#A3 Problem Solving

[happyceostrategies]

Empowering Small Enterprises with Lean Manufacturing: Achieving Autonomy, Innovation, and Competitiveness

Unlocking autonomy through Lean manufacturing Lean Manufacturing isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about finding the best way to do things. It’s like a secret recipe that saves money, improves quality, and makes customers really happy. That means spending less, making fewer mistakes, and winning people over. Lean Manufacturing, often linked to big industries, has something for every business.…

[everwisp]

juza & nanami modeling for the fashion students during the university campus festival 📸✨

[ref: 1, 2]

[asordinaryppl]

A3! Backstage Story Translation - Sakyo Furuichi SSR: BE.MINE ver.SAKYO - Part 3

Izumi: I’m MANKAI Company’s Tachibana. I look forward to working with you today!

Sakyo: I’m Sakyo Furuichi. I will be in your care.

Staff: We look forward to working with you. I apologize for holding this shooting so early in the morning…

Izumi: Please don’t worry about it, you had to rent out an entire movie theater.

Sakyo: I’ve got no problem with mornings, so please don’t worry about me.

Staff: I’m happy to hear that. Okay then, I will call for you once the camera is ready.

Staff: Oh, and those drinks over there are okay to drink, so please help yourself!

Izumi: Thank you.

Izumi: They’ve even prepared drinks from the store.

Sakyo: Seems that way. Are you thirsty?

Izumi: No, I’m good for now. But still, it’s strange to be in an empty movie theater.

Sakyo: It’s not often we get the chance to be in a reserved movie theater.

Sakyo: It’s only thanks to the situation prompt that we get the chance to do something like this.

Izumi: That’s true.

Staff: Thank you for waiting! We’re all finished with the preparations, so if you could please come this way!

Izumi: Break a leg, Sakyo-san!

Sakyo: Yeah, thanks.

-

Sakyo: I look forward to working with you.

Cameraman: Likewise. Okay, Furuichi-san, if you could stand on the stairs over there….

Sakyo: Is this alright?

Cameraman: Yes. Then, please hold out your hand. As if… you’re asking someone to come over.

Sakyo: … Like this?

Cameraman: Yes, yes! I’ll be taking the pictures now!

-

Cameraman: Doing great so far! I’ll have you sit next. Please face the camera.

Sakyo: Okay.

Cameraman: I’ll be taking some pictures like this.

Izumi: (… Hmmm, he doesn’t really seem like a boyfriend like this…)

Sakyo: Excuse me. Could you look at the pictures we just took and tell me whether they give off the feeling of a boyfriend on a date?

Cameraman: Let me check real quick.

Cameraman: … Well, now that you mention it…

Cameraman: It is a little difficult to get the feeling that you are with someone just with these.

Cameraman: What do you think, Tachibana-san?

Izumi: I think so too, to be honest. It’s like I can’t really imagine where the other person could be…

Izumi: But I believe that this would have worked, if it weren't for the date part of the situation prompt.

Sakyo: The feeling that someone’s with me, huh…

Sakyo: … Maybe holding a drink could help solve this. Could I ask you to prepare one?

Izumi: (Oh, I see…! That might really help!)

Cameraman: Of course. Let’s give it a try!

Izumi: I will go bring one!

-

Izumi: Here you go, Sakyo-san!

Sakyo: Thanks.

Cameraman: ! That just now was good!

Staff: I agree!

Cameraman: Furuichi-san, please direct that exact gaze to the camera!

Sakyo: Okay.

Cameraman: You looked like you were looking at someone you love just now! That was good!

Sakyo: Someone I love…?

Cameraman: Yes! It was truly great! Let me take a few pictures.

Sakyo: … I understand.

Izumi: (Sakyo-san has a really gentle expression on his face. Just by holding a drink, it looks like someone is with him.)

Staff: Including a drink was a great idea. This will make for a great photo!

Izumi: I agree. I can’t wait to see the finished product!

-

Izumi: Good work today, Sakyo-san!

Sakyo: Yeah, you too.

Izumi: I’m glad the scene just now went so well.

Sakyo: It’s all thanks to you, Director-san.

Izumi: All I did was bring over the drink like you requested, the rest was all your face!

Sakyo: … Well, if you’re fine with that.

Izumi: By the way, Sakyo-san, are you hungry?

Sakyo: Now that I stop to think about it, yeah. Let’s stop for breakfast on the way back.

Izumi: Sure! Actually, there’s a shop nearby that serves this morning curry I’ve been dying to try!

Sakyo: The hell’s a morning curry…?

Izumi: Moreover, there are three types to choose from! And they’re all only available for breakfast.

Sakyo: … Geez, that’s exactly what I oughta expect from you. Alright, lead the way.

Izumi: Of course! I know where the shop is, so leave it to me!

part 1 | part 2 | part 3

[blueikeproductions]

Void Rivals revealed what Zerta Trion properly looks like, with a twist!

She was originally Beta, the one off resistance leader and fighter back in Cybertron’s ancient history in the G1 cartoon.

Like the cartoon she also worked with A3. In hindsight, that should’ve been obvious since Zerta Trion had connections with Alpha Trion in the Skybound comics from the start…

To make this connection clearer, her “older” form is a feminine version of Alpha Trion’s G2 design mixed with Beta.

Interestingly Optimus was apparently part of the Age of Wrath as Orion Pax according to this flashback, though how this version of Orion becomes Optimus yet we don’t know.

In the G1 cartoon, Orion was a young dock worker post Quintesson who idolized Megatron, but was betrayed by the tyrant, left for dead, until the Aerialbots happened upon a young-ish Alpha Trion to repair him.

So how this may further explain Skybound Optimus Prime will be interesting…. Or it’s a red herring, like in the Cobra Commander prequel where CC’s original cartoon Cobra-La body was shot dead by the actual human CC.

As for Zerta, her being Beta is a pleasant surprise, but while it’s one of those hindsight things, it’s still a fun way to repurpose an old character.

The twist she’s Beta does make me conflicted as I think I would’ve preferred her being her own thing. Zerta Trion also throws an interesting wrench in the concept of the 13 Primes if she winds up continuing to be Alpha Trion’s counterpart in stuff outside of Skybound, the same way the Thirteenth Prime isn’t always Optimus and is sometimes Zeta Prime.

This leads me to the other reveal of the issue: Goliant.

The series still hasn’t clarified for certain if the Quintessons created the Transformers like in the 80’s cartoon, but they did for certain build Goliant.

Goliant is the robot contained within the Sacred Ring’s black hole in Void Rivals, with his true purpose being a colossal weapon to be used against the Transformers. Zerta led him away from Cybertron but in the process caused him to feast on the Sacred Ring’s original star, destroying the Zertonian and Agorrians’ home planets. Trying to solve multiple problems at once, Zerta oversaw the evolution of the Zertonians and Agorrians, building the Energon producing Sacred Ring while Goliant was distracted so he could be sealed in the resulting black hole. To further weaken Goliant, his essence was split among the Zertonian and Agorrians’ ancestors, which is why the two species coming together is seen as bad among them. Zerta’s goal of the Ring to produce Energon was to solve Cybertron’s growing energy crisis, implying it began well into the war against the Quints.

Who Goliant might wind up being retroactively isn’t clear at the moment, but many speculate he will eventually become Unicron. I have reservations about that due to a habit of Hasbro’s to over rely on Unicron see the anime trilogy, Prime, Netflix WFC, Prime Wars, among other things, as well as Skybound not having too many characters unique to it. Shredhead is pry the only example they currently have. It’s something that can be done in moderation, as a common complaint with IDW was having too many OCs like Rung and Nautica. For better or worse, IDW having some Transformers specific to it like Tarn helped give it a unique identity, and while Skybound has a unique identity in other ways, I kinda wish it had more unique robot characters that isn’t just the usual G1 cartoon cast reshuffled a bit.

So I’d kinda prefer Goliant be his own thing instead of Unicron. In my mind he’d be a better executed version of the Dead Universe Decepti-God D-Void (but with more Quintesson parts instead of generic robot demon thing made of Sweeps).

However, what can we get from the Quintessons having built Unicron?

Unicron being an artificial being is surprisingly common. While most fans, and Hasbro, tend to prefer the Marvel Comics take where Unicron is a dark god of chaos, a lot of stuff goes with him being the rogue creation of someone.

The G1 cartoon famously depicted Unicron as being built by the alien Primacron, a being the sea monkey sought to scour the universe so he has a fresh template to experiment with. Japanese media went nuts with this, with Primacron being an ancient survivor of the universe prior to ours, using Primus’ power to create all mechanical life including the Quintessons and (indirectly) the Transformers.

Prior to Primacron, the first draft of the movie instead stated Unicron was created by the Junkions.

The Junkions built Unicron as a beacon of peace, but their magnum opus malfunctioned and became the planet eater instead.

IDW also went this direction, with Unicron being built from the dead planet Antilla based on ancient technologies from its original inhabitants, slowly evolving into a more traditional Unicron after assimilating the 12 Transformer colonies.

As for the connection to the Quintessons, early movie media would state they worked for Unicron, but it was ultimately an abandoned concept as the movie never reconciled the idea. It was never made clear if Unicron was their creator, they created him, or if the Quints were forced into servitude.

If Goliant becomes Unicron later, it’s possible his connections to the Quints could be the Skybound staff referencing this abandoned idea. …Or it’s sheer coincidence, but the team does browse the TFWIKI from time to time, so they probably are aware of the idea.

It’s also been revealed the Quints may just be responsible for all of Cybertron’s worst enemies, as Megatron was kidnapped and experimented on by them before the Great War, using a technology that Megatron seems to currently employ on his own troops going by Starscream.

The Quintessons are truly at their best in Skybound, where WFC, TFONE and EarthSpark failed to make them stand out as credible contenders. Cyberverse certainly tried, but their versions are largely forgotten… The Energon Universe is truly the Quintessons’ playground it seems, now if they also somehow created/influenced Cobra-La I’ll be happy. (Why is this ok over Shockwave? Shockwave over exposure via IDW that’s why, delegating cosmic nonsense to the business minded Quints is more fitting anyway.)

[k00320518]

movement project- Scale Painting: small scale

Working off of this photo I took last year that fits well within my subject theme of birds.

The connecting thread between my paintings has been the birds themselves, possibly form + shape and also the wires present.

I used a small piece of hessian that had already been painted white. I kept the normal edge of the hessian as I like the rough look to it and the seam adds character. Due to impatience I did this piece really quickly, painting the background the day before, adding the tree.

I problem solved on how to carefully do the wires. I had thought to try use the hessian twine string to print the lines on but I found it easier to simply tape on the painted string. I later glued it down with PVA. I think it looks more interesting like this with a minor 3D element.

Photographed the colour looks less accurate to my photo.

Here it is in comparison to my A3 painting (which is kind of like a medium size if it were included in the scale series as a third painting)

I must get a photo of it compared to the crane painting

[softeninglooks]

a3! | juza hyodo as your boyfriend...

part 1. part 2.

disclaimer: juza is university age in this

he cannot believe it at first

how could someone as kind and well-loved as you choose someone as intimidating and reserved as him? he can’t wrap his head around what you could possibly see in him

it takes a lot of words of affirmation to finally convince juza that he is so much more than he thinks

it saddens you that someone as hard-working and deeply involved in the company as juza could still doubt himself. he always says that he wished he could do more for mankai company, but to you he already does more than enough. although it took him some time to perfect his acting, his passion on stage inspires all the other actors to do their very best and mesmerises the audience

whenever he gets too stressed or pushes himself too hard, you offer him pastries and a long, soothing hug. you have him take breaks and go outside so that when he gets back, he feels a little lighter and more energized to resume his work

to thank you for your unwavering support, he invites you on surprise dates or takes you for a ride on his motorcycle. because juza isn’t the best at expressing his emotions, his love language is acts of service and he always makes sure to be available when you also need his help

when it is you who gets too anxious, he will hold you tightly and listen to you vent about the issue at hand. he will try to offer you words of comfort, but his primary course of action is to help solve the problem at the root

he gets more demonstrative over time, holding your hand in the streets or kissing you on the cheek in public. he is really proud of you and your relationship, but his fear of staining your reputation because of his scary looks holds him back from displaying affection more openly

in private, he is the sweetest. juza is self-conscious about his clumsy use of words, so he makes up for it by showing you love through physical touch and sharing his favourite snacks with you

he won’t say it out loud, but juza melts when it’s you who wraps him in your arms or hugs him from behind. being held is something new to him, and it feels so special, almost a sacred moment - before that, most of the physical contact he had with people was blocking punches or trying not to hurt anyone, so someone lovingly and willingly touching him moves him beyond reason. when you run your fingers through his hair and kiss his neck, his deep and raucous sighs speak louder than words

juza is straightforward and honest so he doesn’t shy away from telling you how grateful he is for you - especially when he is drunk. after a couple of drinks, he will look even more serious than usual, save for the tinge of redness blooming on his cheeks, and say the most heart-wrenching things about how you make him a better man and he wants to guard your happiness forever

he comes to you for help whenever he struggles with the interpretation of a line or wants to try out different acting techniques. reading lines together and acting out scenes is one of your favourite activities to do together, so you happily give him a hand with case studies or character analysis. if the scene involves yelling or violence, juza will apologise and make an effort to be extra affectionate with you when you’re done

you wave at him from the front row and offer him flowers after his plays - banri teases him about it, but juza can’t stop smiling and shrugs it off by telling banri that he’s just jealous. juza feels incredibly lucky to have you by his side

kumon adores you and plans family activities that you can join in. because they know juza so well, he and muku can notice the way his face lights up whenever you’re around

omi often asks juza and you to help him with baking because he guessed that juza has a sweet tooth and you find cooking relaxing. juza likes to taste the sugary ingredients just to make sure that they haven’t turned sour and are still good to eat, which always makes omi and you laugh because you can easily see through his excuses

although he is still a little bashful about his voice, you love to hear juza sing. knowing that you appreciate his singing is a huge motivation for juza to overcome his shyness and find the confidence to sing on stage

he is an attentive listener. it makes him happy that you trust him enough to confide in him, but he also enjoys listening to you talk about your hobbies and your current interests. he remembers many details about them and is never against watching something with you or looking up something you’ve been reading online. you do so much for him, so he wants to be equally there for you and

the two of you have a lot of fun together. although juza appears stoic and still has many insecurities to work through, having you by his side never fails to brighten up his days and fill his heart with joy. when you are hanging out, he smiles a lot more and is less apologetic about his behaviour, even cracking jokes from time to time (he feels like it’s awkward, but you find it exceptionally endearing). he hopes that you feel fulfilled, so he always offers you a shoulder to cry on when you’re feeling down or does his best to make you smile. he wants to learn all about your preferences and passions so that he can fully enter your world

most of all, he just wishes for you to be happy and safe. he has never been loved like this before and he wants to do everything in his power to reciprocate your love with as much force and sincerity

[howtobeaconartist]

Can someone pleeeeease let artists know that it's so incredibly frustrating when I buy prints and they're in weird sizes?

It hard to find frames for them.

I've got prints that are 15cm x 21cm (6"x8.2"). Juuuust oversized where I need to get a frame up with a matte.

But then I've got another poster that's 19.6cm x 28cm (7.8"x11"). Like, I can get a frame that fits, of course because it's undersized A4. But damnit it's got an ugly gap which doesn't feel right.

Please please please! I bought these things to be on display but my walls are bare because I need to spend several hours to find a solution and fit them right.

Please just stick to the international A4 A3 A2 format, or the photo size formats 6"x8", 8"x10" etc.

I want to support people, but I'm left with buyers regret when I need to problem solve purchases and don't want to "just tack it to the wall, it'll be fine".

Kiriska: This is an understandable frustration!

I've had plenty of customers ask me what sizes prints are prior to purchasing -- a totally fair thing to do if you know you want to frame it. Size has been a deal-breaker for some people.

That said, for perspective, it's often more affordable for artists to print at other sizes. For example, in the US, letter (8.5"x11") and tabloid (11"x17") are both extremely common print sizes in Artist Alley, but while frames of these sizes exist, they aren't common.

Artists still prefer these sizes though because these are sizes that are easy to print at at office supply stores or personal printers, which is what many have access to when starting out. If anything, the infuriating thing is that standard printer paper sizes are not the same as standard photo sizes.

8"x10" is close to 8.5"x11" but requires trimming, which is either extra work or extra cost.

Depending on the convention, the demographics may skew younger. If that's the case, a majority of attendees won't intend to frame their print purchases. They are being pinned or taped to dorm room walls, etc. The art is meant to be affordable -- for both the artist and the buyer. ($10 prints are pretty rare at most pop-up art fairs and farmer's market-type settings, because standard size giclee prints probably cost double that to print.)

Still, I agree -- artists should strive for more standard sizes when possible, especially if they're going to shows with an older demographic of people who are more likely to want to frame things.

That said, I've been wanting to transition my 8.5"x11" prints to 8"x10" for years and still haven't gotten around to it because all of my packaging supplies are for the former, and putting prints of the latter size in oversized packaging looks Bad, but stock levels of packaging and prints never line up that I'm not gonna be stuck with some mismatch... at some point I'm sure I'm just gonna have some prints in one size and some in the other, but that sounds like a nightmare...

[the-himawari]

A3! Yukishiro Azuma - Nomadic Bartender Mini Conversations Translation

*Please read disclaimer on blog

---

Practice Conversation 1

So Stinger is a fortune teller, hm?  

It reminds me of the fortune telling event I assisted with in the past.  

I think I’ll ask Julian to tell me all about fortune telling to help me prepare for my role.  

Moreover, Stinger, who I play, and Wiz, who Guy plays, have a complicated relationship.  

I’d like to discuss with Guy and develop the scenes where they exchange words.  

There are also magic and action scenes this time around, so I have to put in effort to practise those as well.  

Practice Conversation 2

Banri also mentioned that he wanted to pay special attention to the direction of the magical action scenes.  

Yesterday, Banri, Tsuzuru, Rento, and Akashi were all discussing them together.  

The standing positions, effects, sound, and lighting…  

They were talking about how to make them all work together.  

They were shouting all kinds of sound effects and suggesting they should do this and that. They looked serious, but also like they were having fun. Their eyes were sparking.  

Seeing them, I felt excited myself. And I felt that I should work even harder during our rehearsals.  

Practice Conversation 3

Say, Director. What would you do if I told you that I’m actually a wizard?  

Just like Stinger, I blend in with the regular folk…  

But the truth is, I can use secret magic.  

…Fufu. Just joking.  

A wizard… I think it would be wonderful if I could save someone with magic or fortunes, and give advice…  

Or make magic cocktails that solves people’s problems for them.  

It sounds like a dreamy, fantasy world, doesn’t it?  

I may not have those wonderous powers, but I can be there for someone and help them out.  

Even though I’m not a wizard, I want to be someone who can always lend you a hand and who can be trusted by the princess that you are.

Azuma & Masumi Talk

Azuma: Speaking of bartenders, I recall that time you and Juza performed in the dorm’s hidden talent contest in the past. Fufu. You two performed flare bartending under the name “feat. Team Manju”, right?*  

Masumi: Yeah. We dressed up as bartenders and performed using bottles and shakers.  

Azuma:  Your bartender’s outfit and performance were really dashing.  

Masumi: Thanks to that, we won the hidden talent contest and Director told me she felt a different charm than usual… …I got a lot of help and advice from you back then.  

Azuma: I’m glad if I could help. How about doing that performance again for the first time in a while?  

Masumi: …Maybe. It made Director happy, so I’d like to try out some more difficult techniques and show her.  

Azuma: When you’re able to drink alcohol, maybe I’ll ask bartender Masumi to mix up a drink for me.  

Masumi: Well, I trained for my performance while listening to your advice. Of course, the very first drink I make will be for Director… But I can make one for you after that.  

Azuma: Fufu, I’m delighted. I’ll look forward to it.

---

*References the Everyone's Old Year, New Year event story

[samobservessonic]

After a short break to solve a problem that may have only been a problem because I decided it was one, I’m back! With my own scans for this issue. As you can see, the text on the right is slightly cropped off, which is a shame, because I like the typography on “Porker gets the chop in The Big Decision”, but I now understand why a lot of the StC scans you see online are like this - I can imagine the vast majority of British Sonic fans in the 2000s who were scanning their StC issues for archiving purposes were probably also using the same kind of cheaper A4 scanners like what I have. And StC issues are slightly larger than A4. Maybe one day a wealthy Sonic fan with an A3 scanner and a lot of StC issues in pristine condition will come along and do the job properly, but for now, we make do

As for the cover itself, this one is pretty iconic, I think. It’s even one of the ones that gets remade much later on when StC goes into reprints. I haven’t read this issue before, but I remember this cover. That’s why I was a little confused when Porker turned up at the start of the current Knuckles story and casually mentioned that he’d retired from active duty in the Freedom Fighters. Because I was like, “Wait, wasn’t that a big deal? I guess not?” But it looks like it might’ve been the case that the Knuckles story was supposed to run after the main story in this issue. Honestly, whenever I see folks complaining about stuff like the 2024 IDW Sonic Annual having a few stories ahead of the current arc I’d say it’s nothing to worry about - scheduling has been tricky in Sonic comics since the 90s, as we’re seeing now with StC

And while it would be cool if StC had something like the hardback collections of IDW, where they put all the stories in their intended order, it’s not a deal-breaker for me that sometimes the timeline of events is a bit wonky

[yurayura-kurage]

A3! Troupe Event: MY WORST WEDDING | Event Story Translation (5/11)

Neither Japanese nor English is my first language so please forgive me if I made mistake. However, feel free to point me out, I’d love to hear your feedbacks on the translation ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶

Translation under the cut

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Azami: Hmm–, well this isn’t bad either but… I’d like to give a more dignified impression of a former soldier.

Juza: Should I gain more muscles?

Azami: That’s okay, but I want to do something about the hair makeup plan too.

Juza: Omi-san will have his side hair shaved right.

Azami: Yes. Juza-san’s Grayson has a scar on his eyebrow, do you want to have an updo hairstyle with your bangs slicked back like Omi-san?

Juza: Sounds good. It also suits Grayson’s image.

Azami: Then, we’ll go with this hairstyle… 

Juza: What are you planning to do with your own hair makeup? Are you gonna dye your hair blonde?

Azami: I’ll never have my hair matched with Sakyo’s.

Juza: …That’s right, speaking of Sakyo-san, I heard his sister came to our dorm.

Azami: Your brother also asked me the same thing.

Juza: Kumon was surprised about how rare it was for Sakyo-san’s sister to come to the dorm. 

Azami: So that’s it. It seems that she came to consult about Sakyo’s mother.

Juza: Sakyo-san’s mother you say–– Did something happen to her?

Azami: No, it’s not something bad–. Sakyo’s sister wants to have a wedding photoshoot for her parents on their upcoming wedding anniversary.

And she wants her mother to wear a wedding dress, but her mother didn’t want to. That’s why she came to ask Sakyo to help persuade her, but Sakyo refused.

Juza: I see…

Azami: By the way, Sakyo’s mother is a fan of yours right?

Juza: Aah, she’s been taking care of me a lot. 

She gives me presents during the run of Autumn Troupe’s performances, so I always contact her to say thanks every time she does that.

Azami: You even know her contact info.

Juza: Sometimes before the performance starts, she sends me a support message and asks how Sakyo-san’s been doing recently.

Since it’s that person, Sakyo-san doesn’t contact her by himself too frequently. And it seems that the old lady also doesn’t often contact him directly. They’re just like mother like son.

Azami: I see.

Juza: While caring about each other, they don't seem to be some busybodies that can interfere so much with each other’s lives. 

About the wedding anniversary celebration too, it must be difficult for Sakyo-san since it’s not something he’s good at.

Azami: …

Juza: It’s just, I don’t know a first thing ‘bout wedding but it seems to be a memorable event.

My mother often talks a lot about wedding, too. We also have photos decorated in our house.

Azami: ...I also heard from my mom before she passed away, that she wanted to wear a wedding dress. In my parents’ wedding ceremony, she wore an all-white kimono to match with my father.

If possible, I think she wanted to wear one before she breathed her last breath. Sakyo’s mother and mine are somehow similar.

Juza: I see…

Azami: Sakyo’s mother said that she didn’t want to wear a dress because she wouldn’t look good in it now, but I don’t really think so. 

When I talked to Yuki-san about this, he said age didn’t matter. I think makeup can solve that problem.

Well, nothing, neither Sakyo nor his sister asked me to be all fussed over and act like this tho… Maybe even Sakyo’s mother doesn’t have that much fondness for a dress to begin with…

Juza: …Shall we go and meet her.

Azami: Eh?

Juza: I want to meet her in person and show my gratitude too. Then why don’t you ask her what she really means?

There might be some true feelings she can’t tell her son and daughter, I guess.

Azami: Well… It’s true that such things can also happen. That reminds me, there is something I want to say thanks to her, too.

Juza: If so, I’ll contact her then.

*At the living room*

Omi: I’m home.

Sakyo: Welcome home. You’re late today.

Omi: Sorry, my work took longer than expected– I’m in charge of dinner for tonight, so please wait a bit.

Sakyo: Then I’ll lend you a hand.

Omi: Thank you!

*Shifts to kitchen*

Sakyo: Did you have another shooting work today?

Omi: Yes. It was a pre-wedding photoshoot taken in the park.

I was so excited to take a miraculous photo that I ran to the local shop on the street to buy white sheets in replace of the reflector boards… 

I was dripping in sweat.

Sakyo: That was tough, wasn't that.

Omi: But it’s great to keep an once in a lifetime moment like that. I think it’d be nice to take my job seriously for that moment.

Sakyo: …You, did you hear something from the Director or Bon? 

Omi: Eh? What do you mean by that…

Sakyo: No, nothing.

(Even if it’s a once in a lifetime commemoration, it’d be meaningless if she didn’t want to…)

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

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[aley-nag]

First fanfic bound

After my little introduction into bookbinding I bound my first fanfiction. To edit the text I heavily relied on @armoredsuperheavy and their incredibly detailed "How To Make A Book". Word still kicked my ass... I think I cried a little while trying to implement the pagenumbers but mostly because I didn't read the instructions right. I abandoned the project for a while and started over after a few months and suddenly it worked 🤷‍♀️.

I chose "The Soldier and the Parade" by Stele3 (I don't know if they have a tumblr...). It's an incredibly captivating story about Bucky deprogramming himself after Hydra and working to find his place and live his life. He also has to solve that problem called Steve Rogers. Go read it! It's soooo good. I'm also a really big fan of MCR so double plus.

After I beat Word into submission and sourced the material the actual bookbinding wasn't so hard. I build some tools after noticing how hard some steps are without, but that's something for another post. Here's the result (It took me over a year from August 21 to November 22):

After I finally wrangled the formatting I printed it... at home... It kept eating and crinkling the paper and because of the signatures I couldn't do it in parts and had to start over and over again. Then the ink was empty and I had to get more. Then the toner-dust-container had to be exchanged. Then it refused to print this particular document. It worked with another laptop though, don't ask me why. In the end I had to sit besides it and take every page out. Then I had to press them down because they kept bending upwards and jamming the printer. After three days I could print the other side. Needless to say I know use a local copy shop because I'm not going through that again...

I made two copies. One is just glued (Lumbecker) and one is sewn. At that point I had no Cricut so I printed the Title, cut it out with my nail scissors and stenciled it on the cover. Sadly, it bled into the linen quite a lot. The one one the right I reworked some time ago.

Here you can see the spine, where I noticed that I have to have a minimum thickness to have enough space for lettering.

Aaaand the slightly unclean binding with industrially produced endbands. I didn't yet know how to do them by hand...

Half Title

Front Matter and Headings

Binding Details: Text Body: Garamond, 10 Chapter Heading: Ink Free, 18 Part Heading: schriftgenerator.eu (Bleeding Cowboys) Full Title: fontmeme.com (My Chemical Romance Font) Word Count: 50.577 Pages: 200

The paper is normal copy paper that I had cut out from DIN A3 to get the grain right. That was a very difficult problem to solve

Some progress pics:

That's how I did the binding before I build my own sewing frame... Do you believe me if I said this killed my back? I did it laying in front of it on my stomach and afterwards even my ribs hurt :D not doing that again. At least that ladder finally found some use.

My work table at the moment, though I'm in the progress of renovating a room in the basement so that I'll have more space.

The covers before the final assembly.

[optiwashere]

I'm curious about Karlach's heart. What does Asheera think, what would Gond think?

In my headcanon version of Act 3, Asheera absolutely tries to convince the surviving Gondians in Baldur's Gate to fix her heart. She tries to fix it herself for real with Dammon's help in A2/A3, but it's far too complicated for them given the time and resources they have.

Karlach was her bestie in that playthrough, and she doesn't understand how Karlach can be so optimistic despite it all. Karlach really makes her see how important it is to live in the now and losing her would be a huge blow to Asheera. So she gets a bit manic about trying to solve the problem before time is up, trying anything she can that might remotely work. She pushes everyone to deal with the Steel Watch ASAP because of this.

If I want to explore tragedy I would say that the Gondians don't listen to Asheera for whatever reason that I haven't decided yet.

If I want to have a happy ending because fuck it (like in the masquerade fic) then she manages to convince them without much problem, though likely with constant maintenance required.

Also, there's already hints that the Steel Watch is built on a modified version of Karlach's heart, and you can get that Improved Infernal Iron (or whatever it's called) from them as item drops.

Gond wouldn't think anything of Karlach, tbh. As interesting a problem to solve as she might be, he's still just a regular god that can't mess around with people that aren't his followers.

P.S. I love questions like this about Asheera!!! Thank you for asking these 💜

[asordinaryppl]

A3! Main Story: Part 4 - Act 16: Crossing Paths - Episode 18: Someone I Used To Know

Tsumugi: Good morning.

Staff: Good morning.

Director: Good morning.

Tsumugi: I look forward to working with you today as well.

Director: I’m so glad you accepted, Tsukioka-kun. I look forward to watching your acting today too.

Tsumugi: I don’t have much experience with acting in films. I’m still feeling my way around, but I’ll do my best.

Ryota: Tsumugi-san, good morning!

Tsumugi: Good morning, Ryota-kun.

Ryota: Look, look, I got up to here on the problems I couldn’t solve yesterday!

Tsumugi: Woah, that’s amazing.

Ryota: But these exercises just take so long…

Tsumugi: Then let’s try to find a different way to solve them later.

Ryota: Okay!

Tsumugi: Good for you, it’s impressive how you can study in between takes.

Ryota: Meh, I like doing both, so I don’t mind!

Tsumugi: That’s amazing. I have to follow your example and do my best, too.

-

Staff: We’re filming now. Aaand, action!

Tsumugi: “Do you have proof?”

Ryota: “... Will you believe me if I show you this? It’s Mom and Dad’s wedding ring.”

Tsumugi: “… Then, you really are my kid from the future?”

Staff: Cut! We’re checking it now!

Tsumugi: (Maybe I should have done this part differently.)

Staff: OK!

Tsumugi: (Ah, I can’t run through it again. But I wonder if it’s good the way it is?)

Tsumugi: …

Tsumugi: (It really is different from how a play comes together. I wonder if this is how Tasuku felt, too…)

-

Tsumugi: Thank you for your hard work.

Director: Good work. We’ll be counting on you tomorrow too.

Tsumugi: I will be in your care.

Ryota: Thank you for your hard work~ Tsumugi-san, see ya~!

Tsumugi: See you.

-

Tsumugi: (Filming ended early today. I still have some time until the time I asked the Director to come pick me up…)

Tsumugi: (That reminds me, there should be a gardening store nearby. Maybe I’ll go check it out.)

[Someone falling]

Woman: Urgh…

Tsumugi: !?

Tsumugi: Are you alright?

Woman: I-I’m sorry…

Tsumugi: Ah–

Woman: ——

-

[Car coming to a stop]

Izumi: (The place Tsumugi-san asked me to meet him at should be around here, but–)

Izumi: Ah, there he is. Tsumugi-san–

Tsumugi: Oh, good. Over here.

Woman: …

Izumi: Oh? Who is this?

Tsumugi: It seems like she suddenly started feeling nauseous, so I was keeping her company.

Izumi: Wha!? Do you want us to take you to the hospital?

Woman: Oh, no, no. I was just feeling a little bloated. I felt better when I sat down.

Woman: My husband will be coming to pick me up soon—

The woman’s husband: Heeey!

Woman: Ah, there he is. I’ll be fine now.

Woman: Thank you so much, Tsukioka-kun, really.

Tsumugi: It’s no problem. Take care of yourself.

Woman: I’m sorry for troubling you.

The woman’s husband: Thanks for all your help. We'll be going now.

-

Izumi: Was that woman a friend of yours?

Tsumugi: She’s someone I used to date, actually. It looks like she’ll be giving birth soon.

Izumi: !? W-Wasn’t that a little awkward?

Tsumugi: Huh?

Izumi: You even met her current partner…

Tsumugi: Ahh… I was surprised because it all happened in the blink of an eye, but she seemed happy, and neither of them seemed to mind too much.

Tsumugi: She always wanted to get married quickly, so I’m glad she found a good guy to settle down with.

Izumi: I see…

Izumi: (That’s pretty in line with Tsumugi-san’s character. They were talking to each other so casually back there.)

Tsumugi: I’m sorry for making you come pick me up.

Izumi: Not at all! I was just out on some business myself, so don’t worry about it. Besides, this place is a little inconvenient to get to without a car.

Tsumugi: It’s gotten a little late, would you like to get curry together on our way home? It’ll be my treat as thanks for picking me up.

Izumi: Are you sure!? Thank you very much!

-

Tasuku: “Stop! You’re wrong!”

Tasuku: … We got told off about this part pretty often, huh?

-

[Flashback starts]

Reni: This final performance gets a “passing grade”. Reflect on the meaning of these words well.

Reni: A safe result is not befitting of GOD-za. You must always aim for perfection. There won’t be a next time.

Tasuku: Yes, sir.

Haruto: Yes, sir!

[Flashback ends]

-

Tsumugi: I’m back.

Tasuku: Hey, welcome back. How did the filming go?

Tsumugi: It’s really different from being on stage. Honestly, I found a lot of things difficult.

Tsumugi: But it’s because of that that I found it interesting. Thinking of how to improve for next time is fun, too.

Tasuku: It’s just like you to be able to switch between theater and filming so flexibly.

Tsumugi: Oh, right, I met someone I used to know today.

Tasuku: Someone you used to know?

Tsumugi: The girl I used to date. She got married and has a baby on the way. She’ll be giving birth soon, apparently.

Tasuku: HUH!?

Tsumugi: Is that so shocking? I mean, I was surprised at first, too.

Tasuku: No, rather than shocked… I feel weird because you never talk to me about these things.

Tsumugi: Right, I didn’t have much experience in that field until university.

Tasuku: Right…

Tsumugi: More importantly, is that the script for your upcoming drama? It’s pretty messed up already.

Tasuku: No, this is… A script from my time at GOD-za that I dug up.

previous episode | masterpost | next episode

[educationalmafia]

Key Aspects of a Certified Lean Implementer Certification

If you’re serious about eliminating inefficiencies, improving business workflows, and making a real impact in your career or organization, then the Certified Lean Implementer Certification is exactly what you should be looking at. But before you dive in, let’s break down the key aspects of this in-demand program 🛠️.

🔍 What Is a Lean Implementer?

A Certified Lean Implementer is someone who has the expertise to analyze, streamline, and continuously improve processes using Lean principles. Whether it’s manufacturing, IT, healthcare, or finance—every industry needs Lean thinkers. Why? Because waste is everywhere, and organizations are hungry for professionals who can reduce it while increasing value. 💼✨

💡 What Makes the Lean Implementer Certification So Valuable?

Great question! The Lean Implementer Certification from GSDC is more than just a certificate—it’s a toolkit for transformation. Here are some key highlights that make it stand out:

✅ Hands-On, Practical Approach – You don’t just learn theory. You learn how to apply Lean tools like 5S, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping in real-world scenarios.

✅ Cross-Industry Value – Whether you’re in logistics, healthcare, IT, or even retail, a Lean certification is highly versatile and applicable.

✅ Boosts Career Potential – Stand out in job interviews, get promoted, or transition into operations, quality, or process improvement roles. 📈

✅ Builds a Problem-Solving Mindset – This certification isn’t just about fixing problems. It’s about preventing them before they even occur! 🔍

✅ Globally Recognized – The Lean Implementer Certification by GSDC is respected by employers and industries across the globe. 🌍

🔧 What Will You Learn?

By becoming a Certified Lean Implementer, you’ll be able to:

Identify and eliminate non-value-added activities

Improve process flow and reduce lead time

Foster a culture of continuous improvement

Use Lean tools like 5 Whys, A3 problem solving, and more

Analyze processes using real data and deliver measurable results

And yes, you’ll be ready to lead transformation projects—not just participate in them.

🚀 Why Now?

Let’s be honest—2025 is all about agility, efficiency, and results. Companies are investing more than ever in process improvement. That means if you’re not Lean-certified, you’re probably missing out on career-defining opportunities.

So, if you’ve been waiting for the right time to upgrade your skillset… this is it. 🔥

The Lean Implementer Certification is more than just a professional boost—it’s a mindset upgrade. It prepares you to solve problems, lead change, and make data-driven decisions that impact your organization in big ways.

So… are you ready to become a Certified Lean Implementer and drive real, lasting change? 💪

#LeanImplementer #CertifiedLeanImplementer #LeanCertification #ProcessImprovement #ContinuousImprovement #GSDC #BusinessEfficiency #LeanThinking #CareerUpgrade #OperationalExcellence #LeadershipDevelopment #LeanSixSigma #Lean2025

For more information: https://www.gsdcouncil.org/certified-lean-implementer

Contact no: +41 41444851189

[bookeysnewsletter]

Unlocking Insights: A Comprehensive Summary of Managing To Learn Audiobook

Part 1 Managing To Learn by John Shook Summary

"Managing to Learn" by John Shook is a practical guide that focuses on the importance of learning in the context of management and continuous improvement. It emphasizes the role of leaders in fostering a culture of learning within organizations. Below is a summary of the key themes and concepts presented in the book:

1. Learning vs. Training: Shook differentiates between learning as a continuous, experiential process and training as a more formal, static endeavor. He advocates for an environment where employees actively engage in learning through real-world experiences.

2. The Importance of a Learning Culture: The book stresses that a strong culture of learning helps organizations adapt and innovate. Leaders should create an atmosphere that encourages questioning, experimentation, and the sharing of knowledge.

3. The Role of the Manager: Managers are portrayed as key facilitators of learning. They should support their teams by providing resources, encouragement, and opportunities for development while also modeling continuous improvement behaviors.

4. Problem-Solving as Learning: Shook discusses how problem-solving is fundamentally a learning activity. By solving problems, teams gain insights and develop skills that contribute to both individual and organizational growth.

5. The A3 Process: One of the core tools discussed in the book is the A3 process, a structured problem-solving method derived from Lean management principles. Shook explains how the A3 report can be used not only to document problems and solutions but also to support learning and communication within the organization.

6. Reflective Practice: The book encourages managers and employees to engage in reflective practice, where learning from experience is prioritized. This involves examining successes and failures to draw meaningful insights that drive future improvements.

7. Iterative Learning Cycles: Shook emphasizes the need for organizations to embrace iterative learning cycles. This means regularly reviewing processes, making adjustments, and continuously seeking better ways of performing tasks.

8. Engagement and Empowerment: For effective learning to occur, employees must be engaged and empowered. Shook encourages managers to involve team members in decision-making and to value their input, thus fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Overall, "Managing to Learn" serves as a resource for managers looking to enhance their leadership approach by prioritizing learning and continuous improvement within their organizations. It offers practical tools and insights that can lead to more effective management and operational excellence.

Part 2 Managing To Learn Author

John Shook is an author, educator, and consultant primarily known for his work in the fields of Lean management and organizational development. He is particularly recognized for his contributions to Lean thinking and practice through his writings and teachings.

Managing to Learn:   

John Shook published "Managing to Learn: Using the A3 Management Process to Solve Problems, Gain Agreement, Mentor, and Lead" in 2008. This book focuses on the A3 problem-solving process, which is instrumental for Lean practitioners looking to improve their problem-solving skills and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Other Works:  

In addition to "Managing to Learn," John Shook has written several other books related to Lean principles, including:

"Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation" (with James P. Womack) A foundational text in Lean methodologies.

"The Lean Manager: A Novel of Lean Transformation" (with Ian Shook) A narrative approach to understanding Lean transformations in organizations.

"The Lean Leap" Focused on advancing Lean implementation.

Best Edition:  

While "Managing to Learn" is well-regarded for its practical insights and has gained popularity within Lean circles, determining the "best" book may depend on specific needs or interests. Many practitioners might consider "Lean Thinking" as one of the most influential and best editions because it lays the groundwork for understanding Lean principles, though "Managing to Learn" is often praised for its clear application of those principles in the context of problem-solving and management.

For the most updated information on his works and any new releases, it's advisable to check recent publications or his official webpage or profiles on professional platforms.

Part 3 Managing To Learn Chapters

"Managing to Learn" by John Shook focuses on the concept of learning as a vital component of effective management and organizational success. The book emphasizes how managers can foster a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving within their teams through systematic learning processes, particularly drawing from Lean principles.

The overall theme revolves around the idea that effective management involves not just decision-making but also facilitating a learning environment where employees can experiment, reflect, and grow. Shook argues that learning should be embedded in daily operations and that managers must lead by example to encourage curiosity and critical thinking.

Key chapters typically cover the following concepts:

1. Learning as a Management Habit: This chapter discusses the necessity for managers to prioritize learning and incorporate it into their daily routines.

2. The Role of A3 Thinking: Shook introduces the A3 report, a structured problem-solving tool used to capture issues, analysis, and actions, ultimately promoting clarity and understanding.

3. Coaching for Learning: This chapter emphasizes the importance of coaching and mentorship in encouraging team members to take responsibility for their learning and development.

4. Creating a Learning Culture: Shook discusses strategies for establishing a workplace culture where learning is valued and encouraged, including the importance of trust and psychological safety.

5. The Importance of Reflection: Reflective practices are examined, highlighting how individuals and teams can learn from both successes and failures.

In summary, "Managing to Learn" is a practical guide for managers on how to cultivate a learning-oriented environment that drives improvement and engagement. It underscores that effective management is about facilitating growth and adapting through continued learning, rather than simply enforcing control or management techniques.

Part 4 Managing To Learn Theme

Managing To Learn Theme

Theme of "Managing to Learn" by John Shook  

The core theme of "Managing to Learn" revolves around the integration of continuous improvement, Lean management principles, and effective learning within organizations. Shook emphasizes the importance of learning as a process that is pivotal to sustaining organizational change and enhancing productivity.

Related Chapters

1. Chapter 1: The Importance of Learning  

This chapter introduces the concept of learning as an essential process for any organization striving for continuous improvement. It sets the foundation for understanding how organizations can thrive through cultivating a learning culture.

2. Chapter 3: The Role of Management in Learning  

In this chapter, Shook articulates how managers play a critical role in facilitating learning. The focus is on how managers can create an environment that encourages experimentation and reflection, thereby supporting the learning journey of employees.

3. Chapter 6: The Learning Organization  

This chapter expands on the characteristics of organizations that successfully implement learning and Lean practices. It explores how a collective commitment to learning can lead to innovative solutions and a more engaged workforce.

Thematic Presentation

Continuous Improvement: Throughout these chapters, Shook underscores that learning is a continuous journey rather than a destination. He highlights tools such as Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and the scientific method as frameworks that enable ongoing learning and problem-solving.

Management’s Role: Shook emphasizes that successful learning is not solely the responsibility of the workforce but also involves management's active participation. Leaders must model learning behaviors, encourage open dialogue, and create safe spaces for employees to share insights and address failures.

Collaborative Learning: The concept of collaboration is a recurring theme. Shook illustrates how peer-to-peer learning and shared experiences can enhance individual and collective knowledge within an organization.

Cultural Context

In a broader social and cultural context, the themes presented in "Managing to Learn" resonate with contemporary trends towards agility, flexibility, and the importance of knowledge management in diverse sectors. Here are a few points reflecting this cultural relevance:

1. The Knowledge Economy: As the global economy increasingly shifts toward knowledge-based industries, the principles of learning organizations are critically relevant. Businesses are tasked with adapting rapidly to changes in technology and consumer behavior, illustrating the necessity of continuous learning.

2. Shift Towards Empowerment: Many modern organizational structures are moving away from hierarchical models to more empowered teams that value creativity and innovation. The themes in Shook's work align with movements advocating for flatter organization structures that promote learning and adaptability.

3. Cultural Transformation: As organizations strive to develop a learning culture, there is a broader societal push towards lifelong learning and resilience. This is evident in the growing emphasis on professional development, education reforms geared toward real-world skills, and corporate training programs that prioritize adaptability.

4. Globalization and Diversity: In today’s interconnected world, organizations are increasingly encountering diverse perspectives and ideas. Emphasizing learning as an organizational foundation helps organizations navigate cultural differences and leverage diverse experiences for enhanced problem-solving.

Overall, John Shook's "Managing to Learn" acts as a guide for organizations looking to embed learning into their culture, positioning them favorably for the challenges and dynamics of the modern business landscape.

Part 5 Quotes of Managing To Learn

Managing To Learn

quotes as follows:

Here are ten notable quotes from "Managing to Learn" by John Shook that capture the essence of the book's teachings on management, learning, and problem-solving:

1. "The challenge of management is not to impose order, but to create the conditions that allow order to emerge from chaos."

2. "To improve, we must learn to see the work, understand the work, and ultimately improve it based on our understanding."

3. "Learning is a continuous process, not a one-time event. It requires engagement and commitment from everyone in the organization."

4. "Effective leadership is less about telling people what to do and more about creating an environment where people can learn and grow."

5. "Questions are more important than answers in the pursuit of knowledge and improvement."

6. "The real value of a problem is not in the solution, but in the opportunity it provides for learning and growth."

7. "To manage effectively, one must embrace the concept of ‘kaizen’—the practice of continuous improvement through incremental changes."

8. "A successful organization is one where knowledge flows freely, and where failures are seen as opportunities to learn, not as reasons for punishment."

9. "Teaching people how to think, rather than what to think, is the key to developing a culture of learning."

10. "In the world of continuous improvement, the journey is just as important as the destination; process matters as much as results."

These quotes emphasize the importance of learning, continuous improvement, and fostering a supportive work environment in management practices. If you want to know more about the book or discuss specific concepts, feel free to ask!

Part 6 Similar Books Like Managing To Learn

Certainly! Here’s a list of five books that resonate with themes of learning, management, and personal development, similar to "Managing To Learn":

1. "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries   

This book emphasizes the importance of innovation and adaptability in startups. Ries introduces the concept of validated learning, encouraging entrepreneurs to build their products in a way that allows them to adapt quickly based on customer feedback, akin to the principles of continuous learning and improvement.

2. "The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World's Greatest Manufacturer" by Jeffrey K. Liker   

This book provides deep insights into the practices that have made Toyota a leader in manufacturing. Liker explains the philosophy behind Lean manufacturing and the importance of a culture focused on ongoing learning and process improvement, making it a vital read for anyone interested in efficient management.

3. "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink   

Pink explores what truly motivates people at work beyond traditional rewards. He offers a compelling argument for autonomy, mastery, and purpose, making it essential reading for managers looking to create an environment conducive to learning and individual growth.

4. "Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts." by Brené Brown   

In this book, Brown digs into the importance of vulnerability and trust in leadership. She provides practical strategies for fostering an open and inclusive culture where learning and innovation thrive, emphasizing the human aspects of management that are crucial for effective teams.

5. "Teaching Smart People How to Learn" by Chris Argyris   

Argyris dives into the challenges professionals face in truly learning from their experiences. Through insightful analysis, he discusses how organizations can overcome barriers to learning, offering valuable perspectives on how to create a culture where learning is continuous and encouraged.

These books provide diverse perspectives on management and learning, making them excellent companions for anyone exploring these fields. They underscore the importance of adaptability, motivation, leadership, and organizational culture in fostering an environment of continual growth and improvement.

Book Summary Audio Bookey  https://www.bookey.app/audiobook/managing-to-learn

Youtube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJOWtMkq9vE

Amazon  https://www.amazon.com/Managing-Learn-Management-Problems-Agreement/dp/1934109207

Goodreads  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5667107-managing-to-learn

[ratlombot2]

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Title of the two-part set

"As it is above Middlesbrough, so it is below Middlesbrough. -

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Medium:

Pastel and Acrylic on Paper.

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Picture 1

"As Above Middlesbrough -Empty office spaces. - All hail the money!"

Size A3

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Picture 2

"As Below Middlesbrough - Let the cold solve our homeless problem."

Size A3

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Notes:

The reference photos were taken from MIMA Terrace and the MIMA bottom building corner.

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This a pro-left wing statement.

Why do the homeless suffer when there are yet more warm empty spaces from yet more "projects"? That use public money? - That never get used? - It smells like backhand bribes, Tax breaks, Possible criminal laundering, - and long-term now-accepted, endemic institutionalized dodgy local political corruption to me!

I may be wrong?

Maybe?

But that is still what it smells like to me!

Just my humble opinion...

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Price including UK post thirty pounds.

Plus, ten pounds for international postage.

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