fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
Automation Can Transform Your 3PL Business
By: Ow Robotics
Tags: Robotics, Logistics, Retail, Warehouse, Automation

Automation Can Transform Your 3PL Business

Cutting out the middle man means that businesses can concentrate on what they’re selling without having to worry about logistics such as storage and shipping.

Thanks to big players such as Amazon with an unlimited next day delivery scheme, the market is more competitive than ever. Yet, it’s no secret that Amazon is able to maintain its 3PL offering using robotics. Competing 3PLs are learning that warehouse automation is becoming the answer to a successful business.

You don’t want your business to get left behind

3PLs are jumping on the bandwagon to maximise their services. According to the 24th Annual 3PL Study, FedEx is investing in network capacity, automation and technology to expand its e-commerce delivery options to keep up with the competition. For more information on flexible automation for business growth, see our recent blog post — Flexible Automation for Business Growth.

Optimising your current space

Inbound Logistics found that 65% of 3PL providers are struggling with capacity in the warehouse. But, did you know that an automated warehouse can use half as much space?

Rather than spending money on buying a new warehouse, it might be worth your time and money to invest in automation that can adapt as your services grow. For example, OW Robotics pods are completely customisable, so you can alter them to suit your warehouse needs when required.

Scaling up during peak seasons

We know that 3PLs can get busy with the shift in season. Seasonal workers are often thrown in the deep end and this can lead to mistakes which could harm your reputation.

Through automation, it is possible to have extra resources without the burden of recruitment. At OW Robotics, we offer flexible purchase and hire options so you can stay in control of your automated workforce during busy periods.

Recruiting the right candidates

Inbound Logistics reported that 64% of 3PLs struggle to recruit and retain qualified staff. Recruiting is an expensive and time consuming job, and tied in with the extra seasonal staff 3PLs need, this can cause serious strain on your business.

Using flexible automation will not only reduce the need for staff, but it will reduce costs on equipment such as forklift trucks, staff training and safety considerations.

Are you a 3PL provider and want to find out if warehouse automation is right for your business?

Contact our helpful team on: 01522 704083 or email: enquiries@owrobotics.co.uk
User profile and the Tier benefits WOW ROBOT.(version 2.0)Update Tier 4–5
By: Singha K.
Tags: Trading, Cryptocurrency, Wow, Robots

Tier and benefits ***IMPORTANT

ไทย

*** Credit ใน WOW Robot ไม่ใช่ เงินที่อยู่ใน FTX Wallet. Credit ไม่สามารถใช้ในการซื้อ/ขายบน FTX.

— Profit-Sharing = ส่วนแบ่งที่จะถูกหักออกจาก credit ใน wow robot

ตัวอย่าง CashFlow(ที่เกิดจาก wow robot)= 100 , Profit-Sharing = 40 % , credit= 1000

credit = 1000-(100*(40/100))

credit = 960 credit

***ถ้าคุณไม่ได้อยู่ในสถานะ “FREE” และ “credit ≤ 0” ระบบจะทำการหยุดการทำงานของ wow robot ของคุณชั่วคราว คุณจะสามารถเริ่มการทำงาน(resume)ของ wow robot ได้อีกครั้งเมื่อ “credit > 0”

— Referral-Sharing =ส่วนแบ่งจาก wow robot ที่คุณจะได้เมื่อคนที่สมัครผ่าน referral ของคุณได้เติม credit เข้าสู่ wow robot สำเร็จ

ตัวอย่าง ผู้ใช้งานเติม credit= 100 , Referral-Sharing = 10%

credit = (100*(10/100))

credit ที่คุณจะได้จาก Referal = 10 credit

English

*** Credit in WOW Robot is not money in FTX Wallet.Credit cannot be used to buy/sell on FTX.

— Profit-Sharing = The share that will be deducted from the credit of the wow robot.

example CashFlow(Caused by wow robot)= 100 , Profit-Sharing = 40 % , credit= 1000

credit = 1000-(100*(40/100))

credit = 960

***If you are not in the “FREE” state and “credit ≤ 0” the system will pause your wow robot(temporary). You can resume the wow robot again when “credit> 0”.

— Referral-Sharing = The wow robot share that you will get when your referral person has successfully added credit to the wow robot.

example Users add credit= 100 , Referral-Sharing = 10%

credit = (100*(10/100))
The Future of Drones
By: Sahil Kazemi
Tags: Future Technology, Flying, Drones, Robots, Technology

What are drones? Drones are flying robots that are remotely controlled or can fly by themselves by using flight programmes in their embedded systems. There are many types of drones such as; multi-rotor drones, fixed-wing drones, single rotor helicopter and the fixed-wing hybrid. All of these are used to help society.

How can they help society you ask? Well, drones can help with many things such as: monitoring forest fires, delivering products, helping with security, helping capture aerial views and many more.

There are also concerns regarding drones such as: drones can interfere with radio signals which can result in loss of control, damage aircraft and can as such be dangerous.

I believe drones are exceptional at the moment but can use a few changes such as: they should be made more affordable so more people could have access to them, making lives easier, drones should be allowed to be used for things such as the delivery of medicines to the elderly etc. The uses are vast, but I guess more research and development and rules need to be established further for this.

In conclusion, I think that drones are okay at the moment but can be developed further as mentioned earlier. I’m sure that in the future the majority of the planet will have access to these amazing devices and I for one can’t wait for that to happen.
Pipeline Inspection Robot Prototype
By: Jeremy S. Cook
Tags: Arduino, Robotics, Makers, Robots, Technology

Pipes deteriorate deteriorate and may need to be inspected. Fortunately, robots are available for this job, meaning humans don’t always have to be directly involved in this labor intensive and even dangerous task. These robots, however, are extremely expensive. This project aims to construct an alternative to those that are on the market, with a structure that can adapt to pipes of various diameters.

The robot that the team came up with uses a pair of three-wheel roller assemblies arranged at 120 degrees for contact along the pipe’s inner diameter. Each wheel is attached to a linkage assembly that connects it to a central spring, designed to contract and expand as necessary to maintain pressure on the pipe, even if the diameter changes. For locomotion, two of the three front wheels are driven by powerful gear motors, pulling the rest of the robot with it. Control is accomplished via an Arduino Uno and an L298N H-bridge board.

As of now, it’s been shown to work well 300mm and 320mm horizontal pipes, and can roll like a car through larger diameters as well. One could see this type of design expanded in the future with three- or six-wheel drive and perhaps active control of the wheel linkages. This could then allow for better maneuverability or use in vertical piping.
One in 4 American Adults Fully Vaccinated — And Can Skip Testing in Belize
By: Caribbean Culture, Lifestyle- Belize
Tags: Covid, Reopening

The U.S. reached a milestone in its vaccination efforts on Wednesday, with new data showing that close to 25 percent of adults in the country have been fully vaccinated. With one in four U.S. adults now vaccinated, more and more Americans are in search of destinations that cater to vaccinated tourists. Some countries, like Belize, are now allowing vaccinated U.S. travelers to enter without even needing the pre-diagnostic COVID test. Full vaccinated against COVID-19? Here’s what to keep in mind when visiting Belize.

Bring Along An Official Vaccine Card & Side Step Pre-Diagnostic Testing

(Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

For those fully vaccinated against COVID-19, travelers just need their official vaccine card reflecting the receipt of the dual or single dose vaccine; vaccine must be administered two weeks prior to arriving in Belize. What to do if you’re not vaccinated? If you can’t bring along proof of immunization, you’ll either need a negative RT-PCR Test within 96 hours of travel OR a Rapid Antigen, Sofia, SD Biosensor, ABBOTT (Panbio) test no more than 48 hours prior to travel. Didn’t get results in time? Not to worry. Belize also offers COVID-19 testing upon arrival inside its airport clinic; children 4 years and younger are not required to be tested.



Where To Get Tested in Belize for CDC’s Entry Requirement

Caring Hands Clinic is one of the largest private provider of COVID testing in Belize and the largest provider of tests for travel.

As of January 26, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandated a negative COVID-19 test for all air passengers over 2 years old entering the U.S. — regardless of nationality, origin or vaccination status. Travelers departing Belize can get a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of travel at various locations across the country, including private and public clinics. As Caribbean destinations scrambled to meet new CDC requirements, innovation also arose, too. Take Maya Island Air: with air travel down, the domestic airline partnered with Caring Hands Clinic to convert terminals into testing centers.



Not flying with Maya? Not to worry, anyone can get a test — regardless if citizen or tourist; the facility is a contribution to the benefit of the aviation & tourism industry, including all licensed air carriers, all hotels, and all resorts. Besides being compliant with CDC requirements and boarding requirements for international air carriers, each clinic (and tests used) are authorized by Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW). Book an appointment (or walk-in) at any Caring Hands Clinic, now available in Ambergris Caye, Dangriga, Belize City, Placencia, and Hopkins. Concierge service is available at an extra fee.

Full Vaccinations in the U.S.

Additionally, the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also show that 40 percent of American adults and 75 percent of seniors have received at least one dose. New Mexico and South Dakota lead the country in full vaccinations.
Vaccinated? Get Free Lunch or Dinner at Ka’ana Resort With Your Vaccination Card
By: Caribbean Culture, Lifestyle- Belize
Tags: Covid, Reopening

Belize inches closer and closer to herd immunity, with over 24,000 citizens vaccinated, the Caribbean nation still has a ways to go towards a return to some sort of normal. However, some businesses are doing their part to sweeten the pot. In Cayo, the luxury Ka’ana Resort is dishing out a free meal through the end of April to those with a Belize vaccination card! With the offer, enjoy a lunch or dinner when paying for two. As vaccines become more available in Belize, and employers — especially those in tourism — try to get back to business, we hope to see more incentives!

While a free lunch or dinner is unlikely to tip the scales in the masses, businesses like Ka’ana Resort are making a statement and supporting vaccinations. As such, we’re one step closer to the end of this pandemic.

Dine outdoors at Ka’ana The Wallace.

It doesn’t get more local than homegrown, and delicious food and a healthy relationship with the environment are top priorities at Ka’ana Resort. Fusing a love for food and sustainability, their gorgeous two-acre organic resort garden inspires chefs with Belize’s organic produce. After all, fresh is best. While on-site, take a walk and explore the chicken coop, or meet sister goats Rhea and Ceres.
Good coverage of science denial.
By: Michael Rynn
Tags: Covid, Gas Bag Deniers, State Incompetence, By Design

Good coverage of science denial. The main charlatans for me are national governments and corporations. They mandate education, and state indoctrination for manipulation. As the the standards of ability and general health turn out to be quite low for the wealth inequality state, they also mandate the sacrifice and culling of their majority low quality herds, by wars and general incompetence, for the good of the lessors in charge. Negligent COVID handling by so many shows a desire of nations to allow nature to thin the overpopulated herds. Declining global carrying capacity for luxury lifestyle of industrial civilisation, indicates an early mass drive to the global human slaughterhouses is in the offing.

Secretly national leaders think - thank god for COVID, finally something that can weed out more stupid and unfit from our dependents, and reduces life-years of social welfare costs, so can have more for our mates. Hints of this motive come from Australian politicians who refused to grant citizenship to migrant families with a chronically sick child, and deporting the entire family after many years in our country. No need for gas chambers then. With COVID all can be managed by design with gas-bag politicians.
How Blockchain is Being Used in COVID-19 Mitigation
By: Lenore Albert
Tags: Covid, Lenore Albert, Blockchain

The development of the first highly effective vaccines for COVID-19 is hailed as a “scientific miracle.” That’s because these vaccines were created for an unknown virus in just a few months. Not long ago, the same feat would have required several years.

However, it wasn’t so much a miracle as it was the advancement of science in many different areas. That includes such capabilities as genomic sequencing and big data analysis to new methods for working with microscopic biologics on a molecular scale.

It was these kinds of tools that changed the game for the science of vaccine development.

But the tremendous accomplishment of creating the COVID vaccines proved to be only half of the “miracle” that was needed. The other half of the formula was mass distribution.

Even the best vaccine in the world is useless if it can’t be administered into the arms of millions of people at a very rapid rate to stay ahead of a virus with an uncanny ability to spread exponentially among a vulnerable population.

Here again, it was one particular advancement in technology that saved the day. It’s called blockchain. It proved to be exactly the remedy that was needed at just the right time in history.

In simple terms, blockchain is a method of recording information that cannot be hacked, altered, changed or cheated upon in any way. It is a kind of “digital ledger” for any transaction that needs to be duplicated for distribution across vast networks of computer systems and databases.

Furthermore, blockchain is completely decentralized. That means no one entity can own the data recorded with blockchain. It also means that data can be shared across all platforms and by anyone without fear of anyone causing trouble or messing with the data. It is 100% reliable. Blockchain is “read-only” information, although information can be added to it. But if someone does add information, the party that did so and all ancillary particulars are permanently recorded for all to see.

In short, this makes blockchain a groundbreaking tool for large-scale distribution efforts. It is tailor-made for the unique requirement of distributing safe, effective –- and completely trustworthy –- vaccines to hundreds of millions of people in each nation.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have special requirements in that they need to be kept at extremely cold temperatures to maintain efficacy. Blockchain is a superb way to tag each dose of the vaccines to ensure they are “fresh” and have been maintained in cold storage until the time they are used.

It all makes blockchain a key weapon in battling the COVID-19 crisis.
Music Venues Are In Desperate Need Of Help
By: Global Sound Group
Tags: Music Venues, Lockdown, Covid, Music, Global Sound Group

After the lockout extension, a top music leader has repeated that venues throughout the UK are eager for additional government funding.

Mr Gregg said, “We were lucky enough to get funding from round one and round two of the cultural recovery fund but that runs out at the end of the month.”

“I am more down now than I have been throughout because the sector as a whole has been well supported and the Music Venue Trust has been fantastic in getting us that support but now we feel all that support is for nothing. The way the Government see it is it is another four weeks but if we are losing thousands each week you can’t carry on.”

“It is a long time and there is no certainty that the restrictions will be lifted in four weeks anyway. In March 2020 we were told it could be three weeks and here we are 17 months down the road.”

It is a massive blow to be closing the venues again. In a couple of weeks we have gone from massive optimism and looking forward to getting the whole thing going again to doom and gloom and people are wondering how long before we can get back to doing what we love doing.”

This news comes after countless festivals and venues have had to cancel more shows for the upcoming months.
To be honest COVID-19 has given us a phase we never want to be remembered.
By: Maryum Shahid Khan
Tags: Lockdown Diaries, Covid, Quarantine Marriages, Ethics, Helping Others

“Things to learn from COVID-19"

To be honest COVID-19 has given us a phase we never want to be remembered. It has taken many lives and even destroyed many financially. But I think there are some things to be underlined as it's good aspect.

Marriage and COVID-19:

It teaches us that we can get married without taking loans for unnecessary events and guests just to be talked about behind. You can have a simple function with true well-wishers and be called married, with the true essence of marriage in Islam. It also somehow helped those families which can't afford high grossing marriages but were doing it for the societies sake.

Dine-outs and virus:

Those of us who didn't go out for feasts are still alive. We learned the worth of the food at home. At times when pandemic has brought people to strive, we had food at our tables. It made us more thankful.

Reunion with our family:

We were so busy in our lives before lockdown. With many worst situations people have faced, some also got to have a good time with their families. We sat together, ate together, laughed together after ages.

Social distancing:

I wish to follow this social distancing rule even after pandemic. In fact we should always be having a good distance from strangers and not be an open book to everyone. Only stay with people you can count on because not everyone you laugh with is your well-wisher.

Spirit of helping:

The situation in lockdown was bad for many and even worst for some. But the way I have seen helping each other is magnificent. People who could hardly bare their expenses have also been seen to help others. We have given hope to each other and have tried to help each other morally and financially.

Let's try to follow these ethics even after this pandemic situation. It's the least we can learn from COVID-19.
The changes in learning style for 2021 after the immunization of COVID-19
By: Radius, Jkbs
Tags: Co Vid, Pgdm, Lockdown, Bba, Mba

For the first time in a long time, we’re collectively going through a unifying period. COVID-19 has kept us indoors and has created a new normal. While we’re all feeling the shift, the change is especially huge for students who must contend with a new way of learning. With physical classrooms suspended, the digital space is being used to deliver education online. What does this entail for 2021? Will we revert to the old system or see the start of something new?

Public-Private Partnerships May Increase

In an effort to make sure that learning continues uninterrupted, a diverse group of stakeholders has been banding together to provide students with learning material. Educational institutions are using online platforms such as Google Meet and Microsoft Teams to take classrooms into the homes of students. Likewise, other stakeholders are working together to provide assessment tools and vital assets to make learning online seamless.

Educators May Move into the Role of Facilitator

Generation Z was born into technology. With information available at their fingertips, educators are no longer the sole source of knowledge. They will have to transition into the role of facilitators, helping students build entrepreneurial skills, critical-thinking skills and life skills so that they may become contributors to society.

At JK Business School, transitioning to the online learning space was done much before COVID-19 fully hit India. Today, all lectures and guest talks are delivered virtually. Meanwhile, the course content of the PGDM and BBA programs already incorporate skill-building — long before COVID-19 reared its head. Special sessions are given for them to work on theoretical and empirical concepts that they studied in classrooms and apply in real-time situations. Unique practices like real-time projects, workshops in business analytics, case writing and working with faculties in research paper writing enable them to think beyond classroom learning’s. This foresight has guaranteed that students learn unencumbered through crisis and beyond.
Is youlove for sale?
Tags: Gay, Humor, Co Vid

Is love for sale?

One of my first dial-up email addresses was luv4sale. That really says a lot about me. But before you judge me, a really interesting insightful but not a scholarly discussion on my Facebook feed over the weekend — would you whore yourself because of the financial impact of COVID?

Let’s say a little gem was shared of someone whom my friends know I have a massive crush on. He was a 10.5 on my scale and an absolute god. I would conversationally objectify this god but know he would never be mine. But in a COVID world where hard cash balances out between your next bill to be paid and not being able to work, what would you do?

Tim: “Would you do it for a million?”

Me: “Yes, but not for small change like thousands.”

I was at a legal age and hungry for the material things in life when I put myself out. In a pre-Grindr age, I never imagined an hour’s work would result in a far bit of cash pressed into my palm. Losing control of myself was not on my cards and I never did it again after that time.

But age changes everything. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve wanted to dictate my experiences so I’ve been on the other end pressing cash into someone’s palm. They were consenting adults and unlike my teenage years, WAY past that legal age.

I got exactly what I want and you did what I want.

Would you pay for an exact sexual desire that you wanted? Like dinner in a nice restaurant, an expensive piece of clothing or that beautiful holiday and not feel morally bankrupt in the process?

I might find out the hard way if I asked my absolute god.
Butuan bares new EO against recent COVID-19 cases spike
By: Paul Nelson Gonzaga
Tags: Surge, Quarantine Protocols, Covid, Butuan City, Covid 19

Butuan City PIO on Thursday announced Executive Order №14-A after the city, classified by the Department of Health (DOH) Caraga as ‘high-risk’ for COVID-19, via Facebook (@butuancitypioofficial).

The city’s Health Care Utilization rate, or particularly the availability of hospitals to accommodate COVID-19 patients, is also at a ‘high-risk’ level as the hospitals within the city start to decline new patients since capacities and facilities are at peak.

With the increase of reported cases in the previous weeks due to activities requiring mass gathering resulting to ‘super spreader events’ and the abovementioned complications, the city’s local government unit (LGU) created the EO consisting of the following guidelines:

1. To conduct a three-day color-coded quarantine pass whenever leaving home anew.

2. A curfew starting at 10:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m.

3. Total liquor ban: 24 hours of no selling, buying, and consumption of intoxicating drinks.

4. Highly discouraged mass gatherings.

The said EO, 14-A Series of 2021, will start on May 28, 2021, 12:01 a.m. up to May 31, 2021, 11:59 p.m. or unless sooner lifted or further extended.
“It’s time for the world to stand up for peace and recognize Palestine”– Ashrawi
By: The Palestine Project
Tags: Palestine, Statehood

“It’s time for the world to stand up for peace and recognize Palestine”– Ashrawi

Today, 31 years ago, the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat declared from Algiers the independence of the State of Palestine on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Palestine Project Nov 15, 2019·2 min read

RAMALLAH, Nov 15, 2019 (WAFA) — Hanan Ashrawi, veteran Palestinian spokesperson and member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), said today that the international rules-based order founded on the principles and values of international law is under real threat by the rise of unilateralism, isolationism, and racism.

“This irresponsible trend threatens to disrupt and undermine stability, trade, and human rights worldwide. Indeed, this agenda of hostility and warmongering is an existential threat for the Palestinian people,” she said in a statement on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of Palestine’s Declaration of Independence.

Thirty one years ago, the Palestinian National Council announced the PLO’s endorsement of the two state formula as a path forward towards peace.

She continued, “The painful compromise of accepting to establish the Palestinian state over 22% of historic Palestine, embodied in the Declaration of Independence, reflected our commitment to the universal values and principles of international law, our determination to achieve peace, freedom, and dignity for our people and our commitment to reflect these principles in our system of governance.”

Ashrawi said the unprecedented gesture of generosity and sacrifice was welcomed by the majority of states around the world, which recognized the State of Palestine “to reaffirm their commitment to international law and to the inalienable and universal rights of the Palestinian people for justice, freedom, and national independence.”

“These dangers must compel the international community to positive and collective action in defense of our shared values. This includes states that remain negatively passive in relation to Palestine realigning their position with international law,” the PLO official remarked.

“It is time to proactively and constructively defend international law and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people by standing up for peace and recognizing Palestine.”
We Just Launched our 2020 Platform
Tags: Israel, Palestine, Activism, Judaism

Today is a big one for the movement we’re building together.

We just launched the IfNotNow 2020 Platform. Together we will spend the next year asking every American public official to join us fighting for a better future — not just for American Jews, but for all people.

Because if we’re going to win, we need a vision for the future.

Click here to check out the full IfNotNow 2020 Platform — on our new website! — and join us in pushing our public officials to follow our lead in fighting for a brighter future.

The crisis in Israel/Palestine has never been more urgent, with the Trump Administration and the Netanyahu government making it worse by the day. As Gaza and Israel spiral out of yet another round of violence, we are reminded of the clear need to change decades of failed policies.

We must fight for this future.

In this future, Jews will join hand in hand with Palestinians to press for an end to a decades-long occupation. We will speak for ourselves rather than deferring to an outdated American Jewish establishment which defends the indefensible. We will love one another and our neighbors and build a society and world based on the values of freedom and dignity.

So what’s in the IfNotNow 2020 Platform? There are two parts.

1) Defund Occupation: The United States gives Israel $3.8 billion in military funding every year — and we don’t even know exactly what horrors of the occupation it goes to support. We suspect that the money is used to demolish homes, detain children, shoot unarmed protestors in Gaza and more. We are rising up with moral clarity to ensure that our money funds freedom and not occupation.

2) Fight Antisemitism and White Nationalism: Far too often, American public officials respond to the threat of antisemitism by invoking their unconditional support for Israel, implying that the safety of Jews and the political interests of the Israeli government are one and the same. We need them to condemn and fight antisemitism and white nationalism wherever it appears — for the safety of the American Jews, other marginalized people, and all those who call this country home.

Both of these should be common sense policy for any public leader, and yet we’ve seen far too many of our leaders fail to do either. It’s time for us to take responsibility for our own future and make our voices heard.

We don’t just have a platform — we have a plan. This weekend 75 of our top leaders are gathering in Chicago to get organized and make a strategy to ask public officials across the nation to sign on to the IfNotNow 2020 Platform.

When our leaders see the next generation of American Jews uniting around this vision, they will be provided a choice: lead with us or prove themselves irrelevant.

Check out the entire platform on our website to see what we’re asking of our leaders and learn how you can help fight with us.

In this dark moment, I’m excited to be building towards this powerful vision.

Emily Mayer

IfNotNow

P.S. The world is already starting to take notice of this platform release! Check out the NBC News article about the announcement.
Snapshot of an Occupation
By: Alex Fusco
Tags: Palestine, Israel, Al Khalil, Hebron

Hebron, like most monuments and cities in the region, has two names; one Hebrew, one Arabic. The Arabic name is Al Khalil. Etymologically, both the Hebrew and Arabic names can be traced back to the word ‘friend’ or a derivative. A strange irony for a city very much on the front line of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The centre of the city is all hustle and bustle, street markets, traffic, chaos. In short, like most cities in this part of the world. The smell of good fried food hangs in the air. Car horns blare. Shouts and whistles from the market men punctuate the buzz of activity. The main market stretches down, down away from the modern centre toward the old vegetable market.

Look up.

Stretched across the street is a wire mesh. This wire mesh catches the rubbish, bottles and most other projectiles thrown by the settlers at the Palestinians shopping or selling in the market below.

Look again.

An Israeli soldier, scarcely out of his teens, patrols the rooftop above the mesh, surveying the street beneath him. He looks bored. The patched fuzz of facial hair confirms that he is no older than twenty.

Walk on.

A squat, cylindrical watchtower is parked in the middle of the street. In the midst of the Old City, it is an anachronism, an unwanted gift dropped from outer space that nevertheless offers 360-degree visibility. Though seemingly unmanned, the tower is a panopticon; it is impossible to ignore its existence.

Walk on. Look right.
EU diplomats go on fact-finding mission in East Jerusalem
By: The Palestine Project
Tags: Israel, Palestine, Military Occupation, European Union

EU diplomats go on fact-finding mission in East Jerusalem

European Union (EU) Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah investigate Israeli police brutality against Palestinian civilians in Issawiya, a neighborhood in occupied East Jerusalem. The Palestine Project Jan 14, 2020·2 min read

JERUSALEM, Jan 14, 2020 (WAFA) — European Union (EU) Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah yesterday went on a fact-finding mission to Issawiya, a neighborhood in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem, to hear from residents and representatives of civil society organizations about unprecedented and continuous incursions and clashes between residents and Israeli police in the neighborhood since May 2019.

An EU press release said the EU Heads of Mission met residents, community representatives and representatives of civil society organizations active in the community who talked about an unprecedented increase in the presence of Israeli security forces since May 2019 in the neighborhood with daily incursions — many of them taking place in the vicinity of schools.

One person was killed on 27 June 2019, and there are estimates that more than 300 have been injured.

“Interlocutors expressed that the raids have resulted in several severe incidents of police brutality and excessive force, including assaults on residents and use of rubber bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades and night raids as well as arrests. They estimated that some 700 people have been arrested (with up to about 30 indictments filed),” said the press release.

The EU Heads of Mission were also briefed on the educational situation and the challenges facing Palestinian students in Issawiya.

“The European Union is concerned about the worrying developments and violence in Issawiya. Responsible actors on the ground should show calm and restraint in order to prevent any escalation,” said the Acting European Union Representative Tomas Niklasson. “The EU and its Member States support the right to education, and the EU identified the Rights of the Child as a priority area in its EU Human Rights and Democracy Strategy for 2016–2020. Israel has an obligation to protect, respect and fulfil the rights of the child, by ensuring that schools are inviolable safe spaces for children,” he added.

“The EU position on Jerusalem remains unchanged: the legitimate aspirations of both parties must be fulfilled and a way must be found through negotiations to resolve the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of both states,” as stated in the EU press release.
Open Letter to the Portland Trail Blazers from Veterans and First Responders
By: Portland Dsa
Tags: First Responder, Palestine, Portland Trail Blazers, Israel, Veterans

We write to you as veterans, first responders, and, most importantly, as members of the community strongly urging you to immediately cease your partnership with Leupold & Stevens. We love this town and its teams, and so our call to end this partnership is not based on animosity towards Blazers. We are members of the community who have served in the armed forces or in our community as first responders, who hold a moral commitment to opposing systematic oppression, racism, and apartheid. Tragically, the Israel Defense Forces maintain these monstrous systems while using equipment manufactured by Leupold & Stevens. Because the Blazers have partnered with Leupold & Stevens, we must come forward as members of the community whom the Blazers has committed to honoring for our service, to condemn this partnership on moral grounds.

Leupold & Stevens has chosen to do business with the Israel Defense Forces, the military force of a country that regularly brutalizes and massacres Palestinians in order to maintain its regime of settler colonialism and apartheid. Nearly a decade ago, Operation Cast Lead resulted in the slaughter of over 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Most recently, IDF soldiers have used Leupold & Stevens optical equipment to massacre at least 150 unarmed Palestinians and wound over 10,000 more during the Great March of Return. Casualties of Israel’s Palestinian policy include children, medical personnel, and journalists.

Those of us who have served, either in combat zones or as civilian first responders, are all too familiar with these types of horrific casualties. We have held victims of gunfire as they died, and now we watch as a local company and Portland Trail Blazers partner is complicit in the massacre of civilians. While we are not your enemies, we do hold you accountable for partnering with a company that is complicit in genocide. If you truly want to honor our service, truly hear what we are saying; rather than use us simply as public relations material, listen to us. If you are genuine in your desire to honor us, please end this partnership.

We recognize that it is easy to lump the veterans and first responder community into a fairly simple identity group that seems to fit with a particular sort of politics that would be unlikely to take the position we are staking out here. But it’s important to remember that our lived experiences serving our communities have given rise to a richer understanding of how seemingly far-flung business relationships can have important consequences abroad. Recognize that we are taking a moral stand for Palestinians, and that we recognize Palestinians as members of our community and will sacrifice in the service of their freedom, too. We want the Blazers to be our partners in this.

Sincerely,

The Veterans and First Responders of Portland DSA; and

Veterans For Peace, Chapter 72
Protest at UT Chabad’s Event “Morality and Combat”
By: Ifnotnow Austin
Tags: Israel, Palestine, Activism, Ifnotnow

On the one hand, it is clear to us that the response to our peaceful presence reveals the deep pain and fear present in the larger Jewish community. We needn’t look further than our own experiences to know that these responses are born out of our painful historical struggle for safety, security, and basic survival. We, too, carry this pain and fear. One of our signs yesterday read, “My gramma was a survivor, too. Not in my name.” The trauma of horrific antisemitism lives in our bodies, too. We are deeply saddened by the ways in which our efforts to heal this trauma — by standing and singing for peace, freedom and dignity for all fellow humans — have been manipulated and distorted to perpetuate a narrative of isolation and fear.

On the other hand, we are also deeply saddened by the knee-jerk resort to misinformation, often the first tactic used by Israel-at-all-costs partisans when they know they can’t win the argument on the merits. Aside from the more ridiculous claims — that we disrespected norms of Shabbat by impeding access or photographing attendees or protested the service itself — we have also been called a fringe group. It’s a sad day when an ex-IDF soldier has a platform for propaganda inside a communal space on Shabbat, and a group of Jews outside singing songs like “Lo Yisa Goy” (“A nation shall not raise a sword against a nation and they shall not learn any more war” Isaiah 2:4) and “Olam Chesed Yibaneh” (“we will build this world with love”) is considered “fringe.”

Further, by mischaracterizing our actions as disrespecting Shabbat, some have questioned our Jewish identities; we know our actions were only mischaracterized because we spoke out against the Israeli occupation.

For us, Shabbat means living the world we want to see, imagining a beautiful peaceful world where all humans have freedom and dignity. For that reason, our Jewish values beckoned us to peacefully protest a public event promoting and justifying violence against occupied Palestinians.
King Abdullah meets Abbas, stretches out help to Palestinians rights
By: Benjamin Richards
Tags: Palestine, Jordan

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday met Jordan’s King Abdullah in Amman, in front of the last’s true visit to Washington to meet US President Joe Biden. During the gathering, King Abdullah expanded Jordan’s help towards the privileges of Palestinians to build up their “free, sovereign, and practical state on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.”

As per Jordan’s news organization Petra, King Abdullah likewise required a lasting truce in Gaza to give truly necessary rights to Palestinians. Voicing a call for harmony dependent on a two-state arrangement, the Jordanian Monarch requested Israel to stop illicit measures and assaults in the Palestinian domains.

“His Majesty focused on the need to escalate worldwide endeavors to accomplish an equitable and extensive harmony dependent on the two-state arrangement, and to protect the legitimate and verifiable the norm in Jerusalem, notice that Israel should stop all assaults and unlawful measures in the Palestinian domains,” an assertion gave by the Jordanian news office said.

Besides, President Abbas underlined Jordan’s vital part in safeguarding Palestinians’ privileges in the worldwide local area. An assertion gave by Palestine’s true news office Wafa noticed that the two chiefs talked about the most recent political advancements in Palestine alongside respective relations and issues of shared concern.

“President Abbas certified continuous coordination with Jordan on the interest of the Arab country and its normal causes, basically the Palestinian reason,” the assertion added.

According to reports, the two chiefs held a private one-on-one gathering on different main points of contention. After this gathering, an all-inclusive gathering occurred within the sight of senior designations from the two sides. From Palestine, Foreign Minister Riyad Malki, Intelligence administration boss Majed Faraj, senior Fatah official Hussein Sheik went to the gathering alongside senior conciliatory guide Majdi Khalidi.

Then again, the Jordanian appointment incorporated Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein, Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, General Intelligence Director Ahmad Hosni and other senior authorities.

In the interim, Jordan’s King left for his three-week visit to the US on Thursday. Prominently, he will be the primary Arab pioneer to hold a gathering with President Joe Biden since he got down to business. According to political specialists, Abdullah’s US visit can offer help to Palestine and Abbas’ endeavors to acquire rights for the country when the Biden organization is unsure on its way to deal with resolve the long-running Palestinian struggle.
Arab countries welcome restart of US help to Palestinians
By: Akshay Prasad
Tags: United States, Palestine, Arab World, Middle East

Arab countries on Thursday invited the resumption of monetary guide to the Palestinians by the United States to give financial, advancement, and philanthropic help to the uprooted local area. On Wednesday, the Biden organization declared $235 million in guide to the Palestinians to restart subsidizing to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) among different foundations to help the influenced exiles.

Turning around the Trump organization’s activities, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 7 said that the monetary help to Palestinians will be diverted towards financial, security, compassionate, and improvement endeavors in the district. The US has additionally demonstrated its help for an arranged two-state answer for resolve the Israeli-Palestinian clash.

“The United States is focused on propelling success, security, and opportunity for the two Israelis and Palestinians in substantial manners in the prompt term, which is significant by its own doing, yet additionally as a way to progress towards an arranged two-state arrangement,” Blinken said in an articulation.

Bedouin League Secretary-General Ahmed AboulGheit invited the Biden organization’s help to the two-state arrangement to stop the Palestinian-Israeli clash. In a proclamation, he focused on that monetary and political limitations forced by the previous US organization under Donald Trump on the Palestinians were a “serious mix-up”. He underscored that the Biden organization is revising the slip-up and named the reclamation of monetary help a “positive advance” towards the government assistance of Palestinians.

Inviting the move, Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said the US help will help the UNRWA in offering fundamental types of assistance, for example, wellbeing and schooling to more than 5,000,000 Palestinian displaced people across Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinian regions.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry representative Ahmed Hafiz gave an assertion, noticing that the resumption of US help would guarantee material help to Palestinians and help them in beating monetary and compassionate difficulties.

Adel container Abdulrahman Al-Assoumi, Chairperson of the Arab Parliament, likewise communicated confidence in the resumption of US help for Palestinians.

Under the arrangement, $150 million will be steered to UNRWA, $75 million for US monetary and improvement help and $10 million for harmony building programs for Palestinians.

After clashes with the Palestinian Authorities, the Trump organization hindered most of help for the exiles in 2018.

The United Nations additionally invited the US choice to reestablish UNRWA subsidizing, encouraging different nations to follow after accordingly for the government assistance of Palestinians. Addressing media, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said that the new financing was “amazingly welcome”.
How Social Media Has Changed the Way We Spend Today
Tags: Spending Habits, Saving Money, Personal Finance, Social Media, Money

If I asked you to open your instagram account right now I think it’s a safe assumption that we’d all see the same kinds of posts and stories from our followers: luxurious looking vacations, parties, “#ootd”’s, and aesthetically appealing meals and drinks. We’ve all seen these things and we’ve all posted these things, why not show off the good looking things in your life?

This may seem like a harmless way of sharing until you actually consider the sentiment surrounding it. What happens when we see posts like those? We want it. We want that meal, to go to that beach, to drink that cocktail at that bar on a Saturday night with all of our friends. And what happens next? We do. We spend the money, we take the picture, we post it, and the cycle continues. Did you catch that? We spend money, and a lot of it at that, just to keep up.

A social need to experience extravagant and “post-able” things is on the rise and it’s taking us down with it. We want validation and to prove ourselves on social media while also not feeling like we are missing out on the action. If you don’t believe me, Charles Schwab’s 2019 Modern Wealth Index Survey found that more than one third of Americans admit their spending habits are influenced by images shared by their peers on social media. 1,000 individuals were surveyed, resulting in the follow statistics:

The most interesting aspect of this study was the amount of people who admitted to paying attention to their friends’ spending habits, rather than saving: three in five Americans. It seems a culture of over-spending and showing it off has become the norm among young millennials and Gen-Z-ers during a time when student debt is at its highest and financial literacy is needed most. What needs to happen is the creation of a habitat where saving is validated, and financial health is the currency for social acceptance.

Envel is an AI powered bank account launching at the end of 2019

At Envel, this is the environment we want to cultivate. Our banking app operates using AI to manage your spending and saving autonomously. Based on your individual needs and habits, a daily spending limit is customized. If you’re able to stay within the bounds of your new budget, our point system will reward your constructive spending and saving. This lands you on a scoreboard where you’re ranked among your friends, allowing the competition to stem from positive financial habits rather than negative ones.

For more info on Envel or to join our waitlist, visit www.envel.ai!

Written by Latifah Obaid, Marketing Manager at Envel