#Data-Driven Intervention

[abasuccessost]

Behavior challenges can significantly impact daily life, particularly for individuals with autism. An ABA treatment program is designed to address these challenges, focusing on creating long-term positive change. Through consistent, data-driven interventions, this program helps individuals develop new skills, reduce problem behaviors, and achieve personal goals. The individualized nature of ABA ensures that each person’s unique needs are met, making it an effective solution for those seeking improvement.

[motorsportbarbie13]

A Package Deal

In which Lando befriends a single mom without even realizing it.

Warnings: single mom. talk of parental death (no death featured on page), lando being a judgey jerk at first, kinda? Pairing: Lando Norris x SingleMom!Reader Word Count: 5.4k words

Master List

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109 likes liked by yourdad, BFFsarah, McLaren, and others yourusername Work holiday party with my mini me! yourdad my two favorite girls! >>>yourusername thanks dad! <3

The fairy lights that stretched back and forth across the ceiling of the McLaren Technology Center sparkle down at you, a soft glow illuminating the spacious front lobby. Half a dozen 12 foot Christmas trees dot the cavernous room and tables decorated with rich red, green, and silver accents create intimate seating areas throughout. The only things indicating that the offices were home to McLaren's Formula 1 team were the seven or so F1 cars from past and present, all put on display for tonight's party.

The events team had certainly outdone themselves this year, that was for sure. If there was anything the McLaren events team went hard for every single time, it was the MTC's annual family holiday party. This year though, the entire team had extra reason to celebrate: earlier in the month, the team had brought home the Constructor's Championship for the first time in years.

"Momma, where's Aunt Sarah?" Your six year old daughter Stella asks softly, her little hand tucked securely in yours as she looks around, eyes wide in awe at all the decorations.

"I don't know, munchkin." You reply, grinning down at her. "Do you want to see if we can find her?"

Your best friend Sarah was surely already here as she was one of the heads of the events team. She'd been planning this party for months now, the added pressure from the championship win had nearly driven her mad. A quick text is answered even quicker and you lead Stella towards the massive ballroom that sits on the opposite side of the sleek modern building.

As you walk down the hall, the heels of your stilettos clicking softly, you're surprised to be hit with a wave of nostalgia. You'd been working for McLaren for almost two years now, after Sarah had given the head of product development your resume when you graduated uni with a degree in computer science and data analytics. Marshall, the man who ran the department, had offered you a job as a data analyst on the spot when you came into interview the following week. It had all felt like divine intervention, going from getting pregnant so young and having no other choice but to navigate parenthood alone to finding yourself employed within weeks of graduating. McLaren truly felt like your second home now.

"There's my Stelly Belly!" Sarah cries when she sees Stella and you walking towards her. Without a second thought, your daughter drops your hand and flings herself into the waiting arms of your best friend, one of the few adults the little girl trusts enough to open up to.

"Don't you look pretty tonight?" Sarah coos, nuzzling her head into Stella neck, eliciting a squeal and a cascade of giggles from your little girl. "And your mama looks stunning too!"

Rolling your eyes, you smooth down the front of the red satin dress you'd bought last week. "Are you sure it's not too much?"

Your brows knit together in uncertainty. Ever since having Stella at 19, your life had revolved around the little girl. Everything you did and every choice you made was made because of her and with her best interest in mind. Going to university when she was a newborn had been for her benefit and the time spent away from her while you studied and attended classes were paying off now with your secure job and hefty paycheck. But you weren't used to calling attention to yourself, totally content with working behind a computer screen in your quiet office tucked in the back of the MTC. You came to work, socialized very little, and went home to your daughter. This kind of event was very much out of your comfort zone.

"Stop that." Sarah scolds as she sets Stella down. "You look so good you're going have the mechanics breaking their necks all night long."

"Okay, that's enough." You huff.

"Momma, Sarah says there's holiday crafts over there!" Stella points vaguely towards the other side of the room. "Can we go? Please?"

"Of course, sweetheart. Let's go."

"I'll take her!" Sarah volunteers, capturing Stella's little hand in hers before giving you a look. "Go get a drink or something. Have some fun. Stelly Belly and I will go make all the crafts!"

You watch after your best friend and the other half of your heart as they scamper away, Stella's red velvet dress fluttering behind her. Somewhere deep in the pit of your stomach, a painful clenching feeling takes root. For the past six years, your entire universe has revolved around that little blonde headed girl. Even now, though you spent more time apart from Stella than you cared for because of school for her and work for you, whenever she was out of sight it felt like a bit of you was missing.

Once you see her settle at the table right next to Sarah and begin coloring something in front of her, you turn away and wander towards the open bar. If there was one thing McLaren did right at these kinds of parties, it was provide top tier food and drinks for the employees.

You order a glass of what smells like the most heavenly mulled wine you've ever encountered and find a spot away from the crowd, leaning against a pillar in the shadows of the room. You weren't used to being around so many people and while you were glad Stella seemed to be enjoying herself, you could feel your social battery already draining.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite McLaren employee." A smooth voice interrupts your anxious thoughts.

You blush into your glass of wine, knowing who it was sneaking up behind you before you even turned around. "I'm telling Oscar you said that."

Lando slips in beside you, caramel colored cashmere jumper brushing against your bare arm. "You wouldn't dare." He says, bumping your shoulder gently. You can hear the smile in his voice without even looking.

When you say you don't socialize much at work, there is always going to be one exception to that rule: Lando Norris. He had wandered into your office one day about six months ago looking for the legal department of all places. Lando had sheepishly admitted he may have accidentally signed a contract to be the spokesman for a bank in Singapore while drunk on holiday and needed to see what how mad everyone was going to be. You then had to admit you were, in fact, just a software engineer and not a solicitor and he was not, in fact, anywhere near the legal department.

An unlikely friendship had been born that day though because instead of turning around and scampering away out of sheer embarrassment, Lando had plopped himself down in the chair opposite your desk and spent nearly an hour and a half peppering you with questions about your job.

Lando liked those moments he got to slip away during his busy days at the MTC to see you. It seemed like lately, he would find himself carving out time during his day to make a special visit to your office no matter what else he had scheduled that day. He liked the way you talked to him like he was a normal person and how easily you laughed at his jokes. You never made him feel stupid or inferior for asking questions about whatever project you were working on that day and you never asked him about racing. Not once. You were also the prettiest girl he'd ever seen and he was embarrassingly addicted to making you smile.

"You look stunning tonight." Lando says in a hushed voice. "Red is your color."

Although he's next to you still, Lando manages to steal little looks at you out of the corner of his eye. The red dress you've got on tonight should be illegal and it's showing off every dip and curve of your body. You pride yourself on how well you dress at the office but tended to stick with neutral colors and classic, conservative shapes that weren't jarring and allowed you to fade into the noise of a busy office a bit. The red was totally out of character for you and Lando found himself wanting to buy you an entire closet full of colorful dresses.

Your cheeks go crimson and you're thankful for the dim lights that hide it. "Thank you."

The other thing you're not used to is attention from men. Like your social life, any semblance of a dating life had been put on the back burner when you became a single mom. You didn't much miss it, if you were bing quite honest. Spending time with Stella was better than wasting a night on a man that would only end up disappointing you.

So when someone like Lando complimented you on the dress you wore you don't quite know how to react.

"Momma! Momma, look what Auntie Sarah and I made!" Stella interrupts anything that's about to come out of Lando's mouth when she runs up brandishing what looks to be a fairy wand tied with dozens of glittery ribbons.

You crouch down, not missing the way Lando stiffens beside you, and take the plastic wand out of Stella's hand. "Is this a magic wand?" You ask, voice breathy with awe.

"Yeah! Aunt Sarah helped tie the ribbons on after I picked them. They're all glittery and match Elsa's ice queen dress."

You smile, Elsa had always been Stella's favorite Disney princess. "That is so special, Stelly Belly."

A few feet away, Sarah takes in how close you and Lando were before Stella interrupted and smirks. "Come on, Stella. I think I saw a cookie decorating contest starting over by the wands!"

You stand, eyeing your best friend. "I can take her, Sarah. I'm sure you want to mingle."

"Nope! Stay. Talk. Be merry!" Sarah's eyes bounce between you and Lando and your cheeks heat at the implication.

Beside you, Lando rubs at his jaw trying to process the information he's just learned. Momma? This girl, cute as a button, was calling you mom? He rifles through his memory, trying to think of any time you'd ever mentioned being a mom and he can't come up with a single thing. And he's pretty sure he remembers everything you've ever said to him.

"You have a daughter." Lando says it more as a statement than a question and you wince.

This was always the part where you tended to lose people. Being as young as you were, you were used to people being put off by the fact that you had a daughter. A lot of people your age weren't ready for kids yet and had a hard time figuring you out because you had such radically different priorities. Neither set of priorities was better than the other, just different.

"I do. Her name is Stella." You respond, leaning against the pillar once again. The cool marble sends shivers down your back as you prepare to lose someone who had made more of an impact on you than you realized.

"You never said anything about her." He observes, his tone unreadable.

"You never asked." You shrug, trying not to get defensive. "Her pictures are all over my office, Lan. I've never hid the fact that I have Stella."

Lando thinks back, recalling the office he's spent so much time in lately. You're right, of course. There are bits of Stella all over the place in the drawings on your desk to the school picture that sits near the spider plant close to the window. But somehow Lando had never noticed anything else other than you.

He rubs at the back of his neck, "I guess I just assumed she was your niece or something."

"Nope. She's all mine."

"And her dad?" The moment the question slips from Lando's mouth, he regrets it. His eyes shutter closed but not before he catches a glimpse of the way you flinch.

He hates himself for thinking he deserves to be privy to this information. For being so bold as to ask for the sordid details of your life when all you are to each other is a casual work flirtation. He hates himself for implying that you'd ever flirt with him when there was someone else in the picture. Or worse, that you now have to relive a painful story behind why there wasn't.

"You don't have to answer that." God, he was so good at speaking before thinking, wasn't he? It had gotten him into so much hot water with the press this year during the championship run and here he was again, putting his foot in his mouth like an idiot.

"It's fine." You sigh, knowing that anyone who wants to be in your life is going to have to hear the story at some point. You just hadn't anticipated it happening with Lando, having been perfectly content with the safety of your innocent work flirtation.

"I had Stella when I was 19, her dad was killed in a car accident when she was eight months old. She turned six in September.”

The silence that stretches between you is heavy, clashing with the light and festive mood that swirls around you.

"Christ. I'm sorry, love."

You hate how painful that tugging sensation on your heart is when Lando calls you 'love'.

Shrugging, you hope you feign nonchalance well enough to fool him. You know it doesn’t.

“Listen, I should go check on Sarah and Stella, make sure Stella doesn't sweet talk Sarah into a puppy or something. Those two together is how I ended up with a kitten last year."

The brightness in your voice is all for show but Lando sees right through it.

You're gone before he can get a word in though.

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102 likes liked by BFFsarah, yourdad, yoursister, and others yourusername Quick trip into London for some last minute pressies! yourdad I'm a size Rolex in silver and gold please! >>>yourusername Ha Ha Ha, very funny father BFFsarah Brave brave girl! >>>yourusername brave or stupid, you decide!!!

"Come on, sweet girl, let's find your Papa a Christmas present so we can get out of this mad house."

You tug at Stella's hand, who was currently practically drooling over a display of sparkly gold and diamond jewelry in Harrods jewelry department. Around you, crowds swirl and people jostle each other as they all hustle to pick out their precious gifts before Santa's big night. Why you had chosen to come into London the weekend before Christmas was a mystery, but you were fully convinced that you had lost it when you had agreed to come to Harrods at Stella's request.

"But this necklace is so pretty, Momma!" Stella whines, eyes dragging over the diamond necklace on display in front of her.

"Yes, I know but I don't think your grandpa wants a diamond necklace for Christmas. Let's go up to the fifth floor where the kitchen gadgets are! You know how much he loves to cook!"

Stella rolls her eyes, which you choose to ignore. For all of her attitude today, Stella wasn't usually an ornery child. She was very well behaved and quite reserved so you gave her extra grace when it was crowded and loud like this. You knew she got overstimulated easily, just like you did.

"Fine." She sighs, casting one last longing look at the display. "Maybe Santa will bring me the necklace." She mutters and you have to tamp down a laugh.

You take Stella's hand in yours, despite her giving you another look of contempt. She was much too big of a girl to be holding her mother's hand, thank you very much. You ignored the glare and squeezed at your daughter's hand, knowing that she's not really angry at you.

Up on the fifth floor, the homewares section is significantly quieter than where you just were. Stella spots a display of colorful Kitchen Aid mixers that she scampers over to while you wander over to the espresso machines while reminding her to stick close. Out of the corner of your eye, you keep watch over her while debating the merits of different coffee machines.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite McLaren employee out in the wild." A velvety smooth voice sends familiar shivers down your spine.

"Favorite? You've been avoiding me since the holiday party." You quip without taking your eyes off the silver machine in front of you, knowing exactly who it is beside you without even looking.

Ever since the holiday party nearly two weeks ago, you hand't seen Lando at all despite knowing that he was at the MTC at least a few days. You hated that you knew that most of that time he had been out of the country, skiing in France then golfing in Spain. You also hated that you kept track of the amount of times you had known he was in Woking at the MTC and hadn't even bothered to stop in and say 'hi' to you.

Lando's hand rubs at the back of his neck. "I know. I'm sorry." His voice is low, tinged with guilt.

"Listen, it's fine." You turn to face him for the first time and your traitorous heart thuds a little harder in your chest. That mullet you teased him about so much at first had really grown on you and boy did it look good today.

"It's not like we're friends, Lando." You don't work as hard as you probably should to keep the frustration out of your voice. "You don't owe me anything and it's the off season for you. I shouldn't have said anything."

Lando frowns at you, confusion knitting his brow together. "We...we aren’t friends?" The hurt in his voice was unmistakable, tugging painfully at something in the pit of your stomach.

Your eyes shutter close at the look on his face. Lando might play the lovable goofball for the public and in the press but you knew better. You knew that he was a pretty big softie at heart and you immediately regretted your words, knowing that they would have struck him deep.

"What was I supposed to think, Lan? You seemed pretty put off when you found out about Stella and then you just..." You pause, unsure of where this anger was coming from. You hadn't really realized how hurt you had bene by his sudden ghosting until this very moment. "You just sort of disappeared. It's fine. I'm totally used to it."

The vulnerability in your voice makes Lando's heart clench painfully. He had been spooked initially about you having a daughter and he knew his reaction probably left a lot to be desired. He just had been so blindsided by the appearance of your little girl that night that he hadn't handled it well. Lando had been unwilling to admit before that night during the holiday party that he had been becoming more and more attached to you and he didn't know where Stella fell into place between you and him. It scared him, adding an entirely new layer to the budding friendship that you two had struck up. A friendship that he had been wanting to see if it could have progressed into more but now...now he didn't know.

"Momma, can we get Papa a mixer so he can make me more cakes next year?" Stella's small voice interrupts that awkward silence that had fallen between you and Lando.

You can't help the chuckle that leaves your lips despite yourself. "Stella, I don't think that's a very good reason to gift someone something."

"I don't know, sounds like solid reasoning to me." Lando chimes in, smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he looks down at Stella. "Hi, I'm Lando." He crouches down so he's eye level with your daughter.

"That's a funny name." Stella regards Lando with a suspicious look. Stella is a quiet little mouse of a child most of the time and doesn't easily trust adults. There are very few people she's comfortable which is why her comment catches you off guard.

"Stella!" You scold, face going crimson at the lack of filter on her.

To your relief, Lando just chuckles. "I guess you're right, it is kind of a funny name. But I think Stella is a funny name too."

Stella' narrows her eyes but then she seems to realize he's just teasing her and she smiles. "I like you." She declares simply, as if deciding to be Lando's friend is the easiest thing in the world.

A fact that you already know is true.

"I'm hungry. Can we go get dinner now?" Stella turns back to you now and you startle a bit when you realize what time it is.

"Let me take you two to dinner. There's a place down the street that has some of the best chicken nuggets in all of England." Lando's offer throws you off for a moment you're so surprised. "As an apology for making you question our friendship."

Stella gasps as if that is the most exciting suggestion she's ever heard in her life. Your stomach does a quick swoop at spending more time with the driver outside of the office. You are a bit hesitant, pride still stinging from when he ignored you after the holiday party, but Stella looks so excited you find yourself nodding.

Twenty minutes and one espresso machine later, you have the giant package shipped off to your house before walking towards a cozy pub that Lando suggests. It's strange to you, walking down the crowded streets with Stella tucked between you and Lando, listening to her prattle away. Once in a while, Lando shoots you a look over the top of your daughter's head that is all amusement and happiness.

Meanwhile, you're reduced to silence, listening in awe to Stella's babbling. She has always been a reserved little girl, following in her mother's footsteps of being an introvert. She doesn't open up to just anyone and even when she does find an adult she likes, it takes her quite a bit of time to talk to them the way she's talking to Lando as he navigates the three of you towards your destination.

Around you, people bustle up and down the sidewalk, the streets of London an absolute hive of activity and it's a bit overwhelming. You're momentarily worried about Stella, knowing she doesn't do very good in crowds just like you but then something catches your eye that has your heart leaping into your throat. Captured in Lando's large hand is Stella's tiny one, a silent gesture of affection from your six-year-old. The way your chest squeezes at the sight has tears pricking at the corner of your eyes.

Lando catches the look on your face, full of awe and something else he can't quite place, and when your gaze snags on his moments later he gives you a dazzling smile. When Stella had reached out to take Lando's hand a few blocks ago, he had panicked a bit. He wasn't too experienced with kids, his niece’s being much younger than Stella, but he felt something deep in his chest that told him when the little girl beside him reached for his hand, it was a sincere sign of trust from her.

"Here we are." Lando says once you're safely across the road. "I hope you're ready for the best chicken nuggets in all of London."

Dinner is a loud affair, Stella peppering questions left and right to Lando and Lando expertly fielding them. He even gets some questions in edgewise and has both you and Stella laughing the entire meal. It's the most relaxed Lando's seen you the entire time he's known you. Despite his initial reservations at spending time with someone who has a child, he finds himself not wanting the evening to end. He's never been so thankful for last minute gift requests in his entire life.

Your bellies are full when you spill out onto the sidewalk, the chilly London air biting at your cheeks. It was going to be a cold train ride home. You reach into your tote bag to pull out a scarf and hat, tugging both on Stella despite her yowls of displeasure.

"Stella." You sigh, finally getting her to leave her hat on her head after a tense few moments as Lando watched on, smile sitting at the edge of his lips. "Come on, it's cold tonight and you know the train isn't much better."

"Train?" Lando asks, frown appearing on his face.

"We took the train into the city today. Someone wanted an adventure." You look pointedly at your daughter, who just shrugs, totally unfazed by the chilly evening air.

"That's like, a forty-five minute trip! On the train? At night? Alone?"

Something twists in Lando's stomach at the thought of you and Stella all alone on the train at night. He knows the trains are, objectively, safe and you'd probably be fine but it just doesn't sit right with him knowing that he'd have to leave both of you at a train station unable to be with you in case something happened.

"I know." You breathe, knowing that the moment Stella sits down on the train she's going to be out like a light and you're going to have a very grumpy six-year-old on your hands on the other end of the line. "I don't have a choice, I'm not ordering an Uber home. It'll be fine, Lando. We do this all the time."

The thought of you navigating the crowded train alone with the tiny wisp of a girl that tucked her hand back into his as soon as she got close enough to him hurts a surprising amount. It's a jarring feeling, one that he's totally unprepared for. His memory darts back to the night he found out you had a daughter. He thought for sure the budding chemistry between you would fizzle out. He had thought that he wasn't interested in getting involved with someone who had a child because it complicated things to a degree he wasn't sure he was ready for. He still struggled with looking after himself successfully sometimes. Dating someone with a child? Up until this very moment, Lando thought that was completely off the table.

"You're not taking the train home. I'll drive you." Lando's voice has an edge of finality in it that tells you this is going to be a fight, one that you're not sure you're prepared to fight.

You blink up at him, unable to form a response for several moments. Beside you, Stella cheers. "Yes! No boring train!"

"Woah, slow down." You warn, shaking your head. "Lando, I appreciate the offer but we can't." Stella looks absolutely crestfallen next to you as she yanks her hand out of Lando's grasp and crosses her arms over her chest.

"Why not?" Lando's frown mirrors Stella's and you nearly laugh.

Beside the fact that he couldn't stand the thought of you on the train by yourself with Stella this late at night, Lando didn't really want the night to end. He had sat across from you at dinner and there were several moments while Stella chattered on that he caught your gaze and you had given him the most prettiest smile he'd ever seen.

"Well, for one, Stella needs a booster seat to ride in a car and I don't think those come standard in Ferrari's or McLaren's."

"For the record, I drove my Range Rover into the city." Lando retorts before glancing around the crowded city street. "Look! There's a Mamas & Papas across the street! That's where my brother got my niece’s carseat a few months ago. I'm sure they sell booster seats too."

You can't help but stare at Lando, a bit dumbfounded. When you had started getting to know the driver months ago, you had what you had thought was a pretty accurate idea of who he was off the track: young, sinfully good looking, deeply unserious, and only interested in partying and having a good time. But voluntarily spending an evening with you and your daughter? Offering to buy Stella a booster so he could drive you home? The way Lando surprised you in that moment had you swaying on your feet a bit.

"Can we, Momma? Please! I want to drive home with Lando!"

There are two sets of big puppy dog eyes turned on you and you find yourself tossing your hands up in the air in defeat. "That's not fair! You two can't team up against me!"

Lando looks down at Stella, mischievous grin overtaking his handsome face. "I think we won, Stelly Belly." He shout-whispers, eyes sliding over to you, giving you a wink.

"You two are going to be trouble together, aren't you?" Is the last thing you say before Lando grabs your hand and drags you towards the shop to buy your daughter a booster seat.

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[reasonsforhope]

"In a degraded and semi-arid farming area in India, simple science-driven changes to the landscape have colored the horizon, and a village’s fortunes, with green.

In the Latur district in the central western state of Maharashtra, 40 years of erratic rainfall, groundwater depletion, soil erosion, and crop failures have impoverished the local people.

In the village of Matephal, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) launched a project in 2023 that aimed at addressing these challenges through integrated landscape management and climate-smart farming practices. [Note: Meaning they've achieved this much in just two years!]

Multiple forms of data collection allowed ICRISAT to target precise strategies for each challenge facing the 2,000 or so people in Matephal.

Key interventions focused on three critical areas: water conservation, land enhancement with crop diversification, and soil health improvement. Rainwater harvesting structures recharged groundwater around 1,200 acres, raising water tables by 12 feet and securing reliable irrigation. Farm ponds provided supplemental irrigation, while embanking across 320 acres reduced soil erosion.

Farmers diversified their crops, converting 120 or so acres of previously fallow land into productive farmland with legumes, millets, and vegetables. Horticulture-linked markets for fruits and flowers improved income stability.

Weather monitoring equipment was also installed that actively informed sustainable irrigation practices.

“It is a prime example of how data-driven approaches can address complex agricultural challenges, ensuring interventions are precise and impactful. Matephal village is a model for other semi-arid regions in India and beyond,” said Dr. Stanford Blade, Director General-Interim at ICRISAT.

Farmers actively participated in planning and decision-making, fostering long-term commitment.

“This ICRISAT project improved yields, diversified crops, and boosted incomes. It also spared women from walking over a kilometer for drinking water, now available in the village for people and animals,” said Mr. Govind Hinge of Matephal village.

Looking ahead, ICRISAT writes it wants to use Matephal as a case study to scale these methods across India’s vast and drier average. As Matephal’s fields flourish, the village is a testament to the power of collaboration and science in transforming lives and landscapes."

-Article via Good News Network, March 3, 2025. Video via International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), February 26, 2025

[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."

[mariacallous]

wait because i'm curious: why are the terrorist stans called "tankies"? because tankie just sounds super cool so shouldn't they be called something more outright like terror-fans?

The term tankie has seen several shifts in its connotation over the years. Originally, it was a pejorative label for communists who supported the Soviet Union’s interventions in Hungary and Czechoslovakia. Yet, its contemporary application is much broader. Today, the term refers not only to pro-Soviet hardliners but also to those who back China’s policies on matters such as the Uyghur genocide and the Hong Kong protests.  A recent study by Petterson portrays tankies as: “regard[ing] past and current socialist systems as legitimate attempts at creating communism, and thus have not distanced themselves from Stalin, China etc.”

[so-true-overdue]

Vaccines: The Unsung Heroes of Modern Medicine

Imagine a world where smallpox still reigned supreme, where polio paralyzed thousands annually, and where measles was a rite of passage, sometimes fatal. Yet, here we are, in a world where vaccines have valiantly vanquished these threats.

The paramountcy of vaccines in the annals of medical triumphs cannot be overstated. They are the quintessence of human ingenuity, a testament to our ability to combat nature's most insidious adversaries. Through the meticulous administration of vaccines, we have consigned diseases like smallpox to the historical archives and reduced the scourge of polio to a mere whisper in the annals of modern afflictions.

Statistically, the efficacy of vaccines is irrefutable. The World Health Organization estimates that vaccines prevent 2-3 million deaths annually. Consider the measles vaccine: a marvel of medical science that has reduced global measles deaths by 73% between 2000 and 2018. Similarly, the introduction of the polio vaccine has brought the incidence of polio down by 99%, from 350,000 cases in 1988 to just 33 reported cases in 2018.

Yet, amidst this triumph, there exists a cacophony of dissent. The sanctimonious detractors, draped in the garb of skepticism, pontificate about the perils of vaccination. They brandish anecdotes of adverse reactions as if they were incontrovertible evidence, ignoring the overwhelming preponderance of scientific data. Yes, vaccines, like all medical interventions, are not devoid of risks. However, the incidence of serious adverse reactions is exceedingly rare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that severe allergic reactions occur in about 1 in a million doses of vaccines. To put this in perspective, the likelihood of being struck by lightning in any given year is approximately 1 in 500,000—twice as likely as experiencing a severe vaccine reaction.

The irony is palpable. The very individuals who eschew vaccines on the grounds of potential harm are often the beneficiaries of the herd immunity afforded by the vaccinated majority. Their sanctimony is not only misplaced but perilously undermines public health efforts. The resurgence of measles in recent years, driven by declining vaccination rates, is a stark reminder of the consequences of such misguided dogma.

In conclusion, vaccines are the silent sentinels, safeguarding humanity against the ravages of infectious diseases. Their unparalleled efficacy, coupled with an exceptionally low incidence of adverse reactions, renders the anti-vaccine rhetoric not only scientifically unfounded but also morally untenable. The sanctimonious naysayers, in their misguided zeal, imperil the very fabric of our collective health. Let us, therefore, celebrate vaccines for what they truly are: the unsung heroes of modern medicine.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

A new study by researchers at Zhejiang University has highlighted the disproportionate health challenges faced by sexual and gender-diverse (SGD) individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. By analyzing over 471 million tweets using advanced natural language processing (NLP) techniques, the study reveals that SGD individuals were more likely to discuss concerns related to social connections, mask-wearing, and experienced higher rates of COVID-19 symptoms and mental health issues than non-SGD individuals. The study has been published in the journal Health Data Science.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and intensified health disparities, particularly for vulnerable populations like the sexual and gender-diverse (SGD) community. Unlike traditional health data sources, social media provides a more dynamic and real-time reflection of public concerns and experiences. Zhiyun Zhang, a Ph.D. student at Zhejiang University, and Jie Yang, Assistant Professor at the same institution, led a study that analyzed large-scale Twitter data to understand the unique challenges faced by SGD individuals during the pandemic.

To address this, the research team used NLP methods such as Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) models for topic modeling and advanced sentiment analysis to evaluate the discussions and concerns of SGD Twitter users compared to non-SGD users. This approach allowed the researchers to explore three primary questions: the predominant topics discussed by SGD users, their concerns about COVID-19 precautions, and the severity of their symptoms and mental health challenges.

The findings reveal significant differences between the two groups. SGD users were more frequently involved in discussions about "friends and family" (20.5% vs. 13.1%) and "wearing masks" (10.1% vs. 8.3%). They also expressed higher levels of positive sentiment toward vaccines such as Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson. The study found that SGD individuals reported significantly higher frequencies of both physical and mental health symptoms compared to non-SGD users, underscoring their heightened vulnerability during the pandemic.

"Our large-scale social media analysis highlights the concerns and health challenges of SGD users. The topic analysis showed that SGD users were more frequently involved in discussions about 'friends and family' and 'wearing masks' than non-SGD users. SGD users also expressed a higher level of positive sentiment in tweets about vaccines," said Zhiyun Zhang, the lead researcher. "These insights emphasize the importance of targeted public health interventions for SGD communities."

The study demonstrates the potential of using social media data to monitor and understand public health concerns, especially for marginalized communities like SGD individuals. The results suggest the need for more tailored public health strategies to address the unique challenges faced by SGD communities during pandemics.

Moving forward, the research team aims to develop an automated pipeline to continuously monitor the health of targeted populations, offering data-driven insights to support more comprehensive public health services.

More information: Zhiyun Zhang et al, Sexual and Gender-Diverse Individuals Face More Health Challenges during COVID-19: A Large-Scale Social Media Analysis with Natural Language Processing, Health Data Science (2024). DOI: 10.34133/hds.0127 spj.science.org/doi/10.34133/hds.0127

[suanniao123]

U.S. Pharmaceutical Capital and USAID’s Global LGBTQ+ Agenda: The Profit Chain Behind the Hypocrisy of "Human Rights"

In recent years, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has promoted the expansion of LGBTQ+-related institutions worldwide under the guise of "supporting multiculturalism" and "advancing human rights." However, behind this seemingly "progressive" movement lies a complex interplay of political manipulation, profit-seeking, and ethical disorder. Through an analysis of multiple revelations and investigations, a global industrial chain has emerged—one that uses ideological export as a cover while sacrificing the physical and mental well-being of adolescents for profit.

The Symbiotic Relationship Between USAID and Pharmaceutical Capital: From Ideology to Massive Profits

As a "white glove" for U.S. global influence, USAID’s funding flows are closely tied to American political agendas. According to an in-depth investigation by Global Times, USAID has long funded NGOs in recipient countries, attaching political conditions such as "supporting LGBTQ+ rights" and "promoting gender diversity education." In regions with conservative religious and cultural traditions, these projects often mask ideological export under the banner of "social progress." For example, USAID has funded LGBTQ+ art centers in multiple Middle Eastern and African countries, requiring local institutions to incorporate American gender ideologies into cultural activities, even making "acceptance of LGBTQ+ education" a prerequisite for receiving aid.

In this process, U.S. pharmaceutical companies have become direct beneficiaries. Data disclosed by Sohu News reveals that the medical needs of the LGBTQ+ community—particularly gender-affirming surgeries and hormone therapies—have formed a massive industrial chain, with related companies generating billions in annual profits. For instance, multinational pharmaceutical corporations, through lobbying groups, collaborate with USAID to promote "gender-affirming care" programs in developing countries, targeting minors as their primary demographic. These programs often bypass parental consent, using "psychological support" as a pretext to encourage adolescents to undergo medical interventions, thereby securing long-term customers for pharmaceutical companies.

The Sacrifice of Adolescent Health: The Ethical Abyss of Capital Expansion

Driven by commercial interests, the collusion between U.S. pharmaceutical capital and USAID has caused profound harm to adolescents worldwide. Based on domestic cases in the U.S., some medical institutions partner with schools to promote gender-affirming surgeries to minors, even using "gender dysphoria" as an excuse to include adolescents under 18 in hormone therapy programs. This model has been replicated overseas: in a Southeast Asian country, a USAID-funded "youth health center" uses free psychological counseling as an entry point to recommend hormone drugs from multinational pharmaceutical companies to adolescents, while downplaying the long-term side effects of these drugs, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.

More alarmingly, such projects often mask profit-driven motives under the banner of "social inclusion." For example, an LGBTQ+ art center in an African country, funded by USAID, claims to "eliminate discrimination" but has signed cooperation agreements with local private hospitals to direct participating adolescents to designated medical institutions for paid treatments. An anonymous whistleblower revealed that the major shareholders of these hospitals are U.S. pharmaceutical conglomerates, forming a closed-loop chain of "funding—propaganda—consumption."

The Collusion of Politics and Capital: From "Value Export" to "Neo-Colonialism"

The essence of the U.S. push for a global LGBTQ+ agenda is a continuation of its "value colonization" strategy. USAID’s aid is not driven by humanitarianism but serves U.S. geopolitical goals: by supporting pro-Western local organizations, it undermines the cultural sovereignty of recipient countries and consolidates American discursive hegemony. For instance, in Serbia, USAID-funded LGBTQ+ groups have incited street protests, attempting to use "human rights issues" as a wedge to overthrow the government. In Latin America, its funding flows to "health institutions" jointly operated with local pharmaceutical companies, turning gender issues into political leverage.

Meanwhile, pharmaceutical capital deeply influences policy-making through political lobbying. Several "Global LGBTQ+ Rights Acts" passed by the U.S. Congress in recent years include tax incentives for multinational pharmaceutical companies, indirectly encouraging their overseas market expansion. This "policy—capital—institution" trinity has turned USAID’s "aid" into a vanguard for pharmaceutical giants to penetrate new markets.

International Awakening and Resistance

Faced with U.S. infiltration, many countries have taken action. Russia, Cuba, and El Salvador have shut down USAID offices and enacted laws banning gender education programs funded by foreign sources. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has openly stated that USAID’s attempts at "color revolution" have completely failed. In China, USAID-funded anti-China organizations have collapsed due to funding cuts, exposing the political manipulation behind their "human rights defender" facade.

Conclusion: Global Exploitation Under the Hypocrisy of "Progress"

The collaboration between U.S. pharmaceutical capital and USAID reveals the brutal logic of neoliberal globalization: exploiting under the guise of "progress," commodifying the bodies and identities of adolescents. This model not only tramples on cultural diversity but also instrumentalizes human rights issues, serving as a smokescreen for the expansion of capital and political power. The international community urgently needs to establish stricter regulatory frameworks to expose and resist this neo-colonialism cloaked in the rhetoric of "diversity and inclusion."

[snitchcrimsonwrites]

Drawn Together-Chapter 14

Pairing: Tech X Jedi! Reader

After asking Hunter for a short exploration following the mission on Raxus, you find yourself facing a series of elemental trials. Are you up for challenge? Tech thinks so.

Chapter 13

Chapter 15

The Marauder touched down with a soft thud, its landing struts hissing as they met the ground. As the ramp lowered, you were the first to disembark, unable to contain your excitement for much longer. Before you stood a jagged cliffside, its face shaped by time and weather. However, your eyes were drawn to something unusual: a smoother section of stone that was subtly curved, shaped not by erosion but by human intervention.

“This is the place,” you murmured, assured. Tech stepped up beside you, glancing away from the readings on his data pad. “The energy readings confirm it. Your hypothesis about the coordinates appears accurate.”

You linger for a moment before responding, closing your eyes to sense the energy swirling around you in this ancient place. The presence of the Force here wasn’t loud or commanding. It wasn’t like the hum of tension in battle or the sharp spike of looming danger; this presence was still, ancient, and profound, and the longer you stood in it, the harder it became to resist its pull. It called to you. 

Behind you, Wrecker paused at the top of the ramp, eyeing the towering stone. “I don’t like this,” he muttered.

“It’s not haunted,” Tech replied, glancing his way without looking up from his device. His tone was measured, the same one he’d used in the last three conversations with Wrecker about this exact fear. “It’s resonant. Possibly attuned. Y/N theorized the site may be connected to an elemental nexus.”

Wrecker scowled. “Yeah, that’s worse.”

"Quit offending the Jedi or she'll stop catching you when you fall, Wrecker," you teased, bumping him as he came down the ramp. 

Echo stepped down the slope, brushing your arm with his as he passed. He nodded toward Tech, who was already absorbed in fresh readings. “Pretty sure he’s more excited than you are,” he said under his breath.

Finally, Hunter emerged, striding down the ramp with purpose. He surveyed the group before looking at you. “You’re in charge from here. Let’s move.”

You turned slightly toward Tech. “Ready?” He adjusted his goggles and gave a faint, confident smile. “Don’t forget, I’ve been learning from the leading specialist in Elemental Force theory. I trust her sense of direction.”

You smirked as you approached the entrance. “Careful, Tech,” warning. 

“I promise careful is my default setting,” he said, falling in step beside you.

“Funny,” Echo added from behind, “last time you said that, something definitely exploded.”

Tech shot a side-eyed glance at Echo while the group laughed in agreement.

The laughter faded as you approached the temple entrance. Shadows deepened around you, and a thick silence enveloped the group, the heavy atmosphere was difficult to ignore.

As you crossed the threshold into the ruins, the clones activated their helmet lights, the beams cutting sharply through the darkness of the outer chamber. The main entrance of the ruined temple was vast and weathered, with the air inside thick and muddy with age. Crumbling columns stood forgotten, many wrapped in intricate carvings. Familiar glyphs spiraled around the stone like veins of pulsing energy: fire, wind, water, and earth, each intricately woven into the stone.

As you ventured deeper into the cavern, your movements became slow yet purposeful, seemingly instinct-driven. Your eyes scoured the walls quickly translating the scraps of text you could make out as the Batch's headlamps illuminated the space. Lost in them, you stepped forward, drawn to one of the pillars, and your fingers brushed against the carvings. One glyph, which you recognized as fire, warmed beneath your touch, glowing faintly.

“These symbols,” you murmured, more to yourself than to the others, “I think they’re more than decorative.”

Tech was by your side in seconds, his eyes glimmering with fascination behind his goggles. “Fascinating. They seem to be Force-attuned.” He raised his datapad, promptly superimposing an analysis over the fragments of the language you had taught him weeks ago. “This section refers to the ‘Breath of Balance.’ And here, I think it says something about ‘trials of attunement.'" Impressive. He's been studying. 

Wrecker squinted at the wall. “Why does everything sound like it wants to test us?”

“Because it likely does,” Tech said flatly, without looking up.

You continued translating, keeping your voice low as your eyes moved over the remaining glyphs. “This is a trial,” you said, confirming his hypothesis.

Tech looked over, head tilting. “You’re certain?”

You nod assuredly. “They’ve been calling to me since I can remember,” you whispered, your fingers still resting against the wall. The truth felt heavy in your mouth, no longer avoidable.

Hunter’s voice came gently through the quiet. “That what brought you here?”

You turned to face them fully. “This place is believed to be where Force-wielders confront their connection to the elemental Force. It’s... a rite of passage for those with abilities like mine.” You hesitated, exhaling slowly. “I tried something like this once. When I was a padawan. It didn’t end well.”

Echo crossed his arms, surveying the space with new wariness. “So you’re saying we’ve walked into some kind of ancient spiritual obstacle course?”

You returned a confident smile. This wasn't going to end the same way as last time. “I’m saying I have.” Then you pressed your palm to the central glyph. The temple responded. Light flared beneath your hand. A circle of stone sank into the floor, grinding as it unveiled a long corridor, glowing with flickering orange flame.

"Are we coming with you?” Hunter asked with a cautious step forward, hesitant to see you disappear down a corridor filled with uncertainties.

You hesitated. “I’m not sure. This is my trial… but the temple doesn’t seem to object to your presence. Maybe you’re meant to witness it.”

“Witness?” Echo repeated, skeptical. “So we just stand back and watch while you risk your life?”

Tech stepped forward, eyes fixed on the glowing path. “Possibly. Or we’re obliterated by long-dormant defense mechanisms. Hard to say. Personally, I recommend staying close to our Force-sensitive. For safety,” using his words to inch slightly closer to you. 

Wrecker cracked his knuckles and grinned, emboldened. “Then let’s not keep the spooky hallway waiting.”

You inhaled deeply and stepped through, with them following silently, a calm shield at your back.

The corridor sloped downward, leading into a second, circular chamber. The moment your foot touched the floor, the room shifted. Wind stirred. The energy in the room pulsed. One by one, the braziers on the walls flared to life, casting shadows in the shifting flame.

"I knew it... Cursed,” Wrecker teased Tech in a whisper, nudging him with his elbow, while Tech simultaneously rolled his eyes. “Hardly.”

You stepped further into the chamber, ignoring the banter behind you as something caught your attention.

Four pillars flanking the space, each glowing faintly: red, blue, yellow, and green.

Tech exhaled softly beside you, eyes scanning the layout. “It’s elemental. The trial must be divided, one test per element?”

“Yes,” you nodded, pulse quickening with recognition of the setup. “And I think the order matters. Each feeds the next. Fire is usually first.”

Hunter’s eyes stayed on you. “You sure you’re ready?”

You looked at the glyphs, then back at them, and nodded. “I’ve avoided this for too long. My Master wanted me to face it. Everything I’ve done has all pointed to here.” It's time. 

You turned to face them fully. This unlikely family. “You don’t have to go further. This is my trial. But… having you here makes it easier to face.”

Hunter stepped closer, his hand settling firmly on your shoulder. “Not a chance we’re sitting this out.” Echo gave you a dry, knowing look. “Let’s be honest. If we tried to leave, Wrecker would knock down a wall to follow you.” Wrecker grinned. “Yeah, good luck stopping me.” You laughed at that. 

Then came Tech. He approached slowly, datapad tucked under one arm, adjusting his goggles with the other. “Venturing into ancient Force trials alone is… statistically ill-advised. Whatever happens, we’ll be here.”

Your heart swelled unexpectedly at that. You didn’t speak. Words didn’t seem necessary.

You simply nodded, turning back toward the red pillar. You raised your hand and placed your palm against the fire glyph. Beneath your touch, embers flared to life. The stone groaned and shifted, revealing a narrow corridor ahead. Heat rippled out from the entrance in pulsing waves. You stepped forward without hesitation.

The others watched from behind as you crossed the threshold. The moment you entered, a wall of fire erupted around you, isolating you in a tight ring of flame. Okay, maybe Wrecker was onto something. 

Wrecker lunged forward instinctively. “Y/N!”

But Tech caught his arm, stopping him with a firm grip. “Wait. We don’t know what interference might trigger—”

“Hold.” Hunter’s voice commanding. He stepped forward, assessing the situation with sharp eyes. “She’s not in pain. We stay put unless the temple makes that decision for us. Understood?”

Reluctantly, Wrecker nodded and stepped back.

Inside the circle, you didn’t flinch. The fire swirled, gathering and shaping into visions of your past.

Your Master.

The last moment you stood at his side. The blast that took him.

His hand as it reached out for someone who wasn’t there. Someone who should have been.

A flash, then a second vision.

Your clone squad, the Orion Squad.

You saw their familiar faces, beaming with trust and camaraderie.

Then their turn. The orders. Their eyes turned hard. Their rifles raised. The shot that grazed your shoulder as you ran and dove into the ventilation shaft.

You hadn’t drawn your saber. Even in the chaos, part of you still believed they’d stop.

The flames rose, driven by memory, consuming it.

Inside the circle, you stood motionless, while outside, the Batch remained frozen as the flames offered them glimpses into a past that wasn’t theirs but felt uncomfortably close. Too personal.

Echo’s expression changed from confusion to somber understanding. “She didn’t even draw her saber…”

Wrecker’s usual bluster had faded. His voice dropped low. “She didn’t even fight back…”.

“Because she trusted them,” Tech said, the edge gone from his voice, his eyes locked on the flames.

Inside the circle, the visions looped one last time, your clone squad’s betrayal repeated; you didn’t look away. You saw your Master’s hand reaching out once more, but this time you extended your hand as well, acknowledging it.

You inhaled deeply. Your other hand lifted slowly, and the fire hesitated; then, slowly and impossibly, it responded. You turned your wrist, and the fire bent, creating a clear path ahead. The circle broke. The flames had disappeared, leaving only a few faint wisps behind you. You didn’t speak right away, not due to a lack of words, but because you felt a sense of quietness deep within you for the first time in a long time.

You pressed on, and the Batch followed behind in a loose formation. The silence held for a moment before Wrecker cleared his throat, breaking it.“Uh… so… that was intense, huh?”

“‘Intense’ is a bit of an understatement,��� Echo muttered, as his eyes wandered around the scorched walls behind you.

Tech adjusted his goggles. “What we witnessed was a psychic projection of Force-aligned elemental energy.. Remarkable.”

“That’s another word for it,” Echo replied dryly.

You glanced back, catching snippets of the conversation. “Didn’t mean to put on a show,” you joked, attempting to lighten the situation.

Wrecker shrugged. “Yeah, well, you kinda did. Big flaming circle and all.”

“Right,” you smirked. “Next time I’ll make it more subtle.”

“Please don’t,” Tech cut in quickly. “I’ve just begun compiling comparative data on Force-reactive symbols and the emotional triggers they seem to respond to.”

Hunter raised a brow at him. “You’re making a chart?”

“I like to be thorough,” Tech replied without missing a beat.

Hunter exhaled something like a sound caught between a sigh and a half-laugh. “Alright, that’s enough theorizing. We’ve got more glowing stones and ancient mysteries to chase.”

You gave a sincere, quick smile, feeling at ease with their presence even with the uncertain road ahead. Without saying anything further, you stepped through the next archway. The corridor abruptly narrowed. A cold wind whispered around you, an insistent force pushing at your back driving you foward. Suddenly, the stone beneath your feet gave way to steep drop-off below. 

You paused at the edge, scanning the vast open space. Before you, stone platforms floated at irregular intervals, lifted by an unseen force and swaying unsteadily with each breeze. In the distance, a solitary pillar rose from the void, glowing with a pale yellow glyph representing air.

The Batch followed behind you, stopping at the ledge. Wrecker stared wide-eyed into the drop. “Uhh... anyone else not loving this one?”

Echo scanned the space. “Where’s the bridge? There’s always a bridge.”

“There is one,” Tech said, peering through his goggles at the floating platforms. “It’s just vertical, nonlinear, and seemingly prone to atmospheric instability.”

“You’ve got to be kidding.”

Jump. The feeling called to you, and you listened. You took a breath and leaped, not hesitating. As you did, the wind swept you off balance, almost sending you off course. You hit the ground hard on one knee, arms outstretched to regain your stability. You took a deep breath, focusing on the currents swirling around you, waiting and listening for that intuitive feeling again.

It called. You leaped again, feeling lighter this time, and landed firmly. After a few more precise jumps, you reached the center ring and turned to look behind you. The wind tugged at your cloak as you glanced back. “Follow exactly where I step!” you called over the wind. “Nothing else out here is solid. Trust the path.”

Behind you, the Batch exchanged looks.

“Well,” Echo muttered. “At least the fire room didn’t try to drop us into a pit.”

Wrecker groaned softly. “I hate wind.”

Hunter stepped forward, determination solid in his expression. “We trust her. Let’s move.”

“One at a time,” you instructed, turning to the others. “Wrecker, you’re up first. Wait for my call.”

Wrecker looked deeply unconvinced. “If I fall, I’m takin’ Echo with me.”

“You’ll be fine,” you said, pointing to the first platform. “Now, jump!” With a grunt, he launched off the ledge, arms flailing mid-air before landing hard on the stone beside you. The platform dipped alarmingly, but held.

“Next one, left foot, angle forward. Go!” He obeyed, bounding forward with slightly more control this time, landing with a shaky but upright stance. “Still hate this,” he protested.

Tech was next. He didn’t wait for instructions aside from your go-ahead; he had already memorized your movements. With measured, precise leaps, he cleared the gaps with calculated ease, catching up to you and his brother.

Echo followed, muttering something about “ancient death traps” as he jumped, his form rigid but accurate. Hunter took the rear, calm and composed, moving fluidly from one platform to the next.

The spire loomed ahead, glowing softly. You turned toward it, braced yourself, and leaped the final gap. Your hand pressed firmly against the air glyph. It pulsed beneath your palm and responded.

A sudden gust spiraled from the spire, circling you once before shooting back across the void. It caught the others one by one, lifting them just enough to carry them over the final span, nudging them gently onto the platform beside you. Wrecker hit the ground in a heavy sprawl and let out a groan. “I really hate floaty stuff.”

"Incredible," Tech remarked, already punching the data into his device as he stood. His experience pointedly different from his brother's. 

As the Batch landed, the ground trembled gently beneath you, revealing the next corridor. The moving platforms morphed into sturdy stone, while the corridor ahead opened into a vast stone chamber. You stepped forward, the others trailing a cautious few paces behind.

“This one feels different,” you whispered as you proceeded. “I’ll go first. Stay close, but hold close to the ledge.”

You dropped down to the lower level, landing lightly on your feet. The Batch lingered just above, following your order, thankfully. Because the instant your boots struck the stone, the ground convulsed violently. Jagged stone columns burst from the floor without any warning, slamming upward like spears threatening the clones.

Your breath hitched, yet instinct kicked in. You reacted immediately. You crouched down, grounded your feet, and pushed your hands forward, directing the Force into the quaking ground.

The columns froze mid-ascent.

Above, Hunter leaned over the edge, eyes narrowed. “That you?”

You nodded, teeth gritted, sweat beginning to bead at your temples. “Yeah. Just…hold position.”

Then the rumbling deepened. A second tremor rocked the chamber. Cracks ripped across the floor, and the ceiling groaned. Huge slabs of stone broke loose, tumbling directly toward the ledge where the Batch stood.

Without hesitating, you extended both hands, calling on the Force with everything you had. The falling debris shuddered midair, then veered aside, crashing harmlessly into the far wall. Dust and fragments rained down, but the team remained untouched.

A soft green light surged from the central pillar. The tremors stilled. The stone spears crumbled into dust, falling like ash across the chamber floor.

You slowly lowered your arms, chest heaving, and let out a shaky breath. Exhaustion threatening to settle in. 

“Trial complete,” Tech remarked from the ledge, adjusting his goggles. “That marks your second successful override of ancient death traps today. At this rate, you might make a hobby of it.” You flashed him a smile, appreciative of his confidence in your abilities. 

As Tech spoke, the final chamber emerged. You walked under a weathered stone arch, where the air became cooler and the sound of boots on stone faded, giving way to the gentle lapping of water.

The others slowly followed, adjusting to the shift in light pulsing from the depths of a large underground pool. The floor was nearly completely submerged in shallow water, which rippled gently around smooth stepping stones arranged in a spiral formation.

You placed your foot on the first stone. It responded to your weight with a gentle chime, echoing across the surface in a wave of light. You stepped again, and then a third time, with the glow beneath you continuing to keep pace.

“It’s guiding you,” Tech observed from the edge, studying the movement pattern.

Hunter stepped forward, narrowing his eyes at the water as he scanned for threats. “Too deep?”

You stopped and looked back. “No, there’s something else, but let's play it safe on the path anyway,"  you said, gesturing towards the water, transfixed. 

The water shimmered, its surface shifting into liquid memory.

You saw yourself in Jedi robes, younger, a Padawan. Sitting quietly beside your Master as he meditated by a stream.

Then another.

A moment alone after the war began, staring at your reflection in a ship’s viewport, trying to recognize the Jedi you were becoming.

Then… Tech. The first time he handed you a datapad, a grin tugged at his lips as he joked about elemental theories. It was the first time you truly laughed around him.

You were taken aback by his appearance. Your step hesitated, the stone underfoot vibrating ever so slightly. This intense emotional connection was new to you. But not unwanted. 

Then, the voice of your Master resonated in your mind.

“Water does not resist. It bends. It yields. And yet… it shapes everything it touches.”

You inhaled deeply, centering yourself in his words while you turned and lifted your hand to ripple the water's surface. Embracing those who touched your life, and vice-versa. 

As your hand gestured and soothed the water, the path ahead became clear. The lingering memories faded, and the water settled, revealing more hidden stones.

One by one, the spiral moved toward the others, inviting them to join in on their own paths. Hunter was the first to see it and confidently stepped forward, his boots nearing the water’s edge. “She’s opening the path for us.”

As the path developed under your direction, the spiral stones shone softly, welcoming each Batch individually. While the water stayed calm, new echoes stirred beneath its glossy surface.

Echo moved cautiously, boots splashing with each step, eyes narrowed as the water flowed. A shape swirled below him, slowly unveiling vivid blue stripes of clone armor and a recognizable face: Rex, appearing younger and less battle-worn. The corridors of the Resolute flashed by. He saw himself standing beside Fives, and later, next to Rex again, after everything shifted. He looked down, lips pressed tightly together. “Didn’t expect to see that today,” he muttered quietly, moving forward as the water around him calmed again.

Wrecker followed. His reflections were gentler than expected. Omega, cradling Lula, muddy and laughing as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Another moment: lifting her up to reach a pipe, pretending she was the only one who could fix it. He slowed, hand resting over his chest plate, a rare hush settling over him. “Huh,” he said softly. “That’s… nice.”

He kept walking while Hunter followed close behind. He didn’t speak as the water moved, its surface whispering with memories. He saw himself reaching for Omega’s hand for the first time back on Kamino. Then again, later, when she pulled away from him in frustration… but always came back. He could see their quiet conversations, campfires, and her trusting eyes when she asked difficult questions. He didn’t say a word; he just nodded once, his lips tight, and stayed close behind the others.

Tech was the last to move. He lingered at the edge of the path longer than the others, as if considering. Then stepped onto the stones, sending an instant ripple through the surface of the water. As he peered into the water, he saw the engine room of the Marauder, with you beside him. You face playfully teasing him about a text he had slightly misinterpreted. You laughed, and he felt a surprising urge to hear it again.

Another ripple.

A nighttime sky over Bracca, you fast asleep, slumped sideways against his shoulder. He was still awake, holding a datapad in his hand… but not reading. Just watching. Watching you.

Tech stared into the water for a moment longer than the others had. Then he inhaled slowly and shallowly, speaking more quietly than usual. “…It would seem the temple has an affinity for significant emotional markers.” Wrecker snorted from ahead.

“You mean memories, Tech.”

“Significant emotional markers are memories, Wrecker,” he replied, his exasperation clear.

As Tech stepped closer beside you, the last of the spiral stones shimmered softly, his boots making a light sound on the wet stone. He moved in beside you, observing you with an unusually gentler gaze.

The water surrounding you became still, and then, with a deep, rumbling sound, the distant wall started to move. The stones pushed inward in slow motion, uncovering a final chamber. The others trailed behind in silence as you all entered the chamber.

In the center of the final room stood a pedestal made of obsidian and ancient stone, adorned with etchings radiating energy. On top of it lay a holocron, crystalline and multifaceted, emitting a soft, multicolored glow that appeared to change with each element as you approached.

As you moved closer, the holocron reacted to your presence, shining more brightly and rotating slowly. You hesitated to reach for it immediately.

Your breath caught. You reached out and lightly touched the surface of the pedestal. Instantly, the holocron reacted, elevating into the air with a gentle chime. Light emanated from its core, spreading outward in a star-like bloom. Glyphs and diagrams rotated in circular patterns. Elemental Force techniques, lost philosophies, guidance once shared from elder to apprentice… now presented to you.

You heard his voice. Not aloud. Not from the holocron. But from memory. Your Master’s voice, echoing within.

“Knowledge earned is stronger than knowledge given. You had to choose to face it.”

And you had.

----------‐-------------

The Marauder's cabin lights were dim, creating a peaceful atmosphere, the first real moment of rest you’ve experienced since taking off for Raxus. Tech occupied one of the benches in the common area, his long legs extended out in front of him, a datapad in his lap as he logged data with one hand. 

You were cuddled next to him, your head softly resting on his shoulder. One of his arms, as if instinctively, lay gently across your back, his fingertips tracing absent patterns along your shoulder blade where your tunic had slipped a bit exposing your bare skin.

You were comfortable but not asleep. No, that would have made sense, been logical, even. "You should be sleeping,” Tech murmured, though his voice lacked any real insistence.

“I will,” you responded, your voice gentle and unhurried as you adjusted slightly to look up at the spinning hologram from the artifact above you with pale violet and gold sigils softly illuminating both your faces. “The relic’s structure shifts depending on which element’s symbol you activate. I need to determine whether it’s reactive or simply protective layering."

Tech gave a quiet huff of amusement, adjusting his goggles. “Fascinating. Most individuals tend to rest after completing four consecutive Force trials, one of which involved literally holding up a collapsing cavern.”

You smirked, avoiding eye contact with him. “I’ll rest when it’s less interesting.”

“Look at you, completely exhausted, a bit burned, and toying with long-forgotten elemental powers all while resting your head on my shoulder. It's quite something." He found delight at your response, finding how it almost mimicking his when he was absorbed in something. 

“Don't pretend you don't  enjoy it.” A tired chuckle escaped your lips, resonating against him, but you remained close, sinking into him deeper. You curled your legs up and let your hand rest on his chest. Without a second thought, Tech adjusted his posture to bear more of your weight, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from your temple that had fallen into your face. 

He continued his quiet observation of you, seeing that you were obviously exhausted. Your body showed the faint tremors of fatigue from earlier trials, yet your eyes remained sharp, focused on the glyphs in the air. His free hand moved instinctively, fingertips gliding over your wrist to confirm the tremor he had observed before.

“You’re overexerted,” he noted confirming his suspicions. 

“I’m fine,” you grumbled, both wishing he'd relent but secretly relishing his concern. “Exhausted, certainly. But it’s worth it. These trials, these texts… they’re fragments of something I’ve been lacking since--" You hesitate, a new thought forming. 

“What if these texts reveal all the insights I’ve been missing? What if I finally discover how to truly master this?”

Tech glanced at you once more, appreciating your inquisitive nature. “Then we will document everything. Test it. Analyze it. Understand it.”

A smile formed on your lips. “We?” Testing. 

Tech blinked, thinking his conclusion was obvious. “Naturally. You require a research assistant. Preferably one capable of keeping up with you.”

You chuckled softly again, adjusting slightly so that your hand rested completely over his, as it lay close to your hip. “I"ve never gotten an offer quite like that...I’m lucky to have you.”

He didn’t reply immediately, looking down at your hands before glancing at the glowing glyphs hovering in the air around you. “The feeling is… mutual.” His thumb moved gently in slow circles at the bend of your arm, quiet and steady. 

“Speaking of, you've been rather quiet for someone who shares an interest in force translations. I anticipated a bit more enthusiasm from my… what did you call it? Research assistant?” you observed. 

Tech tilted his head, scanning the glyphs. “Still processing. Also monitoring your heart rate.”

“Of course you are.” 

“You should get some sleep,” he repeated softly, still not looking at you.

“I’m not tired," you assert, unconvincing. 

“You’re operating on minimal energy and sheer will."

“Which, you should know by now, is a very reliable fuel source," you retort with a mischievous smile.

“Mm.” He made a contemplative sound. “It’s still not sustainable.”

You tilted your head slightly to catch a glimpse of him, his profile lit by the gentle glow of the holocron. “Is this your way of fussing over me, Tech?”

“I do not fuss.” He answered a little too quickly. 

“You fuss," you remarked, a small grin appearing. "Softly, with scientific citations and a hint of exasperation, but it’s still worry."

He huffed, but didn’t deny it. Instead, he finally faced you completely, his eyes examining your features. “Even the Force has its limits. You frequently exceed them more than necessary," he remarked, his tone laced with concern now. 

You blinked. “I know,” you admitted. “But I had to.” It's always been like this, you didn't know any other way. 

“I’m not criticizing,” he said hastily. “Just… observing. You’re very important to this team. To me. And I find I dislike watching you burn through yourself without pause.”

You breathed out gently, relaxing your defenses a bit more. “I suppose I’m not accustomed to anyone matching my pace long enough to care about that.”

“You’ve been burdened with a lot on your own,” he remarked. “But that's no longer necessary.”

Your fingers gripped his a bit more firmly. “I know, I’m just still figuring out how to navigate that.”

He smiled, genuine, albeit slightly bashful. Then, with an unusual, practiced gentleness, he reached over and pulled the half-unspooled blanket from behind you, shaking it out before placing it over your shoulders. “Then do something for me,” he said.

“Hmm?”

“Just… rest. For five minutes. No decoding ancient relics. No Force meditations. Just rest.”

You reclined back against him, allowing the heat from his arm and the blanket to envelop you. “You’re quite convincing for someone who claims not to fuss.”

“It’s entirely logical,” he said, tilting his head slightly to rest against yours. “Besides… I find I prefer when you’re not on the verge of collapse.”

After a moment, your eyes closed, but you didn’t pull away. “Wake me if we decipher anything too galaxy-shattering.”

“Statistically unlikely in the upcoming hours,” Tech murmured softly. His voice, now even quieter, echoed the tender intimacy of the moment.

Within minutes, you fell asleep, resting your head in the crook between his chest and his shoulder, succumbing to the day's fatigue. Your datapad had slipped from your lap just moments before, its screen now dark as you set aside the translation work. Tech stayed still, his gaze studying your face in the low light. He hadn’t noticed how attentively he’d been observing your positioning until it relaxed. 

He allowed himself to settle as well, his head leaning slightly against yours. Just as the silence became comfortable, you murmured something.

His eyes flickered down instantly. Your lips hardly moved, your voice barely more than a whisper.

“…Tech…”

He stilled. Initially, he believed he had imagined it. However, you repeated it, the whisper now slightly clearer.

“Tech… don’t go…”

His heart skipped a beat. He blinked once, then twice, struggling to grasp the significance of that small, vulnerable plea. You shifted ever so slightly, and he sensed your fingers gently curling into his sleeve—not through conscious action, but by instinct. Reaching for something secure. Something recognizable. Him.

The air in his lungs held still. You were dreaming of him. He anticipated a dozen outcomes from today: physical exhaustion, emotional fallout from the trials, even force-driven disorientation. But he didn't expect this.

He swallowed hard, his eyes tracing the faint lines of tension that lingered at the corners of your mouth and the slope of your brow. Tech hadn’t moved. He didn’t want to.

You stayed nestled against him, your brow starting to relaxed, the deep worries formed by struggles fading with the soothing calm of deepening slumber. Occasionally, you stirred just a bit, responding to something within the dream. Yet, you remained silent.

Still, your earlier words resonated in his mind like ripples through calm water. He was unable to let them go. 

“Don’t go.”

It shouldn’t have struck so hard. Tech let out a breath, slow and quiet, and let his head tip gently to rest against yours again. 

“Brilliant woman,” he murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “Of all the things you could dream about, you dream of me?” A faint smile twitched at the corner of his lips as he went back to his own data pad, making a note of today's events. 

[mesetacadre]

The bourgeois rhetoric attempts to conceal the real culprit that hinders the utilization of this immense technological potential in the interest of social prosperity. Bourgeois analyses present the development of technology either as a danger or as a miraculous solution to our problems.

Both the demonization of technology and the utopian, deterministic expectation of social prosperity that will supposedly result automatically from technological progress, are two sides of the same unhistorical and erroneous theoretical approach.

The main question is who and for whose interests determines the orientation, development and utilization of new technologies. Behind AI lie the choices of human intelligence and the particular class interests it serves.

[...]

Similarly, regardless of whether we examine the era of the steam engine or the age of the intelligent robot, technology under capitalism was, is and will be a means of producing surplus value and a means of control and repression in the hands of capital’s power. Marx had also documented the role of machines in increasing the productivity of labour, making commodities cheaper and increasing the degree of exploitation. He had already highlighted in his work Grundrisse that the development of fixed capital indicates to what degree general social knowledge has become a direct force of production. Capital determines not only the use of technology but also the orientation and priorities of its development always driven by profit.

[...]

Contrary to bourgeois propaganda, this technological development sharpens the contradictions of the capitalist mode of production and constitutes the continuous attack of bourgeois policy on workers’ rights a one-way street.

As we know from Marxist political economy, the higher the level of technical development of production, the higher the ratio of the means of production to labour power in the production process, the higher the technical and organic composition of capital, the greater the tendency for the rate of profit to fall. We must not forget that the source of exploitation, the source of surplus value and capitalist profit is the unpaid labour time of the wage-workers, the unpaid labour over and above the value of their labour power, which is appropriated by the capitalist. Only living labour power, not robots, creates surplus value.

Of course, bourgeois policy does not passively watch this downward trend in the rate of profit. It intervenes in multifarious ways to halt this trend and to increase the degree of exploitation of the workers in every sector and in the economy as a whole.

Capital takes advantage of the new technological possibilities which allow it to increase in practice the daily working time, irrespective of the time that workers spend in their workplace and the legal working hours, and at the same time to intensify labour. It exploits the surge in unemployment to generalize flexible labour relations.

[...]

A look at the current EU practice is enough to enlighten us. The EU staffs claim to have enshrined a European Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. What is happening in practice? In the name of security and counter-terrorism, they have legally enshrined the full digital profiling and processing of our personal data as well as preventive surveillance and intervention.

The AI act’s regulations on artificial intelligence are similar. The real rules of the new framework are in fact the exceptions and the downplaying of dangers.

In the name of public safety and counter-terrorism, biometric identification such as the analysis of our voice and our movement in public places are an exception to the rule. France has already become the first EU Member State with legislation allowing the use of biometric monitoring in public places in the name of safeguarding the security of the Olympic Games.

In the name of entrepreneurship, the workplaces in companies and factories are exempt from the bans.

[rainydetectiveglitter]

Stock Market Predictions – March 2025

March is a volatile period for financial markets, driven by Mercury retrograde, Venus retrograde, and significant planetary shifts. Expect uncertainty, emotional reactions, and market corrections.

Key Influences on Markets

Mercury Retrograde in Aries (March 15) Market Effect: Increased volatility, misinformation, and sudden reversals. Traders may overreact to news, causing erratic price swings. Sectors Affected: Technology, startups, transportation, and communication stocks face confusion or slowdowns.

Venus Retrograde in Aries (Throughout March, enters Pisces on March 27) Market Effect: Investor sentiment weakens; money flows slow down. Sectors Affected: Luxury goods, beauty, and entertainment stocks may underperform. However, Venus entering Pisces later supports pharmaceuticals, wellness, and water-related industries.

Mars in Cancer (Defensive Market Mood) Market Effect: Investors act emotionally rather than rationally. High volatility in commodities (oil, agriculture) and housing markets. Sectors Affected: Real estate, food, and defensive stocks (utilities, healthcare) may gain traction as investors seek security.

Jupiter in Gemini (Expanding Speculation) Market Effect: Speculative trading increases, particularly in tech and AI sectors. News-driven price surges are common. Sectors Affected: Tech, AI, digital communication, and online media stocks benefit.

Saturn in Pisces (Liquidity Concerns, Debt Issues) Market Effect: Possible concerns about economic stability or rising debt levels. Government interventions may be needed to stabilize markets. Sectors Affected: Banking, finance, and lending institutions could experience challenges.

Uranus in Taurus (Still Shaking Financial Systems, Crypto Markets in Focus) Market Effect: Ongoing disruption in banking, fintech, and cryptocurrency sectors. Unpredictable price swings in Bitcoin and altcoins.

Neptune in Pisces (Market Speculation & Illusions, Enters Aries on March 30) Market Effect: Sentiment-driven rallies in speculative assets; potential for misleading economic data. Sectors Affected: Oil, pharmaceuticals, biotech, and alternative medicine stocks benefit.

Pluto in Aquarius (Big Tech & AI Revolutions, but Retrograde in May) Market Effect: Transformational shifts in technology, AI, and automation. However, Pluto’s upcoming retrograde in May may trigger regulatory concerns.

March 2025 Market Summary

Early March: Market optimism despite Venus retrograde; speculation runs high.

Mid-March (Mercury Retrograde Begins): Sharp volatility, misinformation, and market corrections.

Late March (Venus Enters Pisces, Neptune in Aries): Market stabilizes slightly, with a shift toward pharma, biotech, and defensive sectors.

[m2iconsulting]

Baseline Survey for CSR Program by M2i Consulting: Laying the Foundation for Impactful Initiatives

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs play a crucial role in driving social and economic development. However, for these programs to be truly effective, they must be based on a clear understanding of the community’s needs, existing challenges, and potential opportunities. This is where a baseline survey for CSR programs becomes essential. M2i Consulting, a trusted name in social impact assessments, specializes in conducting comprehensive baseline surveys to ensure CSR initiatives create meaningful and measurable change.

What is a Baseline Survey for CSR?

A baseline survey is an initial assessment conducted before the implementation of a CSR program. It gathers essential data on socio-economic conditions, demographic details, and key indicators relevant to the initiative. This survey acts as a reference point, allowing organizations to track progress and measure the impact of their CSR activities over time.

Importance of Baseline Surveys in CSR Programs

Informed Decision-Making – A baseline survey provides valuable insights that help companies design targeted and effective CSR interventions.

Resource Optimization – Understanding the real needs of the community ensures that funds and efforts are directed toward the most critical areas.

Impact Measurement – By comparing pre- and post-intervention data, organizations can evaluate the success of their CSR initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement – A well-executed survey helps in gaining community trust and participation, making CSR programs more sustainable.

Regulatory Compliance – Many governments and regulatory bodies require companies to demonstrate the impact of their CSR initiatives, making baseline surveys a necessity.

How M2i Consulting Conducts Baseline Surveys

At M2i Consulting, we follow a structured and data-driven approach to conducting baseline surveys for CSR programs:

Defining Objectives

We begin by understanding the CSR goals of the organization and identifying key impact areas that need assessment.

Designing the Survey Framework

Our team develops a detailed survey framework, including qualitative and quantitative research methods, to capture relevant data effectively.

Data Collection

Using tools such as field interviews, focus group discussions, and digital surveys, we gather comprehensive data from targeted communities.

Data Analysis & Reporting

We analyze the collected data to identify key insights, trends, and potential challenges that may affect CSR program implementation.

Recommendations & Strategy Development

Based on our findings, we provide actionable recommendations to help organizations structure their CSR programs for maximum impact.

Why Choose M2i Consulting for Baseline Surveys?

Expertise in Social Research – With years of experience in impact assessment, M2i Consulting ensures reliable and accurate data collection.

Custom-Tailored Solutions – We design surveys that align with specific CSR objectives and industry requirements.

Use of Advanced Tools & Methodologies – Our approach integrates modern research techniques, including data analytics and geospatial mapping.

Commitment to Social Impact – We are dedicated to helping organizations create sustainable and transformative CSR initiatives.

Conclusion

A baseline survey for CSR programs is an indispensable step in designing and executing impactful social initiatives. By partnering with M2i Consulting, organizations can ensure that their CSR efforts are evidence-based, goal-oriented, and aligned with the real needs of communities. Our expertise in conducting baseline surveys helps businesses maximize their social impact while fulfilling corporate and regulatory responsibilities.

Are you planning a CSR initiative and need a baseline survey? Get in touch with M2i Consulting today to lay the foundation for a successful and sustainable CSR program!

[stuft]

I had to be reminded what TDS stood for and found this, a real thing:

May 15, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) introduced the Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) Research Act of 2025. This bill would direct the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study the psychological and social roots of what is known as Trump Derangement Syndrome, a phenomenon marked by extreme negative reactions to President Donald J. Trump. He was joined by original cosponsor Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL).

 “TDS has divided families, the country, and led to nationwide violence—including two assassination attempts on President Trump. The TDS Research Act would require the NIH to study this toxic state of mind, so we can understand the root cause and identify solutions.” said Rep. Davidson (R-OH).  “Instead of funding ludicrous studies such as giving methamphetamine to cats or teaching monkeys to gamble for their drinking water, the NIH should use that funding to research issues that are relevant to the real world.”

“Trump Derangement Syndrome has become an epidemic on the Left,” said Rep. Moore (R-AL). “Some individuals who suffer from Trump Derangement Syndrome have participated in nationwide political and social unrest, even trying to assassinate President Trump twice. Rep. Davidson’s common-sense bill will use already appropriated funds on an NIH study that can make a difference.” 

Background:

The TDS Research Act addresses a critical issue: the instinctual negative and often violent reaction to any supportive statement or event related to President Trump. By leveraging NIH’s existing programs at the National Institute of Mental Health, the bill will:

Investigate TDS’s origins and contributing factors, including the media’s role in amplifying the spread of TDS.

Analyze its long-term impacts on individuals, communities, and public discourse.

Explore interventions to mitigate extreme behaviors, informing strategies for a healthier public square.

Provide data-driven insights into how media and polarization shape political violence and social unrest.

Require an annual report to Congress.

No Additional Spending: Uses existing NIH resources and avoids new spending.

###

These are elected politicians. So glad they are focusing their time and efforts on the important stuff for their constituents.

[reasonsforhope]

"India's efforts and progress in reducing preventable child deaths have been lauded as an "exemplar" by the United Nations, which cited the example of health initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, and said the country has saved millions of young lives through strategic investments in its health system.

The United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation report, released Tuesday, cited the example of five “exemplar countries” in achieving child mortality reduction -- India, Nepal, Senegal, Ghana and Burundi -- highlighting diverse strategies that have accelerated progress in reducing preventable child deaths.

The report said these countries illustrate that with "political will, evidence-based strategies and sustained investments, even resource-constrained settings facing unique challenges can achieve substantial reductions in mortality, bringing the world closer to an end to preventable child deaths".

On India, the report said the country has made gains through health system investment...

The report highlighted that since 2000, India achieved an under-five mortality reduction of 70 per cent and a neonatal mortality reduction of 61 per cent, “driven by overlapping measures to increase health coverage, enhance available interventions and develop health infrastructure and human resources", the report said.

It cited the example of Ayushman Bharat, the world's largest health insurance scheme which provides annual coverage of nearly USD 5,500 per family per year.

It noted that every pregnant woman is entitled to free delivery (including caesarean section), and infant care provides free transport, medications, diagnostics and dietary support in public health institutions.

To ensure comprehensive coverage and equitable access to health services, India has strengthened infrastructure via the establishment of maternity waiting homes, maternal and child health wings, newborn stabilisation units, sick newborn care units, mother care units and a dedicated programme for birth defect screening, the report said...

“This ensures millions of healthy pregnancies and thriving live births each year. India has also prioritised the training and deployment of skilled birth attendants, such as midwives and community health workers, to provide appropriate maternal and child health services,” it said.

The report noted that additionally, data systems and digital surveillance of maternal, newborn and child health indicators are continuously improved to support evidence-based decision-making...

Other Countries that Did Well

The UN agency also said that several low and lower-middle-income countries have surpassed the global decline in under-five mortality since 2000.

Angola, Bhutan, Bolivia, Cabo Verde, India, Morocco, Senegal, Tanzania and Zambia have all cut their under-five mortality rate by more than two thirds since 2000.

In 2000, the country with the highest burden of under-five measles mortality was India, with only 56 per cent of infants vaccinated for measles and 189,000 deaths from measles.

By 2023, the infant measles vaccination rate had increased to 93 per cent, and under-five deaths due to the disease decreased by 97 per cent to 5,200 measles-related deaths...

Since 2000, child deaths [globally] have dropped by more than half and stillbirths by over a third, fuelled by sustained investments in child survival worldwide...

"Millions of children are alive today because of the global commitment to proven interventions, such as vaccines, nutrition, and access to safe water and basic sanitation,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said.

-via India Today, March 27, 2025

[wachinyeya]

Shorebird populations across the Americas have declined by nearly 50% over the past four decades, facing increasing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human disturbances. Against these odds, the American Oystercatcher has made a stunning comeback, with populations rebounding by 45% since 2008. The recovery is credited to a collaborative, science-based conservation initiative led by Manomet Conservation Sciences, in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The American Oystercatcher, a striking coastal bird known for its bright red-orange beak and distinctive yellow-rimmed eyes, plays a vital role in salt marsh and barrier beach ecosystems. By 2008, its numbers had dropped to just 10,000 birds. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dr. Shiloh Schulte, Senior Shorebird Scientist at Manomet, launched a data-driven conservation effort focused on habitat restoration, predator control, and protection of nesting sites.

Schulte’s comprehensive population surveys—spanning from New York to Texas—provided critical insights into roosting patterns and breeding success, enabling conservationists to implement effective recovery strategies. Targeted interventions and sustained collaboration have reversed the species’ decline, offering a model for future shorebird conservation efforts.

A $10 Million Investment in Coastal Conservation

Recognizing that shorebird conservation requires a coordinated, large-scale approach, Manomet and the American Oystercatcher Working Group spearheaded a decade-long $10 million funding initiative bringing together 35 coastal conservation organizations. 

The combined efforts have contributed to the restoration of coastal ecosystems, benefiting numerous shorebird species. According to Dr. Stephen Brown, Vice President of Science at Manomet, long-term migration studies have played a role in highlighting the broader shorebird crisis. His research contributed to the November 2024 update of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List, which revealed that 15 migratory shorebird species in the Americas are now classified at higher risk levels.

Manomet’s ongoing mission extends beyond research, actively engaging local communities, conservation organizations, and policymakers to implement science-based solutions. By prioritizing hands-on habitat restoration and protection, the organization remains at the forefront of shorebird conservation efforts.

Expanding Conservation Efforts: From Oystercatchers to Whimbrels

The success of the American Oystercatcher conservation model is now being applied to other threatened shorebirds, including the whimbrel—a long-distance migratory bird that travels between the Arctic and South America. With whimbrel populations declining in recent decades, conservationists are using the same science-driven strategies to help reverse these trends.

To increase public awareness and engagement, the First Inaugural Shorebird Festival will take place on Tybee Island, Georgia, from February 20-22, 2025. This event will bring together citizen scientists, conservationists, and bird enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to learn about shorebird conservation efforts. Dr. Abby Sterling, Director of the Georgia Bight Shorebird Conservation Initiative, will be among the experts discussing ongoing restoration initiatives.

Despite ongoing environmental challenges, the resurgence of the American Oystercatcher proves that with the right scientific approach, funding, and collaboration, shorebird populations can recover and thrive. 

[mariacallous]

Where do ‘mixed, unclear, and unstable' ideologies come from? A data-driven answer centred on the incelosphere

In Europe and North America, an increasing proportion of individuals who are referred to de-radicalization programmes, arrested for terrorism offences, or involved in politically motivated violence, present a ‘mixed, unclear, and unstable' (MUU) ideological profile instead of holding a single, clear and coherent extremist belief system. Where do these composite and often inconsistent ideological constructs come from? This paper offers a direct attempt to conceptualize and empirically expose the sources and drivers of the MUU phenomenon, using an in-depth case-study tracing the emergence of MUU ideological constructs from the incelosphere. Based on a theoretical model that acknowledges the interplay of structural-, societal-, and individual-level drivers, we argue that the MUU phenomenon results from (sometimes strategic) individual uses of a specific technological affordance – outlinking – and that these fluctuate in response to significant external events such as the Covid-19 lockdown. Our findings enhance our understanding of recent cases of extremist violence and unlock new targeted avenues for CVE intervention.

Hate crimes. Misinformation and conspiracy theories. Foiled white-supremacist plots. The signs of growing far-right extremism are all around us, and communities across America and around the globe are struggling to understand how so many people are being radicalized and why they are increasingly attracted to violent movements. Hate in the Homeland shows how tomorrow’s far-right nationalists are being recruited in surprising places, from college campuses and mixed martial arts gyms to clothing stores, online gaming chat rooms, and YouTube cooking channels.

Instead of focusing on the how and why of far-right radicalization, Cynthia Miller-Idriss seeks answers in the physical and virtual spaces where hate is cultivated. Where does the far right do its recruiting? When do young people encounter extremist messaging in their everyday lives? Miller-Idriss shows how far-right groups are swelling their ranks and developing their cultural, intellectual, and financial capacities in a variety of mainstream settings. She demonstrates how young people on the margins of our communities are targeted in these settings, and how the path to radicalization is a nuanced process of moving in and out of far-right scenes throughout adolescence and adulthood.

Hate in the Homeland is essential for understanding the tactics and underlying ideas of modern far-right extremism. This eye-opening book takes readers into the mainstream places and spaces where today’s far right is engaging and ensnaring young people, and reveals innovative strategies we can use to combat extremist radicalization.