Every business journey eventually leads to a crossroads: the decision to continue growing, transition ownership, or step away entirely. An exit strategy is your blueprint for navigating this critical phase, allowing you to realize the value of your hard work while setting the stage for future success, whether yours or the business’s.
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Bitcoin has been hailed as everything from the future of money to a tool for financial independence. Yet, in the same breath, critics warn that it’s nothing more than a bubble or, worse, a scam. Wherever you stand on the debate, one thing is certain: there’s an extraordinary amount of bollocks surrounding Bitcoin, and it’s time we cut through the noise.
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I had no idea what this was about, but kept hearing that Dear Keir had thrown some WASPI women under a bus. So I thought dig a little deeper. It turns out the term WASPI women refers to the UK Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign group. These women, born in the 1950s, were impacted by changes to the state pension age (SPA). Initially set at 60 for women, the SPA was raised to align with men’s SPA of 65, and later incrementally increased to 66 and beyond. While the equalisation aimed to reflect changes in life expectancy and gender equality, many women argue they were not given sufficient notice or time to adapt, causing financial hardship.
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Thorstein Veblen’s The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899) examines how social stratification and consumer behaviour intertwine, introducing concepts like “conspicuous consumption” and “conspicuous leisure.” Veblen critiques the leisure class—those exempt from productive labour—for perpetuating economic inefficiencies and societal inequalities through ostentatious displays of wealth and status. His analysis delves into the societal norms and institutions that uphold these behaviours, offering a critical perspective on the cultural underpinnings of economic activity.
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The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has issued a call to action for Defence industry CEOs and Defence Leads, underlining the critical importance of enhancing cyber resilience across the Defence supply chain, “Letter from the Second Permanent Secretary, DG Chief Information Officer and DG Commercial to Defence industry CEOs/Defence Leads“. The letter, signed by Paul Lincoln, Second Permanent Secretary; Charles Forte, DG Chief Information Officer; and Andrew Forzani, DG Commercial, stresses the heightened global cyber threat landscape and the need for immediate and robust action to safeguard the UK’s Defence capabilities.
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In the world of computer networks and the internet, efficient management of IP addresses and routing plays a crucial role. One fundamental tool that makes this possible is CIDR, or Classless Inter-Domain Routing. In this article, we’ll break down CIDR into its essential components and explain how it simplifies IP addressing and routing.
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This article explores the dual role of IT in organisations, balancing foundational “plumbing” functions with innovative business development. It discusses Gartner’s bimodal IT framework, highlighting the operational stability provided by Mode 1 and the experimental growth enabled by Mode 2. Topics such as cost centres versus profit centres, cybersecurity investment, and the integration of IT and OT are examined to underline the necessity of a balanced approach. The conclusion emphasises the importance of aligning these roles for operational efficiency and strategic growth.
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The article “Autistic Traits and Borderline Personality Disorder Traits: An Analysis of Their Correlation in UK and US Adults” finds a positive correlation between autistic traits and BPD traits in both men and women from the UK and US. While anxiety and depression affect this correlation in the UK sample, specific autistic traits (Details/Patterns and Communication/Mindreading) remain correlated with BPD traits in the US sample. The study emphasizes the need for tailored support and further research, noting limitations like technical errors and cultural focus on WEIRD populations.
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This article explores how “The Man with the Golden Arm”, “Drugstore Cowboy”, and “Requiem for a Dream” chart the evolution of societal attitudes toward drug addiction, reflecting the cultural shifts of their respective eras. From the concealed struggles of the 1950s to the countercultural rebellion of the 1980s and the commodification of dreams at the turn of the millennium, these films provide a lens through which to examine the intersection of addiction and societal change. While other notable films like “Naked Lunch” and “Trainspotting” offer unique perspectives, these three stand out for their ability to map the broader narrative of societal openness and transformation over time.
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If there’s one thing the cybersecurity industry is never short on, it’s hype and a healthy dose of fear-mongering. Every week, there’s a new headline screaming about the latest cyber apocalypse: hackers are about to steal your identity, ransomware is going to shut down your city, and a nation-state might be spying on you through your toaster. It’s all part of the relentless barrage of cyber bollocks that we’ve become accustomed to.
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This article analyses and critiques Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin’s famous lecture on the meaning of life and why he dedicated his career to studying psychedelics. The review delves into Shulgin’s exploration of the balance between life and death instincts, the limitations of psychotomimetic terminology, and the parallels he draws between scientific discovery and spiritual growth. This thought-provoking analysis sheds light on Shulgin’s philosophy and his belief in the power of psychedelics as tools for understanding the human mind.
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This article presents a video and full transcript of Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin’s compelling speech titled “Why I Do What I Do“. In this talk, Shulgin explores the philosophical and scientific reasons behind his work with psychedelics, providing a unique insight into the mind of the man who pioneered the study of psychoactive compounds. Watch the video and read the cleaned-up transcript for a detailed look at Shulgin’s thoughts on the meaning of life, scientific discovery, and the role of psychedelics in expanding consciousness.
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The lifelong relationship between neurologist Oliver Sacks and psychoanalyst Leonard Shengold bridged the fields of neurology and psychoanalysis, blending Sacks’ focus on neurological disorders with Shengold’s exploration of trauma. Their five-decade-long therapeutic bond profoundly shaped Sacks’ work, emphasizing the interplay between identity, resilience, and human experience, and illustrating the value of interdisciplinary collaboration in understanding the mind.
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Blockchain. It’s the technology that everyone seems to be talking about, from tech enthusiasts to industry giants. Advocates claim it will revolutionise everything from finance to healthcare to voting. But as with many emerging technologies, there’s a lot of hype, misinformation, and, let’s be honest, bollocks surrounding blockchain.
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Proverbs are more than mere words—they are windows into the soul of a culture. Across the centuries, societies have used these concise, poetic sayings to convey wisdom, humour, and moral lessons. Turkish proverbs, known as “ata sözü” (“words of our ancestors”), are deeply embedded in the fabric of Turkey’s traditions, much like their counterparts in Macedonia, Bulgaria, and the broader Slavic world. This collection explores the rich tapestry of these cultures through their timeless sayings.
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Learning a new language can feel daunting, but with the right set of phrases, you can start communicating and connecting right away. Whether you’re planning a trip to Turkey, meeting Turkish friends, or simply expanding your linguistic repertoire, mastering these phrases will make you feel at home. Turkish is a beautiful and expressive language, and its conversational richness will draw you into its culture and charm.
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R.D. Laing’s Knots explores the intricate and paradoxical patterns of human relationships and thought through poetic vignettes. Highlighting the self-reinforcing nature of psychological struggles, Laing illustrates how these “knots” entangle us, often preventing growth and understanding. Rooted in existential psychology, the work subtly invokes the concept of metanoia, suggesting that true transformation arises from acknowledging and embracing these paradoxes.
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Oliver Sacks’ The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is a collection of clinical tales exploring neurological disorders and their effects on perception, memory, and identity. Through compassionate storytelling, Sacks illuminates the human experience of conditions like visual agnosia and amnesia, blending neuroscience, philosophy, and empathy to reveal the profound mysteries of the brain.
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Leonard Shengold’s Soul Murder: The Effects of Childhood Abuse and Deprivation examines the profound psychological damage caused by childhood abuse and neglect, using psychoanalytic theory to explore how trauma disrupts development, fosters dissociation, and impairs adult relationships. Through clinical case studies, the book highlights the enduring effects of “soul murder” while advocating for greater awareness and compassion.
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Mike Hodges’ noir masterpiece, Croupier, is a taut exploration of control, loss, and identity set against the backdrop of a casino. Through the saying “hold on tightly, let go lightly”, uttered by its enigmatic protagonist, the film captures the delicate balance between ambition and detachment, crafting a narrative that is as much about gambling as it is about the gamble of life.
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