#Adapt to Remote Work Environments

[knowthys]

Why We Must Upgrade Ourselves

Embracing Technological Advancements: Why We Must Upgrade Ourselves Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives in our rapidly evolving world. From smartphones and social media to artificial intelligence and automation, new technologies are continually reshaping the way we live, work, and interact. To thrive in this dynamic landscape, we must upgrade ourselves according to these new…

[reasonsforhope]

"In some cities, as many as one in four office spaces are vacant. Some start-ups are giving them a second life – as indoor farms growing crops as varied as kale, cucumber and herbs.

Since its 1967 construction, Canada's "Calgary Tower", a 190m (623ft) concrete-and-steel observation tower in Calgary, Alberta, has been home to an observation deck, panoramic restaurants and souvenir shops. Last year, it welcomed a different kind of business: a fully functioning indoor farm.

Sprawling across 6,000sq m (65,000 sq ft), the farm, which produces dozens of crops including strawberries, kale and cucumber, is a striking example of the search for city-grown food. But it's hardly alone. From Japan to Singapore to Dubai, vertical indoor farms – where crops can be grown in climate-controlled environments with hydroponics, aquaponics or aeroponics techniques – have been popping up around the world.

While indoor farming had been on the rise for years, a watershed moment came during the Covid-19 pandemic, when disruptions to the food supply chain underscored the need for local solutions. In 2021, $6bn (£4.8bn) in vertical farming deals were registered globally – the peak year for vertical farming investment. As the global economy entered its post-pandemic phase, some high-profile startups like Fifth Season went out of business, and others including Planted Detroit and AeroFarms running into a period of financial difficulty. Some commentators questioned whether a "vertical farming bubble" had popped.

But a new, post-pandemic trend may give the sector a boost. In countries including Canada and Australia, landlords are struggling to fill vacant office spaces as companies embrace remote and hybrid work. In the US, the office vacancy rate is more than 20%.

"Vertical farms may prove to be a cost-effective way to fill in vacant office buildings," says Warren Seay, Jr, a real estate finance partner in the Washington DC offices of US law firm ArentFox Schiff, who authored an article on urban farm reconversions. 

There are other reasons for the interest in urban farms, too. Though supply chains have largely recovered post-Covid-19, other global shocks, including climate change, geopolitical turmoil and farmers' strikes, mean that they continue to be vulnerable – driving more cities to look for local food production options...

Thanks to artificial light and controlled temperatures, offices are proving surprisingly good environments for indoor agriculture, spurring some companies to convert part of their facilities into small farms. Since 2022, Australia's start-up Greenspace has worked with clients like Deloitte and Commonwealth Bank to turn "dead zones", like the space between lifts and meeting rooms, into 2m (6ft) tall hydroponic cabinets growing leafy greens.

On top of being adaptable to indoor farm operations, vacant office buildings offer the advantage of proximity to final consumers.

In a former paper storage warehouse in Arlington, about a mile outside of Washington DC, Jacqueline Potter and the team at Area 2 Farms are growing over 180 organic varieties of lettuce, greens, root vegetables, herbs and micro-greens. By serving consumers 10 miles away or less, the company has driven down transport costs and associated greenhouse emissions.

This also frees the team up to grow other types of food that can be hard to find elsewhere – such as edible flower species like buzz buttons and nasturtium. "Most crops are now selected to be grown because of their ability to withstand a 1,500-mile journey," Potter says, referring to the average distance covered by crops in the US before reaching customers. "In our farm, we can select crops for other properties like their nutritional value or taste."

Overall, vertical farms have the potential to outperform regular farms on several environmental sustainability metrics like water usage, says Evan Fraser, professor of geography at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada and the director of the Arell Food Institute, a research centre on sustainable food production. Most indoor farms report using a tiny fraction of the water that outdoor farms use. Indoor farms also report greater output per square mile than regular farms.

Energy use, however, is the "Achilles heel" of this sector, says Fraser: vertical farms need a lot of electricity to run lighting and ventilation systems, smart sensors and automated harvesting technologies. But if energy is sourced from renewable sources, they can outperform regular farms on this metric too, he says. 

Because of variations in operational setup, it is hard to make a general assessment of the environmental, social and economic sustainability of indoor farms, says Jiangxiao Qiu, a landscape ecologist at the University of Florida and author of a study on urban agriculture's role in sustainability. Still, he agrees with Fraser: in general, urban indoor farms have higher crop yield per square foot, greater water and nutrient-use efficiency, better resistance to pests and shorter distance to market. Downsides include high energy use due to lighting, ventilation and air conditioning.

They face other challenges, too. As Seay notes, zoning laws often do not allow for agricultural activity within urban areas (although some cities like Arlington, Virginia, and Cincinnati, Ohio, have recently updated zoning to allow indoor farms). And, for now, indoor farms have limited crop range. It is hard to produce staple crops like wheat, corn or rice indoors, says Fraser. Aside from leafy greens, most indoor facilities cannot yet produce other types of crops at scale.

But as long as the post-pandemic trends of remote work and corporate downsizing will last, indoor farms may keep popping up in cities around the world, Seay says. 

"One thing cities dislike more than anything is unused spaces that don't drive economic growth," he says. "If indoor farm conversions in cities like Arlington prove successful, others may follow suit.""

-via BBC, January 27, 2025

[romandabirsayfa]

BERADESİGNSHOP

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[fandomtrumpshate]

Defeating Tr*mp and the Republican party: how you can help

So as you've probably heard, there is a presidential election coming up in the US this November. You may even be experiencing some concern about the outcome of that election -- given both the high stakes and the active efforts by Republicans to suppress the vote -- and wondering what more you can do to stave off the possibility of a literal fascist takeover of the United States.

The good news is: you're not helpless. There are wonderful organizations out there -- staffed by knowledgeable, talented people with their feet already on the ground -- and they could use your help.

Here are a few of them:

VoteBeat offers deeply-researched local reporting about elections, which is both valuable and rare in the current news environment. A spinoff of ChalkBeat, it was founded and is run by journalists from ProPublica.

Spread the Vote is an organization that works on the ground to help every eligible voter secure the documentation and the access they need to make their voices heard. In particular, StV runs a program called Vote by Mail in Jail to help ensure that incarcerated persons also have access to these rights.

VoteRiders, like StV, works to ensure that every American has the opportunity to vote. In particular, they provide financial and practical support to trans people so that they can get hold of the documentation they need and can vote safely and confidently.

FairVote advocates for ranked-choice voting, a system in wide use outside the US which far more effectively captures the will of the electorate. (we don't have an individual feature page for them, but FV was one of FTH's supported orgs in 2020.)

(This is just a short starter list of amazing organizations, pulled from FTH's supported orgs list in past years; there are plenty of others. Please feel free to add them in reblogs!)

Ways you can help

Donate to one (or more!) of these organizations. These are all fairly small operations, even if their goals and their impact is large; they could use the help!

Volunteer your time. Many of these organizations rely on volunteers to make their day-to-day operations work. Sometimes it's necessary to do this volunteering in person, but often there is a remote option for volunteering if that's what works for you.

Run a fanworks auction to raise money. FTH recently rolled out a full and detailed playbook, sharing all of our organizational materials and step-by-step guides for how to use them and adapt them to your needs. This is a great moment to put that to work! Whether you want to raise money for one of the organizations listed above, or for some other nonprofit, or even for a progressive local candidate that could use the support (FTH doesn't do individual candidates, but you shouldn't let that stop you!) you can make a real difference while also helping to put more fanworks into the world.

[vanteguccir]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤFAINTING SPELLS * MATT STURNIOLO

SUMMARY　::　where Y/N has severe low blood pressure, but seems to forget about it when getting up too quickly, causing her to pass out, but her boyfriend, Matt, is there to help her come back.

FEATURING　Matt Sturniolo x reader　REQUESTED?　yes.

WARNINGS　::　fainting.

AUTHOR'S NOTE　::　that is my work, I DON'T authorize any form of plagiarism; copy, "inspiration" or translation! | english isn't my first language, so I'm sorry if there's any grammar error.

"Do you want some popcorn, baby?" Y/N asked in a whisper, turning her head slightly to the right side, her eyes running over Matt's side profile.

Matt gently caressed the girl's legs that rested on top of his own, humming and reaching for the TV remote, pausing the movie.

"Yes, please." He nodded, finally looking back at her, a small smile appearing on his face. "You want help?"

"No, baby. I got this." Y/N muttered, receiving an "okay" from Matt, who grabbed his phone from the bedside table, ready to distract himself while he waited for his girlfriend and the food.

Y/N straightened her position on the bed before throwing her legs off the mattress, standing up abruptly.

She took minimal steps forward before feeling an immense heat rise through her body. Her skin felt like it was burning, and her heart started racing as her feet and hands felt numb. Her vision went completely dark, thousands of white dots flashing in the middle of the pitch black.

Y/N tried to lean on the mattress, but the distance between her hand and the bed made her lose her balance. Her legs weakened, causing her body to hit the floor with a dull thud, her mind blacking out instantly.

Matt lifted his head abruptly at the sound, his brow furrowed as his eyes searched for its source. A shock went through his brain when he saw his girlfriend lying on the floor.

The boy quickly crawled onto the bed until he reached the other side of the mattress, throwing himself on the floor, crouching down and sitting on top of his own bent legs.

"Hey baby, come on, talk to me." His eyes roamed the girl's body frantically, waiting for a reaction, only then realizing that his girlfriend was completely unconscious.

Y/N had severe low blood pressure, which caused her body and mind to weaken with the simplest things, from not eating much throughout the day or not eating anything salty, to standing up abruptly from a sitting or lying position; Matt knew about that, having witnessed several situations in which his girl went unconscious or almost, already knowing how to deal with it.

He quickly turned her body so that she was lying upright on the floor and face up, his hands worked on lifting her legs a few centimeters off the floor, carefully watching her body's reactions.

It didn't take more than seconds and soon his blue eyes caught the fingers of his girlfriend's hands moving slightly - almost imperceptibly -, followed by her eyelids trembling, her eyelashes caressing her cheeks with the movements.

"There you go, baby. Open your eyes for me." Matt asked in a low voice, stroking her ankles gently, waiting for Y/N to wake up so he could let them go.

"Matt?" Her voice was airy, her eyes slowly opening as her pupils seemed to try to adapt to the environment around herself.

"Yes, baby. It's Matt." The brunette finally released her legs, slowly resting her heels on the floor before crawling to the side of Y/N's head. He placed his right hand on her cheek, pushing back the strands of hair that was on her face and caressing the soft skin with the tip of his fingers.

"Hey." Y/N whispered, finally managing to open her eyes fully, focusing on Matt's face, which was bent over hers, watching her intently.

"Hi my love, are you back with me?" His voice was soft, a smile stretching on his face as he saw the red color of her cheeks slowly return.

Y/N nodded, finally feeling her senses fully. She smiled and closed her eyes for a few seconds, enjoying Matt's caresses.

The girl slowly lifted her torso, sitting on the cold floor, crossing her legs and resting her right thigh on Matt's bent knees.

"I'm sorry." She muttered, lowering her head in shame for interrupting their movie afternoon.

"Hey, no. Don't apologize. It's natural of your body, and it's okay." Matt interrupted her self-deprecation, his right hand traveling to Y/N's chin, pressing the area upwards so that she lifted her head again, their eyes connecting. "Okay?"

"Okay." She whispered back, her tongue escaping her lips momentarily, wetting them.

Matt quickly extended his torso, standing on his knees on the floor, his hand grabbing the Stanley cup full of water that always sat on the nightstand on Y/N's side of the bed. She always felt thirsty at night but hated having to get up and go to the kitchen.

"Here. Drink, sweetheart." He brought the cup closer to Y/N's face, pressing the pink straw against his girl's bottom lip, watching her carefully as she opened her mouth slightly, taking small sips of the contents. "There you go."

His hand holding the cup moved away from Y/N's face after she appeared satisfied, pushing his hand slightly.

"Are you feeling any pain? You hit the ground pretty hard, baby." Matt's tone was full of concern, his eyes inspecting the exposed skin of her body for any injuries.

"My shoulder is sore, I think I must have fallen on it." Y/N frowned, her hands traveling to her pained shoulder, touching the area lightly, a wince escaping her lips.

"It's okay, baby. Don't press it to avoid making it worse. I'm going to get some ice so we can put it there before it turns purple." He lifted himself off the ground, placing the cup on the bedside table again.

Matt curved his upper body slightly, sealing his lips over the top of Y/N's head for a few seconds, exhaling her sweet smell.

"I love you, I'll be right back." He murmured against his girl's hair before straightening his spine and walking out of the room in quick steps.

© vanteguccir

[fanfictionismyaddiction]

Threes a Formula

Word count: 3.7k

Summary: Y/n Müller, a Media Design graduate from Stuttgart, accepts a live-in nanny position with the prestigious Wolff family in Monaco. She moves to care for their young son, Jack, and quickly adapts to the fast-paced lifestyle of the Formula One world. 

Pairing: Toto Wolff x Susie Wolff x Nanny!reader

Masterlist

Warnings: fluff in the beginning. Later; 18+, cursing, age gap relationship, smut, Daddy kink, Mommy kink.

Ch.2 Ch.3 Ch.4 Ch.5

______________________________________________________________

Chapter 1: Welcome to the Wolffs

Y/n Müller had always been driven by a deep sense of creativity and a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Growing up in a bilingual household in Stuttgart, she had developed a passion for languages and cultures, seamlessly switching between German and English. This dual heritage had given her a unique perspective and a love for connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.

When it came time to choose a field of study, Y/n followed her heart and enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts program, majoring in Media Design. She was drawn to the world of visual storytelling, believing that design could shape perceptions and inspire change. Her coursework was rigorous, covering everything from graphic design to video production, but Y/n thrived in the academic environment.

However, as graduation approached, Y/n found herself at a crossroads. While she loved the theoretical aspects of her studies, she longed for a more hands-on role where she could apply her knowledge in real-life situations. She had worked part-time as a nanny throughout her university years, discovering a natural talent for engaging with children and creating enriching experiences for them.

One evening, while scrolling through job postings, Y/n stumbled upon an advertisement that caught her eye: 

______________________________________________________________

WE ARE HIRING

a live-in nanny position for a family in Monaco. bilingual background (German and English) 

Job description: A high-profile family deeply embedded in motorsports is looking for a bilingual nanny who can travel with them fully and adjust to a dynamic lifestyle.

Required skills: Background in early childhood care.

Job Location: Monaco (base)

______________________________________________________________

It didn't say who that family was, but since she was a new motorsports fan, she had recently started watching "Drive to Survive" on Netflix, it only had 2 Seasons and she just started on episode 3 of season 1. All that she knew about motorsports she got from Drive to Survive but there are so many different categories, not only Formula 1. So she decided she may not know who they were anyway.

But that docuseries had piqued her interest, offering a glimpse into the thrilling and often dramatic world of F1 racing, full of fascinating stories, personalities, and grown men that could be so petty and childish sometimes. Between the drama and the drivers, she felt like watching an episode of "The Real Housewives" shows. Not to forget the lifestyle that comes with motorsports.

She felt an instant connection with the Mercedes team, even though they were hardly spoken about in the first season, since she was born in Stuttgart and everyone knows how interconnected that city is with the brand.

That's why her heart raced so fast as she read the listing. It seemed too good to be true! The chances that I really was anything remotely connected with the Show was slim but she still had a good feeling about it.

It also was just a chance to combine her creative background, passion for nurturing children, and newfound love for motorsports while experiencing life in an entirely new and glamorous setting, knowing that the family had wealth seeing as they live in Monaco. 

The more she thought about it, the more it seemed like the perfect opportunity. All those factors drove her to apply for the job. 

Working for that prominent family would allow her to make a significant impact on a kid's life, providing him or her as nanny a stable and loving presence amidst their busy lives. 

The role also offered her professional and personal growth, which a traditional design job might not provide. At least not in that capacity.

And the opportunity to travel with the family in their fast-paced world and manage the challenges of a high-profile household would push her out of her comfort zone and help her develop a diverse skill set. 

Plus, the exciting idea of living in Monaco, a city known for its beauty and sophistication, was too tempting to pass up. 

She could immerse herself in a new culture, build a global network, and create unforgettable memories. Her twenties were here so she could explore herself and the world so what better way than to travel and make friends.

She could always go back to her design background if she was getting tired of childcare. With her, you would never know.

Being highly interested in the job opening Y/n sent out her resume and a cover letter. Still not knowing who the family is. But she really didn't care who those people were as long as they were nice.

______________________________________________________________

I am writing to express my interest in the nanny position for your family. With a strong background in Media Design and over five years of experience in childcare, I am confident in my ability to provide a nurturing and enriching environment for your child. My bilingual skills and creative approach to education make me uniquely suited to support your family’s needs.

My experience includes designing engaging, educational activities that support children’s cognitive and emotional development. I am adept at managing busy schedules, coordinating travel, and maintaining the highest standards of discretion and professionalism. I believe my dedication and adaptability align well with the high standards you seek in a nanny.

I was born in Stuttgart, Germany, to a German mother and an American father, which afforded me the advantage of being raised bilingual in German and English. This multicultural background has not only enhanced my communication skills but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. I am passionate about traveling and eager to learn from new environments, which I believe will enrich my role as a nanny.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your family’s well-being.

Kind regards,

Y/n Müller

______________________________________________________________

When Y/n sent off her application, she felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. She had poured her heart into the cover letter, hoping her passion and experience would shine through. The following days were a whirlwind of emotions and activities as she waited for a response.

During those two weeks, Y/n kept herself busy to manage the anticipation. She continued her part-time nanny job, investing extra effort into creating engaging activities for the children she looked after. She also worked on freelance design projects, hoping to bolster her portfolio in case she needed to pivot back to her design career.

Y/n spent time with friends and family, sharing her hopes about the potential job in Monaco. They encouraged her, but the waiting was still nerve-wracking. Every time her phone buzzed, her heart raced, thinking it might be an email from the Wolff family.

To prepare herself for a possible interview, Y/n researched more about Monaco and the world of motorsports. She watched documentaries, read articles, and familiarized herself with the different sports leagues and key figures, hoping to impress the family with her knowledge if given the chance.

When the invitation for a video interview finally arrived, Y/n was both nervous and hopeful. The email's subject line made her heart skip a beat. She quickly opened it and read through the details, feeling a surge of excitement. She was thrilled to finally meet the family and get to know them, but also anxious about making a good impression.

______________________________________________________________

Dear Y/n,

We hope this email finds you well. Thank you for your interest in the nanny position with our family. We were delighted to receive your application and are impressed by your qualifications and enthusiasm.

Allow us to introduce ourselves. We are Toto and Susie Wolff, deeply involved in the world of motorsport. Toto serves as the Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, while Susie is a former racing driver and currently the CEO of ROKiT Venturi Racing in Formula E. Our careers require a significant amount of travel and flexibility, which is why we are seeking a reliable, creative, and adaptable nanny to assist in caring for our son, Jack.

Jack is a lively and curious three-year-old who loves exploring new things and learning through play. We are seeking someone who can not only care for him but also foster his love for learning and creativity. Your background in Media Design caught our attention, as we believe your creative skills can help make Jack’s experiences both fun and educational. Your bilingual ability is also a big plus, knowing you can speak both English and German with him.

We have scheduled a video interview with you to further discuss this opportunity. The interview will take place on January 12th at 3 PM. You can join the call using the following link: [Video Call Link].

During the interview, we would like to discuss your experience, your approach to childcare, and how you envision supporting Jack’s development. Additionally, we welcome any questions you may have about our family and Jack’s routine.

We hope you are as excited about this opportunity as we are about the prospect of having you join our family. Please let us know if you have any questions or need further information before the interview.

We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Warm regards,

Toto and Susie Wolff

______________________________________________________________

When Y/n received the email, her eyes widened in surprise and excitement as she read through it. She had been anxiously awaiting a response, but she never imagined that the family she had applied to work for was as prestigious as the Wolffs. She quickly reread the introduction, her heart racing.

"Wow," she whispered to herself. "Toto and Susie Wolff? This is incredible."

The significance of the opportunity began to sink in. Toto Wolff, the Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, and Susie Wolff, a former racing driver and the CEO of ROKiT Venturi Racing in Formula E, were offering her a chance to be part of their world. She felt a mixture of awe and determination.

Y/n couldn't help but smile as she thought about little Jack, imagining the lively and curious three-year-old they described. She was thrilled that her background in Media Design had caught their attention and that they saw the potential for her creative skills to enrich Jack’s experiences. Knowing they appreciated her bilingual ability gave her an added boost of confidence.

"January 12th at 3 PM," she murmured, making a mental note of the interview date and time. She clicked the video call link to ensure it worked, not wanting to leave anything to chance.

Her mind buzzed with a hundred thoughts at once. She needed to prepare thoroughly for the interview, making sure she could articulate her experience and vision for supporting Jack's development. She also wanted to prepare insightful questions to show her genuine interest in their family and lifestyle.

Y/n felt a surge of excitement mixed with a hint of nerves. This opportunity was bigger than she had anticipated, but she was determined to make the most of it. She took a deep breath, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over her.

"This is it," she thought. "This could be the start of something truly amazing."

She immediately set to work, planning her preparations for the interview. She wanted to be ready to impress Toto and Susie Wolff, knowing that this was a chance to combine her passions for childcare, creativity, and cultural exploration in an extraordinary way.

The night before the interview, Y/n rehearsed her answers to potential questions and prepared thoughtful questions of her own. She set up her laptop in her parents' house in Stuttgart, double-checked her internet connection, and ensured her surroundings were neat and professional. If this interview didn’t work out, she reminded herself, she could always fall back on her design background. But deep down, she knew how much she wanted this opportunity.

______________________________________________________________

She took a deep breath and clicked the link to join the video call.

The screen flickered, and soon she found herself face-to-face with Toto and Susie Wolff. Y/n had done a quick search on them prior to the interview, discovering their significant influence in the motorsports world, but she still didn’t know the full extent of their prominence.

“Hello, Y/n. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Susie said with a warm smile.

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Wolff. Thank you for this opportunity. Es freut mich sehr, dass wir die Möglichkeit haben, so miteinander zu kommunizieren (I am very pleased that we have the opportunity to communicate with each other like this),” Y/n replied, trying to keep her nerves in check.

“Please, call us Toto and Susie,” Toto said, his tone friendly and welcoming. “We’ve read through your application and were very impressed. Why don’t you tell us a bit more about yourself?”

Y/n began to explain her background in Media Design, her passion for working with children, and how she believed her creative skills would be beneficial in engaging and educating their son, Jack. She also mentioned her bilingual abilities and her experience growing up in Stuttgart.

Susie nodded thoughtfully. “We think your background is quite unique and would bring a fresh perspective to Jack’s upbringing. How do you feel about traveling frequently and adapting to different environments?”

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to travel,” Y/n said. “I think it would be an amazing experience for both Jack and me. I’m adaptable and eager to learn about new cultures and environments. Traveling has always been a passion of mine, although I haven’t had the opportunity to see and learn as much as I would like to until now.”

Toto leaned forward slightly. “One thing to consider is the nature of our lifestyle. It can be fast-paced and demanding. How comfortable are you with managing stress and maintaining flexibility?”

“I’m confident in my ability to handle stress and stay organized,” Y/n replied. “My studies and previous nanny jobs have taught me how to manage my time effectively and stay calm under pressure. Zudem möchte ich auch nochmal anführen, dass ich eben deutsch bin. Es liegt mir also eigentlich im Blut immer pünktlich zu sein und mein Leben gut zu managen. (I would also like to mention again that I am German. So it's actually in my blood to always be punctual and to manage my life well.)”

The last part was meant as a joke, but Toto and Susie knew she fully meant it.

Y/N paused before she asked a question she was eager to get an answer to. “I am very sorry to tell you I don’t really know about your work background and I was not comfortable googling the both of you so if you don’t mind what exactly do you do? Also, you spoke about traveling how often would that be and when would you like to have Jack with you guys?” It was a long question but she was confident they would answer her fully.

Susie and Toto exchanged a quick glance, their smiles warm and understanding. They appreciated her directness and respect for their privacy.

Susie spoke first, her tone friendly. "No worries at all, Y/n. I’m a former racing driver and currently the CEO of ROKiT Venturi Racing in Formula E. My role involves overseeing the team’s operations, strategy, and ensuring we’re competitive in the championship. It’s a dynamic and demanding job, but one I’m very passionate about."

Toto nodded, adding with a hint of enthusiasm, "And I’m the team principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. It’s an intense job, managing the team and ensuring we perform at our best during the racing season. So, as you can imagine, our schedules can be quite demanding and involve a fair bit of travel."

Susie continued, "Regarding travel, we do move around quite a bit, especially during the racing season, which runs from March to December. There are races almost every other week, and they happen all over the world. We'd love to have Jack with us during these travels, but it depends on the location and the duration of our stay."

Toto chimed in, "Ideally, we'd like him to join us for the major races and during the summer break when the schedule is a bit lighter. It's important to us that he experiences different cultures and environments, but we also want to ensure he has stability in his education and routine. We’re looking for someone who can help maintain that balance for him."

Susie nodded, "Exactly. We want Jack to feel secure and supported, no matter where we are. Your role would be crucial in providing that stability while also making the experience enjoyable and enriching for him."

Y/n listened carefully, nodding as Susie and Toto explained their busy schedules and travel needs. When they finished, she smiled confidently, ready to reassure them of her capabilities.

"Thank you both for sharing that with me. Your careers sound incredibly exciting and demanding, and I can see how important it is to you that Jack has stability amidst all the travel."

She paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts. "I have extensive experience working with children in various environments, including situations where parents have high-profile, busy careers. I understand the importance of creating a stable, nurturing environment for Jack, no matter where we are. I am skilled at maintaining routines and providing the educational support he needs to thrive."

Y/n continued, her voice steady and reassuring. "I’m very adaptable and have handled travel with families before. I’m organized and proactive, ensuring that everything Jack needs is prepared and that he feels secure and happy in each new location. I also love finding creative ways to make travel educational and fun for children, turning each new place into a learning opportunity."

She smiled warmly, looking between Susie and Toto. "I’m confident that I can provide the balance you’re looking for—supporting Jack’s growth and education while also making sure he enjoys the unique experiences your lifestyle offers. I’m excited about the possibility of being a part of your family and contributing to Jack’s development in such a dynamic and enriching environment. That of course is if you would have me.” She smiles at them.

After a few more questions about her approach to childcare and her thoughts on integrating educational activities with play, the interview began to wrap up.

“We’re very impressed with you, Y/n,” Susie said, glancing at Toto, who nodded in agreement. “We think you’d be a wonderful fit for our family.”

Y/n’s heart soared. “Thank you so much. I’m really excited about the possibility of working with you and getting to know Jack.”

“We’ll be in touch soon with more details,” Toto said, smiling. “Thank you for your time today.”

As the call ended, Y/n felt a rush of exhilaration. The interview had gone better than she could have imagined, and she felt a sense of validation in her choices and aspirations. The Wolff family represented a new path, one filled with opportunities for growth, adventure, and meaningful connections.

Two days later, Y/n received another email from the Wolffs.

______________________________________________________________

Dear Y/n,

We are thrilled to inform you that after careful consideration, we would like to offer you the position of nanny for our son, Jack. We believe that your skills, experience, and personality make you the perfect fit for our family, and we are excited about the prospect of having you join us.

As mentioned during the interview process, we would like to start with a trial period to ensure that there is a good connection between all of us. Therefore, we propose a trial run of three months, during which we can assess how well we work together and whether this arrangement meets everyone's needs.

We are genuinely excited to welcome you into the Wolff family. We believe that your background in Media Design, your bilingual abilities, and your passion for childcare will make a positive impact on Jack's life and development. We are confident that you will create a nurturing and stimulating environment for him, allowing him to thrive and grow.

Regarding logistics, we understand that relocating to Monaco is a significant step, and we want to make the transition as smooth as possible for you. If you are able to join us by the 1st of February, it would give us ample time to settle in and get acquainted before the busy racing season begins.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to support you and ensure that you have all the information you need.

Once again, congratulations, Y/n. We are looking forward to embarking on this exciting journey together.

Warm regards,

Toto and Susie Wolff

______________________________________________________________

As Y/n sat amidst the flurry of emotions, her mind drifted to the impressions she had formed of Toto and Susie Wolff during the interview process. Toto, with his focused demeanor and stern yet approachable presence, exuded a sense of determination and drive that commanded respect. She couldn't help but admire his unwavering commitment to excellence, balanced by an underlying charm that shone through in the occasional dad joke or lighthearted quip.

In contrast, Susie embodied elegance and grace in every aspect of her being. Y/n admired the way Susie carried herself with poise and sophistication, radiating warmth and sincerity in her interactions. Behind her poised exterior, Y/n sensed a deep well of motivation, care, and love for others, driven by her passion for making a positive impact in the world.

As Y/n pondered these thoughts, she felt a sense of gratitude wash over her. To be welcomed into the lives of such remarkable individuals, to work alongside them in nurturing and shaping the life of their son, Jack, was an honor beyond measure. She knew that under their guidance and with their support, she would not only thrive but also contribute to creating a loving and enriching environment for Jack to grow and flourish.

With a renewed sense of purpose and excitement, Y/n turned her attention back to the task at hand—preparing for the journey ahead. As she packed her belongings, her heart swelled with anticipation for the adventures that awaited her in Monaco, where she would embark on a new chapter of her life filled with love, laughter, and endless possibilities.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

@pand-de-pandora-blog @wonderwolffs @laura-naruto-fan1998 @strangegirl974 @totothewolff

[astroismypassion]

✨PART OF FORTUNE IN SIGNS AND HOUSES SERIES: 12TH HOUSE✨

Credit: astrology blog @astroismypassion

Today we are finishing strong with Part of Fortune series in signs and houses, finishing off with the 12th house! Enjoy😊

ARIES PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 12TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Aries and Pisces Sun people in your life. You can earn money via engaging in research related to psychology, spirituality, consciousness, via dream analysis, meditation and study of the unconscious mind, via work in roles that involve creating content behind the scenes, such as film production, editing, writing, via exploring and tapping into niche market that focus on spiritual, esoteric or unconventional interests. You feel abundant when you innovate in hidden or esoteric fields and work behind the scenes.

TAURUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 12TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Taurus and Pisces Sun people in your life. You can earn money via music, dance or art therapy, via message therapy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, via managing or operating spiritual retreat centres that offer meditation, yoga or other wellness programs, via work in production roles for media projects, spiritual organizations or arts communities. You feel abundant when you combine beauty with purpose, embrace solitude and reflection and focus on healing and comfort.

GEMINI PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 12TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Gemini and Pisces Sun people in your life. You can earn money via writing scripts or produce media connected with spiritual or psychological themes, when you create podcasts or videos that explore spiritual topics, esoteric subjects or personal development, via work as a freelance writer or journalist, especially on topics related to spirituality, mental health and societal issues. You feel abundant when consider freelance or remote opportunities, balance solitude and social interaction and use your adaptability.

CANCER PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 12TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Cancer and Pisces Sun people in your life. You can earn money via managing or operating spiritual or wellness retreat centres that offer a comforting and healing environment, via caregiving for the elderly, via running a daycare centre, engaging in charitable work, particularly with groups such as the elderly, homeless or those dealing with addiction. You feel abundant when you focus on emotional and spiritual healing, when you balance solitude with compassionate outreach, when you work behind the scenes and when you provide emotional and practical support.

LEO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 12TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Leo and Pisces Sun people in your life. You can earn money via leading spiritual groups, retreats or workshops that focus on personal growth, self-expression and spiritual awakening. You could take on leadership roles in non-profit organizations, focused on arts, spirituality or support for marginalized communities. You could produce films, documentaries or other media content that explores deep, often hidden aspects of life, spirituality or human condition. You feel the most abundant when you lead with compassion and charisma, when you embrace your creative and expressive nature.

VIRGO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 12TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Virgo and Pisces Sun people in your life. You can earn money via studying and writing about spiritual practices, work in holistic or alternative medicine fields (acupuncture, herbalism, naturopathy), via teaching mindfulness, meditation or other spiritual practices. You feel abundant when you are precise and focus on details, when you operate quietly and efficiently.

LIBRA PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 12TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Libra and Pisces Sun people in your life. You can earn money via set design, costume design, holistic counselling, relationship counselling, meditation, work in music, dance, through non-profit work in organizations that advocate for justice, equality, work with law in connection to human right and social justice or advocating for marginalized groups. You feel abundant when you use your natural inclination towards beauty and harmony in your work.

SCORPIO PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 12TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Scorpio and Pisces Sun people in your life. You can earn money via psychotherapy, counselling, holistic and alternative healing, spiritual guidance and mentorship, mysticism and esoteric studies, psychological and medical research, investigative work, private counselling, non-profit or charitable work, writing on deep topics, content creation for healing or via art with emotional depth. You feel abundant when you balance intensity with compassion or when you explore hidden or unconventional paths.

SAGITTARIUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 12TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Sagittarius and Pisces Sun people in your life. You can earn money via teaching courses or workshops in philosophical, spiritual or holistic subjects, via motivational speaking, writing and multimedia projects that explore thems of personal growth and spirituality. You feel abundant when you create transformational and inspirational content, when you combine travel with purpose and when you use your expansive nature to guide you through teaching, writing and spiritual guidance.

CAPRICORN PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 12TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Capricorn and Pisces Sun people in your life. You can earn money via strategic planning, psychotherapy, counselling, writing books, articles or guide on topics related to personal development, spirituality or practical strategies for achieving goals. You feel abundant when you pursue research and development, work behind the scenes and when you focus on structured healing work.

AQUARIUS PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 12TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Aquarius and Pisces Sun people in your life. You can earn money via social issues, mental health and spiritual development, via developing or managing community programs that address societal needs, via teaching, mentoring, artistic expression, innovative creative content and research in social sciences, work on projects or in organizations focused on social reform, human rights or global issues. You feel abundant when you create inspirational and impactful content, when you work behind the scenes and when you focus on humanitarian and spiritual goals.

PISCES PART OF FORTUNE IN THE 12TH HOUSE

You feel the most abundant when you have Pisces Sun people in your life. You can earn money via coordinating or managing programs that provide support and services to marginalized or underserved communities, via study of mystical, esoteric or spiritual subjects, teaching workshops or courses on spiritual growth, creativity or healing arts. You feel abundant when you integrate spiritual and holistic practices, when you pursue creative or artistic projects that allow you to express your unique vision and contribute to the well-being of others.

Credit: astrology blog @astroismypassion

[squeakadeeks]

Gigantic OC roadmap for my OCverses and characters

i have apromixatemy one million billion different characters and stories, but i have a few core OCverses that show up repeatedly so if youre wondering whos that dude and where he came from, this is the roadmap for that.

Delta:

Delta is about dreams and nightmares. The main conflict is about the dreaming kingdom trying to protect people from the waking world by trapping them in neverending, perfect dreams. Rem, Rhea, and Puck under the nightmare lord Raken, work to counteract the dreaming kingdom by waking people with nightmares. Its meant to challenge the idea of what we label as "good person" vs "bad person", and if you have someone who is a "bad person"....what do you actually....do with them? do you just shun them forever? stick them in a hole and forget about it? What happens if they feel remorse but cant change? Do you then ignore their bad parts and move on? What actually is 'unforgivable' and how would you actually forgive them?

The main characters are Rem, Rhea, Puck and Raken and I SWEAR one day I will draw the dream denizens too.

Alliacea:

Alliacea is about a magic island resort that slowly assimilates people into the environment based on their mental state. The main characters are trying to remain individuals and get off the island before it falls apart and sinks into the sea. I use this story to work out ideas about having to 'keep calm and carry on' in times of crisis and how to process social rejection/parts of yourself that are seen as unpalatable. (so sort of what we label as acceptable coping mechanisms vs ones we see as uncouth. for an example if I say, "I had lots of very bad things happen to me. as a result I have anxiety and prefer to keep my social circle small." are those problems I need to "fix" or is that just the way i am?).

The main characters are Pacific, Bohai, Lamerei, Mansoa, and Mrysin.

Transient:

Transient is intended to be an episodic comedy centered around ideas in math and physics. Although the comedy/education aspect takes the forefront, in the background the characters also wrestle with struggles like aging with severe depression. i approach it like a mash between space dandy + cyberchase + steven universe future. NGL its basically just a massive self insert about how i went to grad school and became a workaholic to deal with my depression and that worked when I was 23, less so when im now pushing 30 and have to figure out how to manage my depression all over again. The characters are Alpha, Cassiopea, Sulu, Function, and Splish the fish. Wilderwest:

Wilderwest is new, but it follows three different sets of characters exploring themes of Revenge, Redemption and Restoration. The first set is Alto and Cirrus as they go on a quest to find the vulture mother and restore stable weather to the land, then theres Furnace and Lignite as they race to stop their curse, and Sonnora and Sierra on a revenge vendetta to kill magical gwyneth paltrow. For Sonnora and Sierra its meant to dig into the concept of having to do a hard, bad thing thats against your nature for the greater good. Then for Furnace and Lignite its about guilt, shame and learning to live with yourself if youve done something horrible. For Alto and Cirrus its about the parts of yourself you need to change and adapt vs parts of yourself you want to hold onto and protect and when its worth sacrificing one for the other.

Weedwhacker man:

Theres not much "story" to this other than that this is what I call my bootleg chainsaw man OCs. its the same general rules as the CSM universe, but is not remotely canon compliant for both the timeline and tone. I take the system of devils, fiends, and public safety, but thats it. The characters are the Maw devil, The Microwave fiend, and their unfortunate human supervisor, Maeve. Stitch in the ditch:

Stitch in the Ditch takes place in a patchwork quilt world that’s falling apart. The realm is comprised of micro-biomes confined within their respective quilt patches. Within the fabric world there are people known as stitch witches who can see, manipulate, and craft with the fundamental threads that compose the quilt world to cast fiber-based magic, which they use to try to maintain the threads of their world. The whole story revolves around things degrading and falling apart, its about grief, chronic illness, responsibility and love/comfort. The characters are Pupet, Singer and Altan, then Husqvarna, Stitch, and Seam, and finally Brother/Rulon and the oose monsters.

[cretaceous-creature]

I have been thinking about my transition to a Nanuqsaurus.

I remember when I first awakened, I always knew I wanted to transition to a Nanuqsaurus. But I was afraid. I was afraid it would not make sense to the humans, and I saw fellow alterhumans that hated on those who do transition, so I hid it away. But thanks to tumblr, I have found those who do feel the same way as me and are transitioning! So, here are my plans so far.

My ideal transition would be being back in my body in the prince creek formation. But that is sadly unachievable. However, the Prince Creek Formation is in Alaska, somewhere I could move to in the future. I wouldnt have to live close to the PCF, but it would be ideal. Even then, I could live somewhere less remote and just be a Nanuqsaurus who migrated south.

A big motivation for my transition is dysphoria. I mainly get dysphoria from hearing my footsteps. Nanuqsaurus has padded feet like our relatives, eg tyrannosaurus, muffling our footsteps. Humans do not have padded feet. Although I have always been a quiet walker, I have always felt like my footsteps are just too loud for my body ratio. To solve this, I would not only like to walk quieter but get a pair of fursuit feet. The feet would be able to be worn outside and leave footprints in the ground.

I would like to start walking bouncier and put one foot in front of the other, like a theropod.

Also, I would like to start getting faster. Fortunately, this is becoming a reality. Over the past few weeks, I have been doing lots of running and cycling to further ease dysphoria. Due to that, I have gotten faster, and I have gained better stamina.

I am not the strongest of dinosaur. To fix this, I would like to start going to the gym with a friend and fixing that. Nanuqsaurus is incredibly strong. We can bite with 7000psi, from what I have read.

I am building endurance to the cold. Despite what pop culture shows, our habitat isn't really that snowy! Although, snow was possible. It was certainly still cold though! Thankfully, I live in a rather cold country that is always wet, so I hatched adapted to that. But, I am still taking cold showers and going out in the cold often. It is working!

Along with endurance to the cold, I wear lots of thick clothes and often layer to replicate our feathers. Although it is not the same, I have found a big oversized hoodie called an oodie is very good. I have a specific way I dress: thick hoodies and shirts, and then shorts on my legs. This helps me replicate how I remember being feathered, aka down to my knees/ankles.

I am also planning to start working on vocals. I have no solid memories of what we sound like. When trying, I base then purely off instinct. In walking with dinosaurs 2, some carnivores make a deep huffing sound of which sounds familiar and I had the urge to answer when watching, so I think I will base it off that.

I am trying to drop as much dependence on my arms as I can. Nanuqsaurs don't have very long arms! When opening a door, I will open it using my shoulders or head. I also pick things up with my Jaws every now and then.

I grow out my claws. My claws are very long, and sometimes I use them to open things. Although I do not bite nor pick at my claws, the human claws are fragile, hence why I plan to take biotin (something that makes your claws stronger). I have considered fake nails or acrylics in the past, but I have yet to get them. I am thinking that when I do, I will get them with pointy ends. Something like the 2 pictures but black would be perfect!

Additionally, sharper fangs would be much better than my dull, flat human teeth. My teeth have already been straightened by braces, which I class as another part of my transition.

I am also planning to change my eating habits. I am trying to ditch a fork, knife, and spoon as much as possible. I am attempting to just use my hands and teeth as much as possible. Also, being an unapologetically fast and messy eater. When you're from an environment with lots of competitors, you gotta eat as fast as you can and not care about being messy before someone comes and snatches your food! I also swallow small chunks of food and whatever I can whole. It reminds me of the big bites we take when eating.

I aspire to be a palaeontologist. I want to work with dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and marine reptiles. Doing this and my current fascination of dinosaurs will hopefully make people think of me when they see dinosaurs

Possibly in the future, I will get tattoos, too, of various Palaeontology things.

I am also still afraid of what humans think. I want to be accepted. But, I am slowly getting over that!

Overall, transitioning to an extinct species will be hard. There are not many resources :|. But, I will still try! There is always a first time for everything! :)

★ Talanki/Crimson

[gingergofastboatsmojito]

Fun Carmy

Fun Carmy is relaxed Carmy, the other one is Logan, his social alter ego.

I was wondering if Carmy ever had a day of fun in whole life because IMO he has always been that anxious lil kid around others, that we saw in Fishes (02X06), I’m sure. He’s better at the tête-à-tête like the one he briefly had with Michelle that evening

OR as part of small close-knit groups, like that scene in the kitchen (Ceres 01x06).

These assumptions, I think, are also completely backed up by his S1 -Emmy Winning- monologue (Braciole 01x08).

And what I ended up realizing is that FUN CARMEN is not the one we might think we haven’t really seen yet, and that fun for him does NOT look like it may look for us or for a more extrovert type of person.

I happen to be listening to Nina as I type this, and she once said:

I think that quote fits Carmy and his "sense of fun" perfectly.

Fun Carmy is relaxed Carmy, and at peace Carmy.

This is fun Carmy

Fun for Carmy doesn't look like this

Fun Carmy is relaxed Carmy

Logan is not "fun", he is actually a source of anxiety for Carmy, and that's why he can't keep him "on" for long. He wasn't lying when he said he wasn't remotely OK at the party (Pop 02x05) because at that point he hadn't turned Logan on yet.

Logan is "The other one", the one most people would label as "fun", because it better fits the social CONSTRUCT of what fun looks like, but Logan Fernello Berzatto is actually his functional alter-ego.

His functional or social alter - ego explained from a behaviorist perspective

We all have functional alter egos, this is related to the PERSONAL constructs concept developed by Psychologist George Kelly. These are formed at a fairly early age, even well within our 20s we are still forming our personalities and constructs or ideas of how the world works and what everything means, and thus how we should interact with and/or react to this world we live in, in other words, how to adapt or not to our environment. Then comes our career that can prolong this formative period even more, for instance, celebs of any age are required to have an alter ego for those occasions on which they have to "turn it on" for the camera or the stage → "the stage persona" that is NEVER the same person as the real one behind the wheel of the "functional alter-ego" and this persona has been formed based on their ideal of what has worked best for them in the past, what their PR team or Managers require of them to get them jobs, etc. They may come across as genuine and relatable but celebs are usually always "on" when we see them even off camera, so they are not, not completely. We all have the "office construct", the "school construct", the "mom chat group construct", etc. That is actually a sign of being well-adjusted to fit in society, and that is why we do not act the exact same way in all those different situations even though we are the same person, because we are not the same "persona" and that's OK. It's not a sign of phoniness, or lack of honesty, although it can definitely turn into that and become dysfunctional when there's an underlying mental health disorder, although it doesn't always turn out like that, thank dog!

In Carmy's case in particular, he can handle Logan and turn him on / off at will, which means he's in that aspect still well-adjusted despite his multiple mental health conditions, probably because none of them is a personality disorder, so it's safe to assume that he somewhat knows what's he's doing, he's choosing it to a certain extent and it's not 100% unconscious, only partially.

His lines are becoming blurry because he let Syd in, whether he admits it or not. And deep down, he knows this but he's not fully willing to go there (yet). That's what S4 is for.

This aligns with the rest of his behavior I already went over in previous posts:

Fun Carmy is the one that California, Copenhagen, and Chicago post-Sydney Adamu brought out in him. He's what most people, not me, would call relaxed, chilled, etc.

Relaxed Carmy, at peace Carmy, coloring Carmy, talking about food and cracking lil jokes under a table Carmy, is FUN CARMY.

We know him already. We've seen him. He just turns him off when he's The Bear or Logan.

Remember to follow my tag #Gingerpovs 💋

[jackied0minguez]

Remote Work Redefined: TopDevz CEO Ashkan Rajaee on the Future of Flexible Business

In a world where remote work has rapidly shifted from a temporary solution to a long-term strategy, TopDevz CEO Ashkan Rajaee is leading by example. Speaking ahead of the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show, Rajaee shared insights on how his company has seamlessly integrated remote operations into its DNA—and why he believes this model isn’t just a passing trend.

A New Kind of Software Solutions

TopDevz isn’t your typical tech firm. Comprising an elite team of software developers, designers, project managers, and quality assurance specialists based in the United States and Canada, the company tackles the unique challenges that conventional off-the-shelf software can’t resolve. Rajaee explains that while standard solutions can cover 80–90% of business needs, the remaining nuances often cause significant inefficiencies. TopDevz fills this gap by offering custom solutions designed to address those critical details, ensuring that their clients achieve peak operational efficiency. With an impressive 96% workforce retention rate and 63% of their business coming through referrals, the company’s model speaks volumes about its effectiveness and employee satisfaction.

Mastering Remote Operations

Long before the global pivot to remote work, TopDevz was already thriving in a fully virtual environment. Rajaee emphasizes that the success of remote operations lies in having the right infrastructure and clear communication channels. “Working remotely isn’t as simple as logging in from home,” he notes. “It demands disciplined processes and a commitment to best practices—elements we’ve honed over the years.” His team’s seamless transition during the pandemic only reinforced the idea that a well-organized remote workforce can outperform traditional office setups.

The Indefinite Future of Remote Work

For TopDevz, remote work isn’t a temporary workaround—it’s the future. Rajaee envisions a business landscape where companies can lower overhead costs while empowering employees to work from anywhere. This flexible model not only drives client satisfaction by reducing expenses but also enriches employees’ lives by allowing them to choose environments that inspire creativity and well-being.

Rajaee even shares a personal touch: his passion for working from a yacht. Equipped with reliable Wi-Fi and satellite services, his unconventional workspace symbolizes the freedom that remote work offers. “If your current job doesn’t support the lifestyle you aspire to, it’s time to consider other opportunities,” he advises. His own journey from renting a yacht to eventually making it part of his regular work life underscores the importance of aligning one’s career with personal values and ambitions.

Empowering the Next Generation of Remote Entrepreneurs

Beyond leading TopDevz, Rajaee is passionate about sharing his remote work philosophy. Through his “RemotePreneur” initiative, he provides aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals with a playbook for building successful remote companies. This resource addresses the nuanced challenges of remote business management—from overcoming financial stagnation in traditional roles to confronting the inevitable criticisms that come with venturing off the beaten path. Rajaee’s message is clear: true freedom in work comes from rethinking established norms and embracing the possibilities that remote operations can offer.

Embracing a New Era

As businesses around the globe continue to navigate the evolving work landscape, Ashkan Rajaee’s vision serves as a powerful reminder that remote work, when executed with precision and passion, can unlock unprecedented opportunities. His leadership at TopDevz demonstrates that with the right approach, remote operations can not only sustain but also drive innovation, employee satisfaction, and overall business growth.

In a time when flexibility and adaptability are more important than ever, Rajaee’s insights offer a compelling roadmap for companies eager to thrive in a remote-first world.

[unidentifiablelifeform]

How to Get Into Bugs

"A world of dreams and adventures with bugs awaits! Let's go!"

What are bugs? In this document when I say “bugs”, I refer to small invertebrate animals like insects, spiders, snails, and worms. These creatures are underappreciated, and their importance to the health and function of life on Earth cannot be overstated. Bugs aerate the soil, pollinate plants, spread seeds, clean up dead plants and animals, provide food for countless species, prey upon countless others, and cycle nutrients across the planet, among other services.

Bugs are amazing creatures. They come in a vast variety of shapes and colors, from the shining wings of a blue morpho butterfly to the pebble-like body of a toad bug. Their habits and behaviors are just as complex as those of larger animals. Stick insects sway as they walk to mimic a branch blown in the wind, mud dauber wasps gather mud to build earthen nests, and moths read the stars to navigate in the dark. Because they are small, bugs can be supremely adapted to their environment. Many insects will form relationships with specific plants, only pollinating or laying their eggs on these species.

There are many mysteries left to uncover about bugs. Insects alone make up 75% of known animal species, with more being discovered every day. These species are not only being found in remote forests and grasslands, but in woods, parks, and other habitats closer to home. You may be the first to discover a rare creature found only in your area! It is not only new species that present us with mysteries. There is ongoing research into even common species, to answer questions like how flies land upside down, how beetles fold their wings, or how bees make decisions on where to build their nests.

If you appreciate them, the world will become more vibrant. Wherever you are, you can almost certainly find bugs. By noticing these creatures living around you, you will become more aware of nature not as an untouched ideal found only in mountain rainforests or ocean trenches, but as the life that permeates even the most “average” places.

How Can I Get into Bugs?

Go for a walk! As you are walking, take the time to look closely at your surroundings. Notice the different species of insects you see flying around. Look at the leaves and branches of plants. Turn over rocks and bricks. Do you see any bugs? Focus on one of the animals you see. What is it doing? Searching for food? Resting? Building a nest? Have you ever seen this bug before? What is it called? What is its life cycle like? These questions provide starting points that you can use to learn about the creatures that live alongside you.

Get acquainted through books, websites, and videos! Field guides and websites like iNaturalist serve as great first steps to familiarizing yourself with the species found in your area. Select a favorite species or family of bugs, then go out to search for them in the wild. Online resources can also be used to overcome phobias. If you find yourself creeped out by an animal, you can look up videos online to get used to its appearance and movements.

Gather some useful gear! If you are looking to catch bugs for photography or collection, you'll want to have a jar of some kind to contain them. Mason jars work well for large specimens and 2 oz. travel sized jars work well for smaller animals. Flying insects like moths and dragonflies can be captured with a butterfly net, while sweep nets can be brushed against vegetation to collect crawling animals. Dip nets are made for use in water and can be used to capture shrimp and snails along with aquatic insects. In addition to bug-specific equipment you may want gear like a bookbag, sunscreen, hiking boots, canteen, and long pants if you are going out into wilder areas.

Know where to look! Different species of animals need different resources to survive, so they will be found in different places. Look beneath logs or dead leaves to find isopods, millipedes, and earthworms. Ponds and other water bodies are often home to water skaters, crayfish, and water beetles. Flowering plants are a good place to find bees, butterflies, and wasps. Caterpillars, aphids, and planthoppers can often be found on leaves and branches. Some species of insects can only be found on particular plants. Whenever you find a new plant species, take a closer look to see what is living on it. Also be aware of what time you go out searching. If you go to the same location during the day and night, different creatures will be active.

Keep a record of your adventures! Whether it be a digital photo album, a collection of preserved insects, or a written diary, records will provide you with an easy way to revisit memories of your exploits. You might also have more fun exploring the world of bugs if you have a personal project to develop.

Raise bugs in captivity! Caterpillars and beetles can be raised over a season and released when they undergo metamorphosis. Snails and isopods are easy to keep so long as they are fed vegetable scraps and have humid places to hide in their enclosure. Many insects, spiders, snails, and other invertebrates are easy to care for in vivariums. Just be sure not to overcollect! While many bugs have healthy populations, others need as many wild breeding individuals as possible. Entirely avoid collecting endangered species or taking animals from protected areas.

Help Your Local Environment!

Insects, arachnids, and other invertebrates serve as essential building blocks to the global ecosystem and help to keep our world functioning. There are many ways you can help bugs:

If you enjoy gardening or landscaping, grow some plants native to your area. Native plants provide local species with food and shelter, and because they are adapted to your habitat, often require less care than exotic plants.

Avoid spraying pesticides and herbicides unless truly necessary. Not only can these substances kill off non-target species, they can also increase the populations of pesticide-resistant species, runoff from their site of application, and seep into local soil and water supplies.

Select a woodland, meadow, or section of waterway and keep it clean of litter. Pollution may be a global issue, but the world is made up of places, and you can make tangible change in your local area. See if you can get some friends together to help out. Cleanup efforts are most enjoyable with a few extra hands!

You can protect your local woods, creeks, or other wilderness spaces by working with your community’s hobbyists and environmental organizations, learning about your local ecosystem, and sharing your thoughts with others.

Many of the environmental, societal, and health issues we face are interconnected. Thus, improving one situation will make it easier to address others. Whatever problem you are most equipped to face, do your best. Even the smallest action you can take changes the future and makes it that much better.

Online Resources

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/ - Explore worldwide observations of living things.

https://xerces.org - The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Arthropods - Wikipedia information on arthropods, their habits, and biology.

https://bugguide.net/node/view/15740 - Information on bugs from the United States and Canada.

https://www.pbs.org/show/deep-look/ - Explore big scientific mysteries by going incredibly small.

Chromatophone Nature Youtube Channel – No-Commentary wildlife footage, like a virtual nature walk.

Thank you for reading! For a PDF version of this post, visit my blog an check the pinned post.

[compneuropapers]

Interesting Papers for Week 21, 2025

Gustatory cortex neurons perform reliability-dependent integration of multisensory flavor inputs. Allar, I. B., Hua, A., Rowland, B. A., & Maier, J. X. (2025). Current Biology, 35(3), 600-611.e3.

Complex harmonics reveal low-dimensional manifolds of critical brain dynamics. Deco, G., Sanz Perl, Y., & Kringelbach, M. L. (2025). Physical Review E, 111(1), 014410.

Context-dependent decision-making in the primate hippocampal–prefrontal circuit. Elston, T. W., & Wallis, J. D. (2025). Nature Neuroscience, 28(2), 374–382.

Applied Motor Noise Affects Specific Learning Mechanisms during Short-Term Adaptation to Novel Movement Dynamics. Foray, K., Zhou, W., Fitzgerald, J., Gianferrara, P. G., & Joiner, W. M. (2025). eNeuro, 12(1), ENEURO.0100-24.2024.

Touch-evoked traveling waves establish a translaminar spacetime code. Gonzales, D. L., Khan, H. F., Keri, H. V. S., Yadav, S., Steward, C., Muller, L. E., Pluta, S. R., & Jayant, K. (2025). Science Advances, 11(5).

A distinct hypothalamus–habenula circuit governs risk preference. Groos, D., Reuss, A. M., Rupprecht, P., Stachniak, T., Lewis, C., Han, S., Roggenbach, A., Sturman, O., Sych, Y., Wieckhorst, M., Bohacek, J., Karayannis, T., Aguzzi, A., & Helmchen, F. (2025). Nature Neuroscience, 28(2), 361–373.

Sensorimotor environment but not task rule reconfigures population dynamics in rhesus monkey posterior parietal cortex. Guo, H., Kuang, S., & Gail, A. (2025). Nature Communications, 16, 1116.

Dendritic growth and synaptic organization from activity-independent cues and local activity-dependent plasticity. Kirchner, J. H., Euler, L., Fritz, I., Ferreira Castro, A., & Gjorgjieva, J. (2025). eLife, 12, 87527.3.

Prediction of future input explains lateral connectivity in primary visual cortex. Klavinskis-Whiting, S., Fristed, E., Singer, Y., Iacaruso, M. F., King, A. J., & Harper, N. S. (2025). Current Biology, 35(3), 530-541.e5.

Reconstructing a new hippocampal engram for systems reconsolidation and remote memory updating. Lei, B., Kang, B., Hao, Y., Yang, H., Zhong, Z., Zhai, Z., & Zhong, Y. (2025). Neuron, 113(3), 471-485.e6.

Sensorimotor adaptation reveals systematic biases in 3D perception. Lim, C., Vishwanath, D., & Domini, F. (2025). Scientific Reports, 15, 3847.

Enhanced accuracy in first-spike coding using current-based adaptive LIF neuron. Liu, S., & Dragotti, P. L. (2025). Neural Networks, 184, 107043.

Overwriting an instinct: Visual cortex instructs learning to suppress fear responses. Mederos, S., Blakely, P., Vissers, N., Clopath, C., & Hofer, S. B. (2025). Science, 387(6734), 682–688.

Neural mechanisms of relational learning and fast knowledge reassembly in plastic neural networks. Miconi, T., & Kay, K. (2025). Nature Neuroscience, 28(2), 406–414.

Dynamical constraints on neural population activity. Oby, E. R., Degenhart, A. D., Grigsby, E. M., Motiwala, A., McClain, N. T., Marino, P. J., Yu, B. M., & Batista, A. P. (2025). Nature Neuroscience, 28(2), 383–393.

Dendritic excitations govern back-propagation via a spike-rate accelerometer. Park, P., Wong-Campos, J. D., Itkis, D. G., Lee, B. H., Qi, Y., Davis, H. C., Antin, B., Pasarkar, A., Grimm, J. B., Plutkis, S. E., Holland, K. L., Paninski, L., Lavis, L. D., & Cohen, A. E. (2025). Nature Communications, 16, 1333.

The developmental emergence of reliable cortical representations. Trägenap, S., Whitney, D. E., Fitzpatrick, D., & Kaschube, M. (2025). Nature Neuroscience, 28(2), 394–405.

Opposite asymmetry in visual perception of humans and macaques. Tünçok, E., Kiorpes, L., & Carrasco, M. (2025). Current Biology, 35(3), 681-687.e4.

Attention modulates subjective time perception across eye movements. Yan, C., Wang, H., Jiang, X., & Wang, Z. (2025). Vision Research, 227, 108540.

Dissociating the roles of alpha oscillation sub-bands in visual working memory. Zhao, N., & Liu, Q. (2025). NeuroImage, 307, 121028.

[shamandrummer]

Urban Shamanism: Ancient Wisdom in a Modern World

In the heart of the concrete jungle, amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, an ancient practice is quietly re-emerging--Urban Shamanism. Traditionally, shamanism has been associated with indigenous cultures, remote landscapes, and deep connection to nature. But as the world evolves and urbanization dominates, the call of the shamanic path has found a new home within cities, offering seekers a way to integrate ancient wisdom into their fast-paced, modern lives.

What is Urban Shamanism?

Urban Shamanism is the adaptation of traditional shamanic practices to the context of city life. It involves working with spirit, energy, and nature in an environment where forests are replaced by skyscrapers and rivers by bustling streets. Despite the challenges of modern living, Urban Shamanism offers a means to cultivate spiritual awareness, heal, and navigate life with deeper wisdom and intuition.

At its core, shamanism is about accessing altered states of consciousness to receive guidance, healing, and knowledge. This can be achieved through meditation, drumming, dance, breathwork, and connecting with spirit guides or ancestors. In urban settings, shamanic practitioners learn to find nature within the chaos, drawing energy from parks, rivers, the sky, and even the hum of city life itself.

The Need for Urban Shamanism

Many people today feel disconnected from nature, themselves, and their spiritual essence. The demands of modern life--career pressures, technology overload, and constant distractions--can lead to stress, anxiety, and a lack of fulfillment. Urban Shamanism serves as a bridge between the ancient and the contemporary, helping individuals reconnect with their inner selves, the energies around them, and the unseen forces of the universe.

Moreover, cities, despite their artificial appearance, are alive with energy. Every street has its own rhythm, every building carries history, and every person contributes to a dynamic flow of energy. By engaging with these unseen aspects, urban shamans can harmonize their surroundings and develop a heightened awareness of their place within the greater web of life.

Practices of the Urban Shaman

Sacred Spaces in the City

One of the first steps in Urban Shamanism is creating or discovering sacred spaces within the city. This can be a small altar in one's home, a quiet corner in a park, a rooftop with a view of the sky, or even a favorite cafe where one feels at peace. These spaces serve as sanctuaries for reflection, meditation, and ritual.

2. Nature Connection

Even in the busiest cities, nature persists. Urban shamans cultivate relationships with trees in parks, birds on balconies, rivers flowing beneath bridges, and even the wind that weaves through the streets. Simple acts like walking barefoot on the grass, touching a tree with intention, or listening to the sounds of the city with mindfulness can strengthen this connection.

3. Shamanic Journeying

Shamanic journeying is a key practice that involves entering a trance-like state to explore spiritual realms, meet guides, and gain wisdom. Drumming, chanting, or using rhythmic breathing can facilitate this process. In an urban setting, soundscapes such as the rhythm of subway trains, the pulse of city life, or even recorded drumming can assist in reaching altered states.

4. Energetic Cleansing

Cities are filled with intense energies from people, technology, and emotions. Urban shamans practice energy cleansing techniques such as smudging with sage or palo santo, using sound (bells, singing bowls, clapping), or visualizing white light surrounding them. These practices help clear negativity and maintain spiritual balance.

5. Dreamwork and Symbolism

Urban Shamans pay close attention to their dreams and the symbolism in their daily lives. A chance encounter, a repeated number pattern, or an unexpected event may hold deep meaning. By developing a heightened sense of awareness, they begin to navigate life with greater insight and intuition.

6. Healing and Service to the Community

Traditionally, shamans are healers and guides. In the urban context, this can manifest as energy healing, intuitive counseling, community work, or even artistic expression. Urban shamans often feel called to help others--whether through Reiki, sound healing, activism, or creating safe spaces for spiritual exploration.

Challenges and Misconceptions

Urban Shamanism is not without its challenges. One major hurdle is skepticism, as mainstream society often dismisses shamanic practices as superstition. Additionally, finding time for spiritual practices amidst the demands of city life can be difficult. However, by weaving shamanic consciousness into daily routines--through mindfulness, intention, and small rituals--urban dwellers can integrate this path seamlessly.

There is also the issue of cultural appropriation. Many shamanic traditions come from indigenous cultures with rich histories and sacred practices. It is crucial for those drawn to Urban Shamanism to approach it with respect, study the traditions they draw from, and give back to the communities that have preserved these teachings.

The Future of Urban Shamanism

As more people seek meaning beyond material success, Urban Shamanism continues to gain traction. It provides a way for city dwellers to access deep spiritual truths without having to abandon their lives and move to the wilderness. With the rise of online communities, workshops, and books dedicated to modern shamanic practices, it is easier than ever to learn and share these wisdom traditions.

Ultimately, Urban Shamanism is about finding the sacred in the everyday, recognizing that the divine is not confined to remote landscapes but exists in the very fabric of our cities. It teaches that even amidst the noise and speed of modern life, one can walk the shamanic path, heal, grow, and serve as a bridge between worlds.

For those willing to look beyond the concrete and into the unseen, the ancient call of the shaman is still alive--whispering through the wind, glowing in the neon lights, and beating in the heart of the city itself.

[transbookoftheday]

How Far the Light Reaches by Sabrina Imbler

A queer, mixed race writer working in a largely white, male field, science and conservation journalist Sabrina Imbler has always been drawn to the mystery of life in the sea, and particularly to creatures living in hostile or remote environments. Each essay in their debut collection profiles one such creature, including:

the mother octopus who starves herself while watching over her eggs,

the Chinese sturgeon whose migration route has been decimated by pollution and dams,

the bizarre, predatory Bobbitt worm (named after Lorena),

the common goldfish that flourishes in the wild,

and more.

Imbler discovers that some of the most radical models of family, community, and care can be found in the sea, from gelatinous chains that are both individual organisms and colonies of clones to deep-sea crabs that have no need for the sun, nourished instead by the chemicals and heat throbbing from the core of the Earth. Exploring themes of adaptation, survival, sexuality, and care, and weaving the wonders of marine biology with stories of their own family, relationships, and coming of age, How Far the Light Reaches is a shimmering, otherworldly debut that attunes us to new visions of our world and its miracles.  

[calliope-stories]

Help Us Market Our Stories!

Calliope catapults your imagination with written stories introduced by vibrant —and interactive— animations. In our app, these interactive animations act as portals that submerge readers into written stories. We love reading, but reading today is tricky. At Calliope we’re passionate about enchanting readers away from visually striking apps (like Instagram) and back into the realm of the imagination.  

We’re a small company founded by two nerdy Venezuelan girls looking for people who share our zeal for reading, and who want to create a world where reading is colorful, vibrant, and immersive for everyone.  

What we’re looking for: 

- Experience with social media and digital marketing.

- Seasoned experience in orchestrating paid campaigns on Instagram and TikTok (—and Tumblr).

- A flair for creating dazzling content (no need to be a graphic designer or videographer, but a good taste and an appetite for learning are essential).

- The skill to grasp and embody our brand tone, understand our audience inside out, and devise enchanting content.

- Proficiency in SEO and data analytics.

- A balance of independent initiative and teamwork.

- Agile adaptability, attentiveness to feedback, and the capacity to grow from constructive critiques.

- Proactive problem-solving and execution.

- Near native written English.

Your Role:

- Developing inventive social media strategies to amplify visibility and subscriptions.

- Designing content that’s both captivating and relevant to our audience.

- Spearheading advertising campaigns on social media.

- Analyzing and reporting the successes and lessons of campaigns and strategies.

- Staying on the cutting edge of social media trends, particularly in our niche.

What We Offer:

- We value your thirst for learning and involvement more than your past experience.

- A 100% remote work setup: your performance matters, not your location.

- A goal-oriented work environment: manage your time and enjoy flexibility.

- A unique opportunity to grow with us and lead the marketing team as we expand the project.

- Competitive pay with prospective salary growth and bonuses as the company thrives.

How to Apply

If you’re eager to make reading vibrant and fun, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, please send the following to contact@calliopeinteractive.com.

A resume; 

A portfolio of your previous social media or digital content creation work; 

A brief cover letter explaining what attracted you to Calliope; 

And two sentences describing three Instagram or TikTok posts that you would make for Calliope.  

If you’re interested in learning more, please check out our app in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store; and our social media: Instagram & TikTok