HABBO HAS 2.4 Million

https://www.habbo.com/ They need more collectable offline analogue payment systems ... HABBO CARDS anyone? lol

1 Million Russian KIA in Ukraine

WOW!!! Even I never though the Ukrainians couold resist and hold out this long let alone kill 1 Million Russians and their allies; Ukrainian drones now pummel industrial targets across Russia nightly, shutting down oil refineries, snarling logistics, and forcing airports to close for days at a time. More than 1 million Russians have been killed or badly wounded in the war, a toll too great to hide—almost every family has been affected. https://archive.ph/jNjCp

Pretty Baby

https://kopse.org/?p=20782

February 11 2050 Birthday

How much time until my Birthday in 2050? 23 years 8 months 4 days or 284 months 4 days or 1235 weeks 5 days or 8,650 days or 207,600 hours or 12,456,000 minutes or 747,360,000 seconds

Tiger Woods A Wreck

He used to have it all ... "Life is better with you by my side!" Woods has endured numerous physical and personal challenges in recent years, including multiple surgeries and the devastating 2021 car crash that left him with serious leg injuries. Some sources suggest that these experiences have made him more emotionally vulnerable, while also highlighting Vanessa's role as a significant source of support in his life. "There are so many broken parts in Tiger. His ability to engage in extracurricular activity and hobbies is extremely limited," the insider said. "Being with Vanessa was seen as his only salvation. If anything happens to her, it will totally devastate him." https://ca.yahoo.com/news/tiger-woods-reportedly-stressed-girlfriend-173000157.html

Aiming For 80

When will I be 8o? I will be 80 Years old on: Sunday February 11, 2052 That is 25 years 8 months 4 days from now

28.5 Years Left

This Age Calculator says I have 28.5 years left.. so what do I do in the ineterim? https://lifeannuities.com/life-expectancy-table.html

TRUMP WANTS GREENLAND

The US needs Lebensraum / Living space President Donald Trump’s remarks about Greenland have been misinterpreted, a top diplomat claimed Friday. Andrew Puzder, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, insisted that the U.S. was never interested in invading the autonomous territory of Denmark—after months of threats from the 79-year-old American president. “It got interpreted that we were somehow threatening Greenland’s territorial integrity,” but “the president never said we were going to invade,” Puzder said at the Brussels Economic Security Forum, reports Politico. Trump has been unequivocal about his desire to take over Greenland. In March 2025, just months into his second term, Trump told a joint session of Congress that he had been “working with everybody involved to try and get it.” “But we need it really for international, for world security, and I think we’re going to get it. One way or the other, we’re going to get it,” he said. Best Law Degree in Canada - Studyin - Study Law in Canada Best Law Degree in Canada - Studyin - Study Law in Canada lp.gostudyin.com The president doubled down on those statements in January, telling reporters, “Look, we’re talking about acquiring, not leasing, not having it short term. We’re talking about acquiring. And if we don’t do it, Russia or China will. And that’s not going to happen when I’m president.” In a Truth Social post that month, Trump continued to argue that the U.S. needs Greenland “for the purpose of National Security.” “NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable,” he wrote. His comments sparked a firestorm at home and abroad, with European leaders condemning the U.S. push to annex Greenland. Danish politician Anders Vistisen, from the right-wing Patriots for Europe party, didn’t mince words in a scathing response to Trump.

25 Years Left (Maybe?)

I used various Calculators to estimate I have approximately 25 - 20 years left... Both may parents turned 80 recently. So what do I want to accomplish??? In 24 years on 2050 @ June 6th my age will be: 78 years 3 months 27 days or 939 months 27 days or 4086 weeks 4 days or 28,606 days or 686,544 hours or 41,192,640 minutes or 2,471,558,400 seconds Should I set some goals? Make a new daily routine and schedule? Set some life deliverables? Suggestions? I was going to try and connect with my kids who live in Finland but hey dont seem interested and seem content talking to m parents. So I am better off disowning them and the rest of my Family excluding my Mom, change my Christian and Family names and just do a complete START-OVER.

Live Everyday Like Your Last

Is there a Tool where you can predict how much time / how many days you have left? There are various age calculayors and using one tells me that atm I am: Age: 54 years 3 months 27 days or 651 months 27 days or 2834 weeks 2 days or 19,840 days or 476,160 hours or 28,569,600 minutes or 1,714,176,000 seconds I'd like a tool that calculates how much time I have left as a average single Canadian Male at this age... suggestions? According to the lifeannuities.com/life-expectancy-table.html It recommends What science says: His routine hits all the right ageing markers For men over 50, experts recommend: Resistance training 3x/week Daily movement Cardio intervals Mobility training Outdoor activity Cold exposure (optional) Putin’s routine naturally hits these markers. Swimming + gym = functional strength Extreme sports = high-intensity stimulus Martial arts = mobility + balance Cold water = metabolic boost It’s not glamorous, but it’s remarkably effective for longevity. Lessons for anyone who wants to age like an athlete, not a spectator Consistency beats intensity Daily movement keeps the system primed. Strength training matters after 50 Muscle is the best anti-ageing tool. Cardio doesn’t have to be boring Swimming, skiing, biking — pick something fun. Cold exposure improves stress tolerance Even a lukewarm post-shower splash works. Adventure keeps the brain young Risk stimulates creativity and confidence. PG

Putin Fitness

He is in great shape but still a midget; This reputation isn’t accidental. Long before the shirtless photos and rugged photo-ops went viral, Putin openly linked his physical routine to mental strength, emotional balance and longevity. In a 2010 conversation with Naomi Campbell for GQ, he spoke with surprising simplicity about how he stays fit: daily movement, structured exercise and discomfort as a lifestyle habit. Unlike celebrities who obsess over bulking, transformation or diet trends, Putin’s approach is old-school: move consistently, push your limits occasionally, and treat fitness as part of identity, not a seasonal project. Putin’s daily routine: Gym for strength, swimming for stamina When Campbell asked for his workout plan, Putin didn’t hesitate: “I go to the gym, I swim daily, and from time to time I meet with friends and do extra-curricular stuff.” The key habits are simple, but important: Strength training in the gym Weight training maintains: muscle mass joint stability balance metabolic rate For ageing men, this is crucial because muscle loss accelerates after 50, contributing to weakness, bone density loss and slower metabolism. Daily swimming Swimming is one of the best ageing-friendly full-body exercises because it improves: cardiovascular health mobility and flexibility lung capacity posture and core stability It’s also low-impact, reducing joint strain, ideal for later decades of life. Putin’s swimming isn’t leisurely; he famously swam the butterfly in a Siberian river in 16–17°C water, which he joked was simply an attempt to get out fast. What’s notable is his embrace of cold exposure, known to: Boost circulation Improve recovery Support mental resilience Increase fat metabolism Cold-water swimming has recently become a global longevity trend; Putin was doing it years before it was fashionable. High-intensity outdoor hobbies: The adrenaline advantage Putin’s interest in outdoor adventure isn’t just optics. Campbell listed his routine: “white-water rafting, motor racing, skiing, hunting.” For older adults, these activities offer major physical benefits: Anaerobic bursts of strength Balance and coordination Heightened reflexes Cardiovascular stress adaptation They also stimulate neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to build new pathways, which declines with age. And psychologically, they provide the one thing most gym workouts don’t: novelty and adrenaline, both linked to active ageing and emotional wellbeing. Martial arts since teen years: A lifelong fitness identity Putin has practised judo since he was 14, not casually, but competitively. Combat sports build: Agility Reaction speed Core strength Spatial awareness Emotional control Long-term martial artists often remain fitter than casual exercisers because their sport becomes a lifelong discipline, not a trend. The value of ego-free competition and resilience Putin claims he has been mostly injury-free, but admits breaking a finger in a student street fight, and frames it as punishment, not heroism. When Campbell teases him about being tough, he refuses the label: “I’m not the tough guy; those guys are.” Whether staged humility or authentic philosophy, the message fits his broader fitness mindset: strength is not domination, it’s endurance. And endurance, in ageing populations, is a survival skill. What science says: His routine hits all the right ageing markers For men over 50, experts recommend: Resistance training 3x/week Daily movement Cardio intervals Mobility training Outdoor activity Cold exposure (optional) Putin’s routine naturally hits these markers. Swimming + gym = functional strength Extreme sports = high-intensity stimulus Martial arts = mobility + balance Cold water = metabolic boost It’s not glamorous, but it’s remarkably effective for longevity. Lessons for anyone who wants to age like an athlete, not a spectator Consistency beats intensity Daily movement keeps the system primed. Strength training matters after 50 Muscle is the best anti-ageing tool. Cardio doesn’t have to be boring Swimming, skiing, biking — pick something fun. Cold exposure improves stress tolerance Even a lukewarm post-shower splash works. Adventure keeps the brain young Risk stimulates creativity and confidence. Putin is one of the few global leaders who treats physical performance as a lifelong commitment, not a midlife experiment. At an age when most people scale back activity, he maintains a routine built on strength, mobility, and challenge, a formula that science increasingly recognises as the foundation of healthy ageing. For anyone looking to stay fit in their 60s and 70s, the message is simple: Lift. Move. Swim. Try hard things. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/fitness/vladimir-putin-73-keeps-a-routine-tougher-than-men-half-his-age/ar-AA1XMwvg

Putin's Fitness Routine

In the 70s, people generally lose their strength, but the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, leads by example, following a demanding routine even at 73. According to Financial Express, Vladimir began his fitness journey at age 11, when he started practicing judo. Over time, Putin developed an interest in martial arts and eventually earned a black belt. Judo helped him stay focused, build discipline, and strengthen his body. The most shocking part of Putin’s routine is that he works out 7 days a week, without a rest day. His daily regimen includes 2 hours of morning swimming sessions, which help him maintain his cardiovascular health. After swimming, another constant ritual in Putin’s life is lifting weights regularly. To increase the level of physical challenges, he got into ice hockey at the age of 60. This choice of sport helps him maintain healthy blood pressure and control his diabetes. A very unique wellness routine followed by the Russian president is contrast bathing. He likes to start his day with alternating hot and cold baths, which help reduce soreness, make him feel more energetic, and aid recovery. In fact, on September 11, 2025, zar.vladimirputin posted a 2015 video on Instagram in which Vladimir was seen indulging in an intense workout session alongside the then-Russian Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev. In the video, the Russian president performed movements such as: Machine Shoulder Press Cable flyers Seated Hip Abduction Chest Press Ab Roller Crunch This highlights that Putin has prioritized his health for many years, which has helped him remain fit in his early 70s. However, there’s another key factor that helps him stay fit and active at his age. Vladimir Putin’s Diet Putin likes to have a clean, simple, protein-dense, and low-sugar diet to maintain his fitness. His diet helps him recover from muscle injuries quickly and provides nutritional support as well. At breakfast, Putin has: A bowl of porridge, Tvorog with honey Raw quail eggs He also enjoys a juice made by combining horseradish juice and beetroot, which provides iron and a lot of vitamins. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/fitness/vladimir-putin-73-keeps-a-routine-tougher-than-men-half-his-age/ar-AA1XMwvg

RUSSIA Losing +30.000 Soldiers Month

From Zelensky; Yesterday, I received a report on the losses of your army on the front in Ukraine during May. Once again, the number exceeded 30,000 Russian soldiers killed and seriously wounded. We have been maintaining that level month after month, and we have video confirmation of every one of your losses – these are not empty claims. We know that 63% of your battlefield losses are killed, while only 37% are wounded. In the 21st century, no army can afford such a ratio. And the share of those killed will continue to grow. It is not as if we in Ukraine are concerned about the fate of Russian soldiers after everything your war has brought to our country. But I do care about Ukrainians. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/05/volodymyr-zelenskyy-open-letter-to-putin-full-text-russia-ukraine-war

Zelensky Letter To Putin

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an open letter to the Vladimir Putin, has called for a face-to-face meeting with the Russian president to end his war against Ukraine. The letter sets out Zelenskyy’s view of the four-year-old conflict and says that while Ukrainians’ resilience remains intact, most Russians have grown weary of its effects and are ready for peace. The Ukrainian president has rarely addressed Putin directly, but has repeatedly called for a meeting with him, saying it is necessary for any agreement on territory. Putin has previously ruled out such direct talks, falsely calling Zelenskyy an “illegitimate” leader and saying he would meet him only to finalise a deal agreed beforehand. Here is the full text of Zelenskyy’s letter, which is published on the president’s website and his office says has been sent to other countries including the US. 4 June 2026 – 21:20 Open Letter To the President of the Russian Federation From the President of Ukraine When you came to power in Russia more than 26 years ago, many people in Ukraine viewed you positively. That is how it was. But that is now in the past. Now, the overwhelming majority of Ukrainians view it positively that our long-range drones paid a visit to the opening of your forum in St Petersburg, covering a distance of more than 1,000 kilometres. As you know very well, that distance is not the limit of our capabilities. Cars near a banner for the economic forum, with black smoke rising in the distance Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg as ‘Russian Davos’ opens in city Read more For 26 years, your time in power has completely changed the agenda of relations between Ukraine and Russia. From discussions about trade and other civilian matters, our nations have moved to talking almost exclusively about strikes and losses. You have spent nearly half of your 26 years in power in Russia waging war against Ukraine. Whatever you may say about Nato, geopolitics, or the Russian language, this war is your personal choice – a war without a real cause. That is how history will remember it. Those years could have been very different. We often hear that you are comfortable with this war. Of course, not in those cases when it comes to the security of your residence in Valdai or your parade in Moscow. Your own life is valuable to you. But now we can all see that Russians are finally becoming less comfortable with this reality – with the fact that the war is bringing more and more negative consequences to Russia. They do not like our drones and missiles. They do not like gasoline shortages and constantly rising prices. They do not like constant restrictions. They do not like your intention to launch a second wave of mobilisation in order to expand the war into another direction in Ukraine or to use it against other countries neighbouring Russia. They do not like the fact that there is no end in sight to your war. Yes, you can still force Russians to exist this way. But your resources are shrinking significantly. You will not have enough money or political capital to keep buying the loyalty of Russians the way you have for the past 26 years. And we will do everything we can to ensure that the world helps bring that moment closer. As you yourself like to say, “we need to run the numbers.” Yesterday, I received a report on the losses of your army on the front in Ukraine during May. Once again, the number exceeded 30,000 Russian soldiers killed and seriously wounded. We have been maintaining that level month after month, and we have video confirmation of every one of your losses – these are not empty claims. We know that 63% of your battlefield losses are killed, while only 37% are wounded. In the 21st century, no army can afford such a ratio. And the share of those killed will continue to grow. It is not as if we in Ukraine are concerned about the fate of Russian soldiers after everything your war has brought to our country. But I do care about Ukrainians.... https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/05/volodymyr-zelenskyy-open-letter-to-putin-full-text-russia-ukraine-war

Ukraine Bombing St. Petersburg

Right on NATO's doorstep!!! I lived in Helsinki in some amazing 5 Star Hotels for 10 years btw ... A large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted St. Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, on Saturday morning, with residents told to remain indoors . The strike shows Kyiv's increasing capability to hit deep within Russian territory. St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov specifically warned of potential disruptions to mobile internet services. The latest attacks came a day after Putin on Friday rejected a proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a face-to-face meeting on the four-year-old conflict, saying he sees "no point" in it. Thursday's letter, the first public message Zelensky has written directly to Putin since Russia sent troops into Ukraine in 2022, was a sweeping critique of the Russian leader's 26 years in power, as well as some taunts about his age. Regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko claimed 141 drones were intercepted over the Leningrad region, while Russia's Defence Ministry stated its air defences shot down 376 Ukrainian drones. While no casualties were immediately reported, this renewed assault on St. Petersburg delivers a further embarrassing blow to President Vladimir Putin's attempts to portray the conflict as a distant event, detached from the daily lives of Russians. https://www.aol.com/articles/ukraine-hits-st-petersburg-again-140751000.html

Putin Cancels Meeting With Zelensky

Zelensky and Putin really hate each other lol ... https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-putin-speech-petersburg-economic-forum/ Mr. Putin said that he sees “no point” in such a meeting, especially after a May 22 drone attack by Ukraine on a college dormitory in the Russian-controlled Luhansk region that Moscow said killed 21 and wounded scores of others. In response to Mr. Zelensky’s barbs about his age and long stay in power, the 73-year-old Mr. Putin pointed at other global leaders who are older, adding that “the main thing isn’t age; the main thing is the ability to work.” Russia and Ukraine exchange strikes loaded with symbolism He also mocked Mr. Zelensky’s rocky Oval Office meeting in 2025 and thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for “educating” Mr. Zelensky “before the eyes of the whole world” and teaching him a proper dress code. “There is still a lot to be done,” he said. Mr. Zelensky acknowledged shifting U.S. priorities, saying it would be wrong to simply wait for the Trump administration to return its attention to ending the fighting in Ukraine while it remains heavily focused on the Iran war. In Washington, Mr. Trump said Thursday it “would be great” if Mr. Putin and Mr. Zelensky meet. Mr. Putin has previously offered for Mr. Zelensky to come to Moscow for talks, an offer that the Ukrainian leader pointedly rejected. Mr. Putin said last month he doesn’t exclude a meeting in a third country, but only when there is a deal to sign. On Thursday, Mr. Putin again rejected Mr. Zelensky’s push for an immediate ceasefire, arguing that Moscow wants a comprehensive settlement, not a temporary truce. Mr. Putin said Russia is open for a compromise on Ukraine in line with understandings reached at his last year’s summit with Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, adding that Ukraine needs to accept them to make a deal to end the conflict. “Naturally, the Ukrainian side would like us to suspend the advances made by Russian troops,” he said. “But it would be better to end the war by agreeing to the compromises that were discussed in Anchorage.” Asked about Iran, Mr. Putin voiced hope for an eventual deal to secure lasting peace. He shrugged off claims that Moscow provided Iran with satellite images, saying that Tehran could use widely available commercial ones. “As for weapons, Iran hasn’t asked us for them and we haven’t supplied any weapons to Iran,” he said, adding that Russia stands ready to take enriched uranium for storage as part of a potential peace deal, and that Moscow has stayed in contact with Iran, the U.S. and Israel.

2 Salvation Amry Churches Merged in Western Newfoundland

Salvation Army Corps in Corner Brook, N.L., Merge The new Corner Brook Community Church unites two congregations. by Abbigail Oliver Two long-standing Salvation Army corps in Newfoundland and Labrador, Corner Brook Temple and Corner Brook Citadel, have officially merged to form the newly established Corner Brook Community Church. In February, the church held its first service with both congregations coming together as one, marking the start of a new chapter for The Salvation Army in Corner Brook. Corner Brook Community Church now operates out of the former Corner Brook Temple building under the leadership of four corps officers, Majors Bertha and Wilbert Abbott and Majors Brian and Valerie Wheeler. According to Majors Wheeler and Abbott, the discussion of a merger had been in the works for many years, driven by a vision of mission effectiveness and resource consolidation. Both corps were relatively small, with 50-80 congregants on a given Sunday. But by sharing financial, leadership and other resources, they could be better positioned for growth. The transition allows the church to enhance its outreach in the community, improve efficiency and ensure a more sustainable future for the Army in Corner Brook. “This merger was meant to bring us together in strength instead of survival,” says Major Brian Wheeler. “We want to build from here and grow together.” According to Major Bertha Abbott, Corner Brook Citadel had an older congregation lacking in youth and youth leadership, and this merger strengthens the future of the corps with more young people involved. “We’re hoping that by joining forces, we’re going to have a stronger identity in the community. We feel positive about this,” she says. “Being unified in the city will make us stronger,” adds Major Wilbert Abbott. “There is an opportunity here to pool our resources and capitalize on the special talents and spiritual gifts of our corps leadership, personnel and congregations.” The inaugural service of Corner Brook Community Church drew a congregation of approximately 120 people from both former corps. The worship service featured music from both corps worship teams and a blended band. “I heard a lot of positive comments about the worship,” says Major Valerie Wheeler. “There were several people at the mercy seat and one man gave his heart to the Lord. To me, that was God saying, ‘I’m here.’ It was affirmation that God is at work in Corner Brook.” To support the transition, efforts were made to incorporate elements of Corner Brook Citadel’s worship environment into the new church. The platform was redesigned to resemble the citadel’s, including bringing over platform chairs and a holiness table. According to Major Brian Wheeler, the goal was to blend the history and identity of both corps, ensuring that all feel welcome and at home in the worship space. Beyond internal unity, the corps officers and leadership teams are prioritizing community outreach. “It’s great to worship together, but our purpose is to reach out and bring new people in,” says Major Wilbert Abbott. “We want to be intentional about training and outreach so we can make an impact beyond the walls of our church.” “We’re looking for that vibrant community—a congregation that has strong discipleship and ministries within the community,” says Major Brian Wheeler. “There’s so much more we can accomplish. I think we need to build on the excitement. We’re in a small enough community that the two Salvation Army corps coming together is news. People hear about it and are curious about it. They’re looking at us, and we have an opportunity to show them who The Salvation Army is in our community.” https://salvationist.ca/articles/salvation-army-corps-in-corner-brook-n-l-merge/

Hulk Hogan RIP

Died @ 71 of Natural Causes... A Real American Hero ... 'Following an exhaustive review of the statements, medical records, surveillance footage from within the residence, and a visual inspection of Mr. Bollea's body, there has been no evidence to indicate the death of Terry Bollea was anything other than natural,' investigators wrote. 'Through the course of the investigation, there has been no evidence to indicate any criminal wrongdoing related to his death.' Investigators spoke to several witnesses - including Hogan's occupational therapist - and reviewed various recordings from the scene. It was initially ruled that he had suffered cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, before passing away at a local hospital. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/police-report-on-hulk-hogan-s-death-is-finally-revealed-nearly-a-year-after-wwe-legend-passed-away/ar-AA24WwcS?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=ACTS&cvid=6a24943107a6495483365c0f8e6b026d&ei=24&cvpid=6a2562353ef04a38a207ba1ec52720d5

Build Your Personal Brand

I built mine circa 2006 when a California Billionaire asked "Who's that PAYMENTGUY?" So 20 years ago... https://smarter.cnbcmakeit.com/p/how-to-build-a-personal-brand?utm_source=cnbc&utm_medium=makeitarticle&utm_campaign=bottom

Solitude Is Necessary

For your mental health you need constructive Alone-Time: Solitude is also useful for those moments when you feel stuck. Leonardo da Vinci was a contemplative genius, reportedly staring at The Last Supper for hours before adding a single brushstroke and walking away. How to harness solitude for a stronger brain, some hints: There's no definitive guide on the perfect amount of solitude. But, as a general rule, the more time you can spend alone, especially when you really feel like being alone, the better it will be for your brain. 1. Just go Planning a solo trip or retreat can seem daunting at first, with concerns about loneliness or boredom creeping in. But the act of stepping away from your daily routine and immersing yourself in a new environment can be incredibly liberating. It forces you out of your comfort zone, stimulates your senses in unexpected ways, and provides the perfect backdrop for introspection and creativity. 2. Start small Begin with as little as 10 minutes of solitude per day. Find a quiet spot where you can be undisturbed, and use this time to simply sit and breathe. This small step can help ease the brain into a state of relaxation and begin the process of activating the default network. 3. Be selective about your social time Ensure that when you do socialize, it's meaningful, good-quality socializing. Many of us spend time with people we shouldn't — bad friends, frenemies, a toxic family member — but we do it because we feel obliged to. This raises levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the brain, which damages our social circuitry and harms the good-­quality relationships we should be enjoying. 4. Reflect and reassess Use part of your solitude time to reflect on your experiences and feelings. This could involve meditating on your thoughts or even writing them down. The act of reflection helps in processing emotions and thoughts, allowing for a deeper understanding of yourself. 5. Engage in solo activities Do things that are made to be done alone and that encourage mindfulness, such as walking, journaling, or practicing yoga. These activities not only provide the benefits of solitude but also help in grounding you in the present moment, further relaxing the brain. PG Over & Out ...

Genius Loners Flourish

Genius flourishes in solitude: Cognitively speaking, solitude can boost creativity by offering the necessary space for ideas to flourish. Whether it's writing, playing the piano, painting, gardening, praying, or meditating, being alone is often what the brain needs to perform these activities well. In these moments of isolation, the default network is busy forging new synaptic connections, strengthening our skills and ability to absorb new information, and nurturing our creativity more effectively. Some of the most intelligent people enjoyed solitude Many of the world's most successful and intelligent people preferred to be alone. It's a ritual observed by Bill Gates, for example. Twice a year in the early days of Microsoft, the billionaire philanthropist would retreat to a cabin for a week with nothing but a stack of books for company. He called it "Think Week" — a period for reflection, learning, and uninterrupted thoughts. No outside visitors were allowed, including family and employees. During one week, according to The Wall Street Journal, the work he did led to the launch of Internet Explorer in 1995. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB111196625830690477

Why Russia Invaded Ukraine

No Russian thinker has worked harder than Aleksandr Dugin to rationalize the invasion of Ukraine. Long before it started, Dugin came up with a whole philosophical system, known as “neo-Eurasianism,” to explain why Russia, the country with the largest landmass in the world, would need to steal land from its neighbors and kill many thousands of people in the process. His books and lectures on the subject earned him the nickname “Putin’s brain.” That overstates his closeness to the Russian president. But his views reflect the mood among the war’s cheerleaders in Moscow, how firmly they support the conflict, and how they try to justify it to themselves (and everyone else). Judging by Dugin’s most recent pronouncements, they have run out of cogent stories to tell. When Dugin attempted to explain the war’s rationale last week to Ksenia Sobchak, a Russian social-media influencer with millions of followers, he could not make any sense of it. Even a softball question—“What is worth fighting for today?”—led the philosopher down a spiral of inanity so bizarre that Sobchak, long rumored to be the goddaughter of Vladimir Putin, could not listen with a straight face. Dugin’s description of Russia after the war sounded postapocalyptic. “First of all, it’s an image of life on the land,” he said. “It is an enormous exodus from the cities, an almost religious exodus, like the Jews from Egypt.” The cities of Russia, he continued, would turn into “neo-ancient ruins,” and the people would return to living in the countryside, communicating with one another through “an internet of Russian villages, closed off and guarded from the toxic incursions of the enemy.” The Russian state has often forced its people into strange contortions of the mind. By law, Russians are prohibited from publicly calling the war a war rather than a “special military operation,” and Putin has urged them to believe that Ukraine started it. Still, the national capacity for self-deception has its limits, and recent developments suggest that Putin has found them. https://archive.ph/jNjCp#selection-634.0-711.379

Pete Griffin Obituary Tribute

It's Sunday morninng in Western Newfoundland and I was thinking of one of the coolest guys I ever knew @ breakfast. Out of respect will post his Obituary. RIP PG; https://fillatre.ca/tribute/details/10845/Peter-Griffin/obituary.html Peter John Griffin Aug. 13, 1961- Sept. 16, 2021. It is with a heavy heart that we say good-bye to our much loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend; Peter John Griffin. He was known as Peter by family, Pete by friends and Scallywag or Queerstick by his mother. Those of us who loved him remember a man with many passions. He drag raced on the quarter-mile, pushed sleds and motorcycles beyond their limits, cooked the finest cut of meat to perfection and enjoyed the company of his many friends. His strength was legendary and his words unfiltered. He protected those he loved with a fierce devotion. In his company you felt safe. Peter had a deep compassion for anyone who was vulnerable but refused to allow himself the same. He adored his children and held a deep pride for their many accomplishments. He glowed with joy upon the privilege of making them laugh. Peter found his true love. Her adoration knew no limits and her love no bounds. His final days were spent in her arms. He was kind to animals and they were always a part of his life. He made us laugh and cry and had a smile that could light up any room. In the end, he wrestled death like the champ he’s always been, forbidding us to cry and forcing himself to rise again and again. He fought like a warrior until he decided it was time to leave us. Then he passed with a smile on his face. Peter John Griffin leaves to mourn his wife Darlene; his three children: PJ, Stephanie (Carl) and Patrick; his grand-daughter Sophia; his brother Myles (Phyllis); his sisters: Theresa (Peter Straubel) and Patti (Randy Heppell) ; nieces and nephews: Jamie, Leah, Jill, Cheryl and Brady; his dog Spike and many other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his parents Patrick and Miriam Griffin. Peter’s final resting place will be with his wife and children in Fort McMurray. Rest In Peace My Brother. You're the color of the sky Reflected in each store-front window pane You're the whispering and the sighing of my tires in the rain You're the hidden cost and the thing that's lost In everything I do Yeah and I'll never stop looking for you In the sunlight and the shadows And the faces on the avenue That's the way love is Jackson Browne

3 Viable Self-Defense Moves

Having worked in 6 Bars as a Doorman in Halifax (2 Bars - Misty Moon & Palace) and Newfoundland (PJ's and others owned by Pete Griffin), I know these are effective; https://www.facebook.com/reel/1020346283670774

Men After 50 Are Lonely

Interesting but personally I'm horny as ever lol; On the surface, everything seems normal: A stable job, family, and sometimes even more free time after the children have left home. But beneath the surface, a much more complex reality emerges. A new survey indicates that for many men aged 50 to 70, a sense of emptiness, loneliness, and lack of fulfillment becomes an inseparable part of daily routine. The most prominent figure is the sense of missed opportunity: About 63% of men report that they are not realizing their potential, with one in five experiencing this frequently. This is a deep and ongoing feeling precisely at a stage when many expected to reach stability and satisfaction. Alongside this, about 59% of men report a decline in joy of life and about half note a decrease in sexual desire. These figures reflect a broad impact on the sense of vitality, energy, and quality of life. In addition, about 22% report a feeling of distress or worry that appears often. One of the most worrying findings is the sense of loneliness: About 45% of men testify that they experience loneliness, and about 40% indicate a decline in self-confidence. This is a deep emotional pattern of withdrawal and distancing, alongside a lack of support systems. When comparing men and women, a significant gap becomes clearer. Women do identify the difficulties in their partners, but at a lower intensity. For example, fewer women believe that their partners are not realizing themselves, compared to a much higher rate among the men themselves. This gap indicates that male distress is sometimes hidden from view. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/wellness/the-silent-crisis-of-men-this-is-what-life-looks-like-after-age-50/ar-AA22TgHu?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ACTS&cvid=6a24b90d350343ce86d116e4f82abfe1&ei=24&cvpid=6a254d795dfd479e8bb502a5aca4a23f

Metacognition

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/technology/the-one-skill-that-separates-people-who-get-smarter-with-ai-from-everyone-else/ar-AA1Z6Sj3?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ACTS&cvid=6a24b90d350343ce86d116e4f82abfe1&ei=17 After three years of widespread generative AI adoption, our data reveals only a small percentage of U.S. employees use AI in such a way that it enhances their thinking. Most workers either resist the technology entirely or use it passively. A small group — call them fluent users — does something fundamentally different. So, what sets them apart? It’s not IQ. It’s not a technical skill. When we ask people how they’re using AI to make themselves smarter, their descriptions coalesce around a particular skill that rejects asking AI for direct answers to complex problems. These fluent users are thinking about their own thinking, casting AI in a supportive role, not a guiding one. What they are describing is the act of metacognition. The skill that unlocks smarter AI use Metacognition is a fundamental concept in psychology that involves a distinctly human ability: reflecting on our own stream of thoughts, mulling them over, revisiting assumptions, and folding in new ideas to evolve our mental model. When we ask ourselves, “What am I missing?” or “What’s another way of looking at this problem?” We are engaging in metacognitive acts. Few people practice metacognition deliberately, which makes fluent AI users look almost magical to their peers — the way a polyglot seems effortless to someone who only speaks one language. But here’s the good news: the skill is highly learnable. With the right principles and enough practice, anyone can use AI to make themselves smarter. Based on our research, AI fluent users represent between 5–30% of employees at a given organization, depending on industry and role. They don’t ask the chatbot to generate a plan and pass it off as their own. Instead, they remain in the driver’s seat, starting conversations with prompts like: I’ve created a marketing plan that I need help refining. I’m fairly confident it needs to reach mid-career professionals between 28–45 years old, but I could be missing something because of my unconscious bias around the topic. Without providing specific suggestions, can you help me think through my various options for improving the attached plan? Manage Sales and Inventory - Moneris Total Commerce - Inventory Tracking Made Easy Manage Sales and Inventory - Moneris Total Commerce - Inventory Tracking Made Easy moneris.com · Sponsored call to action icon There are several things going on here. Most importantly, notice that the prompt doesn’t hand control to the AI. In our example, the user explicitly tells the AI not to offer suggestions — signaling that the user intends to remain the intellectual authority in the conversation. Three metacognitive habits fluent users share First, the prompt demonstrates humility. The user acknowledges they don’t have all the answers, using certain hedge phrases, such as “I’m fairly confident” and “could be missing something.” These signal a growth mindset, or the belief that one’s skills can be improved over time. Without it, the ego stays in self-protection mode — and learning stops. Second, the prompt shows flexibility. The user acknowledges their point of view isn’t the only valid one. With a bit of digging, other options will come into view, expanding their perspective on the matter. From a neuroscience perspective, cognitive flexibility in AI usage enables us to be adaptive and open to multiple perspectives. Cognitive flexibility is thought to involve an expansive network of brain regions involved in cognitive control, including regions of the prefrontal cortex. Third, the prompt shows the user taking an active role in driving their search for new perspectives — a form of vigilance. The user prioritizes getting it right over feeling right. Bias is a quiet saboteur. Without pausing to question blind spots, users risk having AI simply repackage flawed assumptions in new wrapping. Also, a sense of vigilance is crucial for mitigating any biases that may be embedded in the AI’s answers — including biases baked into the AI itself. The most encouraging finding from our research: metacognition isn’t an innate talent. It’s a trainable skill. The more deliberately you practice thinking about your own thinking, the more natural it becomes — and the more likely you are to walk away from every AI conversation sharper than when you started. In an era when most people worry AI will make them dumber, fluent users are quietly proving the opposite.

SMART SWEDES OUT-MANEUVER(ING) GRREDY AMERICANS

A MIXED AIRFORCE IS NECESSARY AS AMERICA IS SO UNPREDICTABLE I WOULD EVEN ADD FRENCH RAFAELS OR SURPLUS RUSSIAN JETS FOR INVENTORY-MASS AND REDUNDANCY AMERICA IS GOING TO HELL UNDER TRUMP AND HIS ISRAELI BOSSES ... The Idio-Arrogent-President is even threatening Greenland ... Sources said the recently announced plan to buy the Swedish firm's GlobalEye surveillance aircraft was a "first step" in negotiations to partner on the Gripen project. But some in the military have strong reservations with the deal, as Ottawa remains adamant that military spending needs to boost Canada's tariff-battered industrial sector. According to various sources, the federal government would still be looking at a fleet of 72 to 88 F-35s, even if it moves forward with the Gripen. Several sources said Ottawa is exploring a purchase of 72 Gripens, which would create up to 9,000 jobs and be the largest defence industrial project in Canada. Saab is continuing to refine its business plan to build Gripen fighters in Canada, notably by using the supply chain that will be put in place for the GlobalEye production, sources said. "There could easily be a fleet of 140 aircraft," says a source with knowledge of discussions between Saab and Ottawa. CBC News granted confidentiality to several sources directly involved in the file to allow them to provide details on private discussions. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/ottawa-s-mixed-fleet-of-f-35s-and-gripens-could-total-more-than-100-aircraft-sources-say/ar-AA24Yuex?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=ACTS&cvid=6a24943107a6495483365c0f8e6b026d&cvpid=6a24b42f3a8f4b57962f4629af11e233&ei=15

$9,000 USD A TICKET TO WATCH BLACKS BOUNCE A BALL AROUND NEW YORK & TEXAS

But there may be a few Mexicans, ASIANS and European-Whites on the benches ... lol Crazy... President Donald Trump will attend Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. The game marks the first time this century that The Garden will be hosting an NBA title game, as the last time the Knicks made the Finals was in 1999. Given that it will be the first such game in 27 years, while also considering that the Knicks have a very long 53-year title drought - they last won the NBA championship in 1973, when it wasn't named the Larry O'Brien trophy yet it's a must-watch event in New York, and the ticket prices for the game are sky high. When a reporter told Trump that the average American cannot afford a ticket to Game 3, the president didn't seem bothered. They can watch it on television," replied Trump. "It's sort of semi-free to watch it on television. But that's the way life goes." Trump was aboard Air Force One, en route to a farmers' event in Wisconsin, early Friday, when he had that exchange with the reporter. During that conversation, she told him that the cheapest Game 3 ticket was at $8,000. Just hours later, that number went up to $9,000, with former ESPN writer Darren Rovell predicting that it will go up further if the Knicks win Game 2 on Friday night. But while the numbers are astronomical and unaffordable for the average American, Trump noted that the price is set that way because it's a massive event for Knicks fans. If it were just any other Knicks game during the regular season, the ticket prices wouldn't be as high or unaffordable. "If the game wasn't a big one, if the team wasn't a big success, you can go very easily. So you can do that, too. But that's the way life is, you know. And they've had great success. Don't forget they've suffered also, losses. They've suffered through the bad times. Now they have a team that's amazing," he added. New York Mayor also expected to be present in Game 3…but will pay for his tickets Likewise, New York City mayor Zohran Mamdami also said that he will be in attendance for Game 3. However, he told reporters that he will pay for his own ticket and won't be seated courtside or in a suite. "I can tell you that I'm planning to go to a Knicks game. I will be at Game 3. I will be in a very different section of the stadium,"said Mamdami. When told that Trump is expected to attend too, he replied: "I think we're looking forward to welcoming any New Yorker who is excited for the Knicks to have that chance to win a championship." It can be recalled that in Game 2 of the Knicks' Eastern Conference Finals series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mamdami was caught on video cheering and watching the game from the nosebleeds at The Garden. It's unclear how much he paid for those ECF tickets. But those seats are the ones that cost $9,000 for Game 3.

Hobbies Smart People Enjoy

I've liked and participated in most of these throughout the years. I have a degree in Philosophy, play chess, debate a lot, (and as a Lawyer} argue, like analogue old-fashoned book-reding, enojy crosswords also. But I am shit at Math normally. Corner Brook Chess Club anyone? lol https://www.msn.com/en-ca/money/other/intelligent-people-tend-to-enjoy-these-hobbies-according-to-data/ss-AA1JcY9T?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=ACTS&cvid=6a249efbed6842128e7da51178a4aced&ei=15#image=26

Keep Moving Forward

Einstein recommended fwd progress. In 1930, Albert Einstein sat down and wrote a letter to his son Eduard, who was struggling with severe mental health problems that would soon lead to institutionalization. People are like bicycles, he told him. Only when they are moving can they comfortably keep their balance. BTW - I am ditching my plans to buy an F250 lifted and instead getting my Mountain-Bked tuned up and on the road for the summer... PG over & out ...

Raise Robot-Proof Kids Who Think For Themselves

As a an Ecommerce Expert, wanna-be Neuroscientist, International IP Lawyer, PaymentGuy, Virtual World Expert, Mobile Payment designer and entrepreneur, I've spent a significant portion of my later career asking a simple question: What skills will matter when AI can generate answers and automate much of cognitive work? This involves the foundational shifts in how we think about development, moving from knowledge transmission to capacity-building. If you want your children to have an advantage later in life, here's how to raise them to be robot-proof. 1. Institute the 'Failure Resume' In my research and real-life exeriencre, a consistent pattern emerges: A-students are often the most willing to be wrong. My own models trained on thousands of learners show that exploration and even failure predicts deep learning better than repeating correct answers. Yet our education system, obsessed with correctness, often trains this instinct out of kids. It teaches them that failure reflects their worth, rather than fuels growth. What this is: The Failure Resume is a living document, a family ritual where you actively record and celebrate failures. It's explicit evidence of every time the hard work of being wrong paid off feeding into a learner's resilience, curiosity and ability to tackle open-ended problems. For parents: Once a month at dinner, go around the table and have everyone (including you!) add one failure to their resume. A missed goal in soccer, a bombed test, a project at work that went sideways. The key is to reframe it. Don't ask, "What did you fail at?" Ask, "What did you try that was hard? What did you learn from it?" Normalize and even celebrate the act of stretching beyond one's abilities and to tie that effort to the rewards of growth. My own Failure Resume would include entries for a few failed startups, a period of homelessness, 2 divorces and that one time I accidentally convinced the Secret Service I was a national security threat at a White House party. Each failure grew me to someone better. 2. Engineer serendipity Economists often point to the "Harvard effect," the massive life-outcome advantage linked to elite universities. But it's not magic, and it's not just about the classes. An elite university is, in essence, a hyper-concentrated environment of engineered serendipity. The real value isn't just in the formal curriculum; it's in the random conversations in the dining hall, the diverse clubs, the constant exposure to thousands of ill-posed problems that don't have answers in the back of the book. We can't all send our kids to Harvard, but we can borrow its core principle. What this is: Engineering serendipity means intentionally creating an environment that encourages unexpected connections and discoveries. A home or classroom built on managed uncertainty — safe, but not sterile; structured, but not rigid — where curiosity can take root. For parents: Turn your home into a landscape of interesting problems. Leave a broken toaster on the kitchen table with a screwdriver next to it. Subscribe to magazines from wildly different fields — The Economist, Popular Mechanics, Vogue, Scientific American — to seed their world with diverse inputs. It's messy, but it's a mess filled with invitations to explore. 3. Appoint your child as 'Chief AI Critic' I've been playing with machine learning for 25 years. But for a generation just entering a world where large learning models (LLMs) is a constant companion, the temptation to just let it do the hard work will be immense. Why struggle to write an essay, solve a math problem, or learn a new concept when a machine can provide a perfectly good answer in seconds? But a tool that makes you better in the moment but leaves you worse off when you turn it off. We need to teach our kids to engage with AI in a way that makes them more critical and creative. What this is: Reframing the child's role from passive consumer to active critic of AI output. The AI becomes a "brilliant but naive" collaborator, and the child the one who interrogates, guides and evaluates it. For parents: AI should never provide the final answer. Kids can use it to brainstorm or explore, but they must produce their own first draft or solution. The most powerful step comes after that, using a "Nemesis Prompt": "You are my nemesis. Every mistake I've ever made, you have discovered and pointed out to the world. Here is the essay I just wrote. Read it and explain to me, in detail, every flaw in my argument, every logical inconsistency, and every way my evidence is weak. Then suggest three ways I could make my argument stronger." When the LLM returns its critique, the child's task is to wrestle with them. They must decide which critiques are valid and which are just statistical noise from a machine that doesn't truly understand their intent. This is where true learning happens. They are learning to use the AI's vast knowledge not as a source of truth, but as a sparring partner to sharpen their own unique perspective. The world already has the "right" answer in its pocket, nearly for free. The real value your child brings is the answer that only they would give. As Chief AI Critic, they are exploring and creating their own meaning from what the AI knows. That is the essence of creative labor, and what the world needs more of. PG over & out ...

Reward Kids Who Do Good & They Will Always Do The Right Thing(s)

Worked for me with 2 kids as a single Dad livig alone in Helsinki ... Kant's writings, while genius, are written in much too complicated Aristocratic Old-German... A four-year-old in a suburban daycare earns a sticker every time she shares a toy. By age six, she shares less when no sticker is offered. Teachers notice the shift but struggle to explain why. A German philosopher who never raised children of his own predicted exactly this outcome in university lectures delivered more than two centuries ago. Immanuel Kant argued that children taught to be good only for rewards grow into adults who calculate personal advantage rather than follow moral principle. He did not question whether rewards work. He argued they work too well at producing compliance, and that this is precisely the problem. Kant’s core warning, preserved in his collected lectures and writings, is blunt: “If you punish a child for being naughty, and reward him for being good, he will do right merely for the sake of the reward; and when he goes out into the world and finds that goodness is not always rewarded, nor wickedness always punished, he will grow into a man who only thinks about how he may get on in the world, and does right or wrong according as he finds advantage to himself.” The final clause matters most. A child raised on transaction does not become immoral. He becomes a calculator. Kant saw this not as a failure of discipline but as a failure of moral education. The behavior was never internalized. It was only rented. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/immanuel-kant-german-philosopher-if-you-punish-a-child-for-being-naughty-and-reward-him-for-being-good-he-will-do-right-just-for-the-reward/ar-AA2427IN?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=6a2498d89a2445e384ffedc806af4e5b&ei=17

How To Make Your Kids (& Yourselves) Smarter

Some advice: Over the past 3 decades, as an Lawyer, Enterprise Architect, Payment Guy eCommerce Consultant, Blogger, single Dad, Academic advisor, I've worked with many genius Billionaires and High IQ Tech-People, thousands of middle school, high school and college student and Entrereneurs and I've seen what separates those who struggle from those who thrive. It's not an IQ score, GPA, or even college acceptances to prestigious universities. The real predictor? Executive functioning skills, a set of cognitive skills that help us concentrate, organize, and manage emotions. When you learn these skills early on, you'll be better at handling responsibilities and forming meaningful connections. Prioritizing grades, test scores, and college admissions as the main measures of success often undermines young people's futures and strains parent-child relationships. But when you provide kids with structure and support, they can thrive beyond school. Here are 5 ways to start. 1. Help them build systems that work Many students struggle with managing assignments, tracking deadlines, and organizing materials. This can cause unnecessary stress and overwhelm. I encourage students to self-assess their skills in planning and adapting when plans change. The goal is to find a system that best fits them. For example, many students work best with paper planners, while others may prefer digital calendars. Some might prefer visual color-coding, and others might need notifications and alarms as reminders. A quick way to check the effectiveness of the systems you've established together is to ask your child if they can find a document or file they need in under one minute. If they are struggling to locate it, talk about what you can do to make their systems work better for them. 2. Provide proactive structure and support Today's demands — balancing school, activities, family, and information overload — often exceed where our kids' brains are developmentally. Establishing simple daily habits and weekly routines helps kids build independence in problem-solving and self-regulation. For example, setting aside time to plan the week and review upcoming events creates the space to manage tasks alongside other commitments. Sometimes, kids just need the accountability of someone nearby to motivate them to start or finish tough tasks. 3. Focus on solutions It's easy to get frustrated by a child's perceived lack of organization or motivation, but what we often call "procrastination" is actually task avoidance — a task initiation issue, not a motivation problem. Rather than nagging or framing missteps as failures, create initiation rituals that cue the brain to shift into work mode. Steps like clearing a workspace together or writing down all pressing tasks can make the first step ridiculously small and naturally build momentum. The key is to find fun and manageable ways to make the brain transition from thinking about work to actually doing the work. 4. Prioritize sleep and stress management Everyone's ability to start and complete tasks is severely impacted when they are tired or feel stressed. Emotional regulation suffers, too. Research shows that teenagers need eight to 10 hours of sleep per night for healthy brain and body development, and these are also critical for our executive functions. For stress management, I encourage kids to create an "emotional toolkit" by identifying three to five ways they can navigate stress. Tweens and teens often choose listening to music, drawing, playing outdoors, spending time with a family pet or taking a bath. 5. Model adaptability and buoyancy in your own life There's often a focus on resilience, or the the ability to bounce back from disappointments and challenges, especially during times of transition or change. I encourage my students to think about a related concept: buoyancy. This means reducing the time and energy it takes to process disappointment by learning to adapt when things don't go as planned. Unfortunately, many adults struggle with this skill. Yet I've found that children benefit from seeing their parents model adaptability, in order to develop it themselves. This underscores a crucial point: one of the best ways for children to develop executive functioning skills is by watching their parents and caregivers consistently model those same skills. Kids are watching how we handle stress, manage our time and adapt when plans change. Make sure you're showing them what success actually looks like. Over & Out - PG

Einstein Recommended Fairy Tales For Kids

Fairy Tales make your kids snarter: We often picture intelligence as something built with strict routines, rigorous studying and high grades. We push our children to memorize facts and follow instructions, hoping it will lead to success. But what if one of the greatest geniuses of all time believed the real key to intelligence was something much more magical? Albert Einstein, the man who reshaped our understanding of the universe, had a surprising piece of advice for parents. He didn't recommend more math drills or science kits. Instead, he suggested: "Fairy tales and more fairy tales." This unexpected recommendation comes from a story shared in a 1958 article in Montana Libraries. The author, Rita McDonald, recounted a tale about a mother who asked Einstein how she could prepare her son to become a scientist. To her surprise, Einstein’s answer was “fairy tales.” When the mother protested, thinking this was too frivolous, Einstein insisted. He explained that "creative imagination is the essential element in the intellectual equipment of the true scientist, and that fairy tales are the childhood stimulus of this quality." (Source: Library of Congress Blog, which rediscovered this article). Einstein famously disliked rigid, authority-based schooling. He believed true learning thrived on joy, curiosity, and independent thinking. In a letter to his own son, he advised him to play the piano pieces he enjoyed most, even if his teacher hadn't assigned them, because that was the way to learn the most when you're having fun. (Source: The Marginalian). https://www.msn.com/en-ca/money/topstories/a-mother-once-asked-einstein-how-to-make-her-child-smarter-his-one-word-reply-is-going-viral-again/ar-AA1Q4Izk?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=ACTS&cvid=6a24981402ed483e8f506231bb08b6cf&ei=7

Spike Your Morning Sunlight

The best way to ensure brain health is to get a lot of sun early in the morning: While cortisol levels do rise and fall throughout the day, these patterns can vary significantly from one person to the next, making it challenging to assign a specific number to what constitutes an "ideal" difference. Moreover, people with mood disorders are generally advised against spiking cortisol levels. Huberman says one way to keep that rhythm on track would be to send the body a signal. "The best way to spike your morning cortisol is to get bright light — ideally from sunlight — in your eyes in the first hour after waking. If you can't do that, maybe invest in a 10,000 Lux artificial light," Huberman said. If that's not possible, he suggests flipping on "as many artificial lights as you can." While morning light plays a role in cueing the body's circadian rhythm, scientists aren't in agreement on how directly it affects cortisol levels, which can vary depending on light intensity, duration, timing, and individual lifestyle factors. https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/other/stanford-neuroscientist-andrew-huberman-says-one-morning-habit-sets-the-tone-for-his-day/ar-AA1TE64z?ocid=msedgntp&pc=ACTS&cvid=6a2494ab7d1b4550bf329181735f4346&ei=22 PG says - For Brain Health Spike Your Morning Sunlight!!!

Storage Wars Sheets Shot Himself In Head

Darrell Sheets’ manner of death has been revealed nearly two weeks after the Storage Wars star's death at age 67. Sheets' death has been ruled a suicide, the Mohave County Medical Examiner's Office in Arizona confirmed to PEOPLE on Tuesday, May 5. TMZ was the first to report the news. According to a press release from the Lake Havasu City Police Department, obtained by PEOPLE last month, Sheets was found dead from an apparent suicide around 2 a.m. local time on April 22 after officers responded to “a reported deceased individual.” “The male was pronounced deceased on scene, and the Lake Havasu City Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit was notified and responded to the scene to assume the investigation," the release stated. Authorities said the incident remained under active investigation and asked anyone with information to contact the Lake Havasu City Police Department at 928-855-1171. Sheets was a fan favorite on A&E’s Storage Wars, which follows professional buyers competing to bid on abandoned storage lockers. Nicknamed “the Gambler,” Sheets was known for his high-risk approach to auctions and appeared on the series alongside his son Brandon. He made his debut in the show's premiere season in 2010 and departed in 2023 following season 15. Sheets retired from Storage Wars in 2023 and later opened an antique shop in Arizona called Havasu Show Me Your Junk. https://people.com/storage-wars-darrell-sheets-manner-of-death-revealed-11956514

BUILDING A TINY CABIN

THIS ONE IS COOL https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yh4p5Q3V7h8

JEWS SPYING ON AMERICANS - Exec Blog

JEWS CROSSED A LINE LATEY SAYS PENTAGON ... Recent U.S. intelligence reports have raised concerns about Israeli spy agencies eavesdropping on American negotiators working on a peace deal with Iran, amid rising concern over a more general counterintelligence threat by Israel. Israel and the United States have long known, and tolerated, that each was spying on the other. But an intensified Israeli effort to learn about U.S. positions in talks with Iran has crossed a line, according to some American officials. The reports include concerns that Israel has stepped up its efforts to eavesdrop on senior American officials, including Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s top negotiator, Elbridge A. Colby, the Pentagon’s top policy official, and one of his main deputies, Michael P. DiMino IV. Another report, written by the Defense Intelligence Agency and other military intelligence offices and focused on earlier events going back several years, said that the counterintelligence threat level posed by Israel had been increased in recent weeks to the top level, from high to critical. The report, to which the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency contributed, outlines various efforts by Israel to spy on American military personnel and government officials. The reports and the intensified concern about Israeli spying come at an especially sensitive time. Israel and the U.S. have been fighting the war against Iran together, and have never had such close military coordination as they do now, with Israeli military officers working side-by-side with their American counterparts at U.S. Central Command. The U.S. military is sharing huge amounts of tactical and operational information with its Israeli counterparts. But senior American officials said that Israel is looking for insights into Mr. Trump’s strategy and shifting stances on the peace talks. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/06/us/politics/pentagon-sees-growing-espionage-threat-from-israel.html?unlocked_article_code=1.oFA.Jg8d.VjwUr1tgzUuD&smid=url-share

JEWS SPYING ON AMERICANS

EVERYONE KNOWS JARED KSHNER IS AN ISRAELI TROPE aka SPY AND TRUMP HAS BEEN OWNED AS A PAWN SINCE HE WENT BANKRUPT IN NY; WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is increasingly concerned about Israel ramping up its spying on the U.S., recently raising the counterintelligence threat level from America’s top ally in the Middle East to the highest level, according to two U.S. officials and one former U.S. official. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/pentagon-raised-threat-israeli-spying-us-highest-level-sources-say-rcna348565 NBC News Icon Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content. arrow The Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency in recent weeks issued the new counterintelligence threat assessment amid rising tensions between Israel and the U.S. over the way forward in the war with Iran, the officials said. They said the DIA posted an internal message, viewed by one of the current officials, that raised the level for Israel to “critical.” The designation stems from concerns within the Pentagon that Israel is making a particular effort to surveil top U.S. officials to get information on the Trump administration’s internal deliberations and decision-making on the conflicts in the Middle East, the officials said. The DIA assessment includes a seven-page document and features a chart, according to one of the current U.S. officials. The document says the assessment of Israel is that its ability to conduct human espionage and technical collection is at a ”critical level,” according to the official. It also identifies a series of specific incidents that heightened U.S. concerns, the official said. A spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., said in a statement that it is “completely false” that Israel spies on the U.S. “Israel does not gather intelligence on American entities, let alone US government officials,” the spokesperson said. “Israel intelligence collection efforts are aimed at its enemies, not its allies. Any claims to the contrary are either misinformed or politically motivated.” The Pentagon declined to comment. A White House official said in a statement, “This entire story is false and sourced to someone who doesn’t have any knowledge of what’s going on.” The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which oversees all the U.S. intelligence agencies including the DIA, did not respond to a request for comment. While it is commonplace for allies and adversaries across the globe to spy on each other, the current and former U.S. officials said Israel’s recent efforts have gone well beyond what is typical and expected espionage. The officials did not know if a specific incident triggered the DIA’s decision to raise the counterintelligence threat level. The heightened alert comes as President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have clashed over the war with Iran and Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, including in a tense phone call this past week, NBC News reported. Trump acknowledged afterward to reporters that he called Netanyahu “crazy” during the call as questions mount about whether the two countries’ objectives in the Middle East are beginning to significantly diverge. Since a ceasefire went into place in early April, Trump has been pursuing a diplomatic deal with Iran to end the war Israel and the U.S. launched on Feb. 28. Israel has publicly expressed skepticism that Iran would abide by any negotiated deal. Netanyahu has pushed for a resumption of bombing raids against Iran and disagreed with Trump, who has pressed him to scale back attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to Western officials. Israel is keenly interested in whether Trump decides to resume major combat operations against Iran or to end the conflict, the current and former U.S. officials and outside experts said. Recommended Iran war Air raid sirens in Bahrain as Iranian missiles and drones head for Gulf neighbors 2026 Election Mamdani makes ‘high-risk, high-reward’ move to reshape New York’s voice in Washington The most practical outcome for the Pentagon is that U.S. officials will use extra caution when traveling to Israel or visiting with Israeli officials, the current and former U.S. officials said. They said there did not appear to be any impact on the high-level intelligence-sharing that occurs on a daily basis between the two countries, particularly associated with the war in Iran. “The U.S. already takes extra precautions when visiting Israel,” one of the current U.S. officials said. “They’re well-known to aggressively collect.” The U.S., like other countries, maintains elaborate counterintelligence or “spy catcher” efforts to prevent and track espionage by foreign adversaries as well as by allies and partners, seeking to safeguard state secrets and monitor attempts to recruit or coerce U.S. officials. Under U.S. law, the FBI has the leading role in counter-intelligence efforts, but they also involve a range of government agencies and the military. According to current and former diplomats and former national security officials, Israel for years has had a reputation for aggressive espionage even against the U.S., its closest ally. It’s a practice that has long raised concerns among national security and diplomatic officials, and U.S. intelligence officials closely monitor the issue, according to experts and the current and former U.S. officials. Top U.S. officials often take extra care when traveling to Israel, sometimes using burner phones and computers and extreme caution when speaking in hotel rooms during official trips, the current and former U.S. officials and experts said. Israel has “a hyper-aggressive intelligence service,” said Emily Harding, vice president of the Defense and Security Department and director of the intelligence, national security and technology program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank in Washington. “They are exceedingly interested in what we are up to,” Harding said of the Israelis. In the 1980s, spying by Israel caused a rift with Washington, with U.S. Navy intelligence analyst Jonathan Pollard spending 30 years in prison after he was found to have sold suitcases of top-secret documents to Israel. The U.S. also spies on its allies and seeks to gather intelligence on foreign partners, as evidenced in 2013 by leaks from intelligence contractor Edward Snowden. Those leaks showed that the U.S. was eavesdropping on European leaders, including then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s mobile phone, sparking outrage in Berlin. The U.S. and Israel remain close allies and the two countries’ intelligence services have forged a close, working relationship over decades. But concerns about possible Israeli espionage at such a sensitive moment — when the two governments are not in full agreement about the war with Iran — carry the risk of undermining trust between the two countries, two additional former U.S. officials said

ECOMMERCE DESCRIBED, DEFINED & APPLIED

WHAT EXACTLY IS eCOMMERCE? E-commerce (electronic commerce) refers to commercial activities including the electronic buying or selling products and services which are conducted on online platforms or over the Internet.[1] E-commerce draws on technologies such as mobile commerce, electronic funds transfer, supply chain management, Internet marketing, online transaction processing, electronic data interchange (EDI), inventory management systems, and automated data collection systems. E-commerce is a part of retail. It is the largest segment of the electronics industry and is in turn driven by the technological advances of the semiconductor industry. Defining e-commerce The term was coined and first employed by Robert Jacobson, Principal Consultant to the California State Assembly's Utilities & Commerce Committee, in the title and text of California's Electronic Commerce Act, carried by the late Committee Chairwoman Gwen Moore (D-L.A.) and enacted in 1984. E-commerce typically uses the web for at least a part of a transaction's life cycle although it may also use other technologies such as e-mail. Typical e-commerce transactions include the purchase of products (such as books from Amazon) or services (such as music downloads in the form of digital distribution such as the iTunes Store).[2] There are three areas of e-commerce: online retailing, electronic markets, and online auctions. E-commerce is supported by electronic business.[3] The existence value of e-commerce is to allow consumers to shop online and pay online through the Internet, saving the time and space of customers and enterprises, greatly improving transaction efficiency, especially for busy office workers, and also saving a lot of valuable time.[4] E-commerce businesses may also employ some or all of the following: Online shopping for retail sales direct to consumers via web sites and mobile apps, conversational commerce via live chat, chatbots, and voice assistants.[5] Providing or participating in online marketplaces, which process third-party business-to-consumer (B2C) or consumer-to-consumer (C2C) sales. Drop shipping is commonplace in such operations. Business-to-business (B2B) buying and selling.[6] B2B, or what is referred to as business-to-business is defined by the Cambridge dictionary as business arrangements or trade between different businesses, rather than between businesses and the general public.[7] Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) sales, in which manufactures or brands sell directly to end customers without traditional retail intermediaries. This model has expanded rapidly with the growth of digital storefronts and social commerce platforms such as Shopify, TikTok Shop, and Instagram Checkout. Data-driven marketing, gathering demographic and behavioral data through web analytics and social media. B2B electronic data interchange. Marketing to prospective and established customers by e-mail or fax (for example, with newsletters). Engaging in pretail for launching new products and services. Online financial exchanges for currency exchanges or trading purposes. There are five essential categories of e-commerce:[8] Business-to-Business Business to Consumer Retail Business to Government Consumer-to-business Consumer to Consumer Direct-to-Consumer Forms Contemporary electronic commerce can be classified into two categories. The first category is business based on types of goods sold (involves everything from ordering "digital" content for immediate online consumption, to ordering conventional goods and services, to "meta" services to facilitate other types of electronic commerce). The second category is based on the nature of the participant (B2B, B2C, C2B and C2C).[9] On the institutional level, big corporations and financial institutions use the internet to exchange financial data to facilitate domestic and international business. Data integrity and security are pressing issues for electronic commerce. Aside from traditional e-commerce, the terms m-Commerce (mobile commerce) as well (around 2013) t-Commerce[10] have also been used. Governmental regulation In the United States, California's Electronic Commerce Act (1984), enacted by the Legislature, the more recent California Privacy Rights Act (2020), enacted through a popular election proposition and to control specifically how electronic commerce may be conducted in California. In the US in its entirety, electronic commerce activities are regulated more broadly by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These activities include the use of commercial e-mails, online advertising and consumer privacy. The CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 establishes national standards for direct marketing over e-mail. The Federal Trade Commission Act regulates all forms of advertising, including online advertising, and states that advertising must be truthful and non-deceptive.[11] Using its authority under Section 5 of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive practices, the FTC has brought a number of cases to enforce the promises in corporate privacy statements, including promises about the security of consumers' personal information.[12] As a result, any corporate privacy policy related to e-commerce activity may be subject to enforcement by the FTC. The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008, which came into law in 2008, amends the Controlled Substances Act to address online pharmacies.[13] Conflict of laws in cyberspace is a major hurdle for harmonization of legal framework for e-commerce around the world. In order to give a uniformity to e-commerce law around the world, many countries adopted the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce (1996).[14] Internationally there is the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN), which was formed in 1991 from an informal network of government customer fair trade organisations. The purpose was stated as being to find ways of co-operating on tackling consumer problems connected with cross-border transactions in both goods and services, and to help ensure exchanges of information among the participants for mutual benefit and understanding. From this came Econsumer.gov, an ICPEN initiative since April 2001. It is a portal to report complaints about online and related transactions with foreign companies. There is also Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation. APEC was established in 1989 with the vision of achieving stability, security and prosperity for the region through free and open trade and investment. APEC has an Electronic Commerce Steering Group as well as working on common privacy regulations throughout the APEC region. In Australia, trade is covered under Australian Treasury Guidelines for electronic commerce and the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission[15] regulates and offers advice on how to deal with businesses online,[16] and offers specific advice on what happens if things go wrong.[17] The European Union undertook an extensive enquiry into e-commerce in 2015–16 which observed significant growth in the development of e-commerce, along with some developments which raised concerns, such as increased use of selective distribution systems, which allow manufacturers to control routes to market, and "increased use of contractual restrictions to better control product distribution". The European Commission felt that some emerging practices might be justified if they could improve the quality of product distribution, but "others may unduly prevent consumers from benefiting from greater product choice and lower prices in e-commerce and therefore warrant Commission action" in order to promote compliance with EU competition rules.[18] In the United Kingdom, the Financial Services Authority (FSA)[19] was formerly the regulating authority for most aspects of the EU's Payment Services Directive (PSD), until its replacement in 2013 by the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority.[20] The UK implemented the PSD through the Payment Services Regulations 2009 (PSRs), which came into effect on 1 November 2009. The PSR affects firms providing payment services and their customers. These firms include banks, non-bank credit card issuers and non-bank merchant acquirers, e-money issuers, etc. The PSRs created a new class of regulated firms known as payment institutions (PIs), who are subject to prudential requirements. Article 87 of the PSD required the European Commission to report on the implementation and impact of the PSD by 1 November 2012.[21] In India, the Information Technology Act 2000 governs the basic applicability of e-commerce. In China, the Telecommunications Regulations of the People's Republic of China (promulgated on 25 September 2000), stipulated the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) as the government department regulating all telecommunications related activities, including electronic commerce.[22] On the same day, the Administrative Measures on Internet Information Services were released, the first administrative regulations to address profit-generating activities conducted through the Internet, and lay the foundation for future regulations governing e-commerce in China.[23] On 28 August 2004, the eleventh session of the tenth NPC Standing Committee adopted an Electronic Signature Law, which regulates data message, electronic signature authentication and legal liability issues. It is considered the first law in China's e-commerce legislation. It was a milestone in the course of improving China's electronic commerce legislation, and also marks the entering of China's rapid development stage for electronic commerce legislation.[24] Global trends E-commerce has become an important tool for small and large businesses worldwide, not only to sell to customers, but also to engage them.[25][26] Cross-border e-Commerce is also an essential field for e-Commerce businesses. It has responded to the trend of globalization. It shows that numerous firms have opened up new businesses, expanded new markets, and overcome trade barriers; more and more enterprises have started exploring the cross-border cooperation field. In addition, compared with traditional cross-border trade, the information on cross-border e-commerce is more concealed. In the era of globalization, cross-border e-commerce for inter-firm companies means the activities, interactions, or social relations of two or more e-commerce enterprises. However, the success of cross-border e-commerce promotes the development of small and medium-sized firms, and it has finally become a new transaction mode. It has helped the companies solve financial problems and realize the reasonable allocation of resources field. SMEs (small and medium enterprises) can also precisely match the demand and supply in the market, having the industrial chain majorization and creating more revenues for companies.[27] In 2012, e-commerce sales topped $1 trillion for the first time in history.[28] Mobile devices are playing an increasing role in the mix of e-commerce, this is also commonly called mobile commerce, or m-commerce. In 2014, one estimate saw purchases made on mobile devices making up 25% of the market by 2017.[29] For traditional businesses, one research stated that information technology and cross-border e-commerce is a good opportunity for the rapid development and growth of enterprises. Many companies have invested an enormous volume of investment in mobile applications. The DeLone and McLean Model stated that three perspectives contribute to a successful e-business: information system quality, service quality and users' satisfaction.[30] There is no limit of time and space, there are more opportunities to reach out to customers around the world, and to cut down unnecessary intermediate links, thereby reducing the cost price, and can benefit from one on one large customer data analysis, to achieve a high degree of personal customization strategic plan, in order to fully enhance the core competitiveness of the products in the company.[31] Modern 3D graphics technologies, such as Facebook 3D Posts, are considered by some social media marketers and advertisers as a preferable way to promote consumer goods than static photos, and some brands like Sony are already paving the way for augmented reality commerce. Wayfair now lets you inspect a 3D version of its furniture in a home setting before buying.[32] China Main article: E-commerce in China Among emerging economies, China's e-commerce presence continued to expand every year. With 668 million Internet users as of 2014, China's online shopping sales reached $253 billion in the first half of 2015, accounting for 10% of total Chinese consumer retail sales in that period.[33] The Chinese retailers have been able to help consumers feel more comfortable shopping online.[34] e-commerce transactions between China and other countries increased 32% to 2.3 trillion yuan ($375.8 billion) in 2012 and accounted for 9.6% of China's total international trade.[35] In 2013, Alibaba had an e-commerce market share of 80% in China.[36] In 2014, Alibaba still dominated the B2B marketplace in China with a market share of 44.82%, followed by several other companies including Made-in-China.com at 3.21%, and GlobalSources.com at 2.98%, with the total transaction value of China's B2B market exceeding 4.5 billion yuan.[37] In 2012, Alibaba Group delisted Alibaba.com from the Hong Kong stock exchange after acquiring full control. In 2014, it was privately held again following a $2.5 billion buyback.[38] The company's NYSE debut under the stock ticker BABA made headlines for being, at that time, the biggest IPO in U.S. history.[39] Alibaba's International Digital Commerce Group (AIDC), which includes Alibaba.com's B2B operations, reported 22% year-over-year revenue growth in the quarter ending March 31, 2025 (Q4 FY2025).[40] China was also the largest e-commerce market in the world by value of sales, with an estimated US$899 billion in 2016.[41] It accounted for 42.4% of worldwide retail e-commerce in that year, the most of any country.[42]: 110  Research shows that Chinese consumer motivations are different enough from Western audiences to require unique e-commerce app designs instead of simply porting Western apps into the Chinese market.[43] The expansion of e-commerce in China has resulted in the development of Taobao villages, clusters of e-commerce businesses operating in rural areas.[42]: 112  Because Taobao villages have increased the incomes or rural people and entrepreneurship in rural China, Taobao villages have become a component of rural revitalization strategies.[44]: 278  In 2015, the State Council promoted the Internet Plus initiative, a five-year plan to integrate traditional manufacturing and service industries with big data, cloud computing, and Internet of things technology.[45]: 44  The State Council provided support for Internet Plus through policy support in area including cross-border e-commerce and rural e-commerce.[45]: 44  In 2019, the city of Hangzhou established a pilot program artificial intelligence-based Internet Court to adjudicate disputes related to e-commerce and internet-related intellectual property claims.[46]: 124  Europe In 2010, the United Kingdom had the highest per capita e-commerce spending in the world.[47] As of 2013, the Czech Republic was the European country where e-commerce delivers the biggest contribution to the enterprises' total revenue. Almost a quarter (24%) of the country's total turnover is generated via the online channel.[48] Arab states The rate of growth of the number of internet users in the Arab countries has been rapid – 13.1% in 2015. A significant portion of the e-commerce market in the Middle East comprises people in the 30–34 year age group. Egypt has the largest number of internet users in the region, followed by Saudi Arabia and Morocco; these constitute 3/4th of the region's share. Yet, internet penetration is low: 35% in Egypt and 65% in Saudi Arabia.[49] The Gulf Cooperation Council countries have a rapidly growing market and are characterized by a population that becomes wealthier (Yuldashev). As such, retailers have launched Arabic-language websites as a means to target this population. Secondly, there are predictions of increased mobile purchases and an expanding internet audience (Yuldashev). The growth and development of the two aspects make the GCC countries become larger players in the electronic commerce market with time progress. Specifically, research shows that the e-commerce market was expected to grow to over $20 billion by 2020 among these GCC countries (Yuldashev). The e-commerce market has also gained much popularity among western countries, and in particular Europe and the U.S. These countries have been highly characterized by consumer-packaged goods (CPG) (Geisler, 34). However, trends show that there are future signs of a reverse. Similar to the GCC countries, there has been increased purchase of goods and services in online channels rather than offline channels. Activist investors are trying hard to consolidate and slash their overall cost and the governments in western countries continue to impose more regulation on CPG manufacturers (Geisler, 36). In these senses, CPG investors are being forced to adapt to e-commerce as it is effective as well as a means for them to thrive. The future trends in the GCC countries will be similar to that of the western countries. Despite the forces that push business to adapt e-commerce as a means to sell goods and products, the manner in which customers make purchases is similar in countries from these two regions. For instance, there has been an increased usage of smartphones which comes in conjunction with an increase in the overall internet audience from the regions. Yuldashev writes that consumers are scaling up to more modern technology that allows for mobile marketing. However, the percentage of smartphone and internet users who make online purchases is expected to vary in the first few years. It will be independent on the willingness of the people to adopt this new trend (The Statistics Portal). For example, UAE has the greatest smartphone penetration of 73.8 per cent and has 91.9 per cent of its population has access to the internet. On the other hand, smartphone penetration in Europe has been reported to be at 64.7 per cent (The Statistics Portal). Regardless, the disparity in percentage between these regions is expected to level out in future because e-commerce technology is expected to grow to allow for more users. The e-commerce business within these two regions will result in competition. Government bodies at the country level will enhance their measures and strategies to ensure sustainability and consumer protection (Krings, et al.). These increased measures will raise the environmental and social standards in the countries, factors that will determine the success of the e-commerce market in these countries. For example, an adoption of tough sanctions will make it difficult for companies to enter the e-commerce market while lenient sanctions will allow ease of companies. As such, the future trends between GCC countries and the Western countries will be independent of these sanctions (Krings, et al.). These countries need to make rational conclusions in coming up with effective sanctions. India Main article: E-commerce in India India had an Internet user base of about 460 million as of December 2017.[50] Despite being the third largest user base in the world, the penetration of the Internet is low compared to markets like the United States, United Kingdom or France but is growing at a much faster rate, adding around six million new entrants every month.[citation needed] In India, cash on delivery is the most preferred payment method, accumulating 75% of the e-retail activities.[51][citation needed] The India retail market was expected to rise from 2.5% in 2016 to 5% in 2020.[52] Brazil In 2013, Brazil's e-commerce was growing quickly with retail e-commerce sales expected to grow at a double-digit pace through 2014. By 2016, eMarketer expected retail e-commerce sales in Brazil to reach $17.3 billion.[53] Logistics Logistics in e-commerce mainly concerns fulfillment. Online markets and retailers have to find the best possible way to fill orders and deliver products. Small companies usually control their own logistic operation because they do not have the ability to hire an outside company. Most large companies hire a fulfillment service that takes care of a company's logistic needs.[54] The optimization of logistics processes that contains long-term investment in an efficient storage infrastructure system and adoption of inventory management strategies is crucial to prioritize customer satisfaction throughout the entire process, from order placement to final delivery.[55] Impacts Impact on markets and retailers Store closing flags outside a Toys R Us in Deptford, New Jersey. Despite investments, the chain struggled to win market share in the age of digital commerce. E-commerce markets grew at noticeable rates. The online market was expected to grow by 56% in 2015–2020. In 2017, retail e-commerce sales worldwide amounted to 2.3 trillion US dollars and e-retail revenues were projected to grow to 4.891 trillion US dollars in 2021.[56] Traditional markets are only expected 2% growth during the same time. Brick and mortar retailers are struggling because of online retailer's ability to offer lower prices and higher efficiency. Many larger retailers are able to maintain a presence offline and online by linking physical and online offerings.[57] E-commerce allows customers to overcome geographical barriers and allows them to purchase products anytime and from anywhere. Online and traditional markets have different strategies for conducting business. Traditional retailers offer fewer assortment of products because of shelf space where, online retailers often hold no inventory but send customer orders directly to the manufacturer. Dropshipping is a means of shipping goods from a manufacturer or wholesaler directly to a customer instead of to a retailer.[58] This process results in the vendor not holding any stock but serves as an intermediary between the buyer and the third-party supplier.[59] The dropshipping market is expected to reach $1.51 Tn by 2032, according to a Global Market Insights report, which studied the main dropshipping markets, including Alibaba.com, Chinabrands.com, Doba, Printful, Salehoo, Shopify, and Spocket.[60] The pricing strategies are also different for traditional and online retailers. Traditional retailers base their prices on store traffic and the cost to keep inventory. Online retailers base prices on the speed of delivery. There are two ways for marketers to conduct business through e-commerce: fully online or online along with a brick and mortar store. Online marketers can offer lower prices, greater product selection, and high efficiency rates. Many customers prefer online markets if the products can be delivered quickly at relatively low price. However, online retailers cannot offer the physical experience that traditional retailers can. It can be difficult to judge the quality of a product without the physical experience, which may cause customers to experience product or seller uncertainty. Another issue regarding the online market is concerns about the security of online transactions. Many customers remain loyal to well-known retailers because of this issue.[61] Security is a primary problem for e-commerce in developed and developing countries. E-commerce security is protecting businesses' websites and customers from unauthorized access, use, alteration, or destruction. The type of threats include: malicious codes, unwanted programs (ad ware, spyware), phishing, hacking, and cyber vandalism.[62] E-commerce websites use different tools to avert security threats. These tools include firewalls, encryption software, digital certificates, and passwords.[62] Impact on supply chain management Main article: Supply chain management For a long time, companies had been troubled by the gap between the benefits which supply chain technology has and the solutions to deliver those benefits. However, the emergence of e-commerce has provided a more practical and effective way of delivering the benefits of the new supply chain technologies.[63] E-commerce has the capability to integrate all inter-company and intra-company functions, meaning that the three flows (physical flow, financial flow and information flow) of the supply chain could be also affected by e-commerce. The affections on physical flows improved the way of product and inventory movement level for companies. For the information flows, e-commerce optimized the capacity of information processing than companies used to have, and for the financial flows, e-commerce allows companies to have more efficient payment and settlement solutions.[63] In addition, e-commerce has a more sophisticated level of impact on supply chains: Firstly, the performance gap will be eliminated since companies can identify gaps between different levels of supply chains by electronic means of solutions; Secondly, as a result of e-commerce emergence, new capabilities such implementing ERP systems, like SAP ERP, Xero, or Megaventory, have helped companies to manage operations with customers and suppliers. Yet these new capabilities are still not fully exploited. Thirdly, technology companies would keep investing on new e-commerce software solutions as they are expecting investment return. Fourthly, e-commerce would help to solve many aspects of issues that companies may feel difficult to cope with, such as political barriers or cross-country changes. Finally, e-commerce provides companies a more efficient and effective way to collaborate with each other within the supply chain.[63] Impact on employment E-commerce helps create new job opportunities due to information related services, software app and digital products. It also causes job losses. The areas with the greatest predicted job-loss are retail, postal, and travel agencies. The development of e-commerce will create jobs that require highly skilled workers to manage large amounts of information, customer demands, and production processes. In contrast, people with poor technical skills cannot enjoy the wages welfare. On the other hand, because e-commerce requires sufficient stocks that could be delivered to customers in time, the warehouse becomes an important element. Warehouse needs more staff to manage, supervise and organize, thus the condition of warehouse environment will be concerned by employees.[64] Impact on customers E-commerce brings convenience for customers as they do not have to leave home and only need to browse websites online, especially for buying products which are not sold in nearby shops. It could help customers buy a wider range of products and save customers' time. Consumers also gain power through online shopping. They are able to research products and compare prices among retailers. Thanks to the practice of user-generated ratings and reviews from companies like Bazaarvoice, Trustpilot, and Yelp, customers can also see what other people think of a product, and decide before buying if they want to spend money on it.[65][66] Also, online shopping often provides sales promotion or discounts code, thus it is more price effective for customers. Moreover, e-commerce provides products' detailed information; even the in-store staff cannot offer such detailed explanation. Customers can also review and track the order history online. E-commerce technologies cut transaction costs by allowing both manufactures and consumers to skip through the intermediaries. This is achieved through by extending the search area best price deals and by group purchase. The success of e-commerce in urban and regional levels depend on how the local firms and consumers have adopted to e-commerce.[67] However, e-commerce lacks human interaction for customers, especially who prefer face-to-face connection. Customers are also concerned with the security of online transactions and tend to remain loyal to well-known retailers. In recent years, clothing retailers such as Tommy Hilfiger have started adding Virtual Fit platforms to their e-commerce sites to reduce the risk of customers buying the wrong sized clothes, although these vary greatly in their fit for purpose.[68] When the customer regret the purchase of a product, it involves returning goods and refunding process. This process is inconvenient as customers need to pack and post the goods. If the products are expensive, large or fragile, it refers to safety issues.[57] Impact on the environment In 2018, E-commerce generated 1.3 million short tons (1.2 megatonnes) of container cardboard in North America, an increase from 1.1 million (1.00)) in 2017. Only 35 percent of North American cardboard manufacturing capacity was from recycled content. The recycling rate in Europe was 80 percent and Asia was 93 percent. Amazon, the largest user of boxes, had a strategy to cut back on packing material and reduced packaging material used by 19 percent by weight since 2016. Amazon is requiring retailers to manufacture their product packaging in a way that does not require additional shipping packaging. Amazon also has an 85-person team researching ways to reduce and improve their packaging and shipping materials.[69] Accelerated movement of packages around the world includes accelerated movement of living things, such as invasive species.[70] Weeds, pests, and diseases all sometimes travel in packages of seeds.[70] Some of these packages are part of brushing manipulation of e-commerce reviews.[70] Impact on traditional retail E-commerce has been cited as a major force for the failure of major U.S. retailers in a trend frequently referred to as a "retail apocalypse."[71] The rise of e-commerce outlets like Amazon has made it harder for traditional retailers to attract customers to their stores and forced companies to change their sales strategies. Many companies have turned to sales promotions and increased digital efforts to lure shoppers while shutting down brick-and-mortar locations.[72] The trend has forced some traditional retailers to shutter its brick and mortar operations.[73] E-commerce during COVID-19 Further information: Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic § E-commerce In March 2020, global retail website traffic hit 14.3 billion visits[74] signifying an unprecedented growth of e-commerce during the lockdown of 2020. Later studies show that online sales increased by 25% and online grocery shopping increased by over 100% during the crisis in the United States.[75] Meanwhile, as many as 29% of surveyed shoppers state that they will never go back to shopping in person again; in the UK, 43% of consumers state that they expect to keep on shopping the same way even after the lockdown is over.[76] Retail sales of e-commerce shows that COVID-19 has a significant impact on e-commerce and its sales were expected to reach $6.5 trillion by 2023.[77]