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From Pleasure to Happiness to Joy | From Pleasure to Happiness to Joy
Curated by subscription from iStock
Life has been even harder for most people now, in this pandemic. There is no better time than now to master a sure-fire way to ensure joy out of nothing, regardless of what happens in life.
Countless millions have benefited from this time-honored activity. Most call it meditation. Some call it a breathing exercise. I consider it an instant mindset reset. It’s akin to rebooting a computer for optimal function by keying Ctrl-Alt-Delete. Then, it’s like magic, and not just while you’re doing it.
If you can breathe, you can do it. All you need is to sit in a quiet space with your back straight and not leaning on anything. Then close your eyes and breathe normally. The key is not trying hard to achieve anything. The hardest part is doing nothing, not even thinking.
Not thinking is so difficult that the next best thing is to focus all your attention on your breath going in and out. Most beginners can only do that for a few seconds. People who try too hard or chastise themselves for losing patience often get frustrated and give up.
The trick is to stay with it for just a few more breath cycles the next time, and keep at it at least once a day. After a while, you’ll settle at a length of time that is effortless, comfortable, and welcome for you. And that daily time interval will feel timeless.
If for a brief moment you feel nothing, you’re getting close. That’s the reset.
As a cardiologist, I can reset an ailing heart to beat again in a proper rhythm by delivering an electric current with the push of a button. But it took me years and years of training and practice to be able to do that.
Curated by subscription from iStock
Similarly, it took me weeks, if not months or even longer, of disciplined daily practice to get to a point where I can readily enjoy a meditative state of indescribable joy almost instantly and on-demand.
It is an open secret. Anybody can do it. Plenty of tutorials for various styles of practices are available for free online. Try one you like and feel most comfortable with and stick with it. You’re also welcome to try this link. Almost any of these can take you to that destination inside of you. | https://medium.com/@takcpoon/from-pleasure-to-happiness-to-joy-19d37b40a0ca | ['Tak Poon'] | 2020-12-14 19:02:27.663000+00:00 | ['Self Development', 'Self Improvement', 'Ascent', 'Innovation'] |
Mission and Values within the Cryptosphere | In the world of cryptoeconomics, in order for something to be rewarded it must be measured. Some things are easy to measure; for example, just by looking at the string “dog5356356” and its SHA256 hash, 0000390f327fefc900... , one can clearly see that around 216 SHA256 computations were done to produce it. Other computational results that cannot be verified so quickly can be easily measured competitively using challenge-response protocols, where different parties are incentivized to find errors in each other's proofs. Results to mathematical problems are also usually easy to computationally verify. Other things, however, cannot be verified just by looking them; in that case, in both the real world and the cryptographic world, there is only one solution: social proof.
Fixing investment
The problem: cryptoverse is uncharted space, opportunity for wealth creation is large, but how one can create protocols / foundations for wealth creation attribution?
Open source investment
Open source development is similar to academia: it’s mostly curiosity driven, where people are using previous generation efforts (UNIX philosophy ) in order to create iterated better version of software. Your linux deskop has annoying bug? Now you can fix it yourself if you have some spare time and share your solutions with others.
Decentralized contribution meterics
Another, related, problem to the problem of decentralized contribution metrics is the problem of decentralized success metrics. On the macroscopic scale, how do we know if, and to what extent, an organization has succeeded in accomplishing its objectives? In the case of something like Bitcoin, there is a simple, but imperfect, answer: success can be measured by the hashpower of the network.
Bitcoin technical singularity
This setup is reasonably effective, but is flawed in two ways: first, hashpower is an imperfect proxy for price, because the development or nondevelopment of ASICs may skew the results, and second, price is an imperfect proxy for success, because the currency may have greater success as something with a lower market capitalization if it is more used in other ways. In the case of a DAO funding healthcare or anti-climate-change efforts, however, no such heuristic exists at all. Once again, some concept of social proof is the only option. | https://medium.com/trivial-co/mission-and-values-trivial-dbfc26b9e20a | ['Kacper Wikieł'] | 2018-08-16 11:29:37.346000+00:00 | ['Blockchain'] |
No more exploitation — A revolution in money transfer transactions for international migrants | The remittance industry is gaining its position in all nations’ economy due to the current trend of globalization. This vast ecosystem consists of various stakeholders, among whom are approximately 250 million international migrants worldwide. It is projected that remittances sent back home would then add up $444 billion in 2017, according to World Bank. This cross-border transfer is economically significant for not only the receiving families to maintain basic living conditions but also GDP of many developing or underdeveloped countries as one of the largest capital inflows.
Monopoly in the non-commercial market
Despite the potential of the money transfer industry, there are currently only a few players that dominate the market and control the infrastructure that enables money transfers across borders (i.e. Western Union/MoneyGram). Considering the biggest player alone, Western Union, Bloomberg reported the company had a vast 13% market share with $8.95 billion market capital in 2017. Alongside with MoneyGram, they dominate the current market and this monopoly allows them to dictate terms in the market.
Unnecessarily high transaction costs result in greater complication
An obvious example is the punitively high transactions costs varying substantially among different corridors. For instance, sending $200 from the US to El Salvador costs $8, but it’s $42 to send $500 to Burkina Faso through the Western Union website. This reflects not only the excessive cost but also financial exclusion of the system. As explained, these costs are due to consumer protection costs, local remittance taxes, market distribution, regulatory structure, volume, currency volatility and other market efficiencies.
However, logistical and regulatory costs alone cannot account for such extortionate fees and there are great technological alternatives to lower their costs, which these companies are reluctant to apply.
Having no better choice to make, migrants have to compromise with these costs, resulting in at least $32 billion lost in transaction fees. The only other way to lower this cost is through unofficial money operators with informal contracts and no money arrival guarantee, which will put you at high risk of losing your money. The world’s official volume of remittance will also lack up to $100 billion only because of this issue.
Restrictive business environment does not respond to market need
Another term they create is the restrictive business practices the incumbents have set in place. For instance, banks and agents have exclusive agreements which stipulate that once they work with each other, they are not allowed to work with other providers. This is an impassable barrier that restricts newcomers from entering the market as they traditionally need banks to enable cross-border payments.
This practice enforces migrants to have a bank account but signing up for one takes more time and more hectic procedures than the indigenous, thus making them reluctant to open an account and become the “unbanked”. With the current heavy reliance on the centralized banking system, it would cause lots of inconveniences to transfer money abroad.
This issue gives our solution more validity as we have designed a money transfer system that completely removes the reliance on banks by using cryptocurrencies to increase financial inclusion worldwide.
It’s time to think about another convenient way to transfer money abroad!
A technological solution is on the way!
ZeroBank employs the currently flourishing technologies — blockchain and smart contract — along with the proven sharing economy model to tackle the aforementioned problems in the market. Via this platform, money can be sent, received, and exchanged quickly, directly, at any time, anywhere in the world through a network of community agents.
End-users including immigrants can bear minimal costs since ZeroBank platform completely removes the interference of the centralized intermediaries like banks, or MTOs. Moreover, the user registration is consumer-oriented, which not only helps customers but also our system to verify their identities. Once verified through our KYC, with a smartphone connected to the Internet, they can make a transaction without any knowledge about cryptocurrencies.
ZeroBank is currently putting every effort in completing MVP, which is expected to be released on 15th August for trial as well as testing and finalizing product to be launched in three markets including France, United Kingdom and Vietnam next year.
The World Bank recently said that lower transaction fees could spur an increase in remittances and lift another 30 million people out of poverty. With this project, we hope to contribute to achieving this goal in the near future.
Stay updated on our channels: | https://medium.com/zerobank-cash/no-more-exploitation-a-revolution-in-money-transfer-transactions-for-international-migrants-be8d4c5fb8a2 | ['Zerobank - Your Local Currency'] | 2018-08-08 02:37:04.579000+00:00 | ['Remittances', 'Technology Solution', 'Migrants'] |
Missing Pieces | Photo by Gabriel Crismariu on Unsplash
I have bought so many mirrors
With aims to find the
Angle where my face feels like
I do, somewhere between
Sleepless night and
The yellow of euphoria,
Between howling eyes
and the reverberating touch
Of death,
I know the fruitlessness
But only through the reach,
Only through staring for
Hours till I feel a
Theif of my own
Skin, my cheeks
A softened scream,
My face a puzzle missing
Every piece | https://medium.com/scuzzbucket/missing-pieces-a305497400a0 | ['Bradon Matthews'] | 2020-12-20 16:01:56.691000+00:00 | ['Reflections', 'Poetry', 'Free Verse', 'Existentialism', 'Scuzzbucket'] |
Your Ultimate Data Mining & Machine Learning Cheat Sheet | Feature Importance
Feature Importance is the process of finding the most important feature to a target. Through PCA, the feature that contains the most information can be found, but feature importance concerns a feature’s impact on the target. A change in an ‘important’ feature will have a large effect on the y-variable, whereas a change in an ‘unimportant’ feature will have little to no effect on the y-variable.
Permutation Importance is a method to evaluate how important a feature is. Several models are trained, each missing one column. The corresponding decrease in model accuracy as a result of the lack of data represents how important the column is to a model’s predictive power. The eli5 library is used for Permutation Importance.
import eli5
from eli5.sklearn import PermutationImportance
model = PermutationImportance(model)
model.fit(X,y)
eli5.show_weights(model, feature_names = X.columns.tolist())
In the data that this Permutation Importance model was trained on, the column lat has the largest impact on the target variable (in this case the house price). Permutation Importance is the best feature to use when deciding which to remove (correlated or redundant features which actually confuse the model, marked by negative permutation importance values) in models for best predictive performance.
SHAP is another method of evaluating feature importance, borrowing from game theory principles in Blackjack to estimate how much value a player can contribute. Unlike permutation importance, SHapley Addative ExPlanations use a more formulaic and calculation-based method towards evaluating feature importance. SHAP requires a tree-based model (Decision Tree, Random Forest) and accommodates both regression and classification.
import shap
explainer = shap.TreeExplainer(model)
shap_values = explainer.shap_values(X)
shap.summary_plot(shap_values, X, plot_type="bar")
PD(P) Plots, or partial dependence plots, are a staple in data mining and analysis, showing how certain values of one feature influence a change in the target variable. Imports required include pdpbox for the dependence plots and matplotlib to display the plots.
from pdpbox import pdp, info_plots
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
Isolated PDPs: the following code displays the partial dependence plot, where feat_name is the feature within X who will be isolated and compared to the target variable. The second line of code saves the data, whereas the third constructs the canvas to display the plot.
feat_name = 'sqft_living'
pdp_dist = pdp.pdp_isolate(model=model,
dataset=X,
model_features=X.columns,
feature=feat_name)
pdp.pdp_plot(pdp_dist, feat_name)
plt.show()
The partial dependence plot shows the effect of certain values and changes in the number of square feet of living space on the price of a house. Shaded areas represent confidence intervals.
Contour PDPs: Partial dependence plots can also take the form of contour plots, which compare not one isolated variable but the relationship between two isolated variables. The two features that are to be compared are stored in a variable compared_features .
compared_features = ['sqft_living', 'grade'] inter = pdp.pdp_interact(model=model,
dataset=X,
model_features=X.columns,
features=compared_features)
pdp.pdp_interact_plot(pdp_interact_out=inter,
feature_names=compared_features),
plot_type='contour')
plt.show()
The relationship between the two features shows the corresponding price when only considering these two features. Partial dependence plots are chock-full of data analysis and findings, but be conscious of large confidence intervals. | https://medium.com/analytics-vidhya/your-ultimate-data-mining-machine-learning-cheat-sheet-9fce3fa16 | ['Andre Ye'] | 2020-06-20 15:38:50.032000+00:00 | ['Machine Learning', 'Data Science', 'AI', 'Data Analysis', 'Statistics'] |
DIARY OF A STROKE VICTIM’S DAUGHTER — Super Bowl | Me & my Ma, Whitehorse, YT — 1980
Remember that scene in Demolition Man where Sandra Bullock asks Sylvester Stallone to have sex? That’s how I feel when I try to have a conversation with anyone in my elevator these days. AWKWARD!!
I had a bit of a panic attack a couple of days ago and I thought fuck it, I’ll pack my dad up and kick my feet up in a cabin on the beach in Tofino. Run up and down the beach and turn cartwheels in my gum boots, have camp fires every night, play crib, and (allergy) sneeze whenever I damn well please without feeling guilty. But then my bestie, politely, told me Tofino wants zero visitors. Big billboard posted outside of town. Seriously?? Fuck me. Fine, I’ll stay home.
I never got grounded when I was a kid so I don’t understand what this whole social distancing feels like. Not that I didn’t deserve it. I grew up in a small house with a lot of people and I feel like it would have been my mother’s own personal hell to have any of us home on purpose. Who’s punishment would that be? We weren’t allowed TV during the day. Ever. Anything asked of us over and above what was already expected was sadly and disgracefully whined over. So it makes sense that whenever we got in trouble we were banished from the home and lucky if we even got invited to the dinner table.
Good thing Martin isn’t too social these days anyways. Rerun sports are made for times like this. They’re condensed to show only good and relevant plays…with women, millennials, and quarantine in mind for sure. The Super Bowl we watched last night was a great game! Neither of us could remember who’d won it and we didn’t care. New England pulled out the win in the end. Tom Brady and his forever just-weirdly-missed-the-mark hairdo. Guarantee he’s not missed by his hairdresser right now. It was a short and very sweet game.
Everyone is messaging me “how are you and Martin?”. Like we’re a special case right now or something. We’re great! Co-habitating with complete cooperating companionship. You should be reaching out to your friends with little kids at home. Especially parents with boys. Christ, I’d be in jail. Kudos to all you parents for keeping the next generation alive and safe.
I had a Zoom party with some girlfriends last Friday night. We were all in our living rooms, in sweatpants, with a glass of wine in hand. It was great to see the ol’ broads’ faces smiling and laughing. Humans are herd animals. Like horses. We’re not meant to be alone. We’ll get back there. Someday soon…
This is blog #6.
by Lili Blackwell
Proud mother, daughter, supporter | https://medium.com/@liliblackwell/diary-of-a-stroke-victims-daughter-super-bowl-6cecaca882b6 | ['Lili Blackwell'] | 2020-03-25 04:18:27.027000+00:00 | ['Superbowl', 'Quarantine', 'Friends', 'Mom', 'Dad'] |
How to be fancy with Python | Python is cool. Really cool. However, a lot of us started with a different programming language and although we picked up Python really easily, we still aren’t good at the pythonic way of doing things. This article introduces some tricks I’ve learnt over the years and practical examples for the same. Hope you enjoy it.
Update (June 25, 2020):
The most up to date tricks are on Github. Star the repository to stay in touch with them. You can also follow my hashtag on LinkedIn for the same.
-1. Useful keyboard shortcuts
To indent code Press Tab.
To unindent code Press Shift + Tab.
To comment or uncomment a bunch of code, select it and Press Contrl + / or Command + / for Mac.
To put quotation marks around something, select it and then Press Shift + ' or Shift + ".
0. Zip
Zip can be used to iterate over 2 lists together. | https://towardsdatascience.com/how-to-be-fancy-with-python-8e4c53f47789 | ['Dipam Vasani'] | 2020-07-05 23:49:24.238000+00:00 | ['Programming', 'Coding', 'Data Science', 'Python'] |
Wainwright hurls complete game as Cardinals upend Pirates to advance to NLCS | By Sammy Stava
Adam Wainwright was his normal self, and David Freese was clutch as the Cardinals won the National League Central back in late September in the final three games of the regular season, now they are the last of three NL Central teams left standing in October glory.
Wrapping up a combined 24 games in the regular season and postseason, Pittsburgh and St. Louis finished with a 12–12 tie, as the Cardinals won the game that mattered.
For the third straight season, the Cardinals have advanced to the National League Championship Series thanks to a 6–1 victory over Pittsburgh, upending the Pirates in a drama filled best-of-five series that went the distance. St. Louis will now take on Los Angeles in the NLCS.
Two runs was just enough for Wainwright Wednesday, and David Freese, Mr. October made that happen for the Cardinals hitting a two-run home run in the Bottom of the 2nd to give St. Louis an early lead. That was Freese’s seventh home run of his postseason career moving into 3rd place in Cardinals history while passing Larry Walker. It was the third baseman’s first postseason home run since the historic blast in the Game 6 walk-off of the 2011 World Series against the Texas Rangers.
Wainwright started this series with a win and ended this series with a win. He started this game and then he ended this game. Wainwright threw five complete games in the regular season, this was his first postseason complete game of his career. With shades of Chris Carpenter throwing a complete game back in 2011 in the NLDS Game 5 against the Phillies, the right-hander puts himself into Cardinals history with his performance Wednesday.
As the Cardinals moved on to their third straight NLCS appearance, the Pirates have nothing to be ashamed of finishing off a great season, their first postseason appearance since 1992. Hats off to Clint Hurdle as baseball seems to be back in Pittsburgh.
Moving on to the National League Championship Series, the NL Central Champion Cardinals will take on the NL West Champion Dodgers in a best-of-seven series, Games 1 and 2 will be in St. Louis. The Cardinals finished with the best record in the National League with home field advantage through the playoffs.
The Dodgers will turn to Zack Greinke in Game 1 and Clayton Kershaw in Game 2. Game 1 in St. Louis will be held Friday night.
Thursday night the division series will wrap up with the Detroit visiting Oakland in a winner-take all Game 5 for the right to face the Red Sox in the ALCS.
Sammy Stava is the St. Louis Cardinals beat reporter for Outside Pitch Sports Network and outsidepitchmlb.com. He can be followed on Twitter @SEMOStava12 | https://outsidepitchmlb.mlblogs.com/wainwright-hurls-complete-game-as-cardinals-upend-pirates-to-advance-to-nlcs-d79bada5805c | ['Mlb.Com Blogs'] | 2016-11-07 14:37:51.605000+00:00 | ['Pittsburgh Pirates', 'MLB'] |
Why is the demand for XR engineers growing ? | Rahel Demant, cofounder at VR First, XR Bootcamp and writer/editor at VR World, VR First and Haptical
Follow | https://medium.com/xrbootcamp/why-is-the-demand-for-xr-engineers-growing-acd7b3725f75 | ['Rahel Demant'] | 2020-04-07 21:13:16.204000+00:00 | ['Jobs', 'Virtual Reality', 'Career', 'Augmented Reality', 'Xr Bootcamp'] |
What you should know about crypto exchanges in 2019 | Markets, challenges and…threats of the new era
Cryptoassets are slowly going to world adoption as the number of digital assets holders slowly but steadily grows worldwide. The number of crypto wallets reached a record number of more than 40 million users by the end of June 2019! Cryptocurrency exchanges started springing up to provide trading services for this new asset class. However, all is not hunky-dory with the crypto ecosystem and threats still loom large. if the market is to see progress and development, these threats need to be addressed and dealt with.
Digital era trading platforms
Cryptocurrency exchanges provide platforms where crypto traders can buy and sell their digital assets. These platforms are similar to the stock exchange and entail making profits on crypto price fluctuations. Taking into account that cryptocurrency volatility is much higher than stock market fluctuation, chances of traders achieving significant profits in short order are several times higher.
There are more than 500 cryptocurrency exchanges functioning globally, and this number increases every month. While the exact number is difficult to pinpoint, the number is steadily growing. While 200+ cryptocurrency exchanges are listed on CoinMarketCap, several hundred more may be found on other websites. The majority of the total trading volume is divided among leading cryptocurrency exchanges that make up the Top 10. However, there have been instances where some exchanges have shown inflated figures of trading and traffic to boost their rankings and attract more customers.
The most frequently used ecosystems for cryptocurrency trading and investments include:
• Trading platforms — Offer trading services to traders by charging a commission, or brokerage (are regarded as traditional exchanges).
• Direct-access trading platforms — Those are not connected with market indices and are platforms where clients may trade amongst each other by defining their prices.
• Brokers — Websites that offer cryptocurrency buying at broker prices. Such services are like money changers who exchange dollars, euro, and other fiat currencies at a predefined rate.
• Funds — These services are intended for cryptocurrency buying and its storage in the long term.
According to Bloomberg, with data supported by CoinMarketCap, the annual earnings of 10 largest cryptocurrency exchanges are exceed $1 billion.
Global exchange coverage and market dynamics
The largest daily trading volume of $1.7 billion is divided between the Binance and the Hong-Kong-based OKEx. Taking into account a 0.2% fee (OKEx charges only 0.07% fee for the most active traders) Binance is expected to get maximal daily income. The Asian exchanges Huobi, Bitfinex, Upbit, and Bithumb are next in the list. Their daily income from trading fees is from $600 million to $1.4 billion with the average fee being 0.3%.
The U.S. leads the list of countries with the most number of cryptocurrency traders. The majority of traders signed up on Coinbase and GDAX are from the U.S., while traders on Bithumb, OKEx, and Huobi are mostly from Asian countries.
Coinbase is the leading exchange according to the number of visitors. The website is included in the top-250 most popular websites in the world while trading volume is less than $300 million.
The peak of cryptocurrencies market capitalization was attained on January 7, 2018, reaching $831 billion. The reason lay in the spectacular price rise of the most popular cryptocurrency — the Bitcoin. Bitcoin price had increased by more than 1000% during the 12 months (during just December the price had risen by 22% setting a new record, at $19,700).
However, in January 2018, numerous factors such as hacker attacks, the interest of US CFTS (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) towards Bitfinex exchange, the increasing pressure of regulatory authorities and overall negative media attention and sentiment caused the price of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to crash spectacularly.
At the time of writing, the market capitalization of all cryptocurrencies is $263 billion (as of September 23, 2019) which is 3.5X times less than the peak index almost two years ago!
About 81% of crypto wallets are located in Europe, and North America but these regions comprise only 61% of global users. The next region, according to the number of users of crypto wallets, is Latin America followed by Africa and the Middle East.
Market dynamics expectations are mixed — as to the potential growth of cryptocurrency exchanges trading volumes, the majority of the world experts share the same opinion. Cryptocurrencies attract the attention of institutional investors; therefore, professional market participants may bring multi-billion funds, and consequently, trading volumes are expected to increase.
Main threats
The key risks and their possible consequences for cryptocurrency exchanges are :
Risks of cryptocurrencies usage. High volatility of rates
Money flows cannot be predicted. Cash deficiency is a distinct possibility. As a result, trading volumes of cryptocurrency exchange may decrease and cause earnings to reduce.
Investment risks due to wrong crypto fund management
Incorrect budget forming and its distribution for cryptocurrency exchange establishing.
Market risks.
The number of regulations applied to world markets limits the opportunities for projects development.
Political risks connected with state regulation of cryptocurrency exchanges
There exists a risk of a particular exchange being stopped from operating in a region or several countries due to political or regulatory issues. Moreover following of particular demands and security policy is obligatory in countries where special requirements for cryptocurrency exchanges functioning are adopted.
Technical and technological risks
One of the key issues nowadays is cybersecurity. The exchange program code should be written professionally; otherwise, the platform may be hacked, and the assets may be stolen.
Modern technologies can provide long-term benefits and severe threats at the same time. At the moment, quantum computing is one of the hottest topics as it is being associated both with unprecedented benefits and threats to currently existing technologies at the same time. Blockchains and crypto exchanges can become the primary targets of the post-quantum era hackers. Armed with the q-tech of power yet unseen, fraudsters can hack the blockchain in seconds!
In recent big news that is sure to have far-reaching consequences to blockchain technology in general and cryptocurrency exchanges in particular, Google reported attaining “quantum supremacy” — the company has reportedly built a quantum computer more powerful than the world’s top supercomputers. A Google research paper was temporarily posted online this week, the Financial Times reported Friday, and said the quantum computer’s processor allowed a calculation to be performed in just over 3 minutes. That calculation would take 10,000 years on IBM’s Summit, the world’s most powerful commercial computer, Google said.
Google researchers are throwing around the term “quantum supremacy” as a result, the FT said, because their computer can solve tasks that can’t otherwise be solved. “To our knowledge, this experiment marks the first computation that can only be performed on a quantum processor,” the research paper reportedly said.
However, besides the excitement of technological evolution, a quantum computer also implies severe threats — and the cryptocurrency market working on the blockchain technology is no exception. Imagine that just one quantum computer of potentially huge capacity connected to the blockchain is able to perform a 51% attack successfully. It can gain control over a blockchain and may prevent new transactions from gaining confirmation inside a particular blockchain.
Moreover, traditional encryption methods, which are used in cryptocurrency, crypto wallets and cryptocurrency exchange algorithms, may be easily cracked by quantum computers. All the “hot wallets” and all cryptocurrency exchanges (that are equal to “hot wallets”) could be hacked using Shore and Grover algorithms and the assets from those wallets could be transferred anywhere a quantum computer operator desires.
Providing a safer market for tomorrow
Taking into account the possible consequences of the swift development of quantum technology, many companies have started to work in advance to craft comprehensive solutions to address the threat and prevent impending disaster.
The objective of the QUUBE is aimed to create a full-scale and complex blockchain ecosystem, resistant to the “quantum computing attack”, which is supported by 3 “whales” or three key elements adopting quantum cryptography at all stages. They are aimed to provide smooth experience in various segments: a crypto trading platform, STO blockchain protocol, and an IEO launchpad.
QUUBE exchange is ready to accelerate assets trading processes by creating a Security Token Market and Launchpad dedicated to the different types of securities. Our team has succeeded in implementing the first quantum-safe ecosystem and security token Launchpad with the exchange platform allowing STO/ICO projects to fundraise rapidly amongst accredited and non-accredited investors. QUUBE is a unique fundraising engine facilitating asset tokenization and investor relations.
The future holds many secrets, but one thing can be sure: utilizing QUUBE-like solutions is the only real option for survival in the current market conditions. Follow us and subscribe to join the global community. Come and see firsthand what we are building to secure the future of blockchain.
Stay tuned! Join QUUBE Exchange on networks:
🌐 Website https://quube.exchange
✉️ Telegram Group
https://t.me/QuantumWarriors
🗣 Steem https://steemit.com/@quube-exchange
📸 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/quubesecurityexchange
👤 Facebook https://facebook.com/QuubeQuantum
📷 Instagram
https://instagram.com/quube_exchange
🐥 Twitter https://twitter.com/quube_exchange
⭕️ Medium https://medium.com/@quube_exchange_m
⚙️ GitHub https://github.com/Quube-Exchange-2019
🅱️ Bitcointalk
Bitcoin wiki channel https://en.bitcoinwiki.org/wiki/QUUBE.EXCHANGE | https://medium.com/@quube_exchange_m/what-you-should-know-about-crypto-exchanges-in-2019-ac0c682c7d86 | ['Quube Exchange'] | 2020-06-11 13:50:12.397000+00:00 | ['Quantum Computing', 'Future', 'Bitcoin', 'Blockchain', 'Technology'] |
Don’t just test the happy path | The point of this article is grumpy developers can still skip and dance down the happy path when it comes to writing and testing their code.
Code Complete 2 has an interesting paragraph.
Avoid Failure
Petroski argues that many spectacular bridge failures have occurred because of focusing on previous successes and not adequately considering possible failure modes. He concludes that failures like the Tacoma Narrows bridge could have been avoided if the designers had carefully considered the ways the bridge might fail and not just copied the attributes of other successful designs
Developers are too happy
The process of development usually goes
Requirements gathered
Functional requirement specified
Technical requirements specified
Code written to deliver requirements
Test –> fix bugs cycle
Developers often focus on delivering the functionality, which is often known as following the happy path
Wiki describes as the Happy Path
In the context of software or information modeling, a happy path is a default scenario featuring no exceptional or error conditions, and comprises the sequence of activities executed if everything goes as expected.[1][2] For example, the happy path for a function validating credit card numbers would be where none of the validation rules raise an error, thus letting execution continue successfully to the end, generating a positive response.
Focusing on the happy path and creating the required functionality leaves room for bugs, when end users stray from the happy path into the alternative path or the exception path.
Developers naturally gravitate towards the happy path, often focusing on happy path testing. Developer doesn’t see the functionality from the end users point of view, instead the functionality is viewed primarily from the code point of view.
It isn’t obvious to developer why users would use unexpected values, how the users will use the functionality or what they are trying to achieve using the functionality.
Happy path testing can leave gaps for nulls, incorrect values and a host of error checking/validating errors to slip into a production system because no one has tested these paths.
The other area bugs come in is, is developer under estimate the random actions of end users.
Developers are not good testers
Developers are poor at testing their own code it’s considered good practise to get other people to test the code.
One reason developers miss bugs in is they test everything using the System Administrator role which avoids many permission bugs.
The System Administrator role is a benefit and a curse to CRM developers
It’s difficult for developers to step back and test the functionality rather than test the code. Like writers editing their own writing, they feel attached to their creation to the extent they find it hard to evaluate it dispassionately.
How to avoid failure
An effective way of avoiding failure is writing unit tests for the code. The act of writing unit tests make the developer think
What should this functionality do e.g. what am I testing
What values (min, max) are allowed
What alternative values might be presented
What should happen when an error happens
Thinking before coding is beneficial, sometimes developers are eager to get coding they miss this step out.
Once the code is written is unappealing for developers to write unit tests, so the best method of unit testing is to write unit tests while you create the code and use those unit tests to make sure it’s working as expected.
Thinking about errors and failures is very beneficial. You will capture and avoid many errors. The developer will decide how to handle errors and its usually a choice
Fail fast, abort action
continue and warn the user
Errors are not good but code which has blundered on and changed half the values it was expecting can make a greater mess and take longer to clean up, so it’s better to have a plan up front.
Don’t let these often simple errors slip out of your development environment to the end user, make sure you harden your code.
If you don’t write unit tests you should consider doing it
Why CRM Developers should unit test their code
Experiences of Unit testing with Microsoft Dynamics CRM Projects
If you still are not persuaded to write unit tests make sure you go through you code and look for potential errors, validation checks. Make sure you have decided how you will handle errors in the code. It’s much better/quicker/easier to manage errors in a dev environment than having to add it in at a later date.
More reading for you
TEST YOUR SAD PATH FIRST
Happy Path Testing | https://medium.com/dev-genius/dont-just-test-the-happy-path-e3fd565bad53 | ['Ben Hosking'] | 2020-06-19 11:27:51.847000+00:00 | ['Software Engineering', 'Software Development', 'Testing'] |
Build Digital Logic Circuits Easily with Our WPF Diagram Control | A well-crafted digital logic circuit can give clarity to a confusing system with clear visual representation and instruction on how to construct the physical digital logic circuit. Our WPF Diagram’s logic circuit designer is a handy diagram editor that allows you to design logic circuits easily.
In this blog post, we will walk you through designing logic circuits quickly and easily with an interactive user interface and the designer’s many useful features: drag and drop, copy, paste, import, export, pan, and zoom. Also, we will see the rich set of features available in our WPF Diagram to give your app a better user experience.
Logic circuit diagram symbols
The logic circuit designer provides a variety of universal logic gates, flip-flops, input controls, output controls, and other components to design logic circuit diagrams.
Logic gates
Logic gates are the basic symbols used for any digital circuit design. Logic gates perform Boolean logic functions with one or more inputs and produce a single output. The logic circuit designer has universal logic gates, including buffer and tri-state buffer.
Flip-flops
A flip-flop is a circuit that has two stable states and can be used to store state information. The state can be changed by applying one or more control inputs and will have one or two outputs. It is the basic storage element in the digital circuit diagram. The logic circuit designer has SR, D, JK and T flip-flops for designing.
Input controls
Input controls can pass a high (true) or low (false) signal to logic gates or flip-flops. The logic circuit designer provides the following input controls for designing circuits.
Output controls
Output controls can be connected to an output pin of a logic gate or flip-flop to display its output state. The logic circuit designer provides a light bulb and 8-bit digit as output controls.
Creating reusable logic circuit diagram symbols
The WPF Diagram control provides a gallery called stencil. This contains reusable symbols and diagram elements that can be dragged onto the diagram surface any number of times and in any place.
Let’s walk through the procedure to create a stencil with logic circuit diagram symbols. The stencil’s SymbolSource property is used to define the data source as a collection of objects (symbol, node, connector) that needs to be populated as symbols. The following code creates the stencil with logic gate symbols.
XAML
<stencil:Stencil x:Name="stencil"
FontWeight="Bold"
Grid.Row="1"
ExpandMode="OneOrMore"
SymbolFilters="{Binding Symbolfilters}" SelectedFilter="{Binding
Selectedfilter}">
<stencil:Stencil.SymbolSource>
<Syncfusion:SymbolCollection>
<viewmodel:CustomNode Name="Buffer" UnitHeight="80" UnitWidth="100" ContentTemplate="{StaticResource BufferStencil}" Key="Logic Gates">
<!--Initialize the annotations-->
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<!--Initialize the AnnotationCollection-->
<Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
<!--Initialize the Annotation editor view model--> <Syncfusion:AnnotationEditorViewModel ReadOnly="True"/> </Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
<Syncfusion:PortCollection>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.07" NodeOffsetY="0.48"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="OutConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.93" NodeOffsetY="0.48"/>
</Syncfusion:PortCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
</viewmodel:CustomNode>
<viewmodel:CustomNode Name="NOTGate" UnitHeight="80" UnitWidth="100" ContentTemplate="{StaticResource NOTGateStencil}" Key="Logic Gates">
<!--Initialize the annotations-->
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<!--Initialize the AnnotationCollection-->
<Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
<!--Initialize the Annotation editor view model--> <Syncfusion:AnnotationEditorViewModel ReadOnly="True"/> </Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
<Syncfusion:PortCollection>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.07" NodeOffsetY="0.48"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="OutConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.93" NodeOffsetY="0.48"/>
</Syncfusion:PortCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
</viewmodel:CustomNode>
<viewmodel:CustomNode Name="ANDGate" UnitHeight="80" UnitWidth="100" ContentTemplate="{StaticResource ANDGateStencil}" Key="Logic Gates">
<!--Initialize the annotations-->
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<!--Initialize the AnnotationCollection-->
<Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
<!--Initialize the Annotation editor view model--> <Syncfusion:AnnotationEditorViewModel ReadOnly="True"/> </Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
<Syncfusion:PortCollection>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.07" NodeOffsetY="0.28"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.07" NodeOffsetY="0.75"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="OutConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.93" NodeOffsetY="0.49"/>
</Syncfusion:PortCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
</viewmodel:CustomNode>
<viewmodel:CustomNode Name="NANDGate" UnitHeight="80" UnitWidth="100" ContentTemplate="{StaticResource NANDGateStencil}" Key="Logic Gates">
<!--Initialize the annotations-->
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<!--Initialize the AnnotationCollection-->
<Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
<!--Initialize the Annotation editor view model--> <Syncfusion:AnnotationEditorViewModel ReadOnly="True"/> </Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
<Syncfusion:PortCollection>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.07" NodeOffsetY="0.28"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.07" NodeOffsetY="0.75"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="OutConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.92" NodeOffsetY="0.49"/>
</Syncfusion:PortCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
</viewmodel:CustomNode>
<viewmodel:CustomNode Name="ORGate" UnitHeight="80" UnitWidth="100" ContentTemplate="{StaticResource ORGateStencil}" Key="Logic Gates">
<!--Initialize the annotations-->
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<!--Initialize the AnnotationCollection-->
<Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
<!--Initialize the Annotation editor view model--> <Syncfusion:AnnotationEditorViewModel ReadOnly="True"/> </Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
<Syncfusion:PortCollection>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.07" NodeOffsetY="0.28"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.07" NodeOffsetY="0.75"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="OutConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.93" NodeOffsetY="0.49"/>
</Syncfusion:PortCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
</viewmodel:CustomNode>
<viewmodel:CustomNode Name="NORGate" UnitHeight="80" UnitWidth="100" ContentTemplate="{StaticResource NORGateStencil}" Key="Logic Gates">
<!--Initialize the annotations-->
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<!--Initialize the AnnotationCollection-->
<Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
<!--Initialize the Annotation editor view model--> <Syncfusion:AnnotationEditorViewModel ReadOnly="True"/> </Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
<Syncfusion:PortCollection>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.07" NodeOffsetY="0.28"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.07" NodeOffsetY="0.75"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="OutConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.93" NodeOffsetY="0.49"/>
</Syncfusion:PortCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
</viewmodel:CustomNode>
<viewmodel:CustomNode Name="XORGate" UnitHeight="80" UnitWidth="100" ContentTemplate="{StaticResource XORGateStencil}" Key="Logic Gates">
<!--Initialize the annotations-->
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<!--Initialize the AnnotationCollection-->
<Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
<!--Initialize the Annotation editor view model--> <Syncfusion:AnnotationEditorViewModel ReadOnly="True"/> </Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
<Syncfusion:PortCollection>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.07" NodeOffsetY="0.28"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.07" NodeOffsetY="0.75"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="OutConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.92" NodeOffsetY="0.51"/>
</Syncfusion:PortCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
</viewmodel:CustomNode>
<viewmodel:CustomNode Name="XNORGate" UnitHeight="80" UnitWidth="100" ContentTemplate="{StaticResource XNORGateStencil}" Key="Logic Gates">
<!--Initialize the annotations-->
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<!--Initialize the AnnotationCollection-->
<Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
<!--Initialize the Annotation editor view model--> <Syncfusion:AnnotationEditorViewModel ReadOnly="True"/> </Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
<Syncfusion:PortCollection>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.07" NodeOffsetY="0.28"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.07" NodeOffsetY="0.75"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="OutConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.93" NodeOffsetY="0.51"/>
</Syncfusion:PortCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
</viewmodel:CustomNode>
<viewmodel:CustomNode Name="Tri-State" UnitHeight="80" UnitWidth="100" ContentTemplate="{StaticResource Tri-StateStencil}" Key="Logic Gates">
<!--Initialize the annotations-->
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<!--Initialize the AnnotationCollection-->
<Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
<!--Initialize the Annotation editor view model--> <Syncfusion:AnnotationEditorViewModel ReadOnly="True"/> </Syncfusion:AnnotationCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Annotations>
<Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
<Syncfusion:PortCollection>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.49" NodeOffsetY="0.13"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="InConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.08" NodeOffsetY="0.68"/>
<Syncfusion:NodePortViewModel Constraints="OutConnect" ConnectorPadding="6" Shape="{StaticResource OnPageReference}" NodeOffsetX="0.93" NodeOffsetY="0.69"/>
</Syncfusion:PortCollection>
</Syncfusion:NodeViewModel.Ports>
</viewmodel:CustomNode>
</Syncfusion:SymbolCollection>
</stencil:Stencil.SymbolSource>
<stencil:Stencil.SymbolGroups>
<stencil:SymbolGroups>
<!--Separate groups based on the key-->
<stencil:SymbolGroupProvider MappingName="Key"/>
</stencil:SymbolGroups>
</stencil:Stencil.SymbolGroups>
</stencil:Stencil>
The following screenshot shows the collection of logic circuit diagram symbols in the created stencil.
You can refer to this stencil documentation page for details on adding symbols, grouping symbols, and customizing the stencil appearance.
Creating a diagram surface
Now, we have set up reusable logic circuit diagram shapes in our stencil . Let’s add the diagram surface to create our circuit designer environment with the following code example.
XAML
<Syncfusion:SfDiagram x:Name="Diagram" Grid.Column="1"
PortVisibility="{Binding PortVisibility}"
Nodes="{Binding Nodes}"
Connectors="{Binding Connectors}"
ScrollSettings="{Binding ScrollSettings}"
PageSettings="{Binding PageSettings}"
VerticalRuler="{Binding VerticalRuler}"
HorizontalRuler="{Binding HorizontalRuler}"
PrintingService="{Binding PrintingService}"
Constraints="{Binding Constraints}"
Tool="{Binding Tool}"
SelectedItems="{Binding SelectedItems}"
ExportSettings="{Binding ExportSettings}"
SnapSettings="{Binding SnapSettings}"
DragEnterCommand="{Binding DragEnterCommand}"
DragOverCommand="{Binding DragOverCommand}"
ItemAddedCommand="{Binding ItemAddedCommand}"
ItemSelectedCommand="{Binding ItemSelectedCommand}"
ItemUnSelectedCommand="{Binding ItemUnSelectedCommand}"
DropCommand="{Binding DropCommand}"
DefaultConnectorType="{Binding DefaultConnectorType}"
ViewPortChangedCommand="{Binding ViewPortChangedCommand}"
Loaded="Diagram_Loaded">
</Syncfusion:SfDiagram>
The following screenshot shows the created diagram surface along with the logic circuit diagram symbols stencil.
You can refer to this Diagram documentation page for more details on how to add a diagram surface to your application and customize its appearance.
How to create a logic circuit diagram
You can design digital logic circuit diagrams by adding the symbols in the stencil to the diagram surface and connecting them using connectors.
Add symbols
Create the design by dragging the symbols from the stencil and dropping them onto the diagram surface at the desired locations.
Moving symbols
Change the position of the dropped symbols by simply clicking on the symbol to select it and dragging it to the desired location in the diagram surface.
Connect symbols
Each diagram symbol has input and output connection points (indicated by a small circle in the symbol) to connect the symbol with desired input and output controls as per our design. You can connect the output of one symbol as an input of another symbol.
To create the connection, hover the mouse over the connection point. You will see an animation to indicate the connection start or end point. Click it and start dragging the mouse to establish a connection.
You can refer to this documentation page for more details on adding connection points and creating connections.
Change line style
The WPF Diagram control provides three different types of connection lines: straight, orthogonal, and Bézier. You can change the connector line by selecting the connector and using the connector toolbar option or using the Tools->Connector menu option.
You can refer to the connector types documentation page for more details on different types of connectors and how to change the connector type in your application.
Loading and saving a diagram
The Diagram control provides the flexibility to save your current work and resume it by loading the saved diagram back into the diagram canvas. You can achieve this using the load and save functionality as illustrated.
Print and export diagrams
You can export the created logic circuit diagram as an image, or you can print it directly using the printer. You can do this using the exporting and printing functionalities of the control.
The following screenshot shows the Print Diagram dialog box along with the custom print options.
Pan and zoom
The WPF Diagram control provides the support to zoom in or out in the diagram view. Zoom in or out using Ctrl and the mouse wheel or using the slider at the bottom-right corner of the designer.
When a large diagram is loaded, only a certain portion of it will be visible. The remaining portions will be clipped. Clipped portions can be explored by scrolling with the scrollbars or panning. You can pan the diagram by selecting the panning tool in the toolbar or Tools->Pan menu and then clicking the mouse in the diagram area and moving it without releasing the mouse click.
Logic circuit diagram examples
The logic circuit designer provides some examples of circuit diagrams. You can load them using the following highlighted button in the toolbar.
Click on any logic circuit diagram included in logic circuit designer and edit it.
Resource
You can download this logic circuit designer source project from this GitHub location.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have seen the procedure to create a logic circuit diagram easily using our logic circuit diagram application. Also, we have learned to load, save, export, and print the created logic circuit diagram using the Syncfusion WPF Diagram library.
Similarly, you can create your own diagram creation application like an organization chart creator, a flow chart creator, or a network diagram. Syncfusion WPF Diagram library has rich, interactive features; automatic layouts; and data binding for different data sources. To explore its features in more depth, refer to our help documentation on the WPF Diagram library.
If you’re already a Syncfusion user, you can download the product setup from our website. If not, you can download a free, 30-day trial here.
If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments section below. You can also contact us through our support forum, Direct-Trac, or feedback portal. We are always happy to assist you! | https://medium.com/syncfusion/build-digital-logic-circuits-easily-with-our-wpf-diagram-control-11c1ca575efd | ['Rajeshwari Pandinagarajan'] | 2020-11-24 12:32:02.024000+00:00 | ['Wpf', 'Productivity', 'Circuit', 'Csharp', 'Diagrams'] |
I am Trying To Create a unique price comparison website! | So i am a crypto enthusiast, and currently running a website that provides real time updates about cryptocurrencies and exchanges. My livelihood depends on it. One day i was thinking about creating something ( In This Lockdown, all i got is time to rethink) that will affect lives around me.
Source: CompareBuyOnline Fb Page
so i was using my smartphone to order something from amazon cse i cant go to market to purchase day to day essentials. Suddenly my smartphone crashed, what to do? cse u cant repair it, cant go to service centers, so opened my laptop to order a smartphone. I went through 10–15 websites, in every websites there is a different price for that smartphone. It took 30 minutes to figureout from where i can purchase that particular smartphone at less.
Something clicked on my mind and i created a price comparison website hours later, then after doing some research i got to know that there are 100’s of websites that are providing the price comparison option, some of them are even reviewing the products.
So i thought what can i do to outrank them?, so i created few more options, like price drop alerts, Renewed phones, Refurbished phones, latest comparison on website.
5 days later i thought maybe adding other products than smartphone would help, so added other products as well (smartwatches, cameras, tvs, ac’s clothings, footwear etc..)
I am doing all i am capable of, just want to know what else can i do to rank my website? i am thinking of creating backlinks, buying traffic & Social Media signals.
What are your thoughts? since i am new here i dont know about the forum rules, please ignore any mistakes.
Link To My Website Is Here CompareBuy.Online
Please help. Your suggestions would be great!
Thanks
Karan Rawat | https://medium.com/@CompareBuyOnline/i-am-trying-to-create-a-unique-price-comparison-website-8fdf631758e6 | [] | 2020-06-23 04:48:06.040000+00:00 | ['Coupons Promocodes', 'Price Comparison', 'Coupon', 'Price Comparison Shopping', 'Price Comparison Website'] |
Stateful Widget のパフォーマンスを考慮した正しい扱い方 | Avoid changing the depth of any created subtrees or changing the type of any widgets in the subtree. For example, rather than returning either the child or the child wrapped in an IgnorePointer, always wrap the child widget in an IgnorePointer and control the IgnorePointer.ignoring property. This is because changing the depth of the subtree requires rebuilding, laying out, and painting the entire subtree, whereas just changing the property will require the least possible change to the render tree (in the case of IgnorePointer, for example, no layout or repaint is necessary at all). | https://medium.com/flutter-jp/state-performance-7a5f67d62edd | ['Mono'] | 2020-02-16 04:45:50.745000+00:00 | ['Flutter', 'Programming', 'Performance', 'Mobile App Development', 'Dart'] |
StartUp Health Insights: Personalized Precision Health Leads This Week’s Health Innovation Funding | Week of Dec 2, 2020 | StartUp Health Insights: Personalized Precision Health Leads This Week’s Health Innovation Funding | Week of Dec 2, 2020
SomaLogic’s SomaSignal Tests analyze blood proteins to report current health state and understand risk.
We saw over $245M in health innovation funding this week, led by SomaLogic, a Boulder-based developer of precision health protein measurement tools to optimize personal health and wellness. The $121M initial Series A round was led by Casdin Capital, with participation from Farallon Capital Management, Foresite Capital, T. Rowe Price Associates, Blue Water Life Science Advisors, Madryn Asset Management, Fiscus Ventures, Reimagined Ventures, Monashee Investment Management, Mossrock Capital, Soleus Capital, and others. <source>
Other recent deals included:
Well Health, a Santa Barbara-based communication platform for patients and healthcare organizations, raised $45M led by Lead Edge Capital, with participation from Martin Ventures, Jackson Square Ventures, Health Velocity Capital, Summation Health Ventures, Structure Capital, and Freestyle Capital. <source>
Medadom, a Paris-based telemedicine platform, raised €40M ($47.7M) from G Square. <source>
Endomag, a Cambridge, UK-based developer of tech solutions for breast cancer, raised £15M ($20.1m) led by Draper Esprit, with participation from Sussex Place Ventures and others. <source>
Subtle Medical, a Menlo Park-based developer of AI-powered software solutions for vendor-agnostic medical imaging enhancement, raised $12.2M led by 3E Bioventures Capital, with participation from Fusion Fund, Data Collective, Delta Capital, Tsingyuan Ventures, Crista Galli Ventures, Nina Capital, and other investors. <source>
Salut, a San Francisco-based app that allows fitness trainers to host classes virtually, raised $1.25M led by Charles Hudson of Precursor Ventures. <source> | https://healthtransformer.co/startup-health-insights-personalized-precision-health-leads-this-weeks-health-innovation-funding-ba29d2d1f224 | ['Startup Health'] | 2020-12-02 12:22:52.981000+00:00 | ['Digital Health', 'Innovation', 'Wellness', 'Funding', 'Insights'] |
Art Auré Aims To Empower With New Single, “Keep On” | Photo courtesy of James Canty
Meaningful music intertwined with purpose is a method of creation that will never cease to disappear. Artists such as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Lauryn Hill created timeless masterpieces from the pits of their soul and gave listeners literal food for thought. Singer-songwriter Art Auré is following in the same footsteps as her former predecessors with her new single, “Keep On.”
“Keep On” is a song centered around encouragement and liberation. The video follows suit with Art showcasing her powerful vocals amid an all-black background. Art sings with intention and grace, which is apparent throughout the entire visual.
Photo courtesy of Domo Jenkins
The inspiration for “Keep On” stems directly from her personal life. She was diagnosed with Endometriosis, a gynecological disorder, that she’s lived with her entire life. She recently went through a procedure that was challenging to overcome, even affecting her singing abilities. But through healing, she came up with the concept for “Keep On.”
“I was tired of fighting almost every day, so I decided to proceed with my laparoscopic surgery procedure,” said Art. “The healing process after the surgery was a challenge. I could not use my abdominal muscles for months. I had to train myself to sing from my diaphragm all over again. I didn’t think I could fully recover, but I just kept going. Throughout the healing process, I had lots of time to create new music. The very first song that I wrote after my surgery was “Keep On.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic and various injustices around the world also served as inspiration for the powerful single. “There are a lot of things going on in the world right now,” said Art. “I want to use my art as a platform for empowerment and change, and I intend to always do that. All of my music is positive and empowering. This is not a trend. It’s something that I stand for. I want everyone to digest “Keep On” and use this song to uplift them.”
Check out the visual for “Keep On” below:
To find out more about Art Auré, CLICK HERE.
To stream “Keep On,” CLICK HERE. | https://ellingtonandre7.medium.com/art-aur%C3%A9-aims-to-empower-with-new-single-keep-on-ac1732ff7b3e | [] | 2020-07-12 15:34:25.408000+00:00 | ['Music', 'Social Media', 'YouTube', 'Entertainment'] |
The Cost of Ranked Choice Voting | In democratic countries such as the United States, elections are crucial to the continued prosperity of both its government and the lives of the people who comprise it. Unfortunately, regular phenomena such as noncompetitive and gerrymandered districts, winner-take-all contests, unnecessary runoffs, and plurality winners have detracted from the effectiveness of elections. Consequently, elections have become increasingly unreliable at selecting policymakers who are representative of and supported by their constituents.
One approach to addressing this problem has been through changing the framework of elections themselves. In theory, alternative voting methods like ranked choice voting (RCV) offer a solution to some of the problems that have plagued our democratic process. While some academic focus has been given to the theoretical merits of alternative voting methods, many of the tangible aspects have gone overlooked. Elections administrators have been left without the essential knowledge necessary to effectively plan for and implement these types of election reforms. This study was designed to determine whether implementing RCV methods at the local level is responsible for increases or decreases to the cost of elections within the municipalities that have implemented it.
Elections cost data were obtained from seven local governments that switched to RCV between 2004 and 2011. Similar data were also obtained from seven control municipalities that used traditional voting methods such as plurality primaries or majority-rule votes. These localities were intentionally chosen for their similarity to the corresponding RCV cities on metrics such as population, annual budget size, location, election cycle schedule, jurisdiction in charge of elections, and political makeup of its citizens. Cost data were sought for all elections within a time period of ten years before and ten years after RCV was first implemented. These costs were then aggregated into standard two-year election cycles in order to control for the natural variances in election spending associated with election cycles. They were also converted into per-capita costs so that direct comparisons could be made between municipalities of vastly different sizes.
The elections were separated into three categories for analysis: before, during, and after the implementation of RCV. This allowed two different difference-in-difference regressions to be run in order to identify whether RCV was responsible for cost changes either during or after it was implemented. This regression showed that cost changes both during implementation and thereafter were only slightly varied from what would be expected without RCV, and both were well inside established margins of error. The observed cost differences during and after implementation are not statistically significant.
For this reason, the null hypotheses that RCV would have no effect on the cost of elections either during or after its implementation could not be rejected; this study cannot show that implementing RCV has been directly responsible for any financial savings or liabilities in the cities that have chosen to use it. However, while differences in election costs during or following RCV implementation are not found to be statistically significant, there was another interesting finding from this study. In general, RCV jurisdictions are found to spend significantly more on elections overall.
This finding was surprising: the localities that implemented RCV were found to experience costs that were substantially greater than the control cities throughout all three categories (before, during, and after implementation). In fact, these municipalities experienced election costs in excess of five standard deviations greater than would have otherwise been expected. This indicates that there is a statistically significant correlation between the cost of elections and RCV implementation at the local level. | https://medium.com/mit-election-lab/the-cost-of-ranked-choice-voting-522e646db323 | ['Mit Election Lab'] | 2018-07-27 18:53:41.866000+00:00 | ['Elections', 'Politics', 'Voting', 'Esra 2018'] |
How to Create a Writing Portfolio When You Have Zero Experience | Photo by Andrej Lišakov on Unsplash
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http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-b3.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-b4.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-b5.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-b6.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-b7.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-b8.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-b9.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-c1.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-c10.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-c2.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-c3.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-c4.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-c5.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-c6.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-c7.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-c8.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-c9.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-h-v-d1.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-h-v-d2.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-h-v-d3.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-h-v-d4.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-b1.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-b2.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-b3.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-b4.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-b5.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-b6.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-b7.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-b8.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-b9.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-b10.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-b11.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-b12.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-a1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-a10.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-a11.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-a12.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-a13.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-a14.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-a15.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-a2.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-a3.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-a4.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-a5.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-a6.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-a7.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-a8.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-a9.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-b1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-b10.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-b11.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-b12.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-b2.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-b3.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-b4.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-b5.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-b6.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-b7.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-b8.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-b9.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-b1.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-b2.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-b3.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-b4.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-b5.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-b6.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-b7.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-b8.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-b9.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-b10.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-b11.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-b12.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a16.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a15.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a14.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a13.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a12.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a11.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a10.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a9.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a8.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a7.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a6.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a5.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a4.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a3.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a2.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a1.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a20.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a19.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a18.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-c-v-a17.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a32.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a31.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a30.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a29.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a28.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a27.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a26.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a25.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a24.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a23.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a22.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a21.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a16.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a15.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a14.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a13.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a12.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a11.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a10.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a9.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a8.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a7.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a6.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a5.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a4.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a3.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a2.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a20.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a19.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a18.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-c-v-a17.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-w-v-s1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-w-v-s2.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-w-v-s3.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-w-v-s4.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-w-v-s1.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-w-v-s2.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-w-v-s3.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-w-v-s4.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-i1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-i2.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-i3.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-i4.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-i5.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-i6.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-i7.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-i8.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-i9.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-u1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-u10.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-u2.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-u3.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-u4.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-u5.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-u6.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-u7.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-u8.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-d-v-u9.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-d-v-i1.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-d-v-i2.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-d-v-i3.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-d-v-i4.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-d-v-i5.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-d-v-u1.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-d-v-u2.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-d-v-u3.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-d-v-u4.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-d-v-u5.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-b1.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-b2.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-e1.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-e2.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-e3.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-e4.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-e5.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-e6.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-e7.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-e8.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-e9.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-f1.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-f2.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-f3.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-f4.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-f5.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-f6.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-f7.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-f8.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-h-v-f9.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-b1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-b2.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-c1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-c2.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-c3.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-c4.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-e1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-e2.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-e3.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-e4.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-e5.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-e6.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-e7.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-e8.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-e9.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-f1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-f2.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-f3.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-f4.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-f5.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-f6.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-f7.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-f8.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-h-v-f9.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-c1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-c2.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-c3.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-c4.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-s-v-c5.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-c1.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-c2.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-c3.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-c4.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-s-v-c5.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-c1.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-c2.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-c3.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-c4.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-s-v-c5.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-m-v-f3.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-m-v-f4.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-m-v-f5.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-m-v-g8.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-m-v-g9.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-m-v-f9.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-m-v-f10.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-m-v-f11.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-m-v-e1.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-m-v-e3.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-m-v-e4.html
https://www.thehomeplow.com/vmx/video-m-v-e6.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-e1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-e3.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-e5.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-e6.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-f1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-f10.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-f11.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-f12.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-f3.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-f5.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-f7.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-f8.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-f9.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-g1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-g3.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-g4.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-g6.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-g7.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-g8.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-m-v-g9.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-w-v-q1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-w-v-q2.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-w-v-q3.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-e1.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-e2.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-e3.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-e4.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-e5.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-e6.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-f1.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-f10.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-f11.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-f12.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-f2.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-f3.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-f4.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-f5.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-f6.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-f7.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-f8.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-f9.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-g1.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-g2.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-g3.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-g4.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-g5.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-g6.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-g7.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-g8.html
http://www.dpa.org.nz/zoc/video-m-v-g9.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-c6.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-c7.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-c8.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-c9.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-d1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-d2.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-d3.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-d4.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-d5.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-d6.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-d7.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-d8.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-d9.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-e1.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-e10.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-e11.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-e12.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-e13.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-e14.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-e15.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-e2.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-e3.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-e4.html
https://www.floridafamily.com/voc/video-a-v-e5.html
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How do you gain experience when you have no experience? It is a question that has befuddled college graduates and career transitioners for years, and which is only getting worse in our gig economy. Companies no longer invest in employees from the get-go, they no longer have an interest in improving the people they hire, but instead, seek someone pre-trained and perfect for that one piece of work they need. This is making it even harder to get started when you have no experience.
This new landscape has the frustrating consequence of reinforcing social inequalities because when no one will pay you until you can prove your ability, that means that your first experiences have to be done for free. Kids from richer families can afford to do an unpaid summer internship and land their first byline, or volunteer at a local paper — those that are less well off will meanwhile be working full time to pay for their next semester. … | https://medium.com/@sumontakla/how-to-create-a-writing-portfolio-when-you-have-zero-experience-33bf3da30043 | [] | 2020-12-16 18:19:06.817000+00:00 | ['Stream', 'Waves', 'Weather'] |
The Growing Role of AI in the Entertainment Industry | Role of AI in the Entertainment Industry
Artificial intelligence and big data processes have been incorporated across several sectors of the entertainment industry since the technology’s inception. The overall applications and the amount invested in artificial intelligence are only expected to grow in the coming years as entertainment companies recognize the potential of the technology to leverage data-intensive, automated and personalized content provisions.
In this article, we will look at a few key applications of artificial intelligence within the entertainment industry:
1. Targeted Advertising
One of the most impactful applications of AI in the entertainment industry has been in marketing. Algorithms used for created automated marketing processes and for targeting media content to specific audiences have now become standard practice.
Major movie studios leverage AI tools to generate content according to the algorithm’s identification of key moments in films that will create the most engaging experience.
AI tools are also used in online shopping to create a more personalized experience for customers. AI-generated banners reflecting suggestions based on the customers prior shopping history have now become common as they create unique ad banners for each customer.
2. Personalized Content
The creation of personalized content has been key for entertainment providers to retain their loyal customers, by giving them a personal experience that they can relate to and want.
Streaming services regularly make use of this technology to analyze user behavior and sentiment to compile a selection of media content that is similar to the content that they are interested in and have been watching.
Similar techniques have also been employed within the online casino industry. They utilize data-driven processes to enable their account holders to instantly access various games like slots, poker, blackjack that their patrons are most likely to enjoy.
As a result of being able to analyze and detect precise content, AI-powered tools make it possible to create personalized content for each user across their respective platforms in a manner that was not possible before. The use of such AI applications ensures that no two customers of entertainment platforms are subjected to an identical experience.
3. Accessibility
Entertainment companies have also leveraged AI tools to improve accessibility for their content. Global film studios are able to create flawless automatically generated subtitles using neural networks within AI to analyze the speech and dialogue used on-screen to recreate them as accurate subtitles.
Similarly, AI is also being used to better classify content and flag potentially harmful or problematic content. They employ sentiment recognition to determine any content that can be described as sensitive or insensitive. By employing AI tools to scan and locate such material, the process of curating content can be accomplished at much greater efficiency and speed than previous traditional and manual methods.
4. New Frontiers of Entertainment
An emerging and disruptive new technology that also relies heavily on AI processes to function and develop is the growing use of AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality).
Many popular VR devices employ sophisticated algorithms to develop immersive worlds that react, change and respond according to the way the payers interact with them.
The growing interest in these technologies has taken them beyond the realm of gaming. They have also been implemented by film studios to create immersive movies that have received critical acclaim.
Film studios are intrigued by the possibilities of AR and VR is creating a new experience and are looking to capitalize on their rapid growth. As these technologies rely heavily on AI to function, we can expect AI to feature prominently in the future of film making as well as the way they are seen and experienced. | https://medium.com/@techfireflys/the-growing-role-of-ai-in-the-entertainment-industry-5c847e0b4ea7 | [] | 2020-12-14 05:37:01.843000+00:00 | ['VR', 'Big Data Process', 'AR', 'Artificial Intelligence', 'Ai In Entertainment'] |
Mourning Mom…This Can’t Be Real | I’d love to hug whomever penned the phrase, “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
I’d also love to bitch slap them.
No, they didn’t do anything to me personally, and I don’t even know from what century that quote came to be. It’s just a low-grade-feverish-absolutely-shitty-never-going-to-see-them-again malaise that I feel wash over me as I read those words.
I guess it’s the whole concept of death in general.
Let me back up.
Ten years ago I had to mutter three words I never thought I’d ever have to string together in a sentence for at least another full decade or two. Those words?
Mom is gone.
My wonderful, clever, loving, witty mom passed away in her sleep. Hitting me even harder — like a sucker punch in the spot my appendix once occupied — mom passed sometime between going to bed Thanksgiving eve and Thursday morning’s sunrise.
Mom had her freshly baked apple pie (with a perfectly pinched crust) ready for the Thanksgiving feast, and she always told me if (when) she died, she wanted to be dressed in a really nice outfit so that she’d look her best. That night she opted for comfort, because she went to bed in one of her well-worn flannel nightgowns.
I knew she would’ve been more pissed about being in that old nightgown then leaving us, but that was my mom.
I didn’t care if she went to bed in a Dior ballgown. There were no warnings, no clues, no nothing, no mom.
Mom is gone. Mom is gone. Mom is gone.
I found myself repeating those words over and over. I couldn’t believe this was real. Between taking belts of whiskey just to self soothe, crying until (no more water was left in my body) my tear ducts went dry, and getting major cases of the gags, I felt like I was in a stupor — a walking coma. Part of me also WISHED I was in a coma, and when I awoke (or not), this whole shocking mess would be nothing but a bad dream.
A dream it wasn’t, however. My house was filled with condolence cards and arrays of colorful flowers with touching notes from a zillion family members and friends but…somehow it still didn’t seem real. It COULDN’T be real.
Mom was SO ALIVE, so funny — always ready with a wisecrack, or words of wisdom. I loved her advice. She laid it flat out like no one could.
Let me share a few examples of her witty one liners (please remember, this is going back a decade or so):
Sex Tapes — Ma says, “as long as you’re looking good, be proud and go for it!.” She also noted her ‘green light’ is for couples’ sex tapes only, not for freaks involving animals or vegetables.
Home Wrecker: — “You can’t ‘take’ somebody’s husband, unless he wants go.” “Kidnapping doesn’t count,” she added.
NJ Politics — Mom’s nickname for the ultra bloated NJ Governor Chris Christie was: ”Krispy Kreme, because he looks like he’s had more than a few.”
Mary Kate Olsen -“She’s a walking advertisement for disaster. She should have a show called ‘What not to buy.”
Kate Gosselin — Ma said “I hope her kids turn the cameras on her when she’s old and taking craps in HER diaper. What’s fair is fair.”
Octo Mom — “That little simpleton can’t even get her book sold. Everybody already knows her whole story; her 15 minutes of fame are up.”
Jennifer Aniston — “She’ll be a grandmother’s age soon enough, and the tabloids will still be yapping about her having a baby.”
Jesse James (re: Sandra Bullock) “Just shut up and take the blame. Don’t blame your parents for being a loser.”
Mel Gibson — “I always thought he was crazy, but Oksana knows exactly which buttons to push to unleash Mel’s inner raving maniac.” she added, “any husband of mine would not be able to walk out of the house if he was threatening my baby. I’d beat his face in!”
She said all these things in complete jest — she loved to make me laugh. My mom was caring, generous, funny, and she STILL makes me laugh as I write this piece about her. She was one funny mother I used to say.
Despite knowing she was gone, I’d still dial her phone number and expect her to pick up. I remember wanting to call her about who was just told to f*ck off on Hell’s Kitchen, or whom we thought should have gotten fired on The Apprentice (we won’t speak of that show now, but we did then), or the new black patent vegan boots I snagged on sale, but then the cold harsh smack of reality would hit me right in the face, telling me those days are over.
Oh Mom, why did you have to leave us?
Part of the reason she left was I think in her soul she was ready was to be with her beloved (my dad) who passed away 3 years prior. It certainly wasn’t her age, as mom was 11 years younger than Dad, and she just turned 70 (which is the new 50 now).
Mom did tell me a week or so before she passed that each year without Dad was harder instead of easier, and with Thanksgiving being one of Dad’s favorites — we’re Italian after all, so any holiday with a feast was a win — it did seem poetic that she drifted off in her sleep to spend Thanksgiving with him.
Mom, Me & Dad Wedding Day 1999
My mom was a mom, but she was also a best friend. A best friend who loved to shop! I think they came up with the term shopaholic for people like her.
Mom had HSN & QVC on speed dial, and she was always hiding a jewelry trinket she found from those channels in my house for me to find after she left, or if I happened to admire a ring or bracelet she was wearing, I’d often find it waiting for me in my jewelry box. I think she hid some of her loot from my dad too. “Oh, this old thing?” she’d say.
One of my favorite pastimes was mixing up a couple of bold whiskey sours and listening to dozens of Mom’s humorous stories. She’d chat about her life in the fifties and sixties, and those anecdotes now occupy a notebook of mine, which would be the first non-living thing I’d reach for in an emergency.
Loss of any kind is a tough pill to swallow, and when you lose someone you’re very close to, you feel like your heart is literally ripping apart inside your chest. It’s ten years later and I can feel a tiny new tear forming as I write this, and for some reason my keyboard is getting soggy.
Yes, death does leave a heartache no one can heal, and my love for her leaves many precious memories no one can steal, so I’ll try to keep my brain ultra sharp until the day we meet up on the other side. I have soooooo much to tell her!
I think I’ll mix up a couple of whiskey sours tonight. I’ll leave one on the coffee table in Mom’s honor. | https://medium.com/@leeromanosequeira/mourning-mom-this-cant-be-real-680cca1f0924 | ['Lee Romano Sequeira'] | 2021-08-09 23:45:38.889000+00:00 | ['Loss', 'Death', 'Mothers', 'Loss Of A Parent', 'Mwc Death'] |
A Walk in the Wind | Outside the light trembles.
Rough winds shake the walls.
Crabbed leaves jump and scatter.
Dead branches snap and fall.
Tightly bundled in layers,
plunge into the air.
Fierce howls become hisses,
beneath the wraps you wear.
Time to loosen your scarf,
and push back the hood.
For a poet, numbed senses
can never be good.
A walk in the wind
should stir up the blood.
Release stagnant waters,
and bring on the flood. | https://medium.com/blueinsight/a-walk-in-the-wind-2c7534a2529 | ['Deborah Barchi'] | 2020-10-13 05:49:44.967000+00:00 | ['Creativity', 'Poetry', 'Self-awareness', 'Writing', 'Blue Insights'] |
Beyond being thankful and expressing gratitude | Beyond being thankful and expressing gratitude
Good job in keeping a gratitude journal, running out of things/people/situations you’re thankful for..repeating those. You’ve experienced some good stuff and positive changes, as did I.
Now, be ready to experience some great stuff. Get rid of one sentence that holds you back from really helping others. “Please let me know how can I help”. Or versions of it.
First, not only this is a soft commitment, but also passing a burden to the needy. Hardly a person needing help will reach out or will ask for some help. Few do, in limit as they don’t know the limit of your commitment to help.
I came across this profound idea from Seryl Sanburg’s book “Option B” and immediately put into practice. The book reignited the spark that I already had to go above and beyond in helping others. I’m there when my near and dear ones, even beyond that circle, who need help and are unable to express. That is when I experienced what really it means to be empathetic and not just sympathetic.
Actionable insight — Simply cooking or supplying food for people in grief, pain, need or recovering in hospital goes a long way. Gives you time and closeness to experience what else one can go to help them, without them asking for help. Or — just call and talk. Text not.
There is no “let me know if …”, just do it (take action!). This is the step that will launch to experience greatness beyond just expressing thankfulness to the universe. Do it without an anticipation of reciprocity, and the positivity of the action will overwhelm you…for a long time. And you know well what positive energy can create!! Boundless joy and prosperity beyond Imagination.
Are you ready to embrace? Wish you the best in success! | https://medium.com/@sincere.seeker/reaching-next-level-of-being-thankful-and-expressing-gratitude-518b60556a90 | ['A Sincere Seeker'] | 2020-12-31 10:55:31.246000+00:00 | ['Greatness', 'Positivity', 'Action', 'Motivation'] |
Party Time | When she next awoke something was unmistakably wrong. It seemed all the guests were already there. Betty sprang out of bed without thinking and rushed out to join the party. Why hadn’t Thea awoken her?
“Tommy!” She greeted her son with outstretched arms, “I’m so sorry I overslept,” but he didn’t reply or accept her embrace. “Are you angry, Darling? I am a hundred years old, you know, I’m allowed to oversleep.”
Still, he said nothing. She turned to her daughter Joanna. “Jojo, do you have a hug for your mother?”
Joanna turned away from her mother to speak to Tommy, “We can’t just sit here all day,” She touched his arm gently, “we’ll need to make some decisions.”
“I know. I’ll go talk to them,” but he didn’t actually move. He continued to sit there, staring off into space and ignoring his mother.
“Jojo, what’s wrong with Tommy?”
“C’mon, Tommy. I’ll be right with you. Let’s go see her.” Joanna stood taking his hand and pulling him up.
“Wait. Jojo, Tommy… Wait! Why aren’t you speaking to me?” Betty followed them down the hall to her room.
Thea joined them from the nurse's station as they passed. “She was so excited for her party today. She was dressed and ready by eight am and had tired herself out. She asked for a nap but made me promise not to let her oversleep. When I went in to wake her she was already gone. I’m so sorry. She was a wonderful woman. We all loved her very much.”
Betty, listening, felt the world tilt on its axis, “Thea… What? Am I…? What about my party? I wanted to see my whole family.”
They paused silently at the doorway to her room for a moment, taking a breath to prepare themselves. When they crossed the threshold Betty could see herself, her body, the shell which had contained her for all of one hundred years, lying motionless in the bed. It was a strange sensation to stare at her unmoving body from outside as if she hadn’t recently been tethered to it but it suddenly made sense…
She had leapt out of bed and ran to greet her children. Why hadn’t she realized that was odd? And had she really thought they would be angry she had been late? They weren’t talking to her because they couldn’t see her!
“Oh my God, I’m dead. Some party this turned out to be…”
Originally published for Instagram’s Romance Writer Challenge June 2019
Prompt day 11 “Party Time” | https://medium.com/lit-up/party-time-28273644583b | ['Natolie Webb'] | 2019-06-19 19:27:43.831000+00:00 | ['Short Story', 'Life', 'Old Age Home', 'Fiction', 'Death And Dying'] |
11 Signs You’re an Empath | Are you an empath or a highly sensitive person?
If you’ve ever heard that sentence “you’re just too sensitive”, then this is for you. Here are 11 signs that you might be highly sensitive and/or an empath:
You can sense other people’s emotions easily
You’re sensitive to coffee, alcohol, or other substances
You get anxious easily
You find crowded spaces overwhelming
You can’t tolerate loud noises
You hate clutter
You don’t like being rushed
You can sometimes smell things before other people, and intense smells can be upsetting
You can “read a room” when you enter it
You feel other people’s energy
You don’t like seeing violence on TV and in movies as it affects you more than others
If you said yes to a number of these, then you’re likely an empath. Congrats, you’ve got superpowers, my friend! Even though the above list reads a little like we’re not capable of surviving in this world, we sure can thrive. Trust me. In fact, empaths make great salespeople, designers, colleagues, and many more.
Crowds — an empath’s night mare!
Especially to the men out there — your sensitivity is a super-power even if it breaks with the toxic and let’s be honest long outdated beliefs of what it means to be a man (like men shouldn’t show emotions or other stupid outdated ideas about masculinity). I say this because we traditionally give women a little more room to be sensitive. But there’s a big but: unless you know how to recharge, manage your own energy, and harness the gifts without burning or numbing out, it’s probably more a curse than a gift.
I walked around in this world for 30+ years without knowing I was an empath. I just thought everyone else experienced the world in the same way that I did! I didn’t realize my ability to tune into others was a special gift: that I could look at someone’s face and know exactly what they were feeling. Or that I could sense when something was off long before a word was spoken in a room. It was also why I was so good at designing UX, customer service, and generally connecting with people around the world (before I changed my career and became a Mental Health Coach!). But it was also a burden as I often took on the pain of others, not realizing how to set energetic boundaries.
Really leaning into my sensitivity and understanding what sets me apart from others was a huge part of healing my decade long high functioning depression. With proper self-care, boundaries, a strong sense of self-worth, and developing a strong sense of awareness, I’ve figured out how to navigate the world despite my sensitivities. Or better, I have developed deep gratitude for them, and wouldn’t trade them for anything!
Here are some practical tips to help you thrive:
Take time to recharge in nature and make sure you get enough alone time
Practice grounding techniques before you enter buildings or social settings, such as taking a few breaths, and feeling the ground beneath your feet
Avoid coffee, violence, news, and crowded spaces
Practice saying no to people that suck your energy and physically remove yourself from situations if you get overwhelmed
Clear your energy regularly through activities such as walking, swimming (water is an excellent cleanser!)
An empath’s happy place: nature and close to the ocean — oh and hi, it’s me, Audrey!
Are you an empath? Tell me in the comments. If you have further questions, ask away and I’ll do my best to help you in the comments!
I’m also hosting a 60-min live training next week talking about the 9 key things that helped me heal years of struggling with low moods and finally come to a place of inner peace and joy. Join me here: http://bit.ly/3mJ9BJX | https://medium.com/@audreylouisa/11-signs-youre-an-empath-91b8e01b7b3f | ['Audrey Johnson'] | 2020-12-23 15:48:52.418000+00:00 | ['Healing', 'Mental Health Awareness', 'Highly Sensitive People', 'Empath', 'Mental Health'] |
Paint Me The Truth | If you were a painter how would you paint me?
Would you draw me side by side with you,
Or just me standing alone.
Would you paint me a view?
Or only an empty sky
Would you use long steady strokes
Or tight thin lines?
Would you remember how to draw the joy in my eyes,
Or would you put two brown orbs, and call it fine.
If you drew me how you saw me…
What would I find? | https://medium.com/@emity/paint-me-the-truth-5e2a97a7cce3 | ['Emery S.'] | 2020-12-21 01:03:35.096000+00:00 | ['Relationships', 'Love', 'Poetry', 'Art', 'Painting'] |
Everything I Learned by Self Taught Programmer | A few years before, I am a novice programmer. I hardly need help to climb one of the mountains in a programming world. To me, it became very difficult to follow some programming courses.
I decided to write my first error-free program. To my surprise, the error count is greater than the Lines of Code (LOC) in my program. That’s where my first step started correcting myself and kicking out the errors from my programs.
Things I Learned
Learning is inevitable.
I Stopped Thinking Bigger
Photo by christopher lemercier on Unsplash
At the beginning of my programming career, I rush myself to think out of the box to code and get fame in a short period of time. It brought me anxiety and sleepless nights. I did not even cross the line of basic programming. Though I read the programming books continuously, nothing has reached my mind. Then I realized and focussed on learning the basics. One must have strong basics in a programming language.
There are no overnight programmers.
No Basic No Logic
Copying Others Coding Style
Photo by Fotis Fotopoulos on Unsplash
Copying is not a shame thing at least for programmers. I can say we learn more by copying. No matter how good you are at programming, one has to copy something from someone.
Don’t copy same thing twice. Before, copying I read and understand the flow of code and residing requirement. Next time when I hit with a similar requirement, my mind automatically drives me to code in the right direction with better lines of code.
It is not a shame to copy from others, but don’t copy twice
Disable AutoCompletions
When I saw the AutoCompletion for the first time, I felt it like magic and very excited to use them. After fewer days, I forgot function names in a library. AutoCompletion has turned me into a lazy fellow. I stopped remembering things as editor is taking care by displaying available functions in a module or a class whatever.
So, I decided to disable auto completions while learning the programming language and enabled it later for fast development.
Mastering Coding Editor
Vim Editor
I started with NOTEPAD and currently using VIM. I almost touched every famous editor for coding. I have spent at least 3 months per editor. Initially, I just used the editor like a slate and that slowed my coding. I have to spend hours on just two pages of code. Then I looked at the docs for my editor using and started tweaking. I developed own snippets for a particular language of code.
I felt navigation to files in a project eats most of our time and it is where most of the time gets wasted. Instead of traveling the whole path to reach the file, my keybindings to search files at the project level and folder level helped a lot. So, the mastering editor will boost up your coding speed.
Make the Coding Editor to work fast and for you.
Daily Coding & OpenSource
Photo by Kevin Ku on Unsplash
I made coding as habit. To enjoy coding you must make it habit and no excuse. I ran out off concepts to code daily. So, I googled some coding snippets and try to re-develop using different data types and logic. It’s is just a coding exercise not creative. This improved my way of thinking about problem-solving.
I choose Github gists to explore code snippets in the language I prefer to code. Sometimes, I write gists to use those snippets for future references and this is the best place to organize our coding snippets.
Soon this habit turned me to write a library. The library is not rocket science, it should just make the developer coding easy and speedy. Writing my first library brought me more confidence. I felt like I have created something useful to fellow programmers. Now I am one of the OpenSource programmers.
Reading Code
Photo by Nicole Wolf on Unsplash
Like we all had the habit of reading a NewsPaper, programmers have to read the code from other libraries. This helped me writing an error-free code and changed my coding style as well. I read code and follow the flow of code and try to implement that style inside my current working projects. No doubt it brought me some appreciation and my code looks more like an expert-written.
From then I don’t compromise in code quality. I find it is good to be more explicit though more typing is required. Being explicit made my code easy to understand and brought more flexibility to handle and update things in the future when the business is scaling up.
Don’t just read the code, catch the flow and usage of a term
Searching is an art, develop it.
Photo by Benjamin Dada on Unsplash
No doubt the Internet is a programmer’s best friend. Whenever doubts strike my mind, I google them first. Most of them are solved. It saved my development time. Programmers are very kind in nature to help their fellow programmers.
Whenever I don’t get the relevant results, I change the way I search. I just focus on the language name and keywords. That is more sense than typing phrases in the google search bar. I realized that I shouldn’t confuse Google by providing more information.
Don’t shy to ask fellow programmers
Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash
There are questions in my mind with no exact answers. I don’t know how to solve them. I initially felt shy to ask questions to people as I thought that they’ll judge my coding ability. Later I realized that no programmer has time to judge another fellow programmer. I started posing various questions related to concepts where most of them start with WHY and HOW.
I kept chatting with a stranger programmer on various platforms explaining my requirement and my initial approach. I got the best answers from them directly or indirectly. This changed my approach to solving big problems. This helped me to develop intercommunication.
Stopped Reading Programming Books ( Vs ) Started Reading Articles — Journals
Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash
I used to read every available book for me. I just read them. Most of them taught me basics in that particular programming language. I don’t know how to level up my coding. This is where comes the online blogs, journals, and articles. The information in the book is vast whereas articles are straight to the point.
The books are good for a strong foundation and staging development. After reaching a certain level in programming, I stopped reading books for no reason until or unless someone suggests reading. I am fond of articles especially the step by step guides and tips and tricks. I followed different journals.
I don’t say I completely stopped reading books but I prefer more reading well-written articles.
Writing Up things (Blogging)
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
Beautiful thoughts come from a Beautiful Mind. Ideas are free to think. While I am reading articles, some free moving ideas strike my mind and ask me to write down. I don’t know why I started writing, but I just followed my mind. Writing made me explore things in deep. It let me think more from a different perspective.
As a programmer, I started writing down the language I used to code. It helped me to develop my knowledge as well. To write something I have to read everything available. I started picking up the subject from various resources and framed it into useful articles. Writing about programming brought me some good offers as well. I can show my publication as a part of my portfolio as well.
Writing is very tough to start and much easier to leave. I started and stopped writing at a certain stage. I came back. This time I have chosen the language I used to code and started learning deeper insights into the language. In parallel, I kept writing what I am learning and reading.
Writing is an expressive form to an idea
Get an Identity
Photo by Olya Kuzovkina on Unsplash
Why would someone need an identity?
Name and Fame are the only things that can’t be taken from someone. I have given myself the name BLACKODE. I used this name everywhere on the internet.
The origin of the name comes from my two lovable duties. I like to code at night. Nights are black. So BLACK is the one word. I love coding so CODE the other word.
Initially, I tried putting them together BLACKCODE. It looks very normal and formal. I just want it to be more catchy. The last letter in BLACK and the first letter in CODE sounds like a letter K. So, I just removed the C from CODE and mixed them to form BLACKODE. The letter K is now an intersection. This is how I built my brand and mark. It feels something to have own brand and name.
Closing Remarks
Teaching yourself is the thing that has more value. It let you learn deeper and makes you an expert in the domain you like. Take help from your mind and be productive.
Happy Coding & Keep smiling :)
Join Our Telegram Channel Blackoders to receive coding updates. We focus mainly on Thoughts, Ideas, and Code. | https://medium.com/blackode/everything-i-learned-by-self-taught-programmer-359320388ebe | [] | 2020-05-01 20:53:03.975000+00:00 | ['Coding', 'Programming', 'Self Improvement', 'Life', 'Lessons Learned'] |
Dependency Injection in TypeScript from scratch | By Liron Hazan, Senior Frontend Engineer at SentinelOne
In the following post, we’ll review the Dependency Injection as a technique which meant to help us produce a more loosely coupled code which is highly important when working on large-scale projects.
Loosely coupled code? Yep, In a multi-paradigm language, a practical system may contain Classes and Interfaces, putting Object Oriented approach and inheritance aside, a class that points to another concrete class becomes coupled to it and thus harder to refactor/replace implementations.
DI most simple form (that you probably know) is in passing the dependency into the consumer constructor as follows:
//Good:
class Bar implements BarStrategyImpl {
doSomething(){}
}
class Foo {
constructor(private bar: BarStrategyImpl){};
doSomething(){
this.bar.doSomething();
}
}// Example without DI:
class Foo {
bar: BarStrategyImpl;
constructor() {
this.bar = new Bar(); // Foo is coupled to Bar
};
doSomething(){
this.bar.doSomething();
}
}
Separation of concerns
In the above example, Bar has one concern (one responsibility) and so has Foo.
By injecting Bar into Foo we keep that separation and by doing that we gain:
If in the future we’ll want to use a different strategy, we’ll only need to replace the dependency without changing Foo — cause we managed the dependency outside of it. In case Bar is a shared service that we aim to instantiate once, we don’t have to implement it as a singleton, that will become the responsibility of the “injecting” layer which IMO keeps things looser. Unit testing is easier, we can just inject mock implementations into the class which is under test.
When do we need a DI system?
Usually when we bootstrap our program (configuring stuff which depends on one another).
Or when constructing an object which depends on several dependencies. Letting a dedicated third side handle it for us gets us a looser.
In the Javascript/Typescript realm, when working with frameworks such as Angular and Nest.js DI comes out of the box.
And there are libraries such as Inversify which can be used for adding a robust DI system into our product.
How to do it ourselves!
In order to implement our DI system in a generic way we will need to know:
How a class in our software is constructed?
Which of that class dependencies are actually instances of other classes?
How to instantiate in the right order (meaning if A depends on B which depends on C we’ll need to instantiate C first then B and then A)?
You’re probably asking yourself — But what if C depends on A? we’ll that’s circular dependency and that won’t work :)
Reflection to the rescue:
“The ability of a programming language to be its own metalanguage” (Wikipedia)
Meaning that at runtime we can get the metadata of our code parts and act accordingly (observe and modify if needed).
In our case: we’ll need to reflect if a dependency of a class is of type of another class.
But in Typescript we use interfaces, and interfaces only exist in design time, before transpiling the code to Javascript by the Typescript compiler.
What we do have in the Javascript standards today is the Reflect API which contains several static methods for interceptable JavaScript operations. Intercept means — to observe an action before it starts and act accordingly.
In Typescript the Reflect namespace has more options at design time.
TypeScript includes experimental support for emitting certain types of metadata for declarations that have decorators.
** Note: If you’re not familiar with decorators read here.
In order to have that reflective types metadata we’ll need to do the following:
1. Install: ‘reflect-metadata’. (currently, that’s the official recommendation, it will augment the Reflect namespace with the metatypes decorators)
2. In tsconfig enable following “Experimental Options”: “experimentalDecorators”: true, “emitDecoratorMetadata”: true
3. Decorate our injectables (services that other class will consume) so their parameter types metadata be emitted.
Let’s write some code:
First, we need to have a decorator for collecting metadata of the service class.
When we enabled the compilerOption we instructed the Typescript compiler to add type metadata to any decorated classes.
We’ll create the “Injectable” decorator as follows:
import {Ctr} from '../../../common/types';
type ClazzDecorator<T> = (target: T) => void;
export function Injectable <T>(): ClazzDecorator<Ctr<T>> {
return (target: Ctr<any>) => {
// this is needed so the design:paramtypes could be collected
console.log('inside: Injectable decorator');
console.log(target.name, ' is used');
};
}
Our decorator is just a function that returns a function that accepts the decorated class as an argument and returns nothing.
Second — decorate the injected service:
@Injectable()
export class DrawerService { .....
Third — creating the injector class — where the work happens
Going over the code we see that the instance resolve(…) method maps a class name to its instance.
The resolve gets the class we want to inject (constructor) and extract the dependencies (tokens) of it by using: Reflect.getMetadata(‘design:paramtypes’, target).
The “design:paramtypes” input is used in order to know which type are the function params (as mention earlier in this post).
To see it all wired together checkout the playable example.
Summing it up, dependency injection IMO is a technique worth knowing, it has many advantages as we saw and keeps our code cleaner and looser, but not every system needs a DI framework, a small system (or library) designed loosely will probably won't need it.
Cheers!
Liron
(Liron’s team is hiring- and you are welcome to join her. See open positions here). | https://sentinelone-tech.medium.com/dependency-injection-in-typescript-from-scratch-d1a4422043a0 | ['Sentinelone Tech'] | 2020-09-21 15:40:36.721000+00:00 | ['Coding', 'Frontend', 'Computer Science', 'Cybersecurity', 'Code'] |
2020 - The year that seeped into every pore of our being. | 2020 was challenging and inspiring. It was heart-breaking and joyous. It was both unique and utterly repetitive. And it was all of those things on both a global and a personal level.
I think of the Golden Gate Bridge in my adopted home of San Francisco.
At one moment the bridge was the site of normal rush hour traffic.
The next moment it was the site of a brave coyote venturing out further than usual because traffic had a ground to a halt as a result of COVID lockdowns.
Months later, in another moment that will be forever etched in the minds of those who bore witness, it was the site of a historic protest march in support of George Floyd.
I hope that the tragic murder of George Floyd, not to mention all of the other innocent BIPOC who have been murdered in this country, and the protests that followed, will forever be remembered as an ignition point for a seismic change in the way our country and the world confronts the issue of racism.
(Just this morning I began reading a book recommended to me by my sister by Ibram X. Kendi, How to be an Antiracist. I highly recommend it.)
The year in politics has been focused on so much that I’ll just say briefly that it’s hard to believe we went from a Trump impeachment vote and Biden barely surviving the Democratic primary with a clutch victory in the South Carolina to where we are today with Trump refusing to admit defeat and Biden just weeks away from being inaugurated.
As I said though, 2020 wasn’t just a year for massive global change, but also personal change.
Last week my father, who has been a widower for 4 years now, sold his home. He moved into it with my mother in 1977. I was born in ’78. Take a look at the photo. It’s vital to point out that they never had a gardener or landscapers or a lawn mower. They had each other. They built the house. The created that space. They tended the land. I don’t hesitate in comparing it to the Secret Garden and while it may not have been as violent it had a pulse just like the Overlook Hotel. It was home. And although I believe him when he says the time is right to say goodbye, it doesn’t make the sting any less painful.
Monkton, MD
As you can see from that picture it was this beautiful house nestled in a little forest. The pond in the foreground didn’t exist when they bought the land. It was a marsh area with several springs that regularly flooded the woods. So my father, with his zero experience digging ponds, dug that one. To say it was wonderful growing up with a pond in the backyard would be a severe understatement. But the pond was just part of it. The real blessing was two parents who broke their backs giving us everything we could have ever dreamed of having. Thank you Mom. Thank you Dad.
It wasn’t the only friend we would say goodbye to this year. Just a few weeks ago we lost my best friend’s father, Bud. I think I spent as much time at their house as I did at my own growing up. Bud was a kind, hilarious, gentle giant of a man. I always looked up to him like a father and I can still hear his laugh. Years after leaving high school I started doing standup comedy and I think a big part of my training as a kid on what was funny and what wasn’t had it’s roots in Bud. Thank you sir I’m a better man for having known you.
And so it was that 2020 seeped into every pore of our being.
On a personal note, I did something this year that I have never done with as much vigor. I wrote.
I co-wrote a screenplay called the Fort Hood Three, a historical drama based on a true story about three racially diverse soldiers who in 1966 stood together and publicly announced their refusal to fight in the Vietnam War.
That screenplay reached the Finals of the 2020 Page International Screenwriting Awards.
I also wrote a comedy feature called, Dollar Van. Inspired by Beverly Hills Cop and Friday, Dollar Van tells the story of two Brooklyn Dollar Van drivers and the adventure that ensues when an injured white undercover cop seeks refuge on their van.
That screenplay reached the Semi-Finals of the 2020 Screencraft Comedy Festival.
I wrote a half-hour comedy series inspired by my own life called, ‘He’s with Me.’ It’s the story of a successful woman and her recently laid-off boyfriend as they navigate societal norms about who the breadwinner should be.
Just yesterday I learned that I did not make it to the Finals of the Screencraft TV Pilot Festival. But I did make the Semis. Top 250 out of 5000. Not bad.
Inspired by AppleTVs The Morning Show I wrote a spec script for that series entitled, Fallout. I used it as a submission piece for entry to the Warner Bros Writer’s Workshop.
I also started a short film called, Sissy, co-written by my wife. I began work on a Spaghetti Western inspired film called, The Daisy Gun. I started another about my mom entitled, Dying Together. I started another drama about an attempted assassination, One Shot. I wrote a film inspired by the classic song, Stagger Lee. I also wrote copy, scripts and content for Team Whistle, AT&T5G, McDonalds, PayPal, and NetOne.
The search for a more permanent job resulted in test copy for an additional list of brands and companies including Sees Candies, Manscaped, Verizon Media, PayPal, Wells Fargo, and Super7.
Although I wasn’t ultimately hired by any of them I am getting quite good at getting to the third round of interviews with companies only to be told I’m not a good fit.
I’m writing all of it out in hopes that it will inspire you to do the same. I hope you’ll take a minute between all the news intake, the COVID updates, the political and social unrest to look directly at yourself in the mirror and take stock of what you managed to accomplish during this insane year.
Some nights I don’t sleep. I worry. And I stress. And I drive my blood pressure through the roof. And I forget to as Bing Crosby says, count your blessings.
We all need and should do this from time to time I think. Especially in a year like 2020. Where we’re being tested at every turn. Our health, our beliefs, our politics. The pressure can be daunting for everyone, but that doesn’t mean the opportunity to improve is lost.
So I’m curious, what is it you’ve accomplished this year? And don’t be modest. Let me know in the comments.
Happy New Year! | https://medium.com/@mattybaetz/2020-a-year-that-seeped-into-every-pore-of-our-being-96a644d44e6f | ['Matt Baetz'] | 2020-12-10 19:33:27.084000+00:00 | ['Love', '2020', 'Inspiration', 'Self Improvement', '2020 Presidential Race'] |
Classification of Microbes and Pathogenicity | To begin with, Microbes are diverse groups of organisms which not only include small microorganism but it has the widest range of the organism. For instance, it includes :
Unicellular groups(Archae, Eubacteria, Protista, some fungi and Chlorophyta).
Larger fungi (small organisms with multicellular structure)
And Viruses.
Microbial lineage and prokaryotic systematics
There are three main lineages of the microbial world namely-
Eubacteria
Archea
Eukarya
Hence, the Eubacteria and Archea combined considered as prokaryotes while the Eukarya or eukaryotes include viruses, protists, fungi, Chlorophyta.
Linnean system
Classification of organism into a suitable hierarchical group from higher to lower group is known as Linneaen classification or taxonomical. Thus the following is the classification where each level is described as a taxon(taxa) namely:
Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
HOMOLOGS, ORTHOLOGS, PARALOGS AND ANALOGS
Homology: Homologous that means the same origin. Therefore sequence homology is the biological homology between DNA, RNA and protein sequences defined in terms of shared ancestry in the evolutionary history of life. It usually means sequence similarity which is given in terms of per cent homology.
Orthology: Homologous sequences are orthologous if they descend from the same ancestry separated by a speciation event. They are species from a single gene from the last common ancestor.
Paralogy: Paralogous genes related to a duplication event. Thereby the genes which are the results from the mutation of duplicated genes and are completely products of separate speciation events.
Analogy: Analogous means having a different origin but the same function.
PROKARYOTES
Prokaryotes mean pro that is old and similarly karyon that means nucleus. Thus nucleus without a membrane and that is free-floating in the cytoplasm. Also, chromosomes are haploid, single and circular, complexed with histone-like protein. Since Ribosomes are smaller with 70s Svedberg’s unit. The cell division in prokaryotes is by binary fission or budding and the transfer of the genetic material might occur by any of the below methods such as conjugation, transformation, transduction.
Also, Flagella in prokaryotes are made of a single protein.
Cytoplasmic membranes- The prokaryotic cytoplasmic membrane is present between the cytoplasm and cell wall. It is a lipid bilayer made up of phospholipids. Some proteins do not pass through the membrane, some selective proteins sometimes pass through it and some proteins are embedded in the membrane. Although the cytoplasmic membrane does provide any kind of strength and rigidity to the cell, the membrane does some checks in the entry of a few particles into and out of the cell. The passage of gases is mostly through simple diffusion, however, water-soluble ions like sodium ion and potassium ion and water pass through the membrane by osmosis but some molecules move into and out of the cell only through an expenditure of energy by active transport. Thus the bacterial cell is reinforced with sterols instead of hopanoids that stabilise the eukaryotic cell.
Cytoplasm- Only 20% of the cytoplasm is constituting protein, lipids, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, inorganic ions etc and then the major remaining part is completely water. Since a prokaryotic is not the advanced version of the cell, it does not have endoplasmic reticulum and therefore ribosomes are also are found free in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, ribosomes are 70s Svedberg’s unit when undergoes sedimentation.
Therefore bacterial cell consists of some other components floating in the cytoplasm such as :
Inclusion bodies Carboxysomes Magnetosomes Phycobilism Mesosomes
Inclusion bodies :
Small concentrated stores of a certain substance in the cytoplasm, some of them are:
Volutin granules
Poly Beta-hydroxybutyrate granules
Glycogen granules
Sulphur granules
The genetic material in a prokaryotic cell is a free-floating genome uncovered, which includes two types of DNA present such as-
->Chromosomal DNA
->Extra chromosomal DNA
Structure of the cell
Cell wall-Hard outer covering of the cell, residing beneath a capsule or sheath and flagella. It maintains the cell shape and rigidity as well as also prevents any mechanical shock to the cell any also prevents it from bursting under hypotonic conditions.
External Structure
Flagella: Flagella are thin, hair-like helical protruding appendages responsible mostly for movement. Consists of three parts; Basal body, hook and filament.
Pilli or Fimbria: Pilli is non-helical, thinner and shorter, more in number on the surface of the cell. Motility is not their function but some pilus like the F. pilus is a sex pilli used for the exchange of genetic material during mating.
Slime layer or capsule: Capsules surround the cell wall and the chemical composition includes; homopolysaccharide, heteropolysaccharide and polypeptide (sometimes).
There are very vital functions of the capsule layer-
Prevent desiccation Blocks bacteriophage attachment Antiphagocytic Promotes attachment to the bacterial surface.
Spores or Cysts
Spores or cysts are thick-walled, highly refractile bodies as a defence mechanism in a harsh or extreme environment(heat, chemicals, radiation). Two types of spores formed mainly such as- Exospores and endospores.
Classification of bacteria on a morphological basis:
Based on shape:
Coccus- If the shape of the bacteria is spherical.
Diplococcus- cells divide in a plane and always pair up.
Streptococcus- cells divide in a plane and forms a chain.
Tetracoccus- cells divide into two planes and stays in a group of four.
Staphylococcus- cells divide in three places and form non-uniform bunches.
Sarcinae- cells divide into three planes and form a cubical arrangement.
2. Bacilli- Rod-shaped bacteria
Diplobacilli- cells divide into one plane and form pairs
Streptobaccili- cells divide in a plane and remain in chains
Palisade arrangement- cells divide into two planes and line up side by side.
3. Spirilla- Helical shaped bacteria.
4. Pleomorphic- Bacteria exhibiting different shapes.
Based on flagella arrangement on the surface of the cell.
Monorichous- If flagella are present at one end. Amphitrichous- If flagella are present at both ends. Petritrichous- If flagella are present all over the surface of the bacterial cell. Lipotrichous- If flagella grow from a single point in a cluster.
Growth
Growth is mostly by binary fission or budding. In addition without the presence of mitotic spindle, mesosomes help in duplication of a cell. As an example growth in bacteria shown by the increase in number than in size.
Therefore various phases of growth in bacterial cell -
Lag phase Log phase Stationary phase Death or decline phase
Lag phase — In culture, there is no immediate increase in population and the growth is stationary.
Log phase — The growth curve increases simultaneously giving rise in the population.
Stationary phase — The nutrient is getting exhausted hence the number of deaths is in equilibrium with that of the number of cells added to the population.
Death phase — The population drops due to exhaustion of nutrients and increase in toxic by-products of metabolism. | https://medium.com/@dikshitpallavi/classification-of-microbes-and-pathogenicity-75912dd392ca | ['Pallavi Dikshit'] | 2020-12-08 14:12:42.066000+00:00 | ['Microbiology', 'Cells', 'Biology', 'Immunology', 'Pharmaceutical'] |
Controlling common diseases could save the world from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. | Photo by the BBC.
By today, the “death toll from the COVID‐19 epidemic caused by coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2, which emerged in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China (World Health Organization, 2019), has surpassed the combined death toll of the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic of 2002–2003 and the MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) epidemic of 2013 combined (Mahase, 2020). This epidemic seems to be spreading at an exponential rate, with a doubling period of 1.8 days, and there are fears that it might progress to pandemic scales (Cheng & Shan, 2020). Yet, no SARS‐CoV‐2 therapeutics are presently available, albeit some treatment options which await validation have been published, including several broad spectrum antivirals such as favipiravir and remdesivir (Beigel et al., 2019, Li & De Clercq, 2020), the anti‐malaria drug chloroquine (Gao, Tian, & Yang, 2020), and a traditional Chinese herbal formula (Luo et al., 2020).” — (Angiotensin receptor blockers as tentative SARS‐CoV‐2 therapeutics)
The whole population, from the common citizen to the government members, wants a vaccine for the SARS-CoV-2 as soon as possible, but vaccines for the SARS‐CoV developed since its outbreak 18 years ago have not materialized to an approved product.
In addition, there have been concerns about vaccine‐mediated enhancement of disease, for example, due to pulmonary immunopathology upon challenge with SARS‐CoV. Moreover, even once a vaccine is approved for human use, high virus mutation rates mean that new vaccines may need to be developed for each outbreak, similarly to the situation with new annual influenza vaccines.
Could the Hypertension pills can fight the COVID-19?
Notably, angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) and its close homologue ACE2, while both belonging to the ACE family of dipeptidyl carboxydipeptidases, serve two opposing physiological functions. ACE cleaves angiotensin I to generate angiotensin II, the peptide which binds to and activates AT1R to constrict blood vessels, thereby elevating blood pressure. By contract, ACE2 inactivates angiotensin II while generating angiotensin 1–7, a heptapeptide having a potent vasodilator function via activation of its Mas receptor (Santos et al., 2003), and thus serving as a negative regulator of the renin–angiotensin system. These opposing actions of ACE and ACE2 were recently reviewed by Smyth, Cañadas‐Garre, Cappa, Maxwell, & McKnight, 2019.
The AT1R antagonists losartan and olmesartan, commonly applied for reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients, were shown to increase cardiac ACE2 expression about three‐fold following chronic treatment (28 days) after myocardial infarction induced by coronary artery ligation of rats (Ishiyama et al., 2004). Losartan was also shown to upregulate renal ACE2 expression in chronically treated rats (Klimas et al., 2015). In agreement with these observations, higher urinary ACE2 levels were observed in hypertensive patients treated with the AT1R antagonist olmesartan (Furuhashi et al., 2015). Taken together, these observations suggest that chronic AT1R blockade results in ACE2 upregulation in both rats and humans.
“ACE2 is the common binding site for both the SARS‐CoV of the 2002–2003 SARS epidemic and, most likely, also the SARS‐CoV‐2 strain underlying the current COVID‐19 epidemic. Hence, the suggestion to treat SARS patients with AT1R antagonists for increasing their ACE2 expression seems counter‐intuitive. However, several observations from studies on SARS‐CoV, which very likely are relevant also for SARS‐CoV‐2, seem to suggest otherwise. It has been demonstrated that the binding of the coronavirus spike protein to ACE2, its cellular binding site, leads to ACE2 downregulation, which in turn results in excessive production of angiotensin by the related enzyme ACE, while less ACE2 is capable of converting it to the vasodilator heptapeptide angiotensin 1–7. This in turn contributes to lung injury, as angiotensin‐stimulated AT1R results in increased pulmonary vascular permeability, thereby mediating increased lung pathology (Imai et al., 2005; Kuba et al., 2005). Therefore, higher ACE2 expression following chronically medicating SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients with AT1R blockers, while seemingly paradoxical, may protect them against acute lung injury rather than putting them at higher risk to develop SARS. This may be accounted for by two complementary mechanisms: blocking the excessive angiotensin‐mediated AT1R activation caused by the viral infection, as well as upregulating ACE2, thereby reducing angiotensin production by ACE and increasing the production of the vasodilator angiotensin 1–7. These aspects on the role of dysregulated ACE2 in SARS‐CoV pathogenesis are reviewed in detail by de Wit et al., 2016. Incidentally, following the SARS‐CoV epidemic of 2002–2003, ACE2 inhibitors were suggested as SARS therapeutics (Huentelman et al., 2004; Turner et al., 2004); however, this proposal has not led to new drugs.” — (Angiotensin receptor blockers as tentative SARS‐CoV‐2 therapeutics)
Losartan, telmisartan, olmesartan (and additional AT1R antagonists) are widely applied in the clinic since the 1990s for control of hypertension and kidney disorders, and are known as safe drugs that are rarely implicated in adverse drugs events (Deppe, Böger, Weiss, & Benndorf, 2010; McIntyre, Caffe, Michalak, & Reid, 1997). However, it should be noted that around half of SARS‐CoV patients developed hypotension during their hospitalization (Yu et al., 2006). At time of writing this commentary, no comprehensive information is available on hypotension rates among hospitalized SARS‐CoV‐2 patients; it is thus premature to estimate what percentage of SARS patients of the currently ongoing epidemic can be safely treated with AT1R blockers without risking exacerbated hypotension.
The tentative suggestion to apply AT1R antagonists such as losartan and telmisartan as SARS‐CoV‐2 therapeutics for treating patients prior to the development of acute respiratory syndrome remains unproven until tried. Knowledge gained from such datamining of clinical records seems crucial for reducing the mortality and morbidity of SARS‐CoV‐2. At the same time, efforts must be made for developing a SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine. | https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/controlling-common-diseases-could-save-the-world-from-the-sars-cov-2-pandemic-5499d449ec60 | ['Eliel Cruz'] | 2020-03-17 20:15:00.204000+00:00 | ['Health', 'Coronavirus', 'Co Vid 19', 'Science', 'Articles'] |
Code Smell 06 — Too Clever Programmer | Programming can be fun, so can cryptography; however they should not be combined. | https://medium.com/dev-genius/code-smell-06-too-clever-programmer-bffec35daf0b | ['Maximiliano Contieri'] | 2020-11-08 14:26:38.448000+00:00 | ['Clean Code', 'Code Smells', 'Programming', 'Complexity', 'Software Development'] |
ROSDING #3 | Learn more. Medium is an open platform where 170 million readers come to find insightful and dynamic thinking. Here, expert and undiscovered voices alike dive into the heart of any topic and bring new ideas to the surface. Learn more
Make Medium yours. Follow the writers, publications, and topics that matter to you, and you’ll see them on your homepage and in your inbox. Explore | https://medium.com/sholado/rosding-3-f066b2047b56 | [] | 2020-11-14 03:44:08.797000+00:00 | ['Rosling', 'Mern', 'Heroku', 'React'] |
The Self-Defeating Masquerade of the Future of Work | Proud freelancer? Or precarious worker?
Digital nomad? Or traveller on a budget?
Fierce solopreneur? Or laid-off worker without other options?
The Future of Work comes with a lot of buzzwords, brought forward by those of us who identify with them. I can’t help but wonder, though. Are we empowering ourselves with these new name tags? Or are we doing the powers that be a service by camouflaging an uglier truth?
I’m a freelancer. Somewhat of a nomad, too. And I honestly believe I wouldn’t have it any other way. I get to control exactly how much I want to work in order to optimize my income to free time ratio. I feel incredibly blessed, and whenever the going gets rough with work, I try to remember how fortunate I am to have so much flexibility.
No stable job could give me that. Right? Could it?
I’m starting to wonder.
What if work was five hours a day, four days a week? What if workplaces had integrated play areas with top-notch childcare? What if instead of gigs, we had written service agreements to ensure decent work conditions? What if…
Because the 9 to 5 formula is still so deeply anchored in our collective mind as the way work is, we feel like the only way out of it is to break free from the employment relationship altogether. Give up all the benefits. Social, financial, and otherwise. Employer, off the hook.
We turn around and sell them our services by the hour or milestone instead. No strings attached. We feel that’s the sacrifice we have to make if we don’t want to be tied down ourselves. We gotta admit though … we’re fooling ourselves a little bit.
The Great Mirage
As far as fooling ourselves go, no tribe illustrates the idea better than the digital nomads. Snapshots of their lives are portrayed as the holy grail of the wanderlusting freelancer. Working from a hammock, on a different tropical beach every week. Not a worry in the world.
Ugh
As any of you working from home would know, the image is misleading. Just think, how many times per week do you have to explain that no, you don’t spend your days watching movies in bed?
The same applies to travelling. Just like you can’t do the dishes and work on a line of code at the same time, you can’t exactly work and travel all at once. Ask any digital nomad, and I’m fairly confident they’ll say they’d rather be able to travel, period. They work because, like the rest of us, they have to.
A few decades ago, people could just check out for months, travelling on a dollar a day or something. How many times did you have to endure that story from your uncle, who shipped to India in the ’70s with nothing but 20 dollars in his pocket?
Nobody can do that anymore. If you want to travel for months or years on end, you have to keep working. And instead of becoming macramé experts and sitting on a city square to sell their crafts, digital nomads just take their laptop along for the ride.
It’s not a revolution. It’s merely an adaptation, a mutation. And I’m thinking maybe, by glorifying our lifestyle, whether we be urban solopreneurs or adventurous digital nomads, we’re silencing issues that should get our attention. The fact that we’re being squeezed ever tighter, and that valuing our freedom above all else is robbing us of any wiggle room. The fact that businesses might actually prefer a disenfranchised, low-maintenance work force to an organized network of people demanding a bigger share of the pie.
What Freedom?
Here’s the real difference between an employee and a freelancer:
An employee is paid for twice the hours she actually works.
A freelancer is paid for half of her labour.
Freelancers don’t get paid for showing up. Not for promoting our services. Not for our accounting. Not for our fifteen-minute breaks. Not for personal days, not for drafting emails, not for going to the bathroom.
We’re not paid to wait around. In theory, it follows that we shouldn’t be expected to respond to a request at a moment’s notice either. That’s what we hang on to. What we value. Time freedom.
Instant Response
Imagine an economy comprised almost entirely of independent workers. Businesses could operate with only a minimal core team, surrounded by an army of vetted freelancers. Whenever they need software coded, a proposal drafted, a website designed, they send out a request and within minutes they have someone on it.
Once we’re all freelancers, which it would seem is the direction we’re taking, we lose all the specific benefits of our situation and are left only with perverse effects.
We unwittingly went from freedom workers to starving worker bees, ready to jump at every notification of our mobile devices, afraid to miss any opportunity for revenue.
We successfully broke down the barrier between personal and professional, but the breach only runs one way. Work made its way into our family time, our bedroom, our outings with friends, our dinner and our play dates. But our personal lives have yet to be allowed into work.
Escaping the Good Fight
As I try to push the concept of a gig economy to its limits, all I can see is a grim outcome for everybody. Did we take a wrong turn somewhere? Did we take the coward’s path?
We should be having a very serious conversation about the structure of typical employer-employee relationships. But in our shortsighted quest for greater freedom, we disengaged and took the quick way out.
In doing so, we might have served the powerful a huge win on a silver platter. There are and always will be some exceptional success stories coming from the world of freelancers. But whether those accurately represent the reality most of us live in is a whole other question.
We should take pride in our work, and in our way of life. I’m not saying we shouldn’t. But we might also want to remain careful not to oversell it either. Dissolving traditional work structures is simply not a good idea for everyone.
There’s a lot of talk around automation and AI, how it could free up human time and allow us to do our best creative work. Or to just kick back on a beach, supported by our universal basic income.
The perspective enchants me. But I fear the advent of the glorified gig worker is a step away from that dream, which won’t just materialize out of thin air. We have to work towards it.
Maybe instead of talking happy hour in Bali, we should get talking about a shorter work week. A shorter work day. Flexible but not unlimited hours. Better plans for parental leave. Letting our personal lives permeate the work place. And stop fearing attachment so much.
Maybe, just maybe, a healthier relationship with an employer is better than no relationship at all.
What do you think? Do you ever feel like the perks of freelancing can’t make up for the lost benefits of employment? Let me know. I’m always just a ping away. | https://medium.com/future-of-work/the-self-defeating-masquerade-of-the-future-of-work-5b4dcfbbe521 | ['Jeremie Yared'] | 2018-02-27 13:47:28.623000+00:00 | ['Entrepreneurship', 'Digital Nomads', 'Freelancing', 'Gig Economy', 'Future Of Work'] |
Is the risk rally about to roll over as consolidation sets in ahead of payrolls? | Is the risk rally about to roll over as consolidation sets in ahead of payrolls? Hantec Markets Feb 7, 2020·8 min read
The initial moves of a recovery in risk appetite have shown signs of stalling in the past 24 hours. Perhaps it is simply down to consolidation ahead of today’s Non-farm Payrolls data, but the momentum of the recovery from earlier this week has lost its impetus. This comes as consolidation begins to set in on bond yields (a slight renewed flattening of the US yield curve since Wednesday’s close) and safe have assets such as the yen and gold begin to find their feet again. The narrative on the Coronavirus has not changed. The virus continues to spread at an accelerating rate as do the number of deaths (now confirmed at 636). The PBoC is promising measures to help support the economy, and whilst analysts are slashing forecasts of growth in Q1, the expectation remains that by Q3 there will be renewed activity which will mitigate much of the impact. Looking across markets, there is still a bias to buy the dollar. A hybrid of safety and also a degree of economic resilience has pulled the Dollar Index to test four month highs. The China Trade Balance for January is still yet to be announced and is expected to be fairly negative +$38.6bn exp, (+$46.8bn in December) with Chinese exports -4.8% exp (+7.6% in December) and Chinese imports -6.0% exp (+16.3% in December). Once out, this data could drive sentiment this morning. However, as the session goes on attention will turn to the January US jobs report. After the ADP numbers came in hot on Wednesday, another indication that the start of 2020 has been decent. A positive surprise would add fuel to the dollar strength but also with no prospect of any change to Fed policy (in the next few meeting at least), aid a risk recovery too.
Wall Street closed mildly higher as the S&P 500 hit all-time highs +0.3% at a close of 3345. US futures are tentatively lower today -0.1% which has seen a mixed session in Asia ( Nikkei -0.2% and Shanghai Composite +0.3%). In Europe, there is a slip back in early moves with the FTSE futures -0.2% and DAX futures also -0.2%. In forex, there is a mild bias back towards safe havens again today with JPY performing well and the commodities currencies ( AUD and NZD) weaker. In commodities, there is consolidation on gold and oil.
The US labor market report dominates the economic calendar today. The US Employment Situation report is at 1330GMT and is expected to see the headline Non-farm Payrolls grow by 160,000 jobs in January (+145,000 in December). Average Hourly Earnings are expected to grow by +0.3% on the month which would improve the year on year wage growth to +3.0% (+2.9% in December). US Unemployment is expected to remain at 3.5% again (3.5% in December).
Chart of the Day — EUR/CHF
We have discussed the safe haven bias on forex majors of recent weeks during the Coronavirus. However, there are signs that the market is just beginning to switch out of safety. This is reflected in what looks to be a slowing of the negative momentum on Euro/Swiss. The cross has been in a tight downtrend channel for almost two months now, but in the past few sessions there have been marked positive divergences forming across momentum indicators. The RSI is now around five week highs (confirmation of a recovery would be the RSI closing above 40). Furthermore, the MACD lines have bull crossed and are now advancing. These all look to be lead indicators for a potential rally on EUR/CHF. There has been a degree of consolidation with some very neutral, small-bodied candles on Wednesday and Thursday, but the very well-defined downtrend is now being tested. Watch the 21 day moving average (today at 1.0725) which has been flanking the decline since mid-December and if broken would again be a positive signal. For a shift in the outlook there would need to be a move above initial resistance at 1.0735. This would be a small base pattern up from the lows at 1.0662 and imply a recovery back towards the key 1.0810 old floor. The hourly chart shows initial support at 1.0690.
EUR/USD
A succession of negative candles has dragged EUR/USD back to now breach the key support around $1.0980. Although yesterday’s close was bang on the support, the market is now consistently breaching the floor on an intraday basis. This move has taken the pair to a four month low and opens a test of the crucial support at $1.0875. The bottom of the downtrend comes in at $1.0940 today which is also a minor support level from October. The concern is that in bearish configuration, momentum indicators also have additional downside potential, with the RSI around 35 Stochastics still tracking lower and MACD lines also deteriorating. Non-farm Payrolls could be a source of early consolidation today, however, the price action this week would suggest that the market is looking for dollar strength to continue. As such, intraday gains on EUR/USD should be seen as a chance to sell. The hourly chart shows resistance $1.0990/$1.1015 for payrolls, whilst any failed rally under $1.1035 is another opportunity.
GBP/USD
Cable stands on the brink of a key breakdown. For weeks, the support band around $1.2950 has been holding firm, protecting the $1.2900 December low. However, a solid negative candle yesterday was the first time this year that the market has dropped into the $1.2950/$1.3000 support band and not seen it as an opportunity. There is now a deterioration coming through on momentum indicators as the Stochastics confirm the breakdown and RSI drops to a four month low. The mild consolidation this morning comes ahead of payrolls data later, but a continued failure to not react back above $1.3000 would signal a shift in sentiment on Cable. The risk is now for a test of the $1.2900 December low. Taking a step back and on a multi-month basis this still looks to be a sideways ranging market, with the prospect that downward pressure could weigh back towards the November low at $1.2765 and still be in a medium term range. However, now there is a negative bias to the consolidation, something that has not been a feature previously. Initial resistance at $1.3000 and a lower high at $1.3070.
USD/JPY
The dollar recovery continues to build, in a move which is holding well above the pivot at 109.70. The bulls are well set up in the rally. Momentum indicators remain on their improving path however, with the RSI still just around 60 (historically bull runs tend to move to the mid-60s), whilst MACD and Stochastics line both have room to run following their respective bull crosses, there is upside potential in this move. However, a degree of consolidation is hinting this morning, as traders prepare for the payrolls report. Although momentum suggests the bulls are positioned to test the key January high around 110.30, intraday corrections should be seen as a chance to buy now. Support is initially at 109.70 above 109.25.
Gold
Once the six week uptrend was broken earlier this week, we turned near term neutral on gold. Despite the two marginally positive candles of the past couple of sessions, this is a position we feel continue to favour. This arises from what is an ongoing moderation in momentum indicators over the past few weeks. The RSI and MACD lines are tracking lower back towards neutral areas which suggests that rallies are now more of a struggle to sustain. Our neutral stance holds well as the market trades between the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement (of $1445/$1611) which is now an overhead basis of resistance at $1572, whilst also holding the support of the 38.2% Fib around $1548. An early slip back today is again moderating any renewed recovery momentum and holds the range between the two Fib levels. A third positive candle in a row to close above $1572 would begin to develop a more positive bias once more. The importance of the floor of support $1536/$1546 is growing.
WTI Oil
The prospect of a recovery was just put on ice yesterday as what had looked to be a second consecutive positive candle was dragged back into the close. A false start in the rally. However, the strong downtrend of the past few weeks has now been broken, whilst momentum indicators are threatening recovery signals. The importance of the near term resistance now around $52.15 is key. This pivot area would mark the completion of a small base pattern (which would then imply a recovery towards the more considerable resistance around $54.35/$54.75) if the bulls can decisive clear it. Once more, also there will be a focus on $50.50/$51.00 as support. A decisive breach would defer the near term recovery hopes and put pressure back on the recent low at $49.30.
Dow Jones Industrial Average
Another positive session has taken the Dow to a new all-time high. However, after the positive candlesticks of previous sessions this week, Thursday’s move was a little muted. Whilst the bulls have been running decisively higher, where filling the opening gaps has not even been contemplated, yesterday’s gap fill could harbour a slowing of the buying impetus. At least, on a very near term basis. Furthermore, the market only crept meekly to an all-time high (by just 6 ticks). Although daily momentum remains very positive and seemingly with upside potential, there could be the prospect of a near term retreat brewing. The hourly chart shows a little fatigue hinting on hourly MACD and hourly RSI both just fading slightly. Essentially, this is once more a very strong looking market and the outlook remains positive, but within this, weakness is still a chance to buy. There is a near term pivot band of support 28,950/29,000 which is an area the bulls will be looking at initially. We anticipate further all-time highs will be seen and a close decisively clear opens 30,000. | https://medium.com/@HantecMarkets/is-the-risk-rally-about-to-roll-over-as-consolidation-sets-in-ahead-of-payrolls-358e4683c3ed | ['Hantec Markets'] | 2020-02-07 10:19:11.226000+00:00 | ['Technical Analysis', 'Non Farm Payrolls', 'Currency Exchange', 'Market', 'Forex'] |
Descriptive Statistics: Expectations vs. Reality (Exploratory Data Analysis) | An easy descriptive statistics approach to summarize the numeric and categoric data variables through the Measures of Central Tendency and Measures of Spread for every Exploratory Data Analysis process.
Photo by Katherine Hanlon on Unsplash
About the Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)
EDA is the first step in the data analysis process. It allows us to understand the data we are dealing with by describing and summarizing the dataset’s main characteristics, often through visual methods like bar and pie charts, histograms, boxplots, scatterplots, heatmaps, and many more.
Why is EDA important?
Maximize insight into a dataset (be able to listen to your data)
Uncover underlying structure/patterns
Detect outliers and anomalies
Extract and select important variables
Increase computational effenciency
Test underlying assumptions (e.g. business intuiton)
Moreover, to be capable of exploring and explain the dataset’s features with all its attributes getting insights and efficient numeric summaries of the data, we need help from Descriptive Statistics.
Statistics is divided into two major areas:
Descriptive statistics : describe and summarize data;
: describe and summarize data; Inferential statistics: methods for using sample data to make general conclusions (inferences) about populations.
This tutorial focuses on descriptive statistics of both numerical and categorical variables and is divided into two parts: | https://towardsdatascience.com/descriptive-statistics-expectations-vs-reality-exploratory-data-analysis-eda-8336b1d0c60b | ['Gonçalo Guimarães Gomes'] | 2021-01-11 16:20:18.755000+00:00 | ['Data Science', 'Descriptive Statistics', 'Statistics', 'Pandas', 'Exploratory Data Analysis'] |
Our relationship with money and our experience of abundance (or not) | The vast majority of people I have asked about it, experience abundance as something that they hope to achieve in the future.
They believe that there are things that they need to do and things that need to happen before they can experience it. But is it true?
Yes and no.
If you don’t experience abundance in your life, it is only natural that you try to do something about it, one way or another. In whatever way you do it, spiritually, workwise or financially, I salute you for doing it. And, I also know this:
You deserve abundance now, not just in the future. Why? Because you are abundance. Your abundance is here and now. You don’t have to do anything to make it happen. It has happened already, before you were even born.
You come from an abundant Source. You are One with it. Abundance is your very nature.
In a way, the only thing you need to do, is to DISCOVER that it is so. And as you discover it, to appreciate it and to enJOY it.
Look, it is great to have desires and goals, and to do something to reach it, financially too. But it doesn’t mean that abundance as such is a goal to be reached.
Rather, abundance is something to be discovered. It is here already, and it is yours.
Where do you experience abundance already?
Where do you experience your life as less than abundant? | https://medium.com/@halinagold/our-relationship-with-money-and-our-experience-of-abundance-or-not-6b9ebdbae0c6 | ['Halina Goldstein'] | 2021-03-08 11:45:48.766000+00:00 | ['Abundance Mindset', 'Abundance Thoughts', 'Joyful', 'Money Mindset', 'Spiritual Awakening'] |
Introduction to Swing Trading | Swing trading is a strategy popular with both newbies and pros, which is used in various financial markets, ranging from stock to cryptocurrency. We have provided an overview of swing trading cryptos: learn how to apply the strategy and figure out whether it suits you.
Swing trading definition
This trading style is aimed at capturing short- and medium-term price moves over a period of several days to a few weeks. Swing trading is most efficient for volatile crypto markets, as traders can benefit from wide price swings during a lasting strong trend. By contrast, traditional markets don’t experience that frequent price changes, providing rarer opportunities to apply the strategy.
How does it work?
As outlined, swing traders take advantage of price moves happening over the short and medium terms. Thus, they have positions open for a longer time than day traders but less than HODLers. Such market players make predictions as to the price formation based on technical and fundamental analyses. They often make use of chart patterns, draw support/resistance lines, monitor such indicators as MACD, RSI, and so on.
Swing traders identify positive and negative trends with the help of high time frame charts. Traders also examine intraday time frame charts to figure out when to open or close a position but capitalize on the daily chart. That said, strategies vary, so the presented info provides only a general overview of the swing traders’ approach.
Swing trading vs. day trading
Day traders open short positions that are closed by the end of the day. They have to constantly keep track of the market and focus on short-term gains. In contrast, swing traders don’t need to monitor their positions so often, as they expect to benefit from the larger trend movements. This usually takes longer but brings a higher yield.
Unlike day traders who mostly use technical analysis, swing traders try to gain a broader perspective on market behavior through fundamental analysis as well as to benefit in the long run. Therefore, to choose the right trading strategy, you should decide for yourself which approach suits you best. The key points to take into account are the time frame and trading tools to rely on.
Summary
Swing trading may be perfect for beginners, as it gives time to elaborate on trading decisions without the necessity to act swiftly. At the same time, such a strategy promises a relatively quick return in comparison to long-term trading.
Some people opt for day trading as they are not ready to monitor the market 24/7. Others prefer opening longer positions to consider all the possible consequences carefully and develop a winning strategy.
You can try different trading styles to decide which one works best for you. If you lack experience and are afraid of bearing losses when testing various approaches, do paper trading first that doesn’t require the use of real assets. | https://medium.com/whitebit/introduction-to-swing-trading-99f54611c25f | [] | 2020-10-28 15:01:06.878000+00:00 | ['Trading', 'Swing Trading', 'Crypto', 'Articles', 'Cryptocurrency'] |
Love Is Why We Are Here | The wonders of life are absolutely mind boggling. We can hold our hands in front of our faces and purposely wiggle our index fingers back and forth with ease, although we don’t even begin to know how to create the atoms that make up the cells that make up the skin, bones, muscles and nerves that it takes to move our fingers. It just appears that we are moving our fingers back and forth, but we don’t have a clue as to how it is really being done.
Everything around us is being created so eloquently as to give us the experience that we are living our lives, when in truth, we do not know how we move, or talk, or think, or emote, or even ponder our own existence. When we observe all these wonders that life has to offer us through the eyes of Love, the wonder, beauty, excellence, and genius just seems to expand in every direction, moment by moment. It just keeps expanding forever and ever and it is so glorious that it boggles our minds.
But here on Earth there is also the other side of Love, which seems to be pain. And for every kind of Love, there is an opposite painful side, that hurts us when we see, feel, or experience it. And for thousands of years we keep asking ourselves, why?
If you had the job of teaching a brand-new soul how to understand the uses of the energy of Love, how would you do it? How do you teach a new soul how not to misuse her energy in any way? Could you set up a program that would show her all the hundreds of thousands of ways she (or someone else) could misuse their energy and have her watch it? If you did that and she spent years studying the program, watching all the ways the misuse of energy causes pain in herself or other souls around her, would she really be able to learn from just watching? Or would she need to actually experience the pain that is caused from the misuse to truly understand?
Well, if you look around you at the condition of our world, it is not hard to see how Goddess God has answered these questions. For the past five or more thousand years, we, as a human race have been living through a state of ignorance that has enabled all of us to learn firsthand what happens when people misuse their energy. The list of the atrocities that we (as a people) have had to experience is daunting. And the list is so long and big that it is a wonder that billions of us still get up every day and try to create a better day than the one we had yesterday. It is through the presence of the Love, that is within us, and all around us, that gives us that drive to keep moving through the pain that we experience while we are here. But what is its purpose? What is so important that it has seven or eight billion souls living through the hells that we find all around us on Earth?
As it turns out, not only does a soul need to experience the pain that is caused by the misuse of energy so that he can understand it completely, but he will also have to learn how to grow out of that pain through learning how to choose Love moment by moment. He will need to learn how to become Love, in order to develop the strength of character and Loving intelligence to never create that pain again.
Experience equals knowing, and a soul cannot move forward and harness the power of Goddess God, the power of Love, until she knows.
This is Love’s call to action.
It is a path to healing our pain through understanding and Loving action.
Because of free will, it is a choice that each one of us is being offered. If you choose to become Love and heal your pain, then this is why Growing Big In Love has been written, to show you how to do that!
www.Growingbiginlove.com | https://medium.com/@growingbiginlove/love-is-why-we-are-here-4d6eba5f81ce | ['Raven Braselton'] | 2021-01-01 17:08:44.921000+00:00 | ['Spiritual Growth', 'Personal Growth', 'Healing', 'Love Yourself', 'Love'] |
AES Implementation in Python | Implementing AES in Python
Fortunately, we don’t have to implement AES from scratch, but you can give it a try if you’re feeling spicy. In order to avoid doing so, we first need to install the pycrypto library, which can be done via pip with the following command:
pip install pycrypto
which should run without errors. Once pycrypto is installed, create a python file and write the following to import everything we need:
Now we are going to create a class for our AES cipher with the following constructor:
Lets take a quick walk through the constructor, it receives a key which can be of any length. Then we proceed to generate a 256 bit hash from that key. A hash is basically a unique identifier of a given length, 32 characters in this case, of any input no matter its length. This enables that you can pass the constructor your name or a phrase, and it will generate an unique 256 bit key for your cipher. We also set block_size to 128, which is the block size of AES.
Before we proceed to define the encrypt and decrypt methods for our AESCipher class, lets first create the __pad and __unpad methods.
Pad
The __pad method receives the plain_text to be encrypted and adds a number bytes for the text to be a multiple of 128 bits. This number is stored in number_of_bytes_to_pad . Then in ascii_string we generate our padding character, and padding_str will contain that character times number_of_bytes_to_pad . So we only have to add padding_str at the end of our plain_text so that it is now a multiple of 128 bits.
Unpad
In an opposite manner, __unpad method will receive the decrypted text, also known as plain_text and will remove all the extra added characters in the __pad method. For that we first must identify the last character and store in bytes_to_remove how many bytes we need to trim of the end of plain_text in order to unpad it.
Encrypt
With these two methods out of the way, lets implement the encrypt method
The encrypt method receives the plain_text to be encrypted. First we pad that plain_text in order to be able to encrypt it. After we generate a new random iv with the size of an AES block, 128bits. We now create our AES cipher with AES.new with our key , in mode CBC and with our just generated iv . We now invoke the encrypt function of our cipher , passing it our plain_text converted to bits. The encrypted output is then placed after our iv and converted back from bits to readable characters.
Decrypt
Now that we can encrypt text, but I’m sure we would like to be able to decrypt it:
In order to decrypt, we must backtrack all the steps done in the encrypt method. First we convert our encrypted_text to bits and extract the iv , which will be the first 128 bits of our encrypted_text . Much like before, we now create a new AES cipher with our key, in mode CBC and with the extracted iv . We now invoke the decrypt method of our cipher and convert it to text from bits. We remove the padding with __unpad and that’s it!
The AESCipher class should end up looking as the following:
All the code shown in this tutorial is publicly available in this Git Hub repository. If you want to play with AES or just check that your implementation was correct, try out this online AES Cipher. If you are intrigued about how AES works, feel free to pass by my article about it.
I hope you all found this tutorial useful, happy encryption!
Thank you. | https://medium.com/quick-code/aes-implementation-in-python-a82f582f51c2 | ['Pablo T. Campos'] | 2020-05-03 00:53:23.915000+00:00 | ['Python', 'Security', 'Good Practices', 'Tutorial', 'Cryptography'] |
Learn Adobe Photoshop 2021 Tutorials | Adobe Photoshop 2021 Tutorials
In the late 2020 release Photoshop 2021 offers many fun and exciting features available to creators that doesn’t require a whole lot pre-requisite knowledge. From the sky replacement, pattern preview, to the neural filters where you can age someone’s face or apply makeup from a model to another photo we have you covered.
How to get Adobe Photoshop 2021
Adobe has made the shift to offering cloud based software. What this mean’s is that you will need to pay a monthly fee to access their latest and greatest software. The $9.99 package gives you access to Adobe Photoshop 2021, Lightroom, and Adobespark (Similar to Canva). I’ve subscribed to the Adobe Creator Suite which gives me access to All the Adobe Programs from Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat and more. You can use my affiliate link to subscribe here at no extra cost. I’m also subscribed! You can also purchase the Seagate external hard-drives which are essential for videographers and creators . Some of them offer 2 or 3 months access to Adobe Photoshop.
Sky Replacement
I first saw the tutorial on Peter Mckinnon’s Youtube channel so credit to him for getting me back into Photoshop 2021. The sky replacement can be done in a minute simple open your photo with a sky and find sky replacement under the edit menu.
Pattern Preview
This feature allows you to visualize your own pattern within minutes (view->pattern preview) and the most important step is to add this as a pattern to your asset library under the patterns panel. I’ve used a screengrab from bokeh video of christmas lights to create a pattern. You can use this as a fill for shapes or apply it to your background.
Neural Filters
The neural filters will turn out to be one of the most entertaining features of Adobe Photoshop 2021. You can access it from the Filters Menu ->Neural Filters->Beta Filters. Most of the face changing features for changing your eye gaze, adding thicker hair, changing emotions, and changing age are found under Smart Portrait. You can also use other neural filters like makeup transfer to apply makeup from one person to another. You can see that all the neural filters are in beta and there are many more planned. Be sure to watch the video so get the step by step.
Troubleshooting neural filters: For best results be sure to make sure your photo is cropped to focus on your subjects face, they are look directly towards the camera, and that the photo is bright enough.
If you would like to learn more about Adobe Photoshop 2021 including my full workflows as a Creator and Youtuber be sure to check out our Free Adobe Photoshop 2021 Online course. By clicking the link below | https://medium.com/@greghung/learn-adobe-photoshop-2021-tutorials-44154b9f3dc5 | ['Greg Hung'] | 2020-12-23 20:00:47.260000+00:00 | ['Photoshop 2021', 'Photoshop Tutorials', 'Graphic Design'] |
Sierra Hull LIVE! at Toms River’s Grunin Center | By Spotlight Central. Photos by Love Imagery
The stage is set for musical excitement this Saturday, February 2, 2018 evening at Toms River, NJ’s Grunin Center for the Arts for a concert featuring Grammy-nominated mandolinist Sierra Hull.
Hull, 26, was born in Byrdstown, Kentucky where she attended Pickett County High School before accepting a full scholarship to Boston’s Berklee College of Music.
Sierra began playing the mandolin at the age of eight and self-released her first album, Angel Mountain, when she was only ten. As a youngster, her parents took her around to numerous bluegrass festivals where she eventually came to the attention of representatives for Rounder Records, which still serves as her record label. For Rounder, at 15, she recorded Secrets and at 20, Daybreak.
Hull’s latest Rounder recording is Weighted Mind, produced by the acclaimed banjo player Béla Fleck. The album also features talented acoustic bassist Ethan Jodziewicz, with vocal contributions by Hull’s longtime mentor, Alison Krauss. The album earned Hull a 2017 Grammy Award nomination for Best Folk Album.
With a “Sierra Hull” backdrop portraying birds in flight and a road meandering through a field, Hull takes the Grunin Center stage along with accompanist Ethan Jodziewicz. The duo opens with a number which suggests Hull’s studies at Berklee — a school known for jazz education — a brilliant rendition of jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter’s haunting composition, “Aung San Suu Kyi,” arranged for mandolin and bass. | https://medium.com/spotlight-central/sierra-hull-live-at-toms-rivers-grunin-center-184c6dcbb980 | ['Spotlight Central'] | 2018-02-16 13:24:04.249000+00:00 | ['Jazz', 'New Jersey', 'Music', 'Bluegrass', 'Country'] |
I’m with Tom Steyer: It’s the Economy, Stupid | When I saw Tom Steyer on the debate stage in Manchester Friday night, I knew that he has it what it takes to take down Donald Trump on the economy. As a member of the Town of Rye’s budget committee, I am a strong believer in responsible fiscal leadership. Budgets are moral documents, and any honest observer would conclude that our current government is immoral; our fiscal priorities are way out of whack. From engaging in endless wars for foreign oil to slashing investment in public health and education to handing massive tax breaks to multinational corporations and the ultrawealthy, our government has failed to make critical steps to address wealth inequality.
We may have low unemployment right now under this administration, but that obscures the fact that many of these jobs are low-paying and folks need to take on multiple jobs just to barely scrape by. Corporate productivity and profits have soared, as worker wages continue to stagnate.
The nature of wealth inequality we see in our state and country today is truly abhorrent, with over 100,000 Granite Staters living at or below the poverty line as of 2019 and over 23,000 households earning less than $10,000 annually. The gap between the ultra-wealthy and the rest of us is greater than ever before. It’s an issue I have heard almost every presidential candidate talk about, but there is only one whom I trust to properly address the issue: Tom Steyer.
Through his words — but more importantly his actions — Tom has shown that he is committed to economic justice for all Americans. His background includes building both a successful, multi-billion dollar international business and grassroots movements to pressure Congress to impeach our criminal president and to pass meaningful legislation to address our climate crisis. Tom is the only candidate who can go toe-to-toe with Trump on the economy, and expose him for what he is: a fraud and a failure.
Tom has the knowledge of markets and movements to know that the only way to build real economic prosperity for all Americans is to put people over profits. In Rye, I see the disparity between low and high-income residents growing wider and deeper, and getting worse than ever under the morally bankrupt policies of this administration.
While the Trump administration has cut funds for food stamp programs and disability benefits for Americans in the most need, Tom would expand access to those programs, because he knows that people living in poverty need a hand up to break out of it. The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that children, the elderly, or disabled make up about two-thirds of food stamp recipients and that 40 million Americans received nutritional assistance in the average month in 2018.
Unlike Trump’s tax policy, which has given one tax break after another to major corporations and ultra-wealthy individuals, Tom’s plan offers a 10% tax cut to 95% of Americans. In a state with an unemployment rate as low as New Hampshire, our working families deserve a tax plan that lifts them up and puts them on an even playing field. Tom will work to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit, which puts money directly in the pockets of hardworking families. He would also expand the Child Tax Credit, which would help countless families pay for necessary expenses by reducing the overall amount of owed taxes.
Tom’s wealth tax plan is as fair a plan as it gets: anyone worth $32 million or above pays 1 penny on the dollar. At $500 million, that number increases to 1.5 pennies. And at $1 billion, two pennies on the dollar, a far cry from the protestations of socialism from the conservative pundit class.
Even with a wealth tax proposal that modest, the country can expect to raise over $1.7 trillion in tax revenue in just over a decade. Revenue like that would go far in making the necessary investments that New Hampshire desperately needs in well-paying jobs, affordable health care, and a smooth transition towards a green energy economy.
Putting money in the pockets of 95% of Americans is an investment in every community, and it’s the right thing to do to start making our economy work for everyone. The bottom line: if Democrats are going to beat Donald Trump in November, we must beat him on the economy, and Tom Steyer is the best candidate for the job. | https://medium.com/tom-steyer/im-with-tom-steyer-it-s-the-economy-stupid-ee7c55e41eb2 | [] | 2020-02-25 19:59:51.236000+00:00 | ['Debate', 'Democrats', 'Economy', 'New Hampshire Primary', 'Tom Steyer'] |
Releasing the Dether App - Your DeFi cash-to-crypto on/off ramp | A little over a year has passed since we launched the Dether beta app. Taking into consideration the feedback of our community of users, we’ve made great strides on Dether’s roadmap and are excited to present the new features of the Dether app to you today!
Our mission
Since the beginning of the project, our mission has always been and remains to break barriers to cryptocurrency adoption by creating a bridge between cash and crypto.
What is the Dether App?
The Dether App is your decentralized mobile application to buy and sell crypto locally with cash — no bank account needed, and no fees taken by us. First launched on testnet in 2017, then on mainnet in August 2018, the Dether app creates a direct bridge between cash and crypto. With this stable release, we have built a frictionless solution for individuals willing to trade crypto with others.
What can you do with the Dether App?
✔️Build your crypto portfolio: store Bitcoin, ETH & all ERC20 tokens (Upcoming: Polkadot and Kusama)
✔️Buy crypto: use cash to purchase BTC, ETH and ERC20 from other peers in over 140 countries
✔️Sell crypto: turn your phone into a mobile crypto ATM and make money from it
✔️Exchange crypto on a decentralized exchange : swap ETH to ERC20 tokens and vice versa
✔️Locate crypto shops around you that accept crypto as a means of payment
What’s new in this release?
With many exciting new features and improvements, we have organized them around five main elements.
1 — Get your zone: A new way to own land on Ethereum | https://medium.com/dether/your-new-cash-to-eth-on-off-ramp-releasing-the-new-dether-app-3e9f0c14ce1 | [] | 2020-08-26 13:36:05.958000+00:00 | ['Blockchain', 'Ethereum', 'Dether', 'Cryptocurrency', 'Tokenswap'] |
My Own Time | Photo credit: Pixabay
So between my pending surgical procedures and my mother-in-law’s recent diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma, I find myself “working” from home again. I helped my client find a full-time caregiver since I am no longer able. Ok, so I haven’t exactly figured out where the money will come from yet, however, I have been working hard, taking more classes in copywriting, doing little projects and sending work out here and there. Suddenly though, my family seems to think that just because I no longer work outside the house, that I have all the time in the world! “You aren’t doing anything now, you should be able to go shopping when you want, take Claudette to all of her appointments, etc.” Uh, no. What I said was, if I was able to, I wouldn’t mind doing what I can for whomever needs it to keep my husband, or brother-in-law from missing any work. That doesn’t mean I’m at everyone’s beck and call 24/7! I’m trying to write here, I’m working on my own time, fulfilling my dream of becoming a freelance writer, not twiddling my thumbs at home. And actually, it isn’t my whole family making me feel that way, just my sister-in-law. She really doesn’t get it I guess, that what I do here IS a job. Even if I haven’t made any big money yet, just pennies really. But someday, I’ll have it all worked out. Alright, just had to get that off my chest, rant over. Anyone else ever feel that way? I know you do, I’ve heard it before from many of you writers out there. How do you deal? What do you say to these non-believers that your work is justifiable? Me, I’m just waiting until that day the check arrives in the mail, or I finally sign that first client. Then I can show her and say, “Told ya.” | https://medium.com/100-naked-words/my-own-time-30e7b4268abe | ['Kim Smyth'] | 2017-10-12 19:01:01.134000+00:00 | ['100 Naked Words', 'Freelance Writing Jobs', 'Work Life Balance', 'Writing'] |
Community Heroes | Last week community developer Hash512 (on Discord) achieved a major milestone with the launch of the NavCoin m8 staking device. We covered its specs in detail in last week’s NavCoin Community News, and now it’s available for sale through the NavCoin m8 website. This is the culmination of many months hard work, and is another example of the amazing things can be achieved by the NavCoin community. Get your NavCoin m8 here:
https://www.navcoinm8.com
You can get in touch with Hash512 via the m8 Discord channel. Maybe there’s something you could do to help out?
https://discord.gg/4z6GPf
To show his support for the NavCoin m8 project Beekart created this banner.
If you’d like to help spread the word, then feel free to share this post by HaShForce101 on Twitter and show your support.
https://twitter.com/HaShForce101/status/1031413087742488576
Developer Updates
As part of the development of the NavCoin m8, Hash512 has been working with community member Sakdeniz. They have just completed testing Sakdeniz’ NEXT wallet on NavCoin m8, running a mix of 32-bit and 64-bit daemons for NavCoin and several more coins. What’s more, the Nexus QT wallet is likely to be confirmed as a supported wallet on NavCoin m8 later this week.
The people behind the NavCoin Telegram Bot have announced the first hot/atomic swaps on Telegram. Now you can exchange NAV-BTC, NAV-LTC and a range of other currencies all within Telegram itself. Here’s their announcement:
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=4681289.msg44242506#msg44242506
Community developer BuckoNZ is building an Odroid stakebox for NavCoin. He reports that he has performed four key tests to determine whether the NavCoin Core build on the Odroid XU4 is working correctly, and all four tests were successful. More details of this project can be found in this thread on the Odroid Forums:
https://forum.odroid.com/viewtopic.php?f=98&t=31824&sid=a44c664624289672bcd308d2232de963
Work continued on rolling out the refreshed NavCoin.org website. Once pages are revised or new pages are built they will go live, so make sure to keep an eye out for them. The objective is to make NavCoin.org a more effective resource for developers in the community by providing the tools and support they need to build their own projects.
Craig has started working on his NavCoin Protocol lmprovement Proposal (NPIP004) — the static reward implementation, which is intended to shift NavCoin towards being compliant to the Proof of Stake v3 protocol. You can read Craig’s thoughts on why it’s important here:
https://medium.com/nav-coin/npip004-static-block-reward-70c3a1a1b4e8
Because implementing this NPIP will require a consensus change, it will be subject to extensive discussion and testing, before it’s put up for a vote by the network.
Core Content Creators
The Content Creators have been working closely with Core Developers on refreshing NavCoin.org to ensure that they have the content they need. Alongside that, they’ve been preparing video content for NavCoin.org, NavCoin OpenAlias and the Community Fund. A PR plan is in the works for the Community Fund too. It’s the world’s first dual vote fund, so it’s important that journalists have the information they need to produce accurate articles about this unique initiative.
As always, creating social media was a key part of the week’s work. Posts were created for the Community Fund and NavCoin OpenAlias. They are highlights of the NavCoin ecosystem and will be an ongoing presence on social to ensure as many people as possible hear about them and get involved.
The Community Fund is still under testing, but NavCoin OpenAlias registrations are open now. Have you claimed your NavName yet? It’s easy and only takes a moment.
http://openalias.nav.community
That’s all for this week,
NavCoin Core | https://medium.com/nav-coin/community-heroes-a8db4e462a64 | [] | 2018-08-22 20:34:30.995000+00:00 | ['Bitcoin', 'Blockchain', 'Cryptocurrency', 'Navcoin'] |
How long does it take to climb a tier if your win rate is 52%? | How long does it take to climb a tier if your win rate is 52%?
Let’s say you have a 52% win rate on your main. That would be really good! Very few champions have consistent win rates that high. You’d be OP.
And let’s say you need to win five games more than you lose to get to the next tier.
How long would it take you?
How many games should you expect to have to play to climb out of your tier?
Try to guess. Maybe you think around ten to twenty games? Or maybe you are a glass-half-empty kind of person and think it’s like a thousand games, or simply impossible.
The answer can be calculated mathematically. The formula is just:
n / (2p — 1)
where n is the extra number of wins you need, and p is your win rate. See for example here for details.
If you’re at a 52% win rate and need five extra wins, you should expect to play 125 games to climb out. One hundred and twenty-five! That’s a lot of games for an OP champ with such a high win rate.
Here’s a table of the number of games it would take for different levels of your win rate:
WIN RATE | NUMBER OF GAMES NEEDED
51% | 250
52% | 125
53% | 84
54% | 63
55% | 50
56% | 42
57% | 36
58% | 32
59% | 28
60% | 26
Look at that! There are some really interesting takeaways from this chart.
The obvious point is that a small difference in win rate makes a BIG difference in the time it takes to advance tiers. By just improving your win rate from 51% to 52% you save yourself 125 games. Improving from 52% to 55% saves you another 75 games. At ~30 minute matches, this amounts to weeks of playing time you could save by improving your play — thereby improving your team — and moving on up to the next tier.
Put another way, if your win rate was 51% and you dedicated 100 hours to improving your skill such that your win rate increased to 55% — you’d make the next tier faster than if you had just kept queuing up.
You actually save time by focusing on improving, rather than rushing through matches trying to advance.
Second, this explains why the rise and fall of ranked play can seem so dramatic for people. If you just go on a small-sample-size streak, you can move really far up or down. But you might not see a statistically significant change in your win rate until you’ve played dozens or even hundreds of games.
But just because it is hard to see the difference statistically through wins doesn’t mean it is not there. If you are a better player, maybe there are other ways to measure your improvement. Are you farming at an elite level? Are you focusing their carry in late game? Are you warding like the best players in your tier? Are you covering the map enough?
If you could get good metrics like these for your games, you could see your own improvement, even if it would take some time for the statistical results of your win rate to show up. But you will start climbing at your faster speed. | https://medium.com/@pmaymin/how-long-does-it-take-to-climb-a-tier-if-your-win-rate-is-52-5207699932cf | ['Philip Z. Maymin'] | 2016-10-13 18:03:02.946000+00:00 | ['Gaming', 'Esports', 'Winning', 'Probability', 'League of Legends'] |
#JustStart your Goals | #JustStart Experience
As we go through puberty typically between the ages of 16 and 20, most of us become wild and carefree. This is the time when we must realize to start taking up the responsibilities of our own life. Taking responsibilities could be uncomfortable and hard at times but that’s what will make you grow. How amazing would it be if we understand the importance of being responsible at young age!!
ARRANGING MY CUPBOARD
#TBH it hit me in my early 20's the need to manage all my daily life chores by myself. The motive behind this is to be more responsible as I am about to enter my professional life. The habit of doing work with my own hands will help me in case if I get a job out of town.
ALL SET
It is not the very first time that I have set this target, I have tried it before and managed to stick with the plan for few days but laziness overshadowed my motivation.This time I have drafted a checklist of all the tasks that I will be doing in a week and I will review it everyday before bedtime. In this way I will be in a better position to track my progress. I hope that this time I get along with it and adopt the habit of doing my own work without relying on others to do it for me. | https://medium.com/@muhammad.ammar196/juststart-your-goals-af1852587ed7 | ['Muhammad Ammar'] | 2021-08-14 07:24:46.578000+00:00 | ['Amal Totkay', 'Amal Academy', 'Amal Fellowship'] |
Revenge Will Never Be Justice. On December 10, 2020, otherwise known… | An ineffective deterrent to crime
Many advocates for the death penalty argue that it serves as a good deterrent for violent crime. After all, what can be worse than the punishment of death, they argue. The problem with this statement is that it assumes that criminal behavior is always rationally motivated: before committing a crime, a criminal carefully weighs the benefits against the consequences. It fails to consider that many criminals simply act based on their emotions; crimes of passion such as the murder of Steve McNair were motivated by sudden rage. There have also been numerous cases where the perpetrator was impaired by drugs or alcohol, Dale Nelson being one of them. This statement also makes the bold assumption that criminals know the specific penalties for crimes in their locations, which is unfair to assume since they are not common knowledge for people outside of law.
The statistics also show that the death penalty has failed to reduce violent crime; in 2018, the violent crime rate was 30% lower in non-death penalty states than in states with the death penalty. In fact, the South consistently has the highest murder rate yet carries out 80% of executions in the United States.
Most importantly, the death penalty does not deter crime because it does not address some of the root issues that cause crime. Poverty has long been a contributing factor to crime; in desperate need of basic necessities such as food and housing, some unfortunately turn toward theft. The education disparity between wealthy and impoverished cities is massive in the United States, as school districts with the highest levels of poverty receive significantly less funding per capita than school districts with the lowest levels of poverty. The lack of adequate education in poor neighborhoods perpetuates the cycle of poverty. Without a proper education, many youth fail to find jobs that pay a decent living wage. The hopelessness that results from poverty may put these youth at a higher risk for drug abuse and gang membership. Instead of being so focused on gaining vengeance after the fact, our government should focus more on tackling the complex systemic issues that lead one down a path of crime. | https://medium.com/bigger-picture/revenge-will-never-be-justice-what-brandon-bernards-execution-reveals-about-our-justice-system-4ec54f7d369e | ['Katie Gu'] | 2020-12-15 01:29:46.298000+00:00 | ['Racism', 'Death Penalty', 'Racial Justice', 'Brandon Bernard', 'BlackLivesMatter'] |
Ghosts Would Make Great Gardeners | Learn more. Medium is an open platform where 170 million readers come to find insightful and dynamic thinking. Here, expert and undiscovered voices alike dive into the heart of any topic and bring new ideas to the surface. Learn more
Make Medium yours. Follow the writers, publications, and topics that matter to you, and you’ll see them on your homepage and in your inbox. Explore | https://medium.com/american-haiku/ghost-would-make-great-gardeners-e05b2f6ac79b | ['Jay Krasnow'] | 2020-12-16 23:04:36.567000+00:00 | ['Ghosts', 'Happiness', 'Gardening', 'Humor', 'Wellness'] |
Thursday Night Football Chiefs vs Chargers Prop Shopping | Thursday night football has a great matchup between the Chiefs and Chargers so here’s a look at some notable player prop markets for the game.
Thursday night football games can be a mixed bag, so we should really appreciate when we get a good one and at least on paper that’s the case tonight. In fact, given the magnitude of the game with the AFC West up for grabs, and the quality of teams and quarterbacks in this game, it’s a pretty easy argument that this is the best TNF game of the season. With that said, let’s do some prop shopping for some notable names in the Chiefs-Chargers game.
Patrick Mahomes
Passing Yards
DraftKings Sportsbook: Under 279.5 -115/Over 279.5 -115
FanDuel Sportsbook: Under 280.5 -113/Over 280.5 -113
Not a ton of difference in the market here. I’d say regardless of which side you’re on here to play it at FanDuel and pay a couple cents less. I’ve said it before, I don’t think passing props are ever going to come down to a one yard difference very often so I’d prefer to pay less juice to take the prop. I’m not one to bet against Patrick Mahomes, but objectively this looks like an under spot. The Chargers give up the fourth fewest pass yards in the league and if you take out the games against the Raiders, who for some reason refuse to play the two high safety defense everyone else has adopted against the Chiefs this year, Mahomes has gone over 279 passing yards just once since week two and that was against Washington who has one of the worst pass defenses in the league. That said, I’m just not one to bet against Mahomes.
Justin Herbert
Passing Yards
DraftKings Sportsbook: Under 288.5 -115/Over 288.5 -115
FanDuel Sportsbook: Under 284.5 -113/Over 284.5 -113
There is a pretty decent difference, as far as NFL markets go, in his props so if you want the over I’d bet it at FanDuel and if you want the under, bet it at DraftKings. Herbert has gone over 300 yards in four of his last six games and probably would’ve against the Giants last week if they needed him to. They were up 37–7 early in the fourth quarter and he finished with 275 yards so he’s been throwing the ball well. On the flip side, the Chiefs defense has become one of the biggest stories in football. They were lampooned for early performances, but have been significantly better lately. They haven’t given up more than 284 yards to an opposing quarterback since week five against Josh Allen. They haven’t played a murderer’s row of quarterbacks exactly, the famously avoided Aaron Rodgers when he had COVID, but they held Dak Prescott under 200 yards passing a couple of weeks ago. Austin Ekeler is expected to play, but not manage a full workload so it’s likely Herbert will have to shoulder more of the offense.
Tyreek Hill
Receptions
FanDuel Sportsbook: Under 6.5 -102/Over 6.5 -130
Travis Kelce
Receptions
BetMGM: Under 5.5 +105/Over 5.5–139
Just checking to see if anyone has a stomach for an under at almost even money on Hill or plus money on Kelce. In the first meeting between these teams Kelce had 11 targets and seven catches. Hill had seven targets and five catches. This kinda feels like the type of game where Kelce is going to be Mahomes’ safety net because the Chargers will want to keep everything in front of them as much as possible.
Keenan Allen
Receptions
FanDuel SportsBook: Under 6.5 -136/Over 6.5 +102
I like overs and plus money props and I think there’s a case to take this one. Allen was removed from the COVID list so he appears good to go tonight and he’s Herbert’s favorite target. He’s been targeted 25 more times than the next closest player in targets, Mike Williams. Ekeler is third in targets on the team and as I mentioned earlier, he’s not expected to carry a full workload tonight. The Chargers haven’t really used any other running backs in either a rushing or receiving capacity this year. Allen, Williams, Ekeler and Jared Cook are pretty far ahead of the other receiving targets so while it’s possible someone else will step up when Ekeler isn’t on the field, this far into the season it makes more sense to me that Herbert will rely on the targets he’s comfortable with. | https://blog.fantasylifeapp.com/thursday-night-football-chiefs-vs-chargers-prop-shopping-b52edc8af8ca | [] | 2021-12-16 14:48:19.254000+00:00 | ['Sportsbetting', 'NFL'] |
STOP These Hidden Beliefs - They’re Repelling Money From Your Life | We don’t usually post articles like this. But we had to make this known — before you lose any more money:
There’s a monstrous flaw in the way most people think about the Millionaire Mind — even among those who religiously follow books like Napoleon Hill’s Think And Grow Rich.
“Wealth starts with your thoughts. Think like a rich person to become one!”
The problem isn’t that the above quote is false. It’s very much true — wealth starts with your mindset…
The problem is — poverty also comes from your mindset.
When it does, it’s rarely obvious. It’s always deadly. And it can sabotage your journey to financial freedom… even when you’re “thinking like a millionaire”…
See, poverty beliefs stay inside you until you eradicate them, no matter what happy affirmations about money you “layer” on top of them.
They can cling to you and cripple your wealth. Despite your best efforts.
Why?
Poverty Mindsets disguise themselves as common knowledge.
Common knowledge you don’t even think twice about.
So you might’ve heard phrases before like:
“Put prosperity consciousness into the world! Visualize what you want!”
Now, you can — and should — focus on the things you want in order to get them…
But if you don’t also get rid of the beliefs that cause poverty… they’ll slow down or even halt that flow of money to you. Even if you’re taking massive action toward your dreams.
In this series, we’re calling these beliefs…
The Hidden Money-Repelling Beliefs.
Because that’s what they do. Repel money from your life for no good reason except to make you less wealthy than you could be.
If you’re determined to get rich, or just wondering if you could be earning more than you are now…
…reading this will be a wise investment. No one is exempt from this— even entrepreneurs. We’ll explain how and why in a moment...
But first — let’s set the foundation and give you some context:
If you don’t know us, we’re Inktuitive. This post is NOT about us. But you should know why we’re doing this:
This is Part One of our Five-Part in-depth Series on money-repelling beliefs.
We’re releasing this series because our passion is to make wealth-attracting ideas tangible, concrete, and actionable…
…for SERIOUS results. Not just “feel good” statements that don’t really help anybody. (We make inspiring canvas wall art for the same reason.)
We’ve designed this content series to give you a powerful shift - and align your mindset for wealth creation.
So — Over The Next Five Weeks…
…we’re detailing the most common, lesser known beliefs you may not know are dwindling the flow of cash into your life — even if you’re using “prosperity consciousness” or the Law Of Attraction…
In each post, we’ll give you actionable ways to get rid of them. We’ll show you how to replace them with wealth-magnetizing ones — that’ll prime you for REAL wealth attraction, capital allocation, or any money-related matter you want to get better at.
Once you read all five parts of this series — and get rid of any of the beliefs that halt the flow of cash to you or your business…
…it will streamline your thinking and actions in whatever your money-making pursuit is.
And it’ll “open up the floodgates” holding wealth back — to make a prosperous life much more attainable for you.
Sound good?
Good. Let’s begin.
We’re kicking off the series with a monumental myth. This misconception is the single biggest wealth-killer in the world today:
Money-Repelling Belief #1: Money Is A Zero-Sum Game
This is by far the most insidious wealth-blocking mindset in humanity. From your unconscious, it forms an invisible force field around you that lets money out… but never in.
We’re calling it the “Zero Sum” Money Myth. See…
Most people believe money is a zero-sum game. In other words:
They think the only way to make lots of dough and become wealthy…
…is to enrich yourself at the expense of someone else.
Sounds silly when you say it that way, doesn’t it?
Still, this irrational belief exists — to varying degrees — in MOST people. Even entrepreneurs.
You may not think you believe this. But even if there’s a tiny hint of it in your mind… its repercussions will restrain you from getting the wealth you’ve set your eyes and heart on.
I’m about to explain how it lurks below the surface of our thoughts. How it unconsciously blocks opportunities to grow your bank account when they show up in front of you…
But first things first…
Here’s Why It’s A Myth:
Not only is the Zero-Sum Money Myth completely false — it’s economically impossible.
Markets today weed out scammers and tricksters faster than ever before. If you DO somehow figure out how to make substantial money by taking unfair advantage of people…
…you won’t make very much before you get caught.
Yet the masses claim all kinds of deca-millionaires, penta-millionaires, and billionaires got there by screwing people over in one form or another.
It’s just not possible to attract that kind of money without actually helping people — or doing something to deserve it.
Why?
Because when people get taken advantage of, they do things like:
Demand a refund
Post scathing reviews on the Internet, and
File law suits.
Everyone knows that. Yet the Zero-Sum Money Myth still operates under the surface of their behavior. Even in those who don’t think they believe it.
Here’s Why This Belief
Is Harmful To Your Wealth:
This toxic idea — that the only way to obtain money is by making other people poor — fools millions with fake guilt and shame:
It causes business owners to nervously lower their prices (or avoid raising them). When they have no competitive reason to do so…
It causes some people to cringe at the thought of asking for the sale, either in person or in their marketing…
Sometimes, they’ll even walk away before asking an interested prospect to buy(as if they already knew what the person was going to say)…
It causes others to feel queasy exchanging their product or service for more money than they’re “used to”.
…even if that’s completely reasonable or even necessary to do.
That’s Like Setting Your Money On Fire.
You should feel completely content exchanging as much money as is fair for your product or service…
But if you believe in the “Zero-Sum” Money Myth — even subconsciously — your definition of “fair” may even be off.
Because here’s what’s going to happen:
When someone gives you money on their own free will…
…you’ll always have nagging feelings that YOU are profiting and THEY are losing. It might feel like shame, guilt, or general queasiness. Like someone might come publicly ostracize you for it at any moment.
It won’t feel good. You’ll feel like you’re “taking” something from them when you’re not.
In reality — if someone gets value from what you’re offering… you’ve both WON.
But the “Zero Sum” Myth won’t let you see that. It’s a glitch in the brain that stops prosperity.
It makes you feel wrong for meeting a real market demand — and trading it for as much profit as you can within the realm of “fairness”…
Thousands of entrepreneurs WANT to become wealthy. Yet they can’t get over this feeling. Worse yet, they don’t even know they have it. But it’s there.
It makes you avoid legitimately growing your business — as if new sales or marketing strategies are somehow a form of cheating or “using” people…
It only causes guilt, trepidation and fear whenever an opportunity to get wealthier comes up in your life or business…
(As if you know what’s better for your customers than they do.)
And That’s Not Even
The Worst Part:
The “Zero-Sum” Myth spreads through mass-consciousness like a virus.
It sets up shop in your mind whenever your guard is down:
Journalists, celebrities, and politicians repeat it as if it’s scientifically proven (it’s not).
Influential people — who have zero business or financial knowledge (like most people) — echo it constantly.
It’s in the news, movies, articles — the fabric of society.
That’s Why This Programming
Can “Sneak Up” On You…
It can enter your thought patterns without you even knowing.
It can make you feel shame for doing what entrepreneurs are supposed to do: Create as much wealth and prosperity for yourself (and your shareholders) as possible. In exchange for massive value for your market.
So that begs the question:
If this mindset is everywhere…
How do you combat it? What do you replace it with?
First: Recognize When It’s Happening.
When you encounter someone spreading the idea that wealthy people ONLY got there by making other people poor…
…simply realize that person has no clue what they’re talking about.
Remember there’s no legal, sustainable way to actually do that. It’s economically impossible.
Replace it in your mind with the truth:
Most wealthy people become wealthy by adding value to the world that is proportional to their wealth.
NOT by taking wealth from others or preying on people.
So respect rich people for being rich. Assume they earned it until proven otherwise.
Because — here’s the crux:
When you view other wealthy people that way — knowing they’ve earned it —
…you’ll free yourself from the cognitive blocks preventing YOU from getting wealth yourself.
Boom.
Second: Realize There’s PLENTY
Of Money To Go Around…
Money is “replenish-able”. It flows from person to person constantly.
It exists so people can spend it. Otherwise it would have no value!
So — if someone gives you money in exchange for your product or service — on their own free will…
…you must have ZERO trepidation about taking it from them.
This next part is an extreme example… so bear with us, but—
Even if that person appears poor. Even if it looks like they can’t pay their rent (key word: looks).
Even if their unkempt appearance causes horrifying images to flash in your head about their financial situation…
And now you’re imagining they can’t feed their kids this month…
Listen. It’s not your place to make up stories about their life. You don’t know anything about them. And it’s not your place to make decisions FOR them — judging only by their outward appearance…
The truth is, very few people who can’t afford to feed their kids would even listen to your sales pitch. They’d be too focused on feeding their kids. Making leaps of judgement about your prospects is a slippery slope.
But most importantly…
If they’re giving you their money… that’s what they WANT to do. Take it.
Doesn’t get simpler than that.
But people feel guilty and complicate it — because the Zero Sum Money Myth is lurking below their thoughts…
Listen — if you’re SUPER concerned about them, take their money first — and then call Child Protective Services to do an investigation. But remember YOU simply cannot be responsible for THEIR decisions.
Besides — more often than not, if you walk away in those situations without selling… they’ll get offended. (Ask anyone who’s been in sales long enough. They’ve got stories.)
Plus, if you walk away and their money doesn’t go to you… it’s going somewhere. That stuff is getting spent. The church, the liquor store, a new television — better it goes to you than those guys.
I Digress — Here’s The Point:
Rich people do NOT prevent anyone else from becoming rich. And poor people are not poor because the rich “took” anything from them…
Money just flows to the places where there’s value. That’s all.
People who became rich took actions that made it flow to them. The poor group simply never took those actions.
Now — maybe the poor group never had the knowledge, mindset, or even time to take those actions… it’s not our place to judge any one person’s situation.
And it’s beyond the scope of this article to talk about why poor people are poor. We’re not pointing fingers about whose “fault” it is that they’re poor. That’s a can of worms we’re staying far away from.
The only one thing we’re saying for 100% certain is:
The cause of poverty has NOTHING to do with other people being rich.
The two are entirely separate. Money just flows around to different people. And some people have figured out how to make money flow to them more than others.
If you un-link the two in your head…
…you’ll free up mental faculties that will slash your own internal friction to getting wealthy.
Finally — Understand This:
The reason the Zero-Sum Money Myth spreads around our society like a virus…
…is because 99% of people in the world DON’T have an entrepreneurial mindset.
Entrepreneurs literally see opportunities to make money all over the place.
After all, every problem in the world you can solve (or solve better), someone will pay you for.
But when you don’t have an entrepreneurial mindset…
…you have to make up reasons why other people are rich and you’re not.
That’s all it is.
The money just keeps replenishing. It’s ALWAYS there. It’s just that some people don’t see it, bend over, and pick it up. So they pretend to know what’s going on.
The rest of us must ignore them — and be too busy hustling and getting money flowing in our direction to pay attention to them.
It has nothing to do with viewing those people as better or worse than you. Focus on getting money flowing to YOU and just don’t judge anyone else.
Keep that in mind, and it will assist you greatly in your journey to prosperity. | https://medium.com/@inktuitive/stop-these-hidden-beliefs-theyre-repelling-money-from-your-life-5c073fe0070c | [] | 2019-04-03 17:20:30.995000+00:00 | ['Law Of Attract', 'Money Mindset', 'Wealth', 'Entrepreneurship', 'Money'] |
A Smart Investment Wins Awards | It feels great to have award winning clients — they’re clearly at the top of their game and it’s a good feeling to be a part of their success. But why do awards really matter? And who can help you reach the awards’ dinner?
There are numerous benefits to entering awards and the fantastic feeling of your endeavours being recognised cannot be overlooked — let’s start with that.
Recognition
Recognition has many guises when it comes to entering awards. On winning, of course, your product or service is recognised as being the best in its category. This is a huge boost for business owners and it has a knock-on effect too…
Photo credit Patrick Tomasso via Unsplash
Staff feel proud to be part of a “winning” team; they too feel recognised for their contribution to success. This sentiment helps with staff retention — new joiners cost money to recruit and train — leading to lower staff turnover which helps businesses build on the foundations of their success and continue to thrive.
Marketing
Entering awards is great for marketing — don’t believe me? Read on. Becoming a finalist or on a short list or noted as being ‘one to watch’ and the like, demonstrates business quality and credibility, regardless of whether you go on to win. As a business, you must spread the word!
Photo credit Timothy K via Unsplash
Publicise the fact that you’re a finalist or on a short list — add it to your email signature, add it to the home page of your website, create flyers to have in your shop or office, note it in your monthly newsletter. It will attract custom as people want to be associated with winners and they want quality products or services.
It goes without saying, I hope, that if you win, it’s essential that you use your victory in your marketing campaign. Show pride in what you’ve achieved (bur definitely do not brag or boast), sharing with followers on social media the awards’ night, the trophy or award back at your business HQ and your celebrations and notify customers via email. You’ve worked hard for this and your customers have certainly been part of your journey to success so let them in on it too!
Focus
And this is possibly the reason that you haven’t thought about before.
Photo credit Elena Taranenko via Unsplash
The act of applying for an award, submitting your entry, focusses the mind on what it is about your business that merits credit. What is your USP? Why does your customer service shine over others? What is it about your business that has led to growth?
The process of applying makes you stop and think, remember what you’re good at and what you need to develop. It’s an unbelievably useful exercise that all business owners should perform more often — award application forms provide the motivation and opportunity, if nothing else to consider these points.
Help is at hand
You might be wondering why all this matters to a copywriter like me. Well, aside from the fact that I should take my own advice when entering awards, you may be surprised to learn that businesses employ copywriters to help them with their awards’ application forms.
Photo credit Amy Hirschi via Unsplash
An awards’ form is a little like someone’s CV or resume — you want to show your business in its best light but it needs to be well-written and concise (often there’s a word limit). Blips in your business’s journey need to be diplomatically handled or “spun”, just as they do on a CV. If you don’t like writing or don’t have the time to dedicate to writing the form well, then a copywriter would be able to help.
There would need to be an investment of time at the outset so that the copywriter could interview you: understand more about the business, why you’re entering, what needs to be promoted within the form and the difficult points that need to be conveyed. Sometimes business owners are too modest and feel uncomfortable shouting about their achievements and this is another bonus of hiring a copywriter — we are more objective, know what needs to be included in order to stand out and will shout about how far you’ve come for you!
Of course, you as the business owner have final sign-off on the form and you and your copywriter should collaborate on the final tweaks — some of the content may make you cringe in its seeming self-praise, but we know that it needs to be included!
So, pick the award you want to win, check out what you need to do and contact your favourite copywriter (the wonders of technology mean we can all work remotely). And just remember to invite them to the awards’ dinner! | https://medium.com/@carolinekingswriter/a-smart-investment-wins-awards-90c0c99c67ff | ['Caroline Kings'] | 2019-07-03 12:21:36.758000+00:00 | ['Marketing', 'Copywriting', 'Awards', 'Entering Awards', 'Freelance Writing'] |
How And When To Write In Layers | Every writer faces that difficult scene.
You know the one I’m talking about. You know what needs to happen in that scene, how it should play out, but when it comes to getting it down on paper, you sit staring at the screen.
For me, this often happens during action scenes.
I always worry that I’m not going to give enough detail, or the sequence will be muddy and the reader won’t be able to follow along.
One of the tricks I have found when facing this situation is to write in layers.
Writing in layers
Every scene consists of three main components. Dialogue, action, and description.
Now, think about what your strengths and weaknesses are.
For me, dialogue comes easy. I am always at a loss as to what I should add in for description.
Start with your strength.
Write out the entire scene using what ever you are strong at. For example (a bad short example):
“Put the knife down, and step away from the body.”
“This isn’t what it looks like.”
“I’m not going to tell you again.”
I can hear the voices speak clearly in my head, and can see what is going on. Now, I still hate description, so I’ll add in a little action.
Craig whipped his gun out of it’s holster and leveled it at the young woman, his hands steady.
“Put the knife down, and step away from the body.”
“This isn’t what it looks like.” Her entire body trembled as she raised her eyes to meet his.
“I’m not going to tell you again.” Different scenarios played through Craig’s mind as he stood at a standstill, waiting to see what happened.
When you’ve completed the second layer, you’ve come to the last step, and the hardest step. Now you face your weakness. For me, trying to describe things is a struggle. I’m worried there won’t be enough description, or I’ll put in too much. Or maybe I won’t use the right words. But, now is the time to face that.
The woman hadn’t heard him as he’d turned the corner into the alley and she stood motionless. Craig whipped his gun out of it’s holster and leveled it at the young woman, his hands steady. What the hell had he walked into?
“Put the knife down, and step away from the body.”
She jerked her head and looked at him, her teary eyes wide. Blood trailed from her hairline and down the side of her face. One strap of her blue silk nightie was ripped and hung limply, her breast barely remaining covered.
“This isn’t what it looks like.” Her entire body trembled as she raised her eyes to meet his. Blood from the crumpled form of the man on the ground pooled around her bare feet, forming a shallow puddle.
“I’m not going to tell you again.” Different scenarios played through Craig’s mind as he stood at a standstill, waiting to see what happened. A cool breeze shifted the thin material and she shivered.
She lifted her hands in front of her and stared down at her bloody hand still gripping the handle of the large kitchen knife. It fell to a clatter on the asphalt as she stumbled back, attempting to wipe the blood from her palms.
By writing in layers, I was able to take three simple sentences of dialogue, and turn it into a scene. The more I read through it now, the more I see places that I can add in some description or some action. I can imagine how the scene ends, and what will happen in the next one.
When I am at a complete standstill, writing in layers helps to unblock me.
It is more time consuming than just writing out a scene the normal way, so it is not something I would recommend doing every single time. But when you are stuck? You know what the scene is about and have an idea of what is going to be said, what needs to happen, that’s when this method helps to get it down on the page.
Try it out.
Don’t just sit there staring at a blank white screen, watching the cursor blink at you. Pick one of the three components and start there. Before you know it, that scene will be written and ready to be edited.
Good luck, and happy writing! | https://stefanivader.medium.com/how-and-when-to-write-in-layers-6daa84b3fe09 | ['Stefani Vader'] | 2019-03-22 13:26:30.274000+00:00 | ['Writing Tips', 'Writers Block', 'Motivation', 'How To', 'Writing'] |
Working at Amazon: Software Engineer | The Leadership Principles
The Leadership Principles at Amazon have been one of the most influential tenets of corporate culture in the past few years. Numerous companies have adopted the same principles (with their own color) hoping to replicate the same kind of success that Amazon has achieved since its founding.
Consider just how rare it is for a company to expand its core business in so many ways with great success in just 25 years! Think: Since its founding, Amazon transitioned from an online bookstore to being an “everything” store. They practically invented cloud computing as a core business, redefined customer service, and even ventured into devices with unique technologies like Alexa, Fire, Kindle, etc. Amazon’s business model and thinking (customers over profit) has even overturned traditional business principles. Now consider the numerous companies that have died out because they were unable to pivot or expand their core business effectively? Think: Blockbuster, Polaroid, Toys “R” Us, etc.
Despite what some say, the difference was not talent. Blue-chip companies had no shortage of talent, but a small tiny company fronting as an online bookstore in the mid-90s was able to propel itself against the retail giants of its time. Even against the major tech companies of the time, Apple and Microsoft, Amazon Web Services was able to take a lion’s share of the cloud computing market share within the past decade.
Now perhaps you are thinking that I’ve just about drowned myself in the Amazon kool-aid since I’ve been working here and you may be right; however, I’ve seen the way Amazon has operated, even as an entry-level engineer, and these leadership principles are not just mantras people parrot around meetings — they are the foundation, the very basis upon which Amazon thinks and builds all its products. Anyone who has seen this company grow can tell you that it is not a surprise that Amazon has been successful since its founding. And if Amazon continues down the road as a Day 1 company (as opposed to a Day 2 company), it will continue to be successful in the near future.
All the sections below are simply the ways in which those Leadership Principles manifests itself in my job as a software engineer. I won’t be going down the list comprehensively or in any organized fashion, but you will see how they inform our practices and thinking below.
Empowered Autonomy
Let’s first talk about teams and how despite being such a large company and the kind of bureaucracy that comes with the size, Amazon is able to innovate at speed like much smaller startups.
Most Amazon organizations are huge (as you can imagine). However, within each organization are many sub-organizations, and within each sub-organization are many teams, so on and so forth. The team that I am a part of is made up of just 4 engineers with a manager (the manager also oversees other smaller teams within his/her product domain). We have many adjacent sister teams that work in relative close collaboration with our team. Each team has a lean working environment. We are relatively autonomous in our decision-making process because reacting quickly to customer issues and asks are a top priority for any team at Amazon. This means it is very rare that some senior executive conceives of an idea in a vacuum and entire teams would be dedicated to that effort. Managerial whims make for poor decisions. Instead, each engineer is empowered to drive their product the way customers want.
Likewise, culture is driven at the individual level. Whether this means how the team handles testing, operational work, social outings, and the like, there is no single “This is how Amazon does X.” It differs across even smaller sub-teams within the same umbrella team. Some teams work from home on certain days and some have regular food and snacks on Fridays. The point is, it is very hard to generalize Amazon or Amazon Web Services in any particular way as it pertains to culture. Some teams have more operational work, some have more new feature work, some engineers find themselves working a lot of hours, some barely clock in 35+, it all depends.
The reason why the Leadership Principles apply to everyone, even those positions not typically seen as “leaders,” is because we are all expected to lead. That means the company has to empower its employees to develop the culture of the team they belong to. Again, the company should provide the structure and means for smooth and accurate decision-making processes and Amazon does a pretty good job at that.
Start with the customer, work backwards
A well-known distinguishing feature of Amazon is its intense focus on customer obsession. If we can imagine the Leadership Principles as different components of a tree, customer obsession would be the trunk from which all the other principles branch out from. Without the customer, Amazon is a headless chicken. We like to say, “Start with the customer, then work backwards.” Questions like “Does it make sense for our users?” and “What value does it bring for our customers?” drive our thinking. To back this point, our users have multiple channels to reach us — through our product managers, our console feedback system, the social media channels (e.g., Reddit, Twitter, Slack, etc.), etc. We read the feedback, group similar feedback, and prioritize it in our work. Sometimes we miss the point, that’s why we are constantly iterating on feedback — over and over again.
New features often start with the question, “What do our users want?” or, “What change would alleviate the pain of our users?” Our product managers, who literally sits less than 10 feet from our desks, exist to answer these questions. They sit in our design meetings, help test our features, give input in wording, and imagine (or re-imagine) better customer experiences. Furthermore, from a feature’s conception to its marketing and eventual release, you can bet that not only the PMs are involved, but the engineers are as well. We are all stakeholders in this symbiotic relationship with our customers. Software engineers aren’t mere bystanders but active participants in managing customer expectations. I regularly read customer feedback, review product marketing drafts for new features, and provide input as it relates to improving customer experience to our backend service and even our public documentation. From operational excellence (discussed below) to developing new features, “customer service” is the hat we all wear at Amazon.
Ownership and Meaningful Work
I’m certain that for anyone, having ownership over their work is an important factor of job satisfaction. Take away ownership, and you deprive motivation. As such, software engineers at Amazon are tasked to own their respective services. It is rarely “not my concern” or “not my job.” As a software engineer, I don’t simply own a small, isolated segment of a codebase. I own the entire experience of our service. This also means that my work cannot be evaluated in isolation. The highs and lows of our product affect our team in tangible ways. Some people prefer owning and maintaining their own “space”; however, that’s not how it works here from my experience. In return, you get the satisfaction of having your name tied to the features you deliver to customers and you become the subject matter expert.
One particular illustration of this ownership principle is that operational work is part of the job description of Amazon software engineers. Amazon does not hire a separate dev-ops team to test, deploy, and support our product. Software engineers are expected to do all that on top of their “coding.” Engineers are generally part of a team’s on-call rotation throughout the year, a 24/7 support system that escalates high-severity (read: customer-impacting) tickets. Managers are no exception to this rule. Tickets often involve many engineers and managers participating in its resolution. The rationale behind software engineers owning even operational support is an extension of the ownership principle: we cannot simply “punt” the problems engineers create to a separate team when things go awry. Think about it — if there are bugs in the application, root causing the issue is best left in the hands that wrote it. Additionally, it heightens coding and testing standards to ensure things don’t break apart when it reaches production. Responsibility is a two-way street. An engineer cannot push code to production, reap the satisfaction of doing just that, and avoid the consequences for the issues that might arise. Admittedly this might not be everyone’s cup of tea; however, it provides invaluable insight into advanced distributed systems and the trade-offs involved in architecture (even entry-level software engineers are often asked a system design question during the onsite interview loops). And while this might be one of the least popular aspects of working at Amazon, the rationale is clean and simple — you own the product from its implementation to its maintenance.
Another component of job satisfaction is that the work must feel meaningful. In my experience, my work has high customer impact. As a front-end engineer that owns an AWS service console, my job isn’t to just add styling to a widget, it is to imagine a better experience for our users and bring it to life. I have personally worked on or reviewed a large percentage of our codebase and have designed and implemented entire features on my own during my tenure. Again, teams are lean. A small team of engineers (or in my case, just one) could be tasked to implement entire features by themselves. This allows us to have meaningful projects that not only add to your portfolio but also to the kind of learning that only comes from having your hands deep in the product lifecycle.
There is often a perception that working in a large company will make you feel like a cog in a machine. While this is the case at any large company, I suspect the problem of being a “cog” isn’t so much the fact that there is just one of you among a sea of people; rather, it is the fear that being one among many will reduce ownership and meaningful work to go around. As mentioned above, Amazon does many things to ensure you have proper ownership and meaningful work. And if the work does not align with your goals, there are literally hundreds of teams across Amazon that welcomes internal transfers. Many people have been in multiple product groups to find their interest — it is no small benefit having the mobility to try out cloud computing at AWS, or Alexa, or retail, or VR/AR, or our numerous machine learning teams. It is no exaggeration to say that a significant portion of the interview process across all roles at Amazon is based on the Leadership Principles — even for software engineers (I would say about 40–60% of the interview weight is based on answers to behavioral questions). Because of this “leadership” hiring bar at Amazon, internal transfers are confidently made upon these shared principles, which are of primary concern, despite potential differences in things like relevant technological experiences, which are secondary.
Data-driven decisions
Any proposal at Amazon might start with the question, “What does the customer want?”; however, the quick follow-up has to be, “What does the data say?” Whether the data is direct customer feedback and/or click analytics, decisions at Amazon must be driven by sufficient data. If the saying goes, “Measure twice, cut once,” Amazon says, “Measure ten times, cut once.”
Documentation is a significant part of any good engineering team but I suspect many companies do it out of obligation, not as a centerpiece of their operations. Amazon loves writing. The six-pagers are an integral component of business decision-making. Why’s that? Consider: “Writing is nature’s way of letting you know how sloppy your thinking is.” When people are tasked to persuade through writing, they are forced to reckon with the data, the source material, to prove their point. Blind experimentation is not a thing at Amazon. Products or new features do not take off without data. If there is insufficient data, find more data points. At Amazon, you are expected to employ critical thinking abilities to interpret the data objectively and/or ask the right questions that would lead to the data necessary to make the right call.
Related to this is using data for operations work. Every week, our team’s on-calls has a meeting reviewing all the graphs containing hundreds of thousands of data points from our service. We discuss every spike or dip to ensure there is no issue. Again, data drives our thinking. Merely guessing at the root cause of an issue is like shooting in the dark. When we say, “What do the graphs look like?” We are starting with the data and working backwards.
For an insightful case study into this line of thinking, check out this Twitter thread from Andrew Certain, a 20+ year veteran Senior Principal Engineer at Amazon:
Failure tolerance
Any resilient infrastructure should have high failure tolerance. For example, your website might be hosted by multiple servers across multiple regions so that if one region goes down, your business doesn’t go down with it. That’s basic system design. What I’m talking about here is not that kind of failure tolerance (as it relates to distributed systems) but how Amazon approaches “failures” like product launches, features that missed the point, or even bugs that reached production that impacted many customers. For example, what happened as a result of that one day in February 2017 when S3 went down and brought down a significant chunk of the internet with it? One thing’s for sure, AWS didn’t shutter its doors after that incident. As far I know, there was probably a COE.
COE. The first time I asked what the acronym stood for, a coworker jokingly said it stood for “Cessation of Employment.” He quickly clarified that it just meant “Correction of Error.” To this day, I believe that this is one of those processes at Amazon that just yields so much value. Processes often complicate things with tedium and COEs are sometimes no exception; however, well-written COEs aims to ensure that the same issue never happens again. COEs are also presented before senior leadership to share lessons learned across different organizations as well. That’s it. They exist as a learning mechanism for “failures.”
When I wrote my first COE — due to a bug I inadvertently introduced to production — I was asked to “own” a COE. My manager reassured me that this is for everyone’s growth and things slipping into production is not any one person’s fault. There are multiple checks that the bug went through after I put out the code review — for example, two teammates reviewed the code and approved it, our integration tests passed in our deployment pipelines, and the alarms on our metrics tracking errors didn’t highlight the failure until a customer reported it. A COE is designed to present a cogent summary of what happened, how it went down (the timeline), why it happened, and most importantly, what’s next. COEs are written and presented liberally across many different scenarios. They are not a mark of shame, but a process by which the team can focus their attention on how to avoid a similar issue in the future. There isn’t enough time in the world to spend on finding who to blame or why it isn’t their fault. Someone owns the COE, they present it, and action items are set to ensure it never happens again. Amazon tolerates failure, not only because it can afford to do so but because there are so many things to learn from failure.
Cradle of Cloud Computing
As an employee of AWS, the cloud computing segment of Amazon, there are certain aspects that I take for granted. One such aspect is the fact that I work where cloud computing literally began. There are engineers who have worked here that have literally designed and architected the numerous services that AWS now offers to customers worldwide. And you can bet, as Amazon is a document-driven culture, that there are countless resources left behind by pioneers unrivaled in the world. It is hard to stay “Number One” at anything. It takes not only luck and innovation but persistence. AWS is relentless in trying to close the gap of customer needs in cloud infrastructure. Though it may not last forever (competition breeds innovation), AWS did it first, does it the best, and aims to stay on top — and being a part of that is something wholly unique to working at AWS.
Closing Thoughts
It is no secret that Amazon has its issues and I won’t even attempt to get into it here. However, I hope that from sharing one engineer’s experience, one can see what Amazon gets right, or at the very least, does well. I don’t know how long I will be here as there are no guarantees that Amazon wants me to stay a long time or whether my interests will point me elsewhere; all I know is that working here for the past two and a half years has been a special opportunity that has profoundly changed the way I not only think about engineering but business, corporate culture, and so many other things not immediately adjacent to coding. | https://medium.com/swlh/working-at-amazon-software-engineer-4d491f2d0f7e | ['Dan Park'] | 2019-12-22 22:45:36.526000+00:00 | ['Work', 'Amazon', 'Software Engineering', 'Amazon Web Services', 'Software Development'] |
KuCoin Users Can Now Manage Their Portfolios With Shrimpy | The people have spoken. They want Shrimpy with KuCoin.
Shrimpy users love KuCoin. The diverse selection of assets paired with the support for NEP-5 Tokens makes it an attractive addition to our platform. Today, we are rolling out KuCoin to all Shrimpy users.
Sign up today to begin managing your KuCoin assets through Shrimpy. It’s free to use and easy to get started. | https://medium.com/hackernoon/kucoin-users-can-now-manage-their-portfolios-with-shrimpy-e579a7809713 | [] | 2018-08-29 20:38:43.351000+00:00 | ['Blockchain', 'Investing', 'Technology', 'Bitcoin', 'Cryptocurrency'] |
Every Article You Write Is Important to Someone | I do not sit with the latest copy of the local newspaper as I have breakfast, despite growing up in the world of one of them. I have my tablet and I am reading the latest on Medium. I look for the writers and the subjects that interest me as I drink coffee and have egg, tortilla and apple before I start my day of writing and then my day job.
Now, I know there are people who count on the monthly paycheck from Medium and must write with that in mind. I do not and so I can write what I want while I submit to publications including my own. This allows me to tell the stories that are important but would never be printed by those who have more mainstream focus on what they want to publish.
Other writers do the same thing. This means I can be challenged by those writers in a way I could not in other venues. That is essential in my day job, otherwise, I am literally preaching to the choir.
This is what makes Medium so important. It is all about informing other readers and reading other writers who have a take on the world around us we would not find in more mainstream websites or publications.
Let me give you an example. My cousin once taught me that if one customer had a bad experience at a business, by the time the disappointed patron gets over it the account of the incident reaches the ears of close to two thousand people. This one person told those in his or her circle and they told those in their circles and it goes viral. Suddenly people say “Do not go there because Chris had a bad time at that store, restaurant, bar.”
Did only five people read your article? Disappointing isn’t it. You wish it would have gone viral. Maybe you receive a total of twenty-five claps and that was from two people. Those two people admitted they enjoyed your article.
If companies spend millions to train workers to prevent that one person from having a bad experience and you only reached five readers with your article. Can you say that your piece had no effect? It certainly did for those readers. How many more did your article affect?
“I read some article on Medium today that says that one teaspoon of maple syrup is a better nutritious value than sugar even though the calorie count is about the same.” One of those readers may tell a friend. You did not make money from that experience but your work did not die on the vine.
I grew up in the newspaper industry. If you read my material you know that my father wrote for the Boston Globe for over forty years. He died in 1985 in a whole different era from what we experience today. Our family lived surrounded by some of the major writers in that newspaper.
My father told us he wrote at least one story every day. Not all of them were published but he wrote them.
We also did not know how many read any story, we only know the circulation figures for his time and now.
What makes the internet unique is that you know how many people read your article. No classic journalist ever had that information. I am sure there are many published pieces that had few readers because people were more focused on other interests in the publication. In fact, my father taught me that the comics section received the most comments of all the parts of the newspaper.
“Yes, that is interesting that we are in the midst of an arms race but don’t you dare cancel Zippy® from your comics page!” might be one hypothetical comment.
There are many here who write for money and do well. There are many more who write and make a few dollars a month and others choose not to be part of the Medium Partner Program. All are contributors to the platform. All have something to say and all influence someone somewhere.
That is why I write on Medium. Some of my writing has a decent amount of readers and some of it does not. All of it influences someone.
You can say the same for everything you write whether you earned over one hundred dollars last month or fell short of one hundred cents. Your writing is still important to someone and they are glad you are here.
In the book, O Alquimista (The Alchemist) Paolo Coelho describes a doceiro (candy maker). “Este doceiro não está fazendo doces porque quer viajar, nem porque quer se casar com a filha de um comerciante. Este doceiro faz doce porque gosta disso”. This candy maker is not making sweets because he wants to travel, nor because he wants to marry the daughter of a merchant. This candy maker makes candy because he likes it.
Many write for the same reason. | https://medium.com/writers-blokke/every-article-you-write-is-important-to-someone-bfdd340b5b13 | ['Rj Carr'] | 2020-10-25 07:45:19.935000+00:00 | ['Ｍedium', 'Writing Life', 'Writing Tips', 'Freelancing', 'Work Life Balance'] |
React vs. Angular vs. Vue: How to Choose | by Tom Helvick
In the world of web development, you’d be hard pressed to find a modern website that’s not using some type of reactive JavaScript to dynamically render pages. Indeed, it’s increasingly common for web applications to live on only a single page. As you click through the views, the page never reloads. Everything is rendered dynamically in JavaScript.
Significantly, these dynamic web applications have become more complicated over time. As a result, web developers need new ways to manage the state of the application, reuse application components, and render changes to the DOM. Therefore, frontend JavaScript frameworks and libraries have arisen to make building dynamic web applications easier.
On the whole, three major competitors have risen to the challenge. Angular, the first on the scene, comes from Google and includes a full-featured framework and ecosystem. React, currently the most popular option, is from Facebook is a library that offers greater flexibility in exchange for sacrificing some stronger features of Angular. Finally, Vue the simplest and easiest to learn option, is a great open source option for many projects that don’t need the big overhead of React or Angular.
Unsurprisingly, the React vs. Angular vs. Vue debate has consumed the web development community. Indeed, it seems like every web developer has their own preference of frontend framework. In this post, we won’t pick any favorites. Instead, we’ll take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of each project to choose the best option for your use case.
Modern JavaScript Frameworks
The basic task of these frontend frameworks is updating the Document Object Model (DOM) so that the user sees dynamic information on the screen as they interact with the application.
Of course, JavaScript developers can make changes directly to the DOM without the need for a framework. Provided that those changes are simple and fairly constrained, it may make sense to write the whole application in vanilla JavaScript. However, modern applications often involve multiple changing variables and moving parts that make writing raw JavaScript cumbersome and error-prone.
Each of these frameworks introduces a learning curve but ultimately makes managing the state of your application simpler. They all do so by introducing the concept of a component in your web page. In general, components can have their own state. Additionally, they can be nested so a parent component can change, create, and destroy child components as needed. Unquestionably, the reusable stateful component model is the key innovation of all these frameworks.
React
React comes from Facebook, and it was open sourced in 2013. In particular, React introduces the concept of a virtual DOM. When React components need to make changes to the state of the application, those changes get reflected in a virtual version of the DOM. If multiple changes conflict or converge, those conflicts get resolved in the virtual DOM before being rendered on the page. React’s event loop regularly compares the state of the virtual DOM to the real DOM and only re-renders components that have changed.
As a result, we call React a UI library, rather than a true web framework. Indeed, React components can be deployed inside HTML pages as needed. However, React comes with some setup challenges as React’s JSX syntax needs to be Babel compiled to JavaScript. As such, you’ll need Webpack module bundling to get React apps working. Of course, React provides a standard out-of-the-box implementation via create-react-app. Nevertheless, if you need custom configuration, you’ll have to write your own webpack setup, which can be a challenge.
React’s flexibility, community, and Facebook-backed pedigree has catapulted it to being the most-popular of all JavaScript frameworks. It’s also fairly easy to learn the basics of React. However, things can quickly become more complicated in large applications.
Angular
AngularJS was the first popular JavaScript framework on the scene in 2010. Developers at Google wanted a framework that would allow them to build powerful applications without manipulating the DOM directly. Instead, Angular applications involve models (data) and views (UIs) that have bi-directional data binding. As a result, Angular monitors changes in both and updates the other when a change is detected.
As of Angular 2, Google completely rewrote Angular to be a more comprehensive web framework for building entire applications. In addition, Angular 2+ required developers write the application in TypeScript, a superset of JavaScript. Currently, Angular is version 7.
Overall, the architecture of an Angular application revolves around Services and Components. For example, services provide data and functions to components. When a Service has new information, it injects that new information into the component and that triggers a property binding change to the view that the user sees. On the other hand, when a user interacts with the view/UI, an event binding triggers a change in the component.
Angular is a complete web framework for building complex sites. As a result, it’s more often used in enterprise. Additionally, it has a steeper learning curve and longer startup time than its competitors. However, it makes up for that startup time in fuller features for complex applications.
Vue
Vue is the simplest option of this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not powerful. In fact, it combines many of the best lessons learned from both React and Angular. It’s flexible and portable similar to React, but it can also provide fuller framework-like features of Angular.
Additionally, Vue has the shortest learning curve. That said, it’s far less popular than React and Angular for large-scale applications. While Vue can work well in certain applications, most projects will choose React or Angular for their pedigree, community, and extensive resources.
React vs. Angular vs. Vue: Making Your Choice
Trying to build something flexible and fast? Try React or Vue.
Security, complexity, and enterprise-level use are a concern? Pick Angular.
Want to inject some dynamic JavaScript into an otherwise static page? Vue or just vanilla JS are your best choices
Looking for the industry leader with a lot of developers who know the framework? React is the best, followed closely by Angular
Need help making the choice? Intertech has developers experienced in all the above frameworks. Get in touch today, and we’ll help you choose.
About Intertech
Founded in 1991, Intertech delivers software development consulting and IT training to Fortune 500, Government and Leading Technology institutions. Learn more about us. Whether you are a developer interested in working for a company that invests in its employees or a company looking to partner with a team of technology leaders who provide solutions, mentor staff and add true business value, we’d like to meet you.
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Originally published at Intertech Blog. | https://medium.com/@intertech/react-vs-angular-vs-vue-how-to-choose-289e2f10cd71 | ['Intertech'] | 2019-06-17 14:25:31.365000+00:00 | ['Vue', 'Web Development', 'React', 'Angular'] |
Increasing Student Engagement With Patience and Understanding in a Distance Learning Environment | It’s been a while since my last reflection post. It felt like the year froze in March and we’re still in it. It’s weird. We’re in a full online teaching environment and it’s actually a lot different than what we experienced last year. Last year, we had an emergency shift to distance learning and were completely unprepared for the shift. Now, I still feel unprepared, but less so than before.
I felt like I was beginning to have a routine and a system that felt natural in the classroom. Taking attendance was a breeze because I knew how to look at the tables and know immediately who’s missing. I had a routine where as the students were getting their supplies for the day, I’d take attendance and by the time they were settled, I’d have the non-instructional tasks completed and a coffee in my hand.
Now, all the systems and routines that I had down changed and I have to adapt to a whole new system that isn’t natural. Attendance takes forever… it’s so hard to scroll through the names and figure out who’s here. PowerSchool sorts all of the names by last name, whereas students join by first name. I have 4 students with the same first name and reminding them to edit their name on Zoom to have their last name too takes away from the efficiency in the classroom. My entire teaching process feels inefficient.
At the same time, I’m really thankful that we’re in a place where we can teach remotely and that students have access to learning opportunities even when they’re at home. I couldn’t imagine this being a thing that would work as effectively as it does now when I was in school. I’m also thankful that I’m working at a school that goes above & beyond for students by providing them with all of the technology and tools for internet access. Even though there’s a lot of negatives about distance learning, I know that it’s huge that we can even do this and that students can learn from home during a global pandemic.
Student Engagement
Student engagement is a topic that it seems like every teacher talks (or complains) about. Between the, “Students aren’t turning on their webcams,” or, “I feel like I’m talking to myself all day,” comments, it seems like a topic that is always discussed negatively.
I’m not going to lie and say that my student engagement is where I want it to be or that I have 90%+ student engagement in the distance learning classroom. I have more students with their webcams off than their webcams on. I have students who can’t seem to find the unmute button when they need to. I have a few students who I know I’m going to struggle with associating a face to the name when we shift to a hybrid learning environment because I’ve seen them maybe twice.
Although, what I do know is that my students are awesome and that I don’t know what they’re going through. I don’t know how my students are being affected by COVID-19, racism, and the multitude of current events. I don’t know if they’re in a space where there’s 7 people living in a studio and they don’t want to turn their webcams on because they’re embarrassed to. I’m not going to force them to turn on their webcams or require them to turn on their webcams because I don’t know what’s going on behind the webcam. When they’re at school, they leave that environment and don’t have to share that if they’re not comfortable sharing it, but at home, when we force them to turn on their webcams, we’re forcing them to share what they may not be comfortable sharing.
Instead, I prefer to say: If you’re in a space where you’re comfortable and able to turn on your webcam and unmute yourselves to have discussions, I encourage you to do so.
Success Over Time
I’ve noticed that since being open and receptive to student situations, I’ve noticed a drastic increase in student engagement. I realized that this is similar to building a classroom culture. In the physical classroom, before a student is open to sharing and engaging in discussion confidently, a classroom culture needs to be built up first. This occurs over time and isn’t really a process that’s rushed. Sometimes it takes about a month for students to feel comfortable sharing within the classroom. Similarly, webcams and microphone discussions are aspects of teaching now that also need to be approached with patience. It takes a while for a student to feel fully comfortable switching to working on computers and engaging in online learning. It’s a new format that they’re not familiar with, even more so if they don’t have computers at home to work with before the shift to distance learning.
The last time I asked for students to turn on their webcams, I noticed that all but 3 of my 28 students had their webcams on! It was great to see how the first time I asked at the beginning of the school year, I had one student turn on their webcam, realize that no one else was turning it on, and then promptly turn it off. That shifted to a few students over time. Now, most are comfortable with turning them on and engaging in discussion unmuting themselves, rather than typing in the chat, and I couldn’t be more proud of these kids.
This whole situation helped me to realize that even though we shifted to an online format, we still need to realize that rapport, patience, and love are still important. They still need all of these and a classroom culture still needs to be cultivated through an online format. I don’t see the point of forcing students to turn on their webcams or demand that they turn it on in hopes that they do when they’re going to not understand the purpose and value of it. I’d rather teach them the value and the purpose of participating in class and the joy of a classroom where they can see their classmates and engage in discussions verbally, rather than through chat. This takes time and I’m ok with that. I see the results now and I’m glad that the students are comfortable with turning on their webcams because they want to and not because they have to.
Still a work in progress
There’s still so much I want to do. There are still days when I feel like student engagement has dropped so low I don’t even know if they’re sitting at their computers. There are a lot of moments when I ask a question and get no response, follow by a, “What was the question?” in the chat after the long silence… even after the question was posted in the chat.
At the same time, I know that it’s important to keep encouraging student engagement and working as if they were there behind the screen, even if they aren’t at times. I think it’s even more important to encourage them with patience and understanding, rather than demanding engagement. I always think about the process as the Simpsons Gif where Homer is backing into a bush.
If we force students to be engaged, they’ll turn it on. However, they see the reason for being being engaged only as a classroom rule. They may not understand the value in being engaged. When the focus of student engagement is enforcing student engagement, the value isn’t communicated. When students are in an environment they’re not comfortable in, forcing them to turn on their cameras may be more detrimental to student desire to be engaged than allowing them to keep it off for now, but communicating in the chat or through voice.
Instead, what if we can do the opposite? I’ve seen it work in my classroom. On the days where I notice participation and engagement has dropped, I’d rather be patient and understanding with them than to force them to turn on their webcams. I see it more like a reverse Simpsons meme, where students are in the bush initially, but through patience, understanding, and teaching them the value of engagement over time, they’ll start having conversations and turning their videos on. | https://medium.com/@mrdaniellieu/increasing-student-engagement-with-patience-and-understanding-in-a-distance-learning-environment-876427cc4959 | ['Daniel Lieu'] | 2020-12-09 19:44:24.837000+00:00 | ['Distance Learning', 'Growth Mindset', 'Zoom', 'Education'] |
How Decentralized Apps Stand to Alter Business Practices | Business is not a static environment. Neither is the world that surrounds it. Everything is constantly changing, mutating, and progressing forward.
Today, this notion is apparent in the realm of software and app development.
Nearly every media publication today is talking about cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and others. What has even more people talking, however, is the technology that lies beneath these digital currencies: the blockchain.
Blockchain technology has brought with it the unrelenting potential to decentralize anything and everything in its wake. The unbridled power that blockchain technology touts, however, is beginning to get funneled into a specific avenue of development: decentralized applications, or DApps.
DApps are a form of application framework that to remodel the backend structure of various digital products, services, and platforms. The groundwork on which these decentralized services are built comes from the cryptocurrency, Ethereum. Currently, there are over 1,100 DApps existing through Ethereum’s blockchain network.
While the tenants and structure of blockchain technology can sometimes be challenging to explain to the uninitiated, the same is not true for DApps as these technological models still possess the standard front-end experience that consumers have come to expect. What separates DApps from conventional applications is the backend framework that has been developed.
Instead of existing within a centralized server, housed on a decentralized blockchain, hosted by Ethereum; this arrangement opens whole new worlds of potential and possibilities for app developers.
This is represented by a statement made by Tiana Laurence, Co-Founder of and the author of Blockchain for Dummies, in which she proclaimed that DApps are, “. . . the most revolutionary and controversial manifestation of Ethereum.”
To understand this sentiment further requires a deeper understanding of the core structure and business implications of DApps.
A Functional Definition of DApps
It is not by happenstance that Ethereum became the foundational resource for development. In fact, this is written directly into Ethereum’s mission and vision statement:
“The Ethereum Foundation’s mission is to promote and support Ethereum platform and base layer research, development and education to bring decentralized protocols and tools to the world that empower developers to produce decentralized applications ( ), and together build a more globally accessible, and more trustworthy Internet.”
This clearly indicates that Ethereum has a higher purpose merely existing as a cryptocurrency; it is attempting to revolutionize the technological landscape.
Assisting in this radical push forward is David Johnston, CEO of the DApps Fund. In a white paper produced by Johnston and others entitled, “The General Theory of Decentralized Applications, Dapps,” the authors define DApps as needing to possess several core elements in order to fall into the aforementioned category. That criteria that DApps must:
Be open source and operate autonomously
Cryptographically store the app’s data in a decentralized public blockchain
Leverage a cryptographic token
Generate tokens according to a standard cryptographic algorithm
Through the lens of these benchmarks, the business-oriented implications of DApps start to become apparent.
Business in the Era of DApps
Johnston articulates the potential growth of this technology structure and format when he stated:
“DApps have the potential to become self-sustaining because they empower their stakeholders to invest in the development of the dApp. . . Because of that, it is conceivable that for payments, data storage, bandwidth and cloud computing may one day surpass the valuation of multinational corporations like Visa, Dropbox, Comcast, and Amazon that are currently active in the space.”
This time is not yet upon us, but there is promise that it will be soon considering that the explosive growth of investment and development continues to expand at exponential rates. This enhanced dissemination is, in part, attributable to the implementation of smart contracts.
Using smart contracts, businesses are empowered to decentralize many services the company offers in relation to voting platforms, marketing, retail, and innumerable other areas.
The allure of doing this comes through the capabilities possessed by smart contracts. These digital documents clearly define the parameters, penalties, and rules of engagement for the parties involved; standard contents a contractual agreement.
Where the deviation occurs, however, is the way in which a contract is fulfilled. In certain scenarios, one party simply cannot determine the effectiveness or efficiency in which a goal is met. Through smart contracts, enforcement of contractual obligations is handled via software that only brings about the completion of the transaction once the terms have been sufficiently met; and it does so automatically.
This framework presents businesses with a model to reform various operational procedures related to online sales, digital identity verification, supply chain management, and other challenging or resource-intensive areas of operation.
Because of the incredible benefits touted by such a structure, futurist Garry Golden has predicted that by 2025, Ethereum will gain mainstream accessibility as, “. . . emerge from individuals, businesses, civic institutions, and governments eager to develop products and services based on a radical mix of trust, transparency, and automation.”
Make no mistake; the future of DApps is by no means set in stone as a success. There are many potential unforeseen changes, challenges, and ramifications that could emerge as implementation spreads; this is the nature of every innovative technology or program.
That said, the potentials that DApps and the blockchain posses could bring about world-changing alterations that in many ways free up organizations, developers, and average individuals to interact with the digital ecosystem in entirely new and prosperous ways.
Heidi Yu is a serial entrepreneur, influencer marketing evangelist AI enthusiast. An MBA graduate from Seattle University, she successfully founded Boostinsider at the end of 2014. As one of the few women leaders in blockchain adaptation, Heidi founded BOOSTO, an influencer driven decentralized app store that returns power to creators and makers. Heidi speaks to audiences around the world about the adaptation and the benefits of the blockchain.
Links
Website www.boosto.io
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Boosto.io/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/boosto/
Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/Boosto
Twitter https://twitter.com/Boosto_io
Telegram https://t.me/BOOSTO_io
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/boosto_io/
EMAIL: [email protected] | https://medium.com/boosto/how-decentralized-apps-stand-to-alter-business-practices-96fb44077d0d | ['Crypto Influence'] | 2018-05-25 18:12:45.715000+00:00 | ['Technology', 'ICO', 'Blockchain', 'Ethereum', 'Bitcoin'] |
Before you hire a maintenance team, double-check the contract | Before you hire a maintenance team, double-check the contract
Snow removal, handyman, plumber, painter, gardener: Don’t hire a contractor until you’re sure of the pros, cons and what-ifs
The phrase “I don’t do windows” has been used for umpteen years. Granted, several decades ago, it made sense considering windows didn’t always have the kind of hinges that could easily be cleaned without physically hanging off the window sill. But times have changed even when people’s work behavior has not. That means condo board associations still run into contractors who sound like Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” rap — they “can’t do this” and they “don’t do that.” But if you sign the wrong contract, you can’t “get a refund” or “bring that back.”
Photo credit: Jeriden Villegas/Unsplash
Prior to our current maintenance team, which I cannot say enough nice things about, two prior maintenance crews created more headaches than cleanliness. One worked in partnership with our prior property management company. But odd things started happening, like the maintenance company charging questionable purchases on our open hardware store account. While the prior property management company would pay the bill, sketchy purchases weren’t challenged. For example, seven keys were copied for what was supposed to be “the basement.” But anyone living in our building knew that we used Mul-T-Lock keys, which can only be copied by licensed locksmiths. When asking about the key copies, our board was told all of the keys “‘didn’t work” so they were “thrown away.” But on the next couple of bills, copied keys from the same hardware store were on there again. Who goes back to a hardware store that made seven faulty keys to get more keys copied? Along with a slew of other supplies that couldn’t be traced to our building— and the maintenance team never confirming a consistent schedule or cleaning tasks — the board ultimately decided to get rid of this company within a matter of months.
The next maintenance company looked promising, with a detailed list of weekly tasks, and a specified arrival day and time. Oddly, even though their contract listed tasks like “changing dead light bulbs,” “removing cobwebs” and “mopping the basement floor,” the company never changed any lightbulbs even after being asked to, ignored cobwebs altogether and would only mop the “main” basement floor. According to them, the “storage part was different; we only mop the washer-dryer area.” They wouldn’t change lightbulbs because they didn’t want to shop for them (regardless of reimbursement). And even after pointing out that the storage area was in the same basement, half of the basement remained untouched. They lasted two months.
When Company Number 3 offered their services for a strict yearlong contract and no cancellation or trial period, I opted out immediately. No one needs to learn the same lesson three times. Condo boards learn fairly quickly that anytime you team up with (independent) contractors, there needs to be a “what if?” conversation that takes place before any signatures are marked on contract pages.
Why job tasks should be reviewed line-by-line
From that point on, our board became very specific before anymore signatures were marked on contract pages.
Do you actually do everything on your contract?
How often do you do ____________, which is on the contract?
Do you charge extra to do ______________?
Do you handle repairs? What repairs are you qualified and previously did?
Are you comfortable with reimbursement after purchasing items for repairs, or would you need to have the items supplied ahead of time?
Photo credit: jarmoluk/Pixabay
Don’t assume that everything in the contract, even if the contractor wrote and released it, is covered. Oddly, sometimes contractors will print out templates and not pay much attention to what’s on the page until the association points to it. Read all contracts line-by-line, making sure that no one suddenly has amnesia when it comes to getting the job done.
The weather isn’t always on your side
If you live in a city where weather tends to be different every day, you definitely need to have wording in your contract to accommodate that. For example, if you hire painters or gardeners, know what the cancellation time is on a rainy day. If you’re getting deck repairs but the weather is too cool for the staining and sealing to properly dry within a predicted amount of time, make sure the deck team will still be available the day after.
And if you live in a place like Chicago where you can spend winter days at the beach or in a snowsuit, you definitely need to understand your snow removal contract. For example, can your maintenance specialist handle snow removal under a certain number of inches of snow? What about over a certain amount of inches of snow? Is there a different fee for both or one flat rate?
Photo credit: Josh Wilburne/Unsplash
If you have a larger snow removal team who does charge a monthly flat rate, do you still owe this amount even if you have an unseasonably warm winter? Is there room for negotiation? These may all seem to be odd questions to ask when there’s a snowflake nowhere in sight, but the last thing you want to do is wait until you’re wearing two pairs of gloves, a knitted hat and a down feather coat to start worrying about who will clear the parking lot.
Should you call/email references of contractors ahead of time?
This is one area of Corporate America that I’ll never quite understand. If someone puts a work reference or personal reference down, you already know that they’re going to have a glowing review of the person in order to get the job. Who in their right mind would put down a terrible reference? On the other hand, I do not agree with allowing hiring managers to call every past supervisor and/or manager. (There are a mountain of online articles about horrendous higher-ups. Supervisors are as likely to be horrendous as the employee is amazing, and vice versa.)
Calling a contractors’ past references could result in more of the same. So who should you rely on? I’m a stickler for reading Better Business Bureau complaints and checking grades; reading Yelp, Angie’s List and Google reviews; and reviewing the company’s website. If their website is a mess and contact information is shaky, chances are that the company is, too. (I’ve only been proven wrong one time. The company was amazing but definitely needed a web manager.) Just like every supervisor isn’t someone you want to have a whiskey sour with (I don’t drink beer), sometimes you can tell an annoying customer on review sites, too.
The bigger goal is to just look for patterns, not opinions. Does the contractor arrive on time? Does the contractor do the actual job? Does the contractor honor the contract and warranty policy? If there is a hiccup, does the contractor try to fix the dispute or have a reasonable reason for walking away? What is the tone in the replies from an unhappy customer? Does the contractor only respond to unhappy customers but ignores glowing reviews altogether? (Doth protest too much, methinks.) Are people suspiciously angry in the one-star reviews and overly happy in the five-star reviews? | https://medium.com/homegrown/before-you-hire-a-maintenance-team-double-check-the-contract-64c7d1b27a73 | ['Shamontiel L. Vaughn'] | 2020-09-25 02:35:41.883000+00:00 | ['Hiring', 'Maintenance', 'Contracts', 'Condominiums', 'Condo Board Association'] |
Are fisheries still a man’s world? | Anna Maria, aka “the Bride of the Sea” as she’s known in her tiny coastal Italian village, was born into a fishing family, and went out on boats with her father from the age of four, but it was not until she was 30 when the laws regarding gender equality were passed in Italy, that she was able to apply for a fishing license and become an independent fisherwoman. Even today, 50 years later, attitudes to gender equality have a lot further to go than we may realise.
Globally, women’s fishing activities amount to an estimated 3 million tonnes of marine fish and other seafood per year, with an estimated economic value of $5.6 billion per year — about 12% of the landed value of all small-scale fisheries catches.
However, these contributions often go unnoticed.
Ionna Autoustinou Vana, Zakynthos, Greece. © Carlo Gianferro
So yes, women play fundamentally important roles in fisheries but still remain mostly invisible. Recognising, understanding and valuing these roles will not only contribute to fishery sustainability but also bring social, environmental and economic benefits to coastal communities.
We estimate the total number of women who work in catching, aquaculture, and processing in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea to be more than 14,000. People might be surprised to see women skippering their own vessels, shooting nets, pulling in lines — but a few do exactly that in artisanal fisheries across the region. The catching sub-sector is heavily dominated by men; ‘officially’ employed women represent only between 1 and 6% of the workforce.
Women play a crucial role in the clam fishery on the Gulf of Gabes in the south of Tunisia. More than 4,000 women work in harsh conditions across 17 production sites as ‘pecheuses pied’, digging clams to earn an income. Historically, their lack of visibility and education was a barrier to them receiving fair prices, and their families suffered too. But bespoke training and other development initiatives from the government and civil society have improved working conditions and raised standards of living in the local communities, showing that empowering women in fisheries benefits society as a whole.
In addition, the Mediterranean catching sector has the region’s highest number of women who work in supporting roles without legal status or remuneration. A good number of the male fishers in communities across the Mediterranean are only able to be out on the water because of the support they receive from the women in their family — their wives, mothers, daughters, and others. This is particularly the case in small-scale fisheries. “For every male boat owner, there is at least one female family member who assists him,” a fisherwoman from Greece told us.
Fisherwoman in Gökova Bay, Turkey © Clémentine Laurent
This work could be directly to do with fishing — activities like mending gear, selling the catch, etc; or it might be in managing all aspects of the business (administration, marketing, accounting) or family life so the men can spend more time at sea.
In practical terms, gender equality makes sound economic, environmental, and social sense, and is more likely to lead to sustainable outcomes. Neglecting the activity of women can mean total catches are underestimated and the diversity of species targeted is misunderstood; meaning fishery strategies may only be based on partial information.
As for what broader perspectives bring to fisheries management, women tend to speak up more as traditional ‘caretakers’, taking different views on risk and advocating more sustainable management approaches — and we need much more of this in the future. They’re also more aware of social needs like food security and family wellbeing; and in playing a key role as professional skilled workers they need adequate training and opportunities.
Helena, Lastovo (Croatia) © Ante Gugic
Pescatourism is a fast-growing activity in the Mediterranean, with some operations jointly run by husband and wife teams (as is the case of Helena, photo) who share the fishing and hospitality duties. “Women have a broader view of the possibilities the fishing sector can offer. We, women, are more open to bringing tourists closer to our traditions, to explain how ancient fishing methods already had sustainability at heart and all the ways we can respect the sea.,” comments Antonella Donato, fisherwoman in Messina, Sicily.
Onshore women have often been forming marketing cooperatives to improve margins on sales, extending the scope of processing facilities to stay busy through the winter, branching out into selling other goods along with seafood products — forward-looking approaches like these are a precondition for long-term sustainability so it’s essential women face no avoidable obstacles to participating fully in the sector.
Overcoming the obstacles
The biggest obstacle of all currently is a lack of data — specifically, gender-disaggregated data on all aspects of women’s participation in fisheries and related areas. A lack of recognition often leaves women in poor working conditions with no means of representing themselves. Their pay is usually lower than men’s, and their careers tend to reach a glass ceiling beyond which only men progress. Every country in the region needs to do better.
Fisherwoman in Gökova Bay (Turkey) © Clémentine Laurent
An equal future
At a global scale, SDG5 commits the international community to “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls” — a goal echoed in a Mediterranean fisheries context by the MedFish4Ever Declaration, which aims to “improve working conditions and promote the role of women in the fisheries sector and aquaculture”.
In practical terms, gathering gender-disaggregated data is the first step to greater progress, along with consistent gender screening of fishery policies and programmes.
Women’s roles in and contributions to fisheries — from pre-harvest activities right through to final sales — must be identified, documented, and recognised; and they must receive equal recognition and rewards for everything they do socially, economically, and environmentally. Safe working conditions, as well as equal pay for equal work, are essential, and women must have the same access to fishery decision-making opportunities as their male colleagues.
The ultimate goal is to reach a point where gender is no longer a point of difference in Mediterranean fisheries, where men and women work together for equal rewards on a level playing field. | https://wwf.medium.com/are-fisheries-still-a-mans-world-2eba516ea237 | [] | 2020-11-20 00:02:26.262000+00:00 | ['Oceans', 'Conservation', 'Gender Equality', 'Fisheries', 'Environment'] |
On coming out as NOT POLYA: | I wrote a post on my desire to disassociate myself entirely from the polya orientation, then deleted (well, privatized) it. I was writing from a place of anger and snark, and while there is room for anger and snark, in hindsight I think my emotions undermined some of the valid points I was trying to make.
Here’s some flaws I’m seeing in the behaviors of the polya community:
1. I’m really tired of the assumption that I’m available for whatever your relationship style is just because I’m single and a sex educator. Polya people will plow straight into flirtation with single people merely because both are available, with zero thought to whether they are able to meet their needs. These assumptions lead to mismanaged expectations and the idea that there is something wrong with the single person for not wanting to participate in something which is not designed to end in any satisfaction for them. I understand that poly people may be bucking against the heteronormative monogamy assumption in mainstream culture, but it’s not my job to adapt to your orientation either.
2. I have had multiple polya people assume without asking that my spending time with them was a date — one man asked if our dinner plans were a date halfway through dinner (which is half a dinner too late in my opinion), another referred to our afternoon together as a “third date” on Instagram when I was not aware that any of the time we had spent together had been about dating, and a woman thought I was asking her on a date when I texted her asking if she wanted a spot on my guest list to a club (an assumption I had to awkwardly find out from a mutual friend). Stop this. Stop putting me into your narrative without my consent. The implication is that I’m only worth hanging out with you if there’s a chance you get to fuck me, and that’s fucking awful of you.
3. We’re not talking enough about how polya people overstretch their bandwidth and resources when taking on lovers. Our community has recently seen the damage that can occur when a person takes on more accountability for partners than they can handle, and yet I see more warnings about whether people are ready to own a pet than take on a new lover. If it seems like it shouldn’t be that difficult to interact with another autonomous human being, let me regale you about the polya lover who exposed me to bedbugs last year, and the other polya lover who mercilessly made fun of me at a dinner with mutual friends. These were both sex-positive people in sex-oriented communities. If you can’t take care of a single person, let alone refrain from physically or emotionally endangering them, don’t take them on as a lover.
4. The assumption that anyone in our community is up for “untethered intimacy” ignores the fact that many people have deep triggers around abandonment. Treating people like you can just seduce them without consequence is often to tell them that you feel they are disposable. I and most other single people don’t need that belief reinforced. You are hindering our healing in a death by 1000 papercuts. The continual offer of sex without attachment erodes a person’s feeling over time that they are worth getting attached to. Stop collectively implying that people are worth a fuck but not a relationship. You are reinforcing their abandonment triggers and killing their self-esteem.
5. When you are already in a polya relationship and you attempt to seduce or flirt with a single person, you are ignoring the enormous power inequality at play: that you have an emotional support system already in place that they likely don’t. If your lovership with them fails, you can theoretically receive support from your existing relationships while they cannot. Their risk is substantially greater than yours. Sometimes even the unspoken power balance is enough to trigger anxiety, or often the single person will just feel that you’re rubbing your abundance in their faces.
6. The assumption that a person is going to get anything out of casual sex with you is egoic in itself, but when you’re talking to a sex educator (hi) it’s doubly so. I have spent the past decade becoming fluent in all love languages, erotic blueprints, and kinks, so if sex is all that’s being offered to me it’s unlikely to be an even exchange. It reminds me of the music producer who complained to me once of people who came to him with a few shitty lines written on a piece of loose-leaf and asked him to make it sound like a million-dollar Taylor Swift song that had a team of 12 people on it. If you really think a sexual experience with you will benefit me, then pitch me as a practitioner. I would far rather pay a somatic sexologist for that time/space container than fuck you for free.
7. I got (rightfully) called out in the comments for saying that I felt differently about girls, that with girls I still feel safe to be polya, which reinforces a toxic notion that lesbian relationships don’t count. I don’t believe that on a transpersonal level. What I mean is that my orientation doesn’t create the same attachments with women as with men, and that in most cases with women (excepting the one who mistook a guest list for a date), I have not felt that they were trying to escalate sexually before establishing trust and friendship. Therefore it’s been safer for me with girls to add sex on as an extension of friendship and not a potentially dangerous situation where sex and flirtation is jumped to without trust.
For these reasons, I will continue to identify as a primary-oriented non-monogamist (or “monogamish”), but I am completely disassociating myself from the orientation of polyamory.
Polya people, please check yourselves. Single people are not a buffet for you to pick from when you feel like trying something new. Stop treating our availability as consent when you cannot take responsibility for the feelings you create. | https://medium.com/postmodern-woman/on-coming-out-as-not-polya-36112b8d2cd5 | ['Michon Neal'] | 2017-01-04 19:53:13.626000+00:00 | ['Sex', 'Polyamory', 'Ethics', 'Relationships', 'Nonmonogamy'] |
The man who brought jihad to Britain, did so thanks to MI6 | The man who brought jihad to Britain, did so thanks to MI6
A BBC ‘investigation’ into Deobandi extremism bears the hallmarks of Whitehall propaganda
by Nafeez Ahmed
This story is published by INSURGE INTELLIGENCE, a crowd-funded investigative journalism project for the global commons
“The radicalisation of Britain’s Muslim youth of Pakistani origin began in the mid-1990s with the full knowledge and complicity of British and US intelligence agencies.”
— B. Raman, former head of the counter-terrorism division at India’s foreign intelligence agency, RAW, from 1988 to 1994
Last week, BBC News ran what it described as an “investigation” by assistant editor Innes Bowen, purporting to uncover how a leading associate of Osama bin Laden “was once the VIP guest of Britain’s leading Islamic scholars.”
In August 1993, Masood Azhar, head of the Pakistani terrorist group, Jaish-e-Mohammed, had conducted a month-long speaking and fundraising tour of UK mosques.
Masood Azhar, chief of Pakistani al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group, Jaish-e-Mohammed
“The story of Masood Azhar’s trip to Britain does not fit the narrative promoted by Muslim community leaders and security experts alike,” concluded Bowen. “According to them, the spread of jihadist ideology in Britain had nothing to do with the UK’s mainly South Asian mosques.”
Bowen, author of a book seeking to map Muslim communities in Britain, Medina in Birmingham, Najaf in Brent (Hurst, 2014), claims that jihadist ideology, influenced by “Pakistan’s far right, religio-political movements is still deeply embedded in large parts of the Deobandi network in Britain.”
This, she suggests citing a former self-styled “founder member of al-Qaeda” turned security consultant, ‘Aimen Dean’, is a legacy of widespread sympathy for extremists among Deobandis both before and after 911.
“Pre-9/11, there was no question that the Deobandis supported the Taliban of Afghanistan to the hilt,” Dean told her, drawing on his alleged experience of having preached in many Deobandi mosques in the UK. “Even after 9/11, there were many mosques still stubborn in their support for the Taliban, because of the Deobandi solidarity.”
Bowen’s “investigation” made headlines across the national and international press, making the frontpage of The Times, with further regurgitation in the Daily Mail, Express, dozens of local newspapers across the country, and further pick-up as far afield as The Nation, the left-leaning liberal US newsmagazine.
But Bowen’s exclusive is deeply misleading — it offers a systematically selective reading of history, serving to reinforce the Conservative government’s discriminatory security policies toward British Muslims, while obscuring the role of British security services in fostering jihadism at home and abroad.
As such, Bowen’s piece fits conveniently into an accelerating British government propaganda drive to pave the way for an emerging policy of official hostility toward Britain’s Deobandi Muslim communities.
Evidence of that policy surfaced in February with the announcement of a Ministry of Justice inquiry into the preponderance of Muslim prison chaplains of Deobandi persuasion, comprising a risk of radicalisation in the prison system.
Separate to this, though, the government has secretly completed another wider internal report into Deobandi communities in Britain. Details of this are not publicly available — but its existence was confirmed in the BBC radio 4 show produced by Bowen’s team.
Scary, suspicious Deobandis everywhere
The first obvious hole in Bowen’s narrative is in her acknowledgement that:
“Azhar’s tour lasted a month and consisted of over 40 speeches.”
Assuming that each of Azhar’s speeches occurred at a separate Deobandi mosque, this indicates that Azhar was able to visit some 40 odd Deobandi mosques in Britain. But in Bowen’s own book, she estimates there are some 738 Deobandi mosques throughout the UK.
This means that Masood Azhar was greeted by only a tiny fraction of Britain’s Deobandi Muslim communities and mosques — 5% of them, to be precise. That’s also just 2% of all of Britain’s estimated 1,664 mosques.
Yet Bowen chooses not to mention this, instead inaccurately casting a shadow of suspicion as wide as possible over the Deobandi communities:
“… it was Azhar, a Pakistani cleric, who was the first to spread the seeds of modern jihadist militancy in Britain–and it was through South Asian mosques belonging to the Deobandi movement that he did it. The Deobandis control more than 40% of British mosques and provide most of the UK-based training of Islamic scholars.”
CIA, ISI, MI6
Bowen’s BBC report goes to pains to ignore perhaps the most significant material context of Masood Azhar’s ability to enter Britain in 1993, despite being connected to Osama bin Laden: state-sponsorship.
In 1993, Azhar was founding chief of the Pakistani militant group Harkat ul-Mujahedeen (HuM), previously called Harkat ul-Ansar (HuA). In both guises, Harkat was closely protected by Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), due to its key role in the CIA-MI6 backed war to eject the Soviets from Afghanistan.
A core feature of this covert programme was the bastardisation of Islam: the financing of extremist preachers and the proliferation of thousands of madrasahs preaching violent jihadism.
So concerned were the West’s national security mandarins to ensure these burgeoning madrasahs taught the ‘right’ doctrines, they directly financed the printing of hundreds of thousands of textbooks supplied to Muslim school children, “filled with violent images and militant Islamic teachings” in the words of the Washington Post.
These violent doctrines successfully subverted the conservative teachings of countless Islamic seminaries within the spectrum of Deobandi and Salafi schools of thought. Far from jihadist ideology being an automatic product of those traditions, the toxic climate of the Cold War provided an unprecedented material boost to a violent extremist fringe, who were now empowered to dominate Islamic discourses.
Masood Azhar’s great British Bosnian adventure
When Masood Azhar decided to pop up in Britain in 1993, it was at the behest of British security services. But you wouldn’t know that from reading Bowen’s BBC story.
It’s widely assumed, even by those who should know better, that Western patronage of Islamist mujahideen ended decisively with the collapse of the Soviet Union.
In reality, US and British intelligence agencies continued to see potential utility for bin Laden’s Islamist brigades in the post-Cold War period to continue rolling back Russian and Chinese geopolitical influence.
That appears to have been one reason the US and British governments used Azhar’s HuM to recruit British Muslims into the unfolding war in Bosnia.
According to 26-year intelligence veteran, the late B. Raman, head of the counter-terrorism division of India’s external intelligence agency, the Research & Analysis Wing (RAW), which he co-founded:
“The radicalisation of Britain’s Muslim youth of Pakistani origin began in the mid-1990s with the full knowledge and complicity of British and US intelligence agencies… In the mid-1990s, the Pakistan-based jihadi group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM — previously known as the Harkat-ul-Ansar, HuA) sent a contingent to help Bosnian Muslims in their fight against the Serbs. They were sent by the government of Benazir Bhutto at the request of the Bill Clinton administration.”
Raman had firsthand access to Indian intelligence on these matters, having retired in 1994 from his post as Additional Secretary in the Indian government’s Cabinet Secretariat, where he was in charge of counter-terrorism.
This contingent of about 200 British Muslims of mostly Pakistani origin, reported Raman, “was raised and trained by Lieutenant General (retired) Hamid Gul, former director general of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), who himself used to visit Bosnia.”
They “received training in the camps of the HuA [Masood Azhar’s Harkat ul-Mujahideen], and joined the HuA in Bosnia with the blessings of London and Washington. Among them was Omar Sheikh, who went on to mastermind the murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002… Thus began the radicalisation process of Muslim youth of Pakistani origin in western Europe.”
MI6’s “favoured son”
Innes Bowen points out that British Muslim Omar Sheikh (full name: Ahmed Omar Sheikh Saeed) had been jailed in India in 1999 with Masood Azhar.
Ahmed Omar Sheikh Saeed, Masood Azhar’s right-hand man, Osama bin Laden’s finance chief, and alleged MI6 favourite
But she doesn’t acknowledge the evidence that under the tutelage of MI6, Omar Sheikh was among Azhar’s earliest recruits to his HuM, having joined after attending a training camp in Waziristan 1993.
The following year Sheikh met Osama bin Laden, who described him as his “favoured son.” He quickly became Masood Azhar’s right-hand man, and one of bin Laden’s most senior lieutenants.
In 1994, Omar Sheikh, Masood Azhar, and other HuM operatives were arrested and imprisoned in India for kidnappings of Western tourists. In 1999, they were freed by the Indian government in a hostage exchange after Islamist terrorists demanded their release by hijacking an Indian airliner.
Sheikh would go on to scale the ranks of al-Qaeda, becoming one of its senior financial managers.
Yet throughout this period, intelligence sources say that Sheikh was both an ISI and MI6 informant.
On the ISI patronage, Pakistani government officials confirm that Sheikh’s Pakistani intelligence handler was Brigadier Ijaz Shah, who was also reportedly Osama bin Laden’s ISI handler.
On the MI6 connection, General Pervez Musharraf’s memoirs, In the Line of Fire (p. 225), recount:
“… while Omar Sheikh was at the LSE [London School of Economics] he was recruited by the British intelligence agency MI6. It is said that MI6 persuaded him to take an active part in demonstrations against Serbian aggression in Bosnia and even sent him to Kosovo to join the jihad. At some point he probably became a rogue or double agent.”
The continuation of British intelligence’s fascination with Omar Sheikh was further apparent from a Times report (16th July 2002), ‘London schoolboy who graduated to terrorism’:
“British-born terrorist Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh was secretly offered an amnesty by British officials in 1999 if he would betray his links with al-Qaeda.”
The Times claimed that Sheikh refused the offer, but in practice, the British Foreign Office proceeded to repeatedly allow Azhar’s right-hand man back into the UK without being investigated or charged for his crimes. Sheikh ended up travelling to Britain in January 2000, and again in early 2001 — despite having founded a new terrorist outfit, Jaish-e-Mohammed, with Azhar.
9/11 money man
That impunity is particularly extraordinary given that after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, intelligence sources discovered that Azhar’s right-hand man had wired $100,000 directly to chief 9/11 hijacker, Mohammed Atta, on the instructions of former Pakistani ISI chief, General Mahmoud Ahmed.
From around June 2000 — in precisely the period when he was travelling to and from the UK with the FCO’s blessings — Omar Sheikh overall became the main conduit for the total of $500,000 funds wired in separate tranches to the 9/11 hijackers.
Yet it remains “a curious concern that neither Ahmed nor Sheikh have been charged and brought to trial over this incident,” said MJ Gohel, who serves on the United Nations Roster of Terrorism Experts, in evidence submitted in 2007 to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee.
Still, Innes Bowen goes on to make much of Azhar’s and Sheikh’s influence on major UK terrorist plots like 7/7, 21/7, and the 2006 liquid bomb plot, which manifested “the consequences of the British Deobandi link with Masood Azhar.”
But Innes Bowen’s selective account allows her to avoid asking the most pressing question of all, regarding the HuM’s extraordinary freedom of movement in the UK.
The freedom of movement granted to Ahmed Omar Sheikh Saeed was a direct consequence of British intelligence’s determination that Masood Azhar’s militant movement would be a useful tools for ongoing dubious covert operations in the Balkans and beyond.
According to former US Justice Department prosecutor John Loftus, in 1996, MI6 had continued to recruit British Muslims to fight in the Balkans, specifically in Kosovo, through al-Muhajiroun. Founded that year by Omar Bakri Mohammed, al-Muhajiroun retained close working ties with Masood Azhar, using HuM camps to send Britons for terror training. The network is currently run under a new name by Bakri’s right-hand man, Anjem Choudary.
The Kosovo war, of course, broke out fully in 1998, culminating in the NATO intervention in March 1999.
Corroborating Loftus’ claim, Pulitizer Prize-winning reporter Ron Suskind obtained confirmation from a senior MI5 source — and I from a senior British terrorism lawyer — that Bakri had indeed been a longtime British intelligence informant.
7/7 enigma
In 1999, while Omar Sheikh was being courted by MI6, his HuM underlings were training a nexus of UK terrorists, some of whom went on to launch the 7/7 suicide attacks in London.
Chief 7/7 bomber Mohammed Sidique Khan and his friend Waheed Ali, who was jailed for trying to attend a training camp in Pakistan in 2007, had first trained at a HuM camp in late 2001, near Kashmir in Pakistan and a Taliban camp in Bagram, Afghanistan, just before 9/11.
“In Ali’s account they were met at the airport by a vehicle festooned with HuM stickers before being taken by the organisation to their camp in Manshera (and later to a base in Afghanistan),” reports Rafaello Pantucci, director of International Security Studies at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).
Others connected to the 7/7 cell had received training even earlier. In 1999, Mohammed Shakil, who was jailed alongside Waheed Ali, “spent three days at a low-level training camp” in Kashmir. “Later that same year, Omar Khyam, the head of the Crevice cell… ran away from home, telling his parents he was on a school trip to France, when he instead went to join the struggle in Kashmir.”
It’s no wonder, then, that a year after 7/7, Ahmed Omar Sheikh was being interrogated by a joint team of senior Pakistani intelligence officers, who wanted answers to questions forwarded by British intelligence concerning the 7/7 bombings.
The MI6 spy who ‘founded’ al-Qaeda
But the BBC isn’t interested in probing British intelligence’s largesse to the Masood Azhar network, as opposed to casting aspersions on Deobandi communities in Britain.
“The views of Britain’s Deobandi congregations towards Masood Azhar after his alliance with al-Qaeda are not revealed in the archive of jihadist publications seen by the BBC,” writes Bowen. “Did British support for him evaporate or just go underground?”
To answer her question, Bowen speaks to a man who calls himself ‘Aimen Dean’, who is quoted apparently casting a wide net of suspicion on British Muslim Deobandi communities.
Bowen describes Dean as “a founder member of al-Qaeda, who changed tack in 1998 and became a spy for Britain’s security and intelligence services, MI5 and MI6.” He worked undercover in the UK for eight years while maintaining ties to the Taliban.
Aimen Dean, who is a former al-Qaeda member
The BBC’s depiction of Dean as a founding member of al-Qaeda who rejected its ideology in 1998, however, is incoherent.
Contrary to conventional wisdom, al-Qaeda did not even exist in 1998. Osama bin Laden himself did not refer to the name ‘al-Qaeda’ until after 9/11. As noted by Adam Dolnik, director of terrorism studies at the University of Wollongong’s Centre for Transnational Crime Prevention, what we had instead was still a loose, dispersed array of groups with varying degrees of relationship to bin Laden’s mujahideen:
“In the current context of Osama bin Laden’s terror network, this name was imposed externally by Western officials and media sources.”
According to the late former British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, the term ‘al-Qaeda’ was, from the beginning a Western intelligence invention:
“Al-Qaida, literally ‘the database’, was originally the computer file of the thousands of mujahideen who were recruited and trained with help from the CIA to defeat the Russians.”*
*(al-Qaeda, which means ‘the base’, is in this sense shorthand for al-qaeda ma’aloomat, meaning ‘database’)
While a loose international network of terrorist operatives inspired by and to some extent loyal to Osama bin Laden obviously existed, it was only in the run-up to 9/11 that it coalesced into a more formalised command and control structure, identifiable as ‘al-Qaeda’ precisely due to the network’s loyalty to bin Laden’s CIA-trained mujahideen.
Dean claims that his journey into bin Laden’s inner circle began with the Bosnian war, where he was encountered the alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and ended up swearing fealty to Osama bin Laden in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
This was in the early to mid-90s: too late to take credit for founding bin Laden’s anti-Soviet database of mujahideen, and too early to take credit for founding al-Qaeda as a concrete entity which, at that time, still did not really exist.
He rejected al-Qaeda, he claims, after the bombings of the US embassies in Nairobi and Dar as-Salam, leaving for medical treatment in the Gulf, whereupon by December 1998, he had been fully turned by MI5 and MI6 handlers.
Seven months later, Dean was dispatched by MI6 back to Afghanistan as a ‘penetration agent.’
In other words, by the BBC’s account, he left ‘al-Qaeda’ before it was even ‘founded,’ and in the ensuing eight years, whatever work he did to ‘found’ al-Qaeda was done with the full knowledge and complicity of British intelligence.
In my own interview with Aimen Dean, however, he flatly contradicted the way in which the BBC had characterised his career.
“I never claimed on any platform or forum that I was a ‘founding member of AQ [Al-Qaeda]’… Never said that anywhere and I was annoyed and puzzled by the BBC choice of title... People like me who joined in 1997 (post Bin Laden’s return from Sudan to Afghanistan) are just the new cadre.”
Dean indicated that he had raised concerns about the mischaracterisation a year ago, without success.
Fostering jihad to fight jihad
In last year’s BBC interview, Dean admitted encouraging young British Muslims to become jihadists, and perhaps facilitating the activities of the 7/7 attack planners.
As part of his ‘cover’, Aimen Dean played the role of a radical preacher, encouraging British Muslims to join al-Qaeda’s jihad, and elaborating theological justifications for al-Qaeda’s terrorist activity.
“You had to play along with them obviously?” asked the BBC’s Peter Marshall.
“Of course. I was still preaching, I was still stating how committed I am to the cause,” replied Dean.
“That must be tricky, though, because in some ways because you’re there preaching, you’re again giving theological justification for some of the bad things that you know that they’re up to,” noted Marshall.
Dean explained: “Yes, but at the end of the day if you want to catch rats, you have to go into the sewage system basically and get dirty yourself.”
In the name of catching rats, though, Dean was unleashing rats into the global jihad.
“… you have to keep up this pretence by talking to people at the mosque, you have to encourage them to join the jihad?” asked Marshall.
“Yes… although there are limits. I was aware of my boundaries basically about how much you can incite. You use guarded words about general rather than specific incitement,” Dean said.
Marshall: Do you ever feel guilty about having encouraged somebody to go to jihad? Dean: Yes. Marshall: Are there many occasions that this might have happened? Dean: There were some occasions where that happened.
During his time undercover, reported Marshall, Dean “even relayed hints of the 9/11 attacks.”
“There were indications,” Dean told Marshall:
“Abu Hafs al-Masri said, ‘Something big is about to happen.’ And I was told to relay a message to four individuals in London in July 2001 telling them they have to leave and come to Afghanistan before September 1.”
As we now know, Sidique Khan and others linked to the 7/7 cell made their way to Afghanistan shortly before the 9/11 attacks, where they attended a Taliban training camp.
In his interview, Dean did not elaborate on what MI5 or MI6 did with his intelligence revealing that senior al-Qaeda officials were communicating with and training a cell of four Britons five years before the London bombings. Marshall did not care to ask, either.
Neocon merchant?
Perhaps the most glaring omission from Innes Bowen’s decision to quote Aimen Dean as a credible authority on the state of British Muslim mosques, is his connection to the Henry Jackson Society (HJS), a neoconservative think-tank in London with close ties to the Bush administration officials who spearheaded the 2003 Iraq War.
Dean is managing director of Five Dimensions Consultants, a security contractor based in the United Arab Emirates.
Over the last few years, Aimen Dean’s firm has been a ‘gold sponsor’ of conferences organised by HJS’ risk analysis arm, Strategic Analysis (SA). As I exposed in a Guardian investigation in 2014, the latter is basically about serving the needs of Western corporate oil and gas interests in the Middle East.
That year, Aimen Dean was one of the opening speakers of a HJS conference he had co-sponsored at the Chartered Insurance Institute about ‘Political Risk and Business Interruption Exposures: Mitigating the Risk Post-“Arab Spring.”’ Joining his panel were former MI6 chief (2004–2009) Sir John Scarlett; Sir William Patey, who had served as UK ambassador to Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Iraq; HJS associate director Douglas Murray; and Telegraph defence editor, Con Coughlin.
Coughlin is also a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Gatestone Institute, a rightwing think-tank in New York that, according to the Center for American Progress, is part of a “networked group of misinformation experts” that “peddle hate and fear of Muslims and Islam”, funded by philanthropist Nina Rosenwald.
Alongside Coughlin among Gatestone’s senior fellows is HJS director Douglas Murray, who has, among other things, called for all Muslim immigration to Europe to be banned; demanded that “conditions for Muslims in Europe… be made harder across the board”; justified the mass deportation of European Muslims who condone indigenous resistance against Western military interventions; and repeatedly endorsed Frank Gaffney, the anti-Muslim bigot who notoriously inspired Donald Trump’s call to ban Muslim immigration to America.
When I asked Dean about his association with HJS, he stated that this was one of his “biggest regrets. I’m not fond of neocons at all and loathe those who generalise against Muslims.”
He confirmed that the decision was made by his business associate at his consultancy firm, due to the focus on security for the oil industry. Since then, however, he has severed ties with the think-tank:
“I can’t in clear conscience support a think tank that has a blatant anti Muslim agenda like that. So since 2014 there was no association whatsoever.”
I further asked Dean whether he agreed with the premise of Innes Bowen’s BBC piece that large sections of the British Muslim Deobandi communities and mainstream mosques could be supportive of al-Qaeda terrorism.
“I never implied that at all,” he said.
“In the end I was not looking at it only from what I saw in the UK, but also what I saw in Afghanistan,” he added. “There were several camps of ‘Harakat al-Ansar’ [or Harkat ul-Mujahideen] in Afghanistan that received dozens of UK citizens, all Deobandis from London, Luton, Blackburn, Bradford.”
As the late Indian counter-terrorism intelligence chief, B. Raman, had noted, that funnel of Britons into the mujahideen network was opened up under the auspices of the CIA and MI6.
Defence contractor
Since 2013, Aimen Dean has also been a Senior Associate at Beechwood International, a British strategic defence consultancy, where — according to his LinkedIn profile — he provides “subject matter expertise on all terror groups spanning the different Islamic sects.”
Beechwood International is a leading US and UK government contractor, providing strategic support for US and UK military, counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency policies.
Screenshot from Beechwood International’s website
This includes advising the British Army, NATO, and the UN; mapping future threat scenarios for the UK homeland as well as foreign theatres like Libya and Iraq for the Ministry of Defence and UK Joint Forces Command; as well as designing and running war-games for American and British security agencies.
Screenshot from Beechwood International’s website on red-teaming and war-gaming exercises it has conducted under government contracts
At worst, Bowen’s chief source for understanding the views toward extremism among Britain’s Deobandi mosques is a government defence contractor who has funded a virulently anti-Muslim think-tank, and who previously promoted jihadism in the very same mosques.
At best, the BBC systematically and selectively mispresented Aimen Dean’s background and views on British Muslim Deobandi communities today.
Innes Bowen
Bowen’s unabashed credulity toward Aimen Dean appears to emerge from her connections with the British government’s Organisation for Security and Counter Terrorism (OSCT) in the Home Office.
The BBC’s Innes Bowen, author of the Masood Azhar UK tour story
In 2008, the Guardian obtained a classified document from the OSCT’s Research, Information and Communications Unit (RICU) identifying a BBC World Service radio programme as one among numerous UK media outlets being subjected to a Whitehall propaganda drive. The RICU report stated:
“We are pushing this material to UK media channels, eg, a BBC radio programme exposing tensions between AQ leadership and supporters. And a restricted working group will communicate niche messages through media and non-media… It is aimed primarily (but not exclusively) at those working with overseas influencers and opinion formers.”
In response to the story, the BBC issued a statement conceding that “the programme in question must be the 7 August edition of Analysis, presented by the BBC’s Security Correspondent Frank Gardner” and produced by none other than Innes Bowen.
Although denying that the programme was a result of a “push” from RICU, the BBC admitted:
“Frank and Innes did have some contact with RICU during the course of making the programme and went to see three members of the unit after they had finished recording all their interviews. The people from RICU gave them some briefing materials but those weren’t used in the programme.”
However, as the Guardian noted in a follow up report, the work of two anti-al-Qaeda theologians highlighted in the RICU document was also featured in Gardner’s BBC radio report produced by Bowen.
It so happens that Bowen was also the BBC editor who introduced Aimen Dean’s personal story to mainstream media through Radio 4 in January 2015, producing an interview with him by Peter Marshall on the inner workings of the Islamic State.
According to sources who spoke to me on condition of anonymity, Bowen has continued to maintain regular contact with Whitehall counter-terrorism officials, and has even briefed them on her findings in her own book.
I asked her whether this was indeed the case. In a written response via the BBC’s press office, Bowen confirmed that she had provided a briefing to the Ministry of Justice on 12th February 2016, attended by 50 Whitehall officials. The briefing was based on the findings of her book, and included discussion of Muslim chaplaincy in the British prison system:
“Since the publication of my book in July 2014 I have given a number of talks on its basic findings about which groups run UK mosques and seminaries. A civil servant who attended one such public talk at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) invited me to give the same talk on 12th February 2016 to civil servants at the Ministry of Justice/National Offender Management Service. This talk was widely publicised to civil servants and attended by around 50 people. The talk was based largely on the one I gave at the IPPR — but also referred to the findings published by Sophie Gilliat-Ray and Mansur Ali in their book Understanding Muslim Chaplaincy.”
Bowen’s talk at the Ministry of Justice occurred just five days after The Times (which last week featured her Masood Azhar story on the frontpage) cited senior Whitehall officials describing a Ministry of Justice review of the ‘anti-western values’ of Deobandi Muslim prison chaplains.
In other words, the same Ministry of Justice officials who had briefed The Times on the alleged danger of Deobandis amongst Muslim chaplains, appear to have arranged for Innes Bowen to address the department around the same time the story would break.
I also asked Bowen whether she had “continued to have meetings and engagements with Whitehall counter-terrorism officials and civil servants” since the meetings with RICU in 2008, and engaged “with the government at all in relation to the subject of British Muslim Deobandi communities?”
Bowen did not directly answer these questions. She explicitly denied having had any contact with RICU further to the meetings disclosed in 2008, but did not respond to the broader questions about meetings and engagements with government.
She added:
“The BBC’s research into the Deobandi network has been done completely independently of government: the BBC has not contributed to the government’s research in this area, neither has the BBC had access to any of the government’s research.”
I also asked whether her BBC team had been assured by British government officials of the accuracy of Aimen Dean’s personal story. She replied:
The BBC independently verified the key parts of Aimen Dean’s story before his account of his time spent in Al Qaeda/working for British intelligence was broadcast. We did this through two separate non-governmental sources.
Notably, Bowen did not deny receiving assurances from government officials about Dean, confirming only that “key parts” of his story — rather than the whole story — were verified through two different non-governmental sources.
Given that she has form in producing BBC radio content that just happens to mirror Whitehall propaganda, the coincidence between the launch of a secret internal government inquiry into Britain’s Deobandi’s communities and Bowen’s new ‘investigation’ looks like a case of déjà vu.
Whatever the shortfalls of Bowen’s book covering this subject (and there are many), it remains far more balanced than the misleading non-story she put out last week. In her opening chapter on Britain’s Deobandis, she refers to Masood Azhar’s British mosque tour, but concedes:
“Jaish-e-Mohammed’s association with al-Qaeda means it is not endorsed by the mainstream Deobandi ulema in Britain. Senior Deobandi ulema in Britain have given a clear condemnation of al-Qaeda’s methods… If the success of Deobandi Islam raises any further issues for wider society, it is one of social cohesion, not violent extremism. The flirtation with jihadi groups in the 1990s can now be seen as an aberration for a network dominated by the apolitical, pietistic strand of Islam.”
So why did Bowen ignore her own findings, promoting a fear-mongering narrative that obscures British security services’ fostering of jihadist ideologues, and amplifying the claims of an ex-spook embedded in a network of far-right, anti-Muslim policy wonks?
No doubt, the BBC will insist that Innes Bowen’s partiality to entertaining briefings to and from Whitehall officials has no bearing on her editorial independence.
Dr Nafeez Ahmed is an investigative journalist, bestselling author and international security scholar. A former Guardian writer, he writes the ‘System Shift’ column for VICE’s Motherboard, and is a weekly columnist for Middle East Eye.
He is the winner of a 2015 Project Censored Award for Outstanding Investigative Journalism for his Guardian work, and was twice selected in the Evening Standard’s top 1,000 most globally influential Londoners, in 2014 and 2015.
Nafeez has also written and reported for The Independent, Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Scotsman, Foreign Policy, The Atlantic, Quartz, Prospect, New Statesman, Le Monde diplomatique, New Internationalist, The Ecologist, Alternet, Counterpunch, Truthout, among others.
He is a Visiting Research Fellow at the Faculty of Science and Technology at Anglia Ruskin University, where he is researching the link between global systemic crises and civil unrest for Springer Energy Briefs.
Nafeez is the author of A User’s Guide to the Crisis of Civilization: And How to Save It (2010), and the scifi thriller novel ZERO POINT, among other books. His work on the root causes and covert operations linked to international terrorism officially contributed to the 9/11 Commission and the 7/7 Coroner’s Inquest. | https://medium.com/insurge-intelligence/the-man-who-brought-jihad-to-britain-did-so-thanks-to-mi6-cc7d49007caf | ['Nafeez Ahmed'] | 2016-04-14 16:49:26.711000+00:00 | ['UK Politics', 'Terrorism', 'Islam'] |
Eventual Hide And Seek | Wherever I go, they trail behind.
Can find me from even a disguised place.
Difficulties have gone familiar from my every whereabouts. | https://medium.com/3-lines-story/eventual-hide-and-seek-cd11951281b8 | ['Ankit Sharma'] | 2018-08-29 15:23:17.611000+00:00 | ['Relationships', 'Friendship', 'Love', 'Storyofmylife', 'Storytelling'] |
Systems Thinking Through Climate Change — 5 Positive Feedback Loops | So far most of my systems have been pretty simple so I thought I’d try something with a few more moving parts. I think this falls under my domain since I remember reading that we shouldn’t do anything about climate change because of the economy. Carbon emissions are an externality, a cost to be paid by all of the world’s citizens as opposed to the producers and consumers. The lack of response is not due to a lack of technical knowledge, but a lack of political will or more candidly an unjust distribution of power.
Originally I made one more all encompassing systems map, but I later realized that some of the positive feedback loops that emerged deserved a separate explanation. These aren’t new, but it was certainly interesting to see how they fit together. I’ll note beforehand it is possible to sort of reduce greenhouse gases, radiative forcing, and global temperature to basically the same thing, but I think the distinctions are important here for reasons I’ll explain. Remember dotted lines indicate a negative relationship.
Dotted Lines = Inverse
First some definitions so we’re all on the same page.
Radiative Forcing here represents the energy imbalance of Earth. When there is an imbalance in energy, the earth’s temperature slowly rises (or falls) until equilibrium is reached. Since this takes a long time there is a delay as you can see. (The double lines)
Albedo (reflectivity of Earth’s surface) prevents energy from being absorbed, so more albedo means lower radiative forcing. Greenhouse gases prevent energy from going out so more greenhouse gases means more radiative forcing.
First Reinforcing Feedback Loop (R1): Radiative forcing raises temperatures, which reduces ice. Ice is white, and sea water is a much darker, more absorbent color. When there is less ice, there is less albedo, which increases radiative forcing, and the cycle continues.
Second Reinforcing Feedback Loop (R2): Higher temperatures lead to permafrost melt which leads to more greenhouse gases, higher radiative forcing higher temperatures and so on.
Third Reinforcing Feedback Loop (R3): Wildfires, which here could functionally be replaced with desertification and rainforest drying which can release large amounts of CO2, and take in less CO2 as time goes on. These could represent R5 and R6, but they would feel redundant to me since the mechanism of action is the same. Heat can negatively effect plant life which ultimately leads to higher GHG concentrations.
Fourth Reinforcing Feedback Loop (R4): This one is the hardest to explain since the mechanism isn’t as well known. It is one of the least understood potential positive feedback loops due to the contradicting effects of clouds on climate. What makes this a potential positive feedback loop is that when acidification rises it can actually have a negative effect on albedo. This loop is one of the reasons why the distinction between Greenhouse Gases and radiative forcing is so important. More greenhouse gases lead to ocean acidification while positive radiative forcing and climate change in isolation do not.
From Nature.com “Acidification would lead certain marine organisms to emit less of the sulphur compounds that help to seed the formation of clouds and so keep the planet cool.” Clouds reflect sunlight, particularly when lower in altitude. Clouds are composed partially of compounds released by marine life.
SO… greenhouse gases lead to ocean acidification which reduces albedo, which increases radiative forcing, which increases global temperature, which increases permafrost melting, which increases greenhouse gases and we start all over again.
Fifth Reinforcing Feedback Loop (R5): Heat waves lead to less ice which reduces albedo which increases radiative forcing which increases global temperatures which increases the frequency and severity of heat waves. | https://econsystemsthinking.medium.com/systems-thinking-through-climate-change-5-positive-feedback-loops-173596568434 | ['Econsystems Thinking'] | 2020-11-16 05:01:42.034000+00:00 | ['Renewable Energy', 'Ocean Acidification', 'Systems Thinking', 'Climate', 'Climate Change'] |
Is your advertising risk-assessed? | Here’s a true story that happened to someone I know.
Ruth gets a windfall
Meet Ruth — we’ll call her that. Ruth is a widow with a daughter and a new grandson. She works a full-time job on a fixed salary. She recently inherited a nice lump sum — say $100,000 — and wants to invest it well. To go towards, retirement, but also with the occasional splurge.
Of course, Ruth goes to a bank.
Ruth asks for the highest interest investment at the highest risk level that she qualifies for. She puts her money down in a tax-free investment vehicle and off she goes. Happy that she has the extra support and can rest a little easier. Looking forward to the 12% returns.
Time passes. Ruth goes to work on weekdays and visits her grandson and daughter on weekends. She sleeps just a little better every night. Her morning coffee tastes just slightly better every day. She worries just a little less.
6 months later, Ruth plans a getaway
Six months later, Ruth decides to plan a little getaway. She wants to treat her daughter and her husband and baby grandson to a family vacation. Something simple, not too far away.
She does the math and goes to the bank with a big smile on her face. $100,000 at 12% annually after 6 months — that’s a healthy $6,000. She won’t even need all of her earnings, she thinks.
Here is where it all turns. Of course, that’s not how investment works. To her dismay the banker explains to her that her portfolio has historically returned 12% over the years, but the return has never been guaranteed. In fact, in the past 6 months she’s lost money.
Whether the bank’s explanation was adequate or Ruth read her contracts appropriately are all issues for another day. What I’d like to do is make a greater point about investments, mindsets, and how all this relates to advertising.
So how does this relate to advertising?
If Ruth’s line of thinking sounds ridiculous to you, consider this. How many times have you been in a boardroom or reporting to your boss 3, 6 or 12 months after they signed off on a campaign budget being faced with the question: “I thought you said we would see a sales lift of X% by now. What happened?”
You could say that advertising does not always have a linear effect on the bottom line.
You could say that advertising’s effect is compounded over the years, as is your brand’s.
You could say that advertising is but one small piece of what makes a good marketing mix; product, people, places, and so much more play an integral role in ROI calculations.
True, but.
The crux of the issue here is: we too often predict advertising performance based on historical data.
In the investment community, investors are mandated to explain that past performance is no guarantee of future results to clients — but even still, that communication fell apart with Ruth. And in our industry, it’s not even mandated.
Worse yet, we tend to think of advertising as a spend, which leads us to make bad decisions. We think in “campaigns” — spend on advertising for 2 months, then stop for 5, then on again for another 3. Imagine if you invested like this?
So I ask, if advertising is an investment into a business — I think we can agree that it is or at least ought to be — why not treat it as such?
As a thought experiment … how about managing media budgets like investment portfolios? Choosing high, medium, and low risk “assets” — read media channels — based on factors like our company’s risk appetite, media savvy, buyer journey, and product complexity. Because just like the stock market, the media landscape is in constant flux. New platforms emerge and fall. Consumers are diverted by new tech, new content and new toys. Publishers pivot business models constantly.
Isn’t it time to stop pretending that we know the future? And infuse our advertising choices with intelligent risk assessment? We marketers need to take the lead to educate our colleagues about what data we have, what it means, and how it can be used to project — not predict or foresee — potential revenues.
Can we do it? What do you think? | https://medium.com/empathyinc/is-your-advertising-risk-assessed-3637bc90ee25 | ['Mo Dezyanian'] | 2018-11-07 16:18:15.490000+00:00 | ['Investing', 'Business', 'Marketing', 'Advertising'] |
Thinking of wearing a mask after the pandemic? You’re not alone. | Nicolette Ricciardella, 20-years-old, who lives in Burbank, California
Nicolette Ricciardella, a 20-year-old college student, never imagined that wearing a mask would be part of her everyday life. The first time she put on a mask she did not think it would last long, but now she is considering wearing masks even after the pandemic is over.
COVID-19 cases in California have been increasing, and young adults who live in Los Angeles are taking this issue seriously. People from the ages of 18–25 are sharing their experiences on why they would consider wearing masks after the pandemic. These young adults consist of essential workers, students, and people who care about their loved ones. In places such as South Korea and Japan, wearing a mask while being sick is already a cultural norm. Could the West also adopt this ideology? After speaking to these young adults, they spoke about their experiences with masks and why they consider it a big issue.
Nicolette Ricciardella
“The world we live in will never be the same…”
Ricciardella is a lash technician who works from home, and is also a student at San Diego State University.
After the pandemic is over, will you continue to wear masks?
“I do see myself wearing a mask for a while because of the fact that I am becoming more aware of unsanitary habits of those around me as well as myself. Until I feel that everyone develops a system to keep everything sanitary and clean, I don’t see myself in public without a mask.”
Ricciardella says that “The world we live in will never be the same and now I just feel like taking a little more precaution will continue to keep my family and I safe.” In a state that has resulted in over 1 million confirmed cases, being safe for the sake of her and her family is a top priority for Ricciardella.
Stacey Yi, 20-years-old, who lives in La Crescenta, California
Stacey Yi
“ I think pre-pandemic me was extremely unhygienic.”
Yi is an employee for a fashion company, and is a student at the University of California, Santa Barbra.
After the pandemic is over, will you continue to wear masks?
“Once the pandemic is over, I do plan on wearing masks because the pandemic has shed light on how unsanitary and how lax our country is when it comes to basic public hygiene. I have lost a lot of trust in the public’s ability to keep everyone around them safe from basic colds, flus, or even unwashed hands.”
Yi says “I have considered myself to be a germaphobe but in retrospect, I think pre-pandemic me was extremely unhygienic.” Doing everyday things such as “opening doors” and “grabbing her steering wheel”, have become things that she now has to think twice about.
Jaden Varela, 20-years-old, who lives in Burbank, California
Jaden Varela
“ I’ve gotten used to wearing masks.”
Varela is an employee at an ice cream shop and is a student at San Francisco State University.
After the pandemic is over, will you continue to wear masks?
“I’ll probably wear masks in public, but not when I’m around my family. I’ve gotten used to wearing masks and they’re pretty comfy and they keep my face warmer during the winter.”
Leah Abramson, 19-years-old, who lives in La Crescenta, California
Leah Abramson
“I try to stand away from other people and keep space between us.”
Abramson is a student at the University of California, Davis.
After the pandemic is over, will you continue to wear masks?
“I think that I probably will wear masks in certain contexts after the pandemic is over. I’ll most likely wear them when I go to crowded, public places, like the grocery store or the mall. I think that I’d also wear them in the winter when everyone’s getting sick, or if I were sick to protect others.”
Carson Clarke, 20-years-old, who lives in Burbank, California
Carson Clarke
“People who don’t wear masks are usually people who don’t have any contact with people who are most affected.”
Clarke is a student at The University of Arizona.
After the pandemic is over, will you continue to wear masks?
“After the pandemic, I think I will probably not wear masks unless I am in a situation where I’m near people who are at risk of being seriously affected by COVID. If the pandemic is truly over then I see no point in wearing masks, unless there is still a small risk of contracting COVID.”
Elizabeth Campos, 20-years-old, who lives in San Gabriel, California
Elizabeth Campos
“I’ve learned to take things a little slower and will be taking these things with me whenever it is we get out of quarantine.”
Campos is a retail worker and student at California State University, Northridge.
After the pandemic is over, will you continue to wear masks?
“I definitely think I will, I think for me it all depends on looking at the numbers and science. If there’s more than a 5% chance I go outside and I can get COVID, I’ll be wearing my mask until then. I’ve been fortunately lucky so far, and with taking the right precautions, haven’t gotten COVID. I heavily believe it’s because I’ve worn my mask.”
Young adult’s lives will forever be changed because of this pandemic. Major life decisions for young adults are being delayed or prevented because of this pandemic. Relationships, economic factors, and living arrangements are just some of the many things that will affect young adults in the long run. Wearing a mask after the pandemic may not be as far-fetched as some people make it out to be. | https://medium.com/engaging-diverse-communities-csun-375/thinking-of-wearing-a-mask-after-the-pandemic-youre-not-alone-c9441959807 | ['Randy Acosta'] | 2020-12-14 12:43:30.470000+00:00 | ['Masks'] |
Ionic Capacitor vs Apache Cordova Difference With Example | Ionic Capacitor is an open source framework innovation to help you build Progressive Native Web, Mobile and Desktop apps. On the other side Apache Cordova formerly PhoneGap > Adobe PhoneGap does the same for accessing native features of the device from mobile WebView.
So, What really makes them succeed over the other, in future?
Apache Cordova aka PhoneGap, has been there for a while, with wide spread community support, like the growing Ionic Framework.
In developer terms using Cordova to build a mobile hybrid native app, you use cordova plugin libraries, which behind the scene builds your app using Android SDK or iOS within the Cordova framework (cordova.js/phonegap.js).
With Ionic Capacitor, you create the app, without using any cordova imports, not even cordova.js, instead Capacitor’s own native plugin repository imported as @capacitor/core. Capacitor can also be used without the Ionic framework and it’s backward compatible with Cordova.
As you know starting Ionic Framework v4, you can use any UI framework of your choice — Angular (Default), ReactJS and Vue as of now. This would majority help the software development industry, making it easier for them, to find any web developer, to hop-on and start coding with minimal or zero learning curve to build and publish hybrid native apps.
How to add capacitor to your Ionic project?
ionic start democap blank
Then, cd into,
cd democap
npm run build
Now, install capacitor package,
npm install --save @capacitor/cli @capacitor/core
above command will install two packages and save it inside package.json,
+ @capacitor/[email protected]
+ @capacitor/[email protected]
Initialize the capacitor app,
npx cap init demoappcap com.demoappcap.app
you should see below,
Your Capacitor project is ready to go! 🎉
Add platforms using "npx cap add":
npx cap add android <=== To build Android app
npx cap add ios <=== To build iOS app
npx cap add electron <=== To build Desktop app
For this example, we use Android, so run,
npx cap add android
You should see,
✔ Installing android dependencies in 26.22s
✔ Syncing Gradle in 2.55ms
✔ add in 26.31s
✔ Copying web assets from www to android/app/src/main/assets/public in 407.27ms
✔ Copying native bridge in 4.57ms
✔ Copying capacitor.config.json in 1.15ms
✔ copy in 429.06ms
✔ Updating Android plugins in 3.31ms
Found 0 Capacitor plugins for android:
✔ update android in 21.26ms
Lets add one camera plugin, open /src/app/home/home.page.html
<ion-header>
<ion-toolbar>
<ion-title>
IONIC CAPACITOR DEMO
</ion-title>
</ion-toolbar>
</ion-header>
<ion-content padding="">
<img [src]="takenPicture">
<button ion-button="" (click)="takePicture()">
TAKE PICTURE
</button>
</ion-content>
open, /src/app/home/home.page.ts
import { Component } from '@angular/core';
import { Plugins, CameraSource, CameraResultType } from '@capacitor/core';
@Component({
selector: 'app-home',
templateUrl: 'home.page.html',
styleUrls: ['home.page.scss'],
})
export class HomePage {
takenPicture: any;
async takePicture() {
const takePicture = await Plugins.Camera.getPhoto(
{
quality: 90,
allowEditing: true,
source: CameraSource.Camera,
resultType: CameraResultType.Uri
}
);
this.takenPicture = takePicture.webPath;
}
}
now lets, save and run,
npm run build |---or use---| npx cap android
every time you build you need to copy the files to directory so for us its android.
npx cp copy
unlike Ionic and Cordova, you cannot run the app onto the device from here, you need to open the installed IDE,
npx cap open android
Above source is your starting point, to understand the difference between Cordova vs Capacitor.
To open your code in specific IDE,
npx cap open ios // Xcode
npx cap serve // PWA - open your web app in a local web server
Migrating existing Ionic Framework app to Capacitor
Just go to the root of your project in CMD or Terminal and type below command
ionic integrations enable capacitor
Thats it, verify if you have a new file created in your project root
capacitor.config.json <------- file added by capacitor
You can continue to add any platform you need to support
Your Capacitor project is ready to go! 🎉
Add platforms using "npx cap add":
npx cap add android <=== To build Android app
npx cap add ios <=== To build iOS app
npx cap add electron <=== To build Desktop app
To avoid iOS app submission/re-submission rejections please make sure you upgrade your app to NOT use UIWebView and instead use WKWebView | https://sunilrk.medium.com/ionic-capacitor-vs-apache-cordova-difference-with-example-13d46ae11ad2 | ['Sunil Kumar'] | 2020-09-04 16:25:49.097000+00:00 | ['Mobile App Development', 'Ionic', 'Ionic Capacitor', 'Ionic Native', 'Ionic Framework'] |
10 Must Have Educational Tools & Learning Apps For University Students | 10 Must Have Educational Tools & Learning Apps For University Students
Digital apps in the modern world have made life easier. Every single individual is tech-savvy as they are equally dependent on technology. The world is working on the media and websites, various apps have been launched and turned smartphones into virtual classrooms.
Everyone has been bound to attend virtual classes especially after being hit by a pandemic. Imagine how life would have been if there weren’t enough apps to cater to all the needs that we have now after the pandemic? Students tend to perform the activities and studying through apps with ease and focus.
These apps come in handy nowadays. Students are more at ease working and taking classes at home rather being at the campus.
This article will help you figure out how these apps are coming in handy for the university students and how is it too feasible for them in this era as these apps have been proven effective and are used within the people around the world.
Google Drive
Google Drive
Google Drive is used to store and synchronise the data and all the other documents and pictures as well as presentations made by students for group projects and various other collaborative purposes. It’s effective and user friendly.
Pocket Book
Pocket Book
When you are a student, you lose track of spending and saving money. It is important to keep a track on the money to lead a systematic life, students should always be prepared and well informed about their future to avoid any sudden mishap. Pocket Book is free and user friendly, helps users to maintain their money tracking.
Oxford Dictionary
Oxford Dictionary
The Oxford Dictionary is the world’s most far-reaching dictionary of the English language. The English speaking words around the world are mentioned in the dictionary and makes it easier for the people to trace the meaning of each word, history and pronunciations of over 600,000 words both present and past.
Kahoot
Kahoot
Interactive quizzes make the learning process interesting and fast. Students tend to focus more when they get more correct answers and it develops their interest in learning. In that regard, Kahoot is one of the best learning apps for those who prefer learning through quizzes.
Google Duo
Google Duo
Budget-friendly calling apps like Google Duo are essential for students of this era. It is a more simple and cost-friendly version of other video calling apps and is very easy to use. High-quality video calling apps makes work easier and smoother. One of the essential digital tools for university students. | https://medium.com/@fahadalii/10-must-have-educational-tools-learning-apps-for-university-students-7b78b4b36751 | ['Fahad Ali'] | 2020-12-22 16:14:48.512000+00:00 | ['Apps', 'University', 'Tools', 'Education'] |
Why Blockchain is Not the Answer | There’s a persistent myth that blockchain tech is brand new and that if only given enough time, somebody will make something that’s useful for something other than money. This is what I call the “blockchain, not Bitcoin” syndrome and in this article, I’m going to dispel the myth that uses for blockchain are just around the corner, that they’re going to add decentralization to all the things, and that it’s some revolutionary new tech.
The concept is about as bankrupt as the company whose logo which this imitates. (credit: phneep)
Blockchain not Bitcoin is 5 years old already
Corporate obsession with blockchain started in 2014, shortly after Bitcoin got on their radar. Instead of paying attention to the revolutionary, innovative, decentralized and digitally-scarce money that is Bitcoin, they instead took a concepts from the software and called it “blockchain”.
Multiple industry groups were found at this time, like Hyperledger and R3 as well as companies like Digital Asset Holdings that tried to create a market around this tech.
What they had in common was the use of the word blockchain as a panacea for a bunch of problems in all sorts of industries. In typical corporate fashion, they took the word “blockchain” and bastardized it to mean whatever they wanted it to mean.
Ignorance meets hype
The life that the word “blockchain” took on around 2015 was incredible. Tons of people, especially people that weren’t technical, often with only a vague sense of how Bitcoin worked, were saying things like “I believe in the technology, but I don’t believe in Bitcoin”. This was apparently the “consensus” response for business-types that wanted to seem like they were current on the technology.
You can understand why for two reasons. First, Bitcoin’s reputation from 2011 to 2015 or so, and to some degree today, was unsavory. Bitcoin was associated with activities like buying drugs, paying for an ad on backpage or even being an anarcho-capitalist/libertarian/Ron Paul crazy. Second, by praising the technology, an executive could appear to be on the leading edge of something that’s too technical for others to question effectively.
In other words, endorsing “blockchain” and not Bitcoin gave many business-types the appearance of expertise and knowledge about the topic without all the unsavory connotations associated with Bitcoin at the time. What’s clear from the subsequent actions is that they had no idea what blockchain was and seeded the consequences of their own ignorance.
Their ignorance led to mediocre engineers with very little understanding of incentive systems, game theory or even public key cryptography to masquerade as blockchain experts. These “experts” bamboozled business-types into believing that the solution to the biggest problem for a particular industry could be built with a blockchain, some developers and some money. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Before the full fledged “blockchain, not Bitcoin” syndrome caught fire, plenty of fuel in the form of hype preceded it.
Blockchain: the Panacea for All Ills
This pretense of knowledge led to books like The Blockchain Revolution, which promised fixes to pretty much every sector in the economy while giving just enough tantalizing technical concepts in vague enough terms that many executives felt the adolescent fear of missing out on the new technical trend of “blockchain technology”.
To be fair, many were taken in by promises of solutions to real problems for their industry. For health care, “blockchain” would somehow make patient history available to care providers at exactly the right time without violating patient privacy. For law, “blockchain” would somehow create perfectly fair contracts without the need for expensive lawyers. For supply chains, “blockchain” would somehow prove whose fault it was that some parts were substandard or that not enough parts were delivered. For art, music and TV, “blockchain” would somehow reward the creators what they were due while combating piracy and taking out the middle men. For online ads, “blockchain” would somehow make tracking accurate, reduce fraud and take out the many different middle men that collectively take a large portion of the profit. We could go on and on and on about the impossibly difficult problems that “blockchain” supposedly would solve.
It’s not a coincidence that these promises correspond to giant problems in each industry. Blockchain became a blank canvas onto which any problem could be painted as being solvable. Literally hundreds of startups and industry consortiums, many using ICOs, promised to solve the biggest inefficiencies in every industry using “blockchain”.
Many of these startups were created by veterans of a given industry who thought that the only missing piece was developers to write the blockchain system that would solve everything. They reasoned that they had the expertise to know what the problems were and that getting a few blockchain experts would be all that would be needed to make their industry so much better and create tremendous profit for themselves.
The Reality of Blockchain
This would work if only these developers could deliver on what the industry veterans wanted! How hard could it be to make a flawless, auditable, decentralized, encrypted database that execute terabytes of smart contracts quickly and efficiently using oracles that check each other using zero-knowledge proofs? Surely a few lines of code in Solidity could create a scalable, provably correct, maintainable system that would solve the biggest pain points of industry X, right? Well, no.
No, because no such explanations exist
Blockchain became a meaningless buzzword that meant “solving the biggest challenge in industry X” using fancy jargon to convince people that the challenge could be met. The reality was far different. What most of these startups discovered is that blockchain is not a panacea. They ran head first into problems that we’ve known for a long time like the oracle problem, or the consensus problem, or the analyzability of Turing-complete contracts, or the free rider problem. It turns out blockchain, far from being a panacea is actually a hindrance to creating these solutions because of the requirement, at least nominally, of decentralization.
To make matters worse, the developers tasked with creating these systems were often completely ignorant about user and node incentives and possible exploits in an adversarial environment.
The Utter Failure
The results of such shenanigans are sadly predictable. When you promise more than you can deliver with mediocre talent in a technology that few people understand, you’re not going to be able to deliver much. Most of these efforts have accomplished nothing. The few that created proof-of-concepts have not progressed to full-fledged products. The few products that have launched have very little traction (less than 2000 users per day is considered a complete failure for an app or website).
Despite all this, ICOs touting decentralized blockchains for industry X, enterprise blockchain efforts to optimize Y and even public blockchains for some service Z continue to be touted as the future. Several different arguments generally come up when this discrepancy between promises and results are pointed out.
How can you be sure nothing will come out of blockchain technology other than Bitcoin?
It’s true, it only takes one counterexample to disprove my thesis that blockchain is really only useful for sound money. However, without bastardizing the word blockchain, the essence of what blockchains provide is decentralized, authoritative, expensive to alter data. This is not a surprise as these properties are exactly what you want for sound money like Bitcoin.
Unfortunately, what non-monetary projects generally need, given that it’s software for an industry that’s regulated, changing and growing, is a centralized, upgradeable and scalable system. Each need is made greatly more difficult when combining with a blockchain. In other words, blockchain is the wrong tool for the job.
Even if by some miracle a popular app is created on a blockchain, a centralized equivalent without the extraneous blockchain will be cheaper, faster, more reliable, more maintainable while having the exact same single points of failure as the “decentralized” blockchain-y version. Or put another way, any popular dApp is destined to lose against a centralized competitor on cost, speed, features and scale.
So many people are working on this! Something has to come out of it.
Lots of people working on something doesn’t mean desires magically turn into reality (see: alchemy, cold fusion, flying cars, etc).
That’s even overstating the point. Flying cars are at least possible. What most of these projects are working on are square circles or perpetual motion machines: decentralized services that have centralized control, that is, logical impossibilities.
I can hear my critics now, “Jimmy is against experimentation, entrepreneurship and trying new things!” This is a classic bait and switch tactic. Experimentation is fine to start. Pouring more money into failed experiments is just putting good money after bad. These “blockchain” experiments have a history of being futile and have little basis in reality. They are wastes of capital and human effort and don’t lead to any useful goods or services. All they do is allow charlatans to rent-seek.
Lots of money has gone into it! Someone is going to come up with something!
Certain engineering challenges are simply not a matter of funding, they are a matter of innovation. What’s worse, when a company is handcuffed by being required to use a particularly cumbersome technology like blockchain, there’s even less chance of anything coming out of it. This is the classic error of a solution looking for a problem. And no, more money won’t magically find you a profitable market problem for which a blockchain happens to be the most optimal solution.
Conclusion
“Blockchain, not Bitcoin” is not a new idea. The past five years have produced nothing with this so-called “blockchain” technology and we’re unlikely to see anything in the next five. The only thing that blockchain seems to be good at is promising to fix the biggest problems while delivering very little and consuming tremendous capital.
Blockchain is a solution looking for a problem. Too many people have been taken in by “blockchain” and pretend to see clothes on a naked emperor. The imaginary clothes may seem like perfect solutions to the biggest problems of their industry. Unfortunately, wishful thinking is not reality.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the emperor has no clothes. Blockchain without Bitcoin is a big nothing burger. | https://jimmysong.medium.com/why-blockchain-is-not-the-answer-3b7d5f612d11 | ['Jimmy Song'] | 2019-11-15 20:06:50.679000+00:00 | ['ICO', 'Technology', 'Blockchain', 'Bitcoin', 'Economics'] |
Owning Your Style At Any Age | We all have heard the phrase “age is only a number” and I totally agree. As adults, we often think back to the days of youth when self-expression through clothing was something we prioritized. Once you cross over into adulthood, suddenly there are rules. Here at Style Squad, we stand by the idea that expressing yourself through style when you’re “adulting” should be just as fun and freeing as when you were young.
For this article, I collaborated with my mom, Gale. My mom is 54 years old, a mother of three, a financial analyst, and has been happily married for 34 years. My mom is the most outgoing and confident person I know, but when it comes to her style, she tends to shy away from those qualities and opts for monochromatic and sometimes mismatched outfits. I always urge her to add some oomph to her outfit choices, but she insists that my suggestions are not “age appropriate” for her. However, I beg to differ. I know this can be a huge struggle for women of all ages and of course as we age, we become slightly more conscious of our appearance, but personal style should be just that — personal.
Regardless of your age, you should always feel comfortable expressing yourself through clothes and feel confident when doing so. Depending on where life takes you, you could either be hitting your stride, starting a new career, moving away from home, or even completely reinventing yourself. Whatever it may be, we want you to look good and feel good while doing it. So, to help both my mom and all of you ladies out there struggling with the idea of dressing “age appropriate”, I’ve put together a few looks with my mom that are perfect for various occasions, body types, and ages. We hope these looks inspire you to own your style no matter what your age is.
Summer Blues
This look is very fun and flirty! We combined the dark blue tones with birch colored accessories and nude wrap-around heels to add a little flair. While this outfit is great for brunch with the girls or a lunch date, it can also be dressed down with a cute pair of sandals.
Easy & Effortless
Espadrilles are one of the newest trends and we’re loving the contrast between them and the black dress. Our model opted for this black dress to give the illusion of a slimmer frame but wanted to add some brightness with the tonal colored accessories. Who doesn’t love a good LBD anyways, right?
Day to Night Chic
Stripes can sometimes be a risky pattern to work with, but with the right accessories and colors, it can be the perfect statement. We paired the striped palazzo pants with a basic black bodysuit to balance each other out. To add a bit of fun, we included slide-on sandals with gold and fur details. Add your favorite clutch, and wear this out on a date or for drinks — we promise you’ll be turning heads!
On the Go
This look is giving us major cool girl vibes! Whether you’re running errands or taking the kids to soccer practice, this outfit is effortless and easy to put together. A basic tee, traditional blue jeans and classic white tennis shoes paired with a dad cap and an oversized tote make for the perfect “girl on the run” look!
At Style Squad, we believe that confidence is the best thing anyone can wear and that your personal style contributes a lot to that. Being able to own your style regardless of your age is definitely a great confidence boost and will have you feeling like a total girl boss! Let us know in the comments what your favorite look is and how you express your personal style. Be sure to download the Style Squad App below for more fashion inspiration and to get personalized wardrobe advice. | https://medium.com/style-squad/owning-your-style-at-any-age-d3e2a390400e | ['Hannah Latchman'] | 2019-06-17 18:06:37.617000+00:00 | ['Style Guides', 'Clothing', 'Fashion Trends', 'Fashion', 'Style'] |
How To Block / Blacklist a Number on Samsung Galaxy S7 (Usa) | There are easy ways to block, blacklist number or sms on Samsung Galaxy S7 (Usa). This tutorial covers how to reject calls, block unwanted call and sms, how to blacklist a number via ussd code, apk apps. so by using our tutorial you can block both calls and text messages.
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About Samsung Galaxy S7 (Usa)
Samsung Galaxy S7 (Usa) mobile phone was launched on February, 2016. The smartphone is powered by a Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) processor with Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm) chipset, as for graphics it possesses Adreno 530 GPU. The phone comes in 32GB 4GB RAM internal memory. The Cellphone runs on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo), TouchWiz UI operating system and is powered by a 3000mAh of Li-Ion battery.
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The phone comes with a 5.1" desplay size, Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1440x2560 pixels. It has a display aspect ratio of 16:09 and ~72.3% of screen ratio with 16M of display colors.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 (Usa) camera on the back side packs single Lens of 12 MP. The rear camera setup has LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama features.
The front camera sports single Lens of 5 MP for selfies, with Dual video call, Auto-HDR features
The smartphone runs on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo), TouchWiz UI operating system and packs 32GB 4GB RAM of inbuilt storage that can be expanded via microSDXC (dedicated slot). The Samsung Galaxy S7 (Usa) is a Nano-SIM. The smartphone measures 142.4 x 69.6 x 7.9 mm (5.61 x 2.74 x 0.31 in) (height x width x thickness) and weighs 152g (5.36 oz). It was launched in Black Onyx, Silver Titanium, Gold Platinum colors.
So lets move to how to blacklist, block or even unblock numbers call or sms on Samsung Galaxy S7 (Usa)
Block a number on your Samsung Galaxy S7 (Usa) with Android 4.4 KitKat right from the call log:
- Click the phone app on your smartphone
— Head over to the three dots on the right up side of the screen
— Click Call Reject
— Press Reject calls from
— Tap Private numbers
— You can add numbers from here
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Through the setting menu of your Samsung Galaxy S7 (Usa)
- Click on settings and click on Call
— click on Call Reject
— click on Reject calls from
— click on private numbers if you would like or simply add a number coming from your contact list
— Look for the contact you choose to block
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Block a number on your Samsung Galaxy S7 (Usa) Using Third-Party Apps
You can easily make use of a third party apps that accomplish the task for yourself. All the apps in this article are free of charge and virus free!
Setup one of the following cell phone number blocker apps within your Samsung Galaxy S7 (Usa) by using the url following and enjoy the silence as before!
- Download
— Mr. Number — Caller ID & Spam Protection
— Developer: Hiya
— Price: Free+
- Download
— Call Blocker — Blacklist
— Developer: cxzh.ltd
— Price: Free+
- Download
— Calls Blacklist — Call Blocker
— Developer: Vlad Lee
— Price: Free+
How to Block Number / Call on Samsung Galaxy S7 (Usa) Using USSD Codes
You can use ussd code to block unwanted calls on your smartphone
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How to bar all outgoing calls
*333*(enter password)# — To Activate
#333*(enter password)# — To Cancel
*#333# — Check Status
Block incoming calls
*353*(enter password)# — To Activate
#353*(enter password)# — To Cancel
*#353# — Check Status | https://medium.com/@TecMobs/how-to-block-blacklist-a-number-on-samsung-galaxy-s7-usa-702639f70ad1 | ['Tecno Mobiles'] | 2021-12-31 14:12:25.652000+00:00 | ['Samsung'] |
Why Is Trump Still Popular??? | Today, Biden’s supporters are no more bothered by the 74 million Americans who have voted for a billionaire. Analysts also do not understand how Trump’s vote bank grew even after 4 years of useless system. It’s true that Democrats’ votes have also increased, but are nearly half of American voters intoxicated, ignorant, or mentally ill?
One reason for this is that they are all rich because Trump benefits the rich, but it is not. Writer Fentin O’Toole writes:
It is a testament to the idea that Trump has created among his supporters. The world is conspiring to rob them of the rights they have as Americans. The sentence was presented as if it had no credibility
So why don’t a large number of Americans support a candidate like Biden? A candidate that his party favors over a candidate like Bernie Sanders who has a lot of popularity on the left?
In any country, 25% to 33% of the population either supports or practices fascism. This section of the people supports dictatorial rulers who have done nothing but symbolic things for them.
Even after four years of alliance with Nazi Germany, Martial Putin was considered a hero by about 20% of people in post-war France. Richard Nixon was disgraced and ousted from the White House in 1974, but his acceptance as the best president was still 24%. So how can a large section of the people, who prefer peace and order to social justice, be removed from such dictatorial rulers?
One-third of Republican voters in the United States are evangelical Christians. This class is with every person who expresses their views, no matter how hypocritical they may be. Most military, police and other security services in the United States support Trump. Despite the fact that Trump himself avoided joining the military and he does not know why one can sacrifice his life without any profit.
Then there are those who change their support out of anger and frustration, such as Obama voters who later voted for Trump twice. We must also keep in mind those who are eager to accuse and punish those who are weaker and more hostile to themselves. And again, these would mean that you have to spend for these processes.
Achieving a Republican majority in such a situation is not a difficult task, especially when Democrats are unable to come up with policies that will improve the lives of the people and attract more angry Republicans than their own angry voters. Keep trying, which is more in number.
After all, why do voters think that the whole match is already fixed? Probably a factor as to why they’re doing so poorly. According to the report, the increase in income since the 1970s has cost the average worker 40,000 a year. The RAND Corporation has gone to the root of all these problems which, if left unresolved, will have no effect on them.
After World War I, from 1945 to 1974, economic production and growth were distributed equally among the richest people and the remaining 99% of the population. As a result, the standard of living in the world reached its highest level.
But since then all the benefits of production have been available only to the richest people and thus the 50 50 trillion, which would have spent the remaining 90% of the earners, also went into the pockets of the richest people. At the same time, these richest people used their wealth to fund the campaigns of politicians and buy them, reaping other benefits, including tax cuts and anti-union measures.
Today, a family has to work twice as hard to cover the cost of housing, health, education and child rearing as it did in the 1970s. In 1975, the share of the richest 1% was 9%, which increased to 22% in 2018. While the share of lower 90% people decreased from 67% to 50%.
Not only Americans are suffering from this problem, but in 1980, the share of the richest 1% of the people in India was 6%, which has risen to 21% today. The difference in income due to minority and gender has been small but on very limited scales. The upper-class white men in suits did not discriminate to make money, but surprisingly, the white poor suffered more than women, minorities and immigrants.
The average income of a university graduate was 55,000 in 1975, rising to ہ72,000 in 2018. That’s an increase, but if production were evenly distributed, it would be 120,000. If we mention the minimum earners, they would also be earning more than 10,000 a year. So there is no need to wonder why almost half of the tenants are currently a burden. Four out of 10 Americans cannot afford to spend 400 in an emergency, and one in eight do not have access to adequate food. Who will find the solution to these problems?
It’s nice to meet Biden with prominent minorities, but don’t be too happy about it. The Democratic Establishment certainly does not want to change the current distribution of production. At the moment, the status quo is the best way for both parties to rule, and that’s why so many low-income people hate Biden and vote for Trump. | https://medium.com/@zaviews/why-is-trump-still-popular-9beb9c28bbd3 | [] | 2020-12-18 12:38:24.627000+00:00 | ['America', 'Donald Trump', 'News', 'USA', 'Joe Biden'] |
Three Things You Should NEVER Do When You Quit Drinking | “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” — Dr. Suess
From the first time my wife and I went into a group setting without drinking, I didn’t have any qualms about it whatsoever. I supposed I was luckier than others because I had two previous three months stints of not drinking and had still enjoyed myself immensely.
Therefore, when Lena and I were invited to a bar with another couple, I knew that I could still have fun without alcohol with little to no problem. When the bartender came to ask what I would have, I ordered my usual sugar free red bull without a moment’s hesitation.
“You’re not drinking?” asked the male part of the couple.
“No,” I replied. “I’ve decided to take a bit of a break. It’s been three weeks, and so far, so good.”
I answered him without the faintest feeling of owing him any more of an explanation than that.
He didn’t ask any more questions, and all four of us proceeded to have a great night out together.
At the time I didn’t realize, but now, looking back, I understand that it was my attitude at this moment that has been one of the biggest reasons that I have been successful in staying alcohol-conscious for the past two years and why I don’t see myself going back ever.
Thinking about this a bit deeper, from this moment, there were three things that I subconsciously refused to do that has made all the difference in the world in aiding my success.
Lie about it to make others feel comfortable
I’ve read many books and articles giving advice on what one should do when put in a situation in which others ask why they are not drinking. There are a number of different strategies that people give to combat this, but the one that I could not wholeheartedly disagree with more is to lie about it.
Why should you?
You have made a decision that is very personal and something that you feel is going to improve your life. If that is the case, then in what world should you feel any type of shame about this.
I know some would say that it is only a little white lie about having to do something in the morning or taking some medication so others won’t feel weird about you not drinking.
My question in regards to this is why is it YOUR responsibility to make others feel comfortable about you not drinking.
In the famous words of Sean Carter (i.e. Jay Z), “What you eat don’t make me sh*t.”
Therefore, the decision that you made for what you are NOT going to put in your body should in no way cause concern for others who cannot deal with it.
If you not drinking causes them to feel like they need to look at their own drinking habits, then this is actually a good thing for them.
However, to lie about it and start the night lying to others seems like it would make the night overly stressful as opposed to enjoying it as you should.
Apologize for it
In the same vein that I don’t feel that you should lie about drinking, I also feel very strongly that there is no need for you to apologize to others about this.
When I hear stories of people saying they are sorry for not drinking, I think back to how bizarre it would be for someone to be at a party in which everyone is doing coke or scarfing down all types of unhealthy food and that person apologizing to everyone else that they are not partaking.
Your individual health is always yours to control and your decision to do whatever is important to you to ensure you are living the life you desire should never be anything in which you feel compelled to apologize.
You should have some sense of pride in not drinking. Not many people would have the willpower and strength to be in a room full of others drinking all around them and resist joining in.
Therefore, you should give yourself a pat on the back for being able to do so, not feeling any type of shame or sheepishness because of it. Revel in your strength…not apologize for it.
And this brings me to the final thing you should never do when you quit drinking and, in my opinion, something that will serve you in almost everything else in life as well…
Give a f*ck what others think
This one is near and dear to my heart.
For me, the decision to become alcohol-conscious was one in which I knew was the right decision for me at the time. After living a life of drunken nights and hungover mornings, I knew, first hand, what this type of lifestyle had given me.
No one else had lived in my shoes or experienced the things I had. And while I can say there were some things that I would miss from this lifestyle, the benefits far outweighed the negatives for me as I decided to explore a new path in life.
Therefore, to allow someone else’s opinions and thoughts on this decision for my life to have any bearing on how I felt about that decision seemed absolutely insane.
For that reason, my entire focus and drive had nothing to do with others and only to do with how I felt about my decision.
Everyone has to make the decision for their own lives and to allow someone else’s opinion to cause you to feel bad about a decision that’s personally right for you will greatly inhibit your ability to be happy in the long run.
In the words of the great Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, “Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.”
Alcohol had made me a prisoner for 19 years. I wasn’t about to leave one prison just to create a new one.
Thanks so much for reading.
If you enjoyed reading, learned anything interesting, or know anyone who should read this, please feel free to recommend or write a response. I’m always excited to hear from others and learn.
If interested in learning about how alcohol affects your life and ways to quit/moderate, please feel free to follow my Medium publication, AINYF, and/or join my newsletter group below for information and updates.
Also, if looking for a social group that can help with your journey for alcohol-consciousness, please check out my mate, Janet Gourand’s World Without Wine, where she has a lot of great content to help.
Thanks for reading again, as always, and remember…
You never lose the battle until you stop fighting… | https://medium.com/ainyf-alcohol-is-not-your-friend/three-things-you-should-never-do-when-you-quit-drinking-7747aa7540c9 | ['Ken M. Middleton'] | 2020-11-21 12:10:45.400000+00:00 | ['Personal Development', 'Personal Growth', 'Life', 'Life Lessons', 'Addiction'] |
Introduction to the Virtual Hostel, “The Wander Years” | Submission Guidelines
Photo by Tiago Aleixo on Unsplash
The Wander Years is a publication for all ages, ethnicities, genders, and personality types. Recollections can be recent or dug up from a distant past. They can be funny, sad, insightful, or inspiring. They can express fear, love, transformation, self-discovery, or education, as long as there’s a takeaway. What did you learn? How did you change? These questions should drive your narrative.
Traveling doesn’t always mean flying overseas. Maybe something crazy happened to you on your commute to work one day. In my eyes, that counts. We don’t all have the opportunity to travel long distances, especially right now. So don’t be afraid to get a little creative.
I’m not looking for research-based, how-to articles, or even advice pieces. These stories should read like a journal entry. I’m looking for first-hand, true events. Stories can be of any length, but I’d prefer them to be at least three minutes of reading time each.
Here are a few examples from the publication: | https://medium.com/illumination/introduction-to-the-wander-years-4a2c274e42de | ['Liv Mello'] | 2021-01-25 17:44:04.048000+00:00 | ['Travel', 'Introduction', 'Publication', 'Community', 'This Happened To Me'] |
An Astrolhabian Conjection | It came in an apple pantry. The back of the casket was brushed brown and worn. Jason had cramped up in the culvert. It was the rainiest crack we ever set foot in just to touch nubs. Wet nubs trapped by the flock we burped out that morning.
Paint dripped off my chin like tears onto a credit sweep. There are two kinds of nuptial — verificationist and sucking. Radio Brad just carved up his mother and farted into a syrup pack attack. Artisanal hair clubs become the best spots in a few years.
Deer naked appropriations fucking jacked my basket homie last week. Cream over these crumbs Jackie… I want to make it all the way into home cricket by Jamuary.
It’s the sooner wolf fills out Mark Jacket and rodeos drab gun story for the lady to bore. Dork is ashamed and warm.
Teething Sheeba doinks a Bowl-Grown BogBoy right the fuck in front of her gramparempts and haugty cracker smackers, just to point rays around around.
Zagagog shelving. | https://medium.com/mustard-milk/an-astrolhabian-conjection-78bc36d71e91 | ['Van Sanders'] | 2017-09-08 05:43:03.421000+00:00 | ['Poetry', 'Nonsense'] |
On so-called generative adversarial networks (GANs): combinations vs. novel generations | Humans are good at combining (ad infinitum) meaningful concepts to generate novel (composite) creations (in images, language, plans, etc.) These new creations are not just combinations that produce objects in that belong to the same class, but a new creation from different classes, resulting in a novel creation that, in turn, is a new call on its own.
A lot of (misguided) excitement has been proclaimed regarding so-called GANs: Generative Adversarial Networks. The brilliant AI-knowledgeable media, including ‘social’ media, is awash with articles and posts on deepfakes and how AI is already “creating” novel videos, novel images, and even novel music and text. In fact, the famously touted GPT-3 is one such example of AI touted as getting closer to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). It has even made the ‘respectable’ Guardian write an article proclaiming that AI can already write news stories. (I expect more ridiculous claims, by the way)
What are GANs?
Be assured, and sleep well. Generative Neural Networks do not really generate anything new. They simply deliver meaningful combinations of the millions of examples they have memorized. How many combinations they can generate (that look like novel creations to the brilliant journalists in the mainstream media)? Well, let’s take a look at the formula of the number of combinations C that we can obtain from n objects taking r objects at a time:
Imagine how many combinations we can make using a neural network that has memorized n objects where n is usually in the millions (n! in this case is a massive number)
Considering how large the training sample is in most NN models, n is a very large number. In GPT-3, it is in fact in the millions. Even in reasonable models of image recognition, n is at least in the order of 100’s of thousands. Now imagine what n! is. It is a very very very large number. Thus the number of combinations that can be generated is very large. Of course, a lot of these combinations will not be (will not look) intelligible (or comprehensible). And here’s the creative GAN architecture. What a GAN does is use tow networks. One to generate objects from noisy (or even random) data (images, text, video frame, … depending on the what is being ‘generated’), and one that ‘modulates’ what is being generated and makes sure it is a reasonable object consistent with the sample (training data). And, appropriately enough, one of the networks is called the generator while the other is called the discriminator. Both networks are important, but the discriminator is key here. It is the network that keeps “checking in on how the generator is doing” so as not to generate meaningless combinations. This is done by considering any generated image that is not consistent with the sample data as an adversarial example (thus the name of the network). Below is the high-level schematic of what a GAN looks like:
Random data is generated, and passed to the Discriminator network that is fed data from real examples. The Discriminator classifies the random data generated as REAL or FAKE. If FAKE loss is computed and backpropagation works as usual optimizing the weights, until random data ‘converges’ on some object that is similar to objects in the training examples. Thus, some unique combination of an image (or text, etc) that is not exactly in the sample data but is some combination is then accepted. We think the network “created” (generated) a new object — but all that happened is that some “acceptable” combination from the input samples is finally created.
The (rather long) caption in the image above explains what so-called “generative” neural networks do. They do not really generate anything outside the space of the data they saw — and, in particular, they will not create new classes but a fuzzy combination of objects in the same class. They simply create some combination, and after m number of epochs that are modulated by real-life examples, some combination is accepted (when the loss between the combination and a real-life example is small enough!)
Can NNs do ‘real’ generation of novel objects? (i)
Research and experimentation have shown very clearly that NNs simply memorize massive amount of data and cannot deal with anything new outside of the sample data they processed. Recent research has even shown that you can in fact reverse engineer a NN to get text the network ‘saw’ and stored (memorized) verbatim! Our experiments with GPT-3 also show the same thing: the massive network simply memorized and stored 100’s of millions of patterns in the billions of parameters (weights) in the network.
However, you have to give it to the brilliant DL’erners out there. These generative models do not spit out any combination: they are good at knowing what goes with what. So the trillions of possible combinations are pruned in an intelligent manner and only reasonable combinations are produced. This, is smart. But to think the NN is “generating” anything new, you are deceived, to say the least.
Can NNs do ‘real’ generation of novel objects? (ii)
Real generative models would generate mermaids form fish and women images, but don’t expect this anytime soon. NNs simply memorize data, and they can be novel in that space only — the space of data they saw as well as meaningful combinations of the data objects they saw!
If NNs just memorize data but can also somewhat deal with any combination of the data they processed, then what are their limitations? Well, in many situations they will do a reasonable job, especially in finite domains or in domains where the majority of examples in real-life are in a cluster that the NN has a good cover. However, in infinite domains, and especially language or planning, to name a few, no matter how massive is the coverage of the data (and all their meaningful combinations) the NN cannot be used in practice. It takes a few questions answered wrong, or a few accidents of autonomous vehicles (yes, this is a Planning problem!) or few medical diagnosis going wrong to put an end to the futile attempt at chasing infinity.
And Finally …
Terminology is important in science. Like “deep” in neural networks does not mean “deep thinking” — as some naïve journalists thought and were surprised to know it simply means a lot more layers than the NNs of the 1980’s had, the word “generative” in Generative Adversarial Networks simply means (somewhat meaningful) “combinations”.
And, as usual… keep AI’ing!
___
ONTOLOGIK — Medium | https://medium.com/ontologik/on-so-called-generative-adversarial-networks-gans-combinations-vs-novel-generations-1c19b28ae14c | ['Walid Saba'] | 2020-12-20 08:04:22.539000+00:00 | ['Generative Adversarial', 'Artificial Intelligence', 'Naturallanguageprocessing', 'Deep Learning'] |
Kenzie Kuhn | There is beauty all around us
see what the world has to offer
we have mountains and tree pines
views that make the heart grow fonder
We have warmth we can share
in the hands we’re blessed to hold
we have laughter and tears
and souls that old refuse to grow old
Sometimes, we need to stop and take in
this wondrous life we’ve been given
the day we can love and be loved in return
is the day we truly start living | https://medium.com/@kuhnkenz/there-is-beauty-all-around-us-see-what-the-world-has-to-offer-we-have-mountains-and-tree-pines-6d317c54114e | ['Kenzie Kuhn'] | 2020-12-27 05:47:18.343000+00:00 | ['Poetry', 'Love', 'Thoughts', 'Life', 'Feelings'] |
New England’s Series A Deals — Part II | Recently, The Buzz profiled the a number of market maps on the New England Venture/Startup Ecosystem including the following:
These market maps continue to be very positively received by our subscribers so we’re continuing to deliver. This week, we’re back with Part II of the New England Series A deals series. Here’s the list: | https://medium.com/the-startup-buzz/new-englands-series-a-deals-part-ii-e60261205019 | ['Matt Snow'] | 2020-11-03 19:33:03.186000+00:00 | ['Venture Capital', 'Technology', 'New England', 'Fundraising', 'Startup'] |
Redux Thunk — When my Function it’s called? | While I was in an interview about my Raffle project, I’ve got a very interesting question that made me research a little more about middlewares.
Raffle project was a Ruby on Rails API for backend and React JS for frontend app.
In one of my components, I had the following code:
A simple mapDispatchToProps function, that was helping me to dispatch the newPost action, which was a fetch request the backend to create a new record.
My interviewer asked me something that blocked me for a couple of minutes.
When the function newPost() it’s called?
I was a bit confused as it looks pretty obvious, as this function was a callback for an onClick event. So my first answer was:
“When the onClick event gets triggered.”
That was not the expected answer so we followed the Redux flow to see where the actual work it’s happening.
onClick event it’s triggered {this.props.newPost} , this callback comes from newPost: (post) => dispatch(newPost(post));
No work yet, as we are just dispatching a newPost action that I was talking earlier.
Without Thunk, the work will happen in the action but now, after the fetch, we are again dispatching something, this time, an object {type: "CREATE_POST", payload: result} .
So where the work happens, as we are always returning plain objects?
The answer is that Thunk executes the code for us, that is why it’s called a middleware, being the bridge between the app and Redux.
It was confusing then, but now after realising that my code is only passing pieces of code and not actually running it, it’s making sense.
I can only be very grateful to my interviewer as I could go deeper into this and learned something new. | https://medium.com/@antonzaharia/redux-thunk-when-my-function-its-called-adf17c6c54aa | ['Zaharia Anton'] | 2020-12-18 21:14:38.296000+00:00 | ['Redux Thunk', 'Redux', 'JavaScript', 'Rails', 'React'] |
5 Harsh Truths That Will Improve Your Life (If You Accept Them) | Last week, I did something I should’ve done ages ago. I deleted an app from my phone.
The app itself wasn’t so much the problem as what came with it. Endless hours spent in misery, frustration, and anger, an endless cycle of “it’s not going to be that bad this time” and “yep, definitely the same shitshow again.” I had enough.
I’m not ranting about social media or anything the like — I’m talking about the app of Deutsche Bahn, the German train company. I’ll spare you the details of our history, but I’ll tell you this much: I found a Facebook post from 2014 ranting about how shitty their service was and that I never wanted to use it again. It only took me six long years of anxiety-filled train rides and hour-long delays in cold stations to accept it wouldn’t get better, but I finally followed through.
As a diehard optimist, it’s often hard to accept defeat. You see the potential and opportunities, hold on to your dream, and hope for a better tomorrow. But no matter how much you wish for a better world — some things will always be messed up and there’s nothing you can do about it. It’s frustrating, but only until you accept the fact.
When you face reality, you don’t make yourself miserable anymore because you hope for something that never comes. You don’t waste your energy and time trying to change the unchangeable. You focus on yourself and making your own life better. You set yourself free.
Just as I had to accept that German trains will never be friends, there are a few harsh and inconvenient truths of life you’ll have to acknowledge. They’ll be hard pills to swallow but if you don’t, you’ll forever tilt at windmills. You’ll waste time and energy without accomplishing anything in the process. But if you accept what you can’t change, you redirect your efforts to what you can. | https://medium.com/the-ascent/5-harsh-truths-that-will-improve-your-life-if-you-accept-them-5fc9df0dc87c | ['Moreno Zugaro'] | 2020-12-18 16:01:18.364000+00:00 | ['Philosophy', 'Happiness', 'Self Improvement', 'Truth', 'Life Lessons'] |
“I Need You” Doesn’t Mean “I Love You” | “man and woman sitting on chairs” by rawpixel on Unsplash
“I need you,” he said.
We had been dating for only a few weeks when he asked me to move in with him.
He said, once I moved in with him, he would buy an engagement ring and propose.
What I should have said — “Let’s get to know each other more before we live together.”
Here’s what I did say — “I’ll call a mover.”
He lived in a newly renovated house on a large beautiful lot with endless apple trees. He drove a shiny new BMW. He was drop-dead handsome.
On the first morning as his roomate, he didn’t get up early, get dressed and drive off to work. I asked him what were his hours at work. He said he was currently unemployed. He quit his job because his boss would not let him take Fridays off for long weekends at the beach.
I learned that his history of employment was sporadic. He jumped from one profession to the next. He insisted that it was never his fault — that his bosses treated him poorly and he wouldn’t put up with it. “Most likely,” he said, “they were jealous of his looks.” The truth was that he just didn’t like to work.
Why should he work when he regularly found suckers like me.
Days after moving in, he told me that he was behind on his mortgage payments and I had to help him catch up before he went into foreclosure.
“It was the least I could do since I lived there,” he said.
I had been living with him for only two weeks. I wrote him a check for $5,000. I wrote the check to him, not to the mortgage company.
Every time we went to the gourmet grocery store — his favorite dinner was Filet Mignon, truffles sauteed in butter, and a bottle of wine — guess who paid?
After six months and $20,000, I called a mover. My bank account and my self-worth were depleted. I was disgusted with myself.
He begged me to stay.
“I need you,” he said. I thought it meant, “I love you.”
I desperately needed to be loved, and “I need you” was close enough.
I canceled the mover.
Two months later, we were driving in his car. I found a receipt on the floor in front of the passenger seat for a new flat screen TV — $10,000. It would be delivered in a week.
The truth hit me like a speeding train. He did need me. To pay for his luxury lifestyle.
When I refused to pay for the TV, he picked an apple from a tree on his property and aimed it at the back of my head. I could feel my brain hit the front of my skull.
It was the best thing he ever did for me. It knocked some sense into me. I called a mover. I was gone the next day.
He lost his house to foreclosure six months later. He had never used the money I gave him to pay the mortgage.
I learned the hard way that “I need you” doesn’t mean “I love you.” | https://psiloveyou.xyz/i-need-you-doesnt-mean-i-love-you-6b4aff9c30d2 | ['Jill Kaminsky'] | 2019-02-15 20:16:23.933000+00:00 | ['Love Yourself', 'Self', 'Life Lessons', 'Self Improvement', 'Love'] |
Monotony | Monotony
Daily Blog #109
I’ve been struggling to find ideas and inspiration the entire week, getting to start writing has been challenging, mainly because two things 1) I don’t always know what to say; 2) I don’t want to repeat myself.
The reality is, that I do every day the same, theres no change, no variety, no excitement, just monotony. The scariest part? It happens silently, but also don’t know how to change it in sustainable manner. By sustainable I mean, that is not a matter of just going away one weekend, but about acknowledging the issues and making the real changes that are required.
There’s also a part of me that it is scared to do so and is delaying to face it, or maybe paralysed, because I know that I am part of the problem, and that I need to make things differently, things that will put me in a challenging or uncomfortable position, but that need to be made in order to get out of stagnation.
It is about taking action, like always. Nothing more, nothing less… | https://medium.com/thoughts-on-the-go-journal/monotony-16dee1f35129 | ['Joseph Emmi'] | 2018-07-20 21:55:12.093000+00:00 | ['Change', 'Personal Growth', 'Journal', 'Commitment', 'Fear'] |
Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work: Plot Backward | You’re doing prep work, breaking the story. Problem is, the story is breaking YOU! The plot is a mess, you can’t figure it out, bits and pieces here and there, no flow, no coherent structure, just a bunch of scenes.
Quick question: Do you know your ending? Not the Denouement, but the Final Struggle, the climax of the story?
You do, you say? Well, good news, my friend, ‘coz I’ve got a dumb idea that just might work for you.
Start at the end and work your way backward.
Again, you KNOW the ending. So what scene comes BEFORE that?
And what scene comes BEFORE that?
And what scene comes…
You get the picture.
It’s a way of reverse engineering your story, switching cause-and-effect, so it’s effect, then cause… effect, then cause.
So if you’re stuck in the plotting process and aren’t moving forward…
Go BACKWARD!
Start at the end… and end at the beginning!
This has been another edition of Dumb Little Writing Tricks That Work.
For more articles in the series, go here. | https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/dumb-little-writing-tricks-that-work-plot-backward-91eb4f91afc2 | ['Scott Myers'] | 2020-12-23 13:02:21.856000+00:00 | ['Creative Writing', 'Writing', 'Screenplay', 'Fiction', 'Screenwriting'] |
Modern Bigotry: Discrimination Under the Guise of God | “I can’t tell them”, I would hear my poor friend cry as she broke down in the early hours of the morning, putting on a brave face to stand against her parents who were firmly rooted in their orthodox beliefs.
“They’re extremely traditional.”
These were the words of my two best friends, who shuddered at the idea of telling their parents that they were not heterosexual. As a teenager, struggling with my identity isn’t exactly a new concept to me, but we’ve come to such a point of political hyperawareness in the world, where we feel the need to shift the blame of our faux pas on someone else to avoid being ridiculed. The “someone”, I am referring to, in this context is none other than God.
The concept of a higher spiritual power has been around for quite a while now. However, the biggest misconception is this idea was started by organized groups or religions. Supernatural beliefs from bands and tribes arose to explain natural phenomena that were alien to mankind, like earthquakes or diseases. Organized religion came around during the Neolithic revolution, which was about 11,000 years ago and the states that were born out of it (like Ancient Greece and Mesopotamia) were ruled by chieftains who played dual roles of central authority and divine power (which can be further proof of how politics and religions were never mutually exclusive). What correlation does this have to my point? Well, the origins of certain prejudices never really had a concrete justification, and revulsion towards minority communities have always come from a place of ignorance and gullibility.
In addition to this, many solutions to “fix” people have also come up. The practice of therapy being exploited for bigotry is perhaps the most alarming of all. Conversion therapy is an example of this. Techniques like psychotherapy or even hormone and steroid therapy are used to prove a point which is merely a groundless, unjustifiable belief. In the US alone, there are 29 states where conversion therapy is still legal. That’s right. The self-proclaimed “land of the free” actually restricts more freedom than you think. It’s ironic that the countries we think are progressive are often lacking in areas we thought they would excel in. Granted, they have made much more progress than most countries; the fight for banning conversion therapy still persists. This idea that we ought to “fix” people, simply because they do not fit into the heteronormative standards that society has forced them to conform to is simply the most archaic mindset. A mindset that can very easily be disproved by a single statement: it’s really none of your business. The way one chooses to identify or express themselves has no consequence on your life whatsoever; however, not acknowledging them has a graver effect on their life. It’s important for straight, cis people, and people of the majority, to realize that an individual “defying your beliefs” is simply not comparable to the never-ending oppression they face on a daily basis. Nothing is being solved, it only perpetuates an idea that lacks basic empathy and cognition.
Art by Anindita Doshi (https://www.instagram.com/aninditadoshi/)
The effects of the “solutions” have received much flack, not just for the fallacious arguments they provide, but also for the preposterous consequences it has on one’s mental health. Concepts like “conversion camps” which essentially brainwash the youth; force themselves to conform to the heteronormative standards have instigated a steep rise in various psychological disorders among the LGBTQ+ youth, namely depression. In a survey conducted by Ozanne Foundation, nearly 70% of the people who underwent conversion therapy were suicidal; nearly 60% experienced depression and anxiety for which they required medication; 24% self-harmed and 40% struggled with eating disorders. These statistics alone are adequate to debunk the entire myth of sexuality and gender identity ‘being a choice’. Many countries still retain the death penalty for the LGBTQ+ community and it is somehow justified in the name of “culture and God.” Recently, India’s center told the Delhi High Court that same-sex marriage was not permissible as it was “not recognized by our society and culture”; leaving all of us pondering over what “culture” they were even referring to.
Now, let me be clear. I am not condemning religious people, but if the reason religion exists is to help give people perspective in life and to create life-long principles, shouldn’t these be universally accessible and accommodate everyone? In my humble opinion, pretending to stand on a moral high ground, while possessing beliefs that hurt innocent people, is hypocritical and reveals the façade many people put up to justify their immorality. It is possible to maintain values while also utilizing rationality to analyze issues that involve the fundamental rights of human beings.
In a world that is constantly changing, it is a moral obligation to educate yourself on the politically correct terms and also be willing to learn from your mistakes. Letting your religious principles dictate your opinion on topics as rudimentary as human rights is irrational and moreover, inhumane. As an atheist, I don’t exactly have the credentials to advise people on the subject of spirituality and morality; the only wisdom I can provide you with — is urge you to use your present resources and privilege to learn more. I will leave you with a Harlon Ellison quote that I think sums up my point entirely: | https://medium.com/thecontextmag/modern-bigotry-discrimination-under-the-guise-of-god-756ee2eed248 | ['Arushi Rajesh'] | 2020-11-06 11:27:40.032000+00:00 | ['Religion', 'Discrimination', 'Belief', 'God', 'Bigotry'] |
The Return of Wild Boars to Britain After 400 Years | Wild boars are roaming the forests of Britain after an absence of four hundred years. The notorious reputation of wild boars as dangerous wild beasts has caused concern among farmers and residents living near woodlands. Some parts of England have become “no-go” areas for walkers and dog owners.
The foraging behaviour of wild boars can cause extensive damage to trees, plants and wildlife in woodlands. Packs of wild boars in Europe are blamed for vandalising crops, destroying fences and spreading diseases such as African swine flu.
The feral wild boars roaming the forests of Britain are descendants of escapees or illegal releases from exotic meat farms during the 1990s. The wild boar population has soared to approximately 2600 animals.
Conservationists believe over a thousand wild boars occupy the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. Smaller colonies are in East Sussex, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Kent.
Two hundred wild boar were thought to be living in the woodlands of Dumfriesshire in south-west Scotland.
The records in the other counties in England and north-west Scotland show a widespread distribution of wild boars in Britain.
Residents walking in the forests of Monmouthshire, Wales recently reported wild boar families scurrying through the undergrowth.
Sows rear litters of between 6 and 10 piglets within a territory during the spring. Herds of females and their offspring, or sounders, are formed in the autumn.
Males are solitary outside the breeding season. They join herds of females in the autumn so they mate with one or more sows. Males leave the herd soon after and take no part in rearing their young.
Young boars stay with their mothers until they are 1 year old. Juvenile males wander over their woodland homes and occasionally form small groups in the winter.
The wild boars breeding in Wales probably travelled from the Forest of Dean as young sows sometimes leave the maternal herd.
Forests provide wild boars food, shelter and pools of water in which to wallow. Oak and beech trees are particularly favoured.
Wild boars rest in dens made of sticks and hay and feed between dusk and dawn. The foraging behaviour of wild boars can destroy large areas of the woodland floor.
Packs of wild boars strip the leaves, bark, twigs and young shoots of trees. They prevent the growth and renewal of vegetation by digging in the earth and eating the bulbs, roots and tubers of plants.
Birds and animals compete with feral boars for nuts, berries and seeds in the winter. The eggs of ground-nesting birds are eaten as well as amphibians, fish, small mammals, earthworms, invertebrates and carrion.
The survival rate of wild boars is high because they have few natural predators.
A combination of warm weather and an abundant supply of food during the winter led to an increase in the wild boar population across Britain and Europe over the last 30 years.
Farmers near woodlands in France are increasingly concerned about the mounting financial costs incurred by the damage caused by marauding packs of wild pigs on their land.
Italian farmers estimated a loss of €100 million, or £90 million, due to the destruction of their vines and crops by wild boars.
Wild boars are adaptable animals who have swapped their dwindling forest habitats for the wooded parks of towns and cities in Europe.
Urban dwelling boars walk along the streets at night picking up food and rummaging through rubbish bins. The conflicts with humans often involve brawling with residents, injuring tourists by unprovoked attacks and vandalising cars.
Authorities are worried about numerous road accidents involving wild boars in cities.
Berlin is home to 3,000 wild boars and known as the “wild boar capital” of the world. The police in Berlin recently stopped traffic to allow a group of twenty boars and their piglets to cross a busy road safely.
Wild boars are a health hazard as carriers for African swine flu, tuberculosis, hepatitis E and influenza A which can be transmitted to both animals and humans.
Hunters are hired by local government officials in Europe to cull wild boars to manage the explosion in their numbers
The figures released by the National Office for Hunting and Wildlife, or ONCFS, in France, stated hunters killed 700.000 wild boars between 2016 and 2017 compared to 150,000 between 1990 and 1991.
Wild boars are so numerous that other methods such as trapping, injecting contraceptives and tracking herds have been tried with limited success
The complaints about wild boars in Europe are surfacing in Britain.
Villagers near the Forest of Dean accused the photographers feeding wild boars of encouraging the animals to leave the wilderness of the forest and wander along the streets looking for food.
Farmers, walkers and dog owners fear attacks by wild boars will cause serious injuries and possibly death to humans, pets and livestock. Wild boars are listed in Britain under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act of 1976.
There were also reports of wild boars digging up graves in a cemetery, a fatality caused by a road accident in Wiltshire and a wild boar in Gloucester city centre.
The National Trust recently decided to cull feral boars in the Forest of Dean and on the Sourhead Estate near the border of Wiltshire and Somerset.
Animal Aid, Born Free and Peta are among the animal rights groups who have criticised the culls ordered by the National Trust.
Wild boars are rare animals in Britain. Their presence is causing conflict between the government, farmers and conservationists. The public interest in wild boars is a mixture of fascination and fear of wild boars as magnificent, although dangerous, woodland animals.
The fate of many wild boars in Britain is still precarious because of the ongoing conflicts with mankind.
References
BBC — Forest of Dean: ‘Tamed’ wild boars seek food in villages: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-51832875
Guardian — Boar wars: how wild hogs are trashing European cities by Bernhard Warner: https://www.theguardian.com/.../boar-wars-how-wild-hogs...
Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust — Wild boar Sus scrofa: https://www.gwct.org.uk/.../mammal-bags.../wild-boar/....
European Landowners — WILD BOAR (Sus scrofa) POPULATIONS IN EUROPE A scientific review of population trends and implications for management Dr. Jurgen Tack: https://www.europeanlandowners.org/.../122193_WILD_BOAR...
NPR — Wild Boars Are Causing Havoc In Germany, But Humans Are Making It Worse BY Rob Schmitz: https://www.npr.org/.../wild-boars-are-causing-havoc-in...
Woodland Trust — Wild Boar: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/.../mammals/wild-boar/....
Inews — Wild boars in Britain: a National Trust cull of the animals has provoked protests — but how much of a threat do they pose? By Dean Kirby: https://inews.co.uk/.../wild-boars-britain-national-trust... | https://medium.com/@louisemercer2011/the-return-of-wild-boars-to-britain-after-400-years-87c5010ef149 | ['Louise Mercer'] | 2020-12-22 14:02:04.615000+00:00 | ['Britain', 'Rewilding', 'UK', 'Nature Writing'] |
I Consulted a Small Business Without Consulting Experience | I Consulted a Small Business Without Consulting Experience
Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash
Earlier this year, I decided to try something new. I wanted to see if I could become a freelance business consultant for small businesses. My rationale was that the bigger consultants would avoid the smaller end of the market as they can’t charge as much for the same amount of hours.
But for an individual like me, it had the potential to be a viable business.
This is a real-life case study which will outline the following:
Sourcing the Opportunity
Creating a Win-Win Scenario
What I Managed to Accomplish for the Client
What I Gained from the Experience
Potential Opportunities and Issues
Key Takeaways
Sourcing the Opportunity
I’ll be very honest and tell you that I wasn’t sure what services I would offer, what clients needed and how much I would charge.
Not a great start. But I wanted to try something.
There is often a gap between perception and reality that can only be bridged through experience. So, I decided to get some by offering my services for free.
Consulting is such a broad term that it could involve almost anything. Among the possibilities are streamlining processes, reviewing best practices, improving reporting and analytics, finding ways to cut costs and providing strategic guidance.
I think it’s important to give some context of my skill set and prior experience. I have a background in economics, finance, and investing. I was an investment analyst by profession. So I am quite comfortable working with data and spreadsheets. I also have a strong grasp of business but I lack experience in business consulting.
I contacted people I studied with, former colleagues, and friends to see if there was an opportunity to help out in any way for free.
If you are interested in how I approach my network for opportunities, you might find this article quite useful.
In the end, I managed to find an opportunity in a small, privately-owned fashion brand. The business was growing rapidly and they were expanding the team to run the day-to-day operations.
But as I suspected with many small businesses, they didn’t have a dedicated resource for data analysis or ongoing reporting. It’s usually something that is just tacked onto another job. The company was building their team of salespeople and creative staff but none of them had a background in data analysis.
This made me more confident that I could add value in some way.
In a very honest discussion about what I wanted to do, I told them what I could bring to the table and what I couldn’t. I never took an authoritative stance and I set expectations pretty low as a free resource. I told them I was exploring this as a potential business in the future and wanted the experience.
Given my lack of industry knowledge, I wanted to focus more on streamlining their data reporting. Rather than provide strategic opinions I couldn’t back up with experience.
I’d like to mention that the fashion industry is something I am not particularly interested in. But that was just the opportunity available at the time.
Creating a Win-Win Scenario
Needless to say, there has to be something to gain for both parties involved.
The business would get me as a free resource. I could provide an alternative perspective and offer insights they otherwise wouldn’t have considered. I also agreed to ad hoc requests to make sure that whatever I did for them was as useful, practical, and timely as possible.
For me, there was everything to gain from offering my services for free. I could understand how transferrable my technical skills are to business consulting in a live environment.
More importantly, it would help me understand if this was something I could and wanted to pursue longer term.
If they were happy with my work, it could lead to paid opportunities. The owner is extremely well connected in the industry. So the potential for referrals and building a client base around that network was attractive.
What I Managed to Accomplish for the Client
I spent a couple of weeks going through their data. I got to understand the business and the industry much better. In the end, I identified several areas they could improve upon . . .
Here are the 3 main things I managed to accomplish for them.
More in-depth and timely sales reporting
I consolidated their sales data across multiple wholesale and retail channels. This allowed them to get a clear macro view of how much each of those contributed to their business.
I also dissected and compared their sales by geography, category, style, etc. including relevant returns data over multiple time periods.
To be very honest, I was a little surprised they didn’t have these insights already. But they were growing quite quickly and didn’t have the resources to conduct this type of reporting or analysis in a timely manner.
Cleaned up their product database
I helped to re-categorize and tag products on their system more precisely so it would make for easier analysis, later on, no matter who took over.
They had multiple listings for the same products under different names for no particular reason. Given that they have sold hundreds of products over the years, it was a bit of a mess to say the least. But now that headache is gone.
Analyzed existing sales to optimize future orders for production
One of the things that the business was uncertain about was how many units of each size they should manufacture for each product type.
There was a general rule of thumb that they followed but they wanted something a little more refined.
So I went through their sales data for previous collections for equivalent products. This data wasn’t without limitations though. For example, if you only stocked 10 small shirts, you can only sell 10 even if the true demand is far greater.
Going through sales data meant I could see which sizes were consistently selling out or overstocked. This helped them to identify sizes they should order more and less of in the future.
Overall, the client was very happy with what I managed to do for them in such a short period of time.
What I Gained from the Experience
Although I worked for free, I gained a lot more than money.
I was able to ask questions about their business and I learned a great deal about the nuances of the fashion industry.
While I didn’t contribute to every part of their business, I was able to observe their marketing, sales and production processes. This was necessary to identify where I could add value.
I gained invaluable, first-hand experience as a consultant. That’s something I can leverage for future opportunities.
By offering my services for free in this way, I was able to structure the experience more on my own terms. Arguably, you could say I managed to gain experience in a shorter time than it may have taken to apply for a job in the more traditional sense. I got to work on what I found interesting and avoid the more menial tasks I would have in an internship or entry-level position.
It was a real eye-opening and practical way to learn about what matters to clients. And it helped me understand the bespoke services I could offer as I leveled up my skillset.
Potential Opportunities and Issues
Opportunities
There are many paths that I could go with this. I could try specializing in one particular part of the process or I could keep it broad and offer a more holistic range of services.
This could range from monitoring and reporting to more nuanced strategy consulting as I gain more industry knowledge.
There are also opportunities to recommend useful IT solutions to streamline other parts of their business.
If I decided to go forward with consulting in the future, it’s likely that the work for the next couple of clients would be just as unpredictable. But over time, I could define my services more concretely and find a desirable rate that is mutually agreeable.
Issues
There is a significant amount of educating clients on how they should interpret data. It’s a big part of the value you bring.
But personally, it’s not something I particularly enjoy. You need to make sure the client understands the limitations of the data and how much they can base their decisions on it. This was a single experience so it’s possible other businesses would be more used to this type of insight.
When you aren’t particularly experienced, it can be difficult to get a desirable rate or fee for your services. Given the bespoke nature of individual businesses, it can be difficult to scale without adding more complexity.
Overall, it was an interesting experience and I’m glad I tried it. But I don’t think having multiple clients (and ultimately bosses) across different businesses is something I could enjoy.
Key Takeaways | https://medium.com/@itskevinlee/i-consulted-a-small-business-without-consulting-experience-c9614f7d4c52 | ['Kevin Lee'] | 2020-12-10 20:02:34.549000+00:00 | ['Startup', 'Consulting', 'Freelancing', 'Work', 'Entrepreneurship'] |
你真的知道坐月子的重要性吗？足以改变产后妈妈的后半生！ | 产后妈妈的坐月子生活
女人的一生可能只有几次坐月子的“机会”，在这个30–42天里，几乎每分每秒都要做出抉择：吃什么、喝什么、该做什么还有不该做什么。
辛苦熬过了9–10个月的怀孕期，又经历了最高等级的“断肋骨”之痛，还有哪位妈妈有心力去操心坐月子的事呢？
排恶露、消水肿、洗伤口、防便秘、防忧郁、补元气；又要注意洗身子、泡脚、按摩、泵奶喂奶…相信我，这些都需要丰富的经验才能做好。
为什么坐月子那么重要？坐月子应该吃什么？
【月子餐】是整个坐月子时期最困难、最费心思同时也是最重要的。这42天的饮食，比你一辈子吃什么还重要。如果轻看了，将会对妈妈日后的生育、健康和情绪造成很大程度的影响。
产后的第一周妈妈属于严重虚脱的状态，这时候应该先以清淡饮食为主，将恶露全部排出，而不是直接吃补身子的食物。
蔬菜、鸡蛋和清粥将占据了第一周的食谱。也少不了只有丰富经验的月嫂会煮的清淡汤。同时不能急着催奶。
第二周到最后一周的月子餐也需要大量的经验和知识。如果是你的老婆，你绝对不想看到她辛苦生了孩子后还没有得到妥善的坐月照料。
产后妈妈的小天使 — — 月嫂
专业的事就应该请专业的人来做。请一位拥有几十年照顾产后妈妈经验的月嫂来协助你30–42天的饮食起居，让你在生完孩子后能安心地恢复身子。
在Ayiconnect.com，你能在预产期来到之前就找到属于你的专属月嫂。在我们的认证平台上拥有多名专业的月嫂供挑选，价格也随着月嫂的经验和能力而定制，包括懂得中/英双语的月嫂。同时能够线上线下双向筛选，直到遇见你满意的人选为止。
在坐月子的6周里，无论是备食、照料、按摩、清洁、喂食全都交给在Ayiconnect上的专业月嫂。让你安心恢复元气，快速回到平凡美好的生活。
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AyiConnect is a platform to connect families with helpers who have a language specialty in addition to care. You can engage with them directly through self service or concierge service. The concierge 1:1 service can provide another option to ensure success matches for busy families who don’t have time to search or need language assist. Schedule a free consultation here for our concierge service, or check us out on ayiconnection.com | https://medium.com/@ayiconnect/%E4%BD%A0%E7%9C%9F%E7%9A%84%E7%9F%A5%E9%81%93%E5%9D%90%E6%9C%88%E5%AD%90%E7%9A%84%E9%87%8D%E8%A6%81%E6%80%A7%E5%90%97-%E8%B6%B3%E4%BB%A5%E6%94%B9%E5%8F%98%E4%BA%A7%E5%90%8E%E5%A6%88%E5%A6%88%E7%9A%84%E5%90%8E%E5%8D%8A%E7%94%9F-72bec9e7a380 | [] | 2021-09-10 16:03:52.938000+00:00 | ['Family', 'Mothers', 'Maternity', 'Baby'] |
Happy Workers Day. | Happy Workers Day.
I support Goal 8- that we build a world where people are not just in jobs but have decent jobs.
I believe in the dignity of labour and that all jobs are worthy of respect.
I align with God's word that " he that does not work should not eat" and that a "workman is worthy of his wages".
I believe that work is a calling and the way we partner with God to make a better world and also contribute to society.
I believe that our political leaders should obey the #Nigerian constitution that says that...
" The State shall direct its policy towards ensuring that-
(a) all citizens, without discrimination on any group whatsoever, have the opportunity for securing adequate means of #livelihood as well as adequate opportunity to secure suitable #employment;
(b) conditions of #work are #just and #humane, and that there are adequate facilities for leisure and for social, religious and cultural life;
(c) the #health, #safety and #welfare of all persons in #employment are safeguarded and not endangered or abused;"
That's what our constitution says about our rights to employment.
We need jobs.
We need decent jobs for us.
I pray that all unemployed Nigerians get jobs... Decent jobs to be particular.
I pray that those that are currently employed but have a thirst to get a better job get those jobs quickly.
I pray that we build a nation where we create decent jobs easily, quickly and efficiently.
Happy Workers Day | https://medium.com/@afawehinmi2/happy-workers-day-5dea926d0243 | ['Abayomi Fawehinmi'] | 2020-05-02 01:34:06.153000+00:00 | ['Decent Jobs', 'Jobs', 'Employment'] |
2018 Tips for Writing the Best Instagram Captions | It’s a hard balance to strike when trying to captivate an audience with your Instagram captions and photos. On one side of the spectrum, you want the world to note how your subject looks through your personal lens. You want the world as your audience to feel what you feel and think what you think when you look at the photo. On the other side of the spectrum, you want to tell the world through a brilliant caption for your photo. After all, the caption is everything.
Imagine looking at three different kinds of cheese. Let’s say, for the sake of this example, that the cheeses in front of you include Havarti, Gouda, and Brie; all of which are very different. Because the cheese is physically present with you, you can taste the cheeses and know why they are different. Now let’s say you want to post a picture of the cheeses on Instagram. How are you going to tell everyone else, or even your own mother, just what makes them different through a picture? You do it through your caption. Here’s how to come up with the best captions for describing even the most seemingly dull subjects.
Why do you need to pay attention to your Instagram captions?
Many users neglect the importance of Instagram captions and thus pay little thought and attention to it before uploading their post. Why? Because Instagram is, in fact, a visual platform focused on visual content. Have you ever tried sharing a post on Instagram consisting solely of text? On the contrary, have you ever tried sharing a photo on Instagram without any text?
This goes to show that visual content is the most important element on Instagram.
But despite the fact that Instagram is a social media platform driven by visual content, neglecting the Instagram captions is a big mistake. Your captions help add context to your posts so your audience can get a greater understanding of what it is you are trying to mediate to them.
A picture says more than a thousand words, but it is only with the help of an Instagram caption that you can make your post sing.
While your photos on Instagram are the single most important part of a successful Instagram strategy, and the differentiating factor between rising to the top or getting lost in the noise, it is with the caption you can tell your audience what you can’t with your image. It is with the caption you can encourage them to take action, showcase your personality, and engage with your audience.
Remember that Instagram is a social media platform, and it’s called social for a reason. It is with your captions that you can start a conversation with your audience and engage with them in a way that just isn’t possible with only a picture.
Think about it: How many times have you scrolled in your Instagram feed, seen an appealing picture, started reading the caption, and then become impacted by the message conveyed?
I’d dare to guess a lot, and this just goes to show just how powerful Instagram captions are. Despite this, many users treat them as an afterthought, while spending an immense amount of time on the photo itself.
Think of the photo on Instagram as the outfit and the caption as your accessories. It is the accessories that complement and truly make an outfit shine.
Tips for Writing the Best Instagram Captions
Crafting a great Instagram caption is an art, and in order to write successful Instagram captions that help empower the message you’re trying to convey through your post, you need to invest a bit of thought into it.
Think about all of the Instagram accounts that you consider successful. Now, look at their captions. Does it look like something they’ve written in a few seconds, or is it something they’ve invested time and energy into?
It’s most likely the latter, and that’s because it doesn’t make sense to spend countless of hours creating the perfect image, but then paying no attention to the caption.
It is always the unity that matters and that will be remembered.
Let’s dig into how you can craft the ultimate caption.
Define your goal
Always begin with the goal in mind. You always have a goal with the image that you’re going to share, whether it be to brag about your amazing vacation to your friends or to sell the new sneaker that you’ve just launched. This is the reason why you’re sharing the image in the first place.
As such, you want to make sure that the caption supports, empowers, and strengthens that goal. If you pay attention to the captions of some of the most successful Instagram accounts, you’ll notice that all of them does this. Before they write the caption, they ask themselves ”okay, what am I hoping to achieve with this image?” and then reverse-engineer that to create a caption that will help them achieve that goal in a better manner.
Of course, there are many different approaches to the same objective, and the way you are going to tackle it depends on you, your target audience, and rhetoric, which I’ll go into in the next point. For example, if your goal is to sell something, one way could be to use the Instagram caption to simply write ”New product out, buy now!”, or, you could take a completely different approach and use storytelling to captivate your audience and immerse them into a story which makes them want to buy — without explicitly asking for it.
Know Your Audience
If your aim is to communicate the photo to a select group of people, like your friends and family, your Instagram caption should be dictated by what would be of interest to them. If you were to post something like “Crushing Havarti like Pavarotti,” you would have to assume that your audience knew that Havarti is a cheese and that Pavarotti, the opera singer, is a large figure. The likelihood of them understand that you’re eating enough cheese to become a large Italian man isn’t great. So, in an effort to not lose your audience, try speaking in their vernacular, their lingo, their language. You could try something like, “One more bite of cheese and I’ll be as nutty as it is.”
This is the single most important ingredient to writing a successful Instagram caption, and the reason is that it can be the difference between grabbing your followers’ attention and successfully convey your message, or them continuing to scroll their feed and going on with their lives.
Different people relate and resonate with different things, and this is why it’s so crucial to know what your target audience resonates with.
A great example is Wendy’s. Wendy’s has identified their target audience on social media, identified which voice and language they speak in, and then reverse-engineered that into their own brand voice on social media. The result is Instagram captions that speak to their audience and sparks their audience’s interest.
Keep it Short and Focused
Your audience is scrolling through what could be hundreds of photos in a very short period of time. Your window of opportunity for getting their attention is very limited. Make the most of the time with a caption that can be read in just a few seconds. The last thing you want is for them to take one glance at your picture, barely notice it and head off to their HydroWorx Fitness Pool without even really looking at what you were trying to communicate. Brevity is your friend in a caption. Think one sentence. Think simple. Think focused.
We constantly hear that our attention span is getting shorter and shorter. In fact, a study by Microsoft has found that the average human attention span now is shorter than of a goldfish.
When it comes to social media, this is by no means strange, because we’re bombarded with information on social media, and in order to consume even just a fraction of it, we need to do so quickly. As such, you need to craft your Instagram captions to be able to be quickly consumed, in other words, get straight to the point, because otherwise, the chances are that they’ll just continue scrolling. Since your caption consists of text, this is especially important considering the fact that the brain processes visual content 60,000 faster than text.
Leverage call-to-actions
Back to the point of starting with the goal of reverse-engineering.
The idea of using a call-to-action is so simple, yet it has proven to be so immensely effective.
As an example, AdRoll found that adding CTAs to your Facebook page can increase the click-through rate by 285%. While this isn’t Facebook, it goes to show just how effective CTAs are, and considering how easy they are to implement, you’re really missing out on a tremendous opportunity if you aren’t leveraging it.
You’ll often see call-to-actions when there’s a commercial intent behind the action, but what’s so great about CTAs is that they’re universal and can be leveraged in so many ways, whether it be to ask your audience to simply ”like” your post, ”share their opinions” buy from you, or enter a sweepstake, like McDonald’s.
If you’re looking to drive traffic back to your site CTAs tend to be one of the most effective tactics to do so due to the fact that there is no way to include clickable links in your captions. Where you can include a clickable link, however, is your profile bio, and this is why you often see people using the call-to-action ”Click the link in our bio”.
Be Fun and Witty
Let’s go back to the cheese example. I’m sure you were hoping I was done with that sample, but it’s a perfect illustration of a not-so-thrilling topic that can be made interesting through a fun and witty caption. For example, for the photo with a half round of Gouda replacing your own smile, you could say, “This Gouda is good-a!” It’s cute, simple and a product of witty genius. The point is that you don’t want to be filling up everyone else’s phones with a picture of a dead leaf and say in your caption that the leaf is dead. That would be rather dull, right? Emily Vanderbeek of Independent Fashion Bloggers has some great examples of how to make your Instagram Captions less dull and more follow-worthy.
So the next time you’re working up a new photo and trying to create a caption that will capture the attention of your followers, consider who it is you’re talking to, what it is you want to say in just a few words and how you can say what you mean in a way that is inviting and fun. May your captions be full of less snoring and just a hint more cheese.
Ask questions
Social media is all about being social, and this is something that is easy to forget when you’re sharing photos on Instagram that’s all about you all day — whether that be selfies of yourself or posts about your products and business.
It’s no news that social media is a tremendous marketing tool for helping you achieve marketing results, but what has proven to be far more effective than having a ton of followers to drive those results is to have an engaged and loyal audience.
To build customer relationships and making your audience loyal fans of you or your brand, there are no shortcuts. The only real way to build relationships with someone is through consistent interaction and engagement. What does this have to do with Instagram captions, you ask?
Well, in order to start a conversation and an interaction, one part has to take the first step. A terrific way to do just that is to ask questions in your Instagram captions. Doing this has a number of benefits. First off, it shows your audience that you care about them and that your Instagram isn’t just focused on you. Second of all, and most importantly, is that you encourage people to respond. When they respond to your question, you have a tremendous opportunity to continue the conversation and thus build and strengthen your relationships with your audience.
In the long run, this loyalty will turn them into advocates of your and your brand.
Make your caption easily readable
While ideally, you should keep your caption short and to the point, it’s not always possible if you want to tell a story or include a lot of information that demands some length to your caption. What tends to happen when you write longer captions is that fewer people will take the time to read it (surprise), but those who do tend to get impacted much deeper, and become much more engaged in the message you’re conveying.
What you should do, however, when writing longer captions is to split them and make them as readable as possible. Doing this will increase the number of people who complete the whole text from start to finish, as well as the number of people who even start reading.
That you should split up your text to make it more inviting and appealing to the eyes is nothing new. Can you imagine if I wouldn’t write this blog post without short paragraphs and just a wall of text like this:
It’s not very inviting, is it?
There are many ways to split up your Instagram captions to make them more digestible and appealing. One way is to use punctuations like Andy Frisella:
Another is to replace those dots and use emojis instead.
Speaking of emojis, this brings me to my next and final point
Use emojis
Emojis are incredibly effective to use in your Instagram captions. Why? First off, they are colorful and make your caption stand out. This will ultimately spark people’s interest and get them to start reading. Second of all, emojis are the only type of visual content that you can use in your Instagram captions, and you remember how humans love visual content, right?
Furthermore, since you want to keep your Instagram captions short and to the point, and a picture says more than a thousand words, using emojis allows you to say more to your audience than the text that you’re writing. Awesome, right?
Emojis also help make you more human since they allow you to mediate emotions in a different way than with text. Some brands are afraid that using emotions will make them come off as unprofessional, and that might have been the case back in the days, but in today’s society, emojis are used so extensively across all age groups that you don’t have to worry about that as a business. Not even if you’re a banking firm. Emojis are a universal language that everyone speaks.
All types of brands use emojis on Instagram, from brands like Snickers: | https://hotinsocialmedia.medium.com/2018-tips-for-writing-the-best-instagram-captions-345ad84d086b | ['Hot In Social Media'] | 2018-09-11 12:26:06.919000+00:00 | ['Social Media', 'Social Media Marketing', 'Captions', 'Instagram Marketing', 'Instagram'] |
David Attenborough Presents: A Hungover Thirty-Something Female Starting Her Day | Photo by Sydney Sims on Unsplash
Here we have a hungover thirty-something female who has awoken, debilitated, after a rare, wild night out. She came home, drunk, alone (again), and endured a restless night of vomiting and bumping into walls.
We find her the next morning. She has managed to get to her feet and is headed for the coffee maker. Coffee is a resource commonly sought out by the hungover thirty-something. It’s a reliable source of energy, helps with aching in the head, and also smells good.
Many thirty-somethings experience symptoms of coffee withdrawal every morning and rely heavily on this resource, hungover or not. Observe how she puts the coffee together as if on auto-pilot; how quickly she lifts and separates the filter; the exact pouring of six cups of water without even looking (yes, just for her); the burial of the nose in the coffee can for the deep inhale of its healing aromas. She has been here before.
As the coffee brews, our thirty-something contemplates the options for breaking her fast: walk to the diner and procure a breakfast burrito, drive through a fast-food restaurant and purchase the entire breakfast menu, or scavenge for leftovers in the fridge.
She opens the refrigerator, searching for prey. There, she’s spotted it: an avocado. A ripe one. Already cut in half and protected in the avocado saver. Enticing. Will she stay in the safety of her den and provide sustenance for herself, or will she venture out? Somehow she stumbles without even moving her feet.
“So no driving, then,” she announces to no one.
She evaluates the risks: walking, excessive perspiration, getting the wrong order, running into someone she knows, full-fledged panic attack, inadvertently buying an entire lemon meringue pie as she waits, etc.
She returns to the fridge, determined to remain in the den and finish the avocado. When the avocado is ripe, she must use it. Nothing makes a thirty-something more distraught than letting a perfect avocado go to waste, especially when they reside in California.
As she closes the refrigerator, her eyes lock on an invitation stuck to the door with a magnet. It has chickens on it. The magnet, not the invitation. The invitation shows a clip art drawing of a baby. Our thirty-something looks alarmed. She appears to have forgotten about a ritual gathering of thirty-somethings to honor one who is bringing another human into the world: a baby shower.
Not all thirty-somethings reproduce in the same season. In fact, some don’t reproduce at all. It could be because they have already reproduced earlier in life, or because they simply have no desire to do so. Raising a human is a lifelong undertaking, unlike other species, and not all thirty-somethings are prepared for that commitment.
Our thirty-something has not yet reproduced, and as such, baby showers fall somewhere between having a cavity filled and being dumped via text message as far as enjoyment goes.
She glances at the coffeemaker. Still brewing.
A new decision has arisen for our hungover thirty-something: will she venture out of her den for the sake of the other thirty-something’s fetus? Or will she retreat back to the safety of her bedding canopy and wait out the day in seclusion?
The coffeemaker beeps loudly, signaling it has finished. She visibly perks up at this sound, which is why the process of brewing coffee is referred to by humans as “percolating.” Hungrily, she pours herself a cup.
She drinks it black, of course.
She prepares the leftovers, some stale pad thai and one soggy spring roll, and sprinkles salt and pepper on the half avocado. She eats it straight from the peel with a spoon. An unusual breakfast, but it appears to be working. Her head is lifting, her eyes are opening wider… oh, too wide. She recoils at the light.
Her eyes land on a gift bag in the corner, indicating she knew about the baby shower the whole time. This is a characteristic the thirty-something possesses which carries her through these hungover times: preparedness. It’s likely that she purchased the gift from what is known as a “registry,” or a compulsory list of objects to buy for the fetus, weeks ago.
Her phone buzzes with a text message:
OMG it’s Baby Shower day! So excited! See you soon! xoxo
She cringes. A power move by the soon-to-be mother has been laid at her feet: the guilt trip. Backing out of the shower now could be emotionally costly to our thirty-something, and might cause more problems later than if she just sucks it up and goes.
She stumbles into the bedroom, selecting a dress from her closet. It’s black, inappropriate for a baby shower, really, but with that glower on her face, none of the other thirty-somethings are likely to comment. Now dressed, she applies lotion to her parched, puffy skin, pokes her under-eye bags before painting mascara onto her eyelashes, and sighs, grunting “good enough” before exiting her den in mismatched sandals.
Oh, dear. Notice our thirty-something has forgotten the gift on the floor next to the door. We’ll have to wait and see if she returns for the gift, or shows up to the gathering both hungover and empty-handed. | https://medium.com/slackjaw/david-attenborough-presents-a-hungover-thirty-something-starting-her-day-60c20bcfb54c | ['Kelly Shanley'] | 2020-08-25 18:27:28.895000+00:00 | ['Humor', 'Thirty Something', 'Satire', 'Single', 'Hungover'] |
How Industry 4.0 Opens New Growth Frontiers For Discrete Manufacturing | Multiple technologies are converging to usher in the fourth industrial revolution. One aspect of this trend, industry 4.0, comes with the promise to improve discrete manufacturing by raising its efficiencies on multiple fronts.
While the benefits of industry 4.0 are vast, it relies on manufacturers to make it a reality and put it into action. This involves utilizing suitable technology to create smart factory setups. Studies have demonstrated that more than 70% of manufacturers believe that intelligent technologies such as the internet of things (IoT), big data analytics, machine learning, and augmented reality are an integral part of their future.
Figure 1:
According to McKinsey, industry 4.0 could bring a value of $3.7 trillion to manufacturers and suppliers in 2025, yet only 30 percent of companies are currently benefiting from industry 4.0 solutions at scale.
The companies that are already making the most of the initiative are adopting these technologies, adapting their working models, and introducing interconnected machines to simplify their operations in more beneficial ways. Around 79% of manufacturers identify increasing profitability and margins as their top priority, meaning it is reasonable to think that they are adopting smart systems, predominantly to push their growth boundaries.
This article examines the ways in which industry 4.0 can be utilized for growth in the discrete manufacturing industry.
According to McKinsey, industry 4.0 could bring a value of $3.7 trillion to manufacturers and suppliers in 2025, yet only 30 percent of companies are currently benefiting from industry 4.0 solutions at scale.
The companies that are already making the most of the initiative are adopting these technologies, adapting their working models, and introducing interconnected machines to simplify their operations in more beneficial ways. Around 79% of manufacturers identify increasing profitability and margins as their top priority, meaning it is reasonable to think that they are adopting smart systems, predominantly to push their growth boundaries.
This article examines the ways in which industry 4.0 can be utilized for growth in the discrete manufacturing industry.
What are the frontiers for growth with industry 4.0?
The majority of companies that take advantage of technology for growth are aiming to improve on these fronts:
•Agility: Faster anticipation of changes within their facilities and within broader markets, also being able to respond quickly to any changes.
•Faster market delivery: Move products more swiftly from ideation and modeling processes to the markets.
•Productivity: An increase in the quality and quantity of products and services delivered by each agent in factories.
•Mass personalization: Quickly deliver products that are specifically tailored to the needs of specific audiences, without being detrimental to efficiency.
The ingredients for growth
The key ingredients for growth in industry 4.0 are the technologies that are now becoming part of a smart factory setup.
One of the most important tools in this process is the sensor. This piece of technology that was once considered futuristic has now become commonplace in many factories. It has revolutionized the way many machines work, creating analytical data that can be monitored and reviewed. This is done by using the sensors to transmit real-time information about current conditions to central databases, effectively turning each machine into a functional data-generation tool.
Cloud computing also plays a significant role. Data generated by each sensor-bearing machine is collected and processed in ‘the cloud,’ which is represented by software installed in systems on the factory premises. With vast amounts of storage and capabilities, the applications present the processed data on dashboards as easily digestible information. The benefit of this is that it transforms the data from sensors into information that human agents can act on.
Machines that are able to utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) can also act on the data they receive. AI operates by ‘learning’ from repetitive tasks and outcomes, adapting to function accordingly. Robots, or more specifically, cobots (collaborative robots), rely on AI; however, they are not autonomous and work alongside humans on the factory floor.
This collaboration between robots and humans’ ties into a vital point… growth in industry 4.0 is not solely driven by automated machines. The emerging model for the factory of the future is, in fact, directed by humans. Currently, the manufacturers that are pioneering in this area are brownfield sites that are creating forward-looking systems to add to their existing capabilities.
Use cases that could drive growth
The use of previously discussed technologies and industry 4.0 will open up countless opportunities to drive growth in discrete manufacturing. This manifests in several use cases, each of which combines multiple technologies to ensure process efficiencies.
Predictive maintenance
Sensors collect data (Figure 2) about the machines in which they are installed and transmit them via the Internet of Things (IoT) to the cloud. Machine Learning algorithms sort and organize the data into information that an administrator can understand and act upon. As an example, this information could include the details of a developing fault in a machine part that needs to be fixed.
Automated platforms can then schedule maintenance work. A maintenance engineer could also use a VR headset to preview and examine the space or object they will be working with, making the process more straightforward.
The most apparent benefits of this are the cost savings from detecting faults early, as well as the elimination of delays that may result from factory machines breaking down. With reduced spending on maintenance and more time available for actual production, the possibilities for growth are expanded.
Digitized standard operating procedures
Digital Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are replacing the old notebooks that factory procedures were once written in. Factory staff, who previously had to learn SOP from notes and implement them as best as they could, are now able to see these procedures on screens and follow them in real-time (Figure 2).
SOP software provides users with a secure repository of documents, covering their companies’ standard operating procedures. Quick and easy access to guidelines ultimately reduces errors on the job and improves the quality of workers’ output, another major benefit of implementing this process.
Digital performance management
Besides aiding predictive maintenance, sensors can also raise the bar for performance management in factories (Figure 2). The data they transmit goes to dashboards that relay them as key performance indicators (KPIs) for production. These KPIs give decision-makers a clear view of overall productivity at their manufacturing site.
Because the insights from the dashboards are generated in real-time, they enable managers to make smart decisions more quickly and implement changes to processes as soon as the need arises. They can also identify patterns and improve performance by making adjustments to operations where required.
Innovative labor
There is some concern that automation in discrete manufacturing will slowly reduce the number of humans, transferring the industry to be machine-led. In reality, the factories of the future will display varying degrees of collaboration between humans and robots.
There are many innovations that are simplifying labor tasks, such as AI-powered machines taking over processes that workers consider to be repetitive and monotonous. As the wave of automation sweeps through the industrial landscape, it will leave humans with more creative roles; the ones in which they still outperform robots. These roles are complex and engaging, meaning people are more likely to find them satisfying or fulfilling.
This also means that factories will be more focused on tapping into the innovative talent, and there will be greater collaboration among employees that represent various fields of expertise.
The blend of greater human innovation, real-time solutions, and broader collaboration could push manufacturing companies to new growth frontiers. As opposed to seeing the addition of AI-powered machines as a threat, these can genuinely enhance the discrete manufacturing industry. This use of innovative labor will improve productivity while enabling humans to retain control and focus on less repetitive, more creative, and rewarding tasks.
Figure 2:
Taking advantage of the opportunities for growth
Businesses have to be deliberate about transitioning to the fourth industrial revolution. If they intend to gain an early advantage in their market, they should take these steps:
•Be clear about their aims: They should clearly define the goals they want to pursue with the strategy they choose to adopt.
•Review tools before purchasing them: There are a growing number of firms offering solutions for industrial automation. Manufacturers should examine and test these solutions for suitability before adopting them, avoiding any costly additions that do not bring benefits.
•Follow customers’ needs: Technologies should be adopted only if they help to improve the quality of products offered to customers or increase the speed with which those products are delivered. It’s vital to remain focused on your own objectives, based on demand, and not become sidetracked by sales techniques or what others are doing.
•Improve information management: Without a robust information management framework, factories may be unable to use the data generated from their smart systems as efficiently as they should. Having the correct management framework in place enables you to maximize the benefits of having such complex data readily available.
•Restructure their operations model: Businesses may aim to reach futuristic capabilities in short periods of time by leapfrogging multiple developmental stages. While this isn’t impossible to do, it’s vital to implement lean manufacturing in preparation for the high efficiencies and capabilities of industry 4.0.
Conclusion
New technology is opening up fresh opportunities for growth in discrete manufacturing. AI, IoT, machine learning, big data analytics, and augmented reality are combining to improve production processes, product quality, and management.
There is a clear shift towards using innovative technologies for business growth and improved productivity; however, this relies on forward-thinking manufacturers. It is vital for manufacturers to evaluate their current processes and challenges, considering the ways in which industry 4.0 can improve their efficiency. To do this, manufacturers must look at the value they can add by building on their existing capabilities throughout various processes and stages, as opposed to aimlessly adding new technologies. It is not a matter of using technology for the sake of it, instead, doing so in smart and beneficial ways, combining technologies with existing processes and roles. Infrastructure must be created with the aim of an integrated technology stack and a clear objective, creating operations that enhance value before scaling it up.
By doing this, manufacturers can become more agile and productive, achieving faster market delivery as well as the likes of mass personalization. The benefits of industry 4.0 include the ability to anticipate changes and respond to these, moving products quickly from ideation and modeling to the markets while improving the quality and quantity of products. The result of this is a more efficient process that can also raise the bottom line for companies that adopt them.
The smartest movers will be the ones that take the most benefits from industry 4.0. Manufacturers must transition quickly, strategically, and deliberately to a connected and automated future if they aim to reap the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution.
Industry 4.0 is undoubtedly opening new growth frontiers for discrete manufacturing, providing solutions to age-old challenges and opening up an exciting chapter in the evolution of the industry.
Source:
“The smart factory report,” Deloitte Manufacturing strategy & Smart Operations “Industry 4.0: Getting Digital Manufacturing Right Report” Bain & Company August 2019. “Industry 4.0 after the initial hype report,” McKinsey Digital 2016. “Capturing value at scale in discrete manufacturing with industry 4.0 report”, McKinsey September 2019. “The next horizon for industrial manufacturing: adopting disruptive digital technologies in making and delivering report,” McKinsey November 2018.
Media: Shutterstock | https://medium.com/@fred-r/how-industry-4-0-opens-new-growth-frontiers-for-discrete-manufacturing-a62b95db8111 | ['Fred Rostami'] | 2020-12-22 16:03:27.979000+00:00 | ['Industry 4 0', 'Predictive Analytics', 'Augmented Reality', 'Machine Learning', 'Product Management'] |
Introduction to Istio Traffic Management | Introduction to Istio Traffic Management
Traffic Routing with Istio by Example
What is Istio?
The continued adoption of microservices architectures and the move toward complex distributed applications composed of decoupled components that communicate via APIs introduces various new challenges for developers. While these types of applications help us to encapsulate, reuse, and efficiently scale discrete components of business logic, they also require a lot more network traffic between services, which makes the need for reliable, secure, and observable channels of communication all the more important.
This is where Istio comes in. Istio is an open-source Service Mesh that helps to simplify the communication between microservices in distributed applications. The core features of Istio generally fall into one of three categories:
Traffic Management: Istio’s Traffic Management capabilities include support for resilience patterns like Retry Policies and Circuit Breakers, as well as request routing capabilities to support scenarios like A/B Testing and Canary Deployments. The Traffic Management components of Istio are what we are going to focus on primarily in the article.
Istio’s Traffic Management capabilities include support for resilience patterns like Retry Policies and Circuit Breakers, as well as request routing capabilities to support scenarios like A/B Testing and Canary Deployments. The Traffic Management components of Istio are what we are going to focus on primarily in the article. Observability: When applications are running in the service mesh, Istio provides out-of-the-box Metrics, Traces, and Logs to provide engineers with observability of service health and behavior. We will see shortly how Istio is able to generate this telemetry without any additional work from the application developers.
When applications are running in the service mesh, Istio provides out-of-the-box Metrics, Traces, and Logs to provide engineers with observability of service health and behavior. We will see shortly how Istio is able to generate this telemetry without any additional work from the application developers. Security: By default, Istio provides encrypted communication channels between microservices in our application, as well as support for various types of authentication and authorizations policies that can be applied to different components of our application.
Note: While Istio is a platform-independent technology, we will be running Istio on Kubernetes for the purposes of the examples below. This writing assumes a basic understanding of how Kubernetes works.
How does Istio Work?
At a high level, Istio works by deploying a proxy alongside each service in your application. This Envoy Proxy, which is often referred to as a sidecar, intercepts all traffic to and from the service, generates telemetry for this traffic, and can be configured to enable the various Authentication, Authorization, and Traffic Management functions described above.
The two diagrams below illustrate the difference between service communication without Istio and the Envoy Proxies (top), and communication within an Isito service mesh, where traffic is routed through the proxies (bottom).
Basic communication between two services without Istio.
Communication between two services in an Isito service mesh.
Note: In Kubernetes terms, the Proxy and its corresponding Service (e.g. the Proxy on the left and Service A above) are two containers running in the same pod.
Istio Components
One of the great things about Istio is that it is highly configurable; however, this flexibility means that there are several different components that we need to understand in order to configure traffic routing for our services.
Here is a bird’s eye view of all of the components involved in a single request to a service within an Istio service mesh running on Kubernetes.
Overview of Istio Components
Let’s break down each component involved in this request flow:
Load Balancer: This is an external load balancer that exposes a public IP address from which external traffic is routed into our Kubernetes cluster. This is not specific to Istio, this kind of load balancer is provisioned by your cloud provider (e.g. AWS or GCP) any time a service of type LoadBalancer is deployed to you cluster. If you’re running Kubernetes on-prem, there are options such as MetalLB that allow you to provision your own external load balancer.
This is an external load balancer that exposes a public IP address from which external traffic is routed into our Kubernetes cluster. This is not specific to Istio, this kind of load balancer is provisioned by your cloud provider (e.g. AWS or GCP) any time a service of type is deployed to you cluster. If you’re running Kubernetes on-prem, there are options such as MetalLB that allow you to provision your own external load balancer. Gateway Proxy: This is a Kubernetes service of type LoadBalancer that we can configure to customize how traffic entering the cluster is routed to our services. By default, Istio deploys a Gateway Proxy called istio-ingressgateway in the istio-system namespace (we’ll use this in our examples applications), but you can also deploy and configure your own Gateway Proxy if needed.
This is a Kubernetes service of type that we can configure to customize how traffic entering the cluster is routed to our services. By default, Istio deploys a Gateway Proxy called in the namespace (we’ll use this in our examples applications), but you can also deploy and configure your own Gateway Proxy if needed. Gateway Configuration: This is one of the more confusing Istio resources we’ll encounter, as it is often called simply called a Gateway in Istio documentation and can easily be confused with the Gateway Proxy described above. In fact, when we create one of these resources (which we will do shortly), we provide a value of Gateway to the kind property of the resource; however, I’ve chosen to call this resource a Gateway Configuration in the above diagram, as I feel that better describes its function. The Gateway Configuration configures the Gateway Proxy, specifying which ports are exposed and which protocols can be used by ingress traffic. The Gateway Configuration operates only on properties of OSI layers 4–6. You can’t configure application-layer routing rules here (this is what Virtual Services are for).
This is one of the more confusing Istio resources we’ll encounter, as it is often called simply called a in Istio documentation and can easily be confused with the Gateway Proxy described above. In fact, when we create one of these resources (which we will do shortly), we provide a value of to the kind property of the resource; however, I’ve chosen to call this resource a Gateway Configuration in the above diagram, as I feel that better describes its function. The Gateway Configuration configures the Gateway Proxy, specifying which ports are exposed and which protocols can be used by ingress traffic. The Gateway Configuration operates only on properties of OSI layers 4–6. You can’t configure application-layer routing rules here (this is what Virtual Services are for). Virtual Service: A Virtual Service defines a set of request routing rules that can be used to distribute traffic to different destinations in the service mesh. Specifically, Virtual Services define application-layer traffic routing rules, meaning that HTTP requests can be routed to different destinations based on properties like URI, request method, and headers. Similar to Gateway resources discussed above, VirtualService resources are not standalone services running on their own set of pods, instead they are simply configuration that is applied to the proxies in the mesh that actually accept and send requests. Virtual Services can be applied either to the Gateway Proxy, or to the sidecar Envoy proxies that run alongside the services for your application that are running in the mesh.
A Virtual Service defines a set of request routing rules that can be used to distribute traffic to different destinations in the service mesh. Specifically, Virtual Services define application-layer traffic routing rules, meaning that HTTP requests can be routed to different destinations based on properties like URI, request method, and headers. Similar to resources discussed above, resources are not standalone services running on their own set of pods, instead they are simply configuration that is applied to the proxies in the mesh that actually accept and send requests. Virtual Services can be applied either to the Gateway Proxy, or to the sidecar Envoy proxies that run alongside the services for your application that are running in the mesh. Destination Rule: Destination Rules define routing policies applied to traffic that has already been routed to a particular service. Additionally, we can use Destination Rules to define service subsets, which allow us to group the instances of our service by version, giving us the ability to route traffic intelligently between multiple active versions of a service without changing anything in our service code.
Destination Rules define routing policies applied to traffic that has already been routed to a particular service. Additionally, we can use Destination Rules to define service subsets, which allow us to group the instances of our service by version, giving us the ability to route traffic intelligently between multiple active versions of a service without changing anything in our service code. MyApplication Sidecar: This is the Envoy Proxy that runs alongside each instance of your deployed service. Traffic to and from your service is intercepted by this proxy.
This is the Envoy Proxy that runs alongside each instance of your deployed service. Traffic to and from your service is intercepted by this proxy. MyApplication Service: This is our application, deployed to a Kubernetes cluster as a standard Kubernetes service. Instances of this service run in pods alongside instances of the MyApplication Sidecar proxy.
This is a lot to wrap your head around, so if it doesn’t completely make sense yet, it’s okay. Hopefully the purpose of each of these Istio components will become clearer when we start to see them in action with some example services and traffic routing configurations.
Istio Traffic Management in Action
To follow along with these examples, you’ll need a running Kubernetes cluster. I’ll be using GKE on Google Cloud, but the equivalent offerings on AWS and Azure will work fine as well.
Downloading Istio
Run the following command to download Istio:
curl -L https://istio.io/downloadIstio | ISTIO_VERSION=1.7.3 TARGET_ARCH=x86_64 sh -
This will download, among other things, the istioctl command line tool which we will use to install Istio on our Kubernetes cluster.
Note: I’m using version 1.7.3 in these examples, but the latest version of Istio is likely higher by the time you read this.
Installing Istio on Kubernetes
Run this command to install Istio on your cluster using the demo configuration profile:
istio-1.7.3/bin/istioctl install --set profile=demo
Note: The path to istioctl may be slightly different on your machine if you’re using a different version of Istio.
Sample Application
The application that we will be running in the service mesh to illustrate Istio’s traffic routing capabilities will be a super simple blog website using Node.js and Express.
Our website will simply display a static html page with some example text.
Here is what the site will look like when we navigate to it (I know, pretty spectacular):
Next, we’ll need to containerize this website in order to run it on our Kubernetes cluster. Here is a Dockerfile defining a container image for the application:
Creating the Istio Components
Now let’s start creating the Istio components described earlier.
Example 1: Simple Routing
The first scenario we will demonstrate will be as simple as it gets: routing requests directly to the blog site. For this example, we will need a Gateway Configuration and a Virtual Service. We’ll define these components in a YAML manifest file:
Let’s break this down:
The first resource defined in this file (lines 1–14) is the Gateway Configuration, as specified by kind: Gateway
By using the selector app: istio-ingressgateway we’re saying that this Gateway Configuration should be applied to the istio-ingressgateway gateway proxy. If you wanted to use your own gateway proxy, you would modify this line to match your own labels.
we’re saying that this Gateway Configuration should be applied to the gateway proxy. If you wanted to use your own gateway proxy, you would modify this line to match your own labels. The server field contains the meat of the Gateway Configuration. Here we specify a list of Server Specifications, which is essentially an open port, an expected protocol, and a set of hosts that can accessed through this port. If we wanted to set up TLS or Mutual TLS (MTLS), we would configure that at the Server Specification level as well. For this simple example, we’re just exposing port 80 for HTTP traffic, and stating that all hosts are accessible through this gateway by using the wildcard "*"
field contains the meat of the Gateway Configuration. Here we specify a list of Server Specifications, which is essentially an open port, an expected protocol, and a set of hosts that can accessed through this port. If we wanted to set up TLS or Mutual TLS (MTLS), we would configure that at the Server Specification level as well. For this simple example, we’re just exposing port 80 for HTTP traffic, and stating that all hosts are accessible through this gateway by using the wildcard The second resource defined is the Virtual Service (lines 16–35).
We provide fakeblog.com in the hosts field to specify that this Virtual Service handles traffic going to the fakeblog.com domain (on my local machine, I’ve mapped the IP address of my Kubernetes cluster’s external load balancer to the domain name fakeblog.com. You could also use the public IP address instead of a domain name, or you could use the wildcard "*" to allow this Virtual Service to handle traffic meant for any host).
in the field to specify that this Virtual Service handles traffic going to the fakeblog.com domain (on my local machine, I’ve mapped the IP address of my Kubernetes cluster’s external load balancer to the domain name fakeblog.com. You could also use the public IP address instead of a domain name, or you could use the wildcard to allow this Virtual Service to handle traffic meant for any host). In the gateways field, we’re using the name of the Gateway Configuration defined in this same file. This applies the Virtual Service’s routing rules to traffic entering the mesh through this gateway.
field, we’re using the name of the Gateway Configuration defined in this same file. This applies the Virtual Service’s routing rules to traffic entering the mesh through this gateway. The http field is where we specify our Virtual Service’s routing logic. Lines 26–28 define a match condition for the following routing actions, namely that the URI begins with /myblog . Lines 29–30 describe a URI rewrite rule that replaces the URI with / (this is done so that, when the request is ultimately sent to the blog website, it will be sent to the root of the site). Lines 31–35 contain the action to be taken if the match condition is met and after the rewrite rule has been applied: the request will be routed to a service named myblog on port 80.
With our Istio routing configuration created, we now need to actually deploy the blog website to our Kubernetes cluster. Since this next YAML file contains only standard Kubernetes resources (nothing Istio-specific), we won’t go into a line-by-line breakdown, but there are a few points worth noting.
Notice the name given to the service on line 4 above. This must match the value given to the host field (line 35 in the previous file) in the Virtual Service definition.
given to the service on line 4 above. This must match the value given to the field (line 35 in the previous file) in the Virtual Service definition. On line 32, the image we’re using for this service is gnovack/my-blog:v1 . This is a public Docker image repository on Docker Hub to which I pushed the blog website image defined in the Dockerfile from earlier.
For convenience, I’ve created both of the above YAML files in the same directory like so:
1_simple_access/
├── myblog-gateway.yaml
└── myblog.yaml
Assuming you’ve followed this pattern, you can create all of the resources for this example on your cluster with the following command:
kubectl apply -f 1_simple_access/
Now, we can go check out our underwhelming blog website by navigating to http://fakeblog.com/myblog (assuming the domain name fakeblog.com has been mapped to the public IP address of the Kubernetes cluster external load balancer, if not, you can simply use the public IP).
So, this proves that we can access the blog website through Istio’s components, but that isn’t really all that exciting. Let’s take a look at something a little more interesting in the next example.
Example 2: Weighted Routing
In this example, we’re going to deploy a second version of the blog website, then use Istio’s traffic management capabilities to perform weighted traffic routing between both versions.
First, we’ll need to create a new version of the blog website. To keep it simple, all we’re going to change is the header color; version 2 will have a blue header.
Next, we’ll push a container image for the new website version to the same Docker image repository used previously, meaning we will now have both a v1 and v2 version of the image.
Now let’s reconfigure the Istio components created earlier to enable weighted routing. We’re going to run both versions of the blog website (red & blue) in the Kubernetes cluster, then use Istio to route 75% of requests to the original version, and 25% to the new version.
Since the Istio Gateway Configuration is just concerned with exposing ports and protocols, we won’t need to make any changes to it to support the weighted routing scenario; however, we will need to modify the Virtual Service created earlier.
Here is the new Virtual Service definition for our weighted routing setup:
A lot of this (lines 1–16) is the same as before. We’re still using the same hostname, Gateway Configuration, match condition, and URI rewrite rule. The difference is in the route field, that is, the action taken if the match condition is met. Whereas before we were simply routing the request to the myblog service on port 80, now we have two different destinations defined. They both use port 80, and both ultimately send the request to the myblog service (lines 20 & 26), but they are distinguished by the values of the subset and weight fields. Weight is fairly self-evident; this is the proportion of total traffic that will be sent to that particular destination (75% goes to the first destination and 25% goes to the second destination in the example above). But what is a subset?
Subset is a property of Istio Destination Rules. We mentioned Destination Rules earlier, but didn’t need to use them for the first example. Destination Rules allow us to create routing policies to apply to traffic bound for a particular service, and to logically group instances of that service into subsets.
Let’s define a Destination Rule now that groups the instances of our service into v1 and v2 subsets based on whether they are running version 1 (red) or version 2 (blue) of the blog website.
This Destination Rule should be pretty easy to make sense of. We’re giving it a name (line 4), specifying that it applies to the myblog service (line 6), and then defining two subsets (v1 & v2; these names must match the value of the subset field in the Virtual Service) of our blog service (lines 7–13). The real question is, “How does this Destination Rule know which instances of the blog service are running version 1 and which are running version 2?”. This is accomplished by the labels field in each subset. The Destination Rule will group particular pods running the myblog service into it’s subsets based on the labels assigned to those pods. For example, any pod with the label version:v1 will be considered part of the v1 subset.
So now the last thing to do is to redeploy the blog website, this time with some pods running version 1, and other pods running version 2, ensuring that the appropriate labels are assigned to each.
Here is the same definition from earlier for the myblog service, although this time with a separate deployment for each version of the website (notice that the deployments assign different labels and make use of different container images).
Now, if we deploy the resources to the cluster and navigate back our blog site at http://fakeblog.com/myblog we will see, after refreshing the page several times, that we are shown the red blog page about 75% of the time, and the blue blog page the other 25%.
By using Istio’s routing capabilities, we were able to set up a simple A/B test where a certain portion of our customers are shown a new experience, without making any modification to our application code to enable this. If the new version isn’t a success, we can easily modify the routing configuration to send all requests back to the original version, or if we feel we need more data on the new version, we can just as easily modify the weights in our Virtual Service to make this happen.
Example 3: Routing with Request Parameters
Another common scenario where we can leverage Istio Traffic Management is when we want to expose a new version of our service to only a specific set of users, such as internal users or beta testers. Let’s look at one way to accomplish this using Istio.
Instead of simply routing a specified percentage of traffic to each version of our service, Istio also allows us to configure routing based on properties of each HTTP request. In this example, we’ll modify our Virtual Service to route traffic based on the value of a query string parameter, specifically if the user query parameter has a value of internal, we will route the request to version 2, otherwise the request will go to version 1 (I chose to use query string parameters since these are easy modify directly in the browser, but you can also use other properties like URI or headers. A full list of properties that can used to match a request to a destination can be found in the Istio reference docs: HTTPMatchRequest).
Let’s see how to do this with our updated Virtual Service definition:
As you can see, we now have 2 different match conditions. When multiple match conditions are provided, they are evaluated sequentially, and the first route for which the request satisfies the match condition is chosen. For the Virtual Service above, this means that the request is first evaluated against the first match condition (i.e. does the URI begin with /myblog AND does the request have a user query string parameter with a value of internal?). If the request satisfies these conditions, then it is routed to version 2, of not, then it is checked against the next match condition (and so on, if there are more than 2 match conditions).
If we redeploy the Virtual Service with this definition, we will be able to reach the new version of the service by navigating to http://fakeblog.com/myblog?user=internal; all other requests will continue to be routed to the old version. In a real-world scenario, you might add this parameter programmatically based on on the IP address of the user, or based on some kind of user identifier if your application is one that requires users to log in.
Conclusion
We’ve looked at just a few of the myriad use cases where Istio Traffic Management can be leveraged to simplify the development and deployment of microservices. Specifically, we saw how to intelligently route between different versions of a service by using either weights or request parameters to support processes like A/B testing or beta releases; and, most importantly, we accomplished this by simply configuring and reconfiguring our Istio components rather than creating (and probably later removing) custom logic in our application to support these scenarios.
We didn’t have a chance to look into many of the great features that Istio offers (maybe next time), such as Fault Injection, Retry Policies, and Mirroring, but hopefully this article helped establish an understanding of the foundational concepts of Istio that can help you start exploring its many other capabilities and components on your own.
Thanks for reading. Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments.
Source Code
All of the code used in the examples can be found here: https://github.com/gnovack/istio-routing
References | https://medium.com/swlh/introduction-to-istio-traffic-management-6b62c86f8cb4 | ['George Novack'] | 2020-12-12 00:43:21.051000+00:00 | ['Kubernetes', 'Istio', 'Service Mesh', 'Microservices'] |
Is Billi Allen an Adult or a Kid? | This is Billi.
Billi is 25 today.
Billi loves chocolate soya milk, colouring and long walks on the beach…
This is not a dating profile. This is an investigation to this long perplexing question. Is Billi Allen an adult or a kid? I have gathered evidence over my four years of knowing, partying, living and surviving with her to attempt to answer this very dilemma. Enjoy my research, and decide for yourselves.
Why Billi Allen Is Not An Adult
Billi’s go-to drink is Ribena, preferably from a carton with a straw which she drinks without shame or remorse She played tennis once but now fitness is her passion. Settle down hun x She names inaminate objects like Gloria the dinosaur mug and Gary the orchid ( for the life of my can’t remember our chilli plant’s name, may he rest in peace ) She gangsta raps in the car like she’s not a 25 year old white woman who likes to knit She insists that “24 is not mid 20s” when in fact, we both know that it is She has an unhealthy relationship with glitter and all that sparkles The question: “what do you wanna be when you grow up?” is followed by nervous laughter Anytime she sees a play park , she disappears like she’s six Any excuse to colour and she’s there She can’t help but laugh at the most inconvenient moments- don’t take my word for it — just ask Imogen She unapolegetically makes living room forts with me when we’re binge watching a show Kids gravitate towards her, because she is, in fact, one She can’t sit still, she’s always on the go- away for bike rides or book shop browsing. She can’t bare to be inside longer than a morning To my knowledge, She is yet to say “in my day” She loves a drunken adventure ( and we’ll have plenty once normality returns ) At the next house party she goes to, I have no doubt that she will continue our long tradition of teepeeing the bathroom I have to talk her down from getting a dog at least once every six months ( she’s getting better at least ) Baked beans is a staple in the flat She pairs mayonnaise with absolutely everything, especially things that really don’t go with mayonnaise She loves a chance to dance wildly with her gals She blasts Lizzo in the flat when she’s putting on her make -up It takes more self-control that it should not to jump on hotel beds She can’t help but try on all the hats in a clothes shop Every outing is an opportunity to dress up and Halloween is the queen of all events She puts a billion sugars in her tea with two tea bags in the most illogical tea stewing process of all time
So, there you have it. 25 reasons that Billi Allen is still a child but as you may have noticed, Billi is no longer classed as a child. She can buy alcohol, vote and sign up for the army and everything. Despite the list above you, she is a legal adult in the eyes of the law. Don’t think about it too closely, you’ll get a headache. On the flip side, she is getting older. And in some way or another, she has always been old. An old soul trapped in a 20-something body who won’t shy away from a good food fight.
I know, Bill, that the idea of being a fully fledged adult is a scary one but I’m here to tell you that you are more than ready for the challenge. You have been for a while. You need only look at the following list: “25 reasons Why Billi Allen Is Older Than She Thinks” to see that we were always heading for this day.
25 Reasons Why Billi Allen is older than she thinks
Her knee is always playing up because of her misspent youth She doesn’t know many songs in the top ten but to be fair to her Corona’s stopped her from club hopping Her hangovers last two days instead of a morning and they’re no longer cured by bacon and a cup of tea She doesn’t get ID’d as much as she’d like Everyone in DUSA looks about 12 She is responsible and knows her alcohol limit — none. She never goes out without her coat but that’s Glasgow for you She repeatedly make cups of tea and forgets about them and will do so until she dies National Trust houses are her sign of a banging weekend She regularly thinks, “maybe I’ll drive instead of drink” A late club night is 1am She’s a Radio 2 / Radio 4 regular ( except from Greg, love you x) Tiktok is just a Kesha song and anything else makes her cringe People her age are getting married and pregnant… on purpose??? Her dad joke game is growing more extreme by the day She’s in denial because 25 honey is your mid-20s She relates to everything that comes out of Maggie Smith’s mouth She put her photos in a photobook ( and yes I know I bought you these photos but Buzzfeed told me that that makes you old okay, don’t hate the messenger) The flat is no longer exclusively stocked with ramen and tea bags She kicks people out of her own party because she wants to go to bed Antiques Roadshow…need I say more?? She proudly doesn’t wear heels out anymore, comfort over style any day She doesn’t just leave the keys under the mat anymore and hope no one breaks in oops She’s got to have her morning granola She just cried at Strictly, unprovoked.
Happy birthday my lovely. It’s been a hard year, testing both the most childish and adult parts of you. But throughout, you have remained an unwavering enigma- a unqiue blend of a an innocent child desperate to colour and a frustrated old lady gasping for a cup of tea. So, I guess it doesn’t really matter if you’re an adult or a kid because you’re a kick ass qualified lawyer, social worker, equalities officer, public policy nerd, coffee addict, ribena enthusiast and one of the most passionate people I have ever known. And the person I am so proud to call my best friend.
Love you always,
Becca x | https://medium.com/@beccacareyjournalist/is-billi-allen-an-adult-or-a-kid-76c91e283b7e | ['Becca Carey'] | 2020-12-22 08:02:41.216000+00:00 | ['Life Lessons', 'Friendship', 'Birthday', 'Happiness', 'Best Friend'] |
Why Did I Decide to Visit Mexico City During the COVID-19 Pandemic? | Thanksgiving break was around the corner and I was going to get a decent 5 days off from work, and I was excited to do something useful with that time, maybe try out doing something exciting after several months without going anywhere. I have been living alone in California for the past six months; so unfortunately, spending this time with my family wasn’t an option, specially since I had already purchased a plane ticket to go visit them over the Christmas break. So what was I going to do? I began to explore my options.
Since I moved to California I have not explored or visited San Diego, which a lot of locals consider “the best city in SoCal”, and of course I wanted to see it for myself, but hotels/airbnbs were ridiculously expensive for that time of the year. Spending $200–400/night was definitely not in my budget, and that did not include any of the meals or any extra money in expenses that I would have to put aside for the trip.
In all my craziness, I decided to check Google Flights, having the thought of flying out of the state and going somewhere, haha. Flights to Seattle were at a reasonable $286 roundtrip, whereas Portland (Oregon) were at $300-ish. Not bad for that time of the year; but while looking to the side of the screen, the website shows you a map of cities around you with their respective flight prices, and I saw a whooping $190 roundtrip deal to Mexico City. Of course it caught my attention, and after doing my research I found out they were allowing U.S. Citizens to enter the country during the pandemic, which was good to hear.
Now, keep in mind that I live by myself, my job allows me to work remotely if I have the need to do so, and I do not have lots of friends or people that I might need to get in contact with after traveling. So for me it was definitely a viable option to go out there, COVID-19 was not a huge concern for me. I could self-quarantine after coming back and continue with my life if everything went as expected (and it did). In addition to that, I got tested before and after traveling (both tests came out negative).
After finding a cheap deal for the flight, I looked at hotel prices and for my surprise I found a 5-star hotel right by the iconic Ángel de la Independencia, for the amazing price of less than $500 (for the entire weekend). With that amount I could’ve only paid for 1 or 2 nights at San Diego, which definitely had me shooooked. All in all, I paid for all my s**t and off I was to Mexico City.
This is the hotel I stayed at Sofitel Mexico City Reforma [I do not own this image, credits to ZOOMER].
While in Mexico, everything was amazing. Cheap food, cheap drinks, cheap transport around the city, incredibly warm people, and a lot of amazing places to visit and explore. Traveling solo was not an issue whatsoever. I felt very safe at all times, but I do have to recognize that being a fluent Spanish speaker was definitely a huge asset for me, because I was able to blend in with the locals.
A lot of people asked me: Why Mexico City and not the common Cancún/Tulum, Quintana Roo? The answer is simple. Those are mainly tourist destinations to enjoy with a lot of people, and I’m not usually a resort type of person. If I’m visiting a new country, I want to explore everywhere, get immersed in the culture and see the real version of the country, not just some instagrammable beach, a nice pool and fancy drinks/food (no offense to anyone).
I had the opportunity to visit two places that I always wanted to visit: The Frida Kahlo Museum and the Pyramids of Teotihuacán. Places full of history, that made me appreciate so much the culture and the idiosyncrasy of the Mexican people. Frida Kahlo has been an incredible inspiration for me, because she embodied a woman that despite all hardships still lived an inspiring life and served as a role model to anyone -specially women-, and let’s not forget about her iconic looks and fashion statements. One of my favorite phrases of her has always been: “Pies para que los quiero, si tengo alas para volar.” Which translates to: “Feet why do I need them, if I have wings to fly.” Written by her a year before dying, after suffering several health related complications that caused her to be amputated. Pretty f***ing inspiring, I know.
Me at the Pyramids of Teotihuacán [I own this picture, don’t y’all dare come for me].
I could go off and share with you all a full list of the amazing places, scenery, restaurants and monuments that I had the opportunity to see, but that would just make this a very very long entry and that’s not fair on you, first time readers. All in all, Mexico is a country full of amazing things to offer to the world, and I would a 1000% recommend anyone to visit it at some point in their life. By any means, please reach out to me on instagram (@brito.tv), if you want any extra details or information on my trip. I am always open to share my experiences with anyone that might need it.
Thanks for reading cuties, xoxo. Until next time. | https://medium.com/@jfbrito/why-did-i-decide-to-visit-mexico-city-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-f23c8f28b5c1 | ['Jesus F. Brito'] | 2020-12-26 22:49:33.655000+00:00 | ['Frida Kahlo', 'Mexico', 'Solo Travel', 'Covid 19', 'Traveling'] |
The Snake Eater’s Gold | On the group’s third day in the Sonoran Desert, Danny found himself riding a mangy horse through a tangled stretch of crucifixion thorn, saguaro, and palo verde, wondering what the hell he had gotten himself into.
No trails ran through that that parched wilderness. The only markers that existed to guide them to Schulz’s gold were scattered pillars of rock that the murderous old miner supposedly left behind, but trying to find stacks of stone in that place was like trying to find a politician’s promise in a bag of farts, as Butch put it.
All Danny had wanted was enough money to get his mother and little sister Rose out of the southwest and into one of the big cities. Santa Fe didn’t hold a great deal of opportunities for an uneducated 17-year-old in 1856, and even joining a crew of outlaws to search for abandoned gold seemed like a better option that watching his family starve. Now, however, he was starting to worry he might not ever return to them at all.
Images of his sister with her curly black hair and hazel eyes, like a miniature version of their mother, flashed through his mind as he rode out of the thicket and into an arroyo, where an old woman squatted over a gutted rattlesnake coiled limply in a pile of its own entrails.
The crone’s head snapped up at his approach and her eyes narrowed. Wiry black hair stuck out from her head like clumps of dried creosote bush. A dusty, tattered skirt covered her legs, but the rest of her emaciated form was unclothed. She curled her lips back, baring her dead, black teeth, and hissed.
Desdemona reared back and neighed in terror, nearly throwing Danny. He dug his feet into the stirrups and gripped the reins and managed to stay saddled, which was no easy feat considering the fact he was just as unsettled as the horse.
Butch and Carl rode onto the scene, the grizzled brothers looking like opposite ends of a ballpeen hammer, Butch being stocky and round, Carl being flat-faced with the pockmarks checkering his face like a waffle iron.
The woman stood and appraised the new arrivals, holding the snake in one hand so that its innards dangled into the dirt and lay there like a question mark.
Butch sneered. “Your horse isn’t worth shit if it gets spooked by an old woman, kid.”
Danny patted Desdemona’s flank. “Horses never like coming up on snakes.”
“Kid, if your horse can’t tell the difference between a dead snake and a live one, then she still aint worth shit.”
The brothers laughed and spit streams of tobacco juice into the dirt.
Cisco came next, rifle at the ready, eyes placid as an alpine lake on a windless day. The possibility of danger and violence seemed to put him at ease.
Cisco eyed the woman. “This desert is crawling with all kinds of reptiles, isn’t it? Well, best quiet her now, in case she’s got friends around. Desert Indians are crazy.”
Danny watched Cisco’s hand move to his gun. “Wait,” he said, and then went quiet. He had no idea what to say next, only that he didn’t want to see anyone get killed. An idea struck him. “We should wait for Mr. Canfield.” It was a smart move. Not even Cisco wanted to risk angering that old man.
Cisco’s finger tapped the pistol handle. “Right,” he said, voice calm but eyes full of threat. “Best wait for Canfield.”
On cue, the old man rode up from the east. Wrinkles furrowed his skin and dark silver colored the hair jutting out from under his hat, but his green eyes glowed with an ageless, endless fire. He rode right past the other men and stopped a few feet from the woman. “You speak English?”
She hissed.
Canfield nodded. “Well, I guess you must be her, then.”
Danny looked to the other men to see if they knew who ‘her’ was. They didn’t show any recognition.
The woman picked up a dead branch and drew a line in the sand before her. She shook her head and pointed her finger violently at the party. Danny didn’t need to speak her language to know that she was saying back off.
“We better make sure she keeps quiet,” Cisco drawled, “or we’ll have Yaqui all over us.”
Canfield shook his head. “The pistoleros I talked to in Silver City said that the Yaqui think this woman’s a bona fide sorceress, and not a nice one. They won’t step foot in this part of the desert as long as she’s here.”
Danny sighed in relief. No one was going to get killed. Not today, anyway, he corrected himself.
They rode through the arroyo and around the woman.
After he’d reached the other side, Danny looked back to see her rooted in place, watching him. Without diverting her eyes, she scooped up the string of snake entrails in one hand, and took a bite. | https://jeffsuwak.medium.com/the-snake-eaters-gold-15ad89d21ec1 | ['Jeff Suwak'] | 2018-04-19 03:18:31.900000+00:00 | ['Horror', 'Short Story', 'Fiction', 'Fantasy'] |
Using Q-Learning for OpenAI’s CartPole-v1 | (Image by Author)
Background Information
Q-Learning is generally deemed to be the “most simple” reinforcement learning algorithm. I find myself agreeing with this statement.
In another paper, I discussed the use of Q-Learning compared to Deep Q Networks. So, I will pull the information that discussed what Q-Learning is, the positives and negatives, and the general equation. I believe that this information is crucial background information.
Q-Learning is one of the more basic reinforcement learning algorithms; that is due to its “model-free reinforcement learning” nature. A model-free algorithm, as opposed to a model-based algorithm, has the agent learn policies directly. Like many of the other algorithms, Q-Learning has both positives and negatives [1]. As discussed upon, Q-Learning does not require a model, nor does it require a complicated system of operation. Instead, Q-Learning uses previously learned “states” which have been explored to consider future moves and stores this information in a “Q-Table.” For every action taken from a state, the policy table, Q table, has to include a positive or negative reward. The model starts with a fixed epsilon value, which represents the randomization of movements [1]. Over time, the randomization decreased based upon the epsilon decay value. Furthermore, if the current state of the agent is considered to be new or unexplored, the agent will just produce a randomly generated move, in an attempt to better learn the environment.
This form of learning is great when there are a limited number of moves or the environment is not complicated, as the agent remembers past moves and repeats them with ease.
However, for more complex environments with a significantly larger number of states, the Q-Table will fill up rapidly, causing large training times. The issue is, Q-Learning does not predict but rather deals in absolutes the majority of the time: the state has already been considered and the action to produce is already known, or the state is unknown, and a random action has to be applied upon.
The equation for this algorithm is depicted below and can be explained simply going from left to right. This formula is applied to determine the best action to take the best in the current state.
Equation: Q-Learning from Wikipedia Contributors [3].
The “Q” value represents the quality of a value, or how well the action is perceived in the algorithm. The higher the quality value is, the more likely the same action will be performed again. The quality of the action is represented with Qnew(st, at), where the st represents state and at represents action. The model will discount new values using the gamma and adjust the action process, step, based on the learning rate [2].
CartPole-v1
CartPole-v1 is one of OpenAI’s environments that are open source. The “cartpole” agent is a reverse pendulum where the “cart” is trying to balance the “pole” vertically, with a little shift of the angle.
The only forces that can be applied are +1 and -1, which translates to a movement of either left or right. If the cart moves more than 2.4 units from the center the episode is over. If the angle is moved more than 15 degrees from the vertical the episode is over. The reward is +1 for every timestamp that the episode is not over.
This can further be read upon here.
The Code and the Application
The first step is to get all the imports set up.
import numpy as np # used for arrays
import gym # pull the environment
import time # to get the time
import math # needed for calculations
The next step is to create the environment.
env = gym.make("CartPole-v1")
print(env.action_space.n)
The next step would be to designate the variables needed.
LEARNING_RATE = 0.1
DISCOUNT = 0.95
EPISODES = 60000
total = 0
total_reward = 0
prior_reward = 0
Observation = [30, 30, 50, 50]
np_array_win_size = np.array([0.25, 0.25, 0.01, 0.1])
epsilon = 1
epsilon_decay_value = 0.99995
The majority of these variables are self-explanatory.
The “Observation” variable is slightly unique, however. The reason that the array was manually set was that the first two variables (Cart position, Cart Velocity) is not as important as the other two, (Pole Angle, Pole Velocity).
The np_array_win_size is the “steps” based upon cart position, cart velocity, pole angle, and then pole velocity.
Next, set up the Q-Table
q_table = np.random.uniform(low=0, high=1, size=(Observation + [env.action_space.n])) q_table.shape
Then, define a method to get the discrete state.
def get_discrete_state(state):
discrete_state = state/np_array_win_size+ np.array([15,10,1,10])
return tuple(discrete_state.astype(np.int))
After defining everything, run the Q-Learning algorithm!
I will post it through GitHub, as the code is too long to type individually, but is essential. To describe the important part, there will be comments included.
There are some key ideas that need to be pointed out before the code is considered though.
First, I added a “timer” to measure the time the cart is able to balance the pole. As training increases, it is evident that the time increases and the pole is being balanced better.
Second, I want to point out that the “average reward” was over 1,000 episodes rather than 100 like OpenAI asks for. 100 episodes seem too simple and is not an accurate representation. Getting the reward threshold 195.0 over 1,000 episodes shows more evidence of success.
Another idea that I want to elaborate on is the fact that I allowed the agent to train for 10,000 episodes with full epsilon. I believe this is good to allow for the agent to understand the environment.
Lastly, I prevented the epsilon from decreasing if the current episode did worse than the one before it, as it shows that more epsilon is needed as training is not producing a constant result. Yet, the “dip down” is usually a drop of only a few reward points, so it could typically be due to randomization.
Conclusion
Overall, this is one of the applications of Q-Learning. In around ~40,000 episodes, the average reward reaches approximately 150. Around ~55,000 episodes, the average reward reaches approximately 195. Success!
To train and complete the task, it takes around 10 minutes. This is actually surprisingly fast for a reinforcement learning task. This is due to the simplicity of the Q-Learning algorithm.
Yet, while this is a use of Q-Learning, Q-Learning has limited usage and for more complex tasks, users should consider using other algorithms such as Deep Q Networks and such.
References
[1] Shyalika, C. (2019, November 16). A Beginners Guide to Q-Learning. Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://towardsdatascience.com/a-beginners-guide-to-q-learning-c3e2a30a653c
[2] Choudhary, A. (n.d.). [DQN Formula]. Retrieved September 15, 2020, from https://www.analyticsvidhya.com/blog/2019/04/introduction-deep-q-learning-python/
[3] Wikipedia contributors. (2020, October 20). Q-learning. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 00:03, October 29, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Q-learning&oldid=984486286 | https://medium.com/swlh/using-q-learning-for-openais-cartpole-v1-4a216ef237df | ['Ali Fakhry'] | 2020-11-13 22:00:41.612000+00:00 | ['Machine Learning', 'OpenAI', 'Reinforcement Learning', 'Cartpole', 'Qlearning'] |
JBL’s Bar 5.0 MultiBeam soundbar delivers virtual Dolby Atmos on a budget | JBL’s Bar 5.0 MultiBeam soundbar delivers virtual Dolby Atmos on a budget Kelly Jan 15·2 min read
After wowing us last year with a high-end 5.1.4-channel soundbar with detachable, battery-powered wireless surround speakers, JBL’s latest budget-minded soundbar dials it down a notch with an all-in-one design, multi-room audio support, and virtualized Dolby Atmos.
Mentioned in this article JBL Bar 9.1 Read TechHive's review$999.95See iton JBL Announced less than a week before CES kicks off, the JBL Bar 5.0 comes equipped with a quartet of passive radiators in the place of a wireless subwoofer, while JBL’s MultiRoom audio technology (which previously appeared on the JBL Bar 5.1 soundbar) is designed to deliver an “immersive listening experience” (read: virtual surround effects) without the need for separate surround speakers.
Speaking of virtualized immersive audio, the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam also comes with virtual Dolby Audio, Dolby’s method of teasing height cues from a soundbar that lacks upfiring drivers.
[ Further reading: The best soundbars ]We’ve seen (and heard) plenty of affordable soundbars that employ virtual 3D audio, either from Dolby or via DTS’s Virtual:X mode. What sets the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam apart from its budget-priced competitors is support for a trio of multi-room audio platforms: AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Alexa, which means you’ll be able to add the speaker to AirPlay, Chromecast, and Alexa speaker groups. That’s pretty impressive given that budget soundbars with virtual 3D modes generally relegate you to just one wireless multi-room audio platform, if they support any at all. You can also connect an iOS on Android device to the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam via Bluetooth.
JBL hasn’t detailed exactly how many drivers are housed within the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam, nor do we know whether the soundbar supports eARC, an “enhanced” version of ARC that allows for lossless audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. (We’re guessing “no,” since we’re talking a budget soundbar here.)
In any case, we do know how much the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam will cost: $400, a reasonable price given the soundbar’s feature set.
Look for the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam to ship this spring, and keep your eyes peeled for a full review once we spend some time with a sample unit.
Note: When you purchase something after clicking links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Read our affiliate link policy for more details. | https://medium.com/@kelly84354686/jbls-bar-5-0-multibeam-soundbar-delivers-virtual-dolby-atmos-on-a-budget-63d5418cefb9 | [] | 2021-01-15 12:51:03.141000+00:00 | ['Streaming', 'Music', 'Home Tech', 'Chromecast'] |
Complete Machine Learning Project for Beginner | It’s recommended to use Jupyter notebook although you can use any IDE. But, I am gonna use Jupyter notebook codes in this blog.
Prepare Problem
— Load Libraries
Before proceeding further for model development first load important libraries.
fig 1. Load important libraries ( Inspired by Jason Brownlee)
— Load dataset
the dataset should be in the same folder where your python file is.
To understand the dataset in detail just click here. then go further in this blog.
fig 2. load dataset
Summarize Data
— The dimension of the dataset
fig 3. dimension fo the dataset
In the above fig 3. It shows that there are 150 rows and 6 columns in the given dataset.
— Peek at the Data
fig 4. Peek at the Data
— Bottom of the Data
fig 5. Bottom of the Data
— Description
fig 6. Description of the data(Statistical Analysis)
— Class Distribution
Class Distribution shows that how many classes are there in the given dataset and how many instances for each class.
fig 7. group of Species
Data Visualization
— Pair Plot
fig 8. code for pair plot using Seaborn
fig 9. Pair Plot
By seeing the above Visualization (Pair Plot) It is very clear that two features petal_length and petal_width are import features.
Evaluate Some Algorithms
Now let’s create some models of the given data and estimate their accuracy on unseen data.
Steps to Evaluate Algorithms
Separate out a validation dataset. Setup the test harness to use 10-fold cross-validation. Build 5 different models to predict species from flower measurements. Select the best model.
Please drop the columns ‘Id’ before going further using dataset.drop(columns='Id')
fig 10. Code for Validation dataset.
Question: Why I used an array instead of a pandas Dataframe?
Answer: Because simple array is computationally faster than a pandas Dataframe.
Spot-Check Algorithms
fig 11. Spot-Check Algorithms
In the above picture, It is showing that SVM is the best choice among all to be selected as an Algorithm to make our model
Make predictions
SVM was the most accurate model that we tested. So, I am gonna make a prediction using the Support Vector Machine(SVM).
— let’s create a model
fig 12. Creating a model
— let’s fit the model
fig 13. fitting the model using fit() method
— Let’s make predictions
fig 14. predicting result on unseen data
fig 15. predicted results
— Let’s check what is the accuracy of this model
fig 16. accuracy of the model
— Let’s see the confusion matrix of the predicted result
fig 17. confusion matrix
— let’s see the classification report
fig 18. classification report.
Save the model for later use
— save the model to the disk
— sometime later
Please check the below link.
You can use the above template to solve any real-world Classification problem.
You are welcome for any queries and questions. | https://medium.com/analytics-vidhya/complete-machine-learning-project-for-beginner-d6add8a0102d | ['Muhammad Iqbal Bazmi'] | 2019-10-21 18:02:48.966000+00:00 | ['Data Science Projects', 'Projects', 'Data Science', 'Predictive Analytics', 'Machine Learning'] |
Existentialism vs Nihilism — Explanations and Key Differences of Each | A medium commenter recently asked me what the difference was between nihilism and existentialism. So, in this short article, I will explain the difference between the two and give you some background on both.
Just to be clear, I’ll be focusing on existential nihilism associated with the philosophy of Fredrick Neitzche, and the existentialism associated with the 20th-century philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, who popularized the term.
What is Nihilism?
First, it’s essential to understand the term nihilism refers to a number of different views in philosophy, but for this article when I refer to nihilism I mean existential nihilism.
Existential nihilism is the belief that life has no intrinsic meaning or value. It suggests that each human and even the entire human species is insignificant, without purpose, and unlikely to change in existence’s totality.
The word “nihilism” was first used by Friedrich Jacobi, a German philosopher and socialite. However, it is most associated with Friedrich Nietzsche and frequently appears through many of his philosophical works.
Basically, Nietzsche wrote about how the decline of Christianity had ushered in a state of nihilism in Europe that needed to be solved and overcome.
We used to get our meaning and purpose from the church and God, but now that God is dead, at least according to Nietzsche, people may fall into despair since it appears that we’re just meaningless animals in a meaningless universe.
As he wrote in his work “The Will to Power”:
“…Nihilism appears at that point, not that the displeasure of existence has become greater than before but because one has come to mistrust any ‘meaning’ in suffering, indeed in existence… it now seems as if there is no meaning at all in existence, as if everything were in vain.”
In his works, such as in “Human, All Too Human,” he talked about how difficult nihilism can be, and living in a world without the comfort of religious dogmas can be depression.
Perhaps, you’ve had times in your life where you felt directionless, powerless, and that nothing matters.
However, he believed that nihilism can be overcome and wished to quicken the departure of it.
He wrote about two types of nihilism, active and passive nihilism.
Passive nihilism recognizes there will never be any meaning in the world, and passive nihilists should try to separate themselves from their wills and desires to reduce suffering as much as possible. He called this a ‘will to nothingness’.
Ultimately, though, this ‘will to nothingness’ is still a will, and thus will end up being a futile attempt that ends in deep despair or the individual embracing a mass movement once again to find some meaning.
On the other hand, one can be an active nihilist. If this was a possibility for us, we should try to choose this option.
Active nihilists are individuals who actively destroy our old, fake false values like those in Christianist, and begin constructing our own subjective beliefs and interpretations of meaning.
Like a sculpture, we bash away false meaning and start to chisel out our very own.
By writing about active nihilism, Neitzche is really one of the first existential philosophers, although commonly associated with nihilism.
So, what does existentialism mean then?
What is Existentialism?
Existentialists believe the world intrinsically has no objective meaning, but through a combination of free will, awareness, and personality responsibility, we can create our own subjective meaning.
According to Nietzsche, we should interpret existence in a manner that is life-promoting or creates our own authentic meaning in life. Specifically, we should work on becoming a greater version of ourselves, a Higher Man, as he called it.
This Higher Man is in touch with his deep feelings, instincts, and drives we all have, especially suffering, and his life’s mission is to make peace with the chaos.
His work would pave the way for the French existential movement, in particular, laying some of the foundations for the work of the philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre who is the one to have popularized the term existentialism.
The basis of Sartre’s existentialism is the phrase ‘existence precedes essence,’ meaning no general account of what it means to be human can be given, and that meaning can only be decided and constructed through existence itself.
For example, the phone you may be reading this article on already has a meaning or essence. It was built for communication and entertainment. Human beings, however, create our own meaning and essence through the choices we make while we live our lives.
At the end of the day, no one else is responsible for this meaning but us. In fact, Sartre wrote that we’re ‘condemned to be free’ because of the overwhelming, near-infinite choices we can make to give our lives meaning.
If we choose to live without pursuing freedom and our own meaning, then we’re what he called ‘living in bad faith.’ Bad faith is the phenomenon of accepting that we are a certain way, and subsequently refusing to pursue alternate options.
He explains this concept through the example of a waiter who’s so immersed in his job that he believes a waiter is what he truly is and all he’s ever meant to be. He lives in bad faith because he rejects his freedom and his responsibility to explore the possibilities life presents him. He believes the choice to do something or not to do it is ultimately not his, even though according to Sartre it is. Thus, he does not allow himself to be a truly free human being.
Through embracing freedom and creating authentic meaning, we better our lives and humanity in general.
The meaning and essence that we create is ontological and we will live on, in a way, after our death just as Sartre is living on through his ideas and philosophical works through this article.
What’s the Difference?
Now, there’s a lot more the philosophy of existentialism and nihilism, but I think this gives you an understanding of the difference between the two.
While existential nihilism deals with the idea that there’s no intrinsic meaning anywhere in the universe, existentialism deals with ways to address this. The end goal of existentialism, that is Sartre’s existentialism, being the creation of one’s essence and subjective meaning.
Do you consider yourself a nihilist or existentialist? Let me know what you think below.
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