#creative art consultations online

[rsthemewp]

7+ Best Art Portfolio Website WordPress Premium Theme

Art Portfolio Website WordPress Premium Theme

Creating an art portfolio website is essential for artists, designers, and creatives to showcase their work and attract potential clients. Let’s explore some of the best WordPress premium themes specifically designed for art portfolio websites:

1. Dabble – Creative Agency & Portfolio WordPress Theme:

A sophisticated and stylish theme with multiple menu layouts, sliders, and preset blog post styles.

Features a portfolio system using a custom post type, allowing you to display your projects effectively.

Available in both free and premium versions, with advanced controls in the premium version.

2. Rubrash – Personal Portfolio WordPress Theme:

Known for its rock-solid coding and fantastic support.

Offers full-width portfolio layouts, including checkerboard style and carousel options.

Utilize the drag-and-drop Elementor Builder to create stunning pages for each portfolio entry.

3. Swipy – Creative Agency WordPress Theme:

A flexible and feature-rich theme powered by the Elementor page builder plugin.

Suitable for various types of websites, including art portfolio website.

Explore its extensive library of over 300 templates for startups, freelancers, and personal sites.

4. Kulluu – Creative Agency WordPress Theme:

A minimalist freelancer and agency portfolio theme.

Ideal for showcasing your work with a clean and modern design.

5. Bionic- Personal Portfolio WordPress Theme:

Another portfolio WordPress theme that emphasizes simplicity.

Perfect for artists, photographers, and creative professionals.

6. Cretic – Creative Agency WordPress Theme:

A multi-concept artist and creative agency theme.

Offers versatility and a variety of options for different types of art portfolio website.

7. Mifo – Creative Minimal Portfolio WordPress Theme:

A clean and minimal multipurpose theme suitable for art portfolio website.

Focuses on elegant design and typography.

Remember to choose a theme that aligns with your artistic style, provides an excellent user experience, and effectively showcases your work. Happy creating! 🎨🖌️

For more options, you can explore other themes from ThemeForest. Each of these themes has unique features and customization options to suit your specific needs.

[jfvworks]

The Art of Branding

Master ‘The Art of Branding’ and see how it can transform your business! Discover the power of creating a memorable identity, building trust, and driving growth. Learn more. #Branding #DigitalMarketing #BusinessGrowth

[aeth-eris]

★ how to maximize profits via 2nd house ★

aries in the 2nd house can maximize profits by capitalizing on their entrepreneurial drive and competitive spirit. aries benefits from fast-paced, high-energy ventures where they can lead and make quick decisions. they might excel by launching a fitness training program, offering personal coaching services, or starting a motivational brand that sells products like athletic apparel, energy drinks, or performance gear. aries could also find success with subscription boxes focused on high-adrenaline hobbies like hiking, martial arts, or adventure sports. by embracing ventures that allow them to innovate quickly and take the lead, aries can build profitable businesses that leverage their passion and high energy.

taurus in the 2nd house is well-suited for steady financial growth through high-quality, long-term investments and products. they thrive in businesses that emphasize luxury, beauty, and quality, such as a high-end skincare line, organic foods business, or eco-friendly clothing brand. taurus could also consider starting a boutique furniture store that sells artisan-crafted or vintage items, as they appreciate products with enduring value. with their talent for creating a comforting atmosphere, taurus might excel with a bed and breakfast, a spa, or a wellness center that offers relaxation services. taurus maximizes profits by focusing on products that prioritize quality and offer a luxurious experience, appealing to clients who value longevity and craftsmanship.

gemini in the 2nd house can boost profits by tapping into their adaptability and communication skills, especially in diverse, mentally stimulating fields. they could thrive by starting a digital marketing agency, offering copywriting or editing services, or launching an online course platform that covers a wide range of topics to cater to curious minds. with their natural social skills, gemini could also excel in creating a networking app or social media consulting service. offering services like translation, podcasting, or even freelance journalism can keep income flowing, as gemini is well-suited to manage multiple streams of revenue. their knack for curiosity-driven ventures and networking makes them ideal for businesses that involve idea-sharing, quick adaptability, and community engagement.

cancer in the 2nd house can increase earnings by focusing on nurturing and emotionally resonant businesses that bring comfort to others. they might start a home-cooked meal delivery service, a childcare center, or a family-focused event planning service that organizes intimate gatherings like birthdays and reunions. cancer could also do well in real estate, particularly with home staging or property management that emphasizes creating warm, inviting spaces. they could excel in interior decorating, especially with a focus on cozy, family-oriented spaces, or start a handcrafted candle or blanket line. by building businesses that revolve around care, comfort, and family, cancer can create loyal clients and establish long-term success through emotional connections.

leo in the 2nd house maximizes profits by showcasing their creativity and leadership, often excelling in businesses that allow them to stand out and build a brand. leo could find success with a personal brand consultancy, fashion line, or luxury event planning business. they might enjoy launching a social media channel focused on lifestyle or self-improvement, where they can attract sponsorships or sell branded merchandise. leo also thrives in roles where they can influence and inspire others, so they might consider starting a motivational speaking business, an acting or dance academy, or a high-end boutique. with their flair for self-expression, leo profits best when they create high-quality, visually captivating products and services that let their star power shine through.

virgo in the 2nd house finds financial success through practical, detail-oriented services that provide high value and efficiency. they excel in businesses that involve organization, health, and precision, such as financial consulting, tax preparation, or a personal organizing service. virgo might also thrive with a nutrition or wellness coaching business, offering tailored health plans or holistic products like herbal supplements or self-care kits. a digital bookkeeping service, copyediting business, or virtual assistant agency could also bring them steady profits, as virgo’s meticulous nature appeals to clients who seek reliability and structure. by focusing on services that emphasize quality and organization, virgo builds a reputation for excellence that attracts a steady client base.

libra in the 2nd house can increase earnings by leveraging their skills in diplomacy, aesthetics, and partnerships. they could start a wedding planning business, a floral design company, or a luxury lifestyle brand that sells carefully curated home décor items. libra would also excel in public relations consulting or brand management roles, where they can help clients present a refined, balanced image. creating a high-end art gallery, a boutique law firm, or a relationship coaching service could also align well with libra’s skills. libra thrives in partnership-focused ventures, so building collaborative business models or co-founding a business with others can also enhance their profitability and bring a sense of harmony to their financial life.

scorpio in the 2nd house maximizes profits by tapping into their ability to handle intensity and complexity, often succeeding in fields like finance, psychology, and research. scorpio could build wealth by creating a private investigation firm, a psychotherapy practice, or a financial planning service specializing in wealth management or estate planning. they might also thrive in real estate investment, particularly with properties that need transformation, such as flipping houses or managing rental properties. scorpio may also excel in businesses related to holistic healing, offering reiki or shadow work coaching. by focusing on industries that require trust, depth, and resilience, scorpio can attract clients who value privacy and are willing to invest in transformational services.

sagittarius in the 2nd house can increase profits by embracing their love for adventure, growth, and education. they could launch a travel agency specializing in unique cultural experiences, a language learning platform, or a motivational speaking business that offers courses and workshops. sagittarius could also thrive by creating a publishing company focused on philosophical or inspirational content or starting a tour guiding business for international destinations. their enthusiasm for knowledge makes them great at teaching, so they might consider offering online courses or starting a coaching business in a field they’re passionate about. by aligning with growth-oriented ventures, sagittarius can attract an audience that values inspiration and big-picture thinking.

capricorn in the 2nd house maximizes profits through disciplined, long-term planning and a practical approach to business. they’re well-suited for businesses like a corporate consulting firm, project management agency, or investment portfolio service. capricorn could also do well in real estate development, particularly with rental properties or commercial buildings. they might find success by starting a financial advisory firm or creating a luxury goods company focused on high-end, timeless products like leather goods or fine jewelry. by aligning with industries that reward patience and professionalism, capricorn can build a solid financial foundation and enjoy steady growth, often seeing long-term success through conservative but reliable investments.

aquarius in the 2nd house can increase profits by focusing on innovation, technology, and humanitarian ventures. they might launch a tech startup, a renewable energy company, or a social media platform that prioritizes community and ethical interaction. aquarius could also find success with a nonprofit organization focused on social justice, an eco-friendly product line, or a collaborative workspace for creatives and freelancers. their futuristic mindset makes them perfect for ventures in artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, or virtual reality. by aligning their finances with progressive and forward-thinking industries, aquarius can attract clients and customers who value innovation and social impact.

pisces in the 2nd house maximizes profits by leaning into their creativity, compassion, and spirituality. they may thrive in a music or art therapy practice, a spiritual coaching business, or a holistic wellness center that offers services like yoga, meditation, and crystal healing. pisces could also succeed by creating a boutique art studio, a dream journal line, or a subscription service for wellness products like essential oils, herbal teas, and calming rituals. they’re drawn to businesses that help others heal or connect with their inner selves, so they may also find success in fields like astrology, psychic readings, or intuitive counseling. by aligning with businesses that emphasize emotional well-being and creativity, pisces can build a profitable venture that resonates deeply with clients who seek personal and spiritual growth.

[lemonhemlock]

I did not get into Game of thrones when it first started airing. In fact, I waited until it was long past it's heyday (around s6 or 7) to check it out because the marketing and the conversation surrounding it misled me into thinking it was nothing more than "grimdark" bullshit. As one famous YouTuber sarcastically called it "hot fantasy that fucks." So, I avoided Martin's work for literal years due to the impression that I got from online reactors and show-only casuals who did as you and a few others have described as his work being fundamentally misinterpreted.

Fortunately, I overcame my hang-ups, purchased the books (even the supplementary material) and fell down an entire rabbit hole of ASOIAF which led me to recognizing that this world he spent decades creating is far more complex than what had been portrayed onscreen. Regardless of the possibility of the books remaining unfinished (which I am fine with, personally), what George has created is a genuine work of art that I imagine took a tremendous amount of time and energy. So, for so many people online to behave like children and throw tantrums because they feel entitled to him (ew) instead of ushering forth more reasonable conversations and legitimate debates about the nature of his situation frankly makes me look at this fandom with a heavy dose of skepticism.

It is truly baffling to hear even professional critics and see articles describing George as being "ungrateful" or "unprofessional" when it has been well-documented just how often authors get locked out of the adaptation process and left to the wayside as consultants. Look at what happened to Rick Riordan and Christopher Paolini! George R.R. Martin is not the only author to have qualms with how a multimillion dollar studio has mishandled his creative work, and to act like he should remain silent just because he's amassed a certain degree of wealth is quite frankly, ridiculous. He shouldn't have to settle down, be grateful, and stay quiet because the greedy corporate executives and their media drones will get offended by actual criticism that could alter the perception of the adaption being revealed as mediocre for having departed from the source material.

TLDR: authors should be allowed to speak up about their art being sacrificed for commercialization.

Thank you so much for this message, anon! This needs to be talked about more, because I don't think a lot of commentators truly understand the vulgar, late-capitalistic sheen that seems to set in and slowly poison any ASOIAF adaptation. It honestly baffles me how quick some members of this fandom are to rush to the defense of, what is essentially (let's not be kidding ourselves here), a cashgrab by a giant corporation to the detriment of the actual artist and the actual creative foundation behind it.

Why else would "MAX" (if that is even their name) make another (or several other) ASOIAF adaptations? Not to stay true to any philosophical aesthetic vision, as it has become more than apparent with Season 2, but to increase shareholder profits by appealing to the lowest common denominator. Even the basic premise has been shifted in order to address popular trends and satisfy the mindless consumer that doesn't want to engage with anything deeper than their favourite tropes, prettily packaged:

from a story about a doomed ouroborous family superimposed on the pitfalls of feudalism, with villainy and heroism to be found on both sides, it has been simplified and reduced to a narrative that exalts white feminism and disqualifies anyone who opposes its girlboss protagonist. This is Sheryl Sandberg's version of Fire and Blood.

Truly, I think Sara Hess did (unintentionally) outline it the best: "civilians don't matter in Game of Thrones". They don't matter in Game of Thrones, but they matter in A Song of Ice and Fire. The entire heart of the series is contained in Septon Maribald's speech. The writers "kind of", must have forgotten, though.

[astroismypassion]

✨PART OF FORTUNE IN SIGNS AND HOUSES SERIES: 9TH HOUSE✨

Credit: Tumblr blog @astroismypassion

ARIES PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Aries and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You would do well as a personal trainer or fitness instructor since you have great energy and motivation that can inspire clients to achieve health and fitness goals. You feel abundant when you are inspired and inspiring others and when you can experience the childlike joy and share it with those around you.

TAURUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Taurus and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via teaching about practical skills, business, economics or the arts, via creating and selling educational content (online courses, e-books, instructional videos), by becoming a travel writer or blogger, starting or managing a tourism-related business (travel agency, boutique hotel or guided tour company), via international law.

GEMINI PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Gemini and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via developing or working with educational technology platforms that facilitate online learning, via work in international business/trade, via diplomacy, engaging in media production, creating content for TV, radio or online platforms.

CANCER PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You can feel the most abundant when you have Cancer and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via selling home-brewed beer or offering brewing classes, via media content (podcasts, videos) connected with family relationships, emotional health, cultural traditions, life coaching, via real estate related to family homes, community housing, vacation properties that provide a sense of home and comfort, via non-profit organizations that focus on family support, emotional well-being and cultural preservation.

LEO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Leo and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via providing high-end services, such as image consulting or bespoke travel planning, via engaging in theatre, film, directing, producing, via creative arts (music, painting, dancing), via sharing your experiences by storytelling, via teaching, arts, philosophy or leadership.

VIRGO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Virgo and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via nutrition counselling, naturopathy, wellness coaching, preventative care, via writing for technical and scientific publications, via developing or managing programs that facilitate cultural exchanges and study abroad opportunities. You feel abundant when you are focused on service and when you have clear communication.

LIBRA PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Libra and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via becoming a make-up artist, creating tutorials or selling beauty products. You feel abundant when you travel with your loved ones, your partner or as a part of the team. You find wealth via becoming a teacher in subjects like art, design, law or philosophy. You find abundance in starting a business in art (art gallery, design studio, fashion brand).

SCORPIO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Scorpio and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via esoteric studies, sociology, spiritual transformation, via energy work, shamanic healing, transformational coaching. You feel abundant when you dive into transformation, healing and deep psychological insights. You can also offer consulting services in areas, like crisis management, organizational transformation or deep personal development. You feel abundant when you promote healing and transformation via self-help books, wellness products or spiritual tools.

SAGITTARIUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via offering tailored travel plans, starting a business in adventure tourism (offering hiking, trekking and cultural tours), offering spiritual counselling or coaching, helping others find their path and purpose.

CAPRICORN PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Capricorn and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via import/export, global consultancy, multinational corporations, via offering historical tours, archaeological digs, via eco-tourism, via international law or corporate law. You feel abundant when you are disciplined, patient and persistent.

AQUARIUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Aquarius and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via writing or speaking about progressive philosophical or spiritual ideas that align with modern, futuristic or humanitarian values, via online courses, workshops or alternative education methods, via technology, social sciences or futuristic studies.

PISCES PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 9TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Pisces and Sagittarius Sun people in your life. You can earn money via producing media content (podcast, video, documentary) on spiritual, artistic, cultural topic, via creating educational programs/workshops that blend traditional learning with holistic or spiritual perspective, via spiritual coaching, astrology or psychic readings.

Credit: Tumblr blog @astroismypassion

[spiritualseer]

Your Natal Chart and what Side-hustles could be successful for you

If you are deciding what side-hustle can prove successful to you, looking at your natal chart is sure to povide some insights. Keeping in mind your personal capabilities and preference, see the placement of your Sun, Moon, Mars, Venus, and MC (Midhaven) to see which might suit you better.

Aries

Dropshipping, Online Coaching or Personal Training.

Taurus

E-commerce (Handmade Goods or Art), Stock Photography.

Gemini

Blogging, YouTube Channel, Social Media Management.

Cancer

Virtual Assistant, Online Counseling, Cooking/Baking Tutorials (this can also be done if you are a taurus, have taurus placements)

Leo

Influencer, Podcasting, Online Workshops or Classes

Virgo

Freelance Writing or Editing, Proofreading, Online Tutoring

Libra

Social Media Consulting, Graphic Design, Event Planning (Virtual)

Scorpio

Online Trading (Stocks, Cryptocurrencies), Research Services, Investigative Writing.

Sagittarius

Travel Blogging, Online Courses (Philosophy, Languages), Virtual Tour Guide.

Capricorn

Freelance Consulting, Online Business Coaching, Financial Planning Services.

Aquarius

App Development, Crowdfunding Campaigns, Online Activism or Advocacy.

Pisces

Art or Music Lessons, Creative Writing, Spiritual Coaching.

Copyright Disclaimer ©️ All works are owned by me and I do not allow reposting or translations- only reblogging

[mariacallous]

For a while in the mid-2000s, a refrigerator-sized box in Abu Dhabi was considered the greatest chess player in the world. Its name was Hydra, and it was a small super-computer—a cabinet full of industrial-grade processors and specially designed chips, strung together with fiber-optic cables and jacked into the internet.

At a time when chess was still the main gladiatorial arena for competition between humans and AI, Hydra and its exploits were briefly the stuff of legend. The New Yorker published a contemplative 5,000-word feature about its emergent creativity; WIRED declared Hydra “fearsome”; and chess publications covered its victories with the violence of wrestling commentary. Hydra, they wrote, was a “monster machine” that “slowly strangled” human grand masters.

True to form as a monster, Hydra was also isolated and strange. Other advanced chess engines at the time—Hydra’s rivals—ran on ordinary PCs and were available for anyone to download. But the full power of Hydra’s 32-processor cluster could be used by only one person at a time. And by the summer of 2005, even the members of Hydra’s development team were struggling to get a turn with their creation.

That’s because the team’s patron—the then 36-year-old Emirati man who’d hired them and put up the money for Hydra’s souped-up hardware—was too busy reaping his reward. On an online chess forum in 2005, Hydra’s Austrian chief architect, Chrilly Donninger, described this benefactor as the greatest “computer chess freak” alive. “The sponsor,” he wrote, “loves to play day and night with Hydra.”

Under the username zor_champ, the Emirati sponsor would log in to online chess tournaments and, with Hydra, play as a human-computer team. More often than not, they would trounce the competition. “He loved the power of man plus machine,” one engineer told me. “He loved to win.”

Hydra eventually got overtaken by other chess computers and was discontinued in the late 2000s. But zor_champ went on to become one of the most powerful, least understood men in the world. His real name is Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed al Nahyan.

A bearded, wiry figure who’s almost never seen without dark sunglasses, Tahnoun is the United Arab Emirates’ national security adviser—the intelligence chief to one of the world’s wealthiest and most surveillance-happy small nations. He’s also the younger brother of the country’s hereditary, autocratic president, Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan. But perhaps most important, and most bizarrely for a spymaster, Tahnoun wields official control over much of Abu Dhabi’s vast sovereign wealth. Bloomberg News reported last year that he directly oversees a $1.5 trillion empire—more cash than just about anyone on the planet.

In his personal style, Tahnoun comes across as one-third Gulf royal, one-third fitness-obsessed tech founder, and one-third Bond villain. Among his many, many business interests, he presides over a sprawling tech conglomerate called G42 (a reference to the book The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, in which “42” is a super-computer’s answer to the question of “life, the universe, and everything”). G42 has a hand in everything from AI research to biotechnology—with special areas of strength in state-sponsored hacking and surveillance tech. Tahnoun is fanatical about Brazilian jiujitsu and cycling. He wears his sunglasses even at the gym because of a sensitivity to light, and he surrounds himself with UFC champions and mixed martial arts fighters.

According to a businessman and a security consultant who’ve met with Tahnoun, visitors who make it past his layers of loyal gatekeepers might get a chance to speak with him only after cycling laps with the sheikh around his private velodrome. He has been known to spend hours in a flotation chamber, the consultant says, and has flown health guru Peter Attia into the UAE to offer guidance on longevity. According to a businessman who was present for the discussion, Tahnoun even inspired Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s powerful crown prince, to cut back on fast food and join him in a quest to live to 150.

But in recent years, a new quest has taken up much of Sheikh Tahnoun’s attention. His onetime chess and technology obsession has morphed into something far bigger: a hundred-billion-dollar campaign to turn Abu Dhabi into an AI superpower. And the teammate he’s set out to buy this time is the United States tech industry itself.

In the multiplayer game of strategy that is the AI arms race, the US controls the board right now for a pretty simple reason. A single American hardware company, Nvidia, makes the chips that train the most competitive AI models—and the US government has moved to restrict who can buy these Nvidia GPUs (as the chips are called) outside the country’s borders. To take advantage of this clear but jittery lead over China, the CEOs of America’s AI giants have fanned out across the globe to sweet-talk the world’s richest investors—people like Tahnoun—into financing what amounts to an enormous building boom.

Lurking behind every synthetic podcast and serving of AI slop is a huge, thrumming data center: Hundreds of Hydra-sized server cabinets lined up in tight rows, running computing processes that are tens or hundreds of times more energy-intensive than ordinary web searches. And behind those is another set of data centers that train foundational AI models. To keep pace with demand, AI companies need more data centers all over the world—plus the land to put them on, the water to cool them, the electricity to power them, and the microchips to run them. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has predicted that tech companies will pour a trillion dollars into new AI data centers over the next five years.

Building out the next phase of AI, in short, is set to require mind-boggling amounts of capital, real estate, and electricity—and the Gulf States, with their vast oil wealth and energy resources, possess all three. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar have all set up major AI investment funds in the past couple of years. But as a home for new data centers and a source of investment capital, the UAE has emerged as a particularly attractive potential partner on a number of fronts—from its sheer wealth to its brand-new nuclear power supply to the relative sophistication of its own AI sector.

But there’s a rub: Any American AI partnership with the UAE is, in some way, a relationship with Sheikh Tahnoun himself—and for years many of Tahnoun’s most important technology partners have been Chinese.

The pairing was only natural, given Tahnoun’s record as a spy chief with vast commercial interests in high-tech state control. Tahnoun spent the early 2020s forging deep business and personal ties with Beijing, to the point that some products sold by G42 came to be nearly indistinguishable from Chinese ones. A G42 subsidiary called Presight AI, for one, sold surveillance software to police forces worldwide that bore a close resemblance to systems used by Chinese law enforcement. The Chinese telecom giant Huawei’s footprints in G42 went even deeper. Early in the generative-AI boom, Huawei’s engineers moved freely through Abu Dhabi’s most sensitive tech facilities as they designed massive AI training centers.

But in August of 2023, Washington threw down a gauntlet. It restricted exports of Nvidia GPUs to the Middle East—the very hardware that Abu Dhabi needed to realize its own AI ambitions. No company using Huawei equipment would get access. So Tahnoun pivoted, hard. In early 2024, G42 announced it was severing ties with China and would rip out Chinese equipment. Chinese nationals began quietly departing Abu Dhabi’s tech sector.

At the same time, US and UAE leaders went into a fevered phase of mutual courtship. Scores of public relations consultants, lawyers, and Beltway lobbyists set about portraying Tahnoun as a safe pair of hands in which to place US technology and trust. Marty Edelman, the emirate’s most trusted American lawyer, helped orchestrate the strategy from New York. The UAE’s ambassador to Washington, Yousef Al Otaiba, deployed his considerable political capital to vouch for Tahnoun. Meanwhile, US government and tech leaders tried to maneuver what promised to be a huge spigot of Emirati money into the United States, to feed AI companies’ need for investment.

The first sign that the two sides had reached an understanding was, bizarrely, a deal that flowed in the opposite direction. In an unusual agreement brokered largely by officials in the Biden administration, Microsoft announced in April 2024 that it was investing $1.5 billion in Tahnoun’s G42, acquiring a minority stake in the company. According to remarks by a Biden official who helped steer the agreement, the objective was to get G42 to “work with Microsoft as an alternative to Huawei.” In the first phase of the relationship, G42 would gain access to Microsoft’s AI computing power on its Azure cloud platform, at a data center inside the UAE. And Brad Smith, Microsoft’s president, would join the board of G42—a kind of American chaperone inside the company.

The big gushers of cash from the UAE were still to come, as were any Nvidia chips for Abu Dhabi. But the Microsoft deal amounted to a US government seal of approval for further business with the Emirates. In the summer of 2024, Tahnoun embarked on a charm offensive across the United States, with a visit to Elon Musk in Texas and a jiujitsu session with Mark Zuckerberg. Meetups with Bill Gates, Satya Nadella, and Jeff Bezos followed in quick succession. The most important meetings, however, took place at the White House, with figures like national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Commerce secretary Gina Raimondo, and President Joe Biden himself.

As the frenzied campaign to reframe Tahnoun and G42’s image seemed to gain traction—and the US seemed poised to loosen export controls on advanced chips for the UAE—some inside the US national security establishment were, just as frantically, waving caution flags. One of their fears is that the intellectual property of the United States could still leak to China. “The Emiratis are the consummate hedgers,” a former senior US security official told me. “The question everyone has: Are they playing both sides?” In a July open letter, US congressman Michael McCaul, the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called for “significantly more robust national security guardrails” to be placed on the UAE before the US exported any sensitive technology to the country.

But the other fear is of the UAE itself—a country whose vision of using AI as a mechanism of state control is not all that different from Beijing’s. “The UAE is an authoritarian state with a dismal human rights record and a history of using technology to spy on activists, journalists, and dissidents,” says Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. “I don’t think there is any doubt that the UAE would like to influence the course of AI development”—in ways that are optimized not for democracy or any “shared human values,” but for police states.

This past summer, around the same time that Tahnoun was barnstorming through America’s dojos and C-suites, Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, was hosting some of the world’s leading technology thinkers—including former Google CEO Eric Schmidt—at his vast South African hunting estate called Ekland. They visited game parks, were waited on by butlers, and discussed Saudi Arabia’s future role in AI.

Not long after, Schmidt made a trip to the Biden White House to air his concerns that the US cannot produce enough electricity to compete in AI. His suggestion? Closer financial and business ties with hydroelectric-rich Canada. “The alternative is to have the Arabs fund [AI],” he told a group of Stanford students on video the following week. “I like the Arabs personally … But they’re not going to adhere to our national security rules.”

Those concerns over the Gulf States’ reliability as allies (and their tendencies to engage in unsavory practices like targeting journalists and waging proxy wars) haven’t stopped their money from flowing into US tech companies. Earlier in the year, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign Public Investment Fund announced a $40 billion fund focused on AI investments, aided by a strategic partnership with the Silicon Valley venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. Kingdom Holding, an investment firm run by a Saudi royal who is deeply obedient to the crown prince, has also emerged as one of the biggest investors in Elon Musk’s startup xAI.

The New York Times wrote that the new Saudi fund made that country “the world’s largest investor in artificial intelligence.” But in September, the UAE eclipsed it: Abu Dhabi announced that a new AI investment vehicle called MGX would partner with BlackRock, Micro-soft, and Global Infrastructure Partners to pour more than $100 billion into, among other things, building a network of data centers and power plants across the United States. MGX—which is part of Tahnoun’s sovereign wealth portfolio—has also reportedly been in “early talks” with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman about what Altman hopes will be a 5 to 7 trillion-dollar moonshot chipmaking venture to create an alternative to Nvidia’s scarce GPUs.

The spigot of Emirati cash was now open. And in turn, within days of the MGX announcement, the news site Semafor reported that the US had cleared Nvidia to sell GPUs to G42. Some of the chips were already being deployed in Abu Dhabi, the news site reported, including “a sizable order of Nvidia H100 models.” The US had finally given Tahnoun some of the hardware he needed to build his next Hydra. Which raises the salience of two questions: What kind of game is Sheikh Tahnoun playing this time? And how exactly did he get control of so much wealth?

on some level, nearly every story about royalty in the Gulf is a story about succession—about paternalistic families trying to ward off external threats, and the internal rivalries that crop up when inherited power is up for grabs.

Tahnoun and his brother Mohamed are both sons of the UAE’s first president, Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan—an iconic figure revered as the father of the nation.

For much of Zayed’s life, what is now the city of Abu Dhabi was an austere, seasonal fishing village with a harsh climate, a brackish water supply, and a nomadic population of about 2,000 people. The rest of the emirate had several thousand more Bedouin inhabitants. As rulers, the al Nahyans were paid in tributes and taxes, and served as custodians of the emirate’s shared resources. Their lifestyle wasn’t all that much better than that of their fellow tribesmen. But still it was dangerous at the top. Before Zayed, two of the last four sheikhs of Abu Dhabi had been assassinated by their brothers; another had been killed by a rival tribe.

Zayed, for his part, seized power from his older brother in a bloodless coup aided by the British in 1966—just as oil and its transformative wealth started flowing into Abu Dhabi. Where his elder sibling resisted spending Abu Dhabi’s new fortune, Zayed embraced modernization, development, and a vision for uniting several tribes under a single state—setting the stage for the creation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.

When the UAE was formed, Tahnoun was almost 3 years old. A middle child among Zayed’s 20-odd sons, Tahnoun is one of the so-called Bani Fatima—the six male children of Zayed’s most favored wife, Fatima, and his most important heirs. Zayed groomed these sons to go abroad, become worldly, and take up the mantle of the UAE’s future. But even as he established a state that carefully distributed new oil wealth among Abu Dhabi’s Bedouins, Zayed steered his heirs away from business and self-enrichment. Perhaps mindful of the assassinations and coups that preceded him, Zayed wanted to ward off the perception that the al Nahyans were benefiting unfairly from their role as custodians of the country.

In the mid-1990s, Tahnoun found himself in Southern California. One day in 1995 he walked into a Brazilian jiujitsu dojo in San Diego, asking to be trained. He introduced himself as “Ben” and, according to an article on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Eastern Europe’s website, went out of his way to show humility, arriving early and helping to clean up. Only later did he reveal he was a prince of Abu Dhabi.

As Zayed’s health failed in the late 1990s, his sons began to step into bigger roles—and to break away from his guidance by starting businesses of their own. It was around this time that Tahnoun started his first holding company, the Royal Group, the entity he would use to incubate the Hydra chess computer. He also started a robotics company that produced a humanoid robot, REEM-C, which in turn was named after an island in Abu Dhabi where he made a series of real estate investments.

When Zayed died in 2004, Tahnoun’s eldest brother, Kha-lifa, became the new ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE, and Mohamed, the eldest of the Bani Fatima, became the crown prince. The other sons took on an array of official titles, but their roles were more ambiguous.

As a reporter based in Abu Dhabi from 2008 to 2011, I fell into the pastime of “sheikh watching,” a Gulf-royal version of Kremlinology that involves reading between the lines of announcements and moves, and keeping in touch with palace insiders who occasionally betray a few secrets. At the time, Tahnoun seemed like a fascinating dilettante very far from actual power—he held no serious role in the government and seemed preoccupied with growing his fortune, dabbling in technology, and changing the skyline of Abu Dhabi.

That all changed when Tahnoun stepped up as the family member with the greatest knack for wielding a growing tool for nation-states: cyberespionage.

In July 2009, thousands of BlackBerry users across the UAE noticed their phones growing dangerously hot. The culprit was a supposed “performance update” pushed by Etisalat, the UAE’s largest telecom provider. In reality, it was spyware—an early experiment in mass surveillance that backfired spectacularly when BlackBerry’s parent company exposed the scheme.

I experienced this myself one day on a trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, bringing my BlackBerry to my ear and finding it so hot it nearly burned my face. It was my first direct, personal experience of the UAE’s hidden police state. But shades of its existence are apparent to anyone who has spent time in the Gulf States. Violent crime is nearly nonexistent, and life can be smooth, even luxurious. But in moments of stress or risk, these countries can become very dangerous places, especially for residents who dare hint at dissent.

The revolutions of the Arab Spring in 2011—which saw four Middle Eastern autocrats topple in the face of massive, Twitter-organized crowds—only heightened the UAE’s resolve to stamp out any green shoots of democracy. When a handful of Emirati activists made their own mild case for human rights and political reform in 2011, the state convicted them on charges of royal defamation. Then it promptly pardoned and released them into a life of surveillance and harassment.

While there’s no evidence that Tahnoun had any direct involvement in the BlackBerry debacle, he would soon come to oversee an empire capable of far more sophisticated spycraft. In 2013, he was named deputy national security adviser—around which time the UAE’s ambitions to spy on its residents and enemies started to reach an industrial scale.

For several years at that point, the UAE had been running a secret program known as Project Raven, formed in 2008 under a contract with consultant and former US counterterrorism czar Richard Clarke. The US National Security Agency had blessed the arrangement, meant to give the UAE state-of-the-art surveillance and data analysis capabilities to contribute to the war on terror. But around 2014, Project Raven took a new tack. Under the new management of a US contractor called CyberPoint, it recruited dozens of former US intelligence operatives with a simple pitch: tax-free salaries, housing stipends, and a chance to fight terrorism.

But fighting terrorism was, in fact, only part of the agenda. Within two years, the project’s management changed hands yet again to a company called Dark-Matter, effectively an Emirati state-owned firm. Emirati intelligence leaders placed Project Raven under their own roof—just two floors from the UAE’s own version of the NSA. The message to Project Raven’s employees: Join DarkMatter or leave.

For those who remained, the job included tracking journalists, dissidents, and other perceived enemies of the state and the royal family. Among the key American operatives who stayed on with DarkMatter was Marc Baier, a veteran of the NSA’s elite Tailored Access Operations unit. Emails later showed Baier chatting with the Italian surveillance firm Hacking Team, describing his UAE clients as “the most senior” and demanding white-glove service as he shopped for hacking tools. Other former NSA hackers on the Project Raven team got busy developing custom attacks for specific devices and accounts.

They got to human rights activist Ahmed Mansoor—one of the Emiratis who had blogged in favor of democratic reform during the Arab Spring—through his child’s baby monitor. It was 2016, and Mansoor had grown used to his devices behaving strangely: phones that grew mysteriously hot, suspicious text messages, drained bank accounts, according to a person familiar with his experiences. His phone had even once been infected with Pegasus spyware, a notorious product made by the Israeli cyber-arms firm NSO Group. But the baby monitor was new. Unknown to him, operatives at DarkMatter were using it to listen to his family’s private conversations.

In another project, DarkMatter assembled what it called a “tiger team”—a task force to install mass-surveillance hardware in public places. These probes would be capable of “intercepting, modifying, and diverting” nearby traffic on UAE’s cellular networks, according to an Italian security researcher who was being courted by DarkMatter in 2016. “To operate as we want them to, these probes are going to be put everywhere,” the prospective hire, Simone Margaritelli, was told in an email during his recruitment process.

And who was ultimately overseeing all this activity? In early 2016, Tahnoun had been named national security adviser, which placed him fully in charge of UAE intelligence. And there are signs that the ultimate controlling party over DarkMatter was none other than Tahnoun’s investment firm, the Royal Group.

Eventually, I may have become a target of the UAE’s hacking apparatus myself. In 2021 a coalition of journalists called the Pegasus Project informed me that my phone had been targeted by the UAE using Pegasus spyware in 2018. At the time I’d been reporting on a global financial scandal that implicated a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family—Sheikh Tahnoun’s brother, Mansour. The UAE denied that it had targeted many of the people identified, including me.

The hacking and tracking of American citizens would eventually become a red line for some of Project Raven’s former intelligence agents. “I am working for a foreign intelligence agency who is targeting US persons,” a Project Raven whistleblower named Lori Stroud would tell Reuters in 2019. “I am officially the bad kind of spy.”

The ensuing scandal resulted in US federal charges for several of its ex-NSA leaders, including Baier. DarkMatter and Project Raven, meanwhile, were painstakingly broken down, scattered, rebranded, and then subsumed into other companies and government departments. Many of their pieces and personnel eventually moved under the umbrella of a single new entity founded in 2018—called G42.

G42 has denied publicly it had any connections to Dark-Matter, but the threads aren’t hard to see. One DarkMatter subsidiary, for instance, was an entity that worked especially closely with Chinese companies. Not only did it eventually appear to become part of G42, but the subsidiary’s CEO, Peng Xiao, went on to become the CEO of G42 itself.

A Chinese speaker who studied computer science at Hawaii Pacific University, Xiao’s past is otherwise a black box. Though he was a US citizen for a time, he eventually surrendered his US passport for UAE citizenship—an exceedingly rare honor for a non-Emirati. And under a subsidiary of G42 called Pax AI, Xiao helped produce the next evolutionary step in DarkMatter’s legacy.

One morning in 2019, millions of phones across the UAE lit up with a cheery notification. A new messaging app called ToTok promised what WhatsApp couldn’t—unrestricted calling in a country where the voice-calling function of most chat apps was blocked. Within weeks, it had shot to the top of Apple’s and Google’s app store even beyond the Emirates. But there was a catch. Each time someone tapped the app icon, the user gave the app access to everything on that phone—photos, messages, the camera, voice calls, location.

Data from millions of phones flowed to Pax AI. Like DarkMatter before it, Pax AI operated from the same building as the UAE’s intelligence agency. The ToTok app itself came from a collaboration with Chinese engineers. For a regime that had spent fortunes on NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware and DarkMatter’s hacking teams, ToTok was elegantly simple. People didn’t have to be laboriously targeted with spyware—they were eagerly downloading it.

Representatives of ToTok adamantly denied that their product was spyware, but an engineer who worked at G42 at the time told me that all of the voice, video, and text chats were analyzed by AI for what the government considered suspicious activity. (Among the easiest ways to get flagged: placing calls to Qatar, then a rival in a mutual cyberwar, from within the UAE.) G42 declined to comment on specific details for this story but responded to WIRED with an overall statement: “G42 is steadfast in its commitment to responsible innovation, ethical governance, and delivering transformative AI solutions globally.”

Inside G42, staff sometimes refer to Tahnoun as “Tiger,” and his orders can swiftly change the company’s course. One mandate from Tiger, according to a former engineer, was to build him either a business that generates $100 million in revenue a year or a technology that makes him famous. In the workplace, there is no mistaking that the conglomerate has one foot inside the security state: Most of the company’s technology and data centers are based in Zayed Military City, a restricted-access zone, and all G42 staff need to pass security clearances to get hired.

Through G42, government intelligence services, and other cybersecurity entities, Tahnoun had effectively come to oversee the UAE’s entire hacking apparatus. But at a certain point, control over the UAE’s spy sector and the industry around it wasn’t enough for Tahnoun.

By the turn of the decade, Tahnoun had ambitions for more political power over the whole of the Emirates. His sibling Mohamed had been serving as the de facto leader of the country since their brother President Kha-lifa suffered a major stroke in 2014. Now, as Khalifa’s health continued to fail and Mohamed’s formal accession to the throne was becoming imminent, the position of the next crown prince was up for grabs.

These moments of dynastic uncertainty can be dangerous. In Saudi Arabia, the sons of the country’s first king, Abdulaziz al-Saud, have taken the throne one after the other ever since the 1950s. By the time the current king, Salman, took power in 2015, he was 80 years old, and the ranks of potential heirs below him had become crowded, corrupt, and rife with internal tensions. That’s why, in 2017, King Salman’s son Mohammed, or MBS, struck out to eliminate his rivals—mostly cousins and their aides—by arresting them in a purge, asserting himself as the new strongman.

In Abu Dhabi, Tahnoun’s argument in the succession debate, according to royal insiders, was that his brother Mohamed should follow precedent and allow the sons of Zayed to rule while they were of good health and sound mind—a system that would place him in contention. But Mohamed was adamant that his own son Khalid should be crown prince, a signal to the country’s large youth population that they were represented high up in government.

Tahnoun argued his point for more than a year, even providing evidence that Mohamed’s plan contradicted their father’s request for succession. But in the end, the brothers worked out a deal. Tahnoun agreed to set aside his ambition to be the crown prince or ruler—in exchange for vast power over the country’s financial resources. It was this bargain that would ultimately put him in charge of $1.5 trillion in sovereign wealth.

In 2023, Tahnoun was made chairman of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the largest and most important sovereign wealth fund in the country. Khalid’s appointment as crown prince was announced weeks later.

Officially, Tahnoun got a modest bump in title to become deputy ruler along with his brother Hazza. But those dealing with Abu Dhabi over the past few years say the same thing: Tahnoun’s powers have increased by an extraordinary degree, and not just in finance. He has also taken over diplomacy with Iran, Qatar, and Israel, and even handled the United States for a time when relations with the Biden administration declined. “Whenever there’s a difficult file, it’s given to Tahnoun,” says Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, a scholar of Gulf politics at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University. That skill has helped him “grow his power enormously,” Ulrichsen says.

As Tahnoun has gained access to new resources, he has plowed them into his maze of investments and conglomerates. Under the Royal Group, he controls not only G42 but also another conglomerate called the International Holding Company—itself a massive consortium that employs more than 50,000 people and owns everything from a Zambian copper mine to the St. Regis golf club and island resort in Abu Dhabi. He also oversees First Abu Dhabi Bank, which is the UAE’s largest lender, and another multibillion-dollar sovereign wealth fund called ADQ.

And now, with a growing position in the global AI arms race, Tahnoun’s empire also includes a stake in the future of humanity.

In December, the US government confirmed it had authorized the export of some Nvidia GPUs to the UAE—specifically to a Microsoft-operated facility inside the country. At G42, subsidiaries have kept multi-plying: Space42 focuses on using AI to analyze satellite imaging data; Core42 aims to build massive AI data centers across Abu Dhabi’s deserts.

Inside the US security establishment, many remain worried about the US tech sector’s increasingly close relationship with the UAE. One unsettling fact, according to a former security official, was that China made no protest over Tahnoun’s decision to tear out all of Huawei’s equipment and sever ties with the company in 2023. “They didn’t raise a peep,” the official told me. When Sweden banned Chinese companies Huawei and ZTE from its 5G rollout in 2020, Beijing’s foreign ministry spoke out against it, and Swedish telecom giant Ericsson lost huge amounts of business in China in retaliation. By contrast, G42’s big breakup with China somehow got a pass—suggesting to the official that there may be some kind of backdoor understanding between the two nations.

In a statement to WIRED, US congressman Michael McCaul reiterated his concern that technology could leak to China through the UAE’s deal with Microsoft, and stressed the need for tighter guardrails. “Before advancing this partnership and others like it further, the US must first establish robust, legally binding protections that apply broadly to AI cooperation with the UAE,” he said.

But even if those guardrails were put into place, the UAE has a history of finding ways to do what it wants. I’m reminded of the briefings that executives from Israel’s NSO Group gave to journalists for a time in the early 2010s, assuring them that Pegasus spyware had safeguards against abuse—and that Pegasus clients (like the UAE) would be blocked from targeting US and UK phone numbers (like mine). And I’m reminded of the blessings that the NSA gave to Project Raven at its inception.

While Donald Trump and his new administration are expected to continue with export controls over GPU chips, the view from people inside Tahnoun’s orbit is that the new administration will likely be much more “flexible” about the UAE’s AI ambitions. Plus at least one Trumpworld insider has a vested interest in the relationship: The UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have together contributed more than $2 billion to Jared Kushner’s private equity fund, guaranteeing the fund some $20 million to $30 million in annual management fees alone. Abu Dhabi’s leaders have consulted with Kushner and other Trump insiders, including former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, on AI policy, according to people familiar with the discussions.

While the continued supply of GPUs could be a remaining source of leverage for the US, it could be a declining one as rival chips improve. Some analysts argue that, even now, export controls are not the source of strength that American officials think they are. “AI is not like nuclear power where you can restrict the materials,” says computer security expert Bruce Schneier. AI technology is already highly distributed, he says, and the idea that American companies are at a huge and absolute advantage is a mirage.

Now that Tahnoun has been “brought inside the tent”—and given a key and expanding role as an investor of choice for the current winners in the AI race—he has certainly succeeded in gaining some leverage of his own. And those who keep needing money from the UAE may be happy to see it gain more clout. At a World Government Summit last year, Sam Altman suggested that the UAE could even serve as the world’s “regulatory sandbox” for AI—a place where new rules for governing the technology can get written, tested, and advanced.

Meanwhile, the Middle East could be entering a period, like the aftermath of the Arab Spring, when rules are largely off the table. Now that rebels have taken over Syria from the regime of Bashar al Assad, the Gulf States—especially the UAE—will be anxious to increase surveillance to avoid any spread of Islamist unrest. “We’re going to see more repression, more use of surveillance technologies,” says Karen Young, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington. And when it comes to managing threats and winning games of strategy, Tahnoun likes to make sure he’s playing with the most fearsome machine in the world.

[ace-sher-bi-john]

Rosie Watson Headcanon #2 - TLDR, Rosie Grows Up to be a Forensic Artist

From a very young age, Rosie was a very creative person. She loved to draw, write, play instruments, you name it. She was also as obsessed with crime as her godfather Sherlock.

Since before she could even walk, Rosie Watson was being taken to crime scenes. By the time she was three years old, she had picked up mad deduction abilities from her godfather. She knew her way around a crime scene and by age six, she was actively helping Sherlock with cases. As involved as a six year old could get anyway. Safety first. Even Sherlock knows that there are some things you just don't let your six year old do.

Being immersed in the crime solving atmosphere that her dads both called home, Rosie was of course as fascinated by it all as they were. She knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a crime solver when she grew up.

At first, she wanted to be a consulting detective just like Sherlock. Sherlock was her hero. He will always be her hero, no matter how many times he insists that heroes don't exist and that he isn't a hero. But Rosie found as she grew older, that she wanted to be an artist.

Her love for drawing and other creative pursuits grew as she got older. The more she practiced the better she got at it. She knew she wanted to make a career out of it.

She went to art school and tried drawing digital art online as a way to make money on the side, along with her part time job as a supermarket cashier. After her first semester of art school, she came to a realization. Rosie could combine her passions for crime solving and drawing and become a forensic artist. So she switched her major and took the necessary classes to make it happen.

It turns out this was the perfect career choice for her. Rosie gets to do the two things she is most passionate about, working as one of Scotland Yard's resident forensic artists. Life is good.

[t-am-i-the-asshole]

AITA for refusing to fund my boyfriends ‘genius’ idea?

I (F24) have been dating my boyfriend (M29) for 3 years, and while he’s always been a bit wacky I usually find it kind of endearing. This time however, he’s really outdone himself. A few weeks ago, he told me he had a “groundbreaking” idea that would “change humanity forever.” Entertaining him, I asked what it was. His answer? He wants to invent a new color.

Before we go any further it’s important to note we are both college graduates. I graduated in Biochemistry last year and my boyfriend in Philosophy a few years before, which makes this all the wilder I guess.

I tried to gently point out that colors exist as part of the visible spectrum of light, so unless he was about to discover some new wavelength, this might not be possible. But he waved me off, calling me “close-minded” and saying he was “enlightened in a way you’ll never be”

At first, I just nodded and let him ramble about his “vision.” But then he told me he needed funding to start his “research.” Specifically, he wanted me to give him $4,000 so he could buy “supplies,” including “advanced art tools,” a lab coat (because apparently, scientists wear them, so it would make him “feel smarter”), and—wait for it—a trip to the desert because he thinks the “pure sunlight” there will inspire him.

I told him absolutely not. I’m saving for grad school, and even if I weren’t, I’m not dropping thousands of dollars on his… whatever this is. He got mad, saying I didn’t believe in him or his “potential to revolutionize human perception.” He even accused me of being jealous that he had a “world-changing idea” and I didn’t. It got really heated and he ended up saying a lot of things about using my card as he knew the details anyway. For reference he’s been unemployed for a while now, whilst I’ve got a regular job. I ended up saying some things I do regret, but a lot of it was retaliation.

Now he’s sulking and telling everyone I’m “unsupportive” and “afraid of innovation.” His friends are backing him up, saying I should be encouraging his creativity instead of “crushing his dreams.” AITA for refusing to fund his quest to invent a new color?

EDIT: In terms of drugs we smoke weed occasionally but haven’t in the past few weeks, I’ve never seen him do any other drugs nor have I found any in the house. So I don’t know if I can really blame this on a bad trip

SECOND EDIT: Thankyou guys for all the advice, I’ve moved the majority of my money into my second bank account for now which I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have access to. In terms of his mental health I’m not in the habit of sharing his personal history online but seeing all your comments I do agree that this might be a mental health issue and I’m going to attempt to approach him with the idea of a consultation tomorrow, if anyone has any advice on that please let me know as I don’t want it to come across as insulting, I know he was down after his job but the comments have got me more worried about more serious illnesses that he may have.

[whitebunnie]

The Strategic Ballet of SEO Consulting: Crafting Digital Excellence

In the intricate ballet of the digital landscape, SEO consulting emerges as a choreographer, gracefully navigating the complexities to elevate businesses to new heights. This blog unveils the artistry behind SEO Consultant Services, exploring the nuanced dance between technical precision, content finesse, and the harmonious link-building that defines their unique approach to digital optimization.

Setting the Stage: SEO Consulting Beyond Conventional Wisdom

Decoding the Essence of SEO Consulting:

Beyond the common narrative of SEO as a means to visibility, SEO consultants are akin to creative directors shaping a narrative. They delve into the essence of a business, understanding its brand story, goals, and aspirations. SEO consulting is not a formulaic process; it's a choreography tailored to showcase the uniqueness of each business.

Strategic Choreography:

SEO consultants don't believe in off-the-rack solutions. Instead, they engage in a strategic choreography, conducting a thorough analysis of a business's digital footprint. This forms the basis for a customized dance, aligning SEO efforts with the specific needs and objectives of the business.

Unveiling the Choreography of SEO Consulting

1. Technical Ballet:

SEO consultants showcase their prowess in the technical ballet of website optimization. From streamlining site structures to ensuring seamless mobile experiences, their technical finesse lays the foundation for enhanced user experiences and improved search engine rankings.

2. Content Waltz:

In the graceful waltz of SEO, content takes center stage. SEO consultants curate a narrative that transcends mere keywords, focusing on creating a dance of information and engagement. Each piece of content is a step in the ballet, designed to resonate with the audience and lead them to conversion.

3. Link-Building Pas de Deux:

Similar to a pas de deux in ballet, SEO consultants engage in a delicate dance of link-building. They cultivate relationships with authoritative websites, earning high-quality backlinks that lend credibility to a business's online presence. It's a strategic dance that contributes to higher search rankings.

The Artistry of SEO Consulting

1. Adapting to the Digital Rhythm:

The digital landscape is a dynamic rhythm, ever-changing and evolving. SEO consultants are choreographers in tune with the latest beats, adapting their strategies to the nuances of evolving search engine algorithms. This flexibility ensures businesses dance seamlessly with industry trends.

2. Transparent Choreography:

SEO consulting is not a mysterious dance. Unlike performers guarding secrets, SEO consultants believe in transparent communication. They demystify the intricacies of SEO for businesses, fostering collaboration and ensuring clients actively participate in the choreography of optimization.

The Crescendo of Impact

1. Amplifying Visibility with Elegance:

SEO consultants orchestrate a crescendo of visibility with elegance. Through strategic optimization, they ensure businesses stand out in the vast expanse of search results, capturing the attention of their target audience with finesse and maximizing visibility.

2. Sustained Applause of Growth:

Beyond the immediate applause of improved rankings, SEO consultants focus on the sustained ovation of growth. Their strategies not only attract visitors but cultivate long-term relationships, transforming casual clicks into devoted patrons of a business's performance.

In Harmony with Success

As businesses pirouette through the digital ballet, the expertise of SEO Consultant Services emerges as a guiding choreography. Their ability to craft unique strategies, dance through technical intricacies, and adapt to the ever-changing digital rhythm positions SEO consultants as choreographers in the art of online optimization. In a world where online presence is the grand stage, SEO consulting becomes not just a service but a transformative dance orchestrating businesses toward the crescendo of digital success.

[consult-sherlockholmes]

Hi, hope you’re all alright.

Any interesting cases right now?

If not, you got any idea/ advice on how to make money during high school?

No cases. No anything. Except boredom. Does that sound alright to you?

Concerning your other question, although when did I become a consulting youth counselor, a possibility could be tutoring other students in subjects you are good at. I think many schools have such programs, but there are also online tutoring platforms. If you have some sort of creative hobby you could also do art commissions online. But with everything you have to inform yourself first and be cautious.

And now actually give me a case instead of questions you could have googled.

[alokastrology1]

Bharani Nakshatra: Lord, Traits, Compatibility and Marriage Life

Bharani Nakshatra is the second nakshatra out of the 27 nakshatras in Vedic Astrology. It is situated in Aries and spans from 13°20′ to 26°40′. Bharani is ruled by the planet Venus, and is the signifier of Lord Yama. Bharani Nakshatra is known for its association with birth, creation, and fertility. It is believed to be a very powerful nakshatra and is considered to be the nakshatra of transformation. People born under Bharani Nakshatra are said to be confident, strong-willed, and energetic.

Know about the remedies of Bharani Nakshatra. Get an online astrology consultation by the world-renowned astrologer Mr. Alok Khandelwal.

Ruling planet of Bharani Nakshatra

The ruling planet of Bharani Nakshatra is Venus (Shukra), which signifies love, relationships, beauty, and creativity. Venus is also associated with the arts, music, and luxury. The influence of Venus makes people born under Bharani Nakshatra passionate and romantic. They are also known for their artistic abilities, and many of them pursue careers in creative fields such as art, music, or writing.

Personality traits associated with Bharani Nakshatra

Bharani Nakshatra influences relationships and career paths in different ways. People born under Bharani Nakshatra tend to be passionate and intense in their relationships. They are committed and loyal to their partner but their nature may deflect to a possessive and jealous one, which can cause problems in their relationships.

In terms of career, people born under Bharani Nakshatra are usually very driven and ambitious. They are often successful in careers that involve creativity and self-expression, such as art, music, or writing. They are also well-suited for careers in business or entrepreneurship, as they are natural leaders and have a strong sense of purpose.

People born under the Bharani Nakshatra are known for their confident and strong-willed personalities. They possess a great deal of energy and passion, which makes them highly creative and artistic individuals. Their romantic nature adds to their charm and makes them quite desirable.

However, they can also display negative traits such as impatience, stubbornness, jealousy, and possessiveness. Additionally, they can be overly sensitive, which can sometimes cause them to overreact to situations.

Compatibility with other nakshatras

As we can see the varieties in traits for Bharani Nakshatra, similarly other nakshatras are also show both compatibility and incompatibility, let’s explore with details:

Nakshatras that are compatible with Bharani Nakshatra:

Krittika Nakshatra: People born under Krittika Nakshatra share a fiery nature with those born under Bharani Nakshatra, making them highly compatible for marriage. Krittika Nakshatra is ruled by Agni, the God of Fire, which adds to their shared traits of energy, ambition, and passion.

Rohini Nakshatra: Rohini Nakshatra is ruled by the Moon and represents nurturing and caring qualities. People born under Bharani Nakshatra often appreciate these qualities, making Rohini Nakshatra a compatible match for married life.

Ardra Nakshatra: Ardra Nakshatra is ruled by Rudra, the God of storms and hunt, which makes people born under this Nakshatra highly independent and self-sufficient. This trait complements the leadership qualities of Bharani Nakshatra and makes them compatible.

Read Also:- 7 Marriage Problems That Astrology Can Solve

Nakshatras should be avoided for marriage life with Bharani Nakshatra

Ashlesha Nakshatra: Ashlesha Nakshatra is ruled by the serpent God and represents manipulative and secretive qualities. People born under Bharani Nakshatra may find it difficult to trust and connect with those born under Ashlesha Nakshatra, making them a less compatible match.

Jyeshtha Nakshatra: Jyeshtha Nakshatra is ruled by Indra, the God of thunder, and represents a competitive nature. People born under Bharani Nakshatra may find it difficult to deal with the competitive nature of those born under Jyeshtha Nakshatra, making them a less compatible match.

Moola Nakshatra: Moola Nakshatra is ruled by Nirriti, the Goddess of destruction, and represents negative qualities such as anger and jealousy. People born under Bharani Nakshatra may find it difficult to handle the negative traits of those born under Moola Nakshatra, making them a less compatible match.

Remedies for negative effects of Bharani Nakshatra

The following rituals and practises are used to counter the negative effects and balance Bharani Nakshatra:

Chanting Mantras: Chanting the mantras associated with Lord Yama, the ruler of Bharani Nakshatra, can help alleviate the negative effects of the Nakshatra. The mantra for Lord Yama is “Om Yamaya Namaha”and reciting the Shukra mantra “ॐ द्रां द्रीं द्रौं स: शुक्राय नम:”

Performing Pujas: Performing pujas and rituals dedicated to Lord Yama, Shanti Puja and the Vishnu Sahasranamam can help to alleviate the negative effects of Bharani Nakshatra.

Fasting: Observing fasts on Tuesdays can help reduce the negative effects of Bharani Nakshatra. Fasting is believed to bring balance and harmony to the energies associated with the Nakshatra.

Charity: Donating to charitable causes and helping those in need.

Meditation: Practicing meditation regularly can also help alleviate stress and anxiety, which are common issues faced by people born under Bharani Nakshatra.

Bharani Nakshatra is a powerful nakshatra associated with birth and creation. People are confident, energetic in addition to passionate and romantic. However, they can also be possessive and jealous, which can cause problems in their relationships. In terms of career, they are usually successful in careers that involve creativity and self-expression, as well as in business and entrepreneurship.

While Bharani Nakshatra can bring many positive qualities and attributes to those born under it, it is important to be aware of any negative effects that may arise. By following the remedies and practices mentioned above, individuals can balance the effects of this powerful nakshatra and achieve success and happiness in life.

Read Also:- Weekly Rashifal from 25th April to 1st May 2023

[mefocusuae]

Elevating Your Vision: Dubai Photography and Videography Experts

Dubai is well known for its abundance, creativity, and stunning scenery. In this colorful environment, the fields of photography and videography bloom with experts who combine cutting-edge technology with creative vision. These professionals from a leading Dubai photography company grab opportunities to create visually stunning works of art that enrich the story and significantly impact viewers.

Skilled experts improve your vision, turning momentary experiences into classic memories. They can handle the city's many scenes with a keen eye, technical skill, and local knowledge, resulting in images and movies that will stick with you for years.

The Art of Photography in Dubai

Dubai's photographers are known for their expertise in the field. Using cutting-edge tools and an acute sense of detail, they produce breathtaking photos beyond the ordinary. Every picture, from the soft desert views to the shimmering buildings of downtown Dubai, tells a different story about the city's blend of modernity and legacy. Whether covering events, taking portraits, or shooting architecture, Dubai's photographers are skilled at capturing moments that appeal to viewers worldwide.

Mastering the Craft of Videography

Dubai's videography experts are known for their ability to create visually captivating stories. These experts create cinematic experiences through editing, story structure, and cinematography. They are not only filmmakers but also storytellers. Dubai's videography talents bring ideas to life on screen, engaging viewers and making a lasting impression. From corporate movies demonstrating the city's business power to event footage capturing the thrill of cultural festivals, they truly make an impression.

Innovations in Aerial Photography and Videography

One of the most powerful aspects of Dubai's photography and filmmaking scene is using drones to take photos from above. Using drone technology, these experts can capture stunning photos above the city's well-known skyline, stunning buildings, and wide environment. Aerial photography and videography, including top-tier videography service Dubai, give the visual story a dynamic perspective, giving viewers an exclusive viewpoint and immersing them in Dubai's splendor from above.

Finding the Perfect Fit: Considerations for Choosing Your Expert

Your goals and vision will determine which of the many skilled photographers and videographers Dubai offers to help you choose the right partner. Here are some important things to consider about:

Portfolio Review: Spend time browsing potential candidates' online portfolios to understand their style and ensure it aligns with your vision. Look for a compatible aesthetic that resonates with your liking, whether a surprising, high-contrast design for architectural photography or a light and airy approach for portraits.

Knowledge and Skill: Seek out experts in your chosen field, such as architectural photography or documenting hectic events. Look beyond the number of years of experience to determine if the photographer or videographer has worked on projects or with clients similar to yours by looking through their client portfolio.

Collaboration and Communication: To provide a productive and satisfying encounter, look for somebody with whom you can share your ideas and choices. Please set up a consultation to assess their communication style and personality. Your ideal fit will be someone who actively listens to your vision, makes innovative suggestions, and creates a collaborative environment where you feel comfortable sharing your ideas.

Rates and Budget: Establish a budget in advance and ask the photographers or videographers you have narrowed down for quotations. Be open and honest about the expectations and scope of your project. Never be scared to haggle, but remember that sometimes the best deals are only those with the lowest price.

Customer Testimonials: Review previous customer reviews and testimonies to learn more about the work ethic, responsiveness, and quality of work the photographer or videographer can do.

Collaborations with Brands and Events

Dubai's photography and videography experts, particularly those from reputable Dubai photography company, are in high demand because of their prowess in working with companies, events, and brands. They adapt their talents to suit a variety of customer objectives and recognize the value of visual storytelling in marketing and promotion. From event coverage for esteemed events to product photography for high-end labels, these professionals infuse every assignment with innovation, professionalism, and a deep sense of brand identity. Their partnerships produce aesthetically spectacular content that engages viewers and increases engagement. 

The Impact of Technology and Innovation

Technology and innovation greatly affect Dubai's booming photography and videography industries. Urban experts are adopting inventions like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to frame immersive visual experiences. This technology gives viewers interesting new ways to interact with information by improving storytelling. Dubai's forward-thinking attitude to technology means that its experts in photography and videography are constantly at the forefront of invention and creativity, pushing the limits and setting new standards in visual communication.

The Value of Local Knowledge

A photographer or videographer in Dubai adds value beyond technical expertise with local understanding. They know the best spots for photos, the hidden treasures of the city, and the subtleties of navigating different areas. This knowledge results in more seamless shoot coordination, effective time management, and a stronger bond with the city's distinct character captured in your finished shots.

An architectural photographer at Me Focus, who is experienced in capturing Dubai's always-changing scenery, can suggest the ideal time of day to get golden light photos of the Burj Khalifa. For your sunset photos, a travel photographer may know of a remote location in the desert with stunning all-around vistas. Local knowledge also makes obtaining permits to visit particular areas easier, making the shooting process less stressful.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Vision with Dubai's Experts

The professionals at Me Focus, Dubai, specializing in photography and videography, including videography service Dubai, are more than just those with cameras. They are visionaries, inventors, and storytellers who enhance visual experiences and make a lasting impression on viewers worldwide. These professionals guarantee that every moment is turned into a remarkable visual masterpiece, whether taking breathtaking pictures that highlight the beauty of the city or creating captivating, motivational cinematic videos. In Dubai, creating art that uplifts, inspires, and unites people worldwide is the true essence of photography and videography.

[studiohromi]

What I Did Last Week: May 6-9, 2024

Here we are with another edition of “What I Did Last Week,” where I share my day-to-day life as a self-employed person. Every weekday (and some weekends) I keep track of all the work I’ve done each day, as a way to keep me on track as a full-time working artist. Fellow creatives and freelancers, whether or not you choose to share it publicly, I urge you to join me in this weekly professional accountability exercise.

I moved over the weekend, and am (more or less) settled in now. I'm excited to set up my new office space and give a lil office/studio tour once it's ready!

Monday May 6

Packed and shipped an online order.

Sent follow-up/check-in emails.

Worked on preliminary sketch for a commercial art & design client project.

Final (?) edits for a science design client project.

Met with a new science design client for an upcoming project.

Volunteer stuff.

Tuesday May 7

Social media and blog posts.

Prepared and sent a quote for an upcoming science design client project.

Website edits/updates.

Responded to new inquiry from a repeat science design client.

Had a phone meeting with a medical illustration client about an upcoming project.

Wednesday May 8

Website edits/updates.

Applied for an upcoming art market.

Preliminary research for an upcoming medical illustration client project.

Thursday May 9

Volunteer stuff.

Final (?) edits for a science design client project.

Scheduled various meetings and consultations.

AMI Membership Committee stuff.

Checked PO box.

Picked up consignment checks.

Picked up artwork from Cocoon Art Space, from the closed Recycled Art exhibition.

Packed up studio.

An invoice was paid today!

[verum-artifex]

About Verum Artifex

. "Traditional Works" "AI Works"

Please Read the Room.

"Crafted with Passion, Shaped by Imagination"

Welcome to Verum Artifex, where creativity meets innovation. Dive into a world where traditional artistry blends seamlessly with cutting-edge technology. Here, the human spirit of creativity is the driving force, and AI is a tool that enhances our abilities, not a replacement for them. Join us on this journey and discover the limitless possibilities of design and illustration.

Socials:

Twitter

Instagram

Youtube

LinkedIn

Tumblr

Website

Merch / Prints

Design Consultation

FAQS:

What is Verum Artifex? 

"Verum Artifex" means "True Artist" in Latin. Verum Artifex is an online portfolio of a talented Designer, Illustrator, and Artist based in the washington DC metro area. The website showcases the artist’s work and offers a cariety of design services tailored to meet the unique need of clients. I want to help people tap into their potential as an artist, and insprire people wirh great visuals.

"Crafted with Passion, Shaped by Imagination"

What type of work do you do? 

I specialize in digital illustration, creative design, branding services, graphic design, portraits, conceptualizations and ai generations.

 When did you start making Art & Design, and whats your background? 

As a child, I was fascinated with creativity, and the idea of the production of "Good Works", I adored experiencing art and developing my eye for good design, so much so that I naturally decided to make it my profession. I have been a visual artist for the past 10 years.

 What Programs do you use? 

Adobe Creative Suite, Midjourney, Procreate, Adobe Illustrator

Do you utilize AI into your work flow?

Yes, I am a traditional digital designer who also started to incorporate Artificial Intelligence into my workflow. With over a decade of experience in art and design through self-taught and traditional mediums, I began adopting AI at the start of 2023. Currently, I am in the discovery phase of this technology. I practice with it every day and will soon transition to a more transformative approach, incorporating my traditional abilities with this new phenomenon. It's important to note that while AI is a powerful tool, it doesn't replace the human creativity, thought, and decision-making that goes into each piece of art. Each design is a result of a human-led process, with AI serving as a tool to enhance and expand the creative possibilities. I firmly believe in respecting the rights and efforts of human artists. This includes not using someone else's work without permission, and giving credit where it's due. I am committed to using AI responsibly and ethically in my art.

However, despite its growing popularity, AI art is often misunderstood and underestimated. In this article, we will address the misconceptions surrounding AI art and highlight how it can enhance the skills of great artists and designers.

Unveiling the Misconceptions Surrounding AI Art and Its Potential for Advancing the Great Artist/Designer

Are your commissions open?

Yes, I am currently accepting commissions. If you have a vision or an idea that you'd like to bring to life, I would be glad to help you realize it. Whether it's a project, a gift, or a branding effort for your business, I'm here to provide a unique, creative solution that meets your needs. Don't hesitate to reach out with your ideas, and let's create something beautiful together. Contact me today and let's start the journey of turning your vision into reality.

[chandrandeepesh72]

Who is a professional storyteller?

Let us understand who is a professional storyteller in the first place.

Professional storytellers in the purist form are the below examples:

E.g. – Authors: Writers who create novels, short stories, non-fiction books, and other written works are professional storytellers. They share their stories with readers through published books and articles.

E.g. – Journalists: Journalists report on real-life events and issues, but they do so by telling stories through news articles, documentaries, and investigative reports in storytelling format

E.g. – Movie makers and Screenwriters: Professionals who write scripts and direct for movies, television shows, and other visual media are also storytellers. They craft fictional narratives that are brought to life through actors, and other creative professionals.

E.g. – Digital Content Creators: In the age of the internet, many individuals create online content as professional storytellers. This includes YouTubers, podcasters, bloggers, and social media influencers who use various media to tell stories and engage their audience.

Similarly, there are many such examples of professional storytellers as below!

Professional Storytellers in business parlance:

Anyone who uses the power of storytelling in his/her respective profession is also a storyteller.

Below are examples in the business scenarios:

E.g. – Marketing head: This one of a company uses storytelling in the company website, social media handles, etc. to promote the company brand

E.g. – Content writer: This one uses storytelling in his/her articles to keep the readers engaged and touch their souls

E.g. – Good leader:   A good leader is always a good storyteller, who uses the power of storytelling to inspire his team members and get the best out of them

E.g. – Storytelling Coaches and Consultants: Some professionals specialise in teaching others how to tell compelling stories in corporates

Why is Professional Storyteller important in today’s world?

Think of professional storytellers as contemporary magicians, wielding the wand of words to conjure images, emotions, and ideas.

In a world swamped with tweets, posts, and notifications, they are a rare breed of wizards who wield this ancient art of storytelling to captivate, educate, and mesmerise

They aren’t just storytellers; they are time travellers, guiding us through epochs and dimensions, allowing us to see through the eyes of heroes and villains, kings and paupers.

Why a Professional Storyteller in crucial in corporate scenario?

The realms of professional storytelling aren’t confined to campfires and cosy corners. They’ve infiltrated boardrooms and meeting halls, transforming brands into sagas. These storytellers collaborate with corporations to imbue their narratives with soul, turning logos into legends and slogans into anthems. They coach and convert the employees of any organisation to master storytellers

Conclusion

One can learn from these various professional storytellers to become one among them.

Deepesh Chandran is a professional oral storyteller and writer in Pune, who performs oral storytelling on his own written fictional stories since 2015.

Deepesh is also a Business Storytelling Coach and Consultant to various organisations across fintech, manufacturing, IT, etc. 

He coaches the employees of the organisation on sales storytelling, leadership storytelling, HR storytelling, data storytelling and much more

To know more: https://deepeshchandran.com/professional-story-teller-in-pune/