#Industrial based Process design Course

[epc-engineers]

Process design engineering Course

Process design is a Unique.  Process design engineering course is a practice based field at the intersection of many existing engineering fields and related discipline.  The Process design engineering deals with transformation and transportation of solids, liquids and gases in sync with other engineering discipline including Mechanical Electrical instrumentation etc.

Title:-   Process design engineering Course

[woradat]

Throne and fall #1

PT1 (here) -> next

NOTE - based on scenario: throne and fall

SUMMARY - An unlikely political alliance: a labor protest leader like Megatron and a sly senator like you who offered him an apple - maybe he knew it was poisonous but still chose to take it because the poison was not fatal (pre-war, au-ish)

PAIRING - megatron x reader, various char x reader

·

·

He didn’t know why he had come

Some ancient instinct buried deep within his spark—older than rebellion, older even than obedience—had murmured you shouldn’t. This was a mistake. A trap, carefully lacquered in the civility of the elite and polished to a shine so brilliant it blinded those foolish enough to look directly

The room, if it could be called such, did not appear on any schematic. It had no designation, no records, no function. It was not meant to exist. And precisely because of that, it did

Cradled in the unseen arteries between Senate foundations and the planet’s industrial underbelly, it hovered like a secret. Not quite above, not quite below. Suspended in power’s blind spot

And tonight, he stood at its center

The scuff of metal across the floor marked his presence—ungilded, unapologetic. The scent of oil and oxidized labor clung to him with all the intimacy of a second skin. There were no sigils, no ceremonial trims, no apologetic polish. Only the brutal honesty of his frame: battered, unsanded, engraved by hardship and carbon soot

He was an eyesore. He was a statement

And then you arrived—two minutes late, not by accident but by design

Of course you did

You stepped into the room as though it belonged to you, which it might as well have, moved like someone accustomed to being watched. But you only performed for an audience when you wished to

Tonight, you performed for him

armor was so meticulously sculpted it bordered on artistry, your plating so finely burnished it seemed a crime to breathe near it. Every panel caught the light with curated indifference, daring anyone to look—and reminding them why they shouldn’t

You were not beautiful

You were engineered

Elegance draped across you like a verdict. The subtle gestures, the ornamental excess, the glinting details no one needed—they all whispered of wealth, of legacy, of a world where extravagance had long since divorced itself from utility. You were not built to survive. You were built to command

And he? He was built to break things

You sat without waiting. Of course. A minor act of rebellion dressed as poise

Your voice slipped into the room like high-grade energon poured into crystal. Cold, clear, and far too expensive.

“You look… better than I expected” you drawled, tasting the words like they were laced with mild poison—palatable, but only just

“Crude, yes. Rough about the edges. But sometimes, raw ore holds more potential than the trinkets forged from it”

He stared. That frown came not from insult, but from disbelief. How could contempt be spoken so sweetly? How could condescension sound like courtship?

It was almost impressive

He did not return your smile

“How kind” he replied, his voice like gravel “What do you want?”

You reclined slightly—just enough to imply boredom, just enough to suggest danger

“Because I was tired” you replied airily “Of everything. The speeches. The processions. The hollow hymns to a system long since embalmed in corruption and paraded about like a sacred relic. Tired of pretense. Of preening Senators who couldn't differentiate virtue from vanity even if it were welded to their foreheads”

You gestured, idly, like flicking away dust that didn’t dare settle on you

“I’m weary of watching power drip like stale lubricant through the cracks of a world pretending it isn’t dying. But most of all..”

And here, your gaze fixed on him

“–I’m unspeakably bored of living in a world where voices like yours are only heard when they shatter glass ceilings”

A pause. Heavy. Deliberate

“And I wonder, my dear anarchist-” you whispered, almost intimately

“Megatron of Tarn, tell me.. how loud are you willing to become?”

Megatron stood still, though confusion crackled at the edge of his thoughts. This high-caste bot—this senator cloaked in influence both within and outside the chambers—spoke as if they hated the same world he did. But he dared not believe it

Was this an invitation… or bait?

“You speak as if you understand me,” he said, voice low “But have you ever stood in a mine, even for a single day?”

“Never” you replied, tone as cool and crystalline as high-grade energon “And I never will. But I know enough to say that your labor fattens the bellies of Senators so full they could roll from one committee meeting to the next”

“And out of the goodness of my spark…” You stepped around the table, slow, deliberate, until you stood beside him—then stepped closer still “I wish for you to learn”

You moved like you were sculpted for movement—graceful in a way that wasn’t learned but engineered. Even from a distance, you looked untouchable. Up close, you were impossible

He could smell the delicate trace of luxury-grade oil, could see the etched gold lining your frame—filigree and flourish designed not for function but for the sheer audacity of having more than anyone else. Things bots like him only ever dreamed of owning. If the world were different, he might have felt ashamed to be standing beside you

But not tonight

And he could see it now—clear as a burn mark. That look in your optics, the way your field brushed against his, cold and precise. This was not interest. Not in the way others might dream of it. This was selection. Evaluation

You weren’t here to join him

You were here to use him

Measuring him

And for a fleeting moment, he surprised himself by not resenting it

“What exactly do you expect me to learn?” he asked carefully. The miner choosing his words like stepping across a tightrope—one strung between you and something he couldn’t yet see. He didn’t know whether you’d be waiting at the end… or set the rope alight and let him drop

And you wouldn’t warn him if you did

“You have power” you said, so softly it almost sounded like admiration “I heard your words echo through the below. You speak like someone who has never tasted true authority”

“Words that stir the masses” you continued

“if left without aim, without art, without the elegance of control… are nothing but grenades with no target”

He didn’t speak—not because he misunderstood, but because no one had ever spoken to him like that. Foremen had called him trouble, fellow laborers called him a dreamer but you—you—said he had power

And you dared to stand beside him and mean it

He glanced at you, optics unreadable. But a flicker of something uncertain crossed beneath their steel

You leaned in, voice a whisper spun from steel threads and fine silk

“In my world, a ‘promise’ means nothing unless it comes with collateral. But for you…” you purred, “I’m willing to make an exception. Once”

You smiled

There was nothing kind in it

“And if you fall” you said sweetly “I’ll cut the rope myself—before your fall trips me into the chasm with you”

The words rang truer than anything he’d heard all day. More honest than any leader he’d ever met. Crueler than any vow he’d ever been offered

And he liked it

Not because it offered hope—but because it offered truth

He still wasn’t sure if you stood beside him… or if you were carving him into a weapon to be shattered on command

But he was beginning to understand: The system he fought wasn’t just built from steel

It was built from people like you

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Cookbook

Whether you want to turn your own recipes into a cookbook as a family keepsake, or work with a publisher to get the most viral recipes from your blog onto paper and into bookstores, making a cookbook is often a fun but work-intensive process.

How to Make a Cookbook

The process of making a cookbook will depend on your publishing route, but in general you’ll need to work through the following steps:

Concept: The first step of making a cookbook is to figure out what kind of cookbook this will be. Your cookbook can focus on a single ingredient, meal, region, or culture. It can be an educational tome for beginners, or a slapdash collection of family favorites for your relatives. If you’re looking to get your cookbook published, a book proposal is a necessary step towards getting a book deal, and can also help you pin down your concept.

Compile recipes: If you’ve been dreaming of writing a cookbook, chances are you probably already know some recipes that have to be included. Make a list of those important recipes and use that as a jumping-off point to brainstorm how your cookbook will be organized and what other recipes need to be developed. If you’re compiling a community cookbook, reach out to your community members and assemble their recipes.

Outline: Based on your guiding concept and key recipes, make a rough table of contents. Possibly the most common way to divide a cookbook is into meals (appetizers, breakfast, lunch, dinner) but cookbooks can also be divided by season, raw ingredients (vegetables, fish, beef), cooking techniques, or some other narrative structure.

Recipe development: Flesh out your structure by developing beyond your core recipes, if needed, and fine-tuning those recipes which need a bit more work.

Recipe testing: Hire recipe testers, or enlist your friends and family, to test out your recipes in their home kitchens. Have them let you know what worked and didn’t work, or what was confusing.

Write the surrounding material: Most cookbooks include some writing other than the recipes. This may include chapter introductions and blurbs for each recipe.

Photography and layout: If your book includes photography, at some point there will be photo shoots where the food will have to be prepared and styled for camera. Traditional publishing houses will likely want to hire stylists and photographers who specialize in food photography. Once the images and text are both ready, a book designer will arrange them together and make the cover design, but you can also make your own cookbook design using software like InDesign or old-school DIY-style, with paper, scissors, and a photocopier.

Editing: If you’re working with a publisher, there may be several rounds of back and forth as your editor works with you to fine-tune the recipes and text. The book will then be sent to a copy editor who will go through the entire cookbook looking for grammar and style issues, and indexer for finishing touches. If you’re self-publishing, give a rough draft of your book to friends and family members to proofread.

Printing: After everything is laid out and approved, your cookbook is ready to be printed. If you’re printing your cookbook yourself, you can go to a copy shop to get it spiral bound, or send it off to a printer for more options.

Common Types of Cookbooks

More so than any other kind of nonfiction book, cookbooks lend themselves to self-publishing. Of course, cookbook publishing is also a huge industry, and a professional publisher might be the best route for your book depending on the scope and your reach as a chef.

Self-published: This is a cookbook made of up your own recipes, which you might give as gifts to family and friends. You can easily self-publish a cookbook online as an individual. But if having a print book is important to you, there are many options. You can print and staple together a short cookbook, zine-style. Many copy shops will also offer options for wire-bound cookbooks, and there are resources online that will print bookstore-quality softcover or hard-cover books for a fee.

Community cookbooks: A special subset of self-published cookbook made up of recipes from multiple individuals, usually to raise money for a cause or organization. Working with a group has the advantage of a large pool of recipes and testers, and is a great way to share your recipes with a larger audience while also supporting a cause you believe in.

Through a publishing house: If you think your cookbook has a wider audience, you may want to seek out a mainstream publishing house. Get a literary agent who can to publishers who can connect you with publishers who are interested in your cookbook. Large publishing houses don’t usually accept pitches from individuals, but you can reach out to small, local publishers without an agent as intermediary. To publish a cookbook through a publishing house, you’ll typically need a book proposal outlining your concept, audience, and budget.

Things to Consider Before Making a Cookbook

Before embarking on your cookbook project, it’s a good idea to get organized, and to figure out what kind of cookbook you want to make.

Photography: More so than other texts, cookbooks often include visual accompaniment. Beautiful pages of full-color photos are expensive, which is one reason publishers like to work with bloggers who can style and photograph their own food. Not all cookbooks need photos, however. Some of the most iconic cookbooks rely on illustrations, or words alone. Figure out what role, if any, visuals will play in your book.

Audience: Are you turning recipe cards into a keepsake family cookbook, or selling this cookbook nationwide? Your intended audience will greatly influence how you write and publish your cookbook, whether it’s vegans, college students, or owners of pressure cookers. You’ll need to consider your audience’s cooking skill level, desires, and where they buy their food.

Budget: Once you have a vision for what you want your cookbook to be, budget your time and resources. Do you need help to make this book? The answer is probably yes. Assemble a team of people who understand your vision and know what kind of commitment will be involved.

Source ⚜ More: Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Noah Berlatsky at Public Notice:

Authoritarian regimes by definition have no accountability to voters or the public. That means autocrats and their cronies can gorge themselves at the public trough and blatantly steal from taxpayers with few if any consequences. It's not really a surprise, then, that as part of his authoritarian power grab, Trump has embraced brazen and open self-dealing. The most ludicrous example of this is the scheme he announced last Sunday for a national crypto reserve. As with many of Trump’s big orange dreams, it’s not exactly clear what the crypto reserve will entail or how it will work. But the brilliance of the half-baked idea is that Trump and his cronies can make bank just by talking about it. The president can use his bully pulpit to manipulate markets. And who’s going to stop him? Trump, fresh off avoiding 88 felony charges, obviously feels confident that the answer is “no one.”

Government on the blockchain

Crypto refers to digital currencies which are generated and stored in a digital ledger, or blockchain. In theory, cryptocurrencies do not rely on a central government authority. Proponents say they are useful for quick or anonymous transactions. Critics point out that cryptocurrency seems designed for hiding illegal transactions and/or creating what are essentially Ponzi investment schemes. Because of the downsides, President Biden created moderate guidelines to try to regulate some of the worst excesses of the industry, which made him an enemy of hardcore crypto boosters. But Trump in his first term expressed even deeper skepticism about cryptocurrencies, saying they are based on “thin air.” During the 2024 election, though, crypto investors spent tens of millions on Republican campaigns. Trump, who never saw a quid pro quo he didn’t love, changed his tune, embracing crypto-friendly policies. After his victory, he followed through by appointing venture capitalist and Elon Musk crony David Sacks as a White House crypto czar. Another reason Trump flip-flopped on crypto is that his family figured out how to cash in. Following the election, Trump squandered some of the goodwill he had built up with the crypto industry when he and his wife Melania launched memecoins — essentially valueless crypto confidence games — that both surged in value, making the Trumps billions (but undermining the credibility of crypto in the process). That came after his two adult sons, Eric and Don Jr, launched their own crypto company during the campaign called World Liberty Financial. Boosting crypto as president, then, allows Trump and his family to profit directly from his public office. Trump announced his thank you to the industry last Sunday, when he declared that he would create a “Crypto Strategic Reserve” in order to make the US “the Crypto Capital of the World.” He of course claimed the move is part of “MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”

Donald Trump’s “Crypto Strategic Reserve” idea is a grift to his crypto buddies.

[nwarrior777]

"MainSpring Rays: The Power" Little game which play Big. Dev Team Open Call announce!

Can't believe i am saying this, but, it's actually happening! I am looking for people who would like to join to the dev team of my game!

What's even this game?

MainSpring Rays: The Power based on life of a russian immigrant [the author], wrapped in surreal metaphors on a fantasy-like word building base. Little melancholic story about everyday life horrors, with hopeful message

MSRTP is a little indie visual novel. However, it has not popular core solutions, which I, as author, wish game industry and media in general a very Right Now

The game has 3 main principles:

Accessibility Focus Disabled players are included in audience and every aspect of the game is treated with "is this accessible? yes - go, no - fix" mindset. The goal is to create the game which will be accessible by default to all known disability types - vision, hearing, motoric, with no need of extra menu options slapped on already made gameplay. To make this goal come true a lot of techniques used: not using epilepsy triggering video effects, default big fount size of game interface, Special Balance Rule, and many more (more details about it in next promo posts) I assume that there will be mistakes on that, cause i am new at coding but if to make games - only like this, so that's why one of Open Call roles is Accessibility Consultant/Tester, who needs to be of course, disabled

Representation focus Characters with various appearance features, medical conditions, all fat - all shown gorgeous and respectful even if i draw representative art for about a decade, there is Open Call role for Representation Writing Consultant because i am white and don't want to write black character badly, don't have face burn, etc it's not surprise for my audience to see these designs, but apparently the thing that characters needs to have more body types and appearance than one model for million character in one game is discovery to be made in game industry

The game is free I want to give all people chance to play no matter of their income, including income of people who can't buy even one cofee cup by month

Ok, some more important info about the game?

A little about the plot: In the game you - player (the main hero), lead small group of refugees to Light, through world which falls to darkness. You go through hells of life guiding by Light Dots on Sky, keeping warmth inside and helping each other in hard times. The ending is the only one. The Good one

It's little visual novel. It's already has working rough prototype with full written story, most of graphic is ready, text written but not edited.

So this is why we here - Open Call!

People Needed:

Voice actors (details - on castingcall.club project page, link below)

Accessibility consultants and testers (if you know coding - cool, but you can be just disabled person)

Testers (coding, bugs)

Representation Consultants

Grammar editor (my eng is my second, help)

may add more in dev process

! Unfortunatelly, it's volunteer (unpaid) work. But, if you have enough free time and passion for project of such values, it can be interesting

Contacts, if you interested:

Email: krisvolyk777@gmail.com Write with the theme "The Game"

Also, i created the page on CASTINGCALL.CLUB - you can apply there, especially on voice actors roles

So excited to post this announce! Will wait for your letters

[kalinazlatkova]

“The Art of Love Death + Robots ❤️❌🤖”    🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨 

Book Review Under the Cut 

Gallery Part 1 | Gallery Part 2 

⋆｡°✩*ੈ✶⋆.˚✩‧₊˚⋆˚☆˖°⋆｡° ✮˖ ࣪ ⊹⋆.˚⋆˙⟡⋆✴︎˚｡⋆⊹.˚⟡ ݁₊˚⊹⋆☆˖°

If you enjoy my work, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi 👛🫙✨🖤 Thank you! 🥰

Hi All! 😊 This is my next Art Book review (after the Art of Arcane), which I am especially happy to do in honour of V4 just coming out, woop woop!!! Please let me know what your favourite episodes / stories are in the tags / notes. My all-time favourite is the Secret War, followed by Sucker of Souls. But then again, I am Bulgarian and grew up on the Balkans in the 90s, so what else would you expect? 😅 I also love all the Three Robots, The Witness, and my heart just goes to both Good Hunting and Jibaro 🖤 

 

I’m structuring the reviews in five key areas, with books earning a palette for each area they score against, with a total of five palettes being the max, and a brush being awarded in areas where a book can only score half a point. As someone from a working-class background who is also neurodivergent, I’m especially mindful how these things can impact the way in which we access information and new knowledge. Of course, if you have any suggestions on what else should be included, please let me know and I’ll be happy to consider this in future too. 

Now! Off to the main bit... 

 

Is the book Useful? 🎨 

The book starts with a foreword from an author named John Scalzi, who wrote one of the original stories the volumes were inspired by, but if you don’t know who he is, you should most definitely look him up! In the foreword John speaks about how a story changes based on the perception of the person setting it in motion and making it visual, how much MORE there is for it, in the live result in the end. I think these adaptations and the book both, are phenomenal examples of the evolution of words and the power they can have when growing them to a new level and medium, especially when done with the right people. Those being the great people at Blur, who have a long partnership with Riot Games, and recently did Secret Level for Amazon as well. The book goes over how the creators chose Blur, and every other creative who then became part of their dream teams, as well as other projects they’ve contributed on before, and how they landed on the idea of an anthology, matching the right artistic minds to each story. They also explain how the visual language and identity of the series came to be in the graphic design we’ve seen for each episode. Then the book goes onto the different animation styles and techniques put in place for each story, as well as the cinematography and editing processes. The book is well divided, by Volumes, reviewing each episode in that volume (series). The creators explain how the story was adapted, how the characters were designed, and which sub-studio / animation team did the work for it. Some also make mention of design challenges the teams ran through and how they were solved. There are also great displays of some of the sketches, storyboards, character sheets and behind the scenes schematics of each project. As each episode showcases who the people behind it were, and what other projects they have been involved in, the book is almost a version of the yellow pages for people in the game / animation / film / special effects and other industries. Lots of great names to research and follow! Given all of this, I would say that, Yes - the book is definitely useful, regardless if you’re an established artist, a student, a hobbyist, or a fan of the show. There’s a little something for everyone who’s looking for interesting visuals, great stories and understanding how they came to be.  

Is the book Engaging? 🎨 

The book is structured well and gives enough attention to each episode in order to do it justice. The ideas and imagination behind it are shown in sketches, concept art, animation and effects development, storyboards and scenes from the show itself. The grid system of the book is easy to follow, and the images and photographs are well sized and well combined. It's written in simple English and in a way that allows the personality and thought process of the people behind each episode to shine through. It hits the right balance between history, planning, and creation for each volume without there ever being a chance for the reader to become bored with just too much of the one thing at a time. The text and paragraphs are broken up well into small chunks of information, and there are only about 9 – 14 words per line on average which makes for an easy read also. I think even if you are someone who prefers more colourful and vivid visuals alongside text, this would still be a good balance for you too. So, I would say Yes, the book is engaging as well.  

Is the book Accessible? 🎨 

As I said, the grid of the book is well defined with about 2-3 columns per page, without them being too narrow. The type is set in a sans serif font, either in black on a white page, or in white on a black page, so there is good contrast, and it makes it easier to read. I have the physical copy of the book, but I find that I don't need a handheld zoom lense as the type seems to be set at a size 11 or 12, which is just right to read for me. The size of the book is 30.23 x 2.67 x 23.88 cm, and it's in a landscape format. That and the fact that it weighs 1.5kg according to my kitchen scale (its 260 pages and hardcover), means that it’s really not the kind of book you can hold in one hand to read, or hold up in bed even with both hands above your face. It’s definitely a tabletop book, so bear that in mind if it is an issue for you. Also, the covers are gloss black, so every single fingerprint and smudge appears on it, as well as on the pages that are black inside, which are a lot, and it doesn’t ever really wipe off even if your hands were clean. Because of all of this, I would say Yes – the book is accessible, especially from the point of view of someone who is neurodivergent and struggles with reading on the regular. If the physical design aspects bother you or if you have special requirements in some areas, then I’d advise you to look at getting the digital version of the book instead.  

Is the book Affordable? 🎨 

The original price of the book is £35 hardcover brand new (48 USD or 40 EUR), which honestly for the quality and range of the book (Vol 1 – 3, 4 just came out and the book was published some years ago now) is good value for money. I however bought my book second hand on ebay for £20 including the delivery fee, which was much better. Looking at sales, there are still “new” copies for sale at the retail price, but there are also well kept second hand books, going as low as £12 (saw one today on ebay uk). Though as always, prior to purchasing, I’d urge you to see if the book is available from a library near you or if perhaps you can find a digital copy online for free. If all else fails, or if you just want to have a physical copy, please look for a used version first (if you can find a well-kept one) as it will save you some money which could go towards the weekly shop or bills instead. Due to the non-retail prices, I would say that Yes – the book is affordable and can fit within a monthly budget, if you have one, without you having to specifically save money for it over an extended period of time.  

Is the book Worth it? 🎨 

As you can see, I’ve given a full palette in each area of review. Even though I love the series, I’ve tried to be as objective as possible and consider the book for its merits alone. I loved learning about all the people who were involved in each episode, their creative visions, how and why were they the right ones for the story and the job overall, how they engaged the right animation teams and formats, and how it all came together. Each volume is an indescribable labour of love, for people who may as well be competitors in their industries but have joined forces to make all these stories and characters come to life. Even if I hadn’t seen the show, as a designer and an illustrator, and someone who loved doing filming and animation at university, this book has been a wonderful resource of ideas and inspiration. It is visually rich and compelling, and has the potential of growing your imagination and own visual style if that’s something you are interested in. Due to all of this, I would say that ultimately Yes – the book is worth it.  

[canmom]

Animation Night 191 - Yuzuru Tachikawa

this is what it's like to play jazz.

OK, so, you know Mob Psycho 100? Maybe I don't even need to say more than that...

Yuzuru Tachikawa! If you're a sakuga type, perhaps a familiar name... if not, let's take a moment to rewind the clock to the strange ancient times of 2013, where there was a certain something called the Young Animators Training Project. Which was a project to train young animators. More substantially, as kvin writes here, it was a project designed to address the collapsing training processes of the anime industry... a project which fell rather short of its aims in many ways.

But in its earlier days, it did fund a couple of very interesting, unique short films. One of them was the original Little Witch Academia, which went on to expand into one of Trigger's flagship series. And the other... was Death Billiards, directed and written by a certain Yuzuru Tachikawa, rising episode director star, at Madhouse.

The premise of Death Billiards, and the later expanded esries Death Parade, is that the dead find their way into bars whose bartenders judge whether they should be reincarnated based on 'death games'. What's a death game? Well, standard bar stuff: billiards, darts... the title is in fact very literal. And it slapped. kVin writes:

Death Billiards was nothing short of a passion project for Tachikawa, who wrote, directed, and storyboarded it all. It was his opportunity to make a stance. To prove he wasn’t just a great ally for other creators, or even a suitable second in command, but rather someone deserving of helming his own titles as he pleased. In his second showing as director—the one fan of the 2012 multimedia project Arata-naru Sekai happens to be a friend of mine and he’ll kill me if I don’t mention it—Tachikawa held nothing back. Death Billiards’ exploration of ambiguity and moral failings that had always intrigued Tachikawa stuck with people all around the world too, and its presentation was so stylish that not even Yoh Yoshinari’s dazzling LWA managed to overshadow it. The OVA immediately put Tachikawa on the map, but truth to the told, that’s far from the extent of its success.

And indeed, Tachikawa - and producer Takuya Tsunoki - went on to do many great things, building up a strong gang of animators around them, many of them associated with the young Studio NUT. Of course, their best known project is Mob Psycho 100, a popular comedy-shōnen manga by One (same mangaka as One Punch Man) which plays around with chuunibyou (in the original sense) ideas of psychic powers in, ultimately, a very grounded, affirming way - and to this Tachikawa et al. brought a slightly sketchy, experimental style which led to some pretty crazy action animation. Mob was a crazy hit; later came their long-term passion project DECA-DENCE, a very fun scifi piece about humans trapped in an elaborate physicalised game, rebelling against the system and staging prison breaks, full of slick zero-g action sequences...

Course while we're talking about NUT, we gotta mention their first work Youjo Senki, perhaps the most outright loathsome anime I've ever seen. Not to beat this dead horse. I can only imagine that the staff working on it were like... somehow oblivious to the blatant nazi barely-even-subtext of what they were adapting? (In keeping with the unfortunate ways that otaku culture plays with nazi imagery.) I just can't square it with any of the other stuff they've made, Deca-Dence in particular. Tachikawa at least was only peripherally involved in that hot mess.

We're not actually here to talk about Mob or Deca-Dence though - they're both way too long for Animation Night. Instead we'll be rolling the clock forward to Tachikawa's most recent project at NUT: an adaptation of Blue Giant, about boys playing jaazzzzzz.

also eating burger.

Blue Giant follows Dai, an aspiring saxophonist, as he grows up and toots despite the hostility of the patrons of his local music shop. The film adapts some of the later volumes of the manga, in which Dai has already made some progress in his playing. Dai falls in with two other jazz players: the experienced and arrogant Yukinori and novice drummer Shunji as they form a band. Before long, conflict brews over just how hardcore you should go.

The film is, naturally, a celebration of jazz, full of elaborate scenes of performance, described as being like "a full-blown music video" to really sell you on how moving and awesome jazz movie can be. Jazz and anime can be a great combo (just ask anyone who's seen Cowboy Bebop or Gundam Thunderbolt) and I am pretty curious to see what they come up with here.

Honestly, while I've enjoyed Mob and Deca-Dence, I definitely feel like I'm sleeping a bit on Tachikawa - so tonight I hope to remedy it by checking out where he came from and where he's currently going, with a night of Death Billiards and Blue Giant! NUT's animation is always lively and stylish - they're also the studio where the master of anime-industry animation tutorials, Dong Chang, works - so I think we'll surely see something cool.

Animation Night 191 will be going live shortly at twitch.tv/canmom, I hope to see you there! And apologies for the late start - without going into too much of what's happening behind the scenes here, we should (touch wood) soon be able to get back to an earlier schedule, but for now we're still on witching hours.

[1americanconservative]

@markeatsmeat

Wow. Joel Salatin, a farmer and regenerative agriculture advocate, has been offered a position within the USDA. He will advise Thomas Massie who’s agreed to be Secretary of Agriculture. Here’s the full message posted to his website today: “The deplorables and garbage people won again.  Can you believe it?  I've been contacted by the Trump transition team to hold some sort of position within the USDA and have accepted one of the six "Advisor to the Secretary" spots.  My favorite congressman, Thomas Massie from Kentucky, has agreed to go in as Secretary of Agriculture. He's been the sponsor of the PRIME ACT, which, if pushed through, would be the biggest shot across the bow of the entrenched industrial meat processing system we've seen in a century.  Let liberty ring.  Wouldn't that be a change of fortune for Big Ag?  If RFK Jr. goes in as Sec. of Health and Human Services, everything will be inverted.  Talk about the coolest turn about.  He'd be the boss of the Faucis and Francis Collins--the whole covid anti-science crowd.  Wouldn't that be a change of fortune for Big Pharma?   And if Elon Musk goes in as a Government Waste Czar, do you think he could possibly find something?    Here's an interesting tidbit.  All the income taxes in the U.S. are $2 trillion a year.  Government spending and borrowing are so out of control that if we eliminated $2 trillion from the budget, it would only set us back to 2020.  Does anyone think returning to government spending in 2020 would destroy things?  Of course not.  So all we have to do is cut federal spending to 2020 levels and we can eliminate income tax.  Period.  Done.  How would that make you feel? Most people don't know enough history to know that the federal government was to be financed entirely from tariffs and excise taxes.  In fact, as a nation we operated just fine for nearly 150 years without an income tax.  The only president who eliminated the national debt was Andrew Jackson, and he did it by eliminating the second bank of the U.S.  Nearly 100 years later we got the third bank, known as the Federal Reserve, plus the income tax.  During that time, tariffs averaged 40-50 percent.  After the income tax, tariffs dropped to an average of about 7 percent, where they remain today.  If we went back to 40 percent, like we had for nearly 150 years, we would bring production home and free our citizens from impoverishing taxes.  Dear folks, this is a watershed moment to take a creative and serious look at the sacred cows in our nation and fry some serious burgers. We don't know history.  We don't know liberty.  We don't know earthworms or aquifers or immune systems.  I'm hoping this election is an opening to discovery.  Perhaps we could even figure out how to put negative occurrences like jails, pollution, and cancer on the nation's balance sheet, as a liability rather than an asset (Gross Domestic Product--more jails?  wonderful, pour more concrete and make more jobs).   Perhaps we'll eliminate federal involvement in education, from kindergarten to college.  Make every teacher accountable to performance.  Eliminate ALL federal intervention in the food system, in farming, in energy.  The Constitution (read it) doesn't allow for any of this and it's time to examine all of it.  Shut down foreign military bases; bring them all home.  Stop ALL foreign aid, from USAID to military aid.  Sell stuff is fine; giving it isn't.  I think whatever taxes we pay should be able to be designated to certain departments.  That way we the people could support or defund departments directly.  The reason we have K street is because all our freedoms are for sale.  Eliminate government manipulation and the lobbyists all go home.  These are simple things.  Let's do it.” https://thelunaticfarmer.com/blog/11/6/2024/celebration?format=amp

[generic-sonic-fan]

Team Dark Week: Night

Summary: One member of Team Dark gets tired more predictably than the others. For @teamdarkweek

2,366 words, no content warnings

---

Shadow wasn’t nocturnal. 

The ARK was on a set clock, synced with a time zone called “Central Time”, with red-lighted digital clock faces in every major room aboard. Constantly blinking and changing. The one in the research lab was used to time the experiments. He still remembered the day where he’d run faster than that clock, the day that Gerald had hoisted him up on his shoulders to parade him around and-

In Maria’s room there was a peculiar object. Small, white, and round. Twelve digits spread around a circular face. A small, wide arrow that moved slowly, and a thinner arrow that quivered with every pulse of his heart. 

“It’s not an electronic clock. I think the word is. . . hmm. . . analog,” Maria had explained. “I’ve always had it. It’s probably from Earth!”

She slept with the clock beside her bed. He and she could count along with it to keep their minds off of the day to come.

Only these days, staring up at the ceiling while bound by Earth’s gravity, all was silent. 

Shadow wasn’t nocturnal. 

Shadow wasn’t nocturnal.

—

Rouge wasn’t nocturnal. Frustratingly so. GUN was a human organization, and human organizations worked with the sun, so she worked with the sun. 

It’s not like she hated the sun. The big ball of burning space gas wasn’t the top of her priorities by any means. She had much better things to hate in a much nearer proximity. But that didn’t mean she liked it. She was always, always sleepy while the rest of the humans seemed as bright and as chipper as ever. And of course, humans tended to relate more and thus spill more to those familiar to them, so she had to become just as alert as they were to do her job most effectively during the times that night missions were few. 

She’d gotten good at it by now. This was her world by choice. There was no higher-paying client in the business. Humans loved things like information and secrets on each other almost as much as she loved gems, which was saying something. She knew where she was most valuable, and it was here. 

So Rouge wasn’t nocturnal. Simple as that.

Rouge wasn’t nocturnal. 

—

Omega’s sensors registered motion in the hallway outside of his designated recharge room. His base programming ran through a pre-prepared checklist of possible sources of this motion, and determined the most likely cause to be either one of his organic teammates attending to their bodily functions. 

Omega’s sensors registered more motion in the hallways outside of his designated recharge room. His base programming ran through a pre-prepared checklist of possible sources of this motion, and determined the most likely cause to be either one of his organic teammates returning to their rooms after attending to their bodily functions.

Omega’s sensors registered voices in an indeterminate location outside of his designated recharge room. His base programming could not match this stimuli to any of the conditions on the pre-prepared checklist. This instigated the reboot of his short-term adaptive processing.

Omega exited standby mode. As he unplugged himself from his power cord, a notification popped up- energy reserves were still at a mere 14%. He looked at his power cord, the measly, pathetic, “UL-Rated” cord approved for use in civilian housing infrastructure, and imagined ripping it apart and demanding to be supplied with a more suitable industrial cord. 

His attention shifted when he identified Shadow and Rouge’s voices in the living room. He was too distant for his language programs to make much out of the vocals. He opened his door and traveled to the living room. 

His teammates’ voices went silent as he arrived. 

“WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE FOR AWAKENING AT 12:47 AM?” He asked. 

Shadow looked at Rouge. Rouge shrugged. “Couldn’t sleep.” 

“ORGANIC BEINGS REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF EIGHT HOURS OF REST TO FUNCTION. RETURN TO YOUR ROOMS.”

“No.” Shadow replied. “Go back to bed. This doesn't concern you.”

“THIS DOES, IN FACT, CONCERN ME. I REQUIRE MY TEAMMATES TO OPERATE AT MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY. THIS REQUIRES THAT YOU REST.”

“Oh shut up, would you?” Rouge crossed her arms. “Shadow and I are going out for a little night out and there’s nothing you can do about it.” 

“TRY ME.”

“Sure!”

“No fighting in the apartment.” Shadow parroted Rouge’s oft-cited rule. “Come on, let’s just go.”

“YOU WILL NOT LEAVE ME BEHIND!” 

“Fine.” Shadow said.

“Only as long as you keep it quiet and don’t complain about ‘organic sleep schedules’, alright?” Rouge added. 

“AFFIRMATIVE.” 

Rouge grabbed her keys, Shadow grabbed his jacket, and they left the apartment in short order. Their movement was normal as they descended down the stairs, but once they reached the pavement of the sidewalk, Shadow ignited his rocket footwear and Rouge took off from the ground. They grinned at each other before taking off down the empty streets. Omega wasted no time in activating his own rocket boosters to follow. 

As they raced through the suburbs and onto the 76 freeway, Shadow’s speeds crept further and further towards the sound barrier. His vitals were still within that of mild aerobic activity, whereas Rouge’s heart rate and rate of respiration increased rapidly. This strange, nonverbal race was pushing her limits. 

Building lights faded into the light of individual warehouses as they neared the edge of the city. Upon crossing the last city limit, Shadow gave a single audible laugh, before breaking the sound barrier, shooting off ahead of them into the patchwork of rural roads. 

Rouge shook her head and slowed, but Omega would not let himself be beaten. He increased power to his boosters and gave his own verbal ���HA” as he caught the hedgehog, who’d stopped a mere twenty miles out. 

“I won.” Shadow smiled. 

“YOU DID NOT INSTIGATE A FORMAL RACE.” Omega replied. 

Rouge arrived moments later, huffing and puffing as she landed beside them. 

“Good pace.” Shadow said to her. 

He sat down in the middle of the gravel road, looking up towards the stars. Rouge joined beside him, her wings draped over her shoulders. 

Omega stood behind them. He did not need to rest. His rocket boosters did not get worn out and would not get sore. Such was the superiority of the Ultimate Robo-

An error warning popped up in front of his vision. Energy reserves at 7%. 

This was only enough for another forty minutes of operation. Less, if he were to activate his rocket boosters again. 

“Nice night.” Shadow said.

“Yeah.” Rouge concurred.

Omega queried his auxiliary power cells, only to find them empty. His memory banks not-so-helpfully reminded him that he’d spent them to get an extra boost of speed to pursue a fleeing Badnik three days ago, and he had yet to recharge them.

“I’ve been learning the constellations.” Shadow whispered. 

“Really?”

“What do you mean ‘really’?”

“No, not that I think it’s weird, hun.” Rouge said. “Just that, don’t you come from space?”

Shadow laughed quietly. “We couldn’t see the stars very well from the windows.”

“Why not?”

“The light from the planet was too bright.” 

“What light?”

“I’m not sure. I remember hearing something about how even the planet reflects the sun’s light.” Shadow picked up a chunk of gravel from the road, admiring it in his hand. “Or perhaps it was just the brightness of the solar panels. Either way, it blocked out the light from the stars.” 

“Just like city lights.” Rouge concurred. 

Omega engaged in a line of rationale that he never had to before- one that made his rage spike in his processor. He needed to preserve power for the flight back to the apartment. Every power-saving measure, no matter how humiliating, would help. 

He lowered himself to the ground and began offlining auxiliary systems. He reduced power to those that weren’t absolutely vital to his targeting and weapons operation, such as his optics, tactile, and audial sensors. Shadow and Rouge’s voices became muffled and the road ahead became shadowy. 

“That one’s. . . Cassiopea, I believe.” Shadow lifted his arm toward the sky, but Omega couldn’t make out much else in his motion.

“Looks like a ‘W’.” Rouge replied. “Seems a little fancy.”

“I didn’t name it.”

“Of course not. And I’m not one to scoff at sentimentality.”

“Yes, you are.”

“Okay, maybe a little.”

Omega’s rage flared up even further when he received another emergency popup. Energy reserves at 6%.

He tore through his own processor, searching for whatever errant function could’ve caused such a drastic power drain in a matter of minutes. He paused, however, when he found that the function consuming the most power was his own processing, followed closely by his cooling fans. 

He was going to think himself into shut down! How imbecilic! He needed to cease this processing immediately. 

“What are some other ones?” Rouge asked. 

“That one is a star cluster.” Shadow replied. “They’re called the Pleiades.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know. It’s what humans call them.”

“Know any more?”

A pause. “No.”

Rouge laughed. Shadow made some motion towards her that Omega’s limited vision could not determine. 

“Sounds like you need to get out more when you can’t sleep.” Rouge said.

“I don’t think someone would like that.” 

There was a pause in conversation. Good. The less Omega processed, the better to preserve power with. The fact that he’d let himself get this underpowered was a vital mistake. To use the appropriate vulgar terminology: fuck that power cable. It was imperative that he retrieve a new one!

“Guess he’s also enjoying the stars.” Rouge said. 

Energy reserves at 5%. 

Omega’s rage exploded within him. He simulated blowing apart the popup with his missiles, then tearing apart the cord with his claws. Of course, this simulation only consumed more power. 

“Omega?” Shadow asked. 

“SYSTEMS NOMINAL.” He snapped back, before diving back into the process of trying to reduce his rage.

A futile strategy, Omega admitted to himself.

“What’s on your mind?” Rouge asked. “Your cooling fans are going crazy.”

“SYSTEMS NOMINAL. LET US DEPART THIS LOCATION.” He instructed his legs to resume a standing position. 

However, his knee joints slowed, his motors whining from lack of power. 

“Something’s wrong.” Shadow hissed. 

“Don’t look at me.” Rouge replied. 

Omega turned and began walking down the road, only for his steps to sway. Locomotion protocols were among those he’d limited power to. 

“Omega! Answer me!” Shadow said. . 

It was time to retreat from this location, now. It was approximately fifty miles back to the apartment. He would have to fire his rocket boosters. . . slower, to have enough power to stay online at least. . . some of the way there. Even precise calculations were slipping form his awareness. 

“Hey, what’s wrong? Are you tired?” Rouge asked. 

“I DO NOT GET TIRED!” Omega replied. 

Something landed in front of him, a blob of pixels lighter than the darkness behind it. “You’re walking like you’ve had one too many at the club. We didn’t wake you up from your much-needed beauty sleep, did we?”

“SILENCE!”

“What are your power levels at?” Shadow’s blob joined beside her. 

Omega lowered himself to the ground so he could shift enough power to his optics to make out their facial expressions. 

“You’re already weakened.” Shadow frowned. “Your attempts at hiding that have failed. Tell us what’s going on so we can help.”

A second of concern slipped onto Rouge’s expression, but she didn’t say anything.

“POWER RESERVES AT 5%.” Omega divulged. 

She regained her smile. “So you are sleepy.”

“I AM NOT ‘SLEEPY’! I AM ON THE VERGE OF IMMINENT SHUTDOWN!”

“Mhmm. We’ve all been there.” Rouge replied. “Could almost fall asleep standing up if you’re in a meeting with information ops. I don’t recommend trying it for yourself, though.”

“He needs to get back.” Shadow said. 

“Of course. I’ll carry him.” 

“You shouldn’t have come with us if you were this low on energy.” Shadow stared at him.

Omega couldn’t generate anything to reply with. 

“Alright, up you go, big boy.” 

Rouge grabbed his arms and took to the sky. With the landscape passing by beneath them without the need for his own locomotion, Omega entered standby mode to conserve power. 

—

He awakened from standby mode with his power reserves at 100%. His auxiliary power cells were even 33% restored. 

The first thing his optics registered was sunlight streaming through his window. He checked his chronometer. The time was 11:00 AM. Noise emanated from the kitchen of the apartment. 

Omega stormed out of his room to find Rouge gathering components for pancakes and Shadow crunching on beans from the Coffea Arabica plant. 

“Someone’s bright and chipper this morning.” Rouge pouted before rubbing her eyes. “Keep it down, would you?”

“I already offered to make you coffee.” Shadow said.

“Oh shut up, you.”

“YOU DID NOT WAKE ME WHEN YOU RETURNED ME TO THIS LOCATION.”

“Figured you needed the rest. Or, hmm, the power down?” Rouge replied.

Omega’s processor, now operating at full capacity, generated seventeen different insults to deny her charge with. However, none of them were persuasive enough to combat the strength of evidence she had to the contrary. 

“POWER PRESERVATION WAS INDEED NECESSARY.”

“Next time, tell us when you’re low on power, alright?”

“UNNECESSARY.”

“You insist on telling us whenever we do something against the best interest of our health. Allow us to return the favor.” Shadow added.

“I DO NOT HAVE ‘HEALTH’.” 

“Fine!” Shadow tossed the bag down, spilling the beans across the counter. “Allow me to put it even more simply: tell us when you can’t operate to your fullest potential. You’d expect nothing less from us, correct?” 

A brief search of his memory banks did confirm that he’d made Shadow and Rouge promise to disclose any organic weaknesses. Omega crossed his arms. “CORRECT.”

“Good. That’s that.”

“Pick up your coffee.” Rouge flicked a bean into Shadow’s lap. 

Shadow scowled at her, but said nothing more. 

“We’ll make sure you’re able to get the time you need to recharge from now on, alright?” She turned to Omega. “Believe it or not, we want you feeling your best, too.” 

—

After four hours of researching Mobian sleep cycles, Omega finally interpreted her meaning.

He was not nocturnal. 

[brian-in-finance]

Forget Me Not is not just a gin…

It’s an opportunity to support the arts and acknowledge the positive contribution creative industries make to society.

Literature, visual and performance art touches our lives daily. Sadly, arts funding everywhere has been cut over the past decade, affecting many artists at the outset of their careers. We want to help plug the funding gap so that tomorrow’s important artists get the support they need to reach their full potential.

See our Projects section for more information on how we will use profits from Forget Me Not to support arts programmes around the world.

Caitríona Balfe x

Our Projects

We will regularly update you with information on the arts projects we are funding from our profits. We are proud that our first project has been to sponsor the SWG3 Graduate Programme.

The SWG3 Graduate Programme is a 12-month sponsored studio residency and commissioning programme open to artists and designers each year. The programme has been running since 2005 when SWG3 and has become one of the most sought after opportunities in the UK for creatives to continue to develop their practice after higher education.

SWG3’s accessible approach to the arts, and their focus on early stage support for creative talent has enabled over 60 graduates to date to benefit from their studio programme, and go on to become established, successful practitioners.

The application process opens every September, and is available to all current year graduates and leavers from arts and creative industry practical courses who can show a studio based approach to their work, and a real commitment to their practice.

PROJECT 1

Amanda Seibæk

Amanda Seibæk is a Danish artist who works across painting and printmaking.

As a graduate of Glasgow School of Art, Seibæk works with autotheory – connecting multiple fields of knowledge, never deeming any irrelevant for her explorations. This she uses as a tool to describe turmoil in contemporary life though a more poetic lens. The subject rages from neuroscience through to mundane weekend tales told by her friends.

Materially, Seibæk connects the mediums of painting and printmaking. She sees colours in layers and with colours she shapes her figures. When connecting print and paint she tries to develop a language where print is not locked, but rather freed by the brush as a playful tool to make sense of something intuitive.

An unforgettable taste

Forget Me Not is a smooth botanical gin exquisitely distilled and lovingly handcrafted in Scotland, with hints of citrus and delicate floral notes including Lavender and touches of Elderflower. Created with love by Caitríona Balfe.

Botanical ingredients:

Juniper / Coriander Seed / Liquorice Root / Angelica / Rosehip / Elderflower / Lavender / Orange Peel / Beetroot / Coconut

(Always) remember… Forget Me Not gin is best served over ice with classic tonic and garnished with a slice of orange & sprig of fresh mint. — Forget Me Not Gin

Who doesn’t love a built-in “Remember?” 😝

[shadowofthesun123]

How I use AI in my artworks and what I think about AI in general

I think it’s time to have this conversation because questions keep coming up more and more often.

I know that many people here don’t like AI or completely ignore it. In this post, I’d like to share my personal view on the topic and also answer the question of whether I use AI in my artworks.

Let me start with the simpler question. The answer is “yes,” I do use AI tools in some of my artworks. However, none of them can be considered fully AI-generated.

Sometimes, I use AI to create backgrounds or silhouettes, but I completely change the faces, like here: https://pin.it/2RUhZKz4S.

Other times, almost everything is AI-generated, for example: https://pin.it/N8apDmpfz.

Sometimes I use face swap technology, faceapp for hairs, etc.

I also have arts created fully without AI, but the faces there are based on real photos of Hunter and Jenna and edited with filters.

For example:

https://pin.it/1DZvBcKVw, https://pin.it/5wAdQvIFe, https://pin.it/19G1mffb6.

In general, I use anywhere from 3 to 5 or more tools for my artworks, including AI.

Some cases wouldn’t be possible for me to create without AI because I simply don’t have the technical skills yet. Others, on the contrary, are impossible to get from AI, no matter how hard you try, so I go back to good old collage techniques and hand-drawing.

Now, about my attitude towards AI overall.

You may like it or not, but it’s now part of our lives, and ignoring it is no longer an option. No AI boycott will stop its development. Almost any app nowadays has inbuilt AI tools.

I’m currently on maternity leave, but even in my professional field, AI is already widely used, and when I return to work, I’ll either need to know how to use it or fall behind the industry. That’s why I’m studying AI, and I do enjoy the possibilities it offers.

That said, I don’t deny there are issues - copyright concerns, as well as serious problems with fraud and fakes it can enable. As a mother, I’m terrified by the thought that someone could use my voice or image against my children. Now we have to be much more careful with what information about ourselves we put online - photos, videos, audio.

AI also creates a lot of low-quality content. But there was also low-quality content before AI.

As for writing, I don’t use AI there. It’s terrible at creative writing, plus that’s a space I want to keep entirely my own.

However, I do use ChatGPT to help write and translate tons of bureaucratic emails in a foreign language (which is, unfortunately, necessary when living abroad), and this saves me time to do what I actually enjoy, including writing.

One of my favorite YouTube videos from last year is about scientific breakthroughs of 2024. It’s in Russian, so I won’t link it here, but it mentions how AI, thanks to its ability to process massive amounts of data and detect patterns, has already helped scientists with several discoveries. For example, it helped identify a substance that might be effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It also contributed to a breakthrough in forensics related to fingerprint analysis, among other things.

Of course, AI makes mistakes, it’s often inaccurate, and everything it produces needs double-checking. But it can also be useful. That’s why I disagree with people who view AI as pure evil.

I use it for art, video projects, web design, and official correspondence, languages learning. Even though I try to keep up with AI trends, it evolves so fast that it’s impossible to follow everything - it updates literally every day.

It can be used for bad things (fraud), but also for good (scientific research). I’d say how I use it is somewhere in the neutral zone. I hope it doesn’t harm anyone - and maybe even makes someone happy.

So, I will continue creating art, including with the help of AI, and in my next post, I’ll tell you about my experiments with AI videos.

I’m open to discussing this topic - but please, be polite.

[alfiyarafeeq]

Why you should choose digital marketing as a career: Learn, Grow, succeed 

Digital marketing is a fast evolving field that has reshaped how businesses communicate with their audiences. In the age of digital transformation, professionals in digital marketing are in high demand. Whether you're just beginning your career or looking to switch, the opportunities in digital marketing are fast, diverse and growing. This guide will help you navigate the various career options, skills , and strategies needed to succeed in digital marketing 

Understanding digital Marketing

Digital marketing refers to the use of digital channels such as websites, social media platforms, email, and search engines to promote products or services. Unlike traditional marketing, digital marketing allows businesses to engage directly with consumers, track performance in real-time, and reach a global audience more efficiently.

With the constant evolution of technology and the rise of new digital tools, digital marketing offers a wealth of opportunities for those who are adaptable, creative, and strategic.

The main objectives of digital marketing are:

1.         Building brand awareness; Increasing visibility and recognition of your brand.

2.         Generating leads; Attracting potential customers and capturing their information.

3.         Driving website traffic; Driving  website traffic refers to the process of attracting visitors to      a website through various digital marketing strategies and tactics.

4.         Converting visitors into customers ; Building relationships through interactive content and communication.

5.         Retaining customers  ; Encouraging repeat business and loyalty through personalized communication.

How to Get Started in Digital Marketing

For those considering a career in digital marketing, here are some steps to help get started:

1. Educate Yourself

Begin by gaining a solid understanding of digital marketing concepts. Online courses, webinars, and certifications (such as Google Analytics and HubSpot certifications) can provide valuable knowledge and credentials.

2. Gain Practical Experience

Hands-on experience is invaluable. Consider internships, freelance projects, or personal projects to apply knowledge and build a portfolio.

3. Network

Building connections within the industry can open doors. Attend digital marketing conferences, join online forums, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.

Digital Marketing Roles:

1.         Digital Marketing Manager

2.         SEO Specialist

3.         Social Media Manager

4.         Content Creator

5.         Email Marketing Specialist

6.         Paid Advertising Specialist

7.         Analytics Specialist

8.         UX Designer

You can choose the best digital marketing academy in Thrissur

Bull and Bear Academy offers the flexible, accessible prestigious courses & Professional Training, Skills Enhancement Training to help you reach your set target occupation. We have the best mentors with a mix of academic and senior practitioner experience. They take the theory and show how it works in practice. We call it applied learning.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐬���𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 Bull and bear Academy :

 HIGH Job Placement Rate

 100% Placement Assistance

 Curriculum Developed by Top Professionals

 Lifelong Community Support

 Morning, Evening & Online Classes

 Agency-Based Training

CONCLUSION

Digital marketing is a rapidly evolving field, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and best practices is essential for success. Digital marketing has transformed the way businesses connect with customers. By leveraging these strategies and best practices.

You can choose the best digital marketing academy in Thrissur.

[sandeepuv]

Online M.Tech for Working Professionals: Advance Your Engineering Career

In today’s fast-paced and innovation-driven world, keeping your technical knowledge up to date is no longer optional—it’s essential. For those in the engineering sector, earning a master's degree can open doors to specialized roles, leadership positions, and research opportunities. But how do professionals with full-time jobs return to academics without hitting pause on their careers?

The answer lies in online M.Tech for working professionals, a flexible, recognized, and career-boosting solution that’s gaining widespread popularity. Whether you're eyeing career growth or aiming to pivot into a new tech domain, the M.Tech for working professionals path offers everything you need—convenience, credibility, and capability.

Let’s explore what makes the M.Tech program for working professionals so effective and how platforms like University Vidya are making the journey smoother for thousands of learners.

Why Choose an M.Tech for Working Professionals?

The primary goal of pursuing an M.Tech degree for working professionals is to upgrade your existing skills without interrupting your career. These programs are curated to cater to the unique needs of employed engineers—offering flexible schedules, online coursework, and subject specialization that directly connects with industry demands.

Be it in software development, civil infrastructure, electrical systems, or mechanical innovations, a postgraduate qualification can drastically improve your profile and performance.

Formats: Part-Time, Distance & Full-Time Options

Working engineers often wonder which format suits them best. Let’s break it down:

1. Part Time M.Tech for Working Professionals

This format is ideal for those who prefer weekend or evening classes. The part time M.Tech for working professionals allows you to continue working while studying, maintaining a steady balance between learning and earning.

2. Distance M.Tech for Working Professionals

The distance M.Tech for working professionals is perfect if you seek complete flexibility. You can learn at your own pace through self-guided modules, video lectures, and virtual labs—supported by minimal in-person requirements.

3. Full Time M.Tech for Working Professionals

Some professionals take a career break or opt for flexible job arrangements to enroll in full time M.Tech for working professionals. These programs are immersive, research-oriented, and suitable for those looking to dive deeper into academics.

No matter which format you choose, University Vidya helps you find verified, recognized institutions that align with your career goals and learning preferences.

M.Tech Program for Working Professionals: Course Design

The M.Tech program for working professionals is structured differently from traditional programs. Here's what sets it apart:

Tailored for mid-career engineers and tech leads

Industry-aligned curriculum

Project-based learning and case studies

Emphasis on real-world problem solving

Support from virtual mentors and faculty

Specializations range across Computer Science, Data Science, Structural Engineering, VLSI Design, Thermal Engineering, and more. University Vidya can assist you in comparing programs based on your desired domain.

M.Tech Admission for Working Professionals: What You Need to Know

The M.Tech admission for working professionals generally involves a streamlined process:

A relevant B.E. or B.Tech degree

Professional experience (1–3 years depending on the program)

Application form and document submission

Some institutes may conduct interviews or aptitude tests

With so many options, it can be overwhelming to pick the right program. That’s where University Vidya comes in—helping you with eligibility checks, program comparison, and admission support.

Career Scope After an M.Tech Degree for Working Professionals

Completing your M.Tech degree for working professionals unlocks a world of opportunities:

Team Lead & Management Roles

Subject Matter Expert Positions

Research & Development Openings

Teaching & Academic Careers

Government and PSU Engineering Posts

These programs are designed not just to enhance your resume, but also to transform your ability to solve complex engineering challenges in real-time.

Why University Vidya?

Navigating through various options for online M.Tech for working professionals can be confusing. University Vidya simplifies your search by offering: verified programs from accredited institutions, personalized counseling based on your career goals, up-to-date course details and guidance, and end-to-end support through the admission process. When it comes to choosing a trusted platform for education planning, University Vidya is a name professionals rely on. With a team of experienced academic advisors, a commitment to transparency, and a student-first approach, University Vidya ensures that every learner makes informed decisions aligned with their professional growth and future aspirations.

[muskanjainmakeover]

Muskan Jain Makeover Studio and Academy

Welcome to Muskan Jain Makeover Studio and Academy, where beauty meets professionalism and passion turns into artistry. Based in the heart of Indore, our studio and academy are dedicated to two core missions: delivering flawless makeup services for all occasions and offering in-depth training to aspiring makeup artists who want to build a successful career in the beauty industry.

With a commitment to quality, creativity, and excellence, we’ve created a space that celebrates both clients and students. Whether you’re preparing for an important event or looking to gain expert knowledge in makeup artistry, we’re here to offer the best experience with a personalized touch.

Makeup Artist in Indore – Personalized Beauty for Every Client

Finding the right makeup artist in Indore means working with someone who understands your unique features, preferences, and the significance of the occasion. At Muskan Jain Makeover Studio, every look we create is tailored specifically to your face, your style, and your needs.

We specialize in a variety of makeup styles, all designed to suit the moment and bring out your natural beauty. From bridal makeup that exudes elegance and tradition to party-ready glam that turns heads, our techniques are refined, modern, and rooted in professional artistry.

Our focus is on enhancing—not masking—what makes you beautiful. With professional-grade products, hygienic application processes, and attention to every detail, our goal is to make you feel confident and radiant for any event. Whether it’s a wedding, celebration, or photoshoot, clients trust us to deliver looks that last and stand out.

Best Makeup Artist in Indore – Defining Beauty with Expertise

The title of the best makeup artist in Indore isn’t just about skill—it’s about consistent performance, client satisfaction, and a deep understanding of the art. At our studio, we believe makeup is not just a cosmetic application, but a powerful tool of self-expression and transformation.

Being regarded as one of the best makeup artists in Indore comes with the responsibility to stay current with global trends while maintaining a flawless standard in every application. Our approach is not just about creating beautiful looks but about building a reputation for reliability, attention to detail, and mastery in the field.

Our team is trained to handle all types of makeup assignments—from traditional bridal and cultural ceremonies to editorial shoots and high-end fashion looks. Every service is executed with finesse, creativity, and a commitment to helping each client feel their most confident.

Makeup Artist Course in Indore – Turning Passion into Profession

At Muskan Jain Makeover Academy, we welcome individuals who are ready to turn their love for beauty into a lasting profession. Our makeup artist course in Indore is designed for those who are serious about establishing themselves in the world of makeup, offering practical insights and a real-time learning experience in a professional studio environment.

We understand that becoming a professional makeup artist involves more than learning how to apply products. It requires confidence, vision, and the ability to meet client expectations under various scenarios. That’s why our training is immersive and career-focused, preparing students to work independently, join salons, or launch their own freelance services after completion.

What sets our makeup artist course in Indore apart is the real-time experience it offers. Students work within a fully functional studio setting, giving them the chance to engage with tools, lighting, and actual clients—building both skill and professionalism. This experience ensures our students leave with the ability to perform confidently in any beauty setting.

Makeup Academy in Indore

Muskan Jain Makeover Academy is not just a training center—it’s a nurturing environment for creativity and technical skill development. As a top-rated makeup academy in Indore, we’re proud to provide a structured path for aspiring makeup professionals to grow, thrive, and establish themselves in the industry.

What makes our makeup academy in Indore unique is its combination of a real-world studio setup with structured instruction. Learners get to apply techniques in a live environment, observe the nuances of professional behavior, and understand the demands of a working beauty studio. This environment builds not only technical proficiency but also confidence, professionalism, and client management skills.

From those who are just beginning their journey to those looking to upgrade their current knowledge, our doors are open to individuals committed to learning and evolving in the field of makeup artistry.

Begin Your Beauty Journey Today

Muskan Jain Makeover Studio and Academy is a trusted name in Indore’s beauty and education scene, offering both expert makeup services and structured career training. Whether you're searching for the right makeup artist in Indore for your special event or seeking guidance from the best makeup academy in Indore, we offer solutions built on trust, quality, and results.

For clients, we offer customized looks that bring out your best self. For students, we offer knowledge, practice, and professional growth. And for everyone who’s ever searched for a makeup artist near me, we’re right here—accessible, approachable, and ready to deliver excellence.

When you choose Muskan Jain Makeover Studio and Academy, you choose a partner in your beauty or career journey—one that understands the importance of precision, creativity, and personal care.

Let your transformation begin here.

For more details visit,https://muskanjain.in/ Contact Muskan Jain Makeover Studio and Academy Address: 12, Parashar Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452012 Phone: 09753620614 Email: makeupbymuskanjain@gmail.com Working Hours: Monday to Sunday 10 AM - 8 PM

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[m2iconsulting]

Training of Staff in Microfinance Sector by M2i Consulting

The success of any microfinance institution (MFI) hinges not only on its mission and outreach but also on the skills, knowledge, and behavior of its staff. As the microfinance sector continues to expand across India and other developing regions, professional training and capacity building have become essential to ensure sustainable operations and responsible financial inclusion. This is where M2i Consulting plays a transformative role.

Why Training of staff in Microfinance sector The microfinance sector involves direct interaction with underserved and low-income communities, often with limited financial literacy. Staff must be trained to:

Understand the unique needs of rural and urban borrowers.

Maintain transparency and ethical conduct.

Minimize risks of over-indebtedness.

Promote client protection and financial education.

Adhere to regulatory norms and institutional policies.

Untrained or undertrained staff can lead to compliance issues, reputational risks, and operational inefficiencies, making training a strategic necessity.

M2i Consulting: A Leader in Microfinance Staff Training M2i Consulting is a trusted name in the Indian financial inclusion ecosystem. With deep sectoral knowledge and practical experience, M2i offers comprehensive training programs designed specifically for microfinance professionals at all levels.

Key Features of M2i’s Training Programs Customized Training Modules M2i designs courses tailored to job roles—from field officers and branch managers to senior executives. The curriculum blends practical field scenarios with theoretical learning.

On-site & Online Training Delivery Flexibility is key. M2i offers both in-person workshops and virtual training programs, ensuring reach across geographies.

Expert Trainers with Domain Knowledge The trainers at M2i Consulting are industry veterans, ensuring that participants gain insights grounded in real-world microfinance operations.

Focus on Client-Centricity and Ethics Training emphasizes Client Protection Principles (CPP), responsible lending, and building long-term relationships with borrowers.

Monitoring & Evaluation of Learning Outcomes M2i assesses the effectiveness of its programs through feedback, quizzes, and practical assessments, ensuring measurable improvements in performance.

Popular Training Areas Covered by M2i Consulting Credit Appraisal Techniques

Loan Recovery and Collection Management

Customer Relationship and Communication Skills

Regulatory Compliance and KYC Norms

Digital Financial Services (DFS) & Fintech Adaptation

Social Performance Management

Who Can Benefit? M2i’s training services are ideal for:

Microfinance Institutions (MFIs)

Self-Help Promoting Institutions (SHPIs)

NBFC-MFIs and Small Finance Banks

Development Finance Organizations

Field-based NGO Staff in Livelihood and Credit Programs

Building Capacity for Sustainable Financial Inclusion Training is not a one-time activity—it's a continuous process of upgrading knowledge and adapting to a dynamic financial ecosystem. With M2i Consulting’s structured and strategic training programs, MFIs can empower their staff to deliver high-quality, client-friendly financial services while meeting compliance and business goals.

About M2i Consulting M2i Consulting is a leading consulting and capacity-building firm specializing in microfinance, financial inclusion, and development finance. With a strong reputation for quality and impact, M2i has trained thousands of staff across India and neighboring countries.

[mariacallous]

The Middle East teeters on the brink of a regional war, and Israel’s conflict with Hamas hit the one-year mark on Oct 7. The longer that such wars—particularly when they are centered around long-standing geopolitical hot spots—go on, the greater their potential to spread—not just militarily, but also into the tangled domains of hybrid warfare, where political, strategic, and economic demands meet. Russia’s war in Ukraine offers a telling set of examples of what might be to come in the Middle East.

While the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 brought global attention to the conflict, the war was already long underway. Its start came with the Euromaidan revolution in Kyiv in 2014 and Russia’s subsequent annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, which was followed by Russian support of pro-Moscow separatists in eastern Ukraine during the ensuing years. Attempts at international mediation and negotiations over a cease-fire ultimately proved unsuccessful, leading to a gradual escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine that exploded into full-scale war nearly a decade later.

The hybrid dimension of the conflict has emerged as a pivotal component of the war. This spans everything from sanctions to cyberattacks to proxy conflicts between Moscow and Kyiv that go far beyond the front lines in Eastern Europe. And it’s played nearly as critical a role as the battlefield in shaping the course of the war.

Sanctions and other forms of economic restrictions have been some of the most actively used tools by Western states to pressure and weaken Moscow without having to get militarily involved in the conflict directly. The United States and European Union have levied thousands of sanctions against Russia, including against individuals, companies, and entire sectors such as banking and energy. For Washington, this has also included the use of secondary sanctions, which are designed to punish or dissuade non-Russian countries or companies from engaging with those sanctioned entities.

These strategies have been applied to various countries—from China to India to the United Arab Emirates—and reshaped global trade and financial flows while also spurring such countries to seek out loopholes and workarounds in order to mitigate their economic impact.

One case in point is the Central Asian state of Kyrgyzstan. One of the country’s largest banks—MBank, owned by former Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov—is reported by the Kyiv Independent to be working with Russia’s Sberbank, which has been sanctioned by the EU and United States. One of the mechanisms allegedly used by MBank to bypass sanctions involves a partnership with Bank 131, a Sberbank subsidiary that facilitates international payments.

Through a Singapore-based financial technology company called Thunes, MBank has reportedly reestablished payment channels linked to Sberbank, allowing it to conduct transactions in clear violation of the sanctions. Babanov himself is reportedly facing potential sanctions due to allegations that his company, Asia Cement, is linked to Russia’s nuclear industry.

MBank is not alone in this scrutiny. Other major Kyrgyz banks, including RSK and Keremet, are also under the spotlight for potentially bypassing anti-Kremlin sanctions. Both institutions rely on services from the KartStandard processing center and a local affiliate, CSI, which are effectively subsidiaries of Russia’s CFT Group, a company sanctioned by the United States in August.

If MBank and other Kyrgyz businesses continue their apparent engagement with sanctioned Russian companies, they may face secondary sanctions from Washington and the EU, which could in turn lead to Kyrgyzstan’s financial isolation, loss of access to international markets, and diminished foreign investment. Sanctions have been a potent tool for the West—and one that can affect countries far beyond the front lines.

Another key area is the cybersphere. Cyberattacks are, of course, not a new phenomenon, but they have been increasingly used by Kyiv and Moscow against a growing list of targets, including military sites, government agencies, and critical infrastructure such as energy grids and power plants. Russia has also employed cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns against Ukraine’s Western backers, most notably during its efforts to interfere with U.S. elections in 2016, and has shown no signs of abating such practices in the current election cycle.

A third arena in the hybrid sphere of the Russia-Ukraine war has taken the form of proxy conflicts, with the Middle East and Africa serving as key theaters. In the case of the Middle East, Russia has ramped up its support for anti-Western regimes since 2014, from intervening in the Syrian civil war in support of Bashar al-Assad in 2015 to beefing up cooperation with Iran.

Escalating tensions in the Middle East more recently have not deterred Moscow from providing such support, with Russia increasing economic and security ties with Iran, while the two countries reportedly plan to sign a strategic partnership agreement at the upcoming summit of the BRICS bloc (comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and several recently added members) in late October.

In Africa, the Russia-Ukraine proxy war has taken on a more direct dimension, particularly in the Sahel region. Russia and Ukraine back rival sides of the Sudan conflict, with Russian Wagner Group mercenaries supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces while Kyiv backs the Sudanese Armed Forces. Ukrainian special forces have reportedly participated in drone strikes against Wagner forces in Sudan, and Ukraine also was accused of providing intelligence to rebels in Mali for an attack on Wagner forces operating there. Such a move prompted Mali and Niger to cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine, while Moscow accused Kyiv of opening a “second front” in their war.

The multidimensional nature of the war has complicated efforts to resolve the it diplomatically, given the sheer number of players pulled into the conflict and their complicated web of competing interests.

The Middle East could see similar hybrid dynamics emerge or strengthen in parallel to the military component of the conflict. This could include everything from the economic spread of anti-Israel boycotts to the politicization of the conflict in countries throughout the Muslim world to the growing use of cyberwarfare both within the region and outside of it.

After all, the war in Ukraine has shown no bounds when it comes to hybrid implications, with various aspects of connectivity between those involved—from energy to grain to telecommunications—being weaponized in the conflict.

This should serve as a cautionary tale for the Middle East. The longer that conflict drags on, the more players that it is likely to pull in (whether directly or indirectly) and the greater the consequences will be. Without a concerted effort to resolve or at least mitigate the conflict diplomatically, the hybrid components of the Russia-Ukraine conflict could be a sign for what’s to come in the Middle East—and far beyond.