#but lets digest this media critically for a minute

[suganya09]

How to Utilize Social Media Effectively for IAS Current Affairs Preparation

Social media, often considered a distraction, can actually be a powerful tool for IAS aspirants when used wisely. Platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Telegram are treasure troves of current affairs updates, analytical discussions, and exam-related resources. However, the key lies in using these platforms effectively to complement your IAS preparation rather than letting them derail your focus. Here's how you can make the most of social media for your current affairs preparation.

1. Follow Reputable Pages and Channels

Identify and follow verified pages, YouTube channels, and accounts that provide authentic and concise updates on current events. Channels like Rajya Sabha TV, PIB (Press Information Bureau), and government portals offer reliable content tailored for IAS aspirants. Avoid sources with sensationalized or biased information.

2. Join Relevant Groups on Telegram and WhatsApp

Many IAS aspirants and educators share summarized current affairs, topic-wise notes, and practice quizzes on Telegram and WhatsApp groups. Join communities focused on UPSC preparation to stay updated with daily news digests and interactive discussions. Be selective to avoid information overload.

3. Use Twitter for Real-Time Updates

Twitter can be an excellent tool to track real-time updates from ministries, international organizations, and prominent personalities. Follow accounts like the Ministry of External Affairs, NITI Aayog, and leading newspapers like The Hindu. Additionally, hashtags like #UPSC or #CurrentAffairs can lead you to discussions or resources that are directly relevant.

4. Watch Analytical Discussions on YouTube

Instead of scrolling through endless content, subscribe to channels that provide daily news analysis or editorials relevant to IAS preparation. Ensure the content aligns with the syllabus and offers critical perspectives rather than just raw facts.

5. Curate Your Feed

Social media algorithms show you content based on your engagement. Make a conscious effort to interact with educational posts, and unfollow or mute non-relevant accounts to ensure your feed remains focused on your preparation needs.

6. Set Time Limits for Social Media Use

It’s easy to get carried away while browsing social media. Set fixed times, such as 30 minutes a day, to consume content related to current affairs. Apps that track screen time can help you stay disciplined.

7. Save and Organize Useful Content

Most social media platforms have features to save content. Create folders or collections to organize news articles, infographics, and videos for easy reference during revision.

8. Avoid Misinformation and Fake News

Cross-verify any information you find on social media with credible sources like government websites or reputed newspapers. Rely only on authentic accounts to ensure accuracy.

9. Participate in Online Discussions and Quizzes

Engage in constructive debates or answer quizzes shared on platforms like Telegram or Instagram. This not only enhances your knowledge but also improves your ability to articulate answers effectively.

10. Stay Focused on Your Goal

While social media is a great tool, it should never replace core preparation activities like reading standard books or practicing mock tests. Use it only as a supplementary resource.

Conclusion

Social media, when used strategically, can be a game-changer in your IAS preparation, especially for current affairs. By following authentic sources, engaging in meaningful discussions, and maintaining discipline, you can turn this powerful platform into an ally for your success.

If you are preparing for other competitive exams and looking for structured guidance, consider enrolling in the TNPSC coaching centre in Coimbatore. With expert faculty, personalized mentorship, and comprehensive study materials, it’s the ideal place to accelerate your preparation and achieve your dreams.

This blog offers practical tips on leveraging social media effectively, while encouraging readers to explore the TNPSC coaching centre in Coimbatore for their exam preparation needs.

[global-bulletin]

The Rise of Global Bulletins: Keeping the World Informed in Real-Time

In today's fast-paced, interconnected world, staying informed is more crucial than ever. As global events unfold, they can have immediate and far-reaching impacts on industries, governments, and individuals alike. This need for timely, accurate information has given rise to the prominence of global bulletins. But what exactly are global bulletins, and why have they become so important? Let’s explore their role in modern information dissemination and how they are shaping the future of news.

What Is a Global Bulletin?

A Global Bulletin is a real-time, concise news update that delivers breaking stories from around the world. Unlike traditional news articles, global bulletins are designed to be short, to the point, and focused on key facts. They provide readers with quick insights into major events happening across the globe, ranging from political changes and economic updates to social issues and natural disasters.

These bulletins are often distributed via digital platforms, including websites, mobile apps, and social media channels. The goal is simple: deliver important news to people as efficiently as possible, wherever they are.

The Growing Importance of Global Bulletins

In an era where information is abundant, the challenge isn’t finding the news—it’s keeping up with it. With major events occurring almost every minute, staying on top of global developments can feel overwhelming. Global bulletins address this issue by offering snapshots of the most critical stories in a digestible format.

Here are some key reasons why global bulletins have become an essential tool for modern news consumption:

Speed and Accessibility The world moves quickly, and people need information as it happens. Global bulletins are designed to provide near-instantaneous updates on major news stories. Their brevity and focus make them easy to consume on-the-go, whether you're commuting, at work, or relaxing at home. Many news platforms now offer notifications, so users receive alerts about important events right on their smartphones.

Concise, Clear Information Unlike long-form articles or in-depth investigative reports, global bulletins cut through the noise. They focus on essential facts without unnecessary commentary, making it easy for readers to understand the core elements of a story in seconds. This is particularly useful for those who don’t have time to dive deep into news stories but still want to stay informed.

A Global Perspective One of the major advantages of global bulletins is their broad scope. These updates span continents, providing insights into world events that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether it’s a political shift in Europe, a market crash in Asia, or a humanitarian crisis in Africa, global bulletins keep you in the loop about the world beyond your immediate surroundings.

Real-Time Relevance In the world of digital news, relevance is key. Global bulletins are updated constantly, ensuring that the information you receive is always fresh. This makes them particularly useful during major, unfolding events, such as elections, natural disasters, or global summits, where minute-by-minute updates are crucial.

How Global Bulletins Are Evolving

The popularity of global bulletins has driven innovation in how they are delivered. Many platforms now incorporate multimedia elements, such as video snippets, infographics, and interactive maps, to make the information more engaging and easier to understand. Furthermore, artificial intelligence is playing an increasing role in curating and personalizing these updates, ensuring that users see the stories most relevant to them.

Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook also play a significant role in spreading global bulletins, allowing users to share and discuss major news stories in real-time. As more people turn to social media for news, platforms are becoming key players in the global bulletin ecosystem.

Conclusion

In an age of rapid information exchange, global bulletins are revolutionizing how we consume news. By delivering timely, relevant updates from around the world, they ensure that individuals stay informed without being overwhelmed by information overload. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect global bulletins to become even more dynamic, further shaping the future of news consumption.

Staying informed in our fast-paced world is essential, and Global Bulletin make it possible to keep up with the most important developments, no matter where they happen.

[govindhtech]

E Learning Trends: Shaping the Future of Education

E learning trends

Technological improvements and changing learner expectations have transformed education. Once a supplement, e-learning is now a primary education method for many. Several schooling trends are emerging from this shift. This article discusses these trends’ effects and possibilities.

E-learning trends 2024 Personalized Education Personalization adapts education to individual needs, interests, and talents. E-learning platforms may customize material and learning paths using data analytics and AI. For instance, adaptive learning systems monitor student performance and adjust material and difficulty.

Benefits: Relevance to interests and understanding keeps students interested. Results: Personalised learning helps detect and address learning gaps, improving academic achievement. Challenges:

Privacy: Personal data presents security and privacy concerns. Development and maintenance of adaptive learning systems are expensive and time-consuming. Microlearning Microlearning delivers little, digestible pieces of material. This trend enables professionals and adult learners fit learning into their busy schedules. Microlearning courses usually include 10-15 minute films, quizzes, and interactive exercises.

Benefits: It’s easier to balance studying with other responsibilities when learners may access content at their convenience. Information retention and cognitive overload are improved by short, targeted learning sessions. Challenges:

For complicated subjects that require in-depth study, microlearning may not be suitable. Integration: Aligning microlearning modules with learning goals is difficult. Gamification Gamification makes learning fun by adding game design features. Leaderboards, badges, and points are examples. Achievement and competitiveness drive students.

Benefits: Gamification motivates students by appealing to their inherent desire for success and competition. Increased Engagement: Fun and interactive learning can boost participation. Challenges: Rewards Overemphasis: Students may choose rewards over learning. Implementation complexity: Effective gamified experiences involve preparation and design skills. Mobile learning

Mobile learning (m-learning) has grown with smartphones and tablets. M-learning makes learning easier by letting students access content anytime, anyplace.

Benefits: Quality education is available to remote and underserved students via mobile devices. Flexible: Learners can study during commutes or breaks. Challenges: Device Limitations: Mobile devices’ small screens and processing power can hamper learning. Connectivity: M-learning requires reliable internet access, which can be difficult in some areas. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) E-learning is becoming more immersive and engaging with Virtual Reality(VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). VR can simulate medical and engineering, while AR can overlay digital information on the real environment to improve learning.

Benefits: Virtual and augmented reality enhance learning by providing hands-on experience and practical application. Engagement: These technologies generate student interest through interactive learning. Challenges: Excellent VR and AR equipment and content development are costly. Technological Challenges: These technologies require strong technological infrastructure and knowledge. Social learning Social learning enhances education through social contact. Online discussion forums, social media, and collaborative projects help students learn, share, and think critically.

Benefits:

Collaboration: Promotes student teamwork and learning. Peer interactions promote critical thinking and problem-solving in social learning situations. Challenges: Facilitating productive and courteous conversations involves moderation. If misused for teaching, social media can be distracting. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Autonomous administrative duties, intelligent tutoring, and personalised learning are revolutionising e-learning with Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence can analyse big data to reveal student performance and learning habits.

Benefits: Efficiency: Grading and administrative activities can be automated by Artificial Intelligence, letting teachers focus on teaching. AI-driven analytics can personalise learning for each student. Challenges: Data privacy and algorithmic prejudice are ethical concerns with Artificial Intelligence. Dependency: Artificial Intelligence overuse can lessen human educators’ role. Blended Learning Blended learning mixes online and face-to-face training. This method offers flexibility and direct teacher-student connection.

Benefits: Students can learn in-person or online, allowing different learning styles. By mixing teaching approaches, blended learning offers a more complete education. Challenges: Effective blended learning programmes require careful design and resource allocation. Making sure all pupils have the right tech can be difficult. Lifetime Learning Lifelong learning emphasizes on-going education and skill development. A variety of e-learning courses lets people master new skills or upgrade old ones at their own speed.

Benefits: Career advancement: Learning new skills through lifelong learning keeps people competitive. Lifelong Learning: Learning enhances personal and intellectual growth. Challenges: High motivation and discipline are needed for self-directed learning. Quality Assurance: Online course credibility is tough to ensure. E learning trends for the future As technology and learner demands change, e-learning is altering education. Personalised learning, microlearning, gamification, mobile learning, VR and AR, social learning, AI, blended learning, and lifelong learning are making education more accessible, engaging, and effective. To reach their full potential, these trends must overcome obstacles. E-learning will increasingly play a significant role in offering quality education to learners globally, adjusting to their requirements and preparing them for the future.

Read more on Govindhtech.com

[kkoprovideo]

What is the Optimal Length of a Video to Market Your Brand?

People watch videos because they want to be entertained. They want to consume content on their own terms. If you do not give them this option, then you are missing out on a lot of things. To avoid missing out on this opportunity, then make sure to collaborate with a company video production agency to help you out.

Company Video Production — The Optimal Length of the Video Capturing and retaining the attention of your audience is vital. One key aspect to consider when creating marketing videos is the length. With shrinking attention spans and an abundance of content vying for your viewer’s time, finding the optimal length for your marketing videos can significantly impact their effectiveness.

The Right Length — Short and Snappy

Shorter videos are gaining popularity. They tend to perform better in terms of viewer engagement. Attention spans have become shorter, and viewers are often looking for quick, easily digestible content. Snappy videos of 15 to 30 seconds can capture attention effectively, deliver a concise message, and leave a lasting impression. These bite-sized videos are particularly effective for social media platforms, where users scroll through their feeds rapidly.

Video Context

Indeed, shorter videos work well in various scenarios, the optimal length can vary depending on the context and platform. For instance, on platforms like Instagram, where users are accustomed to scrolling quickly, shorter videos perform better. However, on platforms like YouTube or LinkedIn, where users expect more in-depth content, longer videos can be more suitable.

The 1 to 2-Minute Rule

If your videos require detailed information, you should aim for 1 to 2 minutes. This length lets you engage viewers, deliver your core message, and maintain their attention without overwhelming them. By condensing your content into a concise format, you can ensure that your key points are communicated effectively.

Complexity of the Message

When determining the optimal length, it is vital to consider the complexity of the message that you wish to convey. If your video requires in-depth explanations or showcases intricate details, it might be necessary to extend the duration to provide sufficient information. However, it is critical to strike a balance and avoid overloading your audience with excessive content.

Testing and Iteration

While there are general guidelines, it is vital to note that the optimal length of a marketing video can vary depending on your target audience, industry, and the goals of your campaign. Hence, it is pertinent that you carry out A/B testing and analyze viewer engagement metrics to identify what works best for your particular audience. You should also experiment with different lengths, track audience behavior, and iterate based on the insights you gather.

Engagement Matters

The key to success lies in engaging your audience, regardless of your video’s length. A captivating storyline, high-quality visuals, and effective calls to action are essential elements that can keep viewers hooked. Focus on delivering value, evoking emotions, and sparking interest within the time frame you choose.

Talk to the Experts

If you wish to invest in video marketing, make sure you are working with the pros. Find out more about how to wow your audience by talking to our company video production team, by sending us an email.

[bloomingdead]

as annoying as it is Solas’ villain arc (so far) actually makes sense. he helped the inquisition save the world but secretly only for the sake of elvhen restoration. and if you romanced him he literally just fell in love w Lavellan by accident. it makes sense that he is conflicted because he is in love with someone that exposes him to human, dwarven, elven, and qunari people of incredibly different backgrounds who he ends up warming to. Or if you didn’t romance him, he’s still close friends with someone who exposes him to all that. not to mention the inquisitor saving the ENTIRE world of Thedas regardless of anyone’s race. and in the case of Lavellan (or really any inquisitor that doesn’t believe in the chantry) unifying these people under a banner she doesn’t even believe in just for this cause that she sees as bigger than herself. he feels for the people he plans to disregard who exist in this world, but he believes they simply never should have existed in this state to begin with.

he truly believes that the world is simply broken, and that he is the only one aware of how to save it. he believes all disagreements/wars/slavery in this world ultimately reach back to the fall of Elvhenan and the creation of the veil (“his” world). Solas does not see this place, this “Thedas,” as the same world he chose to enter his slumber in. he feels so detached from the world around him that he cannot let the fault be on him, he is not the one who is in the wrong place, but instead it’s EVERYTHING around him that is wrong.

i think people tend to forget (since his ultimate goal is restoring the elvhen people) that regardless of how righteous his rebellion may seem, his plan is extremist in nature. he plans to expose EVERYONE to magic in a world that is overwhelmingly fearful and hateful towards mages. imagine how scared those people will be receiving or witnessing magic like they’ve never seen before. think of how MUCH worse things could get before they get better. he’s trying to force a hundred year plan into (less than..?) a decade.

Solas is kind of fuckin crazy, let’s be real. he’s not going to make perfect sense in the game where he was hiding half of himself the whole time. let’s have a little hope since we have only got the beginning of this arc so far. DA:D is going to be his full arc, we can’t pretend like inquisition was supposed to give us the full story when they literally left Trespasser on a cliffhanger for a reason. this fandom always goes through a haterade phase before new content is released but we gotta chill

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Billionaires don't pay tax

When Clinton accused Trump of paying no federal taxes, he didn’t deny it — rather, he said, “That makes me smart.”

He wasn’t the first rich sociopath to make that claim. Remember when Leona Helmsley told the press “only little people pay taxes?”

https://apicciano.commons.gc.cuny.edu/2020/09/28/remembering-leona-helmsley-the-queen-of-mean-only-the-little-people-pay-taxes-we-have-donald-trump-the-don-of-con/

Today, Propublica published the first in a series of blockbuster analyses of leaked tax data from America’s richest billionaires — some of whom have lobbies for higher taxes on the rich! — showing that the true tax rate for billionaires is 3.4%.

https://www.propublica.org/article/the-secret-irs-files-trove-of-never-before-seen-records-reveal-how-the-wealthiest-avoid-income-tax

These records — which include tax data for Elon Musk, Warren Buffett, Jeff Bezos, Michael Bloomberg, George Soros, Carl Icahn and others — reveal that it’s not just sneering boasters like Trump and Helmsley who avoid the tax the rest of us pay — it’s the whole cohort.

Much has been made of the “K-shaped” recovery from the pandemic-driven economic collapse, where the rich got richer and the poor got poorer, but when it comes to the 0.001%, this is far more pronounced. America’s billionaires got $1.2 trillion richer during the pandemic.

Much of this wealth accumulation is due to the fact that poor people pay high taxes, while rich people pay low taxes. A household earning $70k pays about 14% in federal tax; In 2019, Michael Bloomberg made $2B and paid 1.3% of it in federal tax.

All this wealth-accumulation creates family dynasties, meaning that the rich stay rich, and the poor stay poor, and the only real social mobility is downward, as the middle class loses ground and slips down the ladder.

https://doctorow.medium.com/the-rents-too-damned-high-520f958d5ec5

A quarter of America’s richest people owe their fortune to the orifice they emerged from, not the work they did. These heirs — Waltons, Mars candy scions, Estee Lauder’s kid — are the new permanent aristocracy, uplifted by the invisible hand by virtue of their “good blood.”

The Propublica report — from Jesse Eisenger, Jeff Ernsthausen and Paul Kiel — is valuable not just for the names it names, but for the tax-evasion tactics it explains and the historical context it provides.

Whenever someone points out that Jeff Bezos is so rich that he could afford to give a living wage to his vast, precarious, food-stamp-dependent blue-collar workforce, someone inevitably points out that Bezos’s wealth is in shares, not cash and is thus illusory.

This is only partly true, and it obscures more than it illuminates. It’s true that CEOs habitually draw nominal salaries — often $1/year — and are only “rich on paper,” but this doesn’t mean they’re not immensely wealthy — rather, this is how they amass immenselwealth.

Here’s how that works: the US only taxes capital gains (money you make from owning things, as opposed to doing things) when they are “realized” — that is, when you sell the asset that has appreciated in value. If you never sell your asset, you never pay tax on it.

So when an exec takes compensation in stock rather than cash, the exec pays no tax unless they sell the shares. But execs don’t have to sell any shares in order to get millions or billions of dollars to play with. Rather, they can stake those shares as collateral on loans.

If an exec sells their shares, they’ll pay a 20% capital gains tax. If they borrow against the shares, they’ll pay single-digit interest rates. What’s more, loans aren’t treated as income, so no tax is paid on the loan.

Even better, the interest on the loan can be treated as an expense, which you can apply to any money that comes in the door that you can’t help but declare as income.

Working people borrow money because they can’t afford to buy cars or houses or just close the gap between payday and an empty fridge. Rich people borrow because it lets them launder their income into tax-free loans.

Here’s the thing: this is exactly what critics of this system predicted would happen. In 1920, Rep Cordell Hull (“the father of income tax”) warned that the Supreme Court’s ruling in Macomber would let rich people “live upon the value” of stock “without ever paying” tax.

Congress could have fixed the tax law, but it left this loophole open, along with other loopholes, like the “step-up in basis” rule that allows billionaires to pass on vast fortunes without ever paying capital gains taxes on them (the true origin of “good blood”).

When Propublica called billionaires for comment, they either got stonewalled (Elon Musk sent them a single “?” then ghosted), or heard bluster about “privacy invasions” or got responses like Warren Buffett’s, about his plan to give away all his money.

That’s more “good blood” nonsense: the idea that we should let people amass vast fortunes through monopoly and exploitation, so long as they — and not democratically accountable governments — then use it for social benefit.

Elite philanthropy is no substitute for democratic programs. It’s primarily a means for the ultra-wealthy to launder their reputations.

Take the Sacklers — made richer than the Rockefellers through the opioid epidemic’s corporate mass murders:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/05/23/a-bankrupt-process/#sacklers

What’s more, elite philanthropy is a vehicle for pushing “good blood” ideology. Bill Gates’s foundation didn’t just set out to eradicate malaria, but also public education.

https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/13/public-interest-pharma/#gates-foundation

It recycled the materials it used to lobby against letting South Africa make its own HIV medicine to lobby against a covid vaccine waiver:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/05/21/wait-your-turn/#vaccine-apartheid

This report is the first in a series based on the anonymous leaked data. Propublica says its source was motivated by their stellar reporting on the IRS, which revealed the intense lobbying to weaken the agency’s power to audit the wealthy.

https://pluralistic.net/2021/05/17/disgracenote/#false-consciousness

Instead, the IRS was perverted so that it primarily targeted poor people for audits, because they alone were weak enough not to resist the IRS’s starved, resource-poor auditing division.

Propublica still has a lot of data to report out, but they’re interested in hearing from other sources. In this supplemental article, they explain how IRS whistleblowers and others can securely leak more documents to them.

https://projects.propublica.org/tips/help-us-report-on-taxes-and-ultrawealthy/

And if you don’t have time to digest the excellent story with its great explainers and graphics, Propublica’s got a 7-minute read version:

https://www.propublica.org/article/the-secret-irs-files-short-form-a-quick-guide-to-what-we-uncovered

All of this leaves us with a question, though: what should we do about it? There’s a Biden tax plan to raise taxes on the rich, but as Propublica points out, it will have virtually no effect on the “buy-borrow-die” mode of wealth accumulation.

Two other proposals would have an impact, though: Ron Wyden has proposed a capital gains tax on unrealized gains:

https://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Treat%20Wealth%20Like%20Wages%20RM%20Wyden.pdf

And both Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have proposed wealth taxes:

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/01/elizabeth-warren-bernie-sanders-propose-3percent-wealth-tax-on-billionaires.html

[juliabohemian]

the sky is falling

Apparently...

I have been a fan of LOKI since he first appeared on screen. I will admit that I did not seek out other fans on social media until after The Dark World. Mostly because I had a lot of other things going on in my life.

I distinctly remember being filled with hope that LOKI would appear in Age of Ultron, and being filled with hope that Ragnarok would magically resolve everything between LOKI and his family. I remember being disappointed about both. I remember having renewed hope that Infinity War or Endgame would somehow make up for those disappointments, only to be further let down by the kind of mediocre writing that is typical of blockbuster movies. That is a disappointment that many of us have shared, and even bonded over.

And I was so relieved to have a fandom where I could share my disappointment. I was happy to critically analyze what had been problematic about LOKI's story so far, even if most of it was due to poor/inconsistent writing as opposed to a conscious decision on anyone's part (minus Ragnarok, probably, but I digress). I was happy to have a place where I could write meta about problematic themes in fictional media and how they might negatively affect those who digest them.

When I found out the LOKI show was happening, I felt the same lurch in my gut that I'm sure you all felt. Will it suck? Will it just be another cash grab, using Tom Hiddleston as a lure? Even the trailers I was seeing in the months beforehand did nothing to quell my fears. The trailers were carefully edited for the sole purpose of gaining viewers for the show. Which is an almost laughable notion, since people would probably have watched it anyway. But I was still apprehensive, right up until the last minute.

Then, I watched episode one.

And I immediately realized a few things.

The first is that what we are seeing, now, is as close to 100% Tom-Hiddleston-approved as ANYTHING we have seen on screen so far. 

Take a minute to let that soak in. What we are seeing is how Tom sees LOKI. It isn't the product of someone else's editing, or someone else's vision. This isn’t a product of LOKI being a side character who they simply don’t have time to develop. This is a show about LOKI.

The second thing I realized is that this show is almost like an AU story that exists separately from everything else. So, LOKI isn't going to be exactly like any other specific version we have seen before. And that's totally fine. Because he has never been in this situation before, we have no idea how he would behave under these circumstances. It is uncharted territory.

Now, I realize that not everyone in the fandom has written fiction, or knows what it's like to construct a long narrative. I can personally attest to throwing in an occasional plot device that made slightly less sense than I would like, simply to put the story where I wanted it to be. I can also attest to completely disregarding minor aspects of canon that would have rendered my story pointless or required me to write an additional 5 chapters, simply to explain them away. That is writing, folks.

What I DO know is that we have only seen episode 1. We don't know what the big picture is yet. And I can tell you that if I had written a story and planned the whole thing out and, after posting chapter 1, people had posted giant rants about how everything I'd done so far was wrong, I would be extremely concerned about the mental health of those people. And I would hope that they would stop reading my story and go find something else to do.

From a purely scientific perspective, we don’t have enough information to draw a conclusion. And yet, I have been inundated with Chicken Little posts about how the sky is falling. I am practically getting whiplash from scrambling to unfollow these people.

This show is not going to be perfect.

There are going to be things about it that you don't like.

It is totally okay not to like the show, or to simply dislike things about it. But PLEASE PLEASE acknowledge that you not liking something does not equate to it being problematic. It doesn't even equate to an objective measurement of the show's value. It just means that YOU don't like it. I feel like a lot of LOKI fans have an image in their heads of who they think LOKI is and they feel so strongly about it, that they would assert their headcanon as being more in character than whatever Tom Hiddleston might choose to do with LOKI. And frankly, that is very sad. It also means that those people will always be disappointed, because you have zero control over what Tom chooses to do with his character.

I think that after so much continued disappointment, many LOKI fans have learned to seek their dopamine reward from criticizing LOKI content, as opposed to actually enjoying it. Because, frankly, that affords them more control over the outcome. If we go into a situation assuming it will be bad, and it turns out to be bad, we get to pat ourselves on the back for our genius. If we go into it hoping that it will be good and it ends up being bad, then we have to cope with that negative feeling. And no one wants to feel disappointed over and over again.

And I’ve realized that all the time I spent ranting about what I didn’t like about the MCU has not been good for me, mentally. It is not healthy to dwell on negative things, unless that dwelling is somehow productive. And this hasn’t been productive. It hasn’t led to anything but more ranting and whining.

I am choosing to have an open mind, not because I think that everything is going to be wonderful, but because it is the most mentally healthy thing for me to do.

I am GRATEFUL to have this show. 

Even if it ends up being less than awesome, I am still grateful to have a show that is all about LOKI, that gives us lots of Tom being LOKI on screen without anyone trying to steal the mic from him. I want to do my best to enjoy it. And so far, I am enjoying it.

And if, when the show is all over, I realize that it contained some genuinely problematic scenes or themes, I will explore those OBJECTIVELY. I will analyze them CRITICALLY.

But we're NOT there yet. 

[gstqaobc]

CBC THE ROYAL FASCINATION

Monday, March 08, 2021

Hello, royal watchers and all those intrigued by what’s going on inside the House of Windsor. This is a special edition of royal news and analysis following Prince Harry and Meghan's interview Sunday evening with Oprah Winfrey. Reading this online? Sign up here to get this delivered to your inbox.

Janet DavisonRoyal Expert

The Meghan and Harry interview: A 'damaging' view on race as Palace history repeats itself

(Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese/Reuters)

The revelations just kept coming Sunday night as Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, gave Oprah Winfrey — and a worldwide television audience — their view on why they had to leave the upper echelons of the Royal Family. The reasons were many, but amid all they had to say, there was one statement that stood out and seems particularly serious for the House of Windsor: Meghan’s declaration that a senior member of the Royal Family had worries about the colour of the skin of their first child before he was born. “I think it’s very damaging — the idea that a senior member of the Royal Family had expressed concern about what Archie might look like,” Carolyn Harris, a Toronto-based royal author and historian, said in an interview late Sunday night. Meghan told Winfrey the concern had been relayed to her by Harry, and when questioned further on it, Harry refused to offer more specifics, saying it’s a “conversation I’m never going to share.” And that, Harris suggests, speaks to the seriousness of the matter. “It’s very clear that Harry didn’t want to go into details feeling that it would be too damaging for the monarchy.” It will take time to digest the impact of all that Harry and Meghan had to say to Winfrey. But some early comments in the British media this morning suggest Harry and Meghan’s account will have a profound impact. “They have revealed the terrible strains inside the palace. They have drawn a picture of unfeeling individuals lost in an uncaring institution. They have spoken of racism within the Royal Family. This was a devastating interview,” the BBC’s royal correspondent, Jonny Dymond, wrote in an online analysis. “But Harry describing his brother and father as ‘trapped,’ and Meghan revealing that she repeatedly sought help within the palace only to be rebuffed is a body blow to the institution.” The Guardian reported that Harry and Meghan telling Winfrey of conversations in the Royal Family about Archie’s skin colour is “a damning allegation that will send shockwaves through the institution and send relations with the palace to a new low.” Many themes and issues developed over the two-hour broadcast, which sprinkled lighter moments — they’re expecting a girl, they have rescue chickens and Archie, age almost two, has taken to telling people to “drive safe” — with much more serious concerns, including the lack of support they say they received, particularly as Meghan had suicidal thoughts. “A theme that emerges again and again, and it’s something that Harry explicitly states in the interview, is the Royal Family being concerned with the opinion of the tabloid press,” said Harris. “This may very well have influenced decisions not to speak out about the way Meghan was being treated and that may have influenced some other decisions as well.” One of those might be the question of security, something that was of considerable concern to the couple when they learned royal support for it would be withdrawn. “The Royal Family has frequently in the past received bad press regarding minor members ... receiving security,”said Harris. “There were a lot of negative headlines regarding Beatrice and Eugenie continuing to receive security and their father’s [Prince Andrew’s] insistence they receive security despite being comparatively minor members of the Royal Family who do not undertake public engagements representing the Queen.” There was also a sense out of Sunday’s interview that issues that troubled the Royal Family in the past may still be a worry now. “Even in the 21st century after all of the problems that the Royal Family encountered in the 1990s with the breakdowns in the marriages of Prince Charles and Prince Andrew … there still doesn’t seem to be a consistent means of mentoring new members of the Royal Family,” said Harris. Meghan said she had to Google the lyrics for God Save the Queen, and was filled in at the last minute about having to curtsy to Elizabeth just before meeting her for the first time. Throughout the interview, Harry and Meghan repeatedly expressed respect and admiration for the Queen, if not for how the Royal Family as an institution operates. But there is considerable murkiness around just who may be responsible for some of the more serious issues they raised. “We know they respect the Queen and have a good personal relationship with the Queen. We know that Meghan had a conflict with Kate but says Kate apologized and Kate forgave her and she doesn’t think Kate’s a bad person,” said Harris. “But when it comes to who made racist comments about Archie’s appearance or who was dismissive directly of Meghan’s mental health, [on] that we don’t have specific details.” High-profile royal interviews such as this — particularly one by Harry’s mother Diana, in 1995 — have a track record of not turning out as the royal interviewees may have intended, and it remains to be seen the lasting impact of this one. Harris sees parallels with Diana’s interview, as she “spoke frankly” about a lack of support from the family, and felt that she had been let down by Prince Charles. Harry talked of hoping to repair his relationship with his father — “I will always love him but there’s a lot of hurt that happened” — but said he felt really let down, and noted a time when his father wasn’t taking his calls. Harris expects the interview will prompt further critical scrutiny of Charles, and Harry’s older brother Prince William. The relationship with William has already been under intense scrutiny, and is clearly still a delicate matter for Harry, who hesitated noticeably before responding as Winfrey pressed him on it. “Time heals all things, hopefully,” Harry said. How Buckingham Palace responds to all this remains to be seen. Generally, the public approach in matters such as this is silence, and a determination to be seen as carrying with regular duties. Whether a member of the family might make a more informal comment — say in response to a question from someone at a public event — also remains to be seen. But from what did emerge Sunday evening, there is a sense that whatever efforts the House of Windsor has made to put a more modern face on the monarchy, they appear not to have yielded the fruit that might have been hoped. “There’s been some elements of modernization, but it’s very clear that the institution has difficulty adapting to the needs of individuals who marry into the Royal Family,” said Harris. “It’s clear that Meghan came away from her experiences feeling that she was not supported or mentored in her new role.”

Cheers!

I’m always happy to hear from you. Send your ideas, comments, feedback and notes to

royalfascinator@cbc.ca

. Problems with the newsletter? Please let me know about any typos, errors or glitches.

GSTQAOBC 🇨🇦🇬🇧🇦🇺🇳🇿

[janisarkisian]

Someday

This is a fic that i wrote yesterday that no one is actually going to read but whatever. After all I’ve wrote it’s hard for me to believe that it’s my first noadrian one-shot. Anyway, this takes place a day after the Supernova.

Word Count: 793

“Adrian,” Nova said, certain through heavy tears, “Nobody loves me.” 

Adrian shifted towards her on the couch. This couch felt a whole lot different after what they had gone through yesterday. News reports had already given it a name. People were calling it the Supernova. 

“Nova,” he tried, not fully certain of what he was going to say. Though he would never tell her, he was having a few uncertainties about her himself. This was the girl who had tried to kill his dad. But this was also the girl who had done so many good things. Nova had killed Honey Harper for him. She had killed the Detonator for him. She had killed people for him. 

He found it difficult to believe that she had killed her closest guardians for him. Compared to the people he was with most of the time, Adrian always felt like no-one. But not with Nova. Nova made him feel like he mattered. Like she loved him. 

“Nova,” he said again, now more certain of what he was going to say to follow it up, “Everyone loves you. The public loves you. My dads love you. The team loves you. I love you. Isn’t that enough?” 

She wiped her tears and looked back at him. “The things I’ve seen, Adrian. People don’t love me. Media critics yell at me for being the niece of Ace Anarchy and trying to kill your dad. If Hugh loves me, he hasn’t shown any sign of it, and I still haven’t fixed my bonds with the team. Danna hates me!” 

Adrian almost scoffed at that remark. He knew very well that Danna did not hate her. Even a blind soul could tell that Danna liked Nova more than a friend. 

“Trust me, Danna does not hate you, and listen to me, Nova, I love you.” 

“I love you too.” 

“Yeah, I know,” he laughed. 

“Adrian!” He laughed harder as Nova playfully hit him on the shoulder. 

“Well I do!” he continued laughing. 

Peering through his glasses frame, he saw Nova building an argument. This was what she needed. Finally, Adrian was catching a glimpse of the old Nova he used to know. Nova McLain. Now, the girl he saw was much different, and it helped to see a piece of her that was truly her. 

“Were you positive,” she challenged him, and he had to fight off the urge to laugh, “How do you know? I could break up with you right now if I wanted to!” 

“Do you want to?” he questioned, almost certain the answer was no. 

“No,” she said, sounding defeated. 

He loathed the eerie mood, and as much as he hated rushing her, they had somewhere to be. 

“That’s what I thought,” he said, giving her his full attention, “Now let’s go meet with the team.” 

“Give me a few minutes,” she sighed, turning to leave, “Nobody wants to see me like this, I look ugly.” 

“Nova,” he said sternly, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back down to the couch, “I want to see you like this. You look perfect.” It was at that moment, he realized how close he had pulled her. She was practically sitting on top of him. 

Nova rolled her eyes but didn’t pull away from him. “I do not look perfect. I’ve been crying for hours.” 

“Perfect doesn’t mean flawless. Perfect means beautiful. Not just on the outside, but on the inside, because I’ve seen things too, Nova. I’ve seen you lie to my face, but I’ve also seen you kill Ingrid Thompson, one of your closest friends because she was going to hurt me. I think you’re perfect.” Adrian was surprised at how poetic he sounded. 

“Danna doesn’t think I’m perfect. She thinks I’m the liar who lied to you all for months and tried to kill Captain Chromium,” Nova argued. 

“Monarch likes you a whole lot more than you know.”

“Sweet rot, Adrian what are you talking about?” She sounded exasperated. 

Adrian thought Nova had already guessed Danna’s feelings for her. Apparently, she was just about as oblivious as he was. Possibly more. 

“Nevermind, forget I said anything.” 

“Adrian Everhart, tell me what is on your mind this instant!” Nova whined as she punched him in the arm. 

“Nope. I’m not telling you anything,” he refused. 

“Fine,” Nova groaned, “But know that someday I will figure out what you’re talking about.” 

The play-threat hardly digested when Adrian noticed something else she had said. “Someday?” he asked her, confused. 

“Yes. I said someday. What’s the big deal?” She asked him, just as confused as he was now. 

“You’re implying that we’ll be together for a long time, are you not?” he asked, grinning. 

Nova grinned back. “I guess I am.” 

[graceful-storyteller]

BABY BLUES - VIRUS

Being in the middle of a pandemic I, naturally, was inspired to write a sick!fic. Warnings for sparklings being unwell and anxious parent Starscream. Unlike in the real world EVERYONE gets better.

The worst part, for Windblade, was that she missed it.

In her defence, she'd had other things on her processor at the time. The final vote on her tax reform bill, a meeting with the Mistress of Flame, a damning media piece on fuel poverty she was still trying to get properly fact-checked. When you ran a planet things like making sure the sparklings were ready for the Education Centre on time were rarely at the top of her priority tree. That was Starscream's job as primary caregiver; a phrase which still caused minor processor errors to those outside their inner circle. For all his selfishness and ruthlessness Starscream was...an adequate caregiver. There were still times when Windblade caught him being highly inappropriate around the little ones, but he'd never put them in real danger. As much as he (loudly and regularly) complained about the sparklings most of it was for show. He cared about their little ones just as much, if not more, than she did.

Which was why Starscream was the first one to realise something was wrong. As Windblade was rushing around their apartment gathering her things and downing her morning fuel, Starscream was stood staring critically at Turbulence. She wasn't refuelling, she wasn't talking, she was just sitting quietly and staring at her untouched energon. Something was definitely not right.

“Goodbye everyone,” Windblade said as she pressed a kiss to the sparklings' helms and one to Starscream's faceplate. “I hope you all have a good day.”

He turned to watch her head to the balcony. He waited until she'd transformed and flown out of sight before moving to loom over Turbulence. She looked up at him with sad, unusually dim optics.

“Are you malfunctioning?” he asked tersely.

At half her normal volume she murmured, “My tank feels funny.”

“Is that because you've been eating rust sticks when you're supposed to be recharging?”

She shook her helm.

Starscream released a frustrated ex-vent. “We're going to take Moonshot to the Education Centre and then we're going to see a medic. If this is a ploy to avoid a test I will not be pleased. I have better things to do than waste my time going to see Flatline.”

She nodded, still looking sad and tired.

The walk to the Education Centre, painfully slow for someone who could fly there in a fifth of the time, was even slower than usual until Starscream lost patience and decided to carry Turbulence. She clung tightly to him and he tried not to notice how unusually warm her frame was.  

“Is she broken?” Moonshot asked, half concerned and half curious.

“No,” Starscream replied. “She probably just has a virus. We're going to see a medic after; he'll make her all better.”

“Good,” Moonshot said. “It's weird being able to tell a story without being interrupted.”

Starscream couldn't help but smile at that. His smile died when he arrived at the Education Centre and the instructors were not as sympathetic towards Turbulence's plight.

“She's probably faking,” the obnoxious little kettle decided. “Give her here, I'll set her straight.”

Starscream glared and resisted the urge to kick him. “Are you a medic?”

“No, but I know Turbulence, and she-”

“Is a melodramatic little diva when she scuffs her paint or is in any other way injured. The fact that she is quiet should be a glaring red flag to anyone with a processor. I'm taking her to a medic. If you have a problem with that you can raise it with Windblade.”

He'd stormed off without waiting for a reply. Turbulence had remained worryingly silent.

Starscream had double-timed it to the med-centre and forced his way through reception to find Flatline in the treatment rooms. The former Decepticon had grumbled and griped about Starscream jumping the line, but he'd dealt with enough overly-anxious (and overly-armed in some cases) creators in the last few years that he knew better than to try sending him away. He'd ordered Starscream to put Turbulence down on the berth and begun his examination. It didn't take long for the grumbling to be stopped dead in its tracks.

“Nurse! I need a space clearing in Intensive Care ASAP!”

That was when the panicking started.

“What?! What's wrong with her?! Hey, I'm talking-”

“Starscream,” Flatline said as slowly and calmly as he could, “you did the right thing bringing her here when you did. It looks like Turbulence has a virus, but she doesn't have the right software to counteract it. It's standard software for you and me – but the sparklings weren't created in the same way. I'm putting her in Intensive Care to be safe and to isolate her from anyone else who might not have the right software.” His optics brightened as a thought occurred to him. “Wait, you have two sparklings right?”

Starscream grabbed his arm. “Moonshot.”

“Bring him here, just in case. With any luck we can download the software before he starts exhibiting any symptoms – if he has the virus at all.”

Starscream didn't need to be told twice. He flew as fast as he could to the Education Centre, barely slowing as he raced through the halls to Moonshot's classroom.

The doors opened. The class turned to look at him. Moonshot wasn't among them.  

“He's down the hall,” said the instructor. “He started crying uncontrollably a few minutes ago. I sent-”

Starscream didn't wait for him to finish. He kept running until his audials captured the faint sound of his sparkling in distress. He kicked the door open, startling the room's occupants.

“What in the blazing inferno do you think you're-”

“Star!” Moonshot cried, reaching for him imploringly. “I don't feel good!”

Starscream pushed the instructor still attempting to berate him out of his way, picked up his sparkling, and rushed out of the Education Centre without a word. It wasn't until he handed his still sobbing sparkling to  a medic and was ordered to wait outside until the assessment was complete that he noticed Windblade was trying to contact him.

He answered the comm with a wry, “Do you want the bad news or the worse news?”

.

After finding enough people to delegate the co-ordination of a response to a public health crisis to, Windblade allowed herself the luxury of collapsing in a chair beside her sparkling's berth. It was lucky, the medics said, that they'd been alerted to the virus when they had or the whole Education Centre might have risked overheating and spark failure. As it was all the sparklings were currently receiving an update to their software centre to prevent further transfer of the virus. Turbulence and Moonshot's classes had been admitted overnight as they had all been infected, although many had not yet started to show symptoms. The two sparklings were in a private room, recharging, watched over by their creators. Flatline had given them the necessary antivirals and was hopeful they could be discharged after a further day's rest and observation.

Even though her sparklings were no longer in danger Windblade had no intention of leaving their side anytime soon. She stroked Turbulence's helm with the hand not held in the sparkling's tight grip. Beside her Starscream was running a soothing palm over Moonshot's wing, his own occasionally twitching and making contact with Windblade's. It was more reassuring than irritating.

“Stop fretting,” Starscream groused without looking at her. “You heard Flatline; they're going to fine.”

“This time,” Windblade muttered.

Starscream twisted in his seat, a frown marring his features. “What are you talking about?”

Windblade sat back in her seat. “I didn't notice. I couldn't tell that Turbulence was ill. Her change in behaviour didn't even register. What if next time I don't notice something until it's too late to get her treatment? What if she gets permanently hurt because I'm not paying attention? What if-”

“It really galls you that I'm the better caretaker,” Starscream said with a wide smirk.

“Excuse me?!”

“Look at you – all wound up because I was the one who realised our sparkling was ill. You were ready to chew me out because I was rude to the instructors but I was actually doing the right thing. You're mad that you were wrong.”

“That is – no! I am not-”

“Windblade, Windblade, Windblade,” Starscream cooed condescendingly. “It's alright. I promise that when you admit I'm superior you'll feel much better.”  

“When Turbulence lets go of my hand I'm going to slap you,” she threatened.

“If you think that will make you feel better you can try,” Starscream said pityingly. “Deep down, though, you know it won't. You won't feel better until you acknowledge you are limited. Limited by your inability to rule a planet and micromanage your family. Limited by your need to take responsibility for everything and everyone. Limited by your belief you can have your rust cake and eat it. You can't bring about a new Golden Age of Cybertron and be creator of the year. Something has to give. Better it's this than allowing some warmongering psychopath to steal your crown.”

For a long moment Windblade was silent as she digested Starscream's words.

“You know, even when you're trying to be supportive you're an aft.”

Starscream continued to smirk as he returned his attention to Moonshot. Windblade rolled her optics and turned back to Turbulence.

After a moment of silence Starscream extended his leg, nudging her ankle-strut. With a smile she nudged him back. They remained linked by that small contact until the position became too uncomfortable. As they shifted their wings connected and remained together, causing Windblade to smile.  

“Thank you Starscream. You are a good caretaker,” Windblade muttered.

His wings twitched in acknowledgement, but for once Starscream was blissfully silent.  

[celestemagnoliathewriter]

This is a multi layered problem for sure - part of it is this, but another part is the stifling of creativity and critical thinking skills in most schools. I teach at the college level, mostly first years (freshmen, some sophomores) and it's staggering how few of them know how to read, let alone critically examine literature or academic writing. The words are read but critiquing is reduced to a few blurbs or easily digestible tag phrases. That, or they want to be spoon-fed. This is not an indictment of the generation itself or the students, because I firmly believe that their education is what's been lacking, and it's only been compounded by the rise of tiny bits of media received via TikTok and other social media platforms. If it's not said in less than two minutes, it's not worth engaging with.

I admit this is a gross exaggeration of the problem, but between the failings beginning in elementary, middle, and high school, added to the easily digestible media, it's absolutely no surprise to me that children's/YA literature is preferred to adult fiction or classics. Nuance is difficult to analyze and achieve, and children's lit/YA lit isn't built for that (and that's okay). But consuming this type of literature or media exclusively means the adult learner is sorely lacking in the ability to critically analyze and engage with texts, let alone ideas they disagree with.

Thus, as a multilayered problem, it requires a multilayered solution, beginning with a re-investment on education at all levels, especially the arts and humanities.

I might get some shit for this but one of the reasons some of you have such shit critical skills/reading comprehension is because you’re adults who exclusively consume kids’ cartoons, ya books and fanfic and staunchly refuse to engage with anything remotely challenging which is how we ended up with people thinking harry potter is the apex of world literature or that dante’s inferno is the same as fanfiction. I love easily digestible things that are simply fun to consume but I’ve heard people say “ya is a vast diverse genre” and in the same breath add “I don’t like the classics (aka books that shaped, reflected and influenced the world) because they’re all boring and one genre apparently” which is a stance that is not so much anti-elitist as it is anti-intellectual.

[shoutyfish]

general betta fish care / common myths

there's a lot of myths fueled by pet store employees floating around about bettas, so the more this kind of information is spread, the better. as always i encourage everyone whose looking into fishkeeping does THOROUGH research long before getting the fish and do NOT rely on pet store employees to give u accurate information.

MYTHS TO NEVER BELIEVE

"bettas aren't good swimmers or active so they don't need big tanks and are perfectly happy in a little bowl or a flower vase"

"they're super hardy and resilient so don't worry about tank cycling"

"bettas like dirty water so don't worry about cleaning either'

"live and frozen fish food arent good for everyday feeding"

"bettas can't be kept with other fish ever bc they are extremely aggressive and will kill anything with a pulse"

(we're gonna debunk all of these (: )

the first thing that should be in your possession long before adding the fish is the tank. a lot of fishkeepers think 2.5gallons is the minimum, but personally i think 5 gallons is the minimum. 10 gallons works best. to reference, 2.5 is the minimum by AMERICAN standards, which are outdated, so many people choose to go by germany's standards instead because it's proven to be a lot more successful & up-to-date.​​​​​​​ 

a 5 gallon tank is the minimum that i recommend, but 2.5 gallons are ok.

10 gallon tanks work best. the bigger your tank, the more likely your betta will grow to maximum size & beauty, the less likely chance of stunting growth.

also, 10 gallon tanks are much easier to maintain and establish a cycle, and you can even start an albeit small community tank with them. (with tank mates compatible with your betta & small enough to not outgrow a 10gal. but community tanks are a topic for  another day)

properly cycled tanks reduce disease risk & encourage longevity in your betta's lifespan (i will make another post about the nitrogen cycle bc that's a lot)

THINGS YOU WILL NEED

a filter! nothing with a strong flow, though. bettas are not very good swimmers! (tip: when cleaning your tank, never rinse the filter media! it kills beneficial bacteria & basically starts your cycle all over)

a heater - bettas thrive best in 78-82 degrees F.

an aquarium thermometer

water conditioner. i recommend seachem prime - it's the BEST out there and contains helpful nutrients that get rid of bad bacteria & ammonia.

bottled bacteria, if necessary. helps kickstart the cycle of your tank.

pH and ammonia testing kits

gravel syphon for cleaning & maintenance

a net to fish out uneaten food

gravel/substrate. (tip: measure how much u need by laying the bags out across the tank box. it should fit evenly across it long-ways)

decorations!! don't get plastic plants, they can harm ur betta's fins. if ur getting fake deco, try to find silk ones or very soft ones. bettas like to  be divas so make that shit pretty as hell & give them lots of places to hide. marimo moss balls are good for helping tank filtration & super easy to care for if ur interested in live plants!

INTRODUCING YOUR BETTA TO YOUR TANK​​​​​​​ 

acclimation and tank cycling are still CRITICAL to a betta's life and happiness. it's true that they are resilient fish that are easy to take care of, but like any fish, they have vital comfort needs & are still going to get diseases if you don't care for your water quality! 

1. when you first bring home your betta, do your final check on those water parameters. do an ammonia test in the fish's cup water to see just how much of a battle the pet store caretakers made for you.  almost 100% of the time the ammonia levels will be in the danger zone.

2. this is why acclimation is so very critical. start small and take your time. empty out a bit of the cup water, add a bit of your tank water. empty out a bit more of the cup water, add a bit more of your tank water - with about 3-5 minutes in between takes. keep doing this until you have replaced most if not all of the filthy pet store cup water. (WARNING: WATCH FOR SIGNS OF SHOCK WHILE YOU ARE DOING THIS. CLAMPED FINS, THE "SHAKES", FLOATING ON ITS SIDE, ETC ARE ALL SIGNS THAT YOU NEED TO ABSOLUTELY SLOW DOWN & LEAVE THE FISH ALONE FOR A COUPLE HOURS.)

3. now float your betta. you can put them in a bag if it's easier, otherwise you can just hold the cup in the tank. let the temperature adjust & let your lil guy/gal get their first glimpses of their new home. do this for a minimum of 10 minutes

4. gently tip the cup into the water & let the beast free! continue watching for signs of shock and keep a close eye on them & your water parameters for the first couple days.

FEEDING

frozen  or live brine shrimp, bloodworms, & mosquito larvae are betta favorites. when handling frozen food always rinse it out before putting it in the tank - most of the time the food is frozen in water that becomes really gross and murky. dried bloodworms also work very well. for flakes and pellets, i always recommend Omega One betta buffet flakes/pellets because their food is all natural and contains no additives/"meals" (tip: don't buy any food that lists something followed by the word  "meal" in the ingredients; it's basically heavily processed food).

do NOT overfeed. honestly underfeeding is better than overfeeding. you should feed your betta once a day with as much food as they can eat in about 2 minutes. have them fast one day a week to clear their digestive system. their stomachs are smaller than their eyeballs, so really, DON'T overfeed. it can cause a lot of incurable issues AND mess with your water quality

remove any uneaten food, or if you have bottomfeeders in your tank let them have at it

bettas will literally eat six #12s, 7 medium fries and a large shake if you let them. dont let those big black eyes trick you lmao

if you have a very young betta (5-10 weeks old) feed them twice a day instead of just once. brine shrimp eggs are especially tasty for fry but if your lil guy is big enough, they can eat regular frozen brine shrimp. meaty products filled with protein help  them grow the best. (bettas are full grown at 11 weeks, here is a size chart to determine your adolescent betta's age)

COMPATIBLE TANK MATES

note that even if it worked out for everyone and you've gotten 800 recommendations, things can STILL go wrong when keeping bettas with other fish.  ALWAYS be prepared for an emergency move. also note that sometimes things can work perfectly fine for the  first couple months and then go to shit within a couple seconds, especially when pairing young bettas with other fish. young bettas develop, you know, hormones at some point and start getting supa territorial.

also, please make sure you have the proper tank size to keep any of these fish together. i've included their adult sizes & my recommended tank size if you were to keep nothing but the betta and this species in the tank. this WILL vary.

clown plecos - 4" full grown - algae eaters - 20 gallon tank size min.

pygmy corydoras - 1" full grown - schooling fish (you will need 6 or more of these) - 15 gallon tank size min.

ember tetras - 1" full grown - schooling fish (again, 6+) - 15 gallon tank size min.

rasboras - 1" full grown - schooling fish (again, 6+) - 15 gallon tank size min.

mystery snails - 2" full grown - plant-safe snail, doesn't reproduce asexually - 5 gallon tank min.

ghost shrimp - 1.5" full grown - social shrimp (3-4 of these, any more can lead to breeding) - 10 gallon tank min.

feeder guppies - 1" full grown - normal, can live in schools but not necessary - 10 gallon tank min (larger recommended for schools)

corydoras - 2.5" full grown est. - algae eaters - 15 gallon tank min.

and there are many, many more but these are what has, to me, at least, been the least problematic tank mates for bettas. all of these fish have something about them that would deter an aggressive betta's attention, such as the armor plating on clown plecos & dull colors of the pygmy corydoras and feeder guppies.

okay, so i think this covers all the basics! if you guys have any questions, please ask! and if you have anything to add, please do! thanks for reading & happy fishkeeping xxx

[takeoffphilippines]

Living With It Sweetly: Healthy Ways to Control Your Diabetes

 Diabetes has been a bitter pill to swallow, particularly for countries affected by the rising number of cases every year. In 2019, approximately 463 million adults (20-79 years) were living with this chronic metabolic disease, characterized by an increase in blood sugar levels; by 2045, this will rise to 700 million, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

A similar trend is also happening in the Philippines. In 2020, deaths due to Type 2 diabetes mellitus or adult diabetes ranked fourth at 37,265 after heart disease (99,680), cancer (62,289), and cerebrovascular diseases (59,736), as revealed by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data.

However, having diabetes does not mean you can never have a healthy, everyday life.

Working closely with your doctor can help you manage diabetes, and you can also start focusing on some critical changes in your daily life. Here are some ways to manage your blood sugar levels, as listed by the Department of Health (DOH).

Keep yourself active. 

Despite being inside your home most of the time due to existing lockdowns and community quarantines, staying active is crucial to help control your blood sugar levels. A little cardio can be a big help, no need to push yourself to do hardcore workouts.

Workout at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes each session. Not only can it help you bring down your blood sugar levels, but it can also help you lose some extra pounds, increase your endorphins (happy hormones) and ease stress.

Manage your stress. 

Getting stressed when you have diabetes will do you no good. When you’re stressed, your blood sugar levels go up. That is why it pays to relieve your stress by doing hobbies that relax you and doing some breathing exercises or yoga.

Quit Smoking. 

Smoking is harmful to your health, especially if you have diabetes. In addition, it may trigger other health problems, such as heart disease, eye disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Smoking also can make it harder to exercise. If you’re a smoker, consult with your doctor about the ways to quit.

Maintain normal blood pressure. 

Since hypertension puts a person at high risk of cardiovascular disease, primarily associated with diabetes, reliable blood pressure monitoring and control is highly advised. Seek your doctor’s advice on proper management.

Eat healthy. 

Eating healthy food is crucial when you have diabetes. Do not skip or delay meals since it causes fluctuations in blood sugar levels. It also pays to eat more fiber-rich foods like vegetables and cut down on salt. Drinking alcohol, on the other hand, must be avoided. Dietary guidelines recommend no more than two drinks for men and not more than one drink per day for women.

‘Eating Sweets? Still Possible’

When it comes to eating sweets, it is advised to avoid simple sugars like cakes and chocolates. But it does not mean that you can’t let anything sweet pass your lips again. Instead, have complex carbohydrates like rice, pasta, cereals, and fresh fruits. 

You can use some alternative sweeteners now available in nearby drugstores nationwide. For instance, Santé, a premier natural and organic health and wellness product and services provider,  offers Sweet Via, a sweetener from a natural source with amazing health benefits.

Sweet Via is made with stevia, a natural substitute for sugar, derived from the leaves of a small perennial green shrub. Anyone who suffers from blood sugar disorders or who needs to limit their caloric intake should know about the remarkable properties of stevia. It is an accepted sugar substitute that can contribute to weight management and improved caloric control.[1]

Aside from stevia, Sweet Via contains Inulin, a natural soluble dietary fiber from a chicory plant that promotes digestive health. It acts as food for good bacteria in the colon. Studies also suggest that Inulin aids in keeping blood sugar levels low.[2]

Free from artificial additives, Sweet Via turns sweets into a treat without the guilt. It is also a perfect sweetener for not only for people with diabetes but also perfect for weight watchers and those who want to cut down on their sugar or calorie intake. 

Sweet Via is now available in leading drugstores nationwide and online shopping platforms, such as Shopee and Lazada. This product comes in a box containing 10 sachets. Each sachet contains 1g of the sweetener, equivalent to 2 teaspoons of sugar. It instantly sweetens any beverage and food recipe minus the guilt and harmful effects of too much sugar.

This product is just one of the many other organic health and wellness products offered by Santé, known for developing a comprehensive selection of everyday barley-based products. They are designed to improve people’s quality of life so they can live more and do more.

To learn more about Santé, visit its website at santebarley.com.  

[1] Elkins, R. Stevia, Nature’s Sweetener. Woodland Publishing, Inc., Pleasant Grove, UT, 1997

[2] Gibson, G.R. and Delzenne, N. Inulin and Oligofructose, New Scientific Developments.Nutrition Today, Volume 43, Number 2, March/April 2008

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