#Data Loss Solutions

[hell-much]

didn't save 12 hours worth of writing and editing, having a nervous breakdown and am ready to never write a single word again

[sangforweb]

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a cybersecurity strategy that detects and prevents unauthorized access, sharing, or leakage of sensitive data. DLP solutions protect intellectual property, customer information, and confidential files across networks, endpoints, and cloud environments. Discover how DLP safeguards your business data effectively with advanced tools from Sangfor.

[kriptonee]

Best Employee Monitoring Solution | Kriptone | Kntrol

[jcmarchi]

Verpex Review: Is it the Best Global Host For You?

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/verpex-review-is-it-the-best-global-host-for-you/

Verpex Review: Is it the Best Global Host For You?

As a web hosting expert who has guided numerous clients in selecting the best providers, I’ve developed a keen eye for distinctive and impactful hosting services. At first glance, Verpex stands out not just for its competitive pricing and robust support, but significantly for its commitment to “real worldwide hosting.”

With server locations strategically spread across five continents, Verpex ensures that your website performs optimally, no matter where your visitors are located. This global reach, coupled with features like unlimited free migrations, free SSL certificates, and 24/7 expert support, positions Verpex as an appealing choice for businesses targeting a global audience. Intriguingly, they also offer a 45-day money-back guarantee, which is a testament to their confidence in the service they provide. 

If you’re weighing the pros and cons of Verpex for your hosting needs, join me as I go into the details of their offerings, from performance metrics to customer support experiences.

Verpex Hosting Review

Verpex is a web hosting company that has quickly made a name for itself by offering a wide range of hosting services, including shared, cloud, and reseller hosting options. They stand out with their promise of “real worldwide hosting,” boasting server locations across five continents, which ensures low latency and better performance regardless of where your visitors come from. Their main features include unlimited free migrations, free SSL certificates, and 24/7 expert support.

I’ve had the chance to review them and I must say, they’ve impressed me with their robust support system and broad hosting offerings. They’ve earned a TrustScore of 4.8 after more than 600 reviews, and it’s clear why — customers genuinely appreciate what Verpex brings to the table.

What’s more, Verpex makes transitioning to their service a breeze with free migrations handled by experts. This was a game-changer for me, as it meant moving my site without the headache of downtime or data loss.

Pros and Cons

Unlimited free migrations

24/7 expert support

Free SSL certificates

45-day money-back guarantee

Real worldwide hosting

Relatively new in the market

Relatively new in the market

No free plan

Verpex Rating – My Personal Take

When reviewing hosting providers, I like to adopt a systematic approach, comparing them across key areas to ensure fairness and transparency. This method helps differentiate between the numerous options available and highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each host. Here’s how Verpex measures up in my evaluation, scored on a scale from 1 to 5 across several essential categories:

Quality My rating Why I gave this score Features and Specs 4.8 Verpex’s offering of free migrations, automated SSL certificates, and a global server presence is impressive. However, I’ve given them a 4.8 because, while they excel, there’s always room for expanding even more advanced features. Prices 4.9 Verpex offers an exceptionally low entry price of just $0.60 per month for basic web hosting, which is quite competitive. However, I gave them a 4.9 because, despite this attractive rate, brands like Hostinger and Bluehost sometimes provide promotional pricing that can be slightly lower, catering to those with the most stringent budget constraints, especially after considering renewal prices. Performance Stats 4.7 Verpex boasts impressive performance backed by the latest technology like NVMe SSDs and AMD EPYC CPUs, ensuring quick server responses. I gave them a 4.7, acknowledging that while they are incredibly fast, the absolute fastest speeds in the market are slightly quicker. Ease of Use 4.6 Verpex makes it easy for both novices and experienced users with their cPanel interface and streamlined processes. I’ve given them a 4.6 as the vast array of options might initially overwhelm newer users. Customer Support Guarantee 4.8 The 24/7 customer support provided by Verpex is top-notch, with a 99.95% case resolution rate. They receive a 4.8 because, although nearly perfect, peak times can see slight delays.

Verpex Hosting Plans & Pricing – 2024

Verpex offers a wide array of hosting services tailored to different needs, from basic shared hosting to advanced cloud solutions. Each plan is backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee, ensuring you have ample time to assess their service.

Verpex’s Shared Hosting Plans

BRONZE

Storage space: 30 GB NVMe SSD Disk Space

Number of websites: 1 website

Features: 1-click WordPress Installation, Free Domain Registration/Transfer, Free SSL Certificates, Daily Backups, LiteSpeed Webserver

Price: $2.99/month (Save 50%)

SILVER (Recommended)

Storage space: 50 GB NVMe SSD Disk Space

Number of websites: 100 websites

Features: Everything in BRONZE plus higher performance capabilities

Price: $4.99/month (Save 50%)

GOLD

Storage space: 100 GB NVMe SSD Disk Space

Number of websites: Unlimited websites

Features: All features of SILVER plus maximum resource allocation for high traffic sites

Price: $8.99/month (Save 40%)

Verpex’s WordPress Hosting Plans

The WordPress hosting plans mirror the shared hosting setups but are optimized specifically for WordPress environments. 

BRONZE

Features: Standard features tailored for WordPress

Price: $2.99/month (Save 50%)

SILVER (Recommended)

Features: Enhanced performance features for WordPress sites

Price: $4.99/month (Save 50%)

GOLD

Features: Premium WordPress features for high demand sites

Price: $8.99/month (Save 40%)

Verpex’s Cloud Hosting Plans

Cloud hosting at Verpex is intended for businesses that expect rapid growth or experience fluctuating traffic.  

BRONZE

Storage space: 30 GB NVMe SSD Disk Space

Price: $2.99/month (Save 50%)

SILVER (Recommended)

Storage space: 50 GB NVMe SSD Disk Space

Price: $4.99/month (Save 50%)

GOLD

Storage space: 100 GB NVMe SSD Disk Space

Price: $8.99/month (Save 40%)

Verpex Reseller Hosting Plans

Verpex offers tailored reseller hosting plans that cater to a variety of needs, from individuals managing a few websites to large agencies with a substantial client base.  You buy these plans, and then resell them to your clients.

START-UP RESELLER

Support: Up to 15 cPanel accounts

Storage: 50GB NVMe SSD disk space

Bandwidth: Unlimited

Memory: 2GB LVE RAM per cPanel

Features: 24/7 Tech Support, Free SSL Certificates, Free Migrations, Free Domain Registration/Transfer

Price: $1.80/mo (Save 90%), renews at $17.90/mo

Who this is for: This plan is perfect for individuals who manage their own websites or small web designers with a few clients.

PRO RESELLER (Recommended)

Support: Up to 50 cPanel accounts

Storage: 250GB NVMe SSD disk space

Bandwidth: Unlimited

Memory: 2GB LVE RAM per cPanel

Features: 24/7 Tech Support, Free SSL Certificates, Free Migrations, Free Domain Registration/Transfer

Price: $2.99/mo (Save 90%), renews at $29.90/mo

Who this is for: Ideal for established agencies and resellers with a solid client base, this plan allows for significant expansion in service offering.

ULTIMATE RESELLER

Support: Up to 200 cPanel accounts

Storage: Unlimited NVMe SSD disk space

Bandwidth: Unlimited

Memory: 4GB LVE RAM per cPanel

Features: 24/7 Tech Support, Free SSL Certificates, Free Migrations, Free Domain Registration/Transfer

Price: $5.99/mo (Save 90%), renews at $59.90/mo

Who this is for: The ultimate package for high-volume resellers and large agencies that require extensive resources and want to offer high-performance hosting to their clients.

Unmanaged Linux VPS Plans

Verpex also provides a range of Unmanaged Linux VPS hosting plans, designed for those who need dedicated resources but are capable of managing the server themselves.

LINUX SERVER-D2

Memory: 2GB RAM

Storage: 50GB NVMe Disk Space

CPU: 1 Dedicated Xeon vCPU

Features: Unlimited Traffic, cPanel/WHM, Free Daily Backups, Root Access, 24/7 Support

Price: $12.00/mo (Save 40%), renews at $20.00/mo

Who this is for: Ideal for personal projects or entry-level hosting needs.

LINUX SERVER-D4

Memory: 4GB RAM

Storage: 80GB NVMe Disk Space

CPU: 2 Dedicated Xeon vCPUs

Features: Unlimited Traffic, cPanel/WHM, Free Daily Backups, Root Access, 24/7 Support

Price: $18.00/mo (Save 40%), renews at $30.00/mo

Who this is for: Great for growing sites that require enhanced performance.

LINUX SERVER-D8 (Recommended)

Memory: 8GB RAM

Storage: 160GB NVMe Disk Space

CPU: 4 Dedicated Xeon vCPUs

Features: Unlimited Traffic, cPanel/WHM, Free Daily Backups, Root Access, 24/7 Support

Price: $24.00/mo (Save 40%), renews at $40.00/mo

Who this is for: Designed for businesses needing to support higher traffic and larger sites efficiently.

LINUX SERVER-D16

Memory: 16GB RAM

Storage: 320GB NVMe Disk Space

CPU: 8 Dedicated Xeon vCPUs

Features: Unlimited Traffic, cPanel/WHM, Free Daily Backups, Root Access, 24/7 Support

Price: $30.00/mo (Save 40%), renews at $50.00/mo

Who this is for: Best for high-demand needs, offering maximum performance and scalability.

Verpex Managed Linux Server Plans

Verpex Managed Linux Hosting Plans come equipped with cPanel/WHM, ensuring easy management and security, and are backed by 24/7 support and a 7-day money-back guarantee.

MANAGED LINUX SERVER – D4

Ideal for: Entry-level projects

CPUs: 2 Xeon vCPUs

RAM: 4GB Dedicated RAM

Storage: 80GB NVMe Disk Space

Traffic: Unlimited

Features: cPanel/WHM, Free Daily Backups, 24/7 Support

Price: $23.40/mo (Save 40%), renews at $38.90/mo

Who this is for: Perfect for small businesses or startups needing a robust and secure environment for their initial web presence.

MANAGED LINUX SERVER – D8 (Recommended)

Ideal for: Mid-level needs

CPUs: 4 Xeon vCPUs

RAM: 8GB Dedicated RAM

Storage: 160GB NVMe Disk Space

Traffic: Unlimited

Features: cPanel/WHM, Free Daily Backups, 24/7 Support

Price: $41.40/mo (Save 40%), renews at $69.00/mo

Who this is for: Great for growing businesses that need more power for handling multiple or high-traffic sites, providing enhanced administrative capabilities via cPanel.

MANAGED LINUX SERVER – D16

Ideal for: Advanced demands

CPUs: 8 Xeon vCPUs

RAM: 16GB Dedicated RAM

Storage: 320GB NVMe Disk Space

Traffic: Unlimited

Features: cPanel/WHM, Free Daily Backups, 24/7 Support

Price: $71.40/mo (Save 40%), renews at $119.00/mo

Verpex’s Unmanaged Windows VPS Plans

Verpex provides a variety of Unmanaged Windows VPS hosting plans that offer full root access, allowing for deep customization and complete control over the hosting environment.

UNMANAGED WINDOWS SERVER – D4

CPU Cores: 2 Dedicated CPUs

Memory: 4GB RAM

Storage: 80GB NVMe Disk Space

Bandwidth: Unlimited

OS: Windows 2022

Features: 99.9% Uptime Guarantee, Free Daily Backups, Free Migrations, Root Access, 24/7 support

Price: $18.00/mo (Save 40%), renews at $30.00/mo

UNMANAGED WINDOWS SERVER – D8 (Recommended)

CPU Cores: 4 Dedicated CPUs

Memory: 8GB RAM

Storage: 160GB NVMe Disk Space

Bandwidth: Unlimited

OS: Windows 2022

Features: 99.9% Uptime Guarantee, Free Daily Backups, Free Migrations, Root Access, 24/7 support

Price: $30.00/mo (Save 40%), renews at $50.00/mo

UNMANAGED WINDOWS SERVER – D16

CPU Cores: 8 Dedicated CPUs

Memory: 16GB RAM

Storage: 320GB NVMe Disk Space

Bandwidth: Unlimited

OS: Windows 2022

Features: 99.9% Uptime Guarantee, Free Daily Backups, Free Migrations, Root Access, 24/7 support

Price: $53.40/mo (Save 40%), renews at $89.00/mo

Managed Windows VPS Hosting Plan

For those looking for a more managed solution, Verpex offers Managed Windows VPS hosting plans, which include the Plesk control panel for easier management and enhanced security.

MANAGED WINDOWS SERVER – D4

CPU Cores: 2 Dedicated CPUs

Memory: 4GB RAM

Storage: 80GB NVMe Disk Space

Bandwidth: Unlimited

OS: Windows 2022

Features: Plesk Control Panel, 99.9% Uptime Guarantee, Free Daily Backups, Free Migrations, 24/7 support

Price: $29.40/mo (Save 40%), renews at $49.00/mo

MANAGED WINDOWS SERVER – D8 (Recommended)

CPU Cores: 4 Dedicated CPUs

Memory: 8GB RAM

Storage: 160GB NVMe Disk Space

Bandwidth: Unlimited

OS: Windows 2022

Features: Plesk Control Panel, 99.9% Uptime Guarantee, Free Daily Backups, Free Migrations, 24/7 support

Price: $53.40/mo (Save 40%), renews at $89.00/mo

MANAGED WINDOWS SERVER – D16

CPU Cores: 8 Dedicated CPUs

Memory: 16GB RAM

Storage: 320GB NVMe Disk Space

Bandwidth: Unlimited

OS: Windows 2022

Features: Plesk Control Panel, 99.9% Uptime Guarantee, Free Daily Backups, Free Migrations, 24/7 support

Price: $95.40/mo (Save 40%), renews at $159.00/mo

Verpex Managed WordPress Server Plans

Verpex offers specialized Managed WordPress Hosting plans designed to cater to the specific needs of WordPress users. These plans are optimized for performance and security, providing tools and resources that help businesses and individuals maximize their WordPress site potential.

GROWTH

Ideal for: Emerging businesses

Disk Space: 10GB

Bandwidth: 50GB

Database Size: 1GB

Features: Free Domain Registration/Transfer, Staging Website, Free SSL Certificates, Imunify Protection, 24/7 Expert Support

Price: $17.99/mo (Save 40%), renews at $29.99/mo

Who this is for: Optimized for small businesses or startups looking to expand online efficiently and affordably. This plan provides essential tools to enhance site performance and manage growth.

PROFESSIONAL (Recommended)

Ideal for: Established businesses

Disk Space: 25GB

Bandwidth: 200GB

Database Size: 1GB

Features: Free Domain Registration/Transfer, Staging Website, Free SSL Certificates, Imunify Protection, 24/7 Expert Support

Price: $26.99/mo (Save 36%), renews at $41.99/mo

Who this is for: Tailored for businesses that require robust tools to maintain and enhance a professional online presence. This package includes enhanced capabilities for handling more substantial traffic and provides tools for site optimization and security.

EXPERT

Ideal for: High-demand sites

Disk Space: 100GB

Bandwidth: 1TB

Database Size: 2GB

Features: Free Domain Registration/Transfer, Staging Website, Free SSL Certificates, Imunify Protection, 24/7 Expert Support

Price: $44.99/mo (Save 38%), renews at $71.99/mo

Who this is for: Best for large businesses or e-commerce platforms that require extensive resources and advanced management tools to handle significant amounts of traffic and complex operations.

Verpex Features

Verpex is  committed to “real worldwide hosting.” Each plan includes options for server locations spread across the globe which increases site speed and reliability for international audiences. This, coupled with their security measures and unwavering support, positions Verpex as a standout provider in the web hosting market. Let’s go into the features that Verpex offers across most of its plans:

Unlimited Bandwidth 

Free Domain Registration/Transfer 

Free Daily Backups 

24/7 Technical Support 

Free SSL Certificates 

Verpex Performance Tests

When evaluating Verpex’s performance, I focused on several critical metrics that impact user experience and SEO: speed, uptime, and server response time. For this review, I tested a website hosted on Verpex’s platform using tools like GTMetrix and Uptime Robot to provide a rounded perspective on how they stack up against the competition.

Verpex boasts an impressive uptime of 99.95%, ensuring that your website remains accessible to visitors almost continuously. During my month-long monitoring period, their uptime promise held true, providing a reliable hosting environment crucial for maintaining visitor trust and search engine rankings.

Testing with GTMetrix revealed a server response time (TTFB) of approximately 400ms. While not the fastest on the market, it is certainly within a range that promises good performance for most websites, especially small to medium-sized businesses. This decent response time contributes positively to overall user experience, reducing bounce rates and improving page views.

The website’s loading time averaged around 1.2 seconds for a basic WordPress site with optimized images and minimal plugins.  

Verpex Customer Support

Verpex’s commitment to exceptional customer service is evident through their comprehensive support system. They offer a variety of support channels, ensuring that help is always just a click or a message away. Here’s a closer look at the different ways you can receive assistance:

Live Chat and Email Support

Available 24/7, Verpex’s live chat,  phone and email support response times were impressively quick. Within minutes, I was connected to a knowledgeable support representative who provided clear, concise answers to my queries.

Knowledge Base

For DIY troubleshooters, Verpex offers a well-organized knowledge base. It covers a broad range of topics, from basic account management to more complex server-related issues. This resource is invaluable for those who prefer self-service support, providing detailed articles that are easy to follow.

YouTube Channel

Verpex extends its support through visual content on its YouTube channel. This platform features tutorial videos that guide users through various processes, such as setting up email accounts, managing cPanel, and installing applications via Softaculous. These videos are especially helpful for visual learners and those new to web hosting.

Blog

The Verpex blog is another resource where users can find valuable information on web hosting, SEO, and website management. The blog posts are not only informative but also current, discussing the latest trends and best practices in the industry. This is a great tool for continuous learning and staying updated with new developments.

Support Tickets

For more complex issues, Verpex allows users to submit support tickets. However, accessing the ticket system requires you to log in to the client area, which means you must have an account. Once logged in, you can easily submit a detailed query and expect a comprehensive response tailored to your specific situation.

Verpex Security Features

When it comes to hosting, the security of your website and data is paramount. Verpex understands this and has implemented robust security measures to protect its clients. One of the standout features of Verpex is their comprehensive use of Imunify360, an advanced firewall and malware protection solution. This system provides round-the-clock security, actively preventing unauthorized access and quickly neutralizing threats.

Every website hosted through Verpex benefits from a complimentary default AutoSSL. This means as soon as your site goes live, it is automatically secured with a free SSL certificate. The SSL installation is managed hourly, ensuring that your site remains secure without any manual intervention required from you. This automated process not only secures data transmitted between your website and its visitors but also boosts your SEO ranking, as search engines favor HTTPS-enabled sites.

Verpex Website Builder

Verpex does not provide its own proprietary website builder, but this doesn’t detract from its appeal, especially for those who are comfortable using more widespread platforms like WordPress. They do, however, facilitate the use of popular builders through their hosting plans. Verpex’s integration with Softaculous auto-installers allows users to easily deploy over 300 applications, including WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.  You can also external AI website builders.

Verpex Security Features

Every site hosted by Verpex automatically receives a free SSL certificate, ensuring your website is secured with HTTPS. This setup is maintained with automatic renewals, providing continuous protection without any user intervention.

Imunify360 Protection: Verpex employs Imunify360 for advanced firewall, malware scanning, and intrusion detection. This robust security suite is continually updated to defend against the latest threats, safeguarding your website around the clock.

Clean Mail Servers: Verpex uses MailChannels and SpamExperts to keep email communications clean and spam-free, enhancing your domain’s credibility and ensuring emails reach their destinations.

Verpex’s proactive security measures provide a secure hosting environment, allowing you to focus on growing your website without worrying about security risks.

Verpex User-Friendliness

 Signing up to managing your site on Verpex is as straightforward as possible.

How to Register on Verpex

Here is how to register on Verpex

Select the hosting package that best fits your needs.

Input your personal and billing details to create your account. After processing your payment, you will receive an email with your account details.

Verpex Modern Control Panel

Verpex use the popular cPanel for hosting management. Accessing cPanel in Verpex is straightforward:

Log into your Verpex client area and select “Products & Services” from the sidebar.

Click on “Manage Product” next to the relevant hosting plan.

Within your product details, you’ll find a direct link to access your cPanel.

cPanel at Verpex is organized to help you manage your hosting environment efficiently, from creating email accounts to handling databases.

Installing WordPress on Verpex

Setting up WordPress with Verpex is a breeze thanks to the Softaculous one-click installer provided within cPanel. Here’s how to do it:

Log in through your Verpex client area.

Go to Softaculous Apps Installer. Scroll down and click on it.

Click on the WordPress icon and then on ‘Install’.

Choose the domain to install WordPress on, and ensure the ‘In Directory’ field is left blank to install it in the root directory.

Click the install button, and within 60 seconds, WordPress will be ready to use.

Complementary Services Offered by Verpex

Verpex goes beyond basic web hosting by offering several additional services that enhance user experience and website management. Verpex streamlines domain registration and management, providing free transfers and registrations with hosting plans, making it easy to start or switch to their service.

They offer hassle-free website migration at no additional cost, handling the entire process for you, regardless of the number of sites you’re moving. Verpex includes email hosting with their packages, allowing the creation of custom email addresses linked to your domain, which helps maintain a professional appearance.

Conclusion: Do We Recommend Verpex?

 Verpex is a top contender for anyone looking for affordable, reliable, and secure hosting.

 Verpex offers an excellent balance of performance, ease of use, and support. While it may be slightly less well-known than giants like Bluehost or SiteGround, its competitive pricing and robust feature set make it a fantastic choice for both new and experienced website owners.

Visit Verpex →

FAQs

What makes Verpex different from other hosting providers?

Verpex focuses on user-friendliness and customer support, making it ideal for those new to hosting.

Can I upgrade my hosting plan easily with Verpex?

Yes, Verpex offers scalable options that make upgrading straightforward as your website grows.

How does Verpex handle website security?

Verpex uses advanced security measures like Imunify360

Can I migrate multiple websites to Verpex for free?

Yes, Verpex offers unlimited free migrations, whether you have one or 100 websites.

Is Verpex suitable for large businesses?

Yes, with their dedicated server options and reseller plans, Verpex is well-suited for large businesses needing substantial resources and scalability.

What are some great Verpex alternatives?

For alternatives, consider checking out services like Bluehost and Hostinger, both of which offer similar features and have strong reputations in the hosting community.

[ourjobagency]

5 Easy Ways To Improve Salesforce Data Backup Recovery Strategy

In today's data-driven world, businesses rely heavily on Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems like Salesforce to manage their customer information, track sales, and drive growth. However, even the most robust platforms are not immune to data loss or system failures. That's why having a solid Salesforce data backup and recovery strategy is crucial for ensuring business continuity. In this blog post, we'll explore five easy ways to enhance your Salesforce data backup and recovery strategy.

Regularly Scheduled Backups:

The foundation of any effective data recovery strategy is regular data backups. Salesforce provides a built-in data export tool that allows you to export data in a structured format, such as CSV or Excel. Set up a routine schedule for these exports to ensure that your data is backed up consistently. Depending on your organization's needs, you may choose to perform daily, weekly, or monthly backups.

Automate Your Backups:

Manually exporting data can be time-consuming and prone to errors. To streamline the process, consider automating your Salesforce data backups using third-party backup solutions. These tools can schedule and execute backups automatically, ensuring that your data is consistently and reliably backed up without manual intervention.

Store Backups Securely:

Backing up your Salesforce data is only half the battle. Equally important is where you store those backups. Utilize secure and redundant storage solutions, such as cloud storage platforms like Amazon S3 or Google Cloud Storage. Implement encryption and access controls to safeguard your backups from unauthorized access.

Test Your Recovery Process:

Having backups is essential, but they're only as good as your ability to recover data from them. Regularly test your data recovery process to ensure that it works as expected. Document the steps, and make sure that your team is familiar with the recovery procedures. Conducting mock recovery drills can help identify and address any potential issues before they become critical.

Monitor and Alerting:

Proactive monitoring is key to identifying data backup and recovery issues early. Implement monitoring and alerting systems that notify you of any backup failures or anomalies. This way, you can take immediate action to rectify issues and minimize data loss in case of a failure.

Consider Salesforce Data Archiving:

As your Salesforce database grows, it can become challenging to manage large volumes of data efficiently. Salesforce offers data archiving solutions that allow you to move older or less frequently accessed data to a separate storage location. This can help reduce storage costs and improve system performance, making your data recovery strategy more manageable.

In conclusion, enhancing your Salesforce data backup and recovery strategy doesn't have to be complicated. By implementing these five easy steps, you can significantly improve your organization's ability to recover critical data in the event of data loss or system failures. Remember that data is the lifeblood of your business, and a robust backup and recovery strategy is your insurance policy against unforeseen disasters.

[wachinyeya]

A major review of over 67,000 animal species has found that while the natural world continues to face a biodiversity crisis, targeted conservation efforts are helping bring many species back from the brink of extinction.

The study draws on data from the IUCN Red List, the world's largest database of species conservation status. The researchers say their results, reported in the journal PLOS Biology, highlight both the successes and the need for urgent action.

The world is facing a global biodiversity crisis, with 28% of more than 160,000 assessed species threatened with extinction, and an estimated one million species facing this fate due to human activities. However, conservation measures can be successful if there is concrete evidence about what works.

The researchers, led by the University of Cambridge with the IUCN, BirdLife International, and Oxford and Durham Universities, used Red List data to assess whether conservation measures had been put in place, and whether those actions had a positive impact on a given species' conservation status.

"We found that almost all the species that have moved from a more threatened category to a less threatened category have benefited from some sort of conservation measures," said lead author Ashley Simkins, a Ph.D. candidate in Cambridge's Department of Zoology. "It's a strong signal that conservation works."

While there is no 'one size fits all' solution, the researchers observed some connections between conservation success stories. Many of these species live in isolated areas, such as islands, where intensive conservation efforts—such as habitat protection, captive breeding and reintroductions—can be fully implemented.

"While biodiversity loss is a genuine crisis, it's vital that we celebrate the success stories wherever and whenever we can," said Simkins. "It's so hard for a species to improve its conservation status, but with the right effort, we can turn things around."

The Iberian lynx, once the world's most endangered cat, has rebounded from just a few hundred individuals to a few thousand. Likewise, the kākāpō, a flightless parrot from New Zealand, has benefited from dedicated recovery programs. And the European bison, which was hunted to extinction in the wild in the early 20th century, now roams parts of Eastern Europe thanks to sustained conservation efforts over decades.

Marine species have also seen dramatic recoveries. Humpback and blue whales, once driven to the brink of extinction by commercial whaling, have made a comeback after an international moratorium on whaling. However, despite these success stories, the study found that six times more species are declining than improving.

The researchers say that, like human health care, preventative measures in conservation are preferable and more cost-effective to emergency interventions.

"Humans have gotten pretty good at what could be considered 'A&E' conservation—focusing on species at very high risk of extinction," said Simkins. "What we're less good at is preventing species from becoming threatened in the first place. We need to move beyond treating the symptoms of biodiversity loss and start addressing the root causes."

The researchers also emphasize the need for collaborative, locally driven conservation. In Papua New Guinea, for example, conservationists worked with local communities to replace tree kangaroo hunting with sustainable forms of animal protein, including farming of chickens and fishing—an approach that benefitted both people and wildlife.

"It's vital that we as conservationists are working with stakeholders, rather than dictating to them, whether that's an Indigenous community in Papua New Guinea or a farmer in Somerset," said Simkins.

"Conservation doesn't have to be a zero-sum game—there are compromises that can benefit both the natural world and human society."

"In this climate of constant stories about wildlife declines and insufficient political action to protect nature, it's important to realize that there are also many success stories and that conservation efforts are making a real, demonstrable impact on the world," said co-senior author Dr. Silviu Petrovan, also from the Department of Zoology. "Conservation works if given the chance."

"This research sheds light on which actions to save species have been effective, and what interventions are needed," said co-author Dr. Stuart Butchart, Chief Scientist at BirdLife International. "Governments need to turn their words into actions, and rapidly scale up efforts to save species from extinction and help populations to recover. Safeguarding our natural heritage for future generations depends upon this."

"The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species informs and guides on-the-ground conservation decisions; actions which are further guided by the research presented in this publication," said co-author Craig Hilton-Taylor, Head of the IUCN Red List.

"Almost everyone will have their own favorite example of a conservation success story, whether it's the bald eagle in North America, or the red kite in the UK," said Simkins. We need joint action to ensure these positive stories aren't the exception—they're the norm."

[milkteabinniechan]

♡Breaking the Formula - Han Jisung

MINORS DNI 18+ ONLY MEMBERSHIP//M.LIST

pairing: scientist! Han Jisung x fem! reader

summary: Dr. Han Jisung takes his experiments very seriously. He's close to understanding the science behind human pheromones until one of the beakers breaks all over him and he soon finds himself consumed with an insatiable need...

warnings: pheromones! primal behavior, rough sex, breeding, toxic male

a/n: this is different from the usual stuff I write but now y'all get a glimpse into what a sci-fi nerd boy I am ^.^ I hope you enjoy!!

Dr. Jisung pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. He was exhausted. His entire body ached. He pushed his glasses up into his hair and sighed deeply.

“What am I missing?” He groaned into the palms of his hands.

He glanced over the papers scattered across his desk. His lips moved as he whispered the different formulas aloud. His finger trailed across each line of data.

Simultaneously, his phone lit up and showed your name. He squinted at the screen and positioned his glasses back onto his nose. You asked if you had left your notes in his lab. He sighed heavily and stood up to have a look around.

You had been assisting him in this pheromone experiment for months now. And while he would never admit it, you were a pretty decent assistant. He was never good at interacting with people, especially with people as physically attractive as you were, but conversing with you came easily to him. He genuinely enjoyed your company. You had invited him out for drinks one evening a few weeks ago. He remembered the night clearly in his mind. You had asked so casually. He knew he couldn't do it. Couldn't speak to you in a familial way. So he declined.

Dr. Jisung continued to search his lab until he finally came across your notebook, laying there next to his most recent test subject. An unassuming plant. The Orchidaceae. Or a common orchid plant. This plant was the perfect test subject for what he wanted to accomplish. The orchid had an uncanny ability, their flowers resemble female wasps, and they emit a potent chemical that mimics the sex pheromone of the female wasp. This draws in the male wasp and makes it almost powerless to the desire to procreate.

He wanted to test this pheromone’s power and ability on other creatures and see how the brain neurons respond. But so far, the pheromone hasn't worked on anything besides other plants. Dr. Jisung grabbed your notebook and made his way back to his phone to tell you the discovered news. But something caught his eye. A number in the formula he had designed. But the number was misplaced, or miswritten… he stared at the formula for a long while.

“It couldn't be…could it?” His mind felt like it was being supercharged.

He quickly ran over to the concentrated liquids that he had isolated earlier from the orchid. He followed the formula exactly like before but with one differential factor. And all of a sudden, the normal blue solution he had come to expect was suddenly purple now. His eyes widened as he stared long and hard at the beaker in his hand.

“...is this it?” He mumbled softly, almost entranced with the liquid inside. He couldn't take his eyes off of it…

Bzz! Bzzt!

His cellphone. The vibrator broke his concentration and in turn broke the beaker he was holding. He cursed as the beaker broke onto the table, causing the liquid inside to pour out into his lap. The thick, purple ooze dripped over the edge of the table and onto his stomach and groin area.

“Shit!” Dr. Jisung shouted. He was so busy mourning the loss of his possible discovery, he didn't think about the effect this purple ooze was having on his body, not until it was already too late.

Dr. Jisung stood up from his desk and attempted to wipe the liquid from his lap. He looked down and the floor began to twist and turn a bit beneath his feet. He blinked a few times to attempt to regain his composure. He glanced down at his lap to see the purple solution completely absorbed into his clothes, not a trace to be seen.

His head suddenly began to pound and pulsate at an alarming rate, causing him to yell out in pain. A strange heat was pooling in the core of his stomach. He felt extremely… euphoric. Even though he was dizzy and wobbling while he walked, Dr. Jisung knew he had done it. Well, he knew you had done it and he had to call you and tell you the good news. He clumsily dialed your number and waited for you to answer.

“Hello…?”

“W-we did it! You have…have to get here…now. Test. Brain…” Dr. Jisung tried with all his might to communicate what he needed to say. Thankfully you understood, or somewhat understood, and told him you'd be there as soon as you could.

Dr. Jisung sighed in relief. He held himself steady against his desk, waiting for you to arrive.

However, when you did arrive, an intoxicating aroma traveled with you. You opened the door to the lab swiftly and stood there for a moment. Dr. Jisung's eyes hastily glued to your body as you entered the room. His brain, still somewhat in charge, pleaded with him to stay in control. Pleaded and begged not to let these urges get the best of him.

But that voice was speaking softer and softer the closer you got to him. So close now that he could practically feel the heat coming off of your body now.

“Stay…stay back…” he moaned as you continued to step closer. His moral fiber was clearly breaking and fraying with each new step you took towards him.

You stopped dead in your tracks when you saw the pained look on Dr. Jisung's face.

“What happened? Are you okay?”

Dr. Jisung backed away from you slowly, even though all he wanted to do was throw you onto his desk and taste you. God, how he wanted to taste you. He always imagined you tasted sweet, with just a hint of salt. He could smell your shampoo when you two would work together. He would close his eyes and take a deep breath and hold you there in his lungs.

You watched as Dr. Jisung backed away from you. You looked his body up and down to try to assess if he was hurt or not. Your eyes roamed over his waist and the growing appendage that was laying underneath. Dr. Jisung followed your eyesight and quickly saw what you were looking at. His face immediately turned a dark shade of red from embarrassment and arousal.

“I think you figured it out…the formula.” Dr. Jisung spoke in a husky, low tone.

The sound of his voice sent shivers down your spine. You slowly started to step towards him again. Not only were the pheromones working on him, but they were starting to do something to you as well. You continued your movement towards him, slowly but surely.

Dr. Jisung tensed for a moment, worried you didn't quite understand what was happening to him, until you started to get closer. He could see the fire burning in your eyes that reflected his own. You looked so goddamn incredible. And that small shred of moral fiber he had left had finally broken apart the moment your hand reached out to touch his.

You leaned in first, pressing your lips softly against his. He lets out a soft gasp, his lips tingling at the slight touch of your own against them. He's impatient though, so he can't help but lean his head forward, trying to kiss you deeper, trying to feel more of your lips against his. He just wants to feel you however he can, and as much as he can.

He grabs your waist and easily picks you up on top of his desk. He presses his body into yours aggressively as he begins to climb on top of you. Never breaking the kiss, you buck your hips into his as he completely envelops you with his body. He whines into your mouth, his mind completely fuzzy with pleasure. He just wants as much of you as he can get, wants to feel the heat of your skin, the weight of his body as he continues to press into you.

Jisung grips your thigh and pulls it up around his waist, his other hand already undoing his belt as his eyes stay fixated on you. All he can think about is mating. Mating. Mating. Mating. He needs it. He needs to make you his. His eyes are dark and primal as he finally, slowly, slides his cock out of his pants and lines it up with your entrance. The rips your panties away as if they were tissue paper, a primal growl escaping his lips as he does.

He holds the base of his cock and slowly slides it inside of your wet hole. The instinctually whimpers that pour from his lips are almost animalistic as he hastily begins pumping his hips into you.

You gasp sharply at the initial speed, gripping the edge of the desk for stability. Jisung grabs your shirt and uses it to pull himself further and deeper inside of you. His mind completely consumed with thoughts of filling your womb until his seed pools out of you onto the desk.

Grunts and groans are the only thing that comes from his mouth as he concentrates on fulfilling his need as the fertile male. You continue to moan and writhe on ecstasy beneath him, your mind and body overwhelmed with the pheromones you both share now.

Jisung's pumping rhythm hits a climactic high and ultimately ends with an explosive finish. He holds you by your waist until he has pushed everything out of him and into you. His body, now empty, feels weak and pliant. He falls down onto the desk next to you, the two of you still trying to catch your breath. He turns his head toward you and you do the same, the two of you look at each other for a long while until Jisung finally speaks.

“Go again?”

taglist: @simply-trash5 @sugawhaaa @trixiekaulitz @chrizzztopherbang @cassidymb121 @roanns-posts @staysinbloom @yaorzu-blog @bubblebisk @cotton-candycloudz @beautyinhypnosis @domicaru @strawberry31 @slxtmeri @newhope8 @tinyelfperson @dandelions-143 @stayyyyyyyyyyyy21 @msauthor @fun-fanfics @ell0thebell @stephanieeeyang @juskz @kimahreummm @readr1221 @kayleefriedchicken @ovulatingrn @hwnglixho @darthmaddie25 @queen-in-the-shadows @itgirlalisaa @miinhoo @greyaia @chanchansgirly @skzleeknowcorecan @skz-smut-reader

[transmutationisms]

@annevbonny yeah so first of all there's the overt framing issue that this whole idea rests on the premise that eliminating fatness is both possible and good, as though like. fat people haven't existed prior to the ~industrial revolution~ lol

more granularly this theory relies on misinterpreting the causes for the link between poverty and fatness (which is real---they are correlated) so that fatness can be configured as a failure of eating choices and urban design, meaning ofc that the 'solution' to this problem is more socially hygienic, monitored, controlled communities where everybody has been properly educated into the proper affective enjoyment of spinach and bike riding, and no one is fat anymore and the labour force lives for longer and generates more value for employers

in truth one of the biggest mediating factors in the poverty-body weight link is food insecurity, because intermittent access to food tends to result in periods of under-nourishment followed by periods of compensatory eating with corresponding weight regain/overshoot (this is typical of weight trajectories in anyone refeeding after a period of starvation or under-eating, for any reason). so this is all to say that the suggestion that fatness is caused by access to 'unhealthy foods' is not only off base but extremely harmful; food insecurity is rampant globally. what people need is consistent access to food, and more of it!

and [loud obvious disclaimer voice] although i absolutely agree that food justice means access to a variety of foods with a variety of nutrient profiles, access to any calories at all is always better than access to none or too few. which is to say, there aren't 'healthy' or 'unhealthy' foods in isolation (all foods can belong in a varied, sufficient diet) and this is a billion times more true when we are talking about people struggling to consume enough calories in the first place.

relatedly, proponents of the 'obesogenic environment' theory often invoke the idea of 'hyperpalatable foods' or 'food addiction'---different ways of saying that people 'overeat' 'junk food' because it's too tasty (often with the bonus techno-conspiricism of "they engineer it that way"). again it's this idea that the problem is people eating the 'wrong' foods, now because the foods themselves are exerting some inexorable chemical pull over them.

this is inane for multiple reasons including the failure to deal with access issues and the fact that people who routinely, reliably eat enough in non-restrictive patterns (between food insecurity and encouragement to deliberately diet/restrict, this is very few people) don't even tend to 'overeat' energy-dense demonised foods in the first place. ie, there is no need to proscribe or limit 'junk food' or 'fast food' or 'empty calories' or whatever nonsense euphemism; again the solution to nutritionally unbalanced diets is to guarantee everyone access to sufficient food and a variety of different foods (and to stop encouraging the sorts of moralising food taboos that make certain foods 'out of bounds' and therefore more likely to provoke a subjective sense of loss of control in the first place lol)

but tbc, when i say "the solution to nutritionally unbalanced diets"---because these certainly can and do exist, particularly (again) amongst people subjected to food insecurity---i am NOT saying "the solution to fatness" because fatness is not something that will ever be eliminated from the human population. and here again we circle back to one of the fundamental fears that animates the 'obesogenic environment' myth, which is that fatness is a medical threat to the race/nation/national future. which is of course blatant biopolitics and is relying on massive assumptions about the health status of fat and thin people that are simply not borne out in the data, and that misinterpret the relationship between fatness and illness (for example, the extent to which weight stigma prevents fat people from receiving medical care, or the role of 'metabolic syndrome' in causing weight gain, rather than the other way around).

people are fat for many reasons, including "their bodies just look like that"; fatness is neither a disease in itself nor inherently indicative of ill health, nor is it eradicable anyway (and fundamentally, while all people should have access to health-protective social and economic conditions, health is not something that people 'owe' to anyone else anyway)

the 'obesogenic environment' is a liberal technocratic fantasy---a world in which fatness is a problem of individual consumption and social engineering, and is to be eliminated by clever policy and personal responsibility. it assumes your health is 1) directly caused and indicated by your weight, 2) something you owe to the capitalist state as part of the bargain that is 'citizenship', and 3) something you can learn to control if only you are properly educated by the medical authorities on the rules of nutrition (and secondarily exercise) science. it's a factual misinterpretation of everything we know about weight, health, diet, and wealth, and it fundamentally serves as a defense of the existing economic order: the problem isn't that capitalism structurally does not provide sufficient access to resources for any but the capitalist class---no, we just need a nicer and more functional capitalism where labourers have a greengrocer in the neighbourhood, because this is a discourse incapable of grappling with the material realities of food production and consumption, and instead reliant on configuring them in terms of affectivity ('food addiction') or knowledge (the idea that food-insecure people need to be more educated about nutrition)

there are some additional aspects here obviously like the idea that exercising more would make people thin (similar issues to the food arguments, physical activity can be great but the reasons people do or don't do it are actually complex and related to things like work schedules and exercise doesn't guarantee thinness in the first place) or fearmongering about 'endocrine disruptors' (real, but are extremely ill-defined as a category and are often just a way to appeal to ideas of 'naturalness' and the vague yet pressing harms of 'chemicals', and which are also not shown to single-handedly 'cause' fatness, a normal state of existence for the human body) but this is most often an argument about food ime.

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - July 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735! (Or check out my new(ly repurposed) Patreon!)

1. Thai tiger numbers swell as prey populations stabilize in western forests

“The tiger population density in a series of protected areas in western Thailand has more than doubled over the past two decades, according to new survey data. […] The most recent year of surveys, which concluded in November 2023, photographed 94 individual tigers, up from 75 individuals in the previous year, and from fewer than 40 in 2007. […] A total of 291 individual tigers older than 1 year were recorded, as well as 67 cubs younger than 1 year.”

2. Work starts to rewild former cattle farm

“Ecologists have started work to turn a former livestock farm into a nature reserve [… which] will become a "mosaic of habitats" for insects, birds and mammals. [… R]ewilding farmland could benefit food security locally by encouraging pollinators, improving soil health and soaking up flood water. [… “N]ature restoration doesn't preclude food production. We want to address [food security] by using nature-based solutions."”

3. Harnessing ‘invisible forests in plain view’ to reforest the world

“[… T]he degraded land contained numerous such stumps with intact root systems capable of regenerating themselves, plus millions of tree seeds hidden in the soil, which farmers could simply encourage to grow and reforest the landscape[….] Today, the technique of letting trees resprout and protecting their growth from livestock and wildlife [… has] massive potential to help tackle biodiversity loss and food insecurity through resilient agroforestry systems. [… The UN’s] reported solution includes investing in land restoration, “nature-positive” food production, and rewilding, which could return between $7 and $30 for every dollar spent.”

4. California bars school districts from outing LGBTQ+ kids to their parents

“Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the SAFETY Act today – a bill that prohibits the forced outing of transgender and gay students, making California the first state to explicitly prohibit school districts from doing so. […] Matt Adams, a head of department at a West London state school, told PinkNews at the time: “Teachers and schools do not have all the information about every child’s home environment and instead of supporting a pupil to be themselves in school, we could be putting them at risk of harm.””

5. 85% of new electricity built in 2023 came from renewables

“Electricity supplied by renewables, like hydropower, solar, and wind, has increased gradually over the past few decades — but rapidly in recent years. [… C]lean energy now makes up around 43 percent of global electricity capacity. In terms of generation — the actual power produced by energy sources — renewables were responsible for 30 percent of electricity production last year. […] Along with the rise of renewable sources has come a slowdown in construction of non-renewable power plants as well as a move to decommission more fossil fuel facilities.”

6. Deadly cobra bites to "drastically reduce" as scientists discover new antivenom

“After successful human trials, the snake venom antidote could be rolled out relatively quickly to become a "cheap, safe and effective drug for treating cobra bites" and saving lives around the globe, say scientists. Scientists have found that a commonly used blood thinner known as heparin can be repurposed as an inexpensive antidote for cobra venom. […] Using CRISPR gene-editing technology […] they successfully repurposed heparin, proving that the common blood thinner can stop the necrosis caused by cobra bites.”

7. FruitFlow: a new citizen science initiative unlocks orchard secrets

“"FruitWatch" has significantly refined phenological models by integrating extensive citizen-sourced data, which spans a wider geographical area than traditional methods. These enhanced models offer growers precise, location-specific predictions, essential for optimizing agricultural planning and interventions. […] By improving the accuracy of phenological models, farmers can better align their operations with natural biological cycles, enhancing both yield and quality.”

8. July 4th Means Freedom for Humpback Whale Near Valdez, Alaska

“The NOAA Fisheries Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline received numerous reports late afternoon on July 3. A young humpback whale was entangled in the middle of the Port of Valdez[….] “The success of this mission was due to the support of the community, as they were the foundation of the effort,” said Moran. [… Members of the community] were able to fill the critical role of acting as first responders to a marine mammal emergency. “Calling in these reports is extremely valuable as it allows us to respond when safe and appropriate, and also helps us gain information on various threats affecting the animals,” said Lyman.”

9. Elephants Receive First of Its Kind Vaccine

“Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus is the leading cause of death for Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) born in facilities in North America and also causes calf deaths in the wild in Asia. A 40-year-old female received the new mRNA vaccine, which is expected to help the animal boost immunity[….]”

10. Conservation partners and Indigenous communities working together to restore forests in Guatemala

“The K’iche have successfully managed their natural resources for centuries using their traditional governing body and ancestral knowledge. As a result, Totonicapán is home to Guatemala’s largest remaining stand of conifer forest. […] EcoLogic has spearheaded a large-scale forest restoration project at Totonicapán, where 13 greenhouses now hold about 16,000 plants apiece, including native cypresses, pines, firs, and alders. […] The process begins each November when community members gather seeds. These seeds then go into planters that include upcycled coconut fibers and mycorrhizal fungi, which help kickstart fertilization. When the plantings reach about 12 inches, they’re ready for distribution.”

July 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[reasonsforhope]

"The Netherlands is pulling even further ahead of its peers in the shift to a recycling-driven circular economy, new data shows.

According to the European Commission’s statistics office, 27.5% of the material resources used in the country come from recycled waste.

For context, Belgium is a distant second, with a “circularity rate” of 22.2%, while the EU average is 11.5% – a mere 0.8 percentage point increase from 2010.

“We are a frontrunner, but we have a very long way to go still, and we’re fully aware of that,” Martijn Tak, a policy advisor in the Dutch ministry of infrastructure and water management, tells The Progress Playbook. 

The Netherlands aims to halve the use of primary abiotic raw materials by 2030 and run the economy entirely on recycled materials by 2050. Amsterdam, a pioneer of the “doughnut economics” concept, is behind much of the progress.

Why it matters

The world produces some 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste each year, and this could rise to 3.4 billion tonnes annually by 2050, according to the World Bank.

Landfills are already a major contributor to planet-heating greenhouse gases, and discarded trash takes a heavy toll on both biodiversity and human health.

“A circular economy is not the goal itself,” Tak says. “It’s a solution for societal issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental pollution, and resource-security for the country.”

A fresh approach

While the Netherlands initially focused primarily on waste management, “we realised years ago that’s not good enough for a circular economy.”

In 2017, the state signed a “raw materials agreement” with municipalities, manufacturers, trade unions and environmental organisations to collaborate more closely on circular economy projects.

It followed that up with a national implementation programme, and in early 2023, published a roadmap to 2030, which includes specific targets for product groups like furniture and textiles. An English version was produced so that policymakers in other markets could learn from the Netherlands’ experiences, Tak says.

The programme is focused on reducing the volume of materials used throughout the economy partly by enhancing efficiencies, substituting raw materials for bio-based and recycled ones, extending the lifetimes of products wherever possible, and recycling.

It also aims to factor environmental damage into product prices, require a certain percentage of second-hand materials in the manufacturing process, and promote design methods that extend the lifetimes of products by making them easier to repair.

There’s also an element of subsidisation, including funding for “circular craft centres and repair cafés”.

This idea is already in play. In Amsterdam, a repair centre run by refugees, and backed by the city and outdoor clothing brand Patagonia, is helping big brands breathe new life into old clothes.

Meanwhile, government ministries aim to aid progress by prioritising the procurement of recycled or recyclable electrical equipment and construction materials, for instance.

State support is critical to levelling the playing field, analysts say...

Long Road Ahead

The government also wants manufacturers – including clothing and beverages companies – to take full responsibility for products discarded by consumers.

“Producer responsibility for textiles is already in place, but it’s work in progress to fully implement it,” Tak says.

And the household waste collection process remains a challenge considering that small city apartments aren’t conducive to having multiple bins, and sparsely populated rural areas are tougher to service.

“Getting the collection system right is a challenge, but again, it’s work in progress.”

...Nevertheless, Tak says wealthy countries should be leading the way towards a fully circular economy as they’re historically the biggest consumers of natural resources."

-via The Progress Playbook, December 13, 2023

[themadcapmathematician]

... the choice to protect one’s privacy in the U.S. is, theoretically, up to the individual. However, given the complexities of user agreements, many individuals are unaware of how their data are being shared. For others, a loss of privacy doesn’t seem like that big of a deal. Their data are the price they are willing to pay for free services, cool apps, or lower-cost goods. Individuals who don’t want to make that trade are told to just not use the product. But such a simple solution doesn’t address the realities of navigating a health issue in the 21st century. The U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) only protects information within the health-care system. Nowadays, however, we constantly obtain and share medical information outside the clinic. Risking privacy loss may be the sole way to seek answers to important questions, find a community of support, or even make a doctor appointment. And you can’t avoid purchasing medicine and food.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Prem Thakker at Zeteo:

An overwhelming share of likely Democratic primary voters – 71% – say the US should restrict military aid to Israel until it stops attacking civilians in Gaza, supports Palestinian rights, and commits to a long-term peace process, according to a recent Data for Progress–Zeteo poll of likely Democratic primary voters. As the Democratic Party faces an identity crisis following its 2024 loss, the new data point is yet another indicator that Democratic voters want to depart from the party establishment consensus in favor of something more progressive.

And it’s not just Israel-Palestine. The voters surveyed were asked to choose between a more progressive and a more moderate approach to six issues: the Israel-Palestine conflict, transgender sports policy, economic policy, healthcare, climate policy, and immigration. On nearly every issue, the poll found likely Democratic primary voters clearly favored a more progressive approach. The dynamic was strongest in the case of Israel-Palestine. While 71% of respondents preferred the US condition military aid to Israel, just 20% chose the more moderate option: continuing to support Israel and “its right to defend itself,” while “encouraging efforts to reduce civilian harm and promote long-term peace” – the Biden administration’s posture.

Voters under the age of 45 felt even stronger – with 80% favoring restricting aid and just 13% supporting the status quo posture. Such numbers were striking, given how the Kamala Harris campaign refused to diverge from the Biden administration on several issues, infamously on Israel and Palestine. That stubborn refusal contributed to Harris’ eventual loss – and in the months since Donald Trump took power, the world has witnessed an even more severe ramp-up of violence against Palestinians and repression of their supporters in the US. The new polling underscores that Democratic voters have coalesced on an opinion starkly different from what the Biden-Harris administration maintained during the final year of its presidency.

Other Key Issues

The Democratic primary voters surveyed were more split on immigration – with 49% favoring a progressive approach that includes reducing deportations, expanding asylum access, and providing a pathway to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants, while 48% favored the Democratic status quo position of increasing border security while creating a legal pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants with long-term ties to the US. Voters were less split when it came to healthcare: 60% of respondents favored a Medicare for All system that would replace most private insurance with a government-funded plan. Conversely, 37% preferred the more moderate approach: improving and expanding the Affordable Care Act, while maintaining private insurance as the main option for most Americans. Those under 45 felt strongly: 70% supported Medicare for All, and 28% favored the latter. Climate has taken a backseat in the US discourse, but the effects have not: 2023 was the hottest recorded year on Earth – and then that record was broken again last year. Some 54% of likely Democratic voters preferred a Green New Deal, while 41% favored the Biden administration’s approach: investing in clean energy and reducing fossil fuel use over time through “market-driven solutions.” While some pundits and lawmakers fixate on “Kamala is for they/them” as the reason Democrats lost in 2024 (and not other possibilities, like unconditionally supporting a genocide, appearing as Diet Republicans, or refusing to distinguish themselves from a previously losing ticket) respondents were less cautious on the matter of transgender people. Some 63% preferred an approach that opposed federal transgender sports bans and supported allowing local school districts and athletic organizations to set participation policies. About 27% supported a federal ban to “reduce political conflict over this issue.” And on economic policy, 62% favored enforcing strong public standards and limiting corporate influence on development and building, while 31% supported focusing on building more housing and infrastructure, even if that meant less government oversight and regulation and fewer restrictions on developers.

According to Data For Progress/Zeteo poll conducted between April 9th and 14th, 71% of likely Democratic primary voters prefer that military aid to Israel be restricted.

On non-Palestine/Israel issues, the progressive side won out, and even immigration was a push.

[linkemon]

Confession headcanons

Friendly reminder that English is not my first language. You can check my Masterlists both in English and Polish here.

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Other headcanons from this series can be found here.

Part 2 | Part 3 of the confession headcanons.

This part contains: Malleus Draconia, Idia Shroud and Kalim Al-Asim.

Malleus Draconia

• Malleus' confession of feelings involved a number of obstacles and misunderstandings, although happily resolved.

• He wrote about you many times in letters to his grandmother. And although it made him realize the fragility of relationships with humans, grandma was also very happy knowing that her grandson had experienced such deep love. She really wanted to meet you, even though you didn't know it at the time.

• Draconia's biggest fear and block from telling you how he felt was the fear of loss. In various aspects of it. He was aware that he would certainly outlive you, and from time to time the thought of you returning to the world you came from floated in the back of his mind. In addition, you were his first real friend, not counting the people who were with him every day. Rejection could cost him the entire relationship.

One most ordinary night, he simply realized that the risk was worth trying to tell you how he felt.

• Malleus sprang into action with eager vigour. Unfortunately, these efforts were somewhat misdirected. It took Lilia to clearly explain to him that the customs adopted among fae do not necessarily translate to humans. He was forced to do this, as it were, because after you threw away his family generational necklace, the clouds over Diasomnia were darkening day by day and a disastrous downpour with lightning was brewing.

Meanwhile, you were simply afraid that Grim would destroy such a valuable and expensive gift. You had absolutely no idea of the additional meaning it carried.

• The second attempt was definitely more successful. Malleus gave you the rose seeds he grew in Briar Valley. Planted in Ramshackle, with his magic they turned into a field of red flowers. Combined with the moonlight and the fireflies dancing around you, it created a wonderful atmosphere that you will remember for a long time.

It was then that the fae confessed to you that he had been smitten with you from the very beginning but it was your friendship, so precious to him, that turned into something more. The fact that he knelt down in front of you and promised to give you everything you wanted made you think for a moment that he was going to propose to you. Initially, that's what he planned, but Lilia talked him out of it...

Idia Shroud

• It's not that Idia didn't know what love was. He had played so many otome games that while he wasn't an expert, he certainly wasn't a noob. However, without Ortho's help, he would not have correctly recognized its signs in real life.

• He started by avoiding you. The rapid heartbeat and red tips of his hair were becoming more and more frequent and it was difficult for him to control them. So he found the best solution he could come up with, which was to lock himself in his room. He avoided you as much as he could all over campus.

• His brother, although he quickly understood through data analysis what was happening to him, did not think it was good to raise the topic too early. Initially, he wanted to give Idia time. Time was clearly running out because the robot, seeing you once again look sadly at the tablet and gave it a wide berth, decided to act. He prepared a series of tests to convince your older brother that you reciprocate his feelings. Of course, Shroud hid under the blanket, mumbled to be left alone. Although he pretended to be uninterested, the speech actually sparked hope in him.

Maybe this time he wasn't a total knight nerd and side hero? Maybe he could play the lead role for once?

• He did what he does best. He designed a program that allowed him to send a request if you wanted to be his girlfriend. At worst, he was going to pretend it was a mistake.

When he saw that instead of checking the tick box, you had come to Ignihyde, he immediately paled. You had to knock on the door, telling him that you wouldn't leave until he explained to you what was actually going on and how this confession related to his constant avoidance of you.

Idia just stuck his head out of the crack, stammered and said that he was like the worst NPC you've ever seen but if you let him have some time, maybe he'll become a main character worthy of you.

Kalim Al-Asim

• Friendzone should be his middle name. From the beginning of your relationship, he sent you signals that you considered romantic. Until you started spending more time with him around others and you found out that Kalim treated them the same way he treated you. That's when everything started to get confusing for you.

• When you tried to tell him that you liked him very much, he replied that he liked you too. When you said more, he said more, more. And when you said he was more than a friend, he said you were his best friend. He did all this with such a wide smile on his face that you didn't have the heart to explain to him the true meaning of your statements. You knew the sincerity of his words. Few people in the NRC matched him in truthfulness. But it was incredibly frustrating for you.

• Grim knew exactly what was happening, seeing your hearty eyes every time you left the desert dormitory. He calculated in his head how many cans of tuna he would get if you got together with the prefect of Scarabia. This prompted him to not-so-subtly blurt out to Kalim that you were romantically interested in him. In return, he received a promise of a container of fish delicacies.

• The boy was in great shock but in a positive way. He didn't know what to do with all his joy, so he grabbed the first flowers in a vase he had at hand and ran towards the flying carpet. You weren't expecting him at all in the evening, dressed in your pajamas and ready to go to bed. He hugged you so tightly that he almost knocked you over and that was before he even remembered that he hadn't told you why he actually came...

[reyaint]

futuristic dr | virelia + neovista

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date: may 14 2025. i'm figuring out how to format this from my script so it's probably gonna look like a mess i'm sorry haha. i may edit this to add more info if i feel like it.

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✧˖*°࿐the state

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋ virelia ☆ 𓂃 › official title. The Sovereign Technocratic Republic of Virelia ☆ 𓂃 › motto. “precision. progress. perfection.”

virelia represents a paradigm shift in governance — not built on ideological revolution but on technological supremacy. it emerged in the late 21st century after a coalition of corporate leaders, scientists, and futurists proposed a self-regulating state built around data-driven governance and environmental sustainability.

virelia is a beacon of technological advancement, a sprawling self-sustaining state located on the western coast of North America. founded in the late 21st century, it has quickly risen to prominence as a futuristic utopia where human ambition and technology intertwine seamlessly.

this city-state operates with cutting-edge infrastructure, clean energy solutions, and unprecedented levels of automation, making it a model of the future. however, its advancement comes with hidden costs, such as surveillance, control, and the loss of personal freedoms for some citizens.

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋ location. built on reclaimed land along the coast, the state is positioned near mountains, leveraging its natural terrain for sustainability. this combination of oceanfront and mountainous landscape allows for the development of a beautiful yet highly structured environment. ☆ 𓂃 › climate. Virelia enjoys mild weather and pristine air quality thanks to its advanced environmental control systems. artificial rainfall helps balance the region's climate, ensuring that both agriculture and ecosystems thrive in a sustainable way.

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋ security. Virelia's government promises safety and order, with AI-driven law enforcement and near-complete surveillance throughout the city. While this has reduced crime, it has also led to a society where privacy is almost nonexistent. there are whispers of corruption and a power struggle between mega-corporations and the state apparatus, but these are rarely seen by the public eye.

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋ infrastructure. the state boasts hyperloop systems for rapid transportation, vertical farming to maintain food supplies, solar-powered highways, and drone-based delivery networks that make logistics seamless and efficient. the city is powered by renewable energy sources, making it one of the most environmentally friendly cities on Earth.

*ೃ༄government

Virelia operates as a technocratic-republic hybrid, where leadership is shared between elected officials and influential corporate leaders, scientists, and engineers. while democracy is maintained on paper, the wealth and power held by corporations, especially megacorporations like Orbis, have a significant influence over the decision-making process.

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ☆ the core assembly. a ruling body made of 50% elected officials and 50% appointed technocrats from approved corporate, scientific, and engineering councils.

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ☆ citizen score index (CSI). citizens are ranked via a complex index measuring productivity, compliance, social behavior, and cybernetic compatibility.

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ☆ the data purity initiative. Virelia heavily regulates access to public data and surveillance feeds. those who attempt to mask or alter their data trail risk demotion in social status or even imprisonment.

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋ a controlled utopia. on the surface, Virelia is a utopia, offering its citizens a high standard of living, access to the latest technology, and the promise of a pollution-free environment. however, this idealized world comes at a cost—strict regulations on cybernetics, data privacy, and social freedoms. citizens are encouraged to embrace technology, but those who resist are often marginalized or silenced.

✧˖*°࿐the city

neovista is a megacity — a glittering neon spire among the clouds and an undercity of grit and rebellion. It’s a contradiction: a technological utopia resting on a foundation of exploitation and resistance.

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋ common mods. ocular overlays, subdermal HUDs, neural ports, smart limbs.

*ೃ༄black market and underground tech

located beneath the official grid of Neovista, in the Vein or the Undervault.

დ࿐ ‎˗ˋ traders deal in: ☆ 𓂃 › memory-modding tech ☆ 𓂃 › neural firewalls ☆ 𓂃 › blackbox implants ☆ 𓂃 › emotion regulators ☆ 𓂃 › discontinued weapon augmentations

hackclans (like SpiralZero or Echo Drift) operate in these markets, building custom tools to counter HALO’s surveillance net.

while Orbis Corporation and other megacorporations offer cutting-edge cybernetics, there is a thriving black market for illegal modifications and illicit technology. from hacked neural implants to stolen AI software, the underground tech scene is a dangerous place but provides an outlet for those who cannot afford or do not want to abide by the official channels.

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ☆ pirates and hackers: groups like The Shattermen exploit these underground markets, seeking to disrupt corporate control by stealing and redistributing technology. they often employ cybernetic pirates who operate outside the law, dealing in anything from illegal AI software to underground body augmentations.

*ೃ༄energy & environmental tech

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ☆ skyharbor towers: pull moisture and solar energy, creating perpetual artificial rainfall and maintaining air quality.

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ☆ cryoroot systems: bioengineered roots that store solar power and regulate temperature in city zones.

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ☆ ecozones: each district has its own energy quota; exceeding it triggers rolling blackouts in poorer sectors.

virelia is powered by renewable energy sources like solar and wind, and artificial rainfall systems maintain a stable climate. advanced energy storage technology allows the city to operate efficiently even in low-light conditions.

the city uses vertical farming and aquaponics to maintain food production in a way that integrates seamlessly into urban spaces, providing sustenance for its citizens without relying on traditional agricultural methods.

*ೃ༄transportation & infrastructure

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ☆ hyperloop arteries: Connect districts with high-speed magnetized transit tubes.

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ☆ skyrails: glass-bottomed tramways suspended between megastructures.

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ☆ drone skynet: hundreds of drones transport packages, law enforcement supplies, and emergency aid across the city.

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ☆ vertical cities: skyscrapers built as self-contained ecosystems—residential, commercial, medical, and agricultural facilities stacked together.

neovista's transportation system is revolutionary, with hyperloop networks connecting different districts, allowing for ultra-fast travel. drone-based delivery systems handle everything from groceries to medical supplies, and personal autonomous vehicles are common on the roads.

the city has designed solar-powered highways and green rooftops that house both parks and renewable energy infrastructure.

*ೃ༄law enforcement & governance

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ☆ enforcement is done by VEC and HALO drones. there are no beat cops — instead, predictive policing algorithms determine where violence might happen and deploy units in advance.

𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ☆ citizen compliance officers (CCOs) are citizens elevated by the CSI system, acting as civilian enforcers with surveillance privileges.

most investigations are conducted digitally—by scanning memory logs, personal feeds, and neural output rather than physical clues.

*ೃ༄cybernetics & body augmentations

cybernetic normalization is pervasive in Neovista. while minor enhancements like augmented vision, neural interfaces, and biomechanical limbs are common, full-body conversions are rare and often subject to strict regulations.

body augmentations are not just a physical enhancement but have become part of the culture. the wealthy often choose to augment themselves for beauty or efficiency, while those in the slums might use augmentations to survive or gain an edge in the fight for resources.

*ೃ༄technology in neovista & virelia

neovista represents the pinnacle of technology, where AI and humans coexist, yet there is a deep tension between innovation and freedom. virelia’s citizens enjoy unparalleled access to technology but must constantly navigate the surveillance state and corporate control.

virelia’s technology fosters a sense of constant progress, but this has made the city and its citizens vulnerable to the very forces they sought to escape—power, control, and the erosion of personal freedoms.

*ೃ༄visuals.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣷⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢸⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣾⣿⣿⠀⠀⢸⣧⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣀⣼⣿⣿⣿⣧⡀⢸⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠰⠶⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡶⠄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⠙⢿⣿⣿⣿⡿⠋⣿⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⢿⣿⡿⠀⢰⣿⣿⣷⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢸⣿⠇⠀⣾⣿⢹⣿⡆⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⠀⠈⣿⢀⣼⣿⠃⠀⢻⣿⣄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣸⣀⣠⣿⣿⡿⠁⠀⠀⠀⠻⣿⣶⣤⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠠⣴⣶⣾⣿⣿⣿⣛⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢙⣻⣿⣿⣷⣶⣦⡤ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⠉⣿⡟⠿⣿⣷⣦⠀⠀⠀⠀⣀⣶⣿⡿⠟⠋⠉⠉⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢰⣿⣧⠀⠀⠙⣿⣷⡄⠀⣰⣿⡟⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣼⣿⣿⡄⠀⠀⠘⣿⣷⢰⣿⡟⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣠⣿⣿⣿⣧⠀⠀���⢹⣿⣿⡿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⣠⣼⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣷⣤⡀⠘⣿⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠤⣶⣾⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⡧⠄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠉⠙⠻⢿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⣿⠿⠛⠉⢹⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⢻⣿⣿⣿⡿⠃⠀⠀⠀⢸⡏⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣿⣿⣿⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⢸⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢹⣿⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠈⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠘⣿⡇⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣿⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣿⠁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

✦ ˚ — THE MAIN DISTRCITS

☆. MIRROR DISTRICT —

☆. U DISTRICT —

☆. DREAM DISTRICT —

☆. 127 DISTRICT —

[mariacallous]

These days, when Nicole Yelland receives a meeting request from someone she doesn’t already know, she conducts a multi-step background check before deciding whether to accept. Yelland, who works in public relations for a Detroit-based non-profit, says she’ll run the person’s information through Spokeo, a personal data aggregator that she pays a monthly subscription fee to use. If the contact claims to speak Spanish, Yelland says, she will casually test their ability to understand and translate trickier phrases. If something doesn’t quite seem right, she’ll ask the person to join a Microsoft Teams call—with their camera on.

If Yelland sounds paranoid, that’s because she is. In January, before she started her current non-profit role, Yelland says she got roped into an elaborate scam targeting job seekers. “Now, I do the whole verification rigamarole any time someone reaches out to me,” she tells WIRED.

Digital imposter scams aren’t new; messaging platforms, social media sites, and dating apps have long been rife with fakery. In a time when remote work and distributed teams have become commonplace, professional communications channels are no longer safe, either. The same artificial intelligence tools that tech companies promise will boost worker productivity are also making it easier for criminals and fraudsters to construct fake personas in seconds.

On LinkedIn, it can be hard to distinguish a slightly touched-up headshot of a real person from a too-polished, AI-generated facsimile. Deepfake videos are getting so good that longtime email scammers are pivoting to impersonating people on live video calls. According to the US Federal Trade Commission, reports of job and employment related scams nearly tripled from 2020 to 2024, and actual losses from those scams have increased from $90 million to $500 million.

Yelland says the scammers that approached her back in January were impersonating a real company, one with a legitimate product. The “hiring manager” she corresponded with over email also seemed legit, even sharing a slide deck outlining the responsibilities of the role they were advertising. But during the first video interview, Yelland says, the scammers refused to turn their cameras on during a Microsoft Teams meeting and made unusual requests for detailed personal information, including her driver’s license number. Realizing she’d been duped, Yelland slammed her laptop shut.

These kinds of schemes have become so widespread that AI startups have emerged promising to detect other AI-enabled deepfakes, including GetReal Labs, and Reality Defender. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also runs an identity-verification startup called Tools for Humanity, which makes eye-scanning devices that capture a person’s biometric data, create a unique identifier for their identity, and store that information on the blockchain. The whole idea behind it is proving “personhood,” or that someone is a real human. (Lots of people working on blockchain technology say that blockchain is the solution for identity verification.)

But some corporate professionals are turning instead to old-fashioned social engineering techniques to verify every fishy-seeming interaction they have. Welcome to the Age of Paranoia, when someone might ask you to send them an email while you’re mid-conversation on the phone, slide into your Instagram DMs to ensure the LinkedIn message you sent was really from you, or request you text a selfie with a timestamp, proving you are who you claim to be. Some colleagues say they even share code words with each other, so they have a way to ensure they’re not being misled if an encounter feels off.

“What’s funny is, the low-fi approach works,” says Daniel Goldman, a blockchain software engineer and former startup founder. Goldman says he began changing his own behavior after he heard a prominent figure in the crypto world had been convincingly deepfaked on a video call. “It put the fear of god in me,” he says. Afterwards, he warned his family and friends that even if they hear what they believe is his voice or see him on a video call asking for something concrete—like money or an internet password—they should hang up and email him first before doing anything.

Ken Schumacher, founder of the recruitment verification service Ropes, says he’s worked with hiring managers who ask job candidates rapid-fire questions about the city where they claim to live on their resume, such as their favorite coffee shops and places to hang out. If the applicant is actually based in that geographic region, Schumacher says, they should be able to respond quickly with accurate details.

Another verification tactic some people use, Schumacher says, is what he calls the “phone camera trick.” If someone suspects the person they’re talking to over video chat is being deceitful, they can ask them to hold up their phone camera to their laptop. The idea is to verify whether the individual may be running deepfake technology on their computer, obscuring their true identity or surroundings. But it’s safe to say this approach can also be off-putting: Honest job candidates may be hesitant to show off the inside of their homes or offices, or worry a hiring manager is trying to learn details about their personal lives.

“Everyone is on edge and wary of each other now,” Schumacher says.

While turning yourself into a human captcha may be a fairly effective approach to operational security, even the most paranoid admit these checks create an atmosphere of distrust before two parties have even had the chance to really connect. They can also be a huge time suck. “I feel like something’s gotta give,” Yelland says. “I’m wasting so much time at work just trying to figure out if people are real.”

Jessica Eise, an assistant professor studying climate change and social behavior at Indiana University-Bloomington, says that her research team has been forced to essentially become digital forensics experts, due to the amount of fraudsters who respond to ads for paid virtual surveys. (Scammers aren’t as interested in the unpaid surveys, unsurprisingly.) If the research project is federally funded, all of the online participants have to be over the age of 18 and living in the US.

“My team would check time stamps for when participants answered emails, and if the timing was suspicious, we could guess they might be in a different time zone,” Eise says. “Then we’d look for other clues we came to recognize, like certain formats of email address or incoherent demographic data.”

Eise says the amount of time her team spent screening people was “exorbitant,” and that they’ve now shrunk the size of the cohort for each study and have turned to “snowball sampling” or having recruiting people they know personally to join their studies. The researchers are also handing out more physical flyers to solicit participants in person. “We care a lot about making sure that our data has integrity, that we’re studying who we say we’re trying to study,” she says. “I don’t think there’s an easy solution to this.”

Barring any widespread technical solution, a little common sense can go a long way in spotting bad actors. Yelland shared with me the slide deck that she received as part of the fake job pitch. At first glance, it seemed like legit pitch, but when she looked at it again, a few details stood out. The job promised to pay substantially more than the average salary for a similar role in her location, and offered unlimited vacation time, generous paid parental leave, and fully-covered health care benefits. In today’s job environment, that might have been the biggest tipoff of all that it was a scam.

[glitter-stained]

Stop talking about weight loss online I'm begging you

I'm gonna need people who don't know how eating disorders work to stop talking about nutrition and weight loss and balance and healthy food. Reblogs, comments, I don't care. I don't care how blatant it seems to you that the other party is wrong.

"but obesity" if you don't understand eating disorders you don't understand obesity, not because all obesity is necessarily caused by eating disorders but because any kind of "solution" you're gonna have in mind for obesity has a 95% chance of being repackaged diet culture talk disguised as health talk and aiming directly at furthering eating disorders (and obesity), because you do not actually understand how eating disorders work

Your nutrition advice might be well-intentioned, but it is more likely to increase people's issues than solving them, because you are not aware of the role culture and social media play into the interplay between false beliefs you've been taught, disordered eating and obesity.

Social media gives you a platform to spread ideas and when those ideas are wrong they can 100% harm people; however diet culture is so fucking pervasive that it has convinced people that they know much more about nutrition, obesity and eating disorders than they actually do. I promise you, and I'm saying this as kindly as I can: unless you've had a certified, backed up by recent peer reviewed scientific data specialized formation on eating disorders, you do not know how they work and you are not habilitated to bring to this conversation.

It's not "common sense". The things you're convinced about, everybody has heard them, including fat people -and they're not any dumber than you. And guess what? They're still fat.