#pursuing benefit versus

[yourstardarling]

Scorpio Through The Houses: Part 2

Scorpio 7th house: You are married to death. This is the literal embodiment of corpse bride. You love relationship connections with people that transform you. There’s a deep need to want a partner that feels secure and powerful enough to defend you. While others may fear your partner, you find a deep sense of safety around them. There’s definitely an air of mystery surrounding your love life and relationships. People think you are closed off when it comes to speaking about your love life and you like to keep it that way. However, there may be a tendency to be very possessive and protective of your partner. Likewise you may want a partner that is obsessive over you. While this can be seen as negative, the truth is you just desire someone that you can share the chaos in your life with. You want your relationships secure because you want to feel like you can fully express the deepest parts of your emotions and share your secrets. A desire to be consumed by your connections with other people and be transformed to a whole new being. You want to be changed through the relationships you have. Other people may fear you because you can be seen as someone who is very picky about who you hang around. The truth is you value loyalty, so you’re very skeptical about who you want to lean on.

Scorpio 8th house: This one was a little hard for me to describe as the themes of the 8th house and Scorpio somewhat merge into one another. However, what separates Scorpio in the 8th versus other houses is that these individuals will strive for death. There is an innate understanding of the cycles of death and rebirth. They charge fearlessly into danger and deadly situations in order to become renewed. It’s probably because they have inherited a lot of trauma and dealing with difficult challenges growing up. Once they get down to uncovering the shadows that have plagued their past, they become very skilled at dealing with things that others are scared of. Unafraid at diving head first into the void and coming out transformed. Reckless behavior can be an issue though because of the idea that you’ve dealt with death before so you can do it again. Other people fear your ability to still remain unscathed and brave even through the darkest times. Scorpio here is really a reservoir of personal power and endurance. It’s a placement of building tough skin to deal with the pains of life.

Scorpio 9th house: Death is seen as something worthy to be revered. Scorpio on the 9th depicts how you deal with themes of faith and belief. These individuals believe that death is a part of life that we all must go through. Death is seen through a philosophical lens for them. Whatever belief system they have can help cope with the inevitability of death. They pursue and try to learn more about the darker themes of life. Higher education and travel are very important for you, as it transforms your understanding about the world around you. These are the people that come back after a trip and are a completely different human being. A deep desire to understand the pain and emotional complexities of humanity in a wider lens. This might lead you to pursuing psychology, diving into the occult and learning about things considered taboo. Some will fear your beliefs and the amount of knowledge you may have. Knowledge especially about things that aren’t usually spoken about. Others will think you are psychic for being able to point out the shadows in their own lives. Many will rally behind your beliefs and support as they believe you have valuable information to offer. The issue is when you manipulate the information you know and using knowledge for your own personal benefit.

Scorpio 10th house: Scorpio here shows that you meet death within the public eye. The way you have changed and grown over the years is put on full display for others to see. They are oftentimes viewed as someone who is deadly and can face a lot of demonizing scrutiny. I’ve noticed a lot of people can be obsessed with the transformations these people have made. You will probably have to deal with authority figures being threatened by you. Tendency to be called a liar and receive hate for not being the same person others believed you to be. When it comes to your career, you may face a workplace where your coworkers and bosses are afraid of you. So you will have to deal with these people alienating and trying to diminish you. The reason being is because they see the amount of potential you have. There is an innate ability to become someone that transforms the way things are done. Being able to change how the industry you are in functions and having radical ideas to push things further. The public view of you can be filled with people that are obsessed and protective over your business accomplishments. As well as, people that will try to not give you credit for all the hard work you have done. Whatever field of career you choose can involve you looking into the darker themes of that field.

Scorpio 11th house: Death is your best friend with Scorpio in the 11th. You have dealt with constant changes and challenges when it comes to your network of friends. A lot of your friend groups have significantly shifted over time. There is a tendency to keep company with people that have faced significant hardships in their lives. It’s because you like to make friends with people that will transform you. You learn a lot from them and become anew through them. Stagnant friendships and connections don’t sit right with you. There has to be an evolution involved in order to be your friend. This might make you secretive about the people you hang around. That’s cause others may view your friends as intimidating and scary. You personally have built deep emotional bonds with your friends that others can’t see. So you become protective and hide your friendships from facing scrutiny. Some of your friends though, can be shady people. You may have dealt with a lot of backstabbing in the past so you are very picky on who you like to keep company. A negative aspect of this would be not trusting the people in your community. Feeling like you don’t need friends or anyone to support your needs. This lack of trust can cause you to even become slightly manipulative and controlling over your friends. So be careful and remember that you will find friends that demonstrate loyalty.

Scorpio 12th house: In the 12th house, Scorpio symbolizes meeting death when you are alone. These people face death on their own. The constant internal battles and transformation they face are kept hidden behind the scenes. These are the type of people to have a fun and optimistic exterior, but once alone can become pessimistic. The reason being is when you are alone, that is when you can see your own shadow. All the deepest parts of yourself, traumatic events and wounds are brought up to the surface. It can be terrifying to some as it is parts of your psyche that has been kept hidden away. You can sometimes have random flashbacks of events that have been painful to you that you believed you outgrew. The issue lies when these people are afraid of being by themselves. Don’t be afraid as this is a great source of your power. You gain a lot of insight and knowledge when you are alone. Isolation is extremely transformative in order to help you become a better version of yourself. Treat your alone time with a lot of love and care. Learning to be a nurturing figure when no one is around is key for your self development. This is why others may fear your ability to withstand being by yourself and still retaining your personal power.

The End

#scorpio astrology #Scorpio through the houses #scorpio moodboard #scorpio sun #scorpio #astro community #astrology #astrology observations #astro notes #scorpio moon

[collegetennisoriginstory]

Interesting question re: the f! versus m! versions of the LIs. This is just personal taste, I don't think any of them are more or less loveable based on gender!, but I do think f!Rayyan is more attractive to me than her male counterpart, while for G & Sam it's the opposite - I exclusively romance their male counterparts. Tobin is the same for me in both versions, but I still prefer f!Tobin simply because I prefer playing as a woman hehe. For context, I am a bisexual woman leaning more towards women, buuut I'm really into gnc women and I guess G and Sam both just feel like they fall outside a category I am attracted to :'o f!G feels more femme fatale as a woman, and f!Sam is very cute.

This is supremely intriguing, thank you so much for answering!! I absolutely live for interactions like this!

My answer became a goddamn ESSAY (holy shit I'm sorry) but I'd definitely love to hear more of you guy's thoughts on this, cause this is super interesting to me!

For G, I totally agree. I feel the pivotal traits that shape them (cynicism, stoicism about life and what life throws at them, adapting to circumstance, instead of stubbornly sticking to 'what they want', their parents' divorce, being caught between worlds and used to living in multiple places at once—Canadian-French from their mom and French-French from their dad, their intense commitment to their belief that things don't last, and you can't expect them to) feel more... attractive to me in a woman than a man (because lord knows we have enough flaky non-committal men in this world), but I think that's probably a subjective opinion.

For Tobin, I think it's inevitable that their softness/gentleness AND their queerness is influenced by their gender, and I love that idea, and I hope to explore more of that later on. For M!Tobin, I feel like they've always had to deal with the fact that they're a little "too" soft for what the world expects from them (a black american in the ultimately super-machismo world of sports), and they've always at least "fit in" with the rest of their team because of their athletic prowess AND how much attention they get from the ladies. Now, exploring their sexuality, having to come to terms with the fact that they are attracted to men as well (and what to do with that information)... I think it adds an extra layer of vulnerability.

As for F!Tobin, I think there's similar tensions—but in different ways. E.g. maybe they're the way they are, so gentle and considerate and kind because, in some ways, they're compensating (subconsciously or consciously) with the stereotype that black women athletes are "too powerful", "too fierce", and they've only ever wanted to be accepted, respected, loved, hence they've always been softer than they have to be, kinder than they have to be, more considerate etc. etc. But then they met MC, and perhaps they're learning to put that all away, and just... be. Without fear of being "too much"—with MC reassuring them that they're OK just the way they are, and that their strength and courage does not need to be tempered for anyone else's benefit.

And finally, for Rayyan, again, I absolutely agree—there's something about F!Rayyan and how, coming from a conservative immigrant Muslim family (e.g. there was that scene with a brief mention of how their dad never even thought they should be serious about turning pro, becoming a professional athlete especially because she's a girl), she's probably had to fight for absolutely everything she's wanted in this world, and that's why she's so steely on the outside, why she's so unapologetic about pursuing the things she wants because god knows the amount of sacrifice she's already put in. There's still that dimension in M!Rayyan, being an immigrant, threading that line between wanting to do their family proud, wanting to pursue their own dreams, ambition—so much ambition—but also fierce loyalty, and uncompromising, unyielding courage.

Sam feels the most... unchanged whether or not I imagine them as female or male, the experiences that made them the way they are (and how they interact with MC) are the same (e.g. being in love with your best friend, being extremely open about experimenting with literally any type of human romantically except the ONE person they actually love and trust with all their heart, scattered loveable goofball tennis nerd that they are).

#college tennis: origin story #ct:os #if #interactive fiction #asks #rayyan #tobin #sam #g #gender

[bloodywankers]

Your take on yan Bachira was 👌👌👌

Since you mentioned that darling has no monster and both of yall understand each other, imagine yan Bachira with f!darling similar to him; a talented athlete who has a monster too, and that monster of yours was the one who leads you to your success.

However, that same monster of yours was the one who encouraged you to never have deep relationships with people, only form relationships due to certain benefits, and isolate yourself; basically making sure you never let anyone get close to you (maybe darling's "monster" is her coping mechanism manifesting itself? Who knows).

Bachira being excited because there's someone out there similar to him and he's not entirely the only one with a monster, but his darling's monster was the one who made her distant from him.

Trigger Warning! Yandere Meguru Bachira! Unedited!

Life is hard when you’re labelled a weirdo by all your peers and even those that do share a common interest with you find you “too intense” for no better way to put it.

No one understood you, not like Bachira did. He sympathised with you. He talked about the same monster that pushed you to pursue your dreams with such ardent passion.

Bachira likes you, he enjoys your company and your endless rambling about your dreams and aspirations, he also loves it when you listen to him muse on and on about football and about the new players he’s been obsessed with.

Friendships are hard—they require time and effort, which you could instead be pouring into bettering yourself. You like his company just as much as he does yours but you don’t crave validation as much as you crave victory.

You enjoy speaking to him and knowing you’re not alone but you enjoy winning more, and there's nothing you hate more than a loss that could have been avoided had you just worked harder.

This is where Bachira starts to notice a conflict in interests.

Maybe this is post-Blue Lock so by now he's quite well accomplished— so are you in your own right— but it's come at the cost of your relationship. You don’t meet nearly as often, don’t reply to his messages as quickly as he’d like you to, nor do you attend any of his matches anymore.

He likes seeing you achieve all these things, for the monster within you to grow larger but he has dreams and aspirations too, not just football. He also wants to spend time with you and talk to you and ramble to you about his day and wake up to you.

It’s your dream versus his now and as much as it pains him, he’s willing to sacrifice yours. After all, if this is all it took to subdue you, then maybe your monster wasn't all that strong to begin with.

But it’s alright, you can have new dreams, ones that involve him.

Masterlist

#yandere #yandere character #yandere x reader #blue lock #yandere blue lock #yandere blue lock x you #yandere blue lock x reader #bachira meguru #yandere meguru bachira #yandere bachira #yandere bachira x reader #yandere asks

[rapeculturerealities]

Trans youth health care and media: What to understand about how the debate is covered.

Here are some things we know about gender-affirming health care: We know that the number of young patients being seen by gender clinics has increased, and that the gender balance of these young patients has changed, with more female-assigned youth seeking care. (We don’t see the same gender imbalance outside of clinics, where young people identify as trans in roughly equal numbers regardless of birth-assigned sex.) We also know that autism is more common in trans youth than in the broader population.

We don’t know why these things are true. Nonetheless, these facts have helped spur a wave of coverage and concern around gender-affirming health care for young people experiencing gender dysphoria. This concern presents itself on the front page of the New York Times, in New York magazine, in the account of a woman who used to work at a gender clinic. At the heart of this concern—among good-faith debaters, those who are not merely trying to ban access for all trans people—is the idea that young people today who are identifying as trans may grow out of it, and come to deeply regret treatments like cross-sex hormones or surgeries. (It’s worth saying upfront that only a minority of young people who experience gender dysphoria are even receiving these treatments.)

We know that research on gender-affirming care for tweens and teens has shown generally positive results, and that side effects are usually mild (and that medical treatments always pose trade-offs). We know that accessing gender-affirming care can be extremely difficult. But it’s true that we don’t know how teens who are treated today with, say, puberty blockers will feel about that treatment 50 years from now.

There are—speaking extremely broadly—two things to do about the unknowns in gender-affirming care, and the expanding, and underserved, patient population. We could work to increase access and reduce barriers, to help patients have access to a promising treatment. We could do this with the understanding that medical choices always involve a highly personal calculus of benefit versus downsides and risks. Or, we could react to the increase in patients seeking treatment with broad-brush skepticism, positing that the new patients won’t necessarily benefit the way previous, but much smaller, cohorts have. We can make minimizing any chance of regret in pursuing gender-affirming medicine and procedures the centerpiece of our policies. The first side wants to reduce standardized gatekeeping around procedures, leaving the matter of the right age at which to, say, undergo top surgery up to the doctor, parents, and teen. Guidance in this case looks like providing doctors with some general things to consider, such as how long the teen has identified as another gender, how much distress they’re experiencing, and whether there are other mental health concerns. The second side worries that allowing access to top surgery for young people at all is reckless, and could lead to regret.

#Trans #Transition #Detransition #Trans youth #protect trans youth #transgender

[sweaterkittensahoy]

Dumb shit I learned from youtube shorts tonight: Brown rice contains noticeably more arsenic than white rice.

And people were using this fact to try and sound scary.

Except.

And my god please note the except.

That doesn't actually mean sweet fuckall in 1) how much arsenic is contained in EITHER rice.

AND ALSO IF IT FUCKING MATTERS IN THE LONG RUN.

If I may give you a crash course in fuckery: If someone is talking a big game about a food being BAD because "WELL IT HAS A BAD THING" but a quick google does not actually turn up any information that proves the "bad thing" is truly "bad"? That's grifters grifting.

Here's an abstract (the thing that tells you the bare bones of the study results) from a study:

Brown rice has been advocated for as a healthier alternative to white rice. However, the concentration of arsenic and other pesticide contaminants is greater in brown rice than in white. The potential health risks and benefits of consuming more brown rice than white rice remain unclear; thus, mainstream nutritional messaging should not advocate for brown rice over white rice. This mini-review aims to summarize the most salient concepts related to dietary arsenic exposure with emphasis on more recent findings and provide consumers with evidence of both risks and benefits of consuming more brown rice than white rice. Despite risk-benefit assessments being a challenging new frontier in nutrition, researchers should pursue an assessment to validate findings and solidify evidence. In the interim, consumers should be cognizant that the dose of arsenic exposure determines its toxicity, and brown rice contains a greater concentration of arsenic than white rice.

From info later in the article: Arsenic as an idea is bad. But arsenic is also environmental. It's literally fucking everywhere. Arsenic in food is a worldwide thing.

From other info in the article: Our testing on why brown rice is better or worse than any other rice has some serious fuckboy testing vibes, and any negatives can't be directly related to arsenic.

In cases like this, I tend to rely on the following incredibly casual metric to decide where I land: If this thing you're claiming is bad for all of us was actually bad for all of us, the science would show it. While there are fuckboy techniques in testing the advantages of brown rice versus others, if brown rice was causing people serious medical issues because the arsenic levels were bad in general, that would be very obvious from any level of review.

Even with the fuckboy test questions about brown rice, if the problem was that the level of arsenic was harming people, we would see it in the available testing.

To say "brown rice has arsenic, so it's bad" is bullshit. It's like saying "If you drink at all, your liver will fail."

#science #food science #a reminder that dietician is a protected term #all other forms of food-doctor are horseshit

[straightfromthetorturedpoetsdept]

Birdie and Whiskey are two sides of the same coin: a white woman trying to exploit patriarchy to work in her benefit.

You're not supposed to like Whiskey because she is shown as self-aware of her actions AND the harm that she in engaging in by endorsing patriarchy BUT Birdie is shown as more "sympathetic" because the way she endorses patriarchy is through her interpersonal relationship to Miles and therefore her agency gets diminished because of her love for Miles.

However, Birdie is even more insidious of a character than Whiskey is because she justifies her actions to herself as being well-intentioned because she loves Miles. But she doesn't love Miles. She loved controlling Miles, she loved the power she felt when Miles told her "I can't believe I'm talking to you, you're on magazines." If I was in that situation, it would come off very strong to me but Birdie likes it because she interprets it as having power over Miles.

Miles is not as attractive as Birdie, but he has money. When she was young, she saw it as her beauty having power over him. But because she's used to her beauty doing all the work for her, she's never had to be intelligent. She's fed and believed this lie that beauty is the most important thing a woman has and her stupidity is her ultimate downfall because if she thought about what it meant to be beautiful in this society, she'd know she was dooming herself to fail because a woman is only beauty until her 30th birthday in America.

But here's the thing, Whiskey is young. She represents a different version of Birdie, a smarter version of Birdie who is more aware of feminist theory but is still blinded by her youth, race, and beauty. She's bought into the lie that beauty is all that matters but she doesn't like how that causes men like Duke to abuse her and basically sex traffick her. She's waking up to the harm that the "mandom" perpetuates and is shown to be conflicted over that versus pursuing a career in politics.

She knows that beauty can be used as a weapon but she is also aware of how rapidly she is aging out of that category and I think the difference between Birdie and Whiskey is really their intelligence. I love it.

#birdie is clinging onto her youthful innocence because she knows that to be beautiful is to be excused for your bad behavior as a woman #whereas whiskey knows that there is an age limit to beauty and she needs to pivot her career if she wants to be independent from men #she doesn't want to be like birdie washed up because birdie is the definition of a pick me woman #and whiskey represents a realistic reforming pick me woman where she recognizes that its not cool to be dependent on men anymore #and women are expected to be independent and that change in mindset is made clear throughout her character arc #glass onion #birdie jay #whiskey (glass onion) #im obsessed with the morally grey characters in this movie because wow the writing again #amazing writing #movie analysis #personal

[bayes-astro]

Intrinsic Values in the Birth Chart

What are intrinsic values, and why are they vital?

First, let's review the complementary values since they're easier to discern. We tend to believe that values are things of worth that can be measured or held in regard due to the benefit or gain they provide. These are extrinsic values. For instance, money is an instrument you exchange for goods and services and doesn't give pleasure by itself, so money is an example of an extrinsic value.

However, for something to be intrinsic, it is in its own right or in itself; in other words, something that belongs to itself naturally (inherent or innate). An intrinsic value is then something that you value for its own sake. If something offers no reward other than itself and you still value it, it's probably an intrinsic value for you.

Suppose you pay for further education you're passionate about or purchase a book that teaches you something you're interested in. In that case, learning may be its own reward and an intrinsic value.

If you're watching a movie with someone who isn't enjoying it, would you rather they be honest and say so, or would you prefer being told otherwise? If you appreciate the honesty and don't get anything else from it, perhaps it's also an intrinsic value.

Let's say that creating art is a pleasurable experience for you. You would do it even if you didn't profit from it. You would still do it if you couldn't share it with others. It could also be an intrinsic value if you enjoy it regardless.

How about your boss presents you with a task to complete? Would you prefer to be told how to finish it, or would you figure it out yourself instead? Taking the lead is likely an intrinsic value if you have more fun managing the project.

Why are intrinsic values important? Determining your intrinsic values can help you approach your true self. What is your true self? Ask yourself, "Who do I want to be?" Think about the kind of person you want to be or why you do the things you do; this differs from what you want to be, like an identity formed around a profession or calling, and is also separate from who you should be, which is motivated by a need to fulfill expectations.

Having knowledge of your intrinsic values in advance can make it easier for you to remember how to act or respond genuinely to unfamiliar situations versus following a path of least resistance. By pursuing that which is intrinsically rewarding, you have the motivation to sustain your aspirations and know when to withdraw from expectations.

An awareness of these can also help you be honest with yourself and truly enjoy the activities you like for what they are instead of needing to justify why they are good for you or others. Once familiar with your intrinsic values, it's easier to map out your lifestyle to orient towards your true self and support you in structuring your contribution to the world.

We have defined intrinsic values and have discussed why they are essential. So what's the next step? Let's see if we can determine these from the natal chart, particularly the planets.

The Moon allows certain feelings to arrive within you when you do or have that which is intrinsically valuable. This function helps you recognize conflict in your internal awareness to better provide for you but probably does not indicate intrinsic values.

Mercury's task is to review aversions, compare options, and help you decide which are congruent with your Moon's needs. This function may also not be an indicator of intrinsic value.

The Sun's light helps bring awareness to your Moon's feelings and senses and illuminate Mercury's capacity to choose wisely. With these functions in mind, the Sun reveals where to direct yourself and is perhaps not an indicator of intrinsic value either.

The four remaining visible planets, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, are likely indicators of intrinsic values.

#astrology #astro community #astro observations #astrology notes #astro notes

[feybeasts]

Got two for ya!

Kamila has certainly found herself going through a lot of revelation revealing transformations. Does she pursue these "punishments" specifically, or does she just manage to find herself in situations like this a lot just by pure virtue?

And, what is Callie's favorite food?

Ehehehhe, yeah, Kami does kinda exist to Turn Into Stuff And Realize She Thinks It's Rad, but I'd be lying if I said she seeks her... "misfortunes" out, she's really just kinda boneheaded and stubborn and incapable of learning lasting life lessons, so she just kinda... keeps doing it. Bless her, she's a himbo.

And Callie is BIG into chili, and is one of those people who is exceedingly proud of her own recipe- not to the point of being a jerk about it, but she'll go ON about favorite peppers and how many onions to use and the benefits (beanifits?) of beans versus no beans, etc

#asks #c:callaghan #c:kamila

[georgiosvar]

Good Friction

The ideas around responsible AI development and using "good friction" points really hit home for me based on my journey founding and leading a startup that built AI tools for content creators and marketers.

When I first conceived of the company, the driving vision was to reduce as much friction as possible in the creative process through automation and AI assistance. The implicit bias was that minimizing any human involvement would supercharge productivity and efficiency for our users. However, as we developed more advanced AI capabilities like automated content generation, semantic language models, and predictive personalization, we continually had to grapple with deeper ethical ramifications.

Early on, some investors pushed us to pursue automated content generation unencumbered, viewing it as a way to massively scale with minimal human effort. But I recognized that unchecked, this raised serious issues around plagiarism, amplification of societal biases, and potentially deceptive practices that could erode trust with audiences. So we made the deliberate choice to insert "good friction" human oversight and review checkpoints into the process, even if it made us less capital efficient.

On the personalization front, while the prospect of seamlessly tailoring content experiences through AI seemed powerful, I was wary of the filter bubble and user disempowerment risks of inscrutable "black box" algorithms. We invested heavily in developing explainable AI interfaces to provide transparency into why certain content was being recommended or prioritized. This good friction helped preserve user agency while still realizing personalization benefits.

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges I faced was the tension between short-term growth incentives that favored frictionless, addictive AI-powered user experiences versus upholding ethical guardrails that acknowledged human autonomy limitations. Ultimately, I had to walk away from investors that were unwilling to accept good friction safeguards as a non-negotiable for long-term responsible innovation.

My personal journey founding the startup only reinforced how critical it is to be judicious about inserting the "right" friction into AI-driven systems through practices like human oversight, transparency, and user control. While sometimes costing efficiency in the short run, these good friction principles are essential for building trustworthy, human-centric AI products and experiences that stand the test of time.

#MITSloanBranding2024B

[hardpacker]

i did an interview yday and i sort of touched on this but not all of it, so i'm sharing these notes

i draw and write what i do because i want my work to look like me and i want to see me in it.

i'm not good at letting gender be a "vibe" or a "moodboard", intangible like that. in fact "my gender is __ even though i don't look like it, yeah it's my ‘aesthetic’" is pretty distressing for me. lack of embodiment and living exclusively thru projection/formless reflection is distressing. the queerness and queer sex i was formatively exposed to and gravitated toward was... classic, hard, hairy, leathery and even difficult to pin down with titles but still highly physical, or elicited that response/impulse in me. a lot of memories are lost to me and i don't know how to recover them— and so much time spent without another soul to reflect on it. i remember the first internet porno spam i saw. leafing thru erotic coffee table erotica. European comics about bears and twinks hooking up on the Mediterranean. Blixa Bargeld's strap-on harness. wet messy yaoi. but little for me to Be, in a real way.

it's so fucked and also only a teeny tiny example of a far bigger thing but i'll always remember when i first posted a picture of myself on deviantart, i think i was like 15 or 16, and people were like "oh i expected someone skinnier." this clearly really stayed with me, and it isn't an outlier. although it didn't shift anything then, things like this built up over time and my relationship to/presence in my work very slowly evolved. socially and in school, from the top down or among peers, there was no incentive or encouragement to draw trans people, fat people, anyone outside of stock shit, at all. you could work and labour and be rewarded for breaking yourself in half, all the while it's happening in a viciously transphobic environment. 

over the years things have changed for better and worse as we pursue "representation" and "visibility," but i was really burnt by fluctuations in online culture that lead to trans men having to Be One Thing with either proper scars and muscle, or a textureless circle, and the sex they have is supposed to be smooth and tearful and deferential in service to the man or woman— or image of masculinity/femininity— they're with. and you still get fucking harasses for venturing outside of this, both in the work and as a real living person. i'd rather just be called a woman or a slur because at least that's an honest reaction, and not this cruelty, pity, disguised as care.

however, i also want to say that i was never given the benefit of the doubt that i was sweet and small and shy. there are the benefits of whiteness, certainly. but not transness. i've never been treated that way or protected by it. not with friends or family or police or the court. i don't think "sweetness" is neutral or that it's the most pressing issue that trans men face. being ill is its own strange degendering or forcibly gendered experience. being fat and ugly is its own degendering experience in which i have more in common with fat people of all genders. being seen as violent, visibility of transition only increasing this baseless expectation, that you can turn on a dime, that it's all harm or just plain difficulty waiting to happen and that's justification for being treated as an unreliable narrator of your own needs, your own life, that you need to rein it in or someone needs to control you to set you right. and that most of this is not seen, is a bigger problem than this strange idea of sweetness, this strange idea of being protected by your transness. protected by your assigned birth. do not remind me of my assigned birth. i'm trans because i'm not that. the people who DO benefit from protection in life, their visibility is like, completely disproportionate versus the reality.

if it is as big an issue as they say, then i think about like... if children are the most vulnerable people then being seen as a permanent and incapable child— especially at the intersection of things like fatness and neurodivergence, for example, where you're seen as untrustworthy, clearly can't take care of yourself— as property, but also as a womb, as a body for taking, facing domestic, sexual, medical abuse and neglect, homelessness and forced hospitalisation... death. revulsion, abuse and murder aren't the results of supposed smol beanification. it feels so mythological to me. so yeah i wasn't aware this was the way other people characterised us til mid-2010s tumblr— in which i learned in past tense that there was some pervasive way of handling us. i admit there are times i certainly would've liked to have been protected. but this idea of meek non-threatening sweetness (and, perhaps, wielding that like a threat when convenient) fell completely flat to me and many of my friends, especially ones working-class and nonwhite, or mentally ill in socially unacceptable ways, or with bodies seen as too sexual or built too big... so, aggressive, ha ha.

so i don't show this in my art either, not currently. it's alien. it is a concept i'm aware of only thru a game of telephone.

i show trans men being misgendered and deadnamed and pushed and pulled, the dressage, touched and beaten and abandoned. i've been told that portraying the real things we go through is tantamount to me committing those very same hate crimes and i've been told my work just has a “bad vibe” on sight. yes i do show trans men being punished from all sides despite every effort to ping pong between everyone's preferences. the exhaustion of trying over and over only to fail to please and suffer the consequences of abstaining, or giving themselves over to the performance forever until they burn out. art is play the way leather is play. and in my work trans men can be found both suffering from and playing with roles and expectations, the violence, reenacting these sources of trauma among each other.

#writing #trans #butch #SUPERPOSE #transphobia #t4t #trans men

[mariacallous]

Agricultural support policies provide over $800 billion per year in transfers worldwide. Such policies encompass a broad range of government instruments to support the agriculture sector, which are typically funded from taxpayers and consumers. These include “coupled” subsidies intended to incentivize producers to expand output, “decoupled subsidies” that avoid shifting production incentives, and market-price support measures such as tariff and non-tariff barriers. Many of these policies have facilitated hunger and poverty reduction, but they also have fostered agricultural production systems that threaten environmental sustainability through increased greenhouse gas emission and land use expansion. In addition, by lowering the cost of cereals, they have biased consumption patterns towards calorie-rich and micronutrient-poor diets.  Analysis based on global modelling (see figure 1 below) suggests that if governments repurposed a portion of their agricultural support as investments in green innovations and rural infrastructure, there would be concurrent improvements in emission reduction, land use change, farm productivity, poverty levels, and nutrition outcomes.

Yet, given all these potential benefits, why is it so difficult for governments to reform these policies? In short, politics. Achieving these gains from repurposing is only possible through internationally coordinated action, but attaining that action also involves overcoming domestic resistance. Outcomes that will be socially optimal for the planet in the longer-term require policy shifts that may face considerable resistance in the short-term, especially if certain groups—from farmers to politicians to private industry—perceive that they may lose out or face considerable adjustment costs. In a new research paper, we examine some of the political economy challenges of repurposing agriculture support, highlight their role in the reform processes of several case studies, and offer general guidelines for consideration by governments and development actors pursuing a reform agenda.

In particular, we highlight four sets of factors that jointly interact to determine reform pathways: interests, ideas and information, institutions, and policy characteristics. Interests refer to the material benefits that different groups seek from a policy, whether votes, profits, or job security. Ideas, such as the role of the market versus the state or food self-sufficiency versus dietary diversity, often permeate decision making and influence interests. Likewise, information derived from empirical analysis, media outlets, or policy diffusion from other contexts can, like ideas, cause interest groups and policy actors to update their preferences. Institutions—whether economic (e.g., farmers’ groups, business lobbies, multilateral organizations) or political (e.g., regime type, electoral rules, federalism)—structure whose interests, ideas, and information gain traction with policymakers and shape prospects for implementation. Finally, policies exhibit different characteristics, including visibility to the public, time required to demonstrate impact, and concentration or diffusion of costs and benefits.

Figure 1. Global implications of repurposing domestic agricultural support (% change relative to baseline projections for 2040)

Source: World Bank and IFPRI (2022). Note: Green bars indicate movement toward societal goals; orange/red bars indicate movement away from societal goals.

These factors have been collectively important to understanding the agricultural support policy reform experiences in places such as India, the European Union (EU) and the United States.

CAP Reform in the EU The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), a large-scale program of agricultural production supports, was first implemented in the 1960s and encapsulated long-held ideas, like the primacy of attaining food self-sufficiency. It also provided a venue within which powerful farm organizations could lobby against internal and external market competition. Various pressures in the intervening decades stimulated several reforms, including food safety and welfare crises in the 1990s, the accession of Eastern European countries with large agricultural sectors in the 2000s, and growing opposition to the CAP from other trade partners within the World Trade Organization. Institutional shifts within the EU, including removal of the requirement of unanimous agreement by member states, undermined the veto power of reform opponents, contributing to the decoupling of farm subsidies from production decisions. More recently, the EU has pursued a Farm-to-Fork strategy, which includes payments to farmers conditional on reduced use of pesticides and fertilizers, a shift to organic farming practices, and adoption of new technologies that reduce GHG emissions from agriculture. However, recent food price inflation generated by the Ukraine war has reinvigorated lobby pressure from farmers and agribusiness, and certain political parties against environmental policies that would reduce productivity.

Unintended consequences of biofuel policies in the United States Biofuel policies in the US initially were intended to replace petroleum-based fuels and lead-based additives, and they were supported by a coalition of farmers and ethanol producers who were jointly keen to increase demand for their products. A tax credit, and then a biofuels mandate that required blending corn-based ethanol and other biofuels into fuel—known as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)—were used to increase incentives for biofuels production. Yet, several unintended consequences emerged, including the increased land use change emissions required to grow bioenergy crops, contributing to recent estimates that US ethanol has a higher GHG intensity than oil-based gasoline. Despite dozens of legislative bills introduced to reform or repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard, it remains politically difficult to change, with supporters viewing it as important for both farmers and national security by increasing energy independence. In a case of strange bedfellows, opposing coalitionsinclude both the oil industry and environmentalists.

Challenges of market reform in India In May 2020, India’s federal government announced three major market reforms aimed at reducing government interventions in the agricultural sector. These reforms—billed as part of a larger strategy to double rural incomes—included allowing farmers to sell outside of government-regulated wholesale markets, de-regulating certain commodities so that they no longer had to be exposed to stockholding limits and allowing farmers to engage in contract-pricing schemes with private agro-processors rather than solely engaging with government agencies. The latter was viewed as especially important for producers of perishable fruits and vegetables. Yet, the reforms were strongly opposed by not only well-organized unions of smallholder farmers in major wheat producing states—many of whom feared the reforms would enable dominance by large-scale agribusiness—but also by state governments who feared losing revenue levied as penalties against those who sell outside the government-run markets. Distrust of the federal government’s intentions, and disgruntlement with the speed at which the policies were announced during the Covid-19 pandemic, generated months of protests in the country that ultimately compelled the government to backtrack.

Reforming agricultural policies often is intensely political due to the sector’s centrality to food consumption, livelihoods, and even cultural identity. In 2022, farmer opposition to proposed agricultural reforms emerged in several parts of the world, including Sri Lanka where an inorganic fertilizer ban was hastily implemented and then abandoned, to the Netherlands where the government proposed reducing nitrogen emissions for the farm industry, to New Zealand where a tax on agricultural emissions is under consideration. Given this contentiousness, our paper holds larger lessons for continued efforts to meet the SDGs through reforms in agriculture and other sectors. Notably, shocks open some windows of opportunity and close others, and policies can generate their own path dependencies and unintended consequences. At the same time, it is paramount to build trust with affected stakeholders, avoid quick and non-participatory policy shifts, and identify pro-reform coalitions who can help sustain momentum even when other crises emerge.

Substantive efforts to reform agriculture support to improve planetary and human health requires international coordination through a common framework, with financial and technology transfers benefitting countries with the least means to repurpose. Yet, anticipating possible sources of domestic political resistance—and calibrating policy options and processes accordingly—is a necessary first step.

[sushdopaminedecor1]

How can I feel positive?

Scientific Strategies for Cultivating Positivity and Well-Being

Abstract

Feeling more positive is a goal that can be achieved through evidence-based strategies rooted in psychology and neuroscience. This article explores practical and scientifically supported methods to enhance positivity and overall well-being. Drawing from research literature, we uncover effective approaches to cultivating a positive mindset and improving emotional resilience.

Introduction

Positivity is a key component of psychological well-being, influencing our outlook on life and overall quality of life. While innate disposition plays a role, individuals can adopt specific strategies to boost positivity and resilience. This article delves into scientific research to uncover actionable techniques for cultivating a more positive mindset.

Strategies for Enhancing Positivity

Practice Gratitude:

Regularly expressing gratitude has been shown to enhance positive emotions and life satisfaction (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).

Keeping a gratitude journal or engaging in gratitude exercises can shift focus towards positive aspects of life.

Engage in Mindfulness:

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and mindful breathing, promote awareness of the present moment and reduce stress (Kabat-Zinn, 2003).

Cultivating mindfulness can lead to increased positive affect and emotional well-being.

Build Positive Relationships:

Social connections and supportive relationships contribute significantly to happiness and positivity (Diener & Seligman, 2002).

Investing time in nurturing relationships and fostering meaningful connections can enhance overall well-being.

Set and Pursue Meaningful Goals:

Working towards personally meaningful goals provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment (Locke & Latham, 2002).

Goal pursuit can increase motivation and positive affect.

Practice Self-Compassion:

Being kind and understanding towards oneself in times of difficulty fosters resilience and emotional strength (Neff, 2003).

Developing self-compassion reduces self-criticism and promotes a positive self-view.

Benefits of Cultivating Positivity

Improved Emotional Resilience:

Positivity enhances resilience, enabling individuals to cope more effectively with life's challenges (Fredrickson, 2001).

Positive emotions broaden cognitive and behavioral repertoires, fostering adaptive responses to stress.

Enhanced Physical Health:

Positive emotions are associated with better physical health outcomes, including lower risk of cardiovascular disease and improved immune function (Pressman & Cohen, 2005).

Cultivating positivity contributes to overall well-being and longevity.

Greater Life Satisfaction:

Positivity is linked to higher life satisfaction and overall happiness (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005).

Adopting positive habits and mindset shifts can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Conclusion

Feeling more positive is achievable through intentional practices backed by scientific research. By incorporating gratitude, mindfulness, positive relationships, goal-setting, and self-compassion into daily life, individuals can cultivate a resilient and optimistic mindset that enhances overall well-being.

References

Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377-389.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-based interventions in context: Past, present, and future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144-156.

Diener, E., & Seligman, M. E. (2002). Very happy people. Psychological Science, 13(1), 81-84.

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American Psychologist, 57(9), 705-717.

Neff, K. D. (2003). The development and validation of a scale to measure self-compassion. Self and Identity, 2(3), 223-250.

Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218-226.

Pressman, S. D., & Cohen, S. (2005). Does positive affect influence health? Psychological Bulletin, 131(6), 925-971.

Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9(2), 111-131.

This scientific article synthesizes research findings to provide actionable strategies for enhancing positivity and well-being. The references cited offer further exploration into the scientific literature on positive psychology, mindfulness, gratitude, and social relationships.

#decor #home #sushdopaminedecor #ecommerce

[michaelbradleyattorney]

Claiming Compensation: Navigating the Path to Personal Injury Recovery

Welcome to "Compensation Chronicles: Navigating the Path to Personal Injury Claims," where we embark on a journey through the intricate process of seeking compensation for injuries caused by the negligence or wrongful actions of others. In this article, we'll delve into the various steps involved in pursuing a personal injury claim, empowering readers with knowledge and insights to navigate the complexities of the legal system and obtain the compensation they deserve.

Understanding Personal Injury Law

Personal injury law encompasses a broad spectrum of cases, ranging from car accidents and slip-and-falls to medical malpractice and workplace injuries. This section provides an overview of personal injury law, including key concepts such as negligence, liability, and damages, laying the groundwork for understanding the legal principles that govern compensation claims.

Assessing the Severity of Injuries

Central to any personal injury claim is the assessment of the injuries suffered by the victim. From minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, the severity of injuries directly impacts the compensation to which the victim may be entitled. This section explores the process of evaluating and documenting injuries to build a strong case for compensation.

Gathering Evidence: Building a Strong Foundation

Solid evidence is essential for supporting a personal injury claim and establishing liability. This section discusses the importance of gathering evidence, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony, to substantiate the victim's case and demonstrate the negligence or fault of the responsible party.

Understanding Insurance Coverage

In many personal injury cases, compensation is sought through insurance claims, whether it's auto insurance, homeowner's insurance, or medical malpractice insurance. This section examines the various types of insurance coverage that may come into play in personal injury claims, as well as the nuances of dealing with insurance companies and negotiating settlements.

Legal Representation: The Role of Personal Injury Attorneys

Personal injury attorneys play a crucial role in guiding victims through the claims process and advocating for their rights. From providing legal advice and negotiating with insurance companies to representing clients in court, attorneys serve as invaluable allies for those seeking compensation for their injuries. This section explores the benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney and offers tips for finding the proper legal representation.

Statutes of Limitations: Timing Is Everything

Time is of the essence in personal injury claims, as there are strict deadlines for filing lawsuits known as statutes of limitations. This section discusses the importance of adhering to these legal deadlines and explores the factors that may affect the statute of limitations for different types of personal injury cases. Understanding and complying with these timelines is crucial for preserving one's right to seek compensation.

Negotiating Settlements vs. Going to Trial

In many personal injury cases, compensation is ultimately obtained through settlement negotiations rather than going to trial. This section explores the pros and cons of settling out of court versus pursuing litigation, discussing factors such as time, cost, and potential outcomes. Understanding the implications of each option can help victims make informed decisions about how to proceed with their claims.

Seeking Closure and Moving Forward

While obtaining compensation is a crucial step in the recovery process, it's equally essential for victims to seek closure and move forward with their lives. This section explores strategies for coping with the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath of a personal injury, as well as resources for support and rehabilitation. By focusing on healing and resilience, victims can reclaim their lives and look toward a brighter future.

"Compensation Chronicles: Navigating the Path to Personal Injury Claims" provides a roadmap for victims seeking compensation for injuries sustained through no fault of their own. From understanding the legal principles that govern personal injury claims to navigating the complexities of insurance coverage and negotiations, this article equips readers with the knowledge and resources they need to pursue their claims effectively and secure the compensation they deserve. With perseverance, determination, and the support of experienced legal professionals, victims can navigate the path to recovery and achieve a sense of justice and closure.

[scie-pune]

Bachelor's Degree in India versus Overseas

In the field of higher education, opting to study overseas is a significant choice with a major impact on academic, personal, and professional development. When students think about their academic path, one common question emerges: Is it more advantageous to pursue a bachelor's degree in India or overseas? This detailed manual will examine the options for international study in India and discuss the advantages of getting a bachelor's degree in the country as opposed to studying overseas.

Study Abroad in India: A Land of Rich Culture and Academic Excellence

India, known for its bountiful cultural legacy, lively customs, and varied terrains, has become a desirable location for global students wishing to pursue education in a foreign country. India is well-known for its excellent educational institutions, providing a diverse range of undergraduate programs in fields such as engineering, medicine, humanities, and business. Studying in India offers students a distinctive and enriching educational experience, with a focus on academic excellence, research opportunities, and innovation.

Is it Better to Study Undergraduate in India or Abroad? Considerations to Keep in Mind

Cost of Education

One of the primary factors that students consider when weighing the decision to study undergraduate in India or abroad is the cost of education. Studying in India often proves to be more cost-effective, with lower tuition fees and living expenses compared to many Western countries. Additionally, scholarships and financial aid opportunities may be more readily available for international students pursuing undergraduate education in India.

Quality of Education

India boasts a rich academic heritage, with several institutions ranked among the top in the world. Studying undergraduate in India offers students access to renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and innovative teaching methodologies. Moreover, the diverse cultural milieu and interdisciplinary approach to education foster holistic development and critical thinking skills, preparing students to excel in a globalized world.

Cultural Immersion and Diversity

One of the most significant advantages of studying abroad in India is the opportunity for cultural immersion and exposure to diverse perspectives. India's vibrant culture, ancient traditions, and dynamic social fabric provide an enriching backdrop for students to broaden their horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world. Interacting with peers from different backgrounds and engaging with local communities fosters cross-cultural exchange and personal growth.

Career Opportunities and Global Networking

Studying abroad, whether in India or abroad, opens doors to a myriad of career opportunities and global networking prospects. India, with its booming economy and burgeoning industries, offers a wealth of internship and employment opportunities for undergraduate students. Additionally, studying in India allows students to build connections with industry professionals, academic mentors, and fellow students from around the world, expanding their professional network and enhancing their career prospects.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

When deciding whether to study for a bachelor's degree in India or overseas, there is no universally applicable solution. In the end, the choice is based on one's personal preferences, educational objectives, and individual situation. Before deciding, students should carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of studying in India, such as its affordability, high academic standards, cultural engagement, and potential for career advancement. Whether you decide to pursue your undergraduate education in India or overseas, keep in mind that the process of learning is just as crucial as reaching your end goal, and the lessons learned during this journey will influence your future pursuits.

#best ug courses in india #study abroad in india #study in india for foreign students #international university in india

[chemicalsectorupdates]

Navigating Regulatory Frameworks in the LNG Bunkering Market

The Growing Importance of LNG as a Maritime Fuel LNG Adoption Rises as IMO Regulations Tighten With new regulations coming into effect to drastically reduce the amount of sulfur allowed in maritime fuel, ship owners are scrambling to find compliant options. One solution that is gaining significant traction is the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel. The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) sulfur cap, which takes effect globally on January 1, 2020, lowers the sulfur content limit from 3.5% to just 0.5%. Rather than investing in expensive sulfur scrubbers or switching to higher-priced compliant fuels like very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), many ship owners are opting to future-proof their fleets with LNG conversions and newbuilds. Developing the Global LNG Bunkering Infrastructure As more ships adopt LNG, an extensive network of LNG bunkering facilities must be developed around the world's ports to enable reliable fueling. Pioneering locations like Norway already have experience in LNG bunkering and are serving as models for other regions. In Europe, companies are collaborating on projects to establish bunkering hubs in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Challenges in LNG Bunkering Technologies While demand is rising rapidly, providing LNG as a viable maritime fuel on a global scale presents unique technical challenges compared to conventional oil-based bunkering. New bunker vessel designs must ensure safe handling and transfer of the cryogenic fuel. Portside infrastructure needs to accommodate larger tank capacities for equivalent energy provision. Standardized regulations and procedures around safety, operations and liability are still evolving. Terminal logistics such as truck-to-ship transport and inventory management require innovation. Harmonizing technical rules across different regulatory bodies remains an obstacle to establishing a truly interconnected supplier network. Ongoing R&D aims to overcome barriers through advanced cryogenic storage and pumping systems. Benefits Luring More Adopters to LNG Despite current gaps that need bridging, the compelling advantages of LNG are pulling the industry toward widespread bunker availability in the long run. LNG produces virtually zero sulfur and particulate emissions, meeting the IMO's stringent environmental targets. It reduces nitrous oxides by 85% compared to diesel oil and cuts carbon footprint significantly versus heavy fuel oil when considering methane slippage. Operational costs for LNG-powered ships are comparable or only moderately higher than conventional counterparts.

The Business Opportunity in LNG Bunkering Suppliers and service providers are pursuing major opportunities emerging from the growth of LNG as a marine fuel. Terminals are expanding storage and handling capacity to capture bunkering demand. Equipment manufacturers are designing specialized bunkering vessels, tank containers and truck-to-ship transfer systems. Traders are securing long-term LNG supply for bunkering hubs. Outlook While overcoming remaining challenges, widespread LNG bunkering networks and adoption are inevitable by all projections. The IMO regulations will significantly stimulate demand especially for vessels operating in Emission Control Areas with stricter emission limits. Broader sustainability goals will accelerate the transition to cleaner alternatives. Larger ships are best suited initially due to tank size constraints on smaller vessels. As technologies advance, LNG will permeate deep-sea shipping and progressively flow down to short-sea and regional shipping segments. LNG's compelling business case will drive continued investments into bunkering infrastructure around major ports. With environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance at stake, LNG's future as a leading marine fuel option looks very bright.

#LNG Bunkering Market Growth #LNG Bunkering Market Trends #LNG Bunkering Market

[purpleavenuesong]

How do I select a digital marketing course?

Selecting the ideal digital marketing course is pivotal for your career trajectory and skill augmentation. Below are guidelines to assist you in picking the perfect digital marketing course:

Define Your Objectives: Clarify your motives behind pursuing a digital marketing course. Whether it's transitioning careers, refining existing skills, or venturing into entrepreneurship, understanding your objectives will streamline your selection process.

Thorough Research: Delve into the myriad of digital marketing courses both online and offline. Scout reputable institutions, universities, online platforms, or certifications acknowledged by the industry.

Course Syllabus Analysis: Scrutinize the course syllabus meticulously. Ensure it encompasses crucial aspects like search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, analytics, and digital advertising. The curriculum should be exhaustive and abreast with contemporary industry trends.

Instructor or Provider Standing: Assess the credibility of instructors or the institution offering the course. Scrutinize their credentials, industry experience, and feedback from previous students. Courses conducted by seasoned industry professionals are likely to furnish invaluable insights.

Delivery Mode: Consider your learning style and schedule. Digital marketing courses are available in diverse formats including online self-paced modules, live virtual sessions, in-person workshops, and hybrid models. Opt for a delivery mode that complements your learning preferences and availability.

Certification Validity: Ascertain whether the course provides a recognized certification upon completion. While not always mandatory, certification can bolster your credibility and amplify your career prospects.

Hands-on Experience and Projects: Prioritize courses offering hands-on learning through practical exercises, case studies, and real-world projects. Practical exposure is indispensable in digital marketing for honing pertinent skills and constructing a noteworthy portfolio.

Networking Prospects: Explore courses that facilitate networking with industry stalwarts, guest lectures, or access to online communities. Networking fosters valuable connections, insights, and potential career avenues within the digital marketing domain.

Cost versus Value: Compare the costs of different courses vis-a-vis the value proposition they offer. Bear in mind that the priciest course isn't necessarily superior, while the most economical option may lack comprehensive learning resources. Factor in the course's reputation, content quality, and supplementary benefits.

Reviews and Testimonials: Peruse feedback and testimonials from past students to gauge their satisfaction and the course's efficacy. Honest testimonials furnish invaluable insights into the course structure, instructional quality, and overall learning experience.

#online marketing #digital marketing services #digital markeitng #business growth #seo marketing #ppc services #smm services #smo marketing