification and improvement.

Congress needs to rid us of this scourge, to let us bring back all the benefits of interoperability. I explain how this all came to be – and what we should do about it – in my new Verso Books title, The Internet Con: How to Seize the Means of Computation.

https://www.versobooks.com/products/3035-the-internet-con

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

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/22/vin-locking/#thought-differently

Image: Mitch Barrie (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Daytona_Skeleton_AR-15_completed_rifle_%2817551907724%29.jpg

CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en

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kambanji (modified) https://www.flickr.com/photos/kambanji/4135216486/

CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

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Rawpixel (modified) https://www.rawpixel.com/image/12438797/png-white-background

[papercherries]

I've been seeing a post circulate recently about how we're "living in the hunger games" and whilst I think that's true to how we're all feeling culturally at the moment, I think its fair to say that this isn't new. The original post even states that the hunger games was conceived after the writer was flicking through channels during the war in Iraq.

We live in a society that feeds off both ends of a spectrum. One side being suffering, the other being cult like decadance. I believe a good amount of media on tv/radio/newspapers/online can be put somewhere on this spectrum. My point is that for a good while we have rooted our media in both ends of the spectrum. Vietnam war/massive push for culture, Palestine and the Met Gala. For previous events I can only speak for films as they're what I study. But recall the films that come out around certain times, the ones we remember usually relate to the times. 1968, Easy Rider, counter culture Americans exist, people hate them for it. 1976, Taxi Driver. American vet who has been radicalised toward the right because he has been let down by the system. 1992, Boyz n the hood, the lives of black Americans who are once again, being let down by the system. If not being oppressed by it. 2005, V for Vendetta.

I refuse to take content out of the context of their time. But I've cherry picked these films and that's an obvious bias toward the message I'm trying to send. Because with these films, there a million others who are on the other side of the spectrum. Think, within the last year how many movies have released that you feel truly reflect the time we live in.

I can think of a couple but none are based in modern times. When the war in Iraq was happening you had films like American Sniper, The Hurt Locker, Jarhead, fucking die hard 4.0. Whilst we've always had action schlock. American war/vet schlock was hard to avoid then. Some will claim to be anti war, but I believe this to be an impossible feat. They are decadence.

Within the same years though you had Eternal Sunshine, Brokeback mountain, City of God, District 9. All amazing films, but they're closer to the middle of the spectrum, obviously this varies though. But no film can be on the true end of suffering without being non-fiction. Sure, we can wince and squeal at Salo or some Cronenberg nightmare. But it will never compare to the horrors we witness on our televsions and on our phones.

The nauseating effect of true decadence is also only available in the world of non-fiction.

The reason it's progressivly feeling more and more like the hunger games is how we access this information. Or more precisely the rate at which we interact with it and how its presented to us. The Internet is an independent space, It is not ruled but it can be controlled. Checkmarks, verification and paid subscriptions. Ways of being sure that what you're seeing is "real".

A verified news outlet who is supporting the genocide in Palestine will not release an article for Palestine. Most news outlets are owned by the same people. I'm looking at Rupert Murdoch here. This means these "verified sources" won't report a lot on the genocide because it doesn't suit them. They would rather report on the protests and the injuries of the few Israeli occupants. But news outlets are also big companies, they specialise in different things to release a whole package. So you'll have the same places releasing statements on the metgala.

(Though, I'm also not saying we shouldn't have verified accounts and such because this same system can be used for other nefarious purposes. Like making a fake account to pretend your a black American who is voting for their local republican senator).

Now if this were in a closed system, like a newspaper. It would be fine for them because they can have their cake and eat it too. Release something denouncing Palestine and showing the "nationalist might" of the occupants whilst also reporting on the metgala. Their ideals are presented and they've covered all bases. The Internet doesn't allow for this kind of system. The people who are reporting on/for Palestine are the people. Independent online accounts who go against the will of these companies.

And whilst the companies are big, they only have one social media account (per country sometimes) . Which can't fight against the massive influx of pro Palestine posts. So what happens is, you end up seeing both ends of the spectrum at the same time. Both real suffering and decadence, appear before your very eyes.

The same thing was happening to Suzanne Collins. She witnessed both ends of the spectrum at the same time.

But you must remember, this isn't new. We've always had this spectrum. From Lords and gods to celebrities and presidents. Go to war and be a hero! A tale as old as time. The plague and the Holy War.

There are only two ways to remove this media spectrum. Remove one side entirely; by removing all suffering from media, there will only be decadence to watch. Or by removing the systems that create the spectrum in the first place.

The decadent allow the suffering to continue. The decadence cannot survive with suffering. They cannot survive without their wars, their slavery and their theft. Not all suffering is equal, not all decadence neither. But in either case, there is too much.

People with deep pockets tend to fill them with the bodies of men.

[thatdodoanonx]

Hey Dodo!!

I haven't heard from you in a bit, I just wanted to check in with you and see how you are doing! I think about you regularly, and although I know it is a silly wish considering your circumstances, I hope you are doing well. And I hope that one day you will be safe and sound, and that that day comes soon.

I love you, truly

Hi everyone this not so quick update about my state, it has some heavy topics so I'm gonna put some trigger warning please keep that in mind and don't worry I'll get to everything eventually 

TW: Suicide, Self Harm, COSA, Religious Trauma, Abuse 

Now with that being said I wanna start by saying Hi, it's been almost a year since the whole thing happened, it was emotional rollercoaster but I can assure I'm still alive and start my journey to recover ❤️‍🩹 

Did I leave home?

No but my mom got a promotion out of the town and I only see her once sometimes twice a week, she did try to make me move with her but couldn't because of college (I only got one year left YAY!!) 

Is she still a pain ?

Yeah nothing changed about her she is still as controlling, she gave me back my phone but put a child lock on it so I won't be able to access any app except the ones related to college, and she gave me back my laptop (which I'm using to write this on it)

Ok now onto the heavy topics, I found myself relapsing into my old bad habit, cutting and biting myself until it bleeds I haven't done that since highschool,to put it blunt I didn't have irl friends or at least a support system, and metal health in my country is a taboo and being from a well known family in a small town isn't helping, so the idea of a therapy is out of the window, and being alone with my thoughts didn't help

And then my first attempting, idk why but I couldn't do it I guess I was scared, no one was home that day and even had razors but I couldn't. I was able to find my dad's old laptop and typed for suicide hotline and to my surprise there was. The lady on the phone helped me a lot because I was going through a bad panic attack. At the end of the call she told me to talk to my mom about it, she's a doctor after all and there's no shame in it, but come on now that's my we're talking about. I told her I'll try 

Fast forward: I was visiting mom in the city she's working now at, the job comes with a free rental apartment, anyway me and her had a heart to conversation and me being the idiot that I am thought about it was opportunity to talk about some childhood trauma, it's painful to talk about it but don't worry I'm coming with the term that it wasn't my fault. (I'll highlights the next paragraph so don't have to read it if it upset you I'm writing it so u can understand the context)

I was a victim of COSA (child on child sexual assault) by my cousin who is the same age as me (we both were 7 at the time) , she unfortunately had an early access to internet and would show me sexual images. I told my cousin about the bulling I was going through school because I like a boy and said I would marry him (which extremely forbidden in my Religious school) so my bullies made a rumor about me being a loss child and I would going out which older boys, the rumors were so bad one of the teachers pulled me aside and confronted me about it, she knew I was a good kid so there was no way.

I told my cousin about it, I trusted her and what do you she did? That's right she blackmailed and told me I didn't do whatever she wanted she would tell my mom about my secret. So there I was me and her in a small room at our grandma's house, things happened I don't want to recall and I don't think I'll be able. no matter how I begged and cry, I just kept numbing myself until it's over, this still habit I have , one the thing I do to survive 

I told mom about, my childhood trauma, my suicide attempt. she was understandly horrified, she tried to comfort me but this processed to say it was my fault that I let that happen, I told her I was scared and still a child 

Then I told that I was messed up and need a professional help to which she said "we don't need that I'll fix you myself"

The next day me and her got into a fight over something stupid to which she as always had to pull the secrets I told her against me "Why don't you fucking kill yourself already? You said wanted to do it, huh? Now it's your time at least you'll save a headache" she said that in front of my brother 

I know whenever she gets mad she would go so low but even that was low for her, that was the one time I trusted her with something so personal I never told to anyone and somehow she managed to shutter every lasting trust I had in her. Part of me still thought everything she would do was out of love, that was tough love and she only hurt me because she care but I guess at that moment truly open my eyes 

I came to her that night and told her that what she said really hurt me and I trusted her with something very personal to which she dismissed and said "oh [name] me and you know well that you'll never kill yourself, you're too coward anyway" 

Out of all the things she said to me that has to cruelest thing ever, maybe because part of me know she was right but I didn't think she would say it out loud 

After that everything went blur for me, summer course I started to see her less and less. In the few weeks without her were strange to say the least. I come home and it's... quiet? No shouting, no yelling, no screaming no nothing. It was weird, I didn't know what to do with that quiet, I felt if I relaxed to much she might jump out of nowhere and scream at me, but I have to say it was nice, I felt like I can breathe? Like no one is watching everything I do waiting for me to make a mistake. It is not ideal she still come every week but honestly it's better than nothing. I started to write a little in my notes every now and then, I even started to draw again. Both brought me comfort, and I even allowed myself to make friends, it's not a big group but hey we get along. There's on in particular friend group I'm close to the most, she's lovely, keep talking and texting me to check, I gotta say it was a bit overwhelming but I'll never tell her to stop because that's how she shows she care

Life has been slow lately, same old routine but I'm more happy and more idk calm? I mean a few months ago I thought I won't be alive today and what do you know! I turned 23 two mouths ago (happy late birthday to I guess?) I think that is a good a step for me start healing, it won't happen over night but I know it will be worth it 

Thanks to everyone on who still checking on me, I know it was a long update, but I'm thankful you took time to read it 

I hope there's a next, see you soon

-🦤

[xaverie]

Okay.

It hasn't even been 12 hours since Biden dropped out of the presidential running and already I've seen so many posts starting off with hostility and judgement and name calling and demands to "You better vote now, or else."

People haven't had time to celebrate their voices finally being heard. People haven't had time to foster hope that not only might there be a way to defeat Trump in the fall, but an even better option than Biden might be possible. Before too many of you came on here to tamp down that hope with angry lecture after angry lecture.

People who have expressed unwillingness to vote for Biden, or vote at all - people who bear the weight of consequences of America's political system on their conscience heavily enough to give up on it all together - are not struggling with a lack or information, or lack of empathy, or lack of critical thinking. They are struggling with hopelessness. Helplessness.

Do you know what does not help to overcome hopelessness? A continuous stream of rude condescension. And I know you feel that hopelessness too, and you feel it as panic and frustration, or you probably wouldn't feel the need to furiously shout into the void of the internet from behind your keyboard just to take comfort in the few thousand notes you get on your post from the rest of us who are equally panicked and frustrated. That just makes YOU feel better. It's a TERRIBLE look for the Democratic campaign (which you are part of now) and it's not the way to build community.

Do you know what does help to overcome hopelessness? A sense of control. Of being able to see the effects of your actions and take pride in them. Something that is so hard to get from voting alone, and impossible to get from an election that won't happen for months. Instead of yelling, trying to reach out to other people who might be feeling hopeless and come up with a plan together to do something that they can accomplish and feel good about and then celebrate that win!

I guarantee that if you can get people to feel like they matter again, that they have power, they will be so much more interested in voting than they were when you were calling them selfish and privileged and misguided and stupid.

Here is a list of things you can do other than that in order to feel less hopeless, more secure, and more motivated in November:

Register 10 people to vote, or get 10 people to pledge a vote for your candidate. You will never know if your tumblr post led to more people voting or not. If you register 10 people you will have multiplied your voting power by a factor of ten. If you hit that number and feel you can keep going, keep going.

Go to your city council and school board meetings. It's not exciting, but hardly anyone shows up so it's remarkably easy to start introducing the ideas you care about and dissenting to the ones you don't like.

Develop a campaign strategy based on things you want to accomplish instead of things you want to avoid and start working toward those.

If you care about abortion access, find a way to help and support people in your community who might need one. Import medication. Form an underground support system if necessary. Provide emotional, financial, medical, emotional assistance to pregnant people and people who miscarry.

Create a plan with your neighbors to keep each other safe depending on what y'all need. Know what you're going to do in case of a natural disaster, animal attack, or police presence. Get used to signaling danger to each other or what to do if someone needs help.

Learn first aid. Have emergency supplies in your car. Start carrying Narcan.

Learn sign language. Learn Spanish or another language commonly spoken in your area.

If you care about trans safety, start planning ways you can increase it in your city. If you're cis, start making yourself available to escort your trans friends an neighbors in situations that might be dangerous. Doctor's appointments, shopping, whatever, start a network. See if you can starting increasing access to medications now, start importing, or stockpiling. Start identifying sympathetic medical professionals. Do what you can to create safe spaces for queer youth.

If you care about corporate greed and raising taxes, start petitioning those companies to give your communities the resources you need directly. Find the regional directors for the banks in your area, the Walmarts, the Targets, Amazon. Ask them what their charity budget is and tell them what you need. School supplies for the kids, a donation to the food bank, help rebuilding after a flood. They have the money, ask for it!

Become a patient advocate! Visit people in hospitals and make sure they're getting the respect they need. Fight for them.

Write to an imprisoned person. Offer kindness. Advocate for their rights and wellbeing. Join the fight to restore voting rights.

Continue to speak up for people all over the world. Continue to boycott. Stop buying electronics. Keep sending aid.

Do things that have tangible results and enjoy every little accomplishment. Help people take their power back. Do your best to President-proof your community. Take a few deep breaths and keep working. Do all of this while you campaign. Reassure people that it's possible to make things better, because look at all of the ways we can make things better, and that voting will help. Don't let anyone struggle alone.

[tocitynews]

A Widespread Microsoft Outage Disrupted Flights, Banks, Media Outlets And Companies Around The World On Friday And Highlighted Dependence On Software From A Handful Of Providers – New York City reporting

The issue affected Microsoft 365 apps and services, and escalating disruptions continued hours after the technology company said it was gradually fixing it.

Microsoft 365 posted on X that the company was “working on rerouting the impacted traffic to alternate systems to alleviate impact in a more expedient fashion” and that they were “observing a positive trend in service availability.”

Major disruptions reported by airlines and airports grew. Flight tracking website Flightaware reports more nearly 1,000 flights canceled and over 12,000 more are delayed. Chicago O'Hare, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Newark , La Guardia and Boston Logan International Airport lead Flightaware's "misery map" with the most delays and cancellations.

In the U.S., the FAA said the airlines United, Delta and Allegiant had all been grounded. American Airlines lifted its ground stop just after 5 a.m ET, saying they were able to "safely re-establish operations."

An earlier ground stop for Frontier Airlines was lifted just after midnight, and the carrier said they had resumed normal operations, for now.

Travelers at Los Angeles International Airport slept on a jetway floor, using backpacks and other luggage for pillows, due to a delayed United flight to Dulles International Airport early on Friday.

Across the pond, Edinburgh Airport said the system outage meant waiting times were longer than usual. London’s Stansted Airport said some airline check-in services were being completed manually, but flights were still operating.

The budget airline Ryanair said they are "experiencing disruption across the network due to a global third party IT outage which is out of our control. We advise all passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure time.”

Widespread problems were reported at Australian airports, where lines grew and some passengers were stranded as online check-in services and self-service booths were disabled. Passengers in Melbourne queued for more than an hour to check in, although flights were still operating. Airlines Virgin Australia and Qantas were severely affected by the outage.

News outlets in Australia — including the ABC and Sky News — were unable to broadcast on their TV and radio channels, and reported sudden shutdowns of Windows-based computers. Some news anchors broadcast live online from dark offices, in front of computers showing “blue screens of death.” Telecommunications providers, banks and media broadcasters were also disrupted as they lost access to computer systems. Outages reported on the site DownDetector included the banks NAB, Commonwealth and Bendigo, as well as internet and phone providers such as Telstra. The New Zealand banks ASB and Kiwibank said their services were down.

Television stations in the United Kingdom were being disrupted by the computer issues.

Hospitals in Britain and Germany also reported problems.

Israel’s Cyber Directorate said that it was among the places affected by the global outages, attributing them to a problem with the cybersecurity platform Crowdstrike. The outage also hit the country’s post offices and hospitals, according to the ministries of communication and health.

In South Africa, at least one major bank said it was experiencing “nationwide service disruptions” as customers reported they were unable to make payments using their bank cards at grocery stores and gas stations.

Numerous European airlines are using manual check-in.

[unpluggedfinancial]

Why the World Needs Bitcoin Now More Than Ever

The world today is at a crossroads. Economic instability, unchecked inflation, and global tensions are driving the world toward a crisis that few are prepared for. In the midst of this uncertainty, Bitcoin offers a beacon of hope—a solution that can transform not only our financial systems but also the way we live, work, and interact with one another. As centralized powers continue to manipulate money and control the narrative, Bitcoin stands as a decentralized, transparent, and sound form of money that offers the world a better future.

Let’s explore why the world needs Bitcoin now more than ever.

Bitcoin Stops the War Machine

For far too long, governments have had the power to finance wars through unchecked money printing. With the ability to create endless amounts of fiat currency, they can fund conflicts without the consent of the people or the backing of sound economics. This endless money printing devalues currencies, inflates national debts, and empowers the war machine.

Bitcoin fundamentally changes this dynamic. Its decentralized and finite nature makes it impossible for any government or organization to print more money at will. In a world where Bitcoin is the standard, governments would be forced to operate with financial transparency, and the ability to fund endless wars would be severely curtailed. The incentives for war would shift, as nations would have to make more responsible financial decisions.

In short, Bitcoin promotes peace by holding those in power accountable for their financial actions, removing their ability to inflate away debt or fund unnecessary wars.

Incentivizing Good Over Evil

Fiat currency systems often breed corruption. When money can be manipulated and printed at will, those in power are incentivized to use their positions for personal gain, leading to unethical behavior, bribery, and exploitation. Bitcoin, on the other hand, is built on transparency and immutability, meaning that it cannot be tampered with by any single entity. This changes the game entirely.

Bitcoin promotes honest behavior and long-term thinking. With sound money, individuals and businesses are incentivized to create value through ethical practices. There’s no more cutting corners to make quick profits, no more gaming the system to get ahead. Bitcoin rewards those who align their incentives with the betterment of society, encouraging savings, innovation, and productivity rather than exploitation.

The end result? A more moral and equitable society where people do good not just because they want to, but because the system rewards ethical behavior over greed.

Banking the Unbanked

Around the world, over a billion people remain unbanked. These individuals are shut out of the traditional financial system due to geographic, economic, or political barriers. Without access to banking, they are left vulnerable, unable to save, invest, or even participate in the global economy.

Bitcoin solves this problem by offering a decentralized financial system that anyone with a phone and an internet connection can access. Whether you're in a remote village or a bustling city, Bitcoin gives everyone the opportunity to participate in the economy, bypassing the need for traditional banks or intermediaries.

For the unbanked, Bitcoin represents financial freedom, a way to save, transact, and secure their wealth without relying on institutions that often exploit them. This is a game-changer, offering billions of people a way to escape poverty and build a better future.

Leveling the Playing Field

The current financial system is rigged in favor of the wealthy and well-connected. From government bailouts to insider deals, those at the top benefit disproportionately, while the rest are left to deal with inflation, rising living costs, and a shrinking middle class. This inequality is baked into the very fabric of fiat money, which allows those in power to manipulate the system for their benefit.

Bitcoin, by contrast, offers a universal playing field. It doesn’t care who you are, where you’re from, or how much money you already have. It’s a leveler—an asset that anyone can accumulate based on merit and effort. There’s no special treatment, no backdoor deals. Bitcoin’s rules are the same for everyone, ensuring that value creation and hard work are rewarded fairly.

As Bitcoin adoption grows, the balance of power will shift. The wealthy will no longer be able to manipulate the system, and success will be based on merit rather than connections. This is the promise of Bitcoin: a fairer, more just economy for all.

The Importance of Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA) into Bitcoin

In a volatile market, many are hesitant to invest, fearing they might buy at the peak and suffer losses. Bitcoin, known for its price swings, can seem intimidating. But there is a strategy that mitigates this risk—Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA).

DCA is the practice of consistently investing a fixed amount of money into Bitcoin over time, regardless of the price. This approach helps smooth out the volatility by spreading purchases across both market highs and lows. It takes the guesswork out of timing the market and allows individuals to build a position in Bitcoin steadily.

Why is DCA so important? Because Bitcoin is a long-term game. Those who have benefited the most from Bitcoin’s growth are not the ones trying to time the market but those who have consistently accumulated it over time. DCA ensures that you are always accumulating Bitcoin, taking advantage of its long-term appreciation without worrying about short-term price movements.

In a world that desperately needs financial security, DCA into Bitcoin provides a steady path toward financial freedom. It’s accessible to anyone, regardless of wealth, reinforcing the idea that Bitcoin is for everyone.

Conclusion

The world is in desperate need of change. As economic instability, inflation, and conflict continue to rise, Bitcoin offers a way forward. It stops the war machine, incentivizes ethical behavior, and provides financial freedom to the unbanked. It levels the playing field, creating a system where success is based on merit and value creation rather than exploitation.

But most importantly, Bitcoin gives each individual the opportunity to take control of their own financial future. Whether through DCA or simply learning more about the technology, now is the time to get involved.

The world needs Bitcoin, and it needs it now more than ever.

Take Action Towards Financial Independence

If this article has sparked your interest in the transformative potential of Bitcoin, there's so much more to explore! Dive deeper into the world of financial independence and revolutionize your understanding of money by following my blog and subscribing to my YouTube channel.

🌐 Blog: Unplugged Financial Blog Stay updated with insightful articles, detailed analyses, and practical advice on navigating the evolving financial landscape. Learn about the history of money, the flaws in our current financial systems, and how Bitcoin can offer a path to a more secure and independent financial future.

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👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with our latest content. Whether you're a seasoned investor, a curious newcomer, or someone concerned about the future of your financial health, our community is here to support you on your journey to financial independence.

Support the Cause

If you enjoyed what you read and believe in the mission of spreading awareness about Bitcoin, I would greatly appreciate your support. Every little bit helps keep the content going and allows me to continue educating others about the future of finance.

Donate Bitcoin: bc1qpn98s4gtlvy686jne0sr8ccvfaxz646kk2tl8lu38zz4dvyyvflqgddylk

[bellamonde]

Iran Protests - Genocide in Kurdistan

Islamic Republic security forces have launched a massive assault on protesters in Kurdish-populated cities in Iran. The death toll is rising every day. Yesterday, armoured vehicles and artillery mounted trucks were moving into the Kurdish region and they continue to do so today. Over the past few days, cities in the Kurdish-populated towns and cities in western Iran have seen the worst levels of violence by state security forces so far in response to growing protests. Daily killings of civilians by security forces have led to massive anti-government demonstrations at funerals in solidarity with victims’ families in each city.

On November 19, protesters reportedly took control of parts of the city of Mahabad, 181 miles north of Sanandaj, and barricaded the streets. After several hours, large military reinforcements were sent to the city. Before confronting protesters, the city’s power was shut off. The sounds of gunfire and protesters could be heard until the early morning as soldiers pursued people from house to house. At the same time, the authorities have shut down access to the internet almost completely in the west of the country to minimize the ability to share information about the state’s violence and atrocities.

In these cities, the Islamic Republic is using hexachloroethane, a nerve agent that temporarily disorganizes the central nervous system and is quite toxic by skin adsorption.

The most common initial effects are chlorine and zinc poisoning, vomiting, burning skin and coughing, but in the long run it can cause liver cancer, skin allergies and kidney damage. 

Please spread the news. The world needs to know that there is genocide taking place in Kurdish-populated towns and cities in Iran.

[vivi-the-goblin]

We really did go through a lot to find pokemon in gen 3, didn't we? Especially since this was the days before consistent internet access, reliable guides, and solid coverage. You want Milotic? ok, so there are 6 random unmarked tiles in this entire river which have a 50% spawn rate, and it re-randomizes if you talk to an NPC on the other side of the map. You find it? Cool, go to the contests and raise its beauty stat to max with pokeblocks, remembering that if you don't raise it to max within a small number of pokeblocks it will just refuse to eat more. How many pokeblocks? depends. Anyway, Congrats! Oh, you want the regi's? ok, in the middle of a swirling maze of sea tiles that shove you, off in the middle of nowhere, find a small Diving spot and go to wall. There's a message in braille for you there saying to dive again, hope you know what braille is. Inside are many more braille tablets. go to the back wall, use dig, which I hope you have, and also I hope you have a waillord in the last slot of your party and relicanth (5% spawn in underwater grass on 2 routes) in the first. Do that, and 3 random rocks in the middle of nowhere all over the map will open, your hint to this is "a door opened somewhere far away." Find those obscure caves for more obscure braille hints like "wait twice" (don't move for 2 minutes). Congrats! careful not to knock them out though, only one chance. Oh, look the TV's flashing, but it's not the name rater show like it has been the whole game, it's a news report! It's somewhere, and it's red! What is it, and where? Red! Unknown to you, it's a different somewhere every time you enter a door, but good luck! Especially since it immediately runs and keeps the same HP between encounters, make sure not to knock it out :) Wynaut? Well this random tiny town has an old man saying whether he can see an island today. In the  1/10923 to 1/65536 chance that he can (depends on how many pokemon you have with you), go in the direction of that window and you'll find a new island with them. Bagon? previously unreachable section in a midgame cave, very back room, chance to spawn. Hope you aren't wearing repels! Beldam? Yeah it's in the champ's house in a corner of the map, a building and city you've otherwise looted already. Spheal, Snorunt? Yeah there's a cave whose tide changes throughout the day, go there at different times and there's different parts available. solve puzzles at both times and you can get a shell bell! And remember, this was 2003. Parents were either very controlling of your internet or outright banning it in fear of you getting kidnapped or getting their info hacked. Internet safety was taught in schools because it was a wild west where you could easily stumble onto anything, less corporate sanitization than a run down subway system. So running to it wasn't most people's first thought, and there was a good chance nobody would have what you were looking for, if you even knew how to find the right people. There's something wonderful to be said for those days. If you DID manage to get the regi's, you were likely the only kid at school to, and you felt like an ADVENTURER! You found old ruins in hidden untouched corners, with a language you may have never heard of before! You deciphered it and solved thier riddles to find something ancient and unlike anything you'd seen! And all by yourself, or the forum you stumbled on to figure it out with other explorers! It felt amazing! That said, they were right to dial it back in the future. Gen 4 probably had the best overall balance on these. Still, every time people get upset over a Malamar or Runerigus, I can't help but smile. That was part of the appeal, once upon a time. It always feels like they're saying "this one's for you, thanks for sticking around."

[uaeblog]

The Ultimate Guide to Cable Trays: Maximizes Efficiency in Business and Home

In UAE, where modern infrastructure and high-tech facilities are the norm, efficient cable management is crucial for both businesses and homes. Whether you're an individual homeowner, a small business owner, or part of a large corporation, managing cables effectively can enhance safety, improve aesthetics, and optimize the performance of your electrical and data systems. This guide focuses on three key components of cable management: cable trunking, PVC trunking, and cable trays.

Understanding Cable Trays

Cable trays are rigid, open structures designed to support and route cables. They come in various types: open trays for maximum ventilation, ladder trays for easy cable access, solid bottom trays for extra protection, and wire mesh trays for flexibility. This variety allows UAE businesses and homeowners to choose trays that best fit their needs, whether it's managing high-density cabling in a Dubai data center, organizing cables in an Abu Dhabi smart home, or protecting wires in a Ras Al Khaimah manufacturing plant.

Materials Used

Cable trays in UAE are made from materials chosen for durability and climate-resistance. Galvanized steel offers strength and corrosion resistance, crucial in humid cities like Dubai. Stainless steel suits high-end applications or corrosive environments. Aluminum trays are lightweight, ideal for easy installation in high-rise buildings. Fiberglass trays resist chemicals, perfect for UAE's growing manufacturing sector. These materials ensure cable trays withstand the UAE's diverse and challenging environments.

Why Cable Trays are Essential in UAE

Climate Considerations : The UAE's climate makes cable trays essential. With temperatures soaring, especially in inland areas like Al Ain, cable trays' open design allows heat to dissipate, preventing cable damage and system failures. In coastal cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, high humidity and salt air can corrode infrastructure. Cable trays made of corrosion-resistant materials like galvanized or stainless steel protect cables from these elements. This climate resilience is crucial for businesses relying on uninterrupted data and power, and for homeowners investing in long-lasting smart home systems.

Rapid Technological Growth: The UAE is at the forefront of technological innovation, with initiatives like Dubai Smart City and Abu Dhabi's economic vision 2030. These projects require robust, flexible cable management. Cable trays shine here, easily accommodating the frequent additions and changes in cabling as technologies evolve. In bustling tech hubs like Dubai Internet City or Abu Dhabi's twofour54, businesses frequently upgrade their systems. Cable trays make these transitions smooth, reducing downtime and costs. Their future-proof infrastructure, a critical factor inUAE's fast-paced, tech-driven economy.

Diverse Application Across Sectors : Cable trays' versatility makes them indispensable across UAE's diverse sectors. In data centers supporting Dubai's status as a digital hub, cable trays manage vast networks of data cables. In Jebel Ali's manufacturing plants or Sharjah's industrial areas, they route power cables safely. High-end retailers in Dubai Mall or Abu Dhabi's Galleria use cable trays to create clean, uncluttered spaces that elevate customer experience. Hotels in Jumeirah or Saadiyat Island integrate cable trays for seamless AV and smart room controls. Even in luxury homes, from Palm Jumeirah villas to Reem Island apartments, cable trays organize smart home wiring discreetly.

The Role of PVC Trunking

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) trunking is a specific type of cable trunking that deserves special mention due to its extensive use in UAE.

Scalability and Flexibility: Cable trays offer unmatched adaptability for UAE businesses. In Dubai Media City's growing SMEs, new workstations are easily accommodated by laying cables in existing trays. Sharjah manufacturers can quickly reconfigure power lines when rearranging machinery. This flexibility is vital in UAE's dynamic market, where businesses must evolve rapidly to stay competitive.

Cost-Effectiveness: In UAE's competitive landscape, cable trays deliver significant savings. Their open design makes installation faster than enclosed conduits like cable trunking, reducing labor costs for startups in Hub71 or DIFC. Maintenance is simpler too; technicians can quickly fix issues without dismantling entire systems, optimizing costs for SMEs and large corporations alike.

Safety and Compliance: Cable trays meet UAE's stringent safety standards. Their open design prevents overheating, a critical risk in UAE's hot climate, in environments like Ducab's plants or Dubai Silicon Oasis data centers. They also ensure clear cable organization, preventing hazards like tripping. This commitment to safety ensures passing inspections and boosts business reputation.

Aesthetic Appeal: In UAE's luxury-focused environment, cable trays offer clean, organized aesthetics. High-end retailers in Dubai Mall and Abu Dhabi's Galleria use them to hide wires, aligning with brand images. In corporate offices like Emirates and Etihad Towers, neatly organized trays reflect professionalism, impressing clients and partners in UAE's image-conscious business world.

Conclusion

In UAE's vibrant, tech-forward environment, cable trays are more than just wire managers; they're enablers of efficiency, safety, and style. From the towering data centres of Dubai to the smart villas of Abu Dhabi, cable trays support the infrastructure that drives the UAE's growth. They withstand the challenges of the climate, adapt to rapid technological changes, and enhance spaces across diverse sectors. By investing in quality cable trays, UAE businesses and homeowners aren't just organising cables; they're future-proofing their spaces, ensuring safety, and maintaining the high standards that define the UAE.  In this dynamic nation, cable trays are an unseen yet indispensable foundation of success, playing a key role in comprehensive cable management solutions alongside cable trunking and PVC trunking.

[smbmatters]

Exploring the Latest Breakthroughs in Technology

Introduction

Technology is evolving at a rapid pace, bringing with it groundbreaking innovations that are reshaping our world. From artificial intelligence to renewable energy solutions, these advancements are enhancing our lives in ways we never imagined. In this article, we'll explore some of the most exciting recent breakthroughs in technology that are set to transform various industries and everyday life.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are at the forefront of technological innovation. AI and ML are being integrated into a myriad of applications, from healthcare diagnostics to personalized marketing. These technologies analyze vast amounts of data to make predictions, automate processes, and provide valuable insights.

AI in Healthcare

AI is revolutionizing healthcare by improving diagnostic accuracy and patient care. Machine learning algorithms can analyze medical images to detect diseases like cancer at early stages, enabling timely treatment and better patient outcomes.

AI in Everyday Life

In our daily lives, AI powers virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, enhances customer service through chat-bots, and personalizes our online shopping experiences. The continuous improvement of AI algorithms is making these applications smarter and more efficient.

2. Quantum Computing

Quantum Computing promises to solve problems that are currently insurmountable for classical computers. By leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics, quantum computers perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds.

Advancements in Cryptography

Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize cryptography by breaking encryption codes that secure our digital communications. This breakthrough necessitates the development of new cryptographic methods to protect sensitive information.

Applications in Drug Discovery

In the pharmaceutical industry, quantum computing can simulate molecular interactions at a granular level, accelerating the drug discovery process and leading to the development of new, effective medications.

3. Renewable Energy Technologies

The shift towards renewable energy technologies is crucial in combating climate change. Innovations in solar, wind, and battery technologies are making renewable energy more efficient and accessible.

Solar and Wind Energy

Recent advancements in solar panel efficiency and wind turbine design are increasing the amount of energy harvested from natural sources. These improvements are making renewable energy a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

Energy Storage Solutions

Enhanced battery technologies are crucial for storing renewable energy, ensuring a consistent power supply even when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing. Breakthroughs in battery capacity and lifespan are driving the adoption of renewable energy systems.

4. Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects devices and systems, enabling them to communicate and share data. This connectivity is transforming homes, industries, and cities into smarter, more efficient environments.

Smart Homes

IoT technology is making homes smarter by automating lighting, heating, and security systems. Smart home devices can be controlled remotely, offering convenience and energy savings.

Industrial IoT

In industrial settings, IoT devices monitor equipment health and optimize manufacturing processes. Predictive maintenance enabled by IoT sensors can reduce downtime and improve efficiency.

5. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is revolutionizing how we handle transactions and data security. This decentralized ledger technology ensures transparency and security in various applications.

Financial Transactions

Blockchain is streamlining financial transactions by eliminating the need for intermediaries. It provides a secure and transparent way to transfer funds and verify transactions.

Supply Chain Management

In supply chains, blockchain offers traceability and transparency, reducing fraud and ensuring the authenticity of products. This technology is particularly beneficial in industries like pharmaceuticals and food.

6. 5G Technology

The roll-out of 5G technology is set to enhance connectivity with faster speeds and lower latency. This advancement will support the growth of IoT, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities.

Enhanced Mobile Connectivity

5G technology promises to improve mobile experiences with seamless streaming and quick downloads. It will also enable new applications in virtual and augmented reality.

Smart Cities

5G will facilitate the development of smart cities, where real-time data exchange enhances urban management systems, traffic control, and emergency services.

7. Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles are set to transform transportation. Advances in AI and sensor technology are bringing self-driving cars closer to reality, offering safer and more efficient travel options.

Safety and Efficiency

Autonomous vehicles can reduce accidents caused by human error and optimize traffic flow, reducing congestion and emissions. They hold the potential to revolutionize the logistics and delivery sectors.

Delivery Services

Self-driving delivery vehicles and drones are making logistics faster and more reliable. These innovations are particularly beneficial in urban areas, where they can reduce traffic and pollution.

8. Biotechnology

Biotechnology is advancing rapidly, offering solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management. Innovations in gene editing, synthetic biology, and bio-engineering are opening new possibilities.

Gene Editing

CRISPR technology is enabling precise gene editing, offering potential cures for genetic diseases and innovations in agriculture. This technology is paving the way for new treatments and sustainable farming practices.

Synthetic Biology

Synthetic biology is creating new biological systems and organisms, leading to advancements in medicine, bio-fuels, and sustainable materials. This field holds promise for addressing global challenges such as disease and climate change.

9. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

AR and VR technologies are providing immersive experiences in entertainment, education, and various professional fields. These technologies are creating new ways to interact with digital content.

Gaming and Entertainment

AR and VR are enhancing gaming experiences by creating immersive environments and interactive game-play. These technologies are also being used in movies and virtual concerts, offering new forms of entertainment.

Professional Training

In education and professional training, AR and VR offer realistic simulations for hands-on learning. Fields like medicine, engineering, and aviation benefit from these technologies by providing safe and effective training environments.

Conclusion

The latest breakthroughs in technology are driving significant changes across various sectors. From AI and quantum computing to renewable energy and autonomous vehicles, these innovations are shaping the future and improving our lives. Staying informed about these developments is crucial for individuals and businesses alike to leverage the benefits of these technological advancements. As we look to the future, these game-changing technologies will continue to evolve, offering new opportunities and solutions to the challenges we face.

[grits-galraisedinthesouth]

American fashion designer mom who lived in China for 16 years says she MISSES how Communist government 'co-parented' her children - dictating even what they should eat - and wants U.S. to learn from its example

An American fashion designer who spent 16 years in Shanghai has published an essay in the New York Times highlighting the virtues of raising her children under the watchful and authoritarian eye of the Chinese government.

Heather Kaye, 49, arrived in Shanghai in 2006 with her husband George and planned to stay for a year. But the couple stayed and ended up raising their two daughters there. However, in 2022 the family was driven to return to the US after living for two years under the country's draconian COVID-19 policies.

She has now described her return to Washington DC as a 'culture shock' that makes her miss the way her children were 'co-parented by the Chinese government'. 

Yet her own remarks will come as a shock to many who are concerned about the looming threat the Chinese government poses both domestically and to global economics, technology and businesses.

In October last year it emerged that the Communist Party operates secret police stations in New York City to hunt down dissidents force them back to China, while those protesting the country's zero-COVID policy have been known to disappear without explanation. Kaye acknowledged the ways in which the Chinese Communist Party would insert itself into family life, be it by controlling what her kids ate or by dictating the number of hours they should sleep at night.

'In China, government co-parenting begins in the womb,' she wrote, referring to the limits on how many children parents were allowed, which have since been relaxed.

She added that not long after enrolling her kids in state-run schools it started controlling how her kids should live.

'Chinese kindergarten lectured us on everything, including how many hours our daughters should sleep, what they should eat and their optimal weight,' she said.

But she claimed she was grateful for the discipline instilled in her two daughters, born in 2008 and 2010, at school.

She recounted: 'Each morning all of the students performed calisthenics in straight rows and raised China's red flag while singing the national anthem.'

And she commended the Chinese system for independently 'instilling a solid work ethic and a total drive for academic excellence', teaching them that hard work leads to results. 

Kaye claimed she was also grateful for the way surrendering parts of their children's lives to the state reduced burdens on her and her husband - and wished American parents might see the value in doing the same.

'I learned to appreciate the strong sense of shared values and of people connected as a nation. Parenting, like governing, is an imperfect art,' she added.Kaye saw merit in Chinese censorship too. 'Raising kids in China was a plus in other ways — such as the heavy censorship,' she wrote. 

The government imposed limits on how much time her kids could spend playing video games and it saved them from accessing problematic material on the internet.

Not only that, the state's supervision would keep here daughters safe as they navigated the sprawling, but relatively safe, according to Kaye, Shanghai subway.

In spite of all of this Kaye was driven to leave China, having lived through its zero-COVID approach that confined them for two months to home and limited them to government food rations.

But even as the family left she maintained her admiration for the country and the life they had been able to make there.

In a story covering her family's departure from Shanghai in 2022, she told Reuters: 'Anything you can imagine, you can build it here. Anything you want to be, you can make it happen here.'  

A recent report by human rights watchdog Safeguard Defenders revealed that the Chinese Communist Party has at least 54 'overseas police service stations' in 30 different countries, including across the US.

Since the launch of that program in April 2021, China reported that it had 'persuaded' 230,000 Chinese nationals to return home.

The Safeguard Defenders' campaign manager Laura Harth alleged that China has been using it to track down dissidents and force them to return home.

[ayushmm]

SAP's Role in Building Smart Cities for a Brighter Tomorrow

The globe is quickly urbanizing, and cities face the task of effectively managing resources and services while enhancing citizens' quality of life. Smart cities are developing as the solution to these urban difficulties, fueled by technology and data-driven solutions. In this blog, we'll look at how SAP, a global leader in enterprise software, is transforming cities into smart, sustainable, and networked centres of innovation and advancement.

Deciphering Smart Cities

Before we get into SAP's smart solutions for smart cities contributions, we need define what we mean by "smart cities." These cities use digital technology, data analytics, IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and cloud computing to improve transportation, energy use, waste management, public safety, and other areas of city life. The main objective is to build urban settings that are responsive, adaptive, and environmentally friendly.

SAP's Impact on Smart Cities

SAP's extensive experience in enterprise software and data management positions it as a key player in the smart city revolution. Here's a closer look at how SAP smart solutions for smart cities is shaping the future of cities:

Data Integration: Smart cities generate vast amounts of data from diverse sources, including sensors, mobile apps, and government systems. SAP's data integration and analytics tools empower cities to efficiently collect, process, and analyze this data in real time. Such smart solutions for smart cities insights prove invaluable for informed decision-making on resource allocation, infrastructure maintenance, and service optimization.

IoT Empowerment: IoT forms the bedrock of smart cities, and SAP's IoT solutions facilitate the seamless connection and management of countless devices and sensors. From smart traffic lights to waste bins, this connectivity allows real-time monitoring and control, enhancing everything from traffic management to environmental sustainability.

Predictive Analytics: SAP's predictive analytics tools enable cities to foresee trends and challenges. For instance, predictive maintenance identifies when critical infrastructure, like bridges or water pipes, may need attention before a major issue arises, saving both time and resources.

Citizen Engagement: Smart cities thrive on citizen involvement in decision-making. SAP provides platforms for citizen engagement, such as mobile apps and online portals, where residents can report issues, take part in surveys, and access information on city services and projects.

Energy Efficiency: Energy management is a top priority for smart cities, and SAP's smart solutions for smart cities help cities monitor and optimize energy consumption in public buildings, street lighting, and other municipal facilities. This smart solutions for smart cities reduces costs and environmental impact.

Conclusion

SAP's essential role in smart city development is assisting cities throughout the world in addressing the complex issues of rising urbanization and resource management. Cities are becoming more efficient, sustainable, and responsive to their inhabitants' demands by leveraging SAP's expertise in data management, IoT, and analytics. The influence of SAP smart business on the future of smart cities is poised to grow as technology progresses, providing more livable, connected, and resilient urban settings for future generations.

[tardigradetheking]

So in order to note make all for one ludicrously OP I tried my hand at balancing him.

Say he can only use six quirks at once and three of those are used to keep him alive.

Then say he has an upper storage limit. Say 40 but he likes to keep some slots open in case he finds new quirks

Giving all for one limits is important because it makes him more then the "I have a quirk for that" guy, and gives you opportunities to get creative

What would those quirks be. I propose

Life support quirks (basically always on) Stamina boost Pain nullification Infrared

(3) Convenience quirks

Temperature control (weak lets him change temp of air around him and food) downside is burns calories to do (helps against fire and ice)

Phone call: built in cell phone quirk itself cannot be turned off but AFO quirk is a work around

Sludge teleporting

Locate small objects

Power nap: 15 min nap gets you a full night's sleep (doesn't use often these days)

Hearing boost

Heightened reflex

Tech interface (it's like having a universal mouse and keyboard can view through cameras ((this plus phone call gives him very slow internet access))

(11) Hard to kill quirks

Medium power regeneration quirk

Medium shock obsorbtion

(I'm assuming shock obsorbtion and Regen are both rare and he gave his best ones too that first nomu)

Energy obsorbtion (one of his aces. An uno Reverso to any electric, explosive, beam attacks)

Flush system: body is flushed of all poisons drugs and hormonal influences gives you low blood sugar (he keeps candies on hand)

Manage oxygen content: takes manual concentration but he can effectively double or half the oxygen content in the air around him

Bullet proof skin

Iron bones (gives iron deficiency if over used ((he keeps supplements on hand))) ((does not strengthen joints much needs a strength booster to do that))

(18) Privacy quirks

Sound dampen (works both ways hope you like raising your voice when you want to talk to someone close to you)

Intense darkness (shadows are darker great for intimidation too)

Mental static (harder to think but he is used to using it)

(21) Intimidation

Air walk

Every body scream (gives everyone himself included a panic attack (he is used to it and mental static hard counters when activated first))

(23) The death dealers

Air canon: creates a fast moving ball of air when punching out a limp

Spring limb: let's limps shoot forward and spring back (make sure to turn off air cannon when the limbs spring back)

Strength times x2

Strength x4

Fire breath (nostalgic) ((first quirk acquired))

Max strength telekinesis: your hypothetical Max strength controls how much you can lift (just having strength x2 x4 is a boon)

Water knife: (keeps a flask of water in his coat) mastered it can cut steel now

(30) Funsies

Mimic sound Change viscosity (water is a fun fidget toy)

Combos

Spring limb + air cannon = air howitzer

Strength x2 + strength x4 = strength x8

Air howitzer + strength x8 = level city block

Level city block + reflex boost = level the area around him in rapid succession (note can only have 1 other quirk running)

Air cannon + strength boost quirks = dismissive destructive wave of the hand

Bullet proof skin + iron bones + strength x2 = extremely durable

Energy obsorbtion + shock obsorbtion + bullet proof skin = no selling most attacks Can swap out infrared, or pain nullification depending, to also Add temp control and or iron bones to make extra sure

Phone call + tech interface = slow wifi

Flush system + mental static = no sell mind control

Air walk + sound dampen = cannot hear coming

Change viscosity + telekinesis = makes liquids interactable

Everyone scream + manage air content = I cast hyperventilate

If his life support is knocked out must run: stamina boost + manage oxygen content+ pain nullification Cannot run (impacts thinking) mental static flush system everyone scream Can poorly run (takes concentration) tech interface water knife Temp control

[visityaratoday]

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions/ preguntas frecuentes - Page 1

We often get questions from travelers wanting to know more about Yara before booking their trip. Here are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions in no particular order and our answers.

Q: Is it safe?

A: This is probably the number one most frequently asked question, is Yara safe? As a traveler, yes, Yara is safe. As long as you follow the rules, carry your documentation and passport on your person at all times and obey the FND (Fuerzas Nacionales de Defensa) at all times. Don’t try and act like a fool and you will be safe and enjoy a wonderful stay in Yara.

Q: Is there electricity in Yara?

A: Of course we have electricity in Yara. It’s glitchy at times but, yes. We have cellphone reception too and the internet. It’s slow but it works.

Q: Is it true that there’s no stop signs or red lights?

A: Yes and no. There are no stop signs, that is true. We do have red lights in the capital city of Esperanza but most are non operational and we have grown accustomed to driving without them so we doubt they will get fixed any time soon. To learn more about driving in Yara, you may wish to check out this article: Getting Around Yara: Main Roads

Q:"Is it safe to drink the bathwater?"

A: A very good question. There is drinkable water accessible in most of Yara. It comes from our water treatment plant, but water is expensive to treat as we must pump and treat salt water. You will notice even treated water keeps a slightly mineral aftertaste but you get used to it. Of course, if you have a sensitive gut or are worried about “la turista,” we do suggest you exercise caution when drinking the local water as you would in any Latin American country. Bottled water is also accessible in most stores if you want to stay on the safe side. 

As for bathwater specifically, because drinkable water is so expensive, we do not take baths. We take showers. Or as the old saying goes: “who needs a shower when you have the rain?”

Q: Are there dead bodies everywhere!? Will I see a dead body when I visit?!? I’m going with my son and he’s 4 years old and I don’t want him to see stuff like that. Is this something I should be  worried about? 

A: This one was an interesting one and we do get such questions quite often. How to put this. The situation being what it is in Yara, violence and deadly violence does occur. So your chances of encountering a human corpse are more than likely exponentially higher than in your home country depending on where you live, that’s the truth. However, our authorities work extremely hard to remove and properly bury any human remains found in public areas. We cannot by any means promise you that you will never encounter a dead body while visiting Yara unless you keep to your hotel and the beach right next to your hotel. Perhaps have a conversation with your child and tell them it’s always Halloween in our country and… we like scary decorations?

Q: What’s with the curfews? Is it because of Covid?

A: We did have extensive lockdowns during the Covid-19 crisis but this seems to have fizzled out. The nightly curfews imposed in select cities including the capital city of Esperanza, Concepción, and Segunda, are in place to “limit and control dissident activity.” Please do take the curfew orders seriously as the FND will not differentiate between travelers and terroristas. The exact times will be posted around the cities and also broadcasted over the public announcement systems in Spanish and in English so no excuses.

Q: Can I bring my dog? Is Yara dog friendly?

A: Of course! Yara is extremely dog friendly. Dogs are welcomed practically anywhere and there are no quarantine requirements as far as we know. A few things to remember: the FND utilizes attack dogs that are walked off leash. Do not allow your pet to approach them as these are trained military dogs. Also remember that we have wildlife such as crocodiles and pumas so remember to keep an eye out to keep your mascota safe. Otherwise, yes! Your dog is welcomed in Yara. 

Q: are the beaches safe? Are there sharks and stuff?

A: You will find all of that information in this article: Marine Life

Q: Am I gonna get shot?

A: If you aren’t an imbecile, probably not.

Q: Do you eat crocodiles?

A: Yes. It’s delicious. Everyone’s abuela has their own crocodile stew recipe. You should try it.

Q: Does travel insurance cover my camera being eaten by a crocodile?

A: You would have to check with your travel insurance.

Q: "Do I need to use crocodile repellent? If so, can I buy it from you?"

A: So many crocodile questions. Travelers seem to have concerns about crocodiles. We may need to write an article on the topic, but yes, crocodiles are very common in Yara. As for any wild animal, if you don’t go too close to them, they generally won’t chase you. As for repellent, we sometimes see Yarans carry bait rather than repellant, such as random meat to toss at them then run! But carrying meats in the Yaran sun is not something we would recommend.

Q. Can I book a shark cage diving experience through your agency?

A: No but you can book a pool swimming experience with a live Reef shark. It will be in our "Things to do before you die" section in the near future.

Q: Is Diego Castillo Maria Marqessa’s son?

A: We don’t do politics or gossip.

Q: can I literally buy a gun in Yara?

A: Yes. Try Puerto Cuero east of Segunda or the town of Feroza, in the province of Balaceras.

Q: am I gonna get kidnapped when I go to Yara?

A: I hope not. Tourists are generally left alone as Yaranos would be weary of bothering or harming anyone bringing money into our country. Military presence is widespread in all tourist areas so you should feel pretty safe. That being said, if you randomly venture deep into the jungle, we cannot be held responsible for what happens to you next.

Q: can you take a selfie with the guerrillero?

A: You can ask.

Q: Why is everything illegal in Yara?

A: Not everything is illegal in Yara, however, overly rambunctious and disrupting behaviour in public is frowned upon and may be met with FND reprisal. But you can smoke anywhere you want, you can drink although not to excess in public places, you can open carry weapons in most places and you can hunt and fish whatever you want with no permit in most places. Trust us, you can probably get away with doing a LOT crazier things in Yara than you could ever do in your home country.

Q: Does Yara have scorpions?

A: Not that we have ever seen, no.

Q: Why are there no children in Yara?

A: Of course there are children in Yara. Yaranos don’t grow on trees. However, you might notice a notable lack of children playing outside in the streets etc. You need to remember that we have many large wild animals, and some occurrences of violence and people want to keep their children as safe as possible and tend to keep them away from the streets. We have elementary schools, playgrounds, orphanages.. There ARE children in Yara. You just probably won’t see them much.

There are many more questions to respond to but we will leave them for a subsequent post.

In the meantime, if you have any question you’d like answered, feel free to leave them in the comments, DM, or send us an email (in bio.) We will do our best to answer them in a timely manner.

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Editor's Note:

If you look for bodies, you WILL find bodies. So just don't.

[illlllillllli]

I understand most of yall hate tiktok but i need you to understand that with twitter on the verge of death, people literally finding themselves unable to download archives of their content, that tiktok is serving a vital purpose right now

If you search names like Shervin Hajipour, Zhina Amini (Mahsa Amini), Hossein Ronaghi, Khodanour Lajaei, or Nika Shakarami on google, you might only find results from September or October. As I'm typing this, November 2022 is almost over.

This particular wave of the ongoing genocide has been ramping up for MONTHS now and you have to dig for updates.

Look back a little further and you'll learn about Bloody November, in 2019. 1500+ peaceful people. Look back further! This battle against genocide isn't new, isn't small, isn't irrelevant. But mainstream news would have you believe it. Meanwhile on TT and IG you can search these tags and find updates as recent as a few hours.

Hashtags on tiktok are allowing people to communicate directly. The internet and ELECTRICITY are cut off in Mahabad and people are being attacked in cities across Iran

yet humans across continents have formed a delicate chain of communication with voice recorders, videos, instagram, twitter, tiktok... this echo is how we hear their cries for help. their literal cries for help. The literal voice recordings of Iranian children and adults in terror being shot at being executed having their homes burned are still making it out of a cities under attack across continents and oceans.

Tiktok is full of vile evil shit just like the rest of the internet. Just like Twitter. but we need these forms of communication.

I am telling you. The content of these videos, which you can find yourself on tiktok or other social media with hashtags like #MahsaAmini, #StopExecutionsInIran, #WomenLifeFreedom, #Mahabad and more, is not being archived for history lessons for your grandkids to watch on a projector. It isn't gonna be broadcast next week on tv news. It is actively being scrubbed, minute by minute, by people who do not want you to believe or care this is happening. People who know that in the age of information excess, out of sight is out of mind. People who know they can enrage more people with Taylor Swift concert tickets.

I download as many videos, as much footage as I can come across. Then I'm moving them to my computer. Then a flash drive. I'm trying to get a library card to access a printer so I can have physical copies of articles. English, Arabic, anything that is direct footage, any summaries of events, I am including the date and location. This is something you can do too. This is something tiktok makes easy to do.

Nobody is telling me to do it but I believe it's going to matter.

I'm 27. I understand the education system. In my time since graduation I've come to understand how much we WEREN'T taught, how much we were taught that was a straight up lie.

Filtering through data is a good skill to have whether you're reading a textbook or using social media.

I'm not telling you to like tiktok or even try it, I'm just saying that if you care about this information then you can find it there, and you can connect with other people who also care.

(Also, there are TON of Indigenous creators using tiktok to share their history, language, art, and updates about issues like threats to the Indian Child Welfare Act. You can't control the algorithm but you kinda can. There are a lot of great people on these apps and I don't want to lose them and I don't want them to lose their space either.)

Archiving, connecting, listening, and learning may not be profitable or encouraged but it is important and accessible work and if you are often housebound or even bedbound, it can be a fulfilling way to reach out to others.

These people in Iran are in danger. They are children, students, people who care about the planet, about equality, about fairness. Thats WHY theyre being executed. These are the people who believe in the future we want and how can we build that future if they're gone? More importantly than their value to future generations, these people deserve to live their own lives, to breathe, to not be afraid.

Many of the recordings I find on tiktok are the first and last bits of connection we have with the people who make them, because they have since been executed or gone missing.

I have seen the photos Kian Pirfalak, a little boy shot to death, his body under ice so it wouldn't be stolen away. People across the ocean knew he died before his father- also injured, still in critical condition from when we last heard- knew he lost a son. His mother attacked while mourning at his funeral.

Ive seen the photos of the devices they use to hang people. People my age. Do you know what I mean? When I watch a video I know it could be removed in an hour. Accounts get deleted and how do you ever find that Person again? that individual, specific person? To help them?

There are people on the internet trying to convince you that 15,000+ humans are not currently at risk of execution. Theyve had a lot of success desensitizing everyone to mass death what with the pandemic and all. Please don't let them. If you cant conceptualize these numbers, just think about one person. Think about the ones who died and why. Think about the ones who are alive and what they need.

I will be posting some of the videos I find on here as well. This is happening in real time and it's being erased in real time. All of this could be gone tomorrow. I don't know what else to say.

[jlilycorbie]

Spite can be a great motivator, and honestly, anything that gets you moving is good. For me personally, I’ve found that spite doesn’t provide much fuel, but it can absolutely be an ignition point.

I’ve got two (currently backburnered) WIPS that I think have the most clear parallels between the thing that made me mad enough to start worldbuilding and the work that came of it.

The first started with Ready Player One. I’m not going to dive into what I didn’t like about that story or why, but I will say I spent a lot of time with friends working through all the holes that...frustrated me. And now I’ve got an untitled cyberpunk story.

I wanted a not-too-distant future, and I didn’t want a full dystopia. I’d like to think as we all shamble forward, we’ll make more gains than we do losses. So not a utopia either. Just the world, where a lot of people still call it a dumpster fire, but it could be worse.

The story happens in a future US that, following a civil war and plague, is no longer a world power (I started working on this in about 2017, and while it initially felt uncomfortably prescient, I think really it was just a case of reading the room. Also, I figured the social structure would need the damage from an actual war in order to crumble enough to fail to stop or control a plague, and well...somehow no matter how little faith I think I have, I can still be let down). It’s set inside and outside an arcology. One character lives outside of it, in a public housing building known as the Hive, where anyone who needs it can have a room, and there are shared bathrooms and showers. There’s supposed to be city-wide internet available to everyone, but the signal inside the Hive goes down a lot. 

There are night markets that run almost entirely off barter, and stone soup kitchens that also run off of trade, often food for food. There are rations available, but they don’t take into account allergies and other needs, and the stone soup kitchens help meet needs.

Public schools are available both in person and virtually, and parents and students choose which you attend, which allows allocation of resources that makes schools more accessible (supposedly). Students can provide their own supplies or the school will issue them, and even in virtual school with standardized avatars, it’s obvious who needed school-issued tech. 

My main character is struggling her way through virtual school that was supposed to erase any inequities between students, and her best friend in the world lives in the arcology, but they’ve never met in person. She assumes it’s because she’s too poor to be allowed into the private sections of the arcology, but it’s really because her BFF has severe agoraphobia and can’t leave her bedroom and she doesn’t want anyone to know. (She is not, in the course of the story, ever forced to leave her room or ‘overcome’ her phobia, but she does play a crucial role from her room, and they do get to meet.)

The two of them end up semi-accidentally uncovering a plot to plant bombs in several maintenance levels of the arcology, and they have to dig deeper to find who was really going to benefit from this bombing, especially while there’s legislation in the works to essentially allow a company town/indentured servitude system in arcologies. 

The other story is tentatively called Magic School Dropouts, and of course it had its seeds in long conversations about Harry Potter. Those started before the author came fully mask off with her hate, but the pieces didn’t coalesce into a world and characters and story until more recently.

There is a magic school in a remote part of the US. It recruits students from both alumni and from regular families who don’t know magic exists (but crucially never from magical families that have never attended the school, which it doesn’t acknowledge exist). It’s unmappable, impossible to find without an invitation, and deeply insular. It teaches its students that practicing any type of magic without graduating is a crime punishable with summary execution, and there’s an extensive network of magic police who track down anyone foolish enough to break magic laws.

That is, of course, a complete lie. But my main character doesn’t know that, nor do most alumni, who are taught to carefully isolate themselves so they don’t ever come in contact with the huge, diverse magic community that does exist and thrive.

While she doesn’t know much of the truth, she does know that bad things happened in that school, and she ran away/dropped out, and she’s been on the run from the school and the magic police ever since. 

She meets someone who uses magic and has never heard of this school before. And just as she starts to learn a little about who things really work all around her, she gets a call from her old best friend’s sister. Her best friend dropped out when she did, but she didn’t know her friend was pregnant at the time. She had her baby, tried to go back, and disappeared. Her best friend’s older sister took in and raised her niece, who was later recruited to the same school. The aunt, not knowing any better, let her go, and now the niece needs help, and the main character is the only other person the aunt knows who went to the school and so might be able to find it and help.

What’s really important about these worlds, and about any other story I’ve started that sparked from spite, is that at some point I stopped caring about “fixing” anything about another story that upset me and started building my own world. I found my own characters, and they found their way into their own stories. The spite faded away and love for this new world took its place.