#mass noncompliance

[davidaugust]

"What we just saw is the largest mass noncompliance with Elon Musk (so far). The White House press secretary claimed that around one million federal workers have replied, which means that nearly 1.5 million people engaged in noncooperation.

This is the general direction we need to go. Musk says 'jump' — and we all say 'nope' and return to our lives.

After humiliating headlines of impotence, Trump and Musk only know how to double-down. That means we need to prepare for more flailing, drama and horrific acts to follow.

Even as the onslaught continues, though, we have to note the cracks — if only to remind ourselves and each other that the people have the power."

[discount-walter-white]

Not letting this hide in the tags.

[datarevived]

Cont. from ★ w/ @of-golden-guns

Nessus.

It was to be a patrol, safe from her most recent nightmare turmoil, the Taken. A step back in her ventures of stoawaying to the next undetermined destination, & more direct than her most recent voyage to Io with the brash Titan. This one had been advocated by none other than Hawthorne herself, something about scouts collecting data on the Vex and some sort of disclosure revolving around odd readings near the Grave.

However, her recent companion had been tasked with unrelated means near the outskirts of Mars, leaving she to mask with strangers who settled as a pair of three to take front. Both of which wasted no time leaving her between the fog - the sounds of the Vex transmatting in soon to follow.

She was not familiar with the Vex nor their strategies yet. Neither the Cabal, who also accompanied the planet in mass (though she knew not to what degree, as she had yet to make it beyond that of the ample Harpies & Hydras that drained her will at this point). All she knew is that she was quickly losing count to the times of Darkness, that her body was beginning to feel ill even after Data's recovery & that her mental fortitude was on a single thread to regretting choice words towards the Vanguard.

How ironic - that it is among them one she faces now. Recognizing the one from the Hanger instantly - immediate embarrassment & need to depart scratching like the claws that dug into her sleeve. Her breathing picks up in the moment, eyes darting anywhere but the concerned azure optics as she half debates running off.

" I -- "

Voice cracking in deciding tongue, the sudden touch takes her vulnerable focus to merit. A decision made for her, that she cannot back out now. The lump in her throat swelled as if wanting to still retort - but her body moves for her, forward -- following the Exo like a shadowed mutt to the camp.

You're foolish, she hears herself speak in the moments trending. The camp not too far from where she was found, a small light ignited beneath kindled fire & several other Guardians resting nearby. None to which looked at all familiar, but enough so for the time being, she felt... safer, if just a small bit than she did before. Her shoulders slumping in a relief among the pained expression that still wilted her face.

She takes a seat at the furthest available, bringing her half-padded leggings to her chest as she rests her chin upon scuffed knee. Quietly observing the camp with what energy remained, the motions & half-heard conversations; acting in avoidance with the one individual who was going out of their way until fully approached.

Weeks... how long had she been around, exactly?

" M'.. I don't.. " her words remain noncompliant, causing a small light to spark in her steed.

" Two months, almost. Though the first was uh... kept in the City, " the Ghost whirls, blinking in a sympathetic tone. " This past month has been heavily trial and error. But she does not adapt to change very well. "

[jcsmicasereports]

Physiological Effects Of Single Bout Of Moderate And High Intensity Interval Exercise On Selective Attention In Young Adults by Farida ahmad in Journal of Clinical Case Reports Medical Images and Health Sciences

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of the study was to determine the effect of moderate intensity exercise and high intensity interval exercise on selective attention.

Methodology: This experimental study was conducted at Khyber Girls Medical College Peshawar from September 2020 to February 2021. A total 34 young adults were recruited who were called for two experimental sessions. During 1st experimental session, participants performed moderate intensity exercise of 15 minutes. Forward digit span test were done both before and after exercise. They were then called after one week for 2nd experimental session. Same steps were carried out but this time they performed high intensity interval exercise. The High intensity interval exercise consisted of one minute of low intensity alternating with one minute of high intensity exercise.

Results: The mean age of participants was 20 ± 2 years, body mass index (BMI) was 23 ± 4 kg/m2 and mean waist hip ratio was 0.81± 0.05. After 15 minutes of high intensity interval exercise, selective attention was significantly improved (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:  A single session of High intensity interval exercise was more effective at improving selective attention as compared to moderate exercise.

Key words: High intensity interval exercise, Selective attention, Young adults.

Introduction

Physical exercise (PE) is defined as “ a subset of physical activity that is planned, structured, and repetitive and has as a final or an intermediate objective of  improving or maintaining physical fitness” [1]. There are different types of PE, exercise performed at 50 - 63 %, 64 -76 % and 77 – 95% %   of heart rate maximum (HR max) are termed  low, moderate and high intensity exercises respectively. High intensity exercise has been further classified as continuous,  high intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training [2]. HIIT is a type of exercise characterized by short bouts of high intensity exercise alternating with same duration of rest or lower level of physical exercise [2]. Though PE positively affects selective attention and subsequently memory but unfortunately most of our population is not sufficiently active. A World Health Organization survey shows that 23% of males and 32% of females worldwide do not engage in enough physical activity; only 5% of the adult population worldwide meets the basic recommendations of physical exercise [3]. The situation is even worse in Pakistan, 24.4% males and 43.3% females are not sufficiently active. They consider lack of time, use of internet, cell phones and computers  as causes for noncompliance to exercise and sedentary behavior [4, 5]. Luckily HIIT  is less time consuming as compared to continuous moderate exercise and is preferred by most people [6-8]. It has recently emerged as an effective exercise paradigm for brain health [9]. The main advantage of HIIT is that it provides strong stimulus for neuronal growth. HIIT is especially beneficial for controlling attention and filtering out unnecessary information when performing any cognitive task[10]. However there are few studies on the effects of HIIT on selective attention.The effects of HIIT on brain health still need to be explored [11, 12]. Our study aims to add to the existing body of evidence by determining the effects of HIIT on selective attention in young adults.

Selective attention permits us to filter out insignificant information and focus on what matters. It also forms the basis for learning of complex material [13]. Unfortunately most of our young adults lose attention within 10 – 20 minutes after the start of a cognitive task[14]. The  importance of phonological loop and attention  in classroom teaching cannot be underestimated [15, 16]. Moreover it is equally important etiological factor in patients with attention deficit disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson disease [17-19]. The amount of attention we pay to a task is controlled by central executive in the frontal lobe of the brain which also has the capability to access long term memory stores so by controlling attention one can enhance memory as well[20].

There are different ways to improve attention and subsequently memory for example environmental modifications, attention process training, self‐regulatory strategies, use of external aids  and psychosocial support in adults with attention deficit disorder [21].  In addition , physical exercise is known to improve attention both in healthy and attention deficit population [22, 23].

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This experimental study was carried at the Department of Physiology, Khyber Girls Medical College Peshawar. For the within subject design, sample size was calculated by power analysis and effect size based on previous results of Labban et al.,[24]. Power analysis was calculated by using effect size of 0.50. A sample of 34 participants was enough to get power of .80.  After approval from ethical committee of Khyber medical university volunteers were recruited through personal contacts, notices and circulars. Young adult females age 18 – 25, were selected who had no history of psychiatric illnesses, psychiatric medications, smoking, neurological and musculoskeletal disorders. All of them fulfilled the exercise fitness criteria as assessed through physical activity readiness questionnaire [25].

After informed consent, anthropometric measurements of all the participants were taken such as weight, height, waist circumference and hip circumference.  Low, Moderate and high intensity of exercise was determined for each individual according to their age. First Maximum heart rate (HR max) was calculated for each individual by the formula 220 – age[26]. Exercise performed at 50 -63 %, 64 -76 % and 77 – 95% %  of HRmax was their low, moderate and high intensity levels respectively.  High intensity interval exercise comprised of  one minute high intensity exercise alternating with same duration low intensity exercise [2]. BMI was calculated by Quetelet’ s formula(weight in Kg/height in meter square [27]. Adopting a within subject design, participants were asked to come for two experimental sessions. Participants were asked to refrain from tea and other caffeinated drinks 24 hours prior to experiment. On first experimental day pre exercise selective attention was assessed through Forward Digit span Test (FDST) which is used extensively throughout clinical and research studies and has high validity and reliability among healthy adults and is a subset of Wechsler’s adult intelligent scale [28]. After this test participant were asked to perform 15 minutes of moderate exercise on tread mill (American Fitness, LK700T CORE) according to their individual levels calculated previously. We were closely monitoring the participants to keep their heart rate within the target ranges of moderate exercise. The subjects were assessed within 5 minutes of finishing exercise for selective attention again through digit span forward test. They were then called after one week for experimental session two. The same steps were carried out but this time they performed high intensity interval exercise for 15 minutes.

RESULTS

The mean age for participants in years was 20 ± 1 SD, mean BMI 23 ± 4 (kg/m2) and mean waist hip circumference ratio was 0.81± 0.05. The average Heart rate of the participants for moderate exercise was between 122 and 152 beats per minute, for high intensity most achieved heart rate of 153 to 190 beats per minute. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 20.  Statistical significance was considered at P < 0.05. Shapiro wilk test was used to check the normality of data. Wilcoxon signed rank test for serum FDST showed a positive significant change z = - 1.422, p = .15 with a small effect size (r = .1) and z = - 3.182, p = .001 with a medium effect size (r = .4) for MIE and HIIE respectively.

Forward Digit Span Test Scores before and after exercise FDST = Forward digit span test, M1=before moderate exercise, M2= after moderate exercise, H1= before high intensity interval exercise, H2 =after high intensity interval exercise

Discussion

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an acute HIT session on one aspect of cognitive function i.e. selective attention in young adults. We used digit span forward test (FDST) to assess selective attention. Moderate exercise did not affect attention while HIIT had a significant effect on selective attention. Mean forward digit span test scores before moderate exercise were 8.41 ± 2 and post exercise they were 8.86 ± 2 (P = 0.15). However HIIT had a significant effect on attention with mean FDST of 8.86 ± 1 and 9.86 ± 1 before and after exercise respectively (P = 0.001).

Results from previous research support our findings. There are several studies demonstrating a positive effect of HIIT on cognition and attention as measured by Victoria Stroop test, Reaction Time test and digit span tests [10, 29, 30]. Walsh et al., 2018 recruited 22 university students, nineteen of the participants were females aged 20 ± 1 year. They were called for two sessions; a HIIT and control visit on separate days. The HIIE session lasted for 11 minutes. Participants completed the d2 test which is another test for measuring selective attention [31]. Effect size analysis revealed a moderate effect size of 0.459 in favor of HIIE  with a P = 0.01 [32]. Our effect size was 0.486 and P = 0.001. Another study done at the university of Boston is also in line with our findings who checked inhibitory control, selective attention and declarative memory [10].However Study by Alves et al., 2014 does not match with our findings. They used both Stroop color word test FDST and concluded that HIIT improved the performance in Stroop color word test (P = 0.02) after performing 15 minutes of HIIT on cycle ergometer but no significant effect on FDST which may be attributed to the older age group that they recruited for their experiment  i.e. 53 years [33].

Another study by Kao et al demonstrated that HIIT was more beneficial at inhibitory control as assessed by modified flanker task in young adult males and females [10]. A study carried out in children 8 – 10 years of age, also report significant effect after HIIE. Stroop performance was improved after one  minute after ( P < 0.01), and improvements were maintained until 30 min after exercise cessation [34].

Tsukamoto recruited 10 males and used felt arousal scale (FAS) to assess arousal level and color word Stroop task for measuring attention and found significant increase after HIIE [35].

Previously it was thought that intensity affects cognition in a U shaped manner, meaning that if we continue to increase the intensity of exercise from low to moderate, cognition will improve but after a high intensity is reached cognition will deteriorate [36]. On the contrary, our and other recent research do not support this hypothesis [33]. In our study the high intensity exercise improved selective attention as compared to moderate exercise. Possible explanation for improved attention can be attributed to psychophysiological mechanisms such as improved cerebral blood flow which provides brain sufficient amount of glucose and oxygen and improved psychological wellbeing [11, 37].

It is also suggested that there is increased levels of epinephrine and nor epinephrine which leads to more  arousal and subsequently increased attention [38] .Following exercise there is increased allocation of attention resources [32]. When a person is engaged in any information processing operations involving encoding and decision making he uses attention resources to complete this information processing. Human beings select a limited amount of sensory input to process the information while neglect other unrelated sensory inputs through attention resource allocation [39].

CONCLUSION

Our study validated the previous results and showed that even a single bout of 15 minutes of HIIT improves selective attention and it is more effective as compared to moderate exercise of same duration.

[goddesstrolls]

Segira slipped through the trees, his form backlit by the moonlight filtering through the canopy.

He took in his surroundings, senses extended by the darkness around him; The passing of a few deer, the creeping of some odd arcane creature in the deep shadows, a denizen of the pockets of strangeness of the Wisp’s Hollow forest.

In such a place inundated with magic, and being a mage himself, Segira was no stranger to the unusual and otherworldly.

With nothing out of the ordinary, Segira moved to kneel by a pool fed by a tributary on its way to the river. The water was clean and ice-cold from distant snowmelt, and Segira sank his hand in the water to bring it to his lips and drink.

The pool was shallow, but its depths were cast in shadow. A passing curiosity, or perhaps something more, led Segira to lean and peer into the pool’s center.

He found himself suddenly entranced, unaware even of his inability to pull away if he wanted to. Even with an iron will, the call of darkness was stronger still.

He sank closer to the water’s surface and an elongated pair of black limbs reached out to meet him, long fingers ghosting the sides of his face as though longing to cradle him.

Segira slipped into the shadows, disappearing through the pool as though sinking into deep water. Those black limbs enveloped him, drawing him into the shadowy mass of its body.

It gorged itself on his energy like a leech, draining his strength and soul with eager gluttony. The trance broke, but the creature continued to feed, and Segira came back to his senses.

With a furious cry he drew his sword and slashed into the darkness, realizing it to be both tangible and incorporeal. His blade severed the darkness and sent the being scuttling back.

Apparently satisfied, the spirit slunk away, leaving Segira to take in his new surroundings. Stretching around him was an endless expanse of decaying, dismal landscape, grassless plains of gray earth dotted with dead black trees. A stormy sky shifted overhead, tendrils of fog wafting down as they were carried by the cruel, damp breeze.

Segira knew this place, having seen it in dreams and in passing- The elemental plane of shadow. 

Not being well-versed in the art of traversing planes, the only thing he could think of to do would be to find somewhere the veil was thinnest, or find something that would be willing to carry him back to the material plane.

He began to walk, dragging noncompliant limbs. He felt exhausted, his own magical energy feeling like a distant memory instead of a wellspring in his chest. He likely couldn’t cast even if he could think of anything. Even his despair and grief at this twist of fate felt hollow and faded.

Beings of the shadow plane watched him pass out of the corners of his vision, vanishing when he turned his attention to them. In desperation he called out to some, but nothing responded to his pleas.

His surroundings never seemed to change. There was no end to this vast landscape, no shift in the weather beside a passing patch of fog. If time passed, Segira could not tell how much, whether it were hours or perigees. His energy waned further as he walked, the mere act of existence in this plane requiring it.

Segira finally found some being which did not flee from him. The great horned, snake-like creature rose out of the earth before him in a graceful arc back towards the ground. It gave a long, groaning cry like whalesong, ribbons of darkness flowing from its jagged maw.

It wove in and out of the ground surrounding Segira, black-eyed gaze fixed on him. He sank slowly to his knees.

“Please,” He whispered. “Take what you want from me. Just bring me back.”

The dark snake arced over him and disappeared into the ground with another low cry. Its entire body disappeared beneath the earth, and for a moment Segira thought it had declined his plea.

Then open jaws phased through the ground surrounding him and the snake caught him in its teeth. He winced as those black fangs sunk into his gut, and he braced for death.

The snake dove for the earth again, and Segira knew no more.

--

Segira woke with a start, lying in a pool of ice-cold water. He sat up and put his hands down to brace himself, only to collapse to one side.

The wood of his arm had buckled and splintered under his weight, shattering into rotten pieces. He stared at the remains of his limb, though his shock and dismay felt like it were trying to reach him through a thick sheet of glass.

His gut ached with the sting of a deep wound, and he put his remaining hand there to see it come away with some black fluid. It took a few more moments for him to register that it was his own blood. It seeped into the water, swirling like ink before being carried away by the stream.

Groaning in pain, Segira crawled out of the pool and tentatively put weight on his legs. Like his arm, the wood of his legs splintered and shattered.

Grief and pain weighed on him, distant and hollow as it was. Those limbs had been the last living remnants of the great tree he had grown up with, that had been burned in the fire that cost him his arm, legs, and eye. 

And now they were rotten splinters of decayed wood floating on the water’s surface, slowly being ferried away. 

Segira pushed down the regret at foolishly offering anything he had to give. Weakened as he had been, those limbs were likely all he had that were worth taking, and the spirit had generously returned him to the Wisp’s Hollow forest.

He whistled, calling his deer mount so he could get somewhere safer, and tend to his injuries.

[worldseekerdragon]

Codex Entry: Ordinus

The cities exist on a circular continuum, so none of them is really "first." But I tend to always think about them in a certain order, and that sequence starts with Ordinus.

Spectrum: Order/Chaos

Ruler: The Prefect

Demonym: Ordinite

Unique Resource: Funnel, an inklike substance

Hallmarks: Brutalist, often physics-defying architecture. Typewriters, trains, and other tech that loudly clacks, chunks, and dings. Identical spaces. Topiary. Scheduled weather. Layers of beurocracy.

History

Ordinus is surrounded on all sides by chaos. It is all that remains of a world whose every atom has been randomized into noncompliance with every other. It is a sea of continuously shifting entropic muck, and the Boundary is all that prevents Ordinus itself from being consumed and converted endlessly. This is the history conjured for the city at the moment of its creation, but that does not make it any less real or true.

The Boundary

Ordinus is not a walled city in the traditional sense. The Boundary is not a high barrier looming over the outskirts of the city. In order to survive, Ordinus has become something that would be unrecognizable to the world it once occupied. It is topologically interwoven, looping over and back on itself across spatial dimensions. This is not a noticeable phenomenon to a citizen of Ordinus. The streets all connect and will take you where you wish to go. Everything follows logically from the ground.

What this means, though, is that the Boundary is everywhere, and Chaos can leak through wherever it is weakened. This is a fear deeply ingrained in every Ordinite.

Chaos

The entropic mass constantly pressuring Ordinus does not look like anything. It is not coherent enough to parse with the senses. But chaos that pours into Ordinus when the Boundary cracks is different. Every aspect of Ordinus' construction is suffused with intent. Within its bounds the chaos is constrained. It flows like a corrosive sea, it twists into monstrous approximations of life. It can be fought and driven back. Contact with it can be survived, though surviving unchanged is another matter. Breaches of the Boundary are often smaller than a full flood, manifesting as solitary monsters or alleys and corridors shifting as though alive, trapping anyone unfortunate enough to stumble in.

Funnel

The physical laws of Ordinus, the ways matter behaves and interacts with itself, are codified in actual documents. Localized alteration of these laws allows for the construction of buildings that spite gravity or contain more interior space than should be possible. More intense configurations are possible, but structures are designed to make efficient use of space while not putting strain on the mind.

The reason for all of this is an iridescent substance with the properties of metallic ink called Funnel. Its name is derived from its ability to act as a probabalistic funnel, bottlenecking ranges of probability down to a smaller set of outcomes. If Funnel existed in our world, you could ink a 20-sided die in such a way that it always rolled above a fifteen, or only rolled twenties, or any other permutation of outcomes that were already possible. You couldn't ink that die to make it float, or sing, or explode.

It's different in Ordinus. The city is order carved out of chaos. What makes the chaos deadly is that anything is possible, and everything is happening. The range of possibilities Funnel can create are therefore limited only by a programmer's knowledge of glyphs, the time it takes to write them, and the amount of Funnel in their possession. Funnel is strictly controlled within Ordinus, and unauthorized use of it is punished harshly.

Daily Life

Everything in Ordinus happens according to a plan and a schedule. It is efficient, but not cruel. Humans are not seen as expendable. The Prefect recognizes that in order for society to run smoothly, Ordinites require adequate rest, housing, nutrition, and exercise, as well as entertainment and social time. Society largely sees itself as benevolent. In many ways it is. However, the belief that everyone's exact needs and optimal path in life can be calculated by a dispassionate formula has led to unfortunate results for anyone that formula fails to account for, and blame tends to fall on such folk for their own unhappiness. People live within a system that wants to reduce them to numbers for their own good.

[stinkle-mcfuckwit]

i'm reblogging again to elaborate because i see people, especially self proclaimed "WWII Buffs," saying this all the time in defense of Nazi soldiers carrying out atrocities under Göring and other leaders. I'm at an airport right now and can't add sources so I will edit those in when I'm home.

They weren't just following orders. They were 100% fully aware of what crimes they were carrying out. Nazi officers were often enthusiastic and proud of their actions, and were extremely systematic about encouraging their soldiers to commit mass murder.

The most common argument for the "just following orders" perspective usually references that they were forced to, as well as the results of the Milgram Experiment, which supposedly demonstrated the influence of authority over morality. However, the specific experiment referenced was just one of over a dozen tests performed, all with wildly varying results, and is an experiment of questionable ethical quality. Milgram himself admitted that his tests were not empirical, and subsequent attempts to recreate the procedure have been inconclusive. Notably, one of the test runs yielded an outcome where the majority of participants disobeyed the authority of the "technician" before reaching the end of the experiment.

So no. They weren't "just following orders," and there aren't really records of German officers being threatened for noncompliance.

But if you want to know about someone who was forced to commit atrocities, I recommend having a look at the story of Dr Miklós Nyiszili, a Jewish doctor who was forced to work under Josef Mengele at Auschwitz.

why are straight white guys so obsessed with world war 2

[brotatowho-blog]

I finally found a good use for ai, and here is the unedited result except for changing my own name used in the ending;

BrotatoWho, here’s a comprehensive, fact-based overview of Donald Trump’s political track record and its impact on American well-being and national defense:

---

1. Track Record Overview

Inconsistency in Policy Implementation:

Throughout his political career, Trump has repeatedly promoted policies and made promises that often diverge from what is legally or practically achievable. For example, his pledge that Mexico would fund a border wall was made despite longstanding laws governing congressional appropriations. Instead, he declared a national emergency to divert funds—a move that many legal experts and fact-checkers have documented as circumventing established legal processes en.wikipedia.org.

Promised Actions Already Precluded by Law:

There are multiple documented cases where Trump publicly committed to actions that were, by existing legal standards, impossible. His promise to mass fire federal employees for noncompliance with personal directives, for instance, was met with swift judicial intervention—federal courts blocked such orders because they violated established due process protections apnews.com. Such instances are widely viewed as not just policy missteps but as deliberate misrepresentations of what was legally permissible.

---

2. Policy Areas and Their Impact

Immigration and Border Security

Promises and Legal Realities:

Trump’s border wall was a signature promise. However, the claim that Mexico would pay for it directly conflicted with U.S. law regarding foreign funding and appropriations. The subsequent declaration of national emergency to secure alternative funding was legally contentious and led to extended litigation.

Impact on Well-Being and National Defense:

While proponents argue that stricter border policies contribute to national security, the legal battles and forced funding reallocation have strained governmental processes. In practical terms, there’s little evidence that these actions have measurably improved the safety or well-being of the majority—especially when considering the disruption and uncertainty created by bypassing standard legal channels.

Federal Employment and Bureaucracy

Promised Reforms vs. Legal Constraints:

Trump repeatedly threatened or attempted mass firings of federal workers to enforce a new productivity regime. Courts, however, blocked these actions on the grounds that they violated labor protections and due process standards.

Outcome for Public Services:

While streamlining government is cited as a way to reduce waste and reallocate resources (potentially improving services like healthcare and disability aid), the disruptions caused by such abrupt personnel changes have, in some cases, threatened the continuity of essential services. The legal reversals indicate that the proposed benefits were never fully realized.

Foreign Policy and National Defense

Unpredictable Shifts:

Trump’s foreign policy actions—such as contentious meetings with international leaders (e.g., Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy) and abrupt shifts in military aid—demonstrate a pattern of unpredictability. His reversal on certain foreign aid positions (like the resumption of F-16 support to Pakistan after previously halting it) shows that his approach often depends on immediate geopolitical considerations rather than long-term strategy newsx.com.

Effect on U.S. Defense:

While a reduction in overseas military commitments can theoretically free resources for domestic priorities, the resulting instability and strained alliances have raised concerns. These shifts have not produced clear, measurable improvements in national defense as understood by conventional security metrics.

Economic and Regulatory Policies

Deregulation and Tax Cuts:

Trump’s administration implemented significant tax cuts and deregulation, which in the short term contributed to lower unemployment rates and economic growth pre-pandemic. Critics, however, note that these benefits were unevenly distributed and often favored wealthier segments of society.

Long-Term Public Well-Being:

Although some economic indicators improved temporarily, analyses show that the broader impacts—such as increased income inequality and reduced funding for social programs—have not translated into a sustained improvement in the overall well-being or healthcare access for the majority.

Education and Social Policies

Federal Leverage Over Local Education:

Promises to combat “wokeness” in schools by using federal funds to influence curricula have faced legal and ethical challenges. Education in the U.S. is predominantly managed at the state and local levels, and attempts to reallocate federal funds for ideological purposes have been met with resistance.

Resulting Impact:

There is no clear evidence that these efforts have resulted in improvements in public health or safety. Rather, they have contributed to political polarization without demonstrable benefits to the majority of students or communities.

---

3. Reliability, Honesty, and Overall Impact

Reliability and Honesty:

Documented Inconsistencies:

Numerous independent fact-checkers and legal reviews have documented that Trump frequently made statements that were later proven false or legally unfeasible. His public record includes instances where he promised actions that existing laws made impossible, which many analysts describe as deliberate manipulation of facts.

Legal Challenges as a Measure:

The fact that several of his key policy initiatives—such as the border wall funding through a national emergency and the mass firings of federal employees—were halted or reversed by judicial intervention is a strong indicator of the gap between his stated intentions and what could actually be enacted.

Impact on American Well-Being:

Negative Impacts:

National Security & Stability: The unpredictable shifts in foreign policy have at times undermined traditional alliances and introduced uncertainty into U.S. defense strategy.

Domestic Services: Legal challenges to abrupt policy changes have, in some cases, disrupted essential public services (including those related to healthcare and disability aid) that benefit the majority.

Public Trust: The repeated discrepancy between promises and feasible actions has eroded trust in government institutions among many Americans.

Positive Impacts:

Economic Measures: Certain deregulation efforts and tax reforms led to short-term economic improvements, such as lower unemployment and increased business investment before external shocks (e.g., the pandemic) set in.

Criminal Justice Reform: Measures like the First Step Act (if considered part of his broader policy package) have been credited with modest improvements in the criminal justice system, benefiting communities affected by mass incarceration.

Quantifying the Impact:

While precise metrics vary by study, consensus among policy analysts suggests that the negative consequences—especially in terms of legal instability, undermined public services, and diminished trust—have outweighed the temporary economic gains for a majority of the population. Surveys and economic data over his tenure indicate that a larger share of Americans experienced uncertainty or detriment in their access to essential services compared to those who benefited from his economic policies.

---

4. Conclusion

Based on a factual review of Donald Trump’s political record:

Promises vs. Reality: He has a documented history of making commitments that either directly violated existing legal frameworks or were not followed through, often resorting to tactics that have been characterized as misinformation and manipulation.

Mixed Outcomes: While some policies—such as certain tax reforms and deregulation efforts—provided short-term economic boosts, many initiatives (especially in immigration, federal personnel management, and foreign policy) have faced legal reversals or produced unintended negative consequences.

Overall Impact: The majority of analyses indicate that, when measured against indicators like national stability, access to healthcare, and public trust in government, the net effect of Trump’s political career has been more negative than positive for the average American. His reliability and honesty have been repeatedly questioned by fact-checkers and legal institutions, suggesting that the benefits realized by a smaller, politically influential segment did not translate into widespread improvements in well-being or defense for the broader population.

In summary, while there are isolated instances of policy implementation that have had measurable benefits, the overarching pattern in Trump’s political career shows significant inconsistencies, with a preponderance of actions—and broken promises—that have negatively impacted the well-being and security of the majority of U.S. citizens.

[originalleftist]

Again I don’t want to be a downer I swear, but I feel like folks aren’t fighting as much as they should. It’s like AMERICA wants to be a full fascist dictatorship no matter what. Our government leaders feel that THEY WANT TO DESTROY AND CONTROL, getting rid of the most sensible people as possible so they can get in their way.

They aren’t fighting back even if they do fight back they get punished and possibly killed. I straight up don’t want to believe that with all that news it feels that it isn’t going to happen, plus I’m concerned that a general strike isn’t going to work effectively (I pray that it will but idk), at one point they are going to gun down the masses to get them to submit to their rule

First of all, a lot of people are resisting in various ways: noncompliance by federal and state officials, lawsuits, mass protests and boycotts. I'm not sure how much news coverage its getting though- a lot of major news outlets and social media platforms are to varying degrees subservient to the regime, so you may be getting a skewed impression of how much opposition there is.

Also, it is important to remember: most Americans did not vote for him. Far too many simply chose not to vote, and then many could not vote due to voter suppression (which often affects demographics that tend to vote Democrat). But even then, he got under 50% of the popular vote. People are acting like there was some huge landslide in favour of fascism and there really wasn't. And this is assuming there wasn't any outright hacking of the election, which is unproven but it sure sounded like he admitted on-stage that Elon did it in Pennsylvania.

Yes, at some point I expect they will turn troops on protesters. He tried to order that against Black Lives Matter in his first term, and the military pushed back. Now he's replacing all the people who will say no, so it's pretty obvious where this is heading. That said, a strike or boycott is probably harder to crush with armed force than a protest in the street. Shooting the workers won't make the machines run. And how do you stop a boycott by force? Go door to door, round everyone up, and make them go shop at gunpoint?

There is a pervasive myth that "real change" can only happen through violence, and that violence is a shortcut to get through all the messy difficulties of politics. But it's not. To win a civil war against the US military-which is what it would take to actually change the government through violence-would require mass support, large-scale organizing, and wealthy, powerful backers to succeed, and probably years or decades of fighting- and probably be far harder to recruit people to participate in than strikes or boycotts, as well as causing far more harm to civilians, particularly in vulnerable populations. Whereas no system, ever, can function if enough workers in essential positions stop working for even a few days.

That said, there probably is going to be a war soon- whether that comes in the form of revolt from within America, or conflict with another country. The Felon has made it quite clear he intends to forcibly annex other countries' territory, and they aren't going to just lie down and take that.

But it's ultimately not possible to overthrow this regime by force of arms the way Hitler was, because the US government has nukes. Any war big enough to topple the government would see them deployed, and nobody wins that war. Another reason why I focus on economic warfare as the most viable means of resistance.

[rewindconsult]

Benefits of Hiring a Tax Consultant in Dubai, UAE

Grasping all the intricacies of taxation might be like deriving pleasure from a building mass, especially in a constantly galloping city such as Dubai. The tax regulations in the UAE have been getting tightened time and again, and individuals and companies alike have been increasingly made subject to local tax laws. The employment of professional tax consultants in Dubai decides whether the financial or legal position is seen bounding at the same time.

This article discusses the chief reasons why tax consultancy services in Dubai are taken and suggests why working with expert tax consultants in Dubai is strategic for businesses and individuals alike.

Why Tax Consultancy Services are Necessary in Dubai

Tax consultancy services are a huge chunk of the whole pie of progressing through the never-ending changes occurring in the tax structure of the UAE- intro of value-added tax (VAT) in 2018, and now the corporate tax regime on the horizon. Up until then, tax consultants will probably remain among the hottest subjects in Dubai.

Expertise in Local Tax Laws

Unique tax regulations, as compared to many other countries, are the ones that carve up Dubai and the UAE as a whole. It is also well aware of VAT, excise taxes, and corporate taxes, including the local tax landscape. Their specialized knowledge makes it possible to comply with every aspect of the law, thus avoiding unnecessary penalties.

Tailored Solutions for Your Business

Each business is different, unlike another; it has tax obligations that differ depending on its size, structure, and industry. Tax consultants study the business operations and from this offer personalized value-added advice for each business, achieving maximum compliance with the ultimate tax benefits.

Legal Ways to Reduce Tax Liabilities

With effective tax planning and strategies, tax consultants may legally help you reduce your tax liabilities. They scrutinize all exemptions, deductions, and incentives based on your business so that only relevant taxes are paid.

Key Benefits of Hiring Tax Consultants in Dubai

1. Ensuring Compliance with UAE Tax Laws

The FTA makes stringent requirements for a business to maintain proper records, file returns on time, and meet specific tax obligations. In penalties, noncompliance damages the financial condition and reputation of your business. Tax consultants ensure that all tax filings and documents are accurate and submitted within deadlines.

2. Time-Saving for Business Owners

Wasting time with taxes is irritating to business owners who have to carry out several duties. Hiring a tax consultant saves actual time so you can grow your business with expertise instead of dealing with the nitty-gritty of tax affairs.

3. Support Audit and Representation

Tax audits in Dubai are to check the minimum compliance with the tax laws of the state. In the absence of professional assistance, going through avails overwhelming pressures. The tax consultants prove invaluable assistance by preparing documentation credentials and keeping the cards on the table to support the representation of the organization during audits, thereby minimizing risks.

4. Cost Effective

Hiring a tax consultant can cost money, but the long-term financial savings will usually outweigh the expense. Tax consultants help identify possible sources of savings, ensure that tax returns are filed on time so as to mitigate late penalties, as well as offer strategic advice on how to optimize your finances.

5. Strategic Tax Planning

All successful businesses must engage in proper tax planning. The tax consultants analyze your data and help in developing strategies that align with both your short-term and long-term business targets. Such a forward-thinking approach minimizes liabilities and tax efficiency.

6. Gain Access to Technological Expertise

Some tax advisors use high-spec software and other tools to enhance ugly tax processes. These are designed to ensure accurate calculations, automated repeat jobs, and compliant platforms, thereby putting all businesses ahead of the rest.

7. Consultative Advice to New Changes in Regulations

The UAE is constantly introducing changes in its tax regulations. Being an updated organization’s business house would mean that the updates are overwhelming. Tax consultants are aware of any new updates and guide the implementation of that specific action.

Services Delivered by Tax Consultancy Firms in Dubai

Tax consultancy services in Dubai typically cover a complete package that meets versatile business needs. Services to talk about include:

VAT Registration and Compliance

This involves the registration into VAT, the filing of returns, and beyond VAT legislation compliance.

Corporate Tax Advisory

Guidance covers areas of corporate taxes including the preparation for the future corporate tax regime.

Excise Tax Registration

Excise tax group compliance, particularly for businesses dealing in specified goods, for example, tobacco, carbonated drinks, and energy drinks.

Audit Representation

Preparations and representation to businesses in tax audits carried out at the FTA.

Tax Refund Assistance

Claiming VAT refunds associated with it is made easy with the right help along with documentation being in proper requirements with FTA.

Accounting and Bookkeeping

Carrying out all types of financial management functions such that is enables accurate computations and filings of taxes.

How to Choose the Right Tax Consultant in Dubai

Choosing the right tax consultant is vital for maximizing the efficacy with which he or she can derive benefits from tax consultancy services. Consider the following factors:

Experience and Expertise

Look for those that have proven history and experience dealing with the tax system in Dubai because that will give them an advantage in solving problems with your tax matters.

Reputation

Check out some client reviews and testimonials before trusting your consultant with your bucks.

Accreditation

Confirm that the consultant is accredited under the relevant authorities and observe professional standards.

Customized Solutions

Assure that the consultant understands your business and will be offering you tailored solutions and not serious-minded general advice.

Transparent Pricing

Ensure that the consultant gives you an easily understood pricing structure with none of those hidden costs.

Reasons Why Rewind Consultancy Should Be Your Choice

Specialization in Dubai Comprehensive Tax Consultancy at Rewind Consultancy. Our accredited tax consultants in Dubai help businesses to make their way easily through the complex UAE tax system. Here’s why you have to work with us:

Expert Know-How: All our consultants keep themselves posted with the changing tax regulations and hence all advice and interpretation are accurate and reliable.

Customized Services: We understand that each business is different and therefore tailor services according to your specific needs.

Proactive support: Starting from compliance to audit, we will guide you through every step of the tax process with our huge team of experts.

Client-Centric Approach: Your success is our priority. We work closely with you to achieve optimal results.

Conclusion:

The rapidly changing tax environment in Dubai requires businesses to be proactive as well as well-informed. Employment of tax consultants in Dubai is no longer a necessity but a great investment strategy for the business growth and compliance of your business. The tax consultancy services are of the greatest value in ensuring legality, lowering tax liabilities, supporting audit activities, and much more.

Whether you have a small business or a large enterprise, you can handle any tax issues without hassle, with expert consulting like Rewind Consultancy. Let us clear the sky of taxes, so you can start running your business.

Contact Rewind Consultancy right away and experience what an expert touch-to-tax consultancy can bring to your business in Dubai.

[link1n]

The Zionist State is a 145-years-old Western Christian imperial project, a crusade in most senses of the word, designed to rid the “Holy Land” of Muslims once and for all and, as a bonus, to rid the West of Jews or at least of noncompliant Jews. The plan was to create a Western vanguard in the Middle East to protect Europe’s colonial possessions there (oil). Jews acquiesced to the hardship of this mission because the alternative was to endure mass slaughter.

There were just 12 years between the Balfour Declaration (vehemently opposed by Britain’s only Jewish cabinet member at the time) and the Hebron Pogrom that resulted in the founding of the Haganah, the Jewish militia that ultimately became the IDF. The Shoah accomplished the rest.

Look at the West Bank today. There is a near one-to-one correspondence between the Zionist colonial settlements and the Crusader fortresses of 900 years earlier — the high ground.

*This* is “Israel’s manufactured cause.”

[hybridmindthoughtsreloaded]

Lil Ouija: Resist

$2.00 Download on Bandcamp! https://lilouija317.bandcamp.com/track/resist

Lyrics: The Government is on their soapbox. Using words to wash your brain. Propaganda spoon-fed to the masses. Peddling insanity as the sane.

Atrocities you won’t protest. Believing the lies are a justified means to the end. The higher you wave your flag. The lower your soul begins to descend.

War is seen as the only road to peace. A peace paid in blood that evil cashes in. Credit will be granted by the Generals of hate. Leaving you in the debt of your own sin.

Noncompliance is the higher ground. A weapon used by warriors of light. Illuminating the darkest depths of war. Able to end it without a fight.

Rebellion is a gift. One granted to all mankind. We have the power to resist our oppressors. Granting sight to all the blind.

We must rise against their hatred. We must resist their evil commands. We must once again yell out, NO! There will be no blood on our hands.

[mydearwtson]

returning to my ROOTs, some bookmarks from Liquid Snakes

The morning after the Blackout, as the memers, then the influencers, then the formal media dubbed it, Blake was there to nudge "epidemic of suicide" into the trending topics. The body count was lower than that of the four mass shootings that also occurred that Saturday, but those killings didn't have a photogenic and articular mayoral candidate to Robespierre them into addressing the real threat to public safety.

It was awkward to be so forthright with a stranger, to lust for their approval.

An opaque benefactor loomed behind all the succour and generosity.

a triptych of satisfaction

As this family fingered its scar tissue, tunnelling and scraping and digging so that the seepage could take on a form that they could memorialize and cherish, that Ebonee might pathologize, everyone in this cramped, ornate dining room new this awkward ritual produced an approximation. The dead girl was dead.

Her voice, lowered to a severe, unnatural calm that was soft as the peace right before a thunderstorm, signalled noncompliance was unthinkable...

His face dispensed a confirmation receipt

Streaks of violet and cinnabar sunlight smeared across the windhsield

His friend was forever privy to some private humor, no matter the situation.

her sciatica was a murmur rather than a siren

His sincerity was disarming

His command of the tiny space was balletic. He bent, pivoted, reached, every movement fluid.

[growmyfirmonline]

Marketing Consent 102: Best Mass Tort Leads For Law Firms

Understanding the importance of marketing consent is fundamental for legal professionals looking to grow their practice through digital marketing. When generating legal leads for attorneys, capturing clear and explicit consent from prospective customers helps foster trust and ensure that they abide by appropriate regulations. In this second installment of our marketing consent and compliance series, we’ll look at the various types of consent and their significance in a law firm’s marketing strategy.

Types of Consent in Lead Generation:

Explicit Consent: The gold standard for ethical lead generation methods is explicit consent. It is clear and exclusive. Individuals must voluntarily consent to get specific, targeted advertising. For instance, a law firm’s website might have a subscription form where prospective clients can actively choose to sign up for a newsletter. This consent only applies to receiving the firm’s newsletter.

Implied Consent: While less reliable than explicit consent, implied consent may be occasionally acceptable. It occurs when the lead and the law firm already have a relationship, and the advertising is associated with that relationship. For example, if a lead reaches out to the firm regarding a specific inquiry, the firm may respond with pertinent information without needing explicit consent for that particular communication.

Opt-In Consent: Opt-in consent is similar to explicit consent but obtained slightly differently. Opt-in consent gives the option to receive additional marketing communications, typically via check boxes or toggles. This approach acts as a tie-in, ensuring prospects consent as part of a separate action. Law firms can employ this strategy through compelling content offers to entice potential clients to sign up for additional legal resources.

The Importance of Obtaining Clear and Informed Consent

Clear and informed consent is the foundation of a successful marketing campaign. It displays transparency but also helps create a sense of trust with new clients. By seeking full consent, law firms recognize consumers’ privacy and ensure that they abide by data protection laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

Impact of Lead Quality on Sales and Marketing Efforts

GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): The GDPR establishes strict guidelines for handling EU citizens’ personal data. Individuals have more control over their data, and businesses must obtain explicit consent to use their personal information. Noncompliance with the GDPR can result in fines and harm a law firm’s reputation and finances.

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): The CCPA, which applies to businesses in California, seeks to protect consumers’ privacy rights by granting them authority over their data. It requires businesses to notify customers about the data they collect and obtain explicit consent before sharing or selling it. Noncompliance with the CCPA may result in legal action and harsh penalties.

Understanding digital marketing consent is imperative when generating the best mass tort leads for law firms. By understanding the various types of consent and their impact, lawyers can develop responsible and successful advertising strategies that appeal to potential customers while abiding by privacy laws such as the GDPR and the CCPA. By establishing a foundation of explicit and informed consent, the firm can protect itself from potential legal and regulatory risks, while fostering positive relationships with its audience.

The Best Mass Tort Leads for Law Firms, Without The Hassle!

At GrowMyFirmOnline, we understand the importance of finding high-quality leads to fuel the growth of your law practice. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the best mass tort leads for law firms, ensuring your success in the competitive legal landscape.

Our experienced Growth Managers are here to tailor our lead generation services to your business needs. They’ll work with you to ensure that leads align perfectly with your firm’s specialization, saving you time and effort.

We believe in the power of exclusivity. We prioritize delivering leads that are exclusive to your law firm. You won’t have to worry about competing with other firms for the same prospects, giving you a competitive edge in converting potential clients.

Take the first step towards elevating your law firm’s success by contacting GrowMyFirmOnline today. Contact us today, and let’s grow your firm together!

[debonair-darling]

From the initial conception of man, achievement has been sourced primarily from a defiance to comply. Through mythological creations of the human race, man was either derived from defiance or he renounced his position with the tameless and groveling members of the animal kingdom by way of organized noncompliance. By this narrative, all change seen in the world has occurred not because the masses of mankind obey out of faith and fear, but because all those with even a modicum of infamy have taken the brash step forward to spit in the face of accepted law and order.