#C & D Waste Solutions

[licorice-tea]

When The Tide Comes Out

Pairing: Portgas D. Ace x reader

Content: angst, fluff, h/c kind of… also kissing😽

Word Count: 1.1k

A/N: first time writing about Ace!! also i LOVE orville peck and this scenario just fit perfectly with this part of his song, “Blush”! Ace is so like… cowboy adjacent, too, so i think this kind of music is fitting for him! please enjoy and lmk what you think <3

There’s something ‘bout men that I don’t understand

You never would know how Ace did it. The constant solo traveling, having to find a new place to sleep every night, and not knowing where home is. Because, well, his home is a ship. He’s brave and responsible enough to take care of himself- you know that much- but still…

It’s a lifestyle that makes no sense to you.

On the other hand, you’ve never been one to stray far from home. You prefer to stay on your island, only going on the occasional vacation with family or friends. Still, you’ll always know where to come back to when the fun is over. And even then; you’re surrounded by people who carry the same feeling of comfort as your bed would.

Ace doesn’t have that. And he doesn’t seem to need it, either. He races around the globe in search of revenge. He calls it justice, but when you see the fire in his eyes- normally so full of warmth and comfort- you’re confused. It’s a scary look, one that you’d hate to ever see directed towards yourself. But, Ace could never direct such rage toward you. He barely gets to see you, why waste any time on bitter feelings?

Yet, he always leaves you. You’ve opened your door to him countless times; told him he was welcome to stay for as long as he wants. And every time, he chooses to leave after a night or two.

They’re always leaving wherever they’ve been

For what must be the hundredth time, you walk Ace to your front gate. You live in a nice rural area near the beach, and your front yard has its own garden and fish pond. It’s picturesque, and a home that most people (couples, specifically) could only dream of owning someday.

He hugs you tightly, burying his face in your hair with no shame.

“I miss you already.”

“Then stay.”

Ace shakes his head, surely messing up your styling, before he pulls back to face you. “You know I can’t.”

A thought tries to escape your mind, but your lips press together after a second thought. His hands brush a strand from your cheek- and you let him for a moment- but then you catch his wrist. “But you can, Ace.”

Brush it off with a shrug, I don’t know much about love

He sighs and a wince passes over his features; as if he’s in pain. “Let’s not do this right now, baby, please.”

“Don’t you baby me, Ace. You leave me alone for months on end and- and what? I’m supposed to just be content with seeing you for a few weeks out of the whole year?”

“… I’m sorry, I really am.”

This time, you’re the one to sigh and shake your head with a pained expression. “No it’s… I know what you’re doing is important to you.”

“But you’re important to me, too. You’re where home is.” The sentiment squeezes your heart- it feels like it’s about to burst.

“I know.” You try and offer a smile, so at least your last few moments together for god knows how log will be happy ones.

He laughs dryly at your obviously forced smile. Ace feels like he’s failing you, in all honesty, with no solution or viable compromise that will suit both his career as a pirate and the love he wishes to continue growing with you. “I’m not doing too great at this, am I?”

“You’re doing your best.” You pull him back in for another hug, and whisper against him. “I love you, Ace.”

He smiles into your neck. “I love you too.”

Still I give it a try now and then

You’re the first one to let go, pushing him away gently. “Go, before I try and stop you.”

His smile is strained, yet still bright and handsome. “I’ll come back sooner next time, okay?”

“You better. Or else I might have to find a replacement.”

Ace laughs and you giggle along with him. “Nah, I’m not too worried about that.” He presses a sweet kiss into your lips. “I mean it though. I want to make this work, and I want to be here with you.”

This time around, your smile is more genuine. “Then I can’t wait.”

Your hands turn his hips away from you as you playfully push him out the gate and toward the beach. “Now go so you can hurry back!”

The two of you laugh as you run down to where his raft is stationed on the shoreline.

Saddle up and ride on down

“You have my vivre card?”

“Mhm,” you pull it out of your pocket, “and you have mine?”

Ace lifts his hat to show you the card stitched onto it. “Always.”

He pushes the small boat out of the sand, and it floats in place. It’s powered by his own devil fruit, so there’s no concern of it drifting away without its owner. Who, as he turns back to you, gives you a look of longing. After a moment his face moves closer to yours, so you’re both smiling softly and nearly connected at the lips. Ace grips your waist and kisses you. It’s more passionate this time, and full of all the love and desire he has for you that he can fit into one action.

You huff in amusement. “Be safe.”

Ace nods. “I will.”

Maybe when the tide comes out

With reluctance, Ace releases his hold on your sides and wades in the shallow water. First he throws his bag on it, then lifts himself onto the deck of the Striker.

You wave goodbye, and he waves back. Theres a halo of sunlight cast from behind his dark curls and broad shoulders. Then, with a few sparks so as to get further from you and not accidentally burn you, the Striker moves further into the rising water. The realization that it’s high tide washes over you much like the waves themselves. You’re soaked up to your knees by now, but it’s no matter. You would swim across the whole ocean if only to get closer to him.

Ace and the Striker grow smaller and smaller in the distance, but you can still see his arm waving high in the air. You wave back with equal zeal, hopping up and down. His shouts of “I love you!” and “I’ll see you soon!” grow quieter, so you’re not even entirely sure when he stops.

Eventually, once he’s out of your field of vision, you turn back. You walk the same path up the beach- 2 pairs of footsteps still visible in the sand from your trip down to the shore just moments before.

Without your lover’s laughter in your ears, the creak of the gate is nearly deafening.

[mixotrophics]

forcing ecology to conform to human squeamishness -- a source of continuing harm

image source - SCOTLAND: the big picture

rewilding -- you may have heard of it. Letting native species (or similar enough ones) do their thing. Bringing back locally-extinct species. letting life, Live but part of nature is also death. Decay. Rot. Blood, gore. Fungus. Maggots. Death breaks apart the Body and lets its nutrients, borrowed during life, re-enter the cycles and nourish more life.

I've heard of a term, I think it was re-dead-ing, but cannot find the post... I do see, now, Death Gives Life , referring to the same thing.

we (broadly) are disgusted by the presence of death. 'Dead stock' -- dead animals, dead plants, so on -- are often removed from the scenery in places like the UK(1). This is often done in the name of disease control, with the idea that dead bodies in nature cause disease(1) even though the work of scavengers & decomposers clear up the germs(2) , -- main concern is, if the animal was very sick before it dies, its carcass may carry that disease. But that is not a corpse problem, that is an animal health problem, which lays in problems like artificially high & concentrated populations (e.g. deer, chronic wasting disease). Just keep them away from waterways and livestock, probably(3).

The carcass(of tree and animal alike) is a node of concentrated nutrients. When left in place, those nutrients return from the ecology from which they came. When the carcass is taken away, those nutrients are gone elsewhere(3). And now, detached from the life that has mechanisms to eat-rot(2), we humans have to do something with it. Like with manure, compartmentalizing these "wastes" away from growing life turns them into a problem(4).

Fallen trees & rotting meat are the homes for so many species, sometimes species only raising their young at particular stages or specializing to particular parts -- fur, bones, meat, bark(2). disallowing the dead & rotting from resting where they lay where we can see&smell them, is disallowing these species to find a place to live.

image source - ARK Rewilding Netherlands

& it's not just bugs. Think vultures, Think scavenger-mammals(2) ; Not only these, but predators fill up on already-dead meat, allowing endangered prey like the capercaillie to nest successfully(3).

and "cleaning up" this "ugly thing" that is the dead may deprive animals of their chance to mourn(1). Not all animals do -- many don't care much, many eat their own babies -- but some do and they should be given that chance.

...

greenwashed environmentalism thrives on the beauty of nature, operating in very narrow definitions of beauty and what is correct ... mud, rot, death, disease, bugs, stench, shit, these are all fundamental aspects of the inbuilt reciprocity+interconnectedness of being alive, and things we reject at the peril of so much.

image source - How death gives life

to all dead things: we, the living, love you, and thank you for giving back to the natural community at the end of your time with us. If only such ideas were not so opposed in the current era.

...

1 ) King, S. How death gives life. Rewilding Britain, 2023. 2 ) Beekers, B.; Meertens, H.; Reiniers, K.; Helmer, W.; Colijn, E.; Krawczynski, R.; and Meissner, R.; trans. Righart, A.; and Allen, D. Circle of life: A new way to support Europe's scavengers. Rewilding Europe & ARK Nature, 2017. 3 ) Ferraro, K. M.; and Hirst, C. Missing carcasses, lost nutrients: Quantifying nutrient losses from deer culling practices in Scotland. Ecological Solutions and Evidence 5(3), 2024. 4 ) Moore Lappé, F.; and Collins, J. World Hunger: 10 Myths. 2015.

[nzia-writes]

Senile Souls

[A b l a d e & b p c r o s s o v e r ]

I’ve took a little break but I’m back to me! Let’s get into this, now.

Synopsis: an aged love, once crushed beneath the strain of the blood moon, will resurface on the night of the blood moon. you return to wakanda because of love but not for love. and the princess? suffice it to say that she loves you but you have not given her many reasons to.

The Dynamics: vampire!Shuri vampire!Reader black!british!Reader

Disclaimer: vivid depictions of blood, violence, angst—cause I’m an angsty ho’. I get it from my momma— heartbreak, declining mental health, grief, and loss. Calm down, I swear it ain’t as bad as you think it is.

SHURI:

The tags:

@cuddl3s4shur1 @itsophiebby @rxcently @slytherin-34 @shinsousliya @donewit51life @mysticalmarss @mlmilani @doms-fav @verachii @zayswriting

Honorable mentions:

@inmyheadimobsessed @izrinmabel1 @iinkonde -Love y’all work downnn!! I can only hope y’all think the same of this right here. -Everybody check out their workshops if you haven’t already. They are some beasts at this shyt, okayy?

This is my first supernatural piece ever. I think I did myself justice. Enjoy her!

[The Golden City, Wakanda]

Harm goes to those who trespass your path of demolition. The wasted soldiers scattered before you now know this more than anyone. They’ve committed their life to bulking strength only for it to kiss a sweet goodbye at its moment of use. But of course you omitted death, sweeping their minds inside a wicked slumber, served with a side of fractured arms and twisted noses. Mercy, oh, mercy. How distasteful.

The spilling of blood has never been an intimidating act to the commander of death. It is the spilling of blood inside an alpha-level nation—capable of deflating an ego with the tap of a button—that is more… low-grade in taste.

I mean, look at them. Their scars and jade embroidery is of the River Tribe. That is the Queen’s heritage, her home, and her heart. She would bring the world to ash if she were to find them here unconscious in this lowly lit palace room—-all the more vengeful to know it occurred by your hand. It’s best to move out before she can find out.

You seal the highly-risen chamber doors shut to crouch behind pillars as the guards and palace workers stride ahead of you, gossiping in their native tongue. The pungency of their blood is so noxious, so ripe with loyalty that your nose scrunches in disdain. If loyalty is what they practice, then sacrificing their blood for the princess’s consumption would be no trouble would it?

Of course it would. Shuri nurses a heart too pure to allow it. She’d certainly rack her own brain for a solution before devouring another. And for that fact alone, you tighten your hold on your tool bag, huffing out. I’m almost there, Shuri.

REST COMING (?)

( I didn’t mean to post this so early, my mf finger slipped but hey it’s out now.)

[pinkhairandpokemon]

——

[Attached: An audio recording. It starts off with static again, but instead of fading out after a while like the others, it remains overlayed over the muffled voices you can pick up. You think you can hear Blake, and a few other unfamiliar ones, but it’s hard to tell…

Blake(?): “F-ck! Th— —ing is t— go-d-mn str—-!”

???: “W- jus- h—e to wea—n it l-ttle b- —ttle! D-n’t g—e up!”

???: “Pyrr-us! Us- Coll-s-on C—rse!”

Blake(?): “K-ppa! Sn-p- Sh—!”

There’s the sound of… either glass or rock shattering, you aren’t able to tell. But soon after, the audio goes to complete static again. Before finally, it clears…

Blake: “…Lord N?”

N: “Yes, Blake?”

From the sounds of their voices, they sound a bit out of breath, like they’d been walking for a long time.

Blake: “I… uh- uh…”

N: “Are you alright? I know it’s a lot of stairs, we can stop and take a breath if you-”

Blake: “It- it isn’t the st-stairs.”

N: “Oh. Then what’s wrong?”

Blake: “I-I don’t… I…”

Blake’s voice wavers, as if they’re about to cry. You hear N take a few steps down the set of stairs towards them, tone laced with worry.

N: “Woah, hey, what is it now?”

Blake: “I-I don’t… I don’t wanna do this, I-”

N: “…Blake?”

Blake: “N-No matter how many times I try to wrap my head around it, how many times I try to listen to your reasoning, it- I can’t- I can’t- I still don’t want to tear people and Pokémon away from each other, it’s not- it’s not-”

N: “Wha-? Blake, come on, we already talked about this…”

Blake: “I-I know we did! But- I j-just…”

Blake: “It’s- it’s not just my brain overthinking or worrying pointlessly over everything again. I know what that feels like. It’s like… it’s not my brain telling me it this time, it’s my heart. No matter what way I-I try to spin it, I can never convince my heart that it’s right…”

N: “…”

Blake: “…N, we can’t go through with this. We just can’t. I don’t know any alternative way to stop Pokémon from suffering, but- but this isn’t it. It can’t be. I can’t imagine separating someone like Cole from their Pokémon… I can’t imagine being separated from Axew.”

You can hear Blake reach out to grab the king’s hand.

Blake: “S-so please… let’s put an end to this. B-Before it gets any worse. It’s- it’s not too late to find a different solution!”

Blake: “Please…”

There’s a long, long beat of silence. If it hadn’t been for the wind whistling through whatever place they are in this audio, you would’ve thought the recording had stopped.

Then, you hear N yank his hand away.

Blake: “L-Lord N…?”

N: “Blake…”

N: “As… unfortunate it is to hear all of that, I… understand. And I won’t try to change the way that you feel.”

N: “But you need to understand that this is my destiny. When I was younger, I never knew why I was gifted with the ability to understand the hearts of Pokémon, and not anyone else. But then Ghetsis showed me what humans do to them, and I finally understood.”

Blake: “I know, but…”

N: “If I don’t use my abilities to save the Pokémon of this world, then what? What else would I be good for?”

N: “This is what my heart is telling me. It’s what it’s been telling me four years now. That my destiny, my purpose, is to help create that ideal world that Pokémon deserve. Not to stand by and just let their suffering continue!”

Blake: “But is this really the way to do that? I’m not saying you have to give up on helping Pokémon, I’m just asking you to reconsider-”

N: “It isn’t your job to ask anything of me!”

Another heavy silence falls.

Blake: “…”

N: “I…”

N: “I’m… I’m sorry. But my mind has already long been made up.”

N: “If you’re really not willing to follow through, then by all means, stay behind. But I have the power to fix the world right in my hand- I’m not about to waste it.”

Without another word, N turns and you hear his footsteps disappear up the stairs. Blake sucks in a deep breath, trying to force down their panic, before dashing after him.

Blake: “Lord N! Wait-!”

The audio fades back to static, then ends.]

———

(( OOC: not-choppy transcript of the beginning part; kinda contains spoilers???

Blake(?): “Fuck! This thing is too goddamn strong!”

???: “We just have to weaken it little by little! Don’t give up!”

???: “Pyrrhus! Use Collision Course!”

Blake(?): “Kappa! Snipe Shot!” ))

[ask-guardian-gallade]

Christmas comic cancelled

I really hate it when I cant be a man of my word. But sadly it's cancelled due to a stupid mistake. So here's what happened. It's abit of a long read so I'll add this just to not take up alot of space.

around a week ago I was trying out a game called Tiny Tina's Wonderlands since I'm a borderlands fan & I forgot this spin off was a thing. So after playing through it I ended up getting corrupter data on my character. I don't know how it happened so I looked it up trying to fix it. I found the solution but I have to delete my character since there was no option for me to restore it for some reason. After heading the advice I was able to enjoy the game again... until it happened again for like 4 times and I have to restore the character data by copy and pasting my data file through the game's files to prevent corruption only to end up starting in the exact same save point with the exact same build. I decided to dig deeper to find the real problem. Turns out the real problem is that I have no more data storage on my C drive. I found it weird because I installed the game on my D drive but it turns out that my onedrive cloud is on my C drive and my game save is in there for some reason.

I tried to move the save from my d drive but sadly it would make a exact same save back c drive. So I decided to delete the stuff from my drive so maybe the corruption can finally end. So I used the clean up option to free some space. then a restart was required due to an app I never use. when it did I finally can enjoy the game again. And then...I notice that all of my drawings from my folder in c drive was deleted along with it...even the wip of the Christmas comic 15 pages wasted.

So yeah I cannot stress this one enough and I really want to make it up somehow. I did have an idea but I'll just tell you as soon progress is made. IDK when it will be done but hopefully before July since I got plans.

[waheelawhisperer]

Every so often, I hear people say that Adam Taurus was wasted potential, and I am of two minds about this. While I certainly don't think he needed to be the morally gray revolutionary certain segments of the fandom insist that he was before the evil writers ruined him, I do think he (or, perhaps more accurately, the White Fang plotline as a whole) represents a missed opportunity - namely, he has no connection to Weiss whatsoever.

The conflict between the White Fang and the Schnee family/SDC is central to Weiss and Blake's dynamic in the early Volumes. They first fall out when Weiss reveals her racist attitudes at the end of Volume 1. During this story arc, we learn through Blake how the rest of the world (and Weiss's family/family company in particular) treat the Faunus, why Blake felt violence was the only solution left to her if she wanted to obtain equality, and we learn the effects that violence had on Weiss - the White Fang killed people she knew on a personal level, and her father took his frustrations out on her family. The end of Volume 1 establishes Weiss as an important component of the White Fang storyline and establishes the White Fang as an important part of Weiss's personal narrative.

Other parts of the early Volumes support this: Blake's first interaction with Weiss is dunking on her family company, Lieutenant Banesaw expresses pleasure at the thought of killing a Schnee, Roman Torchwick riles up a crowd, Weiss's big goal is to redeem her family name, etc. and we get more evidence in Volumes 4 and 5, where we see what Jacques is like in person and learn that Ilia lost her parents in a mining accident. All of this is setting up Weiss to be important to the resolution of the White Fang plotline, and yet she never really feels connected to it after Volume 3 at the absolute latest. She gets over her racism with minimal struggle, no one ever bothers mentioning it again (because that plot is done and it's on to the Next Cool Thing), and she and Blake eventually become comfortable enough with each other that Blake casually roasts her.

The reason (or one of the reasons, at least) Weiss feels so disconnected from the White Fang plotline is because Adam is the primary representative of the White Fang we see on screen, and Adam does not give a shit about the White Fang except as an instrument of his own will and power and vengeance, a tool which he can wield to make the world hurt the way it hurt him, something he can use to repay real and imagined slights tenfold.

I always find it funny when people say that making him abusive and self-centered violates his established characterization when:

A) He'd been on screen for like 5 minutes at that point and didn't have much characterization to contradict to begin with.

B) His literal first appearance involves him expressing his willingness to harm innocent people who were just doing their jobs (unless you think everyone who works for a crappy company is complicit in that company's misdeeds, but we see no indication that the workers on the train were doing anything more morally reprehensible than earning a paycheck).

C) His next appearance involves him showing up after one of Cinder's operations cost some of his subordinates their lives and got others arrested, showing no concern for any of them, and confirming that he'll ensure any dissidents fall in line.

D) The only scene that could potentially support the interpretation of Adam as someone that actually cares about Faunus rights takes place when he can't afford to lose face in front of his men. Considering everything else he does during his time as part of the story, it seems pretty clear that he's just posturing in order to maintain the loyalty of his troops.

The Adam his fans want to exist was probably real at one point, sometime long, long ago. He probably did care at one point, given that he was apparently willing to follow Ghira's lead until Sienna encouraged him to employ violence more readily, he started receiving accolades for his ability to kill people, and his newfound standing in a White Fang that was turning more openly to violence in general went to his head, but that Adam was long gone by the time he started playing a major role in the story. By the time Adam mattered to the narrative, everything was about him, not the cause.

On the one hand, making it so that Adam never interacts with Weiss is an interesting way to demonstrate how small and petty and selfish he is, how everything in his life is about how it affects him personally. He doesn't go after Weiss because she's less important to him than Blake and Yang, who (he thinks) hurt him more recently and threaten his power. The Schnees don't matter to him the way they do to his subordinates, even though he has an SDC brand on his face, because all Adam wants to do is hurt someone, anyone, the way the world hurt him. He's happy to attack the Huntsman Academies despite those not exactly being the fountains of injustice that plague the world of Remnant because they happen to be convenient targets that his allies are giving him the power to destroy. He's lashing out at whoever and whatever he can. Weiss doesn't matter. The SDC doesn't matter. Equality doesn't matter. Salem's targets or the consequences of attacking them don't matter. All that matters is Blake, who defied his power over her and made him feel weak. He targets her parents and maims Yang to hurt her. She's his priority even when he's in control of the White Fang. Even Yang only matters to him because she represents a threat to his control over, his ownership of, Blake. Ultimately, it's not even about Blake, it's about Adam's need to be powerful and in control.

On the other hand, Weiss is inextricably intertwined with the White Fang storyline and Adam is its primary representative, which means those narrative threads should've gone somewhere. The closest Weiss ever gets to confronting her family's complicity in the oppression the Faunus labor under is her conflict with Blake. She doesn't get a meaningful confrontation with any member of the White Fang besides a background character who mostly existed to give her someone to lose a fight to and her own teammate, who had already left the organization. The other side of that storyline, her connection to the SDC, fizzles out when her mother hands her the evidence she needs to get her father arrested with minimal effort and Ambrosius casts Meteor using Atlas as the projectile.

This is one of many reasons I hate the way they killed Sienna Khan off the way they did. If she'd survived, if Adam's faction had been a splinter group in truth, we could've positioned Sienna as the member of the White Fang with the conflict with Weiss and Adam as a more personal antagonist for Yang and Blake. We could've had Weiss express the frustration Sienna's White Fang caused her and given Sienna the chance to air her very legitimate grievances with the Schnee family, call Weiss a spoiled child, and all the other good stuff that comes with their ideological conflict. Give Weiss a real good look at who her family's hurt, let her come to terms with the damage Jacques caused to people outside her immediate circle, make her desire to redeem her family name mean something by showing her exactly what the world thinks of it. Hell, let her talk to Ilia. They had the chance for that, she was literally right there at the start of Volume 6, but I'm pretty sure by that point they were trying to close off the White Fang plotline as quickly as possible. I'm pretty sure the writers have never really been comfortable writing the fantasy racism storyline, which is a shame because I think it could've been really good if they'd knuckled down, done their research, and really engaged with it. Unfortunately, they didn't, and we switched gears to Salem on top of that and everything else kind of fell by the wayside.

Do I think RWBY could've told a good story if Adam really had been the morally gray revolutionary, the badass antihero, that certain people seem to think he either was or should've been? Honestly, yeah, it's not like that character archetype hasn't proven successful before, and edgy weeby characters can absolutely work, but also, like, I don't think RWBY needed to go that route, nor do I think it would have been significantly better if it had. Can't say I'm super thrilled about the decision to give Adam a brand on his face and then just... never really engage with that or acknowledge that literally being marked like livestock suddenly made him a lot more sympathetic and had implications for the worldbuilding, but overall I'm pretty fine with how they handled him.

In conclusion, goatman a bitch.

[blot-squisher]

SFW Alphabet for Adiris

SFW Alphabet Ask Meme for Surviving the Game

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?) Adiris is generally very affectionate, but shows it best through actions. Taking care of others or encouraging them are usually how she shows her care for others.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?) Small talk comes very easily to Adiris, so striking up a conversation can easily lead to a shared interest. If you ever need someone to talk to or just spend some time with, she's always a great person to go to.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?) Touching and being touched come very easily to Adiris. Once a healer and priestess, it became second nature to be hands on with people. Nowadays she's a bit more reserved, as it's too easy to accidentally infect people. But if she has healing water nearby or you're confident your immune system can handle it for a little while, she loves to lay her head on her partners chest and just hold one another for a while.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?) In her own way, Adiris has already settled down. Never one for killing, she's been able to find her own hobbies and things to do. She usually only cooks for herself for safety reasons, and keeps a very clean house for the same purpose.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?) Adiris doesn't believe in wasting anyone's time, including her own. If it's not working out, she's going to tell you and end things.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?) Commitment is very important to Adiris. She has maintained a steady faith in her goddess, even through her time in the Entity's Realm. As long as her commitment to her partner/s doesn't demand her beliefs take a backseat, she will show her partner the same love and dedication.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?) Once a priestess, Adiris is a very caring and gentle person unless pushed to fight. And she will fight if there is a good enough reason... Although her knowledge of modern medicine is greatly lacking, her bedside manner is unequivocally the best.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?) Falling under the category of being touched and wanting to be careful not to infect anyone she doesn't mean to, Adiris will allow it but it will be brief. (Unless you really need a hug) If it's someone she loves, only then will the full strength of her warmth come through.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?) Love is not a thing to hand out like bread. It's something special. A promise. Only once she's sure you (and she) both feel the same will she say it aloud.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?) Jealousy is a distraction from what's truly important. It should be addressed of course, but only to the end that a reasonable solution is found.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss their partner? Where do they like to be kissed?) Due to the plague scarring half her face, Adiris is very cautious about kissing people. She most often uses it as a sign of a promise to be kept, or a deep gratitude to another. Kissing any bit of uninfected skin, how her you don't see her as nothing but the Plague, and she'll remember it forever.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?) Adiris loves children. Their wonder, curiosity, and shameless interest in the world around them are beautiful. It's one of the things she misses most about being a priestess.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?) Up early and often busy. Although she no longer has a congregation to tend to, she can't sit idle for long and finds things to do to fill the time.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?) Restful. After a day spent busy, rest and relaxation are important. Your body is a temple after all, and taking care of it is important.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?) Adiris isn't shy about her past. She isn't one to start a conversation about herself, but if you ask she'll tell you. She has nothing to hide, instead hoping that her mistakes may lead to others making better choices.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?) Adiris is incredibly patient, but that doesn't mean she approves. She isn't one to become vocal about her anger in most situations either. The problem will be addressed. How so really depends on who and what has raised her ire.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about their partner? Do they remember every little detail they mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?) Adiris has a good memory. She may not remember every little detail, but if she knows it's important to you, she'll try to remember it.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in their relationship?) The moment she knew for certain that her partner didn't see her as a walking corpse, nothing but a vector for horrible disease and death, but as an actual person.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect their partner? How would they like to be protected?) Protecting people is important to Adiris, especially after so much time being forced to kill them. If its a partner, she'll move mountains to keep them safe. Her partner can protect her best in a less physical way. Be there for her, reassure her when she's down, and make sure she knows she's not a monster.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?) Events are always given 110%. Even the small ones. There is no such thing as a small party, small gathering, small dinner, ect. Just be glad their isn't an entire city to invite to the festivities.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?) English isn't Adiris' first language, and although she can speak it fluently, she often forgets and switches back to her native Akkadian. It's only a bad thing when she does it on purpose to mess with people she doesn't like.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?) Adiris often struggles with her self confidence due to the diseased scars littering her body.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without their partner?) Terribly so. Adiris has always enjoyed the company of others, but to lose someone so close would wound her deeply.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.) Adiris has a beautiful singing voice, but for the life of her she can't get the hang of singing in English. Anna often pokes fun at her for it.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?) Purposefully disrespecting someone's beliefs, culture, or identity is the one line that will get a person's skull caved in. It isn't up for discussion. Don't do that shit.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habit of theirs?) Adiris can sleep through damn near anything. Earthquake? Bet. Tsunami? Psh. Nuclear holocaust? Weak. But the second someone comes into the room she's wide awake. She can't be snuck up on, but no one's sure how.

[cvlavelle]

From Failure to Fortune: Embracing Imperfection on the Entrepreneurial Journey

Entrepreneurial Journey

“Embrace Uncertainty, for within its depths lie the Seeds of Innovation.”

In entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs tend to target the point of pain of their customer segment. The customer’s pain represents a specific challenge, obstacle, or discomfort experienced that entrepreneurs are actively seeking to alleviate. Identifying these pain points is crucial for developing products or services.

Expanding on this concept, understanding the pain points of individuals within the community entails thoroughly examining their needs, frustrations, and areas of dissatisfaction. This may involve conducting surveys, interviews, or observations to gain insights into students, faculty, and staff's daily challenges. By pinpointing these pain points, entrepreneurs can tailor their innovations to meet the specific needs of the campus population, thereby enhancing the value proposition of the start-up and increasing the likelihood of success.

Hypothesis Definition

Before starting the out-of-classroom interview, we, as students and young entrepreneurs, made initial hypotheses regarding the population’s problems at our university, Central Mindanao University (CMU). We hypothesize that students, faculty, and other CMU stakeholders are experiencing waste management problems, specifically in properly disposing of waste, especially regarding how waste is collected and where the collected waste would be taken. There is also a problem with poor ventilation within some college buildings. Due to this, some students experience discomfort with the temperature of some rooms in different colleges. There are also issues with the signal quality of specific areas where students find it challenging to submit their requirements or research helpful articles. However, before brainstorming more ideas, we tested our hypothesis on whether or not people at CMU experienced the problems we initially recorded.

The group initiated this because an idea that will not solve the problem of its target market will ultimately fail. Every idea has its place, and knowing which idea to pursue during certain circumstances will determine the success of a venture project. We wanted to know precisely what problems we could use to create the start-up.

Hypothesis Testing

To test the initial hypotheses: 1. We politely approached 50 students to interview them face-to-face using a semi-structured interview with preset questions, allowing follow-up questions for a deeper discussion on a problem/issue.

2. The group agreed with the respondents about whether they would allow us to take photo documentation. As the interviewers, we have asked them open-ended questions such as: a. What are the problems that you have encountered here at CMU? b. What are the inconveniences that you have experienced? c. What solutions do you think would solve your problems?

3. The results of the hypothesis testing were positive. Although some of the problems in the hypothesis were not mentioned, a few issues hypothesized were present in the respondents' responses. The results of the interview are as follows: a. The students are experiencing issues with the signal quality at specific areas or colleges on campus. b. There is a lack of proper waste management and implementation of handling garbage. c. Being late in attending classes due to the distance between colleges and the lack of an efficient transport system d. Information and announcements are often delayed due to unavoidable circumstances, such as signal strength and quality issues, device availability (due to integration with modern methods of information dissemination), etc.

Interviewee’s Response Narrative: Brief Summary

It was a fine and quiet day, a bustling university with students and staff walking past each other, minding their business. It was the day that we had prepared for all the mental preparations to interview people we had yet to meet. We politely introduced ourselves upon approaching every potential respondent and announced our intention to ask them a few questions. Although a lot of people declined our request, we were able to meet the goal of collecting the responses of 50 interviewees.

During the interview, we casually chatted with our respondents to ease the tension and make them feel comfortable sharing their opinions. Although some permitted us to take photos for documentation, they requested not to reveal their identities (names). Our group agreed to these terms to allow the student to share his opinions without fearing exposure.

Of all the people we have approached, the 50 respondents have given us substantial responses. Of all the responses gathered, our results were somewhat similar to our hypothesis or initial expectations. According to the respondents, the problems that they have encountered at Central Mindanao University include the following: waste management, handling, and disposal, poor signal strength and quality, problems with schedule and distance between colleges, and lastly, delays in information dissemination.

Upon receiving these responses, we also asked our respondents about their proposed solutions to their problems. The majority of them have offered the basic solutions to their problems. It is then the role of our group to innovate and develop a start-up based on the proposed solutions of the target market. This discussion is further explained in the team’s decision and options.

Team Decision

According to the interview results, the team has concluded to develop an information system that would benefit students with technological devices. The initial plan for the start-up would be to create an app that would cater to the needs of the students, such as:

Gamifying or creating a game that will entertain students as they practice solid waste management and handling solid waste disposal (i.e., rewarding students for their positive performance)

Faster and more efficient medium/platform for information dissemination

Securing data and information from people who are not associated with the university

Integrating a public transport (Motorola, sikad, and habal-habal) system that would allow for faster and quicker travel time

Information board for an “all-in-one guide” to the restaurants, cafés, shops, etc., and the products or services that they are offering

Investment hub for student entrepreneurs and potential investors

Team’s Option

Given the problems presented by the interview results, the group had three options for which venture project proposal. We have skipped the first solution: to build signal towers or repeaters at specific locations to extend the signal reach and potentially improve signal strength and quality. The group denied this option because it was not a new venture, given that it was already a developed technology and the university itself could address it.

Another option that the group encountered was converting trash into energy and distributing energy to the residents of CMU. This was a good idea but ultimately not a profitable one. The group analyzed the feasibility of this idea and considered that it would also be denied. Despite being a good investment in terms of environmental benefits, the technology for converting trash into energy requires a relatively large area and a considerable amount of machine maintenance. Not to mention, it would also need human resources and sufficient funding for their respective salaries. Ultimately, it would not be a profitable investment if students with little knowledge and experience in managing that massive start-up would pursue this venture.

The last option we settled on was developing an information system (e.g., an app or website) to provide students with up-to-date information. The group initially chose this option because it was the most feasible and profitable. The group's current skills and knowledge also align with this venture, so the group continued to pursue this venture project.

Lessons Learned (Team)

Reflecting on this interview, it's clear that recognizing problems and understanding their underlying causes are essential steps in finding practical solutions. This process highlights the importance of proactive problem-solving and well-informed decision-making in driving positive change. By actively seeking answers and delving into the nuances of each issue, we not only address surface-level symptoms but also tackle the root cause, leading to more impactful and sustainable solutions. This interview emphasizes the value of approaching challenges with curiosity and a willingness to explore all angles, ultimately empowering us to make informed decisions that drive meaningful progress.

Moreover, the interview serves as a reminder of the transformative power of problem-solving skills in both personal and professional contexts. Whether navigating complex projects at work or addressing challenges in our personal lives, the ability to identify problems, analyze them critically, and develop tailored solutions is invaluable. By embracing a proactive problem-solving mindset, we equip ourselves with the tools to overcome obstacles and create positive change in our lives and communities.

Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, I've realized the importance of humility and collaboration in achieving success. Seeking guidance from others and embracing a community-oriented approach underscore the collaborative nature of entrepreneurship, highlighting the significance of collective effort and support in achieving our goals. The interviews and constructive criticism I've received have fueled my determination and renewed my purpose in pursuing entrepreneurship. I'm inspired by the relentless curiosity and drive successful entrepreneurs exhibit, motivating me to challenge the status quo and explore new opportunities for growth and development.

Acknowledging that entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges and setbacks has been a sobering yet empowering realization. Each obstacle presents an opportunity for learning and personal growth, reinforcing that failure is not the end but a stepping stone toward more significant achievement.

Documentation Due to the right of each responder to their privacy and by exercising such rights, we have excluded individuals who have opted for their photos, audio, or videos to be removed from the blog article. This documentation includes the photo of the group's hypothesis testing.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Mike Luckovich

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

June 2, 2023

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

JUN 3, 2023

Three years ago today, on June 2, 2020, days after then–Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes, Martha Raddatz of ABC snapped the famous and chilling photograph of law enforcement officers in camouflage, their names and units hidden, standing in rows on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Mr. Floyd’s murder sparked protests across the country, and Trump used those protests as a pretext to crack down on his opponents. Just the day before, after a call with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump told state governors on a phone call: “You have to dominate. If you don’t dominate, you’re wasting your time.... You’ve got to arrest people, you have to track people, you have to put them in jail for 10 years and you’ll never see this stuff again.” Then he used a massive police presence wielding tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang explosives to clear peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters from Lafayette Square across from the White House. Tonight, President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the Oval Office to emphasize that democracy depends on bipartisanship.” [W]hen I ran for President,” he began, “I was told the days of bipartisanship were over and that Democrats and Republicans could no longer work together. But I refused to believe that, because America can never give in to that way of thinking…. [T]he only way American democracy can function is through compromise and consensus, and that’s what I worked to do as your President…to forge a bipartisan agreement where it’s possible and where it’s needed.” While he noted that he has signed more than 350 bipartisan laws in his time in office, his major focus today was on the bipartisan budget agreement passed by the House and Senate after months of wrangling to get House Republicans to agree to lift the debt ceiling. Biden will sign it tomorrow, averting the nation’s first-ever default. Biden characterized those threatening to force the U.S. into default as “extreme voices,” who were willing to cause a catastrophe. The economy, which continues to add jobs at a cracking pace—another 339,000 in May, according to the numbers released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor—would have been thrown into recession. As many as 8 million Americans would have lost their jobs, retirement savings would have been decimated, borrowing for everything from mortgages to government funding would have become much more expensive, and “America’s standing as the most trusted, reliable financial partner in the world would have been shattered.” “It would have taken years to climb out of that hole,” he said. But the extremists were sidelined, and the House Republicans and the White House reached an agreement. Biden went out of his way to praise House speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and his team, saying that the two negotiating teams “were able to get along and get things done. We were straightforward with one another, completely honest with one another, and respectful with one another. Both sides operated in good faith. Both sides kept their word.” This was not entirely true—McCarthy constantly attacked Biden in the media—but Biden was hammering on the image of bipartisanship. Yesterday, Jonathan Lemire, Adam Cancryn, and Jennifer Haberkorn of Politico reported that Biden and his team plan to make the case for reelection on their ability to negotiate deals that get things done for the American people, acting as the “adults in the room” in contrast to Republican extremists. The budget deal that led to the suspension of the debt ceiling is a major illustration of that position. Biden also praised House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), claiming that “[t]hey acted responsibly and put the good of the country ahead of politics.” The solution to the debt ceiling crisis is a major victory for Biden’s team not only because it happened, but also because it leaves Biden’s key priorities intact, not least because they are popular and Republicans did not want to go into 2024 having demanded unpopular cuts. Biden noted that the measure will cut spending as Republicans wanted (although not necessarily through the measures they insisted on adding), but reiterated that it is the Republican Party that has been on a spending spree. “We’re all on a much more fiscally responsible course than the one I inherited when I took office,” Biden said. “When I came to office, the deficit had increased every year the previous four years. And nearly $8 trillion was added to the national debt in the last administration,” while the deficit fell by $1.7 trillion in his first two years in office. Biden laid out that the deal protects his reworking of the U.S. economy to support ordinary Americans. It protects Social Security and Medicare, as well as healthcare and veterans’ services. It protects the investments in the economy that have enabled the country to add more than 13 million new jobs, including 800,000 jobs in manufacturing. It protects investments in addressing climate change. Finally, Biden vowed to make the wealthy—those who earn more than $400,000 a year—pay their fair share in taxes. “I know bipartisanship is hard and unity is hard,” he concluded, “but we can never stop trying, because in moments like this one—the ones we just faced, where the American economy and the world economy is at risk of collapsing—there is no other way. “No matter how tough our politics gets, we need to see each other not as adversaries, but as fellow Americans. Treat each other with dignity and respect. To join forces as Americans to stop shouting, lower the temperature, and work together to pursue progress, secure prosperity, and keep the promise of America for everybody.” What a difference three years can make.

—

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[swaxs-blog]

Manufacturing Industry

Abstract:

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the manufacturing industry faces a myriad of challenges ranging from operational inefficiencies to supply chain disruptions. To thrive in this competitive environment, manufacturers must embrace technology solutions that can streamline processes, enhance productivity, and drive innovation. This case study explores how our GwayERP Company, a leading software company specializing in ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) solutions, has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the manufacturing industry through its software suite. Through a detailed examination of a real-world scenario, we demonstrate how our software has helped a manufacturing company overcome its operational hurdles and achieve remarkable success.

Introduction

The manufacturing industry has undergone significant transformations in recent years. Rapid globalization, increased customer demands, and evolving technology have created both opportunities and challenges for manufacturers. To stay competitive and thrive in this dynamic environment, manufacturers need to adopt advanced technologies that can streamline their operations, enhance decision-making, and optimize resource utilization. Our ERP software has emerged as a crucial tool for manufacturers looking to achieve these objectives.

Our company is a leading software company in the ERP space, has been at the forefront of helping manufacturing companies transform their operations. In this case study, we explore how our software has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the manufacturing industry, using a real-world example to illustrate its impact.

A Leading ERP Solution Provider

our company specializing in ERP solutions. With a rich history of providing robust software to various industries, Our software has carved a niche for itself in the manufacturing sector. Our ERP software is designed to streamline business processes, improve visibility across the organization, and facilitate data-driven decision-making.

The Manufacturing Industry's Challenges

The manufacturing industry faces several challenges, including:

a) Complex Supply Chain Management: Managing complex supply chains with multiple suppliers and global distribution networks can be daunting.

b) Operational Inefficiencies: Inefficient production processes, manual data entry, and disjointed systems can result in wasted resources and decreased productivity.

c) Regulatory Compliance: Staying compliant with ever-changing industry regulations is crucial but challenging.

d) Customer Expectations: Manufacturers must meet the rising expectations of customers who demand customization, shorter lead times, and higher product quality.

Case Study: How Our Software Transformed a Manufacturing Company

In this case study, we will examine how our software transformed the operations of a fictional manufacturing company facing significant challenges in its day-to-day operations.

Challenges Faced by Manufacturing Industry

A manufacturing company producing industrial machinery. They encountered several challenges, including:

a) Disparate Systems: The company was using multiple disconnected software systems for different functions, leading to data silos and inefficient communication.

b) Inventory Management Issues: Poor inventory management resulted in stock outs and excess inventory, impacting both production and cash flow.

c) Inefficient Production: Manual and paper-based processes led to bottlenecks in production and increased lead times.

d) Lack of Real-time Visibility: The management lacked real-time insights into operations, making it challenging to make informed decisions.

Implementing Our Solution

Manufacturing Company decided to partner with us to address these challenges and drive operational excellence. Our quality software was tailored to meet the specific needs of the manufacturing company, including modules for:

a) Inventory Management: The ERP system provided real-time visibility into inventory levels, helping Manufacturing Company optimize stock levels and reduce carrying costs.

b) Production Planning: Our software enabled efficient production planning, reducing lead times and eliminating bottlenecks.

c) Financial Management: The integrated financial management module ensured accurate financial reporting and compliance with industry regulations.

d) Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Manufacturing Comapny used the CRM module to enhance customer interactions and respond to inquiries faster.

Results and Benefits

The implementation of our software profoundly Manufacturing Company's operations:

a) Improved Efficiency: Streamlined processes and real-time data access resulted in a 30% increase in production efficiency.

b) Inventory Optimization: Inventory carrying costs were reduced by 20%, and stock outs were virtually eliminated.

c) Enhanced Decision-making: The management team had access to real-time data, enabling them to make informed decisions that drove profitability.

d) Regulatory Compliance: Manufacturing Company easily adapted to changing regulations, avoiding compliance-related penalties.

e) Customer Satisfaction: Faster response times and improved product quality led to increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Lessons Learned

Manufacturing Company's journey with us provides several valuable lessons for the manufacturing industry:

a) Integration is Key: Implementing an integrated ERP system that covers all aspects of the business is crucial for efficiency and data accuracy.

b) Real-time Visibility: Access to real-time data is essential for informed decision-making and improved operational control.

c) Customization Matters: Tailoring the ERP solution to the specific needs of the manufacturing business is critical for success.

d) Continuous Improvement: ERP implementation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of refinement and optimization.

Conclusion Our software has proven to be a transformative force in the manufacturing industry, as demonstrated by the case study of Manufacturing Company. By addressing the challenges faced by manufacturing companies and providing tailored ERP solutions, Our Company has helped their organizations by streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace. As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve, the partnership between us and companies like Manufacturing company serves as a testament to the power of technology in shaping the future of manufacturing.

[way-pest]

Pest Control Services in Dubai: Safeguarding Homes and Businesses

Dubai, which is well-known for its beautiful architecture, exciting way of life, and growing economy, is also home to a number of pests that may do major damage to homes and other buildings. These unwelcome visitors, which can range from common pests like cockroaches and rats to more elusive invaders like termites and bed bugs, pose serious risks to health, hygiene, and property. To address this problem, Dubai provides a variety of expert pest control services that use cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly practices to get rid of and prevent pest infestations. The significance of pest control services in Dubai is examined in this article, which also identifies the major advantages they provide to locals and businesses.

1.Challenges with pest control in Dubai: Due to Dubai's unusual climate, which is marked by scorching summers and moderate winters, pests can thrive there. The city's brisk foreign trade and rising urbanization are additional factors that raise the danger of insect infestations. Cockroaches, ants, flies, rodents, termites, bed bugs, and mosquitoes are common pests in Dubai. These pests can harm buildings and other property structurally in addition to posing health problems.

2.Professional Pest Control Services: Professional pest control services are necessary for businesses and homes of Dubai to successfully address and prevent pest infestations. These services are offered by certified and qualified technicians with in-depth knowledge of the species and behavior of local pests. They use a number of techniques that are suited to the particular pest issue, assuring effective eradication with a minimum use of hazardous chemicals.

A widely used strategy called integrated pest management (IPM) concentrates on long-term pest control using a mix of preventive measures, routine inspections, and tailored treatments. IPM strategies include removing food sources, blocking entryways, and putting in place efficient sanitation procedures in an effort to treat the fundamental causes of infestations.

3.Professional pest control has a number of benefits, including the following:

a) Health and Hygiene: Pests can carry harmful infections and diseases that put people's health at danger. In order to get rid of pests, professional pest control services in Dubai use procedures that are both safe and efficient. This lowers the risk of disease transmission and promotes a healthy living environment.

b) Structural Integrity: Pests like termites and rodents can seriously harm furniture, other structures, and buildings. Professionals in pest control can save expensive repairs and protect the structural integrity of buildings by acting quickly.

c) Tailored Solutions: Professional pest control businesses are aware that every infestation is different and need a customized strategy. They carry out in-depth inspections to determine the scope of the issue and create a specialized treatment strategy that successfully targets the particular pest species involved.

d) Long-Term Prevention: Pest control services emphasize long-term prevention in addition to the elimination of current infestations. Long-term pest control is facilitated by routine inspections, proactive interventions, and education on preventive practices

e) ecologically sustainable Methods: Many pest control businesses in Dubai give top priority to ecologically sustainable techniques. They use non-toxic or low-toxicity remedies to protect people and their pets from harm and lessen their influence on the environment.

f) Time and Cost Effectiveness: Trying to deal with insect infestations on your own can result in a waste of time and money. Professional pest control services in Dubai provide effective and affordable solutions, saving locals and companies a significant amount of time and money.

Professional pest control services are essential for protecting homes and businesses in Dubai, where pests can pose serious risks to health, hygiene, and property. These services efficiently get rid of pests, reduce health concerns, and safeguard the structural integrity of buildings thanks to their knowledge, cutting-edge methods, and environmentally friendly methods. Residents and companies in Dubai may provide a secure, pest-free environment for their families, staff members, and clients by investing in professional pest management..

[zmediaoutlet]

Numbers 4 and 16?

ooh, salt and then musing, I see you anon --

4. Do you have a NoTP in your fandom? Are they a popular OTP?

It's only at this question that I think I remember doing this ask set before, lol -- because I think my answer will be more or less the same as it was then, if I'm right -- because my answer is: I literally do not have a NoTP, but I have a lot of "the way you are doing your OTP is causing me physical harm and could you stop." e.g. -- to go to the Sam/Gabriel answer from earlier -- I actually really like the concept of non-con Sam/Gabriel, or Gabriel mindcontrolling or gaslighting Sam, or some kind of fucked up Mystery Spot/Changing Channels situation where things aren't as they seem. That's cool and works with the character and the situation! Gabriel seeing some flickers in Sam that make him the Lucifer Vessel and playing in a kind of sick fascination that he's pretending is dispassionate. Cool! ...most 'sabriel' isn't that, at all. Cutesy dating Sam/Gabriel on a ferris wheel -- that's my NoTP.

And the same holds true for lots of stuff. Dean/Cas is interesting if it keeps the primacy of the Sam-Dean relationship in mind. D/C where Sam doesn't exist is... nothing. Fuck that. Sam/Eileen is interesting if everyone involved understands that Sam's not actually that invested and is going to go directly back to the bunker after. Saileen Weddings are perpetual barf machines.

So. Not that I'm opinionated or anything.

16. If you could change anything in the show, what would you change?

I mean, Lucifer possessing the President of the United States was one of the dumbest things that has ever happened. So it'd be good if it hadn't. But, given that it did, and given that they actually got dumbass arrested by the dumbass fake Secret Service, and given that they ended up in like Colorado Guantanamo, and given that they had that stupid fucking First Blood episode... I'd have Mary sacrifice herself to bail them out of the deal with Billie, and then I'd have real Death come back.

I mean like 95 things are wrong with that whole arc conception -- s12 went off the rails HARD and never came back -- but just as a random little thing, it would've been interesting. And it would've flushed the sad, lame Mary storyline down the toilet a little sooner. Granted, would I still be bitching that it was terrible to bring her back and especially to waste her so soon? Sure I would! Dabb era made me difficult to please! But her going down was a great solution to that super dumb problem, and seeing the fallout of that might've made the end of s12 more interesting.

(That said I did like the episodes where she got brainwashed and was really mean to Dean, so. Maybe not a total waste.)

[jellyfishjulie]

Oh hey here's some holiday advice from someone who is partially or fully estranged from a lot of family, is a huge cynic about the holidays, and hates the hassle of gift giving: do you have a bunch of relatives or acquaintances on your gift giving list that you are not very close with, have u no idea what to get them, and don't feel you owe them effort, but you still feel obligated to get them something for one reason or another ?????

Zoo memberships. Museum memberships. Botanical garden memberships. Aquarium memberships. They are the perfect solution bc

A) They make it so you don't have to buy every individual person a separate gift. It's a one-per-nuclear family group gift. Easy. Done.

B) Feels wayyyy more personal and thoughtful than a gift card! But actually requires zero thought and personalization! A fun loophole!

C) there's nada to ship. The cultural org will typically send the membership card right to them for u, no packaging, no giftwrapping, no shipping costs. You could put it off till Xmas day and it's no big deal bc u just gotta forward them an email saying u bought it. Executive dysfunction friendly.

D) worst case scenario, they hate it or don't use it? Oh well, consider it a donation to a worthy nonprofit. Zero waste, zero guilt.

I swear to you this is the ultimate hack.

[recoveryaudit5]

Audit Partnership: Your Trusted Partner for Retail and Supplier Audits

In today’s fast-paced retail environment, staying ahead of financial challenges and maintaining strong supplier relationships are critical to success. Managing everything from profit margins to operational efficiency and compliance can be overwhelming for businesses, and this is where audit solutions come in.

Audit Partnership is your trusted ally in navigating these challenges. Specializing in retail and supplier audits, we help businesses identify hidden opportunities, optimize processes, and ensure long-term financial stability. In this blog, we’ll explore how partnering with us can help your business thrive.

1. Why Retail and Supplier Audits Matter

Retail and supplier audits are essential for ensuring your business runs smoothly and profitably. With complex supply chains, intricate financial transactions, and a constantly evolving retail landscape, businesses often miss out on potential savings or make financial errors that go unnoticed. Retailers need a comprehensive audit process to ensure every aspect of their operation is optimized for success.

Here’s why these audits are crucial:

Profit Recovery: Identifying and correcting financial mistakes can recover significant lost revenue.

Supplier Compliance: Ensuring that suppliers meet contractual obligations and deliver on promised terms.

Cost Optimization: Streamlining operations and removing inefficiencies to reduce unnecessary costs.

Fraud Detection: Preventing fraudulent activity within financial transactions and supply chain operations.

2. How Audit Partnership Supports Retail Businesses

At Audit Partnership, we understand the unique challenges faced by retail businesses. Our audit solutions are designed to dig deep into your financial records, operations, and supplier contracts to identify areas of improvement. We don’t just offer standard audits — we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of your business.

Here’s how we can support your business:

a. Maximizing Profit Recovery

Retailers often lose profits through unnoticed discrepancies in financial records, overpayments to suppliers, or missed discount opportunities. Our retail audits are thorough, ensuring that every transaction is accurate and that any errors are promptly corrected. We help recover lost revenue that would otherwise go unnoticed, boosting your profit margins without requiring operational changes.

b. Strengthening Supplier Relationships

Your suppliers play a key role in your business’s success. Ensuring that they comply with the terms of their agreements is essential to maintaining profitability. We conduct supplier audits that not only review your agreements but also check that you’re receiving the full value of the services or products provided.

If discrepancies are found, our team works with you to recover any owed funds and negotiate better terms for future contracts, creating long-term value for your business.

c. Improving Operational Efficiency

In retail, operational inefficiencies can lead to wasted resources and lost revenue. Our audits take a holistic view of your operations, from procurement to inventory management, ensuring that your business is running as efficiently as possible. We identify bottlenecks, suggest process improvements, and help you streamline operations to reduce costs and increase profitability.

d. Ensuring Compliance and Reducing Risk

Compliance is crucial for any business, particularly in the retail industry where regulations are constantly changing. Our audits ensure that your business complies with all financial regulations, supplier contracts, and industry standards. By addressing compliance risks early, we help protect your business from potential penalties and legal issues, giving you peace of mind.

3. A Tailored Approach to Audits

At Audit Partnership, we believe that no two businesses are alike. That’s why we offer customized audit solutions that cater specifically to your business’s needs. Whether you’re a large retailer with a complex supply chain or a smaller business with a handful of key suppliers, our audit strategies are designed to deliver results.

What Sets Us Apart:

Industry Expertise: With years of experience in retail and supplier audits, our team understands the unique challenges retailers face and knows where to look to find hidden inefficiencies and opportunities.

Data-Driven Insights: We use advanced data analytics to uncover financial discrepancies and operational inefficiencies that might be missed in a standard audit.

Collaborative Process: We work closely with your team to understand your business’s goals and challenges. Our audits are not just about identifying problems—they are about providing actionable insights to help your business grow.

4. Building Long-Term Partnerships

At Audit Partnership, we believe in building long-term relationships with our clients. We’re not just here for a one-time audit; we want to be your go-to partner for ongoing support and continuous improvement. Our goal is to become a trusted extension of your team, providing you with the tools and insights needed to navigate the complexities of retail and supplier management.

By partnering with us, you gain access to a team of experts who are committed to helping your business succeed. We don’t just audit your finances; we offer strategic advice, ongoing support, and a clear path to improved profitability.

5. The Benefits of Choosing Audit Partnership

Choosing Audit Partnership for your retail and supplier audits brings several key benefits:

Increased Profitability: By identifying financial errors, recovering lost revenue, and optimizing operations, we help your business maximize profits.

Stronger Supplier Relationships: Our audits ensure that your suppliers meet their contractual obligations, helping you build stronger, more cost-effective partnerships.

Improved Financial Control: With a clearer understanding of your financial position, you can make more informed decisions and maintain tighter control over your finances.

Reduced Risk: Our audits identify potential compliance issues and areas of risk, helping to protect your business from penalties or financial losses.

Customized Solutions: We tailor our audit services to your business’s specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Conclusion: Trust Audit Partnership for Comprehensive Retail and Supplier Audits

In a competitive retail environment, maintaining financial control, strong supplier relationships, and operational efficiency are key to long-term success. Audit Partnership is here to support your business with comprehensive, tailored audit solutions that deliver real results.

Our team of experts is ready to help you uncover hidden opportunities, recover lost revenue, and strengthen your business’s financial foundation. Contact Audit Partnership today and discover how we can become your trusted partner in retail and supplier audits.

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Dumpster Rentals By Truck n Go Delivery Inc.

Anaheim, California, has a dynamic blend of historic charm and modern attractions. Founded by German settlers in 1857, the city thrived on agriculture, particularly vineyards. However, Anaheim’s transformation began with the opening of Disneyland in 1955, which brought global recognition and sparked economic growth. Today, Anaheim is known for its entertainment venues like Disneyland Resort, Angel Stadium, and the Honda Center, home to the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Angels. Its thriving tourism industry is complemented by growing urban areas such as the Platinum Triangle and Anaheim Hills.

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The city’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its green initiatives and urban planning efforts, which enhance the quality of life for residents while accommodating the needs of millions of annual visitors. Anaheim’s role as a sports hub is significant, with teams like the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Angels bringing sports fans from around the region. These teams and the world-renowned Disneyland Resort make Anaheim an exciting and culturally rich city with something to offer everyone.

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Orlando Trash Removing Help: Practical Solutions for Rubbish Disposal

Introduction

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Dumpster Rental Suggestions Near Me Orlando

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