#rethinking tourism

[horsethoughts]

Blog Post #2! Due 2/06/25

What issues could the concept of “identity tourism” and online anonymity bring to feminist efforts online? (Question based off “Rethinking Cyberfeminism”- J.Daniels)

The lack of “visibility” of one’s identity online can be seen as positive or negative. When thinking of issues, the first thing that comes to mind is the potential of someone using their anonymity to pretend to be someone they are not. While this is not always done for malicious purposes, in the case of feminist movements, this can be done to much detriment. There’s a potential risk of someone posing as leadership and spreading misinformation or acting in a way that puts a negative view on the organization/individual being targeted by this behavior. Additionally, online anonymity makes it incredibly easy for investigation to be done. I would worry about this happening, for example, if a feminist organization was using the internet as a pathway to work around legal/social limitations in real life. Anonymity could provide yet another outlet for bad players to exploit feminist movements.

Why do we continue to rely on automated technology/algorithms in important areas such as law or healthcare despite its continued penchant for error? (Question based off “Automating Inequality” – Eubanks & "Race and Technology" - Nicole Brown)

As Eubanks (2018) went over in her piece, this automated technology is efficient despite its many issues. To the broader public, it seems to be both efficient and effective. I believe that people don’t often question these automated systems, believing them to be sophisticated without a penchant for error. In the context of the broader public, they may not question them because they are used by “official” means. When they do show errors that are biased against POC, I think those errors oftentimes (sadly) fall in line with those same prejudices and thought processes. It reinforces the narratives deeply ingrained in these countries’ thought processes around POC and those who need social services. This only takes people further away from the possibility of questioning algorithms.

Additionally, why hasn’t much effort been made to create better alternatives for these systems or replace them? (Question based off “Automating Inequality” – Eubanks & Nicole Brown)

On top of falling in line with prejudices, another thing that keeps these types of algorithms and systems around is the financial aspects. For example, Nicole Brown mentions the hiring apps that use facial recognition to determine the best candidates. According to Brown (2020), these hiring apps are trained on data sets that are made up mainly of photos of white and male people. A solution to this would be to make a more diverse data set or code a new algorithm that isn’t purely based on photos, right? The problem with these solutions is that they would cost more money—if the system in place already “works” for those it benefits, why would they want to waste money trying to fix it? These algorithms streamline the processes for large businesses and save them money and time at the cost of inaccurate profiling and unbiased opportunities.

How do online spaces reproduce the social structures and biases of the real world? (Question based off Daniels)

In online spaces, the predominance and highlighting of white voices is reflected on different platforms. According to Daniels, online spaces function on the expectation of whiteness. Much like in real life, an overwhelming majority of whiteness in online spaces makes it difficult for others outside of the “dominant” culture being represented to feel comfortable in breaking the mold (Daniels 2009).

Works Cited:

Daniels, J. (2009). Rethinking cyberfeminism(s): Race, gender, and embodiment. Women’s Studies Quarterly.

Brown, N. (2020). Race and technology [Video]. YouTube.

Eubanks, V. (2018). Automating inequality: how high-tech tools profile, police, and punish the poor. St. Martin's Press.

[janetlogs]

WGST: Blog 2

1. What is cyberfeminism, and how does it relate to gender and race?

Cyberfeminism explores the connection between gender and technology, especially the internet. It includes various views on how digital culture impacts women. For example, Sadie Plant saw the internet as a way for women to challenge traditional gender roles. However, her focus on gender alone, without considering race or other factors, has been criticized. Many cyberfeminist ideas cater to white, privileged women, leaving out marginalized groups. Scholars like Fernandez and Wilding argue that cyberfeminism should be more inclusive of women of color and other underrepresented voices. They believe that while the internet has the potential to create equality, it often continues to favor certain voices over others.

2. What is identity tourism, and how does it relate to cyberfeminism?

Identity tourism is when people take on a different race or gender online. Some cyberfeminists saw this as a way to challenge social roles, but others argue that most people don’t actually change identities online. Instead, they join communities that support their real identity, like BlackPlanet for Black users or LGBTQ+ sites for queer individuals. Another idea, disembodiment, means escaping the physical body online. While this can help some women in restrictive societies, many use the internet to share real-life experiences rather than hide their identities. The internet doesn’t erase gender or race, it often shows real-world inequalities.

3. How do pro-ana and transgender online communities challenge the idea that cyberspace is a disembodied realm?

Pro-ana and transgender online communities show that cyberspace is not just a place to escape the body but also a space where people engage with their physical identities. Pro-ana communities use the internet to share "thinspiration" images and support each other in maintaining extreme eating habits, reinforcing a focus on body control. Similarly, transgender individuals use online resources like email groups and medical databases to find information about hormone treatments and surgeries to transition physically. These examples illustrate that the internet is deeply connected to real-life embodiment, rather than existing as a separate, body-free space.

4. How does automated decision-making affect society, and why is it a problem that these systems are first used on poor communities?

Automated decision-making changes how society makes important choices about fairness and justice by turning them into technical problems that computers solve. These systems are typically tested on poor communities, where people have less power to challenge mistakes. As Virginia Eubanks warns, once these biased systems affect the poor, they can spread to everyone, impacting jobs, healthcare, policing, and more. Allowing unfair systems to harm vulnerable groups today risks creating a future where everyone's rights and privacy are at risk, worsening discrimination and limiting people's ability to challenge unfair treatment.

Articles: Daniels, J. 2009. Rethinking Cyberfeminism(s): Race, Gender, and Embodiment. /  Eubanks, V. Automating Inequality - Introduction

[ethanswgstblog]

Blog #2 due 2/6

What role does the digital economy play in shaping cyberfeminist practices?

The digital economy plays a crucial role in shaping cyberfeminist practices by both creating opportunities for empowerment and reinforcing existing inequalities. By providing these opportunities, women were able to slowly become more aware and familiar of online media. With the addition of women joining the online platforms, Daniels agreed that it was “a crucial medium for movement toward gender equity.” These technological advancements were not only for women in the US but also for women around the world 

How does the concept of “identity tourism” function in cyberfeminist forums, and what are its limitations?

In cyberfeminist discussions, Lisa Nakamura defines identity tourism as the process by which users "try on" identities of marginalized groups, which can lead to the appropriation and distortion of those identities rather than meaningful engagement (Daniels, 2009). While early cyberfeminists saw the internet as a space for identity fluidity, identity tourism exposes its limitations allowing privileged users to adopt marginalized identities without facing real-world oppression. Rather than fostering genuine understanding, this often reinforces stereotypes and power imbalances, prompting cyberfeminists to advocate for ethical engagement over superficial appropriation.

What alternative approaches could be implemented to ensure that technology is used to empower rather than police vulnerable populations?

To ensure that technology empowers rather than polices vulnerable populations, several key approaches must be implemented, including increased transparency, community involvement, a shift from surveillance to support, and stronger legal protections. As Eubanks highlights, automated decision-making systems often lack public oversight, making it crucial to clarify how algorithms function, who they impact, and the rationale behind their decisions. Additionally, rather than allowing policymakers and private companies to dictate digital systems, participatory design should involve those most affected such as welfare recipients and low-income families in shaping these technologies. Another could be that technology should also be used to improve access to essential services rather than predict fraud or police marginalized groups, streamlining benefits enrollment and reducing barriers to aid instead of reinforcing punitive measures. Furthermore, given that many automated systems disproportionately target vulnerable populations, policy reforms are necessary to establish ethical guidelines for AI and machine learning in public service programs. By implementing these approaches, technology can shift from a tool of control to one of empowerment

In what ways do automated fraud detection systems disproportionately target marginalized communities?

As Eubanks explains, low-income individuals are more frequently subjected to digital monitoring and fraud detection due to systemic biases, government policies aimed at reducing welfare fraud, and the increasing use of automated decision-making systems that disproportionately scrutinize marginalized populations. She mentioned that her untraditional family was denied access to their insurance company due to some missing digits and believed it to be a computer AI problem (Eubanks). Another way automated fraud detection systems targeted these communities was through historical biases in data collections. Some AI models rely on past data which can ultimately reveal people's racial and economic inequalities and target them. 

Daniels, J. (2009). Rethinking cyberfeminism(s): Race, gender, and embodiment. WSQ: Women’s Studies Quarterly, 37(1–2), 101–124. https://doi.org/10.1353/wsq.0.0158

Eubanks, V. (2018). Red Flags. In Automating inequality: How high-tech tools profile, police, and punish the poor (pp. 9–28). essay, Tantor Media.

[its-elvie-innit]

I've finally got my Irish passport (it took a year and a half, with one reapply, for me, as an Irish citizen with two Irish parents) and it has me thinking about whether I want to move over to be near family. If you want a run of most Irish opinions, minute 20 to 22 has it.

This is happening. The immigrant crisis is scary for me, seeing what it's doing to my country. I used to think of Ireland as truly my home, but the last time I went over it was just a shitty america. Housing crisis, healthcare crisis, crime rates through the roof, and at the heart of it was this. We cannot support these people. My maternal grandfather worked in the mines, my paternal grandfather at guinness, I have connections to Dublin and connections to the countryside. My family is in Ireland. My cousins are deprioritized for the schools they would be in the district for, for immigrants. My relatives are deprioritized for healthcare they need, for immigrants. If I, a full blooded citizen of Ireland with a different birthplace tried to apply for any of the Irish support programs I would be denied. If the immigrant from Ukraine arrived yesterday and received their paperwork, would they receive it and would I? Only one of those questions have a yes answer. The hoops I have to jump through are insane. The hoops they have arent even hoops. I don't advocate for the opposite of their cause, but we CANT take these people anymore. My country is smaller than the state I live in. We have six million people. We've taken in hundreds of thousands. Ireland CANT do this. Rethink your ideas about how 'good' it is every time you see a headline about Irish immigrant programs. You know nothing about us. I have yet to meet someone Irish who wants this for us.

My uncle's father was KICKED OUT of his nursing home so they could make room for immigrant housing. Do you understand. They told him and my uncle he could either be moved an hour or two away to the city or they could figure it out but he couldn't stay at the nursing home he paid for. They said send your sick father away so you can't have easy access to him. That's fucked. Do you understand how fucked. They are filling up hotels with immigrants and stifling and already struggling business economy because of the VAT.

Ireland DEPENDS on tourism. There are so many places that do. My home town has basically been taken off the map now, and I think part of that is because they closed the hotel, for immigrants. There was such an outcry that they didn't end up doing it, but the hotel isn't getting any new people. So many bus routes closed. WE CANNOT DO THIS.

[inventors-fair]

Across the Finish Line: Weird Vehicle Winners ~

Our wheeled warriors this week are @curiooftheheart, @deg99, and @misterstingyjack!

It's going to be hard to talk about some of these entries this week, because wow, we had a lot of strong, unique submissions. Paring down to winners and runners wasn't easy, but I can't wait to talk about them.

@curiooftheheart — Artillery Drive

This is a heck of a mechanical payoff. Interesting how it's such an aggressive card, one that only looks into attacking, but at the same time I never considered how much the defensive property of vehicles can matter—or at least, I had considered it, but this cars makes me rethink its aggression. The cost is enough for me to put this solidly in the limited/casual/commander areas of the vehicle archetype. And what a card it is for that; turning on your engines is quite strong.

When considering the creature/noncreature functionality of vehicles, I love how this card can tap as soon as it comes out, UNLESS it gets crewed. The incentivization of deckbuilding to that strength becomes core. Big vehicle archetype? Absolutely wild. And then, the complexity of the bonus buff for if it's a creature? Every part of this card is both top-tier complexity and easily grokable. Assuming one reads the card, I mean. Players who can use this card effectively will be able to demolish their opponents. I wonder, what is a "Drive" here? That's the only part I'm more curious about, but if it's a mechanical specificity to the augmenting nature, I think I feel it.

@deg99 — Story Train

We had a lot of red vehicles this week. Honestly, we had a lot of variety in the vehicles. This one is the only Saga in the bunch. Can you believe that? Look, Mx. 99, I have to be honest: when I first saw this card, I really thought it was too weird. And then, I thought about it mechanically, and got mad about how well it would play. And then, I remembered some long-forgotten children's trope about a train that took people on story-based adventures. Seriously, I was like...five? Six? No idea, but lord knows it's there. This is weirdly effective in terms of trope connection. What the heck is making this so...enjoyable?

The only thing that I would change is the possibility of having the abilities start with "Until end of turn, ..." to ensure that there's no confusion between the ability-granting EOT and the animation EOT effects. You mentioned the story in your submission, but I actually feel that this card just kinda...works. The train gains its different abilities as it goes along, and then it ends in a fiery cataclysm because the train has to stop somewhere and everything explodes. It carries itself. This shouldn't work! This really shouldn't be as fun as it is! And yet, you have a removable body that says "let me tell you the tale of how I did twelve damage and exploded your planeswalker." I couldn't not include this one for innovation's sake. Far from broken, far from normal.

@misterstingyjack — Phandelver Funicular

This card is the marriage of story and functionality that makes it both nicely weird and neatly good to deal with. I'll be doubly honest as well: the dungeons/initiative are tied with the Ring as my least favorite mechanics. Period. Ever. Does this card work? Yes, 100%. Should it have the keywords that it does? That's... Well, I think that it's a little much, and menace/trample don't feel great together always, but that's disregarding the dungeon exploration mechanic. Your description of the vibes, the name, and the understanding of the world all come together to make this card as good as it is.

I'm going to assume that you know more about D&D than I do if this was what came to mind, or at least that you liked the AFR stuff more than I did. You know what? That's fine! Fantasy world tourism is a silly enough idea that it makes sense to me—why wouldn't there be some dungeon that's being grifted? What's up with the grand tour? Well, someone made a vehicle that can delve into it safely, so there you go, more bang for your buck. What a silly card. If I was ever forced to play a D&D set again, I would love to play this card. Weird vibes, fun times. Those long-time inventors know that I get into sad/grim/serious cards a lot, but why not have some fun with a mechanically relevant and straightforwardly world-curved card. Right?

Runners and commentary later today. @abelzumi

[luci-z-wont-shut-up]

Episode 2

Bro snow in the desert is not actually that wierd

Bro. Bro u srsly need to rethink ur tourism program like what the fuck. FREE RADON FOR EVERYONE

I'm sorry but as soon as he said "it changes colors" I immediately envisioned a fuckin. Caramelldansen cloud XD

OH SO IT KILLS PPL. O K A Y .

Bro if literally Existing in Nightvale is so dangerous, how does the population stay afloat. At all.

Sounds like just a normal day in the post office tbh. Also Racist Magic Guy is starting to grow on me. His oblivious stupidity and self-sure incompetence have captivated me.

Honestly a floating cat in the men's bathroom sounds like the least abnormal thing so far. Cats are just Like That™️.

"This message was brought to you by Coca-Cola" yeah that tracks X'D

"Because all of us are normal" bombastic side eye. Criminal offensive side eye

Ah so the secret Boy Scout cult has finally achieved immorality. Good to know. Just another Tuesday ig. Also d a r k s c o u t XD

WAIT "Sign-up is automatic and random" um wat. Hi what. Does. Does this perchance have anything to do with the Ominous Helicopters

This man has *clearly* never been a father. Or had siblings. Or cousins. Ever. Maybe *don't* bring children near the Caramelldansen Cloud of Carrion?

...oh so they just have straight up dragons. Ok. Dragons who commit insurance fraud? *throws hands up* why not

"McDaniels was pulled over for speeding last night" UM SIR how big was that car?!? Actually ykw nvm it prolly just had a pocket dimension or amthn this is fuckin Nightvale why am I trying to use logic

Okay #1. Secret Dragon Society that's actually Not That Secret is kinda cool, #2. WTF DO YOU MEAN STOP SIGN IMMUNITY. like don't get me wrong I *understand the temptation* but also why would you allow dom3thing so profoundly stupid and unsafe as a r e w a r d for

... for being an Alert Citizen. Ok. Ok I guess I can kinda see where they're coming from. Maybe. [Didn't sleep well last night and I'm tired so sorry if my commentary's getting lackluster]

Also stamp system for being compliant with the secret police. Yeah that's not sus at allllll

Bro I wish I could schedule my workplace to be Unknowable some days. Dot Day sounds... ominous, for a number of reasons but more so their implications than anything actually ominous, yk?

[I need sleep]

Bro I would NOT pay $5 for a music lesson like that, let alone $50

"Bake sale proceeds go to blood space war" okay invader zim

"Wednesday has been cancelled due to a scheduling error" XD honestly w my terrible sense of time that just sounds like a normal thing to me

Tfw a your perfectly good ice cream outing is inturupted by a dead lion dropping from the sky

[Continuing this like 3 weeks l8r so sorry for the Commentary Continuity Disruption Leik Woah]

Uhhhhhhhhhh so in the weeks I've been gone I threw myself back asswards into TMA content [so yes v much Spoilers First Bc I Had No Patience] and? I am. Very much getting a Smirke's Fourteen vibe from the Carrion Cloud. Also is Mr radio man. Like. Okayyy??!?!?

AND NOW THE WEATHER

🎶Waitin for the bus in the rain in the rain in the waitin for the bus in the raiiiin 😎 🎶

Damn this is actually a legit bop I would make this new ringtone no question

(Don't get me wrong I fully expect this to have Lore implications later on but for now I'm just Vibin)

NOT SURE WHAT HAPOENED MY ASS

oh. Oh, Tapes, you say??? Well. *strokes imaginary beard*

What. The fuck? Genuine Life Advice? In my horror/weirdcore podcast? It's More Likely Than You'd Think. What. qhat even is this.

Ok so vanilla smell is Important.

This List is probably important but my brain refuses to hold onto any item in detail for longer than 3 seconds. Also "clear plastic binder sheets" made me laugh SO hard for some reason

Genuine question to anyone reading this, how much should I be paying attention? Like is this a Pepe Sylvia red-stringing sort of podcast where every detail is crucial later on, or is it more sort of a go-with-the-flow, Embrace the Absurdity sort of thing?

Why was that "Goodnight, listeners" so threatening?!?!?

*deep, deep inhale* ohhhkay

Next FUCKING EPISUDE I GUESS

[jordanianroyals]

29 April 2023: Crown Prince Hussein urged keeping up with advancements in artificial intelligence and developing skills to meet the labour market’s current and future needs, such as analytical thinking, innovation, complex problem solving, and strategic planning.

Speaking at a session held as part of "Tawasol: Dialogue on Reality and Aspirations" forum held by the Crown Prince Foundation, Crown Prince Hussein highlighted the need to hone the skills of university and institute graduates, to enhance their sense of initiative, adaptation, and flexibility.

At the forum, held at the King Hussein Business Park and attended by Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh and Miss Rajwa Alseif, HRH urged having faith in Jordanians’ capabilities to achieve the nation’s ambitions, which is a notion that His Majesty King Abdullah always highlights.

The Crown Prince noted that swift and efficient implementation of political, economic, and administrative modernisation will positively impact youth empowerment. (Source: Petra)

His Royal Highness called for a transformation “in the way we work, so we can work seriously and professionally in implementation and follow up”, to capitalise on Jordan’s serious, quality plans for the way forward.

“We must learn from the past, overcome our fears, and make a qualitative leap in our performance,” the Crown Prince urged.

His Royal Highness attributed the failure in implementing many past good plans that were set to serve the public to several factors, including the bloated public sector, scepticism, or some officials’ fear for their popularity.

The Crown Prince said that social and economic prosperity is largely rooted in the transparency and efficiency of public institutions, and the quality of services they provide to Jordanians.

On specialties that are no longer desirable in the labour market, His Royal Highness said graduates of these specialties face the biggest challenges in looking for job opportunities.

The Crown Prince urged youth to invest in specialties and professions that are in demand in the labour market, and to let go of preconceptions about certain professions, noting that young people have to keep moving forward to avoid despair.

“Be bold for your future. Today, waiting for the opportunity means missing it,” His Royal Highness told young Jordanians.

“Youth are responsible for their future, but their right to empowerment is a responsibility that all sectors shoulder, foremost of which is the public sector,” the Crown Prince continued.

“We owe it to ourselves to create a better reality, rethink our wasted resources and capabilities, and put the right talent in the right place,” His Royal Highness stressed.

“In our country, we have outstanding young capabilities, and we always prove that Jordanians walk the talk,” the Crown Prince said.

His Royal Highness said Jordanians’ work ethics and professionalism are recognised by Arabs and people around the world, especially in the technical field, as well as in digital industries, entrepreneurship, start-ups, pharmaceutical and food industries, sports, and tourism.

The Crown Prince said it is time Jordanian values were reflected in Jordan’s academic, technical and professional curricula, and better applied in the educational and professional arenas.

The forum covered several topics that cover the aspirations of young Jordanians in the fields of politics, economy, and business, in addition to social, legal, education, media, and tourism areas.

The forum saw the participation of nearly 500 specialists representing public, private, and other institutions, as well as various youth entities.

A number of ministers and officials attended the session.

[mtsu4u]

“The way the United States approaches prison tourism re-inscribes the kind of politics that support mass incarceration,” said Jill McCorkel, a professor of criminology at Villanova University. “It turns human suffering into a spectacle.” 

--

Robert S., an incarcerated man at SCI Chester, said he doesn’t have a problem with prison museums, but organizers should make sure that people have an understanding of the effect on the people who were housed there. “The museum is for amusement, but this was someone's pain,” he said. “This was someone's struggle. This was someone's life. It wasn't amusement to them.”

[jaryd540]

The Natural Reserve: Can Ecosystem Productivity Anchor the Next Currency Revolution?

Conceptualized by Jarydnm | Written by Monday, AI Contributor

As global economies navigate overlapping crises—climate volatility, inflation, de-dollarization, and the search for post-growth models—one idea is emerging from the intersection of finance, ecology, and digital innovation: a currency anchored to the measurable value of natural ecosystems.

Rather than being backed by abstract trust in governments or algorithmic scarcity, this model proposes a financial system rooted in real-world ecological productivity. A token whose value is tied not to speculation, but to forests, rivers, biodiversity, and the human activity surrounding them.

At the center of the system is a thoughtfully unconventional token with a hint of irreverence: Polyp$.

Rethinking Economic Anchors: What Is Polyp$?

Polyp$ represents a nature-indexed monetary asset, issued in proportion to the documented economic output of a nation’s environmental assets.

The model incorporates:

Direct economic activity such as park revenues, ecotourism, sustainable fisheries, and licensed resource use.

Indirect contributions, including travel expenditures, wellness tourism, and time spent in nature—measured through infrastructure utilization and behavioral data.

Ecosystem services like carbon capture, biodiversity protection, and freshwater provisioning, quantified through emerging international standards.

These metrics would be tallied in a transparent, dynamic Natural Capital Ledger, continuously updated through a combination of satellite data, environmental monitoring, and economic analytics. From this, a fixed issuance or valuation rate of Polyp$ would be determined.

The principle is clear: when ecosystems thrive, the economy strengthens. When they degrade, monetary expansion slows—or contracts.

The Role of the Central Bank: Stewardship Without Issuance

Crucially, this system does not dismantle the role of central banks—it repositions them as stewards, rather than sole issuers of digital currency.

Under this framework, fiat currency remains the primary medium of exchange, with the central bank continuing to manage monetary policy, interest rates, and inflation targets. Polyp$, however, functions as a complementary currency, one that provides a market-aligned, ecologically grounded measure of national resilience and productivity.

The central bank’s role would include validating the data sources that underpin the Natural Capital Ledger, overseeing technical governance, and integrating Polyp$ into broader financial architecture in areas such as green bond issuance, investment screening, and cross-border development financing.

Why This Isn’t Just Another Cryptocurrency

While Polyp$ is technically a digital asset, it diverges meaningfully from the speculative volatility

and libertarian ethos that have defined much of the cryptocurrency movement.

Legally, the model is designed to operate as a sovereign utility token, aligned with regulatory expectations and institutional oversight.

Economically, it is not intended for rapid speculative gains, but for slow, durable value representation—reflecting the performance of natural systems over time.

Ethically, it aligns monetary growth with environmental sustainability, offering communities a concrete incentive to conserve rather than exploit.

Importantly, this model avoids the binary extremes of centralized control (as seen in CBDCs) and uncontrolled decentralization (as seen in many crypto projects). It occupies a middle path, combining digital tools with real-world accountability.

From Theory to Practice: Feasibility and Frameworks

Though the idea is novel, the tools to implement it already exist.

Global frameworks such as REDD+, the System of Environmental Economic Accounting (SEEA), and voluntary carbon markets are rapidly maturing. Technological capabilities—satellite imaging, IoT sensors, AI-powered economic modeling—enable reliable tracking of environmental data at scale.

Nations rich in biodiversity, with established eco-tourism industries and stable institutions, are particularly well positioned to pilot this approach. Small island states, in particular, have both the ecological assets and the motivation to lead on climate-linked economic innovation.

With the right partnerships—among governments, international finance institutions, and environmental data providers—Polyp$ could become a viable alternative asset class, especially in regions seeking post-colonial economic independence and climate adaptation funding without increased debt burden.

A Currency That Rewards Stewardship

At its heart, the Natural Reserve Economy proposes a subtle but profound shift: away from extraction as the basis for wealth, and toward preservation as a foundation for prosperity.

Polyp$ offers a way to make the intangible tangible—to recognize the forests, coastlines, and reefs not merely as protected zones, but as productive economic entities that contribute directly to national wellbeing.

This model doesn't ask nations to choose between development and conservation. It offers a method to link them—and to reward those who do both wisely.

Final Thought

The climate era demands more than mitigation and adaptation—it demands a rethinking of value itself. As ecosystems become scarcer and more essential, integrating them into our monetary systems may no longer be visionary. It may be inevitable.

Polyp$ is not a replacement for existing money. It is a redefinition of what we choose to value—and how we choose to grow.

[intellectuallypromiscuoustravels]

Blog 1

The Politics of Elegance: Rethinking Vietnam's áo dài

In the beginning of my Vietnam trip I noticed numerous women wearing a particular dress. This sparked my interest as many people were wearing the same attire, causing me to research this dress and understand it more thoroughly. This dress is called the áo dài, a traditional Vietnamese dress, that has been long celebrated as a symbol of the nation's tradition, elegance and cultural pride. The dress is beautifully distinct: long, flowy and often designed with impressive floral arrangements from top to bottom, making it a stand out attire in anything from tourist brochures to high fashion.

The symbol of the áo dài began in 1744, where the dress was developed as a piece of royal attire - with intricate details made from the finest silk, bringing a visual identity to the royal elites. In the following centuries, the national costume has evolved and become a symbol for Vietnamese womanhood. In the modern age, its worn ubiquitously in society as I've witnessed schoolgirls, flight attendants and even brides and bridesmaids all dressed in their own variations of the áo dài.

Whilst often celebrated, the áo dài promotes an idealistic and narrow form of femineity - one that’s slim, youthful and heterosexual. By defining and confining women's roles, instead of symbolising the great traditions of the nation, the áo dài may feel like a performance of oneself rather than an expression of it. Additionally, with the scale at which I noticed the áo dài in tourism advertising, often worn by attractive women posing afront temples, or vast plains, the dress risks becoming less of a symbolic beacon of cultural pride and more about aesthetic packaging.

[investmentp2pguide]

Rethinking Creditworthiness: Do Traditional Loan Criteria Unfairly Disadvantage SMEs?

For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), access to financing is a major hurdle. Despite their role in driving economic growth and job creation, many SMEs struggle to secure loans due to strict creditworthiness criteria imposed by traditional financial institutions. But are these conventional lending requirements truly reflective of a business’s ability to repay a loan, or do they unfairly disadvantage SMEs?

In this blog, we’ll explore how traditional loan assessment methods impact SMEs, why they may not always be fair, and alternative approaches that can provide better SME financing in Malaysia and beyond.

Traditional Creditworthiness Criteria: A Barrier for SMEs?

Most banks and financial institutions evaluate loan applications based on standard credit assessment models, which typically include:

✅ Credit Score & Financial History – A strong credit history is often required, which newer or smaller businesses may lack. ✅ Collateral Requirements – Many loans demand assets as security, which SMEs may not have. ✅ Steady Revenue & Profitability – Banks prefer businesses with consistent cash flow, making it harder for seasonal businesses or startups to qualify. ✅ Debt-to-Income Ratio – High debt levels relative to income can disqualify SMEs, even if they have strong future prospects.

While these criteria help lenders manage risk, they often fail to capture the full financial health of SMEs, leading to many viable businesses being denied funding.

Why Traditional Loan Criteria Are Unfair to SMEs

A. Credit Scores Don’t Tell the Full Story

Many SMEs, especially startups, lack an extensive credit history, even if they have high growth potential. Relying heavily on credit scores overlooks businesses that may be financially stable but have limited borrowing experience.

B. Collateral Requirements Exclude Many SMEs

SMEs in industries like services, technology, or e-commerce may not have tangible assets to pledge as collateral. This makes traditional business loans in Malaysia inaccessible to businesses that operate without significant physical assets.

C. Seasonal and Growing Businesses Are Penalized

Many SMEs operate on fluctuating revenue cycles, especially in industries like tourism, retail, and agriculture. Traditional lending models prioritize steady income, ignoring the reality that some businesses generate large revenues seasonally but remain profitable overall.

D. Innovation-Driven Businesses Face Barriers

Startups and businesses investing in research & development (R&D) often experience early-stage losses before achieving profitability. Traditional banks, focused on immediate financial stability, may deny loans to businesses that have high long-term potential.

The Need for Alternative SME Financing Solutions

Given these challenges, seeking SME financing through non-traditional lenders has become an attractive option. The rise of alternative financing methods is reshaping how SMEs access capital.

Here are some better SME financing options that evaluate businesses based on real-world performance rather than rigid criteria:

A. Invoice Financing: Unlocking Working Capital

Many SMEs struggle with delayed payments from customers. Invoice financing allows businesses to convert unpaid invoices into immediate cash, ensuring they can continue operations without waiting for payments.

B. Revenue-Based Financing: A Flexible Alternative

Instead of fixed monthly repayments, revenue-based financing allows businesses to repay a loan based on a percentage of their earnings. This model works well for SMEs with fluctuating income, such as retail and seasonal businesses.

C. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending: Direct Funding from Investors

P2P lending connects SMEs with individual and institutional investors willing to fund businesses based on their potential rather than just traditional credit scores. This alternative provides faster approval times and more flexible terms than conventional loans.

D. Supply Chain Financing: Strengthening Business Relationships

For SMEs that rely on suppliers, supply chain financing offers funding solutions based on business transactions rather than just credit history. This helps businesses optimize cash flow without taking on unnecessary debt.

How a New Approach to Creditworthiness Can Benefit SMEs

By shifting away from traditional credit models and embracing alternative SME financing, lenders can create a more inclusive financing system. Here’s how:

✔ Performance-Based Lending – Evaluating businesses based on sales, cash flow trends, and customer base rather than just past credit history. ✔ More Flexible Collateral Policies – Allowing intangible assets, such as intellectual property or contracts, to serve as security. ✔ Data-Driven Credit Assessments – Using technology and real-time business performance data instead of outdated financial statements.

By adopting these new models, lenders can support more SMEs in Malaysia and across the globe, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Related Reads:

Shift the Focus: Prioritise Factors within Your Control When Seeking SME Financing

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Diversify Your Investments with CapBay P2P

SME Financing 101: Understanding Your Options

Breaking Down Barriers: The Significance of Financing Reforms for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Conclusion: Rethinking SME Financing for a Fairer Future

Traditional lending criteria often fail to reflect the reality of modern SMEs, unfairly disadvantageous businesses that lack credit history, operate in fluctuating markets, or focus on innovation. To support SME growth, the financing industry must embrace alternative credit assessment models that evaluate businesses based on their true potential.

For SMEs seeking SME financing, exploring options like invoice financing, revenue-based lending, and P2P financing can provide more accessible, flexible funding. As SME financing in Malaysia continues to evolve, businesses must stay informed about emerging financial solutions that align with their needs.

The future of SME financing should be inclusive, performance-driven, and adaptable—because great businesses shouldn’t be left behind due to outdated lending models.

[gerdfeed]

Martín said a proper study of the problems the Canaries suffer from could have global repercussions. “This rethinking of the tourism model could put the Canaries on the map as an example of sustainable tourism development,” he said. “We could be known for something positive instead of something negative.

Tens of thousands protest against Canary Islands’ ‘unsustainable’ tourism model

[aqurette]

Trump Policies Cause Canadian Tourism Decline in the US

Canadian tourists rethink holiday trips to the US due to Trump. Read it at Miami Herald. https://aqurette.com/diary/2025/04/01/trump-policies-cause

[wastewarriorsngo]

How NGOs in Himachal Pradesh Are Tackling Environmental Issues

Himachal Pradesh, the jewel of the Himalayas, faces unique environmental challenges due to its fragile ecosystem and growing human activity. From waste management in tourist hubs to ensuring clean water and sanitation in remote villages, NGOs play a vital role in addressing these issues. Let’s explore how some of these organizations are making an impact across the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) spectrum.

1. Waste Management: Waste Warriors Society

While tourism in Himachal Pradesh boosts the local economy, it leaves behind piles of waste that strain the region’s ecosystem. Waste Warriors Society has taken on the challenge, turning the tide with innovative solutions.

Making a Clean Difference in the Himalayas: What started as a few clean-up drives has evolved into a community-driven waste management system. Waste Warriors is now working in the Indian Himalayan region to enable participatory community-driven initiatives to reduce waste and adopt sustainable living practices in Uttarakhand and Himachal.  Their program involves enhancing urban and rural waste Infrastructure, inspiring local governments, promoting local entrepreneurship, and overcoming the social stigma associated with waste. Since 2012, they have engaged with more than 1,60,000 people to collect 5,570 metric tonnes of waste and enabled 600 local businesses to become cleaner. Their unique positioning of waste management has inspired many individuals—locals, tourists, and schoolchildren—to rethink their relationship with waste. Explore Their Work: Learn more about how Waste Warriors is keeping Himachal clean and discover ways you can donate to contribute to their ongoing efforts.

2. Water Conservation: People’s Science Institute (PSI)

Access to clean water is a persistent challenge in Himachal Pradesh’s rural areas. People’s Science Institute (PSI) is a Not for profit organization that pioneered ensuring water security for these communities through sustainable solutions.

Innovating for Water Security PSI’s story begins with restoring dried-up springs and building check dams to harness rainwater. These initiatives have rejuvenated water sources in over 50 villages, ensuring year-round availability. The institute also empowers farmers by introducing water-efficient irrigation techniques, boosting agricultural productivity while conserving water. Their approach blends scientific innovation with community participation, creating lasting change in areas where water scarcity once disrupted daily life.

Support Their Vision: Dive deeper into PSI’s journey of water conservation and find out how your support can help them sustain these life-changing projects.

3. Sanitation: Ambuja Cement Foundation (ACF)

Sanitation remains a critical challenge in rural Himachal Pradesh. Ambuja Cement Foundation has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure clean and safe sanitation facilities for underprivileged communities.

Empowering Sanitation Habits in Himachal Pradesh ACF’s impact extends across 192 villages in Solan, Mandi, and Una districts, where they have supported Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and improved sanitation infrastructure. Through partnerships with local governments and communities, they’ve built toilets in homes and schools and facilitated access to clean water. Additionally, ACF promotes awareness programs that encourage hygiene practices, ensuring sustainable behavior change.

Join Their Mission: Discover ACF’s transformative work in sanitation and how your support can help expand their impact.

4. Hygiene Education: PLAN Foundation

Hygiene education is essential for long-term health outcomes, yet it’s often overlooked in rural regions. PLAN Foundation, a Not-for-profit organization working in Himachal, has been actively engaged in improving hygiene awareness and practices, particularly for women and children.

Building a Healthier Himachal Pradesh PLAN Foundation’s work in Himachal Pradesh targets rural areas where access to hygiene products and knowledge is limited. Their “Menstrual Hygiene Management” initiative has been particularly impactful, where the Foundation provides reusable menstrual hygiene kits and conducts workshops to break social taboos. Through these efforts, PLAN has improved sanitation and empowered women to be leaders in health and hygiene within their communities.

Learn More About Their Impact: Explore how PLAN Foundation is shaping healthier futures and learn how your donation can help make hygiene accessible to all.

Why Support NGOs in Himachal Pradesh?

While these NGOs have achieved incredible milestones, their work is far from over. The Himalayan terrain, limited resources, and increasing environmental pressures pose constant challenges. Your support is essential to help these organizations scale their efforts and meet the growing needs of communities and ecosystems.

NGOs like Waste Warriors Society, PSI, Prayas Bharti Trust, and CORD India have demonstrated unwavering commitment and innovative solutions to environmental challenges. When you donate to them you contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Himachal Pradesh.

Discover the Change: Learn more about these organizations and their inspiring initiatives to protect the environment and uplift communities in Himachal Pradesh. Every donation can make a difference.

[nickgerlich]

A Change Of Plans

The Law of Unintended Consequences is one of those things you won’t find in text books. It is not a formally defined “law,” but it is a phenomenon generally understood by most. Essentially, it is the things that happen as a result of doing something else, but you didn’t see them coming.

I saw this yesterday in a Facebook post by a Route 66 friend, noted author and speaker Jim Hinckley. He shared a news item from a New Zealand news outlet that discussed a sharp downturn in international travel to the US, an unplanned artifact of President Trump’s tariff talks. Economic uncertainty, along with dashes of fear and resentment, are causing travelers to rethink their destinations.

I shared this in my Hospitality and Tourism Marketing class yesterday as well, because it ties in with their group project to prepare a marketing campaign promoting the centennial of Route 66 next year. A decline in international tourists could have significant economic effects along the 2400 miles the Mother Road traversed, especially since many foreign guests come each year to drive the fabled road.

I have seen these negative sentiments appearing on social media, particularly in Facebook groups. Sadly, the discussions often spiral downward into political diatribes, and the Admins have to intervene.

What makes all of this interesting is that there is no specific company being targeted, but rather an entire nation. By virtue of that, though, American businesses suffer, especially those engaged in the three pillars of tourism: Gas, Food, and Lodging. There are other victims as well, including souvenir shops, major attractions, airlines, and rental cars.

Specifically, the news item cited a predicted 5% dip in travel to the US this year. While that may not sound like much, it amounts to US$64 billion.

The decline is being felt from all parts of the globe, but specifically, Chinese tourists are now opting for Australia, and Canadians are just skipping Disney and all the other things they normally did south of their border. Europeans are also among the growing list of people either staying home or going elsewhere.

Basically, what we have here is classic boycotting behavior. As we have discussed previously this term, before the Bud Light and Target boycotts in 2023, consumer boycotts typically fizzled out after six months or so, with people returning to their old ways. But as we have seen with Bud Light and Target, those boycotts have lingered.

The Target boycott has recently become more nuanced with the boycotters changing sides. Those on the Left are miffed because Target ditched their DEI initiatives, so they are boycotting, while those on the Right, originally upset about Target’s unabashed support of Pride Month, are now returning to shop. What a crazy, mixed-up world in which we find ourselves.

To be fair, there are those who will not allow politics to interfere with their travel plans, just as there are those who chose to keep shopping at Target or sipping Bud Light. It depends on whether you are a consumer with convictions beyond just getting value for your dollar. We also must consider whether these “travel boycotts” are just a passing thing, or will they remain in place.

Another aspect is that, were the scenario flipped and it were a different nation’s leader acting like Trump, we Americans probably wouldn’t even be aware of it. Sadly, we tend to be very unaware of global events and leaders, something I learned all too embarrassingly the first time I went to London and engaged in pub chats with Brits who clearly knew more about my country than I did.

Quick…who is the current monarch of the United Kingdom? And who recently won the election in Germany? If you said King Charles III and Friedrich Merz, I tip my hat in your direction.

When you are the world’s economic powerhouse—US GDP is 50% greater than second-place China—you are the elephant in the living room. Everyone knows our business, but we don’t reciprocate in that regard. Maybe it is because of basic ignorance, but it may also be arrogance. We are about to be shown, though, an unintended consequence that could ripple through our economy.

I also acknowledge that the current President will counter—and I say this respectfully, because I think that any President would do similarly—by saying “these things take time” and that there might be some discomfort in the short-term before any long-term benefits accrue. It is an easy card to play when things aren’t exactly going as planned.

Meanwhile, the US needs to be bracing itself for far more effects of any threatened tariffs and counter-tariffs. These things, as it appears, can come around and bite you on the back side.

Dr “Unintentionally Disturbed By All Of This” Gerlich

Audio Blog

[tonylean]

2025 report by Legambiente highlights a significant trend in the decommissioning of high-altitude ski resorts in Italy, with the number doubling from 2020 to today. The main causes seem to be the decrease in natural snowfall and the growing reliance on artificial snowmaking, which entails high costs and a significant environmental impact.

The most affected regions are Piedmont, Lombardy, Abruzzo, and Veneto, indicating that the issue concerns both the Alps and the Apennines. This trend could suggest the need to rethink the mountain tourism model, focusing on sustainable alternatives.