#around 3.8 million lives

[gorillaxyz]

a 30 year old woman crushing on vladimir putin rbed the dick-nixon post yesterday

[candypopularmusic]

Music for Palestine : Macklemore and Kehlani.

On the 19th of September, Macklemore released “HIND’S HALL 2”, a few months after his song “HIND’S HALL” that has more than 3.8 million views on youtube. These songs are demanding a ceasefire but are also supporting the Palestinian uprising and the protests of students around the world denouncing the Israeli occupation and attacks in Gaza and in the West Bank. In his songs, he does not hesitate to directly address himself to Joe Biden : “The blood is on your hands, Biden, we can see it all” and Kamala Harris : “Hey Kamala, I don��t know if you're listening, But stop sending money and weapons or you ain't winning Michigan.” The song is more than showing support to a humanist cause it is also a political protest.

Many artists want to be the most neutral on political subjects but some have the feeling that their role is to educate their listeners and support causes that are important to them. One of those artists is Kehlani, an American singer, who also showed her support to the cause by releasing a song named “NEXT 2 YOU”. The music is a support to the Palestinian resistance taking the form of a love song. Indeed, at the beginning of her music video we can read “Long live the Antifada”,(The Antifada is the Palestinian rebellion against the Israeli occupation) and we also see palestinian flags and keffiyehs in the music video, symbols of the resistance.

Both artists added, in their music videos’ description, links to different fundraisers on which listeners could donate to help Palestians. Macklemore is reversing all the proceeds from the songs to UNRWA (the United Nations relief and works agency for palestinian refugees in the near east.). Kehlani created a special merch from which every product is designed and made in Palestine and all the proceeds go to families in Congo, Sudan and Palestine.

Both artists used their voices in support of voiceless Palestinians. They used their art to denounce what is happening and to send a strong message of support to the resistance and to the protests around the world.

What do you think about artists that send political messages through their music ? Do you think that is not their role ? Or on the contrary, that it is a good way to use their celebrity ?

[batterymaster01]

Figured I give an overhauled description of the Shovelfolk, since the old one is so woefully short compared to most of my project's entries.

The Shovelfolk (Astutocentaurus alluvium) are a humble and diminutive people that are native to the Takara Plains. This means they originated from the same homeland as the Fauns, although they come from a much earlier radiation of the genus. It is estimated that the Shovelfolk, (or at the very least the cultural identity of the Shovelfolk) have been around for well over 3.8 million years, and they retain many ancestral traits that are otherwise lost in younger species. Prominent brow ridges, a broad muzzle, and a smaller braincase relative to body size indicate that they split off from other Astutocentaurus fairly early on, with little to no gene flow occurring with their contemporary sister species throughout their evolution. They also live a lot more conservatively than their other relatives, their societies being wholly tribal and clan-based rather than tribal-feudal, and they likely remained like this for millions of years. They rarely ever involve themselves in the matters of other species, and most of them are content with keeping to themselves in their homeland. For this reason, they are a very rare sight in Tinria or any other mixed-species settlements, and about 81% of their global population lives exclusively in the Takara Plains.

The life of the Shovelfolk is closely associated with the river and the ground beneath their feet. Their species name, alluvium, comes from their apparent close association with the Takara River, as their permanent settlements are often the largest near the river's banks. The name given to them by the other natives, however, comes from the prominence of handmade shovels in their cultures, which they use for both agriculture and to forage for food. Though this name sounds derogatory, the Shovelfolk do not see it this way, as they very much take pride in their mastery of their namesake tool. Having apparently lived such a way of life for so long has shaped their anatomies in more ways than just the retention of primitive characteristics. Unlike the earliest Astutocentaurus, which were plains-dwelling nomads equally capable on both solid ground and in the treetops, the Shovelfolk are semi-fossorial and sedentary, having evolved stouter, more muscular limbs and a smaller body size to allow them to crawl through narrow tunnels, and a slower metabolism that allows them to tolerate lower oxygen levels when digging particularly deep. They are also rather competant swimmers, which is a useful trait to have when living in or near bodies of water. They can still climb, but they are rather poorly suited for it compared to their cousins, and being less adept at running, they have doubled down on camouflage, their pelts being decked in black, white, and green stripes to break up their silhouettes in tall grasses. While they don't have thick, strong claws for digging, they compensate with their fairly liberal use of a wide variety of shovels, and their chin tusks are extra thick and sturdy to allow them to break apart packed, hardened soil and dried mud. Shovelfolk tend to be more crepuscular than their closest relatives, being mostly active in the morning and afternoon, while sleeping at midday and midnight. Their sexual dimorphism is also relatively inconspicuous. Both the men and women are nearly identical in terms of external characteristics, with no identifiable differences in tusk length or body dimensions outside of general individual variation. This means that, while they do have a concept of gender, gender identity itself holds very little significance in their cultures, and their men and women generally have an equal share of occupations. They are also remarkably long-lived by Astutocentaurus standards, with the oldest growing to be 150 years old.

Despite having a smaller brain size relative to body mass, the Shovelfolk are not by any means "less intelligent" than their more derived peers. Like many other cultures, they have both a spoken and written language, and they even have their own systems of measurement. All evidence suggests that their apparently primitive way of life is one they live by choice rather than consequence, and the fact that they retain such an atavistic anatomy is likely a result of this chosen conservatism. In fact, they are actually quite rich in their practices and traditions, and while their cultures are quite similar in their beliefs and values to each other due to a close proximity, they all have their own unique interpretations and versions of these ceremonies. One ceremony of note is the Spring Festival, in which they celebrate a successful growing period with a great party and a live performance to honor their fertility deities. Their technology, while primitive, is still fairly advanced by the standards of their lifestyle. They have managed to discover basic metallurgy fairly early on in their evolution, and often use it to forge tools such as shovel heads and sickles for their crops. They are also known to sift gold from the sediments of the river, which they then melt down to make piercings and jewelry. Metals such as iron are a bit harder to come by in their homeland, so such materials are typically gathered during annual pilgrimages to more metal-rich areas beyond the plains, namely active volcanoes. They also make tools out of plant-based bioplastics like most other advanced cultures, though their particular method is rather unusual. Rather than entirely melting down the plants into a melted plastic soup, they simply hold sticks and stems over an open flame to soften them, subsequently weaving them into shape like a sort of wicker. For their metal tools, they often make grips out of this plastic wicker, cutting cross-hatched marks on the surface for better friction.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Shovelfolk culture is their architecture. Rather than building their homes above ground using traditional building materials, they quite literally dig and sculpt their homes out of the cliffs and hillsides of their river valley, forming maze-like subterranean communities. These underground villages are called "warrens", and they are rather similar to the underground cities in Cappadocia, Turkey, although rather than working with softer volcanic rock, the Shovelfolk have to bore through shale, limestone, dolomite, and sandstone. Since a warren can take literal centuries or even millennia to build, its size and complexity are often indicative of how old and well-established it is. Younger warrens appear fairly simple, consisting mostly of just small rock-carved cubbies arranged in neat rows, which are accessed via ladders and may or may not be interconnected internally. Older warrens, however, are much more baroque, with most of the vertical cliff being carved away to form elaborately sculpted entrances above ground, which lead to vast underground networks of interconnected rooms that fulfill a wide variety of amenities, including housing, food processing, and even education. Some of them even have living spaces designed to accommodate allied species (more on those guys later.) Not only have the Shovelfolk absolutely mastered their excavating techniques through this process, but they are known to have been building warrens like these since the First Iteration (3.8 MYA), back when they still retained a more lithe, cursorial build. Throughout deep time, they have been building warrens for so long that they have inadvertently terraformed the river valley itself, which has proven to be beneficial to both their descendants and the native wildlife. As older, abandoned warrens get eroded by the sands of time, they form smooth, rocky hills that can easily be scaled on foot, and abandoned underground tunnels are smoothed out to form intricate cave systems. This provides a larger amount of walkable ground for thirsty animals to access the river's drinkable water, and the tunnels (provided that they aren't filled up with dirt), are ideal for hibernating animals to sleep out the winter in. Furthermore, modern Shovelfolk are known to rediscover these fossilized warrens rather frequently, subsequently excavating and refurbishing them to reclaim as their own.

While the Shovelfolk live mostly outside of greater feudal society, they do have their fair share of alliances in the plains. They have managed to domesticate clawhogs, a species of pig-like Fauxungulate omnivores otherwise known for their foul temperament. They domesticated these creatures not for their meat, but for their keen ability to sniff out food, which has proven essential in foraging, as well as their eggs and urine which are both used in some of their cuisine. Almost in contradiction to their conservative lifestyle, the Shovelfolk have a very open-minded attitude towards other sophonts. They are on very good terms with the Plainers, a tribalistic ethnic group of Fauns that live a predominantly hunter-gatherer lifestyle, and upon meeting human explorers they were very quick to develop their very own English-based creole. Their most notable alliance, however, would likely be that which they formed with the grand Borean oliphaunts, which they tend to live in close association with and hold in high regard. Some of their cultures believe that they are great guardians created to protect their people, while others believe that they are demigods directly descended from their chief deity. Regardless of their perception, it isn't uncommon for Shovelfolk villages to have at least some degree of cohabitation with oliphaunts, with the latter often assisting their smaller comrades in tasks such as agriculture, construction, and even defense against rivals and predators. Unlike the relationship between men and beasts of burden, this is a dynamic that is very much mutual in nature, as both species are almost equally intelligent and directly exchange cultures and ideas with one another. Due to a long lifespan and the abundance of resources near the river, the Shovelfolk are usually pacifists, and they rarely ever declare war. They do construct weapons such as spears and knives, but these are used almost exclusively for self-defense against predators, as well as for hunting during the dry season when agriculture becomes less viable. In the rare cases in which they have declared war, however, they have been known to utilize their Oliphaunt allies as sapient war mounts, with some records even claiming that they would forge giant daggers for the latter to use as melee weapons.

With the Shovelfolk being around for well over 3.8 million years and the Oliphaunts being around even longer than that, not only have both species bore witness to all four previous iterations of societal and technological advancement on Athrymagaia, but both of them are among the very few cultures alive today that actually remember these ancient eras of prosperity, at least to some extent. Their own perception of these events has cemented itself within their cultures in the form of myths and legends, and while there are indeed fictitious elements in these tales, they are without a doubt directly inspired by the real-life setting and atmosphere of these times, as evidenced by the discovery of ancient technofossils that match the descriptions of some objects described in their mythos. For these reasons, scholars from across the continent often seek out these tribes to inquire about their myths, and often debate which elements of their stories can be correlated to real-world events. In particular, their retellings of the downfall of these old civilizations, while obviously dramatized to fantastical levels, have very dark implications about the real-life circumstances of these events.

[trans-elrond]

Inside the secret list of websites that make AI like ChatGPT sound smart

"The data set contained more than half a million personal blogs, representing 3.8 percent of categorized tokens. Publishing platform medium.com No. 46 was the fifth largest technology site and hosts tens of thousands of blogs under its domain. Our tally includes blogs written on platforms like WordPress, Tumblr, Blogspot and Live Journal."

This article is from April, but I feel like I haven't seen much discussion around these here parts that it has been proven beyond a doubt that GPT was trained on a corpus that includes Tumblr and LJ posts. (lol?)

Other troubling things in the article: "the filters failed to remove some troubling content, including the white supremacist site stormfront.org No. 27,505, the anti-trans site kiwifarms.net No. 378,986, and 4chan.org No. 4,339,889, the anonymous message board known for organizing targeted harassment campaigns against individuals"

or, for additional fun, "high on the list: b-ok.org No. 190, a notorious market for pirated e-books that has since been seized by the U.S. Justice Department. At least 27 other sites identified by the U.S. government as markets for piracy and counterfeits were present in the data set."

Which means, beyond a shadow of a doubt, pirated published copyrighted books were included in the corpus en masse. Which means lawsuits ought to be coming soon.

If you weren't against AI already, please take this as definitive proof that anything out of AI is stolen. Just because it scrambles it beyond recognition and regurgitates something vaguely new doesn't mean it hasn't stolen already to create that regurgitation, and you are profiting off the work of people who will never be paid for this theft.

On top of that, you're bound to get racist and sexist AI generation, because included in the content is not only 4chan but some literal white supremacist websites. Shut it all down, stop using it for fun, stop liking AI humor posts or Midjourney-generated art. Continue with the cool kind of piracy (archiving works that Disney and HBO Max are deleting) but take a firm stand against tech bro AI theft.

[plethoraworldatlas]

Arab American and Muslim American anger over President Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war could be endangering his re-election in the majority of 2024 swing states.

Driving the news:

Michigan, Virginia, Georgia, Arizona and Pennsylvania all have notable pockets of these populations. There aren't reliable statistics on how many are registered voters — but even tiny shifts of support in any of these super-tight states that Biden won in 2020 could make a difference.

Why it matters:

It's another case of Biden facing possible defections from heavily Democratic groups that in 2020 helped him take down former President Trump, Biden's likely opponent again next year.

Like with young voters, Biden faces the prospect of having to devote time to saving part of his base in addition to courting swing voters.

Zoom in:

An Axios review of 2020 results in these crucial states shows that if even a sliver of the Arab American and Muslim American vote were to stay home or defect to Republicans, Biden could be in a deep hole.

In Michigan, for example, Biden won in 2020 by 154,000 votes. Census estimates put the state's Arab American population around at least 278,000.

Biden won Arizona by 10,500 votes. The Arab American population in the Grand Canyon State is estimated to be 60,000.

Biden took Georgia by 11,800 votes. The Arab American population there is at least 57,000.

The intrigue:

The Arab American Institute believes those state population figures are low, noting that the U.S. Census doesn't have a category for Arab Americans on its forms.

The Census Bureau estimates there are about 2 million Arab Americans in the U.S.; the institute says the number is closer to 3.8 million.

The Muslim American population — which can include Arab Americans, Black Americans and Asian Americans — is about 3.45 million, according to the Pew Research Center. The Census doesn't collect data on religious affiliation in its demographic surveys or its once-a-decade counts.

Zoom out:

Since Israel responded to Hamas' deadly attack on Oct. 7 with bombings that have killed thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, Arab Americans have criticized Biden for his strong support of Israel. Many say he hasn't shown enough sensitivity to the deaths of innocent Palestinians.

Arab American leaders say Biden and other U.S. officials have long ignored the inhumane treatment of Palestinians who live under an Israeli-imposed blockade that limits travel, medical supplies and job opportunities.

For some, the recent attacks on Gaza have provoked traumatic family memories of 1948, when sectarian fighting forced 750,000 Palestinians to leave their homes in what later became Israel.

What they're saying:

"It has been numbing to us. I feel very depressed," Samia Assed, a Palestinian American peace activist in Albuquerque, tells Axios.

Assed said she worries some Arab Americans might not vote in 2024 and swing crucial congressional seats to Republicans — even if it helps Trump, who's very unpopular among Arab Americans because of his efforts to ban Muslims from migrating to the U.S.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

By KATHY McCORMACK and ROBERT F. BUKATY

November 21, 2023

HINSDALE, N.H. (AP) — Geoffrey Holt was unassuming as the caretaker of a mobile home park in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, where he lived a simple, but curious life.

Residents would see Holt around town in threadbare clothes — riding his lawn mower, headed to the convenience store, parked along the main road reading a newspaper or watching cars pass.

He did odd jobs for others but rarely left town. Despite having taught driver’s ed to high schoolers, Holt had given up driving a car.

He opted for a bicycle instead and finally the mower.

His mobile home in the park was mostly empty of furniture — no TV and no computer, either. The legs of the bed went through the floor.

“He seemed to have what he wanted, but he didn’t want much,” said Edwin “Smokey” Smith, Holt’s best friend and former employer.

But Holt died earlier this year with a secret: He was a multimillionaire.

And what’s more, he gave it all away to this community of 4,200 people.

His will had brief instructions: $3.8 million to the town of Hinsdale to benefit the community in the areas of education, health, recreation and culture.

“I don’t think anyone had any idea that he was that successful,” said Steve Diorio, chairperson of the town selectboard who’d occasionally wave at Holt from his car.

“I know he didn’t have a whole lot of family, but nonetheless, to leave it to the town where he lived in ... It’s a tremendous gift.”

The money could go far in this Connecticut River town sandwiched between Vermont and Massachusetts with abundant hiking and fishing opportunities and small businesses.

It’s named for Ebenezer Hinsdale, an officer in the French and Indian Wars who built a fort and a grist mill.

In addition to Hinsdale’s house, built in 1759, the town has the nation’s oldest continually operating post office, dating back to 1816.

There’s been no formal gathering to discuss ideas for the money since local officials were notified in September.

Some residents have proposed upgrading the town hall clock, restoring buildings, maybe buying a new ballot counting machine in honor of Holt, who always made sure he voted.

Another possibility is setting up an online drivers’ education course.

Organizations would be be able to apply for grants via a trust through the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, drawing from the interest, roughly about $150,000 annually.

"Hinsdale will utilize the money left very frugally as Mr. Holt did,” said Kathryn Lynch, town administrator.

Holt’s best friend Smith, a former state legislator who became the executor of Holt’s estate, had learned about his fortune in recent years.

He knew Holt, who died in June at age 82, had varied interests, like collecting hundreds of model cars and train sets that filled his rooms, covered the couch and extended into a shed.

He also collected books about history, with Henry Ford and World War II among his favorite topics.

Holt had an extensive record collection too, including Handel and Mozart.

Smith also knew that Holt, who earlier in life had worked as a production manager at a grain mill that closed in nearby Brattleboro, Vermont, invested his money.

Holt would find a quiet place to sit near a brook and study financial publications.

Holt confided to Smith that his investments were doing better than he had ever expected and wasn’t sure what to to do with the money. Smith suggested that he remember the town.

“I was sort of dumbfounded when I found out that all of it went to the town,” he said.

One of Holt’s first investments into a mutual fund was in communications, Smith said. That was before cellphones.

Holt’s sister, 81-year-old Alison Holt of Laguna Woods, California, said she knew her brother invested and remembered that not wasting money and investing were important to their father.

“Geoffrey had a learning disability. He had dyslexia,” she said.

“He was very smart in certain ways. When it came to writing or spelling, he was a lost cause. And my father was a professor.

So, I think that Geoff felt like he was disappointing my dad. But maybe socking away all that money was a way to compete.”

She and her brother grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts. Their father, Lee Holt, taught English and world literature at American International College.

Their mother, Margaret Holt, had a Shakespearean scholar for a dad.

She was an artist who “absorbed the values of the Quaker Society of Friends,” according to her obituary.

Both parents were peace activists who eventually moved to Amherst and took part in a weekly town vigil that addressed local to global peace and justice issues.

Their children were well-educated. Geoffrey went to boarding schools and attended the former Marlboro College in Vermont, where students had self-designed degree plans.

He graduated in 1963 and served in the U.S. Navy before earning a master’s degree from the college where his father taught in 1968.

In addition to driver’s ed, he briefly taught social studies at Thayer High School in Winchester, New Hampshire, before getting his job at the mill.

Alison remembers their father reading Russian novels to them at bedtime.

Geoffrey could remember all those long names of multiple characters.

He seemed to borrow a page from his own upbringing, which was strict and frugal, according to his sister, a retired librarian.

His parents had a vegetable garden, kept the thermostat low, and accepted donated clothes for their children from a friend.

She said Geoffrey didn’t need a lot to be happy, didn’t want to draw attention to himself, and might have been afraid of moving.

He once declined a promotion at the mill that would have required him to relocate.

“He always told me that his main goal in life was to make sure that nobody noticed anything,” she said, adding that he’d say “or you might get into trouble.”

They didn’t talk much about money, though he would ask her often if she needed anything.

“I just feel so sad that he didn’t indulge himself just a little bit,” she said.

But he never seemed to complain. He also always wasn’t on his own, either.

As a young man, he was briefly married and divorced.

Years later, he grew close to a woman at the mobile home park and moved in with her. She died in 2017.

Neither Alison nor Geoffrey had any children.

Holt suffered a stroke a couple of years ago and worked with therapist Jim Ferry, who described him as thoughtful, intellectual and genteel, but not comfortable with following the academic route that family members took.

Holt had developed mobility issues following his stroke and missed riding his mower.

“I think for Geoff, lawn mowing was relaxation, it was a way for him to kind of connect with the outdoors,” Ferry said.

“I think he saw it as service to people that he cared about, which were the people in the trailer park that I think he really liked because they were not fancy people.”

Residents are hoping Hinsdale will get noticed a bit more because of the gift.

“It’s actually a forgotten corner in New Hampshire,” said Ann Diorio, who’s married to Steve Diorio and is on the local planning board. “So maybe this will put it on the map a little bit.”

[nutrivibeinsights]

EVOLUTION

INTRODUCTION

Around 4 billion years back, life started on Earth. After a really long time, many different kinds of plants and animals came into being through changes over the years. All the trees, plants, animals, and creatures we see now are here because of this process called evolution. One of these groups is 'Homo sapiens' – that's us, humans!

Many of us think that humans came directly from monkeys, but that's not exactly what the theory of evolution says. According to this idea, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, and humans all share a common ancestor, a kind of animal that doesn't exist anymore.

Back in 1859, a biologist, Charles Darwin wrote a book called "On The Origin of Species." In this book, he talked about 'Natural Selection.' This is about how animals, trees and other creatures reproduce, and when they do, their genes pass down with a little bit of change, known as mutation. These changes make differences in how they look or act. These differences are passed down to their kids too. Sometimes these differences are good, helping the animals do well in their surroundings. But sometimes they're not so good and can cause problems. This means that the ones who are the best fit for their environment are the ones most likely to survive. This whole process is called Natural Selection.

How Evolution Happened

Long ago, around 4 billion years back, Earth looked really different. It was mostly covered in water, and this is where life started. Now, let's ask a big question: what was the first living organism? Scientists called it the "First Universal Common Ancestor," or FUCA for short. Back then, there were no genes or DNA like we have now. Instead, there were tiny building blocks called nucleotides floating around. These little parts came together to make something called RNA. The very first ancestor for all living things wasn't even a cell at that time.

About 3.8 billion years ago, the FUCA changed and became "Large Universal Common Ancestor" or LUCA. LUCA was a tiny, one-celled creature. Every living thing we know today comes from this same ancestor, LUCA. Scientists figured out that LUCA had around 355 special instructions, called genes. These genes are like the recipe for life. What's interesting is that these same genes are still in all living things today, including us. In July 2016, a scientist named William Martin made this cool discovery. He found out that even though LUCA was just a single cell, it had these special genes. Here's another interesting thing: viruses, those tiny things that can make us sick, might have been around before LUCA or were changing at the same time. Viruses have been important since the very start because they've helped living things change and get better over time. Nowadays, even for survival, lots of things need a bit of virus help.

After a long time, millions of years later, the LUCA split into two groups: Bacteria and Archaea. These are kinds of tiny life forms, a bit different from each other in how their outer parts are made.

A lot of time passed, and something really special happened. A special type of bacteria called Cyanobacteria appeared because of changes over time. These bacteria were the first ones that could use sunlight to make food, like plants do. When many of these cyanobacteria lived in the ocean and did this sunlight trick, they released a lot of oxygen into the air. This big event, called the Great Oxygenation Event, happened around 2.2 billion years back. It filled the air with a lot of oxygen.

But evolution didn't stop there. It had more changes in store. It made the DNA, which holds our instructions for life, stronger and better protected. This led to the creation of something called the Nucleus inside the DNA.

After a long, long time, changes happened outside the nucleus too, in the jelly-like stuff inside cells called cytoplasm. Some of those cyanobacteria changed into parts called chloroplasts. This was like the very first step in creating plants.

On the other side, since there was now plenty of oxygen in the air, an ancient bacteria started using it. This was the start of something called Aerobic respiration, like the way we breathe and get energy from our food. This bacteria evolved even more and ended up living inside another type of Archaea to become Mitochondria, which are like the powerhouses of cells.

As time went on, these tiny life forms with all these changes split into three main groups: Animals (that's us!), Fungi (like mushrooms), and Algae (which are like plant-like things that live in water).

At the beginning, life had three main groups: Bacteria, Eukaryotes, and Archaea. Eukaryotes later split into plants, animals, fungi, and algae – these are like the bigger family of life.

But here's something scientists are still thinking about: Did the eukaryotes come from Archaea, or are Archaea and eukaryotes different groups that still had a common ancestor? It's a bit like trying to solve a puzzle that's not completely clear yet.

Inside our bodies, only 43% of the cells are actually human cells. The rest are things like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and RK I cells. Now, let's go back in time about 900 million years ago. That's when life started to have more than one cell working together, which is called multicellular life. This helped creatures survive better.

Around 555 million years ago, something interesting happened. There was a tiny creature called Ikaria Wariootia, and it's like the grandparent of all animals. Imagine something smaller than a grain of sand! It was a worm with two sides that looked the same, one in the front and one in the back. This was a helpful setup for moving around and doing things. There were a few exceptions, like starfish, which had a different way of arranging their parts. But most animals, including humans, have this bilateral setup, which is kind of like a mirror image on each side.

Scientists discovered really old fossils in South Australia. When they checked how old they were, they found out these fossils are from a creature that lived 555 million years ago. This creature had two sides that looked the same, kind of like a mirror. It's super old and is thought to be the very first ancestor of all animals.

Then, the idea of having a spine started to show up. Animals with spines are called vertebrates. This includes fishes, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The very first creature with a spine was a fish called Arandaspis, around 480 million years ago.

After this, some of these creatures started changing and got four legs. This happened in the water and they were called tetrapods. Around 375 million years ago, there was a fish named Eusthenopteron. It was big, about 6 feet long, and had strong jaws and sharp teeth. This fish is like a bridge between fish and land animals with spines.

Here's something interesting: Some creatures tried living on land but went back to the water. They did this because they couldn't handle the land conditions. Dolphins and whales are good examples. They're mammals like us but chose to live in the sea. This means that dolphins and whales must have had ancestors that stayed on land, while some went back to the water.

Mammals evolved from reptiles around 225 million years ago. The oldest known mammal is Brasilodon quadrangularis, which was about 20 centimeters long and looked like a mouse. It laid eggs, unlike most mammals. Today, there are five species of mammals that lay eggs, called monotremes. One of them is the platypus, which has been around for at least 120 million years.

Mammals are classified into three groups: monotremes, placentals, and marsupials. Monotremes lay eggs and nurse their young with milk. The platypus and the echidna are the only two living monotremes. Placental mammals have a placenta, which is an organ that connects the mother to the fetus and allows for the exchange of nutrients and oxygen. Humans, dogs, cats, and whales are all placental mammals. Marsupials have a pouch in which their young develop after they are born. Kangaroos, koalas, and wombats are all marsupials. The different ways that mammals mature their young reflect their different evolutionary histories and adaptations to their environment. For example, monotremes lay eggs because they live in Australia, where the climate is relatively cool and dry. Placental mammals have a placenta because it allows for the efficient transfer of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, which is important for the development of large brains. Marsupials have a pouch because it allows their young to develop in a safe and warm environment, even though they are born at a relatively early stage of development.

At this time, the dinosaurs had already been extinct. The asteroid had killed all the dinosaurs. There were many empty spot in earth's ecosystem, where mammals could fit in.

A study found that placental mammals started to diversify and become more widespread only after the dinosaurs went extinct. If the dinosaurs hadn't gone extinct, there wouldn't have been as much diversity in placental mammals, and humans might not have existed.

40 million years ago, the Indian plate collided with Asia, forming the Himalayas. This event caused a lot of changes in the landscape and the environment, and it also had a big impact on the evolution of mammals. One of the branches that emerged from this split is the ungulates, or hoofed mammals. Ungulates include a wide variety of animals, such as cows, buffaloes, pigs, goats, and horses. They are characterized by their hooves, which help them to walk and run on a variety of surfaces. The ungulates were further divided into two groups: the even-toed ungulates and the odd-toed ungulates. Even-toed ungulates have hooves with an even number of toes, such as cows and pigs. Odd-toed ungulates have hooves with an odd number of toes, such as horses and rhinoceroses.

In addition to the ungulates, another branch of placental mammals formed is the carnivora order, which includes carnivorous mammals such as dogs, tigers, lions, and cats. Whales and dolphins are classified as cetaceans, which are a group of marine mammals that also includes porpoises and manatees. Cetaceans are closely related to ungulates, which means that whales and dolphins are actually more closely related to cows and buffaloes than they are to other marine mammals such as seals and sea lions.

Afrotheria is a group of mammals that includes elephants, hyraxes, aardvarks, and tenrecs. These mammals are all found in Africa, and they share a common ancestor that lived on the continent about 100 million years ago.

There are 4 reasons behind evolution that are known to us:

Genetic mutation

natural selection

Genetic drifts

Gene flow

Evolution can take millions of years but on the other hand, it can take a year or two.

When we say that evolution is a theory, we don't mean that it's just a guess. In science, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment. The theory of evolution is supported by a vast body of evidence, including the fossil record, the genetic makeup of organisms, the geographical distribution of species, and is widely accepted by scientists. It is estimated that 97% of scientists believe thatevolution is the truth.

Evolution of primates

A 2021 research suggests that the ancestor of all primates lived 65.9 million years ago, which means that they were alive alongside the dinosaurs. Primates are a diverse group of mammals that includes monkeys, apes, and humans. They are characterized by a number of features, including forward-facing eyes, opposable thumbs, and large brains. The evolution of primates was a major branch in the evolution of mammals. Primates first evolved in the forests of Africa, and they eventually spread to other parts of the world. Over time, primates diversified into many different species, each adapted to its own environment. The gorillas, chimpanzees, and monkeys that we see today are all descendants of the first primates. Humans are also primates, and we are the most recent branch on the primate family tree.

In the second part, I will explain about how Human Evolution took place.

[entrepreneurial-street]

Jas Mathur sues Travis Bott over Traders Domain Ponzi losses

Jas Mathur has sued Travis Bott and Richard Jason Bott over reported Traders Domain Ponzi losses.

Mathur is a Canadian national from India living in California.

Travis Bott is behind a series of fraudulent MLM investment schemes targeting consumers around the world. These include Ryze AI, Westmyn, Onyx Lifestyle, Digital Profit, Meta Bounty Hunters and Meta Lab Agency

Richard Jason Bott is believed to a relative of Travis Bott (right). Both Botts are Utah residents.

As per a lawsuit filed by Mathur’s Wyoming shell company EM1 Capital LLC in California last October;

Since around mid-December 2022, T. Bott had been promoting a SIngapore-based investment fund to mutual friends of Jas Mathur, president of EM1.

Bott explained that the funds would be trading in Traders-Domain platform, which is controlled/managed by Fredirick “Ted” Safranko, a close friend and business partner of T. Bott for the past several years.

This is a bit of an odd timeline, seeing as Traders Domain collapsed in or around October 2022.

So far US regulators have only gone after part of Traders Domain, the SAEG Ponzi side of the business (~$145 million).

Safranko, a Canadian national has gone into hiding. In September 2023 the CFTC secured a $3.8 million judgment against Safranko.

Leaked financial records reveal the full extent of Safranko’s Traders Domain related fraud exceeds $370 million.

According to Mathur, Travis Bott had been recruiting people into DWHTD Technology PTE LTD (aka “Drive Fund”), a Singapore shell company.

Recruitment was done through Alliance Management Services LLP, a Utah shell company Travis Bott allegedly owns.

Following an introduction by a mutual friend, on January 5, 2023, T. Bott presented Mathur with an opportunity to invest $1 million in a “proprietary trading venture” whose returns, as established by historical performance, would generate an 18% monthly return on the investment over the course of one (1) year.

T. Bott elaborated to Mathur that he owned a company called SAVVY Wallet which was licensed by Evolve Bank & Trust, N.A.

According to T. Bott, all members and users of SAVVT Wallet would receive a debit card which would facilitate withdrawal of funds.

To that end T. Bott presented Mathur with a document entitled Investment Management Agreement, which Mathur signed on behalf of his company, Plaintiff EM1, on January 7, 2023.

Savvy Wallet is owned by Frank DiCrisi (right) and Gregory “Tuffy” Baum. The payment processor was used to launder millions from The Traders Domain investors.

If Travis Bott had an ownership stake in Savvy Wallet, this is the first I’m hearing of it.

Pursuant to the terms of the IMA, EM1 agreed to invest $1 million in DWHTD and DWHTD agreed to pay a minimum of 18% every month on the total account balance of $1 million for thirteen (13) months.

FWHTD further agreed that at the end of the thirteen (13) month period, DWHTD would return 100% of EM1’s principal investment ($1 million).

The IMA further provides for termination upon non-performance of the agreement.

Specifically, non-performance is defined as monthly returns less than 18%.

Thus, in the event that DWHTD failed to make a monthly payment of 18% to EM1, EM1 had the right to terminate that agreement immediately and receive 100% of the principal funds back within thirty (30) days of termination.

DWHTD is represented by Lim Hang Guan Simon, a purported Singaporean citizen. A copy of the IMA between EM1 and DWHTD is attached to EM1’s Complaint as an exhibit:

After execution of the IMA, per T. Bott’s instructions, EM1 wired the principal investment of $1 million to AMS, a Utah company owned by T. Bott and R. Bott.

Per T. Bott, the 18% monthly interest payments from the $1 million investment would be disbursed monthly into Mathur’s SAVVY Wallet.

You can probably guess what happened next…

On February 3, 2023, Mathur contacted T. Bott, requesting that he be paid the return he was promised.

T. Bott replied that the funds only get disbursed after a full thirty (30) days, so a payment would be forthcoming in the middle of February 2023.

On February 16, 2023, T. Bott called Mathur and stated that the operators of the funds had an issue, this time attempting to distinguish his role at the fund as a mere investor, rather than an owner.

Despite his new claim that he was just an investor, T. Bott proceeded to advise Mathur that the account had taken around a 50% loss, and Mathur could either get back $650,000 today … or wait until the end of March and receive the past-due 18% returns from January, February and March.

T. Bott elaborated that other mutual friends who invested through him all opted to wait until the end of March.

Mathur would later realize Bott had convinced his mutual friends that it was he who had opted to wait till the end of March “and that they should follow his lead”.

On March 14, 2023, Mathur met with T. Bott in Los Angeles, California to discuss his investment.

Prior to the meeting, Mathur performed an internet search of the Trading Platform, only discover that Ted Safranko was charged by the CFTC in a $144,043,883 fraud.

Upon informing Bott of his findings, Bott is alleged to have grown “irate and began insulting Mathur”.

The conversation deteriorated when T. Bott threatened Mathur is front of two mutual friends, stating that he had a gun on him and would use it on Mathur.

As those present endeavored to de-escalate the situation, Mathur queried T. Bott as why, as such a purported big shot, he could not just wire Mathur the $1 million back immediately without any profits.

T. Bott responded that he would do it the following day but changed his mind minutes later, and instructed Mathur to wait until the end of this month, and if there was no progress, T. Bott said he would “vouch for it”.

Subsequently, T. Bott advised Mathur that, due to involvement of mutual friends between the two, T. Bott would provide a loan against the funds in the Meta Trader account until a supposed “withdrawal issue” could be navigated.

As at the time of filing his lawsuit, Mathur claims “no loan or other payments have been made”.

Rather, following involvement of counsel and a preliminary investigation, it has become evidence that the entire investment opportunity is and always was a sham.

In line with The Traders Domain having already collapsed by the time Bott made the DWHTD investment offer to Mathur, Mathur further learned

DWHTD was incorporated on December 28, 2022, which is after T. Bott floated the investment opportunity to Mathur’s acquaintances in mid-December 2023 with representations that the company historically could return the promised 18% monthly returns on investment.

[Furthermore] DWHTD has no actual physical presence in Singapore and its address is a corporate agent, offering incorporation services and a “virtual” address.

Mathur also noted DWHTD’s stated business nature was “trading of gold against the dollar” in the IMA. DWHTD’s shell company registration however stated it was involved in “development of software and applications (except games and cybersecurity)”.

Next, for a reason that remains unanswered, T. Bott directed Mathur to wire the funds to a Utah company T. Bott owns with his brother, R. Bott.

This company is not listed in the IMA and has no visible connection to anything subject to the IMA.

Mathur concludes;

In sum, this transaction is, on its face, a scam perpetrated in a blunt fashion, through plain fraud.

There are no returns, there is no live viable company, and there is no trading.

Rather, T. Bott and his brother R. Bott, simply defrauded EM1 out of $1 million.

Causes of action against DWHTD and the Botts include:

fraud;

conversion;

violation of Penal Code section 496; and

breach of contract

On or around February 7th, 2024, Bott had Mathur’s Complaint moved from the Los Angeles Superior Court to the Central District of California.

On March 27th, Bott filed his answer to Mathur’s complaint – mostly denying Mathur’s allegations. Bott also filed a counterclaim against Mathur, alleging “intentional infliction of emotional distress”.

As opposed to pitching Mathur himself on The Traders Domain, Bott claims “third parties” did his dirty work.

What exactly was represented represented to Mathur regarding the Drive Fund is unknow [sic].

However, after discussing the opportunity with the third parties, Mathur became immersed with the Drive Fund, and therefore wanted to invest $1,000,000, hoping that he would receive a large return on his investment.

Again, pursuant to The Traders Domain collapsing in or around October 2022, Bott claims

the Drive Fund was no longer accepting further investments.

So, the only way to obtain a holding in the Drive Fund would be to purchase all or part of an existing holding from someone who had already invested in the opportunity.

Once purchased, the already-invested holder would transfer part of his holding to the purchaser, thereby granting the purchaser a position in the Drive Fund in an amount equal to his purchase.

Bott claims undisclosed “third parties … each had a $1,000,000 in the Drive Fund” [sic].

Because Mathur wanted a $1,000,000 holding himself, he was unable to take the holding by the third parties since they did not have enough to transfer.

As a result, the third parties informed Mathur they had an acquittance [sic] who had several millions of dollars in the Drive Fund, and who may be willing to transfer a million dollars of that holding to Mathur. That acquittance [sic] was Bott.

Bott claims it was only then that he met Mathur.

Per Mathur’s request, the third parties reached out to Bott and inquired whether he would be willing to sell a million dollars of his holding in the Drive Fund to Mathur.

At first, Bott was reluctant to sell any portion of his holding to Mathur because he was not familiar with Mathur and had no prior relationship whatsoever.

However, because of Bott’s close relationship with the third parties, he eventually acquiesced to their request and agreed to meet with Mathur.

Thereafter, Mathur and Bott spoke on the phone. Bott was very clear to Mathur that he was not making any representations or guarantees regarding the Drive Fund, and that Mathur needed to conduct his own due diligence to determine whether he wanted to proceed with the transaction.

Bott agrees the exhibited IMA was executed in early January 2023. Bott doesn’t explain why himself or his Utah shell company didn’t appear on any signed agreements.

On January 9, 2023, Mathur transferred $1,000,000 to Bott’s company.

That same day, Bott transferred $1,000,000 of the Drive Fund holding to Mathur’s company’s, EM1 Capital, LLC.

Again, remembering that The Traders Domain collapsed in or around October 2022, Bott alleges;

As time went one, the Drive Fund eventually defaulted, and the opportunity went nowhere. Fortunately for all the investors, the Drive Fund refunded everyone their initial investment plus any additional return that was gained while the Drive Fund was active.

The funds were transferred to each investor’s Trader Domain account.

However, at the same time the Drive Fund defaulted, Trader’s Domain began having liquidity issues, and all accounts were placed on hold.

To date, all Trader Domain accounts are placed on hold. As a result, no investor of the Drive Fund has been able to withdraw their funds from the Trader Domain platform. This includes both Bott and Mathur.

Bott’s allegations require shifting locking of investor accounts to around February or March 2023 – six months or so after The Trader Domain collapsed.

The rest of Bott’s counterclaim presents him as an innocent bystander;

Although Mathur made his decision to invest in the Drive Fund prior to meeting Bott, Mathur for some reason blamed Bott for having invested his $1,000,000.

Interestingly, the funds that were returned by the Drive Fund were sitting in a Trader Domain account that Mathur already had prior to speaking with Bott.

Bott had nothing to do with the activation of the Trader Domain account. Despite this, Mathur blamed Bott for his inability to withdraw the funds.

Subsequently, Mathur went on a rampage with threats against Bott.

For example, on or about March 12, 2023, Mathur was at a meeting at a private house with Bott and several other individuals.

During the meeting, Mathur approached Bott and began blaming him for not being able to withdraw the $1,000,000 mentioned above.

He then proceeded to make threats against Bott’s life unless the money was paid back.

After the threats were made, the third-party individuals present at the home got in between Mathur and Bott and broke up the confrontation.

In addition, Mathur has instructed certain individuals to contact Bott via text message to make death threats unless the $1,000,000 was paid back to Mathur.

Also, it has recently been discovered that Mathur was present at a party in California. Several attendees were friends of Bott.

During that party, Mathur began inquiring about Bott’s physical location, claiming that Mathur needed to get him served with the complaint at issue.

However, Bott had already been served with the complaint and Mathur was fully aware of this fact. Thus, it was clear that Mathur was attempting to find Bott to further carry out his death threats, and perhaps even to hurt Bott.

Bott asserts allegedly stealing $1 million from Mathur has left him “emotionally harmed”.

Bott is in fear for his life and continues to suffer emotional damage.

On April 12th, the court granted a motion by Richard Jason Bott to dismiss Mathur’s case against him. The dismissal was granted on personal jurisdiction grounds, not the merits of Mathur’s allegations.

Mathur was also denied from serving DWHTD Technology PTE LTD via email.

On April 10th, Mathur filed his First Amended Complaint. CTB Rise International Inc. was added as a defendant.

On May 23rd, Bott’s attorney informed the court that a private settlement had been reached. As a result, the court dismissed the case on May 24th.

From a regulatory and law enforcement perspective, the underlying alleged securities, commodities and wire fraud, as well as suspected money laundering, remains unaddressed.

Such is the case with the wider The Traders Domain Ponzi scheme, with total investor losses pegged at around $3.3 billion.

[tallmantall]

James Donaldson on Mental Health - 5 things you should know about suicide

By Kristen Rogers, CNN Being educated about suicide can help you be more supportive for your loved ones. Editor’s Note: Help is available if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters.In the US: Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Globally: The International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide have contact information for crisis centers around the world. CNN —  More than 49,000 people in the United States died by suicide in 2022 — that’s one death every 11 minutes, and more than any other year dating to back at least 1941, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On top of that, 13.2 million people seriously considered suicide, 3.8 million planned it and 1.6 million attempted suicide. Though rates among 10- to 24-year-olds in the US have declined, these stats are a glaring reminder that “the silent epidemic of suicide” isn’t over, said Dr. Mitch Prinstein, chief science officer at the American Psychological Association. The nation “still has some of the highest rates of suicidal attempts in the developed world, and the number of suicides, at least half using firearms, is still remarkably high,” Prinstein, the John Van Seters Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said via email. That’s why this National Suicide Prevention Month and always, being informed about suicide and knowing that you don’t need to be a mental health provider to lower your risk of suicide or support your loved ones is as important as ever, said Dr. Justin Baker, clinical director of the Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative for Veterans, or STRIVE, at the Ohio State University. Globally, more than 720,000 people die by suicide yearly, and it’s the third leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds. That means parents need to have the “suicide talk” with their teens just like they have conversations about sex and drugs, Prinstein said. “There are simple, proven steps everyone can take to lower their risk and the risk of family and friends from dying by suicide,” Baker, also assistant professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral health at the Ohio State University, said via email. #James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com Link for 40 Habits Signupbit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub Knowing these five things about suicide can help. 1. Sometimes there are warning signs Mental health professionals and researchers still haven’t nailed down how to totally predict with certainty who’s at risk for attempting suicide, and whether or when vulnerable people will do it, experts said. That’s because stressors that could lead to suicide for some people don’t have the same impact on others. Also, there isn’t always a long time frame during which someone is suicidal and acting in ways that signal the need for help. But there are some situations in which someone who’s suicidal and planning for a longer period will show behavioral or emotional changes. Those changes, as well as other risk factors, can include the following: ? Unusual behavior with potentially lethal items such as firearms or pills ? Giving away cherished belongings ? Excessive or insufficient sleep ? Withdrawing or isolating oneself ? Getting highly intoxicated or driving recklessly ? Talking about wanting to die, via suicide or otherwise ? Struggling to come up with reasons to live ? Feeling like a burden, unneeded or as if they don’t belong anywhere or with anyone ? Feeling hopeless ? Substance abuse issues ? A history of trauma ? Experiencing mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and personality disorders, especially if not receiving treatment ? Personal or family history of suicide ? Easy access to potentially fatal means ? Loss of interest in activities or school 2. Not everyone who attempts suicide has a mental health condition   One of many common myths about suicide is that only people with mental health conditions have suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide. That’s not always true. Many people who attempt or die by suicide don’t fit criteria for mental health disorders, clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Roeske told CNN in a previous story — rather, they likely don’t see a way to live with an incredibly stressful situation such as loss of a job, home or loved one; infidelity; trauma; legal matters; a debilitating illness; or other crises. 3. There are ways you can help If your loved one seems to be at risk of suicide, be supportive and intentional about asking them what’s going on, experts said. They recommend a narrative, person-centered approach — such as asking an open-ended question like, “Hey, I’ve noticed life’s gotten overwhelming these past couple days. Do you want to tell me about it?” Listen, express appreciation for their openness and offer to help figure it out together, without giving unsolicited advice or encouragement about all the wonderful reasons they should stay alive — sometimes that can make them feel lonelier. But if your loved one seems more urgently at risk or in the process of attempting suicide, get medical care or call 911. You can also call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to speak with trained counselors who can help you or someone you know work through suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you’re the one struggling with suicidal thoughts, seek professional help and talk with someone you trust. Therapy and certain psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants, can also help. Additionally, “developing a crisis response plan, a plan people make to identify coping strategies they can use in a crisis, can significantly reduce the risk of a suicide attempt,” Baker said. 4. People who attempt suicide aren’t selfish Some people think suicide is selfish, but this characterization is misguided and derogatory, experts said, since people who attempt or die by suicide often desire to end their pain or see themselves as burdensome. Many don’t see any other choice. Therefore, “nearsighted” may be a better term since their focus becomes limited to what’s immediately in front of them, rendering them unable to see the bigger picture of their past, present and future, Roeske said. 5. How you talk about suicide matters Not treating the topic of suicide as the elephant in the room is an important step in reducing the stigma that keeps some people from getting help. But what you say and how you say it also matter. That’s why many mental health experts, medical institutions, media and more have moved away from saying certain harmful phrases — including “committed suicide,” which implies criminality and can cast a moral judgment, Dr. Jacek Debiec, assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan, told CNN in a previous story. Describing a suicide attempt as “successful” is also problematic, as taking one’s life is not a positive achievement. “Failed suicide attempt” can suggest that surviving isn’t the best outcome or that there’s something lacking in the character or willpower of the attempter. Given these factors, when referring to suicide, appropriate language includes “died by suicide,” “fatal suicide attempt,” “killed herself” or “took his own life,” experts said. Acceptable shorthand ways to communicate not dying from an attempt include “nonfatal suicide attempt” or simply “suicide attempt.” Using more compassionate language to discuss suicide can also improve empathy and strategies for reducing suicide risk, experts said. Read the full article

[the-firebird69]

bothering us And what we said is, we want to just blow your brains out, cause you're such a little **** ****. And saying he doesn't care and said, OK, well, if you don't care, we're gonna proceed. He sat down and he thought about it. And he said the empire is up and they're harassing them. And I'm sitting there fiddling around with these stupid things It'll probably attack society and I'm a waste of freaking time. And he started to swing back. and he was going to blab about our son. and our son says he's swing it back, and we're gonna blow it off. Now, Tommy allen is not used to this kind of talk. And he started to say it. What we said was it's a different time and we don't have patience for you. And you started bothering us. So you're taking your stuff. So he started blabbing and wasn't listening. And we're taking. his stuff here and all around and we have valuable information now. and we're doing to Trump all the time. And what we say is we simply don't care for your presence. You're a stupid And what we say is we simply don't care for your presence. You're a stupid **** And all you do is threaten people.. And it's right. And it takes away his electric bike. And he says I should have money and stuff in your threatening me all the time. And he says you're gonna have to live with it. And our son says you're **** nuts We're huge. We're gonna **** you up very badly. Anyways, already But now even get to you. cause you're stupid. You don't think you have to do anything to have me doing other things and focus on a pile of **** Then you're nuts. And Dave should have nooked you and he's doing it right in front of your face. And the empire couldn't even figure it out. cause. You people are stupid as a race. I'm still here, pig **** face in your pig. **** **** And your father has it too, You'll come by and say that I'm gonna stay poor, and you're not gonna let me have money. This isn't a prison. If you're doing that, we'll assassinate you. And I'm gonna put it in for them to do it. And your people, you're a dead pig. and you're trying to be say that your Tommy boy, good. little goes in a fight with you for it. It'll take 10 times as many. And we've been doing it. Not that often though. cause you're pigs. And just because you learn how to talk doesn't mean you should go around doing it all the time.

- Right now. We have a huge force in the. way. and it is not us, but ours is heavy there. You can't see us. and we're moving in. and we're going to take our spots But there's a group that's moving in right now into Charlotte County. and they're pretty fierce. And last night you guys practically vacated the place. and you were down about 3.5 million Only 3.8 million here. And the others had one million. So they have to move in. And they're bringing in 3 million. And things should change.. it's happening right now. And people are going to start going after you imp. you know There is a certain amount of electrical activity in the very large and large trumpster bunkers that have the caches and stashes. Really, it's the caverns.. And it is not that high, and it won't be. And he selected them based on that activity.. And it's true, most people did not figure out that**** is so abundant that it is causing a battery like effect in the soil. It has a few implications. Firstly, it is discharging. electrical current into whatever is above it. And also it was creating a dangerous atmosphere in some of these caverns. already. and it's time bomb. and the cleanse put it there And had you do it to destroy yourselves It was the clans. and you can't find anything that says it. And our son and daughter say, maybe. in that base on Mars, or some base up there. And you find a bunch of bases and find. a big machine. and some other things But that's actually proof. They're going to. abandon Earth. And at some point they would go to Mars. thinking that the caverns would not destroy the planet, but destroy everybody on it. Right now, the match property are mining uranium, and only a few of the caverns And we have begun an aggressive program at all of them. And we are mining it. If you find us, you're a dead person. It's going well, and we need. it. end. We are at it right now

end. We are at it right now

Thor Freya.

Zeus Hera

Olympus.

[gabrielvadasz]

A Few Tips for Surfing in South Africa

More than 3.8 million Americans go surfing each year, according to the Surf Industry Members Association. Participation in surfing grew by an impressive 28 percent between 2019 and 2020, including a 34 percent increase in the core surfing population, defined as passionate surfers who go surfing regularly. There are many surf locations throughout the United States, including more than 400 recognized locations in California. US surfers can also travel abroad to destinations such as South Africa, though it is important to perform the proper due diligence.

The surf information website surfing-waves.com lists 24 unique locations for surfers in South Africa. The main surfing regions in South Africa are found outside of Durban, between Port Elizabeth and East London, and between Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope. The coastline from Durban to Cape Town stretches nearly 1,900 miles and is known for its beautiful beaches and consistent waves.

There are a few things to keep in mind when planning a South African surf trip from the US, such as how to transport a surfboard. Surfboards come in many shapes and sizes. Larger models can approach 10 feet in length and weigh over 15 pounds. Smaller boards may be as light as eight pounds but still measure over 6.5 feet in length.

American Airlines and Alaska Airlines are considered the best airlines for surfers because they categorized surfboards as normal luggage. This means boards can be checked and stowed without exorbitant baggage fees. However, heavier boards might still cost extra, and individuals must live with the risk of boards being lost, stolen, or damaged in transit. Surfers also have the option of renting a surfboard in South Africa, though passionate surfers planning long-distance surf trips typically prefer using their own equipment.

Once surfers arrive in South Africa, there are a few important tips to keep in mind. To start, tourists must show respect to local surfers. This is true of surfing in any new location, even when traveling from your local California beach to a location further upstate. Surfers should practice good surf etiquette at all times. In some cases, locals may be aggressive or outright hostile with tourists, in which case individuals are advised to take a break or move further along the beach.

The waves in South Africa are another challenge surfers must be mindful of. The consistency of waves is one of the major reasons international tourists visit South Africa’s many surf locations, but some athletes may not be accustomed to the size and power. Most beaches have waves that range between six and 15 feet, but certain locations feature much larger waves. Dungeons in Hout Bay, Cape Town, regularly features waves exceeding 40 feet, and swells can rise to 60 feet. Surfers must understand their skill level and limitations if they want to avoid injuring themselves and others.

Dungeons, a popular destination with surfers around the world, presents another challenge surfers must be aware of when traveling to South Africa: sharks. Numerous shark species, including Great White sharks, make their homes along the coast of South Africa. The waters of Dungeons, in particular, rank among the world’s most shark-infested regions. South Africa has put many security measures in place, such as shark spotters, and research indicates that surfers are at no more risk for shark attacks than swimmers, which is minimal.

Still, surfers must take the proper safety precautions, such as leaving the water after suffering a laceration and avoiding surfing early in the morning or at night. Sharks are more likely to attack in murky water as opposed to clear water and are more aggressive in areas with seals and other prey animals.

[marketsndata]

Global Nortriptyline Hydrochloride Market Size, Share and Forecast, 2031

Global nortriptyline hydrochloride market is projected to witness a CAGR of 2.3% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 239.7 million in 2023 to USD 287.52 million in 2031F. The market growth is aided by increasing incidences of nerve pain and the rising prevalence of mood disorders such as depression.

Nortriptyline inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin by the presynaptic neuronal membrane, resulting in an increased concentration of these neurotransmitters in the synapse. Nortriptyline also inhibits the activity of acetylcholine, histamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine. The increasing prevalence of depression in various regions around the globe is one of the major market trends that is fostering market growth. For instance, according to the estimates of the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 5% of the adult global population suffers from depression. It is 50% more common in women as compared to men. This increase in the number of individuals suffering from depression will provide lucrative growth opportunities to the market as nortriptyline hydrochloride, an active metabolite of amitriptyline acts as a tricyclic antidepressant and is used for treating major depression.

The rise in incidences of individuals suffering from neuropathic pain is another major factor bolstering the global nortriptyline hydrochloride market size. Nortriptyline reduces neuropathic pain by increasing noradrenaline levels that act within the dorsal root ganglia on β2-adrenoceptors expressed by the non-neuronal satellite cells. Stimulating β2-adrenoceptors results in the reduced neuropathy-induced production of TNFα, thereby relieving neuropathic pain. Nortriptyline is usually administered orally as a solution or a capsule. The capsule is available in varying strengths including 75 mg, 50 mg, 25 mg, and 10 mg and the solution is available in the composition of 10mg/ 5mL (473 mL). Hence, due to the increasing cases of individuals suffering from neuropathic pain, the requirement for nortriptyline hydrochloride is rising to support the production of medication for pain management, thereby providing lucrative growth opportunities to the market.

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Growing Prevalence of Depression Supports Global Nortriptyline Hydrochloride Market Growth

The nortriptyline hydrochloride treats depression by increasing the quantity of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, the substances that are responsible for regulating mood. Thus, supporting the market's growth by propelling the demand for nortriptyline hydrochloride. The dosage of the medication is based on the condition of the patient and their response to the treatment. The dose of the medication is directed at a lower range which is then increased gradually to reduce the risk of side effects associated with the medication.

The susceptibility of the contemporary population to depression is growing due to several factors including intense individual competitiveness, rising social failure, low social support, and increased inequality. For instance, according to the estimates of the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3.8% of the population suffers from depression. This includes 5% of the adult population of which 5.7% are older than 60 years. Nearly 280 million individuals across the globe are living with depression. Hence, this increase will augment the requirement for nortriptyline hydrochloride as the product belongs to a group of medications that are known as tricyclic antidepressants.

Increasing Incidences of Diabetic Neuropathy Boosts Global Nortriptyline Hydrochloride Market Demand

The presence of high blood glucose levels and fats, including triglycerides in blood due to diabetes can result in nerve damage causing diabetic neuropathy. High blood sugar levels can also cause damage to the blood vessels that provide the nerves with nutrients and oxygen. For instance, according to the estimates of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, approximately 30% of the individuals suffering from diabetes have automatic neuropathy. This, in turn, is bolstering the requirement for nortriptyline hydrochloride to support the production of medication for managing diabetic neuropathy. Henceforth, augmenting the market demand in various regions across the globe.

Meanwhile, the rising consumption of food products with high amounts of sugar and carbonated beverages coupled with changing lifestyle patterns are increasing the number of individuals suffering from diabetes. This, in turn, is propelling the incidences of diabetic neuropathy, bolstering the product demand to ensure the production of appropriate medication to support the management of the condition. For instance, according to the projections of the International Diabetes Federation, by 2045, approximately 783 million people, 1 in 8 adults, will be living with diabetes. As the incidences of diabetes increase, the cases of diabetic neuropathy will also increase, thus augmenting the global nortriptyline hydrochloride market growth.

North America Accounts for Significant Market Share

The presence of a well-established healthcare sector and increasing investments by various pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotechnology companies towards research and development activities is bolstering the demand for nortriptyline hydrochloride in various countries in North America. The increasing prevalence of depression in the region is further supporting the market expansion. For instance, according to the estimates of Mental Health America, more than 8% of American adults, approximately 21 million individuals are affected by depression. This increased prevalence coupled with the easy accessibility to various medications that help in treating depression are supporting the market growth as nortriptyline hydrochloride works as a tricyclic antidepressant. Therefore, the increasing incidences of individuals suffering from chronic pain is another major factor supporting the market expansion in the region, as the product finds applications in various medications that are used for treating chronic pain.

Rising Demand for More than 99% Nortriptyline Hydrochloride Boosts Market Growth

The increasing requirement for nortriptyline hydrochloride with more than 99% purity can be attributed to their rising demand by academic and research institutions and medicine manufacturing facilities in various regions across the globe. The pharmaceutical sector is significantly growing in various regions, for instance, according to the estimates of The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, the pharmaceutical industry spends approximately USD 160 billion every year on research and development activities as the development of novel medications involves significant rates of failure. Due to such growing efforts and investments in medicine manufacturing, the requirement for nortriptyline hydrochloride will increase, thus propelling the growth of the market. The preference for nortriptyline hydrochloride with more than 99% purity can also be attributed to the high efficacy offered by the product as opposed to their counterparts, thus augmenting their demand, and supporting the expansion of the market.

Capsules Account for Significant Global Nortriptyline Hydrochloride Market Share

The expansion of the segment can be attributed to the higher bioavailability offered by the capsules as opposed to their counterparts, making them more effective than tablets. The nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules contain various inactive ingredients including sodium lauryl sulfate, colloidal silicon dioxide, pregelatinized starch, and magnesium stearate. For instance, the 75 mg, 50 mg, 25 mg, and 10 mg capsule shells contain titanium dioxide, gelatin, sodium lauryl sulfate, propylparaben, and methylparaben. They can also contain edetate calcium disodium, benzyl alcohol, silicon dioxide or sodium propionate, and butylparaben. The 75 mg, 25 mg, and 10 mg capsule shells also contain FD&C Blue No. 1 and D&C Yellow No. 10. The nortriptyline hydrochloride is usually prescribed for the smallest quantity of capsules with good patient management, to reduce the risk of overdose. Thus, the increased accessibility to nortriptyline hydrochloride capsules coupled with the rising awareness about mental health and depression are supporting the growth of the segment, thus boosting the market expansion.

Future Market Scenario (2024–2031F)

According to the global nortriptyline hydrochloride market analysis, the demand for nortriptyline hydrochloride will increase over the forecast period due to increasing research and development activities and utilization of the product for drug repurposing. Various studies are being conducted to evaluate the potential candidacy of nortriptyline hydrochloride for repurposing of drugs. For instance, according to an article published by researchers from the Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China, nortriptyline hydrochloride exhibits significant antitumor activities in both in-vitro and in-vivo. The product can inhibit gastric cancer by inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. Conduction of such studies will bolster the requirement for nortriptyline hydrochloride over the forecast period by academic and research institutions augmenting the market demand.

Report Scope

“Nortriptyline Hydrochloride Market Assessment, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F”, is a comprehensive report by Markets and data, providing in-depth analysis and qualitative and quantitative assessment of the current state of global nortriptyline hydrochloride market, industry dynamics, and challenges. The report includes market size, segmental shares, growth trends, opportunities, and forecast between 2024 and 2031F. Additionally, the report profiles the leading players in the industry mentioning their respective market share, business model, competitive intelligence, etc.

Click here for full report- https://www.marketsandata.com/industry-reports/nortriptyline-hydrochloride-market

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New Study Reveals: 70% of Businesses Experienced Cyber Attacks in 2021. Stay Informed and Protected with Kaspersky's Solutions. #CyberSecurity #DataProtection #Kaspersky

New Information Revolutionizing the Digital World

New Information Revolutionizing the Digital World

Welcome to the RoamNook blog! In this article, we will dive deep into the fascinating world of technology, exploring key facts, hard information, numbers, and concrete data that are revolutionizing our digital landscape. As an innovative technology company specializing in IT consultation, custom software development, and digital marketing, RoamNook is committed to fueling digital growth. Today, we will bring new, polarizing, numerical, objective, and informative hard facts to the table, providing you with valuable insights that can shape your digital journey.

The World of Technology in Numbers

Let's start by looking at some mind-boggling statistics that showcase the power and influence of technology in our lives:

There are over 4.9 billion active internet users worldwide. That's nearly 60% of the global population.

On average, people spend more than 6 hours online each day, engaging in various digital activities.

The number of smartphone users globally is projected to reach 3.8 billion by 2021.

In 2020, e-commerce sales accounted for over $4.2 trillion worldwide.

By 2025, it is estimated that there will be around 75 billion connected devices globally, forming the backbone of the Internet of Things (IoT).

Data is growing at an unprecedented pace. Every minute, we generate 3.8 million Google searches, send 156 million emails, and share 16 million text messages.

The Power of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformative technologies of our time. Let's explore some astounding AI facts:

AI is expected to contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.

The AI market is projected to reach a value of $190 billion by 2025.

Machine Learning (ML), a subset of AI, is already being used in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and transportation, to improve efficiency and decision-making.

In 2019, Google's AI program called AlphaGo defeated the world champion Go player, showcasing the immense capabilities of AI.

Chatbots, powered by AI, are becoming increasingly popular, with over 80% of businesses planning to implement chatbots by 2022.

AI is revolutionizing the healthcare industry, with its ability to analyze massive amounts of medical data, assist in diagnosis, and develop personalized treatment plans.

The Rise of Cybersecurity

As our world becomes increasingly digitalized, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes paramount. Consider these cybersecurity facts:

Cybercrime is expected to cost businesses over $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.

In 2020 alone, there were over 1001 data breaches, compromising billions of records.

Ransomware attacks increased by 485% in 2020, highlighting the growing threat landscape.

Approximately 94% of malware is delivered via email, making email security a critical concern.

Phishing attacks, where cybercriminals trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, are on the rise, with over 32% of global organizations experiencing phishing attacks in 2020.

Artificial Intelligence is being leveraged to bolster cybersecurity defenses, with AI-powered threat detection systems offering real-time protection.

The Future of Digital Transformation

The digital world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, ushering in a new era of possibilities. Here's what you can expect in the near future:

5G technology will revolutionize connectivity, enabling faster internet speeds and supporting the growth of IoT.

Blockchain, the technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, will disrupt various industries, including finance, supply chain, and healthcare, by offering transparent and secure transactions.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) will transform the way we interact with digital content, creating immersive experiences in gaming, education, and training.

Edge computing will gain prominence, bringing data processing closer to the source, reducing latency, and enhancing real-time decision-making.

Big Data analytics will continue to shape businesses, enabling data-driven insights, personalized marketing strategies, and enhanced customer experiences.

RoamNook: Your Partner in Digital Growth

At RoamNook, we understand the significance of these emerging technologies and their impact on businesses and individuals alike. We offer comprehensive IT consultation, custom software development, and digital marketing services to help you navigate the digital landscape successfully.

Our team of experts is well-versed in the latest trends and technologies, ensuring that your business stays ahead of the curve. Whether you need assistance with cybersecurity, AI implementation, or developing a robust digital marketing strategy, RoamNook is here to empower you with cutting-edge solutions.

To learn more about how RoamNook can fuel your digital growth, visit our website at https://www.roamnook.com.

Reflecting on the Digital Revolution

As we wrap up this informative journey, it's crucial to reflect on the profound impact that technology has on our lives. Every day, new advancements and discoveries push the boundaries of what is possible, opening up a world of opportunities.

But with great power comes great responsibility. It's essential to stay informed, educated, and proactive in safeguarding our digital presence. By embracing the potential of emerging technologies and adopting robust cybersecurity measures, we can navigate the digital landscape confidently and harness its benefits.

So, ask yourself this: Are you ready to embrace the digital revolution? How will you leverage the power of technology to fuel your personal and professional growth?

We invite you to join us on this incredible journey of digital transformation, where the possibilities are limitless.

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and let RoamNook be your trusted guide in the digital world.

Together, let's shape a future powered by innovation, knowledge, and growth.

Source: https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/preemptive-safety/strengthen-cryptocurrency-security&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwif9uCLpqGGAxWVFlkFHaeCB8UQFnoECAAQAw&usg=AOvVaw23ki8_Q_pFGe2Kk5igIqK3

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India's Russian Oil Imports Surge Despite Sanctions: A Strategic Move Amidst Geopolitical Pressures

Despite facing sanctions, India has seen a notable surge in its imports of Russian oil. In April, Indian refiners brought in a total of 1.96 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian crude, marking the highest volume since July of the previous year. This increase, nearly 19 percent higher than March's imports, comes amidst disruptions to Russian refining capacity due to Ukrainian drone attacks. Consequently, Moscow has directed more discounted barrels for export, as indicated by vessel tracking data and industry observations.

This uptick in Russian crude imports by India occurred despite recent sanctions by the United States targeting Russia's oil shipping sector. There were speculations that Indian refiners might exercise caution in their purchases. However, trade sources suggest that the impact of these sanctions on Russian oil flows to India was marginal and short-lived.

In April, Russia accounted for 40.3 percent of India's total crude oil imports, the highest share in seven months. This resurgence follows a decline from a peak of nearly 46 percent in May 2023 to around 33 percent in recent months.

Viktor Katona, head of crude analysis at Kpler, explained that the first wave of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refining infrastructure pushed seaborne oil exports to 3.8 million bpd. With limited domestic refining capacity, Russia's surplus oil was exported, providing Indian buyers with more purchasing opportunities.

Despite US sanctions targeting Russian shipping entities, Indian refiners have continued to accept deliveries on tankers associated with Sovcomflot, a major Russian shipping company. Indian regulators have provided clarity on the scope of these sanctions, alleviating concerns.

Furthermore, India's shipping regulator has approved Russian insurance firms to provide marine insurance cover to tankers, ensuring that cargoes are not subject to price caps imposed by the G7. This move aligns with Russia's strategy to offer discounts on its crude, attracting Indian refiners who seek cost-effective options.

In April, Indian refiners favored medium-sour Urals crude, Russia's flagship grade, with imports reaching a record high of 1.54 million bpd, comprising nearly 79 percent of India's Russian oil imports. This preference is attributed to the significant price differentials compared to crude grades from traditional West Asian suppliers.

As a result, oil imports from Saudi Arabia fell to a seven-month low, while imports from Iraq also decreased. This shift underscores India's sensitivity to oil prices and its willingness to capitalize on discounts offered by Russia, despite shrinking discount levels.

India's sustained interest in Russian oil, despite geopolitical tensions and sanctions, reflects its strategic approach to securing cost-effective energy sources as the world's third-largest consumer of crude oil.