#smart estimating tools

[asestimationsconsultants]

How a Cost Estimating Service Can Drive Net-Zero Carbon Construction Goals

The global construction industry plays a pivotal role in achieving climate targets, with net-zero carbon construction becoming a strategic imperative. Cost estimating services, often viewed as purely financial tools, now serve a critical environmental function by guiding decisions that align budgets with sustainability. When embedded early in the planning process, these services become instrumental in advancing net-zero carbon goals.

Understanding Net-Zero Carbon Construction

Net-zero carbon construction refers to projects where the amount of carbon emissions generated is balanced by the amount removed or offset. This includes both embodied carbon—emissions from material production, transport, and construction—and operational carbon, which stems from the building’s energy use over time.

Cost estimating services help assess and compare low-carbon alternatives from the start, making it easier to make eco-conscious choices that don’t derail budgets.

Role of Cost Estimating in Carbon Accounting

A modern cost estimating service doesn’t just track dollars—it can also calculate carbon impact alongside financial cost. By incorporating data from Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), lifecycle assessments (LCAs), and carbon benchmarks, estimators can:

Quantify embodied carbon in various material options

Compare high-performance systems with standard systems in both cost and emissions

Recommend budget-friendly alternatives that reduce carbon intensity

Provide carbon vs. cost trade-off scenarios during preconstruction

This dual-layer estimating process enables smarter, more balanced decision-making.

Key Features that Support Net-Zero Planning

Cost estimating services adapted for sustainability can offer the following features:

Carbon cost libraries, linking emissions data with unit pricing

Scenario modeling, allowing project teams to compare design options

Energy use forecasting, tied to MEP systems and building orientation

End-of-life cost projections, accounting for future deconstruction and material reuse

Real-time updates, ensuring carbon impacts are considered when value engineering occurs

These features empower project teams to treat carbon as a measurable and controllable component, just like cost.

Strategic Materials Selection

One of the most direct ways a cost estimating service can influence net-zero goals is through material selection. Estimators can guide teams toward:

Low-carbon concrete mixes, such as those with fly ash or slag

Mass timber and bamboo, offering carbon sequestration benefits

Recycled steel and aluminum, reducing embodied emissions

Bio-based insulation, replacing petroleum-derived products

These choices can be weighed not only for upfront cost but for long-term carbon savings, enhancing the project’s sustainability profile without exceeding budget.

Supporting Energy-Efficient Design

In addition to materials, cost estimators influence energy systems that affect operational carbon. This includes:

Evaluating costs for passive design strategies, such as thermal mass or daylighting

Comparing high-efficiency HVAC systems with baseline code minimums

Calculating ROI on renewables like solar panels and geothermal

Modeling long-term utility cost savings versus initial capital cost

Cost estimating services that integrate energy modeling give clients a clearer picture of payback periods, enabling more confident investment in green technologies.

Challenges and Considerations

Implementing a net-zero strategy with cost estimating support isn’t without obstacles:

Data variability in carbon values across suppliers and geographies

Resistance to unfamiliar materials or methods due to perceived risks

Higher upfront costs, even when lifecycle costs are lower

Team alignment, requiring all stakeholders to prioritize sustainability

Overcoming these challenges requires collaboration and a shift in mindset—from lowest bid to highest long-term value.

Real-World Applications

Net-zero carbon projects are gaining momentum globally, and many have relied on robust estimating processes to stay on track financially and environmentally. These include:

Government-funded civic buildings with strict emissions targets

Educational institutions aiming for long-term operational efficiency

Commercial developers using sustainability as a market differentiator

Each case demonstrates the role of accurate, sustainability-informed estimating in achieving ambitious environmental benchmarks.

Conclusion

Cost estimating services are no longer just financial calculators—they are sustainability enablers. As the construction industry moves toward net-zero carbon outcomes, integrating carbon accountability into cost estimating is essential. These services provide the transparency, precision, and guidance required to build responsibly and economically. In doing so, they help turn climate commitments into construction reality.

[furiouslovepolice]

Know & compare the monthly payments from 1 year to 10 years. This App will show you the monthly payments required for car loans lasting 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, 6 years, 7 years, 8 years, 9 years & 10 years. Simply enter your total loan amount and the annual interest rate. Then press "Calculate", to see the monthly payments for each loan term.

[atulksposts]

In India, EMI calculators help you estimate monthly loan payments for education and home loans. This free tool allows you to compare loan options, plan your finances, and manage expectations. By entering loan amount, interest rate, and tenure, you can see how changes impact your EMI. Remember, EMI calculators provide estimates and don't account for all loan fees. Consider your overall financial situation and explore tax benefits before applying for a loan.

[hannahhook7744]

New Characters from Nightmares and Sueños (Will Contain Spoilers);

Peña boy (One of Julieta's failed suitors).

Juana Mazorra (One of the oldest residents of the Encanto and a friend/acquaintance of Alma Madrigal).

Olga Deja (Alma helped her move once. Seem to be friendly with one another).

Karina Mendez (Alma helped her get a job by vouching for her to a shopkeeper).

Erik Alfaro (Javi's brother).

Javi Alfaro (Asked Bruno for a vision regarding his fish: Bruno lied and said his fish would be fine. It died the same day).

Antonia (Bruno's classmate. He lied and said she'd pass a test, and she flunked out of school).

Chef Solorzano (Asked Bruno if he'd have enough ingredients for the annual town feast).

Jaime the carpenter (Asked Bruno if he'd get a decent apprentice ship this season).

Maria Alcanara (Asked Bruno how many puppies her dog would have).

Benito (Bruno told someone he did love them).

José (Ends up married to Irina Cujo, likely via an arranged marriage that she doesn't want).

Irina Cujo (Asked Bruno whether she'd be forced to marry José).

Irina and José's three kids.

Mendoza Family (They have a farm and asked Bruno for a vision about the crops).

Doña Morales (Asked Bruno for a vision about a mysterious person she kept seeing around the edges of the Encanto).

Julio Anta (Bruno saw him die in a vision from an illness when his wife asked about him).

Señora Anta (The Seamstress).

Señor Cruz (The Butcher).

Carlos (The star of everything at school. Including the school play and sports).

Señora Morales (Bruno's teacher. Could be the same person as Doña Morales but I'm not sure).

Ramón (Bruno's bully of a classmate).

Maximo (The 'good kid' with a cruel sense of humor who spoke to Bruno in class).

Hernán Otero (Julieta's Suitor who got butthurt because Bruno had a vision and assumed it was because Julieta didn't like him. Blamed Bruno for cursing him).

Doctor Lobo (Doctor who told Señora Anta there was nothing more he could do to help).

The Anta Children (they were mentioned during Bruno's vision to Señora Anta).

Alfredo Mijares (the town carpenter who separated from his wife. Bruno told her this and she might have blamed him for it).

Claudia Mijares (The Madrigal Triplets' childhood doctor).

The 3 Mijares.

The Enriquez children.

Daniel Enriquez (Roberto's adoptive father).

Señora Enriquez (Roberto's adoptive mother).

Heidi (Bruno's kind, confident, and smart glasses wearing classmate).

Annalise (Bruno's friendly but awkward classmate).

Roberto (Bruno's fake friend who pretended to like Julieta and used him in an attempt to destroy the encanto. A raider's son. Got off pretty easy in the end despite killing Francisco, holding Julieta at knife point, manipulating Bruno, and knocking Agustín out after he tried to save Julieta).

Francisco Padilla (A man who people considered a conman. Alma didn't trust him. He became the town boogeyman but he was nice to Bruno and tried to help guide him. Might have some limited ability to see the future. Bruno still wears his green cloak. Roberto killed him when the man fought him trying to save Julieta who Roberto was holding at knife point. He was older than Alma by tenish years via Bruno's estimate).

Eduardo Escala (Possible friend of Julieta's. He told her of his woes and she invited him over to have some food).

Mari Aspuru (Possible friend of Julieta's. She invited her over to have some food).

Señor Pinnelas (Bruno tried to warn him his hand would be crushed by his tool box but did so awkwardly and the man accused him of cursing him despite being previously nice).

Ivette (Bruno was apparently right about her cooking).

[milaisreading]

Yandere!Sae Itoshi x Reader

🌱🩷: As promised, here is the Halloween special story I wrote. Hope u all enjoy it! Thanks for reading 🩷

Warnings: Reader uses she/her. There are talks of murder here, so under 18 and everyone uncomfortable with this topic, please don't read.

⚽️Blue Lock belongs to Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura⚽️

Fall was finally upon Tokyo, and there was nothing (Y/n) more enjoyed than a nice stroll through the city while the cold air hit her face. It was specifically October 31st, Halloween day. And while (Y/n) wasn't much of a fan of that day, mainly because of the pranks, she couldn't deny that she was fond of the decorations, food, and shows. Shibuya was specifically the most visited place during this time of the day, due to all the attractions. Kids and teens were laughing, wearing different costumes varying from princesses to trolls, and adults were either watching over them, or just mindlessly walking around to admire everything. (Y/n) didn't really prepare anything for that day, she just recently arrived from Germany for a week off, and just wanted to rest and enjoy the moment. She planned on enjoying this day alone, but she messaged Rin 2 days prior and found out he was back in Japan, too. The two had then agreed to meet up on this day, since Shibuya will be packed with people, and Rin would have less chances in being recognized.

'At least I hope Rin plans work.' She chuckled and went into a shop to look through some clothes.

"I still have 3 hours till I meet up with Rin." She muttered.

Sae hummed as he drained the water out of the bathtub. He yawned as he walked out of the bathroom to pick out some clothes he could wear tonight. Sae wasn't someone who really cared about dressing up, especially when it's about meeting someone, but this was different. Tonight was the night he would start his plan on making (Y/n) fall for him. The prodigy had to admit that he never expected to fall for anyone, much less the former manager of a football project. But it happened. The more Sae observed the progress of Blue Lock, the more he paid attention to the staff, mainly to (Y/n).

'Well, it is Rin's fault. If he hadn't been so secretive about her, I would have moved on.' The boy blushed a little as he put on his shirt, thinking of the girl. She was... interesting to Sae. She was smart, beautiful, and witty when needed. She was almost flawless in Sae's eyes, almost. The only flaw (Y/n) had is that she wasn't his, but... he will fix that soon.

'With Rin out of the way, my plan on making her mine forever will be a lot easier.' Sae smirked as he remembered the last fight him and Rin had 2 nights ago. It was a normal (?) siblings fight, if you ask Sae. The older Itoshi found out Rin asked (Y/n) out on a date, they started shouting, and before you know it, Rin had a knife stabbed in his chest. Sae had killed his brother. The boy didn't even know how things even played out, all he knows is that Rin shouted something at him, which caused Sae to snap and take the big kitchen knife. So, for the past 2 days Sae had spent his time cleaning up the kitchen, getting a new knife, getting rid of the used one, and at the end he had to get rid of Rin's body. To Sae, that was probably the hardest part, but with a few tools, garbage bags and random chemicals it was possible to do. Sae estimates that it might take a long while till anyone finds his brother's body.

'After all, who visits the deepest pits of the forest these days.'

Sae chuckled and dialed (Y/n)'s number, preparing to say the speech he prepared for the past 5 hours.

2 days before...

"I know what you are planning." Rin sent Sae a sharp glare as the older ate his dinner in boredom. Perhaps it wasn't the smartest idea of the Itoshi parents to leave their sons alone for a week, but oh well.

"What do you mean?" Sae finally asked.

"I know you want to get with (Y/n). And I am here to tell you, you won't ever have her."

Rin smirked as Sae raised an eyebrow, putting his chopsticks down.

"What make you say that? Then who will have her you? Or one of those pathetic Blue Lock players? Don't make me laugh." Sae rolled his eyes.

"Of course it will be me." Rin said confidently.

"For your information, Sae, (Y/n) knows me better than you. When she comes to our matches, she is there to cheer me on. When she is in Japan, she calls me to meet up." Rin chuckled, not noticing Sae's hands slowly twitch. He was always good with his resting face.

"And when walks down the isle eventually, she will do it because of me. Because I will be always (Y/n)'s pick. Not you. You are insignificant to her."

Sae didn't know what had possessed him to grab the knife, but he did. With a never before seen speed and strength, Sae was quickly in front of Rin and tackled him to the ground. The younger tried to fight his brother off of him, but he couldn't. All Rin saw at the end was a crazed smile on Sae's face as the older repeatedly stabbed him.

"Looks like your little dreams of (Y/n) will stay only that. Dreams." Sae laughed as he got off of Rin. The younger's eyes wide in panic as he slowly took his final breaths. Knife still stabbed into his chest as a pool of blood surrounded him.

Present day...

"I still can't believe Rin has a girlfriend." (Y/n) said while drinking her got chocolate. Sae sat across from her, trying to keep his usual stoic expression on.

'Cute.' He thought and clearer his throat.

"Yeah. That idiot couldn't wait to see her so he left earlier. Again, I am really sorry he didn't call you earlier."

"It's fine. You don't need to apologize. I just wish I knew sooner so that I could tease him. Oh well, maybe the next time I see him." (Y/n) laughed as Sae shrugged his shoulders.

"For sure. But in the meantime, do you want to have dinner tomorrow? I saw that a new  restaurant opened in Roppongi."

(Y/n) put her cup down and slowly nodded her head.

"Sure, I have no other plans for the next few days. But wouldn't it be boring with me for 2 days in a row-"

Sae shook his head and gently took one of her hands.

"Not at all." He gave the girl a tiny smile, causing a blush to erupt on her face.

"O-oh... ok, then!"

'Finally we are going somewhere. Should have gotten rid of that nuisance a long time ago.' Sae thought, holding back a smirk.

[cripplecharacters]

i'm debating giving one of my OCs strabismus exotropia. the work/story is YA SFF. part of my reasoning is he's one of two characters in the group who's the Brains, his specialty being history and languages, and his magic relates to mind reading and telekinesis, and i know too often characters with eye differences are portrayed as the opposite of smart. one of his big hobbies is reading and i know strabismus can affect it bc of focus/headaches, so i thought maybe reading/being fluent in braille could help him engage in his hobby when actual reading is getting on his nerves / refer to his amblyopic eye as his "permanent side eye" as he can be quite critical of others sometimes. his personality is being smug but normally right and very sure of himself (though not without his insecurities), he's seen as a bit of a Pretty Boy (handsome), and is the youngest of his group of friends so they do look out for and protect him a bit more. is there anything else i should look out for, or any way i may be playing into tropes i'm unaware of? he's also queer (gay) and brown (pakistani coded) if that helps any provide context, and has an antagonistic bickering but genuine friendship with another boy (the other brains) that eventually develops into a romance

Hello!

In general, this sounds like a perfectly fine character concept and there's nothing about his personality/portrayal that's immediately jumping out at me. He sounds like a well rounded character, which is something I'm very glad to see!

One thing I would like to mention is that, while braille may be a useful tool for him at times, it's not likely to be a feasible solution for his day-to-day life.

Braille books aren't like regular printed books, there are quite a few differences that make them much more difficult to use:

Size:

Braille books aren't easy to carry around. With the possible exception of some smaller children's books, most are pretty thick and VERY heavy. In fact, many braille books are split up into several separate volumes for this reason.

To put the difference into perspective, let's look at The Fellowship of the Ring (The first Lord of the Rings book).

A standard printed copy generally weighs around 1.5 lbs, give or take a bit if it's a hardcover. A braille copy of the same book weighs over 15 lbs.

This printed copy has 432 pages including pages for spacing, author's notes, etc. The braille copy has 873, not including any non-text pages.

The physical dimensions of braille vs printed books also differs greatly. While a printed copy of The Fellowship of the Ring may easily fit in a small bag or even a pocket, the braille copy is around the size of a standard three ring binder (In terms of length and width at least).

This is all to say that taking a braille book with him out on the go wouldn't exactly be a simple task and, because of how braille is read, reading on the bus or on a park bench or anywhere that isn't a flat surface without disruption wouldn't be a possibility.

Cost:

Aside from the problems with physically reading and using braille books, it's also very difficult to acquire them in the first place. Braille books are EXPENSIVE.

Depending on the availability of the book, the size, and the popularity, a single braille novel can go for anywhere from 50$ to well over 300$ (In Canadian dollars).

The hardcover printed copy of The Fellowship of the Ring mentioned before costs around 25$ (Again, in Canadian dollars). The braille version ranges from around 150$ to 225$ depending on the type of braille.

And if your character wants to request a less popular book, it can still be pretty expensive. There's a wide range of factors that can affect the cost and it varies so wildly that it's hard to get a reliable estimate but they could be looking at anywhere between 5$ - 50$ per page.

Although some libraries may have braille books and there are several virtual libraries for the blind with braille books, it can still get very pricey for them to build up their own collection.

Availability:

In part because of this cost, there is a very low availability of braille titles compared to printed titles.

If your character is into more popular books like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or some of the classics, they'll have little issues finding a copy.

Beyond that, unfortunately, they'd be out of luck. If a book isn't incredibly well known, it's a very slim chance of there being a braille version. Likewise, there's also very low chances of finding more recent releases.

Even one of my old favourites, The Perks of Being a Wallflower -- which was written around ten years ago and is fairly popular, doesn't have any braille copies.

While it is possible to get a book printed in braille for yourself, the costs of it can get quite high (As shown above) and it's not generally an option that people go for.

Durability:

The last point I want to make is that braille books don't last as long as printed books. Although braille is read with a light touch, the braille does get worn down over time.

Library books in particular are an unfortunate victim to this. Because so many different people are borrowing the books, they often get worn down much quicker. This can be because of new braille readers using a harsher touch when reading or it could be because of improper storage, either from the readers or from the library itself. It's less likely that somebody will notice when the braille is worn down.

The braille itself isn't the only concern. A lot of braille books are bound differently than printed books are and often use plastic for the bindings, which requires more care than the usual bindings of printed books. I've included an example of what a braille book may look like below.

[Image Description: A braille copy of The Fellowship of the Ring. It is open to a tactile map of Middle Earth. The binding is made of small, circular pieces of plastic, similar to a notebook of sorts. End ID.]

Now, this all isn't to say that he can't use braille books -- these are just some things to consider. And if you do choose to go in a different direction, may I suggest audio books?

Audio books have a wider availability than braille books do and are much less costly. There's also the added benefit of being able to take them pretty much everywhere with you, as long as you have one or two downloaded to your phone.

You could also go with having a balance of the two. Maybe your character uses audio books with his headphones or earbuds during the day and reads his braille books at home so he can give his ears a break from his headphones/earbuds.

Another option is large print books or e-books that allow you to adjust the font size, which could make it easier for your character to read them. There are also other strategies that he could use when reading regular printed books, such as covering an eye or using a bookmark to sort of box in the lines as he reads.

As one quick final note: Reading braille is actual reading! Braille is just another language with a different -- not lesser! -- method of reading it.

Hopefully some of this information helps! If you're interested in knowing more about the specifics of braille books, Blind In Mind's Braille Bookstore has a lot of great resources and their copy of The Fellowship of the Ring is the one I've been referencing.

Cheers,

~ Mod Icarus

[mariacallous]

As digital scamming explodes in Southeast Asia, including so called “pig butchering” investment scams, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) issued a comprehensive report this week with a dire warning about the rapid growth of this criminal ecosystem. Many digital scams have traditionally relied on social engineering, or tricking victims into giving away their money willingly, rather than leaning on malware or other highly technical methods. But researchers have increasingly sounded the alarm that scammers are incorporating generative AI content and deepfakes to expand the scale and effectiveness of their operations. And the UN report offers the clearest evidence yet that these high tech tools are turning an already urgent situation into a crisis.

In addition to buying written scripts to use with potential victims or relying on templates for malicious websites, attackers have increasingly been leaning on generative AI platforms to create communication content in multiple languages and deepfake generators that can create photos or even video of nonexistent people to show victims and enhance verisimilitude. Scammers have also been expanding their use of tools that can drain a victim’s cryptocurrency wallets, have been manipulating transaction records to trick targets into sending cryptocurrency to the wrong places, and are compromising smart contracts to steal cryptocurrency. And in some cases, they’ve been purchasing Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet systems to help power their efforts.

“Agile criminal networks are integrating these new technologies faster than anticipated, driven by new online marketplaces and service providers which have supercharged the illicit service economy,” John Wojcik, a UNODC regional analyst, tells WIRED. “These developments have not only expanded the scope and efficiency of cyber-enabled fraud and cybercrime, but they have also lowered the barriers to entry for criminal networks that previously lacked the technical skills to exploit more sophisticated and profitable methods.”

For years, China-linked criminals have trafficked people into gigantic compounds in Southeast Asia, where they are often forced to run scams, held against their will, and beaten if they refuse instructions. Around 200,000 people, from at least 60 countries, have been trafficked to compounds largely in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos over the last five years. However, as WIRED reporting has shown, these operations are spreading globally—with scamming infrastructure emerging in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and West Africa.

Most prominently, these organized crime operations have run pig butchering scams, where they build intimate relationships with victims before introducing an “investment opportunity” and asking for money. Criminal organizations may have conned people out of around $75 billion through pig butchering scams. Aside from pig butchering, according to the UN report, criminals across Southeast Asia are also running job scams, law enforcement impersonation, asset recovery scams, virtual kidnappings, sextortion, loan scams, business email compromise, and other illicit schemes. Criminal networks in the region earned up to $37 billion last year, UN officials estimate. Perhaps unsurprisingly, all of this revenue is allowing scammers to expand their operations and diversify, incorporating new infrastructure and technology into their systems in the hope of making them more efficient and brutally effective.

For example, scammers are often constrained by their language skills and ability to keep up conversations with potentially hundreds of victims at a time in numerous languages and dialects. However, generative AI developments within the last two years—including the launch of writing tools such as ChatGPT—are making it easier for criminals to break down language barriers and create the content needed for scamming.

The UN’s report says AI can be used for automating phishing attacks that ensnare victims, the creation of fake identities and online profiles, and the crafting of personalized scripts to trick victims while messaging them in different languages. “These developments have not only expanded the scope and efficiency of cyber-enabled fraud and cybercrime, but they have also lowered the barriers to entry for criminal networks that previously lacked the technical skills to exploit sophisticated and profitable methods,” the report says.

Stephanie Baroud, a criminal intelligence analyst in Interpol’s human trafficking unit, says the impact of AI needs to be considered as part of a pig butchering scammer’s tactics going forward. Baroud, who spoke with WIRED in an interview before the publication of the UN report, says the criminal’s recruitment ads that lure people into being trafficked to scamming compounds used to be “very generic” and full of grammatical errors. However, AI is now making them appear more polished and compelling, Baroud says. “It is really making it easier to create a very realistic job offer,” she says. “Unfortunately, this will make it much more difficult to identify which is the real and which is the fake ads.”

Perhaps the biggest AI paradigm shift in such digital attacks comes from deepfakes. Scammers are increasingly using machine-learning systems to allow for real-time face-swapping. This technology, which has also been used by romance scammers in West Africa, allows criminals to change their appearance on calls with their victims, making them realistically appear to be a different person. The technology is allowing “one-click” face swaps and high-resolution video feeds, the UN’s report states. Such services are a game changer for scammers, because they allow attackers to “prove” to victims in photos or real-time video calls that they are who they claim to be.

Using these setups, however, can require stable internet connections, which can be harder to maintain within some regions where pig butchering compounds and other scamming have flourished. There has been a “notable” increase in cops seizing Starlink satellite dishes in recent months in Southeast Asia, the UN says—80 units were seized between April and June this year. In one such operation carried out in June, Thai police confiscated 58 Starlink devices. In another instance, law enforcement seized 10 Starlink devices and 4,998 preregistered SIM cards while criminals were in the process of moving their operations from Myanmar to Laos. Starlink did not immediately respond to WIRED’s request for comment.

“Obviously using real people has been working for them very well, but using the tech could be cheaper after they have the required computers” and connectivity, says Troy Gochenour, a volunteer with the Global Anti-Scam Organization (GASO), a US-based nonprofit that fights human-trafficking and cybercrime operations in Southeast Asia.

Gochenour’s research involves tracking trends on Chinese-language Telegram channels related to carrying out pig butchering scams. And he says that it is increasingly common to see people applying to be AI models for scam content.

In addition to AI services, attackers have increasingly leaned on other technical solutions as well. One tool that has been increasingly common in digital scamming is so-called “crypto drainers,” a type of malware that has particularly been deployed against victims in Southeast Asia. Drainers can be more or less technically sophisticated, but their common goal is to “drain” funds from a target’s cryptocurrency wallets and redirect the currency to wallets controlled by attackers. Rather than stealing the credentials to access the target wallet directly, drainers are typically designed to look like a legitimate service—either by impersonating an actual platform or creating a plausible brand. Once a victim has been tricked into connecting their wallet to the drainer, they are then manipulated into approving one or a few transactions that grant attackers unintended access to all the funds in the wallet.

Drainers can be used in many contexts and with many fronts. They can be a component of pig butchering investment scams, or promoted to potential victims through compromised social media accounts, phishing campaigns, and malvertizing. Researchers from the firm ScamSniffer, for example, published findings in December about sponsored social media and search engine ads linked to malicious websites that contained a cryptocurrency drainer. The campaign, which ran from March to December 2023 reportedly stole about $59 million from more than 63,000 victims around the world.

Far from the low-tech days of doing everything through social engineering by building a rapport with potential victims and crafting tricky emails and text messages, today’s scammers are taking a hybrid approach to make their operations as efficient and lucrative as possible, UN researchers say. And even if they aren’t developing sophisticated malware themselves in most cases, scammers are increasingly in the market to use these malicious tools, prompting malware authors to adapt or create hacking tools for scams like pig butchering.

Researchers say that scammers have been seen using infostealers and even remote access trojans that essentially create a backdoor in a victim’s system that can be utilized in other types of attacks. And scammers are also expanding their use of malicious smart contracts that appear to programmatically establish a certain agreed-upon transaction or set of transactions, but actually does much more. “Infostealer logs and underground data markets have also been critical to ongoing market expansion, with access to unprecedented amounts of sensitive data serving as a major catalyst,” Wojcik, from the UNODC, says.

The changing tactics are significant as global law enforcement scrambles to deter digital scamming. But they are just one piece of the larger picture, which is increasingly urgent and bleak for forced laborers and victims of these crimes.

“It is now increasingly clear that a potentially irreversible displacement and spillover has taken place in which organized crime are able to pick, choose, and move value and jurisdictions as needed, with the resulting situation rapidly outpacing the capacity of governments to contain it,” UN officials wrote in the report. “Failure to address this ecosystem will have consequences for Southeast Asia and other regions.”

[samueldays]

Another one for the cauldron, @giantpetrel:

Like several previous journalists, this muddies the waters by saying

Gay experienced more scrutiny after plagiarism allegations.

when it should say that she committed plagiarism. Repeatedly. Blatantly. Incompetently. I'm a little curious how many of these journalists are in on the lie about "allegations", and how many genuinely believe this because all their own echo chamber sources are repeating the same line. Either way, journalism delenda est.

Even setting the plagiarism aside for a moment, there still was no excellence on display here. Gay did not have novel fields of study, nor original ideas, nor particularly competent execution of the boring subjects.

See for example Gay's paper: The Effect of Black Congressional Representation on Political Participation. It could be an example of the replication crisis and p-hacking: "look I got p<0.001 results" on results that flipped signs from case to case, probably because she was running multivariate models and estimates-built-on-estimates on top of a sample size of ten.

This person is not very smart. This person has been handed the tools of smarter people and used them to generate a flurry of numbers.

Gay’s experience is not unlike that of other prominent Black women leaders; there’s a disturbing trend where Black women are promoted and elevated into leadership positions and despite how qualified they are, they experience hyper-scrutiny once they take on the position.

That is a reality inversion. There's a disturbing trend where black women are promoted and elevated into leadership positions despite how unqualified they are and a lack of scrutiny. When a little bit of scrutiny then happens to Captain Plagiarism, who plagiarised so much she was plagiarising several times per paper, the journo whines about "hyper-scrutiny".

The inspection and interrogation that leaders face is even more severe for Black women leaders, especially those who are the “firsts.” This was evidenced during the confirmation hearings of the first Black female U.S. Supreme Court justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

That's an interesting choice of example, because Jackson is such an overpromoted, underqualified, affirmative action hire, on the bloody Supreme Court, she cannot tell de facto from de jure.

The journalist goes on like this with Hannah-Jones of the 1619 Propaganda before closing with a delusional complaint about all the black excellence supposedly being suppressed.

No amount of wealth, achievements, accolades, or notoriety will offer safety and protection in an anti-black world.

Apart from the fact that your examples are bad, journo scum, there's the fact that your examples are in fact very safe and protected and well off and hyper-privileged by a pro-black world despite their misdeeds.

Gay is getting a million bucks a year and staying at Harvard in a different position, Jackson is still on the Supreme Court, Hannah-Jones got tenure. The journalist acts offended that they got pushback and that they aren't even better off.

Journalism delenda est.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive (Daily updates!)

Below is an interview with Katie and Rachel, the organizers of a masks-required outdoor dental clinic in Kansas.

How did the idea for the clinic come about? Katie: We have all been trying to find a COVID-safe dentist for a while now. Dental care is the most high-risk situation for most of our group members as it’s the only situation we can’t compensate for others’ lack of precautions by wearing a high-quality mask. We are completely vulnerable—if an asymptomatic COVID+ hygienist walks around the office setting up right before we get there, there’s not much to keep us safe once our mask is removed.

We found a local dentist who said she’d take precautions, but she and her staff clearly didn’t understand airborne transmission, and staff weren’t wearing masks until AFTER we arrived.

Several members of our group called other offices trying to find someone willing to take precautions, and most simply wouldn’t call us back. Others would get upset that we were implying the ADA recommendation to wear a surgical mask when in the patient’s face wasn’t enough. We probably called 30 different dental offices.

So, when we finally found one who said, “Yes!” we were ecstatic. Rachel (a member of my COVID group who has a lot of knowledge about clean air) and I had a Zoom call with one of the dentists and the office manager, and they are the ones who suggested we could set up some exam chairs outside. We still can’t get over how fortunate we are to have found them.

Rachel: Part of why they gave us such enthusiastic cooperation is because their practice is already equipped to be mobile. They’re hybrid where they have two offices and also go to skilled nursing facilities and elderly people’s homes to provide all the services patients receive in the office. That’s why the request for outdoor exams seemed so feasible to them. The other key component to their agreement was because they’re good humans who are also smart and realize that it’s a profitable business strategy to accommodate everyone.

Does the dentist practice Covid precautions on a typical day? Katie: No, they do not. So if you do call for an appointment, you HAVE to say you are calling about a COVID-safer appointment. They’ll put you in touch with the practice manager, Gabriella, and she’ll either tell you the next clinic date or put your name on a waitlist. She can also check your insurance information and give you a cost estimate.

Rachel: That’s just for now, though. The dentist / practice owner is considering adding many of the mitigation tools on a permanent basis so all patients and staff will benefit whether a patient requests it or not.

Was there any uncertainty or questions from the dentist’s office? Katie: The first phone call with Gabriella, the office manager, was a shock because when I gave her my spiel about our group of patients looking for a dentist willing to take extra COVID precautions, instead of huffing and saying, “We don’t need extra precautions,” she said, “What could we do to keep you safe?”

Rachel: And I really, really want to emphasize Gabriella’s word choice. She did NOT say “What can we do to make you feel comfortable?” We’re often asked this and it’s better than animosity for sure. But to be asked what actually needs to be done to physically BE safe, not just “feel” better, is huge.

Can you talk about the precautions being taken during the clinic, both inside and outside? Katie: The main thing I emphasized before the clinic was that I didn’t want anyone in the building without a mask in the hours before our appointment. I knew we were in good hands when the dentist said he’d even make sure no cleaning staff came in the building on our clinic days.

Rachel: Here’s what we asked for and what I offered to bring, and the dentist happily agreed to all of it.

Masks before coming into the building and only removed outside several feet from exam tents for staff breaks

Bathroom: AirFanta 3Pro on full power (~400 cfm clean air delivery rate or 30+ air changes per hour) – in case a staff member removes their mask in the bathroom even though they were asked not to

Ventilation: front door and back door remained open (in extreme summer and winter weather, we’ll rely on the other layers of protection, but this one was excellent since our first clinics have been on nice fall Kansas City days)

Outdoor exams: two tents in the back of the building

Indoor exams: Three of the four inside exam rooms were used at different times throughout the day, but the staff made sure there was at least one hour between room use. That meant whatever the patient exhaled at the 10 am appointment, for example, was ventilated out with the open doors (or inactivated by far uvc and filtered by an air purifier) by the time the 12 pm appointment started in the same room.

Air purifiers: Each inside room had at least one CleanAirKits purifier (a Luggable XL, or Triple Exhalaron). One Exhalaron was provided if a patient wanted to hold it on their lap for extra protection.

Far UV: Legacy Guards on tripods were in two of the inside exam rooms. One Krypton MVP (portable, cell phone-sized) was available if a patient wanted to hold it in their lap.

(All Far UV and air purifiers were borrowed by the dental clinic from Clean Air KC lending library since the practice hasn’t purchased their own tools yet.) Thanks to good fortune, it’s a small, standalone building, so we didn’t have to worry about sharing HVAC with other offices next door

Testing: One of the three clinic days, I arrived 30 minutes early and administered a pooled PlusLife PCR-quality test for the staff that was there setting up. I was able to run it from my car. The consensus is that negative PlusLife tests assure no contagiousness for 6 hours (conservatively), but more likely 12-24 hours. So that was a big reassurance that even if a staff member’s mask wasn’t fit-tested, the patients that day at least wouldn’t be catching the virus I tested them for. (Many members in our community cannot afford to catch any virus, so we would never drop any of these mitigations just because of one negative test for one virus. But it was a great added layer!) We don’t plan to test every clinic day, but I will do it again if a patient asks me to.

What has the response been to the clinic from the Covid Cautious community? Katie: It’s been an amazing response. With the clinic not accepting all types of insurance, we were worried we wouldn’t have enough patients to fill an entire clinic. We’ve now had three in one month and a fourth planned for Nov. 20. I hope word gets out about this, beyond the dental world, so healthcare providers will realize there is a need and profitable market for safe care.

Rachel: We expected to check an important task off our list (preventive dental care) or take care of overdue dental issues in some cases. But I don’t think a lot of us expected the emotional and mental health boost we received. After years of providers acting like our requests were a nuisance or outright refusing, this was literally and figuratively a breath of fresh air.

Do you consider the clinic a success? Katie: Yes. People who have been holding off on getting cavities filled, teeth pulled, etc. were finally able to get the necessary care without worrying about getting sick.

Will there be more outdoor dental clinics in the future? Katie: The office has a running waiting list, and I believe as long as it keeps filling up, they’ll keep adding new clinics. Everyone who went to these last few clinics will be due for cleanings in six months, so we’ll definitely have them again at that time.

Rachel: Even if the demand wanes, a patient could call and ask for a covid safer appointment and get the first one of the day and ask that all staff mask before and during their appointment. I’m not just guessing that. The dentist said he could work out something like that for patients who need more urgent care.

Have you considered organizing outdoor clinics for other medical specialties? Katie: I would love for that to happen, but haven’t personally looked into it.

Rachel: Next up is eye care, but I haven’t started that endeavor yet.

What would you say was the biggest hurdle in organizing these outdoor dental clinics? Katie: Once we found a dentist willing to do the clinic and honor our requests, it was pretty smooth!

If someone wants to organize a similar clinic in their city, what would you tell them? Is there a certain way they should approach a dentist or other medical provider? Katie: If I had to do this over, I would have started by calling local nursing homes and asking if they have a mobile dentist come in to treat their patients. I then would have called those dentists to see if they were interested in setting up a clinic at one of our members’ houses (in the garage or outside), and if so, if we could have a group rate since most of the mobile dentists are significantly more expensive. If they only have to set up once, hopefully they’d be willing to offer a reduced rate, and with the clinic being at a COVID-cautious persons’ home, the group could set up the air filters, open windows, etc. exactly how they want them.

We got lucky that our dentist has an office that’s a freestanding building with room outside for chairs, but I know many mobile dentists might not have that available.

How can someone connect with the Covid Cautious community in Kansas? Rachel: There are two mask blocs in the area: ICT Mask Bloc (Wichita, Kan.) and 816 Covid Crew (Kansas City metro). They can also message me on Instagram: @ CleanAirCommunications or email me at Rachel@CleanAirCommunications and I can add them to our Kansas City still Coviding Facebook group.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? Katie: If you do find a dentist willing to put on a clinic like this, I think an important step is to ask if one of your group members can come in for a 15-minute COVID education meeting first. It was so disappointing how many receptionists or office managers I spoke to literally thought they were COVID-safe because they deep cleaned the office daily. A few suggested we’d be safe if we came at the end of the day when there were fewer patients, and had never heard that COVID can remain in the air (and infectious) for hours. They almost uniformly believe once a sick person leaves a room, it’s safe to enter maskless.

This lack of education explains why so many practices think it’s okay for us to mask while no one else does, or why they don’t need to mask before we get there. So a brief meeting with ALL staff (including front desk) who will be there on your clinic day is crucial. Education and not just ‘rules’ will help them keep you safe.

[artsekey]

I'm not super into Lackadaisy, but I am super into animation, and...

How are they planning to finance an entire season with just 1,000,000?

(Everything below assumes that they're aiming for episodes that are comparable to the pilot & that they plan on fully financing the season with solely the donations on Backerkit. It's likely they have additional financing through merchandising, the pilot, and/or Iron Circus's other projects, but since that information is not available, I'll go off of what I know. Additionally, production management and budgeting are extremely project dependent, so the "averages" listed below may be far off what the PM on Lackadaisy's got quoted.)

[EDIT: It’s been brought to my attention that the episodes are 10-12 minutes long, which means it’s MUCH more doable than I was expecting! They budgeted for a lean (but doable!!!) production. Thank you to those who clarified! I’ll leave this post as-is for those interested, but read it knowing they’re considering roughly half the time I used to calculate everything below!]

Quick preface as to why I wanted to talk about this and Why I Feel I May Have Valuable Things To Say: I'm an indie filmmaker and professor of animation, production management, and VFX. I'm not trying to call out the company or the production because-- and I cannot say this enough-- I truly do not know what's happening on the back end. Every production is wildly different. Their original goal was 125,000, with 45% going to animation-- that includes rough, cleanup, & color. That means that for a ~27 minute animated episode, they've got $56,250. If we collect all facets of production together-- story, layout, animation, compositing, and editing-- we wind up with a grand total of $82,500. Even if we estimate at the lowest average production cost of $8,000 a minute, this budget would account for ~11 minutes of animation.

An animator's average hourly rate is ~$36. With the outlined budget, the Lackadaisy production would be able to afford ~1562 hours of animator manpower. Let's assume (for the sake of this discussion) they'll split that over at least four animators, leaving us with about 10 weeks of full-time work (~390 hrs per person) for four people.

Now this may seem like a lot of time, but as far as I can tell, the pilot was largely animated frame-by-frame without the use of 2D rigging. This means every frame needs to go through roughs, then cleanup, then color, then composite. Every frame you see on-screen has been worked over at least four times-- six if you count layout and story. Ten weeks is simply not enough time to finish 27 minutes of 2D animation.

Now, I know what you might be thinking; Artsekey, they never said their production period was ten weeks! And you're right! However, that's how much production time they can afford. Whether it's split over 20 weeks or a year, they only have enough money to pay their animators for 1562 hours of labor.... if they're paying them a competitive hourly wage. To be completely clear, I am not insinuating that they're low-balling their animators; there're a dozen unknown factors that play into this, such as:

The level of animator they're hiring (an apprentice animator may make ~$17-$23 an hour whereas an experienced pro may make ~$43-$45.)

Whether they're actually hiring animators as opposed to contracting animators (I assume their model is likely relying on the latter based on the fact that I'm seeing a lot of animators that worked on 1-3 shots). They may be doing single-sum deliverable based contracts rather than hourly.

The use of tools like EBsynth (which is listed among the programs they're using) and smart frame management (which they're definitely doing!). This can, if used properly, cut down on the number of in-betweens animators need to get done.

The amount of money the studio is planning to re-invest on their end. The goal on backerkit may just account for the additional funds the studio needs to enter production, meaning their budget may be far larger than what's listed. However, if this were the case, I'd hope they'd disclose it! If I were considering backing the project, knowing that the studio was going to be buying in would increase my faith in the fundraiser.

Obviously, the team loves animation. It shows through in the pilot, and I think that it's clear in their mission statement that they stand against the exploitation of animators. But... I also know that indie production is like trying to wring water out of a log. I'd personally like a more comprehensive breakdown of their expenditures not because I think there's anything suspicious happening behind the scenes, but because as someone who teaches production management for animation and who has an interest in indie production specifically, I'm wondering what choices they're making to stretch their funds.

And what about sound?

While I'm not an expert in audio design, I do live with a professional voice actress/audio engineer, and she had a few thoughts I'd like to share.

At their original goal, roughly ~12500 was set aside for:

Sound Design

Music Composition

Voice Acting

Now, I can only refer to my own experiences as an indie filmmaker regarding price, but the rate I received-- from friends-- for sound design was roughly ~325 per minute, and this was a very, very good deal for what I personally needed. The audio engineer can be responsible for collecting and/or recording foley, or the sound effects you hear in film. This can be expensive and time consuming. They're also responsible for editing all the foley, music, and voice acting together in a way that feels seamless. If we were going off the rate I was given (which was very reasonable given the amount of work that needed to be done), ~27 minutes of full foley, complex sound design, and mixing would run about ~8,000. This number could fluctuate significantly depending on whether they need the sound designers to create the foley, get some ADR in, or just mix the audio, but let's assume that Lackadaisy has a pre-existing foley library and that the price falls in a lower range of ~5,000.

Music's a complete wild-card. In my experience, most composers charge per-minute, and most of the indie composers I've worked with were at a rate of ~$100 per minute of music. That'll land at a nice $2,700.

Now where my friend got particularly heated was the rate for the voice actors. As a voice actress herself, she was floored that the budget for voice was so low-- particularly because the project's pilot pulled industry voices like ProZD. Obviously, the price for voice can vary wildly based on how many lines an actor has, their experience as a voice actor, their personal terms, ect. The cast for the pilot included 11 credited actors. I can't assume their rates or whether they charge a fee to even get in the booth (my roomate charges $100 flat at the start of a session), but if my other estimates are in the right ballpark, their goal budget accounts for roughly ~500 per VA (and it's extremely unlikely that it's divided equally for obvious (and logical) reasons). Honestly, for a full episode of animation, that's... about average. But average in the voice-acting community doesn't necessarily mean good. Voice actors are notoriously underpaid, and-- as previously mentioned-- bigger names with more lines are going to be taking in more of that pay-pool.

And, of course, the Production Managers.

I'm not going to speak on this for too long, but the original budget held 8750 for the admin team. I assume admin includes their PMs, director, and leads (if they have enough specialization to need leads). Assuming it's just one PM and one director, they're pulling in ~4375 a person. For the duration of the project. There's no way that prepro, production, and post would take less than 8 months. Of everyone involved in a production, these roles are on-board from start to end, and it's simply not enough! PM's are absolutely critical to success!

Not to mention the editor!

In animation, the editor is the director's right-hand man, and is working to edit the storyboards, reels, scratch music, and the final cut. This role is also on the production from pre-to-post, and their original budget allows for.... $2,500. What? If I go extremely low on the hourly for the editor, you maybe get one part-time weeks' worth of work for several edits of a 27 minute episode. With most everything else I've talked about, I've mentioned there's a lot of wiggle room because of all the factors I simply don't know, but in no universe is $2,500 enough for this editing job. (Even at the current budget of 1,000,000, $4,000 an episode is super low.)

But, hey! They've got more money now!

Of course, all of these concerns go out the window when you consider that the team's already raised a whopping $953,000 (as of 7/31/23) with the fundraiser only up for five days... right?

Well... It certainly alleviates some of the strain, but their stretch goals were scope increases! This means that once they reach their 1,000,000 stretch goal, they're adding on four additional ~27 minute episodes. This increases the budget-per-episode to 200,000 (yay!), but that still leaves the project with about $7,400 to spend per-minute... which, in the world of animation, isn't much!

All in all, I think that the original goal of 125,000 -- if there was going to be minimal investment from the company-- was completely insufficient, and it would have been irresponsible to try to produce a 27 minute long pilot with that budget. At the same time, I imagine the PM/Admin team could reasonably expect a strong outpouring of support from the fans based on past success and low-balled the original goal. Now that they're near 1,000,000, I think- and hope - they'll be able to swing it.

If anyone has any insight into the production of the pilot (either because you worked on it or know someone who does), please feel free to add context to this post! Again, I am not trying to call out Iron Circus. I'm fascinated by indie production and have been following the successes and failures of crowdfunded animation since it started picking up, and while the goal for Lackadaisy raised some concerns for me up-front, I think they're making strategic choices based on hard data (that we the public are not privvy to). They've already done it once, so they should be able to do it again!

[prashantgautam81]

Top Digital Marketing Trends for 2025

Top Digital Marketing Trends for 2025: What You Need to Know

As technology evolves and user behavior shifts, businesses must stay ahead of the curve to remain relevant. The digital marketing trends for 2025 are not just predictions—they’re strategic signals that will shape the future of brand engagement, customer experience, and ROI.

In this blog, we’ll break down the most impactful digital marketing trends for 2025 you need to watch and integrate into your strategy—today.

1. AI-Powered Marketing Will Dominate the Landscape

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword—it's the backbone of many digital marketing trends for 2025. From predictive analytics to personalized content recommendations, AI will drive efficiency and performance like never before.

Expect to see AI tools automating content generation, optimizing ad spend, and even managing customer interactions via chatbots and virtual agents. Brands that harness AI smartly will gain a serious competitive edge.

Pro Tip: Start exploring AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and Phrasee to create scalable content strategies.

2. Voice Search Optimization Becomes Non-Negotiable

One of the key digital marketing trends for 2025 is the continued rise of voice search. With more consumers using smart speakers and voice assistants, optimizing for voice search is crucial.

Traditional SEO won’t be enough. You’ll need to adapt your content to answer conversational queries—think featured snippets, FAQs, and long-tail keywords.

Why It Matters: By 2025, it's estimated that over 50% of all online searches will be voice-activated. If you're not optimized for this trend, you're missing out.

3. The Rise of Zero-Click Searches

Zero-click searches—where users find the answers directly on the search engine results page (SERP)—are one of the more challenging digital marketing trends for 2025.

This trend forces marketers to rethink their SEO strategy. Instead of chasing clicks, focus on building authority and earning SERP features like Google’s featured snippets, People Also Ask, and Knowledge Panels.

Key Insight: It’s about visibility and branding. Even without a click, your brand can make an impression.

4. Hyper-Personalization with First-Party Data

With third-party cookies phasing out, businesses must shift to first-party data to fuel their personalization strategies. This marks a turning point in the digital marketing trends for 2025, as brands aim to deliver hyper-targeted content without invading privacy.

Collect data through newsletters, gated content, and loyalty programs—then use it to personalize user experiences across all touchpoints.

Tool Suggestion: Use CDPs (Customer Data Platforms) like Segment or HubSpot to centralize and activate your data.

5. Short-Form Video Continues to Explode

Among the most unstoppable digital marketing trends for 2025 is short-form video. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are redefining how we consume content.

Consumers want quick, authentic, and visually engaging experiences. Marketers need to adopt vertical video, storytelling, and trends to engage their audience.

Content Idea: Try weekly behind-the-scenes clips or “quick tips” videos to build trust and showcase your expertise.

6. Social Commerce Will Reshape E-Commerce

Social media is no longer just a place to connect—it’s becoming a shopping mall. One of the hottest digital marketing trends for 2025 is social commerce, where users can discover and buy products without leaving platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.

Livestream shopping, influencer collaborations, and in-app purchases will become central to the e-commerce journey.

Action Step: Make sure your product catalog is integrated with platforms like Meta Shops and TikTok Store.

7. Sustainability & Ethical Marketing Take Center Stage

Consumers in 2025 are more conscious of how and where they spend their money. One of the most values-driven digital marketing trends for 2025 is the shift toward transparency, sustainability, and purpose.

People want to support brands that align with their values—whether it’s eco-friendly packaging, ethical labor, or charitable partnerships.

Tip: Don’t just talk about your values—show them. Use your marketing to highlight your impact and commitment.

8. Interactive Content Will Boost Engagement

Static content is losing its charm. A key digital marketing trend for 2025 is the use of interactive content—think polls, quizzes, calculators, and clickable videos.

Why? Because it increases engagement, dwell time, and conversions. It also helps gather valuable insights about your audience.

Example: A skincare brand could create a quiz titled “What’s Your Skin Type?” to drive product recommendations.

9. AR & VR Experiences Go Mainstream

Augmented and virtual reality aren’t just for gaming anymore. One of the most exciting digital marketing trends for 2025 is the rise of immersive marketing.

Brands are using AR for virtual try-ons, 3D product views, and interactive ads. Meanwhile, VR opens up opportunities for virtual stores, tours, and experiences.

Future Vision: Imagine launching a virtual showroom or a product demo experience customers can explore from home.

10. Email Marketing Gets Smarter, Not Just Louder

Email isn’t going anywhere—but how we use it is evolving. Among the digital marketing trends for 2025, smarter, segmented, and behavior-based emails are proving far more effective than generic blasts.

AI and automation now allow you to send personalized messages based on purchase behavior, content consumption, and even website clicks.

Don’t Forget: Mobile-first design is essential. Most emails are read on phones—keep it clean and compelling.

Final Thoughts

The digital marketing trends for 2025 reflect a world that’s fast-paced, data-conscious, and deeply connected. From AI and video to ethics and engagement, the future of marketing is about creating personalized, authentic experiences at scale.

[asestimationsconsultants]

Design Delays, Real Costs | How AS Estimation & Consultants Uses a Cost Estimating Service to Safeguard Project Viability

Delays in the design phase can quietly erode a project’s budget before a single brick is laid. At AS Estimation & Consultants, we understand that time lost in planning can translate to real financial consequences. Through our advanced cost estimating service, we help clients quantify and manage the hidden costs that design delays often impose—such as inflationary price hikes, extended equipment rentals, or overlapping contractor schedules.

Our team doesn’t just measure materials and labor; we analyze how timing shifts impact your entire financial model. Whether it’s a small residential build or a multi-phase commercial project, we bring clarity to what delays truly cost—empowering decision-makers to act swiftly and strategically.

Using data-driven forecasting and real-time market insights, AS Estimation & Consultants identifies risk zones early, giving clients the upper hand in negotiations, timeline adjustments, and cost control. When design stalls, we ensure your budget doesn’t suffer silently.

In a world where time is money, the right estimate at the right moment can save more than just dollars—it can rescue your project’s potential. That’s the value we deliver at AS Estimation & Consultants: clarity, control, and confidence, every step of the way.

AS Estimation and Consultants

6/32 LAW VIC 3020, AUS

(61) 488874145

https://asestimation.com/

[pixelizes]

How AI & Machine Learning Are Changing UI/UX Design

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionizing UI/UX design by making digital experiences more intelligent, adaptive, and user-centric. From personalized interfaces to automated design processes, AI is reshaping how designers create and enhance user experiences. In this blog, we explore the key ways AI and ML are transforming UI/UX design and what the future holds.

For more UI/UX trends and insights, visit Pixelizes Blog.

AI-Driven Personalization

One of the biggest changes AI has brought to UI/UX design is hyper-personalization. By analyzing user behavior, AI can tailor content, recommendations, and layouts to individual preferences, creating a more engaging experience.

How It Works:

AI analyzes user interactions, including clicks, time spent, and preferences.

Dynamic UI adjustments ensure users see what’s most relevant to them.

Personalized recommendations, like Netflix suggesting shows or e-commerce platforms curating product lists.

Smart Chatbots & Conversational UI

AI-powered chatbots have revolutionized customer interactions by offering real-time, intelligent responses. They enhance UX by providing 24/7 support, answering FAQs, and guiding users seamlessly through applications or websites.

Examples:

Virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant.

AI chatbots in banking, e-commerce, and healthcare.

NLP-powered bots that understand user intent and sentiment.

Predictive UX: Anticipating User Needs

Predictive UX leverages ML algorithms to anticipate user actions before they happen, streamlining interactions and reducing friction.

Real-World Applications:

Smart search suggestions (e.g., Google, Amazon, Spotify).

AI-powered auto-fill forms that reduce typing effort.

Anticipatory design like Google Maps estimating destinations.

AI-Powered UI Design Automation

AI is streamlining design workflows by automating repetitive tasks, allowing designers to focus on creativity and innovation.

Key AI-Powered Tools:

Adobe Sensei: Automates image editing, tagging, and design suggestions.

Figma AI Plugins & Sketch: Generate elements based on user input.

UX Writing Assistants that enhance microcopy with NLP.

Voice & Gesture-Based Interactions

With AI advancements, voice and gesture control are becoming standard features in UI/UX design, offering more intuitive, hands-free interactions.

Examples:

Voice commands via Google Assistant, Siri, Alexa.

Gesture-based UI on smart TVs, AR/VR devices.

Facial recognition & biometric authentication for secure logins.

AI in Accessibility & Inclusive Design

AI is making digital products more accessible to users with disabilities by enabling assistive technologies and improving UX for all.

How AI Enhances Accessibility:

Voice-to-text and text-to-speech via Google Accessibility.

Alt-text generation for visually impaired users.

Automated color contrast adjustments for better readability.

Sentiment Analysis for Improved UX

AI-powered sentiment analysis tools track user emotions through feedback, reviews, and interactions, helping designers refine UX strategies.

Uses of Sentiment Analysis:

Detecting frustration points in customer feedback.

Optimizing UI elements based on emotional responses.

Enhancing A/B testing insights with AI-driven analytics.

Future of AI in UI/UX: What’s Next?

As AI and ML continue to evolve, UI/UX design will become more intuitive, adaptive, and human-centric. Future trends include:

AI-generated UI designs with minimal manual input.

Real-time, emotion-based UX adaptations.

Brain-computer interface (BCI) integrations for immersive experiences.

Final Thoughts

AI and ML are not replacing designers—they are empowering them to deliver smarter, faster, and more engaging experiences. As we move into a future dominated by intelligent interfaces, UI/UX designers must embrace AI-powered design methodologies to create more personalized, accessible, and user-friendly digital products.

Explore more at Pixelizes.com for cutting-edge design insights, AI tools, and UX trends.

[bryantselectricalltd]

Why Hiring a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Red Deer is a Smart Move

When dealing with anything electrical — whether in your home, office, or industrial site — cutting corners can lead to serious consequences. From fire hazards and power outages to costly damage and safety risks, faulty wiring or DIY fixes aren’t just inconvenient — they’re dangerous. That’s why more and more residents and business owners are turning to a Red Deer electrical contractor like Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. to ensure the job is done right the first time.

With years of experience, the right credentials, and a deep understanding of local codes and systems, a licensed electrical contractor brings professionalism, safety, and long-term value to every project. In this article, we’ll explore the key reasons why hiring a certified professional is not only a smart move — but the safest one too.

✅ 1. Safety First: Protecting Lives and Property

Electrical systems are not something to take lightly. Improper installations, faulty components, or amateur repairs can all pose serious hazards. A licensed contractor knows how to safely manage high-voltage systems, ensure load balancing, and protect circuits from overloading. They understand how to identify hidden risks like outdated wiring, undersized panels, or poorly grounded systems.

At Bryant’s Electrical Ltd., every technician follows strict safety protocols and stays updated on the latest industry codes. We believe in doing the job right — not just to meet regulations, but to ensure the ongoing safety of your family, employees, and property.

🧰 2. Expertise Across All Sectors

A professional contractor doesn’t just dabble in electrical work — they specialize in it. Whether it’s residential lighting, commercial power upgrades, or complex industrial automation, a licensed contractor brings in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience to every job.

At Bryant’s Electrical Ltd., we provide:

Residential Services: Panel upgrades, EV charger installation, smart home integration, code corrections, lighting, and more.

Commercial Services: Full building wiring, retail lighting, emergency systems, power audits, and energy-efficient retrofits.

Industrial Services: High-voltage setups, control panels, automation wiring, preventive maintenance, and heavy machinery hookups.

Our team is trained to work on projects of all scales and complexities — offering precision, reliability, and code-compliant solutions at every stage.

💡 3. Code Compliance & Permits Made Simple

In Red Deer, as in most parts of Alberta, electrical work is regulated by safety codes and requires permits for most installations and upgrades. A licensed electrical contractor understands these requirements and handles the permitting process on your behalf.

This not only ensures that your project remains compliant with local laws but also protects you from future legal or insurance-related issues. Inspections are part of the package — so when Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. signs off on a project, you can rest assured that it meets or exceeds all safety and quality standards.

💵 4. Cost-Effective in the Long Run

Many people mistakenly believe that hiring a professional contractor is expensive. But when you factor in the risks, repairs, and damage associated with unlicensed work, the difference is clear. Licensed contractors save you money by doing things correctly the first time.

In addition to preventing costly errors, certified professionals also offer:

Accurate assessments and material estimates

Warranties and service guarantees

Energy-efficient upgrades that lower your utility bills

Reliable troubleshooting, preventing repeated service calls

Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. offers transparent quotes, no hidden fees, and competitive pricing — because we believe in value, not shortcuts.

🧑‍🔧 5. Proper Tools, Equipment & Technology

Today’s electrical work is more advanced than ever before. From smart lighting systems to programmable panels and high-speed industrial motors, modern systems require up-to-date tools and training.

A licensed contractor comes equipped with:

Specialized tools for diagnostics and testing

Safety gear and protective equipment

Access to quality parts and certified materials

Software for designing and simulating complex electrical networks

Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. invests in state-of-the-art tools and continuous education to stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s a panel inspection or a building-wide power overhaul, we’re ready with the right equipment for the job.

🏠 6. Residential Electrical Projects You Can Trust

Homeowners often face a wide range of electrical tasks — from installing a new ceiling fan to upgrading the entire electrical panel. These tasks may seem simple, but without the right knowledge, even basic wiring can become a safety issue.

When you work with Bryant’s Electrical Ltd., you get:

Clean and safe installations

Friendly, respectful technicians

Efficient service that minimizes disruption

Advice on energy-efficient upgrades and smart home devices

Whether you’re building your dream home or renovating a century-old property, we bring a balance of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship to every job.

🏢 7. Commercial Electrical Expertise for Growing Businesses

As businesses in Red Deer evolve, their electrical needs become more complex. Whether you’re setting up a new office, expanding a warehouse, or upgrading an outdated system, you need a commercial electrician who understands scalability and energy management.

Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. delivers commercial solutions such as:

Data cabling and network power

Emergency lighting and security systems

Lighting layout and design for customer-facing environments

Tenant improvements for property managers

Electrical troubleshooting and code corrections

We prioritize minimizing downtime and staying on budget, so your business operations run smoothly — now and in the future.

⚙️ 8. Reliable Power for Industrial Applications

Industrial electrical projects demand a deeper level of planning, precision, and safety. These systems often involve complex machinery, heavy-duty circuits, and sensitive automation networks.

That’s where Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. shines. Our industrial services include:

High-capacity transformers and switchgear installation

Conveyor and motor control wiring

Control panels, PLCs, and SCADA systems

Equipment relocation and power analysis

Electrical maintenance programs

We understand that downtime is costly, so we work efficiently, maintain open communication, and schedule services to fit your production needs.

🔄 9. Flexible Maintenance & Long-Term Support

Electrical systems need attention beyond installation. With ongoing maintenance and regular inspections, you can prevent problems before they occur, extend equipment lifespan, and ensure continued safety.

We offer customized maintenance programs tailored to your property type and usage levels. This includes:

Scheduled inspections

Load testing

Circuit tracing and labeling

Panel cleaning and tightening

Compliance assessments

Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. is more than a contractor — we’re your long-term electrical partner.

🚨 10. Ready When You Need Us Most

Perhaps the biggest advantage of working with a licensed contractor is having someone you can rely on in an emergency. Power failures, sparking outlets, and overloaded circuits can occur at the worst times — and when they do, you need help fast.

At Bryant’s Electrical Ltd., we provide 24/7 emergency services to homes, businesses, and industrial sites. As your trusted emergency electrician Red Deer, we respond quickly, diagnose the issue accurately, and make safe, reliable repairs on the spot. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities — any time, day or night.

Conclusion

Hiring a licensed electrical contractor in Red Deer isn’t just a smart move — it’s essential. With years of experience, in-depth knowledge, and a commitment to excellence, Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. stands out as a trusted partner for residential, commercial, and industrial electrical needs.

Whether you’re planning a renovation, expanding your business, or dealing with an unexpected electrical issue, don’t leave it to chance. Choose a team that values safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction above all. Call Bryant’s Electrical Ltd. today — and let us light the way forward.

[nargis04shaikh]

Life Insurance Premium Calculator: Plan Smart, Secure Smarter

When planning for your family's financial future, choosing the Right Life Insurance Policy is essential, but understanding the premium cost is just as important. That’s where a Life Insurance Premium Calculator becomes a powerful tool. It helps you estimate how much you'll need to pay to get the life cover and benefits you desire.

In this article, we’ll explore what a life insurance premium calculator is, how it works, and why it’s vital when comparing the best life insurance policy options.

What is a Life Insurance Premium Calculator?

A Life Insurance Premium Calculator is an online tool that helps individuals estimate the premium they need to pay for a particular life insurance policy. It uses various parameters such as age, income, policy term, sum assured, and smoking habits to provide an accurate premium estimate.

This tool is especially helpful when comparing life insurance plans or determining affordability before making a financial commitment.

Why Use a Life Insurance Premium Calculator?

Using a premium calculator before buying a policy ensures you:

Avoid Under or Over Coverage

Understand Premium Variations Across Plans

Compare the Cost of Different Policy Terms

Evaluate the Impact of Riders/Add-ons

Make Informed Financial Decisions

How Does the Life Insurance Premium Calculator Work?

The calculator works by taking specific inputs from you and instantly generating a premium estimate based on your selected life insurance plan. Here's how:

Age – Younger individuals usually pay lower premiums.

Gender – Premium rates may vary based on gender; for example, females often have slightly lower premiums due to lower risk statistics.

Policy Term – The length of the coverage period affects the premium. Longer policy terms generally lead to higher premiums.

Sum Assured – This is the coverage amount you want. A higher sum assured means a higher premium.

Type of Policy – Whether it's Term Insurance, Whole Life Insurance, ULIP, Endowment, or Money-Back Plan—each type has different premium structures.

Smoking Habits – Smokers are considered high-risk, and hence pay higher premiums compared to non-smokers.

Riders/Add-ons – Adding extra benefits like Critical Illness Cover, Accidental Death Benefit, or Waiver of Premium increases the premium amount.

Benefits of Using a Life Insurance Premium Calculator

Let’s look at the key benefits of life insurance premium calculators:

✅ Quick Estimates: Get instant quotes without paperwork or waiting.

✅ Customizable Options: Modify variables to find the perfect plan.

✅ Informed Comparison: Compare multiple insurers and types of life insurance policies.

✅ Transparent Costing: No hidden charges or surprises.

✅ Time-Saving: Avoid agent consultations for basic premium insights.

Types of Life Insurance Policies You Can Calculate Premiums For

Before using a premium calculator, it’s important to know the types of life insurance policies commonly available:

1. Term Life Insurance

Pure protection plan offering high coverage at low premiums.

2. Whole Life Insurance

Covers your entire life (usually up to 99 or 100 years), with maturity or death benefit.

3. Endowment Plans

Offer savings along with life cover, ideal for long-term wealth creation.

4. Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs)

Market-linked plans that offer dual benefits of investment and insurance.

5. Money Back Policies

Provide periodic returns along with life cover.

Each of these policies can have different premium amounts, so the calculator helps you find what suits your budget and goals.

Features of Life Insurance Premium Calculators

User-Friendly Interface – Simple and easy to use; no financial expertise required.

2. Mobile-Friendly – Works smoothly on smartphones, so you can calculate premiums anytime, anywhere.

3. No Personal Details Needed – Most calculators give you premium estimates without asking for your phone number, email, or OTP.

4. Rider Comparison – You can add or remove riders like critical illness or accidental death benefit to see how they impact your premium.

5. Real-Time Calculation – Instantly generates accurate premium quotes so you can make quick and informed decisions.

Importance of Life Insurance in Financial Planning

Understanding the importance of life insurance is key before even calculating the premium. Life insurance:

Acts as income replacement for your family.

Helps cover outstanding debts, especially home loans.

Offers tax-saving benefits under Section 80C and 10(10D).

Helps build wealth or retirement corpus (in savings-based plans).

Offers peace of mind through financial security.

Using a life insurance premium calculator ensures that you can achieve all these benefits while staying within your budget.

How to Use an Online Life Insurance Calculator

Most insurance providers and aggregators offer free online calculators. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Visit the insurer's official website.

Go to the Life Insurance Plans section.

Click on “Calculate Premium.”

Enter your age, annual income, policy term, and sum assured.

Add any riders like critical illness or accidental death benefit.

Click “Calculate” to view your premium.

Now you can compare plans or tweak values to match your financial goals.

Tips for Choosing the Best Life Insurance Policy

To make the most of your premium calculation and plan selection, keep the following in mind:

Choose a plan based on your life stage (young, married, with kids, nearing retirement).

Opt for a sum assured that is at least 10–15 times your annual income.

Consider whole life insurance if you want long-term family protection.

Look for flexible plans with premium waiver and critical illness riders.

Always check claim settlement ratio and customer service of the insurer.

Final Thoughts

A Life Insurance Premium Calculator is a must-use tool when planning to buy a life insurance policy. It ensures you're not underinsured or overburdened by premium costs. Whether you’re exploring term insurance, whole life insurance, or investment-linked plans, calculating your premium first will give you the clarity and confidence to make the right choice.

With rising uncertainties, understanding the features of life insurance, and utilizing digital tools to find the best life insurance policy has become more important than ever. So don’t delay—use a premium calculator today and take the first step toward protecting your family’s future.

[mofeoluwa]

Mastering Liquidity Pools on STON.fi: A Beginner’s Guide

Ever walked into a bustling marketplace where every stall has something to offer? That’s how liquidity pools work in the world of DeFi, and on STON.fi, it’s like having access to the VIP section of the market. But before you dive in, let’s break it down in a way that makes sense and feels practical.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to evaluate liquidity pools using three easy-to-grasp ideas: Pool Size (TVL), Earnings (APR), and Activity (Trading Volume). And yes, there’ll be analogies and examples to make it crystal clear!

1. Pool Size (TVL): The Marketplace Crowd

Imagine you’re setting up a stall in a market. The number of shoppers in the market represents TVL (Total Value Locked) in a liquidity pool.

Large Crowd (High TVL):

If the market is packed, your stall gets consistent traffic, but you’re competing with many other vendors. Similarly, pools with high TVL on STON.fi are stable and reliable but might offer lower individual rewards because the profits are shared among many liquidity providers.

Quiet Market (Low TVL):

A smaller crowd might mean less competition, but fewer buyers also means higher risk. Low TVL pools on STON.fi can yield better rewards, but only if the demand holds steady.

Example: Imagine adding $1,000 worth of liquidity to a STON.fi pool with $100K TVL. Your share is 1%. If trading fees generate $10,000 in a month, you’d earn $100.

2. Earnings (APR): Your Paycheck

Think of APR (Annual Percentage Rate) as your potential paycheck for participating in a liquidity pool. It shows how much you could earn over a year.

Sky-High Offers (High APR):

Ever seen a job offering double the industry salary? Tempting, but you’d wonder about the catch. Pools with high APRs can be rewarding but often come with risks like volatile token prices or unstable rewards.

Steady Income (Consistent APR):

A job with a solid, dependable paycheck is always appealing. Pools with moderate, consistent APRs on STON.fi are great for those who prefer long-term stability.

Example: If a pool offers 50% APR and you deposit $1,000, you’d earn $500 in a year—assuming no major changes. But always account for fluctuations in token prices.

3. Activity (Trading Volume): The Busy Stall

Picture your market stall again. The more customers buying and selling, the more profit you make. Trading volume works the same way—it’s the lifeblood of a liquidity pool.

High Volume:

Pools with active trading generate more fees for liquidity providers. On STON.fi, popular pairs like $TON often have high trading volume, meaning more frequent earnings.

Low Volume:

A quiet stall might not bring in much income. Similarly, pools with low trading volume might not generate enough fees to offset risks like impermanent loss.

Example: If a STON.fi pool has $1 million in trades daily and a 0.3% fee, that’s $3,000 in daily rewards for liquidity providers.

Check the STONFI Dex for available pools

Bonus Insights: Things You Must Know

Impermanent Loss:

Ever sold something for less than it’s worth because the market shifted? That’s impermanent loss in a nutshell. It’s the difference between holding your tokens and providing liquidity. Use STON.fi’s tools to estimate this before committing.

Security Matters:

Trust is everything. STON.fi operates on The Open Network (TON) blockchain, ensuring transactions are secure and smart contracts are audited. But always double-check the fine print.

Why STON.fi Stands Out

STON.fi isn’t just another DEX; it’s a powerhouse for DeFi enthusiasts. With its user-friendly interface, real-time analytics, and innovative farm pools, it’s like having a personal trading assistant. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, STON.fi has options that fit your goals.

Your Strategy Matters

Understanding the size, activity, and earnings of a liquidity pool can make or break your DeFi journey. On STON.fi, the tools and opportunities are at your fingertips—use them wisely.

So, ready to set up your stall in the DeFi marketplace? Explore STON.fi today and start making your crypto work for you.

Remember, in DeFi, knowledge isn’t just power—it’s profit.