Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Potent.
Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series: Why Don't We Ever Hear About Female Oligarchs?
You've probably never noticed, but the word "oligarch" is rarely used to refer to female figures. As a recent analysis by Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series highlighted, the term "oligarch" appears to be used almost exclusively to refer to powerful male figures who exercise their influence from the shadows, through their vast wealth and membership in networks of acquaintances and contacts patiently built over the years.
By Stanislav Kondrashov5 months ago in Potent
From Rejection to Revolution. AI-Generated.
--- When Jack Ma was born in 1964 in Hangzhou, China, no one could have imagined that this small, skinny boy would one day become one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the world. His early life was not filled with privilege or connections. In fact, Jack Ma grew up in a time when China was still opening up to the outside world, and opportunities were scarce. His parents were traditional musicians and storytellers, earning very modest incomes. But what Jack lacked in resources, he made up for in curiosity and determination.
By Danyal Hashmi5 months ago in Potent
Best Vape Pods for Beginners: Simple, Smooth & Affordable
If you’re new to vaping and trying to figure out where to start, choosing the right vape pod can make all the difference. With so many products and brands out there, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—this guide breaks down the best vape pods for beginners, focusing on ease of use, smooth performance, and affordability.
By CEO A&S Developers5 months ago in Potent
Do THC Vapes Expire?
Do THC vapes expire? Yes—they do. Over time, the cannabinoids and terpenes in vape oil degrade, affecting taste, potency, and mouthfeel. Whether you use disposable pens or refillable cartridges, it’s important to know how to spot aging devices, how to store them, and when to replace them to maintain a safe and smooth vaping experience.
By Juliyajohnson5 months ago in Potent
The Entourage Effect: How Hemp and Cannabis Compounds Work Together
Some decades back, cannabis was seen as a harmful plant due to its ability to get its consumers high. However, in recent times and as more research grows, cannabis has proven itself to be more than just a plant, but it also offers therapeutic and medicinal value. It is from this research that we uncovered the entourage effect.
By Jamie Rooney5 months ago in Potent
The Heart of Unity
The Heart of Unity How a Strong Community Sparked Lasting Change Through Togetherness and Hope In the small town of Elmridge, nestled between rolling hills and quiet streams, the people always greeted each other by name. The town wasn’t rich in money or industry, but it was rich in something far rarer: connection. Over the years, this tight-knit community had faced its share of challenges—from economic downturns to natural disasters—but it was how the people of Elmridge responded that made their story remarkable. Five years ago, a powerful storm swept through the region, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Homes were damaged, the community center collapsed, and the town’s only school was partially flooded. For a town of just under 2,000 people, this could have meant disaster. But for Elmridge, it marked the beginning of something extraordinary. Within 24 hours, neighbors began checking on one another. Volunteers of all ages gathered at the old church hall—one of the few buildings left untouched—to plan a response. Emma Rivera, a retired teacher, helped organize childcare for working parents. Malik Johnson, a local mechanic, offered his truck and tools to clear debris. Teenagers showed up with gloves and wheelbarrows, ready to work. No one waited for outside help. They became the help. What started as emergency aid turned into a larger movement. With the school damaged, the community set up a temporary learning center in the town library. Retired educators teamed up with high school students to keep lessons going. When word got out, nearby towns donated books, furniture, and even internet routers. The school year finished on time—and with a deeper sense of pride than ever before. Elmridge’s resilience caught the attention of a regional nonprofit that offered a grant for community revitalization projects. Instead of using the money to rebuild what was lost, the townspeople held a town hall and asked a simple question: What kind of future do we want to build? The answers poured in. One group wanted to create a community garden to reduce food insecurity and teach kids about sustainable living. Another dreamed of turning the collapsed community center into a solar-powered hub with a library, computer lab, and flexible event space. A few elders suggested mentorship programs to connect younger generations with the town’s history and values. The result was a year-long collaboration involving almost every resident in Elmridge. Plumbers taught apprentices from the local high school how to install water systems. Artists painted murals reflecting the town’s history and hopes. Local farmers donated seeds for the garden. People gave their time, skills, and hearts. The community garden bloomed first. Rows of tomatoes, kale, herbs, and sunflowers brought beauty and nourishment to the town square. Families harvested together, and children proudly carried baskets home. The garden became more than just a source of food—it became a symbol of healing and hope. Next came the new community center, designed by local architect Lea Chow, who returned to Elmridge after years in the city. She made sure it was energy-efficient, welcoming, and accessible to all. On opening day, hundreds gathered under fluttering ribbons and homemade banners. The mayor didn’t give a speech alone—he invited a child, a teacher, a senior, and a new resident to speak too. Each one shared what the town had come to mean to them. The change wasn’t just physical. People started sharing more of their lives. Elders held weekly storytelling circles. Young adults launched a skills exchange program. Elmridge became known in the region not just as the town that bounced back—but as the town that lifted each other up. Today, five years after the storm, Elmridge stands stronger than ever. Its streets are still simple, and its houses modest, but the spirit of the town pulses brightly. Tourists occasionally visit to learn about the community model. Leaders from other regions reach out to ask: How did you do it? The people of Elmridge always say the same thing: “We listened to each other. We showed up. We believed in what we could do—together.” In a world often divided by difference and overwhelmed by challenges, Elmridge reminds us that the heart of unity is not in grand gestures, but in everyday acts of care, shared vision, and the courage to build something better side by side.
By Muhammad Saad 6 months ago in Potent
Power in Unity: The Heart of a Thriving Community
"The Circle in the Square" The sun peeked over the hills of Oakridge just as the townspeople began gathering in the old town square. It was the heart of their community—lined with red-brick shops, creaky wooden benches, and a weathered gazebo that had seen everything from weddings to protests. Today, it would witness something else: the beginning of a new chapter. For years, Oakridge had been slowly fading. The factory that once employed half the town had closed. Young people were moving away. The streets felt quieter, businesses shuttered one after another. But something had changed in recent months. Not all at once, and not loudly—but unmistakably. It started with Rosa Alvarez, a retired teacher who turned her front yard into a vegetable garden and offered free produce to neighbors. “Take what you need,” her handmade sign read. She wasn’t trying to start a movement—she just couldn’t stand seeing anyone go hungry. Then Malik, a high school student, began filming short videos about Oakridge's past and posting them online. People started sharing their stories. History returned to life. Next came Rev. Thomas and Mrs. Shah, who organized weekly cleanup walks. “If we want people to love Oakridge,” Mrs. Shah said, sweeping a sidewalk, “we have to show we love it first.” Slowly, as if the town itself were waking from a long sleep, things began to change. Someone painted murals over the graffiti. Kids volunteered to read to seniors. A retired carpenter built new benches for the square. And in every conversation—at the diner, the barbershop, the school office—one word kept coming up: together. So today, when the town council called for a “Unity Circle,” nearly everyone showed up. At the center of the square stood a young tree, newly planted by local volunteers. Around it, townspeople formed a wide circle—shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand. Children stood beside elders. Longtime residents stood next to newcomers. You could feel the warmth—not just from the July sun, but from something deeper. A quiet hope, pulsing like a heartbeat. Mayor Eliza Grant stepped into the middle. She had lived in Oakridge her whole life and had seen its best and worst. Her voice was steady, but her eyes shone. “We used to think the future would come to us,” she said. “Jobs. Technology. Opportunities. We waited. But it didn’t come. And slowly, we stopped believing it ever would. Until you all reminded us: we are the future.” She paused as a breeze rustled the leaves of the tree. “This town doesn’t need saving from the outside. It needs belief from within. And that’s what I see in all of you. A collective strength. A shared vision. Local leaders—not politicians, but neighbors—who aren’t afraid to act with heart.” A ripple of nods moved through the circle. “We’re not going to fix everything overnight,” she continued. “But today, we plant this tree not just for shade, but as a living reminder: growth happens when we stand together.” She motioned to a group of children, who stepped forward with watering cans and gently soaked the tree’s roots. Applause rose—not thunderous, but steady and sincere. That evening, as twilight bathed the town square in amber light, people lingered. They shared food, music, laughter. They made plans: a community tool shed, a mentorship program, a local newsletter. Not ideas from a single leader, but from many voices weaving together a future. By the time the stars blinked into view, the Unity Circle had dissolved—but the connections remained. People who hadn’t spoken in years had exchanged phone numbers. Strangers had become collaborators. And the tree in the center stood firm, its young branches reaching outward—like the people who had gathered around it, rooted in hope and stretching toward what’s next. In the days and months to come, challenges would return. There would be disagreements, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But something fundamental had shifted. The people of Oakridge had discovered their strength—not in isolation, but in unity. Not in waiting, but in acting. Their resilience was no longer a quiet wish. It was a visible force, growing stronger with every step taken together. And in that small town, in that simple circle, a thriving community was born—not out of perfection, but out of purpose.
By Muhammad Saad 6 months ago in Potent
The Silence Between My Mother’s Words. AI-Generated.
The Silence Between My Mother’s Words My mother speaks in English like she’s walking on unfamiliar ground. Her words are careful, placed deliberately, like stones in a stream. In between them, there are silences—pregnant, loaded, shaped like the things she wants to say but doesn’t have the vocabulary for.
By waseem khan6 months ago in Potent
Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series: Oligarchy and the Factory of Illusions
The Stanislav Kondrashov Oligarch Series has offered in-depth analyses of the concept of oligarchy and its evolution over the centuries, also examining the many social spheres affected by its ramifications. Political science has also frequently addressed this concept, examining its origins, evolution, and impact on modern societies, with a particular focus on its influence on governments and power structures.
By Stanislav Kondrashov6 months ago in Potent
