#attendance system using face recognition

[thirdeye-ai]

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[hivemuthur]

Maybe this is gonna be a strange ask, but how do you think Viktor would be like, if he existed in the real world? Do you have any headcanons for real world Viktor, some adaptations of canon Arcane lore…? I’m new here, and I know you have stories set in modern times, but I kinda want to know your understanding of him first (so I get everything when I check those out).

Hi Anon! This is a very fun ask, thank you! And if you are new here, welcome! Got very long, so under the cut:

So, since in Arcane we see Viktor in around his 30s mostly and he is said to have an eastern-European accent (specifically Czech per Harry), first and foremost I HC him as a Czech millennial. And those facts matter to me in terms of his character building, because here the generations of millennials and gen-X overlap due to the existence of Soviet Block. What it means culturally: most of the western trends and technology were introduced to Eastern Europe throughout the 90s and 00s. The way his situation is presented in Arcane makes me believe that a character such as him wouldn't be coming from an imperial country. If we put him in his 30s now, he also wouldn't remember communism, but would be the last generation affected by it through his elders and the slow shift in the general system.

It's perfectly valid that he would still be disabled. As I favour femoral rotation for his disability, it's very likely that when he was born it wasn't spotted and treated properly, leading to him using a mobility aid throughout his life. I do believe that with medicine advancement in 00s, it would be possible for him to avoid wearing the back brace OR fully reverse the need for it due to the last few years rise in awareness about physiotherapy. When it comes to his lung disease: it wasn't very common in Europe to have areas so heavily polluted for him to have definitely developed it, but! If I were to give him one, it would be squamous cell lung cancer, which can affect anyone with proper genetic predisposal or weak immunity only after a short exposure to for example asbestos. I admit, I tend not to, because I really don't want him to die :c So, for me, he grew up in some small city in Czechia :x

As for what he is like: definitely a nerd. I can see him finishing biochem or maths/physics profile in highschool and then following it through to university (unis here are state, so education is free, you just have to pass the exams). Throughout school I can imagine him attending after-hours extracurriculars such as chemistry classes or programming classes where kids could play computer games on ZX-Spectrum in the last 30 minutes (and given how long those games would load it's not a lot of game time okay). I can see him programming his own games and being able to make an early radio receiver using a crystal detector. He would construct toys too. And maybe break toys to make new ones.

I think he would follow through with STEM/engineering but with an idealistic purpose. Oddly, I don't think he would become a physician (I'm a med person, so I'm allowed to say this) - I believe a lot of physicians are ego-driven (this is not necessarily a bad thing). There is no ego in anything Viktor is doing throughout the show: he doesn't attempt to steal Jayce's research, he wants to see it through, because it could change the world for the better. So he doesn't let Jayce drown. He's not interested in being the face of it. The ambition lies within the goal, not within the recognition.

Moreover, I think he would act from within deep philosophical understanding of life, which would lead to him reading a lot of books on different subjects. I can see him reading fantasy, sci-fi as well as people like Deleuze and Jorge Luis Borges and connecting all those dots. When it comes to relationships, I think he would be more open to those in modern era, especially when we erase the seizing fear of death coming from his health deteriorating. Still, hard to get through to or to be found by his person, but entirely more possible than in Arcane universe.

From smaller things, I think he would still be a workaholic. I think he would love animals, because it's impossible for someone so kind to not love them. I think he would feel alienated by the world and have difficulty taking pleasure from spending time with large groups of people simply because of his intelligence and the ability to think systemically. Which is why once someone who he gets on with appears, he would keep this person very close, no matter if it's friendship or romantic relationship.

In general, I think Viktor would grow up to be a very well-read, intelligent, kind and ambitious man that would struggle against the system his whole life. I think he feels a lot and deeply but doesn't show it so often, it would be visible in his work.

Okie, I think these are the most important aspects of his character in modern era for me. I hope I passed the test and now you can enjoy my modern Viktor blabber in fics!

[ukrfeminism]

Music colleges and conservatoires are deterring women and girls from playing “masculine instruments” such as drums and trumpets, a parliamentary report laying bare sexism in the music industry has revealed.

Female students are “cat-called in rehearsals”, held to a higher standard with “masculine” instruments and being told they cannot play properly if “they didn’t sit with their legs open”, the report states.

The Misogyny in Music report by parliament’s women and equalities committee found female musicians faced “endemic” discrimination in the industry which they described as a “boys’ club where sexual harassment and abuse is common”.

A series of female musicians and DJs including Annie Macmanus, Rebecca Ferguson and Katie Waissel gave evidence to the committee about discrimination and abuse they had witnessed or experienced.

Waissel, the former X Factor contestant, told the inquiry how “at the age of 16, she was grabbed by a much older man and placed on his lap in the recording studio while they were reviewing the track she was recording”.

The report found that many female performers who had been the victims of “discrimination, harassment and abuse” continued to be silenced through the widespread use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).

It said: “Women in the music industry have had their lives ruined and their careers destroyed by men who have never faced the consequences for their actions. 

“People in the industry who attend award shows and parties currently do so sitting alongside sexual abusers who remain protected by the system and by colleagues.”

The report went on: “Much of the evidence we received has had to remain confidential, including commentary on television shows and household names.

“That is highly regrettable but demonstrates the extent of the use of NDAs and the culture of silence.”

The report outlined gender disparities throughout the industry. For example, less than 5 per cent of the producers or engineers on the top streamed tracks in 14 genres were female or non-binary, while of all the songwriters and composers who received a royalty in 2020, only one in six were female.

It also pointed out that the record label departments charged with finding new talent were dominated by men, concluding: “Women have significant additional barriers to pass to get a foothold in the music industry and must navigate acts of passive aggression, ridicule and misogyny to have a sustainable career. 

“Female artists are routinely undervalued and undermined, endure a focus on their physical appearance in a way that men are not subjected to, and have to work far harder to get the recognition their ability merits. Despite increases in representation, discrimination and misogyny remain endemic.”

The committee also called for music colleges, conservatoires and other educational establishment “to do more to address the gendering of instruments, roles and genres.”

Its members heard that “in many cases women are discouraged from playing certain instruments at all’, with one witness saying: “There is this idea that if you’re a girl you can’t play the drums, or if you’re a girl you can’t play the trumpet really loudly because it will make you look ugly.”

The report said that the Musicians’ Union had described female students being “cat-called in rehearsals”, “made to feel uncomfortable by male lecturers” and being told “they couldn’t play their instrument properly if they didn’t sit with their legs open in orchestra rehearsals”.

Caroline Nokes, the Conservative MP who chairs the committee, said “endemic misogyny … has persisted for far too long within the music industry.”

She added: “A shift in the behaviour of men — and it is almost always men — at the heart of the music industry is the transformative change needed for talented women to quite literally have their voices heard and be both recognised and rewarded on equal terms.”

[coochiequeens]

Rest In Peace Debrina Kawam

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/31/nyregion/coney-island-subway-burning-victim-identified.html

Debrina Kawam of Toms River, N.J., was burned alive on Dec. 22 in a videotaped killing that shocked New York.

By Chelsia Rose MarciusAndy Newman and Shayla Colon

Published Dec. 31, 2024 Updated Jan. 1, 2025

Investigators have learned the name of a woman who was burned alive — and beyond recognition — aboard a Brooklyn train last week.

The police identified the woman as Debrina Kawam of Toms River, N.J. She was the victim of an apparently random attack captured in videos that showed her bracing herself against the doorway of an F train in Coney Island, her body engulfed by flames. Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, has been accused of setting fire to Ms. Kawam with a lighter and was charged with first-degree murder and arson.

Ms. Kawam’s identity was confirmed on Monday through fingerprint analysis, said Julie Bolcer, a spokeswoman for the city medical examiner’s office. Ms. Kawam was 57, though police officials initially had said she was 61.

Mayor Eric Adams said at a news conference at City Hall on Tuesday that she briefly stayed in the city’s homeless shelter system. “No matter where she lived, that should not have happened,” Mr. Adams said.

Just watching that tape — I couldn’t even watch it all the way through,” he added.

Investigators had used every means possible to identify the woman, the Brooklyn district attorney, Eric Gonzalez, said at a news conference last week. They took her fingerprints and collected DNA evidence. They gathered surveillance footage from the subways, hoping to find a clear image of the woman’s face before the fire.

The fragmentary traces Ms. Kawam left behind in yearbooks and public records sketch a troubled life.

She appeared to have graduated from Passaic Valley Regional High School in Little Falls, N.J., four decades ago. Her yearbook entry from 1985 — illustrated with a photo of her with long, feathered hair — mentioned memories of freshman and sophomore cheerleading and trips to the shore. It listed her ambition as airline stewardess and said that her “secret ambition” was “to party forever.” In a senior poll, she was one of three girls voted “most punk” and one of three girls voted “million-dollar smile.”

A 1985 yearbook photo shows Debrina Kawam, the victim of an apparently random attack on the New York subway.

Credit...US School Yearbook

According to Ms. Kawam’s Facebook profile, she studied business and marketing at Montclair State University; a spokesman for the school said Wednesday that he could not immediately confirm her attendance. From 2000 to 2002, when she was in her 30s, Ms. Kawam was a customer service representative for the New Jersey-based pharmaceutical giant Merck, a company spokeswoman said.

But municipal court records going back 20 years include dozens of minor cases against a Debrina Kawam in cities and towns along the Jersey Shore, in Jersey City and in the suburbs of New York. Most were citations for public drinking, trespassing or disorderly conduct, including the most recent, in July, for public drinking in Atlantic City.

Homelessness in America

Jump in Homelessness: Homelessness soared to the highest level on record in 2024, driven by high rents, stagnant wages and a surge in migrants seeking asylum, the federal government reported.

A Search for Meaning: Religion is often overlooked as a factor in the lives of the needy, but those who gather at a Bible study for the homeless in Virginia say it helps sustain them.

Berkeley’s Toughened Stance: The progressive stronghold in California plans to target large homeless encampments, relying on a Supreme Court decision handed down by a conservative majority.

In a 2008 bankruptcy filing, she wrote that she had not been working “due to illness.” After her father, William Kawam, died in 2009, she posted on a tribute page that he was the best father a daughter could have had, and that “I will always regret that it took me later in life to figure that out.”

Roxann Krammer, a Toms River resident, said that her late husband, George Krammer, had been Ms. Kawam’s romantic partner from about 2011 to 2014 and that they had lived together. The relationship, her husband had told her, had been chaotic.

The police gave an address for Ms. Kawam in Toms River, a small, gray one-story home that had been owned by the victim’s mother in a sprawling retirement community. A neighbor said that until the house was sold in 2024, she would see an older woman and someone Ms. Kawam’s age coming and going.

The older woman seemed to be taking care of the younger woman, who appeared disabled, and would lead her by the hand, said the neighbor, Valerie Waskiewicz.

“I had the impression that the older woman had her hands full taking care of the younger woman,” she said.

The current owner of the home, Olga Corpion, said she had never met Ms. Kawam or her mother, but that in May, shortly after she moved in, a stranger came to her door.

“She said ‘I’m Debrina, I want to see my mother,’” Ms. Corpion recalled. Ms. Corpion said it seemed odd that someone would not know that her mother had moved and Ms. Corpion said that Ms. Kawam seemed troubled. She said she offered to call Ms. Kawam with information about her mother, but Ms. Kawam told her she had no phone and quickly left.

Ms. Kawam was in New York City as early as April 28, when the police issued her a summons in Midtown Manhattan for drinking on a public sidewalk, according to city records. She was scheduled to appear in June, but did not show up. Her social service records show that she stayed at a women’s shelter in the Bronx from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.

On Dec. 22, around 7:30 a.m., Ms. Kawam was sitting motionless on a subway train, apparently asleep, when Mr. Zapeta-Calil walked up, took out a lighter and set her on fire, according to prosecutors and the police. He then stepped out of the train and sat on a bench on the subway platform, staring as the smoke and flames overwhelmed Ms. Kawam, the police said.

Then, video of the incident shows a man who appears to be Mr. Zapeta-Calil rising and approaching Ms. Kawam. Instead of trying to douse the blaze, he waves a shirt at her, appearing to fan the flames. At least one police officer can be seen walking by her as people on the platform scream.

Officers who came to the scene did not appear to focus on Mr. Zapeta-Calil sitting on the bench as they tended to Ms. Kawam. But their body cameras had captured him and the clothes he wore: a gray, hooded sweatshirt; a wool hat; tan boots; and paint-splattered pants.

The Police Department released the photos publicly and soon after, three teenagers called 911. They said they had recognized Mr. Zapeta-Calil from the photos and that he was aboard another train in Brooklyn. The police ordered the train stopped and arrested him.

The authorities do not believe Ms. Kawam and Mr. Zapeta-Calil knew each other. She was already on the train when he boarded it in Queens, and they both rode to the end of the line in Coney Island, the official added, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity. People often sleep on subway trains in cold weather; the outside temperature on the morning Ms. Kawam was killed was 16 degrees.

Mr. Zapeta-Calil is an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala who was deported in 2018 only to illegally return to the United States, according to federal immigration officials.

The suspect had been living for the past couple of months at a shelter in Brooklyn for men with drug and alcohol problems, according to the police and residents of the shelter. A grand jury indicted him last week on first-degree murder, second-degree murder and arson charges.

After Mr. Zapeta-Calil’s arrest, federal officials issued two immigration detainers, according to Jeffrey Carter, a spokesman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Detainers are requests to the police and the city Department of Correction that they notify the federal agency before Mr. Zapeta-Calil’s court case is done and is released from jail.

City sanctuary laws prevent city agencies from sharing immigration information about defendants with federal officials, including when they will be released from police custody or from jail. However, the laws let the agencies tell ICE about noncitizens who have been convicted of any of 177 serious offenses, including rape and felony assault.

Susan C. Beachy contributed research. Shayla Colon reported from Toms River, N.J.

Chelsia Rose Marcius is a criminal justice reporter for The Times, covering the New York Police Department. More about Chelsia Rose Marcius

Andy Newman writes about New Yorkers facing difficult situations, including homelessness, poverty and mental illness. He has been a journalist for more than three decades. More about Andy Newman

Shayla Colon is a reporter covering New York City and a member of the 2024-25 Times Fellowship class, a program for journalists early in their careers. More about Shayla Colon

[bunniekittiee]

my sweet angel- johnny slaughter x reader

Based off of Sunday Morning by Ethel Cain. You worshipping Johnny. Reader is so far gone. Johnny is a POS but what can you expect from him? Do not feel bad for him.

ᴛᴡ: sᴛᴏᴄᴋʜᴏʟᴍ sʏɴᴅʀᴏᴍᴇ, ʀᴇʟɪɢɪᴏɴ, ɢᴏʀᴇ, ᴅᴜʙ-ᴄᴏɴ, ᴀʙᴜsᴇ, ɴᴏɴ-ᴄᴏɴ ʙᴜᴛ ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴ ᴇxᴛʀᴇᴍᴇ ᴅᴇᴛᴀɪʟ, ᴅᴇɢʀᴀᴅᴀᴛɪᴏɴ

18+ MDNI

Every day, every night, almost every hour if he could, he was inside of you. Breeding you, corrupting you, defiling you. Like an innocent doe and a starving wolf. Licking his chops and drooling with desire. He sank his teeth into you and claimed you as his own. No one else could have you, and he made sure of this. He scared off any of his family that would try to talk to you. You were alone, all you needed was him.

You did not have the freedom you wished you had. You were chained up in his room with an old, uncomfortable mattress and very little sunlight. A wolf kept his prey hidden from onlookers. He would leave for long hours without telling you when he would ever come back. He did not give you the respect of that, he left you wondering when he would return. When he left, you hated him and you felt it coil in your stomach. Your heart would pound with jealousy, your ears would ring, you had trouble breathing. You knew how easy it was for him to find another woman to please him if you could not. You needed him, but he did not need you. You relied on him so much, he was your captor and you disgustingly loved him. That’s what made it hurt so much. But that sickly, loving feeling spread across your chest when he entered the room with your lunch or when he was taking a break to fuck you. At least he made an effort to pay attention to you.

“Been busy in the yard.” He said as he set down your plate on the floor. “I have ta’ fix ta’ sprinkler system. It’s been a bitch.”

You nodded your head in recognition, crawling towards him. He glanced at you, tilting his head slightly. “Did someone miss me?”

When you hummed in agreement, he smirked. “Show me how much ya’ missed me, sweet pea.”

As if your hands had a mind of their own, they immediately went to his belt, fumbling with the buckle. He let you figure it out yourself. He never made a move to help you. You wanted to do it, you do it. Why should he help a miserable bitch like you?

“Best hurry it up.” He hissed as he wrenched his hands on your scalp. “Don’t keep me waitin’.”

Shoving your mouth onto him, he tightened his grip on your hair and began to face fuck you. Tears spilled from your pretty, doe-like eyes as he abused your mouth. He looked down at you, a wide, evil smile ghosting his lips. Corrupting God’s innocent.

The combination of your tears, gags, and eyes sent him over the edge, spilling his mess inside of your mouth without warning. It felt toxic, blood-hot and it coated your entire mouth. He made sure your mouth was full of his creations before you swallowed. The uncomfortable sensation between your legs made you squeeze your thighs together, but he disregarded it. Buttoning his pants up and buckling his belt, he left without another word from him. Left you with a sopping wet face and an empty pit in your stomach. You ignored the food he gave you and laid down on the mattress. Drifting off, you wondered how life would be if Johnny loved you too.

Your dreams were very empty. There wasn’t much to dream about when you were stuck in a room that did not give you much to be entertained by. Johnny was your lifeline, but you never saw much of him to begin with. He did not need you, he only used you for his own pleasure. But it would be soon before he disposed of you. He would move on, find the next best thing to satisfy him once you were dried up and worthless. The wolf had much more prey to attend to, he could not stick to just one. He said you were a special girl, his only girl, but you knew he was lying straight out out of his teeth.

Worshipping Johnny came with its downfalls. He loved the way you came and took care of his every sexual need. All of his desires. You were so willing to make him feel good. You never put your pleasure first. But he never felt the same way back. He never made the effort back for you. But why should he?

He was your God. You worshipped him. Why would he do the same for you? You would lick the blood off the heel of his boot if it meant that he would love you and give you attention in his own insane way. You thought that he liked the attention he got. Sometimes you could see it in his face that he enjoyed every minute of it.

You were risen out of your sleep by the creak of the door and light coming into the room. Squinting your eyes, you tried to make out who the figure was despite how unadjusted your eyes were. When was the last time you saw the light? You knew somewhat what time of day it was when Johnny would wake up and leave, come back for a few breaks, and then saunter back for bed.

“Hey sweet thang,” he said as you looked at him sleepily. “How’s my pretty girl been?”

Your heart swelled as he said this and you mumbled back an “okay” as you blinked a few times. It was taking a while to adjust.

“I know I haven’t been ’round a whole lot. Must get real lonely up here.” He said with a devious smile. It was untrustworthy. “I thought I’d spend a bit of time with ya’. Got ya’ a friend too.”

Your eyes widened as he pulled another girl into view. Her mouth was gagged, eyes wide with fear as she frantically looked at you. Her arms and legs were bound and she was on the floor.

Your blood ran hot in your whole body and your heart was pounding in your ears. That white, searing hot jealousy coursed through your entire body. Johnny was supposed to be only yours, just like you were all his. Why did he need another woman? What were they doing that you weren’t? You gave into all of his needs. What more could he have wanted?

“I thought ya’ could use another person around to keep ya’ company. I get ta’ benefit of enjoyin’ you both.” He said as he pulled up a stool and sat down on it, legs wide open as he held his knife. “But it’s like introducin’ a baby animal to an adult one, ya’ gotta see if they are compatible.”

The girl’s eyes flooded with tears as she realized her situation was much worse than she thought. It was either be killed by him or be killed by you. It made her angry. It made her want to scream at both of you. You were just as guilty as him for not doing anything. Johnny looked at her in wonder and reached his hand forward to take the gag off of her mouth.

“Fuck you!” she yelled out as Johnny laughed at her misery.

“That a way to talk to me?” He said as he slammed her head into the ground. “Ya’ best treat me with respect, your life is in my hands, baby doll.”

The use of pet names he only used on you made you sick. Extremely nauseated. You wanted to hurt Johnny and her. Mainly her for stumbling upon the forttress and causing Johnny to take a liking to her. You were so fucked in the head, maybe fucked so stupid, that you blamed her for everything. Johnny was your God, he could do no wrong. It was her fault.

Tears stinging your eyes, you looked away from the scene of Johnny whispering sweet nothings in her ear, the same things he told you. “Be a good girl and maybe I won’t bite as hard.”

Jealousy radiated off of you and you felt yourself become dizzy from the amount of blood that pulsed through your body. You wanted to kill her for taking your Johnny away.

“Help!” She screamed as she tried to claw away from Johnny, but he grabbed her and held her down, sitting on her back instead of the stool.

“That ain’t a way to thank me, sweetheart. Ya’ could have been dinner. Fuckin’ thank me for my generosity.” He said as he pulled onto her scalp. He was getting angry.

“W-why her?” You asked out loud, eyeing both of them.

He snapped his head up in your direction. “Thought it would be quite fun havin’ the both of ya’ to enjoy.”

Your heart sank and you felt yourself breathing hard. Why did he have to bring her? In your twisted way, you wanted him all for yourself. You wanted to enjoy every part of Johnny, inviting him inside of you and letting him live inside of you like a parasite. He was your life now, but you were not his. A mere toy.

As more tears tapped onto the rotten floor, Johnny reached his hand out to your face. “Awe, what’s ta’ matter baby doll? Ya’ don’t like sharin’?”

Throat practically closed up, you could barely speak. You continued to cry, your weeping clashing with the victim’s wails. It drove the Slaughter boy crazy. He thoroughly enjoyed it when his victims cried, whether it was out of fear, sexual violence, or sadness. It flipped a switch inside of him.

“All this damn cryin’ is makin’ me frustrated.” he said roughly. “How about I put ya’ to the test? See if ya’ worthy of replacin’ her.” He winked at you as these words slipped past his lips and it made your stomach tighten more. You felt like you were going to get sick.

He flipped the girl over and began to rip her pants off, making your jealously turn you into a hazy, almost blacked out mess. You wanted to scream at both them, you wanted to kill her. You wanted to kill Johnny for doing this to you. For playing with your feelings, for being so cruel to you. You did everything right.

Your vision was blurry as he cut her panties off with his knife. He was unbuckling his belt with his other hand and the victim screamed. She screeched like an animal caught in a trap, but it was not enough to deter Johnny.

“Now now, just sit still.” He said as he placed a hand on her lower stomach, sinking into her forcefully. The screams made your head spin, you felt like passing out. He did this on purpose, he wanted to test you. That’s all it was.

He looked at you, grinning from ear-to-ear. “Ya’ want to take the knife? I see ya’ considerin’ it, doll face. Come on, take it!”

He held his hand out to you with his knife splayed out. With trembling hands, you took it and gripped it. This knife killed many, killed your friends, killed those before your friends, and it would continue its legacy.

“I think this pussy might be better.” he said, a bit out of breath. “Not as used and abused like yours.” If his grin could get wider, it sure did. His face was obscured by shadows, but you could still make out his features. Those eyes.

Envy ate away at your bones as the woman bawled. Moving closer, you tightened your grip on the knife as she stared at you with panic-stricken eyes. The weapon reflected back in her blue irises.

“I think she would be a great replacement.” Johnny bellowed out. “Maybe ya’ should learn ta’ share, Y/N.”

Plunging the knife into her chest, you clenched your jaw and felt your vision go black. You were not in control anymore. This animalistic fury have possessed your body. Johnny watched in amazement as you continued to stab her in the chest, grunting and shrieking as you did so. You and Bubba had something in common. Johnny had stopped thrusting and took himself out of her, pulled up his pants and moved back as he watched the disarray unfolded right in front of him.

You were doused in blood. The smell was hanging in the air and stained the floor. Her chest looked like ground beef, her heart ground up in pieces with the amount of times you stabbed her. Her lifeless eyes stared at the ceiling, no signs of living in her still, mutilated body. You were on a rampage, stabbing into her stomach and screeching out incoherent sentences. Johnny did nothing but watch. Her intestines peeked out of her bloodied skin and you threw the knife to the side.

Hyperventilating, you started to come back to your senses after coming down from your blacked-out anger. You stared blankly at your hands and legs that were drenched in the gore of the woman you never even knew the name of.

Cackling, Johnny leaned forward. “I didn’t think ya’ had it in ya’! Look at that! You made a mess, girl!”

It didn’t hit you right away. You killed another person. Another woman for taking Johnny, but he was the one who had taken her. In your jealousy fit, you did not see that she was not a threat, he was. He caused this. But you were just as bad as the group of cannibals. You killed another person.

“N-no…” you stuttered out. “I’m not a murderer.”

He laughed like it was the funniest thing you had said in your whole life. “Ain’t a murderer? Ya’ just goin’ to disregard ta’ fact that ya’ killed another person out of jealousy? Honey, ya’ just as bad as one of us! Ya’ ain’t all that innocent. I knew ya’ would crack soon.”

“No!” you retaliated. “No!” That was all you could muster out. You could barely put any sentences together.

“Shut ya’ mouth ya’ stupid slut!” Johnny said as he smacked you in the face. “Ought ta’ put a lid on it before ya’ end up like this bitch.”

You cried. You wanted to hurt him.

“Ya’ know how I feel about ya’ cryin’. It gets me goin’, and I never got ta’ finish since ya’ interrupted me and this broad.” He motioned towards the dead girl. “Since ya’ don’t like me fuckin’ other girls other than ya’, selfish bitch.”

Lashing out, you lunged at Johnny. He was caught off guard by your outburst and was a bit delayed in his reaction as you clawed at his face. You were singing your sorrowful lament as you hurled what ever physical strength you had left in your body. He grappled your throat, flipping you over onto your back. His eyes were black with anger, something you had not experienced before. This was different. This was not Johnny.

You choked on your saliva as he gripped your throat. “Ya’ are quite a fucking headache. A fuckin’ miserable, annoying, cunt.”

He raised his hand at you once again, and reigned hell fire onto you. Between his slaps and punches into your body and the pressure on your throat, you felt yourself slip in and out of consciousness.

“Oh no ya’ don’t. Ya’ ain’t gettin’ off easy, girl.” He said as he seized you by your hair and dragged you across the floorboards. Coughing, you tried to control your breathing but it was uneven. Your lungs were grateful for the air it could now take in, however you were faced with death itself. Shoving you into the face of the woman you killed, Johnny held your head in his tight clasp. “Fuckin’ look at her! Look at the mess ya’ made. Ya’ killed her.”

“N-no I didn’t.” you wheezed out. “It wasn’t me!”

“Ya’ just like the rest of us, Y/N. Don’t act like God’s perfect angel, ya’ are a corrupted devil.”

Sobbing, he pushed your face closer to hers. “Take it all in. Take it!” He was enjoying every moment of this. It was payback for the outburst you had, but he was not done with his punishment. Nowhere near it. “Ya’ are no different from me, girl.”

Her body still had some warmth, but it was slowly fading. Soon she would be stiff and cold, a sorry sight. She had the same fate as your friends, at the hands of you. For a man who could not even say he loved you back. How pathetic.

Your head was throbbing and you felt like you were going to pass out. This was exhausting. Your nose was bleeding, your ribs ached from Johnny’s fists, and you felt sore.

Releasing your fiery scalp, he let you fall onto the floor. “Learn ya’ place. Ya’ will never overpower me. Remember that.” He spat at you as you moved your hand to a puddle of the woman’s blood, wetting your finger tips as you smeared it onto your lips with a whimper. He watched you in curiosity, not exactly sure what you were planning on doing. Crawling towards him, you grabbed onto his left boot, gripping it like a lifeline. Shakily, you pressed gentle kisses onto his boot. You could feel the dirt, blood, and clumps of an unknown substance on your lips but you ignored it. You moved onto the other boot and left blood-stained kisses on it. Sure, they would be washed away with other blood and grime eventually, but it was to make him happy.

“I am your fucking God, baby doll. Ya’ best remember that now.” He said with a smirk plastered on his face. That stupid smirk. The same one that lured you in from the beginning. The same one that got you into this mess. Grabbing your wrist, he pulled you to the dingy mattress. “Undress.”

There wasn’t much to take off, you were wearing a now-bloody dress that was stuck to your body from the blood drying. He undid his boots and pants once again and slipped them off as you shakily undid your dress. “Ya’ be good now, okay?”

You nodded absentmindedly as he kissed you deeply. His personality could change quickly. You never knew what kind of Johnny you would get. You wanted to despise him for all the mind games and grief he gave you. The heartache he imposed upon you for his own pleasure.

He slipped inside of you, you and the unknown woman’s substances mixing together. His thrusts were animalistic, and they showed you the pent up neediness he had built up. Your blood from your open wounds and her blood had blended together into one. You could not tell the difference.

“Ya’ know I can never replace ya’.” he grunted out. “Ya’ always gonna’ be my pretty girl.”

The praise he gave you after treating you like absolute shit always reeled you back into it. It made your heart swell, your chest feel warm, and the butterflies start again. But they had turned to moths over the course of your stay.

“Ya’ know no one can compare to ya.’ he said as he caressed your face.

The pleasure felt so good. That sickening, loving feeling made it’s place known within you with the way he was acting, doting and being sweet to you. His mood changes were like whiplash, you never knew which Johnny you would get and you never knew when the next mood would come.

“Cum on my cock. Yeah, that’s right.” he said as he drove your body into the mattress. “Go on baby doll, you’ve been doing so good.”

It felt like he unlocked a primal connection in you and you felt yourself come undone. You came hard between his thrusts and his fingers working your clit. He was finished himself, slamming into you one last time before tilting his head back in ecstasy. His eyes were blown out from the pleasure.

With a few more thrusts, he pulled out and laid next to you. Panting, he kissed your forehead. “Good, my sweet angel. Now just rest. Ya’ did so good. I’m proud of ya’ first kill.”

You could barely hear him as your eyes impulsively shut. The remnants of her face reflected back in your mind’s darkness. She was watching. It was unfair how you were left alive, yet they were killed. All because the monster had taken a liking to you. That was the only reason that separated you from the rest. You would have been dead just like them if he decided to not keep you.

It was like a slap in the face to be in love with the creature that caused so much pain. Wrecked the lives of many and taken what was not theirs to take. Yet, you loved him. You adored him. You worshipped him.

“Johnny?” you asked quietly.

Small snores were your reply back. Well, you would never get the answer you wanted. You had a feeling it was better off not knowing. You let your eyelids close and drift off to your dreamless sleep. Maybe tonight would be different. You would dream of what was never to be and the woman who laid motionless in the room with her eyes on both of you. Your guardian angel.

[going-fanfics17]

"You promised you wouldn't let it get to you"

angst, established relationship, break up, harsh words, rm × reader. idol namjoon × idol reader.

(While namjoon is popular, successful, The leader of the biggest most popular boy band, his girlfriend on the other hand didn't have that luck and overtime it made a dent in the relationship)

They had always been each other's rock, support system, the person who they each turned to when things got hard but then it started, Namjoon kept on taking and taking and taking till Y/N had nothing else to give him. He strayed away from her and the distance became irreparable.

When they first met, they promised to support each other's career. When BTS debuted , Y/N cancelled her own idol practice to support her boyfriend. When they struggled with funds and to gain recognition, she withdrew money from her own savings and gave it to them. As they started to gain recognition, all she could do was feel immensely proud.

Her group debuted too and Namjoon was right there beside her, cheering for her. But luck wasn't on her side. Their music wasn't getting the attention it deserved. People weren't interested, they weren't invited to perform on shows, management was failing them and there were no promotions as well. Her and her members had to use their own money for production but the more they put in, the lesser they got back .

In the meantime BTS became popular, rich and successful. A global phenomenon and Y/N couldn't be prouder. But that's when it started. Namjoon started pushing her away, wouldn't want her attending his concerts, wouldn't want her at promotions, wouldn't come home, and stayed late at the studio. Y/N understood, she really did but it was becoming harder for her. He was never there anymore even when she needed him. She was losing her joon.

To Namjoon, he started taking her for granted, her love, her efforts for granted. He felt superior, successful and felt as if having a less successful girlfriend was embarrassing. He pushed her away thinking she was not cut out for the life of fame.

Y/N's group were facing financial difficulties so she hesitantly asked her boyfriend to lend her some money, promising to pay it back. He did at first cause he felt pity but soon it turned to disgust and one day, everything went to hell.

He was stressed out, angry and in a bad mood. Y/N just wanted to spend some time with him , she needed him, her group was on the verge of disbandment and she just wanted some comfort. But Namjoon misinterpreted it and said some really harsh words.

"All you do is beg me for money! When will you understand that you can never be as great or as successful as I am ! Honestly, it gets embarrassing to still be in a relationship with someone who is failing in every aspect of her life!"

Y/N froze. She didn't want money, she wanted comfort, maybe a few reassuring words but the things he said, it hurt. Shattered the last bit of hope and self confidence she was holding onto. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she spoke quietly.

"You promised you wouldn't let it get to you . You promised the fame won't get to your head."

Namjoon felt instant guilt. He just broke his promise because the fame made him egoistic. He broke the one promise she had asked him to keep. To never demean or belittle her efforts and to never let the fame ruin their relationship.

"Y/N - " he started to say and walk closer.

She took a step back. Namjoon stopped in his tracks.

"I get it," her tone shaky. "I am not as successful or famous as you. I will never be. My group is on the verge of disbandment and I just wanted to be held by the person I thought loved me. But you are not my joon. You are not the person I fell in love with!"

He stood there feeling ashamed of his words.

"You take me for granted, you take my love for granted, you don't love me anymore and that's fine. But the thing which hurts the most is that you don't respect me anymore."

Y/N looked away, her vision blurry. "I can't do this anymore. I have nothing else to give you. I will pay you back the money I took."

She walked into the bedroom and packed her bags refusing to let him hear her sob. She took her bags, ignoring her now ex-boyfriend's pleas for her to stay or how sorry he was. She walked out and finally cried, sitting at the side of the road.

Namjoon searched for her but he couldn't find her. She was gone and all he had was regret. He ruined the relationship in a matter of seconds.

----------------------------

5 years later -

Y/N , now a popular celebrity news anchor was set to interview Kim Namjoon, the superstar who had just gotten engaged.

The screen loaded as they both saw each other after years.

"Congratulations on your engagement Mr. Kim," she said with a sad smile.

"Thank you Miss Y/N."

[beardedmrbean]

Two-thirds of Milwaukee's Common Council members say they are opposed to the police department's hopes to acquire facial recognition technology, citing concerns over potential bias and federal overreach concerns.

Eleven of 15 alderpersons signed onto a May 14 letter opposing use of the facial recognition technology by the Milwaukee Police Department, which does not currently have an agreement in place for use of the technology.

The letter, addressed to Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, follows department officials announcing at an April city meeting their previous testing of the technology, its possible benefits and the proposal for officially acquiring it: trading 2.5 million mugshots for free use.

"We write in strong opposition to the deployment of facial recognition technology by the Milwaukee Police Department," the letter reads. "While we understand the desire to enhance public safety and the promises people have made for this emerging technology, we believe these benefits are significantly outweighed by the risks."

Mayor Cavalier Johnson is supportive of the "thoughtful application" of facial recognition's use by law enforcement, spokesperson Jeff Fleming said in a May 16 email.

"Facial recognition, when used along with other investigative techniques, can make Milwaukee safer," he wrote.

Norman responded to the council members' letter, saying he understood residents and council members were concerned. He said the department and council members could have benefitted from "further conversation prior to the letter being sent."

"I do believe the acquisition of this technology would be a useful tool," Norman's May 16 letter said. "I also do believe it can be done with the appropriate parameters in place to ensure that the use will not violate individual civil rights."

In a statement, a Milwaukee Police Department spokesperson told the Journal Sentinel the department was still interested in obtaining the technology. The department previously said it intends to engage the public on it further, including at a future meeting of the city's Public Safety and Health Committee, before moving ahead with any agreement.

If acquired, the department would use the technology exclusively for violent crimes, the statement said. It said the urgency of those crimes and preventing additional victimization justified the use.

Police officials previously touted the benefits of the technology at an April 17 meeting of the Fire and Police Commission, the oversight body for the department.

Officials said it would work as a way to solve crimes faster. The officials presented examples of the department using it to assist with solving crimes in the past, through asking neighboring agencies to run photos of suspects. During that meeting they said the technology alone would not be used as probable cause to arrest someone and had never been before.

But that meeting was met with strong pushback from about 30 residents who attended it and gave nearly 90 minutes of pushback during public comment.

The council members' May 14 letter echoed many of those concerns.

The letter's concerns included potential overreach by the administration of President Donald Trump, and cited studies showing high misidentification rates for women, people of color, and other marginalized groups. Council members also worried the technology would put a "menacing face" on police by creating "the perception that the City is not concerned about eroding personal freedoms and chilling free expression."

In its statement and Norman's reply to the council members, the department said identification error rate bias wasn't inherent to the technology, but in its misuse. The department spokesperson also said anyone seeking access to its technology systems requires what's called Criminal Justice Information Systems clearance.

"This access is ultimately approved or denied by executive leadership," the spokesperson's email said.

If it were to move forward, council members asked the department to institute a "carefully-considered" policy governing its use and remain in communication with the Common Council on the technology.

Ald. Marina Dimitrijevic said the letter was spearheaded by her, Ald. JoCasta Zamarripa, and Ald. Alex Brower. Council members have had informal briefings with the department on the technology, and police indicated they weren't likely to acquire it soon, she said.

She reiterated concerns around error rates for Black and Brown people, and discomfort with the proposed trade of mugshots for access to the tech.

Dimitrijevic said acquiring the technology would be part of a broader increase of police surveillance following the Republican National Convention in 2024, citing the recent creation of a drone team as an example.

There wasn't enough information yet to support the police's efforts to acquire facial recognition, she said.

"It's not ready for showtime," Dimitrijevic said.

She was joined by 10 other council members: Zamarripa, Brower, Mark Chambers Jr., Sharlen Moore, Jose Perez, DiAndre Jackson, Larresa Taylor, Lamont Westmoreland, Russell W. Stamper, Milele A. Coggs.

The discussions around facial recognition technology prompted the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin to send a statement to the Milwaukee Common Council asking the body to adopt a two-year pause on any new surveillance technology. It also asked the council to incorporate community input through a public body called citizen control over police surveillance, or CCOPS for short.

The technology has proven controversial. Some cities, including Madison, have banned facial recognition's use by city agencies. Other cities which have implemented have run into controversy over its implementation.

In Detroit, the police department faced a federal lawsuit and subsequent settlement for $300,000 over its use leading to the wrongful arrest of a man in 2020. The department overhauled its policy dictating facial recognition's use as part of that settlement.

[soulofjuche]

Two Different Views on Children

2025.6.3.

Even at this very moment in many parts of this planet, innocent young children are being subject to hunger and diseases falling victim to the brutal and never-ending conflicts and aggression caused by the imperialists.

Some years ago, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child condemned Israel’s inhumanity of killing more than 11,400 children since the beginning of its military operation in the Gaza strip in blatant violation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Committee commented that it had disastrous consequences for children and the death toll was without parallel.

Only in May this year, 18 children died in an Israel’s air raid against a school where refugees were staying, according to a Gazan civil defense organ. The World Food Programme announced that more than 70,000 children in this area are faced with the most serious malnutrition.

In March 2025, the chairperson of the Russian investigation committee, in an interview with TASS, revealed that the Ukrainian army attacked 34 federal subjects outside the military operations domain with weapons provided by the West including the tactical missile system, multiple rocket launchers, large-caliber guns, UAVs, etc., killing 23 innocent children and wounding 169.

However, in Korea, the beautiful dreams and wishes of happy children across the country come into full bloom under the benevolent care of the WPK that glorifies the bright laughter of children as the image of Korean-style socialism.

Our children are developing their talents to their heart’s content under the wonderful socialist system that provides them with only the best in the world and attaches utmost importance to the policy on new generations. Last year, Korean children created another great sensation at the 33rd international festival of child and juvenile art works held in Khabarovsk, Russia.

At the festival attended by more than a thousand children from Russia, China, Mongolia and other countries, Korea’s musical prodigies fully demonstrated their talent, receiving favorable response from the juries, audience and personages of various circles.

The sponsor of the festival expressed great admiration for the outstanding artistic skills of Korean children and said in full excitement that the ability of the well-educated Korean children won unanimous recognition from the festival’s participants.

In particular, the children who played the piano and Korean folk instrument in the music contest received unreserved praise to be the best in playing technique and ability, despite being the youngest among the attendees in the same contest field.

No wonder that a Danish progressive said: The children’s welfare much advocated by capitalist politicians are in reality a mere publicity campaign. Even the welfare funds for children are used for their economic gains. This is the fundamental difference between socialist Korea and other capitalist countries regarding children.

[noqutam]

No Qu TAM - Time and Attendance Management System

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Traditional attendance systems have become a thing of the past. With No Qu TAM, organizations become super-efficient with very less capital investment and complete digital transformation.

Why Choose No Qu TAM?

SaaS Attendance Platform No Qu TAM is a cloud-based SaaS attendance solution that requires no complex hardware. It’s easy to deploy, access, and scale from anywhere.

All-in-One Attendance Management System Track work hours, shifts, check-ins, and records everything centralized in a single platform.

Simple and Powerful Attendance App An intuitive No Qu attendance App that lets employees mark attendance with mobile devices.

Mobile App Based Attendance Software Ideal for hybrid or remote models, this mobile app based attendance software provides flexibility and ease of use.

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Supports Biometric Devices Integrates with biometric devices for fingerprint or retina-based attendance where needed.

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Built-in Leave Management System The integrated leave management module allows staff to apply for leave and get instant approvals.

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No Qu TAM is your all-in-one, AI-powered workforce solution - making time tracking smart, simple, and future-ready.

[constantlymisspelled]

23 - Discrimination (Yeah I went there)

[Text in image is as below]

i) Species;

a) All Sentient Species recognised by Mandalorian Law are completely within right to be adopted, adopt, and live within Mandalore, and Mandalorian Society. b) If a Species wishes to be added to the data base, a General Notice for Recognition can be applied for through the Mandalorian Archive of Galactic Sentients. The Mandalorian Archive of Galactic Sentients will also keep in check genealogy to take notice of the rare cases of possible gene modification and cloning. The Mandalorian Archive of Galactic Sentients is the official government and information authority for all occasions regarding inter-species law in Mandalorian Space. c) Sentient Species cannot be outlawed from sectors or systems – Mandalorian Law stresses the difference between a Species, and its local Governments. For example, a fleeing Zygerrian is not guilty of the crimes of the Zygerrian Empire. d) Sentient Species cannot be barred entry into clubs, pubs or venues due to their species. e) Sentient Species cannot be required or told by schools, family, or others to physically alter traits and physical features that do not cause harm. For example, a Zabracki shall not be demanded to wear a headdress to attend classes for the safety of other students.

[Text in images is as below]

ii) Sex;

a) Mandalorian Law recognises separate biological sexes for all documented species under the Mandalorian Archive of Galactic Sentients. b) Mandalore recognises the separate sexes, sub-sexes, and individual genders within the Species Codex held by the Bounty Hunter Guild Associations. c) Mandalore retains its right to utilise the genderless and sexless terms and wordings in day-to-day use. d) Medical Professionals, and those whose services require said information are the only beings within Mandalore allowed to require a response to request of an individual’s sex, species, and gender information. e) Job applications and education shall not require confirmation of sex or gender for acceptance or application. f) Mandalore and the Mandalorian Sector practices the use of a multitude of private and communal refreshers – schools in the Mandalorian sector will tend to have two segregated bathrooms for the two more common humanoid sexes, a disabled bathroom, a unisex bathroom, and the communal bathrooms utilised in most military settings. Individual sectors can offer a differing, or greater range of choices – for example, Ordo Minor, which has the selection of disabled bathrooms, individual bathrooms, and the communal bathrooms with no segregation of any sort. g) Married Mandalorians are not required to inform anyone of their or their spouse’s gender or sex. h) Sex work in Mandalore falls under the Fair Work Acts, and is acceptable under strict and heavily monitored conditions. A Mando’ade who worked in this sector of business is permitted to apply to other forms of employment. Attempts to block applications and transfers of employment is both discriminatory to the Mando’ade’s financial freedoms and their sexual freedoms.

iii) Religious Interpretation;

 a) Incomplete

[Text in image is as below]

iv) Language;

a) Mando’a’s multitude of accepted forms are not to be excluded, impeded or banned in any way within Mandalorian Space. b) Mando’a is to be taught at every school in Mandalorian Space in the sector’s most common forms. c) No Mando’ade should be barred in any way from learning Mando’a. d) Speaking a Freed language is a protected right, and those found guilty of excluding or discriminating those speaking or who have spoken Freed language fall under Sentient Discrimination and can face charges at both Mandalorian and Galactic Courts. e) Speaking Basic is not banned in any way, but it is not a specific requirement to graduate, educate, be credited or to have a job. f) Basic cannot be a prerequisite in jobs that do not have any relevance to the speaking of the language. For example, a mechanic does not need to speak fluid Basic to practice on Ordo Prime or Manda’yaim. g) Learning to speak, read and write is a Right, not a privilege, and those barring students for financial reasons either in low or high levels of education will be held to account under Mandalorian Law. Learning languages in Mandalore is a Protected Right, and not to be interfered with by external pressures. h) Clan Foundlings wishing to continue to learn their pre-adoption language is a protected right under Mandalorian Law. Foundlings will not be punished for use of their pre-adoption languages.

[Text in image is as below]

v) Ability;

a) All Clan members, regardless of their capacity or ability to fight, are crucial to Clan Welfare. b) Clan members, or Mando’ade who are visually or verbally impaired should have allocations made for their comfort and to ease participation in day-to-day life. This includes species that routinely have these impairments, for example, nocturnal species being allowed to be as active as they require at their biologically required hours. c) Clan members, Mando’ade or warriors who have been injured to the point of being removed from combat have completed a great service for their Clan and their community, and any discrimination or exclusion of these Mando’ade is punishable by law. d) Mando’ade born with non-life-threatening defects are to be treated as ordinary Mando’ade under Mandalorian Law. e) Mando’ade born with life-threatening birth defects are catered for under the Public Health Acts, and can even be served at external hospitals around the galaxy under the Mandalorian Resources and Children Protectorate. Parents can make direct calls for assistance to the Mandalorian Protectors, and can expect near immediate response and support in the occasion of life-threatening illness or injury. This is a right under Mandalorian Law. f) Mandalorians with movement impairments, mental impairment and illness, and other neurological discrepancies are protected under Mandalorian Law. In the event of a Neurological Unsound Mando’ade hurting a child, the Mano’ade risks becoming institutionalised. g) Those of impaired, separated, different nature or disposition, and disability are completely able to be charged with serious offences. However, much like criminal justice, intent must be proved for charges such as ‘murder,’ or the charge will simply be held as high degree grievous assault and manslaughter. Ability Impaired Mandalorians will still face a firing squad if found guilty of War Crimes, Child Abuse, or Sexual Assault. h) Mando’ade that cannot live by themselves can either select, or have a carer selected for them out of their Clan or Community that passes Health and Carer Training and Psychological Evaluations. The selection will take place after their diagnosis with impairment. If a Clan member has already been acting as the Mando’ade’s carer, provisioning will be made for that Clan member to have access to appropriate resources and training without separating the Carer from their charge.

[Again, if anyone has any criticism, I am open to any form of assistance you can provide. Sections like this are close to my heart, as I have members of my family who cannot give informed consent, or have a disability that stops them from being able to hold a job. When the time comes, I'm hoping to link a master post for disability and medical beskar'gam symbols to this post so that disabled verde can colour and pattern their armour appropiately, and have it understood.]

[back to main Codex]

[harmonyhealinghub]

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day: Honouring Culture, Resilience, and Heritage

Shaina Tranquilino

June 21, 2024

In many countries around the world, indigenous peoples have long been the custodians of unique cultures, traditions, and knowledge systems that are deeply intertwined with their lands. In Canada, National Indigenous Peoples Day stands as a testament to the resilience, contributions, and ongoing struggles of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

A Day of Recognition and Celebration

Established on June 21st, National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and diverse contributions of Indigenous peoples. This day not only highlights the achievements and talents of Indigenous communities but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and understanding.

Honouring Culture and Heritage

Central to the celebrations are the diverse cultural expressions of Indigenous peoples, ranging from traditional dances, music, and storytelling to art, cuisine, and language revitalization efforts. Each of these elements serves to showcase the depth and resilience of Indigenous cultures that have withstood centuries of adversity and continue to thrive today.

Acknowledging the Challenges

While National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day of celebration, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the historical injustices, systemic inequalities, and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Issues such as access to healthcare, education, clean water, and housing remain significant barriers for many Indigenous peoples across Canada and beyond.

Commitment to Reconciliation

In recent years, there has been a growing commitment to reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. This includes efforts to address historical grievances, promote cultural awareness and sensitivity, and support economic and social development within Indigenous communities.

Moving Forward Together

As we commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day, it is crucial to recognize that true reconciliation requires ongoing commitment and action from all sectors of society. This includes advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, and fostering meaningful dialogue and understanding.

Get Involved

There are numerous ways individuals and communities can participate in National Indigenous Peoples Day:

1. Attend Local Events: Many communities host events such as powwows, cultural exhibitions, and storytelling sessions.

2. Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about the history, traditions, and contemporary issues facing Indigenous peoples in Canada.

3. Support Indigenous Artists and Businesses: Purchase Indigenous art, crafts, and products to support local economies.

4. Advocate for Change: Raise awareness about Indigenous rights and support initiatives that promote equality and justice.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is not just a day on the calendar but a reminder of the ongoing journey towards healing, understanding, and mutual respect. By celebrating the cultures, achievements, and resilience of Indigenous peoples, we can contribute to a future where all peoples can thrive in harmony with each other and the natural world.

Let us use this day as an opportunity to listen, learn, and stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities as we strive for a more inclusive and equitable society for generations to come.

[laceyjane44]

GaaSaku 2023 FanFest Day1

Promt: Punch me/BAMF

He certainly hadn’t expected this.

Even in his recent months spent as the newly elected fifth Kazekage of Sunagakure, there were still few of Gaara’s people that approached him so boldly, and even fewer foreigners. It used to be his quiet and foreboding presence that kept others at a distance, but now that he’d softened around the edges, it was his grand title and honored standing that sat him at a pinnacle other’s thought beyond approach. In the past, eyes were cast down in fearful respect, now it was done with wise recognition.

Either way, direct gazes avoided him all the same, and it felt no different.

But this…this was different.

Sakura Haruno stood at the front of a gathering of fresh-faced genin all lined up in neat rows under the morning sun. She was center of them all and held the front spot in her line; a tall stance, shoulders squared, warm light shining on pale skin, eyes bright and facing straight ahead, straight at him.

On this arid and calm desert day, Gaara had arrived at the training grounds of Suna not twenty minutes prior; he had guests to welcome.

The bi-annual chunin exams were about to get underway, and Sunagakure had been chosen as the host city. It had been nearly two decades since the exams had been held here, and Gaara was keen on showcasing their growth in not only their military, but in their infrastructure as well. The passing of his father shifted the city’s focus from exponential military growth to more domestically centered focuses; improving education and academy access, repairs to their extensive systems of aqueducts that quenched the thirsty populous, upgrades to their medical facilities, and much more.

His people were happier, daily hardships were easing back just a little, and the city certainly breathed differently now than it had in his childhood. He was proud, he wanted to boast their accomplishments with confidence and pride, but now he suddenly felt…anxious?

“Could you repeat that, Sakura?”

“I said I’d like to spar,” she said again without hesitation, the slightest hinting of an upturn pulling at the corner of her lips. Her eyes hadn’t left his, his tongue was going dry, and just as that time in the forest, he was unshakably locked on those bright, dazzling emerald eyes.

He recognized those stood behind her as Shikamaru’s old team, it seemed that Sakura made the perfect match for them without Sasuke and Naruto to join her, but the incredulous look plastered across their faces was mirrored by most other genin in attendance. Here she stood; in line with all the other contestants, still at the bottom rung of the ladder through the ranks, and she had asked the Kage of the Wind nation for a spar.

He had only just finished his welcome to the contestants, encouraging them to make themselves at home and use any training grounds permitted to them as they saw fit, and hadn’t yet offered to answer any questions when she had stepped forward. It was as if no one else were present when she flashed a polite smile his way, thinly veiled by that mischievous look in her eyes, and asked if he could spare her some time. It was such a direct question, from effectively the last person he’d assumed would ask, that he paused his speech, his words failing him for a moment.

“I apologize,” he began, taking the opportunity to practice his manners. “But I am a busy man.”

She shrugged, still holding his eyes with her own, and he couldn’t tell if the sun had kissed her face just a little or maybe the heat was getting to her, but she looked slightly flushed. “I can be patient.”

He remembered she and Ino pit against each other before; an unfortunate matchup that perhaps tempted them to pull their punches against old friends. He had certainly found it mundane and unexceptional to watch. Either way, her strength may have been lacking at that time, but her tenacity had been clearly on display when she’d intervened between himself and Sasuke. It hadn’t stopped him, but it had slowed him down, clouded his thinking, and he was sure it was ultimately what saved the Uchiha’s life that day.

But she stood before him today a rebuilt and remade individual; there was confidence to her poise, an elegance to the way her high chin emphasized her neck, and her captivating gaze contained a knowing quality that left echoes of intrigue resonating through his body. She had seen him fight, she had seen him break bones and draw blood, she had even faced him and lived to tell the tale. Not many in her position had been able to say the same, and now she was essentially asking for a rematch in front of everyone.

He hadn’t mean to, but he heard himself reply, “All right,” before continuing with his welcoming address. The genin all bent an ear to listen, but he could tell that her public and very unconventional request had them distracted. It was a good thing he had gone over his talking points once again before starting, he was getting rather distracted as well.

Those eyes hadn’t left him, sparkling in the sunlight and bejeweled as they were, and no matter where he put his focus on the gathered crowd, he could still feel the weight of them on him. Where his palms getting sweaty?

It didn’t matter, he was finished with his piece as the head seat of the city and turned them over to Shikamaru who had come to explain the layout of the exams. Stepping aside, he was freed from her gaze as she gave the new speaker her attention and was allowed to more comfortably observe the curious happenings of his morning.

She stood just as proudly before Shikamaru as she had him, no longer the shuddering leaf that had been frightful of so many of their opponents before. His mind’s eye didn’t have the clearest picture of her back then, he’d found her so overlookable when outshined by her teammates, but he couldn’t overlook how inviting her figure had become, or how he found that he preferred the length that was returning to her hair, and how mature and defined the roundness of her face had gotten. She stood a bit taller now, they all did, and he could tell the definition of her muscles reflected the work she’d done to allow such confidence worn across her face.

Could a few years really change that much?

He’d been stared down quite enough since the start of the genin address, and he wondered how different he looked from her perspective. Had his stature reflected the improvements he’d undergone? Did his face look more mature as well or, now a little self-conscious, did he still look to be a boy wearing his father’s robes? With no necessity for it, he’d forgone most of the usual strength training done by those in their profession, but his fight with Lee had incentivized him to train otherwise; was it noticeable at all? He suddenly found himself conscious of his posture, second guessing the expression he wore, and found it difficult to keep his eyes from sliding back to this unexpected distraction.

Even after she had glanced his way, catching him mid-stare, he’d only looked away for a moment.

Soon, too soon given how he’d yet to find the words, the genin were all dismissed and gradually went their separate ways. A few senseis had approached him with a question or two, gratitude for hosting the exams, the typical formalities he’d been expecting, but in truth he’d only half paid attention to anything they said and whatever he strung together in reply. Again, he could feel those eyes on him, an itching in the back of his mind that made his pulse throb in his throat and an unfamiliar anxiousness to settle in his limbs.

Of course, he shouldn’t have been surprised when she walked up to him the moment he was free, her first words just some regurgitated pleasantries that the others had already said. Perhaps it wasn’t the approach that had surprised him, maybe it had been how favorable he found that sweet and warm scent of vanilla that clung to her skin, or how it was his own heart that was beginning to race against his chest.

He'd nodded to her gratitude, though by the look in her eyes he could tell that she knew he hadn’t listened to her words, nor looked her in the eyes as she said them. Something about the way her lips moved when she spoke to him was diverting his attention. “What are you hoping to achieve?” he asked, perhaps sounding a little standoffish due to his very real apprehension.

She shrugged, her eyes holding his gaze captive. “I just want to see,” she offered innocently enough, though the knuckle crack he’d heard from her gloved hand was anything but.

The clear challenge in her eyes stirred him. It had been months since someone provoked him like this, and they hadn’t been keen on his abilities like Sakura was; their arrogance had been born of ignorance and Gaara couldn’t help but wonder what her’s was born from. He tried not to smirk with his next words, though he failed, and returned her challenge in kind. “See how long you’ll last trying to hit me?” he goaded, the dignified tone of the Kazekage melting away as if to playfully deride her.

“No,” she refuted firmly, thought that sly expression still blessed her features. He could tell now that the sun hadn’t been the thing to kiss that color across her face, it had been a subtle flush across her skin, one that grew deeper when that smirk of his had slipped. Flushed or not, she was still fiery. “To see how long it takes me to hit you.”

Another unexpected outcome of his morning, another smirk he felt pull at his features, and this time she did break her gaze away from him, brushing her hair behind her ears and attempting to downplay her blush.

“Well,” he said, his tone casual. “Let’s go.” He began walking off to a more distant end of the training grounds, an area he specifically hadn’t set aside for visitor use.

She followed quickly after him, he could feel the steps she took atop the sandy earth, and he wondered how someone as petit and light of foot as her thought to approach him with such a bold request. “I thought you were a busy man,” she said, not wanting to sound displeased but wanting to convey that, yes; she did in fact know that he had other – more important – things to attend.

“I am,” Gaara agreed, looking over to Sakura who came to walk in line at his side. Again, he tried a smirk, wanting to see if it gave her skin that same rouge as before. It had, and she’d yet again avoided his eyes for a second. “But I don’t believe that you’re a patient woman.”

[aied-sa]

Top 5 Door Access Control Systems in Saudi Arabia for 2025

In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, selecting the best door access control system in Saudi Arabia is essential for both corporate and government infrastructure. Whether you're securing office premises or sensitive government data centers, choosing the right system ensures both employee safety and operational efficiency.

1. Matrix COSEC ARGO Face

Known for its cutting-edge biometric access control, the Matrix COSEC ARGO Face system combines facial recognition with secure authentication protocols. It's ideal for enterprises in Riyadh and across the Kingdom.

2. HID Access Control

HID systems provide flexible card access control systems and are widely used in hospitals, banks, and government buildings. Their robust encryption ensures a high level of data protection.

3. ZKTeco Access Control

ZKTeco offers reliable time attendance system Riyadh solutions with facial, fingerprint, and RFID recognition. It integrates easily with staff attendance management software.

4. Suprema Biometric Access Control

Suprema is perfect for businesses looking to implement Bluetooth access control in high-traffic areas. Their mobile app-based access system reduces hardware costs.

5. Bosch Access Control

Bosch provides integrated access control and time attendance options suited for large enterprises. Their modular structure makes expansion seamless.

Conclusion: Choosing the right system depends on your needs—from time attendance tracking to visitor access management. Always prioritize scalability, local distributor support, and data security compliance.

[biomax-attendance-machine]

Biometric Attendance Machine

A biometric attendance machine is a technology used to track and manage employee attendance based on biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans. These systems are often employed in workplaces, educational institutions, and other organizations to ensure accurate and secure tracking of time and attendance. Here’s a comprehensive overview of biometric attendance machines:

Types of Biometric Attendance Machines

Fingerprint Scanners

Description: Use fingerprint recognition to verify identity. Employees place their finger on a sensor, and the system matches the fingerprint against a stored template.

Pros: Quick and reliable; well-suited for high-traffic areas.

Cons: May be less effective with dirty or damaged fingers; requires regular cleaning.

Facial Recognition Systems

Description: Use facial recognition technology to identify individuals based on their facial features. Employees look into a camera, and the system matches their face against a database.

Pros: Contactless and convenient; can be integrated with other security measures.

Cons: May be affected by changes in lighting or facial features; requires good camera quality.

Iris Scanners

Description: Scan the unique patterns in the iris of the eye to identify individuals. Employees look into a device that captures the iris pattern.

Pros: Highly accurate; difficult to spoof.

Cons: Typically more expensive; requires careful alignment.

Voice Recognition Systems

Description: Use voice patterns for identification. Employees speak into a microphone, and the system analyzes their voice.

Pros: Contactless; can be used in various environments.

Cons: Can be affected by background noise or voice changes.

Hand Geometry Systems

Description: Measure the shape and size of the hand and fingers. Employees place their hand on a scanner, which records its dimensions.

Pros: Effective and reliable; less invasive.

Cons: Requires specific hand placement; less common than fingerprint or facial recognition systems.

Key Features

Data Storage and Management

Centralized Database: Stores biometric data and attendance records securely.

Integration: Often integrates with HR and payroll systems to streamline data management.

Accuracy and Speed

High Accuracy: Minimizes errors and false positives/negatives in identification.

Fast Processing: Ensures quick check-in and check-out times for employees.

Security

Data Encryption: Protects biometric data with encryption to prevent unauthorized access.

Anti-Spoofing: Includes features to detect and prevent fraudulent attempts, such as using fake fingerprints or photos.

User Interface

Ease of Use: Features a simple interface for both employees and administrators.

Reporting: Generates detailed reports on attendance, overtime, and absences.

Customization

Settings: Allows customization of attendance policies, work schedules, and shift timings.

Alerts and Notifications: Sends alerts for exceptions or anomalies, such as missed clock-ins or outs.

Benefits

Improved Accuracy: Reduces errors and fraud associated with manual or card-based systems.

Enhanced Security: Ensures that only authorized personnel can access facilities and clock in/out.

Time Efficiency: Speeds up the check-in and check-out process, reducing queues and wait times.

Automated Tracking: Automates attendance management, reducing administrative workload.

Detailed Reporting: Provides comprehensive data on attendance patterns, helping with workforce management and planning.

Considerations

Privacy Concerns: Ensure compliance with privacy laws and regulations regarding biometric data collection and storage.

Cost: Evaluate the initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs. High-end biometric systems may be more expensive.

Integration: Consider how well the system integrates with existing HR and payroll software.

User Acceptance: Provide training to employees and address any concerns about the use of biometric technology.

Popular Brands and Models

ZKTeco: Known for a wide range of biometric solutions, including fingerprint and facial recognition systems.

Hikvision: Offers advanced facial recognition systems with integrated attendance management.

Suprema: Provides high-quality fingerprint and facial recognition devices.

BioTime: Specializes in biometric attendance systems with robust reporting and integration features.

Anviz: Offers various biometric solutions, including fingerprint and facial recognition devices.

By choosing the right biometric attendance machine and properly implementing it, organizations can improve attendance tracking, enhance security, and streamline HR processes.

[cuetzpalin1234]

Chicano report back on the Puro Pinche Palestina! Show and Night Market

It was a very cold Saturday evening January 20th, 2024. My partner and I arrived at the event about an hour or 2 after it started. We thought when we showed up it would be over. When we got closer to the location, it looked like a full house with cars lined up on both sides of the road. So, as we tried to find a space to park, we finally entered the event, and it was still very active. The 6pm show and night market was organized by Red Star and Bimbos for Liberation in coordination with Tandem, located at 310 Riverside Dr. San Anto, Tx.  The purpose of the event was to benefit San Antonio for Justice in Palestine. There was a very diverse crowd in the lot outside socializing and walking around looking at the 25+ vendors and local artists that were out there in solidarity and calling for a ceasefire.

There were several groups huddled around the different log fires they had set up for the cold winter evening. There was also food for sale by Saha, Gorda Bakes, Angel Numb, El Puño y La Mano, WRLD 8, and Slumber Party World created by Callie. You could also hear music coming from the DJ and live bands such as Vintage Pictures, Sacred Games, Optic Arrest, Bitter Critter, Powdered Wig Machine, and RoshII. We got a chance to check out the inside for some food and water. They also sell coffee, beer, and wine. It was comfortable. They had tables, chairs, and couches. They also had picnic tables outside as well. After attending the event it really motivated me to continue to organize. I promised myself I would try to be around more justice seeking people interested in making a positive impact in the world. So, this event was very uplifting because lately I had been feeling isolated. There were some myths or lies that I believe were challenged at the event: 1: No one in San Antonio cares about what is happening in Palestine. Clearly, there were many folks out there in support of the Palestinian people. 2: Chicanos and Africans have no connection to Palestinians.

Statement in solidarity with Palestine!

"So similar are the struggles of Palestinians and Chicanos that in 1980 El Partido Nacional de La Raza Unida sent a delegation to a historic meeting with Palestinian Liberation Organization founder Yasser Arafat. The meeting took place in Lebanon as it was impossible to enter Palestine at that moment. We must recall this meeting and the continued solidarity PNLRU has expressed to our sister and brothers of Palestine who despite facing the advance US funded weaponry and military might of the Zionist occupation nothing can break the iron will and national pride of the Palestinian people, and we see this in the relentless pride Palestinians express from the youngest child to the elderly they all know without a doubt that first and foremost they are Palestinian!

This is an example we cannot ignore here in Aztlan in the “Belly of the Beast” our national unity is challenged relentlessly with so many labels placed on us by this colonizer. The struggles of Palestine and Aztlan are deeply connected in fact the US imposed colonial border separating Aztlan and Mexico has Israeli contractors written all over it. Companies like Elbit, NICE, and Verint Systems have entrenched themselves within the border enforcement industry, which carries significant implications for La Raza. The introduction of drones, surveillance cameras, and sensor systems further militarizes La Frontera Falsa. PNLRU demands a thorough and critical evaluation of the involvement of Israeli security companies in US Mexico border security. This collaboration raises valid concerns about the continued militarization of our border and the potential infringement on human rights. Our stance on this issue doubles down on our support for the Palestinian people’s struggle for self-determination. Both struggles, for Chicano liberation and Palestinian liberation, deserve recognition and steadfast advocacy in the shared fight against oppression and imperialism."

“We felt we both had the same fight. They learned about our struggle that Chicanos were being thrown out of their homeland. So, they invited us on a fact finding mission so we could come back and tell the world that there are two sides to every story.” Rebecca Hill PNLRU-NM

There has been a lot of bad information being spread so it is hard to understand what is happening if you are just following the capitalist media and/or social media and relying on those sources to understand the root/s of the problem/s. Work collectively and do your research. Check out the following:

USA Foriegn Policy/Imperialism 

La Raza Unida takes these positions against the Imperialism of the United States of America. 

La Raza Unida believes in the self-determination of all people. 

La Raza Unida believes in peaceful coexistence. 

Indigenous peoples and developing nations must be self-sufficient and not exploited or manipulated. 

La Raza Unida believes in international worker solidarity, which Imperialism prevents through competition between countries. 

La Raza Unida stands for social change. Imperialism creates dictatorships that repress dissent, social change and self-determination. 

USA Occupation Forces International and Domestic (Militant/Police/ICE) 

La Raza Unida recognizes the US Military and its police forces as the armed wing of the settler colonizer. We stand in solidarity with all liberation struggles. 

The USA armed forces are designed to keep our people terrorized, exploited and controlled. 

The USA armed forces take advantage of the dire economic realities of our people with false promises. 

USA Veterans experience trauma and betrayal. La Raza Unida supports them in their healing. Their experience can be an asset to the true liberation of our people. 

Technology used abroad by the USA military today will be used against Raza tomorrow. 

La Raza Unida supports the right for our own people to develop a force to “serve, observe and protect” ourselves.

 La Frontera Falsa 

La Raza Unida does not recognize the “USA/Mexico” border as legitimate. It was imposed by military invasion and held by occupational forces. Therefore: 

No Human being is illegal. 

La Raza Unida opposes any militarization of la frontera falsa. 

USA immigration policy is designed to enrich the elite through the suffering of Raza and as a weapon against the Chicano people. 

The construction or expansion of any physical barrier at la frontera falsa must be opposed. 

We oppose the separation of families and the caging of children. 

Our Raza, whether Mexicano or CentroAmericano, must be allowed to migrate on their own continent in search of a better life for themselves and their children. 

As social workers we also have principles and values we must practice. We must value social, economic, and political justice and never compromise our principle of challenging injustice. Join an organization working for justice today!