#if your criticisms are focused on the technology and not the class than your thinking is fundamentally in error

[ciswomenofficial]

No matter whether AI does a good job at what it does or not, rage against the technology isn’t going to solve the labor issues. It isn’t going to stop artists and writers from losing their jobs. Whether it’s able to do the job adequately or not, it will be used to replace that job if all we do is protest against the technology itself. It will similarly do so if we rally around liberal principals like “copyright” and “intellectual property.” Most of the “intellectual property” belongs to conglomerates, not to intellectual laborers. The same if you misrepresent AIs water and energy consumption. None of these will get you anywhere productive, and some of them (“intellectual property”) even show a petty-bourgeoisie outlook.

Of course we should be concerned about small independent artists having their lives be less stable—even if it’s not our chief concern. Whether someone is an artisan proper or has some semi-proletarian characteristics (that is if they are working a side hustle to get by while they work on their passion project) that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take their interests into account, but it does need to come from an industrial proletarian perspective first and foremost. Who will get laid off if AI technology is adopted? Who will lose their income? These are far more primary than independent artists.

The industrial proletariat is the most concentrated and unified force we have. It is this force with which we can fight and win. If we want to fight and win on the subject of AI, it must be fought with the organized industrial proletariat. Unions represent one lower form of this fight. The higher form of this fight is a political leadership that can lead to political reforms and regulations being adopted by the government as concessions, or perhaps even AI and other means of production being seized by the proletariat and regulated and technologically improved by the proletariat.

[racefortheironthrone]

TLT World Building: The Nine Houses and the Logistics of Space Empires

Building off my earlier post about stele-and-obelisk travel and the River, I wanted to talk about something that's been rattling around my mind for a while, which is subluminary travel and the logistics of the Nine Houses. One of the things that has been brought up as a criticism of Muir's world-building as far back as Gideon the Ninth is that the Empire seems to have very, very fast non-FTL travel, such that Gideon and Harrow travel the 3.3 billion miles from Pluto to Earth in an hour, without using a stele. How, it was asked, does an Empire whose military relies on swords and whose medical knowledge is incredibly uneven at best, accomplish a technological feat of that magnitude?

I think we got an answer for that in Nona the Ninth:

“That ship’s not big enough for a stele. Don’t know if it’s big enough for subluminary travel, even. How did it get here?” Crown leant back in her chair, staring at the projector screen, head balanced in the crook of one golden arm. Nona noticed that her biceps showed even through her shirt, and that there were rubber bandages wrapped around one palm. She said, “Oh, that’s big enough for subluminary travel, Millie. See the double struts, and the massive exhaust? That’s a Ziz-class.” ...Crown continued, “The Ziz isn’t Cohort standard. And it’s not as big on the inside as you think. Look at the windows—see how there’re none on the back end? It’s mostly engine. Not plated either. It’ll get to sublume without many problems … but it definitely doesn’t have room for a stele. Camilla is right. It can’t travel by obelisk anchor.” Pyrrha said suddenly, “Crown. How’s the fuel consumption on a Ziz-class ship?” “Thirsty,” said Crown, brightening up at being asked. “Its cell would be totally drained after a day in subluminary. It only takes the powerful stuff too—thalergy-enriched, not just hydrogen blend. Hydrogen blend stuffs up the engine.”

The answer is necromancy. (Because of course it is.) The Empire infuses shuttle fuel with thalergy - and we know that the necromantic specialty of the Second House is to "drain thalergy from any living source and use it," so the Empire can treat thalergy as a fungible resource that they can extract, store, and then use somewhere else. Moreover, we know that the necromantic specialty of the Fourth House is "exciting thanergy into a state of fission" in order to produce explosions.

Since necromancy can easily convert thalergy into thanergy, I think that the Empire's higher-end shuttles are powered by necromantic pulse propulsion, such that shuttle fuel is burned to produce thrust, but then at the same time the thanergy is turned into a massive fission explosion behind the shuttle, producing even more thrust.

I think this also explains why the Second and Fourth are so disproportionately represented in the Cohort, because in addition to producing soldiers for the front lines, they're heavily involved with making the Cohort Fleets move. (I'm going to further speculate that the Fourth make up a lot of the Fleets' pilots, since that would fit their necromantic specialties, the nature of their planet, and their image as gung-ho "go fast" types.) This leads me to a few conclusions:

it explains why the Empire is so focused on short-term extraction; it's essentially stripping the thalergy for fuel to power subluminary transportation in the Dominicus system and beyond, in the same way that we're burning fossil fuels to power our economies today. There is a profound irony in that Mr. Environmentalist John Gaius has so precisely recreated the dynamics of the carbon economy through necromancy.

it explains how logistics in the Nine Houses work. If you can use necromantic fission drives to get from the outer edge of the Dominicus system to the core that quickly, than most of the logistical complexities of running a multiplanetary economy fall away. All you have to do is get your transport shuttle full of goods from the colonies to a stele at the edge of the Dominicus system, and then necromantic fission solves the "last mile problem" of getting your Necro-Amazon "just-in-time" deliveries to the hungry markets of the Third or the Fifth. You don't need to worry about the fact that you can't produce a lot of organic resources on thanergetic planets (especially ones that are space stations and the like rather than fully terraformed), because you just have everything delivered.

it similarly explains how logistics out in the colonies work. Even if you're at the edge of the stele network, necromantic fission shuttles can transport goods between planets in the same solar system with relative ease. It only becomes an issue when you're a ways out from the edge of the network, because that involves burning more thalergy-enriched fuel. Hence why Corona talks about "the Cohort movements didn’t make sense to her...shepherd planets got more costly the further the Houses extended themselves."

This makes me think of necromancy in a different way than I had before. Rather than just being about magic and warfare, necromancy is essentially the technology of the Nine Houses (aside from some legacy technologies that they have left over from pre-Resurrection), the tool that they use to solve all of their problems and make their society and economy and government function.

[abyssalzones]

seriously just curious but is there a reason you draw pacifica as a WoC? as someone who loves diversifying heavily white casts in fiction myself i just noticed pacifica is the only character where you could argue her rich person whiteness and rich white people family are. essential(?) to her character. i pinky promise i'm not trying to start anything just genuinely wondering if there's a neat meta reason or headcanon like early wendy having black hair + representation for native americans in the pacific northwest. tangentially related but i love your fiddleford SO much, i'd love to know any headcanons about his ancestry too!!

oh no yeah this is a really good point, I appreciate having it brought up to me and don't think of it as "starting something" at all. this is actually something I'd been thinking about for a little while, but I originally drew her nonwhite (specifically mixed pacific islander I think?) because I thought it'd be interesting to approach her character from the angle of a nonwhite adoptee or surrogate baby into a rich white family- however this was just kind of something I came up with arbitrarily (I was probably around.. 16..? 17? when I started drawing her that way) and there wasn't much of a meta reason for it. I've been internally debating whether that's something I should keep doing for the same reason you pointed out here, which is that her whiteness does feel important in the context of the Northwests being very much a white settler family profiting off of lower class labor and explicitly taking advantage of indigenous tribes in the area (although there's some obvious issue to be taken with the way native people's existence is handled in gravity falls as a whole...) But I also was worried if I suddenly started drawing her white I'd get some very confused reactions?

I'm simultaneously of the opinion there doesn't need to be a "reason" for a character to be drawn differently than canon, and that said interpretation should be examined critically to avoid unfortunate stereotype or ""colorblind"" diversity where it doesn't contribute anything positive (same reason I would never draw bill as a black character if I were the type of person to humanize him- it doesn't say anything new or good to depict a predatory antagonist as black). in this case my reasoning that it could contribute positively was all stuff that really had nothing to do with canon though, so going forward I'll probably stop depicting her that way, but I'd also be open to others weighing in.

as for fiddleford, I'm really glad you like the way I draw him ^_^ I do actually have some notes on my headcanons for him, as that's something I've put a bit more thought into

from a story-focused angle I liked the idea of fiddleford as a black self-made inventor who was basically on the cutting edge of technology for the time but unfortunately forgotten about, I feel it ties in well to his themes of trying to work his way out of rural poverty beyond the whole "omg he's like steve jobs" thing. steve jobs fucking wishes he could rig up a biomechanical brainwave generator. or he would if he was alive anyway

[jascamille]

Blog Post #2 - due 9/6/24

Why is it important for us to know what goes into making our technology? 

By now everyone around the world has access to the internet and by everyone I mean every age group. From delivering messages on a desktop to sending emails from your fingertips on a train ride to work. I feel as a society we’re too focused on which phone to get, rather than focusing on the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to make our devices. It’s also important to recognize and question the ethics of these big companies that we always look at.

Should social media apps remain to be posting “lifestyle” or remain for professional use? 

I don’t think social media should remain one way or the other, it can be both personal and professional. As we mentioned in class ads on apps like Instagram haven’t shown up until about two years ago or so. It’s great for companies to interact with their consumers. Companies are using social media to be, well, social. When social media is used for personal use it’s more selective, especially when it comes to only having your close friends and family on that account. As mentioned by Marx, social interactions are part of being human. 

How were historical events driven by information of others?

Fuchs mentions Karl Marx and how his works have impacted the world. As Marx mentions in his works there is a clear gap between humans and where they stand financially. Where they stand financially can definitely impact their lives especially during the capitalist crisis of 2008 as mentioned by Fuchs. 

Why do Americans believe in misinformation, yet they do not do their own research? 

Americans believe in misinformation because we have the mindset of thinking we’re right all the time. Thinking with that mindset is harmful because you’re closing yourself off to feeling emotions, when we’re not showing or feeling emotions it looks like we’re ignorant. When it comes to news stations and news anchors it’s hard to decipher what’s true or not? As a viewer we have to question the biases of others. 

How do our systems in place protect the freedoms of non-White news anchors?

As Gonzalez and Torres mention, no matter if a news station is more conservative or liberal it still caters to the white audience. Both women and people of color are still not represented as much as the media likes to paint it to be. News outlets have a history of only broadcasting people of color and making them the villain in other people’s stories. Not enough diversity in news and media causes people to be blind to what’s going on in the world.

Sources:

Gonzalez, A., & Torres, B. (2024). News for all people: An inclusive approach to journalism. Academic Press.

Fuchs, C. (2017). Critical introduction to social media. Sage Publications.

[spider-xan]

I’m a Chinese diaspora in Amerikkka and also a hobbyist artist and your posts really resonate with me. I’m so often infuriated with the liberal-ass Asian community here. And reactionary anti-AI artists/indie artist small business owners have been driving me insane as well. It’s hard to find people with the same point of view so I appreciate what you have to say.

Thank you!

And yeah, there definitely are Chinese diaspora who are communists or anarchists out there, though as I have said before, I feel like they tend to be the ones descended from Chinese migrants before head taxes were enacted in the US and Canada, so they are more likely to be working class compared to more recent waves of immigration that vastly favour wealthy bourgeois or bourgeois sympathetic types who are anti-communist, which is an issue of capitalist immigration policy more than anything to do with race or nationality, since it's also true of white immigrants from Europe and not unique to POC - but yeah, whenever I try to connect with Chinese diaspora outside of online political spaces, I usually end up being disappointed by boba Asians who are liberal at best or outright conservative at worst, and the latter is especially baffling bc it's like, do you not realize that when white supremacists no longer have a use for you, you are going to be just as much of a commie Chinese perpetual foreigner spy as much as anyone else.

And re: art, like, I am not entirely unsympathetic to people worrying about how they are going to pay their bills if they are relying on art for their income, but as I have stated before, my frustration is how criticisms of AI art should revolve capitalism as the root of labour issues rather than the technology itself, as well as focusing on proletariat artists who are most at risk - but so much of the focus is on debating things like what is real art or what kind of art has a soul, which is useless in terms of improving material conditions for artists, or walking right into capitalist traps like fighting for stronger IP laws that will only benefit corporations while screwing over the majority of artists who are not big or famous enough to win lawsuits against copycats or the inevitable corporation coming after them for copyright infringement due to profiting off corporate IP; and this whole tariffs situation has made so many people go completely mask off about liberal and reactionary politics while masquerading as progressives, like, I am not sorry to say that if you don't care about genocide and deportations and won't use your platform to speak up for those bc you don't want to lose your bag, but you will organize for your right to exploit workers in the Global South to make plastic merch from the comfort of the suburban house you own, then your politics are selfish and you are not the anti-capitalist you think you are.

[dailycharacteroption]

Infinity Lash Witchwarper (Witchwarper Alternate Class Feature)

(art by Sleepy-Hillhurst on DeviantArt)

And we’re following up yesterday with another witchwarper option!

Today we’re looking at an option that combines two fun flavors that you might not think go together: Energy whips and bringing in matter from other realities.

Indeed, though some may rage at the absurdity of things like light-whips found in the Legacy expanded universe of Star Wars, the idea of a whip weapon that is made of light or energy is a fun one, whether it be technological or magical in nature. It only makes sense that there would be fancy ways to do whips and whip-like weapons in Starfinder, such as the plasma ribbons used by some battleflowers of Ning on Triaxus.

Today’s subject, however, is not a technological weapon, but rather an extension of the magical power of the witchwarper class. Indeed, rather than project areas or bursts of matter or energy from alternate realities, some instead focus this multiversal potential into a narrow, ribbon-like strand, one that they can then use on foes.

The results can vary depending on how much energy they put into it, but the core result is that the lash phases through the target on a molecular level, shunting all matter it comes into contact with into another reality and replacing it with an equivalent. This might be matter from an alternate version of the target, but the trauma of the change is highly damaging and painful as you might imagine, making the infinity lash a quite effective weapon, especially when enhanced by the witchwarper pouring their power into it.

The result is a mage with a surprisingly effective melee weapon at their disposal. Some may, much like yesterday’s subject, do this as a way to specialize in military or combat endeavors, but others may choose this path as a may to demonstrate their refinement of their reality-warping abilities!

These witchwarpers can create their infinity lash at any time with minimal effort, and it functions effectively as a whip, albeit a weak one. However, it becomes especially powerful when empowered by a sacrificed bit of spell energy (or the energy granted from the enhanced witchwarper’s version of infinite worlds). At it’s baseline this just increases the damage output, but the greater the expended energy, the better they become.

For the weakest sacrifice, the lash can potentially wrack foes with pain and even be used as a conduit for touch spells the witchwarper knows, letting them cast from a little farther away. For a bit more, they can alter the exact nature of the matter that they replace in foes, causing the lash to deal various forms of energy damage. Going further makes the whip tangible enough to be used to disarm and trip foes, and even further lets them render foes sluggish when they strike critically. The pentultimate enhancement causes their critical blows to weaken a foe’s whole body, while the most powerful expenditure lets them weaken foes in multiple ways with a single critical blow.

It's a simple replacement, but with it, the mage can absolutely be a contender for a second or front-line melee combatant. As such, I recommend a debuffing and battlefield control build, as well as possibly some combat touch spells. Your feats should primarily be focused on ways to better defend yourself and strike more accurately at your foes as well. With that in mind, you can lash at foes all day with your mighty whip, especially if you’re using the enhanced version of the witchwarper class, which you should.

Having such a clearly magical and exotic weapon can be a lot of the charm of such a character. It’s definitely a distinctive look and unless it is pretty common in the game you’re playing in, your character might be banking on that uniqueness. Perhaps they’re a mercenary with a distinctive signature weapon, or a warrior from a rare dojo or school of thought among witchwarpers eagerly demonstrating their unique skill.

The use of the whale-like oma are living starships dates back centuries, but the process can range from consensual to horrific or even ghoulish as the magnificent beasts are enslaved or even preserved as corpse-ships. Most notorious of the latter is Skarworks, a company more akin to a poaching ring than any legitimate business, and named for their leader’s tendency to create wicked “signatures” on her work with a reality-altering lash. Many have tried to bring her operation down before, but none have succeeded yet.

As their world slowly dies, the vlaka Kerba has been tormented by dreams of a version of reality where the damage never happened, and the planet is full of vibrant life. They’ve become obsessed with the idea of making that version a reality, and so they’ve begun a campaign to “recruit” more witchwarpers, with the hope that enough reality-warping power, guided by their lash, could permanently revive their home.

When you hunt bounties for a living, you’ve got to have some gimmick to set yourself apart from others in your profession, so that clients remember you and choose you over the competition. That’s what Lexia believes, which is why she developed her reality lash technique. However, she’s still a novice by all accounts, which has hampered her ability to complete and receive jobs. She’s getting desperate, perhaps enough so that a devil with a bargain might seek her out.

[tehamelie]

Garp isn't a funny man (Community 1.3)

Previous Post index Next

It's taking a lot of energy to restrain myself from just plowing through the show at this point. Writing about it is so much more challenging than watching it. I hope at least somebody appreciates my sacrifice. (Hi @pink-squirrel ) Why didn't I become a reactor Youtuber?

Community S1E3: Introduction to film

See, people get worried about Abed cause he watches so much TV, but here's professor Whitman who's EXCLUSIVELY watching Dead Poets Society on a loop. Yeah I figure it's playing in his brain constantly. But only the happy fun parts with the unconventional teacher encouraging students to act on an impulse for once in their lives, of course not the sad parts when the boys go too far outside of the bonds of conformity and the world punishes them, or even the great but serious parts with poetry reading at night in the woods.

But let's not get too far ahead of the plots. Next we encounter Pierce catastrophically failing to use voice command on his phone and driving the whole study group up the wall with this relentless effort to adapt to new, useless technology. I don't want to be a Luddite (and the Luddites had a good cause that's been twisted around by their critics anyway) but I'm entirely on Britta's side here. Because Big Tech is not on our side, not because it's just really irritating to have to listen to someone loudly producing the same error on their device ten times in a row. Well, not only that.

Jeff enters to spread the good word of Whitman's easy A grades. Annie is against it, and it feels like it's more about how it's making a mockery of academia than a question of how much time she'd have to waste on not learning anything in this class. Except when Troy wants in she immediately sees the educational value. And Shirley joins in cause loves Robin Williams.

But Abed does not, in a shocking twist. Well, it's not that shocking. He values good filmmaking and novel stories and he correctly points out there's an element of cheap drama at the cost of credulity that fuels most of Williams' movies. But come on, suspend your disbelief a little and enjoy the tremendous force of his performance.

Rest well, Robin.

And we find out how Abed's life and education plans are restricted by the struggles of his father. "9/11 was pretty much the 9/11 of the falafel business." Britta, of course, immediately rallies to help him rebel by paying for a $70 filmmaking class. I have no idea if that's unusually cheap or expensive for community college, and it's a different joke depending on which, but both are funny so whatever.

Shirley worries Mr Nadir is going to cut Britta's head off with a "salami sword" for, I don't know, talking to Abed while being a woman? It's such an outrageously racist thing to worry about based on just the vague impression she has that the man might be fanatically Muslim, I think the group is focusing on the entirely wrong thing when they just seem to object to the term "salami sword".

But then, it does set up the great joke of Jeff setting a timer and betting Pierce will top her racism within one minute. Which he does.

"Are we going to study Spanish or keep getting involved in each other's personal lives? Hey, Troy sneezes like a girl!" Kind of an uncharacteristic tone for Jeff - caring about what other people say and do and all that - but maybe it's just to remind us he'll do anything to not have to actually study.

I started organizing a thought that these spots of marginally weak writing that seems focused on delivering jokes above all else, could be how Community has its sophomore slump in the third episode. But then the intro played and I realized I'd spent an hour picking apart just the cold open.

Next in Dead Poets Society class we learn more about Shirley. She says she's at the school "To get a degree in business to sell [her] baked goods and whatnot on the Internet," which, what does any of that mean? A highly unspecific "degree in business"? That you'll need to run an online bakery because? And wait a minute, who the heck is going to order a chocolate cake from the Internet? Are you going to send them in the mail?

As it turns out, she's really here to start her life after 15 wasted years. That story she had to tell herself to get out of the house and go to school evaporates. She really does become fully alive, alive with intention and earnestness, and she deserves her A for that moment of truth.

Only when we stop stopping our lives can we begin to start starting them, indeed. Okay, I'd fail Whitman here for that tremendously uncreative line. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping couldn't do it worse.

Cue the standing on desks and accidents with collapsing desks. Ah, impulsivity is fun.

I like that Whitman sees right through Jeff. For being a word class lawyer, he's consistently terrible at being convincing. But it's nice Whitman wants to give him a chance anyway. He believes in Jeff, he wants him to have a genuine emotional moment in his life.

And the reveal, that the class is actually supposed to be accounting. That's comedy.

Over to Abed shooting a documentary. "It's like a movie but with ugly people." His dad shows up but doesn't talk to him, rather focusing on having a ridiculous argument with Britta, Could it be he has trouble speaking plainly with his son? No no there's never been a dad with that problem.

He seems to jump at the chance to disown him, in fact, and leave the mess of Abed for someone else to take care of. I guess he may just be speaking in anger.

Britta crying "They day I cut myself loose of my father was the day I finally started being *choke* happy" makes me feel such mixed emotions. One, great joke, II, I just want to hold her close, and C, also kind of just want to squeeze her.

The next day, I'm guessing, finds Jeff going into overdrive with his carefully calculated efforts to demonstrate his spontaneity. A Christmas tie with flashing lights, rainbow suspenders and bunny face slippers with bells on? The only thing matching his obnoxious tryhardness here is Whitman, who shows up to complain about Jeff drinking boring normal coffee before ordering a wedding cake. Yeah the act is getting pretty worn out. I'd like it if we saw at least a moment of him like, trying to listen to people, or just being sad, instead of giving the impression he spends every moment of every day relentlessly pursuing the most whimsical impulse.

And we get a whole scene of Pierce teaching Troy about deliberate sneezing. He wants to know more. This can't end well.

Back to Jeff flying a rainbow pattern kite and running through a finely choreographed scene of children playing. I think he'd actually have fun doing these things if he wasn't so desperately, overtly looking for Whitman's approval. And as Whitman continues to see right through him, wouldn't it be time to rethink this approach? Maybe Jeff genuinely doesn't know how to let his guard down and let the world in, even for a moment.

Cut to the study room where Abed gets everyone pizza. There's a whole subplot with Abed acting suspicious and spending too much money that's going to come together in a moment when he finishes the movie so I'm not worrying too much about relating it here, but in a vacuum this is a super weird scene where Abed seems to have fully disconnected from reality, barely interacting with people as they (well, Britta) desperately beg him to explain himself. Love the coffee delivery guy who has to stand there for what seems to him like an impossibly cruel, far too intimate family argument.

At last, everyone's there to see Six Candles just as Abed finishes rendering it. It's like he directed the whole series of events. Get it, because he's a movie director, and he spent the whole time directing his unwitting actors into giving the exact performances he needed to put together this movie to tell his dad he makes him feel neglected, unloved and guilty about his mom leaving them.

That would be a difficult thing to say in words, but it had to be said, and the men are now able to reach each other in a way that maybe neither thought they ever could, and they establish a level of trust, of compromise. That all happens immediately after the end of the film, before the tears dry, while the bright colors and snappy high-energy jingle of the COOL ABED FILMS logo still echoes in the room. Ah, the contrasts.

Cut to Troy sneezing like a big man, making Shirley jump while Pierce looks upon him with approval. Wait a minute, wasn't this episode about learning not to fake spontaneity? Yeah I realized that parallel just now.

But as this corruption of the innocent plot goes, I think the story of Troy's sneezes has the lowest stakes of any piece of dramatic storytelling ever written. I completely forgot how the show does that. Like, I remember the fun of all the extremely low stakes conflicts ("The stakes have never been higher" "Shut up Leonard"), but not how they make it work.

Like Jeff and Britta's kiss here. It's funny because Whitman is completely correct in his assessment that it's a turning point for their relationship (which is why he takes it as an acceptable act of day-seizing and gives Jeff the A), it does feel unexpectedly important for both of them, but where are the stakes? We may be led to believe this will be a Significant Romance, but that never actually happens. Their relationship gets more emotional involvement from Annie than from either of them. It's aggressively medium stakes drama all the way and it's beautiful.

The stinger, with Jeff teaching Troy and Abed about krumping, also beautiful.

[mariacallous]

If you give a kid a smartphone, they’re going to want a social media account.

That’s not the start of a storybook. The average age for a kid getting their first smartphone is 10.3. Within a year, a child has likely made four or five social media accounts; by the age of 12, 90 percent of kids are already on social media, according to research by Linda Charmaraman, a senior research scientist who runs the Youth Media and Well-Being Research Lab at Wellesley College.

For parents and caregivers, the decision to let your youngster sign up for TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat can feel like a daunting milestone. In May, the US surgeon general suggested that social media is contributing to a mental health crisis among the nation's youth. Around the world, lawmakers have been mounting pressure on the likes of Meta and TikTok to restrict the addictive design features that young users are subjected to. But social media can be valuable to young people too. Digital spaces can be beneficial settings to build friendships and receive social support from peers. So if your kid starts asking about social media (or you suspect that they already have secret accounts), what’s a parent to do?

“Social media is not inherently good or bad,” says Charmaraman, whose research focuses on adolescent development and social media. “It’s really about how people come to use social media, in what ways, and what kinds of supports they have to navigate it in a way that’s right for them.”

It’s absolutely possible for families to foster a healthy relationship with social media by understanding the science, starting conversations about social media and mental health, and setting boundaries on security settings and screen use. Here’s how to get started, whether your kid is 17 or approaching the age of 10.3.

What Does the Research Really Say?

It’s still too soon to determine any long-term effects of social media on youth mental health, says Charmaraman. She encourages parents to take a critical look at the popular studies that draw correlations between teens’ social media use and negative outcomes like depression and anxiety. “When you actually look at the statistical weight of how much we can explain the rise in rates of mental health difficulties due to social media or technology use, it’s less than 1 percent,” she says.

Correlational studies might also discount larger forces that contribute to mental health difficulties, like socioeconomic status or family relationships. For example, if a child is in a household where parents argue frequently, the child may turn to social media more often to seek support or distraction. That doesn’t mean social media is the problem. More restrictions on social media don’t correlate to a happier child, either, Charmaraman points out.

It’s also important to understand that much of the current research on social media and youth well-being has focused on middle-class white families. There’s still more to be learned about how social media impacts nonwhite, LGBT, or neurodivergent youth, or youth in unstable housing situations.

In other words, there’s no scientifically proven, one-size-fits-all social media rule. Tailor the following guidelines to your family and your kids, and be ready to adapt them as your kids grow older and their situations change. Don’t be afraid to set different guidelines for siblings too—kids in the same family could have different needs.

‘Onboard’ Your Kid Onto Social Media

You might want to start earlier than you think. “Don’t assume that your kid isn’t already on social media,” says Charmaraman. Especially if your child has an older sibling, or friends with older siblings, it’s likely that they’ve engaged with social media in some way.

Charmaraman recommends initiating a conversation about social media when a child is in late elementary or middle school, then gradually “onboarding” them onto social media with a lot of structure, rules, and oversight at first. It’s easier to be proactive about social media guidelines than to try to undo bad habits that have been cemented over years. “Prepare, as opposed to repair,” she says. (If you have an older teen, not all hope is lost—but more on that later.)

To onboard your kid, start with the highest level of scrutiny and security over their social media use, then gradually loosen the reins as the child gets older. Open up the social media app that your child is interested in, and look through the menu of settings together. Have a conversation with your child about how the platform works: What kinds of security settings and parameters make sense at the moment? Who should be allowed to message your child?

If a child is younger, you might consider having access to the account’s password as well. You might also set up an app’s in-house parental controls. (Here’s how to do that on Snapchat and Discord.) That way, if your child encounters violent, sexual, or other inappropriate content, you can intervene more quickly.

As a child gets older and earns more trust, parents can loosen restrictions on safety settings. If the child shows that they’re not yet able to self-regulate the healthy time they’re spending on social media, add more restrictions.

Chararaman recommends the onboarding approach rather than banning social media outright. Kids can find ways around restrictions, and more seriously, they’ll likely hold back if something bad happens to them online.

Recognize the Signs of Problematic Media Use

How can you tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy use of social media? Charmaraman says there’s no magic number for screen time limits. Some kids can use their phones healthily for several hours, if they’re searching for information or interacting with friends. Other kids tend toward more problematic behaviors, so they would benefit from more guardrails around screen time.

Sarah Domoff, an assistant professor at the University at Albany – State University of New York, suggests that as parents observe their kids’ social media use,  they look into three broad categories:

The content your child encounters: You won’t be able to block all potentially inappropriate content on the internet from your child. So it’s important to know how your child responds. Do they continue to engage with content that’s potentially harmful, stressful, or untrue? If they’re having unhealthy responses to what they see on social media, consider more restrictions. If your child is able to recognize and bypass inappropriate content, they can be more independent.

When social media is being used: “The research shows that some times of day may matter more than others,” Domoff says. If screens interfere with sleep or schoolwork, consider having a conversation with your child about changing the timing of social media use, so it doesn’t interfere with other activities that keep them well.

Vulnerabilities that are specific to your child: Some youth may be more vulnerable to certain kinds of content or interactions that exacerbate mental health concerns.

Use these three categories to guide the conversations you have with your kids about social media. It’s important to acknowledge that it’s developmentally appropriate for teens to need some privacy from their parents as they explore their identities. If you decide to follow what your teen is doing online, make sure that your teen is aware of it. Frame your actions transparently, says Domoff. Try to tell them, “Because I’m concerned about your safety, I will be checking your content” or “I understand there are things that you may not want me to see. I’m just concerned about you being safe.”

Start a Conversation at Any Age (and Maybe in the Car)

What if your child is an older teen with social media accounts, known to you or otherwise? It’s never too late to start a conversation, says Aliza Kopans, a rising junior at Brown University and cofounder of Tech(nically) Politics, an organization that collects youth stories about social media and advocates for legislative reform. She says it’s important for adults to validate the importance of social media to teens. Don’t frame it as a waste of time, and acknowledge that online friendships can be just as valuable as those made in real life. “Come from a place of curiosity,” says Kopans. Rather than making assumptions, ask your teen how they’re using social media and how social media is making them feel, and start from there.

Domoff recommends weaving conversations about social media into your daily conversations. Treat it as informally as asking them how school went. “Just as you want to be the person your kids come to when they have a fight with their friend, you want to be that person too when it comes to online interactions,” says Domoff.

Still feeling awkward? Try talking about social media in the car, on the way to school or basketball practice. Parents often have an easier time navigating potentially awkward conversations in the car, says Charmaraman. That way there’s a natural end point, and you don’t have to make weird eye contact.

Be a Good Scroll Model

Your own behavior as a parent or trusted adult can have a powerful impact on your children’s relationship to social media. “If you’re checking work emails on your phone at the dinner table, what example does that send?” says Kopans.

Try to open up about your own experiences and reflections on social media, says Domoff. As a parent, you can model conversations about consent and privacy online. Ask your child, “Is it OK if I post this picture of us?” She suggests sharing your own day-to-day experiences, like accounts you follow or memes that you like.

She also suggests sharing the ways that social media impacts your own mental health, asking your kids something like “Hey, I saw this content, and it made me sad. Do you see things that bring you down? What’s something that you can look up online that lifts you up?” Address the mistakes that you’ve made on social media, and show your teens that they can always recover from their social media missteps too.

Model good internet privacy hygiene for your kids too. Teach them how to create (and keep secret) strong passwords for social media accounts, set up two-factor authentication, and practice basic smartphone security.

Finally, you can let your kids make some mistakes on social media, just like they will inevitably make mistakes in their friendships or at school. “Remember that being online is a skill that young people need to develop,” says Charmaraman. Friction or drama on social media doesn’t necessarily mean you should pull the plug. Eventually, your teen will become a young adult who is going to need to know how to monitor their own internet activity.

Rather than bringing out the banhammer immediately, consider the skills you’re helping your kid build, Charmaraman says, “Think less about ‘How do I get my kid off their phone?’ and more ‘How do I equip my kid with the literacy and self-knowledge to prepare them for a digitally connected future?’”

[vivekpandeyy1]

Unlock the Future with Autonomous Robotics Training in Mumbai

In today's rapidly advancing world, robotics is more than just a buzzword—it's a gateway to the future. From smart factories to self-driving cars, robotics is transforming industries and the way we live. At the heart of this revolution lies autonomous robotics—robots that can perform tasks independently, utilising sensors, artificial intelligence, and real-time decision-making.

If you've ever been curious about building intelligent machines or programming robots to perform real-world tasks, enrolling in an autonomous robotics course is a step in the right direction. And for those based in Maharashtra, there's never been a better time to explore robotics classes in Mumbai.

Why Learn Autonomous Robotics?

Autonomous robotics is a key branch of robotics engineering that focuses on designing and building robots capable of functioning without human intervention. These robots make decisions based on their programming, sensor inputs, and AI algorithms. They are widely used in various fields, including manufacturing, logistics, space exploration, defence, agriculture, and healthcare.

Learning autonomous robotics not only builds strong technical skills in areas such as embedded systems, sensor integration, and coding but also nurtures critical thinking and innovation skills that are in high demand worldwide.

Growing Demand for Robotics Courses in Mumbai

As Mumbai positions itself as a growing hub for technology and innovation, the demand for robotics training in the city has increased significantly. More students, professionals, and tech enthusiasts are actively searching for:

Best robotics classes in Mumbai

Autonomous robotics training courses

Robotics courses for beginners and professionals

Where to learn robotics in Mumbai

This growing interest reflects the shift toward automation and intelligent systems across industries.

Who Can Join?

Whether you're a school student passionate about technology, a college student pursuing engineering, or a working professional looking to upskill, enrolling in robotics courses in Mumbai is a smart move. These courses are often designed for different learning levels—from beginner to advanced—and often culminate in real-world projects that demonstrate your skills.

Hands-On Learning with Industry-Relevant Tools

The real advantage of a good autonomous robotics training course is the hands-on experience it provides. You get to work with tools and technologies currently used in the industry.

This practical exposure is crucial because employers and academic institutions value real-world problem-solving and implementation skills over textbook knowledge alone.

Why Robotics Is the Skill of the Future

As automation becomes a core part of every industry, robotics is one of the most future-ready skills anyone can acquire. From automating tasks to designing intelligent machines, your knowledge in autonomous robotics could be the foundation of tomorrow's innovations.

Whether you're planning a tech career, want to build your smart projects, or want to stay ahead in a digital world, learning robotics is a valuable investment in your future.

Explore Robotics in Mumbai

If you're looking to kick-start your journey into the world of intelligent machines, explore robotics classes in Mumbai that offer structured, mentor-led programs focused on autonomous robotics. With the right training, tools, and guidance, you'll be ready to build, code, and innovate with confidence.

Mumbai is quickly becoming a centre for robotics education and innovation, and with accessible programs now available, it's the perfect time to dive into this exciting field.

[kota-study-circle]

Unlocking Success: Discover the Best Coaching Center in Chhattisgarh

Introduction: The Right Coaching Can Change Everything

In today’s competitive academic world, choosing the right coaching center can make a huge difference. Whether you’re aiming for engineering, medical, civil services, or board exams, expert guidance is essential. For students in Chhattisgarh, the search often ends with one name – the Best Coaching Center in Chhattisgarh.

This isn’t just about books and lectures. A top-tier coaching center offers motivation, mentorship, and methodical preparation that leads to real results. So, let’s dive into what makes a coaching center truly stand out in the heart of India.

Why Chhattisgarh Needs Great Coaching Centers

Chhattisgarh is emerging as a major hub for education in Central India. With cities like Raipur, Durg, and Bhilai showing a growing demand for quality education, coaching centers have stepped up to meet expectations. Students are no longer willing to settle for average—they want the best.

That’s why finding the Best Coaching Center in Chhattisgarh has become a priority for parents and students alike. These centers are not just about cracking exams; they’re about building futures. With excellent faculty, interactive learning methods, and customized support, students in Chhattisgarh now have access to world-class coaching at home.

What Sets the Best Coaching Center Apart?

Not all coaching centers are created equal. The best ones go beyond the syllabus. They help students understand concepts deeply, apply logic, and build confidence. That’s exactly what the Best Coaching Center in Chhattisgarh does. From IIT-JEE to NEET, from UPSC to SSC, they offer specialized programs tailored to each goal.

Moreover, they invest in the latest technology—smart classrooms, online test series, performance tracking apps—everything needed for today’s digital learners. Their faculty includes experienced teachers, subject matter experts, and career mentors who guide students every step of the way.

Real Results, Real Stories

What truly proves a center’s excellence? Results. And the Best Coaching Center in Chhattisgarh has plenty to show. Every year, their students secure top ranks in competitive exams, win scholarships, and gain admissions into India’s premier institutions.

But it’s not just about marks and ranks. Students often talk about the life skills they gained—discipline, time management, public speaking, and critical thinking. These testimonials highlight the all-around development the center focuses on, which is rare and invaluable.

A Place Where Dreams Take Shape

Ultimately, a coaching center should be more than a classroom. It should be a place where young minds dream big, and those dreams are nurtured into reality. The Best Coaching Center in Chhattisgarh understands this and works with passion to empower students.

From regular doubt sessions to mental wellness programs, from parent-teacher interactions to motivational seminars—they offer a holistic experience. If you're looking for a place that combines academic excellence with personal growth, this is the destination.

Conclusion: Your Success Story Begins Here

Success isn’t a matter of chance—it’s a result of the right choices. Choosing the Best Coaching Center in Chhattisgarh is one such choice that can shape your future. With their proven methods, dedicated faculty, and supportive environment, you’re not just preparing for exams—you’re preparing for life.

[russellwelch]

The Future of Intrusion Detection and SOC: Building Smarter Security with Clearnetwork

In the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, traditional perimeter defenses are no longer sufficient. Businesses today must think beyond firewalls and basic antivirus tools. The answer lies in a comprehensive cybersecurity framework that integrates real-time monitoring, proactive threat detection, and fully managed services like 24/7 SOC, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and managed SIEM.

This article explores the future of enterprise-level cybersecurity, the technologies that define modern intrusion detection, and the real-world applications of SOC as a service, IDS/IPS, and MSSP offerings. Whether you’re running a healthcare organization, SaaS startup, or an e-commerce platform, understanding these technologies is essential for protecting sensitive data and maintaining compliance.

The Role of 24/7 SOC in Modern Security Strategy

A Security Operations Center (SOC) is the beating heart of any serious cybersecurity operation. A 24/7 SOC functions around the clock to detect, investigate, and respond to security events before they escalate. Unlike conventional IT support or reactive defenses, SOCs rely on real-time analytics, threat intelligence, and correlation engines to flag malicious behavior across all digital touchpoints.

Many businesses today opt for SOC as a service providers, rather than building an in-house team. This model enables access to world-class talent, infrastructure, and tools without the capital expenditure or staffing challenges. Providers like ClearNetwork operate highly sophisticated SOC and SIEM platforms that integrate endpoint telemetry, network logs, cloud environments, and user behavior data into a single visibility pane.

A well-structured SOC includes specialized roles such as threat analysts, incident responders, and a NOC team (Network Operations Center) that ensures infrastructure performance. While a NOC focuses on uptime and system performance, a SOC focuses on threat detection and response, but increasingly these teams collaborate through NOC and SOC integration for seamless operations.

IDS and IPS: Detecting and Preventing Intrusions in Real Time

The terms IDS (Intrusion Detection System) and IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) are foundational in cybersecurity, yet their application today goes far beyond simple perimeter defense. A modern IDPS security system leverages both detection and prevention capabilities, ensuring that threats are not only identified but automatically blocked when appropriate.

There are multiple types of IDS, each designed for a different environment or application:

Host IDS (HIDS): Monitors individual endpoints.

Network IDS (NIDS): Watches over traffic across a network segment.

Wireless IDS: Detects rogue devices or abnormal traffic in wireless networks.

Anomaly-based intrusion detection systems: Identify deviations from established behavioral baselines, offering protection against zero-day threats and sophisticated evasion techniques.

For organizations looking for flexibility and cost efficiency, open source IDS solutions such as Snort, Suricata, and Security Onion alternatives offer powerful capabilities. These tools can be integrated into intrusion monitoring software and managed SIEM systems for enhanced performance.

Examples of IPS tools and IDS examples include Palo Alto IDS, AlienVault (alientvault, alien vault, aleinvault), and ControlScan. These platforms provide deep packet inspection, malware detection, and policy enforcement, acting as both sentinels and enforcers across your IT ecosystem.

A key advantage of next-gen IDS/IPS is their ability to monitor encrypted traffic for threats, thanks to SSL decryption and advanced behavioral analytics. These systems can analyze metadata and patterns even when payloads are obfuscated, a critical feature in modern threat landscapes.

Understanding SIEM and Its Role in Smart Threat Management

A SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) solution is essential in aggregating, analyzing, and alerting on security-relevant data across an organization. It provides centralized visibility, compliance reporting, and forensic analysis capabilities.

The question is often asked: Can a SIEM be used to monitor a WordPress site? The answer is yes. Using plugins or log forwarding, you can monitor file changes, admin logins, and even plugin behavior. Whether you're running a small site or a multi-cloud architecture, SIEM offers unmatched visibility.

When choosing SIEM vs EDR or SIEM vs SOC, it's important to understand their roles:

EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) focuses on individual devices.

SIEM offers broader, cross-network threat correlation.

SOC integrates both under operational management.

Clearnetwork’s managed SIEM services help businesses avoid the complexity of deployment and tuning. Their platform supports SIEM data retention best practices, integrates easily with cloud apps, and supports what apps are used in SIEM scenarios—from Office 365 to AWS logs.

Some organizations look into free intrusion detection and intrusion detection system open source options. These can be a good entry point, but for serious enterprise needs, especially in healthcare cybersecurity services, compliance requirements often necessitate enterprise-grade platforms.

Endpoint Security: Managed AV, EDR, XDR, and Beyond

Protecting endpoints goes far beyond traditional antivirus. While managed antivirus software and managed AV solutions still play a role in identifying known threats, modern architectures demand layered protection.

Here’s how endpoint security technologies differ:

EPP (Endpoint Protection Platforms) offer signature-based protection.

EDR goes further, tracking file behavior, lateral movement, and post-exploit activity.

XDR (Extended Detection and Response) correlates activity across endpoints, email, cloud, and identity systems.

MDR (Managed Detection and Response) is a service combining EDR capabilities with human-driven response.

When comparing EDR vs EPP, or MDR vs EDR, remember: EPP is reactive; EDR is behavioral; XDR is holistic. The best approach combines these into a managed endpoint detection and response framework.

Clearnetwork supports this through its suite of managed virus protection and endpoint monitoring, making them one of the most effective Arctic Wolf competitors in the cybersecurity space.

Email Security: The Frontline Against Social Engineering

Email remains one of the most common attack vectors. Email threats include phishing, malware delivery, impersonation attacks, and inappropriate attachment file formats. Businesses must consider how common is email risk and implement robust defenses.

A content catcher can identify and quarantine malicious payloads before they reach users. Coupled with threat intelligence, these systems flag threatening emails and protect business communication channels.

Integrating email telemetry into SIEM and SOC allows for proactive flagging of phishing campaigns, credential harvesting attempts, and malware like Syslink malware. Tools like host-based IPS and HIPS tools help monitor endpoint behavior after a malicious attachment is opened.

When and Why to Use an MSSP for All Security

Using a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) like Clearnetwork gives businesses access to a wide range of capabilities: from vulnerability assessment services to full-stack threat detection and compliance support.

That said, a common concern is: What happens when you use an MSSP for all security? Done correctly, it simplifies operations and provides a unified security model. But without clarity on SLAs, control boundaries, and integration workflows, organizations risk over-dependence or data silos.

Leading MSSPs balance centralized control with customer visibility, offering modular services such as:

Managed SIEM providers

Intrusion prevention system tools

Mobile intrusion detection system

Linux intrusion detection

Open source intrusion detection tools

With an MSSP like Clearnetwork, companies can stay agile, reduce overhead, and maintain a strong security posture without internal expansion.

How to Design an Effective IDS/IPS Strategy

One of the most critical components of any security strategy is a well-thought-out IDS/IPS deployment. But what factors should you consider when designing an IDS installation?

Network visibility: Identify which segments need monitoring.

Traffic decryption: Can your IDS analyze encrypted sessions?

Scalability: Will it handle future growth?

Contextual integration: Can it feed data into your SIEM?

By selecting from the best intrusion detection system or best intrusion prevention software, and deploying examples like host IDS, wireless intrusion detection systems, or open source intrusion prevention systems, businesses create a layered defense.

If you're unsure which direction to take, consult with experts at Clearnetwork — a leader in business network security and one of the most respected intrusion detection system companies in the industry.

Final Thoughts

From protecting endpoints to monitoring email, from deploying wireless IDS to integrating a fully operational SOC and SIEM system, cybersecurity is no longer optional. It is a continuous process, driven by intelligence, visibility, and expert execution.

Clearnetwork stands out not just for its technology, but for its ability to deliver tailored, compliant, and effective cybersecurity solutions through fully managed services. Whether you're evaluating open source IDS, planning a NOC and SOC operation, or choosing the best intrusion detection tools for your business, the right guidance can mean the difference between compromise and confidence.

[ashwinisaw]

school in Malwani

Discovering Quality Education in Your Neighborhood: Milestone – The Leading School in Malwani

In today’s fast-paced world, education is more than a process of acquiring knowledge—it is a holistic journey that shapes a child’s future. For families in Malwani, finding the perfect school that combines academic rigor, moral values, global exposure, and a nurturing environment used to be a challenge. Not anymore. Enter Milestone International School, the most trusted and dynamic school in Malwani, committed to transforming young learners into tomorrow’s leaders.

Let’s explore what makes Milestone stand out and why parents across Malwani are choosing it as their child’s academic home.

The Need for Quality Local Education

For years, many parents in Malwani had to send their children far from home to access quality education. But as educational needs have evolved, so has the demand for institutions that deliver world-class learning within the local community. Milestone meets this demand by offering a global learning experience, right in the heart of Malwani.

As the most progressive school in Malwani, Milestone has set new standards for excellence, accessibility, and holistic development.

A Future-Focused Curriculum

Milestone International School’s curriculum is carefully crafted to blend traditional learning with contemporary methods. It goes beyond rote learning to foster creativity, critical thinking, and practical application.

Highlights of the Curriculum:

Integrated subjects to help students connect concepts across disciplines

Project-based learning that encourages hands-on exploration

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) focus to develop future-ready skills

Language enhancement programs to promote fluency and communication

Digital literacy with early exposure to coding, robotics, and smart technologies

Environmental awareness and sustainability in learning modules

The aim is to prepare children not only for exams, but for life, careers, and challenges of the future.

Dedicated Faculty with a Passion for Teaching

What sets Milestone apart from the rest is its incredible team of educators. The school believes that excellent teachers make all the difference—and that belief reflects in every classroom.

Teacher Qualities That Stand Out:

Highly qualified and regularly trained in global teaching strategies

Passionate about creating inclusive, student-centered learning spaces

Skilled at personalized instruction and mentoring

Emphasis on building strong teacher-student relationships

Experts in blending academics with emotional intelligence

At Milestone, learning is a joyful experience because the teachers truly care, inspire, and connect with every child.

Infrastructure That Supports Growth

A stimulating learning environment is essential for a student’s overall development. Milestone has created a campus that is vibrant, functional, and student-friendly—right here in Malwani.

World-Class Facilities:

Smart classrooms with interactive digital boards and audiovisual aids

Modern science labs for practical learning

Well-equipped computer and robotics labs

Library with a rich collection of books, journals, and digital content

Dedicated music, dance, and art studios

Spacious playgrounds for various sports and physical training

Secure environment with CCTV surveillance and trained staff

Every space is thoughtfully designed to promote creativity, collaboration, and safety.

A Strong Emphasis on Character Building

While academic success is important, Milestone believes that education must also shape character. The school ensures that every student understands the importance of kindness, honesty, respect, and empathy.

Value-Based Programs:

Daily assemblies that highlight moral themes

Workshops on emotional well-being and mindfulness

Inclusion programs to teach tolerance and appreciation of diversity

Participation in community outreach and charity events

Ethical discussions embedded in lessons and activities

These initiatives help create grounded individuals who lead with integrity and compassion.

A World Beyond the Classroom

Milestone offers an exciting range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities that cater to all interests and talents. Whether a student is passionate about arts, sports, science, or public speaking—there’s something for everyone.

Activity Highlights:

Interschool debates, quizzes, and science exhibitions

Music recitals, art shows, and stage performances

Yoga and fitness programs for physical and mental health

Outdoor learning, excursions, and nature camps

Environmental clubs, entrepreneurship cells, and coding challenges

These experiences build teamwork, leadership, and confidence—helping students become multi-dimensional achievers.

Bridging the Gap Between School and Home

Parental involvement is crucial to a child’s success, and Milestone actively engages with families to ensure everyone is on the same page. This open communication builds trust and improves the learning outcomes.

Parent-School Partnership Includes:

Regular parent-teacher meetings (PTMs)

Digital portals to track attendance, grades, and assignments

Orientation programs and family involvement days

Feedback systems for continuous improvement

Parent support groups and counseling sessions

The result? A strong sense of community and shared responsibility for every student’s progress.

Technology-Driven Education

Living in the digital age means students need to be tech-savvy from an early age. Milestone embraces this need and uses technology not just for instruction but as a transformative learning tool.

Tech Integration Includes:

E-learning platforms for assignments and practice

Coding from elementary levels

Use of educational apps and simulations

Safe browsing policies and digital citizenship education

Blended learning for adaptability in online/offline modes

This modern approach ensures that students at this school in Malwani are always future-ready.

Affordability That Makes a Difference

Many parents assume that international-standard schools come with exorbitant fees. Milestone challenges this belief by offering top-tier education at a price that is transparent, fair, and inclusive.

Financial Advantages:

Competitive fee structure with flexible options

No hidden charges

Scholarships and concessions for deserving students

Accessible to middle-class and working families in Malwani

Milestone proves that quality education doesn’t have to be exclusive—it can and should be accessible to all.

What Parents Are Saying

“We wanted a school in Malwani that not only focused on academics but also on personality development. Milestone is exactly that!” – Alka R., Parent

“My son’s confidence has grown so much since joining Milestone. The environment is caring and energetic.” – Sayed M., Parent

“The school is safe, the teachers are excellent, and the learning is fun. What more can a parent ask for?” – Ravi T., Parent

Conclusion

Milestone International School is not just a school—it’s a movement toward meaningful education that empowers, inspires, and transforms. As a leading school in Malwani, it offers the perfect blend of academics, ethics, technology, and creativity to help children become the best versions of themselves.

If you are looking for a school that’s close to home, high in quality, and focused on the holistic development of your child, Milestone is the answer.

📍 Visit http://milestoneinternationalschool.com to schedule a school tour or enroll your child today. Experience education the way it’s meant to be.

[kylebasena]

Looking for the Best Radiation Oncology in Delhi NCR? Discover Top Clinics Here!

Introduction

Cancer is a word no one ever wants to hear. But if it does come into your life or that of a loved one, having access to the Best Radiation Oncology in Delhi NCR can make a world of difference. Radiation therapy plays a critical role in the treatment of many types of cancer, often working in tandem with surgery and chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells and stop them from spreading.

Delhi NCR, being the healthcare hub of India, is home to numerous world-class cancer care centers and top-tier radiation oncologists. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or seeking a second opinion, this guide is designed to give you all the information you need to make the best choice for your treatment.

What Is Radiation Oncology?

Radiation oncology is a medical specialty focused on treating cancer using radiation therapy. Radiation oncologists are the doctors who plan and oversee your treatment using high-energy radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.

What Does a Radiation Oncologist Do?

Diagnoses cancer stage and type

Recommends appropriate radiation technique

Plans and monitors treatment

Manages side effects and recovery

Types of Radiation Therapy

1. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT):

The most common type

Uses a machine outside the body to aim high-energy rays at the tumor

Brachytherapy:

Internal radiation where radioactive sources are placed directly in or near the tumor

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and SBRT:

Extremely precise, high-dose treatments

Often used for brain, spine, and lung cancers

Radiation oncology has evolved tremendously, becoming more targeted, painless, and effective, especially when provided by top institutions in Delhi NCR.

Why Choose Radiation Oncology in Delhi NCR?

When it comes to cancer care, location matters more than you think. Here’s why Delhi NCR is a prime choice for world-class radiation oncology:

Advanced Technologies

Hospitals in Delhi NCR boast state-of-the-art machines like:

LINAC (Linear Accelerators)

IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy)

IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy)

Proton Therapy (available in selected centers)

Expertise and Specialization

The region is home to some of the best radiation oncologists in India, many of whom have been trained abroad and are actively involved in research.

Affordability

Compared to Western countries or even private hospitals in Mumbai or Bangalore, Delhi NCR offers high-quality care at relatively affordable costs.

Supportive Infrastructure

From diagnostic labs and PET scan facilities to psychological counselors and nutritional advisors, you’ll find complete cancer care under one roof.

Best Radiation Oncology in Delhi NCR: Key Factors to Consider

Not every cancer center offers the same level of care. When choosing a clinic, consider these critical factors:

1. Accreditation and Certifications

NABH, JCI, ISO standards indicate adherence to quality

Empanelment with government schemes like Ayushman Bharat

2. Experienced Radiation Oncologists

Check the number of years in practice and area of specialization

Look for oncologists who handle cases like yours

3. Advanced Treatment Technology

Ensure availability of IGRT, IMRT, or VMAT for precision therapy

4. Multidisciplinary Teams

Collaboration among surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and medical oncologists improves outcomes

5. Patient-Centered Care

Support groups, pain management, and rehabilitation services

When all these factors align, you know you’ve found the Best Radiation Oncology in Delhi NCR.

Top Radiation Oncology Clinics in Delhi NCR

Here are five renowned clinics offering top-rated radiation oncology services:

1. AIIMS Delhi – Dr. B.R.A. Institute-RCC

Government-run, affordable care

Best for complex cases and rare cancers

Expert faculty and latest LINAC machines

2. Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Rohini

NABH accredited

Offers 3DCRT, IMRT, IGRT, SRS

Known for excellent follow-up care

3. Apollo Cancer Institute, Delhi

Multispecialty hospital with international collaborations

Offers CyberKnife and Proton Beam Therapy

Top doctors like Dr. Sapna Nangia

4. Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket

Offers image-guided and intensity-modulated therapies

Personalized treatment plans with tumor boards

5. Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon

Known for its patient-centric approach

Advanced radiotherapy units and oncology departments

What Makes a Clinic the “Best”?

It’s not just the machines or the buildings, true excellence comes from:

Latest Equipment

Linear Accelerators with 6D couches

Advanced planning systems

Holistic Support

Pain management

Psychological counseling

Nutritional therapy

Patient Outcomes

High survival and recovery rates

Positive reviews and testimonials

Choosing a facility that ticks all these boxes ensures you’re in safe hands for your radiation journey.

Meet the Experts: Renowned Radiation Oncologists in Delhi NCR

Dr. Manoj Sharma – IOSPL Cancer Care

Specialist in radiation therapy and immunotherapy

Over 20 years of experience

Dr. G.K. Rath – Ex-HOD, AIIMS

Pioneer of radiation oncology in India

Founder of National Cancer Institute

Dr. Sapna Nangia – Apollo Cancer Centre

Internationally trained

Known for treating breast and head & neck cancers

Look for oncologists with credentials, publications, and a compassionate approach. It's not just about machines, it's about people.

The Radiation Oncology Treatment Journey: What to Expect

If you or a loved one is about to begin radiation therapy, knowing the process can ease much of the anxiety. Here’s what the typical journey looks like at the Best Radiation Oncology clinics in Delhi NCR:

1. Initial Consultation

Review of medical history, imaging scans, biopsy reports

Physical examination by the radiation oncologist

Discussion of treatment options and expected outcomes

2. Treatment Planning

CT/MRI simulation to map the tumor

Marking the exact spot for radiation delivery

Creation of a custom immobilization device (mask or mold)

3. Radiation Sessions Begin

Sessions typically last 15–30 minutes

Treatment schedules vary: 5 days a week for 4–7 weeks

It’s painless, but fatigue may build up over time

4. Monitoring & Side Effect Management

Weekly review by the oncologist

Management of side effects like skin irritation, fatigue, nausea

Nutritional and emotional support

Radiation may sound scary at first, but many patients find it manageable and empowering, especially under the right care team.

Factors Influencing Cost

Hospital type (Govt. vs Private)

Technology used

Duration of treatment

Doctor’s experience

Is Radiation Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Yes, most major Indian insurance policies cover radiation oncology

Ayushman Bharat and ECHS schemes also provide full or partial coverage

Government and Private Support Programs

Getting cancer treatment is tough. Financially and emotionally. Here are some initiatives that help:

1. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

Covers radiation therapy in empanelled hospitals

No out-of-pocket expense for BPL families

2. Delhi Government Initiatives

Free diagnosis and treatments at public hospitals like AIIMS, LNJP

Cancer screening programs in community clinics

3. NGOs and Charitable Trusts

CanSupport offers home care, counseling, and palliative services

Indian Cancer Society funds diagnostic tests and treatments

So yes, help is available. You just need to know where to look, and we’re here to help you with that.

Integrating Radiation Oncology with Other Treatments

Radiation therapy is often just one part of a broader treatment strategy.

Multimodal Treatments Include:

Surgery + Radiation: Common in breast, head & neck, prostate cancers

Chemoradiation: Often used in cervical, lung, and rectal cancers

Immunotherapy + Radiation: Promising results in lung and melanoma cases

This integration ensures the cancer is tackled from multiple angles, maximizing your chances of complete recovery.

5 FAQs About Best Radiation Oncology in Delhi NCR

1. What is the average cost of radiation therapy in Delhi NCR?

Ans: Costs can range from ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000 depending on the treatment type and hospital.

2. How do I choose the best radiation oncology clinic?

Ans: Look for board-certified oncologists, NABH accreditation, and updated radiotherapy machines like IGRT, IMRT, or CyberKnife.

3. How long does radiation therapy last?

Ans: Usually 4–7 weeks, with daily sessions from Monday to Friday.

4. Are radiation oncologists different from medical oncologists?

Ans: Yes, radiation oncologists specialize in treating cancer with radiation. Medical oncologists focus on chemotherapy and other systemic treatments.

5. Can I consult online before visiting the center?

Ans: Absolutely. Many top clinics offer virtual consultations, second opinions, and telemedicine services.

Final Thoughts: Take the First Step Toward Healing

You’re not alone. A diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end, it can be the beginning of a stronger, healthier chapter. With the Best Radiation Oncology in Delhi NCR, you have access to the most advanced care, experienced doctors, and supportive treatment journeys.

Act now: Whether it’s a consultation, screening, or second opinion, don’t delay.

Conclusion

Delhi NCR stands tall as a beacon of hope for cancer patients across India. With a mix of cutting-edge technology, world-renowned experts, and accessible treatment plans, it’s no wonder that thousands choose the region for their care.

When it comes to finding the Best Radiation Oncology in Delhi NCR, remember, it’s not just about the clinic, it’s about choosing life, support, and strength. And you deserve nothing but the best.

[xaviershighschool81]

Screen Time Isn’t the Enemy—Passive Consumption Is

Rethink screen time with purpose. Discover how CBSE schools in Gurgaon Sector 81 like St. Xavier’s guide children toward mindful tech use. Nursery admission in Gurgaon is open now.

There was a time when “screen time” meant watching a cartoon on Sunday morning. Now, it’s everything, from video classes and virtual playdates to reels, gaming, and bedtime YouTube routines.

Parents everywhere whisper the same worry: “Are we giving our children too much screen time?” But here’s the truth, screens aren’t the enemy. The real danger is what children are doing on those screens.

It’s not the hours. It’s the intention. It’s not the device. It’s the direction.

And in today’s digital age, where the screen has become both a classroom and a playground, it’s time to shift the narrative. Instead of obsessing over minutes spent, we need to focus on how those minutes are being used.

Understanding Passive vs. Active Consumption

Let’s break it down.

Passive screen time is when a child watches without thinking. It’s endless scrolling, background noise, and short-form content that ends before it even begins to teach anything. This kind of engagement often leads to:

Shorter attention spans

Higher anxiety levels

Less creativity and focus

Active screen time, on the other hand, encourages interaction. It involves:

Learning through tutorials and problem-solving games

Creating stories, coding, or digital art

Exploring virtual field trips, science experiments, or educational challenges

The screen isn’t a babysitter, it’s a tool. And just like any tool, its value depends on how we use it.

Why “Screen Guilt” Doesn’t Work

Let’s be honest: screens are part of life. They’re how children connect, learn, laugh, and sometimes even calm down. Trying to eliminate screens entirely is unrealistic, and often creates shame and resistance instead of responsibility.

What we can do instead is teach children to be active digital citizens. To help them distinguish between content that nourishes their minds and content that numbs it.

This shift is especially critical at the nursery and early learning stage, when habits begin to take root. That’s why choosing the right nursery school in Gurgaon matters more than ever, it’s where this balance should be modelled and taught, not avoided.

The School’s Role in Shaping Digital Wellbeing

Forward-thinking schools understand that screen time is here to stay. But rather than banning devices, they’re focused on guiding children to use them purposefully.

For instance, leading schools from the list of CBSE schools in Gurgaon Sector 81 are taking a progressive approach by:

Integrating technology into lesson plans mindfully

Encouraging student-led presentations, video projects, and digital storytelling

Teaching children about digital hygiene, cyber safety, and mindful browsing

These aren’t just digital skills, they’re life skills. One such standout institution is St. Xavier’s High School, Sector 81, Gurgaon. With a vision deeply rooted in holistic development, Xavier’s doesn’t just accept technology- It leverages it to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and encourage thoughtful digital engagement. Here children learn that tech isn’t a toy- It’s a bridge to explore the world with purpose and empathy.

At Home: Cultivating Healthy Digital Habits

Parents don’t need to be screen police. Instead, they can become digital guides. Here’s how:

Co-watch and co-create: Watch a documentary together. Then talk about it. Or encourage your child to create something inspired by it, be it a drawing, a story, or a video.

Encourage tech-for-purpose: Let them use a screen to look up a recipe, build a LEGO design using YouTube instructions, or research planets for a school project.

Use screen time as connection time: Instead of isolating devices to individual rooms, make screen time a shared activity. It naturally sparks conversation and critical thinking.

It’s not about removing the screen, it’s about adding meaning to the minutes spent.

Preparing for the Digital-First Future

Today’s kids aren’t just growing up in the digital age, they’re living in it. Their future jobs, education, friendships, even their creativity will be shaped by technology.

So the goal shouldn’t be to eliminate screen exposure. It should be to build digital fluency with empathy, purpose, and creativity. Choosing the right learning environment early on is crucial. If you’re considering nursery admission in Gurgaon, look for schools that:

Don’t just limit screen time, but curate it.

Teach children to create, not just consume.

Focus on both digital and emotional intelligence.

Because children today don’t need to be “protected” from screens. They need to be empowered to use them wisely.

Conclusion: Let’s Rethink Screen Time

Let’s stop counting minutes and start counting moments that matter. Let’s stop fearing screens and start teaching children to question, create, and connect through them. Because in a world full of distractions, it’s not the device that makes the difference, it’s the direction we give it.

If you’re looking for a school that understands this balance, St. Xavier’s High School, Sector 81, Gurgaon is one of the finest names from the list of CBSE schools in Gurgaon Sector 81. With a focus on early-age mindfulness, tech-positive learning, and compassionate education, Xavier’s is preparing young learners not just for school but for life.

So when it comes to nursery admission in Gurgaon, choose a school that knows: it’s not about less screen time… It’s about a more meaningful time.

[stemrobotechnology]

How Design Thinking Fosters Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills in Students

Whenever we talk about technology, robotics, or critical thinking, the one word always comes to our mind: design. It’s a unique skill we all should learn, specifically from students. According to the fastest approach towards our future steps, it is necessary to have the power of understanding the upmost requirement of the tech., advanced skills, easy compact robots model, etc. In all this discussion only one thing helps our learners I.e. designs. Design of the particular technology, product, machine, etc. Will require some thinking to give its best shot as a completely developed product for human use.

Finally, we concluded that we should learn design thinking. Now, the question is, how will we do this design thinking? Well, the interesting answer is that just like solving any problem with clues, design thinking requires your imagination and accuracy in designing your model.

We all have different algorithms to solve and to create, to adapt the function in the AI & IT industry. In this world of algorithms what occurs the most, especially in the Social networking area is a problem. To resolve the errors that appear in the algorithm as problems, we required problem-solving skills. For example: a class of 50 students, had done a project and gave their contribution while making the project, in which 10 of them were working on the major part of the model design and spacing asset, and the rest of the team working on the coding and circuit part of the project now one day the coding team will not be able to come at the day of competition.

The project stopped working now in this situation what is the best way to resolve this issue? Is it to take the risk of presenting the project to the judges with the excuse of some technical issue or to find the solution to this problem? The answer is correct they should do the problem-solving for the project immediately but the question who will help them in this situation? So, the ATL mentor present with the team will be the solution for the school. Our stem-certified companies help the students find the solutions to their problems and enhance there the skill of critical thinking which later on helps them to enhance their capacity to work more efficiently than before.

What is Design Thinking? What is Design Thinking? Design thinking is an approach towards the solution-focused technique that emphasizes the user according to the condition of the ongoing project. It’s a direction we can say is the first step to make a project where the learner in the school is. First think about his design, and his creation and apply his thinking to the creativity, and by applying it in the real world state he/she will be more perfect with the future project model representation. Sometimes we have prize-winning projects with us in the competition, but we lose the main reason for this situation is that the model design is not compatible with the project requirement and the circuit requirement because of this they will lose in the competition. To prevent such kinds of situations our STEM mentors and companies help students to focus more on this kind of problem and come up with more interesting and useful solutions with the student’s project and help them to learn this concept of design thinking in a more interesting and fun way.

In schools, design thinking also encourages students to engage in activities where they can perform problem-solving tasks to resolve problems and these types of activities help to improve IQ levels.

In this type of process, we have 5 key stages to create a project with the help of Design thinking:

Identify: Understand the requirement where the experience of the mentor and students is impacted by the problem.

Interpret: Clarify the problem to be solved.

Imagination: Imagination is the idea you want to create and understand the project requirement.

Blueprint: Create a rough prototype of your project ideas.

Testing: Now it’s time to experiment with the prototypes, gather feedback, and adjust the model for making the prototypes.

Challenges and Overcoming Barriers

STEM education companies Bringing design thinking into education is the major decision of the schools where they can learn these 21st-century skills of education easily with the help of their mentor. Somehow while approaching the implementation of the project limited resources, and challenging time schedules make that approach a little difficult, and times like that for an individual. These challenges somewhere help the students to understand the sense of collaboration between the mentor and students, and explore new ideas during this process, as a responsible asset schools and STEM education companies improve the thinking of the students by giving them the chance to take part in several competitions. This design thinking also helps the teachers by providing the correct information to the students and also giving unique solutions to different problems. In this way, our education policy also sees the progress in the overall education of an individual impact on learner personality development and improvise the patterns of his studies in the schools. It also gives a beneficial, attractive, and innovative experience in studies.

Contact for K12 School Solution : https://www.stemrobo.com/atal-tinkering-lab/

Contact US at :

Email : sales@stemrobo.com Toll Free : 1800-120-500-400 Website : https://www.stemrobo.com/  Address : B-32, Block – B, Sector – 63, Noida, 201301, UP, INDIA

[technoschool]

Robotics in Education: How to Get Started with a School Robotics Lab

The future of education is no longer just about books and blackboards. It's about preparing students for a rapidly evolving world—one shaped by technology, automation, and artificial intelligence. That’s where robotics in education plays a pivotal role.

A school robotics lab introduces students to hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). More than just technical skills, robotics cultivates critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities—all essential for future careers.

If you're planning to introduce robotics in your school, this guide offers practical, budget-conscious steps to set up a lab that sparks curiosity and builds essential skills.

Why Robotics Belongs in Every School

Robotics brings learning to life. When students build a robot that moves, reacts to sensors, or completes tasks, they learn more than just how technology works—they learn how to think differently.

A robotics program helps students:

Understand abstract concepts through real-world application

Collaborate with peers in a creative, hands-on environment

Develop coding, design, and engineering skills from an early age

The best part? Robotics education is inclusive. It engages all types of learners—visual, kinesthetic, and analytical—making STEM subjects more accessible and enjoyable.

Step 1: Identify Your Goals and Age Group

The first step in launching a robotics lab is deciding your objectives. Will the lab support after-school programs, integrate with the academic curriculum, or prepare students for competitions? Are you targeting early learners, middle school students, or seniors?

For younger children, start with a Robotic lab for kids that focuses on simple, safe, and engaging tools. Choose kits that use block-based programming and hands-on parts, allowing kids to assemble and experiment while understanding how things work in a fun, non-intimidating way.

Step 2: Choose Scalable Robotics Kits

The choice of robotics kits can make or break your lab. Look for kits that:

Offer both beginner and advanced levels

Include reusable components

Work with open-source coding platforms like Scratch, Arduino, or Tinkercad

Are durable and suitable for classroom environments

Many affordable kits are available today, including programmable cars, robotic arms, or line-following robots that allow students to explore electronics and coding simultaneously.

When selecting kits for the Robotics lab in your school, ensure they align with the grade-wise learning outcomes and support progressive skill development.

Step 3: Set Up a Flexible, Functional Space

You don’t need a massive room with expensive furniture to get started. Use existing classrooms, science labs, or even multipurpose halls. All you need is:

Tables for group activities

Storage for tools and components

Charging stations and Wi-Fi

An area for robot testing and demonstrations

A mobile robotics cart can help bring the lab to different classes. Keeping the setup simple allows your lab to grow over time without major upfront investment.

Step 4: Train and Empower Your Educators

A robotics lab thrives when educators feel confident guiding students through the process. Invest in training for a few teachers who are passionate about STEM. Several online courses and workshops can help them learn:

How to assemble and program kits

How to align robotics with subjects like math and science

How to encourage creative projects and experimentation

Once trained, these teachers can support other staff and lead student innovation.

Step 5: Integrate Robotics with Core Subjects

Instead of treating robotics as a standalone club, embed it into the curriculum wherever possible. Use robotics projects to:

Explain physics concepts like motion and force

Visualize math through distance, time, and angles

Practice writing through project reports or presentations

This not only reinforces classroom topics but also enhances student understanding through practical application.

In the context of growing education demands, implementing a Robotics Lab for Kids in School in India brings experiential learning to the forefront. It empowers students from all backgrounds to access cutting-edge knowledge and encourages curiosity from an early age.

Step 6: Start with Projects and Let Students Explore

Don’t wait until the lab is fully equipped. Begin with basic projects that allow students to:

Build a robot that follows a line

Program simple movements or responses to sensors

Create tasks such as sorting objects or drawing patterns

Encourage students to work in teams, share ideas, and showcase their projects. Hosting robotics fairs or internal competitions builds excitement and motivates others to join.

Step 7: Plan for Growth and Sustainability

Once your lab is running, continue to evaluate its success. Keep a record of student engagement, project outcomes, and challenges. Use this feedback to:

Expand kit collections

Introduce intermediate and advanced modules

Upgrade space and equipment when needed

Offer leadership roles to senior students

Explore external funding options or CSR partnerships to scale the lab sustainably. Over time, your robotics program can become a central part of your school’s academic identity.

Conclusion: Inspire Innovators from the Classroom

Launching a robotics lab isn’t just about building robots—it’s about building futures. When students engage in hands-on STEM education, they gain skills that go beyond the classroom. They become thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers who are ready to take on the challenges of a digital world.

Start small, stay focused, and grow steadily. With the right mindset and planning, your school robotics lab can become a place where young minds discover their passion for innovation—and where education transforms into exploration.