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Photography Techniques Unveiled: Mastering Bokeh, Film Grain, RAW Photos, and More

© 2023 by “Draumar” at Takk™ Innovate Studio, David Cavalcante

Photography is an art that goes beyond just pointing and shooting. It involves mastering various techniques that bring life and creativity to your images. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of Bokeh, Film Grain, RAW Photos, and a myriad of lens types, framing techniques, and technical aspects that every photographer should know.

Photography is more than capturing moments; it’s about creating visually stunning narratives. Understanding and mastering photography techniques elevate your skills, allowing you to capture images that tell compelling stories.

Bokeh: The Art of Blurring

Bokeh, the out-of-focus background in an image, adds a touch of magic to photographs. Explore how lens diameter and aperture settings influence the creation of captivating Bokeh, and see stunning visual examples that showcase its artistic potential.

Film Grain: Nostalgic Imperfections

Step into the world of Film Grain, a technique that mimics analog imperfections. Delve into the debate between naturally occurring grain and digitally added grain, and discover popular film choices that offer unique qualities in colour reproduction and grain.

RAW Photos: Unveiling the Unprocessed

RAW Photos provide photographers with unprocessed image data, offering unparalleled creative freedom during editing. Discover the pros and cons of shooting RAW, and explore the endless possibilities that come with manual adjustments in post-processing.

Framing Techniques: Upper Body and Torso Shots

Learn the art of framing with Upper Body and Torso Shots. Understand their significance in portrait photography, gain composition tips, and discover how choosing the right frame can enhance the visual impact of your subjects.

Lens Exploration: Zoom, 35mm, 50mm, 150mm

Dive into the world of lenses, from Zoom lenses with variable focal lengths to the natural human-eye-like view of the 35mm Lens. Explore the versatility of the 50mm Lens and the telephoto excellence of the 150mm Lens, each offering unique perspectives for different photographic scenarios.

Aperture and ISO: Controlling Light and Sensitivity

Demystify the concepts of Aperture and ISO settings. Understand how aperture settings like f/5.6 and f/1.4 control light input and depth of field, and explore the impact of ISO settings such as ISO 100 and ISO 1600 on sensitivity and noise in photos.

Technical Aspects: 8K UHD and FStop Values

Embark on a journey into technical aspects with insights into 8K UHD resolution and the significance of FStop values (e.g., f/1.8, f/2.2) in photography. Uncover practical applications that can elevate the quality of your images.

Shutter Speed: Freezing Moments in Time

Master the art of freezing moments with an in-depth exploration of shutter speeds. Understand how different speeds, such as 1/30 and 1/250, influence exposure and motion capture, allowing you to create visually striking images with creative effects.

Photographic Films and Digital Tools

Explore the world of photographic films, from Cinestill 800T to the Kodak Vision3 series, each offering distinct qualities in color reproduction and grain. Additionally, discover how digital processing tools like Vray can enhance realism in 3D rendering.

Applying Techniques: A Sequential Guide

Unlock the secret to impactful photography by applying techniques in a strategic sequence. From basic image structure to advanced options, learn the importance of considering different film types in image data inputs for a comprehensive approach.

As we conclude this journey through photography techniques, remember that mastery comes with practice. Experiment with these techniques, push your creative boundaries, and let your unique vision shine through your photographs. Happy shooting!

Can I mix and match different lens types in a single photoshoot?

Absolutely! Mixing lens types can add diversity and creativity to your shots. Experiment and find combinations that suit your artistic vision.

How do I choose the right framing technique for a specific subject?

Consider the subject’s characteristics and the story you want to convey. Upper Body Shots emphasize facial expressions, while Torso Shots capture a broader narrative. Choose accordingly.

Is shooting in RAW format always better than JPEG?

While RAW provides more editing flexibility, the choice depends on your preferences and the specific requirements of your project. Experiment with both formats to find what works best for you.

Can I use digital processing tools for all types of photography?

Yes, digital processing tools like Vray can enhance realism in various genres. However, moderation is key. Use these tools to complement your artistic vision, not overshadow it.

What’s the ideal shutter speed for capturing fast-paced action?

A higher shutter speed, such as 1/1000 or faster, is recommended for capturing fast-moving subjects. Experiment with different speeds to find the right balance between freezing motion and maintaining image clarity.

— David Cavalcante 𝕚𝕟 https://linkedin.com/in/hellodav 𝕚𝕤 https://instagran.com/takk8is 𝕏 https://twitter.com/takk8is 𝕊 https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/takk8is 𝕡𝕚 https://www.pinterest.com/takk8is/ 𝕄 https://takk8is.medium.com 𝕋 https://tumblr.com/takk8is ℕ https://bit.ly/46F2Rnu

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How to Invest in Cryptocurrencies: Step by Step to Get Started Safely

© 2023 by “Draumar” at Takk™ Innovate Studio, David Cavalcante

Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual assets designed to work as mediums of exchange. The first and most popular cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was created in 2009 with the intention to decentralize the production of money and eliminate the need for banks or financial intermediaries.

However, the extreme volatility witnessed in the cryptocurrency market often deters novice investors. The uncertainty regarding future price movements can generate distrust towards investing in these relatively new digital assets.

Choosing the Right Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin (BTC) is the dominant cryptocurrency, accounting for over 40% of the total crypto market value. Besides Bitcoin, other major cryptocurrencies include Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), USD Coin (USDC), and Binance Coin (BNB).

While Bitcoin is known as “digital gold,” Ethereum provides a platform for developers to build decentralized apps and smart contracts. Meanwhile, stablecoins like USDT and USDC aim to peg their value to fiat currencies.

When deciding which cryptocurrencies to invest in, conduct thorough research on their real-world utility, development activity, and financial fundamentals.

Cryptocurrency Exchanges

Cryptocurrency exchanges are platforms that allow you to buy, sell and trade digital currencies. They can either be centralized, where transactions are facilitated through a middleman, or decentralized (DEXs), which connect buyers and sellers directly via smart contracts.

When selecting an exchange, pay attention to aspects like fees, security practices, payment methods, and country regulations. Some well-known exchanges include Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, Crypto.com, Binance, and FTX.

Cryptocurrency Wallets

A cryptocurrency wallet stores your private keys and allows you to receive, send, and track your digital assets. Wallets can be categorized into:

Hot Wallets

Online software wallets connected to the internet like web browsers or mobile apps. Convenient for frequent transactions but more susceptible to hacking. Examples: Metamask, Exodus, Jaxx.

Cold Wallets

Offline devices not connected to the internet that provide better security. Transactions need to be manually approved on the device. Examples: Ledger, Trezor, SecuX.

Paper Wallets

Your keys printed or written on a piece of paper stored offline. No specialized hardware needed but can be inconvenient.

In terms of security, paper or cold hardware wallets provide the best protection for long term holdings. Hot wallets complement them well for actively trading smaller amounts.

Investment Strategy

Dollar Cost Averaging

Invest fixed amounts at regular intervals regardless of price. Helps reduce impact of volatility over time.

Hodling

Holding cryptocurrencies long term even during market corrections. Based on the idea that prices could eventually rebound to higher levels.

Taking Profits

Selling portions along the way to recoup initial capital and realize some gains. Helps lock in profits amidst volatile conditions.

In most cases, a combination of these strategies works well. Dollar cost average over several months, hodl a core position for the long term, and sell marginal amounts to take profits if prices spike.

Risks and Challenges

Volatility

Extreme price fluctuations within short periods. Makes investing challenging and stressful for many.

Cyber Attacks

Online exchanges and hot wallets vulnerable. Could result in theft of funds if not careful. Cold storage provides better protection.

Losing Private Keys

Wallets linked to carefully-generated private keys. Losing access essentially means losing your cryptocurrency assets.

While promising as an emerging asset class, cryptocurrencies carry higher levels of risk. Education on the market and caution with investments is strongly advised.

Investing in cryptocurrencies provides exposure to a dynamic, internationally-traded financial asset fueled by incredible tech innovation.

While the volatility can be discomforting for casual investors, embracing a long-term perspective and heeding basic security measures helps mitigate common hazards.

Dollar cost averaging a diversified crypto portfolio, storing the majority offline in cold hardware wallets, taking intermittent profit-taking, and continuously learning, together set the stage for prospering through calculated, responsible crypto investing. Over time, perseverance and patience amidst any lingering doubts could potentially yield fortune-altering returns.

— David Cavalcante 𝕚𝕟 https://linkedin.com/in/hellodav 𝕏 https://twitter.com/Takk8IS 𝕨 https://takk.ag

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Fake AI-Created Nudes Generate Safety Risks Mainly For Women

© 2023 by “Draumar” at Takk™ Innovate Studio, David Cavalcante

AI-generated fake nudes, pornography and other content using people’s images without consent, known as deepfakes, are a growing online hazard creating unique extortion risks especially for women. According to artificial intelligence company Sensity AI’s research highlighted in The Washington Post, 96% of deepfakes feature nonconsensual intimate imagery. Additionally, 99% of victims facing this AI-powered identity abuse are women.

As the realism of AI-synthesized media keeps improving with generative adversarial networks (GANs) and similar deep learning techniques, more fake nudes continue appearing online without people’s permission. Researcher Genevieve Oh found a over 290% increase since 2018 in deepfakes featured on the top 10 websites hosting this kind of voyeuristic content. Several leading actresses, politicians and even underage teenagers have faced image-based abuse via deepfakes.

While legal remedies exist for victims, policy changes regulating deepfakes combined with emerging digital authentication tools offer the most robust solutions to this AI-powered harassment. Beyond firm regulation though, reducing the huge gender imbalance in AI development teams could mitigate the lopsided impacts women face from nonconsensual synthetic media featuring their likeness.

Deepfakes Create Extortion Vulnerability

Using GAN algorithms, anyone’s photos or videos can realistically be used to generate intimate imagery without their consent. This content gets shared widely as different types of extortion take place. Victims face reputational damage, harassment, mental trauma along with privacy violations from deepfakes. The exponential rise in hyper-realistic fake AI nudes creates disproportionate risks for women especially.

96% Deepfakes Are Nonconsensual Porn

Per research by Sensity AI covered in The Washington Post, an overwhelming 96% of deepfake content features nonconsensually created intimate imagery of people. This indicates most deepfakes constitute image-based sexual abuse instead of parody or political commentary. And Generative AI models excel at quickly creating porn using people’s images.

99% Victims Are Women

Confirming deepfakes’ severely gendered impacts, Sensity’s analysis found 99% of victims being subjected to face-swapping or full bodyswapping into pornographic videos and images are women. This exponential surge in fake AI porn featuring women without consent leads to reputational damage, harassment and trauma along with privacy violations. The scale of risks women face from uncontrolled deepfakes growth is infinitely higher.

Sites Hosting Fake AI Nudes Up Over 290%

Industry analyst Genevieve Oh tracked the top 10 websites hosting deepfakes from 2018 to 2022. She found more than a 300% increase over four years in nonconsensual intimate imagery including fake AI nudes being featured on these platforms. Leading actresses and politicians have already faced abuse via realistic face-swapped porn videos, indicating an iceberg’s tip as this technological capability spreads silently.

Protecting Oneself From Deepfakes Risk

While solving deepfakes’ outsized impacts on women requires systematic changes by platforms, lawmakers and technology leaders, certain precautions can help reduce this AI-powered harassment. Beyond limiting online sharing, authentication tools are emerging alongside legal remedies for victims to control their digital identities better.

Techniques Used to Create Fake Images

Generative adversarial networks, StyleGAN models and photorealistic text-to-image generators create deepfakes via machine learning algorithms. They mix-and-match or generate pixel data to emulate real photos and videos using public images. Face-swapping apps easily build on these approaches by blending one person’s facial features into existing intimate imagery featuring someone else.

Harms Caused By Nonconsensual Deepfakes

As hyper-realistic fake content spreads unchecked, women face disproportionate threats from deepfakes including stalking, harassment, reputational damage, trauma due to unauthorized pornography featuring them and even loss of financial opportunities. Online abuse via AI-generated imagery also violates users’ privacy severely while enabling new forms of tech-powered violence against women.

Legal Remedies Available To Victims

In the US, deepfake victims can pursue legal charges like copyright infringement through DMCA takedown notices to remove unauthorized AI content featuring them from websites and platforms. Nonconsensual pornography laws also exist in some states offering civil recourse. Identity theft charges apply if financial fraud results using fake biometrics. Tort law also allows suing deepfake creators for reputational damage or emotional distress under negligence claims.

Digital Tools To Reduce Deepfakes Risks

Using authenticated Google Photos helps combat potential misuse via deepfakes. Adobe offers an AI attribution tool still in beta that detects GAN imagery. Truepic’s photo and video authentication service secures media capturing and sharing. As AI improves at generating hyper-realistic imagery, more tools leveraging blockchain, metadata tracking and digital watermarking are emerging to certify real versus fake visual content.

Policy And Technology Changes Required

Pressuring social networks and adult sites to stop hosting nonconsensually created fake porn is crucial. Lawmakers globally must implement firm policies specially protecting women from voyeuristic deepfakes that cause disproportionate abuse. Ethical guidelines for generative AI research broadly also reduce harms from uncontrolled technology advances. Finally achieving more gender balance in AI development teams would make systems fairer for female users.

Societal Impacts Of Hyper-Realistic AI Content

The growing ability of AI systems to generate fake yet incredibly photorealistic content raises troubling questions regarding privacy, consent, and online authenticity overall going forward. Through this decade, machine learning techniques will produce synthetic imagery and media that grows more indistinguishable from reality. Besides reducing systemic gender discrimination permeating AI currently, users worldwide will likely demand greater transparency and control over their identity from platforms, devices and generative models anchoring the algorithmic economy.

So while deepfakes create an urgent extortion risk primarily affecting women today through nonconsensual fake porn featuring their likeness, broader societal risks loom as AI content becomes fully customizable yet increasingly untraceable. Allowing users sovereign ownership over their data emerging from public or private interactions offers one solution. Adopting an affirmative consent mindset globally regarding not just physical relations but also digital representation could be pivotal. Ultimately over the next decade, lawmakers, technologists and platforms must prioritize policies and innovations curbing harm from synthetic media while empowering greater user control through technology.

— David Cavalcante 𝕚𝕟 https://linkedin.com/in/hellodav 𝕏 https://twitter.com/Takk8IS 𝕨 https://takk.ag

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AI-Proof Jobs Remain in Technical and Leadership Roles Over Next Decade

© 2023 by “Draumar” at Takk™ Innovate Studio, David Cavalcante

Over the next 10 years, generative AI will have a major impact on administrative and managerial jobs, but roles requiring advanced mathematical calculations or high-level critical analysis skills will be the least affected by the technology. That’s according to research by education company Pearson called “Skills Outlook: Gen AI Proof Jobs.” The reason, the study explains, is that generative AI still lacks precision for calculations and can’t replace human creativity, communication, and leadership abilities.

Technical and engineering jobs top the list of roles most “proofed” against the technology, followed by senior executives, public health officers, and lawyers. Currently, less than 5% of the time these professionals spend on certain tasks could be automated or enhanced by AI.

AI’s Impact Over the Next 10 Years

What the Research Shows About AI’s Limitations

The Pearson research highlights current limitations in generative AI regarding mathematical precision and human skills like creativity and emotional intelligence. While AI can generate content, it still falls well short of human cognition for higher-level critical analysis. Therefore, over the next decade, jobs requiring these innate human strengths will be disrupted least by AI automation of tasks.

Jobs Requiring Advanced Maths and Analysis Still Need Humans

Technical roles, engineering jobs, senior management executives and professionals like lawyers and public health officials spend very little time on tasks suitable for AI assistance. With their advanced maths aptitudes, critical thinking and decision making abilities, these roles benefit least from AI’s outputs. So doctors, scientists, engineers and their support staff will continue practicing high-level human intelligence daily.

AI Excels at Automating Repetitive Administrative Tasks

Where generative AI instantly delivers major productivity gains is by automating repetitive, high-volume administrative tasks. Scheduling appointments, fielding and directing calls, processing forms and applications, handling billing and payments, even generating reports — these administrative functions are handled faster and at lower cost by AI. So while the technology can’t replace human skills yet, it excels at giving knowledge workers more time for critical analysis by eliminating administrative burdens.

The 5 Jobs Least Disrupted by AI

Human creativity, leadership and complex communication abilities mean some roles remain almost untouched by AI over the next decade. Generative technology lacks precision on mathematical calculations, emotional intelligence for motivation and inspiration, and advanced reasoning for significant business decisions.

#1 Executives — 3% Disruptable Tasks

Senior executives and organisational leaders spend almost no time on basic tasks suitable for AI assistance. Their strategic decision making and direction-setting abilities entirely depend on human traits like creativity, vision, emotional intelligence, communication skills and leadership. AI has no impact here over the next 10 years.

#2 Civil Engineers — 3%

Like executives, civil engineers handle complex analytical tasks like designing structures and infrastructure that depend primarily on advanced technical skills and creativity. AI can help with some repetitive design tasks but cannot reason, model and calculate to replace human engineers.

#3 Electrical Engineering Technicians — 4%

Electrical engineers and their technicians work on advanced power systems and equipment installation daily. Their specialized technical skills in maintaining electrical infrastructures are enhanced by AI, but not impacted significantly over the next decade.

#4 Public Health Policy Officers — 5%

Formulating healthcare policies requires deep specialization, ethical reasoning and creativity from public health officials that AI cannot match. It can help model disease spread through machine learning, but policy making depends on human judgement.

#5 Lawyers — 5%

An ability to argue cases based on vast legal knowledge, strong communication skills and sharp critical thinking insulates lawyers from disruption by AI. It can help automate some legal research and case law searches but cannot replace human lawyers in arguing before judges and juries.

Administrative and Management Roles Most Susceptible to AI

Repetitive administrative tasks are already being automated by AI, while about 30% of management roles could use generative technology because their work includes analyzable systems and predictable outputs. Scheduling, customer service and financial roles at highest risk of AI automation over the next decade need human skills like creativity, empathy and complex communications to stay relevant.

Repetitive Technical Tasks Already Being Automated

Administrative roles in business like scheduling appointments, fielding customer queries, processing paperwork, and handling billing and debt collection are easiest for AI software to take over. These repetitive, technical tasks follow clear processes and patterns ideal for machine learning algorithms. AI’s speed, scalability and cost savings will likely automate parts of these jobs over the next decade.

30%+ of Management Tasks Could Use AI Assistance

Middle managers across industries spend significant time handling predictable work including data analysis, status reporting, strategy presentations and budgeting. These tasks have defined inputs and outputs that generative AI models can produce quickly. AI adoption here seems inevitable even if automation is partial. By 2030, over 30% of management tasks will require partnership between humans and AI.

The 5 Jobs Most Threatened by AI

While AI cannot fully replace human thinking yet, predictable clerical and customer service roles with analyzable tasks are most susceptible to partial automation using generative technology:

#1 Cashiers — 33% Tasks Automatable

Cashiers follow highly manual, repetitive processes in scanning items, accepting payments, checking out customers and reporting daily sales figures. These structured tasks are ideal automation candidates for AI algorithms over the next 10 years.

#2 Accounting and Auditing Clerks — 32%

Number crunching repetitive tasks like preparing financial statements and reconciliations all follow a structured approach ripe for AI automation. Software bots powered by machine learning will transform parts of these jobs over the next decade.

#3 Telemarketers — 31%

Call center sales jobs require empathy, creativity and persuasion skills that AI lacks, but the automated dialing, information collection and data capture parts are already transitioning to bots and will accelerate through this decade.

#4 Billing and Posting Clerks — 29%

Payment and collections clerks spend significant time in repetitive data entry, preparing documentation and account statements to standard formats and schedules. These predictable activities can mostly transition to AI-driven automation by 2030.

#5 Debt Collectors — 29%

While negotiating with delinquent customers requires human discretion and emotional intelligence, much of the reminder notices and accounts receivable functions debt collectors fulfill can be automated using AI.

Creativity, Communication and Leadership Insulate Humans

As AI generates content, processes transactions and even enhances human thinking over the next decade, the innate abilities that will retain relevance include creativity, complex communications, leadership skills and emotional intelligence. Most high-level white collar management, medicine, science and justice roles at low risk of automation depend extensively on these next-level humane traits that remain our advantage over machines.

So while generative AI will disrupt administrative and managerial jobs through automation, augmenting predictable tasks, roles requiring advanced human cognition, emotional and creative abilities will stay proofed against technology for the next decade at least. Even as AI matches more human capabilities through the 2030s, uniquely innate strengths like inspiration, vision and multidimensional critical thinking ensure the most human potential remains untapped by machines.

— David Cavalcante 𝕚𝕟 https://linkedin.com/in/hellodav 𝕏 https://twitter.com/Takk8IS 𝕨 https://takk.ag

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The era of AI “hallucination”: How generative technology is transforming marketing and design

© 2023 by “Draumar” at Takk™ Innovate Studio, David Cavalcante

The word of the year and why.

The word “hallucinate” was recently elected the word of the year for 2022 by the Collins Dictionary. This is mainly due to the growing use of this word in the context of generative artificial intelligence. AI models capable of generating images, texts, and other content are often described as having the ability to “hallucinate” or imagine things that do not exist.

Understanding generative AI.

What is generative AI?

Generative artificial intelligence refers to AI models trained to produce original outputs based on a prompt or input request. This includes generating entirely new images, text, code, audio, and video.

Famous examples.

The most famous example currently is DALL-E from OpenAI. It can create realistic images of virtually any text description you provide. Other popular examples include ChatGPT from Anthropic, which maintains seemingly human-like conversations, and Claude, also from Anthropic, which generates coherent texts on various topics.

How the technology works.

These AI models are trained on huge datasets to learn patterns and correlations. Afterward, they can receive a prompt and generate new outputs that match the style and context of the original data. It’s as if they can “hallucinate” or imagine entirely new versions of what they learned before.

Transforming marketing and design.

New creative possibilities.

As a marketing and technology professional, I find the rapid development of generative AI models fascinating. These tools have the potential to revolutionize digital content creation, graphic designs, brand communication, and much more.

For example, instead of hiring human designers, companies will be able to simply “ask” an AI to create logos, ads, infographics, and other customized materials for their businesses. This will save a lot of time and money.

More efficiency and scale.

Furthermore, the automated generation of content, such as blog posts, emails, video captions, and website texts, will also be possible. Thus, marketing professionals can scale and customize their communications like never before.

In the future, entire advertising campaigns could even be generated by AI based on strategic goals and target audience profiles. This will bring more efficiency and relevance to communications.

Concerns and challenges.

Ethical and security issues.

However, generative models also raise concerns about copyrights, privacy, and security. We need to be careful not to allow these tools to be used to spread misinformation or generate harmful content.

Moreover, as AI becomes more sophisticated, we will need to deal with complex issues about creativity, authorship, and the nature of human work. We don’t have all the answers yet.

Current limitations.

For now, generative models still have many limitations. They can make false claims, repeat existing biases, and fail completely when asked to perform complex or creative tasks. The technology still has a long way to go before we can truly rely on it for critical tasks.

Future perspectives.

Cautious optimism.

Overall, I am excited to see where this technology can take us. I believe generative models will bring many positive innovations if developed and used ethically and responsibly.

With the right precautions, this new era of “AI hallucination” has the potential to automate mundane tasks, enhance human creativity, and make information more accessible to everyone.

What are the main examples of generative AI today?

Some of the main examples of generative AI today are DALL-E (image generation), ChatGPT (conversational chatbots), Claude (text generation), and Jukebox (music generation).

Can generative AI replace human designers and writers?

Not yet. Generative AI still has many creative and contextual limitations. For now, it works best to automate simple tasks or serve as an assistant to human designers and writers.

Do generative models pose any risk?

Yes. They can be used for spreading misinformation, violating copyrights, or generating inappropriate content. Therefore, we need ethical safeguards as the technology develops.

What is needed to train these AI models?

Enormous datasets (millions of parameters) and significant computational power are required. Large technology companies invest massive resources in this training.

Will generative AI replace marketing and communication professionals?

Not in the next few years. Humans will still be needed for creative strategies, emotional connections, ethics, and supervision. However, many tasks will be automated, allowing professionals to focus on higher-value activities.

— David Cavalcante 𝕚𝕟 https://linkedin.com/in/hellodav 𝕏 https://twitter.com/Takk8IS 𝕨 https://takk.ag