#candidate sourcing tool

[recruitment-tools]

3 Popular Data Science Jobs

Data science is one of the fastest-growing fields in the tech industry, with an increasing demand for skilled professionals. Whether it's analyzing data to provide valuable insights or developing predictive models, data scientists are essential for organizations looking to harness the power of data. Here are three popular data science jobs that are highly sought after in the industry.

1. Data Analyst

Data analysts play a crucial role in collecting, processing and analyzing data to help companies make informed decisions. They work with large datasets to uncover trends, patterns and insights that can drive business strategies. A data analyst often uses tools like SQL, Excel and Tableau for data visualization and reporting. As businesses continue to rely on data-driven decision-making, the demand for skilled data analysts has surged.

2. Data Scientist

Data scientists take data analysis to the next level by developing complex algorithms and models to predict future trends and behaviors. They use machine learning, deep learning and statistical techniques to build predictive models that help businesses make strategic decisions. A data scientist typically has a strong background in programming, statistics, and data mining. This role often requires a higher level of expertise than a data analyst and is in high demand across various industries, from finance to healthcare.

3. Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning engineers are responsible for designing and implementing algorithms that allow machines to learn from data. They bridge the gap between data science and software engineering, building systems that can make predictions or automate tasks based on data inputs. This role requires expertise in programming languages like Python, Java and R, as well as a strong understanding of algorithms and data structures. Machine learning engineers work closely with data scientists to implement models that are scalable and efficient.

Conclusion

As data science continues to evolve, data science recruiters play an important role in helping companies find the right talent for these specialized positions. Whether you're looking for a data analyst, data scientist or machine learning engineer, data science recruiters are crucial in matching candidates with the right skills to the right jobs in this fast-paced field.

Read a similar article about IT recruiter here at this page.

[official-superworks]

Candidate Sourcing Tools | Best Sourcing Tools for Recruiters | Candidate Sourcing Strategies | Superworks

Unable to source the right candidates? Don’t worry, we’ll help you!

With the help of the Candidate Sourcing Tool, you will never have to waste time and energy on finding candidates all over the internet.

Candidate Sourcing Tools for Recruiters utilize various techniques and technologies to search, identify, and engage with individuals who possess the desired skills, qualifications, and experience.

Streamline the Recruitment Process and Find Ideal Candidates for your Organisation with the help of a Powerful Candidate Sourcing Tool. Read the full article to know how!

[hrtechnology25]

AI-powered talent acquisition is transforming HRTech by streamlining recruitment processes, enhancing candidate experience, and improving hiring decisions. Here are some ways AI is revolutionizing talent acquisition:

Automated Resume Screening: AI algorithms can quickly scan and evaluate resumes, identifying the most suitable candidates based on predefined criteria. This reduces the time spent by HR professionals on manual screening and ensures a more objective evaluation process.

Enhanced Candidate Sourcing: AI tools can search through various online platforms, databases, and social networks to identify potential candidates. These tools use machine learning to predict which candidates are likely to be a good fit for the organization, even if they are not actively looking for a job.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: AI-powered chatbots can handle initial candidate interactions, answer frequently asked questions, and guide applicants through the application process.

[kaushalkumar1711]

Hiring Made Easy: Exploring Candidate Sourcing Tools 

In today’s competitive job market, finding the right talent can be a daunting task for companies of all sizes. Traditional hiring methods often fall short, leading to prolonged vacancies and increased recruitment costs. To streamline the hiring process and ensure that organizations can attract the best candidates, leveraging candidate sourcing tools has become essential. 

 The Importance of Candidate Sourcing 

Candidate sourcing is the proactive search for qualified job candidates for current or planned open positions. This process is crucial for building a robust talent pipeline, reducing time-to-hire, and ensuring that businesses have access to a diverse and skilled workforce. Effective candidate sourcing goes beyond posting job ads and waiting for applications; it involves using a variety of tools and strategies to identify and engage potential candidates. 

 Top Tools for Sourcing Candidates 

1. LinkedIn Recruiter: LinkedIn Recruiter is a social network for recruiters. It gives them access to tools that make finding and hiring candidates quicker and more efficient. 

Features: 

Advanced Search Filters: Allows recruiters to search for candidates based on industry, experience, skills, location, and more. 

InMail Messaging: Enables direct communication with potential candidates. 

Talent Insights: Provides data-driven insights to improve sourcing strategies. 

Benefits 

Broad Talent Pool: Access to over 700 million professionals. 

Enhanced Engagement: Personalized messaging and interaction. 

Data-Driven Decisions: Leverage insights to refine searches and strategies. 

LinkedIn Recruiter is a powerful tool for sourcing passive candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities but are open to hearing about potential roles. 

2. Indeed, Smart sourcing: Indeed, smart sourcing is an AI-powered tool that makes hiring quicker by matching people with the right jobs.   Features: 

Resume Database: Access to millions of resumes from various industries. 

Advanced Filters: Search resumes based on criteria like job title, location, skills, and experience. 

Candidate Alerts: Receive notifications when new resumes matching your criteria are uploaded. 

Benefits: 

Comprehensive Database: Extensive collection of resumes, including active and passive candidates. 

Efficiency: Quickly find candidates that meet specific job requirements. 

Automated Alerts: Stay updated with new potential candidates. 

Indeed Resume is particularly useful for filling positions quickly and efficiently by tapping into a vast database of active job seekers. 

3. ZOHO RECRUIT: Zoho recruit is a candidate sourcing platform that combines ATS and CRM to help recruiters fill vacancies quickly and efficiently. 

Features:   

Comprehensive sourcing: Quickly find candidates from multiple sources such as job boards, social networks and referral programs. 

Resume parsing: The powerful resume analysis tool quick extracts information about candidates from resumes. 

Recruitment automation: Automates the entire hiring process right from start to end. 

Benefits 

Improved candidate experience: Seamless and transparent recruitment process. 

Better team collaboration: Multiple team members can collaborate and share feedback about candidates during the hiring process. 

Data security: Encryption, role-based access and GDPR compliance ensure candidate data protection 

In the digital age, the competition for candidates is fierce, so staying ahead of the competition is important. By utilizing a candidate sourcing platform, you can gain a competitive advantage as it drastically improves your recruitment efforts, ensuring you attract the top talent for your organization. 

Is your recruitment team facing challenges in sourcing and hiring the right candidates? Contact Talent pool. Their comprehensive candidate sourcing platform not only streamlines the different hiring processes but also automates routine administrative tasks, ensuring a seamless recruitment experience for both recruiters and candidates. 

[hammadchauhdary]

Best 6 Employee Retention Strategies for Long-term Success

One of your top priorities as a business owner or manager is to build a team of talented and dedicated individuals through employee retention strategies who will contribute to the long-term success of your organization. This team of individuals could be found by diversity recruiting and passive candidate sourcing. However, hiring the right employees is only the first step. Continuing these valuable team members is equally important, as high employee turnover can have a harmful impact on productivity, spirit, and the overall success of your business.

In this article, I will explore the importance of employee retention, the costs associated with turnover, common challenges faced by employers, and most importantly, proven strategies to boost employee engagement and retention for the long shipment.

Importance of Employee Retention

Employee retention is the process of retaining valuable employees within an organization for an extended period. It goes beyond simply mastering the art of onboarding; it emphasizes raising a positive work environment that encourages loyalty, satisfaction, and commitment. Investing in employee retention is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it saves your organization from the costly consequences of high turnover rates. Additionally, employee engagement and retention promote continuity and stability, which are essential for long-term success. Moreover, solid employee retention strategies can enhance your employer brand and position your company as an employer of choice, attracting top talent.

Employee Turnover Costs

Employee turnover can cost a company a lot of money. When people leave their jobs, it is not just a matter of saying goodbye to them. It also means the company has to spend money on finding and training new employees. While new employees are learning, work might slow down a bit. Plus, when someone leaves, they take with them all the knowledge they have about how things work at the company. 

Candidate sourcing strategies are quite different than employee retention strategies. In candidate sourcing strategies you have only source a candidate but in employee retention strategies you must have to follow strategies to retain the employee to do work on peak. This can make it harder for the team to work well together, and it might make everyone feel less happy. If a lot of people leave at the same time, the people who stay might have to work harder, which can make them feel tired and less productive. So, understanding how much it costs when people leave can help us see why it is really important to make sure people want to stay in their jobs.

Challenges in Employee Retention

While employee retention is undoubtedly important, it is not without its challenges. One of the most common challenges is competition from other employers. In today’s job market, skilled employees have numerous opportunities, and if they are not satisfied with their current employer, they will likely seek employment elsewhere. Another challenge is poor management and leadership.

Employees who do not feel valued or supported by their supervisors are more likely to leave. Lack of growth and development opportunities is also a significant challenge as employees want to continuously learn and advance in their careers. Finally, work-life balance is a growing concern for many employees who seek flexibility and a healthy integration of their personal and professional lives. We can do passive candidate sourcing with the help of candidate sourcing tools but it is a challenge to retain employees.

Keys to Satisfy Employees

Before we dive into the detailed employee retention strategies, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental elements that contribute to their happiness. While what makes each person happy may vary, several common factors tend to connect with most individuals. These include cultivating a positive and supportive work environment, ensuring fair salaries and attractive benefits packages, providing opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement, recognizing and rewarding employees for their contributions, and promoting a healthy work-life balance. 

By prioritizing these aspects, we can create an environment that not only develops employee satisfaction but also grows a sense of loyalty and commitment. When employees feel valued, respected, and fulfilled in their roles, they are more likely to remain with the company for the long term, contributing to its success and growth.

Employee Retention Strategies:

1. Building a Positive Company Culture

Creating a positive work environment is crucial for employee engagement and retention. It’s about fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. To achieve this, begin by clearly defining your company’s mission, vision, and values. Make sure these are communicated effectively to all employees and are reflected in daily operations.

Encourage open communication and collaboration among team members. Provide opportunities for growth and development, and recognize employees for their contributions. Additionally, promoting work-life balance and inclusivity is important for ensuring that everyone feels supported and appreciated. When employees feel connected to the company’s values and goals, and when they feel respected and valued, they are more likely to stay with the organization for the long term, contributing to its success and growth.

2. Offering Competitive Compensation and Benefits

Having competitive compensation and benefits is important if you want to attract and keep the best people on your team. It is all about making sure you pay your employees fairly compared to other companies in your industry and area. You can do this by researching to see what other companies are offering and making sure your salary and benefits are on balance with theirs.

It is also a good idea to think about giving your employees some extra benefits, like flexible work hours, the option to work from home, or programs to help them stay healthy which is one of the best employee retention strategies. Make sure you regularly check to see if your pay and benefits are still competitive and adjust them if needed. When employees feel like they’re being paid fairly and appreciated for their hard work, they’re more likely to stick around

3. Providing Opportunities to employees

Employees want chances to learn, get better at what they do, and move up in their careers. So, it is super important to have employee retention strategies. These strategies do not just help employees learn new things, they also show that you are serious about helping them grow in their careers. You can do this by setting up mentorship programs, where more experienced employees help newer ones learn and grow.

Also, think about letting employees try out different jobs or tasks to broaden their skills. It’s also a good idea to sponsor employees to go to conferences or workshops where they can learn new things. Make sure you sit down with each employee and make a plan for how they can grow in their job. And do not forget to give them feedback and coaching along the way to help them reach their goals. When you invest in your employees like this, it shows them that you care about them and want to help them succeed.

4. Recognizing and Rewarding Employee Achievements

Recognizing and rewarding employees is a big deal when it comes to keeping them happy and sticking around. So, it’s important to have a solid program in place that lets employees know you appreciate them. This can be as simple as saying “Great job!” or giving them a shout-out in front of the team which is one of the best employee retention strategies.

But it can also mean giving them something tangible, like a bonus or a gift card, to show your appreciation for their hard work. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on how well your recognition program is working and update it regularly to make sure it is still doing employee retention strategies. When you recognize and reward your employees, it creates a culture where everyone feels appreciated and valued. And when employees feel like their efforts are noticed and appreciated, they are more likely to stick around and keep doing great work for your company.

5. Creating a Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance has become increasingly important in today’s fast-paced work environment. Ensure that your employees have the flexibility and support they need to balance their personal and professional lives. Offer flexible work hours, remote work options, and giving vacation and leave policies. Employee engagement and retention take breaks and prioritize self-care. Lead by example and create a culture that values work-life balance. When employees feel that their personal lives are respected and valued, they are more likely to stay with your organization for the long term which is one of the good employee retention strategies.

6. Implementing Effective Communication Channels

Open and effective communication is vital for employee engagement and retention. Establish clear communication channels that facilitate regular feedback, dialogue, and information sharing. Encourage an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns or providing suggestions. Provide transparent updates on company news, changes, and goals. Using technology to streamline communication processes and ensure that all employees have access to the information they need. By providing a culture of communication and clarity, you build employee engagement, and retention, leading to higher employee retention rates due to employee retention strategies.

Benefits of Employee Retention Strategies

Implementing employee retention strategies is not a one-time effort; it requires ongoing evaluation and measurement. Regularly assess the effectiveness of your retention strategies by tracking key metrics such as employee turnover rates, employee satisfaction surveys, and exit interview feedback. Analyze the data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and potential red flags. Use this information to refine and adjust your employee retention strategies as needed. Additionally, seek feedback from your employees through regular pulse surveys or focus groups. Their input is invaluable in understanding what is working and what needs improvement.

Conclusion:

Employee retention is a critical aspect of building a thriving organization. By implementing employee retention strategies, you can create a positive work environment, promote employee satisfaction, and decrease turnover rates. Building a positive company culture, offering competitive compensation and benefits, providing opportunities for growth and development, recognizing and rewarding employee achievements, creating a work-life balance, and implementing effective communication channels are all key elements of successful employee retention strategies. Remember, investing in your employees is an investment in the long-term success of your organization.

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[humming-fly]

If you live in the US, STOP SCROLLING

This is your reminder to make a Voting Plan!

Step 1: Check your Registration

Registered already? Go to Step 3!

Step 2: Register to Vote

Step 3: Learn about your state's Early Voting Options

Like early voting and have that option? Skip to Step 5!

Step 4: Explore your Day-Of Voting Options

Step 5: Research Candidates

Step 6: Share your Plans

Detailed sample down below!

Step 1: I'm in California, so I clicked here at https://www.vote411.org/check-registration

Clicking on that took me to my state's registration check page, where I filled out in those fun black squares with my info...

...and there's my confirmation! This also provides info on where I'm currently registered to vote, which is good to know when looking up ballot drop-off locations.

Step 2: Since I already am registered I could skip this, but just to show it off here's what the online tool at https://www.vote411.org/register looks like!

The site asks you to put in your name and mailing address, and then sends you off to your own state's voter registration page to finish it up!

Step 3: Since I'm in California, I went to https://www.vote411.org/select-state and selected that state to bring up CA's voting information page.

And here's what my info looks like! The top of the page gives a quick overview of registration deadlines...

...and scrolling down reveals a bunch of additional info for any further questions! I've selected Early Voting on the lefthand tab to bring that up here.

Skimming this, it looks like California offers voting by mail, which is what I want to do.

Scrolling further down the lefthand menu I pulled up the Vote by Mail tab to learn more...

...and based on the information there I went to find the tab that would tell me about Drop Boxes in California!

Following that link brings me to California's early voting drop-off page.

For now let's just use Disneyland as our address to see where we can drop things off. Entering the county and city information we get this list:

Checking the box to Display Results on Map, it looks like there's a drop off location right by Disney that is open 24 hours! I went ahead and screenshotted the address on my computer, and opened it in google maps so that I could keep track of where it was.

Perfect, I now have a plan for dropping off my mail-in ballot!

Finally, I want to know where my mail-in ballot is. Assuming you live in a state with mail-in ballots but haven't seen yours yet, you can usually track them or request new ones if your address has recently changed.

I just googled "California mail in ballot tracking" and wound up on this page.

Filling out the little form at the Where'sMyBallot link (name and date of birth), I can see that my ballot has been sent out and is en route!

Since it was sent on October 7th, I suspect it's already arrived, and lo and behold checking my mailbox there it is buried under all the political mailers!

Step 4: Since I will be voting by mail, I will skip Step 4 for now (though vote411.org lists traditional voting areas/what I'd need to bring so that's where I'd get that info if needed!)

Step 5: When doing research I started with https://www.vote411.org/ballot, since it gives a preview image of all of the items that will be on my ballot based on my address.

I can click on any of these to see the candidate options, and their statements if they've been provided. However for many of these options on vote411.org there aren't too many additional details, so I want to do my own research looking at neutral voting summaries and candidate endorsements by groups I align with politically!

For the election summary, I started with the General Election Official Voter Information Guide booklet that was mailed to my address a few weeks ago. This is the best source of unbiased voting information in my opinion, especially when it comes to state and local propositions since it will summarize them and also include opinion pieces written for and against each one. You can also access it online, as shown below!

To find it, I googled "California Official Voter Information Guide", and made sure it was sourced from my local government.

Another good source of information I used is npr.org, or National Public Radio. NPR provides news that is free to read and listen to, and is one of my personal favorite ways to stay informed. There's also local branches of the station for every state, and each one will usually have a voting guide with side-by-side comparisons that makes it easy to read.

To find mine, I googled "California NPR Voting Guide"

Finally if there was anything on the ballot where I wasn't convinced one way or the other on certain candidates or initiatives, I checked out some political endorsements!

A few of the ones I looked at are Planned Parenthood (women's health and abortion access), the Sunrise Movement (climate activism), the Sierra Club (climate change, national park preservation). I found these by googling "[Name of org] voting guide california".

Since I'm voting by mail I could keep these webpages opened as I filled out my ballot.

For voting in person, I'd recommend writing candidates down as a cheat sheet to bring into the poll so you can remember what you want to vote for! https://www.vote411.org/ballot will let you arrange that cheat sheet real easily.

Now that my ballot is filled out I'll just drop it off at the address I found in Step 3 - setting a time for myself, I'll plan to drop it off when I go for a walk this afternoon! 👍

Step 6:

After I finished up I went ahead and posted on facebook and to my friends in discord on how I'd made a voting plan, to help encourage friends/family to do the same!

You can be as public or as personal as you want here, but sharing can help encourage others to put a plan together too - if you made it this far it can even be as simple as reblogging this post with a message saying "I Made a Voting Plan"!

[emilianadarling]

The Pennsylvania Senate race is still too close to call.

While it's unlikely to affect the presidential race, I hope Americans are aware that the NBC decision desk (pictured above) and New York Times decision desk have not yet called the Pennsylvania Senate race between McCormick (R) and Casey (D), deeming it still too close to call. The AP called the race for McCormick on Wednesday November 7, citing a 30,000 vote margin between the candidates with an estimated 91,000 votes remaining to count -- the rationale being that there were not enough potential votes left in areas favouring Casey to make a difference.

Since then:

The number of estimated votes left to count has been updated by PA from 91,000 to at least 100,000 per a Thursday announcement from the PA Secretary of State, including provisional, military, overseas, and some Election Day votes;

McCormick has filed multiple lawsuits in an attempt to prevent or limit continue counting of provisional ballots, some of which have now by Friday been withdrawn or dismissed;

Efforts from a group called "PA Fair Elections" to challenge 4,000 mail-in ballots (mostly from overseas or military voters) have now all been withdrawn or dismissed. A number of these challenges had previously been flagged both by the media and by individual voters. (Screenshots of these challenge emails being circulated on tumblr alongside accusations of 'cheating' -- in the end these challenges were made in bad faith, but technically made and ultimately dismissed through legal means.)

This DOES NOT MEAN that the Pennsylvania Senate seat is in any way guaranteed to flip once all the remaining votes are counted. The race is extremely close -- enough so that the AP is confident standing by its call.

What it DOES mean is that the votes have not yet finished being counted, and that it is not yet truly known who will have the most votes in the end. Although McCormick has already declared victory, Casey (in my view very reasonably and wisely) has not yet conceded and is calling for all votes to be counted.

By Pennsylvania law, a recount must occur if the race is within 0.5%. It's looking likely that this will occur. While recounts rarely change the outcome unless results are truly within the main of a handful of votes, they are an important tool for ensuring confidence in the final results.

I know that people are grieving and demoralized right now, but these tight margin races are CRITICAL for determining how large the margin of victory will be for Democrats to flip the Senate in future elections. (Assuming future electing aren't subverted or dismantled somehow by a second Trump administration, but we have to hold out hope for institutional residence here.) The outcome of this and other right Senate and House races may have enormous consequences in a few years, and it would be agonizing to look back and realize that the window of opportunity to ensure a fair outcome had been squandered.

So -- what can Americans do?

Send a note to Bob Casey and his team via his campaign website in support of his efforts to ensure all votes are counted (particularly given the legal challenges from the Republican candidate and Republican-aligned groups) and decision to wait to concede until all votes are counted. The man is getting dragged in Conservative media in particular for 'refusing to concede'; add your voice to the people validating that decision as both reasonable and moral.

Keep an eye on this race as the counting (and potential recounting) proceeds, including any further legal challenges attempting to prevent or limit the counting of all ballots. Regardless of the outcome, all eligible votes MUST BE COUNTED. To do otherwise would be both subversion if democracy and an stoicism legal precedent for future elections.

Watch for other legal challenges, particularly in battleground states or right races, seeking to disqualify or prevent the counting of ballots. Look for credible sources, especially local ones. Make noise about them with cited sources if you think there is a risk they may be missed. Notify groups like Democracy Docket or the American Civil Liberties Union if you have concerns. Shared truth and shared confidence in the legitimacy of election results -- including that all eligible votes are counted -- is essential for democracy to function.

Push back on claims that the election results are fully known or finalized. With multiple House races still undecided and a few razor-thin margin Senate races with ballots remaining to be counted, those kind of statements are simply not true. And state-level race are inherently more likely to not make it onto people's radar than the presidential race if candidates try to make it so certain ballots aren't counted or contesting the results if a tight race flips.

There is only a very small window post-election to ensure things like outstanding legal challenges over whether certain ballots can be included in the count are resolved. Please stay alert and do not let that window close without doing all you can to ensure every eligible ballot is counted -- particularly in those tight, tight down-ballot races. 🙏

Note: This post should be accurate as of the end of day on Friday, November 9. Once the results of the PA Senate race are known and truly final, I will update this pay with the results.

UPDATE: As of November 22, Bob Casey (D) has now officially conceded the Pennsylvania Senate race to Dave McCormick (R).

:(

[storkmuffin]

The Yeosang Tragedy (Part 3/?)

a.k.a. The Perfect Boy In the Glass Box (Ateez Lore)

This is a work of speculative fanfiction written in the form of an analytical essay. If your headcanon is different from mine, you are right and I am wrong but please don't send me anons about this. All images are from the extremely thorough and excellent Ateez Lore Total Summary (everything before Golden Hour) made by this Korean Atiny on her stan channel. Her video is the sole source of my information about the lore, and all errors are mine.

Making 'the lore' behind albums and music videos public and available for consumption by the fandom seems to me to be of a piece with showing us the learning process for acquiring the choreography, then the initial rehearsals, then the dress rehearsals, then the behind the scenes for the performances. As in, it's not necessary to have this, but it's fun to have. And Father Ateez has said in a media interview that he believes that having a complicated 'lore' is an important tool to cultivate parasocial obsession and emotional investment necessary for generating revenue.

What's more fun to think about is the meta behind why and how the Lore is how it is, because the company itself was launching this group by making up a fanfiction AU about each of them and as a group. How much of what was going on in real life served as material for this storytelling?? Maybe NONE, but maybe, just maybe, we can guess at some of the real world events that affected the group?

Sidebar to do a very barebones summary of Ateez Lore: There are at least two parallel universes - ours (the A World) and the other one (Z world). In our world, Ateez are 8 boys who are all trying to overcome some sort of problem or difficulty in their respective lives, who come together to form a dance-and-song team. This place looks and feels a lot like South Korea. In the other world, there are 8 men (for some reason they feel like men and not boys) who are the mirror equivalent of our Ateez boys, but in that world, they are artist revolutionaries trying to overturn this dystopia where people are not allowed to express or enjoy emotion or desire. This feels like a very sanitized version of North Korea. The dystopic Z world is totalitarian, so it hunts down the revolutionary Halateez men, who use magic (because why the hell not) to burst into our A reality to drag the Ateez boys into their Z world revolution. They have to use magic because they're all trapped glass coffins in a basement prison. The rest of the story is Ateez trying to help, failing, getting drugged and having hallucinations about beach holidays, waking up, being shunted back to our world, etc etc.

I am addressing the way that the A-world Ateez members are set up by the Lore makers at KQ, because the A-World Lore about Yeosang (which I am going to denote by "Yeosang" to distinguish from the Idol Yeosang of actual reality) is extremely bitchy and pointed, given what they've chosen to share about him in 'candid' documentary moments and how they've chosen to present him in 'reality' content.

The summary by 자매다만세 says that "Yeosang" was trapped in a regulated life set up by his parents, where his only moments of escape were by dismantling and reassembling small machinery and instruments. He's in a fancy private school, being forced (forced) to learn violin, which is a mostly sit-down instrument that also requires you to never open your mouth. He's someone who wants to be a singer and a dancer. This is the wrong instrument, obviously.

The Ateez Boys of A world get together and hang out in a decrepit garage type space, which has become a Korean word 아지트, taken from the Russian agitpunkt. "Yeosang"'s parents are so annoyed by this group that "Yeosang" insists on hanging out with that they somehow lock down the location that was their sole place to regularly meet, and the loss of this location results in the effective destruction of the group.

As in. "Yeosang"'s parents were not supportive of his being a member of "Ateez." "Yeosang"'s parents were the villains who actively interfered with the cohesion of "Ateez." "Yeosang"'s parents were hellbent on making their child be and do something he is not.

As a consequence, it made me wonder if Yeosang, as the star trainee who was highly sought after as soon as he made it known that he wanted to leave Big Hit, whose parents seem to have had (??) a take it or leave it attitude towards this entire showbiz career their son wanted, put up stringent conditions to Yeosang joining KQ. NO ONE ELSE'S PARENTS makes this much of an active appearance in the Lore.

What were the conditions, I wonder? Did Yeosang's contract with KQ have riders that were different from the ones that all the others got? Did his parents (or his parents' attorney) obtain for Yeosang a guarantee of a 'featured' role in videos, where he would get special close ups and highlight moments, right from the beginning? Was he exempt from certain fanservice activities from the start with an expiration date on this special protective time? Was the character set-up for his Idol persona somehow more protective of him than the others??

Back to the story:

When the "Ateez" boys try to make the Z World better but get hunted by the forces of evil, and have to make a run for it back home. In the process, "Yeosang" sacrifices his chances of escape with them in order to ensure the return of all the others, and despite "Hong Joong" (of course) making a desperate last minute effort, "Yeosang" gets left behind in the world. From here on out, he's entirely somewhere else, in the other world, status and consciousness level unknown.

"Yeosang" is locked into one of these glass coffins in the Z World, on suspended animation.

You know, as in, Snow White. He's not quite entirely asleep, because then that would give him nothing to do, but he is definitely removed from all the other nonsense that "Ateez" have to deal with.

"Yeosang" a victim of his suffocating evil parents in A world is a victim of a suffocating prison situation in Z world. Poetic! Echoes! Sob!!

The desire to rescue "Yeosang" is one of the main motivations of all the members of "Ateez" - they have to keep going back to the scary and life and death dynamics of Z World, not just because Halateez begged them to and it's the right thing to do as dimension jumping superheroes, but because they have to go retrieve "Yeosang" who sacrificed himself for them like an angel. Or that other guy, who sacrificed himself for the greater good of all humanity and is represented by a white dove. Yah. Him.

Ahem.

"Yeosang" is in a magical, untouchable place by himself, and yet he is conscious and empowered with the power of observation into A World, so he keeps an eye on the rest of "Ateez" as they grow and mature throughout the song cycles, going from boys to men.

Like the above caption says, because of "Yeosang"'s unique position and status (ahem), he's not a participant but an observer, a witness, in the melee.

"Yeosang" isn't passive either. He sends messages to "Ateez" when they've been overpowered by some sort of hallucinatory drug unleashed on them by the powers that be in Z World, in the form of Blue Butterflies. He sees all, and he's trying to help. He is trying to wake up the rest of "Ateez."

At some point, because the "Ateez" boys keep running into obstacles, Yeosang manages to liberate himself, escaping despite being wrapped in chains (i.e. in Halazia's MV).

Apparently, Yeosang also turns out to be the one that connects everything.

The central goal of "Yeosang"'s narrative, from the first album all the way to just before Golden Hour Part 1 and 2, is to come out of isolation, out of being under the control of dark authorities (his parents in A world, the bad guys in Z world) and join the rest of "Ateez" in a proper union.

This is a very interesting position to be in, per a narrative plot, isn't it? To be an object of longing, and yet a subject seeking liberation, to be the observer who is in a way protected from the travails assailing those trying to come 'rescue' him. Important yet uninvolved. It kind of fits Yeosang's idol persona - he reveals his body without much fuss or resistance (cut aways, ab reveals, super tight pants, completely at ease pulling off Ateez's most male-objectifying dance moves), he does almost all the things required of him as an idol (the lives, the fanchats, the animal costume wearing, etc etc) and yet there's definitely a sense of his being distant in a way that Wooyoung isn't, guarded in a way Mingi isn't, coolly observant of his fans in a way that Seonghwa isn't. There's a lot of the Idol Yeosang on the Lore "Yeosang" that I find extremely funny.

The shipping narratives they've tried (and thus far apparently failed) to include him in follow this same pattern: Wooyoung allegedly followed him, threw in his lot after Yeosang, and yet Yeosang did not, as Yunho apparently did Mingi, assure Wooyoung it was ok, and that he should join. And they didn't end up a duo. Ateez members all say how much they like Yeosang, how precious he is to them, and how protective they all feel of his kindness and goodness, but they're always shoving him out of elevators, snatching food out of his hands, and in survival games, making him run for his life as they chase him down like a pack of wolves. LOL. And about his kindness and goodness, too I have doubts - his dominant traits in the comedy reality content is (a) to not be listening to anything anyone is ever saying, (b) snappy sarcasm and (c) screaming in horror when any of them touch him.

I wonder if Yeosang isn't the hidden real power player in this group, then, given this very ambivalent role he's always playing, at every level. Yeosang, I want to read your contract, please.

The problem though, and the reason I call it a tragedy, is that all these double triple layers of protection and distance makes it difficult for him to really, truly shine. In the Korean Idol-fandom space discourse I've seen about Yeosang in particular is that he is the one who should be at SM, getting the major launches. Why is he here at KQ, which can't give him the push he deserves? Why is he not getting the central parts that are going to the others? Why is he so absent on the albums? and so on. There's a sense that the fandom, too, want Yeosang to achieve some sort of breaking out, and taking flight.

You know, to come out of his glass box, in which he looks so beautiful and desirable, but is essentially untouchable.

[bodysnatch3r]

its just that the veil is doing so much narrative and thematic heavy lifting that it can mean ten thousand things to ten thousand different people while also being a stand-in for real violence and/or genocide and/or fascism and/or whatever flavour du jour we want to interpret it as. it cannot be the physical manifestation of solas' hubris and a metaphor for artificial unequal systems like capitalism and a tool of oppression and a now-undeniable fact of contemporary theodosian life and the one thing keeping the blight at bay and a shorthand for the idealisation of the past and a metaphor for ecocide all at once. while also being a prop in solas' trickster deconstruction plot. it just can't. whichever way you slice it (heh) it will be narratively unsatisfying. it's a logic problem with no solution.

if the veil is unjust and tearing it down is an act of reparation, then why is trespasser!solas so candid about the sheer amount of destruction doing so will cause, and tells a befriended inquisitor that he hopes they can prove him wrong once again?

if solas is inherently justified in wanting to tear down the veil, as the veil is the root source of all the world's injustice towards spirits and mages and elves, why is he leaving an opening for a friendly inquisitor to stop him?

if solas is a trickster and his arc was betrayed when the veil didn't come down, then why is his overarcing storyline about the tension between godhood and personhood? is he a man or a god? is leaving the world as is a failure of reparative justice, or the conclusion of a single character's arc whose main themes have been about wrestling with regret when one's mistakes have world-altering consequences?

the veil, as a narrative element of the wider dragon age plot, is apparently at odds with itself because it's doing two incompatible things: it's the embodiment of systemic injustice while also being the macguffin of solas' own very-different-thematically personal plot, where accepting that the veil cannot be undone is part of accepting that the past cannot be changed and one must move on and build a better tomorrow with the imperfect tools of today.

and i kind of really like this messy tension. if we want to stretch the metaphor to its breaking point, i find it echoes a lot of what dreaming a post-capitalist society may look like. what kinds of futures are possible? what does revolution look like? who will sweep the floors once the revolution is over? who'll wash the dishes?

[monsooninamajestic]

Broken Time Blades: We Are Finally Freed From Those Wretched Blades! Let's transfer us to a furry child!!

So, uh, an Formling OC I made based off the fact that Formlings can have elemental powers. I gave the element of Time (The Time Blades Broke During The Merge and Transferred to a New person)

Concept of Yuzuki

So, uh- she is the New Elemental Master of Time (she has all four power branches cause there isn’t two masters of time) and her form is a white tiger for

Uh, she was introduced in the Tormenment of Sources as someone who decided not to compete because of the two reasons that she is like young and 11-12 (mental wise, formlings age differently psychically and mentally) and pretty much everyone is teens/adult. This gives the problem when wolf mask warriors attack- she's the only Elemental Master with their element still. She is fine though- maybe some trauma and fear in her though.

I kinda don't know how she gets trust issues and paranoia that everyone wants to use her for her element and which older person gives her that. My current candidates are Zeatrix (interested in her Element and thought that she can help her with the revenge on Beatrix and that Beatrix never had gotten the throne- though, Zeatrix got soft but something accidentally reveals the plan so Yuzuki feels really betrayed), Ras (cause he likes manipulating people younger than him + reverse the merge shit), Arin (Reverse the Merge to get back his parents, then he might realizes that not telling the truth to someone isn't lying but make the offender feel guilty cause Yuzuki feels like she is just a tool and Arin doesn't actually care. Misunderstandings and Betrayal), but, idk cause yeah. I want help for that pretty please :3

I need to clean up stuff and make the lore

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Zoë Schiffer at Wired:

The Social Security Administration will no longer be communicating with the media and the public through press releases and “dear colleague” letters, as it shifts its public communication exclusively to X, sources tell WIRED. The news comes amid major staffing cuts at the agency. “We are no longer planning to issue press releases or those dear colleague letters to inform the media and public about programmatic and service changes,” said SSA regional commissioner Linda Kerr-Davis in a meeting with managers earlier this week. “Instead, the agency will be using X to communicate to the press and the public … so this will become our communication mechanism.” Previously, the agency used dear colleague letters to engage with advocacy groups and third-party organizations that help people access social security benefits. Recent letters covered everything from the agency’s new identity verification procedures to updates on the accuracy of SSA death records (“less than one-third of 1 percent are erroneously reported deaths that need to be corrected,” the agency wrote, in contrast to what Elon Musk claims).

The letters and press releases were also a crucial communications tool for SSA employees, who used them to stay up on agency news. Since SSA staff cannot sign up for social media on government computers without submitting a special security request, the change could have negative consequences on the ability for employees to do their jobs. It could also impact people receiving social security benefits who rely on the letters for information about access benefits. “Do they really expect senior citizens will join this platform?” asked one current employee. “Most managers aren’t even on it. How isn’t this a conflict of interest?” Another staffer added: “This will ensure that the public does not get the information they need to stay up-to-date.” [...] The regional office workforce will soon be cut by roughly 87 percent, sources tell WIRED. Regional office staff manage IT support, policy questions, labor relations issues, reasonable accommodations guidance, and public relations. Since February, the SSA has cut 7,000 jobs, according to The Washington Post. Today, the agency has 547 employees working in the nearly dozen regional offices (previously, the number was closer to 700, but many people have retired, a current employee with knowledge of the staffing numbers says). After the cuts, the number is expected to be closer to 70. “We know that you all depend on these folks to manage your front line, to help with questions,” said Kerr-Davis, who works in the Kansas City regional office. “I'm going to be pretty candid here in sharing that the support will be pretty minimal until we can stand up our skinny regional office.”

Another disgraceful move by the SSA under Tyrant 47.

See Also:

HuffPost: Social Security Says On X It’s Not Switching All Communications To X (Update)

[hammadchauhdary]

Best 10 Talent Sourcing Trends in 2024

We are in the modern era of Human Resource (HR) with the presence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Recruiting. There are 8 stages in the recruitment process, as talent sourcing has become a crucial aspect of recruitment for organizations looking to attract and retain top talent. As a talent acquisition professional, I understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve when it comes to talent sourcing trends. By being aware of the latest 10 talent sourcing trends and incorporating them into our recruitment strategies, we can ensure that we are attracting the best candidates for our organizations.

What are Talent Sourcing Trends?

Instructions are used for talent sourcing and these instructions lead towards talent sourcing trends. Finding the right people to work for a company is really important, but it’s not always easy. Things are always changing, and companies need to keep up with the latest ways to find good employees. This blog is going to talk about some of the most important ways companies are finding new employees right now. It will look at things like how more people are working from home, how technology is helping with the hiring process and other important trends.

Modern Talent Sourcing Trends

One of the most significant modern talent sourcing trends is the use of technology, online platforms, and AI in Recruiting. With the rise of social media and professional networking sites, recruiters now have access to a huge pool of talent. Platforms like LinkedIn allow recruiters to search for candidates based on specific criteria such as skills, experience, and location. Additionally, organizations can use data analytics to gain visions into candidate behavior and preferences, enabling them to adapt their recruitment strategies accordingly.

Another rising method of talent sourcing trends is the focus on hiring candidates without traditional degrees or standard credentials. Many organizations are recognizing the value of skills and experience over formal qualifications. By expanding their search to include candidates who may not have a traditional educational background but possess relevant skills, organizations can tap into a wider talent pool and bring in candidates with unique perspectives and experiences.

1. Conducting Market Research

To stay ahead of the curve in talent sourcing, it is crucial to conduct market research. By understanding the current talent sourcing trends, including demand for specific skills and emerging job roles, recruiters can align their talent acquisition strategies accordingly. Market research also helps identify potential competitors and determine what sets your organization apart. This knowledge can guide the development of effective employer branding and recruitment campaigns, ensuring that you attract top talent.

2. Mapping Talent Future Pipelines

Mapping talent future pipelines involves identifying potential candidates who may be a good fit for your organization in the future. By working relationships with these individuals and keeping them engaged, you can build a pipeline of qualified candidates who are ready to step into key roles when the time comes. This proactive approach to talent sourcing ensures a continuous supply of talent and reduces the time and resources spent on traditional recruitment methods.

3. Hiring for Projects vs. a Specific Opportunity

In today’s gig economy, hiring for projects has become an increasingly popular trend. Many professionals are opting for freelance or contract work, offering organizations the opportunity to tap into a diverse pool of talent for specific projects. By holding this trend, organizations can access specialized skills and talent without the long-term commitment of hiring a full-time employee. This flexible approach to talent sourcing can be particularly beneficial for organizations that experience fluctuations in workload or require special skills for short-term projects.

4. Finding Prospects Online

In the digital age, finding prospects online has become an integral part of talent sourcing. Social media platforms, professional networking sites, and online communities provide a wealth of opportunities to connect with potential candidates. Recruiters can provide these platforms to showcase their organization’s culture, values, and job opportunities, allowing candidates to gain visions of what it is like to work for your organization. Building an online presence and engaging with prospects through targeted content and meaningful interactions can significantly improve your talent sourcing efforts.

5. Hiring Candidates Without Degrees or Standard Credentials

As mentioned earlier, the focus on hiring candidates without traditional degrees or standard credentials is increasing strength. Many organizations are recognizing that skills and experience are often more valuable indicators of a candidate’s potential than formal qualifications alone. By adopting a skills-based approach to talent sourcing, organizations can tap into a diverse talent pool and bring in candidates who may have acquired valuable skills through non-traditional paths. This trend promotes equity and provides opportunities for individuals who may have been overlooked in traditional recruitment processes.

6. Implementing Personalized Recruiting

Personalized recruiting involves tailoring your recruitment strategies to meet the individual needs and preferences of candidates. This approach recognizes that each candidate is unique and requires a personalized experience throughout the recruitment process. By taking the time to understand a candidate’s motivations, career goals, and values, organizations can create a highly personalized recruitment journey that resonates with candidates on a deeper level. This not only enhances the candidate experience but also increases the likelihood of attracting and retaining top talent.

7. Valuing Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are skills that can be applied across different industries and job roles. Recognizing the value of transferable skills in talent sourcing allows organizations to cast a wider net and consider candidates who may not have direct experience in a particular field but possess the skills necessary to excel in the role. By focusing on transferable skills, organizations can bring in candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences, enriching their talent pool and promoting innovation.

8. Identifying Philanthropic Efforts

Many candidates today are looking for more than just a job; they want to work for an organization that aligns with their values and makes a positive impact on society. Identifying philanthropic efforts and involving them in your talent sourcing strategies can help attract candidates who are passionate about making a difference. Whether it is through corporate social responsibility openings or partnerships with nonprofit organizations, establishing a commitment to social good can be a powerful tool in talent sourcing.

9. Virtual recruitment events

Virtual recruitment events are online gatherings where employers and job seekers interact in a digital environment, offering accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. These events enable companies to reach a broader audience of potential candidates while saving on expenses related to venue rental and travel. With interactive features such as live chat and video conferencing, virtual platforms facilitate real-time engagement and copy the social interaction of personal events.

Additionally, organizers can provide data analytics to track attendance and engagement assessments, making data-driven decisions for future recruitment strategies. Particularly valuable during crises, virtual recruitment events provide continuity in recruitment activities while ensuring the safety and well-being of participants, aligning with corporate social responsibility goals, and enhancing the candidate experience through integration with recruitment technology.

10. Networking

Networking has always been a critical aspect of talent sourcing, and it continues to be relevant in the digital age. Building and maintaining professional relationships can open doors to new opportunities and connections. Attending industry events, joining professional associations, and engaging with online communities can help recruiters expand their network and gain access to a broader pool of talent. By raising these relationships and staying connected, recruiters can tap into a valuable source of referrals and recommendations.

The Role of Technology in Talent Sourcing Trends

Technology has revolutionized talent sourcing, making it easier and more efficient than ever before. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics have transformed the way recruiters identify and engage with candidates. AI-powered algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to match candidates with job opportunities, saving recruiters time and effort. Technology also enables recruiters to change continual tasks, allowing them to focus on building relationships and providing a more personalized experience for candidates.

Retaining Top Talent: Strategies and Best Practices

To ensure the effectiveness of talent sourcing trends and strategies, it is essential to measure their success. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as time-to-fill, quality of hire, and candidate satisfaction can provide valuable visions into the impact of your talent sourcing trends. By regularly evaluating and analyzing these metrics, recruiters can identify areas for improvement and make analytical decisions to optimize their talent acquisition strategies.

While talent sourcing is crucial for attracting candidates, it is equally important to focus on retaining top talent once they are onboard. Employee retention strategies and best practices play a vital role in creating a positive work environment and raising employee engagement. Providing opportunities for growth and development, offering competitive compensation and benefits, and promoting work-life balance are just a few examples of effective retention strategies. By investing in the professional and personal growth of employees, organizations can create a culture that attracts and retains top talent.

Conclusion

Staying ahead of the curve in talent sourcing is essential for organizations looking to attract and retain top talent. By holding the latest talent sourcing trends and incorporating them into recruitment strategies, organizations can gain a competitive edge in the job market. From providing technology and personalized recruiting to valuing transferable skills and identifying philanthropic efforts, there are numerous opportunities to enhance talent sourcing trends. By continuously evolving and adapting to changing trends, organizations can build a strong talent pipeline and ensure long-term success in attracting the best candidates for their organizations.

To learn more about the latest talent sourcing trends and how they can benefit your organization, subscribe to our newsletter today or follow us on social media for timely updates on our forthcoming articles.

Visit our website to read latest articles:  https://workonpeak.org/blogs/

[ficzhub]

How much do y’all wanna bet that Snow didn’t have to rig the election too much to win? My headcanon is that it was obviously not a “fair” election, explicitly excluding the districts because they don’t get votes (the same as how for the US our territories don’t) is only one of the several reasons why. But it’s not as clearly rigged as most people think when talking about ‘rigging.’ I don’t think he had to falsify votes or anything like that. Especially by the latter end he probably ran unopposed save for a candidate or two that would be viewed how we see 3rd party candidates.

He won and keeps winning because not enough regular, Capitalite, adult people care enough about politics to bother voting. They’re too distracted entertaining themselves with the wealth the city steals from the districts to be attentive about what the president is doing, how he’s doing it, why he’s doing it, etc, etc. They have trends to keep up with, images to maintain, homes and bodies to redecorate over and over and over to stay in-style, getting whatever pets are the new fun thing, deciding what the next finish of their walls will be, etc, etc.

Their kids are likely just not taught about 90% of Panem’s history, most of which would be revisionist and told to focus more on all the other subjects cause those are more useful anyway, after all no one makes money being a ‘historian’. *Shudder* Absolutely not, it would be a waste of energy. If you’re going to be in the arts, become a make up artist, a plastic surgeon, interior decorator, cosmetologist, etc, something people actually care about and use frequently and would give you the life you’ve been told you want!

If you HAVE to choose history because of ‘fulfillment’ or ‘happiness’ or whatever 🙄, make it art history! The paint that was used, the types of tools, but only certain artists. After all only CERTAIN people are even capable of creating ‘true’ art and not just the equivalent of cave paintings. So focus on Capitalite artists, and don’t spend too much time wondering how their medias, tools and other necessities were sourced since it’s probably district productions, but rather on the artists inspirations, their use of color, all that fun stuff people want to know and appropriate for their uses.

So the adults are distracted, the children are indoctrinated, and what few dissidents remain are easily ‘persuaded’, silenced or disposed of (indirectly or otherwise) if they’re seen as real threats. As far as “rigging” it like miscounting votes or reporting false numbers, it’s unlikely. MAYBE for the first one but not even then, since he was very handsome, educated, had the right background and sold a good story about “patriotism” and “maintaining peace.”

[arach-tinilith]

Your OC's personalities

Tysm @tacticalgrandma for the opportunity to yap about my wretched daughter!!!

Tagging @foxboyclit @cacturne @hootshooch @the-weeping-dawn and anyone who wishes to do this!! (No pressure ofc<3)

-

How would you describe Naadja’s personality?

Toxic sludge lol. She's incredibly insincere with most everyone and especially herself. Her core trait is her entitlement which is a huge detriment to herself because she insists on being granted privileges she doesn't earn and has a difficult time allowing others to improve their standing. A lot of her outward noble and regal personality is just a farce while her actual insecurity seeps through miniscule cracks that'd be hard to notice unless you really looked close.

The problem with that is people often want her superficially (for her status, beauty, and power) but very few stick around to peel away the mask. She also refuses to acknowledge that there is a mask at all. She's flighty, avoidant, and manipulative. Underneath all of that is someone in significant pain who can't express it out of fear of being vulnerable. 

What brings Naadja joy?

Aside from being the center of attention, Naadja finds great joy from small, quiet closeness. Which is a bit unexpected but she's constantly performing and having the opportunity to be candid is rare and treasured. She finds a great deal of liberation from trusting others but it is something she's dragged kicking and screaming to do. Its why she clings so closely to those she cares for. 

What does Naadja strongly dislike? 

Loss of autonomy, of personhood. After spending her childhood as a tool and then coming into her own power thats ripped away from her, she's loath to grant others control over her. It manifests as her being staunchly independent and cutting ties with people who get close to her. 

Is Naadja scared of anything?

Primarily that same loss of power. Both literal and political. She's lost the source of her magic multiple times and it's put her in a place of near breaking. She has a moment with the sussur blooms where she's being told she's useless from the party and she spirals. Then of course there's the loss of her importance. Hence why she keeps the game of cat and mouse going with Zafyna- she needs to be needed. It's also why she left the safe haven of the Aevendrow to pursue insurrection of the Lolthite drow but again we see that the more she grasps at these wants, the less she has.

What is Naadja’s alignment?

Chaotic Evil! Her first priority is herself and she will use whatever means at her disposal to secure safety and liberation. Which sounds very fair given her history but she has absolutely no qualms about stepping on other's necks to do so

[pinkeoni]

candid tfs spoiler discussion below

So the AIDS thing is like, really on the nose isn't it. Like really really on the nose. Powers made through blood infection that is spread through blood transfusion and propagated by the US Government. Way to be subtle guys 😂 But it does make me a little excited knowing that reading the show through the AIDS lens was correct, even if they are gonna be obnoxious about it.

Will definitely has powers which I knew before but the origin is something that I got wrong, and tbf I knew I was definitely missing pieces and a lot of my assumptions about where his powers came from was, admittedly, me projecting the story that I wanted to happen rather than what the story was showing. If the show is using an over the top AIDS metaphor then it makes a lot more sense that Will's powers were inflicted on him rather than born naturally with him (even though HIV is something that can be passed on through childbirth, but it makes more sense to be inflicted in this particular case with Will)

And granted I have not seen the show with my own two eyes, and this is all taking things from bullet points that have been filtered through the experience of someone else. Honestly until I see a slime tutorial of the show myself then I won't have the full context, so take that for what you will. And I definitely need to read more into some of these spoilers.

But what I'm thinking right now for Will (because I only ever think about him and make everything about him okay!!) is that whether or not he was targeted specifically to be kidnapped or if he happened to be taken into the Upside Down (my money is still on he was targeted) I do think that Brenner and the lab had to tools to go in and get him but they decided to let him cook in there. The reason being because Brenner wanted another blood source. El herself could also be used for this, but maybe he wanted something tainted from the original original source??????? And what I'm also thinking is that Brenner had plans to "Adam and Eve" them essentially.

But all that is just me rattling off thoughts, and again, I'm taking this all through filtered spoilers from a stage play I haven't seen yet.

[mariacallous]

What more can I do to help Ukraine?

Dear Kyiv Independent readers,

Thank you for your continued support — especially in this critical time.

This is Brooke, the community manager here at the Kyiv Independent, and each week we want to give you a closer look at how we bring you the news, from Ukraine to the world.

Since I started working here about 2.5 years ago, the most frequently asked question I’ve received from our members and readers has been “What more can I do to help Ukraine?”

Recently, after the Trump administration has started to abandon Ukraine, these emails from our audience have spiked — especially from Americans (we see you!) — and in response, we’ve compiled a list of what you can do to support Ukraine, even if your government doesn’t want to.

Thank you to everyone who has asked this question and for standing with us. Here are some ways you can help. If you aren’t yet a member of the Kyiv Independent, we also invite you to join our community.

Contact your elected representatives, regardless of where you live. In the U.S., the American Coalition for Ukraine has a tool to find your members of Congress and recommended messaging for what to ask your government representatives. You can also get involved in upcoming elections, volunteering or donating, to support candidates who support Ukraine.

Join marches or demonstrations in support of Ukraine. The Ukrainian World Congress has compiled a list of events that took place on the anniversary of the full-scale invasion and show support for Ukraine. This database can be a good place to find the groups in your area already involved supporting Ukraine.

Donate to organizations in Ukraine. Some well-known charities are Come Back Alive, the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation, and the Hospitallers. With the suspension of USAID, Ukrainian civil society also needs your support: Ukraine was the largest recipient of U.S. economic aid, receiving over $14 billion in 2023. A few dollars can make a big difference.

Boycott (or avoid to the best of your ability) corporations that still operate within Russia. The Kyiv School of Economics has made a detailed list of corporations that continue to do business in Russia. The mobile version of the website even has a barcode scanner, so you can easily find the details about a product’s parent company. Also, consider supporting Ukrainian brands or local businesses — you can check out our 2024 gift guide, which highlights Ukrainian brands.

Engage with Ukrainian media, culture, and art. Part of Russia’s goal in the war is to destroy Ukrainian culture. Here’s a list (compiled by one of our members) showing creative ways to help Ukraine, highlighting organizations, projects, and artists, from podcasts about the war to resources for learning Ukrainian.

Share news about Ukraine and get your friends involved. We made this list an article on our website, making it easy to share with your friends or on social media. Collective action works, and the more people who make even a small step towards helping Ukraine more quickly adds up.

And, ultimately, make sure to take care of yourself and hang in there. We know it’s easy to feel completely overwhelmed when trying to keep up with the news — and it’s scary to see what we’re up against. But you aren’t powerless in this.

As a reminder — it’s your support — the contributions of 16,000 people that form the backbone of the Kyiv Independent’s funding.

If you haven’t joined yet, consider becoming a member of our community. In the past three years, we’ve grown our company, expanded our coverage, launched new newsletters, and reached new audiences — all made possible by our members. The majority of our members give just $5 per month — the price of a cup of coffee — and it’s game-changing for us. Every bit makes a difference, and we’re grateful you’re with us.

Thank you for your support.