#benefits of online textbooks

[bookwyrminspiration]

Could you talk about sandor? Like about the trackers, not communicating about any boundaries between Sophie etc etc

-nash<3 (the one who asked about the Grady and keefe one)

Nash! Hello again! Absolutely I can, thank you for your patience with me as I got to this, I've been busy recently and answering more involved asks has gotten bumped down my list of priorities :)

There's this one category of relationships, which I can't remember the specific name for, but they're a category of relationship where one person has recognized, legal authority over another. A parent has legally recognized authority over a child, for example. This doesn't mean that everything within said relationship is authoritarian, but there's a recognized hierarchy and acknowledgement that children aren't adequately equipped to care for themselves for many years.

Sandor and Sophie fall into that category as well, I would say. He was assigned to her, and he occupies a position she has to listen to, at times. There are things she can't argue, or that are very difficult to argue and must be agreed upon by him to change. She can't ditch him or leave him because she wants to. She has to listen to certain orders--or at the very least, is supposed to.

All of which brings me to your ask. He has recognized, legitimate authority over aspects of her life, which means we end up with him doing things she's not always happy about or comfortable with. Does this mean he shouldn't do them? No, he serves an important purpose in her life and sometimes uncomfortable things need to be tolerated for their benefit. Sophie not liking him being with her through Foxfire when he was first assigned to her doesn't mean he shouldn't have done it or was in the wrong for doing so.

But does that mean Sandor is doing things the best possible way? Also no. For example, the trackers. The ones hidden in her clothes where she doesn't know, and it was shown to make her a little uncomfortable. Instead of removing trackers who serve a purpose, Sandor could inform her of where they are, provided they discuss and agree upon their necessity so she doesn't try to take them out. if she does, then the natural consequence is she no longer gets to know where they are, as they serve a necessary purpose and she violated the terms of their agreement.

The same principle applies to her boundaries. Sandor necessarily has a more personal access to her life given his job, but that doesn't mean he's free to violate any and all boundaries. This is another case where they could discuss the necessity of his actions and find a compromise agreement between the two of them so his job still gets done while Sophie is as comfortable and involved with the arrangement as possible.

This is generally the approach I have to their relationship. He has authority over aspects of her life, and for good reason. He's shown genuine care for her, so I don't think anything he does is intended to domineer and rule over her life, but out of a place of concern to complete his job. Does this mean some things Sophie isn't always thrilled about? Yes, but that's how things are sometimes. They could absolutely work on more clear, agreed upon boundaries and arrangements to strengthen their relationship further, but Sandor takes his job seriously and Sophie understands the importance of it, so I think they're already in a pretty good place.

I kinda focused on Sandor and Sophie's relationship more than Sandor himself, but I hope that still counts for your ask! I sure wish I could remember the specific name for that kind of relationship, but alas, it eludes me

[jamsandsuch]

advice for first year uni students from a uni senior

the roommate(s) will always be more important than the room

+ for roommates, SET. CLEANING. EXPECTATIONS. EARLY. don't wait until you're uncomfortable with how much mess is in the kitchen for you to start thinking if you should bring it up or not. set standards and make them clear.

put your key on a lanyard and hang it from your doorknob when you’re at home so you don’t forget it on the way out

if your dorm has a shared laundry room, set your timer for when your laundry finishes ~5 mins early to give you time to walk from your room to the laundry - especially during weekends/evenings/finals people wont have the patience to wait for you - even if your load just finished

If you have noodle arms like me, buy yourself one of those collapsible grocery carts you drag behind you like a luggage - best purchase i've ever made

Or if you're lazy, order online - but order on a free day because even if you schedule a time they're always gonna come stupid early and you dont want any frozen items to get spoiled or have your groceries stolen

DONT BUY ANY TEXTBOOKS/MATERIALS UNTIL THE FIRST WEEK/CLASSES ARE OVER. sometimes you’ll have early access to the booklist or syllabus and go ahead and start buying textbooks, but increasingly often you’ll buy the materials and show up to class just to find your prof has uploaded scanned copies of everything. *save your money*, wait!

BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS - look at your class schedule and walk around campus to find each classroom. you will probably get lost on day 1 and so will many other students so this will save you a lot of walking around bumping into other lost first years

trust me after a few weeks you won’t be waking up for that 8am class. i know you did it 5 days a week in high school, but there’s a reason uni students are allergic to morning classes. know your natural energy/attention levels and take advantage of the freedom to build your schedule around your energy fluctuations

compress/stack your class schedule as much as possible. if you absolutely do need breaks, make them at least 1.5-2 hours long or you probably wont get anything productive done and minimize these long breaks as much as you can so you can just get your day over with sooner

work smarter, not harder - when school starts note each course’s assessment type by quizzes/finals/essays. if i ever have a course thats just essays, i only do lecture notes + write my own annotations about readings rather than taking notes on them which saves time i can dedicate to textbook notetaking for courses with frequent quizzes + finals

if your school has benefits/discounts/insurance - know what it is and USE IT.

most clubs wont be like high school where there are regular meetings you attend. unless youre in the exec team the membership fee you pay/when you sign up for membership it’s just for access to their events when they happen. if you want to be involved in a club in a way thats as involved as high school, look at their social media pages for hiring.

+ as someone who has had to hire before - if you’re nervous, literally just do it. i was in an exec position for our student union services and once only had like 3 applicants to pick from

if you want to be noticed by a professor, sit in the front row. and always answer/ask questions - it doesn’t matter if you said anything of substance or not, they will remember that you contributed

that and also always make the point to say hello and goodbye! eventually (in my experience) if you come early enough and are just waiting for class to start, a conversation will happen - make these regular enough and you could have an important connection!

disclaimer: of course, not all of this might be something that resonates with you/possible for your course or school, so in the words of my cousin - take what resonates

+ anyone else is free to add on!!

[myfriendpokey]

tunnel notes

i wrote some extra little notes and thoughts for the bonus tunnels in anthology of the killer, and then removed them before release; i didn't like the prescriptive feeling of leaving that stuff in the "final package" as if it was something people should feel obligated to engage with. but as of today it's been 30 days since the loader came out, so i figured i'd dump some of them online, for the benefit of whoever is interested in these things.

History: HISTORY IS A NIGHTMARE FROM WHICH I AM TRYING TO AWAKE is one of many famous zingers given to Stephen in Ulysses and I’ve always wondered if it’s especially Irish as a sentiment, Ireland sort of feeling like the “Oops! All Peasants” edition of European history as a whole – same misery, exploitation and death minus the occasional episodes of feudal colour or triumphant empire-building that seem to make the past tolerable for other people, and give them their own sense of demarcated time. But then I’ve never been much good on Irish history, which has always just felt like an interminable, indistinguishable series of massacres and betrayals and missed shots. Was I not paying attention or was this how it was taught in school? Well, it would have fit the style at the time – I was born in 1989, smack at the start of the famous end of history era. The 90s in Ireland meant the peace process and infusion of American capital to our backwards shores, all the more reason to cosign the idea of an abrupt and permanent break with a history notably lacking in the non-depressing or picturesque. All our history textbooks seemed to trail off at the point we’d joined the EEA. And even as this new modernity just started seeming like the monstrous antiquity dressed up in different clothes – hooded prisoners transported to torture sites through Shannon airport, our patchy social infrastructure dismantled by burghers, ghost estates and half-completed monuments scattered around like the ruin theory of value with more leprechaun imagery – there was still a sense that any change was off the table. You didn’t want to drag us back into history, did you? History seemed to have “ended” in the same sense Freddy Krueger did – done away with in ways that none of the grown-ups ever wanted to talk about, and now officially a non-presence, even if all the kids in town were mysteriously disappearing.

--

Art: One reason I wanted to do an episodic series is just to see what would turn up, if any recurring interests would build despite a minimum of planning. One of the themes turned out to be, “art” – or specifically modernist art – and I am curious about why that would be. A recurring tendency in modernism was the idea that only by destroying the world as it currently existed could we clear space for anything better to emerge. Under the cobblestones, the beach! But this was always attended by a kind of fear: that clearing away the old structures would just allow something even worse to emerge, unmasked. Under the cobblestones, more corpses! And that the bleakest tendencies of the period would now run free without even the emptiest symbolic constraints to chafe against. Max Ernst’s painting of the fascist victory in Spain, of a huge, grinning oaf rampaging over the landscape like a kaiju while a miserable birdlike figure remains haplessly grafted to its leg – is titled both “The Angel Of Hearth And Home” and “The Triumph Of Surrealism”. As if to suggest that these are each the same thing, as though a cause of creative liberation worth devoting your life to and an empty cliché of domestic repression had so little light between them as to not even be worth the effort of distinguishing.

Part of the reason works like that make their way into the games in little ways is because I just like them, and go back to thinking about them. But the status of modernism in the 21st century is an odd one; the most tentative and inventive parts got dropped, while the brashest and stupidest aspects curdled into a kind of official state ideology – the idea of “creative destruction”, which just seems to mean a vague sense that it’s punk rock to create ridesharing apps. The monkey’s paw curled and the emptiest version of the modernist credo became something we all have to live with.. and yet I still can’t help but be moved by the source works and the goofy, ridiculous temerity of that wish to transfigure the world. sometimes it feels like only way to keep faith with those ideas is to travesty them, to try returning to them some of that sense of fear and doubt without which they just sound like so many web design agency manifestos. Kept alive in the breast of so many grimacing waxworks, underground.

Another reason to put this stuff in a horror game: to try getting at that feeling in a dream of looking in the eyes of people you know, people you love, and seeing nothing there anymore, seeing them look right past you. An earlier horror game idea I used to think about would have ended with the protagonist being dismembered and eaten by Gertrude Stein.

--

The moral: I’ve seen people express a sense, now, that merely working in the negative is not enough; to just outline what’s bad without also trying to give a vision of the good, some glimpsed utopia to shoot for. For the benefit of these people here is an epilogue. Imagine it’s the future and the long nightmare of prehistory is over; history proper unfolds as the full expression of human powers unhindered by material subjugation. Some students are given an assignment by a professor to investigate the meaning of a term that no longer exists, the meaning of horror. Well, the students do their best: they watch lots of old movies, put on rubber masks, comb through old fragments of the world that was. They’re enjoying themselves and that enjoyment warps the process, they keep drifting into pleasure, unsure what’s meant to be funny and what’s not. They get lost, get confused, lose the thread, famous faces appear under the wrong names, espousing things that are the opposite of whatever they believed. In the end they all have to admit defeat: they hand in their assignment with a note saying that in the new world, we can’t even imagine what horror may have been. The professor reads their findings, nods, and gives them all an F. No moral.

[image source: James Ensor, "The Intrigue"]

[unstablenoodle]

Just graduated, and I’ve been dragging myself by my hair through the last 4 years. here’s advice if you’re new to college:

Basic advice:

Make friends in your lectures. You will know some of those people all four years, and some of them are better at this than you. You’re still capable, but there’s always a bigger fish and you should make that fish into a study buddy

Get a job at a food court/ campus restaurant. You get a free meal, which might be your only one for the day if you don’t have a meal plan. Work can also be a mental break from academics.

Abuse office hours. Annoy your TA. make them scared to see you. TA’s are tired grad students and you won’t have a formal relationship with them: they are students too.

Study advice:

Flash cards are for review and rote learning only. 15-30 minute power review sessions for things you already know. If you’re going over familiar shit, do it in short, repetitive bursts.

Be the bitch with annoying decorative notes. Make it a game, it’ll force you to look at the material more. I will say though, make sure you decorate with purpose.

Those friends you made in lecture? That’s where you get the big studying done. If you’re going for a higher 4 hour long study sesh, bring other people. They know things you don’t and vice versa, so you can fill in the gaps for each other. This type of studying is for unfamiliar or confusing material.

Big study sessions usually only happen a couple weeks out from exams at most. Before exams, your homework is your main means of studying.

Just go to the lecture. I don’t care if it’s at 7:30 am, go. Participation points could be the difference between a B and a C.

TI-84 graphing calculator

Pub chem

If a professor, for some ungodly reason, says you aren’t allowed to work on the homework with other people, fuck that guy.

Your $168.99 textbook is likely a free PDF online.

Date someone who fills in your gaps. I dated an engineer I met in a physics class and it worked beautifully.

Mental health (my advice on this is very specific):

Basic advice: drink water regularly, eat vegetables, exercise. You know all this.

Stay far, far away from any substance called a “study buddy” or something like that

Get a hobby. Actually. Something to do in your free time to keep you from going insane. I personally like knitting and drawing, but it can be anything. I’d say avoid something involving technology because it’s easy to fall into that for hours at a time. Do something that engages your hands and your brain. You might not be creative, but creativity is good for you. Your painting looks like shit? The benefits you have reaped from its creation are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Good job.

If you are having any kind of hallucination (visual, auditory, presence, etc.), seek professional help immediately. I have lived half my life with the feeling of eyes on me and the presence of people who aren’t actually there and never tried to fix it because I could “work around it.” Just go get help. Hallucinations can also be a symptom of neurological issues and physical illness.

OCD and disorders involving psychosis are aggravated by stress. Your classes will stress you out. Disorders like this are scary and debilitating, so you absolutely need to be in therapy, possibly on medication. They also tend to be episodic, so you may have periods of recovery where your life quality improves. Do NOT be fooled: you still need to be in therapy even if you feel good. Preventative measures are the best measures!!

Social:

Get a job. Work friends are funnier and way more entertaining than any other kind of friend

I recommend a group of 2-4 people you chill with regularly. Movie night with them once a week (barring exam weeks and extenuating circumstances)

Talk with your roommates at least occasionally. It’s no fun living with total strangers.

Do not start smoking cigarettes. A lot of people are repulsed by the smell and it clings to you.

Hygiene. Mainly you should smell good. You don’t have to go crazy with an expensive perfume/ cologne, but shower and always have a decent scent. Also try not to wear stained clothes.

Not sure how useful this is, but it’s the first thing I could think of. I’ll come back and edit if I think of more.

[pub-lius]

hiiii :3

i just read your response to an ask about your reason for disliking ron chernow’s alexander hamilton book, and i wanted to ask if i can still use it as source for some info. i’ve done my fair share of research on various topics and my opinions/what i’ve read differentiated strongly sometimes from what he wrote, but some things are just hard to come by (as somebody not from the US who doesn’t have local resources and has to rely on stuff i can find online). what do you suggest i do if i want more accurate info? i know the founders archive but other than that i haven’t found a lot of trustworthy sources concerning the amrev that aren’t $300 textbooks?

idk- sorry this is really long :,) i’m not sure in im making any sense haha

Girl have you seen the length of my posts? This is not long at all, and you make perfect sense.

And if you have seen my posts, you may notice that Chernow is my most frequent citation because of how valuable his biographies are as sources. He does intensely thorough research and his index and bibliography are so extensive, I can’t even make a joke about getting them as a tramp stamp.

Chernow is a great source and I do recommend any starting Hamilton scholar to get a copy, if you have the means and patience. The downfalls of it are its a hard read and his personal interpretations are heavily skewed and biased in various directions, which is only different from other historians because he doesn’t give proper evidence and substantiation to these claims. All you need to have in order to recognize this is basic critical thinking skills. Tl;dr: Chernow is a great source, he’s just fucking annoying and I hate him.

One very good thing about Chernow is that his book is so (painfully) extensive, that it can serve as a source for more than just Hamilton, so there’s no shame in using him as a source for *checks notes* how the island of St. Kitts and Nevis was formed from a volcano, if you’re into that.

I see your inability to access US propaganda and I raise you youtube documentaries. That may sound crazy, but you can put it on in the background and cross reference between them (usually repeated details are closest to the truth). They can also be entertaining, especially if they’re from the 80s (i love the 80s). Additionally, if you’re looking for archives, @maip--macrothorax can tell you all the benefits of Internet Archive (if they aren’t too busy borrowing all of the books on there /lh). You can also find a lot of things on the Library of Congress’s website, and also my favorite governmental department:

THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE!!

Go to the national park service, it includes all the battlefields, important buildings, where important buildings used to be, the houses of historical figures, and really pretty parks (also like mount gaymore (rushmore) and shit but wtvr). They have tons of information and great archivists and librarians and i long for their jobs. Also, American Battlefield Trust, Mount Vernon, The Museum of the American Revolution, etc. also have great sources and tons of information- along with wonderful reenactments that they have on youtube!!

I also do my best to make these sources as accessible as possible, so if you do some perusing you might be able to find some of this stuff here, but I am always happy to answer asks with links or research though I am very slow (sorry). And of course, my dms are open and I probably wouldn’t be totally infuriated if you found me at my local library and asked for directions to the non-fiction section. I am the personal librarian of tumblr.com, so ask away and I’ll be there!!

[a-very-tired-jew]

Heyyy from one very tired jew to another

.. I wanna learn more about ecology! I wish we were using all our collective energy into saving planet instead *everything else*.

Do you work in that space? How would you recommend getting more involved? Or just wanting to learn more/nerd out about it?

So the thing is, there's a whole swath of people working on this.

There's so much research and application going on that does not get talked about because it's not "sexy" science. It doesn't make the news because it's not big world changing once in a lifetime advancements, it's little things that address a problem here or there that collectively make an impact. E.g. there is now research going into various blow flies (Calliphoridae) as pollinators. I know of 5 different entomologists in the world doing this. It's not making the news because flies are not "sexy" and don't need to be "saved". Flies are also considered gross, but according to one of my colleagues who is working on this they're major pollinators of things like onions, mangos, garlic, other crops, and non-crop plants that are important. Understanding their pollinator ecology let's us better understand how they interact with their environment, how they benefit it, and what we can do to better improve those benefits and thus address some of the negative impacts we have.

In regards to actually getting involved, that depends on what level of involvement you want. There are citizen science projects out there that necessitate non-scientists to collect data locally and send it back to the primary researcher for analysis.

There are extension offices that have educational materials and extension officers who give talks.

There are usually outreach events by ecology or entomology departments from big name colleges that can be attended.

There are, obviously, books on the topic. But I personally don't like them to become educated on things outside of textbooks as the nonfiction non-textbooks that we consider "pop science" usually have a singular author's bias or agenda in the text and are overly simplified. Honestly, if anyone suggests a pop science book to you just walk away. They're rarely good from a professional perspective.

Then you have to also think about what you're interested in as well.

Insect ecology? Reptiles? Freshwater? Marine? Physiological? Agricultural? and many more.

There's a lot of subfields to ecology and each of them have their own particular interests, projects, personnel, and so on.

Some universities might have the ability to audit or take a course for free if you're simply curious.

Also consider that local ecology is going to be different, so you might find online resources or information for ecology relating to the North East USA, but you live in the Midwest. Well things like the River Continuum Concept aren't really applicable to the Midwest as the theory was designed for rocky bottom water systems, not the sandy/soil based ones in America's FarmlandTM.

[classicslesbianopinions]

remembered i stole a copy of athenaze from my brother and was reading some of the passages because the online textbook i've been using doesn't have a lot of reading practice and i'm realizing i would really benefit from it but like. i kind of can't do it because every single passage is just. a farmer telling his slave to be less lazy and work more? and there's a lot of repetition which is great for learning but terrible if you don't want to just keep reading "don't be lazy and go work" over and over. and there's a whole inset in english explaining that yeah athenians had slaves but they didn't treat them that badly! alongside all the stories of this guy treating his slave badly as a joke. unenjoyable reading experience.

[jrbenvs3000f24]

Week 9: Truly Amazing Natural Phenomena

One of the most incredible natural phenomena I’m aware of I learned about in a viral post. Truthfully I don’t remember where I first heard it or what the source was, only that I was immediately skeptical. With many incredible tales about nature we hear about online, their sources and authenticity can be murky at best. It’s an issue I’ve found myself thinking about a lot this week in considering the ways nature can amaze and astound us, and the role technology plays in nature interpretation.

As we read this week, technology has some enormous benefits to offer us in nature interpretation: accessibility of information, connection to remote places and people, access to experts and resources (Beck et al., 2018). It also presents us with challenges, and while our textbook does a good job of describing many of these (effects on memory, interpersonal connection for example), I think it fails to adequately describe the dangers of misinformation in nature interpretation.

When Covid lockdowns were first put in place, I can remember my news feed being flooded with images of “nature healing itself”. Deer wandering through the streets, goats lounging in city parks. The assertion was that with less cars on the road, and everybody staying home, animals were free to roam once more. It was a nice thought, and to some extent - animal behaviour did change (Tandon, 2020), but a lot of these photos were fake, or entirely misattributed for a nice, heart-warming story. 

Which is why when I first read about the hermit crab house exchange, I assumed it was another instance of this. But nature really is more amazing than we can easily believe. Hermit crabs live in discarded shells of other crustaceans. They evolved without shells, nature’s squatters. As they grow, they often outgrow their found shells. Groups of hermit crabs will gather and form an actual organized line by size. They each leave their shells in an orderly queue, in order to trade-up. They take their new shells in order of largest to smallest, each waiting their turn to acquire their fancy new house (Osorno et al., 1998).

It really is one of the most incredible facts about animal behaviour I had heard, and it has the same ring of an uplifting, feel-good story. Luckily, this one is absolutely true and has been both studied and recorded. Humans love stories, and we especially love stories with an uplifting moral message. In this case: the crabs appear to be cooperating, though in reality this is an in-grained evolutionary behaviour with a perfectly reasonable explanation.

It may be tempting to see the fake images around covid lockdowns as innocent and harmless fiction. But in nature interpretation, the job of the interpreter is not only to provide a unique and meaningful experience, but to interpret nature as it is, not as we’d like to see it. Misinformation, even when it doesn’t lead directly to harmful beliefs, can erode trust and cause misconceptions about nature. And when the natural world is full of amazing phenomena, there’s no reason to exaggerate for effect: nature gives us plenty of wonderful material. 

Beck, L., Cable, T.T., Knudson, D.M. (2018). Interpreting Cultural and Natural Heritage: For a Better World. Sagamore Venture. 

Osorno, J., Fernández-Casillas, L., Rodrı́guez-Juárez, C. (1998). Are hermit crabs looking for light and large shells?: evidence from natural and field induced shell exchanges. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 222(1-2), 163-173. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-0981(97)00155-X

Tandon, A. (2020). Why do we keep falling for fake news about animals and what can go wrong? Mongabay. https://india.mongabay.com/2020/04/why-do-we-keep-falling-for-fake-news-about-animals-and-what-can-go-wrong/

[digitaldetoxworld]

Technology Integration Education Research A New Era

Technology  Integration Education Research  era has revolutionized the manner college students examine and teachers coach. From interactive digital gear and virtual classrooms to artificial intelligence (AI) and information-driven insights, generation is reshaping schooling on a global scale. This transformation is going beyond replacing conventional chalkboards with smartboards or textbooks with capsules. It offers a extra dynamic, personalized, and efficient studying experience that prepares college students for the demands of the twenty first-century workforce. As we discover the profound effect of technology integration in education, we're going to have a look at its advantages, challenges, and the approaches it's far shaping the future of mastering.

The Evolution of Technology in Education

Historically, education has been characterized by using traditional techniques of practice, which include lectures, textbooks, and hands-on activities. While these stay treasured, the appearance of era has brought a wealth of recent tools and assets that enhance the coaching and learning manner.

Technology in education began with the introduction of computers and the internet in classrooms, but it has on account that advanced into an atmosphere that includes smart gadgets, academic software program, on-line gaining knowledge of systems, and virtual studying environments. Schools and universities now contain era in multiple ways, from mixed getting to know models to fully on-line courses. This evolution allows for extra interactive, bendy, and reachable schooling for inexperienced persons of all ages.

The Benefits of Technology Integration in Education

Personalized Learning:

One of the most huge benefits of generation in schooling is its capability to facilitate customized gaining knowledge of reviews. With the assist of AI and system gaining knowledge of algorithms, educational platforms can tailor classes, quizzes, and exercises to individual college students’ learning speeds and patterns. This guarantees that each scholar gets guidance at their own tempo, minimizing frustration and maximizing comprehension.

Tools like adaptive getting to know software program analyze a scholar's progress and offer focused content that addresses their particular wishes. For instance, a pupil suffering with math can obtain extra practice troubles, at the same time as a greater advanced scholar is probably challenged with higher-degree questions.

Enhanced Engagement:

Interactive tools including instructional games, simulations, and multimedia content material make studying greater attractive and fun for students. Visual and audio elements help explain complicated concepts in approaches that conventional strategies won't, making studying extra reachable to visual and auditory inexperienced persons.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are also more and more being utilized in lecture rooms to create immersive studying studies. Students can discover historical civilizations, visit outer area, or dissect virtual animals, all with out leaving the study room. These gear captivate students’ interest and make gaining knowledge of more memorable.

Collaboration and Communication:

Technology enables collaboration amongst students, instructors, and even worldwide friends. Tools like Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom allow for real-time communique, document sharing, and collaborative tasks. Students can paintings collectively on assignments, talk thoughts, and supply peer feedback, regardless of their physical area.

In addition to pupil collaboration, era permits instructors to hold higher communication with students and mother and father. Online portals and apps offer instant updates on grades, assignments, and attendance, allowing for more obvious and ongoing feedback.

Accessibility and Inclusivity:

It  has the capacity to make schooling more inclusive via offering get admission to to resources for students with disabilities. For example, display readers and textual content-to-speech software help visually impaired college students, whilst speech recognition equipment help students with bodily or getting to know disabilities take part extra completely in elegance.

Online guides and digital textbooks additionally allow students from remote or underserved areas to get entry to high-quality education. With the rise of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), novices from around the arena can take publications from top universities without ever stepping foot on campus.

Global Learning Opportunities:

It  breaks down geographical limitations, allowing college students to connect to friends, teachers, and experts from around the sector. Through digital exchanges, college students can engage in cross-cultural projects, discussions, and studies. This international angle complements students’ expertise of various cultures and fosters empathy, crucial thinking, and worldwide citizenship.

Moreover, online structures like Coursera,  and Khan Academy offer college students get admission to to world-elegance schooling from pinnacle universities and establishments, regularly at little to no cost.

Data-Driven Insights:

Importance technology integration education   affords   educators with powerful equipment to collect and examine records on scholar performance. Learning control systems (LMS) and evaluation equipment generate unique reviews on student development, figuring out regions of electricity and people requiring in addition attention. This facts allows instructors to make knowledgeable decisions, adjust coaching techniques, and provide centered interventions to help student getting to know.

Predictive analytics also can help become aware of students who are vulnerable to falling behind, allowing instructors to interfere early and offer the vital help to preserve them on the right track.

[mailscannedmediamail]

USPS Media Mail Guide: Shipping Educational Materials at Lower Costs

When it comes to shipping educational materials, textbooks, and other printed media, finding a cost-effective option is crucial. USPS Media Mail is an ideal solution for sending such items without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what USPS Media Mail is, its benefits, how to use it effectively, and important considerations to keep in mind.

What is USPS Media Mail?

USPS Media Mail is a specialized postal service designed specifically for sending educational materials and media at reduced rates. This service is offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and is particularly beneficial for shipping books, manuscripts, CDs, DVDs, and other educational materials. It provides a cost-effective alternative to standard shipping methods.

Benefits of Using USPS Media Mail

Cost Savings: Media Mail is significantly cheaper than other USPS services like Priority Mail or First-Class Mail. This makes it an excellent choice for bulk shipments or for businesses looking to reduce shipping costs.

Tracking and Delivery Confirmation: While Media Mail is an economical choice, it doesn’t skimp on essential features. USPS provides tracking and delivery confirmation options, ensuring you can monitor your shipment's progress from start to finish.

No Weight Limits: Unlike some shipping methods, Media Mail has no weight limit, which means you can send large quantities of educational materials without worrying about extra charges.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Media Mail rates, your shipment must meet specific criteria:

Content Restrictions: Media Mail can only be used for shipping educational materials such as books, manuscripts, sound recordings, and films. The content must be educational or informational. Items like advertisements, catalogs, and promotional material do not qualify.

Packaging Requirements: Ensure that your items are properly packaged. Media Mail packages should be securely wrapped to prevent damage during transit. It’s also important to label your shipment accurately to avoid delays or additional charges.

How to Use USPS Media Mail

Prepare Your Package: Start by securely packaging your items. Make sure the package is well-sealed and durable enough to withstand handling during transit. Use sturdy boxes or padded envelopes as needed.

Labeling: Clearly label your package with the recipient’s address and your return address. USPS Media Mail requires a specific address label and postage. You can print these labels using the USPS website or at your local post office.

Postage: Calculate the postage required for your shipment based on its weight and dimensions. USPS provides an online postage calculator to help you determine the correct postage amount.

Drop-off or Pickup: You can drop off your Media Mail packages at any USPS location. Alternatively, you can schedule a pickup if you have multiple packages or prefer the convenience of having your mail collected from your location.

Important Considerations

Delivery Time: Media Mail is a cost-effective option, but it can be slower compared to other shipping methods. Delivery times may vary based on the distance and volume of mail being processed. On average, Media Mail delivery takes 2 to 8 days.

Restricted Items: Ensure that your shipment meets all eligibility criteria for Media Mail. Items that do not qualify may incur additional charges or be returned to the sender.

Insurance and Tracking: While Media Mail includes tracking, you may want to consider additional insurance for valuable or fragile items. USPS offers insurance options that can be added to your Media Mail shipment for added peace of mind.

Conclusion

USPS Media Mail is a fantastic option for shipping educational materials and media at a lower cost. Its affordability, combined with reliable tracking and delivery confirmation, makes it an attractive choice for both individuals and businesses. By understanding the eligibility requirements, preparing your packages correctly, and considering important factors like delivery time and restricted items, you can make the most of this cost-effective shipping solution. For further information or assistance, visit the USPS website or contact your local post office.

SITES WE SUPPORT

Mail Scanned Media Mail – ​​​Wix

[snakebites-and-ink]

Only halfway through the first week of semester and already:

I heard two women do a roleplay/improv or something of lovers reuniting after a war when they met outside of the classroom

I saw someone casually unicycling around campus

Someone shared a link to a free pirated version of the textbook with everyone in the class.

...maybe there are some benefits to taking classes in person instead of all online.

[rabbitcruiser]

International Bat Appreciation Day

Bats can eat as many as 1,000 mosquitoes a day. Help preserve these crucial creatures by donating to a conservation, volunteering, or spreading awareness.

Bats have a terrible reputation among people because they’re seen as scary bloodsuckers that will spread diseases. However, according to scientists, very rarely do they spread diseases and few species drink blood, but rather eat fruit.

The population of bats has been depleting, and that is a problem because they contribute to the ecosystem more so than people think. International Bat Appreciation Day aims to show love for these flying mammals and teach people the importance of bats in today’s world.

Learn about International Bat Appreciation Day

On International Bat Appreciation Day, we are reminded of the important role that bats play in our day-to-day lives. You may not think that bats have any impact on your life at all! In fact, you may not really give much thought to this animal. However, did you know that bats can eat as many as 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour? That’s 1,000 fewer mosquitoes that could possibly bite you! As bats are insectivorous, they actually get rid of a lot of annoying insects, and so we have a lot to thank them for. They role in the circle of life definitely benefits us.

International Bat Appreciation Day encourages us to learn more about these species and the role they play in nature. It is a good opportunity for you to learn more about bats, and you will find plenty of information online and in animal textbooks as well. After all, there are some very interesting facts about this species.

You probably know that bats are able to see in the dark and that they use their extreme sense of hearing. But, did you know that they are the only type of mammal that is able to fly in a true and sustained way? Did you also know that bats are pollinators? This means that, along with the likes of butterflies and bees, they provide a critical link in our supply of food.

There are lots of other interesting facts that you can learn about bats on International Bat Appreciation Day. This includes the fact that there are more than 1,200 known species of bat. Around 70 percent of these bats are insectivores. Bats also grow in a number of different sizes. The Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox Bat is one of the biggest bats. It has a wingspan as big as five-feet, seven-inches, weighing up to four lbs. Bats also groom themselves constantly, making them very clean animals, which is something a lot of people do not realize.

In the United States, there are roughly 48 species of bats that call this their home. Three states in the U.S. also have an official state bat. The Virginia Big-Eared Bat is the state bat in Virginia. The Mexican Free-Tailed Bat is the state bat of Oklahoma. Finally, this bat – the Mexican Free-Tailed Bat – is also the state bat of Texas.

History of International Bat Appreciation Day

Bat Conservation International started International Bat Appreciation Day to focus on protecting all the different species of bats. Bats protect ecosystems and help make sure our planet has a healthier future.

Bat Conservation International was founded in 1982 by a group of scientists concerned about our planet’s bats. After lots of research, they discovered that bats are important to help keep nature in balance, and are important to a lot of industries.

Scientists such as Dr. Merlin Tuttle, a recognized authority on bats, formed the organization. He made important progress by teaching more sustainable uses of natural resources that benefit both bats and people.

Bats play a significant role in the ecosystem of the world. There are over 1,300 species of bats in the world. Bats helps control agricultural pests, pollinate flowers and fruit, and create rich fertilizer for landowners, farmers, and local communities.

Without these bats, plants would fail at providing food for other wildlife species and surrounding ecosystems. Bats are one of the most under-studied animals, even though many of those bats are considered critically endangered, threatened, or vulnerable.

Forest depleting, inappropriate guano mining and thoughtless tourism have caused a substantial decrease in the populations of bats everywhere. International Bat Appreciation Day aims to change the perspective on these misunderstood creatures and encourage people to help protect bats everywhere.

How to celebrate International Bat Appreciation Day

Want to celebrate these furry, flying creatures of the night? Help support your local bat conservation organization by donating or volunteering to protect these adorable creatures. Share your love of bats with your friends and family by sharing facts about the different kinds of bats out there in the wild.

Take the time to educate people about the importance of bats in the world’s ecosystem. If you’re looking into becoming a biologist to study bats, then organizations such as the Bat Conservation International for career opportunities to help protect the world’s bats from extinction.

You can also expand your knowledge by taking a look online and reading up more about the species. There are also some good bat documentaries, which you can watch online or on television.

Another fun way to celebrate International Bat Appreciation Day is to watch some of the Batman movies! This fictional superhero first appeared in 1939 in Detective Comics #27. There have been a lot of different Batman films over the years. This includes the 1989 Batman, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice from 2016, the 2006 The Dark Knight, Dark Knight Rises from 2012, and a number of others! So, get the popcorn in and celebrate this famous bat superhero!

Source

[wumblr]

let's have a hard talk. these insufferable takes on AI are not advancing the discussion. the discussion was miles beyond this "takes work from artist" "consumer boycott must be the answer" dead on arrival poor substitute for an analysis, years ago, when timnit gebru got fired from google, for making what is now, because of her, the trivially obvious observation that large datasets may be too large to manually analyse for bias.

like congratulations. you have hit upon the point of capek's RUR, origin of the word robot, from a hundred years ago. were you going to take another point from back before the dust bowl or was that it? it's not just automation that takes surplus value from labor, it's any increase in efficiency. this is the first textbook feature of the economic model we're living under. luddites genuinely had more sense for nuance when the loom threatened to extract value from their labor at a pace never before seen. this is not that. luddites were producing textiles that people actually bought. you aren't.

aside from that, the implication that this is on par with like, a museum heist, or art forgery (both of which are, by the way, through a lens that includes class analysis, badass) is laughable. you are not selected for exhibition by making posts online, you are participating in a social medium where your continued pageviews are the source of advertising revenue. you are not bourgeoise, you are proletarian. your deviantart was search engine optimized to the point that it was trivial to pull five billion carbon copies of you off google images with like a two-line API call. you are not unique, you are one drop in a lost generation's renaissance. maybe if you don't want your work "stolen" you shouldn't be posting an endlessly reproducible digital copy to the world wide web? it's been seven years since twitter killed vine for trying to set the precedent that collective action can produce wage, can we bring back that level of foresight yet? or are you happy settling for tiktok because they deign to curate a ""creators fund"" for white heterosexuals? go buy a lottery ticket

i've said it before but this is a structured argument, presented to you with two neatly-collimated "sides," one that says every possible piece of data should be available for free for capitalist class to build automation out of it, and one that says pirating endlessly reproducible goods belonging the capitalist class should have harsher punishment. this is intentional, not unique, not new. it's the perverse dialectic of capital. you can only argue a side that benefits it.

the absence of nuanced intersectional perspective here is embarrassing. beyond that it's painfully obvious people are taking it personally, as if you had any chance to make rent as an artist, regardless of what procedural generation or neural networks might do. it's a selfish, blindly individualistic, mass manufactured wholesale bargain basement opinion, one that does not serve to advance any collective good, because it's based in the pipe dream of suddenly jumping three tax brackets to become bourgeoise. beyond that, doesn't it cheapen your art to only ever make saleable products? beyond that, it's painfully obvious none of you have ever tried using a neural network. from computer science or statistical perspectives, these constructs are novel and fascinating (or, the advent of cheap processing power sufficient to allow decades-old theory to flourish, which let's be honest, this power relies on an exploitative global network of rare mineral resource extraction and high precision manufacturing, which is yet one more topic i haven't once seen broached in the months this stultifyingly dull conversation has been ongoing.)

blaming a novelty for the ills of capitalism is nonsense, and it's not why luddites opposed the loom.

and let me just tell you, working with a code construct also does not improve your chances as an artist, which is the main point i wish i could get across. aside from the absence of intersectionality there's also an absence of class analysis, in which context it's, again, painfully obvious that no capitalist has ever cared one whit about art. even when they deign to take on a patronage it's as a backhanded PR stunt, like the unpaid notre dame roof pledges, to offset the ill repute they've accrued from extracting value for personal gain, while contributing nothing except the directive power their birthright of wealth gave them. this is the main critique i had about age of surveillance capitalism -- zuboff seems to think a return to ford-era capitalism, where the rich bothered to endow museums (to curate what they exclude) or pay a livable wage (in order to recapture it as sales), would solve the fundamental problem of value extraction from labor and natural resources for the barefaced sake of the profit motive. unremarkable and unsurprising for tenured faculty of harvard, how else would she sell books? but for some foolhardy reason i expected better from my peers.

your aspirations of small business aren't going to flourish if you suddenly got everything you claim to want and they banned every code construct from competing with you. you are not in competition with capital. you are nothing to it, it will kill you in total indifference without blinking, surely you ought to know this by now, it will bus in scab slave labor from prison to ramp up production despite a boycott in solidarity with a strike, and it's going to remain this way as long as capital survives. whether or not an algorithm or a network or an artifice is involved is irrelevant to the fundamental problem that it's a winner-takes-all game that ended before you were born. unless and until you want to start challenging the police that uphold the state or the insurance trust that pays to replace its points of failure, you're doing surface level armchair analysis on a problem that only the extremely online care about. arguing over what color of icing is on the cake you're never going to be eating while you starve for lack of bread.

and like... i get it. after the pandemic that we're still going through, you want to refocus on the things that really make you happy. but i've got to say, refocusing on art until you starve because you didn't manage to figure out self-sufficience during a recession is a sad way to die. perhaps you should consider the necessity of survival as a precursor to contentment. and to be clear i am saying this specifically because i care whether you survive and because i am interested in the artworks you are making or in your future potential. but you can't focus on that to the exclusion of all else, dog eat dog world and that means every day i have to see someone get ate. now for the last time, for god's sake can you stop yelling "this is because of code constructs" every time a dog eats your purported art commission revenue because it's really hurting MY purported small business revenue, selling products of code constructs,

[bookwyrminspiration]

I mean obviously it would suck if you were trying to find a textbook and they didn't give the title/author because then you can't figure out who you're reading to cite it, but are you against pirating textbooks.........?

No, I'm not. The prices of many textbooks are positively absurd for no reason but to make a profit because they're necessary (in a college environment) and we don't have a choice.

I'm a huge fan of secondhand sellers, passing books down, using the library, online versions, and pirating textbooks.

The crux of the issue with reposting is the lack of attribution, because that means people aren't getting credit and, in the case of creatives, are losing work. Someone seeing an art piece reposted without name or how to find the artist who wants to commission them can't. Posts with others' work going viral without credit doesn't give the op any of the benefits of that, and also is simply stealing their effort, which is rude and disgusting as hell.

Pirating can also be harmful, like if you're pirating a small indie author who doesn't have the numbers or support to afford it. In which case I heavily recommend libraries and book swaps with friends, so they still get their numbers. But textbooks don't fall under that category--buying them (sometimes even buying used) is a huge financial burden we can't opt out of, and the publishers who are taking the majority of that money are going to be fine.

I don't have any sites myself to recommend, but go forth and learn freely <3

[economicshomeworkhelper]

Winning Moves: A Guide to Game Theory Homework Success

Game Theory, a branch of mathematics and economics, analyzes strategic interactions among rational decision-makers. As students dive into the complexities of Game Theory, they often find themselves grappling with intricate concepts and challenging problem sets. If you find yourself in a situation where you need personalized guidance, searching for "Write My Game Theory Homework" or "Game Theory Homework Help" can lead you to professional services. Whether you're seeking assistance online or looking to tackle the problems on your own, this guide will pave the way for Game Theory homework success.

Understanding the Basics

Before delving into specific strategies, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of the basics of Game Theory. Familiarize yourself with key terms such as players, strategies, payoffs, and Nash equilibrium. If you're unsure about any concept, don't hesitate to consult your class notes, textbooks, or reliable online resources. Establishing a strong foundation will make the subsequent moves in your Game Theory journey much smoother.

Write My Game Theory Homework – Online Assistance

One winning move in your Game Theory homework strategy is seeking online assistance. The internet is a vast repository of knowledge, and there are dedicated platforms that offer expert help.

Online Game Theory homework help services often employ experienced tutors and experts in the field who can provide step-by-step explanations and solutions to your homework problems. When choosing a service, make sure to read reviews and testimonials to ensure the reliability and quality of the assistance provided. These platforms can be valuable resources to help you understand complex concepts and excel in your Game Theory coursework.

Strategic Approaches to Game Theory Homework

Now that you've laid the groundwork, it's time to explore some strategic approaches to tackle your Game Theory homework effectively:

Divide and Conquer: Break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. Focus on solving one aspect at a time, gradually building up to the complete solution. This approach allows you to concentrate on specific concepts and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed.

Study Groups: Forming or joining a study group can be a game-changer. Collaborating with classmates allows you to benefit from diverse perspectives and share insights. Discussing problems with others can lead to a deeper understanding of the material and expose you to alternative solution strategies.

Practice Regularly: Game Theory is a subject that improves with practice. Set aside dedicated time each day to work on problems and reinforce your understanding of key concepts. The more you practice, the more confident and adept you will become in applying Game Theory principles.

Utilize Resources: Take advantage of online resources, textbooks, and lecture notes. Refer to reputable websites, video tutorials, and examples that can provide additional clarity on specific topics. Don't hesitate to explore multiple resources until you find the ones that resonate with your learning style.

Seek Clarification: If you encounter difficulties with specific concepts or problems, don't hesitate to seek clarification from your professor or teaching assistant. They are there to help you succeed and can provide valuable insights to ensure you grasp the nuances of Game Theory.

Online Game Theory Homework Help – A Convenient Solution

When you find yourself stuck on a particularly challenging problem or facing time constraints, online Game Theory homework help can be a convenient and effective solution. By searching for relevant keywords such as "Write My Game Theory Homework," you can connect with experts who specialize in providing tailored assistance.

These services often offer round-the-clock support, ensuring that you can access help when you need it the most. Additionally, the interactive nature of online assistance allows for real-time communication, enabling you to ask questions and receive immediate feedback. This personalized approach can significantly enhance your understanding of Game Theory concepts and boost your confidence in tackling homework assignments.

Conclusion

In the game of mastering Game Theory, strategic moves and thoughtful approaches are key to success. Whether you choose to tackle your homework independently, collaborate with peers, or seek online assistance, the goal remains the same: understanding and applying the principles of Game Theory effectively.

By laying a strong foundation, breaking down complex problems, and leveraging the resources available, you can navigate the challenges of Game Theory homework with confidence. Remember, the journey to success in Game Theory is not a solo endeavor – utilize the support systems around you, both in your academic community and online, to ensure victory in every move you make.

[hotforharrison]

Life has been kind of crazy in the worst possible way this month.

It feels like so much more than 3 weeks since the day I filed for divorce on July 1, which was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

I meant every word of my vows on that Thursday afternoon in September 2010 when my marriage began. I thought we were going to be each other's person for the rest of our lives, not for that to slip through my fingers because I was careless with his heart, and I can't put into words how deeply I regret it.

I never expected his embrace to hurt the way it does now, and the worst part of it is that he's the only one here to hug. He was the biggest source of my comfort for so many years, and even if he was here to hold me right now, it wouldn't be the same. What we had is completely gone.

It still kill me that I don't remember the last time we had sex, the last time we shared the bed we slept in together every night, and I woke up to him like I did so many times over the years.

He told me that we could have sex again on a friends with benefits basis, but I don't want to. It would destroy me.

Anyway, the power has been back on for a full week now after 8 days without in the godawful Texas summer heat, with only a few brief interruptions, mostly tonight when we had a thunderstorm.

We've spent the last week and a half, starting before the power even came back on, getting quotes from contractors for repairs for the extensive damages. The hurricane damages to the house I live in are in the tens of thousands of dollars.

(The house was downgraded from what was my home before my marriage ended because it feels like I'm surrounded by the devastating loss and ghosts of him and the love and life we shared for so long. It's agonizing just being here a lot of the time.)

We're not sure what the homeowners' insurance is going to cover for the repairs, which is terrifying, and we need to figure out how to work with FEMA if the insurance isn't helpful.

I'm also worried the HOA we're in will start giving us problems if we can't get the repairs done very quickly.

This month has been such shit in so many ways.

I desperately need my weekly counseling sessions, and my counselor cancelled this week. I've had only one of my weekly appointments this month due to cancellations and the hurricane, which is taking its toll on me.

In more positive and hopeful news, I had an appointment last Thursday with my job counselor at the state run employment program I was accepted into.

They'll pay fully for my schooling, textbooks, and supplies to get a degree or certificate from a local community college and offer job placement services after graduation.

I need a job I can do remotely, and I originally intended to pursue a year long certificate program in medical billing and coding. However, all of the local programs required on campus courses and capstones, which I cannot do.

I looked into every single fully online degree or certificate program that the local community colleges offered that aren't any longer than two years (my ex-husband agreed to let me stay here rent free for a few years while I get myself sorted) and settled on an Associate degree program in mobile/web application development.

I applied for the program today.

I wanted something with a decent level of job security, and I don't think phones are going anywhere. There's the possibility of freelance work on the side as well.

Considering and pursuing a career in technology is nothing new to me.

I went to a public university for an information technology program for 2 years after I graduated from high school, followed by a technical school for computer network operations for a year.

I never ended up working in the industry because it was saturated at my time of graduation, and they wanted me to have experience for an entry level position, which I found endlessly ironic.

I was told more than once by potential employers that I should have done an internship before I graduated to gain experience, which would have been fantastic to know while I was still in school and not with the days ticking down until I had to start repaying my student loans.

I desperately hope that I can transfer some of the roughly 20 year old credits over from the university I went to to cover the general education portion of the degree and maybe trim off a semester. (While technology absolutely has changed since the 2000s, some things haven't changed, like an introductory English or history course.)