#how to remove yourself from a facebook group

[mokubetech]

If you're wondering how to leave a group on Facebook, look no further! This quick tutorial will show you the easy steps to remove yourself from any group on the platform. Say goodbye to unwanted notifications and clutter in your newsfeed!

[my-silly-poker]

insulin scam warning

Hey gamers,

for a long time on tumblr there's been a guy who really, really wants you to believe they need insulin, on many different blogs, with different paypals and different names. They make a new blog, put a few reblogs on it so it isn't obvious it's brand-new, and then start spamming asks to people for donations.

Here is their most recent blog, but their username will likely change by the time you see this. Kyra45 reports updates on them here

Here are examples of past iterations of this scam, which have been taken down

Donation scams on tumblr are extremely common and anyone who has a tumblr account will encounter them at some point. The insulin guy has been a long-running one for months now. Scambusting blogs like kyra45 do a lot of work to track and call out these scams when they surface.

Scam Spotting Tips

They send an ask often accompanied with a follow despite having never interacted with you before. Ask yourself: How did you find your blog? These interactions usually come out of nowhere when you have no original posts or interests they could've found you through, because they're just going down the lists of random blogs.

They reblog just enough posts to make you think that their blog is in-use when it is actually only a day or a few old. Enable timestamps and try find the blog's oldest post; if a blog seems old but still seems suspicious, be wary of post backdating

They often disable or delete comments on their donation post to hide comments that call them out. Open the notes and see if it says "some replies have been hidden, blocked or removed." Blocked/hidden comments sometimes still appear in reblogs of a post but not the original, so open a random reblog and see if telling comments appear there.

It isn't unusual for the story and the ask to either be exact copy-pastes of each other, or otherwise have very telling suspicious details, such as: using different names, having different goal amounts, contrasting story details, etc.

Like many of the above examples, they often have a completely random string of words as their blog name.

Reverse image searching can be a helpful giveaway if it works, but don't trust it - scammers often steal images from private Facebook groups/profiles so people don't find the source and think it's original

When you receive an ask from a blog like this, reporting them for spam or phishing and reporting the PayPal account for fraudulent activity does help get these accounts taken down.

[i-still-mask-because]

I still mask because it's what I can do to protect myself and others.

I still mask because I don't trust the people at the grocery store and on the train to stay home when they're sick, or to stop themselves from spreading COVID.

I've recently learned that the masks I was using are no longer recommended, and have ordered some N95s! I'm doing my best but it's frustrating that I see people masking less and less. 😷

I have also felt the social pressure to go without masking and have given in sometimes, which I'm not proud of. Even my doctor made comments about it. I would love to know what you do/say in these situations!

Hey thank you for sharing! 😷💛

Firstly, I'm happy to hear you're able to upgrade to better quality masks! I hope they're comfortable and have a snug fit!

You're definitely not alone in experiencing pressure to remove your mask. This can be especially difficult when this happens with relatives and friends.

For me personally, I've gotten in the habit of trying to think 10 steps ahead of what I could do to prevent having to take off my mask. I gave some examples of what I would do in the case of visiting a friend or visiting a restaurant in this post here.

In general, I stand my ground with my boundaries if anyone is trying to pressure me to take off my mask. My boundaries are: I will not be removing my mask around other people that I'm not confident have been masking consistently in public and/or high risk scenarios, and I will not be removing my mask around other people that have not been taking enough adequate precautions & testing, if at all, leading up to the time of our convening.

In the case of being in public spaces surrounded by a bunch of strangers, removing my mask is 1000% off the table because there is no way for me to know how covid-cautious all these people around me have been, and my best bet is not at all if they're all maskless. So in the case of if I'm with relatives and/or friends that are trying to pressure me to remove my mask in public, that is a hard no. And frankly, I treat interactions like that as moments that inform me of how they regularly go about their day-to-day during an on-going pandemic: casually & carelessly removing their masks (if they have one at all) in public, with no risk assessment or precautions at all. I know then to double down on my boundaries, and, if possible, distance myself from them. I recommend joining any "Still Coviding" Facebook groups, Discord servers, etc. for your particular state/city/town if you're looking to spend time with more people on the same page as you about the seriousness of the pandemic.

In regards to doctors; I haven't personally experienced pressure to remove my mask from the doctors I've been seeing, but I have had to ask them to put one on around me, especially if the purpose of the appointment actually requires me to remove my mask. Here's a document that has templates for what you could say to your health care provider if you're requesting them to wear a mask in any upcoming appointments (feel free to save a copy and tailor it to your own liking!). Please remember that it's 1000000% your right to demand for accommodations and safety precautions in a literal health care environment. You're not a burden for doing so, and you're not irrational for asking your health care providers to literally do their job and do what they can to protect your health. There's websites like Covid Safe Providers if you're trying to look for a covid-cautious health care provider; it's not guaranteed there's going to be one for your location (I've been having a hard time finding a covid-cautious GP near me), but it's worth a shot to look into.

Overall, here's some links I recommend to equip yourself with knowledge on what you could say in these interactions if you're put in a position to have to explain your choice to take covid precautions & require others to do the same:

How To Talk To Your Loved Ones About Covid

You Have To Live Your Life: A resource for COVID-19 research and information

LitCovid: A literature hub for tracking up-to-date scientific information about the 2019 novel Coronavirus.

Please absolutely feel free to repost these links wherever and share them around to other people!

I hope this was helpful!

As always, if anyone has any additional information or suggestions to give, please feel free to share!

[nerdygaymormon]

Navigating Living Waters

Affirmation has a Facebook group titled Living Waters, which is for LGBTQ people, family, & friends who are active in the LDS church. This group is meant to be a place to discuss issues and topics from a believing LDS perspective.

At the 2023 Affirmation International Conference, I was asked to be the presenter for the Living Waters session. 

Church can be challenging for queer people and for those who love us as things get said which hurt. I wanted to help people feel like they have some skills they can use when they encounter these situations. For that reason, I called my session “Navigating Living Waters - Affirming ourselves and drawing boundaries as we navigate life at church and with believers.”

I’m sharing my presentation in the hopes it may be useful to some who were unable to attend the conference. 

————————————————————

"We're not gonna become someone we love by talking to ourselves like we're someone we hate. We're not gonna become the best version of ourselves while treating ourselves like someone who deserves to be punished just for existing. I know it's hard, but have your own back” - Dr. Glenn Patrick Doyle

A big part of what makes church hard for queer people is we repeatedly receive negative and rejecting messages about this part of who we are. Research shows both our mental & physical health are negatively affected as we internalize these messages. How can we handle things when this happens?

It depends on the situation. For example, if a comment is made in Sunday School, we can also make a comment, but Sacrament meeting isn’t interactive. It also depends on you. If you're not out to everyone in the room, then speaking up may not be an option you would choose. Some people's personalities are more introvert or extrovert. Some people have anxiety. There's a lot of variables.

We need to push back against those messages of negativity and discrimination. It's a way of honoring myself. Pushing back may include speaking up, or it may mean replacing those messages to myself with affirming ones.

This past week at my therapy session, I was speaking with my psychologist about an assignment where I identify something I did that day for which I feel accomplished and then say that I'm proud of myself for doing this thing. I told the therapist that it feels hokey. I understand what I'm writing, but I don't feel it. She said while typing or writing are fine, for the brain it's more effective to hear the words spoken. And it's even more powerful to look at my reflection in the mirror and say the words to me. Giving voice to an affirmation has power.

I share that because it’s good to write thoughts to yourself. It’s even better if you’re able to give voice to those thoughts.

If you find yourself in a place where things are being said, but you can’t speak up, one option is to remove yourself from the space. If it's Sacrament Mtg and the speaker is saying things that are hard for you, get up and walk out. You don't have to make a big deal about it, you can quietly slip away. Although, I have seen someone who got up and walked out while making clear they were unhappy with what was being said by making an exasperated noise and shaking their head.

If I’m watching General Conference with family or friends and can’t turn it off, there’s several options available. I can get on my phone to distract myself and check out what people are saying on Twitter and on Tumblr. I could take a bathroom break. If I’m taking notes, I can start writing affirming, positive messages to myself to counter the words being spoken. 

Pushing back against and replacing the rejecting messages is a way to not internalize them. 

Let's say we're in a classroom situation and something discriminatory is said about queer people. Many of us choose to be silent, to be passive and let the comment go unchallenged. At church it seems like we’re socialized to not make other people feel uncomfortable even as they are saying things which are hurting us. We don't have to let the comment go unchallenged, but you have to weigh whether the situation is one where you can safely push back. 

We don't want to respond with violence or threats, we don't want to dehumanize the other person, we don't want to inflict trauma on them. If we do that, then for many, our voice loses its legitimacy. We can be affirming of ourselves without demeaning others. We're taught to do unto others as we want done to ourselves, so let's respond in a way that treats others how we deserve to be treated. 

We want to challenge their ideas and assumptions. We want to make them aware of other experiences and ways of thinking. We want to point out the negative messages they are conveying. 

It helps if we assume they have good intentions and didn’t realize what they said could be understood in a way that hurt others. We are trusting that we can reach their humanity.

We can respond by building on common ground. 

We can use “I” statements to share our feelings and our experience. "I" statements can begin with “My experience is…,” or “I think…” It’s hard for someone to argue that you don’t have those experiences, thoughts or feelings. When we open up and make ourselves vulnerable, usually others will react positively and they let down their guard, too.

Let me give you an example. Let's say we're in Sunday School class and the topic is prophets. Someone in the class says “I’m happy for the guidance of prophets because thanks to them we have the Proclamation which tells us what a true family looks like.” 

<Gulp> Do I let that slide? 

Here's one way I could respond. Remember, I'm looking to build on common ground and use "I" statements.

“I’m also glad for prophets and the hope they give us, but it’s important to think of how things like the Proclamation apply to our own situation. The Proclamation speaks of ideals but not everyone's lives fit those. I have friends who are single parents and it’s important they know that God loves their families, too.” 

Another example is, "I am glad for prophets and as a queer person, I've been noticing them more and more teaching that we need to include and love everyone. While the Proclamation contains ideals that work for your family, I read it and wonder ‘Where do I fit in? What is God's purpose for my life?’” 

I built on the common ground of prophets, but then I pivoted.  

By speaking up, you're inviting everyone in the room to consider this point of view which they may not have considered. Maybe they have never imagined how the Proclamation may be hurtful to people in different situations. 

Another approach is to appeal to a gospel principle, like “Love your neighbor.” 

Let me share a few comments that can be used in a variety of situations.

“I don’t know about that, but what I do know is I’m supposed to love my neighbor. If I have to choose, I’d rather err on the side of being too loving than of not being loving enough.”

“My experience is these are real people with real feelings. If anyone in this room is part of the queer community, I want you to know you’re loved. God loves you and I love you.”

"The church's Handbook says all are to be welcomed and treated with kindness, and so I’m going to follow that advice.”

These phrases challenge the narrative that was being put forward and makes clear that not everyone agrees with what was being said. It shows there’s more than one way to think about these things. For anyone who might be in the closet or who has friends or family members who are queer, they will now know you’re a safe person to talk to.

I have one friend who, when the teacher asks, "What is something evil that people call good?" she will raise her hand and blurt out "homophobia!" She doesn't wait to get called on because by going first, she sets the standard. She says when she gives this answer, usually every hand lowers. They all were going to say something like gay marriage or being trans or something like that. Now the other class members can't give their answer because they don't want to be seen as doing exactly what has just been called out as an evil.

————————————————————

At this point, I asked them to pair up into groups of 2 or 3 and I gave them a list of possible comments they might hear. I asked them to practice responding. It’s a safe space and they can get feedback and retry. When they do experience a situation where they want to respond to a comment, they’ll have this experience.

Here’s the comments I gave them to respond to:

A man says he wishes that as a kid he’d heard of being transgender, because he would’ve used that to get into the girls’ locker room

A person saying it’s abuse when parents allow a transgender person to transition

When a person says they’re disgusted by affection shown between a same-gender couple

A parent says she’s uncomfortable having a lesbian as her child’s Primary teacher

Being told we should not identify as gay

Being told they love and accept us, but don’t tell anyone else you’re bi

LGBTQ+ people are that way because of bad parenting, or sexual assault, or something they saw on TV

Children deserve a mother and a father

Gay people are loved less by God because they persist in living a sinful life

————————————————————

Here's another suggestion to hopefully stop these types of negative comments from happening in the first place. If you see that the topic for an upcoming class may have the possibility for anti-LGBTQ comments to be made, you can contact the teacher about your concerns. 

"Hi. I noticed this week's Come Follow Me includes some verses people may use to say unkind things about LGBTQ people, and I was wondering if you've thought of that and how you might keep that from happening, or how you could respond if it does happen?" 

Let's say the class is assigned a conference talk that has anti-queer things said in it. You could contact the teacher and volunteer to share some of your thoughts with the class and see if the teacher agrees to that. Be ready to share what you’d like to say as it will help the teacher feel comfortable accepting your offer. For example, I might share this in a class:

“The church is imperfect. In this mortal world, that is how it is. But one thing I’ve learned is that there’s more room for me in the plan of salvation than there is in the closet. The messages I get from God are wonderful and I wish the church and my orientation were more compatible because I don't feel like I'm incompatible with God. The past few decades have shown the church is on a trajectory to be more inclusive and understanding, and that gives me hope. I know we're reading the words of an apostle, and I won't challenge what he is saying, he has every right to teach these things, but I know in my heart that the way I feel when I hear these words is lesser than, like I'm excluded, and I don't feel that way with God. I'm choosing to be here for the hope I find here and the good things church does in my life. Thank you for letting me share my perspective.”

Okay, so we talked about several strategies. 

You can remove yourself from the space where negative things are being said. 

You can choose to think or write affirming messages to replace the ones you are hearing. 

You can make a comment to affirm yourself. 

You can preemptively contact the teacher. 

—————————

The other topic I’m addressing today is boundaries. It’s okay to draw boundaries, you don’t have to share everything just because someone asked. I have family I love but they view being queer differently from me, and so for the sake of our relationship it helps for me to have some boundaries. 

The purpose of a boundary is to keep ourselves safe, to do that we draw boundaries around the mental, physical, behavioral and spiritual aspects of our lives.

While I think people understand the reasons for having boundaries, sometimes the hard part is knowing how to state the boundary. I’m passing out a handout with a number of phrases that may be useful. These are suggestions, hopefully they’ll spark ideas of additional phrases you can use.

I appreciate the gesture, but in the future I'd prefer...

I'm not prepared to discuss this any longer. Let’s take a break so I can collect my thoughts

Thank you for your concern about my child's behavior, I'll take it from here

That question is too personal. I won't be answering it

I feel undermined when you bring this up in front of everyone. Next time, please talk to me about it in private

I would appreciate it if you didn’t talk to my mom about my private life

Thank you for your opinion, but I’m confident in my opinion

Why would you ask me that, does that seem appropriate? Would you be comfortable answering such personal questions about your life?

This isn’t a productive conversation. I’m not responding any more

I appreciate you asking, but that information is readily available on Google. I suggest you start there

Remember, this is not a negotiation, we aren't discussing where the boundaries should be. You're letting them know what your boundaries are. 

I don't know if it's particular to our culture, but it seems Latter-day Saints regularly say and ask about topics that maybe they shouldn't, especially if they don't know you well. If they try to continue on after you've expressed your boundary, you restate the boundary

I appreciate your concern, but as I said, I'm not prepared to discuss this any longer

I've politely asked not to discuss XYZ, if you do again then I will...(leave, end this conversation, ask to be transferred, speak with the Relief Society president, etc)

—————————

As a queer person, or as someone who loves a queer person, church can be complicated, yet there are a lot of reasons why someone chooses to continue to engage with church. I hope that you leave today’s session feeling like you have some methods that will help as you navigate these spaces.

[emberfaye]

Kids are kind and loving because they've had it modeled for them and have learned how to be, often from their parents. I hope you'll allow yourself some credit for that.

Keep going. Your children are so lucky to have you.

thank you. I'm much better about knowing that in my heart and soul nowadays. It's what makes these moments so precious to me.

"fun" backstory lore below

I did not get to ahve a good support group from my family when i first was pregant, and had post partum. so already from the start i was led to believe i was wrong and to feel guilt for how things had turned out.

and then like 4 years later i thought i finally had the family i wanted, the family i always hoped for--we were hanging out, talking about deep stuff. they trusted me with their mental illness and i trusted them with mine. we were spending vacations together and laughing.

I found out new years day, catalyst being a facebook post i knew was about me because I can connect the fucking dots, that these four had been gossiping behind my back about how i was a shit parent, forced my kids on everyone else so i didn't have to take care of them, was an awful person, "didn't deserve to have kids, didn't deserve to be a mom", and so much other stuff.

The reasons? My oldest, at age 4, wasn't completely potty trained. So obviously i was a failure (It didn't matter that in a year long period he broke his arm, had an abcess to be removed from his butt, and fell in the toilet and scared himself. not that they knew that last one, or thought the first two would affect his potty training). Also, the whole thing started ebcause I left two toddlers at my parents house, safe and warm and playing with their cousins to spend the night on new years eve at like 1am, instead of dragging them home with me on a thirty minute drive, unloading them at the apartment not far from a college campus ALONE because my spouse was working, and coming back in five hours with laundry. Like. yeah, lets drag them and make them miserable even though they are going to pass out soon and still be asleep when i come back. Makes sense.

I never got closure. I will never get closure. This almost 11 years ago, and other than that one awful day, where other family members stepped up to defend me it never got talked about by those four people. the facebook person texted me an apology and claimed that was enough, one person said they tried to get the person not to post but were they wrong? One refused to talk to me at all. One just kept saying they weren't going to get involved (yet they failed to acknowledge or admit they were already involved for shittalking me in the first place)

So yeah. I spent years having to justify my parenting to myself. Even if everyone else kept saying I was doing fine, doing great--I had random people coming up to me in restaurants telling me how good my kids were, I had happy involved kids, i had teachers telling me "whatever you're doing, keep doing it", I had the mom look down and could calm a group of not even my kids with it---I still felt like shit at it.

This was on top of regular depression and on top of regular family dysfunction.

It was a long process to get to the point where I can say I'm a good mom. And even now when I face a challenge i find myself sometimes reverting into that mindset. I also have issues with trusting people and being talked about behind my back--I don't wanna say it's a trigger but like...it's something.

But my kids are loved, and loving, and they like each other and they like me, so I am making it through, and more importantly, I'm very hopeful they'll never relate to songs about broken homes and feeling inadequate to the same extent as me, and that's fucking good enough

[disasterhag]

SHIT NOBODY TOLD ME ABOUT GETTING INTO PLANTS

You’re gonna finger a lot of dirt

Starts affordable and can remain affordable if you have self control

Whoever says succulents are easy is a filthy liar

You can get free seeds from the library

Leaving water out 24 hours removed the chlorine

Wanted! Dead or alive: worms

Some plants like: egg shells and coffee grounds

Liquid fertilizer is the way to go

Clumping plants together will up their humanity

Pot material matters

But many like plastic and plastic food containers make great pots

Similarly their lids make good trays

Dollar store is another great place to get cheap garden stuff

Thrift stores are also your friend

Check Facebook marketplace and plant swap groups to get lots of free plants and supplies

QUARANTINE NEW PLANTS THIS IS HOW I GOT GNATS

Don’t just stick to the growing guidelines. Some plants will thrive in conditions that might go against what those guidelines say. Generally if your plant is healthy and happy, keep doing what you’re doing.

Use a schedule to remind yourself to check if they need water. The schedule does not dictate how often to water, the plant does. And to talk to the plant you gotta finger that dirt.

You are going to find some ‘easy’ plants you just can’t keep alive and some ‘advanced’ ones just flourish in your home. You’ll find your rhythm.

Removing dead leaves doesn’t hurt it. Don’t cry

[sublimeobservationarcade]

Boycott Trump & Don’t Buy American

Unless you are dumb and disengaged you would be worried about where the world is heading. The US is in the hands of a madman who fluctuates between acts of stupidity and evil. Global trade is being threatened and thus the interconnectedness of humanity is going backwards. What can you do about such matters? Boycott Trump and don’t buy American. Send a message through your actions as a member of the global community. The one thing that clearly impacts men and regimes like Trump’s is financial pressure. You are not alone in your rejection of these economic policies and concerns about what a trade war will do to the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrZP53qPzhM

Stop The Trump Regime Via Consumer Action

Elon Musk has been the face of the Trump regime through DOGE and its many illegal sackings of government workers and the dismantling of whole departments. This desecration of American government will damage the lives of millions of people. The complete disregard for human life and due process is important to register in what we are dealing with here. The ruthlessness of the Trump regime and his oligarchic backers is breathtaking. The extreme nature of what is being done to civil servants, students and institutions is criminal and incredibly stupid. It will cost lives now and far more into the future. The lack of respect for the rule of law and human decency is quite apparent. You are not powerless, we are not powerless, and this small group of evil actors do not have any mandate to wreak havoc across America and the world. Boycott Trump and don’t buy American. America Is Controlled By Trump Oligarchs The Americanisation of the world via Big Tech and its tentacles can be halted and those wrapped around your life can be cut off. Ask yourself just how essential are the services you use and are there any viable alternatives? Get off the Amazon teat and stop sending money to Jeff Bezos – who is a big Trump supporter. Stop using Facebook, Instagram and Meta services which provide wealth to Mark Zuckerberg – who is another Trump oligarch. Google, Apple, and Tik Tok were all paying tribute to Trump at his inauguration event. Much of Big Tech is in the Trump camp. This process will be enlightening in that it will help you see how controlled your life and the modern world is by these Big Tech billionaires. Boycott Trump and don’t buy American. “In one image, Rubio looks on from the background, facing a lineup of tech’s wealthiest leaders. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, stand beside Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and his fiancee, Lauren Sánchez, along with Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk, one of Trump’s closest advisers. The world’s wealthiest person, Musk also runs Tesla, SpaceX and the social platform X. Also at the Capitol for the day’s events were Apple CEO Tim Cook and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew.” - (https://apnews.com/article/trump-inauguration-tech-billionaires-zuckerberg-musk-wealth-0896bfc3f50d941d62cebc3074267ecd) These Big Tech oligarchs turned against the Biden/Hariis Democrats because of their efforts to regulate and break up this largely unregulated and monopolistic sector. Too much power and wealth is concentrated in too few hands in this new Gilded Age.

Technology Is Sucking The Life From Living Have a think about how popular music is now controlled by a handful of Big Tech corporations and how the life has been sucked out of it. Pop music used to be anarchic and revolutionary in spirit. These days it is like a banked body of water grown stagnant. Think about movies and how technology has removed what was once special about going to the movies. Convenience kills the eventful. Surveillance capitalism has reduced everything into a controllable experience. Technology feeds on human life like a vampire sucking the unpredictability out of it. The commodification of most aspects of our lives causes them to become like shells and husks. User pays via endless subscriptions for all these wonderful conveniences that are replacing real life with digital doppelgangers. The Trump regime is facilitating a digital coup, where government workers are to be replaced by AI chatbots. Hundreds of thousands of civil servants sacked and replaced by ‘so-called’ intelligent machines.

Do Not Do Business With Trump’s America #BoycottTrump before it is too late. Take your frustration and despair and channel it into consumer action. Don’t buy American in all walks of life. Reduce your dependence upon American technology. Social media is making the world a much worse place. Algorithms designed to enrage with no commitment to factuality or truth. Get off the feed and go for a walk instead. That is what I am going to do right now. “Most people know that far right politics are nasty, when you get down to it. Populist moaning and blaming others when given power turns into fascism and authoritarianism. We are seeing it in America, where the Trump regime is flouting the law and stripping people of their basic human rights. The Right is on the nose, at the moment, as folk realise the damage being done to the economy and international goodwill. Losing trust in your public institutions, when corrupt billionaires go after your Social Security,  Education and Food Safety, to name just a few, spells the end of government for all the people.” - (https://wordsforweb.com.au/the-right-is-on-the-nose/) Boycott Trump and don’t buy American. Robert Sudha Hamilton is the author of America Matters: Pre-apocalyptic Posts & Essays in the Shadow of Trump. ©WordsForWeb

Read the full article

[sunshinexlollipops]

coming onto this post to share tips for fighting isolationism:

you may feel alone but you're not alone. look at the notes on this post, for example. that's how many people feel the same as you. it's easy to feel like a one off, but I promise, your struggles are more universal and human than you may realize. even in struggling w isolationism, you're not alone. ironic, huh?

your brains aren't built for fun, they're here for survival. and funny thing is that our brains often misunderstand their roles and their jobs. our brains are convinced there's dangers in things that really aren't that bad. one thing a therapist told me in IOP was about the classic "what if I do something wrong and I'm thought to be the village fool?" okay, and if you do become the village fool? what truly would happen? nothing. literally nothing. you'd exist as you are now and it wouldn't matter at all. it isn't life-ending like your brain makes it feel.

you have to stop shaming yourself into doing nothing and shutting yourself in. it's easy to put the cart ahead of the horse by saying "oh but if I screw that up, I'd embarrass myself" or "oh I can't go to this event, it'll go poorly and I won't have fun because no one will like me." the reality is: YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AT ALL. YOU NEVER WILL. you are not precognitive. you're just living in your imagination and bullying yourself into believing your failure is guaranteed before you try or do anything at all. how can you be certain if you're a failure if you've never even given yourself the opportunity to fail?

hot take: failure is okay! you will not cease to exist or end up in jail for life bc of a faux pas or you weren't met w open arms. if anything, it's good it didn't work out bc clearly it wasn't going to work or be good for you long-term. I take it as a sign from the universe if something falls through that it wasn't meant for me and something better and true will fill the vacancy instead. onto the next chapter or opportunity!

this may sound harsh but it's true: people will not like you. there are billions of humans on this planet, thinking every single one will enjoy you or find you acceptable is unrealistic. you yourself have people you've met and instantly haven't vibed with. it's okay. no one on this planet, even people you think can do what you can't, has 100% compatibility w every person and gathering they come across.

try inserting different forms of socialization and community in your life. maybe you need to join a hobby group, an online forum, or even just tell a stranger you like their hair or clothes when they check you out at the store. you aren't given a metric based purely off being the life of a house party or having 1,000 friends on facebook.

FIND EMPATHY AND KINDNESS FOR YOURSELF. firstly, if you take your isolationism in with thoughts of "I'm just broken," "well they were right about me and I'm weird and unlikeable," or "I'll just be better off alone" — you're doing it all out of hate and rejection of yourself. since others didn't give you approval, you refuse to even accept who you are. why are you meeting yourself with such coldness? why are you tearing yourself down and thinking you're better off being removed from the world or even life itself? I'm going to be honest with you... the actual way you will find acceptance in this world? it's if you accept yourself. if you can't even look in the mirror and see the person there is worth loving and knowing, why would you ever try to give the world the same opportunity to discover it feels similarly? the only way to genuinely make a difference is to start loving and embracing yourself first.

please check out rejection sensitivity. various conditions like ADHD or autism can come w this. it's very easy to get lost in the feelings and experience of rejection, and thinking it will define you for the rest of your days. aside from working on your confidence, this may be something to check out and learn about. especially with tips and tricks on how to handle and improve with it.

you're human. you will make mistakes, have slip ups, rebounds/relapses of mental illness, etc. you have to learn that you aren't evil and unlovable because you didn't get something right, or one person has negative thoughts or opinions of you. especially in this day and age when hate and judgement appears to be in surplus. I beg of you to find love, kindness, and understanding. not only for others, but for yourself. and if people don't align with you, then move on and know you will find those that do click w you, and there's always a place for you to fit in. and don't force yourself into conforming into a place that clearly isn't your home, simply so you can avoid finding what really is right for you. you're only so far into your life. there's so many people and years you have left to meet and see through. and you'll be surprised at how different it will be from what you believe and expect now. and isn't that exciting?

[promotionrobertlivingstone]

Dec 26 Aberdeen Art Gallery Visit. Amongst the collection in the gallery. I discovered a few of my favourite artist including Ken Currie

A short statement about the artists work and set of questions about the artists work for the viewer. I would say aimed at younger viewers. To help ask some interesting questions to provoke thinking and discussion. I can see it’s an excellent way get people to engage in the work through discussions.

Adopt an Artwork

The other item is an Adopt an Artwork plaque. This allows an artist to help the gallery financially by making a fixed amount donation of £100 - £200. This helps support the gallery cost in maintaining the art works condition while in the galleries care .

The benefits of an work adopter will have their name in the gallery stating they have adopted the work. This could be good for promoting yourself within the gallery art community and wider public.

Harbour Arts Centre. Irvine .

I made a visit to the HAC harbour arts centre at the weekend to go and collect information on exhibiting work.

They have a one year waiting list for exhibition if you want to show your work.

Requirements are that you send in a portfolio of your work with a description of the artwork size and type you want to exhibit. Unfortunately the gallery was empty of work. As they are setting up for a new exhibition. I am planning to go that exhibition over the next few days. It is a joint exhibition by two artist. Having a shared exhibition can help with costs.

Harbour Arts Centre Exhibition

I went to the Exhibition at the HAC, the work was all individualy spot lit each wall is composed of the atists work a writtern statement about the artists was on display. The structure of the written statement have to cover key elememts on the artists. I thought it may be helpful to break these down in to the key elements and translate these into my own.

My Social media Profoile. I have created an instagram for my art work promotion and am following some interesting artist. I am not very farmiliar with instagram. I do not like the interface of the app. I will keep going with it until i have worked it out, no doubt enjoy promoting myself as an artist on it when Im more comfortable using it. I do have an artist profile that I have had on facebook since 2018. I share my work with the public group. Members share their work to the group also. Criteria I have for the group are no adult content the group is for all ages work must be origonal, No bad language and no mass produces junk being promoted on my group. I have removed people from the group for sharing commercial posts selling factory made junk. It is important that my art and others should be origonal inclusive and suitable for public spaces. Althoug this is my group page. I intend to keep it going and am developing my own profesional profile via that. i already have a good establishred group of followers i can build on and have been sharing my instgram links to my profesional platfom.

WASP Court Yard Studio Irvine Harbourside Ayrshire

I made a visit to the WASP studios at irvine harbour my home town. I introuduced myself to David Reid a resident artist who is an exhibition artist he holds painting classes from his WASP location. I asked him how he promotes himself. He said he did have an instagram but found it was high maintainanance keeping it current took a lot of time.

He said some work comes from exhibitions by way of commisions from the public. He generates income from prints sold at his WASP location and sells them at exhibition. He finds most the people who join his classes are found via word of mouth. I relate to this as i was self emploid for 20 years running my own grounds maintainance company, most work comes from work being seen and through word of mouth. These elements of promotion should not be ignored. It is always good to have your work on hand in your phone to show to potential customers or clients. This is why I think having an organised digital portfolio is vital.

Artist Statememt Research

I have noticed that artist statements including social media bio's are written in second person. This may be a advertising strategy that attempts to appear the artist is being discussed by someone else reviewing them. Rather than the artist discussing themself. Is that a good aproach? I tend to think it isn't. I will get advice from lecturerers. In the mean time I have had a go at a first draft which no doubt will require improvement. I have tried to keep the word count low as i know viewers generally don't want to read a huge ammount of informatuon.

I also looked and took advice from Gilda Willaims book. How to Write About contemporary. On advice from reading I avoided using a cliche opening to my wording or trying to use fancy pretentious phrasing. This was an execise for myself to help me learn.

Ist Draft of Artist Statement for professional use only

Not for the College Exhibition.

I have engaged in creativity from childhood having always been my most content when making art. I developed drawn work and painting. My drive to become a working artist led me to degree study in Contemporary Art at Glasgow City Colege as a mature student. I developed conceptual thinking using different media developong an interest in 3D instalation and further develope my skills in 2D work. I enjoy painting on textural surfaces aplying recyled textural materials such as ridged card and wrinkled masking tape or mod rock that enchane a feel of movement in my painting. My recent instalations have explored the meaning of self and our interconectivity to one another. I am driven to produce work that shows a juxtaposition from mass media naratives that cause negitivity. Or simply just to express the beauty of what i sees in life nature and the imagined.

Creative Scotland

The link below gives information on how to apply for Creative Scotland funding. Including group initiatives, individual artist and project funding. I cant see a link to an application form. I belive I would need to contact them on the contact us option on their site. Although a lot of information is on the sites main page to consider . I have also added a video below which talks about the aplication form. Creative Scotland's Open Project Grant Explained.

Creative Scotland's Open Project Grant Explained. YouTube video.

It is quite a long application from which goes into detail including some of the questions on the following .

Do you hold a UK bank account.

Your adress funding is for.

What is your art practice is.

location of project.

A time frame for your project and duration.

What kind of work do you plan to do.

What particular creative skils do you have that will enable you to carry out he project.

What is the crestive initiative behind the art project.

What do you aim to achive through the project.

Who is Involvred in your orginsiation and their elegibility to funding.

What other kind of suppoert do you have for the project.

Some of these awnsers require a word count of 600 words.

A detailed risk assesment of project.

Questions Green Sustainability and Inclusivity.

Your Cost Calculations for the project.

Are you working with any other orginisations on the project and what skills financial input or help would they be bringing to the project.

Are you an individual artist .This would be a differnt form some questions may not be the same as an orginisations questions.

Jody kelly

Looking at how the work has been palaced on galley walls I noticed how work like the four below have been placed with similar colour and tone and alternating size. The gallery is a narrow gallery that goes round cornes into different areas. This makes it a nice walk through the work in sections where types of work can be divided to compliment each other .

His facebook, instagram and website all have montages of his work. Having the same montage on his digital profiles becomes a signature image of his presence online.

News Articles of his work painting Murals on Glasgows Clutha Bars site. The council helped with the funding for the boards surrounding the site Through Creative Scotland.

He talks about the concept and realtionship with location and the characters in his works relevence. You can also find an article in the Glasgow Herrald talking about the project which was organised by artpistol who are involved in both interior design art in commercial public and private buildings as well as a large portfolio of murals in public spaces. I am excited by their work and orginisation.

His facebook page also has time laps videos of his paintings these are engaging for viewres who find most infromation online these days.

Images of him working on outdoor murals allows the puiblic to farmiliarise themselves with the artist raising his public profile.

Be seen to be noticed !

His page has announcements on it where he is exhibiting and selling his art and prints and events.

His instagram page has moving annimations with music of his art this is very cool and engaging with contemporary music.

links to his other social media sites are shown on his instagram.

He has a You Tube channle that is promoted via his socila media pages linking his social media platforms.

I will be contacting Troon Crt Club them via Emial to ask how i may become involved and will add any progress on this to my blog. I think one of the most important things to do is to begin to organise a portfoilio ASAP this will give me a structured framework from which to present myself as an artist.

https://www.instagram.com/kelly.jody?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D

Generating Extra Income

Atist Wendy Crieg

As part of her promotional strategy and to generate income as an artist she sells prints of her work as well as her origonal pecies in the gallery. This is something I will look into I have already had high quality colour images printed by Brown Bro's Printers locally. The method used was to send a PDF of image with specifications on size and quantity.

I will have to enquire about framing and print cotsts before I consider pricing of different sizes. Then compare them to other printers before making a decisoin .

Wendy Crieg and Jody kelly are both members of Troon Art Club, Engagement with goups and collectives like this are a fantastic way to network, become involved in group projects such as exhibition.

She has also did a video for TV Ayrshire on her exhibition talking about how she became involved in Troon Art club and subsiquently became involved in exhibitions . She has a social media presence and online articles about her work similarly to Jody kelly's profile.

Ken Curry

Ken Currie Is very sucsessful Scottish artist he is very well established who exhibits his work the most prestigiouse galleries. He has an excilent online and public profile within the creative industries. including the Natuonal Portrait Gallery. Flowers Gallery London, Aberdeen Art gallery, Kelvingrove Art Galery and the GOMA and internationaly.

His presence on line is excilent, he has a very good instagtram profile on Flowers Gallery page. Show casing his work exhibitions. He shares his thinking behind his work on Reels that helps to give viewers and audiances an understanding of him and what the meaning behind his work is. He talks about his feelings that inspire him to express his thoughts. The vidoes helps to put artist persona and concepts into context. His profile can also be found on Glasgow print studios website he sells his work at the GIS location 103 Torngate. We made a visit to the print studio on our gallery visit day where a range of his large scale prints are for sale. I like the way his prints are presented that they are accessable to the public you can go through them at your lesiure. The First point of contact with the work is tactile in a nice well lit locastion.

Making my work welcomoing to potential buyers is something I will do. Considering the location and feel of my point of sale. It should feel welcoming and genuine on my platforms and physical points of sale.

Making a short reel to promote my work is something I am going to definetly do. I am also going to do a sketchbook video to add to my socila media. instagram, facebook, and Youtube protfioles.

This is also something I will use when aplying for work in the cresative industries as part of my portfile. I feel this is a good way to give insight into yourself as an artist. I will also add links to some of my writtren work about art that has been created by myself. This will show that i am an artist who usese propper process and can research well and create art that is relatable to theory and practice and will give potential funders and sources of work an insight and confiodence to invest in me as a serious artist. I intend to make a careeer from my artwork.

[nbpdigital]

A Guide to Finding and Excelling in Online Web Series Auditions

Title: A Guide to Finding and Excelling in Online Web Series Auditions

In today’s digital world, online web series auditions are opening up opportunities for actors like never before. As streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ continue to dominate the entertainment industry, more and more actors are getting their big breaks through web series. If you're an aspiring actor looking to break into this growing field, learning how to navigate online auditions is a crucial skill. This guide will help you understand how to find online web series auditions, prepare for them, and increase your chances of landing a role.

The Growing Demand for Online Web Series Auditions

With the explosion of digital content, web series have become an essential part of the entertainment landscape. Both indie productions and big-budget series are often cast via online auditions, providing more accessible opportunities for actors globally. Traditional audition processes were typically location-specific, requiring actors to travel long distances to attend in-person casting calls. However, online web series auditions have removed that barrier, allowing actors to submit self-taped performances from virtually anywhere.

These online auditions are beneficial not only for actors but also for casting directors, who can sift through a larger pool of talent more efficiently. With the increase in online casting calls, it's important for aspiring actors to stay proactive and well-prepared for the competition.

Where to Find Online Web Series Auditions

Finding web series auditions online involves knowing where to look. Numerous casting platforms cater specifically to online auditions for web content. Some of the most popular websites where you can find auditions for web series include:

Backstage – Known for listing a wide variety of audition opportunities, including web series and independent films.

Casting Networks – A reliable platform used by many industry professionals for casting digital content, including web series.

Mandy – Offers casting calls for TV, film, and online content, often including web series roles.

StarNow – A comprehensive platform offering a range of auditions for both local and international web series.

Now Casting – Another useful resource to find online auditions across a variety of entertainment genres, including web series.

In addition to these established platforms, don’t forget to check social media groups, Facebook pages, and LinkedIn, where many production companies and casting directors post about upcoming auditions.

Preparing for Online Web Series Auditions

When it comes to online auditions, preparation is key. Here’s how you can set yourself up for success:

Choose the Right Role: Review the audition breakdown carefully. Make sure you fully understand the character you're auditioning for and the tone of the web series. If it's a drama, ensure your performance matches the emotional depth required. For comedy, your timing and energy will be key.

Read the Script Thoroughly: Even if it's a short scene or monologue, study the lines closely. Understanding the character’s motivations, background, and emotions will help you deliver a more believable and nuanced performance.

Create a Professional Setup: The visual and audio quality of your self-tape is critical in online web series auditions. Here’s how you can set up:

Lighting: Ensure your face is well-lit with soft, even lighting. Natural light works well, but make sure it’s not too harsh or creating shadows.

Background: Choose a neutral background with minimal distractions. A simple wall or a tidy room is usually best.

Camera: Use a high-quality camera or a smartphone with a good camera. Position the camera at eye level and frame yourself from the chest up for a clear, professional look.

Sound: Clear audio is crucial. Avoid background noise and consider using an external microphone if possible for better sound quality.

Wardrobe: Wear simple, solid colors. Avoid busy patterns or clothing that could blend into the background.

Rehearse Your Lines: Before recording your self-tape, rehearse your lines several times to ensure you're comfortable with the material. Practice in front of a mirror to work on facial expressions, body language, and pacing. Don’t memorize your lines too rigidly—casting directors want to see you act naturally and authentically.

Record and Edit Your Audition: Record a few takes to ensure you capture the best possible performance. When editing, focus on selecting the take where your delivery feels most natural. Keep your audition tape concise, sticking to the time limits specified in the audition instructions.

Submitting Your Audition

When submitting your online audition, follow the instructions carefully. Here’s what to keep in mind:

File Format and Naming: Most casting calls will specify the required file format for your video submission (usually MP4 or MOV). Label your file clearly, including your name and the role you're auditioning for.

Additional Materials: In addition to your self-tape, you may be asked to provide a headshot, resume, and a brief bio. Make sure these documents are up to date and match the requirements given.

Deadlines: Submit your materials on time. Late submissions are often not considered, so plan ahead and leave yourself enough time to make sure everything is perfect.

Cover Letter or Personal Note: Some auditions may ask for a cover letter or a personal note introducing yourself and explaining why you’re a good fit for the role. This is your opportunity to add a personal touch and show your enthusiasm for the project.

Tips for Standing Out in Online Auditions

Be Authentic: One of the biggest advantages of online web series auditions is the chance to showcase your unique personality. Casting directors are looking for actors who can bring something fresh and authentic to the role. Stay true to yourself while embracing the character you're playing.

Stay Focused and Present: Even though you're performing in front of a camera, try to forget the technical aspects of the process. Be in the moment and connect emotionally with the material.

Show Versatility: Sometimes casting directors will request different takes on the same scene, asking you to deliver the lines with a different tone, pace, or emotion. Don’t be afraid to show your range by experimenting with these different variations.

Follow Directions: Always read the instructions carefully and adhere to any specific requests or requirements. Whether it’s a specific format for your video or a requested slate, following directions will show that you’re professional and easy to work with.

Keep it Short and Engaging: Attention spans are short, so make sure your audition tape immediately grabs the casting director’s attention. Keep your performance strong, focused, and memorable right from the beginning.

Conclusion

With the growing popularity of web series, online auditions have become a crucial part of the casting process, offering greater accessibility and opportunities for aspiring actors. By knowing where to find web series auditions online, preparing a professional setup, and presenting an authentic and engaging performance, you’ll be well on your way to standing out in the competitive world of digital casting. Stay proactive, patient, and persistent, and you could land your next big role through an online audition!

[capesandshapes]

TERF ideology has been furthered along to weaken and divide the feminist movement just like every other counter progressive feminist group-- because sowing bullshit divisive ideology is the only thing that has ever worked to convince motivated women to shoot themselves in the fucking foot and slow the fight for our rights.

If you're a TERF ask yourself why the FUCK you would want to support any sort of legislation that gives lawmakers control over someone's body and strips them from the right of choice?

What would make anyone think that the moment that transinflamatory law makers are done fucking over noncis people, they wouldn't start fucking over cis women too? Trans oppression sets a legal precedent that will be used to fuck over the average woman within about five seconds of being passed. If a trans person doesn't own the right to do with their body what they please, then how the fuck does any other person?

The oppression of trans rights is a goddamn foothold to start wheeling back what little decisions you can make for your body.

Every single goddamn bullshit facebook story about trans people in sports or trans people being predatory or whatever fucking bullshit they want to sell you is to convince you to support lawmakers who do not believe people should have the right to control their own bodies and that there should be a social othering for going against their expectations--this will fucking boomerang back and hit you in the face before you fucking know it. Whether you're bleeding out in a parking lot or you can't make the choice to have shit removed because of the slim chance in hell that you could choose to be a mother; you will get fucked by anti trans legislation.

Don't fall for the propaganda; if trans people don't own their bodies then ask yourself why the fuck you think you own yours.

women who use tiktok i am talking to you directly. yall gotta stop engaging in this girl math women shouldn’t vote shit. it’s not a silly ironic joke men mean that and they are making fun of you. listen to me. call them out when you see it happen. show the kids who use that bastard app that it’s not okay to make jokes like that. stop being part of the problem and stand up for yourselves

[filipinos2meetapp]

How to Date Online in the Philippines: Your Complete Guide to Successful Connections

Online dating has become a major avenue for meeting new people across the globe, and if you're looking to date online Philippines, understanding the ins and outs of this evolving landscape is key. Whether you're a local Filipino or someone from abroad, online dating can offer incredible opportunities to connect, make friends, or even find true love. However, it requires more than just creating a profile and swiping. Success comes from understanding cultural nuances, being strategic with your approach, and staying safe while navigating the online dating world.

Why Date Online Philippines is Popular

Before we jump into strategies, it's important to understand why online dating in the Philippines has gained significant popularity. In a country with a diverse population spread across various islands, traditional face-to-face meeting places can sometimes be limited. Online dating provides an easy and accessible way for Filipinos, whether they are in Manila, Cebu, or more remote areas, to meet like-minded individuals.

Online platforms allow people to:

Meet diverse individuals: Whether you're interested in meeting someone from the same region or across the country, online platforms make it easy to connect.

Form connections based on shared interests: Online dating allows you to get to know someone beyond their physical appearance and start conversations based on common ground.

Save time and effort: It removes the pressure of conventional dating scenarios, letting you get to know someone before taking things further.

Broaden your options: You’re no longer limited by geographic boundaries, so you can meet singles from various cities, provinces, and even those abroad.

How to Choose the Right Platform for Date Online Philippines

Selecting the right platform is essential to your success in the online dating world. There are various options available, and each caters to different needs. Here are some popular choices:

Filipino Dating Sites: Websites such as Filipinos2Meet offer a tailored experience for Filipino singles, providing features that allow you to filter matches based on shared interests, values, and intentions.

International Dating Apps: Global platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid also have a large Filipino user base, enabling you to meet both local and international singles.

Social Media: Platforms like Facebook or Instagram can also serve as informal dating spaces, where people can meet through mutual connections or common groups.

Tip: If you’re specifically looking to date online Philippines,opting for local platforms may offer more meaningful connections and an understanding of the cultural context.

Creating an Engaging Profile: What You Need to Know

Your profile is your first impression, and in the online world, it can make or break your chance of attracting the right person. Here's how to make it stand out:

Use a friendly, approachable photo: Choose pictures that highlight your personality. A genuine smile and a clear image of you engaging in an activity you love will help others connect with you.

Be honest: Authenticity is key when creating your profile. Avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting yourself. Being truthful helps you attract matches who appreciate you for who you are.

Highlight your interests: In your bio, mention hobbies, activities, or goals. Filipinos value shared experiences, so the more you reveal, the better the chances are that you'll find someone who shares your passions.

Be clear about your intentions: Whether you’re looking for casual dating or a long-term relationship, let people know. Clear communication about your goals helps avoid misunderstandings.

Effective Communication Tips for Date Online Philippines

Once you’ve created a compelling profile, the next step is to start communicating effectively. Here are some strategies to help you succeed:

Start with a personalized message: Instead of the typical “Hey, what’s up?”, mention something specific from their profile. This shows you’ve taken time to read it and are genuinely interested in them.

Be patient: Filipinos are often cautious when it comes to online dating. Don’t rush the process—take time to develop trust and build a meaningful connection.

Respect Filipino culture: Respect for family, values, and traditions is important in Filipino dating culture. Be respectful of this and take the time to learn about the person’s background, especially if you are dating internationally.

Know when to take it offline: Once you feel comfortable and have established a connection, suggest transitioning from chatting online to video calls, or meeting in person if it feels right.

Staying Safe While Date Online Philippines

Safety should always be a priority when meeting people online. Follow these tips to ensure your experience is secure:

Don’t share personal information too soon: Be cautious about sharing sensitive details like your home address, workplace, or other private data early on.

Meet in public places: If you decide to meet someone in person, always choose a public space for the first date. This ensures safety for both parties.

Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t feel right or if someone pressures you into anything uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to block or report them.

What to Expect: Dating Culture in the Philippines

Filipino culture emphasizes respect, family, and commitment. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Strong family ties: In the Philippines, family is incredibly important. Many people expect their potential partner to get along with their family or, at the very least, show respect for it.

Courtship rituals: While modern online dating has evolved, Filipino dating culture still retains some traditional aspects, such as formal courtship and slow progression in relationships.

Open-mindedness and kindness: Filipino singles are generally warm, friendly, and welcoming. Be kind, respectful, and take your time to learn about the person you’re connecting with.

Conclusion:Date online Philippines is about more than just swiping and chatting—it’s about creating authentic connections. Whether you’re connecting locally or across regions, Filipinos2Meet offers a space to meet people who share similar values and interests.

With patience, respect, and authenticity, online dating in the Philippines can lead to lasting relationships. Create a profile that reflects who you are, engage in meaningful conversations, and always stay safe. Embrace the journey, meet new people, and who knows—you might just find your perfect match through Filipinos2Meet in the online Philippines world.

[officevalle]

Five Must-Know Tricks to Elevate Your Digital Music Experience

Music is a universal language that enhances our lives, whether we’re sharing stories online or relaxing with our favorite tunes. In this digital age, mastering how to use music platforms and tools can take your listening experience to the next level. This article will explore five essential tricks, from creating playlists to editing music on Instagram posts.

1. Start with a Playlist: The Foundation of Music Enjoyment If you’re asking yourself, what is playlist, think of it as a custom music collection tailored to your preferences. Playlists help you organize songs for every mood and activity, whether it’s a morning jog or a cozy evening indoors.

Why Playlists Matter:

They save time by grouping songs you love.

They create a seamless flow of music for events and activities.

Quick Tip: Use genres, moods, or specific themes as your playlist guide for better organization.

2. Add Creativity to Your Facebook Posts with the Music Library Facebook is more than a social media platform—it’s a canvas for creative expression. The Facebook music library offers a treasure trove of licensed tracks to enhance your posts, reels, or stories.

Key Benefits:

Free access to a wide variety of songs.

Effortless integration with your content.

Helps boost audience engagement by evoking emotion.

3. Set the Perfect Caller Tune with Spotify Have you ever wanted to add a personal touch to your phone calls? Knowing how to set caller tune from Spotify allows you to turn your favorite track into a unique ringtone. This feature reflects your personality every time someone calls you.

Steps to Set It Up:

Open Spotify and browse your favorite tracks.

Check for compatibility with your network provider.

Set your chosen song as your caller tune through Spotify or your carrier's app.

4. Seamlessly Transfer Your Playlists Between Platforms Switching from Spotify to Amazon Music? Don’t start from scratch! Learn how to transfer Spotify playlist to Amazon Music to keep your curated tracks intact.

What You Need to Do:

Use apps like TuneMyMusic to simplify the process.

Link your Spotify and Amazon Music accounts.

Verify the playlists once the transfer is complete.

5. Remove Unwanted Music from Instagram Posts Sometimes, the song you add to an Instagram post may not fit your intended message. Thankfully, you can quickly learn how to remove song from Instagram post. This ensures your post aligns perfectly with your vision.

Steps to Remove a Song:

Open the Instagram app and select the post you want to edit.

Tap the "Edit" option and locate the music icon.

Remove the song and save your changes.

Conclusion Music empowers us to express ourselves, connect with others, and add joy to our daily routines. By mastering playlists, using tools like Facebook’s Music Library, and exploring features on Spotify and Instagram, you can elevate your music journey in just a few simple steps.

[mitigatingacademics]

{11.09.2024}

Leaving my house for the first time since I entirely lost faith in humanity; I went to the library book sale yesterday.

These are the books I took to work last night.  

I'm seriously considering not going back to the Chemerinsky book at all. It may only be about 300 pages, but the idea that we're going to be doing anything other than trying to survive for at least the next four years, let alone magically replacing the Constitution with *something better* is so fantastical that it's offensive and my time is worth more than that ridiculousness. 

In the past few days I've slept twice as much as should reasonably be necessary and I'm still tired. 

I've dealt with depression before, but I've never had it hit so hard so suddenly. 

My mother suggested that I just need to 'talk myself out of it.' 

I burst into tears, shouted 'That's the best advice I've ever been given, I can't believe I didn't think of that!' and slammed a door. (I slammed the door specifically because she told me not to. I pay the mortgage. It's my door. I'll slam it if I want to.) So, ...that's going well. 

I feel numb and also as if my nerves are entirely fried. 

It takes a concerted effort not to entirely lose my shit over the smallest thing. 

I usually keep the majority of my politics on Twitter where I engage almost exclusively with folks that I don't know personally.

I'm done playing nice. I've taken it all to Facebook. I've lost at least five "friends" over it, too. 

The example response (middle) to the image on the left is the kind of thing that brought about a post containing the image on the right.

My keep the peace switch has broken ALL of the way off. 

I will no longer offer consideration to folks that they do not offer to others. 

If you are unable to conceptualize that our 'freedoms' ARE political and you think my expression of concern for society due to your inability to care about anyone at all beyond yourself (or even actually understand your own best interests) then you're welcome to see yourself out (it's not an airport, there's no need to announce your departure) -- and I *will* tell you that it isn't the first time this week that the trash has taken itself out. 🤷‍♀️

I did, at one point, suggest that I personally feel that some individuals are unworthy of the work it takes to put on a free and fair election...and some might find that offensive...but you put in a 17 hour day of being nice to and assisting folks only to find out the majority of them voted in a manner that demonstrated a complete lack of respect for the humanity of *several* groups you belong to and see how you feel about it.

I was never actually "friends" with the woman who showed herself before unfriending me, anyway. We became acquainted years ago via a FB game that doesn't even exist anymore. We hardly ever interacted. If I'd previously realized she was the kind of person she so proudly professed herself to be I'd have done her the favor of removing her a long time ago. 🤷‍♀️

Driving home from working the polls, I couldn't help but reflect upon other times when I had worked elections and the results had been, in my opinion, less than ideal. This felt significantly different. It was long before the Presidential race was called, and yet... the offense and disrespect I feel as a woman concerned with decency had taken on a life of its own. 

Immediately upon arriving home I posted a diatribe on FB about my experience that day. 

We had seen approximately 1,500 voters which is a huge amount for that location. There was a line *all* day. ...and even with that many people cycling through, only 3 of them tried to act up. They were all of the same persuasion - you know what I mean, even if you don't like that you know what I mean. Nearly all of the voters were friendly and pleasant. ...to have Ohio called for Trump before we were even released from our duties that evening DID SOMETHING to me. To be called that quickly meant that the vast majority of the folks I'd interacted with that day (as well as their counterparts in other precincts) smiled to my face and then voted against my right to feel safe in our shared society.

It's not a surprise that there are people like that out there, but it's incredibly painful to find them in the majority, especially after all that we have seen in the past few months.

Hours after the Presidential election was called I started writing a letter to my favorite judge. 

This woman, an actual angel, is a Child Protection Court Judge in South Texas. I sent her a Christmas card last year after finding her Zoom court on YouTube. She wrote back offering to serve as a legal field mentor - which, without exaggeration, meant just as much to me as my actual acceptance into law school. 

I'm sure she wasn't *at all* imagining the e-mail I sent her yesterday, which was a three page, single-spaced, 11-point font desperate attempt at stopping a despair spiral and figuring out what the hell happens next. 

I don't have *anyone* else that I think might be able understand what I'm going through right now as far as going from being *so* motivated to suddenly full-stop questioning if studying the rule of law will even be useful in any meaningful way. I keep coming back to wondering if they'll be cutting women's fingers off for reading by the time fall rolls around. 

I expressed to her the irony of being accepted to another law school in the midst of all of this. "Here's $70,000 to study something that won't even exist by the time you get around to using it!" 

...and I don't know anything about this woman's personal politics. I may be wildly out of line here. I'm fairly certain she is in an appointed position and there's absolutely nothing online that indicates her political affiliation. We did exchange RBG stamps, though. So, that's something. 😬🤷‍♀️

She's one of very few bridges I'm still concerned with not burning at this point. It would be somewhat tragic (and hurt my feelings a lot) if she dismisses me as a crazy over this. ...but I'm also kind of 'If you can't handle me at my worst you don't deserve me at my best!' about *everything* right now.

Also not at all about the company that I need to not be myself to keep. 🤷‍♀️

I'm trying to give myself some grace. 

I didn't even take the Constitutional Controversies book to work last night. 

Robespierre came along, but other things took priority. 

I didn't even look at LawHub.

I was working with a Trump supporting colleague who had the nerve to comment on how nice it is that anyone can do anything they want to in this country.

You won't be surprised to find that he's also a white male Elon stan.

He also felt the need to contribute that 180 million (I'm not fact checking his numbers, I honestly don't care) voters 'couldn't be wrong.'

It apparently never occurred to him that something being popular isn't a reflection of its justness. Hitler was popular, too. 🙄

Asking for focus, rationality, AND civility with that going on in the background was just too much.

Liz has been quiet.

With the exception of her (very much expected) Tweet above, there's been absolutely nothing. ...and that's beyond fair. She did everything she could - more than anyone has any right to expect of her, and she deserves a break. 

Since she's clearly *not* going to be Attorney General now, she also needs to figure out what's next.

It's just, selfishly, if you're going to remind me of my duties regarding the Constitution, rule of law, and our institutions...a little guidance on *HOW* we're supposed to do those things would be nice. 😢

Sounds real hard. Like, almost implausible. Send reinforcements.

I have less patience for Democrats like Michigan's Mallory McMorrow who feels entitled to imply that anyone asking any questions about unexpected or unorthodox election results are the equivalent of conspiracy theorists making plans to storm the Capitol. 

Like, for example, it's *interesting* that Democrats won Senate seats in six swing states ALL OF WHICH Kamala lost. Acknowledging this doesn't make you an 'election denier.'

She keeps replying to anyone taking issue with her approach here with a video of a speech she gave following the 2020 election. I recognize that said speech is the most viral she's ever gone, however, Ma'am, this isn't the same thing. ...FFS. 

Same Democrat leaders that had us practically convinced this race was impossible to lose think they can talk down to us now when we're shell shocked and trying to make sense of all the lies we were told by the folks we were supposed to be able to trust.

It's actual bullshit and entirely exhausting.

Ultimately, at least at this point, I feel pretty strongly that I may have worked my last election. 

Whether that be because I'm burnout and disillusioned or because we just don't have elections anymore remains to be seen. 

Coworker says 'he can't see' any way that Trump could do away with elections. ...He also thinks the United Nation's 2030 plan for Sustainable Development is 'the Democrat version' of Project 2025.

When I responded that that interpretation is nearing a level classified as psychotic he said "Democrats like the United Nations."

...this is the electorate.

At this point I don't even know why I'm surprised we are where we are.

[elfwreck]

Tumblr is owned by an unhinged transphobic egomaniac as well - he just doesn't have the money to be on the same level as the owners of Facebook and Twitter.

Do not convince yourself that Discord or Bluesky are "the good ones," either. Bluesky is run by the guy who started Twitter, and Twitter was not a hate-free utopia before the buyout. Discord has security leaks and allows nazis to thrive as long as they stay contained in their own groups, and enforces its policies arbitrarily. (And of course, there's the constant push to subscribe to Nitro; we can expect the enshittification wave to start removing features behind the paywall when they next need a profit push.)

"The solution," if it exists, is (sigh) federated communications where people manage their own communities. Which means smaller communities and lots of "learn this new platform" to find new friends. I'm sorry. It sucks.

Dreamwidth is good, and run by someone who cares about fandom. Drawbacks: No reblogging, very limited image hosting. Bonuses: Easy to curate communities and have different levels of what's public.

Squidge has opened FenRecs, a fannish recs-and-discussion forum area, using Lemmy (basically, federated clone of Reddit, although FenRecs is not federated).

It's currently messy and mostly empty, and it'll stay that way until enough people join it to set up a structure and figure out how the community there works.

BobaBoard is in process, still working out the features it needs to allow anonymity and security. (It's got the anon features well-developed; it doesn't have an easy way to ban nazis. The current system is "everyone needs specific account permission from the owner," which doesn't scale.)

twitter is owned by a tech bro supervillain, facebook is getting rid of FACT checking bc it’s “biased” and moving all moderators to texas, tik tok is getting banned (I’ll b using a vpn but still), insta is owned by the dude getting rid of fact checking……but tumblr? good old tumblr? here she remains, vastly unchanged but for the few updates we usually bully staff into undoing. a true stronghold of democracy and free speech. waiting for those who abandoned her to come crawling back. bc yah. we’re still here

[prowplink]

How to download WhatsApp on iPhone for free

WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging service that uses internet data that you use to make video calls or send messages or photos and stay in touch with your friends here by creating WhatsApp groups. You can chat with friends and make audio or video calls here.

This method covers downloading WhatsApp on iPhone for free using basic methods to download the app which is quite easy.

Go on your Home screen and tap to the App Store app.

First, you have to go to your home screen and then search App Store in the search bar, Which is also shown in the picture.

 Button with an on the bottom right.

In the second step, you guys have to search WhatsApp in the glass icon. You guys will do this step easily.

You will see the WhatsApp app icon on top.

The third step is how to download WhatsApp on iPhone for free. WhatsApp will appear in front of you, after that you have to download WhatsApp. 

WhatsApp icon Shows up on your home screen.

In the fourth step, when you download WhatsApp, it will appear on your home screen, after which you can use WhatsApp.

Note: Make sure to have your Apple ID to download any app from the App Store.

Features

No Hidden Charges: Once you download the WhatsApp application, use it as much as you want and chat with your friends, which is completely free and only requires your internet connection. Whether it is 2G 3G or 4G or 5G.

Multimedia: You can send messages to your friends, send voice messages, and talk live with your friends on video calls.

Group Chatting: On WhatsApp, you can create your own group to add your friends and enjoy and keep the group's settings in your own way and whoever you want to add is good to remove.

Profile: You can add your profile picture which you will show to your contacts and you can also write about yourself in About.

No international costs: You can send WhatsApp messages internationally at no cost, wherever your friends are in the world, you can chat with them through WhatsApp without any charges and in these stressful situations. Avoid SMS expenses.

No need to log in/out: If you want to log in to WhatsApp on your laptop, you will not have any problem logging in because you can log in to your WhatsApp on your laptop by Linked device.

No need to add friends: You don't need to add friends in WhatsApp because the friends in your contact list will be shown on WhatsApp and you can chat with them.

WhatsApp offline Messages: When you are offline on WhatsApp or turn off your mobile, in such a case WhatsApp saves your messages until you view or read them.

And much more: Now you can share your current location on WhatsApp, for example, if you are going to a friend's house and you don't know his house, then he will share his location with you on WhatsApp. You will reach his home and this is a very good feature of WhatsApp.

What's New

There are many features in WhatsApp and when a new update of WhatsApp comes, many new features are added to it and the security of WhatsApp is increased and now you have your avatar on WhatsApp. You can create and put it on your profile and if it is your favorite person, you can keep it in your favorite and you can change the wallpaper of the WhatsApp theme and what you like or what you in your gallery. They can install and also change the notification tone and use WhatsApp in the language of things. You can also change its language and if you are facing any problem in using WhatsApp, you can contact the WhatsApp Center and invite your friends from Up Direct WhatsApp you can also add Up Direct Instagram Facebook in the new update of WhatsApp and if you have your WhatsApp If you want to install the app on your laptop, you have to link the device to your mobile and connect it to your laptop, through which your app will be installed on your laptop.

Fixed Problems: 

Here some errors in WhatsApp should be fixed like reconnecting problems during WhatsApp calls or login problems.

Disclaimer: The steps unknown in this direction are future for users to transfer WhatsApp Messenger finished real means via the official Apple App Store. WhatsApp is free to download and use, but data charges may apply depending on your mobile transporter or internet worker. The availability of WhatsApp and its topographies may vary contingent on your area. This guide does not support or endorse transferring WhatsApp from informal sources, as responsibility could depict your device to safety risks, malware, or unauthorized versions of the app. Continuously safeguard your download apps from trusted and verified sources.