One of the joys of what I shall euphemistically describe as reaching a certain age is having a doctor tell you that what’s occurred is because you’re old.
I have what he told me is a conjunctival haemorrhage. In other words, I’m safe if, in the next few days, I get into a situation where my opponents have been told not to fire until you see the whites of my eyes. My left eye has next to no white in it, is red, from a burst blood vessel.
& the reason for it? No specific reason, just age, old age — amended to as you grow older after I cast a one-eyed sideswiping glance at the doctor. Just happens, nothing you can take for it, do to it, doesn’t affect your vision. Only wait till it goes away, a series of color transformations, red through to yellow, just like a bruise.
Changeling
The small yellow
flowers brought
down by the rain
have changed the
path into / not a
path. That arti-
ficial transverse
now part of the
tree from which
the flowers fell.
On or off the highway
Able to think in
short phrases only
while long lines of
thought fly by in
the outer lane.
O sole mio
Diva. The word
is so debased
that the young
girl standing out-
side the house
where Maria Callas
used to live, sing-
ing off-key Mariah
Carey songs, has
a better than even
chance of
being called one.
Citric update
Not quite Spring by the calendar, but the temperature is in the high twenties C. — just under 80° F. — & the flowers in the pots under the awning are flush with large scarlet & white blooms. It’s warm enough for the cat to decide to stay out at night.
The citrus trees are threatening to deliver fruit. We’ve had them for about 18 months, & so far their crops have been one lemon, which was on the tree when we bought it, & one grapefruit which we can honestly claim to be our own. But the lime tree currently has lots of small fruit on it, the lemon is in flower & spreads that wonderful perfume, & the grapefruit has pushed out new leaves & has a couple of buds on it.
Mind you, this happened last year as well. Then the ants got active & managed to knock off all the young limes, & then the locusts — huge, some the size of elephants — descended upon the lemon & the grapefruit & turned them into almost skeletons. I think what was left of the lemon’s energy was taken up bringing that single fruit to – I guess I have to use the word – fruition, & that single grapefruit only survived because it grew sufficiently whilst the various armies were busy with the other offerings.
Still, although somebody knocked off the single custard apple from the tree at the bottom of the driveway — a bad growing season for them, not enough humidity in the air — we have got a few mandarins & oranges this year from the other trees in the same area. The fruit reminds me of someone, possibly myself, rough-looking on the outside, but inside, oh so sweet. & juicy.
Mirta Liliana Ramírez has been a poet and writer since she was 12 years old. She has been a Cultural Manager for more than 35 years. Creator and Director of the Groups of Writers and Artists: Together for the Letters, Artescritores, MultiArt, JPL world youth, Together for the letters Uzbekistan 1 and 2. She firmly defends that culture is the key to unite all the countries of the world. She works only with his own, free and integrating projects at a world cultural level. She has created the Cultural Movement with Rastrillaje Cultural and Forming the New Cultural Belts at the local level and also from Argentina to the world.
Financial Technologies (FinTech) as an Innovative Solution in the Banking System
Abstract: This article discusses the concept of financial technologies (FinTech), their application in the banking system, advantages, and existing challenges. Furthermore, it analyzes the role of FinTech in modernizing banking services, improving customer satisfaction, and ensuring competitiveness.
Keywords: FinTech, banking system, digital economy, financial services, innovation.
Introduction
In recent years, the financial services sector has been developing rapidly worldwide. At the center of this transformation lies financial technologies, commonly known as FinTech. FinTech refers to the wide application of modern information technologies in providing financial services. Internet banking, mobile applications, electronic payment systems, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technologies have taken financial systems to a new level. The banking sector of Uzbekistan is also part of this global trend. In recent years, electronic payment systems have developed significantly, and mobile banking has been actively introduced. This process, on one hand, creates convenience for customers, and on the other hand, enhances the competitiveness of banks.
Main Part
The integration of financial technologies into the banking system provides several key advantages:
1. Speed and convenience. Customers can use banking services without leaving their homes. Mobile banking allows them to make payments, monitor accounts, and apply for loans quickly and easily.
2. Cost reduction. Instead of expanding physical branches, banks can enlarge their customer base through digital services. This ensures efficiency for both banks and clients.
3. Security. Payment systems based on blockchain technology reduce the risks of fraud and data manipulation.
4. New products and services. FinTech enables banks to introduce innovative services, such as instant microloans, online investment platforms, and working with crypto-assets.
5. Expansion of customer base. Digital services attract younger and more tech-oriented customers, thereby enhancing financial inclusion. Despite these advantages, FinTech development faces certain challenges. Cybersecurity threats, legal gaps, and insufficient digital literacy among certain groups of the population may hinder its progress. Therefore, banks should not only implement technological innovations but also pay attention to raising customers’ digital awareness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, financial technologies (FinTech) are among the key factors shaping the future of the banking sector. They simplify and accelerate financial services while creating opportunities for innovative development. In Uzbekistan, the active implementation of FinTech will allow banks to provide high-quality services, increase accessibility of financial services, and strengthen the competitiveness of the national economy.
References
1. Arner, D. W., Barberis, J., & Buckley, R. P. (2016). The Evolution of Fintech: A New Post-Crisis Paradigm? Georgetown Journal of International Law, 47(4), 1271–1319.
2. Philippon, T. (2016). The FinTech Opportunity. NBER Working Paper No. 22476, National Bureau of Economic Research.
3. Gomber, P., Kauffman, R. J., Parker, C., & Weber, B. W. (2018). On the Fintech Revolution: Interpreting the Forces of Innovation, Disruption, and Transformation in Financial Services. Journal of Management Information Systems, 35(1), 220–265.
4. Zavolokina, L., Dolata, M., & Schwabe, G. (2016). FinTech – What’s in a Name? Proceedings of the 37th International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS 2016), Dublin.
I am Eshmurodova Sevinch Bahrom qizi, born in 2006 in the Kamashi district of the Kashkadarya region. Between 2022 and 2024, I studied at the Academic Lyceum of Karshi State University in the “exact sciences” department and successfully graduated. In 2024, I was admitted to Karshi State Technical University and am currently a 1st-year student at the Faculty of Economics and Management, Banking Department. In my free time, I play sports. I am a 3-time champion of Uzbekistan. I have also taken the honorable 1st place in Tashkent several times. In addition, I have won the Rector’s Cup several times. Currently, I am running an online business at home. I make tiaras for girls. I take an online course in Turkish. My goal is to open a training center in the area where I live, in agreement with the governor. I would like to pay special attention to Turkish, Russian, mathematics, and robotics.
Contributor Abigail George would like to share a new project of hers: a blog called Mentally Sound that features articles, updates, a magazine, poetry, and uplifting music. In this day and age, so many things can affect our mental health. Please feel free to join the blog and blog about your own experiences or loving someone who has a mood disorder or an individual who is suffering from depression. Log in, blog, do read the posts and leave comments to inspire our growing community!
For we are all bound in stories, and as the years pile up they turn to stone, layer upon layer, building our lives. – Steven Erikson
This month’s contributions deal with the complexities of nature, history, culture, language, or even the psyche of a single person. Everything we choose or experience builds upon itself to make us who we are, even short-lived experiences.
Yucheng Tao’s poetry collection April No Longer Comes,published by Alien Buddha Press and reviewed by Cristina Deptula, explores moments of love and beauty that are wonderful and transient, like the season of spring. Sean Lee’s poems remind us that even fleeting moments can be meaningful and beautiful. Jian Yeo’s poetry touches on the pain and beauty we can find in mortality. Mykyta Ryzhykh contributes surreal images of life, death, and the cycle of modern existence. John Grey’s poetry explores comings and goings, presences and disappearances.
Yoonji Huh presents nature, family tenderness, and humor with a color scheme that looks historical and weathered. Gwil James Thomas speaks in several tough-minded pieces to memories and dreams and our sources of inspiration. Sean Lee’s artwork evokes the power of the imagination to illuminate daily life. Alina Lee’s poetry suggests that our pasts and futures comprise layers of each moment in which we find ourselves. JK Kim’s poetry looks at summer scenes with a calm nostalgia, after events have passed. Alexis Lee’s poems probe what we choose to value and remember, what we invest in and find beautiful. Olivia Koo probes the nature of memory, how multiple moments combine to craft a mental impression and feeling. Ah-Young Dana Park’s poetry comments on our changing memories and perspectives as time passes and we age. Chloe Park’s art revels in exquisite detail, probing culture and memory with intricacy. Sally Lee provides poetic snapshots of moments in time, considering whether they have meaning or value without context.
Seoyun Park’s visuals speak to how we observe and confront life, the dangers we face and those we pose. Ethan Lee’s poems remind us of the underside of our world: the everyday grotesque and the many layers of the ordinary. Irene Kim’s work explores the strain and melancholy that can permeate ordinary moments. Austin Chung’s poetry illustrates various kinds of disorder and dispersion as Taylor Dibbert vents his annoyance at the common problem of loud museum patrons. Lauren Kim stays with a single scene from everyday life for an entire poem, probing its layers. Haeun Regina Kim’s poetry examines ordinary objects and animals in depth, sharing details and language to create an off-kilter feel.
Brian Barbeito also explores deeply, focusing in on the flora and fauna of an Aruba resort. Debabarata Sen celebrates the verdant beauty of Costa Rica. David Sapp’s poetic speakers become waylaid by the arresting color and beauty of nature. Dylan Hong’s pieces present a gentle, abstract, even whimsical peek at nature. Grace Lee’s poetry crafts dreamlike, gentle, floating scenes. Terry Trowbridge’s pieces on peach harvests evoke the challenging economics and natural realities of farming. Mahbub Alam reminds us of the innate rough wildness of nature: storms, volcanoes, huge predators.
Sayani Mukherjee evokes the rhythm of a public piano played for big city pedestrians in a rainstorm. Eva Petropoulou Lianou waxes poetic about the beauty of the moon. Noriniso Kasimova shares memories of spring in her hometown and her father’s love. Chinese poet Su Yun collects a group of short poems from elementary school students, mostly impressions of natural scenes. Dhani M.’s artwork stylizes natural scenes to create emotional senses of calm, curiosity, and wonder. Jinwoo Brian Park’s art suggests that we can re-incorporate the old into the new, the natural into the artificial.
Mark Young contributes a fresh set of fanciful geographies. G. Emil Reutter humorously describes noisy construction’s impact on local residents. Erin Kim’s artwork explores the upsides and downsides of civilization’s technological progress. Katie Hong’s work critiques our isolation and obsession with technology as Xushnudbek Yakubov warns of the dangers of online misinformation. Sophie Yoon’s art critiques our complex relationship with consumption and the natural world. Eugene Han’s art explores who we are and where we’re going as humans, and our relationships with nature. Shabbona Abdurashidova highlights the importance of sustainable ecology in Uzbekistan. Jahin Claire Oh’s work speculates on how the world’s other creatures might see us: mimicking and learning from them, drifting into or penetrating their environments.
J.K. Durick speaks to new, wild, and real frontiers in modern nature and technology, commenting on our efforts to understand and control them. Pulkita Anand evokes the mental and physical disorientation brought on by the colonization of one’s land.
Ahmed Miqdad calls the world to action to help suffering civilians in Gaza. Patricia Doyne also calls the world’s attention to starvation in Gaza. Stephen Jarrell Williams speaks to the numbing, mindless destruction of war.
Abdisattorova Xurshida highlights the contrasting legacies of Genghis Khan and Amir Temur. Abdisattorova Hurshida reflects on her admiration for Uzbek martial artist Abdulbosit Abdullayev. Maftuna Rustamova and Chorsanbiyeva Gulnoza poetize in honor of the military personnel who serve and guard Uzbekistan. Zumrad Sobirova celebrates the poetic beauty and pride of her Uzbek heritage. Jumaniyozova Nazokat encourages Uzbekistan’s young people to develop a greater appreciation for their heritage by visiting points of historical interest.
Nilufar Moydinova’s essay highlights language’s inextricable interconnection with thought, life, and culture. Mauro Montacchiesi creates a dialogue of philosophical thoughts and poetry between Dr. Jernail Singh and Rabindranath Tagore. Federico Wardal speaks to his long admiration for artist Andy Warhol and director and screen writer Federico Fellini. Orolova Dinora explores layers of meaning in Antoine St. Exupery’s The Little Prince as Surayyo Nosirova celebrates the heritage of Uzbek author Alexandr Faynberg.
Reagan Shin revels in the comfort and ecstasy and happy memories she finds in books. Mushtariybegim Ozodbekova highlights the power of books and stories to transcend time, culture, age, and space. Panoyeva Jasmina O’tkirovna highlights ways language teachers can help students develop fluency through relevant speaking and grammar practice. Turg’unov Jonpo’lat explores techniques to help children of all abilities to learn foreign languages. Nafosat Jovliyeva and Dilshoda Jurayeva illustrate gamification and other creative strategies for language learning. Rahimova Dilfuza Abdinabiyevna discusses ways to improve student competence with writing and speaking. Hilola Badriddinova outlines strategies used throughout the developed world to teach foreign languages.
Linda S. Gunther contributes a craft essay on “interviewing” your characters to better understand them as a writer. Paul Tristram’s poetry explores the heroic narratives we create through our writing and our lives. Gloria Ameh evokes the visceral sensations of writing on topics close to the bone.
Abigail George writes a stream of consciousness essay on her vulnerabilities from mental illness and just plain existing as a female-bodied person and how enduring them inspired her to write. Soumen Roy also connects beauty to vulnerability, speaking to the fading Mona Lisa and the union of joy and sorrow as fellow travelers.
J.J. Campbell reflects on disillusionment, loss, and the eternal quest, against all odds, for love. Mesfakus Salahin speaks evocatively of his quest for love and freedom. Baxtiniso Salimova’s poetry tells an epic love story. Mirta Liliana Ramirez relates intense grief at the loss of her lover. Dilnoza Islomova expresses her gratitude for her mother’s tender care. Bill Tope and Doug Hawley collaborate on a love story that turns unexpectedly tender. Urazaliyeva Sarvinoz shares an emotional tale of jealousy, love, and forgiveness between two twin sisters. Sarvinoz Orifova expresses gratitude for her parents’ constant love and care. Wazed Abdullah expresses his love and gratitude for his mother. Ozodbek Narzullayev expresses his love for his mother and invites her to share her life struggles with him for support. Xurshida Abdisattorova shares the story of a mother’s complicated grief for an imperfect husband and father who passes away in a sudden accident. Shoxrukh Fayzulla o’g’li Dusmatov speaks to his mother’s love and care and how wealth alone matters little without compassion and humanity.
To’raqulova Pokiza Sanjarovna speaks to the need for human compassion, wisdom, respect, and personal development. Hamza Kamar’s poetry expresses his powerful hopes for a transcendent hero. Bhagirath Chowdhary expresses his determination to avoid the next life until he has finished roaming this world, offering blessings to others. Charles Taylor’s short story probes our ethics and the extent of the compassion we owe our friends and fellow humans.
Julia Kanno reminds residents of the USA that most Latino immigrants are hardworking people with lives and dreams. Bill Tope presents a tale of a survivor’s search for justice for a sexual assault that shattered her psyche. Abdisattorova Khurshida presents a tale of thievery exposed.
Graciela Noemi Villaverde shares a poem on the joy of community and diversity and welcoming special education students. Haeun Regina Kim’s artwork explores unity and acceptance of others, as well as harmony among rural and urban areas. Nabijonova Madinabonu outlines how sharing coffee can help us build building friendship and community. Khudoyqulova Shahzoda highlights Uzbekistan’s programs to enhance economic opportunities for low income women and families and the disabled.
Nazarova Moxiniso looks into discipline and student character development as part of Uzbek preschool education. Ulsanam Ulmasovna outlines Amir Temur’s contributions to the Uzbek education system. Islomov Inomjon describes the Geoment, a device to teach mathematical reasoning to children with low or no vision.
Bozorboyeva Iroda offers encouragement for young people to find and follow their own dreams. Khudoykulova Shahzoda points out consequences of and solutions to youth unemployment.
Various contributors celebrate notable people who should be better known, or highlight important research work. Sobirjonova Rayhona outlines the career and accomplishments of Uzbek woman mathematician and teacher Shodmonova Hilola. Eshmurodova Sevinch highlights the need for training for employees in Uzbekistan’s banking industry in digital technology to modernize industry. Muslima Olimova highlights strategies corporations have used to adapt to stay on top in a digital world. Jo’rayev Ulug’bek outlines engineering techniques for strengthening concrete structures. Mirzaolimov Mirabbos probes the medical relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Ostanaqulov Xojiakbar speculates on how to improve web search engine optimization to improve online communication and website findability. Orozboyeva Mohina Nuraliyevna outlines the role and history of psychology as practiced in Uzbekistan.
On a more psychological level, Duane Vorhees’ poetry covers and highlights human complexity: different aspects to our personalities, different choices we can make, how we can change with time. James Benger’s poetry explores the fear and tension underlying our individual existences, the danger from geologic pressure, storms, raw meat – and how we sometimes find hope to carry forward.
Andrew Ban shares restless, random thoughts, finding commonalities with all humanity while acknowledging the need to protect and defend himself if needed. Dongeon Kim’s work presents scenes of intense human and natural energy while Texas Fontanella revels in the pure sound of non-representational language. Dennis Daly wanders through a variety of human feelings, from nostalgia to frustration to faith. Michael Robinson shares his journey and heritage of faith, how he found a spiritual home and refuge in Christ and the church. Muhammad Sanusi Adam speaks to struggle, resilience, destiny, creation, and faith.
Gaurav Ojha seeks out meaning in a confusing and vast world, ultimately affirming everyone’s ability to find their own truths. We hope that reading this issue helps you to find a smidgen of truth for your own life.
The 21st century is the age of science, technology, and information. In today’s globalizing world, every individual must work on self-development, grow intellectually, and — most importantly — learn foreign languages.
But what exactly does language give us? Why should we learn a new language? Let’s explore the key reasons behind it.
Nowadays, millions of people are learning foreign languages — especially English, Russian, Korean, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. Take English, for example: mastering this one language allows you to communicate freely almost anywhere in the world, participate in international seminars, gain financial independence, and — in short — keep pace with the world. Today, most global news, scientific articles, and educational content are published primarily in English. Of course, translations may follow later — but what if too much time has passed by then?
By learning a language, you can increase your income and be among the first to access global updates. Foreign languages also open doors to international scholarships and admission to top universities around the world. Programs such as Erasmus+, DAAD, and El-Yurt Umidi are continually offering opportunities for those who have strong language skills. I believe these types of programs are essential for developing your network, making friends from different countries, and enhancing personal growth.
Furthermore, knowing a foreign language increases your employability. Every company values employees who can communicate across borders. Professions such as translation, journalism, diplomacy, tourism, and information technology are all closely tied to foreign languages. If we start learning multiple foreign languages today, we’ll never have trouble finding a job in the future.
Through foreign languages, a person gains a deeper understanding of other nations’ histories, traditions, arts, and lifestyles. This fosters tolerance, openness, respect, and intercultural communication. For instance, those who study Korean often become interested in Korean culture, films, music, and cuisine. Knowing a language is a way of showing respect for other peoples — and a path to better understanding your own culture as well.
Learning a language is not just about memorizing words; it’s a process that requires logical thinking, memory, persistence, and dedication. A person who studies a foreign language constantly works on self-improvement and enhances their intellectual capacity — which leads to overall personal growth. It also develops one’s speaking skills, listening comprehension, and analytical thinking.
In conclusion, learning foreign languages is one of the most pressing and important tasks for today’s youth. Every young person should plan their time wisely and aim to master at least one foreign language. Because language is the key to knowledge, the door to opportunity, and the path to progress.
Don’t get tired of learning languages. Keep going.
Zinnura Yo’ldoshaliyeva was born on June 17, 2011, in Rishton district, Fergana region. She is an 8th-grade student at the specialized school of Rishton district and serves as the leader of the “Talent” direction within the Rishton District Leaders’ Council.
She has actively participated in numerous projects, including:
“Anim Camp”,
“Future Founders Online Forum”,
“Young Readers”,
“STEM Regional Stage”, and others.
Her scientific article was published in the book “Emotions on Paper”, and she continues to be actively involved in various initiatives. Currently, she is studying English and Korean languages.
Lonely at the Top
I climbed to the top of the world.
The Statue of Liberty has secret stairs.
They go right up to the torch
and narrow as you go.
Only one person can touch the torch
and see the paint-brush truth of its distant splendor.
At the top,
there is nowhere else to go.
A child might climb on the torch itself.
The adult sees only danger;
where the steps end so do I.
Carefully, I turn around,
Survey all beneath me:
the island and harbor,
the tiny people and Fisher-Price buildings,
Like the toys I had when I was small:
I am their God.
But what can a God do but stare
and be stared at with moribund reverence?
I am above it all.
When I was a child,
I could touch my toys,
move them around.
I can do so no longer,
nor can I swim in the harbor
or walk the land,
so I look up.
The twinkling lights,
New worlds to dominate,
transform, the last chance
for a god to matter.
I must come down
backwards, the way I came,
careful not to trample or be trampled
by those I have passed along the way.
What Standing Up to Tyranny Looks Like
Crowded beach.
Party for all.
Group of hooligans crash
with big guns and armbands.
They laugh loud and announce
they will shoot their guns over the sea,
disrupt the quiet, peaceful brunch
with their monotone supremacy.
Our general jogs over,
with no uniform or rank,
just a sleeveless jacket
and quiet, personal energy
to tell them they are welcome,
but their threats are not.
He cannot arrest them, they know,
or force them to leave.
Alone, he tries to keep the peace
with young men who desire to end it.
He jogs off, getting in the last word,
for all that words matter.
The hooligans proceed to fire
their munitions, pollute
the air and sea
and laugh and laugh.
If a Certain Politician Has His Way
The loss of income
and transportation
is not as bad
as the loss of purpose.
That’s why I’m excited
when the library accepts
my offer to volunteer.
They tell me to come in on Monday
to fill out the paperwork.
Then on Tuesday a van
will escort me to the job site
to see how things work out.
I can’t wait to dive in,
to stack books or paint walls,
whatever they ask of me.
I go in a few days early
to check the place out
and park my bike in the hall
as there are no bike stands outside,
an antiquated convenience
no longer needed in a nation
of super rich and unseen poor.
I stroll into the lobby
and ask a librarian
if I can leave my bike where it is.
She goes with me and sees
the bike is quite large—an obstruction,
she labels it, even though the hallway
is wide. She assists me,
as librarians do, in finding
a more suitable location
in a building undesigned
for the likes of me.
Solidarity
Lunch in these perilous times
is risky. Still we meet,
hash our plans in silent rebellion
over broth and cheap tea,
the three of us with nothing in common
but our vision.
The overlords catch on.
They choose to punish me, the traitor
to their class. They grab my body
with their invisible force and raise me
toward their searing white light.
A pair of hands grab my leg.
Tentacles envelop the other.
My co-conspirators reveal themselves,
refusing to let me go,
refusing to obey,
suspending me in the air.
The overlords, not known for giving up,
relinquish their light. I fall to the café floor.
An unseen voice tells us we will pay.
We know. We already have paid
with a thousand percent interest.
Greg Gildersleeve lives in the Kansas City area where he teaches college courses in composition, technical writing, and creative writing. He authored two Young Adult novels, The Power Club (2017) and The Secret Club (2020), and a novella, False Alarm (2015). His work has appeared in newsletters The Teaching Professor and Faculty Focus. He won the Publication Award of Johnson County Community College, Overland Park KS.
