#hire experienced mobile

[mostlysignssomeportents]

When Facebook came for your battery, feudal security failed

When George Hayward was working as a Facebook data-scientist, his bosses ordered him to run a “negative test,” updating Facebook Messenger to deliberately drain users’ batteries, in order to determine how power-hungry various parts of the apps were. Hayward refused, and Facebook fired him, and he sued:

https://nypost.com/2023/01/28/facebook-fires-worker-who-refused-to-do-negative-testing-awsuit/

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

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/05/battery-vampire/#drained

Hayward balked because he knew that among the 1.3 billion people who use Messenger, some would be placed in harm’s way if Facebook deliberately drained their batteries — physically stranded, unable to communicate with loved ones experiencing emergencies, or locked out of their identification, payment method, and all the other functions filled by mobile phones.

As Hayward told Kathianne Boniello at the New York Post, “Any data scientist worth his or her salt will know, ‘Don’t hurt people…’ I refused to do this test. It turns out if you tell your boss, ‘No, that’s illegal,’ it doesn’t go over very well.”

Negative testing is standard practice at Facebook, and Hayward was given a document called “How to run thoughtful negative tests” regarding which he said, “I have never seen a more horrible document in my career.”

We don’t know much else, because Hayward’s employment contract included a non-negotiable binding arbitration waiver, which means that he surrendered his right to seek legal redress from his former employer. Instead, his claim will be heard by an arbitrator — that is, a fake corporate judge who is paid by Facebook to decide if Facebook was wrong. Even if he finds in Hayward’s favor — something that arbitrators do far less frequently than real judges do — the judgment, and all the information that led up to it, will be confidential, meaning we won’t get to find out more:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/06/12/hot-coffee/#mcgeico

One significant element of this story is that the malicious code was inserted into Facebook’s app. Apps, we’re told, are more secure than real software. Under the “curated computing” model, you forfeit your right to decide what programs run on your devices, and the manufacturer keeps you safe. But in practice, apps are just software, only worse:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/06/23/peek-a-boo/#attack-helicopter-parenting

Apps are part what Bruce Schneier calls “feudal security.” In this model, we defend ourselves against the bandits who roam the internet by moving into a warlord’s fortress. So long as we do what the warlord tells us to do, his hired mercenaries will keep us safe from the bandits:

https://locusmag.com/2021/01/cory-doctorow-neofeudalism-and-the-digital-manor/

But in practice, the mercenaries aren’t all that good at their jobs. They let all kinds of badware into the fortress, like the “pig butchering” apps that snuck into the two major mobile app stores:

https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2023/02/pig-butchering-scam-apps-sneak-into-apples-app-store-and-google-play/

It’s not merely that the app stores’ masters make mistakes — it’s that when they screw up, we have no recourse. You can’t switch to an app store that pays closer attention, or that lets you install low-level software that monitors and overrides the apps you download.

Indeed, Apple’s Developer Agreement bans apps that violate other services’ terms of service, and they’ve blocked apps like OG App that block Facebook’s surveillance and other enshittification measures, siding with Facebook against Apple device owners who assert the right to control how they interact with the company:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/12/10/e2e/#the-censors-pen

When a company insists that you must be rendered helpless as a condition of protecting you, it sets itself up for ghastly failures. Apple’s decision to prevent every one of its Chinese users from overriding its decisions led inevitably and foreseeably to the Chinese government ordering Apple to spy on those users:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/11/foreseeable-consequences/#airdropped

Apple isn’t shy about thwarting Facebook’s business plans, but Apple uses that power selectively — they blocked Facebook from spying on Iphone users (yay!) and Apple covertly spied on its customers in exactly the same way as Facebook, for exactly the same purpose, and lied about it:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/14/luxury-surveillance/#liar-liar

The ultimately, irresolvable problem of Feudal Security is that the warlord’s mercenaries will protect you against anyone — except the warlord who pays them. When Apple or Google or Facebook decides to attack its users, the company’s security experts will bend their efforts to preventing those users from defending themselves, turning the fortress into a prison:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/10/20/benevolent-dictators/#felony-contempt-of-business-model

Feudal security leaves us at the mercy of giant corporations — fallible and just as vulnerable to temptation as any of us. Both binding arbitration and feudal security assume that the benevolent dictator will always be benevolent, and never make a mistake. Time and again, these assumptions are proven to be nonsense.

Image: Anthony Quintano (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mark_Zuckerberg_F8_2018_Keynote_%2841118890174%29.jpg

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

[Image ID: A painting depicting the Roman sacking of Jerusalem. The Roman leader's head has been replaced with Mark Zuckerberg's head. The wall has Apple's 'Think Different' wordmark and an Ios 'low battery' icon.]

Next week (Feb 8-17), I'll be in Australia, touring my book *Chokepoint Capitalism* with my co-author, Rebecca Giblin. We'll be in Brisbane on Feb 8, and then we're doing a remote event for NZ on Feb 9. Next is Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. I hope to see you!

https://chokepointcapitalism.com/

[theprettynosferatu]

Author's note: this story is perhaps not what you expect to read here. I would humbly ask that you read it anyway. It was commissioned for a purpose beyond kink, and I sincerely hope it illustrates an often unseen struggle many deal with.

The isolation was the worst part. Of course, to most people it was invisible and certainly in no way worse than the constant, inevitable loss of mobility and autonomy the illness had provoked and would continue worsening; that was all painful indeed but in the end the loneliness hurt in a different way. The disease was degenerative, and he had come to terms with that somehow. It was an inevitability. That sort of barrier others put up… that wasn’t unavoidable. That was a choice they made. 

It wasn’t that he was ungrateful for those around him. They helped him with the things he couldn’t do, which were sadly a growing list, and they tried not to let that particular mixture of annoyance and pity show through their politeness, but he could feel it nonetheless. It wasn’t too much to ask, he felt, to be seen as a person rather than an inventory of symptoms. To be truly listened to. To be accepted as a man, with all the needs any human had.

Who could he speak to? Not his family, that was for sure. And it wasn’t as if he could go to bars or casually peruse Tinder. Even if he wanted to lie to someone, which he didn’t, the truth would be evident as soon as they saw him. He had tried being honest, being upfront about his illness, and that had shown him a new kind of solitude. People simply didn’t want to deal with the realities of someone with his condition, and the few that had matched with him only seemed to be morbidly curious or obvious scammers. He wasn’t too proud to admit that, in his desperation, he had fallen for a catfish once. It was humiliating, but he felt it spoke more about the others in the world than himself. He didn’t choose to be ill; they chose to take advantage of him. Of course, all the moral superiority in the world didn’t make the lies hurt any less.

It felt like stones on his chest, slowly crushing him. Every rejection added another one, some small, some large, the addition gradually pushing him down deeper and deeper. For some reason, sex workers hurt the most of all. It was, by nature, a transactional relationship. He wasn’t asking for a lifelong companion, for love, for anything other than what everyone else hired a sex worker for; and still not one had dared to take him on as a client. Some turned him down outright; some took the booking fee and never showed up. The first group he couldn’t bring himself to really hate. They were scared, unsure of what to do or how to do it, not willing to take on a job that would be, for them, new and unexplored; not when they could make the same money spending that time with their usual, almost rote services. It was understandable. It hurt, but he could see where they came from. 

He still tried. In his mind, only a sex worker could give him at least a moment of intimacy, the contact most people took for granted and often appreciated so little. Even looking online for them was a huge effort. His hands had lost the needed precision to tap on a phone or type on a keyboard, and so he had to use a mouse and a virtual keyboard to, letter by letter, write any questions or searches. What most did without thinking, while chatting away with their friends, was something he had to put all his energy into. He looked at the girls in the escort site not allowing himself to get overly excited about any of them in particular. Eventually he decided to try with a beautiful sex worker. She had copper hair with a bright blue streak, a nose ring and tattoos. She was certainly sexy, but it wasn’t her figure what called to him: it was her eyes. They had a certain kindness and joy to them, at least in her pictures. He didn’t expect much: he was far too experienced to get excited. But he had to try.

He pasted his introduction text. It was a long one, and it had taken him hours and hours to type with a mouse, correct it, make sure it was completely honest, thorough, direct and clear. He wasn’t sure he would be able to write something like that again, emotionally. So he kept it in a file, and copied it whenever he tried to hire a sex worker. Most didn’t reply. This girl, Melissa, did.

It was rather strange. She seemed cheery and polite, and her only questions had to do with his availability, where they would meet, what time was good for him. Not one mention of the illness so detailed in his text, not one question about his body. He wasn’t sure how to feel about that, and he half expected her to hit him with a request for a booking fee. Instead, she simply promised to show up in two days. No fee, no deposit. Nothing. He couldn’t wrap his head around it. Had she not read the text? In any case, he tried not to get his hopes up. Sure, he would be ready at the appointed date, but he wouldn’t count on her presence.  

When the day came, he tried to keep his excitement in check, to lessen potential disappointment. It was a bit terrible that he had learned to dampen good emotions to protect himself, but it was the natural result of his experiences. In a way, he was more prepared for her absence than her presence, and so when she was let into the room, he struggled for a moment, as if the universe had somehow malfunctioned and now he had to deal with a being from some other, better reality.

She didn’t quite look like the photographs. Oh, she did have beautiful eyes, a long slender neck, a sexy nose ring and breasts that her t-shirt couldn’t hide; what the picture didn’t show, could not have shown, was her expression of sheer… joy. She looked at him, and for the first time in a long time he felt… seen. Seen as he was. She wasn’t looking around him or through him, she wasn’t seeing just the illness, she wasn’t measuring her response or trying to hide pity or fear. She was simply… smiling at him. Part of him wanted to cry, just for a moment, and somehow he was sure she wouldn’t think any less of him if he did. She left her bag on a chair, making herself perfectly at home.

“Hi! I’m Melissa! Nice to meet you!”

Nice to meet you. As normal a greeting as they came, and yet… not a hint of artifice, no rehearsed tone. For her it was, indeed, nice to meet him. He mumbled a greeting of his own, although he couldn’t be quite sure what it was. He was flustered, which wasn’t an emotion he had prepared for. She walked to him and asked a simple, sincere question.

“May I hug you?”

“Uhm… sure”

“Thank you!”

The first thing he noticed was the smell. She wasn’t soaked in perfume. She just smelled nice, in a very simple, human way. It was a strange thing, almost like a subtle, powerful intimacy that needed no words, no explanation. It was primal and basic and almost overwhelming. Then he registered the warmth, the closeness. For a moment the room faded away into nothingness, and in a way so did he. It was lightness and safety and he drifted away into that embrace that told him more than a million words could. It told him he was cared for, he was appreciated, he was valued. It made “I” feel far away, replaced by a silent “us”, if only for a while.

He needed a moment to regroup. She didn’t mind waiting. 

“So… the money is on the table”

She seemed surprised, as if she had forgotten her own profession.

“Oh! Thank you. I don’t charge for hugs, though”, she winked. “I’m just… a hugger, you know? But I’m guessing you want to get to the fun things I do charge for”, she smiled devilishly. “You might need to guide me a little bit so I can make this as… memorable as I can. In any case, I’m going to go ahead and assume you don’t want to just see me in my jeans and t-shirt, am I right?”

“Uh, well, you can change in the bathroom…”

“I could if you prefer. But you’d be missing out! I did practice my… well, reveal, quite a bit”

“Oh… I’m sorry, I… nevermind, please, go ahead”

Melissa smiled, truly happy about being able to share a bit of well-rehearsed strip-teasing. Her body moved with enticing grace, and her playful eyes kept his gaze fixed on her, on her skin, on her every curve. She teased and provoked with the easy mastery of the truly talented, and he wondered for a moment if she had been a dancer in another life. Soon the T-shirt and jeans were gone, replaced by a silk three-piece lingerie set, its black fabric hugging her body tight, the contrast between light and dark, seen and unseen heightening her allure. And he had to admit to himself that as good as her breasts looked covered up, the bra revealed a size he had not imagined. Everything about her called to him, wanted him, needed him. Except… he didn’t quite know what to do, or how to express… what? What was it he wanted? He wasn’t sure he could put it into words anymore. It was about sex, and it wasn’t. It was sex and… something more, beyond language.

Luckily, she came to him and kissed his cheek playfully. Her breath on his ear sent a shiver down his spine and he wished he could just… leap up and hold her, take her… 

“Hey. Relax. You tell me how you want this to go, and you can tell me if I’m doing things right for you, okay? We’ll take it at your pace”

There wasn’t a hint of pity in her voice. It was a simple, practical matter: she wanted to please him, and would do whatever he felt he needed. Before he could speak, her lips were kissing his chest, undoing his shirt. The warmth of her lips, her hands, her breasts on his skin was enough to make him desperately aroused and… strangely at peace. She made him feel safe. Seen. Desired.

“Oh, looks like someone here likes my moves!” she teased, brushing her hand against the fabric that covered his now stiff cock. Normally an erection was something that took him a bit of time to achieve, but it didn’t seem to be a problem at that moment. Perhaps it was that she was blowing away years of fear and overthinking and pain with simple kisses and caresses, with smiles and playfulness that created a bubble away from the world, a place where nothing existed but the two of them, their bodies, their wants.

“I think I should kiss it”, she winked. He could only nod in agreement.

He wasn’t sure how he expected it to feel, but he couldn’t have imagined the wonderful sensations coursing through his body. It wasn’t like masturbation, which was his one frame of reference: not having control over where she kissed, she licked, how much pressure she put on it… every moment was a surprise, a brand new feeling that electrified him, reverberating all over until it even felt like a tickle on the roof of his mouth. He could hear her softly moaning, and she made sure to move and give him a smile every now and then, making sure the experience was what he wanted… and gauging how close he might be getting to cumming. They had agreed beforehand on the services to be rendered, and she wasn’t about to shortchange him.

“I see you liked that! Well, are you ready to feel even better?”

A small “yes” barely escaped his throat. 

“Good”, she smiled. “Because I’m soaking wet and I need a little bit of… relief. And I think you could use some as well”

He felt like the room was spinning. She had taken off the lingerie at some point, although he couldn’t say exactly when, and now she was climbing carefully on top of him. She was so warm and soft and he wondered how a person could just… feel so different on his skin than anything else in the world. There was a strange form of contact, a communication without words, a deep sense of togetherness expressed in caresses and kisses and subtle movements. Her hazel eyes met his, and he didn’t need to tell her he was ready. She knew. She reached down to put his cock in position and slowly he felt a great warmth wrapping him, a gentle tightness. Her moans filled the air around them as she slowly, deliberately started to move: not because she was being careful or seeing him as fragile, but because it was simply the way she liked it.

It was a revelation of sorts. For so long, his body had been the source of pain and anguish and stress and despair. Yet then, for a moment, his body was transformed into something else. An object of pleasure, that could sense it and provoke it at once, that could, with her, turn into more than it had ever been. No, that wasn’t quite right. His body hadn’t changed. His perception of it had.

He had imagined his attention would be on his penis, and yet now that the moment had come he couldn’t just focus on one part of his body. It was all one: her hands on his chest, her kisses on his neck, her skin on his, a sonata of sensation and intimacy and movement and shared whimpers and moans.

It happened suddenly. It came from somewhere deep, a sensation building in his shaft, his muscles tensing up in a way he had never felt before. For a moment he felt as if his breath was taken away. The world stopped for a second. Then it exploded.

It was as if his entire body was one sensitive, beautiful object of pleasure… and so was hers. They trembled together and he thought he could hear her scream, although he couldn’t be sure. It was a wonderful overload, one that ended with her resting her head on his chest, panting.

“Sorry! I get a bit… loud sometimes. I hope I don’t get you in trouble!”

“I… I don’t think… Sorry, I’m just a bit…”

“It’s okay. Want me to stay here a while longer?”

“Yes, please”

So she stayed. Of course, eventually she had to leave, for all things must come to an end. And yet it was an end that wasn’t, for she had given him a seed of something new, a memory and a door. There was a world to explore, and he knew she would help him explore it. 

Did you enjoy this story? You can support my work at patreon.com/prettynosferatu

[aorish]

relatedly to the "skilled/unskilled" labor divide i remember a few years ago seeing some lefties who were attributing the lack of organization and unionization amongst software engineers to some sort of endemic moral failing, rather than the much more salient explanation that there were more people who wanted to hire an experienced software engineer than there were people willing and able to do the job. people with relatively high pay and job mobility are less likely to stick around in a bad job long enough to organize.

[theculturedmarxist]

A former editor for the German main daily newspaper, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), Dr. Udo Ulfkotte became nationally renowned in dissident circles for his 2014 book Journalists for Hire: How the CIA Buys the News, originally published in German, which went through multiple translations.

The book relays Ulfkotte’s experience with how the CIA and German Intelligence (BND) bribe journalists to write articles free of truth and facts, and with a decidedly pro-Western, pro-NATO bent or, in other words, propaganda.

One of Ulfkotte’s formative professional experiences was as a war correspondent during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), where the Iraqis were considered to be “the good guys”—because they were serving Western interests in confronting Iran, whose Islamic regime had toppled a long-standing U.S. client, the Shah, in a 1979 revolution.

Iraqi war crimes under Saddam Hussein were covered up along with Washington’s interests in trying to weaken and divide two aspiring Middle Eastern powers so the U.S. could dominate the region and exploit its oil resources.

When he first arrived in Baghdad, Ulfkotte was a little scared. He did not have any experience as a war correspondent. The Iraqi Army quickly sent him off to the front line; the bus was full of loud, experienced war correspondents from prestigious media such as BBC, and Udo was just a miserable rookie.

The first thing that struck him as odd was that everybody was carrying canisters with them. He got upset that very moment and he thought to himself: “Ooops, if the bus gets stuck far from the petrol station, all of them chip in by filling in some petrol into the engine so Udo decided that in the future he would have to carry a canister as well.”

They were on a bus for hours on end riding through the desert. At 20 to 30 kilometers from the border, there was literally nothing there. There was no war whatsoever. There were armed vehicles and tanks long since burned to ash. The reporters got off the bus and sprayed the contents of the canisters all over the vehicles. The Iraqi soldiers were there with them with the machine guns: “Imagine that, tanks in the desert, burned to ash a long time ago, set on fire only now. The clouds of smoke all around. And the reporters positioning their cameras.”

What he witnessed was flame and clouds of smoke behind them, and the Iraqis running around in front of the cameras all the time with machine guns in their arms and scowling military looks in their eyes. Udo mustered up courage and asked one reporter: “I understand. The photos are brilliant, but why do they keep stooping and ducking down?”

The man replied: “Simple. In the audio played in the background one could hear machine guns, and it will sound very good back home.”

Udo kept thinking all the way home. “Young man, you did not see a war at all. You were by the campfire. What are you going to write about?”

Yes, that is a problem for a rookie working for a news agency. Performances are mainly adapted to suit the media needs. It is necessary that one “fits in” with the other seasoned professionals and concoct stories out of thin air that those in positions of authority want the people to hear—not ones that actually exist.

When Udo got back to Baghdad, there were no mobile phones; they were waiting in the Rashid Hotel for hours at times for the international line. He first phoned his mother, not his employer. He was desperate. He did not know what to do. At that point his mother started crying over the phone: “My boy! You are alive!” Udo thought to himself: “What do you mean? Is everything all right? My dear boy! We thought….What is happening, Mother? We saw on TV what happened around you.”

The TV channel had already sent back the fake stories and he tried to calm his mother down, trying to explain that it did not happen the way she believed it did. She thought Udo lost his mind. Udo said in his book that he would finish there, because he was not there to tell us a satire. He only wanted to say that this was his first experience with the truth in journalism and war correspondence. Basically, he was utterly shocked with the first contact he made. But, unfortunately, that was not an isolated case.[1]

In Udo’s naïve mind, war was a place where a reporter could report on horrifying events and help the public to empathize with the victims of war and expose the hidden political machinations behind it.

Instead, he found himself forced to write fake stories from far away from the front lines and to manufacture propaganda to induce consent among the public.

The ones manufacturing the stories were associated with the intelligence agencies whose job it is to deceive the public.

By serving as a correspondent in the Middle East, Ulfkotte was able to meet agents from the CIA, British M16, the Israeli MOSSAD and the German intelligence agency Bundesnachrichtungendienst (BND).

His editors used to readily cooperate in such operations of collating intelligence information, which the reporters would dutifully transcribe for the public back home.

The skill of unofficial reporting is when a reporter essentially works for the CIA and he or she is not employed in an official role, Ulfkotte explains.

Both sides hugely benefit from their partnership and at the same time both sides can deny their relationship. The CIA would have found young reporters and they would then be their mentors. All of a sudden many doors would open for them, they would be granted awards and before they knew it, their mentors (read: paymasters) would have owned their whole careers.[2]

This is basically the name of the game. This is how it all works. Ulfkotte admitted with regret that he published articles in his own name that were actually written by CIA agents and other intelligence services, particularly the German secret services.

Ulfkotte went on to say that he had close contact with the German intelligence service, BND. Two persons from BND were regularly coming to the newspaper office where he worked. On occasion, he says, he was not only given the report but that the BND wrote the articles, which were published in the newspapers under Udo’s name.

Udo was asked by an interviewer if he could document what he was saying and he responded yes, that he could.

“I can say that this and that article with my text in the papers was written by the intelligence services because I couldn’t have possibly known what was written in it. I couldn’t have possibly known what was there in a cave in Libya, what secret thing in one particular place, what is being built there. That is what BND wanted to publish (using my name),” writes Udo.[3]

It was not like this only in FAZ. This was in other media as well.

“If we had rule of law, there would be an investigative committee to investigate dubious claims. Political parties would be outraged and rise [against the injustice of the fake news], regardless of whether they were the political left, the political right or the center and they would say: ‘What is this guy Ulfkotte saying? And he claims that he can document everything? This needs to be investigated.’”[4]

Udo continued: “This is still a common thing. I know some colleagues of mine who still maintain a close contact with the intelligence services. I would feel very good if there was an investigative committee but this obviously is not going to happen, because it is in nobody’s interest to do so. Because in that case the general public would understand to what extent politics, media and secret services are closely connected in this country.”[5] And in this world!

When Ulfkotte had a close encounter with his own conscience—and if one reads Dostoyevsky, they know that there is no person in the world who does not wrestle with their own moral dilemmas—he decided to elaborate on his experiences. In doing so, he provided significant insight into contemporary media and of the society that we live in.

Almost everybody knows but only a few dare speak about what Udo said.

He wrote: “I was in close contact with some European media or big private media companies—you cannot write or say what you feel like and what your views are necessarily. I can tell you that what I am saying here is what I have experienced everywhere. There are clear directives and everybody knows that one cannot publish what they want in the newspapers owned by Springer such as Bild or Welt—for instance the articles critical of Israel. There is no way you can do that there! You have signed an agreement that you will not challenge the question of the existence of a country of Israel or the Israeli point of view. These directives exist in all big media companies.”[6]

Ulfkotte continued: “If you do not wish to remain stuck in the lower corporate levels but you would rather travel with the chancellor, ministers, president or with the politicians, in the airplanes which belong to the government, in that case you have to adhere to certain rules. I have learnt that rather quickly.

What we consider as free journalism is a rather orderly and orchestrated thing to its every detail. But for your superiors, it is vitally important that that is not viewed as censorship and limiting of free reporting or whichever (bland and vague) terms and phrases they tend to use.

I soon realized that when I was tasked to accompany Helmut Kohl, the then German Chancellor, in my capacity of a journalist, you are not invited to do this job because your name is Udo Ulfkotte but because you work for Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.”[7]

Udo went on to write:

“In such a case, one is expected to deliver a certain kind of reporting. Which one? Forget about my news agency. This is to do with all of them in general. At the outset of the journey, a reporter is given a set of directions as to what to ask, how to communicate. Normally, you are not told what to say and ask, to write something in this way or that way but you are painfully aware that if you do not do that in such and such a way, you will not be invited next time. Your media company will be called to tell them that you are not wanted. And then you are out!

Those in charge of the cooperation with the media are the non-government ‘think tanks,’ those foundations and organizations which arguably are ‘independent’ in the same way that independent journalists supposedly are.

I am often asked where are those people who ‘pull all the strings,’ so that everything is told in a similar way? Look at those people who sit in the huge transoceanic think-tanks and foundations, for instance, look at the foundation Atlantic Bridge, and in all such organizations. And how is one supposed to influence others there?

I know from personal experience. Let us not speak only theoretically. The German Marshall Fund invited me as their colleague to visit the USA for six weeks earlier on. All expenses paid. This think-tank had close contact with the CIA, and I gained easy access to all the U.S. politicians, to all of them I was eager to be in contact with.

Above all, they literally showered me with gifts.”[8]

The journalists and the news agencies which are supposed to be, if one follows the logic of their role in a democratic society and its laws and constitutions, and then code of ethics and professional conduct, to take care of general interests, find themselves facing a challenging situation—take something for yourself or give something from within yourself for something distant and uncertain. A human being cannot resist small things that the powers that be are able to provide for them profusely.

“Media is just a word that has come to mean bad journalism.” – Graham Greene

All that is the name of the game. When The German Marshall Fund took Ulfkotte to the U.S., they told him that they knew he took a diving course in Oman. The CIA knew with utmost precision. They even gave him diving equipment through his contact in Oman.

During these six weeks he got an invitation from the governor of Oklahoma. He went there. There was a small ceremony and he received honorary U.S. citizenship. He became an honorable citizen of the USA. It was written in his certificate that from then on he would only write nice things in his reports.

The English version of the book by Udo Ulfkotte, The Bought Journalists, i.e., Journalists for Hire: How the CIA Buys the News, appeared on May 15, 2017, but by it having been published, the whole story surrounding it was not over.

According to the research by Off Guardian, Tayen Lane Publishing has since removed all references for this book from its website. Amazon UK indicates that the title is currently unavailable, with the possibility of the purchase from independent distributors, which offer used copies for an exorbitant amount of a thousand U.S. dollars per copy.

At least a 2019 version of the book, Presstitutes Embedded in the Pay of the CIA: A Confession from the Profession is available for a reasonable price on amazon and goodreads.com at least in the U.S. Though you won’t find the book on display in Barnes & Noble or other big book shops as the powerful people who rule the world don’t want its content being widely read.

Regrettably, Udo Ulfkotte died of a heart attack at the age of 57 (Tracy, 2018).

After reading his books and writings, one wonders: “Is there anybody in the mainstream media who has not worked for the CIA?”

“In America, the president reigns for four years, and journalism governs forever and ever.” – Oscar Wilde.

Edward Snowden and Julian Assange are both world famous, with the former having much more luck by moving to Russia. Udo Ulfkotte, however, is almost completely out of the public gaze, although he was a journalist and whistleblower in the media industry, possibly as important as both.

One might think that this comes across as paradoxical. Yet it only means that the public does not recognize profound relations in the media industry.

Ulfkotte was a renowned European journalist with a Ph.D. in the social sciences and an immigration reform activist, among other things. When he wrote Gekaufte Journalisten: Wie Politiker, Geheimdienste und Hochfinanz Deutschlands Massenmedien lenken (the translation of its original title is Bought Journalists [alternatively, a translation of the title more to the point is Journalists for Hire]: How Politicians, Secret Services and High Finance Steer German’s Mass Media), he became one of the most significant whistleblowers in recent history.

James Tracy pointed out in Off Guardian that Ulfkotte showed how the Western secret services took over the central place in the Western journalism.” According to Tracey, Ulfkotte was able to witness all that with credibility and his personal and professional integrity because he was working in top echelons of the mainstream media profession for years.

Tracy added that the presence of the secret (intelligence) services is neither a chance encounter nor is it random. Their recruitment techniques are always similar in every corner of the globe.

[froggybrainz]

My poor boi Konstantin, he really should have gone with the Army...

Here's more ArtFight lore I'm going to be posting about for a bit longer. I don't know, but I am kinda happy I stepped away from posting much lore cause once again I feel like my storytelling skills are crap when I first talk about characters but I gave myself time to think about how each character has a role and their story.

But without further ado, here's a lilbit of background I came up with for Konstantin.

Height: 6.3ft

Blond with brown eyes, fit build.

Konstantin is a rookie MTF (Mobile Task Force) solider for the SCP Foundation located in *redacted*.

Usually the foundation has a more specific taste when hiring new MFTs but due to a recent breech in contaminate caused by a certain unknown red anomaly, the foundation was willing to sacrifice quality for quantity.

Konstantin being eggar to impress his more experienced co workers, takes on more than he could chew when put in a near death experience by the unknown anomaly, that he then makes a deal with them and it unknownly turns him into an enemy of the foundation.

[idontknowreallywhy]

Estera Ch 6 - Safe

(Prologue, Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3, Ch 4, Ch 5)

(Sofasurf’s Recrudescence which is the foundation for all of this)

Scott’s fled for the skies. Estera needs to find someone’s inhaler. But what happens next?

Well. Some details follow.

My usual blend of fluff and “Yikes”…

Confession - this got a teeny bit dark in the last section. If you want to stop reading at the end of the fluffy bit (you’ll know it when you see it) then there is zero judgment from me. I even make myself go “Yikes” with that one…

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

The authorities had called her a cab home, the hired coach having been sent away when all the parents arrived in person to collect their children. Although she had protested at the expense - surely there was a bus route somewhere nearby - she hadn’t had the energy to argue.

Thus she sat alone in the back seat trying to collect her thoughts. They resisted collection in a way that made cat herding look like a relaxing past time. So she fidgeted, putting on her cardigan then removing it again, retying her hair, rearranging the contents of her rucksack. Which she’d already done ten minutes before. She tried to force herself to calm down and turned to look out the window, her forehead meeting the glass with a surprisingly loud clunk.

“There’s a universal charging cable under the seat, Miss, and free WiFi if you’d like to use it.”

Of course there was. Couldn’t escape it these days. She didn’t want to appear rude so she smiled, thanked him and dutifully plugged in her battered mobile.

It flickered to life and within seconds several messages popped up… from her sister, a couple of friends, her elderly neighbour, even her hairdresser - clearly today’s events had hit the news. She drafted a quick reassurance, copied it to everyone and put the device down. She felt weirdly detached. It seemed strange that everyone was freaking out about her having been stuck in a cave when that had paled into utter insignificance compared to the shock she had experienced afterwards.

How could it be possible? He couldn’t have escaped, could he? If it hadn’t been for his reaction she’d have persuaded herself she was imagining things. But his reaction had been… compelling.

She picked up the phone again and opened a browser

‘International Rescue Scott’

An overwhelming plethora of photographs and articles and, wow ok, actual fan pages sprang up.

Most of the photos were distant, or amateur and blurry but his unmistakeable blue eyes shone out at her from the official ones - profile shots for International Rescue, some charity positions and… she gulped… he was the multi-billionaire CEO of one of the biggest companies on the planet. Even she knew of Tracy Industries - they were one of the good ones. A school in one of the more difficult neighbourhoods nearby had just had a complete IT infrastructure upgrade thanks to a grant from them.

His official TI profile confirmed his Air Force background, with honourable discharge after active duty. It didn’t say where that was but she knew.

Oh, she knew.

She skimmed some of the more gushing articles. All fairly light on objective facts but weighty on opinion and that opinion was pretty much universal - he was a hero, beloved by millions, a undoubted force for good in an often cruel and selfish world.

And she’d left him to die.

She closed the browser, no longer able to bear the accusation in his eyes.

“Are you alright, Miss?”

The taxi driver was watching her in the rear view mirror.

“I’m fine. Thank you.“

She let out a breath as his eyes returned to the road ahead. But he wasn’t done:

“Long day was it?”

“Something like that.”

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

For the second time in as many months Virgil vowed to chase Brains up on the speed upgrade to Two. It was absolutely pointless trying to catch up to his brother who could be halfway to anywhere by now. Thankfully, he had John and Five.

“Virgil! He’s heading back your way.”

“What?”

“One just did a U-Turn. She’s heading straight for you.”

“What do you mean “straight”?”

“A collision course. Virgil, I think you should get ready to take evasive action.”

Even at a moderate speed the two birds making any kind of head on contact…even a wing clip, meant mutually assured destruction. Was Two nimble enough to avoid that?

Scott would never risk Virgil being hurt.

But… he remembered the cold, unfamiliar look on the former fighter-pilot’s face as he’d spun to face him not ten minutes before. Was his brother in a state to know who was flying the ship chasing him down?

Virgil bit back a scream.

“Can’t EOS…?”

“No. She can’t. He’s blocked her access.”

Virgil looked down at the Atlantic far below him. Could he drop his ship safely on the surface of the water? He cut his speed.

“I’m tracking her path, I’ll tell you when to move.”

This couldn’t be happening. He tried the comm again, fighting to keep his voice calm and unthreatening:

“Scotty? Can you hear me bro? It’s me, Virgil. Please pick up? Please?”

“25 seconds, Virgil. Start reducing altitude.”

White knuckled, he tipped Two’s nose downwards and went to accelerate.

“Wait!”

“What? What???!”

“It’s ok. It’s ok, he’s adjusted course to pass on your port side. I’m… I misunderstood what… I’m sorry to have worried you.” John sounded almost light headed.

With her familiar crack-boom One shot past in a blur. Virgil flinched as her vapour trail crystallised on her sister’s windscreen for a few moments. He levelled Two off and pulled up the graphical readout of One’s tracker. Scott appeared to have done one of his signature handbrake turns and was heading back towards him at a more sedate pace… the rocket’s trajectory heading safely to the left of Two. Gleaming silver came into view alongside and Scott matched the green ship’s pace, the way he often did on journeys home from the more difficult rescues. Those times when Virgil knew his big brother needed company more than the adrenaline rush of g force and extreme speed.

The comm remained muted, but they were together. And that, until they got home at least, was all that mattered.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

The lift was broken again and Estera truly empathised with it as she dragged herself to the 5th floor. Her limbs were jelly and once she was on the right side of her front door she considered just lying down in the hall and having done with it. At which point 60 kilos of floof and enthusiasm canonballed into her and she realised with a quiet groan that she had to take him out before he destroyed everything in her apartment. Glancing down at her dusty sleeves as they contrasted with Bez’s snowy fur, she resolved to shower and change first else people would think she’d just escaped from a disaster zone.

Not so different from the state she was in when she first got here come to think of it. The darkness of the following few days in Processing crowded in on her and she didn’t have the energy to push it away. It was all too close to the surface today.

Bez licked the salt off her cheek.

With what felt like superhuman effort she dragged herself upright. At least here she had her own shower. And clean towels. Squeezing past the wall of hair she made it to the kitchen, draped her coat and bag over the back of a chair and spotted the note on the table:

Walked Niebieski. Soup in fridge. Glad you are safe.

Edith & George

She blinked back more tears. The elderly couple next door were an absolute godsend.

Ok. Shower. Soup. Stupid movie to prevent too much thought. Could maybe make some popcorn. That was a plan.

She did like a plan.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

The pool slid closed overhead and Scott allowed himself a few moments to sit back and breathe before regrouping and running through the comfortingly routine process of post-flight checks. His shoulder twinged sharply and that itchy trickling sensation reminded him that steristrips were no match for the physicality of flying a supersonic jet.

His vision lurched as her voice came back to him and he desperately focussed on grounding himself. He could hear the creaking of cooling engines, feel the harness over his shoulders, the seat beneath and around him. Wait, something else was off too. Something was pressing uncomfortably into his hip… he leaned to the side to extract the item from his baldric. A tiny Thunderbird 2 looked up from his palm, accusingly. His hand shook and the toy dropped, hitting the deck far below with a distant ping.

He stared down into the abyss.

Virgil was right. It wasn’t safe. HE wasn’t safe. If he couldn’t trust his mind to stay on track then he couldn’t be trusted. How could he keep his brothers safe from the world when he couldn’t even keep them safe from himself?

He tightened his fingers around the levers, every inch of the ship’s controls so familiar it was like an extension of his own limbs. Closer to him than his flight suit in a way. One was a part of him. IR was a part of him. Maybe the majority part. Certainly the best part.

If he couldn’t do this… then…

No. He shouldn’t think like that. He just needed more time. He flicked the switch to extend the chair and took a purposeful step down on to the gantry.

He had an apology to deliver.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Virgil looked down at his twitching, sleeping brother and fought back the urge to bear hug him and never let go. There had been plenty of those earlier. Scott begging for forgiveness he didn’t need. Virgil and John trying to reassure him, their words seeming so powerless and both desperately hoping that holding him tight could somehow piece their hero back together.

He hadn’t expected the honesty. That was new.

Scott had looked Virgil in the eye and told him he was right. He wasn’t ready, he wasn’t safe, he wasn’t ok. Virgil had shaken his head, denying the words he’d said over and over this last week. He didn’t want to be right. It was too painful. It wasn’t fair.

But Scott had been adamant - he was grounding himself for another fortnight. He needed time to process. Something had triggered him, he acknowledged that much, but he wasn’t ready to talk about it yet. He’d lowered his eyes and quietly asked if they wouldn’t mind staying with him because he didn’t want to be alone.

As if he could stop them.

And so the six of them crowded into the lounge in a nest of blankets, fluffy cushions and rogue bits of popcorn. Scott had sagged against Virgil’s shoulder and passed out not half an hour into the film. John curled on big brother’s other side, if he was asleep it was likely with one eye open. Allie and Gordon were a tangle of limbs on the floor while Kayo dozed with her head atop the pile.

They’d get through this together as they always had. As Virgil watched, Scott sighed in his sleep and his face relaxed. He was here and he was safe. Hopefully tonight the nightmares would leave him in peace.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Estera braced her feet and shoulders against the splintering wood and bit through her lip as she tried to remain silent despite the terror of the world tilting and sliding. The rumble of aircraft engines filled her head to the point where she wondered if she could even remember any other sound. But she knew where she was. This was to be expected. It would end soon. It had to.

The unsecured packing crate slammed into something again, her head rebounding painfully off the inside and she was consumed by nausea. The tiniest sob escaped and she froze. With a click the lid was opened and blinding light flooded into her streaming eyes as she tried to focus on the figure leaning towards her. It was him! Was she saved? Was she safe?

No.

Dread filled every cell of her body. Vivid blue eyes looked down at her but they were unseeing. A dark line ran from the corner of his mouth and then red, sickly gleaming red was everywhere. His blood was everywhere and it was her fault. His body fell heavily on top of her and the lid was slammed shut and she screamed for help until her throat burned.

Nobody came.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Chapter 7…

[satoshi-mochida]

Touhou Mystia’s Izakaya for Switch launches May 2, 2024

Gematsu Source

The Switch version of Touhou Project restaurant simulator Touhou Mystia’s Izakaya will launch on May 2, 2024 for $24.99, publisher Phoenixx and developer Dichroic Purpilion announced. It will support English, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese language options.

“Touhou Mystia’s Izakaya breaks the mold of the usual Touhou game,” said Dichroic Purpilion founder Youzi KK in a press release. “Instead of combat, players must utilize cooking and customer service to achieve victory. We are very grateful for the success that Touhou Mystia’s Izakaya has experienced on Steam, and we look forward to bringing the mobile restaurant experience to a new platform.”

In Japan, will also be available in physical standard and limited editions for 4,510 yen and 9,130 yen, respectively. The latter includes a full set of playing cards featuring the game’s characters, a select original soundtrack CD, and a Mystia Lorelei wearing an apron figure strap.

Here is an overview of the game, via Phoenixx:

An unruly customer destroyed Mystia Lorelei’s tavern—the most popular in all of Gensokyo. While restaurateur dreams were shattered, bills must still be paid! Rebuild, starting with a humble new food cart, pay off Mystia’s ever-growing debts, and grow the business to revive the restaurant to its former glory. Running the best tavern in the Touhou universe requires round-the-clock work! During the day, collect recipes and source hand-picked ingredients from the wild to cultivate fresh produce. Befriend the local townsfolk and hire employees to help with daily duties. Watch the clock while running daytime errands—restaurant doors open every night and hungry customers await! Open for business in the evenings and deliver a flawless experience. Each visitor has distinct preferences, favorite dishes and beverages, as well as individual budgets. Converse with guests, showing hospitality with promptly-fulfilled orders and friendly interactions. Chain together successively-satisfied customer service combos to create massive profits, but invite ire from Mystia’s mentors when careless management leads to unhappy guests. While hired workers can handle everyday tasks, keep an eye out for rare visits from Reimu, Akyuu, and more than 30 hungry Touhou characters who require a personal touch. Learn the culinary preferences of each special visitor who will only hint what they would like to be served, and be prepared to cook up off-menu items to unlock special rewards. Scout new locations for Mystia’s food cart across six familiar Touhou locations including the tranquil Hakurei Shrine and the bustling Human Village. Re-invest profits to improve the business, collect cute costumes, enhance the ambiance with decorations, and unlock two soundtracks’ worth of music for customer’s enjoyment during every evening.

Watch a new trailer below.

Release Date Trailer

[net-craft]

Hire App Developers: Guide to Finding the Perfect Team for Your Project

In Phoenix, Arizona, the mobile app development scene is booming. Businesses of all sizes are recognizing the power of a well-crafted app to reach new customers, enhance user experiences, and drive sales. But with a plethora of app developers in Phoenix vying for your attention, choosing the right team can be a daunting task. Worry not! This comprehensive guide from Net-Craft.com, a leading app development company in Scottsdale, will equip you with the knowledge to find the perfect app development partner for your project.

Understanding Your Needs: The Foundation for Success

Before embarking on your search for app developers in Phoenix, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of your project's specific needs. Here are some key questions to consider:

App Purpose: What problem does your app solve? What unique value proposition will it offer?

Target Audience: Who are your ideal users? Understanding their demographics, behavior patterns, and mobile habits is critical.

App Features: Prioritize the core functionalities that deliver the most value to your users.

Budget and Timeline: Determine your budget and desired development timeframe.

Finding App Development Services in Phoenix: Exploring Your Options

There are several avenues to explore when seeking app developers in Phoenix:

In-House Development: Building your own development team offers complete control, but requires significant resources and expertise.

Freelance Developers: Hiring freelance developers can be cost-effective, but managing multiple freelancers and ensuring consistent communication can be challenging.

App Development Companies: Partnering with a reputable App Development Services provider in Phoenix offers a full-service solution with experienced teams, proven methodologies, and a deep understanding of the local tech landscape.

Choosing the Best App Developers in Phoenix: Key Factors

Company Expertise and Experience:

Look for a team with a proven track record of success in developing apps similar to yours.

Research their portfolio and case studies to understand their expertise in your industry or niche.

Development Process and Methodology:

Inquire about their development approach (e.g., Agile, Waterfall). Choose a methodology that aligns with your project needs and preferences.

Understand their communication style and how they will keep you informed throughout the development process.

Technology Stack and Capabilities:

Ensure the developers have experience with the programming languages and frameworks required for your app.

Consider their expertise with cutting-edge technologies that might benefit your app (e.g., AR/VR, AI).

Location and Cultural Fit:

Consider partnering with an app development company located in Phoenix. This facilitates easier communication and fosters a deeper understanding of the local market.

Evaluate if the company's culture aligns with your own. Building a strong rapport with your development team is crucial for project success.

Cost and Value Proposition:

Get quotes from several app developers in Phoenix and compare pricing structures.

Focus on the value proposition beyond just cost. Look for a team that demonstrates a genuine understanding of your project goals and can deliver a solution that provides a high return on investment (ROI).

The Importance of Communication and Collaboration

Building a successful app hinges on clear communication and strong collaboration with the development team. When evaluating potential partners, prioritize companies that:

Value open communication and are readily available for discussions.

Utilize project management tools to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Actively listen to your feedback and incorporate it into the development process.

Net-Craft.com: Your Trusted Partner for Custom App Development in Phoenix

At Net-Craft.com, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in Phoenix. We offer a comprehensive range of App Development Services in Phoenix, from concept development and design to development, testing, deployment, and ongoing support.

Our team of experienced developers is passionate about collaborating with entrepreneurs and businesses to bring their mobile app visions to life. We pride ourselves on:

Understanding your specific needs and tailoring our approach accordingly.

Employing a transparent and collaborative development process.

Delivering high-quality, custom-developed apps that meet your unique requirements.

Ready to Take the First Step? Contact Net-Craft.com Today!

Don't settle for anything less than the best! Schedule a consultation with Net-Craft.com to discuss your app vision and explore how our team of top app developers in Phoenix can help you turn your ideas into a thriving mobile application. Together, we can create a mobile app that empowers your business and delights your users.

Know more https://www.net-craft.com/blog/2024/10/15/hire-app-developers-guide/

[pumpacti0n]

Function of the Democratic Party

Grassroots Mobilization Happens > Mobilization Becomes a Threat to the Status Quo > Democrats find representatives of the most moderate elements, co-opt and hire them. > Co-opted Leaders Use the Language of Popular Movement to Funnel Energy Back Into the Electoral System > Nothing Fundamentally Changes > Repeat.

In keeping with the theme of staying aware of co-optation within social movements, this graphic remains highly relevant reminder of the function of the democratic party's function, historically.

There is nothing intrinsically "progressive" about the Democratic Party -- the vast majority of all gains made in terms of establishing protections for marginalized communities have come as the result of mass direct action, not because Democrats value them over profit.

The few mediocre reforms passed by the Dems and the lip-service paid to these oppressed communities serve two primary functions: a transparent bid to garner votes and discouraging revolt. Democrats desperately need to appear as the morally superior choice to their base of voters, even if they are functionally similar to their apparent "rivals".

This deception ensures that voters believe that their interests are represented, that the electoral system can be tweaked to work in the favor of the masses, when in reality it can only ever work in favor of corporations and those of extreme wealth -- the majority of whom are white, cisheterosexual and abled.

For examples of this phenomenon, we need to look no further than the Black Lives Matter™ movement.

While activists who engaged in direct action against the state were killed or thrown in prison, "celebrity" activists who mostly stayed away from the frontlines got invited as guests on talk shows, sold their books, rebranded as influencers or otherwise continued to use their association with the movement to further their careers or work for the campaigns of whichever politician could line their pockets and use them for social justice credibility.

In order to break this cycle we must:

Maintain a security culture that is resistant to co-optation This means realizing that cooperation with Democrats will always come with the risk that our demands and goals will become whitewashed into less secure, ineffective and counterproductive versions of themselves. We must resist the urge to elevate charismatic or experienced individuals to a position of permanent and centralized leadership within our movements. We must strive to create horizontal organizations and networks, and break with our reliance on "representatives", and be diligent in creating safer networks that are resilient to infiltration or sabotage.

Resist engagement with the electoral machine. There are often arguments made by "leftists" that we can engage in direct action or mutual aid and participate in elections -- however, given the massive amounts of money and labor used for these campaigns, what is more likely is that many of our allies will become enticed by the promised opportunity to have a "greater impact" on the political landscape while advancing their own professional careers in the process. However, the short term and conditional "impact" is nearly always offset by the fact that these campaigns primarily serve the interests of the individual politicians and their corporate sponsors and benefactors. Social impact will always be a secondary concern, at best.

Change the narrative. The Democratic Party, and electoral politics generally, sustain themselves on the myth that we are collectively too foolish and lack the necessary skills and power to effectively cooperate with each other to solve the critical issues that are affecting us. The conceit is that we must rely on representatives in the desperate hopes that they'll act in our favor once elected, that they'll keep the promises they've made instead of betraying us once more for profit and power. This myth of our own powerlessness has led to a vicious cycle of dependence, impotence and fear -- and has caused even those who claim to care deeply about social issues to turn on each other and blame fellow victims of this propaganda when they dare to resist the allure of elections instead of the puppet masters themselves. If we are up to the challenge, we can instead take control of the narrative and change it to reflect the reality -- that it's us who have the power to change our circumstances, heal our communities, stop the imperial war machine and begin living dignified lives. We can decide that instead of waiting around for leaders to save us, we can save ourselves. Self-determination is an internal process. No one can "give" us freedom -- we have to take it.

[xcoder1]

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[disolutions-world]

Transforming Businesses with DI Solutions: Innovative IT Expertise

Transform your business with DI Solutions

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, businesses must harness cutting-edge technology to remain competitive. At DI Solutions, we specialize in driving business transformation through advanced IT solutions and expert services. Our dedication to innovation and excellence has empowered numerous clients to achieve their goals and excel in their industries.

Innovative IT Solutions DI Solutions excels in providing tailored IT solutions that meet each client's unique needs. Our services include custom software development, mobile app creation, web development, and UI/UX design. By leveraging the latest technologies, we deliver state-of-the-art solutions that enhance growth and efficiency.

Expert Team of Professionals Our team consists of highly skilled professionals—creative designers, experienced developers, and strategic problem-solvers. We emphasize continuous learning to stay at the forefront of industry trends and technological advancements, ensuring that our clients receive the most effective and innovative solutions.

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With over a decade of experience, DI Solutions has made a significant impact globally, partnering with more than 120 clients across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Our extensive global presence demonstrates our capability to provide exceptional IT services that address diverse business needs.

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At DI Solutions, clients are central to our mission. We take the time to understand their business objectives, challenges, and requirements, enabling us to deliver customized solutions that surpass expectations. Our client-centric approach ensures we provide not just what is needed but what drives success and growth.

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[mobilitynear40]

Mobility training Near Me Sun City Center

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional for Mobility Training Near Sun City Center

Introduction

In the serene surroundings of Sun City Center, where retirement and relaxation blend seamlessly, maintaining mobility and physical health is of paramount importance. As we age, our bodies undergo changes that can affect our flexibility, balance, and overall physical function. While the idea of DIY mobility training may seem appealing and cost-effective, hiring a professional for mobility training offers distinct advantages that can lead to better outcomes and a higher quality of life. This article delves into the reasons why enlisting a professional for mobility training is a wise investment compared to attempting a DIY approach.

Understanding Mobility Training

Mobility training is a specialized form of exercise designed to enhance flexibility, strength, and balance. It targets the body's ability to move efficiently and safely through a full range of motion. This training is particularly beneficial for older adults, individuals recovering from injuries, or anyone experiencing stiffness or discomfort. Mobility exercises typically include stretching, strengthening, and balance activities tailored to individual needs and goals.

The Case for Hiring a Professional

1. Personalized Assessment and Tailored Programs

One of the most compelling reasons to hire a professional for mobility training is the personalized assessment they provide. A qualified mobility specialist or physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your current physical condition, including flexibility, strength, balance, and any specific limitations or pain points. This assessment is crucial for creating a customized training program that addresses your unique needs and goals.

DIY mobility routines, on the other hand, often rely on generic exercises that may not consider individual differences. Without professional guidance, you risk performing exercises that could exacerbate existing issues or lead to new injuries. A professional ensures that your training program is specifically designed to improve your mobility while minimizing the risk of harm.

2. Expertise and Experience

Mobility trainers and physical therapists possess extensive training and experience in understanding the complexities of human movement and anatomy. Their expertise allows them to identify and address underlying issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. They are skilled in correcting improper techniques, modifying exercises for different fitness levels, and providing guidance on proper body mechanics.

In contrast, DIY mobility training often lacks the benefit of expert oversight. Without a professional's guidance, you may inadvertently perform exercises incorrectly, leading to suboptimal results or even injury. Professionals are equipped to provide insights and adjustments that enhance the effectiveness of your training.

3. Safe and Effective Techniques

Safety is a critical concern when it comes to mobility training. Professionals are well-versed in techniques that are both safe and effective for improving mobility. They can demonstrate proper form, explain the rationale behind each exercise, and provide modifications for individuals with specific conditions or limitations.

DIY approaches may lead to unsafe practices, especially if you are unfamiliar with proper exercise techniques or have pre-existing health concerns. Professionals ensure that exercises are performed correctly and safely, reducing the risk of injury and maximizing the benefits of your training.

4. Motivation and Accountability

Sticking to a regular mobility training routine can be challenging, particularly when pursuing it on your own. A professional provides not only guidance but also motivation and accountability. They can help you set realistic goals, track your progress, and offer encouragement throughout your training journey.

The structured environment of working with a professional can boost your commitment and consistency, leading to more significant and sustainable improvements in your mobility. DIY training may lack the same level of motivation and accountability, potentially resulting in inconsistent effort and slower progress.

5. Access to Advanced Equipment and Techniques

Professional mobility trainers often have access to specialized equipment and advanced techniques that may not be readily available for home use. Tools such as resistance bands, balance boards, and foam rollers can enhance the effectiveness of your training and provide a more comprehensive approach to mobility improvement.

DIY routines typically rely on minimal equipment and may not incorporate these advanced tools and techniques. By working with a professional, you can benefit from their access to resources and equipment that can elevate your training experience and results.

6. Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation

For individuals recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions, professional mobility training is invaluable. Professionals can design programs that promote healing, prevent further injury, and support overall rehabilitation. They can also provide guidance on managing pain and discomfort associated with certain exercises or conditions.

DIY mobility training may not adequately address these specific needs, potentially leading to prolonged recovery times or additional complications. Professionals are equipped to handle a range of conditions and ensure that your training supports your rehabilitation goals effectively.

Conclusion

While DIY mobility training may seem like a cost-effective and convenient option, the benefits of hiring a professional far outweigh the potential drawbacks. A professional mobility trainer offers personalized assessments, expert guidance, safe and effective techniques, and the motivation needed to achieve your mobility goals. They bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources that can significantly enhance your training outcomes and overall well-being.

In the picturesque setting of Sun City Center, where maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is a priority, investing in professional mobility training is a proactive step toward achieving better physical function and quality of life. By choosing to work with a qualified expert, you ensure that your mobility training is tailored to your needs, conducted safely, and designed to help you thrive in your daily activities. So, embrace the opportunity to work with a professional and take charge of your mobility journey with confidence and support.

[andrewtverylegitimateblog]

Sweet Bean (2015)

There are a lot of things that really got to me while watching Sweet Bean. It certainly succeeded in drawing out the intended reaction in me. Sweet Bean tells the story of Sentaro, a middle aged man languishing away at a middling Dorayaki shop and held in debt by his past. He comes to befriend Tokue, an elderly woman with seemingly quite a bit of free time and a deep loving passion for red bean paste.

As I saw it Sweet Bean was a film about outsiders. Individuals who for their own respective reasons are marginalized by greater society. For Sentaro this is reflected in his criminal record, while this may not be something that can be observed upon his person it bars him from working in any field that could conduct a background check and in so many other ways limits his mobility and in the case of employment there seems to be what could be inferred as a certain amount of blackmail or exploitation taking place in his need to "repay" his debt.

For Tokue this manifests very directly in her appearance, particularly her hands, which mark her as a former Hansen's disease (leprosy) patient. After doing a very light amount of reading after the film I learned that following the second world war the Japanese government conducted mass campaigns against victims of Hansen's disease, placing them in restrictive government operated homes which for decades barred patients from maintaining consistent access to the outside world and various other human rights violations such as forced sterilization. The discrimination against Hansen's disease patients is ongoing to this day.

Tokue intrudes upon Sentaro's brooding life of chain smoking and pancakes after he puts up a hiring sign. While Sentaro initially resists Tokue's insistence on working together he's ultimately won over by her red bean paste. As they work together Sentaro grows to appreciate the presence of Tokue and the many seemingly silly traits such as her whispering to the beans.

I really loved Tokue as a character. Tokue's relationship with and how she approached the injustices she experienced were something that felt particularly grounded to me in many ways. It called forward memories of many of the older people in my life. Tokue's life doesn't in any way seem characterized by any deeply embedded bitterness, in fact she lives in spite of those who would prefer she remain bound to a state owned leper's island.

It's this unbridled cheer and tenacity that seem to find their way into her bean paste. Red bean paste is a language of connection. One of my favorite scenes was when Tokue responded in astonishment when she learned that Sentaro deeply disliked Dorayaki and making them in general. The passion and love she exercises through the hard work in her red bean paste little by little creates a space for healing. Sentaro and Tokue in the small Dorayaki stall that is their shared place of work are in their time together not merely a former convict or survivor of disease but two individuals who have been consistently denied connection by a society that would prefer they remain unseen.

Sweet Bean very much had the intended effect on me, especially in Tokue's characterization. There were things I felt that in some ways were rather lacking. Throughout Sweet Bean there seems to be larger conversations about discrimination that ultimately remain unengaged. Not to say that these characters should be defined by the very things which are transcended by their friendship, but more often than not it feels as if characters are scenes intend to explore larger topics but never do. Much of the camera work also felt quite generic ,almost reminiscent of Hanabi with it's over the shoulder shots. I enjoyed Sweet Bean but felt that overall in style and discussion it was severely lacking.

[gradsiren]

Navigating the Changing Landscape: Key Trends for Today's Job Seekers

The world of work is evolving rapidly due to technological, economic, and social shifts. For job seekers, this means new career opportunities but also new challenges. Tracking and understanding the latest trends is essential for job seekers to navigate the employment landscape effectively.

Recognizing these trends also allows employers to align their hiring practices with what today's candidates value most. This article will break down key developments shaping the experiences of job seekers in the modern era.

The Importance of Tracking Job Seeker Trends

Job seeker behaviors and priorities are not static. As the workforce and workplace culture changes over time, so do attitudes toward work. Ongoing trends reflect transformations in how people search for jobs, where they focus efforts, and what they expect from potential employers.

For job seekers, recognizing these trends allows tailoring of resumes, skills development, and more to align with employer priorities. When individuals showcase relevant skills and experiences sought by companies today, their candidacy becomes more competitive.

Key Job Seeker Trends to Follow

Technological Advancements Changing the Job Search Process

Online job boards like GradSiren increase accessible career opportunities for freshers and experienced candidates. Customized profiles allow matching with suitable roles.

Job seekers use job sites not just for listings but also for networking, company research, content sharing, and building an online professional brand.

AI plays an increasing role through resume screening, automated video interviews, and candidate evaluation algorithms. This provides efficiency but requires balancing human interaction.

Growing Popularity of Remote and Hybrid Work Models

Surveys consistently show over 75% of workers now want remote or hybrid work options. Many became accustomed to location flexibility during the pandemic.

Fully remote roles offer total flexibility. Hybrid arrangements blend on-site and remote work to balance benefits.

Companies insisting on fully in-office roles may struggle to attract applicants who desire flexibility.

Prioritizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Today's job seekers closely evaluate a company's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts when considering roles. They prefer employers who demonstrate real action on raising DEI.

Offering benefits supporting marginalized groups, transparent diversity statistics, anti-bias training, and review of inequities signals commitment to progress.

Companies lagging on DEI initiatives will have a much smaller talent pool to recruit from amid increasing candidate scrutiny.

Growth of the Freelance "Gig Economy"

Over 35% of the U.S. workforce now participates in freelance "gig economy" roles, with projections of continued increase. The flexibility to choose one's projects and hours has great appeal.

Freelancing is a temporary income source while individuals search for traditional full-time employment.

However, gig roles often confer fewer employee benefits and protections. Unpredictable income also poses challenges for workers.

Emphasizing Continuous Skills Development

Today's candidates understand the need to continually gain new skills rather than remain static in one job long-term. Employers facilitating ongoing career development are most attractive.

Workers independently take online courses, earn certifications, and build capabilities not just to change jobs but also to progress within roles.

Companies providing upskilling support and defined paths for internal mobility have a competitive edge in recruiting.

Factors Influencing Changes in Job Seeker Attitudes

Economic Growth Cycles: In strong economies with low unemployment, applicants have more leverage and higher demands. Recessions reverse this dynamic.

Generational Differences: Younger Millennial and Gen Z job seekers have expectations shaped by the technological era they grew up in. Priorities differ from older generations.

Technological Disruption: Developments like AI recruiting tools, virtual reality practice interviews, wearables tracking applicant biometrics, and more will transform jobs seeker experiences.

Cultural Shifts in Attitudes About Work: Discussions around mental health, work-life balance, and flexibility lead employees to expect employers to provide a healthy work culture supporting well-being.

Persistent Challenges Facing Job Seekers Today

Intensely Competitive Job Market: The oversaturation of qualified applicants means intense competition for available openings. This job seeker struggle has intensified coming out of the pandemic.

Skills Mismatch Between Employers and Applicants: Employers frequently request qualifications exceeding what roles require. Meanwhile, applicants cannot develop skills fast enough to keep pace with demands.

Mental Health Impacts: The strain and uncertainty of job-seeking take a psychological toll. Financial duress and rejection worsen mental health issues. But taking time to recover risks being left behind.

Continued Discrimination and Bias: Despite diversity initiatives, marginalized groups still face substantial barriers to equal opportunities. Achieving systemic change remains gradual.

Looking Ahead: The Future Job Seeker Landscape

As cultural acceptance grows, insisting on fully on-site roles will severely limit applicant pools. Hybrid arrangements will likely become the norm, appealing to work-life balance priorities.

While momentum on DEI is building, much work remains to create equitable access to opportunities. This will continue gaining focus from socially conscious job seekers.

Developments in VR recruiting, expanded AI capabilities, biometrics tracking, and more will transform how job seekers interact with employers. Ensuring ethics around data use will be crucial.

As automation changes workplace skill demands, job seekers will need continuous learning opportunities throughout their careers. Companies investing in upskilling will lead the way.

Reduced stigma and increasing workplace burnout will compel employers to prioritize emotional well-being through new policies. A healthy work-life balance will attract top talent.

Conclusion

Tracking emerging trends among job seekers provides crucial insights into the evolving employment landscape. Both individuals looking for work and companies hoping to attract talent must recognize these developments and shifting expectations. Also, modern job boards like GradSiren are essential for today's job seekers. Their customizable searches and alerts notify you of new openings matching your qualifications and keywords so you can instantly find and apply for relevant opportunities.

[gradsireninc]

Navigating the Changing Landscape: Key Trends for Today's Job Seekers

The world of work is evolving rapidly due to technological, economic, and social shifts. For job seekers, this means new career opportunities but also new challenges. Tracking and understanding the latest trends is essential for job seekers to navigate the employment landscape effectively.

Recognizing these trends also allows employers to align their hiring practices with what today's candidates value most. This article will break down key developments shaping the experiences of job seekers in the modern era.

The Importance of Tracking Job Seeker Trends

Job seeker behaviors and priorities are not static. As the workforce and workplace culture changes over time, so do attitudes toward work. Ongoing trends reflect transformations in how people search for jobs, where they focus efforts, and what they expect from potential employers.

For job seekers, recognizing these trends allows tailoring of resumes, skills development, and more to align with employer priorities. When individuals showcase relevant skills and experiences sought by companies today, their candidacy becomes more competitive.

Key Job Seeker Trends to Follow

Technological Advancements Changing the Job Search Process

Online job boards like GradSiren increase accessible career opportunities for freshers and experienced candidates. Customized profiles allow matching with suitable roles.

Job seekers use job sites not just for listings but also for networking, company research, content sharing, and building an online professional brand.

AI plays an increasing role through resume screening, automated video interviews, and candidate evaluation algorithms. This provides efficiency but requires balancing human interaction.

Growing Popularity of Remote and Hybrid Work Models

Surveys consistently show over 75% of workers now want remote or hybrid work options. Many became accustomed to location flexibility during the pandemic.

Fully remote roles offer total flexibility. Hybrid arrangements blend on-site and remote work to balance benefits.

Companies insisting on fully in-office roles may struggle to attract applicants who desire flexibility.

Prioritizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Today's job seekers closely evaluate a company's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts when considering roles. They prefer employers who demonstrate real action on raising DEI.

Offering benefits supporting marginalized groups, transparent diversity statistics, anti-bias training, and review of inequities signals commitment to progress.

Companies lagging on DEI initiatives will have a much smaller talent pool to recruit from amid increasing candidate scrutiny.

Growth of the Freelance "Gig Economy"

Over 35% of the U.S. workforce now participates in freelance "gig economy" roles, with projections of continued increase. The flexibility to choose one's projects and hours has great appeal.

Freelancing is a temporary income source while individuals search for traditional full-time employment.

However, gig roles often confer fewer employee benefits and protections. Unpredictable income also poses challenges for workers.

Emphasizing Continuous Skills Development

Today's candidates understand the need to continually gain new skills rather than remain static in one job long-term. Employers facilitating ongoing career development are most attractive.

Workers independently take online courses, earn certifications, and build capabilities not just to change jobs but also to progress within roles.

Companies providing upskilling support and defined paths for internal mobility have a competitive edge in recruiting.

Factors Influencing Changes in Job Seeker Attitudes

Economic Growth Cycles: In strong economies with low unemployment, applicants have more leverage and higher demands. Recessions reverse this dynamic.

Generational Differences: Younger Millennial and Gen Z job seekers have expectations shaped by the technological era they grew up in. Priorities differ from older generations.

Technological Disruption: Developments like AI recruiting tools, virtual reality practice interviews, wearables tracking applicant biometrics, and more will transform jobs seeker experiences.

Cultural Shifts in Attitudes About Work: Discussions around mental health, work-life balance, and flexibility lead employees to expect employers to provide a healthy work culture supporting well-being.

Persistent Challenges Facing Job Seekers Today

Intensely Competitive Job Market: The oversaturation of qualified applicants means intense competition for available openings. This job seeker struggle has intensified coming out of the pandemic.

Skills Mismatch Between Employers and Applicants: Employers frequently request qualifications exceeding what roles require. Meanwhile, applicants cannot develop skills fast enough to keep pace with demands.

Mental Health Impacts: The strain and uncertainty of job-seeking take a psychological toll. Financial duress and rejection worsen mental health issues. But taking time to recover risks being left behind.

Continued Discrimination and Bias: Despite diversity initiatives, marginalized groups still face substantial barriers to equal opportunities. Achieving systemic change remains gradual.

Looking Ahead: The Future Job Seeker Landscape

As cultural acceptance grows, insisting on fully on-site roles will severely limit applicant pools. Hybrid arrangements will likely become the norm, appealing to work-life balance priorities.

While momentum on DEI is building, much work remains to create equitable access to opportunities. This will continue gaining focus from socially conscious job seekers.

Developments in VR recruiting, expanded AI capabilities, biometrics tracking, and more will transform how job seekers interact with employers. Ensuring ethics around data use will be crucial.

As automation changes workplace skill demands, job seekers will need continuous learning opportunities throughout their careers. Companies investing in upskilling will lead the way.

Reduced stigma and increasing workplace burnout will compel employers to prioritize emotional well-being through new policies. A healthy work-life balance will attract top talent.

Conclusion

Tracking emerging trends among job seekers provides crucial insights into the evolving employment landscape. Both individuals looking for work and companies hoping to attract talent must recognize these developments and shifting expectations. Also, modern job boards like GradSiren are essential for today's job seekers. Their customizable searches and alerts notify you of new openings matching your qualifications and keywords so you can instantly find and apply for relevant opportunities.

[vyliad-never-dies]

I'm sick of pretending I'm ok with what the foster care system did to me. They stole my childhood, they stole my future, they stole everything from me.

I was taken from my shitty biology family and stuck into toxic environment after toxic environment until I came to the reasonable conclusion that all parents are child murdering monsters.

One of them tried to fucking ice me like some kind of fucking off brand mafia movie. The levels of cruelty I experienced in foster care has poisoned the very concept of family for me.

I was adopted by a narcissistic abusive psychopathic asshole and my perception of family was so skewed that I thought she was a saint because she never tried to fucking murder me.

I've since come to realise that familial love exists in the real world, not just in movies and the head of my fucked up biological father. I just never got to experience it personally.

Fuck my biological father for being an abusive, misogynistic, antivaxxer piece of shit and almost accidentally killing me and all my siblings with a rare and completely preventable disease.

Fuck the foster care system for taking away my childhood and my future, for poisoning the concept of family for me, and for allowing child murderers to be foster parents.

Fuck my adoptive parents for gaslighting me every goddamn conversation (which is impressive that that's not even an exaggeration, what are you, keeping tally like I am?), for blackmailing me with my own belongings, and (speaking of my belongings) for using deceit or as they call it "the art of bullshitting" to steal my possessions, might want to hire a lawyer assholes because I'm pretty sure that's literally fraud.

There's alot more I could say about each of you, but you all know what you fucking did and the only asshole who regrets anything is my shitty abusive biological father.

Fuck my biological father, fuck the foster care system, fuck my adoptive "parents", you all fucking suck and you collectively ruined my fucking life.

Oh and fuck you T-Mobile, I'm suing you first for lying about my non-existent credit score for no fucking reason and giving me a fake one that sucks. Way to kick me while I'm down assholes.

I forgive none of you.