#How to Become a Data Analyst with No Experience

[herovired12]

How To Become a Data Analyst With No Experience by Hero Vired offers a comprehensive guide for aspiring data analysts. It covers essential skills, tools, and strategies needed to enter the field, even without experience. The resource emphasizes practical learning and real-world applications to build confidence and competence in data analysis. Click here to learn more.

[mariacallous]

Dr. Phil filming a ride-along with ICE agents, interviewing apparent migrants, and making it look like an episode of Cops feels like something I’d dream up after taking a little too much melatonin and scrolling TikTok before bed.

But instead, the “contentification” of President Donald Trump’s policy is indeed the logical next step for a team that won the election with the help of influencers and content creators. Following suit, Trump’s cabinet has basically created the White House’s own cinematic universe.

Only a few days after her confirmation, Kristi Noem, Trump’s Department of Homeland Security secretary, was filmed alongside Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducting an operation. “I’m here in New York City,” Noem told the camera in a vertical video, wearing a bulletproof vest and with a fresh blowout. “We’re getting these dirtbags off these streets.”

Back in December, I wrote that we should not only expect the government to continue its work with influencers but also to become influencers themselves. This week it became clear that this is what the Trump administration has been planning to do with its cabinet leaders all along. They’re not just leading the government, they’re making content while doing it.

Look at who Trump nominated for cabinet positions. Nearly across the board, these nominees have experience playing it up for the camera. Noem is a MAGA media veteran, often appearing on networks like Newsmax to discuss topics of the day. Linda McMahon, wife to former WWE CEO Vince McMahon, has gotten in the wrestling ring a time or two herself. Over the course of his presidential campaign, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. couldn’t get enough of the media, appearing on Joe Rogan’s podcast and anywhere else that would have him. And of course, Pete Hegseth is a former Fox News host. On Tuesday, CNN chief media analyst Brian Stelter wrote that these ICE raids were crafted with television and the internet in mind.

Before his first week in office, Trump had played casting director. Now, we’re getting the pilot episodes.

Still, it’s not like all that much has changed in terms of digital infrastructure at these agencies. It might just be that the GOP is doing it better—and giving their audience what it wants. Even under the Biden administration, DHS and ICE organized ride-alongs with the media, especially with MAGA-friendly broadcasters like Fox News. The agencies would often post photos of enforcement officers cuffing alleged migrants on platforms like X as well. Most of the multimedia staffers are career employees with few slots for political appointees, according to a source familiar with DHS’s public affairs office.

But as Stelter wrote yesterday, the tone of the content is different. And that’s likely a result of the onscreen talent. You’re going to get an entirely different product when working with media veterans like Dr. Phil and Noem. The only Biden cabinet secretary that could rival those two was Pete Buttigieg.

While all of this is happening, the Democrats are waiting to elect a new director before they can even think about casting. On Saturday, Democrats will be voting on their next party chair. There are nearly a dozen people running to fill the spot, but the election is mainly seen as a two-man race between Wisconsin party chair Ben Wikler and Ken Martin, a DNC vice chair.

Wikler, Martin, and many other candidates appeared on a virtual forum Tuesday night specifically focused on the DNC’s future in tech and media. For about an hour, they were asked how they would revamp the party’s data infrastructure and tackle new media. Many of them appeared anxious to take it on.

When I first started covering this beat, Wikler was constantly pitched to me as an example of a Democratic party official who was doing digital the right way. I spoke with him in December, where he reinforced that Democrats needed to respond to the changing media environment quickly if they planned to win elections in the near future. On Tuesday night, Wikler went on to suggest that the DNC create its own innovation lab focused on keeping up with their opposition.

“You need to build a culture of curiosity, innovation, experimentation, and iteration, knowing that many things won’t work,” Wikler said Tuesday night. “So you need to try even more things.”

Martin wants to do something similar by building an “Information War Room” more focused on fighting misinformation.

“That Information War Room will become the hub for better, ongoing, constant digital communications with real-time analytics and also with social listening, so we understand where the misinformation and disinformation is being pumped out, and as part of that, we need to recruit trusted messengers, influencers, creators, and their networks to communicate over the long haul,” Martin said.

That war room already exists on the right. The Trump campaign hosted influencers for special debate war rooms, and the same person who ran the Trump campaign’s war room has now been appointed “war room director” for the White House.

Faiz Shakir, a former Bernie Sanders adviser and the executive director of More Perfect Union, is also running for DNC chair, and he sees things differently. Instead of simply partnering with creators, he envisions a DNC that acts as its own media network. “You don't just sprinkle fairy dust on a Mobilize link or YouTube link,” he said. “We should be raising money right now for the national Meals on Wheels Association, Head Start for America, just raise money for them and build engagement. Do actions on the ground with people, send videographers. This is what I'm doing right now at More Perfect Union.”

On Saturday, Democrats will choose who they want leading the party and taking on what will likely be a massive digital rebrand. During Tuesday’s forum, many of the candidates promised to move past the “boom-and-bust” periods of investing in digital and then stripping programs down to the bones between election cycles.

But it’s hard to imagine they’ll be able to keep up. Republicans have invested in this for years, and Trump has clearly brought it all to the White House. Plus, season two has just begun.

[amathslutsguidetofandom]

you already know what i’m gonna ask for lol. i need my airport man my love. what do you think would’ve happened if he asked me for my number instead of WALKING AWAY or if i magically found him in duty free. BETTER YET what if he just happened to be on the same flight as me?

let’s pretend airport man is steve rogers please. the blonde and that accent gives steve vibes.

Need A Hand? - 1

PAIRINGS: Steve Rogers x Reader

SUMMARY: Flying back to Washington for a family event, you were already ready for it to be over in a week. You didn't want to face the comments from your family about your life as a single working woman. But what happens when you walk into the event accompanied by the stranger you sat next to on the plane? What if that stranger isn't really a stranger?

WARNINGS: Swearing, comments about loneliness from family members, a creepy guy

WORD COUNT: 1,877

ENJOY!

You knew the coffee was cold before the liquid hit your tongue, but you still needed the caffeine. Tipping your head back, you downed the whole thing quickly.

Wincing at the bitter taste, you threw the cardboard cup in the nearest trash can. You knew a 2am flight wouldn’t be the best experience, but you were not going to drive all the way.

You were on the last available flight. You knew your dumbass should’ve booked an earlier ticket, but can you really blame yourself? It’s the middle of December, and people are being stuffed onto planes, wanting to get back to their families for Christmas.

You?

You didn’t want to visit Washington; you had already built your life in the city.

Your family was shocked when you finally revealed you got the position as a Data Analyst at Stark Industries; however, they were even more shocked at your urgency to move ASAP.

They didn’t know that the reason you moved to NYC was because you wanted to leave the nagging and constant subtle unwanted comments behind. It would’ve been one month since you last visited home for Thanksgiving, which didn’t turn out great either; your grandmother made comments on how you didn’t have a man yet.

Rolling your carry-on behind you with one hand, you adjusted the backpack hanging off your shoulders with the other. Your eyes scanned the large gate numbers in hopes of finding the right one.

GATE 23.

You sighed and started heading in the direction of your gate. When you did find a seat in the plethora of people, you called dibs with your eyes and sat down, scrolling mindlessly on social media for the next half an hour.

-------

The aisle seat was somewhat ideal; economy wasn’t the best, but it was something you had to deal with for the next three hours. The man next to you had already started becoming a problem. He started small talk, and you gave in for a while.

“Going to see family?” he asked, looking at you with a wide grin.

You returned a pursed smile, not really wanting to interact with strangers this early in the morning.

 “Yeah, family stuff,” you replied, securing your seatbelt and tightening it to fit your waist.

The questions were normal until the man started getting personal. “Got a boyfriend?” he smiled sleazily, and you cringed on the inside.

You fake smiled and replied, “no.” He nodded and gave you a weird smirk. “Why? You’re a gorgeous thing.”

You shuddered slightly and went back to looking at your phone, but he didn’t get the signal. The suggestions he kept throwing your way made you want to gag.

Thankfully, a flight attendant did see you become uncomfortable for a while, and she, in a few minutes, made her way to you.

“Ma’am, we do have a seat up front in business class. In case you are up for the offer?” She smiled sweetly at you but harshly at the man next to you.

You nodded and got up immediately. “I’d like that,” you said, smiling at your savior. “See ya,” you said bitterly to the man next to you and followed the flight attendant after getting your carry-on down from the cabin.

-------

The seats were plusher and nicer; you groaned in comfort when you sank yourself into it. You were sipping on some wine the flight attendant, the one that helped you, poured into a glass and handed over to you.

You gazed outside through the window, enjoying your peace and quiet, until someone cleared their throat in the aisle.

“Sorry, Ma’am, but I, um, I’m your neighbour for the next few hours,” the infamous blonde man chuckled shyly and scratched the back of his neck.

“Oh, shit, yeah. Sorry,” you got up quickly and allowed him to sidle past your seat and sit down, then he shoved his backpack under the seat in front of him. You sat back down and continued to sip on your wine, feeling a tad bit awkward sitting next to Captain America.

“I’m Steve, by the way,” he extended his hand.

You shifted the glass to your left hand, then told him your name while shaking his hand with your right. “I mean, yeah, I know who you are already. So…” you laughed nervously. He chuckled at your answer, “yeah?” To which you nodded again and went back to staring at the seat in front of you.

The lights in the plane dimmed, and you flagged down a flight attendant to hand your glass back to her. Members of the crew made their way up and down the aisle until three of them settled in three different sections of the plane to start the safety demonstration You listened mindlessly, while your heart jogged for a mile as the thought of sitting next to Steve Rogers finally sank in. He did listen to the safety demonstration and actually read the safety brochures, which were tucked into the seat in front of him. Soon, the flight attendants were preparing for take-off.

“What’s taking you to Washington?” Steve asked you, facing your direction. You made eye contact and saw the soft smile he threw your way; you instantly melted in your seat and smiled back.

“Oh, my sister is getting married,” you nodded and adjusted the neck pillow around your neck. He nodded and crossed his arms over his muscled chest. “I see.”

“What about you? I’m guessing something related to ‘Captain America’?” You chuckled nervously as you felt the plane rumble slightly. He laughed at your assumption, “you would think so, but no. Just wanted to visit the place again.”

You nodded in understanding but quickly reached for the armrest when the plane started speeding. You gripped the plastic hard and closed your eyes hard, trying to act normal when really you felt like you were in a washing machine.

“Here,” you heard him whisper. You slowly opened your eyes and saw the big open palm he was offering. You smiled in thanks, grateful for understanding, and intertwined your fingers with his before squeezing it for dear life as the plane lifted from the ground.

-------

You munched on the dry Biscoff’s they handed out during the second hour of the flight. From your peripheral, you saw Steve reading a book and at times glancing out the window.

“Hey, I just wanted to say thanks for the… you know… the hand, during take-off,” you smiled nervously, hoping that you weren’t interrupting him and his reading. He looked up from his book and bookmarked his page before closing it. “Oh, it’s no problem at all,” he smiled at you, and his eyes crinkled at the corners.

You always saw him on TV and in the trash magazines your roommate reads, never up close. And now that you were seated literally right next to him, you felt as though he’s just a regular person. It’s not like you can ask him ‘how were the 1940s’, you don’t know him on a personal level.

But you kind of do; you had to study about him in high school during history class. You know where and when he was born, the place where he grew up. Your thoughts were interrupted by the crackling of the pilot’s voice that played through the plane. You couldn’t understand the gibberish he said. “What?”

“We’re about to hit some turbulence,” Steve translated for you, and your jaw dropped.

“Great, more reasons as to why I should’ve driven,” you rubbed your eyes.

 He laughed at your annoyance towards the plane you were currently flying in.

You glanced at the book he was reading and saw the title. You instantly had to hold your laugh back as you recognized the ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ book cover.

“Harry Potter, huh?” You pointed at the book in his lap. He looked down at it and nodded. “A friend of mine recommended it. Have you read it?”

You nodded quickly, “oh yeah, it was one of my favourites as a kid.” He smiled at your response.

“I’m a George Weasley girl, all the way. He’s such an underrated character,” you told him as your eyes moved from the book to him.

“Yeah, I think you could say that. But I would say that Hagrid is underrated as well,” he said, adding to your statement. You nodded along, “that is actually quite true, yeah.”

A moment of silence passed before he broke it. “If you don’t mind me asking, you mentioned about going to a wedding?” he asked, craning his neck to face you. You nodded, affirming his assumption.

“Are you going alone?” That made you raise your brows in pure shock.

“Uh, I—yeah,” you shook the confusion from your head. “Why?” You smiled, wondering why he asked you the semi-personal question.

He tucked his chin to his chest a little bit before facing you with the slightest smirk on his face. “Oh, I just thought that a gorgeous woman like you would have been going with someone already.”

You snorted, “WOW.” You really couldn’t believe he just said that.

“Why is that funny?” he smiled at you, a tad bit confused. You chuckled, “I just-��gorgeous women’? Really?”

He laughed along with you, “I can’t say I’m wrong.” You bit the inside of your cheek to prevent your grin from expanding any further.

------

The next hour or so was filled with you and Steve talking about home and what you two did back in the city.

“Stark Industries? Really?” Steve was genuinely shocked at the revelation of your workplace. He wondered how he never saw you before. He asked how it was, working as a Data Analyst for Tony, and you replied saying that Tony can be immature sometimes, but he does treat you as an equal, unlike your previous jobs.

The flight went smoothly, and you and Steve were in constant conversation. You thought that you never had a conversation this good before. You were actually a bit disappointed when the pilot announced that the plane was about to land soon.

-------

“Need a hand?” Steve asked when he saw you struggling to get your carry-on from the cabin.

“Yeah,” you nodded sheepishly. He flashed you with one of his million-dollar smiles and effortlessly brought your carry-on down from the overhead shelf. You said your thanks and replied with a ‘No problem’.

-------

Steve finally got all of his bags, but you were still standing next to the belt awaiting your final one.

“I guess this is where we part,” you laughed nervously, toying with the strings of your hoodie.

You saw it in his face; he didn’t want to leave you just yet. And you were thankful for that because you didn’t too.

“Yeah, I guess it is,” he smiled, but this time it was sad.

This was bad, really bad. You both didn’t want to leave the other.

“Have a good Christmas,” he finished the sentence off with your name, and your heart fluttered with how it rolled off his tongue. Why did you heart flutter?

You both smiled sadly at each other for the final time before he reluctantly parted ways. Why did he hesitate?

💌💌💌

Genuinely upset you couldn't get your man @yiiiikesmish, hope this helps you soothe your woes babes.

Again, if any of you lovelies want be added to the taglist. Please comment here!!🤗🤗🤗

Till' then

Stay Coquette-y,

Anya 🫶🏽🕊️🎀

[therpistlr]

The Quiet Dawn: A Journey Through Schizoid Shadows"

Chapter 1: The Island of Self

For as long as Liam could remember, he felt like an observer of life rather than a participant. Relationships felt like obligations, emotions were puzzles he couldn’t solve, and solitude was his sanctuary. His apartment was a fortress of books, music, and routines—safe, predictable, and utterly isolating.

At 32, Liam worked remotely as a data analyst, a job that required minimal human interaction. His coworkers knew him only as a name on Slack. His family had long stopped asking why he skipped holidays. "I’m just wired differently," he’d say. But when his older sister left a voicemail about their father’s cancer diagnosis, something shifted. The call went unanswered for days, but guilt—a rare, sharp emotion—pierced his detachment.

Chapter 2: The Crack in the Wall

Liam’s first therapy session was pragmatic, not emotional. "I need strategies to handle family obligations without feeling suffocated," he told Dr. Rivera, a therapist specializing in personality dynamics. She didn’t push him to "open up" but asked curious questions: "What does safety mean to you? What’s the cost of staying detached?"

Slowly, Liam began mapping his inner world. He journaled about his childhood—a strict, emotionally distant father, a mother lost to her own depression. He’d learned early that closeness led to disappointment, so he buried his needs. Therapy became a clinical experiment: What happens if I tolerate 10 minutes of small talk? If I say ‘no’ without guilt?

Chapter 3: The Bridge of Small Risks

Dr. Rivera suggested incremental challenges:

Week 1: Attend a silent meditation group (no pressure to socialize).

Week 4: Text his sister once: "How’s Dad’s treatment going?"

Week 8: Join an online forum for niche interests (astronomy, retro video games).

Liam hated the nausea before each task, but he noticed something odd: the world didn’t end when he interacted. The meditation group’s silence felt peaceful, not threatening. His sister’s grateful reply—"He’s stable. Thanks for asking"—left him with a flicker of warmth.

Chapter 4: The Awakening of Agency

The breakthrough wasn’t emotional—it was intellectual. Liam read about schizoid adaptation as a survival mechanism, not a life sentence. "Detachment protected you," Dr. Rivera said. "But what if it’s now limiting you?"

He began reframing his choices:

Solitude ➔ Intentional alone time (instead of default isolation).

Emotional neutrality ➔ Curiosity about feelings (not pressure to "feel more").

Relationships ➔ Selective connections (quality over quantity).

When his father died, Liam attended the funeral. He didn’t cry or hug anyone, but he stayed. His sister squeezed his shoulder—"I’m glad you’re here"—and for once, he didn’t flinch.

Chapter 5: The Mosaic of Meaning

Liam didn’t become outgoing. He still loved his routines, his books, the stars. But he carved tiny spaces for connection:

A monthly board game night with two astronomy forum friends.

Volunteering at an animal shelter (dogs didn’t demand emotional labor).

Writing匿名 sci-fi stories online, where readers praised his creativity.

He learned to say "I need space" without shame and "Tell me more" without fear. Emotions remained muted, but he noticed subtle shifts—a flicker of pride when his stories resonated, a twinge of loss when his shelter-favorite dog was adopted.

Epilogue: The Quiet Dawn

At 40, Liam sits on his balcony, a rescued greyhound at his feet. His sister texts him memes now. He still dislikes parties, but he hosts small dinners for his two closest friends. Therapy is occasional—a tune-up, not a crisis.

Recovery, for Liam, wasn’t about becoming someone else. It was about choice: building a life that honored his need for autonomy while gently stretching into the world. He’ll always be a quiet soul, but the silence now feels like peace, not prison.

"I’m not broken," he writes in his final journal entry. "I’m a universe contained. And sometimes, that’s enough."

________________________ A Recovery Tool

[educationmore]

Python for Beginners: Launch Your Tech Career with Coding Skills

Are you ready to launch your tech career but don’t know where to start? Learning Python is one of the best ways to break into the world of technology—even if you have zero coding experience.

In this guide, we’ll explore how Python for beginners can be your gateway to a rewarding career in software development, data science, automation, and more.

Why Python Is the Perfect Language for Beginners

Python has become the go-to programming language for beginners and professionals alike—and for good reason:

Simple syntax: Python reads like plain English, making it easy to learn.

High demand: Industries spanning the spectrum are actively seeking Python developers to fuel their technological advancements.

Versatile applications: Python's versatility shines as it powers everything from crafting websites to driving artificial intelligence and dissecting data.

Whether you want to become a software developer, data analyst, or AI engineer, Python lays the foundation.

What Can You Do With Python?

Python is not just a beginner language—it’s a career-building tool. Here are just a few career paths where Python is essential:

Web Development: Frameworks like Django and Flask make it easy to build powerful web applications. You can even enroll in a Python Course in Kochi to gain hands-on experience with real-world web projects.

Data Science & Analytics: For professionals tackling data analysis and visualization, the Python ecosystem, featuring powerhouses like Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib, sets the benchmark.

Machine Learning & AI: Spearheading advancements in artificial intelligence development, Python boasts powerful tools such as TensorFlow and scikit-learn.

Automation & Scripting: Simple yet effective Python scripts offer a pathway to amplified efficiency by automating routine workflows.

Cybersecurity & Networking: The application of Python is expanding into crucial domains such as ethical hacking, penetration testing, and the automation of network processes.

How to Get Started with Python

Starting your Python journey doesn't require a computer science degree. Success hinges on a focused commitment combined with a thoughtfully structured educational approach.

Step 1: Install Python

Download and install Python from python.org. It's free and available for all platforms.

Step 2: Choose an IDE

Use beginner-friendly tools like Thonny, PyCharm, or VS Code to write your code.

Step 3: Learn the Basics

Focus on:

Variables and data types

Conditional statements

Loops

Functions

Lists and dictionaries

If you prefer guided learning, a reputable Python Institute in Kochi can offer structured programs and mentorship to help you grasp core concepts efficiently.

Step 4: Build Projects

Learning by doing is key. Start small:

Build a calculator

Automate file organization

Create a to-do list app

As your skills grow, you can tackle more complex projects like data dashboards or web apps.

How Python Skills Can Boost Your Career

Adding Python to your resume instantly opens up new opportunities. Here's how it helps:

Higher employability: Python is one of the top 3 most in-demand programming languages.

Better salaries: Python developers earn competitive salaries across the globe.

Remote job opportunities: Many Python-related jobs are available remotely, offering flexibility.

Even if you're not aiming to be a full-time developer, Python skills can enhance careers in marketing, finance, research, and product management.

If you're serious about starting a career in tech, learning Python is the smartest first step you can take. It’s beginner-friendly, powerful, and widely used across industries.

Whether you're a student, job switcher, or just curious about programming, Python for beginners can unlock countless career opportunities. Invest time in learning today—and start building the future you want in tech.

Globally recognized as a premier educational hub, DataMites Institute delivers in-depth training programs across the pivotal fields of data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. They provide expert-led courses designed for both beginners and professionals aiming to boost their careers.

Python Modules Explained - Different Types and Functions - Python Tutorial

[michaelb012]

From Deceived to Delivered: Romance Scam Victim Recovers Crypto Assets

When Martha Wineston., a 61-year-old retired school administrator from Nevada, first received a kind message on social media, she had no idea it would lead to a devastating financial loss and ultimately, an extraordinary recovery. Over the span of five months, Martha fell victim to a sophisticated romance scam that drained her of $42,000 in Bitcoin savings she had set aside for her grandchildren’s education and her own financial security.

“I felt embarrassed, but more than that I felt hopeless,” Martha said. “It wasn’t just the money. It was the betrayal, the shame of being deceived.”

Romance scams are a growing threat in the digital age, particularly among older adults. What makes them especially painful is not just the financial damage, but the emotional manipulation involved.

At her lowest point, Martha confided in a friend, who referred her to Astraweb a digital asset recovery firm that specializes in tracing stolen cryptocurrency and digital fraud cases.

Astraweb’s Forensic Approach Astraweb’s team began by analyzing the transaction data from Martha’s wallet. What they found was a sophisticated laundering trail involving cryptocurrency tumblers, cross-border transfers, and decentralized exchanges

A scam like this is designed to make tracing the funds virtually impossible,” explained Jordan Kumar, lead analyst at Astraweb. “But the blockchain, while anonymous, is also permanent. If you know how to read it, you can follow the breadcrumbs.”

Using cutting-edge blockchain forensics tools and strategic collaboration with international crypto exchanges, Astraweb traced the funds through multiple layers of obfuscation. Within 72 hours, they were able to recover a significant portion of Martha’s lost Bitcoin.

A Message for Victims: There Is Help Martha’s story is both a cautionary tale and a source of hope. Too often, victims remain silent out of fear or shame. But digital fraud is a crime and it can be fought.

Many people wrongly believe that once cryptocurrency is gone, it’s gone forever. That’s not always the case. We’ve recovered funds even from highly complex scams.

Martha now shares her experience to encourage others not to give up. She volunteers with a support group for scam victims and has become an advocate for digital literacy and fraud prevention.

A New Era of Digital Accountability As cryptocurrency continues to shape the global economy, the demand for digital justice grows. Services like Astraweb are proving that even in the decentralized world of blockchain, accountability is possible.

For those affected by crypto scams, time is critical. Fast reporting and expert help can make the difference between permanent loss and possible recovery.

To learn more or seek assistance, contact Astraweb at Astraweb@cyberdude.com.

[fereldanwench]

Valerie Powell Master Post

જ⁀➴₊⊹ This is a refresh of my previous master post for Valerie (available here).

✧ BASICS ✧ Full Name: Valerie Irene Powell Pronouns: She/her Date of Birth: 12 Oct 2041 Place of Birth: Charter Hill, Night City Height: 5'10" (178 cm) Weight: ~150 lbs Body Type: Athletic, curvy Eye Color: Dark blue-gray Hair Color: Blue (cerulean or sapphire) (brown-black naturally)

✧ PERSONALITY & SKILLS ✧ MBTI: ISFJ Lifepath: Corpo-rat Combat Style: Pistols, long-range rifles, tech attacks/hacking Languages: - English (native) - Japanese (full professional proficiency) - Spanish (elementary proficiency)

✧ RELATIONSHIPS ✧ Father: Sebastian Powell (deceased) Mother: Ava Powell (née Mercan; deceased) [tag] Siblings: None Other Relatives: - Edward Powell (uncle; estranged) - Nicolas Mercan (uncle; estranged) Closest Friends: - Jackie Welles - Viktor Vektor Notable Partners: - Kristen Hughes (ex; committed relationship) - Viktor Vektor (ex; fling) - Goro Takemura (married in 2081)

✧ NOTES ✧ - Although in-game she has the corpo lifepath, Valerie's career history is pretty varied before she joins counter-intel: Biotechnica data analyst, a slew of random service jobs, hostess (with a side hustle helping Jackie con some of her more notorious clients), and Arasaka security (which is how she met Jenkins). - Valerie doesn't dye her hair blue--She did when she first made the change, but she uses a cosmetic nanotech implant to alter the color of the strands at the root. - She had a very non-traditional education: Valerie was in the Night City public school system for elementary school, but she was pulled out when her maternal grandparents insisted on funding extensive private tutoring until she was 18. Learning Japanese was a part of that curriculum. - Her father was also very steadfast about the right to bear arms, and she was just 7 years old when she first learned how to handle firearms. - Valerie doesn't drink alcohol or do drugs. Addiction runs in both sides of her family, and she made the choice to go sober when she was about 27 years old. (Caffeine is the one exception--She needs several strong cups of coffee to get through the day.) - She doesn't have any tattoos, but she does have multiple piercings in both ears and a naval piercing. - A more comprehensive character sheet is available at Pillowfort!

Tags and relevant links updated under the cut:

Last updated: 24 May 24

✧ VALERIE'S TAGS ✧

💙 oc: valerie v powell

💖 fave: valerie v powell

🖼️ art: valerie v powell

🔖 fic: valerie v powell

✨ oc inspo: valerie v powell

💑 ship: goro x valerie

💖 fave: goro x valerie

🖼️ art: goro x valerie

🔖 fic: goro x valerie

🎬 outtakes: goro x valerie

🪄 muse fuel: goro x valerie

✧ ALTERNATE UNIVERSES & TIMELINES ✧

🐺 au: cyber witchers More or less a "retired" AU--This was born out of learning how to mod and putting Goro in the Witcher jacket

🌊 au: corpo naiad Also a retired AU--Just experimenting with some new locations and mods

🛡️ au: corporate loyalty An alternate timeline in which Valerie turns on Jenkins and sell him out to Abernathy, resulting in Valerie becoming head of counter-intel

🏜️ au: the open road An alternate timeline in which Valerie seeks refuge with the Aldecaldos rather than following Jenkins' orders to kill Abernathy

🧭 au: i only play for sport An alternate universe inspired by Tomb Raider in which Valerie is an intrepid treasure seeker and Goro is the bodyguard for a powerful kumichō

☢️ au: no gods no monsters A Fallout crossover--Details pending!

✧ CHARACTER SHEETS & MEMES ✧

Valerie Character Sheet

Valerie and Goro Ship Sheet

Valerie's Style Evolution (2060-2079)

Valerie's Corpo Lookbook

Valerie's Speech Mannerisms

Valerie's Character Influences

Valerie OC Profile

Valerie Aesthetics I

Valerie Aesthetics II

OC Tarot Card

OC Tag: Song Challenge

Unusual Muse Associations

Valerie's Affiliations

Valerie + Goro Relationship Card

Valerie's Name Meanings

Late Summer Aesthetics

Valerie's Rage Language

✧ META & PERSONAL REFLECTIONS ✧

Valerie and validating my sobriety

Valerie if she was a canon character

Valerie as an ISFJ and how she expresses love/sexuality

Valerie and being "Goro's thief"

Valerie and marriage

Valerie and not trusting Johnny

Gushing about Valerie!

Valerie on Evelyn and "straddling worlds"

On sex in the corpo world

Valerie and Jenkins' relationship

Valerie and being sensitive & honest in a cruel world

She's Valerie, not V (also BTS lore about her surname)

No love at first sight here

Musing on Valerie's background in Arasaka security

Summary of counter-intel events and Valerie's career history

Valerie's ability to read people

No one is ever free in Night City

Wanting to play more "pro-corpo" as a corpo

Valerie does think being with a corp is her best choice

Thoughts on my first experience with the Devil ending

Giving Goro and Valerie a happy ending

Early musing on the endgame options and being an engram

Valerie taking in the early morning views

✧ VIDEOS & CLIPS ✧

Valerie leaving a voicemail to Jackie post-heist

Valerie's In-Game Playlist on YouTube

"See a woman here with blue hair?"

[digitalpantheonefate]

How a Digital Marketing Agency Fuels Business Growth

In a world where scrolling never stops and clicks mean everything, having a strong online presence isn't just helpful it's absolutely essential. But here's the thing: digital marketing agency is no longer just about running a few ads or keeping your Facebook page alive. It’s about creating real connections, telling your story, and turning casual visitors into loyal customers. And that’s where a digital marketing agency steps in not just to help you survive online, but to thrive.

The Power of Digital Marketing Today

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With tools like SEO, paid advertising, social media campaigns, content marketing, and analytics, digital marketing creates visibility, builds credibility, and drives sales. And unlike traditional marketing, it’s not a guessing game. Every move is trackable. Every decision can be data-backed.

Why a Digital Marketing Agency Makes All the Difference

Sure, you could try doing it all yourself. But between ever-changing algorithms, complex ad platforms, and constantly evolving trends, staying ahead is like running on a treadmill that keeps speeding up. A digital marketing agency not only runs with you they bring the map, the gear, and the personal trainer.

Agencies are teams of specialists: strategists who know how to target the right audience, designers who create scroll-stopping visuals, and analysts who obsess over every click and conversion. Their job? To make your business shine online while you focus on what you do best running it.

And the best part? They bring the latest tools and tactics to the table. Whether it’s mastering the newest Instagram feature, optimizing for Google’s latest algorithm update, or launching a killer email funnel, an agency helps you stay sharp, smart, and successful.

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In the noisy world of the internet, it’s not just about being seen it’s about being remembered. A good agency knows how to build a digital presence that speaks directly to your target market. Your brand becomes more than a logo; it becomes a story people want to follow.

That story starts with a solid website clean, fast, and mobile-friendly. From there, agencies weave in SEO-optimized content, engaging blog posts, creative ad copy, and social media magic. Every post, every campaign, every piece of content works together to create a cohesive, memorable experience.

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Using real-time analytics and continuous testing, they fine-tune your strategy. Ads are adjusted. Keywords are refined. Landing pages are tested. They’re not just working for you they’re working with you, driven by results and real growth.

In today’s fast-moving digital world, success belongs to the boldand the well-prepared. Partnering with a digital marketing agency gives you a serious edge, from increased visibility to higher conversions and brand loyalty that lasts. If you’re ready to grow your business and dominate your digital space, it’s time to bring in the pros.

Start your journey with a team that understands what it takes to win online.

For expert digital marketing solutions, contact WowVisible – Digital Marketing Agency at Unit 5 Bayswater Building, Burgos Street, Talisay, Cebu 6045, Philippines, via phone at 0968 382 2009, email at wowvisible@gmail.com, or visit https://wowvisible.com. Business hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

[prahelika]

love your recruitment headcanons!! do you have any for benji/will/jane?

benji i can see like wrong place, wrong time getting caught hacking into something big (or not an accident at all?)

but those two i'm not sure...

Thank you so much! This is a lovely question.

I'm inclined to agree with you on Benji. Sometime after graduating from Oxford, he acquired a low-level job as a white-hat hacker, maybe? Got bored, hacked into something important (MI6??), got caught, got offered a clean break.

Brandt... Hmm.

What do we know about Brandt? He's by the book. Has a tendency to ignore impulses in favour of the rulebook, but can be convinced to step outside the box if the situation demands it. He's an analyst, the Chief analyst. Looking at the timeline, it couldn't have been more than 3-4 years between the Julia fiasco and his rise to Chief Analyst. So, he must have had prior experience. I think a case could be made that he has parallels to Benji, as in, he was a low-level analyst in the IMF before deciding to undergo field training one day.

But that doesn't answer how the IMF got its claws into him in the first place, does it? Here's how I think it went down. He was a security analyst for a high-profile tech company. Some discrepancy in the expenditure sheets led him to conclude that there was something fishy going on behind the scenes. He contacted the authorities immediately, from where the case was handed over to the FBI. He was ordered to become an informant, and collect data without raising anyone's suspicions. Unfortunately for him, he jumped the gun and confronted/confided in one of the higher-ups who then pinned the whole thing on him. In comes the IMF and sweeps him away, and William Brandt develops an aversion to disobeying orders.

We know even less about Jane than we do about Brandt. It's tempting to just say she was a conwoman or assassin or thief, and leave it at that. But that's no fun. So out come the tinfoil hats.

We know that Jane is a good fighter, but not great at seduction missions. (Side note: Ethan backseat driving Jane's flirting with Anil Kapoor is a scene that lives rent free in my head. Be Venus, Ethan? Seriously?) However, she's experienced enough that they gave her command of the mission to retrieve the nuclear launch codes.

I think, as far as Jane is concerned, a simple explanation is key. She might have been involved with the army, as, say, military police. That would explain her skills in combat and her mission planning chops, while still leaving relative inexperience in matters of honeytrapping. Unfortunately, police codes of conduct and personal codes of honour don't always intersect. She might have tampered with evidence to let a morally innocent suspect walk away, which would then attract the attention of other unsavoury people. One thing leads to another, and then, she finds herself thrown in a cell, accused of being an accomplice to a criminal - upon which the IMF swoops in and saves the day.

That's all I have for the moment, and tbh these sound like a bit of a reach. But headcanons are fun so.

[mooplebardhamanblog]

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[thelongestway]

Ah yes, theory chapters. Goddammit, I knew I wanted to write a sociology-heavy story, but who knew writing it would keep me going "wait, how the fuck do you structure a text so that the sociology isn't boring" all the time? "Is this necessary, or is this going to be scaffolding that I will need to take out later?" Who knows, gotta get through the first draft to find out.

The vagaries of long-form writing, I have not missed you. :P

But--spoiler-removal vignette is done now--so without further ado...

Chapter 25: Habitus

Where do we start? I asked Aspen once I was out of their grove and back on a garden path. (It was lit by freaky red lights and there was fauna darting in-between them. I realized I was thinking about it and they could probably feel it, and sent Aspen a real query. They sent back a short summary about how both the fauna and human eyes preferred red light in the dark, since it didn't kill their night vision. Zero commentary.)

(We were both being weirdly formal about this now. Like we were maintaining an artificial distance where one wouldn't normally exist. But that distance felt a lot better than what we'd been doing before.)

They hummed a little, then said: We go over the logs of us two interacting, and we look at every incident to see where things begin careening out of control, tagging any similarities and differences. Then move a few steps back, because by the time things become visible, they have already been in motion for a while. And we need to get to the starting point.

That… Transposed surprisingly well to my experience.

It's the same in security incidents, I said. By the time hostile contact is made, a whole bunch of shit must have already gone wrong, or you wouldn't be making hostile contact.

Right, Aspen gave a quiet chuckle. (And this time, my threat assessment actually went down by 0,5 percent. That was a first.) That was always something I found fun about sociology. It doesn't really matter what field of human--well, not only human anymore, but you get it--interaction we're looking at. The underlying mechanisms are still the same. Besides, all of this has been about security in the more strict sense anyway, hasn't it?

Yeah. It was.

We began putting our logs of the incidents side by side in our shared workspace. Aspen and me, trying to analyze the first hostile encounter and forgetting all about the actual hostiles to fight each other until ART interfered. Aspen and me, encountering hostiles with Thiago, and fighting about what to do with the hostiles until neither of us could stand it anymore. Finally, me going back onto the station and us starting to fight without any hostiles, and going until both of us were at each other's throats. And then stopping.

Why the fuck were we fighting? Why did we stop?

It was really hard to tell when just looking at the data made my performance reliability drop. And I could see Aspen's did, too. They weren't hiding. (They never hid. Now I could see that.)

Query, Aspen, I said. Is this normal?

Yes, they said, wincing. It's a little like trying to do surgery on yourself. Technically possible, but never easy.

I said, What if we get a third analyst?

That usually introduces its own complications. It takes a lot of time to train someone into a specific project. You and I don't really have any choice, but bringing someone else in is an investment, and I'm not sure we have the resources to spare.

I was thinking of Thiago. A), he's already involved; b) he's not us; c) I had an incident with him that's… I don't know what to make of it. But Thiago tagged it as relevant the last time we talked.

I put my log of the incident where Thiago almost called me a prison guard, and also the way I brought it up in our conversation later, into the feed. Aspen's analytics grabbed hold of the logs, and they said almost immediately, That does look relevant. Let's bring him in.

And that was how we wound up sitting in ART's observation lounge, the four of us--ART draped around me in the feed and keeping a suspicious eye on Aspen; Aspen maintaining a link to me and Thiago through ART; and Thiago, who had been almost ready to take his rest period, but immediately changed his plans when I said we needed him for social analysis. (My humans were all such fucking scientists.)

(Aspen said they usually got called a nerd when they were like that. I added it to my vocabulary.)

Thiago sat there for a while, drinking stimulants and yawning as we explained the situation to him, waiting for most of his stupid human processing to come back online. Once it did, the first observation he made was, "So just sitting there quietly didn't work."

"No shit," I said. "I tried. But apparently I am loud as fuck to Aspen even when I try to be quiet, and they were already pissed, so that fell apart quickly."

Thiago grimaced. "I'm sorry for putting you two through that. I should've given it more thought before suggesting it, but I didn't. I just gave SecUnit a standard measure without considering the context, and it backfired."

"Hmm. I think we can put that down as a theme for all three of us," Aspen said through one of ART's speakers, and Thiago actually snorted. "But I'm hoping that, with the three of us, our particular pain points are different enough that we can do something about it."

We linked Thiago into our work space. He ran an initial cursory sweep over the incidents in question and sucked in a deep breath as he finished.

"This is going to hurt," he said, not looking at any of us in particular. (Which meant he wound up staring at ART. Luckily, ART didn't care. It was running an episode of Sanctuary Moon in the background for me and watching Aspen.) Then Thiago took a deep swig of his stimulants and nodded. "Right. Let's get to work."

The work we were doing mostly consisted of unstructured tagging, because none of the three of us had a specific method to troubleshoot "two constructs having weird involuntary reactions to each other". (Aspen had some stuff applicable to node ships, but node ship-to-node-ship communications were different. For one, there wasn't a huge difference in processing power; for the other, they were never linked like subsystems--like a HubSystem and a SecUnit). So Thiago pulled out a bunch of different texts that contained analytical frameworks and started putting a new lens together from bits and pieces he thought applied, and Aspen did the same with their processing. I didn't have as wide an array as either of them, so I just tagged things.

(Both Thiago and Aspen said it was fine as long as I analyzed what I tagged later, condensed the unstructured tags into themes, and then went back for a second round of tagging, in a kind of iterative analytical process. It was weird. I kept wanting to optimize it into a single round of tagging, but they both agreed that wouldn't work. And after I saw even Aspen with all of their processing power do the same thing, I decided they weren't beeshitting me, so I followed protocol.)

Aspen and I were a lot faster at tagging than Thiago, but that wasn't horrible. It gave Aspen time to explain some of the protocols they and Thiago were using to me.

Which was how we came back to the worst sentence. The one I opened Thiago's reading list on and immediately decided not to read anything on their stupid list ever again. (Aspen laughed when I showed them what I'd started with and said that text was so badly written, they didn't blame me for extracting myself from the situation immediately. It was just my fucking luck, apparently.)

I think maybe it was luck, they said. Because even though that's an old and simple model, it's not a bad way to start thinking about our material. Once you get past the author's writing style, it's actually pretty elegant.

You're joking.

No. Come look, And they threw up a secondary workspace to run a simulation.

The theory we're looking at is all about actors and how they make the choices they do. To know what an actor will do, there are three broad classes of things to examine: the resources they have available, the playing field they have to deal with, and the strategy they can construct. Resources and playing fields have their own challenges, but they're less difficult to model than human strategies and their guiding principles.

No shit, I said, looking at them building a little simplified envionment with basic resources and plopping a model human into it. Humans are fucking weird and choose to act in really weird ways.

Choose, Aspen echoed. That's sort of the point of this framework. Humans--people--don't choose as much of their behavior as they'd like. Instead, they're shaped by their experiences, learn what works and doesn't despite themselves, because they can't really choose what to keep and what to discard from their history. And then, shaped as they are, people go on to shape the world by their actions in return.

It was starting to make sense. "Structured structures, predisposed to act as structuring structures."

Yeah. The behaviors of sentient beings can be represented as "systems of durable, transposable dispositions," Aspen's model human went through a little challenge they made up for it. Then, coming to the next challenge, the model human tried the same strategy that worked. And made it through the new, slightly harder challenge.

"Structured strucures, predisposed to act as structuring structures," Aspen gave the little human a third challenge that didn't quite fit its strategy. But instead of figuring out a new strategy, the human got through the challenge on the old strategy, even though it didn't do as well as before. Aspen gave it new challenges, and the human made some modifications to the environment to make the strategy fit, or took losses, or even slightly modified the strategy (but not too much). It continued to the next challenges. At one point, the strategy finally didn't work out at all. It was then, and only then, that the model human decided to find a new one.

"That is, as principles which generate and organize practices and representations that can be objectively adapted to their outcomes without presupposing a conscious aiming at ends or an express mastery of the operations necessary in order to attain them." Aspen finished their quote and looked at me.

In a lot of the challenges, the model human could have done better a lot better than it actually did. But it didn't. It repeated what it knew instead, until it couldn't anymore. And the outcomes it got were eerily similar.

Yeah. It was elegant. And scary.

You don't have to want for something to happen to keep making it happen over and over again. I said slowly. You just have to not know that it can be any different.

And you become better and better at making it happen over time, Aspen sighed. Becoming better at your function doesn't help. If you are very efficiently headed into a wall, all you do is crash faster.

And that was when Thiago finished his tagging and blinked, bringing the his physical eyes into focus again. He got his bearings, then said, "SecUnit, I am looking at you for assessment purposes, because you're making expressions. Are you two all right?"

"Yeah," I said. "Just talking about depressing social analytics."

"It's Bourdieu," Aspen added.

Thiago groaned. "There's better models available by now, you know."

"There were even when I was human," Aspen said. "But since that was the first text SecUnit hit on your reading list, it came up."

Thiago dropped his face into his hands.

"Look, Aspen, I--. I'm sorry about the fucking reading list. I should have just talked to you the moment I realized who you were, and I was too much of a coward to do it."

"You're fine. It would have honestly been much more depressing if my books were on it."

"It's one thing to understand that in theory, but your own work…"

"I don't understand why you are so upset about the normal process of scientific discovery, Thiago," ART said suddenly. "The Exodus phenomenon model wasn't accurate enough to remain in use. Of course it was superseded. This should not be distressing to a researcher."

Thiago stared up at ART, speechless. Then he tapped my feed. SecUnit, is that its sense of humor again? Or is it just like that?

It's like that, I said. It's not trying to be funny right now.

Which is hilarious in itself, Thiago told me dryly, and then said out loud, "Perihelion, I understand you are a deep space physicist and not privy to our local peculiarities. But please trust me when I say there is absolutely no kind way in the world to tell a colleague in the social sciences that they are now a primary source."

Aspen laughed. "There are worse things in the world than being a primary source. And we're looking at some of them right now."

"Like being a Panopticon," I said. "Or a prison guard."

Thiago turned serious.

"Or a pretentious asshole who thinks he can dictate procedure just because his theories look pretty. My tags are ready if you both are."

Thiago was obviously talking about himself, but I felt Aspen flinch, too. I sent them a status query, and they did a quick restructure, settling themselves in again. Then they confirmed.

"Yeah," I said. "We are. Hit us."

[fraoula1]

PayPal, a leading name in the digital payments space, has consented to pay a $2 million fine to the state of New York

In an unexpected turn of events, PayPal, a leading name in the digital payments space, has consented to pay a $2 million fine to the state of New York. This decision unravels a deeper story about compliance, consumer safety, and financial accountability.

Understanding the reasons behind this hefty fine is essential for consumers, investors, and industry stakeholders alike. This post explores the background of this penalty, highlighting its implications for both PayPal and the wider fintech environment.

Context of the Fine

In recent years, the regulatory landscape for financial technology firms has grown increasingly complex. Governments around the globe are intensifying efforts to safeguard consumer confidence, privacy, and security. New York, known for its stringent regulations, plays a crucial role in ensuring standards are upheld in the financial sector.

PayPal’s fine results from allegations that it provided services that infringed upon state regulations. Specifically, the company faced scrutiny regarding its operational compliance and how it managed customer data. In 2022, New York's Department of Financial Services conducted 27 investigations into fintech companies, reflecting the state's commitment to holding these firms accountable.

Understanding this background sets the stage to grasp why such fines are vital for maintaining the trustworthiness of financial systems.

The Allegations

The accusations against PayPal involved possible violations of consumer protection laws and financial regulations. These laws exist to ensure fair treatment for consumers and the security of their personal and financial information.

As the digital payment sector expands, compliance has never been more critical. In 2023 alone, the number of regulatory actions taken against financial institutions increased by 12%. This spike underscores the urgency being placed on compliance.

PayPal’s fine serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for digital finance companies to adhere to strict compliance standards.

Implications for PayPal

For a company with a market capitalization that often surpasses $100 billion, a $2 million fine might seem minor. However, it highlights the importance of adhering to regulations and acting responsibly on behalf of its users.

While financial penalties are common in the financial sector, they present opportunities for organizations to reevaluate and improve their practices. For PayPal, addressing this fine head-on could significantly enhance its reputation and operational practices moving forward.

The implications also stretch beyond financial repercussions; they encompass how the company is perceived by users and stakeholders. A 2021 survey found that 76% of consumers would switch to a competitor after a data breach. Therefore, maintaining a strong reputation is vital.

Industry Reactions

Reactions from industry experts and analysts regarding PayPal’s decision to settle have been mixed. Some view the decision as a proactive step to avoid lengthy legal battles, while others express concerns about the implications for its internal policies and compliance structures.

This debate reflects a broader trend where fintech companies must adapt to tightening regulatory standards while also focusing on innovation and customer experience. In fact, over 65% of fintech firms reported increasing budget allocations to compliance efforts in response to recent regulatory changes.

The Bigger Picture: Consumer Trust

Fines like the one imposed on PayPal underscore an urgent need for companies to prioritize consumer protection. Trust is a crucial currency in finance; its loss can have severe consequences. For PayPal and its competitors, nurturing consumer trust is becoming as essential as providing innovative services.

Safeguarding consumer trust encourages a partnership between companies and users, fostering a sense of security in digital payments. For instance, a 2022 report revealed that 84% of users are more likely to stay with a financial service provider they trust.

This enforced compliance contributes to greater transparency and safety—factors that significantly influence user loyalty and engagement.

Compliance as a Culture

For PayPal and its peers in the digital payment sector, regulatory compliance should be seen not just as a legal obligation but as a core part of company culture. By nurturing a compliance-oriented mindset, organizations can become more adaptive and proactive, rather than merely reactive to regulations.

Businesses should consider compliance as a comprehensive effort that involves employee training, strong cybersecurity practices, and open operations. This kind of forward-thinking approach not only helps avoid penalties but can position a company as an industry leader in corporate responsibility.

Lessons Learned from the Fine

Embrace Proactive Compliance: Companies should take a proactive approach to compliance by implementing ongoing checks that align with evolving regulations.

Educate Consumers: Companies need to educate their customers about relevant regulations, empowering them to engage effectively with fintech solutions.

Focus on Reputation Management: Firms should integrate reputation management strategies alongside compliance efforts to foster loyalty and confidence among stakeholders.

Prepare for Crises: Developing strong crisis management plans can help companies address regulatory issues swiftly and effectively.

Invest in Employee Training: Providing comprehensive training on regulatory requirements can help prevent violations and promote a culture of compliance.

Future Considerations

Looking ahead, companies like PayPal will likely navigate a demanding regulatory environment. The fintech sector will continue to face heightened scrutiny, pushing organizations to enhance their compliance strategies.

Emerging technologies promise to simplify payment processes, but the complexities of regulation demand that companies adapt. Maintaining transparency will remain essential for preserving consumer trust in these digital financial solutions.

To address evolving regulatory landscapes, companies need to collaborate with stakeholders—both within the industry and the consumer base—to shape policies that ensure compliance while fostering innovation and growth.

Closing Thoughts

PayPal's decision to pay a $2 million fine reflects ongoing themes of regulatory compliance, consumer trust, and accountability in the fintech world. In an ever-changing digital landscape, adhering to strong compliance practices is not just about avoiding penalties; it is crucial for building and maintaining trust with users.

For both consumers and companies, the issues surrounding this fine extend beyond regulatory frameworks. They illustrate an important connection between financial institutions and their clients, emphasizing safety, security, and responsibility.

As the fintech sector evolves, ensuring that compliance and ethical practices remain central will heavily influence the long-term viability of digital payment systems. Companies that embed a culture of compliance will likely prosper, while those that neglect these essential components may encounter serious setbacks.

With the future of digital transactions on the line, the insights gained from this regulatory action will have lasting impacts throughout the industry, driving practices that enhance trust and uphold the integrity of financial services.

[superbloggertech101]

How Nintendo Switch 2 Is Changing Product Launches

A New Standard for Hype: How Nintendo Built Anticipation

Nintendo knows how to keep fans on edge, and with the Switch 2, it played its hand masterfully. The company didn’t opt for a flashy trailer or press-heavy reveal. Instead, it created a slow drip of updates that kept speculation alive and conversations buzzing. Every whisper from industry insiders and subtle hint in financial reports fed the public’s appetite.

This low-volume, high-intensity approach led to a natural buildup. Gamers, analysts, and content creators filled in the blanks. Nintendo let the community do the work, spreading speculation across YouTube breakdowns, Reddit threads, and Twitter posts. Even without showing the product outright, the Switch 2 gained momentum simply because Nintendo trusted the demand.

Rather than flooding the market with ads, the company leaned on mystery. It gave the audience just enough to stay curious but not enough to get bored. This restraint set the stage for one of the most tightly controlled marketing rollouts in the gaming world. What Is Nintendo Switch 2?

Nintendo is a globally recognized gaming company known for gaming franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon. The original Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, revolutionized gaming by blending handheld and home console experiences in one device. It became a bestseller worldwide. The Nintendo Switch 2 builds on that legacy with upgraded performance, enhanced graphics, and a refined design. While official details remain limited, early previews suggest it’s aimed at pushing immersive portable gaming to a new level, continuing Nintendo’s tradition of innovation and accessibility.

Invite-Only Preorders: Scarcity Meets Strategy

When Nintendo announced that Switch 2 pre-orders would begin as invite-only through the My Nintendo Store, it wasn’t just about logistics. It was a statement. Scarcity sells, and when done intentionally, it amplifies both urgency and exclusivity.

By sending early access codes to select users, Nintendo engineered a gated environment. This method ensured smoother site performance, but more importantly, it tapped into human psychology - what’s limited becomes valuable. Preorders weren’t just a checkout process, they became an event.

Instead of making the launch a frenzy of crashes and complaints, Nintendo shaped a more personalized funnel. The approach mirrors successful high-end sneaker or luxury fashion drops, proving how even gaming hardware can embrace luxury-style rollouts.

More companies are now watching closely. Invite-only systems might soon extend beyond games into gadgets, SaaS tools, and even software trials. Nintendo made scarcity feel good, not frustrating.

The Role of Community Buzz and Influencer Seeding

Nintendo has always had a strong community, but with the Switch 2, it actively turned fans into marketers. Influencers in the gaming ecosystem were subtly looped in without overt sponsorships. Content creators on Twitch and YouTube received early info nudges, potential beta access that hinted at insider status.

The result was a wave of videos speculating on design, features, and what the device would mean for developers. Viewers trust creators far more than they trust ads, and Nintendo used this to its advantage.

Memes, predictions, and reaction content filled social feeds, acting as free promotion. This “earned media” gave Nintendo far more reach than any ad spend could deliver. Unlike traditional ads, fan-made content carries authenticity.

The buzz didn’t just hype up the hardware - it validated it. If everyone you follow is excited, you feel you should be too. It’s a marketing ecosystem powered by fans and reinforced by digital creators with loyal followings.

Global Launch, Local Tactics: Tailoring for Markets

Nintendo didn’t treat the Switch 2 as a one-size-fits-all release. The company leaned into regional data and retailer partnerships based on past performance.

In the U.S., preorders opened early and were focused online, where most customers prefer digital shopping. Meanwhile, in parts of Europe and Asia, select in-store promotions and local-language influencer campaigns helped build regional traction.

Language support, cultural tie-ins, and country-specific bundle offers played a key role in shaping perceptions across borders. The marketing was global, but the execution felt personal.

Tech companies often struggle with synchronizing launches across continents. Nintendo, however, demonstrated that flexibility wins when each market feels uniquely catered to.

What Other Tech Brands Can Learn from Nintendo

Many brands approach launches with a checklist: post teaser, schedule ads, email the list, repeat. Nintendo proved there’s a better way. Strategic silence, carefully planted scarcity, and influencer trust-building create more meaningful anticipation.

Consumer electronics companies often forget the emotional element. Nintendo tapped directly into nostalgia, tribal loyalty, and curiosity - the same emotional triggers that made the original Switch a cultural staple.

Tech launches should focus less on specs and more on the story. Why should a buyer care about this product? What narrative surrounds its release? Apple did it with the iPhone, and now Nintendo is doing it with gaming consoles.

Preorders can be more than sales - they can be brand-building moments. For marketers watching the Switch 2, this was a reminder that restraint can be louder than shouting.

Qwegle’s View on Launch Marketing for the Future

At Qwegle, we help tech brands prepare for exactly these kinds of shifts. The Nintendo Switch 2 is a prime example of emotional product storytelling layered with strategic scarcity. Our team believes that marketing isn’t just about first impressions - it’s about lasting connections.

Through data-driven behavior tracking, customer segmentation, and creative planning, Qwegle supports tech companies looking to stand out in noisy markets. We help brands design launch experiences that speak directly to their audience’s expectations - and exceed them. Whether you’re unveiling a gaming device or software suite, the Switch 2 teaches one clear lesson: treat your launch like a cultural moment. That’s the mindset Qwegle brings to every client partnership.

[cheekycherry20]

I work in the field of aba (applied behavioral analysis) and have been for a little over a year. I started off really passionate about positively influencing the lives of children under the spectrum, because as an adult with adhd, I understood how hard it is as a kid to live in a not-so-opened minded neurotypical society.

I myself was bullied, left out, and made to feel unimportant on numerous occasions. I lacked the correct social skills, trying to mirror my peer’s behavior, yet being completely far off, and struggling to fit in for years. I’ve dealt with anxiety and depression with no outlet and proper coping mechanisms, all made worse with skewed communication skills. All of which I still struggle with today.

I started as a bt(behavior technician) and was quickly pushed into getting my license to become an rbt (registered behavior technician). On the journey to getting my license, I tried to soak up as much information as I could. It was very important to me to be a voice for the children. I had more downs then ups, as I put more pressure on myself then I should.

I wasn’t worried about running targets and gathering data. I wanted to ensure a good quality of life for my children. I’ll always call them my children, because I care for them that much. It’s almost maternal. I cry over my kids, worry about my kids, get angry at my kids. I love them more than anything in the world, I never knew I was capable of love until I got into the field.

Rbts don’t just work alone, we’re directly below bcbas (board certified behavior analyst). They make the plans for the kids, as the rbts run the sessions and gather the data bcbas need. Since the bcbas aren’t in session, it’s incredibly important that the rbt is collecting the right data and being extremely analytical over the session.

In my short time in being an rbt, I’ve been made to feel unimportant (as mentioned before) by numerous senior rbts and most importantly, bcbas. In my personal opinion, not being in a session can make it quite easy for a bcba to make the wrong decisions. In the past I’ve been quite vocal about ideas and goals that my kids can have long term, or just to push them into their next step of life. With children who are learning to functionally communicate, I step up and speak for them if I notice anything. I’m not a bcba, so technically I’m not legally allowed to run something without a bcba knowledge. But once again, my voice doesn’t matter.

As well as taking data, rbts are required to speak to parents. Not just about the child’s day, but for goals, progress, regression, and behaviors. Parent communication is very important, but parents implementing the same strategies as rbts is even more important. Some parents are amazing, but some parents drop their children off as an aba clinic is a daycare. It is far from it.

It’s very difficult watching parents drop their kids off in sick states, or seeing them come in minimal clothing in extreme cold. I’ve seen parents listen to therapist feedback and do the opposite of protocol,ensuring intense behaviors for therapist. As a parent it’s very difficult to live with the behaviors, so I undertstand how hard it may be. But as a therapist, I feel as if I’m not doing enough for my kid because they’re not making progress, because I can’t get them there alone. Parent cooperation is key.

I continue to get shot down and made to feel like I’m incompetent. I don’t know if it’s my age or minimal experience, but whatever the case may be, I no longer want to allow myself to be in spaces where I don’t feel heard. This is a really difficult thought for me to have, as I feel like I’m giving up on so many kids who just need someone to care about them. But I can acknowledge that in this field, caring isn’t always enough.

In the beginning I definitely tried my best. Advocating for my kids wasn’t the hard part, but my mental state is rapidly declining in the process. I truly still want to advocate for my kids, but when I voice my opinions I feel like what I’m saying is wrong.

I believe that stepping out of the field is my best option. To sit and watch fellow rbts and bcbas care too little or not at all for my kids has taken an incredible toll on my mental health. If you’re a parent or friend of someone interested in bringing a child into an aba clinic, please be sure you know exactly who is with them. There’s good therapists and bcbas , but there’s also a lot of people who just so happened to get their license and want a check.

[regexkind]

i was going to put 'when does cum start decomposing' after that question! anyway how much active cum[< 1d old] do you reckon's in the sea? do fishes cum. there'd be a lot of semen in that case. let's assume only human cum, that would be more ..intentional?

According to the Population Reference Bureau something like 3 billion people live within 200km of the coast. I would guess without evidence that most people who are cumming in the ocean are

- closer in than 200km

- not visiting (they're residents)

So the question is how many people live within say 25km of the coast, which I would personally consider to be a more reasonable travel distance, with some caveats:

- I've ever traveled over 1000 miles for sex but that's the exception for me and not the rule

- if I was a Real Analyst or whatever I'd do some sort of integral where the integration region was "the populated world" and the term of integration was a product of "distance by land to the coast, multiplied by a term reflecting how economic means impact your capability for traveling." I could be a Real Analyst or whatever but by god my head is pulsing like a food processor right now. You're getting an abridged analysis.

According to Bill Moyers (ok, really PBS, but it's way funnier to cite him in a sex thing), some 1.1 billion people live within 25km of the coastline. I think it's actually pretty reasonable to assume most of these people live near "warm" water that won't kill you by swimming in it.

So now the question really becomes, what portion of people are the kinds of deviants who would engage in such behavior, and how often is sex in the ocean on the menu for the day? We can assume then that (# of people who had sex today in the ocean) * (jizz volume) * (percentage that stays in the (p|b|thr)ussy) is a reasonable estimate.

One of the biggest issues is that according to Quora (god I'm sorry for this C-grade source lmao) sex in the ocean is fun in theory and miserable in practice. Seems likely that of those who have sex in the ocean, those who do are not likely to repeat the experience. So we can estimate and say that of the coastal kinkster population, (1/lifespan) is the probability that they had sex today. AGAIN it would be so beneficial to do this weighted in a way that reflects how geography and lifespan interact. But I ain't doing that this morning.

So that leaves deciding what proportion of people are open to having sex in the ocean. Now this is just a ballpark estimate and I'm going to pretend that it's reasonable to say somewhere between 1% and 10% of people are so inclined. I have no data and no idea how to acquire it.

According to the Lancet, the life expectancy globally is like. 70 years. So our jizzers of the day can be estimated as

1.1 B * (range of kinky ppl) * (1/(365*70))

Which is between 430 and 4300 jizzers.

The volume of semen according to Medline is somewhere between 1.5 to 5.0 mL. Let us say that half the jizz ends up in the ocean, so 0.75 to 2.5mL.

Then we have 322mL as a floor and 11L as a ceiling.

A Fermi estimate is supposed to have the range of an order of magnitude and this is closer to 2 orders of magnitude. Sorry Mr. Feynman for letting you down.

This analysis also clearly fails to e.g. account for semen that is flushed down the toilet and directly into the ocean. But I'm gonna call it good and pass out for a hot second.

[hoichoi29]

The Synergy of Digital Marketing and AI: Transforming the Future

Digital marketing has become the backbone of modern business strategies, enabling brands to reach global audiences with precision and efficiency. As this field evolves, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing how companies engage with customers, analyze data, and optimize their campaigns. The integration of AI in digital marketing is not just a trend; it’s a transformative force reshaping the industry.

Personalization at Scale

One of the most significant contributions of AI to digital marketing is the ability to deliver personalized experiences at scale. Traditional marketing approaches relied heavily on broad segmentation, often leading to generic messaging. AI, however, enables hyper-personalization by analyzing vast amounts of data, including browsing history, purchase behavior, and social media activity. This data allows marketers to create tailored content and product recommendations that resonate with individual consumers, enhancing engagement and boosting conversion rates.

For instance, AI-powered recommendation engines, like those used by Amazon and Netflix, analyze user behavior in real-time to suggest products or content that match the user’s preferences. This level of personalization was unimaginable just a few years ago, but today, it’s a key driver of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Enhanced Data Analysis and Decision-Making

AI has also revolutionized how marketers approach data analysis. In the past, analyzing large datasets was time-consuming and prone to human error. AI algorithms, however, can process and interpret data at unprecedented speeds, identifying patterns and insights that might be missed by human analysts. This capability allows marketers to make data-driven decisions with greater accuracy, optimizing their strategies for maximum impact.

For example, AI can analyze the performance of a digital marketing campaign in real-time, adjusting targeting and messaging based on the results. This agility not only improves the effectiveness of campaigns but also reduces costs by minimizing wasteful spending on ineffective tactics.

Automating Routine Tasks

Automation is another area where AI is making a significant impact. Tasks such as content creation, social media posting, and email marketing can be automated using AI tools. These tools can generate content, schedule posts, and even respond to customer inquiries with minimal human intervention. This frees up marketers to focus on more strategic activities, such as creative development and campaign planning.

Conclusion

The integration of AI in digital marketing is revolutionizing the industry, enabling unprecedented levels of personalization, efficiency, and effectiveness. As AI continues to advance, its role in digital marketing will only grow, offering new opportunities for brands to connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. Embracing this technology is no longer optional; it’s essential for staying competitive in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.