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#Digital Marketing Programming live Project
inkskinned · 1 year
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the thing is there's like, a point of oversaturation for everything, and it's why so many things get dropped after a few minutes. and we act like millennials or gen z kids "have short attention spans" but... that's not quite it. it's more like - we did like it. you just ruined it.
capitalism sees product A having moderate success, and then everything has to come out with their "own version" of product A (which is often exactly the same). and they dump extreme amounts of money and environmental waste into each horrible simulacrum they trot out each season.
now it's not just tiktokkers making videos; it's that instagram and even fucking tumblr both think you want live feeds and video-first programming. and it helps them, because videos are easier to sneak native ads into. the books coming out all have to have 78 buzzwords in them for SEO, or otherwise they don't get published. they are making a live-action remake of moana. i haven't googled it, but there's probably another marvel or starwars something coming out, no matter when you're reading this post.
and we are like "hi, this clone of project A completely misses the point of the original. it is soulless and colorless and miserable." and the company nods and says "yes totally. here is a different clone, but special." and we look at clone 2 and we say "nope, this one is still flat and bad, y'all" and they're like "no, totally, we hear you," and then they make another clone but this time it's, like, a joyless prequel. and by the time they've successfully rolled out "clone 89", the market is incredibly oversaturated, and the consumer is blamed because the company isn't turning a profit.
and like - take even something digital like the tumblr "live streaming" function i just mentioned. that has to take up server space and some amount of carbon footprint; just so this brokenass blue hellsite can roll out a feature that literally none of its userbase actually wants. the thing that's the kicker here: even something that doesn't have a physical production plant still impacts the environment.
and it all just feels like it's rolling out of control because like, you watch companies pour hundreds of thousands of dollars into a remake of a remake of something nobody wants anymore and you're like, not able to afford eggs anymore. and you tell the company that really what you want is a good story about survival and they say "okay so you mean a YA white protagonist has some kind of 'spicy' love triangle" and you're like - hey man i think you're misunderstanding the point of storytelling but they've already printed 76 versions of "city of blood and magic" and "queen of diamond rule" and spent literally millions of dollars on the movie "Candy Crush Killer: Coming to Eat You".
it's like being stuck in a room with a clown that keeps telling the same joke over and over but it's worse every time. and that would be fine but he keeps fucking charging you 6.99. and you keep being like "no, i know it made me laugh the first time, but that's because it was different and new" and the clown is just aggressively sitting there saying "well! plenty of people like my jokes! the reason you're bored of this is because maybe there's something wrong with you!"
#this was much longer i had to cut it down for legibility#but i do want to say i am aware this post doesnt touch on human rights violations as a result of fast fashion#that is because it deserves its own post with a completely different tone#i am an environmental educator#so that's what i know the most about. it wouldn't be appropriate of me to mention off-hand the real and legitimate suffering#that people are going through#without doing my research and providing real ways to help#this is a vent post about a thing i'm watching happen; not a call to action. it would be INCREDIBLY demeaning#to all those affected by the fast fashion industry to pretend that a post like this could speak to their suffering#unfortunately one of the horrible things about latestage capitalism as an activist is that SO many things are linked to this#and i WANT to talk about all of them but it would be a book in its own right. in fact there ARE books about each level of this#and i encourage you to seek them out and read them!!! i am not an expert on that i am just a person on tumblr doing my favorite activity#(complaining)#and it's like - this is the individual versus the industry problem again right because im blaming myself#for being an expert on environmental disaster (which is fucking important) but not knowing EVERYTHING about fast fashion#i'm blaming myself for not covering the many layers of this incredibly complicated problem im pointing out#rather than being like. yeah so actually the fault here lies with the billion dollar industries actually.#my failure to be able to condense an incredibly immense problem that is BOOK-LENGTH into a single text post that i post for free#is not in ANY fucking way the same amount of harm as. you know. the ACTUAL COMPANIES doing this ACTUAL THING for ACTUAL MONEY.#anyway im gonna go donate money while i'm thinking about it. maybe you can too. we can both just agree - well i fuckin tried didn't i#which is more than their CEOs can say
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batboyblog · 4 months
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Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week #19
May 17-24 2024
President Biden wiped out the student loan debt of 160,000 more Americans. This debt cancellation of 7.7 billion dollars brings the total student loan debt relieved by the Biden Administration to $167 billion. The Administration has canceled student loan debt for 4.75 million Americans so far. The 160,000 borrowers forgiven this week owned an average of $35,000 each and are now debt free. The Administration announced plans last month to bring debt forgiveness to 30 million Americans with student loans coming this fall.
The Department of Justice announced it is suing Ticketmaster for being a monopoly. DoJ is suing Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation for monopolistic practices. Ticketmaster controls 70% of the live show ticket market leading to skyrocketing prices, hidden fees and last minute cancellation. The Justice Department is seeking to break up Live Nation and help bring competition back into the market. This is one of a number of monopoly law suits brought by the Biden administration against Apple in March and Amazon in September 2023.
The EPA announced $225 million in new funding to improve drinking and wastewater for tribal communities. The money will go to tribes in the mainland US as well as Alaska Native Villages. It'll help with testing for forever chemicals, and replacing of lead pipes as well as sustainability projects.
The EPA announced $300 million in grants to clean up former industrial sites. Known as "Brownfield" sites these former industrial sites are to be cleaned and redeveloped into community assets. The money will fund 200 projects across 178 communities. One such project will transform a former oil station in Philadelphia’s Kingsessing neighborhood, currently polluted with lead and other toxins into a waterfront bike trail.
The Department of Agriculture announced a historic expansion of its program to feed low income kids over the summer holidays. Since the 1960s the SUN Meals have served in person meals at schools and community centers during the summer holidays to low income children. This Year the Biden administration is rolling out SUN Bucks, a $120 per child grocery benefit. This benefit has been rejected by many Republican governors but in the states that will take part 21 million kids will benefit. Last year the Biden administration introduced SUN Meals To-Go, offering pick-up and delivery options expanding SUN's reach into rural communities. These expansions are part of the Biden administration's plan to end hunger and reduce diet-related disease by 2030.
Vice-President Harris builds on her work in Africa to announce a plan to give 80% of Africa internet access by 2030, up from just 40% today. This push builds off efforts Harris has spearheaded since her trip to Africa in 2023, including $7 billion in climate adaptation, resilience, and mitigation, and $1 billion to empower women. The public-private partnership between the African Development Bank Group and Mastercard plans to bring internet access to 3 million farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, and Nigeria, before expanding to Uganda, Ethiopia, and Ghana, and then the rest of the continent, bring internet to 100 million people and businesses over the next 10 years. This is together with the work of Partnership for Digital Access in Africa which is hoping to bring internet access to 80% of Africans by 2030, up from 40% now, and just 30% of women on the continent. The Vice-President also announced $1 billion for the Women in the Digital Economy Fund to assure women in Africa have meaningful access to the internet and its economic opportunities.
The Senate approved Seth Aframe to be a Judge on the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, it also approved Krissa Lanham, and Angela Martinez to district Judgeships in Arizona, as well as Dena Coggins to a district court seat in California. Bring the total number of judges appointed by President Biden to 201. Biden's Judges have been historically diverse. 64% of them are women and 62% of them are people of color. President Biden has appointed more black women to federal judgeships, more Hispanic judges and more Asian American judges and more LGBT judges than any other President, including Obama's full 8 years in office. President Biden has also focused on backgrounds appointing a record breaking number of former public defenders to judgeships, as well as labor and civil rights lawyers.
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skrrts · 2 months
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here in the rain, will you smile again? (oneshot)
✧ gn!reader x jeong yunho ✧ former high school sweethearts ✧ genre: non idol, romance, sad, still in love, comfort ✧ word count: 5,4k ✧ warnings: mention of heartbreak, insecurities, painful breakup in the past, crying
Jeong Yunho was more than your high school sweetheart; he was the love of your life, although you only understood it later, regretting how the two of you let your parents force you to break up to focus on your academic future. You never believed in fate, but that day, when you crossed the street in the pouring rain and saw him: soaked, the flowers of a bouquet falling on the street as he was waiting for somebody who would not come. Maybe it always had meant to be that way because, in the end, you always knew the two of you belonged together.
a/n: so far, my one-shots for him have been very sweet and soft, so i wanted to write something different. mostly a short story of high school sweethearts reuniting because they never really stopped loving each other. (it does have a happy ending)
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You looked up to the sky, the heavy grey clouds swallowed even the smallest hint of sunshine. Autumn had come quietly just like every year and before you knew it, Summer was gone, the leaves started to change their color like a sad love song that everyone knew but nobody really wanted to listen to. You were glad now that you had a diligent friend such as Seonghwa who sent you a text not to forget your umbrella this morning because he knew you would have otherwise.
The workday had been short, really. When you arrived at the office in the morning, the internet already had been off, and there really only could be so much done when your programs mainly required to be connected to the digital online network. It had been some time since you last had a free afternoon in the middle of the week but it was a good thing. Every vacation, you just pressured yourself to shove as much as possible in the one or two weeks, to feel like it was worth it but it being so unexpected, maybe it would be fun just to go with whatever came to mind.
While the rain wasn’t the most inviting condition, you were used to it. In the small town you came from, the rain was as much a local as the several hundred people living there. As memories dwelled up, you shoved them aside and stared down at your smartphone instead, thumb brushing over to scroll through a few recommendations. It was sweet, that you found this little forum where people from different parts of the city recommended their favorites a few weeks ago and now finally had an excuse to try it. You hated crowded places and it was welcoming to go somewhere you could count on to be nice.
“This looks cute,” your gaze stopped on a small café which wasn’t too far from here. If you cheated and took the crossing at the cinema, you would be there in no time. The idea of a cup of big green tea was nice right now, maybe together with a slice of cake. You worked extra hard lately, and your latest project was a big success. 
You sighed as you finally stepped ahead and through the rain, trying to dodge little puddles of rainwater. From a career perspective, everything worked out for you. Thanks to some networking during college, you snatched a job with plenty of potential right after graduation, and from there, you steadily worked yourself up, you even only had two sick days in three years at this company. 
Your private life, on the other hand, it was hard to really say it existed and that wasn’t because you lacked free time, actually, if anything your work schedule was steady, your employer one to ensure that they could market themself with an accurate work-life balance. You had friends, went to the gym twice a week and a cutea pet bunny waited for you at home because your landlord wasn’t accepting bigger pets. 
Love just never worked out for you but there was no reason to waste time searching for advice online, going to speed dating, or having your friends set you up with somebody. The reason was always so obvious to you.
You already found the love of your life once, during those cursed high school years you often still yearned back for, not because life had been easier but because he still was in it. Nobody ever could live up to him because he had been the right one for you and you always believed it had been the same for him. 
It wasn’t that you tried but somehow…
You shook your head, trying not to let your throat go dry again because your body always still reacted to it, even after seven years, it was as it could remember the feeling from that day, when you called for his name and his brother finally pulled him away because both of your parents agreed you were a distraction to each other because you wanted to go to the same college, spending every free minute side by side, leading to his parents to forcefully make him change high school for his final year.
“Tch,” you rubbed over your eyes, stopping as stupid tears dwelled on it. Why was it that love like that would not go away? Yes, this too you would not mind, you often silently prayed to your heart to release you but it would not, clinging stupidly to a hope that did not exist.
Fate did not exist.
Somebody stumbled into you, only rushing an apology and a quick bow because it led to you dropping your umbrella. You cursed a little, more so scolding yourself to be lost in those silly old memories on a free afternoon when your gaze caught a figure. 
It was difficult to say what it was, maybe the familiarity you just never shook off, maybe it was because there was so much sadness about it that your own seemed almost like nothing.
He must have been standing in the pouring rain for some time, his clothes soaking, hair clinging to his face and the bouquet of flowers started to slowly crumble to the ground, little leaves falling as it was not made to withstand the angry autumn weather. 
Your heart was beating loudly, a drumming in your ears that even the traffic sound disappeared and all you could do was … walk. Your body was already on its way, it refused for your mind to actually step in, telling it how considering he had been waiting for somebody, quite obviously a person important, this was not the moment to make it worse.
Fate said: fuck you, I exist, now have your punishment for doubting me!
When you took the last stair, your steps finally slowed and you needed a moment to make it to his side. Carefully, yet gently your hand leaned forward and then, the world around you disappeared, all that was left was that small space underneath your umbrella.
“You shouldn’t stand here like that in the rain without an umbrella,” your voice scolded him gently.
Jeong Yunho looked up when your voice reached him. 
Why was it that he was crying when he saw you?
Yunho had known, this date was a foolish idea but what could he do about it? His heart yearned to be loved and to love, to have somebody who would smile at him and allow for his embrace to gently curl around. Lazy morning in bed, holding hands while walking through the city, ignoring the dull landscape autumn brought to it every time and a smile. He wanted to see a smile that would make his heart race.
It wasn’t a fantasy he desired to make true but a memory of something he had held until he lost it because of his wrongdoing. He wasn’t able to be the son his parents wanted and so, he did what they asked of him.
What would you do when you were seventeen, madly in love but also a child who wanted to make his parents proud, who believed so much in them that surely, they knew best?
He doubted it, the moment you screamed his name, asking him not to go and how his brother pulled him back to the car. Yet, both of you had accepted it, you lowered your heads to make your families proud and in return, his heart felt empty ever since. Nobody managed to fill it because nobody was you.
No, he didn't want any love, he wanted yours. He always did because once, it had been his.
Sure, the little flirts at his workplace had been sincere from his side or he told himself so, that woman was quick to return it but maybe as she learned how Yunho had this cliche dream of a simple life with a little family of his own, she changed her mind.
He felt like a fool standing in front of the cinema with flowers, knowing already half an hour later that she would not come, but not even the rain chased him away because maybe he wanted to cling to the hope that he was good enough for somebody, that maybe all it needed was time and they would be here, take him for who he was. Maybe he did not lose all the rights with you, but then would it be fair? Because deep down he just wanted ...
So he waited. For two hours. And then, he was found.
It was as the world cleared up, the rain stopped falling and a face came into view that was as beautiful as yesterday, yet so different that he could not deny he’d have been a little shy.
You held the umbrella right above him, scolding him for standing in the pouring rain.
Yunho’s mouth opened but no words were coming out as he was staring at you, the way how you had grown up so much but there was still all of the sweetness in your features he had fallen so hard for the first time back in junior year of High School, when introduced yourself as his science partner for the year. 
The damn tears wouldn't stop now.
You never were shy to do whatever it needed to make those you loved smile, even if it likely meant hurting yourself in the process.
To make him smile in the middle of the rain in a city, after seven years apart.
“Sorry I’m late, I got I was a little distracted. Are those for me?” 
It took Yunho a moment to realize you were pointing to the flowers in his hands which now were only a sad reflection of their earlier state.
He spent twenty minutes trying to choose a pair and only now, he realized he had gotten your favorite flowers. How did not pay attention to this sooner?
The world seemed to be standing still, that moment when Yunho wondered what he was doing. He waited and waited and he never … went back to you although it was all he wanted but he was undeserving.
So why were you here like that? 
And then you stepped closer and reached out for his cheek, he froze under the touch but your hand was soft and gentle. “Don’t cry, I am sorry I am late.” 
Your voice was a soft whisper and you brushed a tear away from his cheek before taking the flowers carefully from his hands. “Mh, I guess we do not have to worry about giving them water then any time soon. Here, let’s go. Get you somewhere warm and dry.”
Your hand grabbed him and you pulled him along, inside the cinema where a few people threw glances at you, no surprise, thinking how his appearance must have looked to any of them. 
Finally, after minutes must have passed, Yunho found his voice again, although it was far from its usual self: “Y/N?” It was as he needed confirmation that this was truly you and you were here with him.
“Sh, sit! We can worry about the rest later.”
You replied and pulled the wet scarf from his neck and forced him to shrug out of his coat. His cheeks started to turn red as he watched how you took care of him, using your own scarf to ruffle his hair a little more dry, and looked over his figure.
“Why are you so reckless? Standing in the rain like that. You always get a cold so easily,” you finally sat still and looked at him.
Yunho no longer could change it, he had to reach out and cup your face and you held still like you understood he needed to do this to be sure, that you really just had come back to him.
You always came running towards him while all he was doing was waiting. 
“I guess, I was waiting for you,” he whispered and hated how his eyes got wet again, how the tears would not stop from floating. The moment your arms curled around him, he found himself burying his face against your shoulder, feeling your hands soothingly brushing over the back of his neck. 
“It’s okay, I am here now. There, no reason to worry about it. I won’t go anywhere.” 
It didn’t feel like seven years were apart this moment and the last time you held each other in your arms just like that.
Yet, the familiarity finally managed to make him relax and he whispered your name again, wanting to make sure you knew.
It was hard seeing Yunho like that, his beautiful smile absent from his handsome face. Maybe it was a stupid idea for you to act like that, to say the things you did but then, was it? Did you not just admit to yourself how you longed for him, waiting for anything even close to what the two of you once shared to come into your life? 
People were staring, they always did and you did not worry about it, let them watch how somebody had a hard day. If they knew how seven years, almost a decade of separation was between the two of you, would they still?
Yunho finally seemed to relax, his fingers now took your hands and he looked at them like it was the first time, his thumb brushing over the soft skin. There was no rush, now that the two of you sat here together, if anything rush was what you feared, the thought of him leaving pushed far into the back of your mind.
“My apartment is close by,” Yunho finally said. “If you do not mind we skip the movie, I guess you are right and I should get something dry to wear.” 
Even if he tried to hide just how nervous he was to ask you that, it was easy to tell because you knew him better than anyone else and it seemed, the love of your life did not change to much, even with seven years passing by since you last held him in your arms.
It was the tears in his eyes back in the rain that made you do this, your heart could not take it to see him like that, not after longing for the softness of his smile for so long. In that moment, all that mattered had been to stop those tears but you noticed them constantly threatening to return in the edge of his eyes.
“That seems like a good idea, let’s get you there then;” you nodded and carefully picked up the flowers again, waiting for Yunho to slip back into the wet coat but when you reached for the umbrella, he shook his head: “Let me take this one for us. You haven’t gotten very tall still, so this will be easier.”
His little joke helps you to relax and you nod: “Sounds good.”
Back in high school, the two of you often would walk like that to school, when it would not stop raining just back then you were holding hands and talking about silly nonsense. It seemed so far away now with the buzzing streets of the city, and people rushing by to be done with their day. You wondered if Yunho was thinking something similar: Did he think about all the past memories or maybe, even wish to reach out for your hand? 
You would take it without hesitation.
“There we are,” his gentle voice made you look up and you were surprised just how close it had been. There was an odd feeling in your stomach, thinking how often you walked this street to work but you never knew your high school sweetheart was living here.
At least, the guilt shrank a little when you stepped in and it was easy to see that Yunho only must have moved in recently, a dozen boxes still standing around, some halfway opened.
“It’s a little messy. I used to work at a different branch, I only came here like two months ago… I kept finding excuses to take my time with it,” he explained, likely having noticed your gaze. He placed the umbrella next to the door and stripped it out of his streetwear. You were here to ensure that he would be okay but Yunho instantly fell back into his patterns.
He always put everyone else first, especially you and he was quick to offer you some comfortable slippers, some that brought some color to his cheek because they had the shape of cute dogs. 
“Do you want something to drink? Soda, coffee, tea? I also have water, of course!” He looked at you with his big eyes and if you wouldn’t know better, he seemed nervous.
“How about I make us some tea and you change into something dry? I am sure I can find everything I need for that,” you replied, giving him a small and playful shove, ignoring that you no longer were teens but two people in their mid-20s working big jobs. 
There was a small pout on his face, followed by a sigh: “Fineee, I shall be going. See you in a minute.” You couldn’t hold back the chuckle when you watched him almost racing to what seemingly was his bedroom. 
After shrugging out of your shoes and jacket, you put up your scarf to dry before moving over to the kitchen area, putting the poor bouquet into a glass of clear water before slowly opening the cabinets which proved to be a challenge. Damn Yunho was a giant and everyday necessities were stored at a height comfortable for him, so you needed to grab a stool to reach the packages of tea. You were quite sure to hear a wardrobe often a few times too often in the bedroom, and small hisses which made you smile.
When the two of you went on your first date, it was a little like that too. His mother had told you to wait but when still wasn’t there after fifteen minutes, you sneaked upstairs to find him being lost of what to wear best to impress you. You shook your head, reminding yourself that this was different, and poured two cups of tea. 
The place felt like him, small little details were making it comfortable and warm. You sat down on the couch and allowed your gaze to wander until it got stuck on one particular photo on the wall: it was the class picture from the last yearbook before he was forced to change schools. 
“Feels like an eternity, right”? his warm voice filled the air and you met with his smile. His hair was still wet but he had changed into an oversized knitted sweater, showing a little bit of collarbone, and a fresh pair of jeans. Somehow, it made him look younger again.
“Right? I can’t believe we are supposed to have one of those class meetings next year, I really do not feel that old yet,” you casually joked back before leaning over, and offering him the other cup of tea: “There you go, you need to warm up, even with dry clothes.” 
He made a face but listened, sitting down next to you. When you saw he wasn’t even wearing socks, you sighed because there were many memories of small summer colds because Yunho just was so reckless.
“You really are something, Jeong Yunho!” Your arm reached over and you grabbed a blanket, starting to wrap him up until you were satisfied he looked warm and comfortable.
“I’m fine, I promise,” he replied, muttering into the tea. It seemed neither of you really wanted to ask or talk about how exactly he had ended up in the rain like that. Instead, you sat down on the couch next to him, turning around to cross your legs and sipping on your own tea. It was not really hard to see he had so many questions, and so did you.
“My workplace is really nearby, our internet went off today and I suddenly found myself with a free afternoon;” you started, just to offer him anything.
“Maybe it’s time for a cat, you know? I am going towards my thirties now, being a single cat owner is almost mandatory to me but the firm who owns my complex says no. I got a bunny instead, do you want to see a photo?” 
It was so easy just to chat with Yunho, and tell him everything and nothing important. Your mind just settled with a habit you forgot you once had and you leaned over to show him the photo of the white fuzzy loop bunny. “This is Fluffs, yes I named him so because he just has too much fur but he is very patient when it comes to brushing.”
Yunho looked up, giving you a silly smile: “Right, so much to your talent of naming things.” You both laughed together and he was looking at the photos you showed him but all so often, you could feel his gaze on your face.
Did you mention being single on purpose? Yes, because you did not want to waste time on those things when instead, you would selfishly just take anything he’d give to you, ignoring that every day eventually had an end.
“I think, those were all,” you nodded and kept your phone in your hands, hesitant before offering it to him, looking away.
“You know… if you give me your number, I could send you photos of him here and then?”
Now you finally really blushed and you could see how Yunho seemed happy about it. He bowed and took the phone, saving his number before offering it back: “I am waiting patiently for updates.” 
It was when your fingers touched again and for a moment, the two of you held in and looked at each other. The cups both rested on the small couch table at this point and allowed for Yunho to be just a little daring because he was leaning closer, the blanket slipping off his shoulder. And then, his big hands rested on your face, one gently cupping your chin as your eyes met.
Words would be hard right now, there was no way to describe the sorrow of separation, the years of yearning and looking for something only one other person could give you. Regret would be wasted because there was no way to bring back what was lost but maybe, there was something true about the saying how one still had this very moment.
If this had been a movie, viewers would be disappointed now, because there was no kiss, no deep devotion of love. Yunho allowed his forehead to rest against yours, his arms finally curled around your body and he pulled you closer. His face was properly buried against his neck and you could feel the tears against your skin, the way his body tensed, and then, the small soft sobs that escaped him. 
You did not know why Yunho was in so much sorrow. Of course, your heartbreak had been intense too, you did not even go to prom on your graduation because all you could think was how he was not there. And in every important event of your life since, when couples embraced, your coworkers were picked up by their spouse, you thought of him.
Yeah, you really were a pitiful thing because how could you think of him every time but you never managed to get yourself out there looking? Times had been there, once, when you met his brother but he would not tell you anything other than Yunho was doing fine… and you just left it like that. 
“Hey there, look at me,” you finally very slowly moved after letting him cry for some time, now you captured his face: “It’s okay.”
But you could read it off his face: “It’s my fault. If not for me being so careless, we never would have broken up and I’d not … you’d not have to cry so much.”
You were relieved that he was not withdrawing but only looked away: “I was… stupid. I thought, that so many people had done it before so why not us? I meant to wait until we had graduated…But my mom found it and then she just lost it. My parents wouldn’t listen when I told them it was not like that, how it did not mean I planned not going to college, just that we wanted to go together and how I’d not see why not…”
Yunho seemed not to hold it back much longer but only a few things made sense. You could remember that day, in the morning everything had been perfect until you two came back from a small summer trip. His and your parents sitting together, then telling you how the relationship they supported for two years suddenly was no longer acceptable, how it would affect your grades and future, so they would no longer allow for it.
The way you both begged them, saying it wasn’t true and how you would surely go to college, do all of those things but they would not have it, Yunho’s parents already signed him into another high school.
“What do you mean?” you carefully asked, thumb brushing over his cheek.
“I brought a ring, from the money I made at the Summer job. I knew it would be the last chance to save up before college. I wanted to propose to you when we would have graduated, I knew how dumb I was back then but I just knew that you should be the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. When my mother found the ring by accident… she misunderstood it.”
Your mouth formed a small "Oh" because suddenly, it made sense. Yunho’s parents were kind people, but they always would do what they thought was best for their son and finally, you understood. Yunho must have blamed himself for all of this in the past seven years. The thought pained you greatly.
“Oh Yunho, we were barely seventeen and our parents had all of those great hopes and dreams for how the lives of their children should be. This is not your fault,” you pulled him into another hug and his tall form clung to you.
This was not his fault and suddenly, you came to accept nor was it yours. Yes, you could have looked for him but back then, there was nothing you could have done in that very moment, except to be reckless but this would not have been who you fell in love with. You two were in love but always caring for your families, like most kids.
For a moment, you hesitated and it was a foolish question but it blurred out before you knew it: “Do you still have it…?”
He knew exactly what you were talking about and moved back a little, his arm rubbing over his eyes in an attempt to get rid of the tears.
Yunho stood up slowly, moving to one of the boxes before he opened it. You remembered that silly shoe box he pulled out, covered in stickers and polaroids you took together. His fingers were gentle when he revealed a small satin box and walked back over to you.
There was a moment of hesitation before he opened it to show you the ring. It was delicate but simple, just a small silver band with yours and his name craved in and likely room for a date for the day of the proposal. It really suited him but also you because you never liked bulky or lavish details in jewelry. 
“It’s beautiful,” you whispered and he looked at you. Yunho swallowed before he moved to sit a little closer to you again. His beautiful hands were almost a little shaking when he lifted your left hand, waiting for a moment to see if you’d pull back but when you did not, the ring slipped on your finger and even after all those years, it was a perfect fit.
“It was always meant for you, so you should have it,” he whispered. This time, you were the one to shift, moving towards him and placing yourself onto his lap. 
“Yunho, you know I always waited for you, right? Even if I was so foolish this once not to rush towards you… nobody ever could fill that spot you left, it’s like it was always yours, just waiting for you to come back to it.”
The metal of the ring was cool against his skin when he reached out for this hand and placed kisses on it.
“You were the only one who ever really belonged to me.” 
The two of you were searching for something, but it was easy to find in each other’s eyes. “Then this time, let’s make sure it doesn’t stay empty,” you whispered. “I promise if you are late, I will come, running right towards you. Leave it to me, you won’t ever feel alone again.” 
Yunho looked at you before he pulled you into a hug: “You won’t have to run towards me again because now that you are back where you belong, I promise I won’t ever let go again.” You nuzzled your head against his shoulder and sighed in relief.
For a while, he just pulled the blanket over your figures, now feeling an awful lot exhausted. This was not how you imagined this day to turn out to be but it was perfect just like that. There was no reason to speak anymore, the comfort was given just by each other’s company and eventually, the two of you relaxed, laying down on the couch, Yunho holding you tightly in his arms as you closed your eyes and drifted off.
It looked like he fell asleep a little after you. Yunho stirred, his neck a little stiff from the uncomfortable couch. The moment he reached out for you and the spot was empty, his eyes widened and he sat up, mind split between barely awake and fear. 
He still could hear the fall of rain outside, splattered the windows but it had gotten dark, nightfall had come and only left small traces of light from the street lamps. Your phone wasn’t there either. Yunho panicked, he almost fell off the couch.
“Y/N?!”
The way he called out for you was a mix of fear and maybe more desperate than he wanted to admit. The idea of losing you again, he could not bear it. There was no way he could do this again and as his bare feet walked over the cool wooden flooring, rushing towards the front door, a wave of light blinded him, coming from his bedroom.
“Yunho? I’m sorry, my boss called me, she wouldn’t stop. I told her, I have to take a sick day tomorrow 'cause I got into the rain… hey, what’s up?”
He reached out for you right away, hugging you tightly: “Just a bad dream, I thought you were gone.”
It was barely a whisper but you understood him right away.
Just as you always did. 
“Not going anywhere anymore,” you placed a gentle kiss on his cheek before taking his hand, taking a step back, and pulling him towards the bedroom.
“And where to? We have so much to do you, you know? Meet your colleagues, and then you meet mine. Take cute photos, try cake! Lots of cake! Decide what place we like best.”
Yunho blinked as he fell onto his bed with you. This was much more comfortable and he pulled you close, placing kisses over your shoulder before resting his chin on top of your head.
“Cake and places?” he asked before leaning back to look you in the eyes.
You had this incredibly cute and confident grin on your lips and now that he thought of it, it was more sexy than adorable. You had become such an incredible person and he could not wait to spend the rest of his life with you. To have the person he loved the most by his side again while also learning all about what was new.
Nothing would separate you again. 
“Well, we have been engaged for eight years now, yes? I think, it’s about time we do the thing!”
Yunho blushed as he looked at you and your features softened but the two of you knew it was true.
Because, the two of you always belonged to each other, been each others', and even with so many years apart, it never would change just that.
“I love you,” he whispered, and his heart jumped when you said those words he longed to hear again for so long back right away.
Without hesitation.
You were together
The drum of rain gently fell against the window. Autumn had come. 
But maybe with the right person by your side, it always could be summer.
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dreamgirlvibes · 2 years
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Add free classes to your calendar this month just in case you don’t have anything to do. Stay busy, stay focused. Work on things like resume building, budgeting, home improvement, styling, etiquette, speech. There are so many free classes. I love Alison! It’s totally free. I know coursera charges a small fee but they do provide minimal free classes. Amazon has free workshops every month. I mean…there’s also YouTube University and Google High (google literally has $39 dollars a month for over hundreds of classes with google certified certificates they gave you!) or look in your area for free classes to attend- Facebook is a huge tool! lol like add it to your calendar even if it’s an instagram live with your fave content creator. The more knowledge you obtain=the more inspired you will be=the more you will enhance your life!
Links below. Love you, mean it 💗
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techtimechronicles24 · 5 months
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🇬🇧 Immerse yourself in the captivating world of computing through the Sinclair ZX Spectrum—a groundbreaking microcomputer that captured the imagination of an entire generation!
🌟 In 1980, the visionary British entrepreneur and scientist, Sir Clive Sinclair, entered the home computer market with the ZX80 priced at £99.95, marking the era's most affordable personal computer in the United Kingdom. A year later, the ZX81 hit the high street, introducing home computing to a generation, with over 1.5 million units sold.
💻 Released in 1982 by Sinclair Research Ltd., the Sinclair ZX Spectrum swiftly became one of the most iconic home computers of its time. It dominated the UK's computer sales market, fiercely competing against Commodore and Amstrad. This compact and budget-friendly machine brought computing into countless households.
🕹️ Powered by the Zilog Z80A CPU running at 3.5 MHz and equipped with either 16 KB or 48 KB of RAM, the ZX Spectrum sported a sleek, compact design resembling a keyboard with rubber keys, making it innovative and approachable. Its graphics and sound capabilities were ahead of their time, enabling vibrant games and applications.
⌨️ One of the ZX Spectrum's standout features was its vast library of games. From classics like "Manic Miner" and "Jet Set Willy" to innovative titles developed by enthusiasts, the Spectrum's game collection remains a cherished part of gaming history. The computer's BASIC programming language also inspired users to create their own software.
🖥 Despite modest hardware specifications, the ZX Spectrum nurtured a lively community of developers and enthusiasts, serving as a gateway into the world of programming and digital creativity.
🚀 Over its lifespan, the ZX Spectrum evolved with new models, including the ZX Spectrum+, ZX Spectrum 128, and ZX Spectrum +2, each offering enhanced performance and features while retaining the beloved design.
📺 The ZX Spectrum's impact extended beyond its hardware, playing a pivotal role in the British computing scene, inspiring future generations of programmers and entrepreneurs. Its legacy resonates in modern computing and gaming through emulators and remakes that keep its spirit alive.
📊 At the peak of its success and largely inspired by the Japanese Fifth Generation Computer program, the company established the "MetaLab" research centre at Milton Hall near Cambridge to pursue advanced projects like artificial intelligence, wafer-scale integration, and formal verification.
💔 Financial difficulties in 1985, brought on by the failures of the Sinclair QL computer and the TV80 pocket television, led Sinclair to sell the rights to its computer products and brand name to Amstrad in 1986. Sinclair Research Ltd continued as a one-man company, marketing Clive Sinclair's inventions until his passing in September 2021.
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itsror9 · 6 months
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Help Mohammad's Family Evacuate from Gaza
“Over the past two years, my life journey has shifted from a tale of digital marketing success on social media platforms and Google to one marked by renewed challenges. Losing my job, along with essential equipment and contracts disrupted by internet outages, has set me back to square one, with a loss totaling around $3000. I’m Mohammed and this is my story.
Residing in Gaza, my family has weathered the storms of unjust wars and oppression. We had lost our home in the 2014 war, and after much difficulty in compensating for that loss, we faced a new setback in 2023 war on Gaza, losing everything we had recently acquired (our home, jobs and even our neighbourhood that had completely wiped out). We're now seven individuals without a real shelter, currently residing in displacement areas in the southern part of Gaza Strip that is unsuitable for living. We have no way even to return; everything is destroyed and we cannot even find away to stay alive! I spend my whole day thinking about my family and if we will survive this unbearable and unimaginable situation in this chaotic world. Hence, l started this crowdfunding campaign to help them out and find away to save their lives apart of the never-ending bombardments and military airplanes as my father needs an urgent treatment abroad after being injured in our house bombing. There are still fragments in his body that haven't been removed due to a lack of medical services and equipments.
My immediate family involves: Ismail Mahmoud (father), Iman Mohamed (mother), Areej (sister), Israa (sister), Mustafa (brother), and Abdul Rahman (little brother), a 14-year-old student whose educational pursuits were abruptly halted, depriving him of opportunities in English language learning and programming activities.
Israa, serving as both a STEM Lab Trainer and chemistry teacher, stands out in her ability to engage children in practical and enjoyable science education, guiding them through contemporary projects in artificial intelligence and evolution.
Mustafa, a young fashion entrepreneur, launched his clothing store in 2021 with a passion for style. Sadly, he faced a devastating setback, losing over $10,000. Now, he's determined to rebuild from scratch and restore his livelihood despite all the damage around. You can make a difference in his journey to recovery by supporting him in so many ways.
If you look deeply at my family, you’ll foresee how successful we were before this war!
Thus, The dire conditions in refugee camps pose an imminent threat, compelling us to seek refuge for my family to rebuild our lives with dignity and security. Therefore, We hope to raise over $70,000 for a safe life and to start a new dignified life from scratch again, including $40,000 to ensure our safe passage through the Rafah crossing, where the cost of crossing ranges between $5000 and $7000 per person. This will enable us to continue our professional lives and education without fear or terror.
Your donation, no matter how small, can have a significant impact in saving a family that has endured multiple wars and seeks safety. Thanks for showing love and support!”
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venusvity · 20 hours
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2022, the year Venus finally secured the Converse and a Pepsi sponsorship. Arguably, this is the least liked year of Venus for a majority of Constellations for numerous reasons. Trying to replicate the success of Summer Luv!, the girls would release their 8th mini album, VENUS HIGH! with the title track Hi-Tops, along with a collaboration with the brand Converse.
Commercially, the song peaked at number ten on the Gaon Digital Chart and topped the Billboard K-pop Hot 100, their first number-one song on the chart. Following the release of Venus High!, Venus promoted the song with live performances on several South Korean music television programs and amassed six music show trophies. They also held a concert by Converse, which sold out in seven minutes.
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VENUS' collection with Converse. Each girl got to desgin their own shoe. The collection sold out in 15 minutes.
Venus would come back with their fourth full album, their last project with beloved creative director LEXA. Love, Venus would feature the title track, "So Sweet," along with eleven other tracks.
"So Sweet" won eight first-place music program awards in South Korea, including a triple crown (three awards) on Inkigayo. It also won a Melon Weekly Popularity Award.
"So Sweet" debuted at number one on South Korea's Circle Digital Chart. It remained atop the chart for thirteen weeks, becoming the longest-running number-one song in its history. The song debuted number one on the Billboard Vietnam Hot 100 chart issue. It topped the chart for three consecutive weeks. In Japan, the song peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and number 13 on the Oricon Combined Singles Chart.
The music video would feature heavy Pepsi product placement but is still beloved by fans as it's the last video directed by LEXA. Lexa would make a lengthy Instagram post announcing their departure from Angelico and Venus' creative director, leaving fans and the girls concerned in what direction they would go in next.
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LEXA'S DEPARTURE LETTER: it only feels right to share my favorite moments with my favorite girls, though there are plenty more. if i could post 100 images on this post i would lol. as of today, i have officially stepped down as the creative director of venus. these five girls are so special, talented, and overall wonderful visionaries i wish had more freedom over their careers. i do not wish to get sued so i won't say much, but i hope you all can use critical thinking skills as to why i've decided to leave angelico. i wish yoonah, bliss, chloe, sena, and jiah nothing but so much love and well wishes for the best. I'll always have so much love for my five favorite stars in the sky 🌟 until next time, venus! ❤️
The girls would take a short break, something unheard of in their career, to regroup and find a new creative director. In comes Adrian Reyes. Adrian would take over as not only their creative director but producer and marketing manager, ushering Venus into their most controversial era.
??? would be the ninth mini album by Venus with the title track GOTCHA. The ??? era would be defined by the marketing used to prepare for the era. Posters were posted around the world about the "missing sister of Venus" with four girls on the poster. Billboards asking, "Have you seen our moon?" would be put up around LA, Seoul, Busan, Tokyo, Shanghai, and various other cities featuring the four members Sena, Baebi, Jiah, and Bliss, but no Chloe. This led fans to believe she wasn't going to be included in the comeback until a thirty concept film, "Why Venus Has No Moons: ???" It was posted to their YouTube channel.
Venus was finally getting lore, and fans were...very mixed about it!
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Stills from "Why Venus Has No Moons: ???" directed by Adrian Reyes.
The album would come, and the title track, GOTCHA, would cause a mass debate on Twitter on whether the song was good or not. The debate still goes on to this day. "GOTCHA" won 10 first-place music program awards, including a triple crown on M Countdown.
In South Korea, the song debuted at number 17 on the Gaon Digital Chart for the issue dated and peaked at number 5 in its second week. It also debuted at number 1 both on the component Download Chart and on the component BGM Chart.  In the United States, the song debuted at number 5 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. It also debuted at number 37 on the Billboard Global 200 and 29 on the Billboard Global Excl. US during the same week.
Venus would win Artist of the Year and Best Female Group at the 2022 MAMA Awards.
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fredhugesfan · 8 months
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100 Things To Do Instead Of Doom-Scrolling Through Social Media
Take a walk outside and enjoy nature.
Read a book or listen to an audiobook.
Practice mindfulness or meditation.
Cook a new recipe or bake something delicious.
Start a DIY project or craft.
Call or video chat with a friend or family member.
Learn a new skill or hobby.
Exercise or do a home workout.
Write in a journal or start a blog.
Listen to music or discover new artists.
Volunteer for a cause you care about.
Watch a documentary or educational YouTube videos.
Declutter and organize a room in your home.
Do a puzzle or play a board game.
Take an online course or attend a virtual workshop.
Practice a musical instrument.
Go for a bike ride or explore a new area in your city.
Start a garden or tend to indoor plants.
Practice yoga or stretching exercises.
Create art or doodle in a sketchbook.
Write poetry or short stories.
Plan a future trip or create a travel bucket list.
Visit a museum or art gallery (virtually or in person).
Try out a new restaurant or cuisine.
Do a digital detox for a set period.
Attend a virtual event or webinar.
Learn a new language with language learning apps.
Organize a virtual game night with friends.
Take a bubble bath or pamper yourself with self-care.
Practice gratitude by writing down things you're thankful for.
Explore local hiking trails or parks.
Volunteer at a local shelter or food bank.
Create a vision board for your goals and aspirations.
Start a book club with friends.
Do a home spa day with facials, manicures, and pedicures.
Listen to a podcast on a topic you're interested in.
Have a picnic in your backyard or a nearby park.
Start a photography project and capture moments in your day.
Learn to code or explore computer programming.
Write letters to friends or family members.
Practice gratitude journaling.
Experiment with new hairstyles or makeup looks.
Have a movie marathon with your favorite films.
Do a deep clean of your living space.
Practice deep breathing exercises or relaxation techniques.
Try out a new workout routine or exercise class.
Create a scrapbook of memories or special moments.
Research and plan your next career move or educational pursuit.
Do a digital art project or learn digital painting.
Attend a virtual concert or music festival.
Go stargazing or watch the sunset.
Start a podcast discussing topics you're passionate about.
Take an online cooking or baking class.
Learn to knit, crochet, or sew.
Explore your city as a tourist and visit landmarks.
Practice random acts of kindness for others.
Attend a virtual book reading or author talk.
Try out a new hobby like rock climbing or pottery.
Learn about a historical event or figure.
Create a vision board for your dream life.
Practice positive affirmations and self-love exercises.
Explore a nearby town you've never visited before.
Volunteer to tutor or mentor someone in need.
Go to a farmer's market and try new fruits or vegetables.
Attend a virtual fitness class or dance party.
Experiment with DIY natural beauty products.
Research and plan a budget for your financial goals.
Take a scenic drive and enjoy the view.
Learn about different cultures and traditions.
Create a personalized playlist for different moods.
Join a virtual book or writing club.
Take an online personality or career assessment.
Start a gratitude jar and fill it with daily notes of appreciation.
Explore a new genre of literature or film.
Host a virtual game tournament with friends.
Practice lucid dreaming techniques.
Try out a new restaurant or cafe in your area.
Learn about astronomy and star constellations.
Research and plan a home improvement project.
Take a virtual tour of famous landmarks around the world.
Join an online support group or community.
Practice mindfulness coloring or drawing.
Try out a new type of tea or coffee.
Create a DIY vision board or inspiration wall.
Learn about sustainable living practices.
Experiment with aromatherapy and essential oils.
Try out a new workout app or online fitness class.
Research and plan your dream vacation.
Attend a virtual workshop on personal development.
Practice time management techniques and create a schedule.
Explore local art galleries or street art.
Take a virtual dance class and learn new moves.
Research and plan a themed dinner party.
Experiment with DIY home decor projects.
Explore different types of music from around the world.
Start a virtual book exchange with friends.
Research and plan your next outdoor adventure.
Practice mindfulness eating and savor each bite.
Explore online forums or communities related to your interests.
Reflect on your day and set intentions for tomorrow.
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shituationist · 10 months
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I think companies like Google and Microsoft have incentive to embellish and even falsify the results of their machine learning projects, but I do worry that sufficiently capable (we won't say "conscious," because that doesn't matter) AI agents are going to replace human workers in services while "advanced economies" have made their economies dependent on the existence of a service sector with high-paying jobs (on a global scale) buttressing a comfortable middle class existence for the average adult.
This isn't just an AI thing. Professionals in the US and Western Europe advocate more restrictive work visa and credentialing programs in order to protect their salaries. This also goes for unskilled workers, who are afraid of the influx of Latin American labor in the US (especially when bosses can hire these workers under the table and pay them less, while paying no payroll taxes on that labor).
The whole existence of the labor market is increasingly at odds with human needs and the technical horizon of the world economy. Coupling livelihood to wages has also been a monstrous feature of our society, but it is becoming more and more monstrous as the number of jobs which provide a consistently decent standard of living seem to be increasingly the purview of machines.
Theorists like Steven Wolfram seem to think that "computational irreducibility" will keep plenty of jobs around forever, but I don't know. Automation in manufacturing didn't increase the total number of manufacturing jobs in the US and Europe. People didn't go from making the tenth part of the head of a pin to the thousandath part. People who were displaced by automation and offshoring were instead shuffled into the service sector, but as automation hits that sector, where's the next sector for them to go to?
Socialist planned economies struggled with this too, but because of more conscious political objectives, since an employment guarantee (an artefact of the appropriation of capitalist, specifically Fordist, thinking) was part of their social contract, and automation would reduce the number of jobs or otherwise make workers redundant (but you couldn't just fire them, especially since things like housing were often tied to jobs), so there was a conservative impulse outside of the military production sector to keep jobs labor intensive. Political ossification and the gerontocracy ensured that people with no adequate knowledge of on-the-ground conditions would be able to reach a ministerial position and make the Soviet state unable to undertake needed reforms (so they ended up privatizing everything and sending millions to an early grave with the liquidation of the planned economy instead). Glushkov's OGAS project is a testament to this: early digitalization of the planned economy was killed because ministers didn't want to hand over any control to a computer network, even if that computer network would have breathed new life into the planned economy or made it more competitive with its imperialist rivals (bear in mind here that many ex-Soviet ministers would go on to become oligarchs after privatization was pursued).
I don't know. I'm a little scared and therefore motivated to be skeptical of recent advances in artificial intelligence. "Artificial General Intelligence" has seemingly been redefined from "scary superintelligence that's gonna became conscious and kill us all" to "computer program that can complete any task that a human can do", which is a more realistic goal and arguably feasible from a materialist vantage point (even if not commercially profitable). It isn't there yet, and there's reasons to think the current approach could hit a wall, but even without breaching that kind of "intelligence", the impact of automation in services could mean that service workers are increasingly subject to the precarity that American manufacturing workers have been and which such bromides as "learn to code" have been intended to address.
Every day I am more convinced that our choice is between socialism or barbarism: a global planned economy in which our basic and social needs are addressed through collective, non-commercial, association(s), in which opportunities to make our lives meaningful through work have become "life's prime want"; or a capitalist world-system which mericlessly throws people into the industrial reserve army of labor, making people's lives subject to impersonal forces completely and totally beyond their control, preserving the class structure at all costs and bribing the remnants of the labor aristocracy and bureaucracy with patronage while potentially billions suffer. Worst case scenario is we only get the former through the latter.
(I would appreciate it if you have anything to say about this post, don't do it through a reblog but through a reply or DM, just for my anxiety's sake 🥺)
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sdkitssolutions · 1 year
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What Is Digital Marketing training institute  in India ?
The process of advertising items or services via the use of digital devices and technology is known as digital marketing.
In other words, digital marketing is any type of marketing that takes place online using a mobile device, a laptop, the internet, and so on. In addition to digital signs and equipment that may or may not be internet-connected. It might be as sophisticated as automated email marketing campaigns or as simple as the content selections on your website's blog.
While traditional digital marketing consists of a large network of channels into which marketers must simply connect their brands, internet advertising is significantly more complex than the channels themselves. To fully realize the promise of digital marketing, marketers must delve deep into today's vast and sophisticated cross-channel world to build effective engagement marketing tactics.
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SDK ITS Solutions Pvt. Ltd. provides the most comprehensive top Digital Marketing training in Gurgaon. Students with a Digital Marketing certification can get a job in an MNC quickly. Participants must enroll in a premier Digital Marketing training facility in Gurgaon to gain the necessary technological skills. Trainers use simulators and equipment to generate realistic situations throughout the Digital Marketing training in Gurgaon.
Students in Digital Marketing training programs are required to make decisions about troubleshooting or managing technology without interfering with corporate activities. Join Gurgaon SDK ITS Solutions Pvt. Ltd.'s top Digital Marketing training in Gurgaon, which provides learners with in-depth information, expertise, and experience on the subject.
SDK ITS Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Institute of Digital Marketing is all about practice and theory; our seminars offer both theoretical and practical exposure for students to gain. Join SDK ITS Solutions Pvt. Ltd.'s top Digital Marketing training in Gurgaon to get speedy Digital Marketing instruction, a low course price, and placement following the Ab initio course.
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Top 10 Digital Marketing Course in Ahmedabad For 2025
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In today’s fast-paced digital world, having a strong understanding of digital marketing is essential. Whether you’re a student, a business owner, or a working professional, mastering digital marketing can help you boost your career and grow your business. Ahmedabad, being one of the fastest-growing cities in India, offers some excellent options for digital marketing courses. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 digital marketing courses in Ahmedabad.
1. ASDM – Digital Marketing Institute in Ahmedabad
ASDM (Ahmedabad School of Digital Marketing) has consistently been the top choice for individuals seeking high-quality Best digital marketing Course in Ahmedabad. Established in 2012, ASDM has trained more than 10,000 students and professionals. With a curriculum designed by industry experts, ASDM ensures that their students are industry-ready.
Key Highlights:
100% Job Assistance: ASDM offers comprehensive job placement support.
Industry Expert Trainers: Learn from professionals with over 10+ years of experience.
Advanced Curriculum: ASDM covers all major aspects like SEO, SEM, Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing, and more.
Live Projects: Practical exposure through live projects.
Certifications: Students receive globally recognized certificates from Google, HubSpot, and more.
If you’re serious about making a career in digital marketing, ASDM should be your top choice.
2. Digital Vidya
Digital Vidya is another leading digital marketing training institute in Ahmedabad, known for its comprehensive courses. They have a wide range of programs, from basic digital marketing to advanced analytics and social media marketing.
Key Highlights:
Partnership with Google and LinkedIn
10+ years of training experience
Flexible learning modules
3. Learning Catalyst
Learning Catalyst offers tailored digital marketing courses that are best suited for individuals seeking a more personalized learning experience. Their course covers essential topics like SEO, PPC, and social media management.
Key Highlights:
Personalized mentorship
In-depth content modules
Flexible schedule
4. MICA – Digital Marketing Certification
MICA, located in Ahmedabad, offers one of the most prestigious digital marketing courses. Their programs are ideal for professionals looking to advance their careers in marketing or business development.
Key Highlights:
Renowned faculty
Strategic digital marketing focus
Advanced marketing concepts
5. BrandVeda
BrandVeda offers a practical approach to digital marketing training. Their modules are designed to provide real-world insights into how digital marketing works in different industries.
Key Highlights:
Affordable fees
Hands-on practical training
Focus on live projects
6. iVIPAN
iVIPAN is a highly reputed institute known for its digital marketing courses. They offer comprehensive training on SEO, SEM, and social media marketing.
Key Highlights:
Extensive study material
Live projects
Experienced trainers
7. W3 Marketing School
W3 Marketing School is known for its excellent curriculum and personalized coaching. They offer a wide variety of courses suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals.
Key Highlights:
Flexible timings
Industry-specific projects
Certifications from Google, Facebook
8. Proideators
Proideators is another excellent choice if you’re looking for advanced digital marketing courses. They provide practical-oriented learning and a wide range of digital marketing certifications.
Key Highlights:
Industry-recognized certifications
Real-time projects
Expert trainers
9. Digital Sandip Academy
Digital Sandip Academy is a well-known name in the digital marketing education space. They offer courses that are designed to meet the needs of students and working professionals.
Key Highlights:
Expert trainers
Advanced tools and techniques
Career counseling and placement support
10. IIDE – Indian Institute of Digital Education
IIDE offers an excellent array of digital marketing courses. Their courses are known for their practical approach and are taught by professionals with years of experience in the field.
Key Highlights:
Hands-on training
Career support
Industry-recognized certifications
Conclusion
Choosing the right digital marketing course in Ahmedabad can be a game-changer for your career. With institutes like ASDM offering advanced curriculums, live projects, and job assistance, you can be assured of quality education and excellent career prospects. Whether you are just starting out or looking to upskill, there’s a course in this list that will suit your needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Enroll in the best digital marketing course in Ahmedabad today, and take the first step towards a successful digital marketing career!
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How does computer science help me in my career development?
How Computer Science Can Accelerate Your Career Development
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It is astonishing how computer science impacts various industries today and how it can be used in our lives today and not only in constructing software and systems. Computer Science education thus makes one ready for the labor market and avails many options to develop one’s career. Whether you work as a programmer or in a field related to your work which involves computer programmes, computer science can revolutionize how you work. Here’s how:
1. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills
What it means: Essentially, computer science is one way of solving problems through the use of computation. It is useful to learn how to analyze tasks that can seem overwhelming and then subdivide them into tasks that can be managed easily.
How it helps your career: This problem-solving ability alone can be taken to almost any kind of career. It helps you to solve problems effectively, introduce changes in your work setting and offer recommendations that may optimize the functioning of the organization. In the fields of finance, healthcare, and marketing, the need to analyze data and come up with byte and logical strategies is more important than ever before.
2. Improved Analytical Thinking
What it means:Computer science incorporates problem solving, mathematical and logical reasoning, critical thinking and analytical skills. The fact is that it enlightens you on the approach employed in decision-making using data and forms of algorithms.
How it helps your career: Sound analytical skills are very essential when it comes to decision making in all sectors. In any business strategy planning, project and research management, being able to analyze data and make a forecast in the project, you will be uniquely equipped for success.
3. Another advantage that could be attributed to online classes is that it would increase marketability for those willing to participate in the classes and open up a lot more jobs.
What it means: Computer science skills, therefore, contribute to flexible job opportunities, traditionally found in computing professions such as software engineering as well as new areas such as data science, cyber security, and artificial intelligence.
How it helps your career: Needs for people proficient in the digital world are increasing now. Being computer science skilled makes you more employable and has high probability of getting you a job with chances of having promotions. That is why knowledge of such tools as digital technologies could be a huge plus even in such non technical sectors.
4. Enhanced Technical Literacy
What it means: In today’s technological advancement computing skills including programming, algorithms, and data structures are important to have.
How it helps your career: It means that one is more likely to switch to new tools and technologies, if one has technical literacy. For those of you using elements of technology management, working with certain software, or are trying to implement certain forms of technology into organizations and teams, it can be helpful to know these workings.
5. Innovation and Creativity
What it means: Humanities is not just for the English geeks; it’s about understanding the human.
How it helps your career: Having the ability to weigh what could technology do when it comes to solving issues or enhancing procedures is a good way to stand out. This mindset is useful where there is a need for creativity such as in product innovation, start-ups or academic studies.
6. Career Flexibility and Growth
What it means: The fragmentation of the tech industry is well-documented due to its fast pace of change and the existence of starkly different roles. They allow shifts between specialties, for example, web developers and data scientists or between web developers and cybersecurity specialists, if a person has a computer science background.
How it helps your career: Career flexibility provides a chance in the case of flexible markets to be able to change to other jobs. It also places you for promotions within organizations that focus on technology or organizations that involve use of technology.
7.  Better comprehension of DT
What it means: Digital transformation is therefore the integration of digital technology into the businesses’ fabric. Computer science give a background knowledge concerning these technologies and their consequences.
How it helps your career: It is vital to grasp the meaning of digital transformation that will enable you to support strategic projects in an organization. By doing so you will be more prepared for changes and advances in the technological sphere, improve business processes, and manage digital tools for business development.
8. Networking and Professional Development
What it means: The computer science field is huge and widespread and there are many options of how to meet other like-minded individuals and progress in one’s career. 
How it helps your career: Therefore, interacting with this community means having access to possible contacts, partnerships, and valuable mentorship. Networking in tech meet up, conferences as well as on social media platforms is helpful in connecting with new employers and opportunities. 
9. Increased Earning Potential
What it means: It has been established that computer science abilities are in high demand and jobs relating to computer science often have attractive pay. 
How it helps your career: One of the most important reasons why computer science can be valuable in one’s career is that this field provides persons with a higher earning potential. In the process of attaining technical skills and experience, you qualify yourself for higher paying jobs, and equally enhanced benefits. 
Applying computer science in your planning of a career path is certainly quite valuable in enhancing its progressives Group of Education is a full - service education industry consultant, offering educational our specialization of operating and marketing effectively  Every year new technologies emerge and spread into different sectors of the economy; therefore, the knowledge and skills that the computer science offers will be relevant in charting your career.
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lexart-io · 7 months
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Hello! I am a traditional and digital artist, and I see you post a lot of images and works that have been generated through ai, and consider yourself a part of the art community here on the internet.
--Prefacing with the fact that I dont want to debate and am not here with the purpose of gatekeeping the art community. This is purely for my own curiosity, and understanding all sides of the Ai argument.--
I mean nothing judgemental or malicious by asking, although I do acknowledge it may sound that way by the nature of my asking. As someone who plans to pursue my own artworks made traditionally and digitally on software (like procreate) for a living, the questions I have to ask are:
- What do you gain or learn from creating images with Ai? what do you take away from it?
- What meaning do you find in creating those images? What do you want to say with it?
- In what way do you find yourself an artist? What are the unique skills that you have because of this method of image creation?
Thanks for your time and consideration in this, and Thank you for sticking around to read all of that. (I acknowledge that its a bit of a wall of text)
hello! no worries, i don't think your questions come off as judgmental or malicious at all, and i'm always more than happy to offer my thoughts / perspective on this topic to anyone who inquires. i think there's A LOT to be said on it, so hopefully my own incoming massive wall of text isn't too much haha.
i'm going to answer your questions in a slightly different order than you asked because i think it will help the overall flow of my explanations:
In what way do you find yourself an artist? i have a lifelong background in art. in high school and college, acrylic paint on canvas was my primary medium. also, i first downloaded Photoshop when i was 13 years old and started teaching myself to use it so i could create forum "signatures" for people on a gaming forum that i frequented at the time haha. in high school, i nearly maxed out the number of art classes i took and won a Scholastic Gold Key art award (the highest regional award) for a digital piece i made in one of my art classes. the other form of "art" that i've always been passionate about is computer programming. i started when i was 12 years old (with Visual Basic 3, which i taught myself) and continue to take on programming projects as a hobby to this day. currently i have over 10 years of (ongoing) professional graphic design experience, both freelance and in marketing director roles.
What do you gain or learn from creating images with Ai? what do you take away from it? my interest with AI began not from an artistic motivation, but rather from a nerdy computer programming motivation. working with AI is wildly fascinating and fun. it's an odd mix of creative outlets (visual, verbal, programming), which exercises a creative spot within my brain that i never even knew existed. click here to check out my previous post where i describe my workflow with ai. i'm not just typing prompts into a box and hitting generate. to me, that isn't creative enough and i don't really find the results to be all that interesting (though there are a few prompt-artists whom i find their work to be extraordinary, for the most part that whole direction is kinda boring in my opinion). i train ai models myself, often on really obscure or abstracted ideas / concepts / aesthetics. then i use those models to combine these unrelated concepts, rendering a batch of images which i use as a dataset to train a new model, which i then use to repeat this process ad infinitum (so my work is a constant evolution built upon everything preceding it). the work that i post here are my daily experiments, as i test out models and combine ideas. so what i gain from this is a deeper understanding of how machine learning tech works, a means of keeping up with generative ai technology as it continues to quickly advance, how to visually train ai models on concepts that are increasingly detached from visual reality, and (most importantly) a creative workflow that really, truly vibes with my soul's deepest passions. it's hard to really describe that last one... but you know that feeling you get as you're actively exercising your creative impulses on a medium that really connects with you on a deeper level? training ai, as nerdy as this sounds, is that for me. the "art" is not necessarily in the images themselves, but in the act of training ai models (because the process of training ai is not a standardized thing whatsoever, there are hundreds of settings and variables at play and every single person has their own methods which generally evolve with experience) and how you interact with these models on a verbal level (through text prompting) to render your imagination.
What meaning do you find in creating those images? What do you want to say with it? honestly, i think a lot of the "ai art" scene is made up of "delusional artists" who think whatever they generate from a basic text prompt is somehow deep and meaningful art haha. but that said, i do stand firm in my belief that even THAT is by definition still "art". there is human creative impulse behind it. ai is the tool and the human is the user of said tool. this particular tool can make creating things very easy, but at the end of the day it does still require some level of creative human input to do anything. as with any artistic tool or medium, i think that what you get out of it depends entirely upon what you put into it. more effort and time = more quality and meaning. text prompting for ai generated images is sort of the most "superficial" layer of the "ai art" scene. the phenomenon of delusional artists exists across ALL forms of art, so it's not just unique to ai. it seems like there is a large percentage of the population who, upon starting to learn a new creative outlet, have an overly grandiose view of their own work after they first start making things. they're so proud of what they created that it blinds them from seeing it for what it really is. they'll gloat about it online, they'll try to sell it for outrageous prices, etc and look super cringy in the process. some people eventually grow out of that and suddenly gain the self-awareness that "oh shit actually that art kinda sucked and i looked super inexperienced", but other times they never realize that and stay cringy. because ai art is so new and so many folks are just now jumping on, i think we're seeing a much higher percentage of this delusional artist phenomenon within this field at the moment, where everyone is so proud of what they're making and not realizing how lame it actually looks to people who know what they're doing. and, again for the record, i do still consider that stuff to be art (and so i mean no offense to anyone when i say these things). it's just really basic art, and i think most people will either grow past this phase (and learn to take these tools a lot deeper) or lose interest in it altogether - just as they do with other artistic endeavors like painting, ceramics, using Photoshop, making music in Ableton, etc, etc. i would classify 99% of my work as under the "concept art" category. it exists as a result of my daily experiments as i learn / discover my way deeper and deeper into machine learning technology. it generally explores scifi themes (robotics in particular) because i find that to be most creatively titillating, but it is not necessarily meant to convey any deeper meaning beyond purely imaginative visual pursuits that look toward the future. which is also why i don't sell my work or push the idea of it being profound in anyway. it's just daily exercise, but i absolutely love that so many other people enjoy looking at it (i'm somehow up to nearly 9000 followers here, which is kinda mind-blowing to me). i've been putting nearly every single spare hour of every single day for the last several years into this so it really means a lot to not only see my skillset improving over time, but to also gain such an audience for it in the process too. 🙏😭
What are the unique skills that you have because of this method of image creation? for me, the WHOLE point of all of this is knowledge and experience working with generative ai tools. this technology exists now and it won't be going away. the genie is out of the bottle, so to speak. i think absolutely any artist (but digital artists in particular) would only be doing themselves a tremendous disservice by not learning to use this tool immediately. being a stick in the mud about it is not going to stop this technology, nor will it save you in 10 years from getting let go at your job and replaced by some younger artist who learned this technology while getting a degree in graphic design and can pump out quality assets 100x faster than you ever could. don't wait until then to start learning this stuff because you will already be sooo far behind at that point. get involved right now, right this second; you will be on the ground floor of an incredible technology and able to keep up with the advancements as they happen, putting you in a much stronger position in the future. don't take it too seriously, just do it for fun and then thank yourself in 10 years when you're 100x more experienced than the younger artist who recently graduated with a graphic design degree. i recently met a graphic designer who somehow never learned to use Photoshop. they do everything the "old school" way - literally cutting, pasting, and drawing things by hand. that was fine 30+ years ago, but now they cannot get hired anywhere. they put off learning Photoshop for so long because they assumed that their excellent skills and truly beautiful eye for design would be enough to carry their career forward forever, without needing to keep up with the technical advancements. but in the modern world, no business wants a designer like that anymore; having strong Photoshop experience is a bare minimum. old school designers who did not keep up were ultimately pushed out entirely. in 10, 20, or even 30 years from now, you don't want to be that old person taking night classes at the local university to try to save your career. get ahead of it, jump on board and invest in your future! i truly believe that you will start to discover creative new ways to integrate it into your current workflow and you will become a stronger (and more marketable) artist in the process. :)
sorry for the huge post and hopefully everything makes sense lmao. feel free to reach out with more questions any time. particularly if you want help getting started in the realm of ai-assisted art and design. i'm always more than happy to help!
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nikhatahmed · 1 month
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How to Switch Careers to Digital Marketing?
Today we will discuss Digital Marketing. What is Digital Marketing and its Scope?
Introduction:
Digital Marketing is the blend of traditional marketing principles that uses internet and online based digital technologies such as desktop, computers, mobile phones, and other digital media. 
After COVID-19, Digital Marketing has bloomed to a great height. Digital Marketing has been a crucial element in helping businesses recover and grow after the major hit of pandemic. 
Scope:
As the field of Digital Marketing is growing rapidly and provides flexibility and diverse opportunities across industries, more and more people are being attracted and making their career transition to Digital Marketing.
There are many ways to pursue a Digital Marketing career even without a relevant degree. Success in Digital Marketing depends on many factors such as practical skills, online certifications and real time experience rather than formal education.
If you enjoy communication, creativity and technology, then Digital Marketing is the right career path for you. Particularly it suits those who have interest and are passionate about content creation, data analysis, and continuous learning and who enjoy working in a fast paced environment.
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5 Steps to High Paying Digital Marketing Career Guide:
Step 1: Ask yourself ‘’Is it the Right Fit for me’’ - if YES - How to Start?
Access AADME’s Free Digital Marketing Training and Subscribe to its Free YouTube Channel to watch 500+ videos on Digital Marketing and learn how Digital Marketing can help a Business. 
ALERT: Don’t over-spend your time on so many different channels as there is a high chance that you may be misguided with false information and fake dreams by those who may offer you Quick Rich Schemes.
Go for Live classes and avoid any recorded material because recorded materials are often not updated as per industry trends
Learn Marketing fundamentals
Check the experience of the Trainer on LinkedIn and other Social Media channels
Check for any Internship Program with Live client Projects
Invest at least 3-4 months of Learning and Implementing
Get Certificates from Google, Hubspot etc.
Step 2: Build your Social Media Profile - A Personal Brand is the Best Attention of Premium Recruiters
Build a Blog to showcase your write ups
Work on a Beta Project such as SEO, Paid Media, Copy Writing etc.
You may start an YouTube/Instagram Handle
Build an attractive LinkedIn Profile
Step 3: Build a Quantified CV and Practice Mock Interview:
Go through the Demo CV
Start pitching your profiles to your Dream Companies
Update Profiles in Job portals
Step 4: Soft Skills:
Writing Skills
Researching Skills
Adaptability
Persuasion Skills
Analytical Skills
Step 5: Biggest Myth: Shall I learn Everything or just Master only one Module?
Dont narrow down your skills
Be an expert in all areas of your domain
Learn T-Shaped marketing
Master in One Specific Discipline; however, you must have broad knowledge in various areas of Digital Marketing
There are various training programs available in the market; however, AADME’s Premium Business Leadership Program can transform your dream career into a BIG reality.
Do you want to be a part of World’s Number 1 Premium Internship Based Digital Marketing and Business Leadership Program? Click on this link to get more information.
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pingmedia11 · 1 month
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The Best Digital Marketing Course in Agra
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Pingmedia stands out as one of the leading providers of Digital Marketing Course in Agra. Renowned for its comprehensive and practical approach, Ping media Digital Marketing Course is designed to equip students, professionals, and business owners with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the dynamic field of digital marketing.
Course Overview
Pingmedia’s Digital Marketing Course is meticulously crafted to cover a wide range of topics essential for mastering digital marketing. The course is structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges.
Key Features:
Comprehensive Curriculum: The course covers all crucial aspects of digital marketing, including SEO, SEM, SMM, content marketing, email marketing, and more.
Practical Training: Emphasis on hands-on learning through live projects and real-world scenarios.
Experienced Trainers: Learn from industry experts with extensive experience in digital marketing.
Flexible Learning Options: Available in both online and offline formats to cater to diverse needs.
Certification: Industry-recognized certification upon successful completion of the course.
Detailed Course Modules
Introduction to Digital Marketing
Overview of digital marketing and its importance
Key digital marketing channels and strategies
Understanding digital marketing metrics and KPIs
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
On-page and off-page SEO techniques
Keyword research and implementation
Technical SEO and website optimization
Tools for SEO analysis and tracking
Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
Introduction to Google Ads and PPC campaigns
Creating effective ad copy and landing pages
Budget management and bid strategies
Analyzing and optimizing campaign performance
Social Media Marketing (SMM)
Developing strategies for various social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn)
Content creation and curation
Social media advertising and analytics
Community management and engagement
Content Marketing
Crafting high-quality content for blogs, websites, and social media
Content planning and strategy
Techniques for content distribution and promotion
Measuring content effectiveness and ROI
Email Marketing
Building and managing email lists
Designing effective email campaigns and newsletters
Automation and personalization strategies
Analyzing email marketing metrics
Affiliate Marketing
Understanding affiliate marketing models and networks
Setting up and managing affiliate programs
Performance tracking and optimization
Best practices for working with affiliates
E-Commerce Marketing
Strategies for promoting online stores and products
Utilizing e-commerce platforms and tools
Product listing optimization and customer reviews
Handling promotions and sales campaigns
Mobile Marketing
Mobile marketing trends and strategies
App marketing and mobile advertising
SMS marketing and push notifications
Analyzing mobile marketing performance
Analytics and Reporting
Introduction to Google Analytics and other analytics tools
Tracking and interpreting website traffic and user behavior
Creating and presenting comprehensive reports
Using data to drive marketing decisions
Online Reputation Management (ORM)
Monitoring and managing online reputation
Strategies for handling negative feedback and reviews
Building and maintaining a positive online image
Web Design and Development Basics
Understanding the importance of a well-designed website
Basics of HTML, CSS, and WordPress
UX/UI design principles
Ensuring website speed and mobile responsiveness
Why Choose Pingmedia?
Expert Trainers: Pingmedia’s course is led by industry professionals with extensive experience and expertise in digital marketing. Their real-world insights and practical knowledge provide a valuable learning experience.
Practical Learning: The course includes hands-on training with live projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. This practical experience is crucial for building confidence and competence.
Flexibility: With options for both online and offline learning, Pingmedia accommodates different learning preferences and schedules, making it easier for students to balance their education with other commitments.
Career Support: Pingmedia provides robust career support, including resume building, interview preparation, and job placement assistance. The institute’s strong industry connections also facilitate internship and job placement opportunities.
Certification: The course culminates in an industry-recognized certification, which enhances employability and demonstrates proficiency in digital marketing.
Up-to-Date Curriculum: The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest trends and changes in the digital marketing landscape, ensuring that students learn the most current and relevant practices.
Target Audience
Students: Ideal for recent graduates or those pursuing degrees who want to start a career in digital marketing.
Professionals: Suitable for marketing professionals seeking to enhance their digital marketing skills and stay updated with industry trends.
Business Owners: Perfect for entrepreneurs looking to boost their online presence and drive business growth.
Freelancers: Great for individuals wanting to offer digital marketing services to clients.
Conclusion
Ping media Digital Marketing Course in Agra is a premier choice for anyone looking to build or advance their career in digital marketing. With its comprehensive curriculum, practical training, and expert instruction, the course equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive digital landscape. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your skills, Pingmedia provides a valuable educational experience that can help you achieve your goals.
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insipid-drivel · 2 years
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Y2K’s Forgotten Heroes And The Looming Threat of 2038
I feel like sharing some information about the 90′s to people here. Particularly about Y2K, aka Internet Armageddon That Didn’t Happen In 2000 Thanks To People You Haven’t Heard Of Like My Mom.
My mom, among her teammates and people tasked with similar roles to her, never get any recognition for the work they did in keeping computers across the globe functioning in 2000. She was a project manager among a group of overstressed, underappreciated people that worked at a company called Intel that are responsible for preventing a global societal collapse in 1999. Y2K being allowed to happen the way people thought it would (and really, it was going to be worse than even Intel could forecast and they still don’t know how bad it would’ve been) would’ve undoubtedly destroyed the fabric of the internet in 1999 and 2000, and therefore, no social media platforms like this Hellsite right here. She’s actually on tumblr and has been following the Muskrat’s destruction of Twitter with mute, techie horror.
In the years leading up to 2000, the world was panicking on its tenderhooks due to the looming crisis that was Y2K. For those of you that are either too young to remember or just didn’t know about it, Y2K was a big deal. A planet-alteringly big deal. A “We don’t know how much would’ve crashed and burned in our world’s society and economy if we’d ignored it,” big deal. tl;dr: All computer software around the world wasn’t programmed to have their internal clocks transfer to January 1st, 2000. Instead, what was going to happen was every functioning computer in the world running Intel software - on New Years Eve, 1999 - would change calendars to January 1st, 1900.
This was a catastrophic prospect for everyone impacted by the computer age. People receiving social security benefits and paying off formal loans with interest rates would suddenly receive benefits and payment rates documented in 1900. NORAD, the international weather-tracking service kids use to track Santa on Christmas Eve and that warns people of natural disasters like hurricanes, would have gone dark with no timestamps to indicate major shifts in weather. Entire governments would lose all digital contact with one another. The WHO and CDC would go dark. Hospital networks would’ve gone down. The Stock Market would’ve gone to shit. No one in the world would’ve been immune. If Japan suffered a massive, horrific famine due directly to the 1929 crash of the US Stock Market before the Internet, imagine what would’ve happened if the very screens that displayed the global stock market records to major metropolitan cities around the world just... stopped working in 2000. Went dark. Blue-screened. An entire system built upon split-second trades, bids, buyouts, and reports for trade around the world would’ve shut down for a lot longer than just a split second.
By the time it was almost the year 2000, the Internet as we knew it was like a gigantic, invisible, planet-sized Rube Goldberg machine that a comparatively microscopic group of people were tasked with repairing before it could fail in ways they couldn’t foretell, without being able to live-test any of their solutions. It was “Fuck it, we’re doing it live!” to the extreme. Most of the programmers that had built the infrastructure for the Internet and computer technology as we recognize it, all the way back in the 60′s, were retired, dead, no longer working in those sectors, or simply hadn’t kept up with changes in the technology and couldn’t be brought up to speed to help in time. Even the highest echelons of the management at Intel itself didn’t really consider Y2K to be a big concern, except for my mom’s department. I still have lingering anxiety and trauma from hearing the sound of a woman’s voice shouting with panic and anger, because she was the one literally shouting into her phone to “Nah, we’ll be fine,” Luddite tech giants that NO, NOTHING WAS FINE AND EVERYTHING WAS GOING TO BE VERY BAD from the time I was born in 1992 to January 1st, 2000.
Any programs and companies relying upon Microsoft software, even Word and Excel, would have either suffered catastrophic errors, or ceased to function altogether, too. The team handling Y2K didn’t know how bad it could’ve actually gotten at the time, and they were still responsible for stopping it. To this day, my mom and the rest of the team members that worked with her can’t actually say how much of our technological lives would’ve been destroyed if they’d done nothing. The potential destruction was literally unfathomable. The global economy relied on computers and tech by the time Y2K became a major topic of concern to experts, much less casual everyday users.
This was before WiFi. This was before smartphones. HotSpots? The stuff of cyberpunk fantasies. This was before most cell phones had a text feature; you carried your cell phone and a pager separately, and if you thought character limits on Twitter were bad? lol. Ever had to make a collect call in a phone booth? Do you have any idea how badly we’d freak each other out over the thought of the germs on those things? If you couldn’t afford a collect call, which cost for every minute you were talking, you had to get creative and learn to say who you were and where you were to someone in the, “Caller, at the tone, please state only your name, beep” 3-second window of free time you got to contact someone.
You could’ve been stuck in a bad neighborhood at 3am. Taxis didn’t pick up hitchhikers like they do in New York, and you could screw off if you didn’t have cash on you; credit cards were mostly used at malls and supermarkets, and retail workers from the 90′s to this day still have the question “Credit or debit?” burned into their souls. You needed coins as well as bills and credit cards. It was still common to pay for groceries with a paper check, because you carried a checkbook around with you everywhere as an adult. There was no RideShare service with anyone but a serial killer, because yeah, serial killers loved targeting stranded pedestrians back then and that’s why nobody hitchhikes anymore. Homicidal freaks like The Green River Killer (Gary Ridgway) and BTK (Dennis Rader) were still at large and unidentified. It was thanks to revolutions in tech and computers that they were caught at all; BTK having been busted thanks to metadata and TIME STAMPS on a floppy disk.
AOL was still one of the top ISPs and email services to the United States. You would receive installation CDs for AOL in children’s cereal boxes like prizes. Dial-up was still a normal part of life. Blockbuster was renting out Nintendo 64 games along with VHS movies. DVD players were revolutionary. Barnes & Noble and Borders were still competing. The FBI still warned you at the start of a movie that piracy was illegal while almost every VHS had a “record” setting you could use with impunity. Amazon was primarily an online bookstore. J.K. Rowling was just some closeted TERF that just published her first weird, popular British fairytale about some kid that went to a school for wizards where goblins were real but black people weren’t. You could get a copy at the Scholastic Book Faire if your school library didn’t have it. MySpace wasn’t a thing. YouTube didn’t exist. Cell phones were big and sturdy enough to be used as a lethal weapon. AskJeeves was one of the most popular search engines because, fuck it, Jeeves was a dapper butler and asking him questions was fun. A phone call could disconnect you from the internet unless you paid for multiple lines. DSL was seen as the newest, hottest, next-gen concept. The World Trade Center was still standing and present in the generic backdrops of nearly every daytime or New York-based news or talk show. Mr. Rogers, Bill Nye, and Bob Ross were amazing children on PBS between episodes of Reading Rainbow and Sesame Street while people were shell-shocked over Princess Diana’s death. Pluto was still classified as a planet. Wishbone was a Jack Russel Terrier that reenacted famous literary adventures.
Germany was being cajoled into reunifying after Mr. Gorbachev agreed to take the wall down. Namibia was a new country and no longer part of South Africa. We were losing our minds over photos from the brand new Hubble Space Telescope. Yugoslavia existed. Czechoslovakia was splitting. We were learning to call the USSR “Russia” again. Yemen was being unified. The Human Genome Project had just been announced. The Cold War was finally over!
Meanwhile, my mom worked as a project manager at Intel specifically tasked with replacing and/or reprogramming any and all Intel computer software with extended time stamps past 1999, for the entire technological world. You’re here, right now, reading this very post in part thanks to her and her team’s exhaustive years of work to change and update the entire world’s software. If it required anything from Intel to function or had to co-function with Intel, it was part of my mom’s job to beat the literal countdown to January 1st, 2000.
If she and her team failed, it was lights out. She was bouncing me on her knee while fielding calls from everywhere from Silicon Valley, California, to London, England, to Beirut, Lebanon, to Tokyo, Japan. My every day around her was nothing but tech-talk when it was actually in English. Those incredibly intelligent, clever, gifted men and women from around the world spared not a single second for themselves when it came to their singular, united focus on stopping Y2K from bringing the entire global economy and communications to their knees.
My mom didn’t take maternity leave with my baby brother in 1998; she telecommuted instead in order to keep working. When she would go on business trips almost every week, she would bring me back plush toys of dolls in clean-room Intel Bunny Suits instead of stuffed animals. Stopping Y2K was too important.
And you know what happened? Nothing. 2000 rolled around, and the first thing to start were conspiracy theories that Y2K had been made up, or that Y2K itself had been its own conspiracy theory to trick users into buying new computers and software. In fact, the people responsible for preventing Y2K turned an impending global disaster into what is now known as “the first challenge of the 21st century successfully met.“
And yet, to this very day, the real people responsible for fixing everything before it had a chance to break go unmentioned and unrecognized. They never received fanfare or thanks, but scrutiny and skepticism instead. Can you imagine doing a job so well and so efficiently that the entire modern world either ignored you, or even got pissed at you because things didn’t fall apart? Their children - me included - grew up steeped in the understanding and fear that if we tried to demand more attention from them, we were stopping them from saving the world as we knew it.
So, as you finish reading this, I ask you to go out there and learn about “The 2038 Problem”. While it’s being handled differently thanks to the precedent my mom and her fellow badass, dedicated teammates set, it still has to be handled in time, just like Y2K. The original team may have been left to disappear into obscurity, so the very least we can do is thank the hard-working people that are toiling away as we speak to keep the lights on again in 2038.
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