MailerLite is a cloud-based email marketing platform designed to empower users to create, automate, and manage their email campaigns.
Founded in 2010, the platform has evolved into a comprehensive solution offering a range of tools and features beyond basic email sending.
With its intuitive interface, MailerLite caters to both beginners and experienced marketers, providing a streamlined experience for crafting engaging emails, building subscriber lists, and tracking campaign performance.
Key Features of MailerLite

1. Email Campaign Creation: MailerLite offers a drag-and-drop editor that simplifies the process of designing visually appealing emails. The platform provides a variety of templates and customizable elements, allowing users to create emails that align with their brand identity.
2. Automation Workflows: The automation feature enables users to set up triggered email sequences based on subscriber actions or specific events. This can include welcome emails, abandoned cart reminders, and post-purchase follow-ups, enhancing customer engagement and nurturing leads.
3. Subscriber Management: MailerLite facilitates the organization and segmentation of subscriber lists. Users can categorize subscribers based on demographics, interests, or behaviors, allowing for targeted and personalized email campaigns.
4. Landing Pages and Pop-ups: The platform extends its functionality beyond email, enabling the creation of landing pages and pop-up forms to capture leads and grow subscriber lists.
5. A/B Testing: MailerLite allows users to test different versions of emails to identify which elements resonate most with their audience. This data-driven approach helps optimize campaign performance.
6. Integrations: MailerLite seamlessly integrates with various third-party platforms, including e-commerce solutions, CRM systems, and social media platforms, expanding its capabilities and streamlining workflows.

Pros and Cons of MailerLite
Pros:

• User-Friendly Interface: MailerLite's intuitive interface makes it accessible to users of all skill levels, minimizing the learning curve and enabling efficient campaign management.
• Affordable Pricing: The platform offers a range of pricing plans to accommodate different budgets and needs, making it a cost-effective option for businesses of all sizes.
• Robust Features: MailerLite provides a comprehensive suite of features, from email creation and automation to landing pages and pop-ups, catering to diverse marketing requirements.
• Responsive Customer Support: Users generally report positive experiences with MailerLite's customer support, which is available through various channels, including live chat and email.

Cons:

• Limited Advanced Features: While MailerLite offers a solid set of features, it may lack some of the more advanced functionalities found in enterprise-level platforms.
• Occasional Deliverability Issues: Some users have reported occasional issues with email deliverability, although this can be mitigated by adhering to best practices.
• Template Limitations: The variety of templates offered by MailerLite, while decent, may not be as extensive as some other platforms.

MailerLite Pricing Plans
MailerLite offers a variety of pricing plans to cater to different needs and budgets, including a free plan and several paid options.
Free Plan
The free plan is an excellent starting point for beginners or those with smaller lists. It allows you to have up to 1,000 subscribers and send up to 12,000 emails per month. While it has some limitations compared to the paid plans, it still includes essential features like:

• Drag-and-drop email editor
• Basic email automation
• Landing page builder (up to 10 pages)
• Pop-up forms
• Website builder

Paid Plans
MailerLite's paid plans unlock additional features and benefits as your subscriber list grows. The pricing is based on the number of subscribers you have. Here's a summary of the paid plans:

• Growing Business: This plan starts at $9 per month for up to 1,000 subscribers and includes everything in the free plan plus:
  • Unlimited emails
  • Advanced email automation
  • Unlimited landing pages and websites
  • Custom domains
  • Unsubscribe page builder
  • 3 user accounts
  • Live chat support
• Advanced: This plan starts at $19 per month for up to 1,000 subscribers and includes everything in the Growing Business plan plus:
  • Unlimited user accounts
  • Custom HTML editor
  • Promotion pop-ups
  • Priority support
• Enterprise: This plan is designed for businesses with over 100,000 subscribers and offers custom pricing and additional features like dedicated IP addresses and account management.

Note: These are the starting prices for each plan. The cost increases as your subscriber count grows. You can find the detailed pricing information for each plan on MailerLite's website.
Which Plan is Right for You?
The best plan for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you're just starting, the free plan is a great way to test out MailerLite's features. As your business grows, you can upgrade to a paid plan to access more advanced features and support.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MailerLite is a powerful and user-friendly email marketing platform that offers a compelling combination of features, affordability, and ease of use.
While it may not be the most feature-rich platform on the market, it provides a solid foundation for businesses and individuals to create and manage effective email campaigns.
If you're seeking a platform that can help you build relationships with your audience, nurture leads, and drive conversions, MailerLite is certainly worth considering.

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Considering when to form an LLC (Limited Liability Company) is an important decision for any business owner. Here are some key factors to help determine when it might be the right time to form an LLC:

1. Need for Liability Protection

• Personal Asset Protection: If your business involves significant financial risk, forming an LLC can protect your personal assets (home, car, savings) from business debts and legal actions. This is especially important if you’re in a high-risk industry or providing professional services where lawsuits are more common.

2. Growth and Expansion

• Attracting Investors: If you plan to seek funding from investors or venture capitalists, an LLC can be more attractive due to its formal structure and limited liability protection.
• Hiring Employees: When your business grows to the point where you need to hire employees, forming an LLC can help manage employment-related liabilities and offer benefits packages.

3. Credibility and Professionalism

• Business Image: Operating as an LLC can enhance your business’s credibility and professionalism, making it easier to attract clients, partners, and employees.

4. Tax Flexibility

• Tax Advantages: An LLC offers flexibility in how you are taxed. You can choose to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation, depending on what is most advantageous for your financial situation.

5. Complex Business Operations

• Multiple Owners: If your business has multiple owners, an LLC provides a clear structure for ownership percentages, profit distribution, and management responsibilities.
• Separate Business Identity: Keeping business finances and operations separate from personal affairs can simplify accounting and enhance financial transparency.

6. Legal Requirements

• Industry Regulations: Some industries require a formal business structure to comply with legal or regulatory standards. An LLC can help meet these requirements.

7. Preparing for the Future

• Succession Planning: An LLC in California or all USA state can help with succession planning, allowing you to outline how the business will be managed or transferred in the event of your death or incapacitation.

Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: High-Risk Business

Anna runs a small construction company. Given the high-risk nature of the industry, she forms an LLC to protect her personal assets from potential lawsuits and business debts.

Scenario 2: Growing Tech Startup

John and Emily are co-founders of a growing tech startup. They form an LLC to attract investors, clearly define ownership stakes, and protect their personal assets as the company expands.

Scenario 3: Freelance Professional

Mark is a successful freelance graphic designer. He forms an LLC to enhance his professional image, separate his business finances from his personal ones, and take advantage of potential tax benefits.

Steps to Form an LLC in New York and Other USA State

1. Choose a Name: Ensure the name is unique and complies with state naming requirements.
2. File Articles of Organization: Submit the required documents to the state’s business filing agency (e.g., Secretary of State).
3. Appoint a Registered Agent: Designate someone to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC.
4. Create an Operating Agreement: Although not required in all states, it’s advisable to draft an operating agreement that outlines the management structure and operating procedures.
5. Obtain an EIN: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes.
6. Register for State Taxes: Depending on your state and business type, you may need to register for various state taxes.
7. Comply with Local Regulations: Obtain any necessary licenses or permits required for your business operations.

Conclusion

Forming an LLC in Pennsylvania or Other USA state can provide significant benefits in terms of liability protection, tax flexibility, and professional credibility. Consider forming an LLC if your business involves substantial financial risk, is growing rapidly, or would benefit from a more formal structure. For comprehensive assistance and resources to help you form an LLC, consider utilizing services from TRUIC (The Really Useful Information Company), which offers detailed guides and tools to simplify the process.

The song title and lyric, or 'mantra' Castles in the Grave reminds me of the theory often referred to as the mudflood or tartaria.
To elaborate, this is the idea that there is lost and untold history, and scattered across the world there is buried and half buried brick and masonic castles, forts, cities, churches etc. With this, some claim that at the time there was advanced technology / techniques, of which have been lost, accounting for the cheap short-lasting buildings of today.
I know topics and ideas like that are contentious to most on this site and people are quick to get snarky over conspiracies etc. I'm not trying to create drama nor promote the theory. I'm genuinely speculating about what John was writing and thinking about at the time (2010 when he created this song)
The song makes me think John is exclaiming about these half buried castles. There are many historical references in Johns music. The medieval modes, old European scales, references to Churches. Its possible, though I don't know how popular this conspiracy was / especially on the internet around 2008-2010.
I imagine if I read his thesis, I may be able to get an idea of some topics and websites he would have been into.
I'm curious to know your thoughts.

Source: The Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/06/02/nfl-electronic-first-downs-replay-assist/
"The NFL is about to increase the use of technology in its officiating....The league will continue to test an electronic system for measuring first downs during preseason games this summer, two people familiar with the deliberations said last month during a two-day meeting of team owners. That could lead to use of the system in regular season games as soon as the 2024 season."
"The NFL also will expand the use of instant replay as an officiating tool in the upcoming season. The league will give replay officials an increased role in assisting the on-field officials with certain objective aspects of penalties for roughing the passer, intentional grounding and late hits out of bounds."
"The Baltimore Ravens’ John Harbaugh, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Andy Reid and other coaches previously pushed for a “sky judge” system, in which an official stationed in the press box at each game would be empowered to use instant replay to overturn any erroneous call made on the field. The NFL continues to resist that but is inching just a bit closer to it."
"The sticks-and-chain system for measuring first downs is not about to be retired quite yet. The 10-yard chains are expected to remain on the sidelines at least as a backup system even after the electronic system for measuring first downs goes into regular season use....The human element will remain in the first-down process, given that the ball still will be spotted manually by on-field officials at the conclusion of each play. There will be no use of a chip in the football, for instance, to determine electronically whether a runner reached the first-down marker.....But once the ball has been spotted, a measurement will be conducted virtually in the NFL’s officiating center in New York, utilizing optical tracking cameras. The line-to-gain software can precisely calculate the ball’s position on the field and determine whether it reached the point necessary to gain a first down."
"The expanded scope of input for the replay official on plays on which a flag is thrown for roughing the passer, intentional grounding or a hit out of bounds was outlined by the competition committee in its report delivered to teams at the March meeting. The report said that the committee recommended after 'a thorough examination' that the replay-assist system could be used to help on-field officials on those plays."
"On a play on which a flag is thrown for a late hit out of bounds, the replay-assist system can be used to determine 'whether a runner was out of bounds when the officiating crew penalized the defender(s),' the competition committee’s report said. If the replay shows that the runner was 'clearly in bounds,' the penalty would be rescinded."
"On a play on which a flag is thrown for roughing the passer, replay-assist could be used 'when a defender’s contact to the head or neck area of the quarterback was the only criteria used by the official throwing the flag,' the report said. If there is 'clear and obvious video evidence that the defender did not make any contact to the head or neck area,' there would be no penalty."
"The replay official can also assist on an intentional grounding penalty, advising on-field officials on the objective considerations of whether the quarterback was in or out of the pocket, and whether the quarterback was in imminent jeopardy of being sacked based on the proximity of the defender."

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Learn from Yesterday: A Path to a Brighter Tomorrow

Have you ever found yourself reflecting on past days, longing to improve or change something in your life? You’re not alone. Embracing the lessons from our yesterdays can illuminate the path for a better tomorrow. Let’s dive into this inspiring journey of growth and reflection.

Reflect on Yesterday to Empower Today

Your yesterday holds precious wisdom. Consider the challenges and victories you faced as stepping stones towards becoming a better version of yourself.
In the Bible, there’s a beautiful verse in Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV), “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This verse teaches us the value of reflecting on our experiences with faith, guiding us towards a more righteous path.
When we sift through the sands of yesterday, we uncover golden nuggets of truth. Start by asking yourself:
– What went well, and how can I replicate these successes? – What challenges did I face, and how can I approach them differently? – How did God’s presence manifest in my journey, and did I seek His guidance adequately?
Reflecting on these questions not only provides clarity but also strengthens your resolve to grow each day.

Embrace Humility and Learn from Mistakes

Failure and mistakes are inevitable parts of life, but how we perceive and react to them defines our character. Remember, even great figures in the Bible, like Peter, stumbled on their path to greatness.
Peter’s denial of Jesus might have been his darkest hour, but he emerged stronger by repentance and reaffirmation of faith (Luke 22:54-62, NIV). This illustrates that our mishaps don’t define us; rather, our growth from them does.
To embrace humility and learn from mistakes:
1. Acknowledge where you went wrong.
2. Confess and seek forgiveness if necessary (1 John 1:9, NIV).
3. Pray for wisdom and strength to avoid repeating mistakes.
4. Implement constructive changes in your behavior and mindset.
Remember, it’s not the falling down but the rising up that galvanizes your spirit and strengthens your faith.

Celebrate Small Wins and Progress

Too often, we overlook small accomplishments while seeking grand victories. However, each small step forward is a testament to our perseverance and effort. Celebrating these moments instills motivation and gratitude.
Think of David’s journey before becoming king. He faced numerous small battles and victories which eventually prepared him for Goliath (1 Samuel 17, NIV). These small victories carved his path to greatness.
Reflect on your daily life and practice gratitude by:
– Journaling small wins daily.
– Sharing your gratitude with a friend or family member.
– Offering prayers of thanks, recognizing God’s hand in your progress.
By appreciating the small strides, you build a reservoir of positivity and resilience for tougher times.

Reflect and Act: An Interactive Journey

Take a moment now to jot down your thoughts.
– What lesson from yesterday stands out to you?
– How can you apply this lesson to today’s challenges?
– In what ways have you seen God’s guidance in your reflections?
Your answers to these reflections are stepping stones. Share them in the comments below or discuss them with a friend. Engaging in dialogue not only reinforces your growth but also inspires others.

Conclusion: Moving Forward with Purpose

Learning from yesterday empowers us to live more intentionally today and envision a promising tomorrow. It’s a continuous cycle of reflection, adjustment, and growth underpinned by faith.
So, take this opportunity to reflect on your yesterdays, harness the lessons learned, and courageously stride forward. Comment below with your reflections, or share your journey with a friend. Let’s inspire and support each other in our quest to learn and grow every day.
Let your journey of reflection and growth light the way for others. Be the beacon of positivity and resilience crafted by the wisdom of your yesterdays.
If you like this content, please connect with us at: https://BGodInspired.com
Or dig for more answers yourself with our BGodInspired Bible Tools! Be careful – each interaction is like a new treasure hunt… you can get lost for hours 🙂
Source =

u/SpacePaladin15 is responsible for the creation of the NOP universe. u/JulianSkies is responsible for the creation of a metric fuckton of fics within that universe.
this story is my ficnapping entry for... uhhhh... *checks notes* old scabbard, the allergy, gremlins, game review: escape series, river wolves and meteors. it's probably not strictly necessary to read them to enjoy this ficnap? but you should do it anyway, because they are Very Excellent™.
////////////////////////// Barkeep's Log: Reunion ////// Wednesday, July 9th, 2138 8:16 PM, Brasilia Time //////////////////////////
Ah, the middle of the week. For most bars, it is a time of quiet, of minimal activity. Some scant few people might show up; either regulars who come every day, or those who seek to unwind with a quick drink or just get out of the house for a bit, but they don't often stay long. They get one or two cups, share the bare minimum of a chat, and then get on their merry way.
...But of course, that's just the way humans do things.
The countless aliens who have taken up residence in Sao Paulo since the fall of the Federation simply don't seem to care for our silly calendar. They come in whenever they please, week or weekend, midday or midnight, rain or shine. Sometimes they want to get blackout drunk, other times they just want a quick taste of home. Or, there's always the frequent visitor who's just here to get their fill of social contact. Those ones are perhaps my favorite. After the horrors of the Federation War, and taking refuge on Skalga, I certainly won't ever tire of seeing aliens and humans—total strangers to one another—start chatting and getting along, coexisting in peace and harmony, without anyone batting an eye.
Today, though... was not the typical rush of aliens and one or two human regulars. When the bell above the door jingled and a figure stepped in from the cool outside air, consider my surprise to see not a small fluffy thing with no clothes, but a tall, lanky human man, with a face I hadn't seen in months.
"Lucas," I jovially said. "Welcome. It's good to see you again."
He smiled bashfully and raised an arm in a silent wave, seeing a dozen heads turn to look at him. One head in particular turned much farther than the rest; a gaunt human woman, accompanied by a relaxed venlil—Bella Rivers and Taya, both of whom are... perhaps my most frequent guests. "Oh damn! And here I was starting to think you died in a car accident, Luc," Bella said, clearly surprised to see another human at this hour, letalone one who'd been absent for so long.
"Haha, no..." Lucas said, making a beeline for the bar. "Just been... er, busy, you know how it is. How've things been here?"
Bella cast a brief glance at me, asking a silent question, to which I gave a simple nod. "It's been great," she answered in my stead. "Every day feels like more people know about this place. I keep telling Keeps to start thinking about remodeling, get some more space in here before it starts turning into a moshpit every weekend."
Lucas let out a chuckle. "I almost can't believe you two come here so often that you can say that."
Taya leaned around Bella just enough to look Lucas in the eye. "Well no duh! Where else are we gonna go? Name one pub in this city besides The Crossroad that's licensed to sell alien food and drink, and always cares about dietary restrictions!"
Bella laughed. "Okay girl, you ain't gotta shill that hard."
"Nuh uh. I'm not drunk enough not to shill," the normally-reserved venlil droned. She most certainly was a little drunk...
"Speaking of," I cut in, turning to Lucas. "The usual?"
His eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You still remember my drink?"
"Of course."
He looked thoughtful for a moment, before smiling. "Yeah. I'd love that."
I wasted no time in gathering my tools and the requisite bottles and ingredients to put together his complicated order. To say I pride myself on remembering my patrons, their quirks, and their likes and dislikes... would be an understatement. What is a barkeep if not the central pillar of the establishment? It simply wouldn't do for me to be anything less than reliable.
"For real though," Bella said. "It's not just the food that keeps us here. Like yeah, I love being able to trust my food, but there's more to it. Just look around," she waved a hand out at the rest of the room, "Isn't it great, seeing so many different people, from so many different walks of life, all come together in one place? Back during the war, I... we never imagined we'd get to see something like this. And yet here we are, back on Earth, with God knows how many aliens just hangin' around, being chill, doing their things."
"Huh... yeah, I guess I can see it-- ah, thanks Keeps," Lucas said as I passed him his completed drink. "If you forget everything that's happened, it kinda does look like how everyone dreamed things would go before first contact."
Bella smiled wistfully, idly swirling her half-full drink with her straw. "I think it's amazing. All these different cultures and faces mashing together at once, just this giant melting pot of people and worldviews and everything."
"...Yeah. It really is incredible."
Bella's brows furrowed as Lucas wasted no time in taking a large swig of his drink. It seemed as if something was on his mind, and perhaps she could tell. "Hey... where have you been, these past few months?"
"I've... well," he put down his glass, staring at it almost disdainfully. And after I'd made it so perfectly for him, to boot. Rude. "I've actually been trying to uh, cut back on the drinking..."
Bella turned, glancing confusedly at Taya, who flicked her tail in equal uncertainty. "Really? But you've always been such a responsible drinker. I don't think I can even remember a single time you've ever caused trouble, or got sick or anything. Did something happen?"
"No, nothing like that. I just wanted... well, here, look at this," he said and produced his holopad, skillfully swiping to his photo album. In seconds, he pulled up a picture of himself alongside an alien with gray fur... and long, floppy, dog-like ears. A farsul. "This is Talon. He's been staying with me since the xenomed center got going full swing."
Taya recoiled at the sight, ears flattening in apparent anger before Bella turned and shot her a firm glare. The venlil immediately shrunk on herself, looking both apologetic, and yet still agitated.
"I'm doing it for him. He... um, let's just say he gets a little nervous," Lucas mumbled. He swiped to another picture, this time with Talon hanging off his arm like a monkey, tongue lolling out of his wide-open muzzle in obvious glee. "He's such a sweet little guy, like the brother I never had. But it wasn't good for him, to be dealing with me coming home drunk. He needs stability, consistency. I... was making him worry whether I'll be the same every time I walk through the door. So I promised him I'd stop."
Bella put a hand on Lucas' shoulder. "Well that's sweet of you. I can tell you care a lot."
Lucas frowned. "Of course I care. After the shit he got put through in those... fucking goddamn facilities."
A bubble of silence surrounded the trio as his words sunk in. Bella swirled her drink one last time before she took a huge swig. Lucas watched her for a moment before he grabbed his own near-full glass and downed the whole of it in one fell swoop.
"Hhh. So much for that," he grumbled as he glared down at his freshly emptied cup. Then his expression softened slightly, turning closer to remorse. "...Sorry. I didn't mean to fuck up the vibe. I uh, got some other pics of him if--"
"No, Lucas, it's okay," Taya suddenly said. "There's nothing wrong with being honest. Especially not in a place like this," she pointed one eye toward me, "ain't that right, Keeps?"
All I could offer in response was a curt nod.
Bella reached over and laid a hand on his shoulder. "If something's on your mind, then... c'mon, be straight with us."
Lucas sighed. "I wish there were more I could do for him," he bluntly said. "We've tried so many things to help him stay calm. Breathing exercises, fidget toys, music... but it's never enough. He still just can't function in public, or around new people, or... anywhere. Especially if I'm not there. And I don't know what to do anymore. I keep telling him to take as long as he needs, but I..." Lucas slouched over, holding his head in his hands, "I feel like every time takes a little longer."
"Um... Y'know..." Taya spoke up, as her ears twisted nervously. "It... sounds like, maybe, um... he... needs a friend?"
"I am his friend," Lucas deadpanned.
"N-no, I mean... oorgh, how do I say this?"
"I think what she's trying to say is... if you want a little help, Lucas, we'd be happy to be there for you. For him."
Lucas's brows furrowed for a moment before he seemed to grasp what she was saying, and his eyes went wide. "Really? But-" his eyes locked onto Taya, "but you're--"
Taya shook her head. "Don't say it. I... I know. I know what I am," she all but whispered. "But maybe I don't want to be like... this. Maybe I want to be better. After all, if I'd never tried to have an open mind about humans, I never would've met Bella!"
"Well... okay," Lucas said, as a small smile grew on his face. "Here. Lemme get your numbers, and I'll talk to him, and we'll get in touch?"
Bella nodded and presented her pad, as Taya did the same. "Yep! And hey, if he isn't up to meeting in person, maybe you can see if he wants to try just being... like, pen pals or something?"
"Hah. He's not a child, you know. But thanks. I really mean it."
"I know you mean it. We're glad to help."
The three of them tapped pads to exchange contacts, and with that, their fates became intertwined. Whatever may happen to them after today, I cannot know. A humble barkeeper such myself shan't be blessed with the absolutes of the future. Some may try to predict what is to come, but I believe the future is theirs to decide, that they may take whatever happens in their own hands and mold it to their will.
It is all I can hope that Bella and Taya will return and share with me the stories of their antics. Or, as unlikely as it seems, perhaps Lucas could bring Talon here, for them both to participate in this gathering of souls; for them to find joy among friends new and old; for the chance to walk the wondrous crossroads of life and love.
​
////////////////////////// Barkeep's Log: Scampering Menaces ////// Monday, July 14th, 2138 1:39 PM, Brasilia Time //////////////////////////
Monday. The day of loathing. Of rest and relaxation coming to an end. Of waking up early, getting ready for work, and repeating yet another week of monotony. Some would question my sanity, to open the bar at all on a Monday, letalone to do so at noon. But those foolish few simply haven't seen how excited aliens can be about something so mundane as lunch.
But alas, the lunch rush never persists forever, and just like always, I eventually found my beloved pub woefully empty. As it would likely stay for the rest of the afternoon, save for the occasional visitor with a more unusual schedule.
...Or, perhaps, should I be so lucky... a much more rare sight; a true oddity, who might seek to come here only during the dead hours.
And wouldn't you know, it was on this day that I was blessed with one such patron. Or... multiple patrons. A human and a trio... no, quartet of dossur. It was very much a challenge for me to keep track of the little sapient rodents as they skittered about, both on and literally around their human, but I was more than certain that there were definitely only four of them.
At first, I thought there were three dossur. But then one of them retreated into their human's apparently rather spacious hoodie, and a very distinctly different dossur came out. She looked... mangy, for lack of a polite term, with numerous patches of discolored and uneven fur, and what appeared to be a few healed scars. It was clear to me that she must have been through something horrible, and yet had been saved by the miracle of modern medicine.
The small group's incursion upon my shop was... relatively peaceful. They certainly had no qualms about using their outdoor voices, speaking loudly and freely about whatever came to mind, from plans for when they got home, to theorycrafting about potential vacations they could take, and even to the status of the Sapient Coalition as a whole. I, of course, had no right to begrudge them for being so noisy—they were the only ones in the bar, after all.
But everything changed when the front door swung open, the gentle dingle of the bell heralding the arrival of yet another rare antisocial patron.
To my surprise, this newcomer was another human. But not just any human, oh no, this was a very particular human. One who I could say might be somewhat of a regular, despite his tendency to avoid the busier hours. It was no trouble for me to recognize him from the slightest glance, as his unforgettable silver hair, and the red highlights within, matched gorgeously with his red scarf.
As he entered, a somewhat shorter than average venlil trailed close behind. He too wore a red scarf, though for a... different reason. A deeply personal reason, that neither he nor his human have ever seemed keen to share. And I, out of respect for them both, shan't pry.
With a brief, wary glance at the table of chaos, the two of them made their way toward the bar. They hardly made it more than a few steps before a painfully loud shriek, followed by three more of the same, damn near shattered every piece of glass in my bar.
"HUMY!!!!!" "OH MY GOD HI!!" "JOHN! LOOK!!" "Don't yell in my ear--" "Wait is it really-- IT IS! GUYS GET OUT HERE--"
And in a staggering instant... where I thought there were only four dossur, I was once again proven thoroughly WRONG. From within John's hoodie came not one, not two, but four more of the little bastards! There were eight of them! They all scampered up their poor handler's arms and stood on his head and shoulders, waving their whole bodies and jumping up and down, and being so very loud.
"HI HUMY!!!!!!!!" "HI!!!" "HIIIIII!!!!!!" "He's so tall..." "Is that VV?? HI VV!!" "WOW I didn't know his hair was really that white!"
Humy, while certainly shocked by the sudden attention, somehow managed to take it in stride. He raised a hand and waved back to the crowd of not-squirrels, the action shutting them up for only a moment before they started squealing even LOUDER in sheer excitement.
"Guys... Y'all oughta quiet down a bit," John said... or so I think. I frankly couldn't hear him over the orchestra of rodent insanity.
One particularly bold dossur—the one with the damaged fur—made her way down from the chaos table and practically sprinted to Humy's legs, before climbing him like a tree. He recoiled in surprise, but she kept going until she was leaning off the top of his head, staring straight into his eyes. The others went silent, waiting with bated breath for whatever might happen next.
...
"Hi."
The poor man, frazzled, startled, accosted-by-an-alien-squirrel, took a long moment before he figured out what to do about this situation. "Um. Hi."
Unfortunately, that was the wrong response.
"HE SAID HI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" "I WANNA SAY HI TO HUMY!!" "THAT'S NOT FAIR, HOW COME SHE GETS--" "JOHN!!!" "Guys, pl--" "--TO SAY HI TO HIM?!?!!?!" "JOHN BRING US TO HIM OR DIE"
John abruptly slapped the table and stood up, nearly flinging half of his passengers in different directions as they panicked and clung to him for dear life. "I'm so sorry," he quickly said, "They're not usually like this. We'll just be going," he turned to me, making eye contact for an instant, "Cya later, Keeps."
"No, wait!" Humy said, just barely before the swarm could scream their collective dissent. "Please don't. I don't mind, I promise. All I ask is you quieten down a notch, is that okay?"
The dossur looked amongst each other; some of them drooped in shame, while others seemed to simply not grasp the relevance of the request. But in the end, it was John who spoke up first. "He's right, guys. Y'all need to tone it down. No more screaming."
"Okay?" "Sorry..." "Makes sense." "SURE!!--"
John immediately snatched up that particular troublemaker before stuffing him in his hoodie, never to be seen again.
"Ah... anyway..." Humy said, and gestured to the counter, where VV had already taken a seat during the commotion. John took the unspoken invitation, and the middle-aged man reunited with his friend as the dossur wrangler sat on his other side.
The swarm, of course, wasted no time in dismounting John and lining up right in front of poor Humy. Or, well, only two of them lined up. One crawled up onto his sleeve, two onto his shoulders, and the last simply kept climbing around, seemingly not intent on stopping ever. The seventh and eighth remained imprisoned in John's pocket and sprawled out atop Humy's head, respectively.
"Is Humy your real name?" "Why's your hair white?" "Your scarves are so cool!" "What's your favorite fruit?"
Humy burst out in a fit of chuckles, evidently amused by the dossur speaking over each other in their haste to treat him like a talking jungle gym. "Wow. John, right?" he turned to the other human, who gave a curt nod. "How do you live with this?"
"Very patiently," John deadpanned. "No one would ever believe me if I told them these little shits are highly trained Marines."
"Have you ever been on a cruise?" "What's your favorite game?" "If I gave you a strawberry, would you eat it?" "Are you two dating?" "Seriously, why's your hair white!?"
"Okay, okay, c'mon, one at a time! Why don't all of you line up right here in front of me, and I'll go down the line?"
"No." "...Nah." "It's comfy up here." "And it's boring down there!" "And your hair smells good..."
Humy sighed and shook his head, but his smile betrayed his mirth at the situation. "Fine... let's see... you, at the very top. What's your question?"
"Huh? Oh, uhhh-" the mangled one trailed off. She'd been rather quiet the whole time. "Hmm... what's your next video gonna be, and when's it gonna be out?"
"Ooh!" "Yeah!" "Yes yes yes tell us!" "Genius question, Fée!"
Humy, despite the dossurs' excitement, grimaced. "I'm sorry, you guys, but I can't answer that. I just can't leak upcoming content!"
"Auugh!" "Noo c'mon!" "What." "That's not fair!"
"But..." Humy cut them off, looking thoughtful. "Well... maybe I can tell you one thing. I might have something very, very special lined up soon. Do you all remember when I played that thafki game, Survivor? Well I--"
Humy jumped, startled as VV—who'd been totally quiet and unobtrusive the whole time—abruptly grabbed his sleeve and tugged it sharply. A sheepish expression spread across the human's face. "Oops! Can't spoil the surprise. Sorry! How 'bout we hear another question?"
The dossur pouted, looking dejected, disappointed and all-around displeased. But, with that, the seven tiny herbivores quickly moved on, and continued to pester Humy with evermore nonsense. Too much nonsense. Truly, veritably, too much.
It wasn't until hours later, around 4 PM, that both parties finally grew fatigued and split ways. In the wake of their madness, I could feel nothing but gratitude for the fact that, despite their behavior, the rodents hadn't made a mess of anything, nor skipped out on their tab. While they were loud, and excitable, and far too much enjoyed using poor Humy as a playground... they weren't hooligans. They were, in the end, people. Not just noisy squirrels.
With that in mind... perhaps, maybe, just maybe, next time they come in... I wouldn't be unwilling to greet them, to welcome them to this place of character and merriment; to welcome their uniqueness among the myriad faces that make themselves known; to invite them in as members, as friends, as we all tread upon the ever-exciting crossroads of greetings and farewells.
​
////////////////////////// Barkeep's Log: Mayflies ////// Friday, August 1st, 2138 9:05 PM, Brasilia Time //////////////////////////
Ah, the weekend. For a bar, it is the busiest time one could imagine. But for a bartender such as myself, it is so much more. The activity, the bustle, the countless different people coming together and simply being themselves. Just by merely being here, serving drinks and dinner to all who would want it, I am blessed with the wondrous opportunity to overhear talk and tales of peoples' lives—their homes, their hopes and dreams, their fears and regrets.
And today, of course, was no exception. Perchance, allow me to skip the lengthy preamble and get to the good stuff.
The moment an elderly, borderline decrepit old man entered the bar, he had my attention. Someone his age, coming somewhere like this, alone? The scenario piqued my curiosity.
He had a tired air to him, something between boredom, the general fatigue that comes with such advanced age and... if my keen eyes didn't deceive me, a touch of discomfort. As if he was out of his element in some way, not quite sure what to do with himself. He kept silent, bothering no one as he approached the counter and scanned one of the many QR codes plastered around the dining room.
His face stayed the same as he reviewed The Crossroads' prodigious menu, as though he was unimpressed with our unrivaled selection. But then, he paused, and something changed in his stance. His eyes flicked up and met mine, his expression suddenly lit ablaze, full of energy that wasn't there before. "Redtato tacos?" he curtly asked, sounding almost bewildered. His gaze dropped back down to the menu, to the other dishes on that same page. "Spice plates... cricket burgers," he looks back up at me, wearing a deranged grin, "even goddamn ichor ice cream? You're insane."
"Insane? Tell me you're new here without telling me," a new voice interjected. One of the other patrons—a thafki, who unlike her kin, had taken to wearing a black hoodie with the emblem of the United Nations—turned to us, appearing amused as she looked between me and the old man. "Wow, you're a perfect match for one another. Didn't think humans could get any older than ol' Barkeep here. What's someone as ancient as you doing here, new guy?"
"Hah. I like you, Blue," the man said as he took a seat beside the nosy and maybe slightly drunk alien.
"My name's not Blue. Call me Ayeli."
He held out a hand toward Ayeli. She glanced at it before shaking it without a second thought. "Ryusei," he said, before eyeing her beverage. "Tell you what, Barkeep, gimme one of whatever that is. And a refill for her, if she'll have it."
"Saltwine," I said, and reached beneath the counter to procure the bottle from which I'd poured Ayeli's first glass. I turned it back and forth in front of him, letting him read the translated label. "Be warned. This is a specialty item. It is not to most peoples' tastes, nor is it cheap."
"Pfft just do it. I've eaten rocks, you old coot."
The sheer brazenness of his words, the unwavering resolve in his eyes, and the utter lack of hesitation in his voice, took me truly off guard for the first time in a long, long while. "I'm not an old coot, you bumbling codger," I grumbled as I took a glass and filled it. Then, putting my professional facade back on just like nothing ever happened, I turned to Ayeli and hovered the bottle over her cup. She gave a thumbs up, and I poured.
Ryusei stared at me with a smug grin. "Pff. Looked in a mirror lately? Time ain't been good to you, friend. Look at all them gray hairs. Yeek."
"I can poison you in seventeen different ways," I deadpanned.
"As if I'd even be able to tell? There's nothing you can do to me that my body hasn't done at least twice already."
"Venlise alcohol. Not diluted."
"Now there'd be a challenge..." he murmured, before his attention drifted to his idle drink. He raised the glass to his lips and took a hearty sip, allowing the fluid—its texture, its flavor—to rest in his mouth before swallowing. "Mmh. Damn."
"You like it?" Ayeli asked.
"Y'know what? Yeah. Shit's weird in all the right ways. Hits your tongue like a pile of salt, but goes down smooth. No aftertaste, no burn, just a quick slap in the face and then it's gone."
Ayeli drummed her fingers on the counter before taking a long swig of her own drink. "Mmmhmm. That's how it is. How it's meant to be. I can't wait 'til someone figures out how to make this stuff for cheap."
"Speaking of. Ey Barkeep, put me down for one of them fucked up tacos. Let's see just how close a buncha earthlings can get to authentic Martian cuisine."
With a nod and several practiced movements, I had his request sent to the kitchen in seconds. I don't believe he saw me even touch the order pad with how fast I was.
"...Martian?" Ayeli asked. "Now hang on. That's... the red planet, no?"
"Mhm," The man let out a grunt of affirmation. "First planet humanity settled besides Earth. It's a dead, empty husk. Nothing but rocks and dust and solar radiation. I was born there."
"Huh. What're you doing here, then? There no bars on Mars?"
"...Classified."
"Oh. Yeah..."
Quiet spread between the two, Ayeli staring blankly into her own reflection within her glass. Ryusei's eyes slowly drifted toward her as his brow furrowed. "You... were a soldier, huh?"
Ayeli jolted, startled by the question. "Wh--? How... I mean, yeah. I guess I was. But how can you tell?"
"Eh. I've been there. Where you are now."
"...What?"
He took another sip. "You know how it is. Everything goes to shit. Then it gets better. Now everyone's pretending life is back to normal, and you have to pretend too. Even if you lost friends. Or family. Or... parts of yourself."
...
Ayeli frowned. "I... yeah. I guess."
"You guess?"
"It's... it's not that I've lost people. Or parts of myself," she said. "It's not even that I have to pretend that everything's back to normal."
Ryusei raised an eyebrow.
"All things considered, I've lost nothing. I joined the UN Marines, killed some lizards, and now I'm here. And I'm fine. Not even 'oh you're lying to yourself, you need a therapist' fine, but just... actually fine."
"Why's that, do you think?"
"I don't know. All my friends are so much worse off than me. They're all... fucked up, from everything. But I'm not. I just don't feel anything."
"I just... shouldn't I feel something?" she continued. "I've killed people. Drowned people. Slit throats. But whenever I think about it, there's just nothing. No guilt, no shame, no... no empathy."
"I understand," Ryusei breathed. Something behind his eyes changed, his tone becoming more... genuine. "You and I are alike, in a way."
"...Really?"
Ryusei swirled his drink before taking a quick sip. "When I was younger, I was part of something bigger than myself. It was dangerous as all hell—sixty percent fatality rate—but I was glad to be doing it. Glad to be playing my part. Happy to risk my life so someone else doesn't have to. But then it was over, and I got back to life like normal. I got my accolades, I took my damn awards, and I went home. And that was that."
"Except it wasn't," he continued. "I went home, and found out my family had ripped themselves apart. Half of em were obviously over the moons with pride, knowing I'd been there in the very front and came home a goddamn hero. But the rest... they had been scared. Terrified they'd never see me again. It was all they wanted for me to just come home and be safe."
"And... that's what got you?" Ayeli asked. Something in her voice was vulnerable, almost afraid. "The fact that you were ready to move on, but no one else was?"
Ryusei nodded. "I felt like a shithead not because I'd almost died a hundred times, but because I'd been the reason my parents got divorced."
Ayeli stared into nothing, dead silent for a long moment before she grabbed her drink and downed the remainder of it in one go. "F-fuck," she rasped. "It was supposed to go back to normal. We were supposed to have our happy ending. So why is everyone still like this? Why can't we just be okay now?"
"Because people need time, kid. You and I are the exceptions. You'll get your happy ending, you just... gotta wait. Gotta be there for them when they need you."
"How?"
"Whatever way you can. My little brother got hit the hardest by our parents' shitshow. He couldn't stand being around either of them. So I would drive him out to the middle of nowhere, and we'd just watch the universe go by. We'd count the stars, talk about how small we are, how it just keeps going, how empty it all is, yet still teeming with mystery. By the end of it, we'd both be feeling better... and then we'd do it again a week later when we felt like shit again. And on and on, for years."
"...We've already seen the stars though. How would that help?"
Ryusei slid his glass over to Ayeli, offering her the last few sips he had. "There are more things of beauty in this world than just the stars. Take it from me, old fart that I am—if you just take the time to look, you can find meaning anywhere. Even things you might take for granted."
Ayeli perked up, as if she'd realized something. "The ocean..."
"Something like that."
"It's... it's simple, it's mundane, it's so normal to us now that we can just go swimming whenever we like. But ten years ago, that would've been different. We... we did it. We changed it. For ourselves. We won."
"You hit the nail on the head, Blue. Tell all that to your pals. Really show them that it's over."
She looked down at the drink she'd been given, and lifted it to her lips to take a small sip. "An ocean of water, an ocean of stars... what difference does it make? Maybe you're right. Maybe we really are alike."
"Both have been around for millenia. And both will be there still, long after we're gone," Ryusei said. He looked down at his hands, an odd half-smile on his face. "Call me a sentimental old coot, but part of me still finds comfort in the stars. An infinite sea of beacons, shining in every direction for eternity. Always there, always waiting, no matter what."
"Mmm... y'know, it's funny. Our ancient ancestors probably each thought the same at one point or another. Wonder if any of 'em ever looked up in just the right place, at the right time... and looked straight at each other, even if they didn't know it."
"Heh. As much as I want to rain on your parade and say that's impossible... well, just look at the two of us, eh? The chance that we both would happen to be here, right now. Maybe it's not. The universe is pretty damn huge, and yet here we are."
Ayeli sat up straight in her seat, a determined look spreading across her face. "Yeah. I... I think I know what to do. How to help everyone else move on. Thanks for the drinks, 'Keep. And the chat, Ryusei."
"Yeah yeah. Go on, get outta here. Get back to your friends."
The thafki nodded and gave us both a smile, and then with one last wave goodbye, she made her way out of the establishment. Ryusei sighed and turned back to the bar, crossing his arms and slouching in that tired, past-our-prime way we both must know so well.
Before long, his plate of redtato tacos were brought out, and without another word, he got to work. He remained silent as he ate, but I could tell by the look on his face that he was satisfied.
"Alright... yeah, yeah you did good..." he said when there was nothing left to eat. "I'll remember this place. Think if I ever end up 'round here again, I might stop by."
"You'll always be welcome... until you call me old again. Then you might find something different in your cup than you ordered."
He laughed, grinning like a madman as he stood from his seat. "Bold of you to threaten me with a good time. Now I'm definitely coming back!"
With that, he paid for his meal and his and Ayeli's drinks, and just as suddenly as it all began, he was gone. The cycle of greetings and goodbyes played its part yet again, bringing us together and pulling us apart as if no time had passed at all.
But where his and Ayeli's presence left my bar, their imprints have not. In my memory, and theirs, lies the everlasting essence of our encounter. The feelings of meeting, of learning, of sharing ourselves—and above all else, the words they spoke. The sentiment has truly been burned into my recollection, never to be forgotten with how it touched my heart, my very soul.
How wondrous it is that two people so similar and yet so different could ever meet. The universe is vast—immeasurably so—and still they both happened to be in the right place at the right time for their lives to become intertwined. Is it coincidence? Is it fate? I can't possibly know. Such things are beyond my station. All I can say for certain is that it will happen again, and again, on an eternal cycle. So long as life itself persists, people will always be bound to find one another.
And that, I believe... is the true beauty of our crossroads of destiny.
//////////////////////////

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Hi. I'm the guy that made this similarly titled post about Gojo's techniques at the beginning of the Shinjuku Showdown arc. A year has passed since then, and now that it seems like Sukuna's barrel of surprises has hit its bottom I'd like to go over all of his abilities as a sorcerer in order to put to rest any debates regarding his strength.
One note before we begin, I will be using the TCB's names for techniques and other proper nouns. I do not support John Werry.
Miscellaneous Jujutsu

• Cursed energy reserves and output – Confirmed by Yuta Okkotsu, who possesses the second highest cursed energy reserves of any known sorcerer, Sukuna's store of energy is mounds higher, exceeding double Yuta's. His output is also nothing shy of monstrous, likely only losing out to Ryu Ishigoori whose claim to fame is having the highest CE output of any sorcerer in history. Making matters worse for his opponents is his tremendous efficiency, another aspect in which he is second only to one other. Even without the Six Eyes, the only means of attaining efficiency greater than his, his ability to spontaneously activate cursed techniques with minimal consumption of energy allows him to chain back-to-back Domain Expansions without concern.
• Reverse Cursed Technique – Not technically a cursed technique, but rather an application of cursed energy manipulation where one multiplies two pools of negative energy together to create positive energy, which can then be used to regenerate human flesh. Unlike Satoru Gojo, Sukuna does not possess Cursed Technique Reversal, but this does not mean his use of RCT is any less impressive. In fact, it is often considered more advanced due to the following:
  • External RCT - By using another human's cursed energy to synthesize positive energy, Sukuna can heal bodies other than his own. So far, he has only ever demonstrated this ability on Megumi, though in this case it was strong enough to recover his body from fatal wounds, meaning it is vastly superior to Shoko's in output and effectiveness.
  • Healing a destroyed brain – Just as Gojo learned to do, Sukuna is capable of destroying a portion of his brain responsible for maintaining cursed techniques and recovering it with reverse technique in order to more quickly regain access to his technique.
• Domain Amplification – In order to neutralize the effect of an opponent's cursed technique (namely Infinity), Sukuna shrouds himself in the empty shell of a domain, and by not imbuing a cursed technique into it he leaves room for another technique to occupy the space and have its effect canceled out. Because he needs to leave space to funnel his opponent's technique into the domain shell, he cannot use the cursed technique engraved on his body at the same time as Amplification, but if a technique is granted to a barrier via Domain Expansion then he can use it in sync with Amplification. Sukuna also demonstrates a specialized capacity to "pause" a technique's effect when beginning Domain Amplification, demonstrated when bearing the burden of Mahoraga's adaptation to Infinity and Blue between uses of Amplification.
• Hollow Wicker Basket – A predecessor to New Shadow Style's Simple Domain that spreads out a woven, hollow sphere which interferes with a domain's barrier and prevents the sure-hit effect from landing. It is largely inferior to Simple Domain for a plethora of reasons, including;
  • Hollow Wicker Basket must be constantly maintained using the hand seal and chants, while Simple Domain only requires maintenance at activation time
  • Due to not being a domain, HWB does not grant the buff or debuff properties present in Simple Domain or a true domain. This means it cannot reduce the output of cursed techniques making contact with it in the same way an advanced Simple Domain such as Kusakabe's can
  • The more advanced barrier of Simple Domain allows the incorporation of automatic programming for reflexive movement, most commonly seen in sword-drawing techniques. This is a capability entirely lacking in Hollow Wicker Basket
  • Despite these glaring issues, Sukuna had little time or care to upgrade to Simple Domain as his own Domain Expansion was more than satisfactory for any domain in the past.
• Black Flash – When cursed energy impacts a target less than one millionth of a second following a physical blow, space distorts and flashes black. The effects of pulling off a Black Flash include awakening to the composition of one's cursed energy and entering an elevated state of performance. Once a single Black Flash has been landed, it becomes measurably easier for a sorcerer to enter a sort-of flow state and chain several together. Sukuna has performed at least four during the ṛaid in the remains of Shinjuku, and after doing so was able to construct a unique relay for Domain Expansion in his brain (more on that later).
• The cursed tools Kamutoke and Hiten – These tools were originally wielded by Sukuna during his rule of the Heian era. Their power is unquantifiable, but high enough that they are nigh uncontested by modern tools. Kamutoke is the only one of the two whose effect was demonstrated in battle when Sukuna used a replica created by Yorozu. It creates a massive electrostatic discharge with destructive properties equivalent to a lightning strike. This cursed tool would have enabled Sukuna to deal far more damage to the sorcerers allied with Jujutsu High had it not been seized in Higuruma's domain.
• Cursed object transmutation – Thanks to his colluding with Kenjaku a millennium ago, Sukuna has gained the ability to sunder his soul into cursed objects which can then reincarnate in a compatible vessel if the two become one. He can either divvy the soul up into several parts or dope the entire conscience and cursed energy pool into a single object, but either way his object of choice is his fingers. If Sukuna has already incarnated in a compatible vessel and hence gained conscience, other fingers will not be able to incarnate separate instances of Sukuna and will instead serve as nothing more than cursed energy stores. There is no evidence to suggest that Sukuna's power is restored logarithmically when reconvening with sundered fingers. Instead, he most likely gains back an equal amount of cursed energy for each object ingested.
  • Properties as an incarnated cursed object – After incarnating in a human vessel, Sukuna gains access to their memories, as he shares their brain when operating the body. The result of this is that extensively using his Jujutsu while in a vessel can leave an imprint on it in the form of cursed techniques. This is what enabled Yuji to learn Shrine after awakening with Black Flash. The reverse is also true, however, as Sukuna is more than capable of using the techniques of a body he is incarnated in to compliment his own. Lastly, completing the incarnation and manifesting his original form only replaces the body's external shell – any damage sustained to internal organs of the host will persist. This also means that even though full incarnation makes it more difficult, the cursed object and host can still be torn apart with enough brute force. This is what would have happened if Megumi had contributed to Yuta and Yuji's plan during chapter 251 were it not for his resolve being entirely squashed. Lastly and most bizarrely, Sukuna seems freely capable of deforming his vessels so long as he maintains control of their body, as he did in order to bite off Hana's right arm in chapter 213.

Innate Technique: Shrine

• Dismantle – The default slash Sukuna seems to prefer using. The technique sends an invisible slash or array of slashes flying through the air, cutting whatever it can reach until its cursed energy is exhausted. While it is extremely effective at decomposing inanimate objects and weaker humans, its potency is the lowest of any of Sukuna's techniques. As eloquently put in another comment, the reason Gojo's Six Eyes do not enable him to see Dismantle is because having the ability to perceive fluctuations at an atomic level means nothing if the fluctuations aren't visible – a microscope cannot make gravity visible no matter how close it zooms. Maki's heavenly restriction enables her to see the effect of the slash by the deformations it creates on the surface of air and surrounding objects, but she cannot see the slashes themselves.
  • The World-Splitting Dismantle – A version of Dismantle that, instead of throwing slashes at something, expands the intended target for the slash to the entire metaphysical space the target is located in. This allows it to bypass everything from cursed energy reinforcement to cursed techniques to any other conventional defense. No matter how resilient to attacks something is, if the space it occupies is bisected that thing will follow suit. The key word there is bisected, because the world-splitting Dismantle as we've seen it thus far can only cut in a single line. Net-shaped arrays like many of Sukuna's other uses of Dismantle are too complicated for this technique.
    • After learning the method to expand Dismantle's target, Sukuna would have been able to use the world-splitting Dismantle as long as he performed the Enmaten hand seal before launching it. However, in order to hit Gojo instantly without warning, he used a Binding Vow that would prevent him from ever using the slash again without the hand seal accompanied by the chants "Scale of the Dragon. Recoil. Twin Meteors." finally followed by pointing with his fingers the direction in which the slash should fly.
• Cleave – A technique that activates on physical contact with its target, automatically adjusting its output and frequency of slashes to cut them down in a single strike. The two main properties it accounts for are cursed energy reinforcement and physical toughness, the latter of which not usually being an issue for Sukuna. However, when his output is severely weakened as it was in Yuta's domain or when his target's cursed energy reinforcement is too high to overcome (Gojo's) Cleave will hit a limit and not be able to fully cut through the target.
  • Spider's Thread – A version of Cleave that spreads its slashes out into a spiderweb-shaped array and has been used only once in order to tear up a large portion of earth.
• Furnace – Known informally by many names such as "Black box," "Open," or "Fuga" before the reveal of its actual name, Furnace allows Sukuna to bring a small flame into reality between his palms which can then be aimed and fired at a target. Outside of his domain, Furnace has obscenely high firepower, easily outclassing Jogo's Disaster Flames, but can only be used against a single opponent at a time due to a Binding Vow that will be addressed later. Its speed also leaves much to be desired and works best in one-on-one standoff scenarios. The name of this technique confirms an already supported theory that Sukuna's Shrine is indeed a kitchen (reading the Kanji for Shrine helps confirm this).

Domain Expansion: Malevolent Shrine
This is a big enough topic that I think it merits its own section

• Sukuna's domain is the embodiment of his Shrine in pseudo-physical form that is the most technically impressive in the series. In its default form, Sukuna is capable of expanding a virtual landscape, that being his shrine, into reality without separating the two using a closed barrier. The result of this is a domain whose sure-hit exists within reality itself and not only the closed-off environment created inside a traditional barrier. The reason I specify that he does not use a closed barrier is because there is still a barrier present in Malevolent Shrine, but due to its functionality and shape it can be treated as if it does not exist at all. Inside the domain, objects with cursed energy are torn apart with Cleave adjusted to the appropriate intensity, while Dismantle ruthlessly attacks anything in range without cursed energy until it is reduced to dust. Just as when used outside of his domain, however, factors limiting Sukuna's output can allow someone to survive inside his domain provided they can recover from the wounds created faster than they propagate. Furthermore, while Sukuna generally prefers an open-barriered domain for its immense range and ability to crack the external shell of traditional domains, he is entirely capable of expanding it inside a closed barrier as most other sorcerers do.
  • Furnace's true power – After Cleave and Dismantle prepare the "ingredients" of the domain by reducing them to tiny particulate matter, Furnace's real capabilities are put on full display. By dropping it into the mass of dust kicked up by his slashes, Sukuna kickstarts a chain reaction wherein dust particles become thermobaric explosives (fire bombs), setting each other off in a domino effect that scorches everything in the domain and leaves no trace of life behind. In order to make use of this, however, Sukuna must maintain a specified range and output of his domain in order to generate sufficient amounts of dust to begin the reaction. Due to being unable to achieve these conditions during his clashes with Gojo, Furnace would have proven a less effective tool than Ten Shadows for dispatching him. It is also a very situational ability, as there are exceedingly few things that can survive the rain of slashes from Malevolent Shrine long enough that Furnace is even necessary.
  • Malfunctioning Shrine – After suffering critical trauma to the region of his brain responsible for maintaining barrier techniques, Sukuna was rendered incapable of expanding his domain for a long time after his fight with Gojo. However, landing multiple consecutive Black Flashes allowed him to build a new relay in his brain through which his barrier technique would operate. You can think of it like coming to a stop on a highway because of a major pileup in the middle of the road, and then plowing through trees in the ditch in order to continue moving along. This is not without its issues, however, as Sukuna was unwilling to sacrifice the quality of his domain in order to kill every one of his opponents simultaneously. By using new, unintended portions of his brain, the domain takes on a grossly disfigured appearance and suffers from instability to the degree that it cannot sustain itself for longer than 100 seconds. Additionally, the edge of the sure-hit range was covered by a barrier preventing escape from the domain, which removed the Binding Vow used in Shibuya to maximize its range but prevented the sorcerers from escaping without Todo's help.

Borrowed Technique: Ten Shadows
In the interest of not going over every minute detail of a technique that only somewhat belongs to Sukuna, I will only make note here of changes he made to the technique in order to increase its effectiveness

• Partial Summons – By summoning a Shikigami on top of himself or in an incomplete manner, Sukuna can use its traits to his advantage in ways that include a rush of fluid Divine Dogs or Piercing Blood from Max Elephant's water. He mainly uses this for Mahoraga in a way that at first seems bizarre but proves critical to his victory against Gojo. Instead of forcing Mahoraga to take the damage for its adaptations, Sukuna bears the brunt of his opponent's techniques and has the wheel adapt to them, passing it on to Mahoraga who can then respond with a complete adaptation. In this case, Sukuna himself cannot make direct use of whatever adaptation results from the technique, but he can prevent Mahoraga from being taken out in one shot.
• Fusion Beast Agito – A totality Shikigami created using Nue, Great Serpent, Tranquil Deer, and Mourning Tiger that shares all of their properties, including electrifying strikes, regeneration of itself and others, and snake appendage creation. Its strength is unimpressive compared to Mahoraga's, but might have been one of Megumi's strongest Shikigami had he chosen to form it when he had the chance.

Binding Vows
Since Sukuna now has a reputation as the Binding Vow merchant, we may as well discuss all of them in detail

• Vows preventing the destruction of his fingers by any form of Jujutsu
• The former "enchain" vow with Yuji that allowed him to switch to Megumi's body
• It's assumed that the promise he made to Jogo before their fight functions like a Binding Vow
• An unnamed vow made with Kenjaku that enforced Sukuna fight Gojo before any final preparations are made, more than likely involving the merger and Kenjaku's insurance
• The vow restricting use on the world-splitting Dismantle in exchange for instantly bisecting Gojo
• Domain vows
  • By allowing an escape route from his domain, Sukuna can expand its range when the barrier is unclosed to up to a 200 meter radius
  • Several impromptu vows deployed in order to break Gojo's domain from the outside, including disabling his sure-hit inside Gojo's barrier and shrinking the size of Malevolent Shrine, both in order to increase its potency
  • Several unspecified vows that allowed the construction of his domain using a foreign region of the brain, one of which included the alteration of hand signs due to missing either of his left hands
  • In exchange for maximizing its domino effect inside his domain, Furnace may only be used against a single target outside his domain

I really think I covered everything this time, but feel free to provide any corrections in the comments otherwise! Hope this list helps :)

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Finding Simplicity in God’s Plan: An Inspirational Devotional

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the complexities of life? It’s easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of worries, projects, and endless To-Do lists. In moments like these, we can learn a valuable lesson from one of the most brilliant minds of the 20th century—Albert Einstein. English theologian C.S. Lewis once noted that “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains.” It might come as a surprise that Einstein, often heralded for his intricate theories, believed, “God always takes the simplest way.” Intrigued? Let’s dive in to explore how simplicity in God’s plan can bring peace to our chaotic lives.

The Beauty of Simplicity in Scripture

The Bible is brimming with verses that highlight God’s preference for simplicity. For instance, Micah 6:8 (NIV) says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Notice how straightforward these instructions are. Despite the complexities of life, our calling is clear and uncomplicated.
Consider also Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” It’s an uncomplicated formula for a fulfilled life. Focus on God’s kingdom, and everything else will fall into place.

Examples of Simplicity in God’s Actions

God’s simplest way is evident throughout the Bible. When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, He replied in Matthew 22:37-39, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” These are simple yet profound directives that can transform our complex lives into a journey of love and grace.

• Feeding the 5,000: Jesus didn’t need grandiose plans to feed the multitude. He used a young boy’s simple offering of five loaves and two fish (John 6:9-13).
• Prophet Elijah: In 1 Kings 19:11-13, God revealed Himself not in the wind, earthquake, or fire but in a gentle whisper. In the simplest way, God communicated His presence.

Questions for Reflection

• Personal Connection: What complexities in your life could benefit from a simpler approach?
• Faith Journey: How has focusing on God’s simple instructions transformed your walk with Him?
• Everyday Actions: Can you identify small, simple actions that align with God’s will today?

Reflect on these questions and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. It’s a wonderful way to connect and encourage each other.

Call to Action: Embrace Simplicity Today

Remember, God’s simplest way is often the most profound. As you go about your day, consider how you can shift your focus from the complex to the simple joys and directives laid out by God. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. How has embracing simplicity drawn you closer to Him?
By seeking beauty in simplicity, you can experience the divine peace and clarity that God offers. Embrace it today and witness the miraculous transformation it can bring to your life.
Isn’t it refreshing to know that God’s way, like Einstein’s insight, often lies in simplicity? Let’s journey together in faith, embracing the simple yet profound path God has set before us.
If you like this content, please connect with us at: https://BGodInspired.com
Or dig for more answers yourself with our BGodInspired Bible Tools! Be careful – each interaction is like a new treasure hunt… you can get lost for hours 🙂
Source =

I know, I know, this is not really about electric cars (rather "vehicles") but just think about it.
First, most if not all farming equipment and forklift operate within a specific location. In a farm, warehouses, ports, and military bases. So their operating distance is short and in the case of latter, plenty of access to electricity. Former perhaps not so much but you are not running tractor or combined harvester all day 24/7.
Second, the work they do is very "repetitive" or "regulated" day in and day out. Drive within a specific route, and do specific motion. No real surprises.
Third, in the case of forklift, heavy battery actually serve a purpose of counter-weight.
Fourth, these things usually have a very low speed perfect for electric-driven-motors. Most forklift and farming equipment also usually have less horsepowetorque than the automotive counterpart, so it should increase run/operation time.
Lastly, unlike motorcycles or cars, there is no emotional attachment to engine or things like that. It is just a utility tool.
I mean people criticize Toyota for adopting slower to electrification technology (sometimes valid, sometimes delusionally unwarranted i.e electricvehicles). But just look at Toyota's forklift division. The largest in the world, they have a very solid and competitive e-forklift lineup because they know e-forklift makes absolutely good sense.
https://www.toyotaforklift.com/lifts/electric-motor-rider-forklifts
According to this paper, despite e-forlkift making more sense than regular ev, only 60% of the forklifft in America is electrified. Getting that number up to 100% is easier and faster to do than electrifying regular cars because the latter inevidably involved disagreeements, and politics. Former is absolutely doable and possible, the latter not so much.
https://www.firstenergycorp.com/content/dam/customeproducts/files/Electric-Forklift-Fact-Sheet.pdf
In the same vain, we should see more electric product from farming equipment manufacturer like John Deere et al, which currently have less such lineup than Toyota Forklift
https://www.deere.com/en/electric-equipment/

This is not really about electric cars (rather "vehicles") but just think about it.
First, most if not all farming equipment and forklift operate within a specific location. In a farm, warehouses, ports, and military bases. So their operating distance is short and in the case of latter, plenty of access to electricity. Former perhaps not so much but you are not running tractor or combined harvester all day 24/7.
Second, the work they do is very "repetitive" or "regulated" day in and day out. Drive within a specific route, and do specific motion. No real surprises.
Third, in the case of forklift, heavy battery actually serve a purpose of counter-weight.
Fourth, these things usually have a very low speed perfect for electric-driven-motors. Most forklift and farming equipment also usually have less horsepowetorque than the automotive counterpart, so it should increase run/operation time.
Lastly, unlike motorcycles or cars, there is no emotional attachment to engine or things like that. It is just a utility tool.
I mean people criticize Toyota for adopting slower to electrification technology (sometimes valid, sometimes delusionally unwarranted i.e electricvehicles). But just look at Toyota's forklift division. The largest in the world, they have a very solid and competitive e-forklift lineup because they know e-forklift makes absolutely good sense.
https://www.toyotaforklift.com/lifts/electric-motor-rider-forklifts
According to this paper, despite e-forlkift making more sense than regular ev, only 60% of the forklifft in America is electrified. Getting that number up to 100% is easier and faster to do than electrifying regular cars because the latter inevidably involved disagreeements, and politics. Former is absolutely doable and possible, the latter not so much.
https://www.firstenergycorp.com/content/dam/customeproducts/files/Electric-Forklift-Fact-Sheet.pdf
In the same vain, we should see more electric product from farming equipment manufacturer like John Deere et al, which currently have less such lineup than Toyota Forklift
https://www.deere.com/en/electric-equipment/

Hey there, fellow Rockstar Handymen/Handywoman!
First off, thanks for taking a moment to hear me out. Even though we’re strangers, it's past 11 PM on the East Coast, and I’ve had a full day working on projects and doing estimates, I’m buzzing with energy. Why? Because I know how crucial it is for us to have a space where the real pros separate from the amateurs.
Welcome to the club! Please, slip on your booties or take off your shoes. You know the drill. 😂 Make yourself at home. We’ve got liquor and beer at the bar, and if you prefer to smoke doobies, our backyard is your haven. Just give me a heads-up if you’re heading out there.😉 Remember, I’m writing this on a Saturday night, so if you’re reading this on a Monday night, maybe save those activities for the weekend and stay focused!
A little about me... I grew up in NYC, the son of a building superintendent/handyman since I was about 8 years old (turning 45 this summer). My family is a crew of skilled craftsmen: my brother, an epoxy floor specialist; my cousin, an ornamental iron specialist; another cousin, a woodworker; and another, a tile specialist. It’s in the blood. I didn’t specialize; I became a jack of all trades but master of none, learning from incredibly talented people.
For years, I treated my handyman service as a side hustle. In 2012, I got hooked on leveraging the internet to grow businesses through branding, marketing, advertising, sales, customer service, and more. I grew a few businesses from scratch with these skills, even stepping away from handyman services for a while. Then, after my partner and I parted ways, I needed a quick way to make money without getting a job. Naturally, I turned back to my handyman service.
I applied everything I learned into building a professional handyman business. By the third month, I was hitting over $10K a month. It’s easier to achieve in big cities. I provide great quality work, but my invoicing success came from knowing how to leverage our tools to stand out and attract clients powerfully.
Fast forward to June 2023, I relocated to Orlando. Sold my NYC business and started fresh in Florida. Within a week, I had my first client, and by the third month, I was almost at $7K that month, despite dropping my prices by 30% to match market rates. 😡
Enough about me. This is about us. I’m thrilled to share the “secrets” I’ve discovered that big companies (Thumbtack, HomeAdvisor, etc.) use to capture our clients and then sell them to us. My goal is to spread awareness in the pro handyman community about the power we have to build something we can be proud of and to be a support system when things go awry. The more we learn from each other, the stronger we’ll be.
I firmly believe a well-structured handyman business can easily generate six figures a year. The opportunity is massive for all of us. Here, we fill in all the gaps together.
Now, I want to hear from all you handyman rockstars: Where do you serve, and how long have you been providing services?
Don’t be shy!
Remember, closed mouths don’t get fed.
Have an incredibly awesome day! I insist!
AceOnHand - Handyman Extraordinaire / Internet Savvy / Saturday Night Rambler

Today's anniversaries are:
1937

• Alban Berg - Lulu (opera)

2009

• Jordan Rudess - Notes on a Dream (Rock)

2010

• Té - 敢えて、理解を望み縺れ尽く音声や文字の枠外での『約束』を。 (Aete, rikai o nozomi motsure kotogotoku onsei ya moji no wakugai de no “yakusoku” o.) (Asian Music, Pop)

2012

• Sean Archibald - Sean but Not Heard (electronic, ambient, bass, bass music, beats, experimental, experimental electronic, microtonal, numbers, split-notes, United Kingdom)

2015

• Codas - Currents (experimental, metal, drone, drone ambient, heavy, industrial, instrumental, mathcore, progressive metal, New York)
  
• Consider the Source - World War Trio (Parts Ⅱ & Ⅲ) (experimental, rock, world, instrumental, jazz, progressive, New York)
  
• Leprous - The Congregation (Rock, Hard Rock, Metal)
  
• Pyrrhon - Growth without End (extreme metal, metal, death metal, progressive death metal, progressive metal, technical death metal, New York)
  
• Sein zum Tode - Siamese Second Cousins Never Removed (metal, avant-garde metal, circus music, Columbia) Read our review.
  
• The ILY's - I've Always Been Good at True Love (Alternative, Rock, Indie Rock/Rock pop)
  

2016

• Féroces - Juliette (rock, new wave, post-rock, Besançon) Read our review.
  
• Instar - Instar (metal, ambient, progressive, Austin)
  

2017

• '68 - Two Parts Viper (hard rock, noise punk, punk, rock, blues rock, math rock, noise rock, post-hardcore, post-punk, Atlanta)
  
• A Trust Unclean - Parturition (death metal, djent, metal, progressive metal, technical metal, heavy metal, United Kingdom)
  
• Art Contest - Two Songs (rock, indie rock, math rock, noise, pop, probability & statistics, Georgia)
  
• Dark Matter Secret - Perfect World Creation (technical death metal, progressive metal, Nashville)
  
• Dougmore - Outerboros (folk, art folk, avant-folk, banjo, chamber folk, dreamfolk, indie, indie folk, lush, mythic, progressive bluegrass, psychedelic, psychedelic folk, singer-songwriter, storytelling, New York)
  
• Dystopian Future Movies - Time (alternative, garage rock, hard rock, post-rock, prog-rock, psychedelic rock, Nottingham)
  
• Eidola - To Speak, to Listen (experimental rock, groove rock, post-hardcore, progressive metal, Provo)
  
• Elder - Reflections of a Floating World (rock, armageddon shop, doom, heavy psychedelic rock, prog, progressive rock, stickman records, Berlin)
  
• Emperor of Mind - Resistance (atmospheric, experimental, metal, progressive metal, djent, mathcore, Salem)
  
• Fabian Almazan & Rhizome - Alcanza (jazz, chamber music, cuba, piano, New York)
  
• Gentiane Michaud-Gagnon Trio - Eternal Cycle (jazz, Montreal)
  
• Ghost - Everything We Touch Turns to Dust (ambient, denver, electronica, experimental, idm, electro, electro-acoustic, Oakland)
  
• Gravetemple - Áthatolhatatlan félelmek (Impassable Fears) (experimental, drone, experimental, free rock, metal, ritual, New York)
  
• Hands that Lift the Oceans - Impetus (black metal, experimental, metal, post black metal, Würzburg)
  
• Hot Flash Heat Wave - Soaked (dream pop, oakland, pop, rock, bedroom pop, dreampop, new wave, post-punk, psychedelic rock, San Francisco)
  
• Human - Fractured Lands (improvisation, improvised, jazz, new music, London)
  
• Inertia - The Process (alternative, metal, pop, rock, alternative rock, ambient, dark, darkpop, djent, post-hardcore, post-rock, radio rock, Apple Valley)
  
• Miss Cantaloupe - Miss Cantaloupe (alternative, avant rock, enchanting, ethereal, fairytale, psychadelic, Philadelphia)
  
• Mutoid Man - War Moans (rock, metal, punk, New York)
  
• Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal - Under the Influence Suite (Jazz)
  
• Sikth - The Future in Whose Eyes? (Metal)
  
• Thunkfish - Renegades (jazz, experimental, funk, fusion jazz, pthronk, rock, sample-based, Edinburgh)
  
• Time Lurker - Time Lurker (black metal, atmospheric black metal, metal, atmospheric, France)
  
• Völur - Ancestors (ambient folk, metal, doom metal, folk, Toronto)
  

2018

• Spectral Wound - Infernal Decadence (black metal, metal, power pop, Montreal)

2019

• Alex Fournier Sextet - Triio (jazz, canada, canadian jazz, creative music, free jazz, improv, jazz, new music, toronto, Toronto)
  
• Bitter Lake - New Branches on Old Trees (metal, avant-garde metal, black metal, jazzcore, post black metal, United Kingdom)
  
• The Pen Club - Data Retrieval (contemporary jazz, jazz, free jazz, Sydney) Read our review.
  
• Άντη Σκορδή (Andys Skordis) - In… Se… (gamelan opera) Read our review.
  

2020

• Hex Wound - Averse to the Universe (blackened death metal)
  
• Pixel Archipelago - Intervallic Prism (experimental rock, microtonal)
  

2021

• Clément Janinet - La Litanie des cimes (contemporary classical)
  
• Ivy to Fraudulent Game - 再生する (Saisei suru) (math rock)
  
• Skeletonized Quartet - Future Shock (avant-garde jazz)
  

2022

• Black Particles - Loss Function (post-metal)
  
• Etno histeria World Orchestra - 2021 (folk)
  
• Neperia - Ptesmata (symphonic death metal)
  
• Nito - Awakening (post-rock)
  

2023

• A Fool's Errand - The Art of Leaving Things Behind (post-rock)
  
• Adjy - June Songs, Volume 1 (progressive folk rock)
  
• Æffect - Theory of Mind (progressive death metal)
  
• After Ours - Music for Cats (nu jazz)
  
• Ash Trio - Ash (jazz fusion)
  
• Cloutchaser - Metallica (mathcore)
  
• David T Little - Black Lodge (contemporary opera)
  
• Depuis l'abîme - L'Incendie (post-hardcore)
  
• Einar Solberg - 16 (pop)
  
• Gorgeous - Sapsucker (avant-prog)
  
• Goyard Ibn Said & غيث (Ghais Guevara) - Goyard Comin': Exordium (experimental hip-hop)
  
• Hills like White Lions - Meander (progressive metal)
  
• Illegal Crowns - Unclosed (free improvisation)
  
• Jack Cooper - Arrival (contemporary classical)
  
• John Liberatore, played by Zohn Collective - Catch Somewhere (chamber music)
  
• Joshua Jaswon Octet - Polar Waters (modern jazz)
  
• Kid Millions & Sarah Bernstein - Forest Park Live (free improvisation)
  
• Knower - Knower Forever (pop)
  
• Koningsor - Death Process (mathcore)
  
• Lars Fredrik Frøislie - Fire fortellinger (progressive rock)
  
• Lausch - Love & Order (alternative rock)
  
• Linda May Han Oh - The Glass Hours (modern jazz)
  
• Mary Ancheta Quartet - Level Up (jazz fusion)
  
• McKinley Dixon - Beloved! Paradise! Jazz‽ (hip-hop)
  
• Moral Collapse - Divine Prosthetics (progressive death metal)
  
• Nōn serviam - Death Ataraxia (experimental black metal)
  
• OK Goodnight - The Fox & the Bird (progressive rock)
  
• Phonem - Geometriks (modern jazz)
  
• Pupil Slicer - Blossom (mathcore)
  
• Quiet Sonia - Quiet Sonia (slowcore)
  
• Risin Sabotage - Macabre (stoner rock)
  
• Sarah Pagé - Voda (ambient classical)
  
• Sébastien Parent - Projet Seb Parent (big band jazz)
  
• Signe Emmeluth's Onomatopoesia - Syntax (modern jazz)
  
• Solarium - Aube/Nocturne (jazz fusion)
  
• Sophie Ellis-Bextor - 花 (Hana) (pop)
  
• Surema - Surema (post-metal)
  
• Thantifaxath - Hive Mind Narcosis (avant-garde black metal)
  
• Travis Orbin - Travis Orbin (progressive metal)
  
• Unfurl - Ascension (blackened post-hardcore)
  
• Vacuous - Katabasis (death metal)
  
• Void of Nihility - Above the Stars of God (avant-garde black metal)
  
• Vulfmon - Vulfnik (funk)
  
• Yoni Mayraz - Dybbuk Tse! (nu jazz)
  

DAY: MAY 31 2024
5-31-2024

RESEARCH SUGGESTS LEADERS’ SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS ARE TAKEN JUST AS SERIOUSLY AS FORMAL STATEMENTS

Over 180 world leaders maintain social media accounts, and some of them issue policy warnings to rivals and the public on these platforms rather than relying on traditional government statements. How seriously do people take such social media postings? A new study suggests the general public and policymakers alike take leaders’ social media posts just as seriously as they take formal government statements. The research, by MIT political scientists, deploys novel surveys of both the public and experienced foreign policy specialists. “What we find, which is really surprising, across both
5-31-2024

SCALE OF ONLINE HARM TO CHILDREN REVEALED IN GLOBAL STUDY

More than 300 million children a year are victims of online sexual exploitation and abuse, research indicates. Pupils in every classroom, in every school, in every country are victims of this hidden pandemic, according to researchers who have conducted the first global estimate of the scale of the crisis. The statistics, from the Childlight Global Child Safety Institute at the University of Edinburgh, amount to a clear and present danger to the world’s children, according to the crime agency Interpol. Online risks One in eight of the world’s children, about
5-31-2024

PRONATALISM IS THE LATEST SILICON VALLEY TREND. WHAT IS IT—AND WHY IS IT DISTURBING?

For Malcolm and Simone Collins, declining birth rates across many developed countries are an existential threat. The solution is to have “tons of kids,” and to use a hyperrational, data-driven approach to guide everything from genetic selection to baby names and day-to-day parenting. They don’t heat their Pennsylvania home in winter, because heating is a “pointless indulgence.” Their children wear iPads around their necks. And a Guardian journalist witnessed Malcolm strike their two-year-old across the face for misbehavior, a parenting style they apparently developed based on watching “tigers
5-31-2024

HOW SCIENCE, MATH, AND TECH CAN PROPEL SWIMMERS TO NEW HEIGHTS

One hundred years ago, in the 1924 Paris Olympics, American Johnny Weissmuller won the men’s 100m freestyle with a time of 59 seconds. Nearly 100 years later, in the most recent Olympics, the delayed 2020 Games in Tokyo, Caeleb Dressel took home the same event with a time that was 12 seconds faster than Weissmuller’s. Swimming times across the board have become much faster over the past century, a result of several factors, including innovations
5-31-2024

BANNING SEX CRIME OFFENDERS FROM CHANGING THEIR NAMES DOESN’T MAKE US SAFER

The government of British Columbia recently introduced a bill to ban people convicted of serious offenses from legally changing their name. The proposed amendment to the province’s Name Act would also prohibit those found not criminally responsible due to mental disorder from changing their name. The government announced the move after media reports that Allan Schoenborn legally changed his name to Ken Johnson. Schoenborn was found not criminally responsible for the deaths of his children in 2010 because of a delusional disorder, and was placed at a psychiatric hospital.
5-31-2024

SILICON VALLEY ISN’T THE START-UP UTOPIA WE THOUGHT, RESEARCH FINDS

Silicon Valley—considered the world’s hub of technology and innovation—can breed inequality and sameness among budding entrepreneurs, according to new research. Behind the multi-million-dollar deals and tales of start-up utopia, Silicon Valley’s “uneven” investment landscape is in fact a barrier to many budding businesses, says the study from the University of Stirling and Georg-August-University Göttingen. But the researchers suggest other countries could still learn from the more discerning entrepreneurial ecosystem that bred giants such as Apple and Google, to be more selective in backing start-ups. While it is not uncommon for
5-31-2024

I WANT TO KEEP MY CHILD SAFE FROM ABUSE—BUT RESEARCH TELLS ME I’M DOING IT WRONG

Child sexual abuse is uncomfortable to think about, much less talk about. The idea of an adult engaging in sexual behaviors with a child feels sickening. It’s easiest to believe that it rarely happens, and when it does, that it’s only to children whose parents aren’t protecting them. This belief stayed with me during my early days as a parent. I kept an eye out for creepy men at the playground and was skeptical of men who worked with young children, such as teachers and coaches. When my kids were
5-31-2024

OVER 300 MILLION YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED ONLINE SEXUAL ABUSE, EXPLOITATION, FINDS METASTUDY

It takes a lot to shock Kelvin Lay. My friend and colleague was responsible for setting up Africa’s first dedicated child exploitation and human trafficking units, and for many years he was a senior investigating officer for the Child Exploitation Online Protection Center at the UK’s National Crime Agency, specializing in extra territorial prosecutions on child exploitation across the globe. But what happened when he recently volunteered for a demonstration of cutting-edge identification software left him speechless. Within seconds of being fed with an image
5-31-2024

CYBERFLASHING IS A FORM OF GENDERED SEXUAL VIOLENCE THAT MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY

Sexting—sending sexually suggestive or explicit messages and images—is now a widespread practice, and can be a healthy way to express and explore sexuality. However, there is a need to distinguish between consensual sexting and forms of sexual harassment like cyberflashing. Cyberflashing refers to the act of non-consensually sending sexual imagery (like nudes or “dick pics”) to another person. It is facilitated through communications technologies including text, AirDrop and social media applications like Snapchat and Tinder. Similar to flashing—when a person unexpectedly and deliberately “flashes” their genitals to others—that occurs in
5-31-2024

VIRTUAL TRAINING MAY BE AN EFFECTIVE, COST-EFFICIENT OPTION FOR CHILD EDUCATORS

Teachers and other child educators can benefit from regular professional development, but in-person training can be expensive. New research found that virtual training can be a budget-friendly alternative—and especially effective for certain groups of educators. The study—a collaboration between researchers at Penn State and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and published in the International Journal of Professional Development, Learners and Learning—found that educators who took a virtual training reported feeling more confident in their abilities to implement practices shown to support positive youth development. In particular, after-school providers who did not
5-31-2024

HUMBLE LEADERS BOOST EMPLOYEES’ WORKPLACE STATUS AND LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL, FINDS STUDY

There are many different types of workplace leaders, from those who prioritize the needs of team members and the organization above their own, to authentic leaders who foster openness, trust and transparency. A recent study by the University of South Australia published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior has highlighted the significant benefits of humble leadership in the workplace. According to the study by UniSA’s Dr. Xiao Lin, humble leadership can effectively elevate the workplace status of employees by boosting their sense of respect and prominence. It also leads to
5-31-2024

WHY ARE GROCERY BILLS SO HIGH? A NEW STUDY LOOKS AT THE SCIENCE BEHIND FOOD PRICE REPORTING

Rising food costs are squeezing Canadians around the country. Nearly everyone is feeling the pinch, and it’s not just an inconvenience—high food prices are a major threat to food security for many Canadians. Understanding why food prices are so high and why they are changing is critical to the well-being of our society. Unfortunately, consensus on why food price are so high is in short supply. Explanations given in reports like Canada’s Food Price Report and the news media range widely, from the war in Ukraine to supply chain issues
5-31-2024

WILL GENERATIVE AI CHANGE THE WAY UNIVERSITIES COMMUNICATE?

Is artificial intelligence an unprecedented opportunity, or will it rob everyone of jobs and creativity? As we debate on social media (and perhaps use ChatGPT almost daily), generative AIs have also entered the arena of university communication. These tools—based on large language models that were optimized for interactive communication—can indeed support, expand, and innovate university communication offerings. Justus Henke has analyzed the situation of German realities about six months after the launch of ChatGPT 3. “The research was conducted about a year ago when enthusiasm was high, but it was
5-31-2024

STUDY SHOWS RELATIVELY LOW NUMBER OF SUPERSPREADERS RESPONSIBLE FOR LARGE PORTION OF MISINFORMATION ON TWITTER

Classification of superspreader accounts. A large portion (55.1%) of accounts are no longer active. For each class annotated with political affiliations, colors indicate the ideological split. The last group aggregates all accounts with political affiliations. Credit: PLOS ONE (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302201 A small team of social media analysts at Indiana University has found that a major portion of tweets spreading disinformation are sent by a surprisingly small percentage of a given userbase. In their study, published in PLOS ONE, the group conducted a review of 2,397,388 tweets posted on Twitter
5-31-2024

HOW LIFE’S BIG MOMENTS CAN CHALLENGE STARTUPS

Life-changing events like the birth of a child, the purchase of a new home, or a lottery win could threaten the survival of a new business venture, the positive family events had a comparatively greater influence, albeit negatively, on the survival of a new venture, compared with
5-31-2024

RUDE AT WORK? FEELING GUILTY CAN MAKE YOU A BETTER, KINDER WORKER

We’ve all done it. A bad night’s sleep or a tough commute made us cranky, and we lashed out at a coworker who did nothing wrong. What can we do to make up for it? According to a new study published in the Journal of Business Ethics, embracing our guilty feelings can help us make up for our bad behavior by encouraging us to act more politely and work harder the next day. “We found that anyone can be rude at work, because anyone can
5-31-2024

RESEARCHERS INTRODUCE A PLANETARY INCLUSION SCALE TO FOSTER BROADER ETHICAL THINKING

Social inclusion and having a sense of belonging with other people are key elements of a good life. However, the fate of humanity is a challenge that extends beyond our social reality. Experiences of belonging and inclusion, understood in a broader sense than before, may be crucial for a sustainable future. In an article published in the International Journal of Social Pedagogy, a team of researchers propose a new planetary inclusion scale that structures our planetary relationship three-dimensionally based on temporal, spatial and ethical orientation. The temporal element relates to
5-31-2024

‘LEAN IN’ MESSAGES CAN LOWER WOMEN’S MOTIVATION TO PROTEST GENDER INEQUALITY

Women in leadership are often told to “Lean In,” designed to be motivational messaging demonstrating that they are more confident, strategic and resilient to setback. However, new research indicates that such “lean in” messaging can hinder women’s motivation to protest gender equality. Popularized in a book by American technology executive Sherly Sandberg, the “Lean In” solution to gender inequality advises women that demonstrating personal resilience and perseverance in the face of setbacks is key to career advancement. Now, a new study led by the University of Exeter, Bath Spa University
5-31-2024

ALGORITHMS COULD HELP IMPROVE JUDICIAL DECISIONS

A new paper in the Quarterly Journal of Economics finds that replacing certain judicial decision-making functions with algorithms could improve outcomes for defendants by eliminating some of the systemic biases of judges. Decision makers make consequential choices based on predictions of unknown outcomes. Judges, in particular, make decisions about whether to grant bail to defendants or how to sentence those convicted. Companies now use machine learning based models increasingly in high-stakes decisions. There are various assumptions about human behavior underlying the deployment of such learning models that play out in
5-31-2024

DIGITAL CAMPAIGNING IS A HUGE PART OF ELECTIONS NOW—BUT GOING VIRAL ISN’T EVERYTHING

The election has commenced and the race is on—to amass as many likes, shares and comments as possible. Digital campaigning, particularly through social media, is now a key part of political candidates’ communication toolkit. In fact, every general election campaign since 1997 has at some point been lauded as the first to make effective use of digital campaigning. But it was in 2015 that David Cameron’s campaign first made strategic use of social media to drive an election victory. As political reporter Tim Ross outlines in his excellent book, Why
5-31-2024

WHY ARE ORGANIZATIONAL COVER-UPS SO COMMON?

The TV dramatization of the UK Horizon Post Office scandal evoked outrage and disbelief. However, as another example of dysfunctional organizational behavior, it was expected rather than exceptional. The Post Office saga joins a long list of cover-ups or scandals that includes Hillsborough, Enron, Grenfell, the infected blood scandal, the Tuam babies scandal in the Republic of Ireland, Boeing 737 Max and Nasa (Columbia space shuttle). They represent what happens when there is a move within organizations and institutions to cover up the causes of
5-31-2024

AMONG GEN Z AUSTRALIANS, 38% IDENTIFY AS SPIRITUAL AND HALF BELIEVE IN KARMA. WHY IS SPIRITUALITY SO POPULAR?

Spirituality is increasingly popular with young Australians: recent research shows 38% of Gen Z Australians identify as spiritual. It also reports 50% of them believe in karma, 29% in reincarnation and 20% in astrology. When it comes to activities equated with spirituality, 28% of Gen Z Australians practice meditation and 22% practice yoga. In Australia, spirituality is strongly, enduringly central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and culturally and religiously diverse communities. Yet until recently, spirituality has received far less attention than religion. Spirituality may be
5-31-2024

COMPANIES CAN IMPROVE THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS IN THE EARLIEST PRODUCT-DESIGN STAGES

An interdisciplinary team of researchers from Lithuanian and Italian universities propose a tool that allows companies to assess the circularity of their future products. The self-assessment tool emphasizes the co-creation of circular design in the early (creative) stages of product development, encouraging entrepreneurs and designers to think more systematically and collaborate better by integrating related stakeholders into the product development process. The study is published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology. “The majority of existing practical tools (systems of indicators) are aimed at measuring the environmental impact of products already
5-31-2024

RESEARCH EXAMINES HOW RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION AFFECTS A STATE’S COLLEGE ENROLLMENT

New research has revealed up to a 9% increase in college first-year enrollments in US states that have legalized recreational marijuana compared with states without such legalization. The study, which is published in Economic Inquiry, found that the increase was from out-of-state enrollments, with early adopter states and public non-research institutions experiencing the most pronounced increases. Recreational marijuana legalization did not negatively impact degree completion or graduation rate, and it did not affect college prices, quality, or in?state enrollment. The findings suggest that some students perceive recreational marijuana legalization as
5-31-2024

RESEARCH EXAMINES HOW RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION AFFECTS A STATE’S COLLEGE ENROLLMENT

New research has revealed up to a 9% increase in college first-year enrollments in US states that have legalized recreational marijuana compared with states without such legalization. The study, which is published in Economic Inquiry, found that the increase was from out-of-state enrollments, with early adopter states and public non-research institutions experiencing the most pronounced increases. Recreational marijuana legalization did not negatively impact degree completion or graduation rate, and it did not affect college prices, quality, or in?state enrollment. The findings suggest that some students perceive recreational marijuana legalization as
5-31-2024

HOW THE ‘MODEL MINORITY’ MYTH HARMS ASIAN AMERICANS

May is Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month, a time when Americans celebrate the profound contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders—a group that is commonly abbreviated as AAPI—to U.S. society. It’s also a time to acknowledge the complexity of AAPI experience. And as a professor who studies equity and inclusion in business, I think the focus on AAPI communities this month provides an excellent occasion to push back against a stereotype that has long misrepresented and marginalized a diverse range of people: the myth of the “model minority.” The
5-31-2024

WONDERING HOW TO TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT CONSENT? HERE’S AN AGE-BASED GUIDE TO GET YOU STARTED

The Australian government’s new campaign Consent Can’t Wait challenges us all to improve our understanding of consent. It asks a series of questions to illustrate this issue is more complex than simplistic “no means no” messaging. The campaign invites viewers to consider the nuances of consent, so we can raise these important issues with children and young people in our lives. But what is a good age to start talking about consent? How do parents tackle such conversations when this information probably wasn’t readily discussed in our own upbringing? How
5-31-2024

A PRODUCT OF NATURE OR NURTURE?

The concept of cultural entrepreneurship has many facets. It encompasses both the cultural and social impact of entrepreneurial training, and the environmental factors that influence its development. Some societies, such as the U.S., have a strong entrepreneurial culture. This means that certain characteristics are celebrated and encouraged, such as the ability of individuals to assume risks, patience when confronting challenges, and innovative problem solving, especially in uncertain situations. However, not all countries have such an entrepreneurial culture. Entrepreneurship struggles to take off in Europe In general, entrepreneurship can drive economic
5-31-2024

STUDY BRIDGES ANIMAL BEHAVIOR RESEARCH AND COMPUTER CODING TO ENGAGE CHILDREN IN STEM

A graphic depicting a student coding. Credit: Carnegie Mellon University Teachers today face a bit of a conundrum, according to a new study from researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and the Rochester Institute of Technology. Their goal is to prepare young students to enter a rapidly changing world. Even basic jobs require technical proficiency, which requires computational and analytical skills. To address this need, many educators are pushing to fold these important STEM skills into elementary curriculum. Here’s the problem. Young students can lose interest and even develop an aversion
5-31-2024

STUDY SHOWS VR CAN HELP TEACHERS BETTER DISTRIBUTE THEIR GAZE

On the left, a bird’s-eye view of the virtual classroom; on the right, screenshots of each of the four gaze-visualization conditions. Teachers need to know their material, but they must also keep their students engaged and interested. Part of that involves making eye contact with their students—all of them. A multidisciplinary team of researchers tested several methods of data visualization in an immersive virtual reality (VR) classroom, to give teachers a way to gauge
5-31-2024

MARKETERS CAN MANAGE ‘FEATURE CREEP’ SO CONSUMERS FEEL LESS INTIMIDATED BY TOO MANY FEATURES IN A PRODUCT

Wifi-enabled washing machines. Voice-controlled microwaves. App-enabled TVs, vacuum cleaners, and even window blinds you can control from the comfort of your couch. Many of the technological features now included in everyday products are useful and accessible. But research has shown that having too many can overwhelm potential buyers, making them less likely to make a purchase. In recent research, Wayne Hoyer, marketing professor and James L. Bayless/William S. Farrish Fund Chair for Free Enterprise at Texas McCombs, digs into the phenomenon of “feature creep” and its impact on consumer sentiment.
5-31-2024

RESEARCHERS EXPLAIN SOCIAL MEDIA’S ROLE IN RAPIDLY SHIFTING SOCIAL NORMS ON GENDER AND SEXUALITY

A new paper summarizing decades of research demonstrates how social media has supported an explosion of diversity in gender and sexuality in America during the 21st century, and also how these technologies have equally enabled a cultural backlash. The paper’s authors, UC Santa Cruz Psychology Department faculty members Phil Hammack and Adriana Manago, identified five main narratives about gender and sexuality that they believe emerged through social media as people have strived to be “authentic” on these platforms. The findings, along with resulting recommendations for psychology researchers and practitioners, were
5-31-2024

KEY FACTORS IN TRAINING ASSESSORS FOR ENHANCED PERFORMANCE RATINGS

New research is examining how organizations can improve their training programs by customizing frame-of-reference training to emphasize identifying negative behaviors critical to their goals. While assessors naturally identify positive behaviors, C. Allen Gorman, Ph.D., associate professor in UAB’s Department of Management, Information Systems and Quantitative Methods, says targeted training helps them recognize harmful actions that can hinder organizational objectives. Involving assessors in defining important performance dimensions and examples of behaviors, both good and
5-31-2024

STUDIES CHALLENGE WIDELY HELD BELIEFS ON APPLICANT DIVERSITY AND WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE

Justin Frake is interested in cause-and-effect relationships in real-world data and the hidden dynamics that shape workplace behavior and equality—or inequality, as the case might be. His curiosity has led to research that challenges some popular beliefs as well as published studies related to women in the workforce. One study shows that firms promoting flatter hierarchies inadvertently discourage female applicants and another study counters several recent studies that claim women CEOs negatively impact career outcomes of other women. Both are published in the Strategic Management Journal. The assistant professor of
5-31-2024

CHALLENGING LEWIN’S MOTIVATIONAL CONFLICTS THEORY

A recent series of experiments challenges the longstanding theory of motivational conflict resolution introduced by Kurt Lewin. According to Lewin, conflicts between two undesirable outcomes (avoidance–avoidance conflicts) are typically harder to resolve than those between two desirable ones (approach–approach conflicts). Lewin posited that avoidance–avoidance conflicts, where individuals must choose between two undesirable outcomes, are typically more challenging to resolve compared to approach–approach conflicts, which involve choosing between two desirable options.
5-31-2024

MEN WITH ‘TOXIC MASCULINITY’ ARE MORE LIKELY TO MAKE SEXUAL ADVANCES WITHOUT CONSENT, STUDY FINDS

No means no when it comes to sex. But what happens when a woman makes a more passive response to a sexual advance? According to new research from Binghamton University, men differ in how they interpret these types of responses, and men who display hostile masculinity, known commonly as “toxic masculinity,” tend to act on them regardless of whether or not they think it’s consensual. A team of researchers, including Binghamton psychology professor Richard Mattson and graduate student Michael Shaw asked men between the ages of 18–25 to respond to
5-31-2024

WHY WE DEHUMANIZE OUR POLITICAL OPPONENTS

Some of human history’s greatest atrocities—genocide, slavery, ethnic cleanings—are rooted in our ability to dehumanize people from other social, political, or cultural groups. Whereas prior research has traced dehumanization to the belief that others think or feel less than we do, new research co-authored by Haas professor Sameer Srivastava shows that our tendency to dehumanize can also be influenced by how we think others view important facets of the world. The greater the difference between our perceptions of an outgroup’s worldview
5-31-2024

STUDY SUGGESTS CHILDREN ARE OFTEN EXPOSED TO PROBLEMATIC CLICK BAIT DURING YOUTUBE SEARCHES

When a child peruses YouTube, the content recommended to them is not always age appropriate, a new study suggests. Researchers mimicked search behaviors of children using popular search terms, such as memes, Minecraft and Fortnite, and captured video thumbnails recommended at the end of each video. Among the 2,880 thumbnails analyzed, many contained problematic click bait, such as violence or frightening images, according to the Michigan Medicine led research in JAMA Network Open. “Children spend a significant amount of time on free video sharing platforms that include user-generated content,” said
5-31-2024

STUDY FINDS WOMEN ARE VULNERABLE IN POST-WAR PEACE PROCESSES

Post-war peace processes are a dangerous period for women. Many are forced to live close to men who committed serious abuse during the war or are expected to testify in various types of truth commissions, which can be both retraumatizing and stigmatizing. These are the findings of a new study by peace researchers at Uppsala University, published in the journal PLOS ONE. “In short, peace projects can force women to live side by side with ex-combatants who committed atrocities during the war. This puts them at risk of further threat
5-31-2024

HOW EMBRACING THE CRINGE CAN HELP YOUR DATING LIFE

We can all agree that dating is hard. Getting to know people can feel vulnerable, but at the same time, exciting. We can also agree that feeling rejected can be one of the worst feelings, especially after we put ourselves out there. Dating can also expose us to a lot of cringey things, maybe even something we didn’t know we’d consider cringey. Think of cringe like something that makes you uncomfortable, or something about someone else that you don’t find attractive. Before dating, most of us consider what we’re looking
5-31-2024

PERSONAL CONNECTIONS AT WORK POSITIVELY IMPACT RETENTION AND MENTAL HEALTH, SAYS REPORT

New survey results from Wiley suggest people still feel connected at work despite the prevalence of hybrid and remote work environments and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). According to the latest Wiley Workplace Intelligence report, “Human Connection: The Crucial Secret to Thriving in the Digital Age,” nearly 8 in 10 employees surveyed (78%) said they feel connected with their coworkers, and almost 7 in 10 (69%) said they also enjoy making connections with their colleagues. Around half even said they want to learn more about their coworkers by doing
5-31-2024

RESEARCHER DEVELOPS MODEL OF INFLUENCER IMPORTANCE WITHIN INSTAGRAM NETWORKS

A study has provided new insights into social media influencers, particularly focusing on those in the women’s fashion sector on the well-known image and video sharing platform Instagram. In a departure from the approach taken by earlier studies, Jens K. Perret of the International School of Management in Cologne, Germany, has used network statistics and centrality measures to establish a model of influencer importance within their network. Perret analyzed data from 255 influencers covering a four-year period. Influencers are loosely
5-31-2024

MOST PEOPLE TRUST ACCURATE SEARCH RESULTS WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGH, STUDY FINDS

Rank (X-axis) does not affect the evaluation of trustworthiness (Y-axis, mean-centered) of accurate results. This lack of relationship is robust across experiments (columns) and for clicked results (top row, red) as well as non-clicked results (bottom row, blue). The trend lines represent the predicted change in trustworthiness ratings per unit decrease in rank fitted by the linear regression models. Credit: Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61645-8 Using experiments with COVID-19 related queries, Cornell sociology and information science researchers found that in a public health emergency, most people pick out and click
5-31-2024

MISLEADING COVID-19 HEADLINES FROM MAINSTREAM SOURCES DID MORE HARM ON FACEBOOK THAN FAKE NEWS, STUDY FINDS

Despite the greater potency of “fake news” on Facebook to discourage Americans from taking the COVID-19 vaccine, users’ greater exposure to unflagged, vaccine-skeptical content meant the latter had a much greater negative effect on vaccine uptake. Credit: Jennifer Allen, Duncan Watts, David G. Rand Since the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in 2021, fake news on social media has been widely blamed for low vaccine uptake in the United States—but research by MIT Sloan School of Management Ph.D. candidate Jennifer Allen and Professor David Rand finds that the blame lies
5-31-2024

CRITICAL DIALOGUE HELPS STRAIGHT MEN CONFRONT SEXIST, HOMOPHOBIC BELIEFS

Adult heterosexual men with sexist and homophobic views can potentially improve their attitudes toward gay men and women by engaging in critical dialogues that use illustrations as a springboard, according to a new University of Michigan study. The work is published in the journal Sexual and Gender Diversity in Social Services. The process by which people shift from a prejudicial stance to one of relative acceptance is a key innovation of the study. Guided by trained facilitators, critical dialogues reflect illustrations depicting different gender roles and sexual identities. The images
5-31-2024

RELIEVING A FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING

If you dread public speaking you are not alone. It is a leading social phobia, one that can cause a state of anxiety that reduces otherwise articulate people to nervous incoherence. A strong fear of public speaking is known as glossophobia. Academic studies estimate it affects 20% of the population, but depending on the sample and methodology, the figure could be as high as 40%. As American writer and humourist Mark Twain said, “There are two types of speakers: Those who get nervous and those who are liars.” But help
5-31-2024

HOW SOME PRIVATE COMPANIES ARE MARKETING TECH AND AI SOLUTIONS

How do universities and colleges decide who to admit? Given the earnings advantage of a post-secondary degree both globally and in Canada, this is an important social mobility question. While the answer varies from one institution to the next, most focus on education criteria like exam scores and grades. However, Canada’s new intake cap on study permit applications puts increased pressure on Canadian institutions to also consider immigration criteria when admitting international undergraduate students. This is just the latest example of immigration’s growing influence on the societal roles of Canadian