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Headline: Turn Your Backyard into a Grocery Store—No Guessing Involved. Subheading: Introducing SproutPlan - the intelligent gardening companion that recommends plants for your micro-climate, advises on location for planting, and provides reminders about when to irrigate. Are you tired of losing your plants, and spending your entire weekend trying to revive them? You do not need to be a professional horticulturist to start growing your own vegetables. If you have some vacant land in your backyard, or if you are using two raised beds on your back deck, SproutPlan will eliminate all the "guesswork" involved in growing your own fresh organic produce this year. How SproutPlan is used: Custom Drag-and-Drop Layouts: Enter the dimensions of your yard, as well as how much sun it receives. Our automated garden planner will automatically place plants that grow well together (for example, basil near tomatoes) so you can naturally reduce pest problems and increase your produce. Hyper-Local Planting Calendars: It is hard to tell exactly when the last frost will occur. SproutPlan connects with your home town’s weather station and sends out automatically triggered push notifications to you when you should plant seeds or transplant seedlings. Daily smart care tasks: Forget the generic advice. You will get a simple, easy to use daily task list on your cell phone: "water the lettuce (dry spell on the horizon)," or "prune tomato suckers today." "Last year I lost all three of my tomato plants. This year we have not purchased any salad greens since two months ago. SproutPlan was completely idiot-proof." — Elena R., Beginning Gardener Fresh Food, At Your Fingertips. No need to waste hours of time reading conflicting information on various internet forums. When you have the SproutPlan mobile app with you, you will always be aware of the steps needed to complete each stage of your garden development — from planting the seed, to harvesting your crop and preparing it for dinner. Save money on your groceries, eat healthier foods and fall in love with the simplest hobby you will have tried. [Begin your free two-week trial] You do not need to provide your credit card information. This product is suitable for all U.S. hardiness zone designations (zones 3 - 11).

Elevate your skill level by using a highly accurate ruler that has been manufactured to the highest standards. This ruler is made from stainless steel and has been precision-milled. It is designed to be used in workshops as well as other demanding environments where accuracy is critical. This ruler is made of high quality, hardened stainless steel which protects against rusting, bending, and the daily abuse of everyday use. The edges of the ruler are precision machined using CNC technology, creating a sharp, perfectly straight line to use when drafting, marking, or making precise cuts. Unlike some cheaper options on the market today (i.e. stamped metal rulers), where the numbers can fade over time; our ultra-fine imperial and metric measurements will last forever due to being laser etched into the surface of the ruler. In addition to being laser etched, the ruler also has a anti-reflective satin-chrome finish that allows you to easily see the measurements regardless of whether you are working in a brightly lit studio or outdoors in direct sunlight. This is the only product on the market today that has a true-zero edge. You will never have to doubt where to begin when taking flush butt-joint measurements against vertical surfaces. This product also offers a balanced weight and substantial size, giving it a solid feel on all types of materials (wood, paper, fabric, and metal) which helps prevent slippage during use. Whether you are an architect working on plans and details, a woodworker creating complex joinery designs, or an engineer verifying exact measurements, the reliability of this ruler is guaranteed. Upgrade your work area with a durable instrument that will last for years. Measure with certainty.

Grow your own vegetables, one little step at a time The best part about growing your own food is that it doesn't take a lot of space, a gardener's knowledge, or a mountain of gardening literature to produce some tasty treats. SproutPlan allows you to transform a small, sunny portion of your property into an easy-to-manage vegetable garden. Where are you? How big is your yard or patio? What would you like to grow? SproutPlan creates a custom garden plan based upon the types of produce that will thrive in your climate, creates an easy-to-read diagram, and provides a weekly schedule of tasks. With SproutPlan, you don't have to guess at when to plant, when to water, or what task is next. A Garden Design That Fits Your Lifestyle When you begin, use what is available to you. For example, a small area of garden, a couple of planters, or a strip of land next to a fence can provide ample opportunity. Keep on top of your garden's needs through the use of friendly reminders that will assist you in remembering to water, plant, and harvest, even during times when you may be extremely occupied. As you develop, learn; clearly stated instructions for every activity will allow you to gain confidence in yourself, as well as the ability to produce tomatoes. You should make space for the things that are important. Select the vegetables that you believe your family will like and then alter the way you do business when you realize how to make things better. It is not necessary for you to be successful during your first year. Perhaps the lettuce will do well and the carrots will amaze you. You may also find that five minutes in your garden after coming home from work is what you look forward to most each day. SproutPlan is here to help you get started with reasonable goals and continue to work on them one achievable step at a time. No big spreadsheets. No questioning if it was the right time to plant. A logical way to go from nothing in the soil to your initial home-grown crop. Ready to find out how much food you can produce right in your own backyard? With our free garden planner, you can begin the process of growing fresh produce in your yard. Before you purchase any seeds or dig up the soil, you will have the opportunity to view your garden plan; once you are satisfied with your plan, you may begin. To get started on creating your garden, you just need to provide some basic information and be curious about what you would like to grow.

In addition to roads, water systems, sidewalks, and transit keeping people safe and connected, public art can also make these common areas more inviting, memorable, and reflective of the individuals who utilize them. Thus, communities do not need to view public art and infrastructure as competing interests. Rather, the difficulty is to find ways to finance both without requiring residents to decide whether they want a mural or a functioning water main. The first priority should be essential repairs and safety. The City cannot postpone repairing a damaged bridge in order to hire an artist to design a sculpture. However, "infrastructure first" does not have to equal "no art ever." Communities may allocate a small, clear percentage of capital project funding for public space development (transit stations, etc.) that will include art. This could include installing tile work by local artists during the construction process of a transit station; this is usually cheaper than attempting to add the tile work after the transit station has been built. The decision making process must reflect the priority of the community, rather than the desires of government employees or large contributors. The use of public forums, accessible surveys and the payment of community artists to provide feedback on proposed projects will assist in identifying those projects that are most valued by the community. Additionally, maintenance of the project must be included in the budget; a poorly maintained project, such as a poorly maintained piece of infrastructure, may eventually become an eyesore and/or cost the city money to repair. Finally, cities need to assess the effectiveness of their spending over time. Are basic services getting better? Are arts being made available to underserved areas of the city? Are projects providing opportunities for local artists, and encouraging residents to utilize public space? Assessing these issues allows communities to make changes in how they allocate funds instead of simply maintaining an established method of allocation. A balanced budget will protect the necessary functions of the city (e.g. water, road maintenance) but will also acknowledge that there are other aspects to a successful community beyond simply maintaining basic infrastructure. Public art can contribute to a sense of community identity and increased civic engagement, particularly if residents participate in the design process and understand the cost of such projects.

A ruler that allows you to measure and mark each line with accuracy. The ruler is made of precision-milled stainless steel, which provides a straight, reliable edge for laying out materials, creating drawings, and performing general workshop duties. It also has a solid feel when held in your hand due to being constructed entirely from metal, making it an excellent addition to your toolbox. The ruler will help you make a cutting line, measure a distance, draw with a pencil, or keep a drawing straight. It has a very small thickness that allows you to easily find the location you want to measure and look through the ruler to see what you are working on. At a desk, on a work bench, or in a project bag; this is a basic tool that does one thing: help you do quality work. This ruler was designed to be used by those who value a neat line; makers, designers, students, etc. This ruler is easy to incorporate into daily life. This ruler works well with a sharp pencil, a marking knife, or even your favorite notebook. This ruler can help you plan out a large project or take a simple measurement. Its accurate edge allows you to go from an idea to the next stage in your work process with confidence. Always have this ruler close at hand for the short checks and straight lines that can add up to something significant over time.

Small-Scale Regenerative Agriculture in the Literature Although industrial agriculture has achieved tremendous productivity increases during the past century, its environmental costs are becoming well-documented. Concern over soil erosion, loss of organic matter and biodiversity, contamination of freshwater resources (Godfray et al., 2010) and agriculture's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions have spurred research and practice focused on alternative food production models (Foley et al., 2011; Montgomery, 2007). Of these, regenerative agriculture is widely recognised as a more comprehensive framework that not only seeks to minimise harm but also actively restore damaged ecosystems. In particular its application at small scales, on farms and market gardens usually under twenty hectares has received increasing academic attention and although the evidence base is still scattered. There is no widely accepted definition for regenerative agriculture. Academics usually define it as a number of outcome-based practices designed to restore soil health, increase biodiversity, improve water cycles and enhance farm resilience (Newton et al., 2020; Schreefel et al., 2020). Cover cropping, reduced and zero tillage cultivation practices, more diverse rotations, composting of manure and other materials for soil fertility improvements, agroforestry including the use of tree crops as windbreaks in farmland areas and managed rotational grazing are often cited. The vagueness of this definition has also led to controversy, with critics of the use of this term noting a risk that it may become an empty marketing slogan over time and fail to deliver any tangible environmental impact (Giller et al., 2021). This makes strict empirical evaluation all the more imperative with respect to such worries. Because small-scale systems sit at a unique juncture in this conversation. There is lot of food, especially in the Global South (Lowder et al., 2016), that is produced by smallholders and small farms using diversified, labour-intensive methods that emerge naturally from principles aligned to regenerative practices. Supporters say these farms should also be more flexible in terms of how they can do regenerative practices, keep closer tabs on local growing conditions, and tap into traditional ecological knowledge. Small-scale producers with capital-poor systems are also constrained in many ways, such as insecure land tenure system; tight budget constraint to maintain farm and livestock resources; lack of access to markets; and labor intensive approaches that lead to limited adoption or economic benefits during transitioning periods from moubarak. This review quantifies evidence from the existing literature about key themes of small-scale regenerative agriculture within three broad research areas: ecological outcomes, socioeconomic dimensions, and barriers to adoption. The initial focus is on the evidence supporting soil carbon storage, biodiversity and yield performance. From there, it moves on to looking at profitability, livelihoods and community knowledge networks. Finally, it reviews institutional and structural factors that influence uptake. The review identifies methodological limitations and research gaps, especially the absence of long-term, scale dependent studies, in order to clarify what is known, what remains contentious and where future examination should be focused. Word count: ~400

Small-scale regenerative agriculture has received increased interest from farmers, researchers and policy makers who want to develop new methods of producing food and at the same time restore the ecosystems that agriculture relies on. The term "regenerative agriculture" does not refer to a specific technique; rather it represents an overall approach that emphasizes soil health, biological diversity, nutrient cycling and reduced dependency on external inputs. Some examples of practices associated with regenerative agriculture include composting, cover crops, crop rotation, agroforestry, reduced tillage and integration of animals when possible. Small farm regenerative agricultural practices are influenced by limited land and capital, household labor, local environmental knowledge and access to markets. Therefore, a review of the literature should consider regenerative agriculture as both a physical set of practices applied to the land and as a socio-economic strategy. Research into regenerative agriculture often focuses on the ability of the practice to enhance the physical characteristics of the soil, add organic content to the soil, provide a habitat for beneficial organisms and help make the crops grown in the soil more resilient to both drought and excessive precipitation. Additionally, a farmer who diversifies their crops can decrease their reliance upon commercially produced fertilizer and pesticide products as well as create other opportunities for producing food or generating income. However, there are no guarantees that all of the above will occur at every farm that utilizes regenerative agricultural practices. There is a wide range of factors (including climate, soil characteristics, previous land use patterns, the combination of practices used by the farmer, etc.) that can influence the success of a regenerative agricultural system. It should also be noted that findings from large scale agricultural operations or experimental studies conducted in controlled environments may not necessarily apply to small-scale agricultural operations. Small-scale farmers generally have many more constraints on them financially and operate within more complex systems. In addition to the aforementioned opportunities, the literature has also identified key obstacles to the adoption of these practices. Practicing the new methods will likely involve learning new skills, purchasing new equipment, hiring additional workers, and making initial expenditures prior to experiencing the benefits. In addition, the lack of long-term security in land ownership may dissuade farmers from investing in projects that will take several years to pay off. Whether or not farmers are able to maintain the changes they have implemented depends heavily upon access to agricultural extension services; affordable credit options; public policies that support alternative production systems; and marketing channels (i.e., buyers) that are willing to purchase products grown under varying conditions, such as those that are seasonally produced. All of these factors are especially critical in small-scale agricultural systems since a poor crop year can severely impact a family's livelihood. In addition to this, there are still differences in how people define "regeneration". There are also many different ways that researchers measure whether or not regenerative agriculture has been successful. For example, some researchers look at soil carbon, others at yields, others at biodiversity, others at profits made by farmers, and some even look at the well-being of the farmers themselves. Because of these differences in definition and measurement of success, when claims are made about the potential of regenerative agriculture to mitigate climate change or increase production levels, it is very important to consider the starting point (baseline) of the study, the length of time over which the study took place, and whether any negative consequences were identified during the course of the study. This article brings together research from agronomy and socioeconomics to examine what we know about small-scale regenerative agriculture, what we do not yet know, and what conditions appear to make it more likely to be successful. The article addresses the relationship between environmental benefits and financial viability of the farm, rather than assuming that improvements in environmental benefits will automatically lead to improved financial viability. By examining the results of different studies conducted under various circumstances and with different practices, the article intends to help clarify both the potential and limitations of applying regenerative practices to small-scale farms.

Dear Hiring Manager, I am very interested in applying for your freelance documentary editor position. I have always been drawn to creating compelling, authentic, and lasting films from actual events. The opportunity to work on this project is exactly what I enjoy doing as an editor; discovering the core emotion within a large amount of footage and then developing a story around it that will resonate with both those who are featured in the film and those watching. I begin by listening. Prior to making any substantial cuts, I spend time with the footage, interviews, and production notes in order to understand what each contributor is saying and what might be occurring below the surface. After doing so, I will then attempt to create a structure which provides the story momentum without creating a forced fit for it. In addition to this, I will also provide significant attention to pacing, transitions, and the relationship between dialogue, image, and sound; all of which will be kept in relation to the film's central question. Freelance work taught me how to be both collaborative and self-directed. I value honest feedback, clearly explain why I chose certain edits, and keep myself organized as I go through revisions and deliveries. I am comfortable working closely with directors and producers to explore various options such as; changing the opening, tightening the interview sequence, or developing a more satisfying ending. Additionally, I understand when to take a step back, provide a new point-of-view, and allow the strongest parts of the project to have room to grow. What attracts me to documentary editing is the combination of technique and duty. An effective edit can generate tension, understanding and emotion, however, it must always keep in mind the actual individuals who are depicted on the screen. My goal is to develop a relationship based upon confidence with my partners through careful management of sensitive materials, early identification of potential problems, and receptivity to subtleties. If a story shifts direction during the process of editing, I do not view this shift as a impediment; rather I perceive it as a opportunity to discover where the footage takes us. This project will allow me to use my curiosity, patience and ability to see stories in everything. I am able to fit into your process, keep a consistent editing schedule, and create versions of the video that are easy to view for decision making. I am happy to assist you in creating the best version of your documentary through any stage of the process, whether that includes a rough cut, fine cut, or focused editing on specific parts. Thank you for reviewing my application. I would love the chance to talk about the project, what you are trying to accomplish with the publication, and how I can help make that happen. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Creating a self-illustrated picture book can be an extremely fulfilling process. As an author/illustrator, you have total creative freedom to tell your story in whatever way you see fit. The following provides a step-by-step guide to taking your idea from concept to publication. 1. Know the rules of the picture book. Standard picture books typically consist of 32 pages. When you are ready to start illustrating your story, create a dummy or miniature version of your book with 32 pages. It is important to note that the illustrations will be more than just a visual representation of the written content; the illustrations will provide additional layers of meaning through the use of subtext, humor, and emotion. The number of words found within standard picture books for young readers is typically less than 500. 2. Make the art Once you have finished making changes to your dummy, it's time to begin working on the final version of your artwork. Consistency is key when creating a series of illustrations; make sure that the same main character is recognizable from all angles on each spread. Whether you choose to create your artwork by hand (such as with watercolors or gouache), scan your artwork at a high resolution (at least 300 - 600 dpi). However, if you opt to create your artwork electronically (using programs such as Procreate or Photoshop), use the CMYK color model so that what you see on the screen matches what will be printed. Most importantly, allow for a 1/8-inch bleed around your illustrations to prevent any critical parts of the illustration from being lost due to trimming during the printing process. 3. Select a Publishing Route The first route is through the application process and the second is through the interview process. traditional publishing: find literary agents and/or art directors that are currently working for traditional publishing companies and working with "author-illustrators." develop your professional online portfolio; create a dummy book (pdf format); write a query letter. once you sign with a publisher, they will print, distribute and market your work. you will receive an advance payment as well as ongoing royalty payments. Self-Publishing (Indie): You have complete control over your book and can get it to market quickly. Utilize Print on Demand (POD) services such as Amazon KDP (to create paperbacks and reach a worldwide audience) and IngramSpark (to produce quality hardcovers and make your book available through bookstore catalogs). In order to distribute your book widely outside of Amazon, you must buy your own International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) from Bowker in the United States. 4. layout and production Pairing your text with your artwork is easy when you use design software such as Adobe InDesign, Affinity Publisher, or Canva. Choose readable, professional typography that enhances the artwork. After creating the layout for the interior of the book, export the files as a high resolution, print-ready PDF, along with a separate cover spread file (back cover, spine, and front cover on one sheet). 5. Launch & Promote Always request a physical proof of the finished product to verify color accuracy, trim areas, and typography positioning prior to releasing it to the public. After you have verified that the product meets your quality standards, begin promoting your book through contacting independent bookstores in your area to arrange reading sessions, interacting with parents and educators via social media platforms, and requesting reviews from book bloggers.

Introduction As the world experiences multiple compounding crises such as rapidly changing climate conditions, collapsing biological diversity, and widespread degradation of soils, there is an ever-increasing amount of pressure on industrial agricultural paradigms. Although the 20th century practice of using heavy amounts of inputs to produce large amounts of food in short periods of time were effective in terms of yield, they had negative impacts on the environment; specifically the depletion of arable topsoil and the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. To address some of the issues associated with industrial agriculture, regenerative agriculture has developed as a system that goes beyond simply maintaining current levels of sustainability, but rather restores the functions of ecosystems. Practices within regenerative agriculture focus on enhancing soil biology, sequestering carbon, retaining water, and increasing biodiversity. This represents a fundamental change from a mentality of extracting resources to one of protecting them. Although most of what is written about regenerative agriculture describes large scale, mechanized applications, there is also a growing body of research describing the unique and potentially disproportionate advantages of small scale regenerative farming systems. Small-scale farms - often described as having small land areas, high amounts of labor per unit of land, and selling directly to consumers - provide a distinct area within the overall agroecological environment. While historically viewed through romantic lenses, but often ignored in government policies regarding agriculture, small-scale farming systems have an inherent ability to adapt, which makes them well suited for developing new regenerative agricultural techniques. In contrast to larger scale monocultures (single crop), small-scale systems are able to use a greater variety of complex, knowledge-based practices including multi-species cover crops; intense rotational grazing; bio-intensive no-till; and integrated agroforestry. Because there is such a strong connection between the people who work the land and the land itself in small-scale systems, there are short time periods for feedback from what was observed to what was done based upon those observations. This allows for quick adjustments to the local environment and the implementation of site specific ecological management. New literature is increasingly showing that small-scale regenerative agriculture should be viewed as more than just another option to conventional agriculture; instead, it can serve as a primary factor driving both resilient local food systems and decentralized climate change mitigation. Although interest in small scale regenerative agriculture is growing; however, there is still very little academic discussion about it. Ecological research consistently demonstrates how small scale regenerative agriculture provides local ecological benefits. However, socio-economic research identifies ongoing structural impediments to small scale regenerative agriculture. These include but are not limited to insecure land ownership rights, high levels of manual labor required for operations, and inability to financially support oneself through sales of produce from small scale regenerative agriculture in the current market system which supports commodities. Additionally, the absence of a commonly agreed upon definition of "regenerative" creates a potential risk for corporations to define regenerative agriculture in ways that could potentially diminish the core principles of small scale regenerative agriculture and indigenous agrarian traditions. Small-scale Regenerative Agriculture: A Critical Review of the Contemporary Scholarly Discourse on Small-Scale Regenerative Agriculture This critical literature review of small scale regenerative agriculture examines the current body of scholarly work concerning small-scale regenerative agriculture; specifically, how small-scale regenerative agriculture intersects with biophysical soil health, socio-economic feasibility, and institutional barriers. Ultimately, the purpose of this review is to assess whether or not small scale operations are able to provide a viable path forward for the transition of our food system from extractive to regenerative. In order to accomplish this objective, I have identified several gaps in existing empirical research regarding the potential for small-scale regenerative agriculture to become mainstreamed into larger scale agricultural systems. I have also discussed the various forms of structural interventions that would be required to facilitate the expansion of restorative agricultural practices in both different types of socio-ecological environments.

Start Your First Garden, Without Any Guessing. SproutPlan provides a simple, systematic approach to planting, maintaining and harvesting your backyard garden. You've imagined it; you've seen the tomatoes turn red while still attached to the vine; you've had fresh basil within arm's length of your kitchen; and you've enjoyed meals made with vegetables grown right outside your door. However, if this is something you want to do, how can you go about doing so? What amount of sunlight will you need to have a successful garden? At what time of the year should you begin planting your garden? Why was it that your lettuce went to seed so quickly last year? SproutPlan will provide you with an answer to each and every one of your questions; based upon what is available to you within your own yard, and also what fits into your daily schedule. Let me help you create your dream garden quickly and easily.### Your Garden, Designed in Minutes Let's get started on creating your dream garden! Enter your zip code, space and amount of sunlight in order to receive a tailored garden plan from SproutPlan. SproutPlan will provide you with a customized garden plan based on what grows well in your area, provides the appropriate spacing of plants, and groups plants together that are compatible and can provide mutual support. Learn Exactly What You Need To Accomplish At Any Given Time You will receive a custom-made calendar with simple reminders to help you water, feed, sow and harvest. To protect your seedlings from cold weather prior to the first freeze date, we offer frost-date alerts. Fast Problem Solving Yellow leaves? Weird spots? Just take a picture and find out what's wrong, along with how to fix it naturally. Stop wasting your evenings searching the internet for answers. Beginner Friendly and Professional Approved Smart plant suggestions customized for your experience level. Weekly lists (checklists) taking 15 minutes or less to complete. Track harvest results in order to determine what has been successful and begin planning for the next growing season. -Budget estimator for knowing what expenses are prior to purchasing even one seed "Every plant that has ever been under my care died within three months. After only three months with SproutPlan, I am now able to give away some of my zucchini to my neighbors." – Dana R., first-time gardener Get started with a 14-day free trial. You can start building your garden design right now, and you won't need to use a credit card. Once you have built your garden design, you will be able to begin planting your garden this weekend knowing that you are on track. [Start My Garden] Plans start at $6/month after the trial period. You can cancel at any time. Your backyard is set. Now let's start growing some things.

I became interested in human-computer interaction through a non-traditional route. My interest in this field did not stem from working in a computer lab; rather, it developed as I observed my grandmother's difficulty with using a telehealth program during a medical crisis. While the technology was available to help save my grandmother's life, the program's design prevented her from being able to use it effectively. During the chaos of the crisis, the lack of clarity provided by poor contrast, confusing icons, and complicated navigation turned what could have been a life saving tool into an impenetrable barrier. As a result of this experience, I realized that regardless of how innovative or sophisticated technology may be, if it does not address the emotional needs of people, their cognitive limitations, and their differences, then the technology will ultimately fail. During my college years, I worked to learn both parts of the "equation" - the technical limitations of software and the psychological reality of users. Through my coursework and self-directed projects, I continually found myself looking at areas of conflict between user intent and algorithmic execution. When working on a mobile app for local transit, I realized that writing efficient code was just one part of the job. Conducting user interviews, creating user journey maps, and redesigning the information architecture was what really made the product work. I realized that technology should accommodate the complexity of the human experience rather than force humans to adapt to the rigidity of technology. I am looking forward to pursuing my Graduate Studies in Human Computer Interaction so that I can create a connection between what technology can do (computational power) and the human experience (empathy). I am especially interested in creating designs for the new ways people will interact with computers (e.g., voice interfaces, multimodal AI, ambient computing) that are inclusive instead of exclusive. The use of artificial intelligence is becoming so prevalent throughout our lives that there is an immediate and critical need for creating thoughtful, ethical and inclusive interfaces. I believe your program provides the perfect cross-disciplinary setting to continue my exploration of these questions. Through the integration of rigorous user-research methodology and state-of-the-art technological prototyping, I wish to examine how adaptive interfaces can provide opportunities to empower people who may have limited access to technology (i.e., those who are older or do not know much about computers). In addition to building systems that are functional, I want to create user-friendly and equitable technological experiences that make technology appear as though it is not a barrier but rather a natural extension of one's ability.

The future of knowledge work will be revolutionized by generative AI; however, that revolution will be positive only if workers are able to maintain control over their work. Generative AI is a technology that allows computers to create original content (such as text, images, music, etc.) based on existing data. Generative AI is expected to significantly reduce the time required to complete many tasks, allowing workers to focus on more complex or creative endeavors. This technology also has the potential to help workers develop new skills, as it enables them to learn through trial-and-error without risk of failure. However, generative AI may have some negative consequences as well. For example, generative AI may lead to job displacement. As AI becomes more sophisticated, it will be able to perform many of the functions currently completed by humans. If these tasks can be automated, there will be less need for humans to perform them. In addition, generative AI may create an environment where workers feel less valued. Because generative AI can produce high quality results with minimal human input, workers may begin to believe that their contributions are not as valuable as they once were. To avoid these potential negatives, it is essential that workers retain control over their work. When workers are in control of their work, they can use generative AI as a tool to enhance their productivity and creativity. Workers can also use generative AI as a way to expand their knowledge base and skill set. Ultimately, if workers are able to retain control over their work, then generative AI will be a positive force in the evolution of knowledge work. Generative AI is transforming knowledge work; as such, it can produce written materials (e.g., drafts), summarize existing research, generate computer programming language (i.e., code), and synthesize/analyze data within seconds. There are some individuals who worry that generative AI's capabilities will eliminate the need for human employees. While this concern is valid and warrants consideration, it does not take into account the distinction between providing an explanation/answer and accepting responsibility for that explanation/answer. Generative AI's primary contribution to knowledge workers' productivity will come from treating generative AI as a tool to support employees' work, as opposed to a substitute for their professional judgments. AI has the potential to help workers who do a lot of repetitive, mundane tasks. Lawyers spend time reviewing documents; marketers create multiple versions of messages; and software developers search for bugs. Each of these can be done faster with AI as it can produce a first draft of the task or identify patterns in the data that the worker can further explore. Time saved from doing routine work can then be used to interview clients, test out new ideas, and solve difficult problems. Therefore, using AI does not only allow workers to produce more work, but also higher quality work. However, efficiency cannot be the only criterion for measuring the level of achievement. Generative AI has the ability to produce fabricated data, reflect existing prejudices, and display poor logical thinking with undeserved certainty. As a result, if an employee relies on the output produced by the AI without verifying the accuracy of the information provided by the AI, the error rate will increase significantly more quickly than it did prior to using the AI. Therefore, employers must establish clear guidelines regarding verifying information generated by the AI, maintaining the confidentiality of information used to train the AI, and holding employees accountable for the consequences of relying on the AI. A human being remains responsible for making decisions that could have a negative impact on people's health, financial stability, legal protections, or livelihood. Critics are concerned about the fact that AI will reduce entry-level positions. This is a valid concern because junior workers usually gain experience through performing the same tasks that AI could potentially perform. If companies stop having these tasks available for junior workers to complete, then the company may be able to achieve some short-term efficiencies but it could potentially damage its long-term workforce. Therefore, rather than eliminating these tasks, companies should redesign junior positions so that junior workers can evaluate the machine-generated output, ask relevant questions and develop an understanding of the overall work process. For example, a new analyst should not just review and sign off on a report written by a machine; rather, the analyst should be trained to assess whether or not the machine's claims are accurate. The benefits of AI will be shared unequally; people who have a good understanding of what they do can take advantage of AI to do things better than before, while workers who have less training will have difficulty seeing when there has been an error. Therefore, employers must train employees and allow employees to help decide how to bring in new technologies. If this happens, employees will be able to learn faster and make better use of technology. Additionally, employees will be able to have some control over how new technology is brought into the workplace. The use of AI in the workplace will definitely affect what type of work people who use knowledge do. If this change results in a better experience for those using the technology, will depend on the decisions we are making today. When used as part of an organization's employee development program, when monitored by managers, and when employees are held responsible for the results of the technology; then AI can remove some of the routine tasks that many employees have to complete each day and allow them to focus more time on thinking. However, if an organization uses AI simply to lower payroll expenses, it may lead to less quality work being produced, and there may be fewer opportunities for individuals to enter into higher-level jobs.

10 Tips on Mechanical Keyboards for Typists Mechanical keyboards can dramatically improve the way you type on a computer, whether you write all day long, code all day long, or simply send out email after email. In addition to making your typing faster and more comfortable, mechanical keyboards look cool, too! Ready to take the leap? Here are 10 quick tricks for the best typing experience possible. 1. Accept the physical bump. Do not use the very sensitive linear switches that many of today's competitive gamers prefer. For most users who type on their computers all day long, they will find that they enjoy typing on tactile switches, such as Cherry MX Browns or Gateron Pro Browns. These switches provide a slight tactile feedback (bump) at the time the key is actuated. This feedback helps train your brain to release the key before it hits the bottom of the switch. The second thing to consider is whether you really want to click. I love how those blue switches sound when I listen to them on YouTube, but let's be honest - they can make quite a racket! When you're sharing a home with others or working in an open-plan office space, it's best to steer clear of "clicky" switches, unless you're looking for a revolution from your fellow occupants. 3. Select the Most Effective Design Full-sized keyboards consume a lot of space. Most typists find themselves more comfortable on either a 75% or TKL keyboard. These types of keyboards retain the necessary arrow and navigation keys but allow you to place your mouse closer to your body which provides an improved ergonomic position. I would write that "PBT Keycaps are worth the cost." If you buy a cheap keyboard, it will have ABS plastic keycaps which will turn shiny and greasy after only a few months. Try to find PBT keycaps. PBT keycaps have a slightly textured, matte surface that gives them a more high-end feel than ABS plastic, and they will not wear out as quickly. 5. Buy a Wrist Rest As opposed to mechanical keyboards that have a higher profile above the desk surface, low profile chiclet keyboards are much closer to the desk. You can use either a wooden or foam wrist rest to position your hands so that they remain in a natural posture; this will help reduce the amount of strain placed on your wrists. 6. Search for Hot-Swappable Circuit Boards If you’re unsure what kind of switches you’ll prefer, consider purchasing a "hot-swappable" mechanical keyboard. Hot-swappable keyboards allow users to easily remove and replace individual switches using a small tool; therefore, no soldering iron is needed. 7. Consider adding more detail to your profile. Keycaps are available in a variety of shapes known as profiles. You may want to explore some of the more common profile types such as OEM, Cherry, and Sculpted profiles which provide a natural fit for your fingers and make locating the home row simple. 8. Place a mat on your desk A large mousepad or felt desk mat does more than simply look good; it also reduces the low frequency vibrations from your fingers when typing, giving the keyboard a softer feel and a significantly improved sound. 9. Don’t ignore low-profile options. If you think that using a high profile mechanical keyboard would be too big of a transition for you from your current MacBook, then you should consider buying a low profile mechanical keyboard (such as the NuPhy Air series). This type of mechanical keyboard will give you the same mechanical typing experience that you desire but with less of a learning curve. 10. Learn to "float" Typing with a mechanical keyboard is less physically demanding than typing with other types of keyboards. Instead of hitting each key hard enough to push it all the way down to the surface below, you should try to glide across the keys as much as possible. If you do this, your typing speed and your joints will appreciate your effort. Happy typing!

Technology is present in almost all aspects of our daily life, however, many times technology is not working for those who are supposed to be served by it. I became aware of this issue while watching my grandmother try to navigate a banking application. My grandmother is an intelligent woman, capable, and very determined. However, the application's interface required knowledge that she would have had no prior experience with. Small icons, unlabeled options, and confusing error messages made her feel like she was doing something wrong. At that time, I knew she wasn't failing the technology, rather, the technology was failing her. That day was the beginning of my journey into Human Computer Interaction. Since that time, I've sought out ways to bring together individuals and the tools they employ. As part of my initial introduction to computer science/programming, although I enjoyed creating programs, I was far more motivated by thinking about the "aftermath" of the program being created - i.e., who would utilize the program, under what conditions would they utilize it, and what issues might they experience while utilizing it. When I volunteered to re-create my college organization's web site, I interviewed various members, observed how they attempted to find relevant information on the site, and developed prototype versions of the site which I had them test. Experiencing an initially confusing event registration process turn into one that individuals could complete in less than one minute was extremely rewarding. This experience demonstrated to me that designing a tool thoughtfully does not simply serve as an aesthetic addition; it determines whether the tool enables users to accomplish their goals or prevents users from accomplishing their goals. I am attracted to HCI because it brings together many fields that I find interesting: Psychology, Design, Engineering, and Ethics. It addresses technical problems in addition to human ones. How do we develop systems that are accessible to individuals who have physical or cognitive limitations? How do we design Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications that can be trusted by users and remain transparent? How do we build technologies that respect user's time and mental health instead of using their time and attention for profit? As interfaces continue to expand from computer monitors to include voice activated systems, gesture-based interactions, and virtual reality, these types of questions become even more relevant. I am interested in taking formal courses in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) so that I can acquire strong research methodologies, enhance my comprehension of cognitive and behavioral processes, and obtain instruction from leading HCI researchers. Additionally, I would like to work with fellow students with varying backgrounds since successful designs require input from numerous angles. My long-term career objective is to develop inclusive technology (either as part of a research team or in the private sector) to help people feel capable instead of confused. I strive to design systems that allow people to participate at their own level; therefore, nobody else will experience the same thing my grandmother did. Therefore, studying HCI is the next phase in achieving this vision.

Publishing Your Own Illustrated Children's Book Publishing your own written and illustrated picture books is much more than combining words and completed artwork. First make sure the book will be enjoyed by your target audience; then select the publishing option that best meets your needs and financial constraints. Develop the story. Choose an appropriate age group to write for; then read current picture books published for this age group. Continue revising until the words flow smoothly when read aloud, and the illustrations provide additional information beyond what is stated in the words. Create a dummy: a miniature version of the book (page-by-page) indicating how you plan to arrange the text, page turning, and illustrations on each page. A dummy will assist you in identifying pacing issues prior to spending hours creating finished spreads. Work on completing and preparing the illustrations for the book. Ensure that all the illustrations have consistent characterization and visual elements throughout the book. If you are creating your illustrations traditionally, either use a scanner or take photographs of them according to the requirements specified by your publisher or printer. If you are working digitally, verify that the size of your images, their resolution, color mode, and bleed—the additional space around the image that will be removed when printed—all meet the requirements. Allow sufficient space for the text while keeping the most critical parts of the illustration away from the edges of the pages. Pick a way to publish your work. If you choose to publish traditionally, look for agents/publishers who publish children's books written/illustrated by authors/illustrators. Make sure you read through the submission guidelines for every publisher/agent you apply to, as you may have to submit a manuscript, dummy, some finished illustrations (spreads), and a portfolio link. While traditional publishing companies typically take care of editing, designing, printing, and distributing your book, it could take a long time to get your book published. While self-publishing offers a high degree of control over the scheduling of your publication and the final product, it also puts the responsibility of production and selling on your shoulders. When comparing different types of printers or print-on-demand services, always use actual physical proof copies of your work rather than relying on on-line versions. Evaluate paper quality, color accuracy in reproducing your images/text, binding options, and determine how much you will need to charge per copy in order to break-even. Prepare the book to be published. Find an editor or ask for opinions from other experienced writers (or readers) no matter how much you've already edited. Edit the proof copy of your book's layout separately from editing the manuscript. The text may change position or disappear altogether when it is being designed. Design a clean and attractive cover for your book and write a brief summary of what your book is about. You will need to decide whether to purchase an ISBN number depending upon the way you intend to publish your book and where you plan to sell it. Order a proof copy of your book and check every single page before ordering the first printing of your book. Readers will be able to easily locate your book. Determine what you can afford to spend on copies of the book, shipping the books to customers, and advertising the book. Create a website for yourself as an author/illustrator that includes images of your work, as well as purchasing instructions. Reach out to bookstores, libraries, schools, and family-oriented events in your area with a specific, age-appropriate proposal (i.e., a reading or drawing workshop). Be sure to inquire about each location's policy regarding authors/illustrators visiting. Lastly, maintain organization in regards to all documents such as contracts, expense reports, etc. Your publishing process will consist of many different types of decisions both creatively and practically. A meticulously prepared dummy, a thoroughly reviewed proof, and a well-planned marketing strategy will result in a much better outcome for your book than attempting to publish too quickly.

Without sacrificing accuracy, there is a stainless-steel ruler. Precision milled from stainless steel, this ruler was created with those in mind that will not accept "close enough" (i.e. makers, machinists, engineers, and designers). Each ruler is made by CNC milling from one piece of top-quality 304 stainless steel and then given a satin brushed finish to help prevent glare and fingerprints. All of the graduation marks on the rulers are etched into the metal (not printed), making them virtually permanent. They will not fade, smudge or wear off no matter how many times you use your ruler each day in the shop, studio or lab. The markings are within ±0.01 inches of being accurate; they have both an imperial and a metric scale clearly marked on opposite sides. The small increment of 1/64" or 0.5 mm provides the ability to complete detailed layout tasks quickly and easily, and the larger numbers help to ensure that readings are made rapidly and without errors. This ruler has perfectly flat, square-ground edges which makes it an excellent straight edge for use when scribing, marking or cutting. The cork back provides support so that the ruler will not slip on any surface; also, there is a hanging hole on one side of the ruler so that you can hang it from your workbench. The ruler is made of corrosion resistant material and is strong; however, it is also very light. It can be passed down as opposed to replaced. Features: Length of 12 inches (300 mm). Double scale etching Non-slip back of cork Made from rust resistant 304 Stainless Steel Reliable results that will last a lifetime.

Ten Ways Mechanical Keyboards Can Be Better for Typists Your keyboard is much more than a device to type on. It is like having another co-worker. Below are ten suggestions for choosing and using a mechanical keyboard which will work well for you. Find out about your switches. Your switches are what make up the core of your keyboard. Linear switches (Red) will be smooth and quiet; tactile switches (Brown) will provide a slight "bump" when pressed; clicky switches (Blue) will produce a sound similar to that of a small typewriter. If possible, try them out first. Do not disregard the actuation force of your keyboard switches. Switches with low actuation force require less force to activate, thus reducing potential finger strain when typing for extended periods. Switches with higher actuation forces may assist those who consistently make errors while typing. Select the correct sized board. Boards with full-size will include a number pad, however boards with tenkeyless (TKL) or 75% layouts allow you to free up desk space. If you rarely use the number pad, then selecting a more compact option may help with posture as you'll be able to keep your mouse closer. Think about the environment in which you work. The loud clicking sound of mechanical switches can be very satisfying; however, your colleagues will likely not appreciate it. If you share a workspace with others, use quieter mechanical switches or add O-rings and/or foam padding to reduce the noise level. Get a wrist pad; the position of your wrist relative to the keyboard is important because you will be typing many times. A good wrist pad can help. Think about the type of keycap (profile) and the material it is made out of. PBT keycaps will not develop "shine" and have a nice texture. On the other hand, ABS keycaps are smoother; however, they wear out much faster than PBT. Additionally, if you have been typing on a laptop, low profile caps may provide you with a more comfortable typing experience. Consider a split or ergonomic keyboard. You may find this unusual looking initially; however, the use of a split keyboard allows for the relaxation of your shoulders. Allow yourself some time to become accustomed to the new layout. Choose hot-swappable sockets so that you can replace your switch with no soldering required. If you choose the incorrect type of switch, it is still possible to switch them out and try new things with your keyboard. Keep your keyboard free of dirt. It is amazing how quickly dirt such as crumbs, dust, and mysterious gunk will accumulate. Every couple of months, remove all of the keys from your keyboard, use a small brush to clean out the debris, and then wipe the entire keyboard down. Personalize your keyboard's arrangement. There are many mechanical keyboards that allow for customization (programmable keys and macros). You can change the function of keys you rarely use to functions you regularly use such as copying, pasting, and typing common phrases. Final Thoughts There isn't any "best" mechanical keyboard; the best mechanical keyboard is the one that is most comfortable for you. Do not let yourself become distracted by all the buzz around mechanical keyboards or the constant arguments on forums. Instead, begin with a good-quality, budget-friendly mechanical keyboard. After you determine what works well for you, adjust your setup accordingly. Your fingers will be grateful and perhaps you will find yourself wanting to do more typing. Happy typing!

Generative Artificial Intelligence is Expected to Transform How Knowledge Workers Do Their Jobs, Not Substitute Them. There are generally two sides to the discussion of how generative AI will affect knowledge workers. One group predicts that AI will take over many of the jobs of analysts, writers, and programmers. A second group views the technology as nothing more than a glorified auto-complete feature. Neither view captures the actual implications of generative AI on knowledge work. Generative AI will revolutionize knowledge work through both commoditization of routine cognition and increased importance of judgment, taste, and responsibility. Consider what these systems excel at. They create emails; they provide summaries of documents; they generate boilerplate code; and they create usable first drafts for almost every type of writing. At one time, these types of writing responsibilities required a great deal of time from professionals. In fact, a study conducted by researchers at MIT indicated that employees who used ChatGPT to assist them in completing writing responsibilities were able to complete their responsibilities approximately 40 percent faster than those who did not use ChatGPT, and also received higher quality ratings. Similarly, GitHub reported that its developers who utilized Copilot were able to complete responsibilities much quicker than those who did not. Therefore, if the price to develop a first draft becomes virtually zero, then developing a first draft is no longer the most valuable component of the responsibility. Everything that goes into the creation of the draft will become important. Someone must choose what is the most significant problem to address, assess the accuracy of the resulting output, and determine if a user with confidence in their own answer is actually incorrect. Generative models create citations out of thin air, misinterpret the context of a situation, and reinforce users' pre-existing beliefs. In the case of the attorney who cited a non-existent case in a court filing (as was reported about Mata v. Avianca), she wasn't replaced by technology - she simply failed to use her professional judgment. Humans are still responsible for verifying the accuracy of the generated content and being held accountable for its use. This becomes increasingly critical as more and more content is created using generative models. This change poses a threat, however, particularly for those just entering the field. For years, the initial years of work in the field of knowledge (i.e. entry-level) have functioned like an apprenticeship; i.e., junior analysts have learned how to write memos and junior developers have learned how to fix minor bugs. With AI performing these duties now, companies must find other ways to train their employees on-the-job, otherwise they will eventually experience a deficit in senior-level professionals capable of overseeing the machines. If companies view AI primarily as a way to reduce costs, they risk destroying their own pipeline of potential future talent. While some argue that the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to automate virtually every job (even those that rely heavily on human judgment), it is difficult to completely discount this as a potential outcome. However, looking at the historical record, we can see that when automation occurs, it usually changes how people perform their jobs, as opposed to eliminating those jobs entirely. For example, spreadsheet software did not eliminate the role of the accountant. Instead, it reduced the amount of time that accountants spent performing calculations, allowing them to focus more of their attention on analyzing the data generated by the software. The correct action is not fear or over-confidence. Workers must develop skills in defining the problem, evaluating information, and having deep knowledge of their field. Employers will need to re-design jobs and training based upon human control. Like other types of levers, the effect of generative AI will be determined by who is using it and how well they understand what they are affecting.

In today's globalized economy, where information crosses national borders daily, digital privacy laws are becoming increasingly irrelevant. Because of this, it is likely that many countries will be forced to adapt their digital privacy laws so that they can effectively regulate how companies handle personal data. As digital privacy laws provide individuals with greater control of their personal information, it becomes increasingly difficult to comprehend, apply and enforce these protections because of the movement of data from app to app, advertiser to advertiser, broker to broker, government to government. Companies are required by rules like the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation and California's privacy legislation to disclose how they handle data and provide people with some rights (e.g., the right to access and/or delete information). But, their effectiveness varies depending upon a individual's location, the type of company holding the data and any exceptions that may be relevant. This type of fragmented protection means that a user could potentially request that a company delete their account, but then find out that the same company retains records pertaining to the account as part of legal, security, or business obligations. Additionally, removing your data from a single service will not guarantee that other companies affiliated with the service have deleted your data. The use of consent is also limited. While privacy notices explain how your data will be used, these documents are typically very lengthy and challenging to compare. Additionally, in many instances, people require a particular service for work, school, or other aspects of their everyday lives; therefore, selecting "agree" is less indicative of an actual decision than it initially appears. Furthermore, although a company complies with the requirements of disclosure, users may not comprehend what information can be derived from their locations, purchases, or browsing histories. Enforcement can be difficult as well. Agencies enforcing laws are required to inspect complex, rapidly changing technical systems; these systems may span multiple countries. Large organizations typically possess the resources to hire lawyers and budget for compliance, whereas smaller organizations do not. Additionally, most of the time penalties will occur after the data was either collected or made public. The introduction of new technologies adds to the existing pressures on individuals. For example, AI-based systems can analyze data that seems harmless when considered individually and make inferences based upon those analyses. Additionally, data brokers are able to compile data from various sources; therefore, it is difficult for individuals to determine what type of information other organizations possess regarding them. Finally, some of the existing privacy regulations include provisions which exclude government operations or industries which are regulated under separate regulatory frameworks. This isn't saying that privacy legislation isn't effective. It can help organizations behave differently through access rights, limits on how much data they can collect, and punishment for misusing that data; all while giving regulators options to take action. However, the use of law alone won't provide consumers with a right to privacy when companies design their products to collect large amounts of consumer data automatically. The focus is now shifting towards a decision about whether lawmakers can begin to focus less on each person's consent for the way their information is collected, and instead start placing larger requirements upon organizations to limit their collection of data, keep that data secure, and provide justification as to why they are using it. More clearly defined regulations, strong enforcement of those regulations, and designing products with privacy in mind will help to close the gap between what individuals have a right to do with their data in theory, and what they actually can control in practice. Currently, although digital privacy law is a critical form of protection, it has one major limitation; information can move around, proliferate and expose more about you than you originally intended.

How to Get Your Own Self-Illustrated Picture Book Published 1. Get Your Manuscript Ready for Publishing Picture books typically contain less than 500 words per book, as well as 32 pages. When writing picture books, it is important to write tightly; to read your writing out loud on a regular basis; and to test the story with children. Each time you turn a page, there should be some sort of small surprise or visual reward. Additionally, please remember that your illustrations can help tell part of the story, therefore do not describe things that are already shown in the art. 2. Develop a Storyboard and Dummy Build a "dummy" copy of your book (either by cutting paper/cardboard/etc., or creating it digitally) so that you can see how the pages will look when they are printed. Check the pace of your story, where the text goes, and the general layout. When designing your pages, make sure to leave enough room at the top/bottom/sides for the "gutters" on each page, as some of your most important details may get lost in the center fold of the book. 3. Select your publishing option Author/Illustrator Submissions to Traditional Publishers Author/illustrators usually send the complete manuscript, a "dummy," and 2-3 completed sample illustrations. You should find literary agents/publishers that will review your submission and follow their submission requirements exactly. Be prepared to wait weeks/months/years for responses and rejection letters. SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) can help you find potential markets. With self-publishing, you retain creative control over your work as well as receive higher royalty payments; however, you will be responsible for producing, financing, and advertising your book. If you are looking to get your book published quickly or if you have a specific target market that is relatively small, self-publishing may be an option for you. 4. Finalizing Your Design Work For Self-Publishing Minimum resolution for printing is 300 DPI, and you can either use CMYK or the printer's specific color profile. You should provide a 0.125-inch bleed around each page. Select a common trim size like 8.5 x 8.5 inches or 8 x 10 inches. Ensure that your text and key art are located no closer than 0.5 inches from the edge of the page. 5. Pay Attention to the Specifics Editing: Work with a children's book editor, or trade critiques with other writers. Font Choice: Utilize legible, user friendly fonts with high color contrast. ISBN – Purchase your own via Bowker (USA) and have yourself listed as publisher. Copyright - Register your work with the U.S. Copyright Office. Select Your Preferred Print Vendor Print-on-demand providers (such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark) do not require you to hold stock of your books before you sell them; however, they provide broad distribution of your books. Offset printing should be used when you want to produce high-quality hardcovers or large quantities of your books. Offset printing will reduce the cost per book as long as you print enough copies. No matter how you choose to print your books, always request a proof copy of your book from your printer to ensure that the colors look right in person. Now, it's time to sell your book! Build an author website and email list prior to your launch. Connect with school libraries, local independent book stores, and parent bloggers. Provide reading events, classroom visits, and printable activities. Obtain early reviews by providing advance review copies of your book. Consider doing a Kickstarter (or other crowdfunding) campaign to finance the printing of your book and create a following. 8. Keep Creating Many times, success as an author of picture books comes down to creating a collection of your work. By learning what has worked for you based upon the sales data and the feedback you have received from your readers; you can begin to write the next chapter of your career. The patience, polish, and persistence that went into creating your illustrated vision will help it connect with young people all over the world.

Digital Privacy Legislation Falls Behind Technological Advancements in Collecting Information In response to the passage of major new privacy legislation by many governments around the world, there are also numerous researchers and advocacy groups who have expressed concern about whether these new legislative measures will actually be able to address all of the ways that people's personal data is being collected and used today. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States, as well as an increasing number of state-level and national-level regulations are providing consumers with new opportunities to access, remove, and restrict how their data is used. However, critics argue that many of these protections may be symbolic rather than functional. The primary issue is with consent. Most of the current privacy frameworks use the concept of users agreeing to have their data processed by organizations, as long as they have been informed about what those practices are through disclosure statements. However, in most cases, individuals do not read the long privacy policies of the organizations they interact with; even less do they comprehend them. An example of this is a well-known study which showed that it would require weeks of work for an individual to read all of the privacy policies he/she encounters during a single year. Furthermore, many organizations design their consent banners in such a way so that they will encourage individuals to click on "accept." Enforcement is a third major challenge. There are far too few regulatory staff members compared to the number of companies they regulate. Regulatory investigations often last many years. Although the amount of a fine can be substantial, it usually represents only a very small percentage of the company's total annual revenues. For example, some companies consider regulatory fines to be just one more expense of doing business. The boundaries of the Internet further complicate things. Information is transmitted from country to country within a matter of milliseconds; however, jurisdictional control remains limited to the confines of each nation. Disputes regarding the transfer of European Union (EU) data to the United States (US) have continually led to the nullification of agreements, which has resulted in an air of unpredictability for both corporations and consumers. Technology is evolving so rapidly that it has surpassed the ability of the law to define and regulate it. Most laws regarding privacy protect what is considered "personal information," however, as technology advances, organizations can use sophisticated methods of analyzing data to determine who is represented in an supposedly anonymous dataset. Additionally, when organizations make predictions based upon algorithm-based analysis (e.g., predicting an individual's health status, financial situation, or political affiliation), these types of predictions fall into a gray area legally speaking because they were created by the organization and not provided by the individual. In addition, there are many types of data collection that are not subject to current regulations. Data brokers build profiles on people using data from public records, their use of apps, and other sources. Many times these brokers do not have a direct connection to the people whose profiles they create. The use of commercially obtained data by governments also raises issues. Sometimes government agencies are able to purchase data that they would normally have to get a warrant for. The use of data minimization, which is defined as a change in emphasis from individual consent to restrictions on how much information organizations are able to gather and utilize, has been advocated by many who support privacy rights. Many proposed changes would completely prohibit specific activities; for example, the sale of sensitive location data. However, some industry groups say that such a restrictive set of rules will hinder new ideas, products or services and put an undue hardship upon smaller companies. This is expected to become even more contentious as artificial intelligence creates greater demand for training data. At present, according to professionals in the field, people have to take most of the responsibility to protect themselves from harm. It's an obligation that very few people can meet.

Public art investment should be made in conjunction with the basic needs of the city; however, there is a common misconception that they are mutually exclusive. All cities have a fundamental duty to provide their residents with safe, clean drinking water, well-maintained roads and sidewalks, and consistent utility services. These are the foundations upon which a community can build. However, public art is more than just an aesthetic addition to a city. It provides a means for people to connect, learn about history and culture, and express themselves. Therefore, when communities make improvements to their physical infrastructure (capital projects), they will be most successful if they incorporate public art as part of those projects. The most effective way to achieve this balance is through "percent for art" programs, which are used by many local government entities to require that a small percentage (usually 0.5% - 1%) of the cost of major public works projects be spent on public art. This type of program allows communities to use funds intended for essential services or infrastructure to provide public art without taking money away from these services. In addition to providing an opportunity to create public art, percent for art programs help make our physical environment more humanized. For example, a basic overpass can be turned into a landmark with the addition of sculptural lighting. A concrete storm water retention basin can be transformed into a community garden or park with the installation of mosaic tile designs. Transit stations can include murals created by local artists that discourage graffiti and ultimately reduce long term maintenance costs. In addition to the economic benefits provided by public art, it also provides tangible social benefits that provide support for the overall system. Public art creates vibrant, visually appealing environments that encourage people to walk around them; attracts tourists to visit them; and stimulates economic activity within the community. These types of activities create additional revenue sources for local governments to fund additional civic projects. However, the most important benefit of public art is its ability to create a sense of belonging among community members; help residents feel safe in their surroundings; and instill a sense of pride in the community. Through this process, public art can transform lifeless physical structures into vibrant communities. In the end, public works provide the physical structure to our cities; however, public art provides the spirit of our cities. When public works treat public art as a foundational design element of our built environment (not an after thought) and do not compete for dollars with public works, then we can create environments which are both sustainable and inspiring, as well as providing for the basic physical requirements of our communities.

In addition to prioritizing safety and functioning of infrastructure when there is limited budget, communities can also view public art and infrastructure as complementary investments instead of competing ones. A community should prioritize its fundamental infrastructure. Infrastructure such as water systems, roads, bridges and emergency services are necessary for residents' safety and the ability of a community to function economically. Therefore, if a community has unmaintained infrastructure or safety issues within its boundaries, then it may be difficult to rationalize spending funds on public art. Residents typically expect communities to provide them with basic services prior to funding non-essential items. The integration of public art within communities has been shown through research as well as locally to enhance community identity; encourage visitation; create opportunities for local artists; and contribute to an overall sense of community care. An integrated model is generally considered the best way to utilize public art. One example of this is when a city adopts a "percent for art" policy. This policy sets aside a percentage (usually 1-2%) of the budget for a given capital project to be used for public art. By doing so, the city maintains a reasonable amount of spending on public art, relates it to existing capital projects, and does not compete with needed repairs. Examples of such capital projects could include new bridges, transit stations, or plazas that can incorporate creative design elements at minimal additional cost. The process of community decision-making about funding, including the use of open budget hearings and explicit criteria, can help to build trust among community members. Additionally, when communities prioritize the funding of infrastructure improvements over art, residents may feel that their basic needs have been met before their artistic interests are addressed. This can lead to increased support for public art in the community. Finally, create multiple sources of funding. Grants, private contributions, corporate sponsorships and arts organization funding provide alternatives to using funds from roads and utilities. Short term installations and public wall paintings provide low cost alternatives. Fund essentially and consistently; incorporate arts into capital projects via minor allocations; obtain additional funds from external sources; allow community members to assist with establishing priorities. This approach addresses the practical requirements of a city while acknowledging the cultural aspects of what contributes to a quality of life in a city.

[Your Name] [Your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] [Your Portfolio/Vimeo Link] | [Your Location] [Date] [Hiring Manager's Name or Search Committee] [Production Company / Project Title] [Company Address/Remote] Hello [Hiring Manager's Name or "Documentary Production Team"], I am writing to indicate my high level of enthusiasm for the position of freelance documentary editor on [Project Title] (or) [your new documentary feature]. I have been aware of your team's dedication to creating compelling, character-driven stories; therefore, I would love to use my narrative sensibilities, technical accuracy, and love for non-fiction films as a member of your post-production workflow. With [Number]+ years of editing experience on documentary feature-length films, short-form documentaries, and docuseries, my expertise lies in taking hundreds of hours of raw, observational footage (vérité) and extensive interview material, and shaping them into a coherent, dramatic, and emotionally resonant story that is presented in a three-act structure. To me, the documentary editor’s position is essentially the last revision of the script. In addition to creating an engaging narrative flow through careful pacing, I strive to preserve the integrity of the subjects' voices so that they can be heard loud and clear throughout the film. Most recently, I worked as the head editor for [Title of most recent project], which is either a short or feature-length documentary about [Insert a short explanation of the subject matter; for example, environmental justice, or the legacy of an artist]. This role allowed me to develop the overall narrative structure of the film using more than 150 hours of un-transcribed footage. Additionally, I developed the temporary soundscape and collaborated with the director in developing the thematic flow of the film. After completing the editing process, the film was able to [Insert what success the film achieved; i.e., screened at XYZ Film Festival, secured distribution, received great reviews from audiences]. Technically, I am well suited to work either as a remote or hybrid editor. I have a high level of expertise in Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and Avid Media Composer; I have worked on many multi-cam projects, integrated archival footage into projects, and completed offline to online workflows (including round tripping color and sound). My most significant strength lies in collaborating with others. Documentaries are created through a collaborative effort; editing is an iterative process. I take pride in being an editor that doesn't have an ego, is open to receiving input from others, communicates regularly with other team members, and resolves problems that arise during the editing process. I would appreciate the chance to look over your assembly or have a more in-depth discussion with you regarding your goals for [Project Title]. Thank you for taking the time to read my application and considering me for this position; I look forward to working together to make this important story come alive on screen. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Link to Showreel/Website]

Ten mechanical keyboard tips for typists If you use a mechanical keyboard all day long, you will probably be able to tell how much better your hands feel at the end of the day. There are many different types of mechanical switches, various keyboard layouts, and even more types of keycaps. These options can easily confuse someone who wants to buy a mechanical keyboard. To assist you in finding a mechanical keyboard that you will love to type on, I have provided ten helpful tips below. Start by identifying how you use your keyboard. Are you typing for long periods of time, sending short emails quickly, or do you find yourself switching from typing to gaming? Think about the way that you typically use your keyboard prior to looking for features. You should test the switches prior to purchasing. There are three types of switches: linear (smooth feeling), tactile (a discernible bump), and clicky (an audible click). Using a switch tester can help prevent you from purchasing an entire keyboard solely because of what it states on the product description. Keep in mind that louder isn't necessarily better. A great sounding keyboard is always a blast — but if you plan to use your keyboard during video calls or while living in a shared space, make sure to find out what kind of switches are being used, and whether the case is made well enough to help dampen any excess sound. Choose a layout that works best for your desk. Full size keyboards come with a number pad; however, if you choose either a tenkeyless or other smaller layout then you can gain some desk space for your mouse. Please ensure that you do not lose any of the keys that you use on a daily basis. Be aware of the shape of the keycap. There are different types of keycaps, each with varying heights and shapes. If you feel tired when typing on your keyboard, it is possible that the keycaps are causing you to tire out and not the switches themselves. Find a good working level. If the keyboard is too low, you may have to bend your wrist up; if you try a flatter layout, you should be able to rest your wrist comfortably, as long as you take periodic breaks. Test the stabilizers. Many of your larger keys such as the space bar and enter key use stabilizers. If those stabilizers are noisy or mushy, no matter how good the switches are; your keyboard will not appear finished. Consider hot-swappable switches. Hot swap sockets allow you to change out multiple switches without having to solder. They are convenient for those who wish to experiment with different switches; however, they are not necessary to have a functional keyboard. Remember to take advantage of the simple, day-to-day amenities. For instance, think about if you would prefer a keyboard with wireless capabilities; a detachable power cord; specific media buttons; and/or software that allows you to reprogram your keys. The most useful feature of any product will be the one that you will actually employ. Make sure you create a budget; however, make sure you leave some money in the budget for "surprises." As much as we may want to purchase the highest end model or build our own computer from scratch, there are many lower-cost models out there that can provide us with a comfortable and reliable typing experience. Once we have established a base level of comfort and reliability, we can then begin to consider what extra features we might want to include in our system. The final point: there is not one single "perfect" mechanical keyboard for all types of typists. Try out some in person (if possible), pay attention to how they feel after typing on them for longer than a minute, and select the keyboard that makes you want to continue typing.

Dear Hiring Team, I am applying for the freelance documentary editor job. For eight years, I have been editing non-fiction stories for TV, online streaming, and film festival audiences. As such, I have developed both technical accuracy and an intuitive understanding of how to build a story on screen. As an assistant editor on a full length documentary on coastal communities being displaced, my career was off and running. With the director, we logged over two hundred hours of video and developed the assembly cut that eventually received more money for completion. This was my first lesson in what I continue to hold true; a good documentary editor will find the story that is already there, but they will have the self-discipline to allow it to grow. I have edited numerous projects since that time including 8 minute web shorts up to 90 minute feature films that were shown at regional film festivals. I am highly proficient in using Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. When necessary I can use Avid Media Composer. I am able to do basic color correction, audio cleanup and motion graphics for my projects; this allows me to help maintain budgets and meet deadlines. For projects that include a great deal of archival material, I am experienced in organizing large media libraries, keeping track of licensing requirements and handling mixed formats and frame rates while still maintaining the highest level of quality possible. I believe the most valuable part of my work is collaborating with directors. Each director has a unique connection to his/her film, so it's essential for me to listen to them as well as I can before making any edits. I will create organized review versions of my edits and encourage honest feedback; if there are issues regarding the structure of the film or possible improvements, I will inform the producer immediately. Many producers have expressed appreciation for the fact that I adhere to deadlines and bring up potential issues prior to final production. In the past, I worked on a short documentary about a third generation bakery owner as part of my role with a non-profit organization. The interview footage was disorganized and emotionally inconsistent. However, when I chose to structure the documentary based upon one day at work, I developed a quiet and personal portrait which was then selected for screening at two separate film festivals and significantly increased the donation amount received by the client. In my professional experience as a remote-working freelancer, I am used to adjusting rapidly to new teams, processes, and creative ideas. Additionally, I utilize a stable editing environment with backup systems in place to ensure that my files remain safe. If you would prefer me to use specific file-sharing or reviewing applications, I would be pleased to accommodate those preferences. I look forward to discussing with you the possibility of contributing to your future endeavors. Please find a copy of my work samples and video clips by clicking on the link below. If needed, I will gladly furnish you with professional references. I appreciate your time and consideration of me for this position. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Phone Number] | [Email Address] [Portfolio Link]

My initial interest in human computer interaction began when I observed my grandfather attempting to schedule a medical appointment online. He was able to obtain the necessary information from the site, however; the site's small print, complicated navigation systems, and unclear error notifications made what should have been a relatively easy process seem nearly impossible. I assisted him in completing the reservation process, however; the experience remained with me. It is commonly believed that technology will assist people in living their lives with greater ease. I wish to determine why technology can often create the opposite effect and how to rectify this situation. Human-computer interaction has a unique combination of technical problem solving and user-centered design which attracts me to the field. While a system can be high performing and reliable, if a user cannot use the system or does not find the system trustworthy, then the system may have failed. I am drawn to the decision-making process involved in creating the user's experience: how designers discover what users require, how designers evaluate their hypotheses, and how designers consider the trade-offs between accessibility, privacy, and simplicity when designing products. I wish to explore the processes used to transform observations of daily frustrations into improved products. I have a special interest in making products accessible. The experience of my grandfather demonstrated to me how a simple design decision made by someone else can affect whether or not another individual can access a service at all. Learning about Human-Computer Interaction will teach me how to include individuals with diverse abilities, backgrounds and levels of digital confidence during each phase of the design process. Additionally, I want to grow as an active listener prior to developing solution ideas, and as an evaluator of how well those solutions perform in real-world settings rather than just within the confines of a classroom or laboratory. In addition to the analytical aspect of the job, I like the creative part as well. When you improve an interface you ask questions; you come up with new ways of doing things; and you are willing to change your mind if facts challenge your first idea. This method works for me as it views mistakes as learning experiences and not reasons to quit. I want to learn about Human Computer Interaction in order to create technologies which are designed with the user in mind. Regardless of whether I am working in Health Care, Education, or a product that I have not thought of at this point; I want to create user friendly and inclusive digital environments. To me, being successful would mean my Grandfather would be able to do something important on his own, without having to ask for assistance and would be able to continue doing it on his own.

Digital Privacy Laws Do Not Work On Today's Internet. BRUSSELS — When the European Union enacted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, it was praised as a turning point in history — a digital bill of rights that would fundamentally stop the massive consumption of personal data by Big Tech. However, six years later, and with more and more digital regulatory frameworks being implemented across the globe, from California to New Delhi, digital rights experts are sounding an alarm: existing privacy laws simply cannot adequately address the issues related to today's technology. While laws such as the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) were able to effectively prevent organizations from engaging in uninvited, illegal data collection; however, over time tech companies have developed other ways to conduct surveillance on individuals, and these are often not addressed by existing laws. A major drawback to existing laws is how they use the "notice and consent" model. Many critics believe that requiring users to click through countless cookie banner notifications creates "consent fatigue," not actual user control over their data. A recent research project conducted by the University of Oxford indicated that more than 80 percent of all internet users will blindly agree to be tracked just so they can view web pages; therefore, making the law's standard of "informed consent" completely ineffective. Additionally, privacy regulations have been stuck in the same place as far as what constitutes "Personally Identifiable Information" (PII); this includes items such as names, social security numbers, and email addresses. Data brokers do not require PII to identify users. They utilize modern algorithmic fingerprinting to collect and use seemingly harmless information (i.e. user's device battery level, typing speed, and GPS location) to create a profile of each user. Profiles allow brokers to de-anonymize users at 99 percent accuracy without utilizing the statutory definition of personal information. Generative artificial intelligence has dramatically increased the size of the regulatory gap. Generative artificial intelligence systems operate within a "gray zone" of law; they use billions of publicly accessible web pages to develop their systems. While data collection (scraping) is rarely considered a targeted violation of individual privacy, the generation of a digital footprint for each user is permanently embedded in black-box algorithms. There is an additional bottleneck that prevents effective enforcement of privacy regulations. The National Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) are consistently under-resourced and can be significantly overmatched in the legal battles they wage against large-scale tech companies with billion-dollar budgets. Although the headlines may highlight major fines, these fines are typically viewed as just another expense associated with operating a business. Elena Vance, a digital ethics researcher with the Open Tech Institute, states that "We're using 20th-century legal concepts to regulate 21st-century predictive behavioral engineering." Vance continues to say that "a law that would restrict direct data collection will have no effect on stopping inferential profiling." Technologists are becoming more united in their belief that unless there is a shift from the responsibility of each individual user giving consent, to a prohibition of businesses using data as a source of revenue, then digital privacy will be nothing but a legal myth.

Title: The Great Elevation: Generative AI will complement knowledge work; it will not destroy it. Generative artificial intelligence has quickly grown in popularity. This growth has created a new round of technophobia. Many people worry that generative AI will replace human intelligence. They believe that generative AI can do most jobs such as law, programming, diagnosing illnesses, and writing. Some fear that generative AI will eliminate many professional positions in the workplace. However, if we look at technological and economic history we can see that these fears are unfounded. Generative AI will not eliminate jobs in the knowledge economy. Instead, generative AI will help make knowledge work more valuable. It will eliminate much of the mundane work involved with knowledge work. It will also allow everyone to have access to experts. Finally, generative AI will change how we view human labor. We will begin to value human labor for higher-level thinking and empathy. Automation has historically altered how people work, but not necessarily how many people work. For example, when the first electronic spreadsheet became available in the 1970's, it didn't cause all accountants to lose their jobs. Rather, it replaced the tedious and error prone manual calculations that occupied much of each accountant's time. Therefore, as accountants were able to use the spreadsheet as a tool, the number of accountants needed increased significantly because they could focus less on being human calculators and more on being strategic financial advisors. AI is going to represent a similar pivotal moment for those who are considered knowledge workers. AI will automate most administrative tasks such as retrieving information, drafting documents, and synthesizing data. Therefore, AI will remove some of the administrative friction associated with working today. Professional knowledge workers will then be able to work at the highest possible level of their cognitive abilities and concentrate on developing new strategies, making complex decisions based upon subtle distinctions, and utilizing their critical thinking skills. Generative AI also makes the capabilities of individuals more equal. Before AI, the ability to write complex code, conduct in-depth market research, or create professional quality graphics took many years of training or large amounts of money. AI provides a level playing field for everyone. It can serve as a research assistant, junior copywriter, and software architect for each individual employee. With the help of AI tools, one individual knowledge worker can produce as much work as an entire department. This allows companies to increase their productivity significantly and enables them to be more agile in terms of starting new ventures. The fundamental differences between artificial intelligence (AI) and the human intellect are what define the true core of human understanding: context-based intuition, ethical decision making, emotional understanding, and most importantly, real-world experience. While machines can use current information to make educated guesses about future events, they do not have the ability to make decisions based on moral issues during a company crisis; they cannot establish trust with clients who are grieving; and they cannot develop creative solutions that create entirely new paradigms. These uniquely human attributes will remain highly valued in the AI-filled world we live in today and may eventually serve as the primary source of competitive advantage. The notion that AI will make knowledge workers irrelevant is a fundamental misunderstanding of the very nature of knowledge. Knowledge is more than just regurgitating patterns; it is the purposeful, contextual, and ethical application of insights to solve human issues. Rather than being a danger to our existence, generative AI is a major contributor to a new intellectual renaissance, allowing individuals to spend less time on routine tasks and more on the things that are truly important: innovating, making judgments, and building relationships.