#virtual conference solution

[sarihablog]

BUTTERFLY SIGN STUDIO WINGS OF WONDERS ADS/EVENTS/FABS

Planning an event in the vibrant city of Madurai? Look no further than Butterfly Sign Studio. Customers can get unforgettable experiences with butterfly sign studio. It is a top choice for those who want best event management services in Madurai. In this blog, we’ll explore why Butterfly Sign Studio stands out among the best event management services in Madurai. Get ready to discover how their innovative ideas, personalized service, and  professional touch can elevate your next celebration from ordinary to extraordinary. They provide a complete package to fulfill all event needs, from excellent planning and execution to outstanding design elements.

Our Services:

Butterfly Sign Studio provides a wide range of event management ,creative ads and fabs. We provide a quality and cost effective services for our lovable customers

Out-Door Advertisement

Butterfly Sign Studio in Madurai is at the forefront of creating high-impact, visually stunning outdoor displays that captivate and communicate.

Whether you’re a local business, event organizer, or brand looking to boost visibility, their outdoor advertising solutions are both creative and practical.

Flex Banners & Hoardings

At Butterfly Sign Studio, we design and print premium quality flex banners of all sizes ideal for:

Political campaigns

Event announcements

Storefront marketing

LED & Glow Sign Boards

Seeks your brand or message put on display — literally? Their illuminated LED boards and glow signage are designed for maximum impact both day and night. These are popular for:

Retail outlets

Clinics & salons

Restaurants

Event venues

For extra visual interest, they can set the lighting effect (static, blinking, or color-changing). 

Acrylic & 3D Letter Signage

Acrylic boards and 3D lettering can give an extra modern edge. Butterfly Sign Studio crafts:

Raised name boards

Backlit 3D logos

Cut-out brand names

This is most commonly used for logos appearing on walls, building faces, and doorways for business branding.

Directional and Wayfinding Signage

They also create functional signage such as:

Event or campus directional boards

Parking and safety signs

Festival, stalls and public functions informational placards

In large venues or multi-day events, wayfinding signage is crucial for streamlining user experience and navigation.

Outdoor Branding For Events Specifics

Butterfly Sign Studio frequently collaborates with event organizers to offer:

Welcome arches

Branding of the venue (gates in and out of the venue, refresher banners, side banners, etc.)

Tuxedoed cutouts of VIPs, newlyweds or mascots

Selfie frames and branding walls —

These are created from weather resistant materials and styled to suit the occasion.

In-Shop Branding

We are specializes in custom, eye-catching in-shop branding solutions that transform ordinary interiors into attractive brand experiences. We are promoting your business to enhance your interior ambience.

Product display branding [Custom-designed product hangers, table-top cards, and shelf strips.]

Backlit Boards & LED Display Panels [ Great for showcasing Brand logo, Tagline and Key products/services]

 Danglers, Posters & Standees ]

Vehicle Branding

We offer flexible solutions for all types of vehicle branding whether a simple logo or full wrap of your businesses.

Full vehicle wrap [Covers the entire vehicle with high-resolution printed vinyl.]

Partial wrap

Reflecting and High glow Sticker

auto rickshaw and bike branding [Great for local promotions and campaign visibility.]

ACP With LED Signs

ACP (Aluminum Composite Panel) boards are thin, rigid panels composed of two aluminum layers bonded to a non-aluminum core. When combined with LED light, the outcome is a modern, polished, and lit-up sign board that:

Enhances brand visibility.

Looks premium and contemporary.

Withstands weather conditions and lasts for years.

Seasonal window display

Butterfly Sign Studio provides seasonal window display services for shops, showrooms, and companies trying to make a statement during holidays, discounts, or special campaigns.

During holiday or promotion seasons, this is even more effective.

Services offered

Thematic Design Ideas : Specific season-based, product-based, and brand-based custom ideas.

Printed Graphics & Glass Stickers : Removable and reusable vinyl stickers, frosted and transparent effects.

 3D Props & Decor Elements : Life-size cutouts, product display stands, festive hangings, themed backgrounds.

 Lighting Effects : LED strip lights, fairy lights, spotlighting to create warm and attention-attracting sheen.

Interactive Elements : Selfie frames, QR code scanning areas, spinning displays, and more

Tent and Canopy

Tents and Canopies are mobile shelters created to offer ambiance, shade, and shelter for events. They are available in many different types and sizes based on: Event types, Number of guests, Weather conditions & Aesthetic preferences.

Types of Tents and Canopies Offered

Traditional Wedding Tents (Mandap Tents)

Canopy Tents / Shamiana

Gazebo-Style Canopies

Exhibition/Promotional Canopies

Pagoda Tents

Customized Stage & Covering Tents

Tent Packages May Include:

Main tent or canopy framework 

Decorative drapery and backgrounds for themes

Seating and tables with coverings 

Floral arrangements and LED decorations

Audio and lighting arrangements (if necessary) 

Directional signs and branding displays (for trade shows)  

Expo stall branding

Butterfly Sign Studio provides Expo Stall Branding services that are perfect for businesses aiming to establish a professional and eye-catching presence at trade shows, exhibitions, and corporate expos.

Services offered

Stall Design and Construction

Wall Graphics and Panel Branding

Acrylic Logo Cutouts & 3D Lettering

Promotional Materials

Furniture & Fixtures

Lighting & Electrical Setup

Marketing Materials

Rollup stand

Frame stand

A4 table stand

Promotion table

Que manager

Umbrella

Office stationery

Catalogue

Brochures

Flyers

Letterhead

Envelope

Poster

Stickers

Registers

Vouchers

Certificates

Dangler cards

Offer coupon

Die cut…

Rental from us

All types of Tables & Chairs

LED wall

Stage

Audio system

Carpet

Air cooler

Pedestal fan

Focus light

Podium with branding

Generator

Vertical standing lamp

Special effects

Manpower

We have an excellent team, so you don’t have to worry about taking a job.

Welcome persons

Distributing flyers

Wall poster pasting

Catering supplier

Bouncers & all type of workers

Why Choose Butterfly Sign Studio?

Quick Respond to your inquiries

Respect for clients

Affordability 

Every stage of progress is informed

Honest and fair approach

Committed and dedicated team

Specialized in

Designing

Printing

Fabrication

Flex works

Board works & LED board services

Logo creation

Reach us

📞Call: 807 222 3511

✉️Email: butterflysignstudio@gmail.com

📍Address: Muniyandipuram, Vilachery, Madurai – 625 003

They offer consultations where you can discuss your theme, budget, and ideas, and they’ll come back with a custom concept designed just for you.

[afatradingzoom2]

Hybrid event production Nairobi

Are you ready to redefine your event’s reach? Whether it’s a corporate conference, product launch, or private gathering, our Hybrid Event Production in Nairobi connects audiences worldwide. 🌍

✨ Engage your guests virtually & in-person ✨ High-quality live streaming & interactions ✨ Expert support from start to finish

💻 Click here to learn more: [https://afatradingzoom.co.ke/hybrid-agm-solutions/]

Your event. Your audience. Unlimited possibilities. 💡

[richakalam]

Chatwise Shares is a dynamic

Chatwise Shares is a dynamic and forward-thinking tech company that specializes in creating innovative solutions for seamless communication and collaboration in the modern workplace. Their flagship product, Chatwise Connect, is a comprehensive platform that integrates chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and project management tools into one intuitive interface.

In an office scenario, employees at Chatwise Shares experience a highly interactive and collaborative environment. Teams use Chatwise Connect to stay connected, share ideas, and collaborate on projects in real-time. The platform's user-friendly interface makes it easy for employees to communicate across departments and locations, fostering a culture of teamwork and innovation.

One unique feature of Chatwise Connect is its virtual meeting rooms, which allow team members to join video conferences and collaborate on documents simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for remote teams, as it enables them to work together as if they were in the same room.

Another key aspect of Chatwise Shares' office culture is its focus on work-life balance. The company offers flexible work hours and remote work options, allowing employees to manage their schedules in a way that suits their lifestyle. This flexibility helps employees maintain a healthy work-life balance, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

Overall, Chatwise Shares is a company that values collaboration, innovation, and work-life balance. Through its innovative products and employee-centric culture, it has created a dynamic and engaging workplace where employees can thrive and succeed.

[myjackwilliamblog]

Revolutionize Your Office Setup with DynamicCom's Innovative Solutions in South Africa

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the need for seamless communication and collaboration in the office environment has never been greater. With the rise of remote work and hybrid office models, businesses are constantly seeking cutting-edge solutions to enhance productivity and streamline operations. Enter DynamicCom, a pioneering brand at the forefront of revolutionizing office setups with its range of innovative products and solutions tailored for modern workplaces.

DynamicCom's flagship product, the Airtame Hub, is a game-changer in wireless conference room display solutions. Gone are the days of tangled cables and cumbersome setups. The Airtame Hub allows for effortless screen mirroring and content sharing, transforming any ordinary meeting room into a dynamic and interactive space. With its intuitive interface and seamless compatibility with various devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets, the Airtame Hub empowers teams to collaborate more effectively and make meetings more engaging.

But DynamicCom doesn't stop there. Recognizing the growing demand for high-quality video conferencing equipment for offices, they offer state-of-the-art solutions designed to elevate virtual meetings to a whole new level. Whether it's the latest HD cameras, noise-canceling microphones, or immersive display screens, DynamicCom's video conferencing equipment ensures crystal-clear audiovisual communication, regardless of the participants' location.

In addition to video conferencing, DynamicCom also provides cutting-edge interactive whiteboard solutions, enabling teams to brainstorm ideas, annotate documents, and collaborate in real-time, whether they're in the same room or miles apart. With features like multi-user support and cloud integration, DynamicCom's interactive whiteboards foster creativity and productivity, making them indispensable tools for modern workplaces.

Moreover, DynamicCom is your go-to destination for digital signage solutions that captivate audiences and deliver impactful messages. Whether it's displaying company announcements, advertising promotions, or informational content, DynamicCom's digital signage solutions offer unparalleled flexibility and customization options, allowing businesses to create immersive brand experiences and enhance customer engagement.

In the era of remote work and virtual events, hosting seamless virtual conferences has become essential for businesses to stay connected with clients, partners, and employees worldwide. DynamicCom offers a comprehensive range of virtual conference equipment, including high-definition cameras, professional audio systems, and reliable streaming platforms, ensuring flawless execution and immersive experiences for participants.

And let's not forget about the future of visual communication – 3D cameras. DynamicCom is at the forefront of this technology, offering cutting-edge 3D cameras that unlock new possibilities for immersive experiences, virtual tours, and interactive presentations. Whether it's for architectural visualization, virtual events, or product showcases, DynamicCom's 3D cameras push the boundaries of what's possible in visual communication.

In conclusion, DynamicCom is not just a supplier of tech products; it's a partner in transforming the way we work, communicate, and collaborate. With its comprehensive range of solutions, from wireless display systems to virtual conferencing equipment and beyond, DynamicCom empowers businesses to create smarter, more connected, and more productive workplaces. So why settle for ordinary when you can embrace the extraordinary with DynamicCom? Unlock the full potential of your office setup today!

[huddlexrvirtual]

Navigating the Ever-Changing Tech Landscape: Staying Relevant with Virtual Events 

In today’s fast-paced world, where technological advancements occur at an unprecedented rate, staying relevant is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. The realm of virtual events has become a cornerstone in connecting people, fostering innovation, and driving change. As we navigate through the ever-changing yearly trends in technology, it’s crucial to adapt and embrace new tools and strategies to remain at the forefront of the virtual event landscape. 

Embrace Immersive Technologies 

With each passing year, immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are becoming increasingly accessible. Integrating these technologies into your virtual events can elevate the participant experience to new heights. Imagine hosting a conference where attendees can explore a virtual expo hall, engage in interactive product demos, or even network in a virtual environment that mirrors a real-life setting. Embracing immersive technologies not only sets your virtual events apart but also demonstrates a commitment to innovation. 

Read more at: //www.huddlexr.com/navigating-the-ever-changing-tech-landscape-staying-relevant-with-virtual-events/

[reasonsforhope]

"The vision

“Every lawyer has skills that can help the climate. We’ve just gotta make the connections.” — Environmental lawyer and advocate Matthew Karmel

The spotlight

“How many lawyers does it take to break a Guinness World Record?”

Matthew Karmel posed this question on LinkedIn in February, adding, “No, this isn’t a bad lawyer joke; it’s a reason for climate optimism.”

Karmel, a principal at the law firm Offit Kurman and the chair of its environmental and sustainability law practice group, is one of the organizers of the Climate Pro Bono Bootcamp, a two-day virtual conference dedicated to helping more lawyers and legal professionals figure out how to donate their time and skills to advance climate work.

When people — including lawyers themselves — think of the intersection between climate and law, their minds may go straight to high-profile climate lawsuits or other legal action aimed at holding big polluters and inactive governments accountable. But there are many other forms of legal support that climate causes might need, from simple contracts to forming a new business or nonprofit to legal defense. “There are so many attorneys working at large law firms, small law firms — attorneys everywhere who just don���t do litigation, but are still very passionate about climate change and want to apply their skills in that way,” said Stephanie Demetry, the executive director of Green Pro Bono, an organization that matches attorneys with companies, nonprofits, grassroots leaders, and others who need legal assistance to advance climate solutions.

Karmel had the idea for the conference in late 2023, after he had been working with Green Pro Bono for a few years. “I was sitting there thinking, Why isn’t everyone doing this?” he recalled. “The things I’m doing aren’t unique. It doesn’t require specialized legal skills. It requires passion, and the general legal knowledge that every lawyer has.” He approached Demetry with the idea of hosting a training to help demystify what climate-related pro bono work can entail and build up the network of attorneys interested in offering it.

They held the first bootcamp in January of 2024 and had around 700 attendees — far exceeding their expectations. After the event, Demetry said, Green Pro Bono more than doubled the number of attorneys in its network and also saw a 53 percent increase in the number of projects that got picked up.

But for this year’s bootcamp, planned for late April, they’re aiming to increase that attendance — and setting the ambitious goal of growing it a hundredfold. That’s the number that would break a Guinness World Record for the largest attendance at a virtual law conference in one week (yes, this entry truly does exist). It might be a longer-term goal, but it’s one they’re serious about. Breaking the record, Karmel said, would be a powerful way to demonstrate the growing interest in climate action among the legal community, and also an opportunity to reach thousands more attorneys, students, and others with the event’s key message: that you don’t have to choose between your day job and working for the causes you care about."

You can find out more about the climate pro bono bootcamp, which is FREE, right here. It's April 22 & 23, 2025 at 12:00pm – 5:00pm EDT

-via Grist, April 2, 2025

[vigilante-3073]

Would you agree to write being on House’s team, they’re in a relationship (not secretive but not public. Maybe Cuddy and Wilson know?) anyway, reader is sick on and off and house constantly bugs her and makes fun of her, telling her she’s weak or to go home before she infects everyone and after a few days of that reader snaps and yells at him that she’s not sick she’s pregnant. Maybe house replies “mine I hope” or something like that that makes reader even more pissed at him

Sorry for the long ramble

Petri Dish

Gregory House x Doctor Female Reader

Summary: Doctor Y/N L/N was a valued member of Doctor House's team. Only problem, she was constantly sick with an illness of her own.

TW: Illness/sickness, treatments, boss/employee relationship, inter-office relationships, age gap, rude comments, vomiting, mention of needles and sex.

Y/N and House had been seeing each other romantically for almost a year. They hadn't intended to keep it a secret, but Y/N struggled with the idea of people finding out and casting judgement. There was almost a thirteen year age difference between them and the obvious boss/employee relationship would only make things more complicated.

Cuddy and Wilson were aware, but the couple chose to keep things discreet when they were working.

Y/N was a Rheumatologist with a subspecialty in Infectious Disease, she dealt with autoimmune diseases and diseases of the joints, muscle, tendons, ligaments and skeleton. House considered her to be a valuable member of his team, but her immune system had never been very reliable.

Y/N was always sick.

She caught absolutely every illness in the book. Infections, colds, tonsillitis, flus, pneumonia, and bronchitis were only some of the illnesses that she dealt with.

It seemed like she recovered from one illness and rolled right into the next. House thought that Y/N was like the human equivalent of the clear gel in the bottom of a petri dish, growing every bacteria that touched her into a monstrous illness.

She tried her best to work through her sickness and most of the time she could, but every illness seemed to hit her harder than it hit others.

Y/N was self conscious of her susceptibility to illness, she felt like it made her job difficult and she hated letting House down.

House lived to tease her about it, but he never judged her for it. He knew that their hours often meant that his staff burned the candle at both ends.

House slowly began to cut back on Y/N's hours, allowing her to get home for at least three hours of sleep a night. He deemed it a matter of public safety, when she didn't sleep, she got sick. The team seemed to buy it, but he could tell that there was underlying suspicion.

House knew that their suspicions would continue unless he focused on the issue. His solution was to begin calling his sweet girlfriend 'petri dish.'

Y/N absolutely hated the nickname, but kept quiet because there was no way to tell him to stop without drawing attention to their relationship.

House made his way down the hallway, stepping into his conference room and shrugging off his jacket. Cameron, Foreman and Chase sat at the table as they looked through the patient files.

"Where's Y/N?" House asked.

"She's out sick," Foreman answered, eyes focused on the paperwork in front of him.

"How sick? Spilling her guts or coughing up a lung?" House asked.

"I didn't ask," Foreman stated.

House moved over to the desk, picking up the handset and dialing Y/N's number.

"House, don't call her. She's sick, leave it alone," Cameron said.

He held up a finger, waiting as the line rang before Y/N picked up the phone.

"Where are you?" House asked.

"At home... I'm sick," Y/N replied, her voice was hoarse and virtually nonexistent. He planned on going to check on her after work, but he needed to focus on his case.

"Fine. Rest up, petri dish. Don't need you infecting the community," House said, hanging up the phone.

"That was rude," Cameron said.

"No, what's rude is what we're about to do," House said, grabbing his coat and putting it back on.

...

Y/N was sitting on the couch in her pyjamas as she watched television. A small trash can full of used tissues was placed on the floor beside her, a half-empty tissue box and a bag of lozenges sat on the coffee table beside her.

Y/N looked over as someone knocked on the door, she stood up and tossed her blanket aside. She shuffled across the living room before unlocking the door and opening it.

"No... Why?" Y/N mumbled.

House, Cameron, Chase and Foreman were standing in the hallway outside her apartment. House passed his cane to Cameron, he placed one of his hands on the back of Y/N's neck while pressing his other palm to her forehead.

"What are you doing?" Y/N asked, he pulled away.

"You have a fever," He said, hands cupping her jaw as he palpated her lymph nodes.

"And swollen lymph nodes," House added. He grabbed his cane from Cameron, stepping around Y/N and moving into her apartment.

Chase, Foreman and Cameron lingered awkwardly on her doorstep. Y/N sighed and stepped out of the way, allowing them to enter her apartment.

"Put the board over there," House said, gesturing with his cane.

Chase carried the white board into her apartment and set it up in front of her television. Chase tossed the marker to House before sitting down in the armchair. Foreman leaned on the wall, crossing his arms as he watched House write out the list of symptoms.

"I got you a tea... I'm really sorry that we're barging in on you like this," Cameron said.

"Oh, she's fine. Just a mean case of the sniffles," House said.

Cameron shot him a look, "She's sick," She stated. Cameron sat down beside Y/N, setting her purse on the ground by her feet.

"She's always sick," House replied.

Cameron opened her mouth to argue before Y/N cut her off, "Thanks, Cameron," Y/N said, taking the warm beverage from her friend. Y/N sat down on the couch, dragging her blanket across her lap as she took a sip of her drink.

"Tell me what I'm looking at," Y/N said.

They went through the differential with Y/N's contributions and settled on three possibilities. Y/N was exhausted by the end of it, leaning back against the couch as she struggled to stay awake.

"Take the car and go do your tests. I'll take a cab back," House said, tossing his keys to Foreman.

"You sure?" Foreman asked.

House shrugged, "Just don't sell it to one of your homies," He said.

Foreman shot him a look before tucking the keys into his pocket, "See you at work, Y/N," He said.

"See you then," Y/N nodded, Foreman made his way out into the hallway.

Chase folded up the board, carrying it out of the apartment with a polite nod to Y/N.

Cameron stood up, "Feel better," She said.

"Will do," Y/N replied.

The door closed as Cameron stepped out, leaving House and Y/N alone in her apartment. House reached out and pressed the back of his hand to her forehead, checking her temperature again.

Y/N hummed, eyes drifting shut at the cool temperature of his skin. He stepped away from her wordlessly, moving down the hallway and into her bathroom.

House returned, gently nudging Y/N as he sat down beside her. She lifted her head, looking up to find him holding out a few pills and a glass of water.

"Tylenol for the fever. Drink all the water," He said.

Y/N took the pills from his hand, placing them in her mouth and swallowing them with a sip of water. She held the glass in her hands, thumbs brushing across the condensation on the cup.

"I don't like that nickname," She admitted.

"What? Petri dish? It's a cute little pet name," He said.

"I don't like it," Y/N said.

He nodded, "I'll stop using it," House said.

"Thank you," She replied, taking another sip of her water.

"I'll make you some lunch, then you can sleep, alright?" He questioned, Y/N nodded.

House made her some soup, getting her settled in her bed with another glass of water before he returned to the hospital. If the team had any questions about why he had stayed behind, they didn't ask.

...

Y/N read through the patient file, eyes flitting over the information as she thought of possible causes. House wrote the symptoms on the board before turning to the group of doctors gathered around the table.

The differential started and ideas were thrown around quickly, added to or eliminated before they formed a plan of action.

Y/N suddenly raised a hand to her mouth as bile rose up in her throat. She stood from her chair quickly, covering her mouth with her hand as she rushed across the room.

Y/N fell to her knees in front of the trash can, barely managing to pull her hair out of her face before she got sick.

"Guessing that we're not a fan of that idea," House said.

Cameron stood up, moving over to the sink quickly and filling up a glass of cold water. She grabbed a napkin from the dispenser before moving over to her friend.

"Here," Cameron said softly, passing her the cup as she stepped behind her and pulled her hair back. Cameron clipped her hair up in a simple twist, hand settling on her back.

"Are you okay? Is there anything else I can get you?" Cameron asked, Y/N shook her head.

"I'm fine," She muttered.

House turned to Foreman and Chase, "Secondary differential. Nausea, vomiting and increased irritability," House listed.

"Spending any amount of time with you," Cameron said, anger clearly evident in her tone.

"Ouch, any other ideas?" House asked.

"Pregnancy," Chase offered softly.

"It's mine, right?" House asked, Y/N shot him an enraged look.

"Wait, did you two sleep together?" Foreman questioned.

Y/N looked down with a huff, avoiding eye contact with her coworkers.

"My god, it's true, isn't it?" Chase asked.

"Seriously? He calls you 'petri dish'," Cameron said.

"It's a pet name," House replied with a shrug.

"A pet name that I hate," Y/N muttered, the nauseous feeling returning with full force. She set the glass down on the floor as she gagged, vomiting into the trash can again.

"Wait, are you actually pregnant?" Chase asked.

Y/N sniffled, wiping her mouth before picking up the glass again. She rinsed the acidic taste from her mouth, spitting a small amount of water into the trash can.

"I don't know," Y/N mumbled.

"Any other guesses?" House asked.

"The flu," Chase offered.

"We're not helping you with this. Take care of your girlfriend while we take care of the patient," Foreman said, standing from his chair and making his way out of the room.

"I can stay if you want me to," Cameron offered.

"I'll be okay," Y/N said.

Cameron stood up, walking out of the conference room with Chase following closely behind her.

House grabbed a chair from the table, setting it down in front of Y/N and sitting down. She shifted to sit with her back leaned against the desk, her legs stretched out across the floor in front of her.

Y/N sniffled again, wiping the tears from her cheeks before settling her hands in her lap, "I asked you not to tell them," Y/N stated.

"They were bound to find out eventually," House shrugged. He reached into his blazer, pulling out a pack of gum and offering a stick to her.

"Thanks," Y/N mumbled, unwrapping the stick. She put the gum into her mouth and began chewing it, "I can't believe you told my coworkers that we're sleeping together," Y/N muttered, tossing the gum wrapper into the trash can.

"Chase and Cameron are sleeping together. This is a safe space for inter-office boning," House said.

"They're sleeping together?" Y/N asked.

"Yeah, I caught them in the janitors closet last week. Thought I should stake my claim before Foreman got any funny ideas," House said.

"I seriously doubt that there are many men lining up to date me, especially with a nickname like 'petri dish'," Y/N smiled, crossing her ankles.

House watched her for a moment, "Do you think that you're pregnant?" House asked.

Y/N shrugged, "I don't know. Haven't really thought about it," She said.

House stood up, making his way out into the hallway. He stepped over to one of the med carts, unlocking it before pulling out a vial of anti-nausea medication, a syringe and a wipe.

He drew up the medication, switching out the needle before returning to the conference room. House sat down in the chair in front of her, setting the syringe on the edge of the desk.

"Give me your arm," He said, tearing open the wipe.

Y/N shrugged off her lab coat, lifting her sleeve and allowing him to clean her skin before injecting her with the medication.

She grimaced, "Sorry," He muttered, wiping the spot and discarding the needle.

"I'll drive you home," House offered, standing up and holding out his hand to her.

Y/N took his hand, standing up from the floor and brushing the dirt from her clothes. House took her coat off the hook, holding it up for her. Y/N slipped her arms into the sleeves, allowing him to lift it up onto her shoulders.

House put his own coat on before he walked her out to his car and drove her home, escorting her up to her apartment.

Y/N slipped into the bathroom for a shower while House watched a tv show in her bed. Y/N emerged from the bathroom, clothed in a pair of pyjamas with damp hair.

"House," She called softly, he looked over at her.

Y/N made her way over to the bed, sitting on the edge beside him as she held out the plastic stick. He looked down at it, sitting up when he realized that she was holding a positive pregnancy test.

"You said you hadn't thought about it," House said.

"I lied," Y/N said with a soft smile.

"At least I don't have to worry about you being contagious," House said, cupping her cheek and pressing his lips to her's.

[toldthatdevil]

Oral Fixations | Mommy!Wanda Maximoff x Little!Reader

pairings: mommy!wanda maximoff x little!reader

warnings: age regression

content: oral fixation, fluff, soft moments.

a/n: thank you so much for your req, sorry it took me a little while to get to it but I hope you enjoy <3

Wanda Maximoff sat at her desk, engrossed in a virtual conference call with her colleagues. Things had shifted recently where Wanda had been able to spend more and more time at home, working online every now and then when needed. She liked it this way, preferred it even, it meant she was able to spend much more time with her precious little one.

The soft glow of the computer screen illuminated Wanda’s features as she discussed matters of importance, giving a rundown of the previous meeting that had happened the day before. Amidst the virtual chatter filling the room, you sat close to Wanda’s side on a bundle of small pillows and blankets you had brought into the room to create a safe space by your mommy’s desk.

You loved nothing more than to sit by your mommy’s side observing Wanda as she expertly navigated the conversation, her voice both confident and engaged. You were too little to understand what was being said but nevertheless you couldn’t help the small smile that played across your lips as you watched your mommy work.

You could feel yourself beginning to get fidgety, your fingers idly tapping along the edges of the desk, a habit that often surfaced when you needed to occupy your hands. Noticing y/n’s restlessness, Wanda momentarily glanced your way, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Darling, do you need something to keep your hands busy?"

Your cheeks tinged with a faint blush as you met Wanda's gaze.

“M sorry, mommy, didn’t mean to distract you.”

Wanda leaned slightly in your direction, her voice a playful whisper. "You're never a distraction, love."

As Wanda's attention returned to the ongoing conversation, you found yourself seeking a solution to your restlessness. Your gaze settled on Wanda's hand resting on the armrest of her chair, her fingers tapping lightly in rhythm with her thoughts.

Without thinking much of it, you scooted yourself closer to Wanda, your fingers lightly grazing Wanda's hand.

You looked up at the screen to see if you were in the frame but luckily for you, you went unnoticed by the others on the call. You slowly brought Wanda's hand closer to your lips, eyes fixed on the screen still - just in case.

Gently, you pressed your mouth down around the junction of Wanda's pointer finger and thumb, the tender contact seemed to sooth both you and Wanda as the warmth of Wanda's skin beneath your lips created a sense of connection.

As the conference call continued, Wanda's gaze shifted, her eyes meeting yours with a mixture of affection and understanding. You couldn’t help but smile anytime your mommy looked at you the way she did, she was always so beautiful and you were in constant awe of her.

As the call drew to a close, Wanda's fingers stilled, and her hand settled more fully into your touch. With a satisfied sigh, you released the gentle press of your lips, your fingers tracing a soft pattern on Wanda's wet skin, a mark from where your mouth had just been.

Wanda's voice was low and intimate as she spoke. "Feeling better?"

You smiled again, your gaze meeting hers. "Mhm, thank you mommy."

Please do not copy or repost my work anywhere. Feedback is always welcome as are re-blogs, comments, and likes. If you think I've missed any important tags, as always please let me know :)

[cursedreverie1945]

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is today, 27 January 2025.

80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Day, or the International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, is an international memorial day on 27 January that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, which resulted in the genocide of one-third of the Jewish people along with countless numbers of individuals of other minority groups, by Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945: an attempt to implement its "Final Solution" to the Jewish question. The choice of January 27 for the annual commemoration aligns with the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp by the Red Army in 1945.

Eighty fucking years.

Most of the Survivors are gone. There are so few left. Too few. Honestly, the statistics are scary.

Now this is for the US, your country may differ.

"Disturbing Findings Reveal Significant Number Of Millennials and Gen Z Can’t Name A Single Concentration Camp Or Ghetto, Believe That Two Million Or Fewer Jews Were Killed And A Concerning Percentage Believe That Jews Caused The Holocaust

U.S. Millennial Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness Survey, the first-ever 50-state survey on Holocaust knowledge among Millennials and Gen Z. The surprising state-by-state results highlight a worrying lack of basic Holocaust knowledge, a growing problem as fewer and fewer Holocaust survivors – eyewitnesses to a state-sponsored genocide – are alive to share the lessons of the Holocaust.

Nationally, there is a clear lack of awareness of key historical facts; 63 percent of all national survey respondents do not know that six million Jews were murdered and 36 percent thought that “two million or fewer Jews” were killed during the Holocaust. Additionally, although there were more than 40,000 camps and ghettos in Europe during the Holocaust, 48 percent of national survey respondents cannot name a single one."

This is a prime example of the dumbing down of America.

This here is the reality of Auschwitz.

A Soviet army surgeon examines an Auschwitz survivor, Vienna engineer Rudolf Scherm.

Fuck the nazis. Fuck neo-nazis. Fuck white supremacy. Fuck xtian nationalism. Fuck them all. Learn. For the love of God, learn your history. Learn about the monstrosities that happened then. Learn about the monstrosities that are happening now.

It's not just I/P. I/P is virtually the only one that gets talked about but it's not JUST I/P

Speak up for all.

Learn about Sudan. Learn about Rohingya. Learn about the Uyghur. Don't forget about Ukraine. Learn about them all. Especially today, of all days. Learn. That's the only way to fight back. They want us stupid and easier to control, just like the nazis did.

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

The New Jersey-based Palestinian American Community Center (PACC), a tax-exempt nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status, is set to hold its 7th annual conference from April 3-6, 2025, under the title “Grounded in Action: Exploring the Power of The Palestinian Diaspora.” The first three days will take place on site in New Jersey, while the fourth day will be held virtually. Among the featured speakers on day four is Wisam Rafeedie, a member of the U.S.-designated terror group the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

Furthermore, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is scheduled to speak at one of the conference’s "Youth Day" events, to introduce young children to “resistance through storytelling.” Members of National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP) and the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) are also set to speak at the conference.

Jewish Onliner contacted PACC for comment ahead of this article’s publication, specifically regarding the involvement of the PFLP’s Wisam Rafeedie. The organization did not respond to the request. However, following the inquiry, PACC appears to have taken steps to obscure Rafeedie’s involvement in the event.

The current conference page on PACC’s website no longer lists speaker names or images, aside from Rep. Rashida Tlaib and her son, whereas the full lineup was visible just days ago. Despite this change, publicly available posts on PACC’s Facebook page still displays Rafeedie’s image and lists him as a featured speaker.

Speaking to Jewish Onliner, Tom Fitton, President of the watchdog group Judicial Watch, remarked that “Federal law enforcement should be interested in this event.”

The PFLP’s Wisam Rafeedie

On the fourth day of the conference, PFLP member Wisam Rafeedie, is scheduled to speak virtually on the topic of “Centering Palestinian Political Prisoners.” In May, 2024, Rafeedie spoke virtually at the “People’s Conference for Palestine” where he defended Hamas’ Oct. 7th massacre and downplayed the well-documented atrocities committed by Hamas and other invaders.

Rafeedie also made statements such as, “Zionists lie like they breathe” and “There is no longer a place for the two-state solution for any Palestinian. The only solution is one democratic Palestinian state on all Palestinian land, which will end the Zionist project in Palestine.”

[afatradingzoom2]

Virtual events Nairobi

At Afatradingzoom.co.ke, we specialize in delivering seamless and engaging Virtual events Nairobi. Our services include end-to-end solutions for virtual conferences, webinars, and hybrid events, ensuring a smooth and interactive experience for all participants. Whether you are hosting a corporate meeting or a large-scale virtual event, we are here to make it a success.

[wordsandrobots]

A couple of years ago, I attended a (virtual) conference where one of the main topics was the impact of so-called 'AI' tools on my particular industry. I work in scholarly publishing (on the publisher side -- I know, I know; for what it's worth, I am at least at a company that's actively trying to drive reform, is anti-impact factor, tries to reinforce the value of the work over the journal name, etc) and the application of 'generative AI' to facilitate plagiarism/fake papers is an obvious risk in this sector. Such software could easily be used to overwhelm the (meagre) defences journals have against such things, especially with the pressures placed on academics to get their work into 'high impact' publications above all else. The threat of 'paper-mills' (operations paid to seek publication by fraudulent means) ramping up via the use of ChatGP was clear and present amid those heady days of the initial hype-push.

What's stuck with me from that conference is a panel participant pointing out that 'AI' hasn't created any *new* problems; it's just accelerated existing ones. That is, fraud in science and science publishing has been an issue as long as scholarly publishing has existed as an industry. You don't need a fancy tool to generate you a fake paper. It helps, no doubt, but it's not a necessary step. And yes, it makes detection harder. But the actual solution here -- the way to put a stop to fake papers, dodgy authorship claims, and all the other variations on trying to beef up an academic's publication record for career gains -- doesn't lie in some technological arms-race between plagiarism-detection and paper-fabrication. We need to change the culture. We need to put a stop to the rewards for this kind of behaviour, by assessing academics by the actual value and quality of their research, without the proxy-step provided by place of publication.

(For the uninitiated, it is a huge problem in science that certain journals -- such as the big three of Nature, Cell and Science -- are seen as *the* place where groundbreaking research is published. Not only does this expose the English-language bias within global research, it creates the idea that to 'make it', you must publish somewhere like that, rather than just, you know, doing good solid work. Journals, big name or not, also have a history of selecting for headline-making research. So on the one hand, institutions are judging their employees' careers by their citations, not their work, and on the other, you absolutely cannot trust journals not to get dollar-signs in their eyes when someone comes along claiming that e.g. a certain vaccine actually causes an unrelated health condition. To pick a deliberate, very-specific example. On top of all this, peer review is *terrible* at catching faked results because it has to be approached in good-faith. Most of the time, fraud is only caught in hindsight, once the work has had time to circulate in the community, at which point wider damage has been done.)

Now, one of the reasons I haven't blogged much about so-called 'AI' is that my hatred for it is pre-rational. What I mean is, I hate 'generative AI' with the power of a thousand burning suns. I hate it on a conceptual level. The idea of feeding real people's work, their art, into a machine and have it churn out an approximation of that same work and art is abhorrent to me. I view it as a mockery of skills I have devoted my life to. If it could produce truly breathtaking imagery and crystal-sharp prose, I would still feel the same revulsion at the thought of removing intent from an act of communication, at the idea we should be content with bathetic mirrors in place of engaging with actual human beings and what they can do.

Separate from this, I believe there is good cause to be highly doubtful about the tools that have been pushed on the public over the last few years. I haven't used them myself (see above) but everything I've seen suggests they just aren't very good. It's painfully obvious how they can be/will be/are being used to devalue people's labour, thus strengthening corporations. There's the destruction of the information ecosystem that comes from integrating software intended to reproduce tone instead of facts into major search engines. There's the impact on the actual ecosystem of pouring resources and power into this technology. There's the simple detail that a lot of the people pushing this stuff are, frankly, just the worst.

However, I am extremely, painfully aware I am the wrong person to make rational arguments against these tools because what's actually driving my objection is disgust. I'm going to assume the worst about this particular kind of automation simply on the basis that I can't stand its existence.

There may be good, productive uses for this kind of technology! I can't tell you what they might be because I'm too busy looking for the bit where my worst opinions are validated. That's where I am on this. I actively have to guard my tongue around some of my colleagues, to keep from railing at how gullible I think they're being, buying into these things.

So yeah. Not a good place for making solid arguments. But that point from two years ago -- 'AI' is not creating any new problems.

I think it's easy to lose track of that. Consider the environmental impact. In order for you to read this, some server, somewhere, needs to be powered and cooled. The device you are reading this on is likely made from relatively rare materials that have a history of being source via destructive means (both to the environment and the people involved in the extraction process). I don't say that as a guilt-trip; I'm writing this via the same means. It's simply that the current landscape of our societies is dependent on things that comes at a cost to the planet and our fellow humans. That cost is made worse by rampant capitalism, but even under ideal conditions, mitigating it will require rethinking massive amounts of infrastructure.

This is not an excuse to make things worse. I want to be very clear about that. Nor am I claiming these issues are insoluble. It's simply a good example of 'AI' being an exaggerated case of an existing problem, namely how to balance the utility of modern communication technology against the extractive activity required to build it. As with many things, the glib answer is 'don't do capitalism' and, well, err, that kind of is the answer, reorientating away from the maximisation of profit above all else and from 'endless growth' doctrine. But crucially, that answer has nothing to do with 'AI'. If the hype-train collapsed tomorrow and everyone realised they've been buying snake-oil, and somehow the tech sector didn't collectively burn to the ground about it, we'd still have a problem to solve.

Because the problem isn't new.

That 'summarisation' tool Google or Adobe have swung on you, that shortens text with no regard for the actual information contained within what it's reducing is not some novel horror; it's just an acceleration of the same approach to design that sees 'engagement' as the primary driver, detached from what is actually materially happening to cause everyone to flock to a single place. MidJourney or what-have-you, allowing X or Y group to churn out endless cloying representations of their ideal reality, is just bad Photoshop composites with less effort required on the part of the person pushing the button. People will airbrush reality whether they have to do it with a prompt or an actual airbrush. We know this! Thomas Kinkade made a whole flipping career off it! It's the heart of mass-media advertising, to cheaply reproduce visions of simpler worlds for the sake of selling you something.

The truth is, grifters are going to grift, with whatever tools they have at their disposal. As long as there is a market for snake-oil, an incentive to cheat, a reason for people to be dissatisfied with their lot, there is going to be space for someone to sell an everything-app. A quick solution. An easy fix. We don't address that by playing whack-a-mole with every single dumb vapourware 'solution' that results; we address it by collapsing the space that permits those things to find their marks.

I think it is an objectively bad thing if paper-mills can work faster and easier and flood journal submissions with more junk than ever before. But it is also objectively bad for academia to be held hostage by a for-profit system that silos and constrains their work while being treated as the bar for judging how well they are doing their jobs. And the latter is the problem that actually *needs* to be solved, if we're going to have a hope of addressing the former.

Anyway, thank you for coming to this edition of 'Words sorts through his disgust to work out if there's a sensible position obscured beneath, for the sake of not being a raging arsehole to people who like shiny toys and haven't been in a love-hate relationship with their ability to draw for thirty years'.

[coochiequeens]

The problem is, as the references below show, trans women who go through male puberty retain substantial athletic advantages over biological women, even if testosterone suppressors are used to try to equalize the categories.  But the suppressors don’t do that, for somebody who goes through male puberty develops the musculature, bone density, grip strength, and other indices of athletic success that give them pronounced advantages over natal women (equestrian sports may be an exception).  And this advantage appears to last for years—perhaps forever."

The Atlantic on women’s sports

January 5, 2025 • 10:00 am

The Atlantic has waded into perilous waters by publishing what turns out to be quite a good article about transgender women competing in athletics against biological women. The fact that this liberal and prestigious magazine even writes about the issue is, to me, a good sign: a sign that the issue needs discussing.  And I’m glad to see that the author, staff writer Helen Lewis, concludes with a solution that is virtually identical to mine.

To read her piece, click below, or find it archived here.

Lewis begins by citing recent controversies involving transgender women competing—and winning—against biological women. They include the now well-known story of Lia Thomas, who will swim no more against women, as well as the San Jose State women’s volleyball team, which included what seemed to be a trans woman (they won’t publicly admit it, but most team members do). This story isn’t as well known:

In September, the San Jose State co-captain Brooke Slusser and the associate coach Melissa Batie-Smoose went public with their concerns about their own team’s trans player. “Safety is being taken away from women,” Batie-Smoose later told Fox News. “Fair play is taken away from women.” Both women told Quillette that they believed players and coaches were being pressured not to make a fuss. The next month, Liilii told me, she and her Nevada teammates voted, 16–1, to boycott their next match against San Jose State. The Nevada players were not alone: Teams from Boise State, the University of Wyoming, Southern Utah, and Utah State also forfeited games rather than face the trans player.

San Jose State kept competing despite all that—and despite a lawsuit aimed at barring the school from the Mountain West Conference postseason tournament in Las Vegas in November. (The lawsuit failed, and the team finished second in the finals.) The season ended in acrimony. “I will not sugarcoat our reality for the last two months,” San Jose State’s head coach, Todd Kress, said in a statement after the tournament. “Each forfeiture announcement unleashed appalling, hateful messages individuals chose to send directly to our student-athletes, our coaching staff, and many associated with our program.” Afterward, seven of the team’s athletes requested to enter the transfer portal. The disputed player, who is a senior, will not compete again.

The problem is, as the references below show, trans women who go through male puberty retain substantial athletic advantages over biological women, even if testosterone suppressors are used to try to equalize the categories.  But the suppressors don’t do that, for somebody who goes through male puberty develops the musculature, bone density, grip strength, and other indices of athletic success that give them pronounced advantages over natal women (equestrian sports may be an exception).  And this advantage appears to last for years—perhaps forever.

Well, why not allow trans women to compete who have transitioned before puberty? The problem is that there are almost none of these, for male puberty occurs some time between ages 9 and 14, and that is simply too young for adolescent males to decide to take hormones and/or have surgery to develop something closer to a woman’s body. If future research shows that transitioning at a very young age makes females athletically equal on average to natal females, then we can reassess. But existing data show that trans women, or some with disorders of sex determination, have an innate athletic advantage over women, and thus shouldn’t be competing in women’s sports.

Republicans have made hay of this, of course, and if you polled Democrats versus Republicans over whether trans women should compete against natal women in sports, Republicans would say “no” at a higher rate. But just because this view is more pervasive in the GOP doesn’t mean it’s wrong. In fact, Democrats themselves are starting to realize that such competition is unfair:

Greater awareness of Thomas and other trans athletes in women’s sports did not translate into greater approval. If anything, the opposite occurred: In 2021, 55 percent of Democrats supported transgender athletes competing in the team of their chosen gender, according to Gallup. Two years later, however, that number had fallen to 47 percent. Overall, nearly seven out of 10 Americans now think athletes should compete in the category of their birth sex.

Nevertheless, the Biden Administration’s early executive order prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity implied that this would also hold for sports participation. Now, as Lewis notes, Biden has backed off on this construal of the order, perhaps because the wokeness of Harris and Biden (the subject of GOP attack ads) may have played a role in their November defeat.

Regardless, as I’ve learned in the past week or so, those who say that “trans women are women” will accept no exceptions to that mantra: trans women are to have every perquisite of natal women, including sports participation.  But, unlike gay rights, trans rights conflict with the rights of other groups far more often (I can’t think of any case in which gay rights conflict with other people’s rights, except for those cases of religious people asked to make cakes for gay weddings). The last sentence in Lewis’s paragraph below is telling (I’ve bolded it):

“People like to say that it’s a complicated issue, and I don’t actually think it is … It all boils down to: Do you actually think that trans women and intersex women are real women—and are really female or not?” the transgender cyclist Veronica Ivy told The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah in 2022. “It’s an extreme indignity to say, ‘I believe you’re a woman, except for sport.’” She added that the enforcement of traditional categories was about “protecting the fragile, weak cis white woman from the rest of us.” Noah’s studio audience in New York heartily applauded Ivy’s words. Sports was only one part of a seamless whole: If you believed, as good liberals did, that trans women were women, no carve-outs were justifiable.

Many women and men think otherwise, as do I. But the carve-outs, as I see them, are very few. Still, if you’re a extremist gender ideologue, they are impermissible.

Democrat Seth Moulton’s breaking ranks from the Biden-ish gender ideology may have been a telling moment, as it made it acceptable for Democrats to discuss the issue in public, though many, including the FFRF, appear to still think the issue shouldn’t be discussed, much less raised. Moulton still got savaged, of course, which reflects poorly on his fellow Democrats:

After the 2024 election, a handful of Democrats broke ranks. “I have two little girls,” Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts told The New York Times. “I don’t want them getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete.” His campaign manager subsequently resigned, protesters gathered outside one of his offices, and he was rebuked by the state’s Democratic governor. But many of Moulton’s fellow Democrats were notably silent. “Asked for comment on Mr. Moulton’s remarks, each of the 10 other members of the state’s congressional delegation, all Democrats, declined to comment or did not immediately respond,” the Times reported. Further evidence that a taboo had been broken came on the Friday before Christmas. The White House abandoned its proposed rule change forbidding blanket bans on trans athletes after 150,000 public responses, acknowledging that the incoming Trump administration will set its own rules.

Lewis is too good a writer not to give her own opinion after weighing the controversy. At the end, she suggests the “empathic compromise” given below, and I must say that I agree with almost every word of it:

In my view, the way forward lies in an empathetic compromise, one that broadly respects transgender Americans’ sense of their own identity—for example, in the use of chosen names and pronouns—while acknowledging that in some areas, biology really matters. Many sports organizations have established a protected female category, reserved for those who have not experienced the advantages conferred by male puberty, alongside an open one available to men, trans women, trans men taking testosterone supplements, and nonbinary athletes of either sex. Unlike Veronica Ivy, many voters who support laws protecting trans people from housing and employment discrimination don’t see trans rights as an all-or-nothing deal; in fact, a few limited carve-outs on the basis of biological sex might increase acceptance of gender-nonconforming people overall.

Not everything has to be an entrenched battle of red versus blue: As more and more Democrats realize that they shouldn’t have built their defense of trans people on the sand of sex denialism, Republicans should have the grace to take the win on sports and disown the inflammatory rhetoric of agitators such as Representative Nancy Mace, who responded to the election of the first trans member of Congress by deploying anti-trans slurs. As the second Trump administration begins, the lesson from the college-volleyball rebellion is that institutions cannot impose progressive values by fiat. Attempts at social change will not survive without the underlying work of persuasion.

My only beef with the above is that it may be dangerous to trans men or “nonbinary athletes of either sex” to compete against biological men, as the greater strength of the latter could be dangerous. This is probably why World Rugby, as well as the International Rugby League, have banned the participation of transgender women in international competitions, presumably because although they are biological men, suppressing testosterone could reduce their ability to withstand injury in this heavy-contact sport.

The athletic effects of testosterone suppression in males:

An opinion piece by Robyn Blumner in Skeptical Inquirer cites references I’ve mentioned before, showing that testosterone suppression isn’t a way to equalize the athletic performance of transgender women and natal women. As she writes:

If we eliminated sex categories for most sports, there would rarely be female winners. For natal women to be able to compete in a way that gives them a fair chance at victories, there have to be sex segregated sports. The question then becomes whether that advantage can be mitigated through testosterone suppression. That is a matter of scientific inquiry, and the longitudinal biomedical findings to date suggest that “the effects of testosterone suppression in male adulthood have very little impact” on physiological outcomes such as muscle strength, muscle mass, or lean body mass, according to a paper titled “When Ideology Trumps Science” by six international leading researchers (Devine et al. 2022). They cite a cross-sectional study from 2022 that measured the performance of transgender women and found the “advantage may be maintained after 14 years of testosterone suppression.” (For a thorough vetting of the subject, read “Transgender Women in the Female Category of Sport: Perspectives on Testosterone Suppression and Performance Advantage” by researchers Emma Hilton and Tommy Lundberg, published in the journal Sports Medicine [Hilton and Lundberg 2021].) References: Devine, Cathy, Emma Hilton, Leslie Howe, et al. 2022. When ideology trumps science: A response to the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport’s Review on Transwomen Athletes in the Female Category. idrottsforum.org (November 29). Hilton, Emma N., and Tommy R. Lundberg. 2021. Transgender women in the female category of sport: Perspectives on testosterone suppression and performance advantage. Sports Medicine 51(2): 199–214.

[mariacallous]

Gov. Gavin Newsom is again threatening to withhold money to address homelessness from local governments that are failing to make progress in moving people off the street.

In a virtual news conference on Monday, Newsom announced that cities and counties that do not meet certain benchmarks — such as closing more encampments and finalizing plans to build more housing — could lose out on their share of hundreds of millions of dollars in future state homelessness grants.

Local governments use the grant money to build homeless housing or shelters, fund street outreach teams and clear encampments, among other efforts.

“At the end of the day, people want outcomes, and they want results for their money spent,” Newsom said.

Newsom has repeatedly made similar threats in recent months, including when announcing an executive order last summer directing state agencies to work with cities and counties to ramp up encampment sweeps and move camp residents into shelters. So far, relatively little state homelessness money has been withheld from local governments.

It’s part of a concerted push by the governor — who is widely believed to have ambitions for higher office — to focus responsibility for alleviating California’s homelessness crisis at the feet of local officials.

“That’s where the federal and state vision is ultimately realized, at the local level,” Newsom said.

Some local officials, however, dismissed Monday’s announcement as political “spin” and blasted Newsom for “blaming local governments” for the crisis.

“The governor’s threat to block future funding for local governments puts headlines above solutions,” said Graham Knaus, chief executive of the California State Association of Counties, in a statement. “Progress will remain frustratingly slow until we work together to address the gaps in responsibility at all levels of government — including the state.”

The announcement follows a scathing state audit in April that found California’s lead homelessness agency had failed to track the $24 billion it spent between 2018 and 2023, stoking growing public frustration over the state’s struggle to combat homelessness. An accompanying audit of San Jose’s homelessness spending highlighted similar findings.

During those five years, California’s unhoused population ballooned 38% to more than 181,000. Last year, the state’s homeless population grew to more than 187,000. The Bay Area had an estimated 38,800 homeless residents.

On Monday, the state also launched a website to monitor county-level metrics related to housing, homelessness and mental health. Those metrics include recently completed housing units, shifts in local homeless populations, the number of people connected to homeless services and a partial accounting of state homelessness funding for each county.

Newsom said state officials plan to add more tracking measures to the site and consult them when determining whether to accept local governments’ applications for future homelessness funding.

Along with the new website, Newsom announced $920 million in additional funds for local homelessness efforts. Of that total, $760 million will be set aside for future grants, which Newsom said will be subject to the new accountability measures. The other $160 million was awarded directly to local governments.

Just one Bay Area community, Redwood City, received money in the latest funding round. The city requested more than $2.8 million to help close encampments.

While the Bay Area received just a small fraction of the funding total, the state has in recent years awarded cities and counties in the region hundreds of millions of dollars through the same state grant programs.

[ezonebusinesssetupdubai]

Top Online Business Ideas to Consider in 2025

Dubai's dynamic business environment offers numerous online opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here are some of the top online business ideas to consider in 2025:

E-commerce Store: Launch an online platform to sell products directly to consumers. With the UAE's e-commerce market projected to reach $9.2 billion by 2026, there's significant potential here. Focus on a specific niche, obtain the necessary e-commerce license, and develop a user-friendly website. Partnering with reliable delivery services and implementing effective marketing strategies will be crucial.

Dropshipping Business: Manage an online store without holding inventory. When a customer makes a purchase, the order is forwarded to a supplier who ships the product directly to the customer. This model reduces upfront costs and is gaining popularity globally.

Digital Marketing Agency: Offer services like social media management, SEO, and content creation to help businesses enhance their online presence. As companies increasingly recognize the importance of digital marketing, there's a growing demand for such expertise.

Online Education and Tutoring: Provide virtual classes or tutoring sessions in subjects you're knowledgeable about. The rise of online learning platforms has made education more accessible, and there's a consistent demand for quality instructors.

Content Creation and Blogging: Create engaging content through blogs, videos, or podcasts. Monetize your content via advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing. Building a loyal audience can lead to significant revenue opportunities.

Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services from other companies and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral. This model is cost-effective and can be lucrative with the right strategy.

App Development: Develop mobile or web applications to meet specific user needs. With the increasing reliance on digital solutions, innovative apps can gain rapid popularity.

Virtual Assistant Services: Offer administrative support to businesses or individuals remotely. Tasks can range from managing emails to scheduling appointments, providing flexibility for both parties.

Online Consulting: Leverage your expertise in a particular field to offer consulting services online. Whether it's business strategy, health, or finance, many are willing to pay for professional advice.

Graphic Design Services: Provide design solutions for logos, marketing materials, or websites. As businesses aim to stand out visually, skilled graphic designers are in high demand.

Social Media Influencer: Build a strong presence on platforms like Instagram or YouTube. With a substantial following, you can collaborate with brands for promotions and sponsorships.

Online Fitness Coaching: Offer virtual fitness classes or personalized training plans. The health and wellness industry continues to thrive, and many prefer the convenience of online sessions.

Stock Photography: Capture high-quality images and sell them on stock photography websites. Businesses and creators constantly seek quality visuals for their projects.

Handmade Crafts Online Store: Sell handmade items like jewelry, art, or home decor through an online platform. There's a market for unique, handcrafted products that can't be found in mass production.

Subscription Box Service: Curate and deliver boxes of niche products to subscribers regularly. This model has gained traction in various industries, from beauty products to gourmet foods.

Language Translation Services: Provide translation services for documents, websites, or media content. In a globalized world, effective communication across languages is essential.

Online Travel Agency: Assist clients in planning and booking their travel experiences. With the resurgence of travel, personalized planning services are valuable.

Virtual Event Planning: Organize and manage online events, from webinars to virtual conferences. As virtual events become more common, skilled planners are needed to ensure their success.

Print on Demand: Design custom apparel or merchandise and partner with suppliers who print and ship items as orders come in. This reduces the need for inventory and allows for creative flexibility.

Online Real Estate Brokerage: Facilitate property transactions through a digital platform. With the real estate market's evolution, online brokerages offer convenience to buyers and sellers.

Embarking on an online business in Dubai offers numerous advantages, including a strategic location, supportive government policies, and a tech-savvy population.

By selecting the right niche and implementing effective strategies, you can build a successful venture in this thriving market.

[snuglysubtlegorgon]

How to Train Employees on New Video Conferencing Software

Introduction

In today’s swift-paced, virtual international, the desire for valuable communique has under no circumstances been extra central. As organizations maintain to evolve to far flung work and hybrid fashions, gaining knowledge of video conferencing tools is main. This article goals to grant a finished handbook on easy methods to practice staff on new video conferencing tools. By leveraging advanced conference room audio video equipment and working out the nuances of digital communication, firms can verify that their teams are smartly-fitted to have interaction with buyers and associates readily.

Understanding Video Conferencing Tools What Are Video Conferencing Tools?

Video conferencing methods are device applications that permit participants to communicate in precise-time due to audio and visual channels over the cyber web. Popular structures consist of Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Cisco WebEx. These gear are predominant for accomplishing conferences, webinars, and collaborative projects devoid of the need for bodily presence.

Why Are Video Conferencing Tools Important? conference room audio video equipment Flexibility: Employees can sign up meetings from virtually at any place. Cost-Effective: Reduces tour prices associated with in-user conferences. Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitates genuine-time sharing of archives and screens. Engagement: Offers traits like polls, chat containers, and breakout rooms to enhance interplay. Key Components of Conference Room Video Conferencing Equipment Essential Hardware

To make use of video conferencing conveniently, having the correct video convention room equipment is quintessential. Here’s a breakdown of principal hardware:

Cameras: High-definition cameras that trap clean graphics. Microphones: Quality microphones ascertain sound clarity. Speakers: Good speakers furnish audible sound without distortion. Software Solutions

Having potent instrument solutions is similarly fundamental. Look for structures that integrate seamlessly with current techniques and be offering user-pleasant interfaces.

How to Train Employees on New Video Conferencing Tools

Training laborers on new video conferencing methods requires a strategic method. Here’s a step-through-step marketing consultant:

Step 1: Assess Current Skill Levels

Before diving into instruction sessions, investigate your workers' contemporary familiarity with video conferencing gear. This should be would becould very well be finished via surveys or informal discussions.

Why Is This Important?

Understanding the baseline means degree allows for you to tailor your preparation application as a result. For instance, if most employees are already accepted with ordinary functionalities but war with evolved good points like monitor sharing or breakout rooms, focus your classes there.

Step 2: Create Training Materials

Develop finished training resources that disguise all aspects of the selected video conferencing tool—from setup guidance to troubleshooting recommendations.

Types of Training Materials: User Manuals