#Cash Logistics Companies

[sectransecurity]

Cash Logistics Companies

Cash logistics companies specialize in the secure handling, transportation, and management of cash. They offer comprehensive solutions to businesses and financial institutions, ensuring the safe transfer of money.

[artisticdivasworld]

The Cost of Ignoring Professional Advice in the Trucking Industry

Running a trucking business isn’t just about owning a bunch of trucks and hiring drivers. It’s a tough industry filled with rules, rising expenses, and new technologies popping up all the time. To keep up, you need more than just hard work—you need expert advice. Unfortunately, many trucking companies skip out on this, thinking they can handle it on their own. The truth is, that decision can cost…

[logyxpress]

Best Cash On Delivery Courier Partner in Gurgaon | LogyXpress

Your quest for the ultimate Cash On Delivery Courier Partner ends here! LogyXpress offers a seamless Cash On Delivery Courier service that revolutionizes the way you handle transactions. Specializing in B2B and B2C solutions, LogyXpress offers unrivalled warehousing fulfilment, seamless e-commerce shipping, and an extensive range of freight services. Connect with our team at +91 9599921470 or email us at info@logyxps.com Or explore our website https://logyxps.com/

[rayslittlekitten]

All Eyes On You

A/N: Okay, it's finally done. This did not go where I had initially imagined it but I mostly like how this came out. I think it's kinda different from what I've written in the past. I tried to make this PWP and Jax being savage but I always add softness to Jax. I can't help it. Also, I don't know how porn sets are so, yeah. Didn't want to focus too much on the logistics of all that. Also, clearly this is AU. Hope this doesn't disappoint.

Rating: E (18+ ONLY)

Word Count: 3,597

Pairing: Pornstar!Jax x Pornstar!F!Reader

Plot: Getting railed by Jax Teller is only one of the perks of your job.

Contains: porn star/shooting porn, sex work, some D/s dynamics, sex (PiV), oral sex (F and M receiving), exhibitionism, voyeurism, degradation, humiliation, name-calling (slut, whore), light spanking, light choking, dirty talking, masturbation, praising (good girl), cream pie, a quick moment of edging if you squint, aftercare

"We need to find more honest ways of living."

Since Jax became President, he has wanted to steer the club away from the guns and other underground dealings. He was open to all ideas and for him, no idea was a bad idea until it’s been tried. When his business partner running the SAMCRO-funded and protected porn production company jokingly suggested for Jax to star in a few movies, he actually considered it. Getting paid to have sex? He's already doing it for free. Everyone's gotta earn their keep, right? Would it be too degrading? He's supposed to be the leader and he's leading his club into selling their bodies, maybe even their dignity. Not to mention the conflict of interest. Still, he brought it up to the table anyway and they voted on it. Surprisingly most voted yes, although mostly for pure amusement. 

What started as a joke to them actually became one of their honest ways of earning. Well, at least for Jax. The others didn't have the balls to do it, but that didn’t stop them from reaping the benefits of tagging along with Jax whenever he had to go shoot some scenes. Money doesn't lie and when they saw their revenue continuously multiply shortly after his debut released, they knew they had a cash cow. Since then, Jax had dedicated a day each month to shooting his scenes. As long as he agrees with the script, he has no problem. Sometimes he'd even make suggestions. He gets producer credit for those as well.

His content is the most exclusive one they have so they strategically make less of it. Gotta keep teasing his fans. Besides, he actually enjoys the attention. If it was any possible, his ego has inflated to be bigger than his dick and that in itself says a lot. It was as if God himself designed him to be a porn star. It was so effortless for him.

Their business has expanded so they their talent pool did as well and let's just say there is no shortage of women  - and men - wanting a chance at fucking Jax Teller. You're just happy that you're one of them who made the cut.

Your legs are pushed back to your chest as Jax has his face in between your thighs. You toss and turn your head, feeling his tongue and lips licking and sucking your folds. As you look off camera, you notice there are so many pairs of eyes on you as you lay there naked, spread so wide for the whole world to see your pussy getting eaten out by Jax Teller, suddenly getting a rush. Jax flips you over on your belly and he yanks your hips back so you're on your knees with your ass popped up. He shoves his face back in and you push back, moaning when you feel the tip of his nose nudge your asshole. Jax moves away and aligns himself with you. He shoves his thick, hard cock inside of you and you yelp. 

You brace yourself on the bed and turn your head to look behind you, at Jax as he pounds away, already quickly building an orgasm. You notice someone in the far corner behind Jax touching himself through the front of his jeans and you make eye contact, or so you think. He's a bit under the shadows and a studio light is blinding you, but it doesn't matter. This man is turned on by you getting fucked and that's turning you on. You can feel yourself getting more arousd with each plunge Jax takes and each stroke the mysterious man makes.

"Fuck, you're so wet," Jax growls.

"I'm gonna cum! I'm gonna cum!" You warn and before you know it, your muscles contract on his cock and you moan out loud, maybe embellishing your cries just a little.

Jax continues to fuck you hard and fast, drawing out your orgasm.

"That's my girl," he praises and then smacks your ass.

"CUT! Let's get behind them and get a shot of her getting fucked from behind. Back in positions!" the director shouts.

"You alright?" Jax checks on you.

"Yeah, that was a good one," you breathe out while you wiggle your ass back into position, opening and exposing yourself to him and the camera.

"Think you can do that again, sweetheart?" he asks as his thumb slowly slides in and out of the entrance of your dripping slit, teasing you. 

You push back and mewl. Talents aren't supposed to engage in any sexual contact while cameras aren't rolling. Although it's not a perfect system, it helps to keep interactions professional and avoid unwanted advances. Fluffers exist for a reason. You and Jax are an exception though. You've been scene partners for a while now and are very comfortable with each other. You can't really say how it is for the other women he's done scenes with, but when you and Jax are fucking, you feel it in your soul and you know he can too. There's just this playful and cozy rapport between you two that allows you both to work together very well.

You swear Jax, the pleasure dom that he is - and what his onscreen alter ego is known for - always makes it a point to pull as many orgasms as he can out of you and you can't even fake yours. Not with him. He can tell when they're real but with him, you don’t even need to fake them. Your exes couldn't even figure out 10% of the ways Jax has learned the ins and outs of your body. Heck, he taught you a few things about your own body. 

Between cut and action are the times your pussy aches the most, missing the fullness of Jax's thick cock, stretching you out in all the best ways. People have said porn is fake, but it's not. Scripted? Sure, but it's not fake, at least not all of it. Actual penises are actually penetrating actual vaginas, assholes and mouths. You've sure tasted enough semen to know it's real. Your bruised cervix is more proof of it. Don't forget the sore jaw, but they're all worth it especially if it's all because of Jax. You're also reminded of why you love doing what you do when you notice all eyes on you and Jax again.

"Quiet on set!" the director warns. "Aaaand ACTION!"

You gasp when Jax shoves back into you without warning. He angles himself in favor of the camera, but pushes in deeper and faster. Your eyes wander again and find these two men wearing kuttes off to the side watching. You recognize the one you make eye contact with and you maintain it while getting railed. You've seen him around sometimes whenever Jax comes by. He smacks your ass and you yelp, pushing back against him, chasing another release. The man you're having a staring contest with shifts uncomfortably while adjusting the front of his jeans. You reach for your bare breasts and start pinching your nipples. Your hips stutter when you feel an orgasm close to sliding into home base. You clench and moan as you get closer and closer. 

"CUT! Okay that should be enough coverage. Moving on to uh..."

You growl in frustration when Jax stills his hips.

"Sorry, baby. I'd give you relief, but I think maybe we should save that for the camera," he teases as he makes his cock twitch while still inside you, making you cockwarm him between takes.

"Okay, so we're gonna transition to blowjob. Let's start from where we left off. Jax pulls out and then she turns around and sucks him off," the director tells the crew. "Then at some point, Jax, you put her on her back and go missionary."

You shudder suddenly when Jax spreads your juices around with the pad of his thumb and starts teasing your asshole with it, putting just the slightest pressure.

"Jax..." you pant.

"Shh. Be a good girl and hold it," he coos. ”Can you do that for me, baby?”

The line between fantasy and reality definitely blurs for the both of you sometimes, but you both also just enjoy each other that much. Finally they call action again and Jax starts giving you a few short shallow pumps, making you wail from relief, until he pulls out and spanks you.

"Come suck my dick," he commands, holding his cock out for you.

You manage to turn around so you're on your knees and elbows, face to face with his hard cock that's soaked in your juices. You immediately put your lips over his dark red tip and bob up and down, taking more and more of him each time you push in. As you jerk him, you ram his cock into the back of your throat, fitting as much of him as you can. Feeling your gag reflex surfacing, you encourage it to happen and then Jax fists your hair, pulling out a bit and pushing back in. 

“Danny, go in for the close up of her,” the director jumps in.

When the cameraman moves in, Jax palms the back of your head and you remove your hand to deep throat him again. He gently pushes your head down and you relax your throat, trying to get more of him. When you gag again, intentionally doing it audibly, he instantly lets go and you pull him out. He grabs your chin and tilts your face up so he can see it. Tears leak out of your eyes and spit from your puffy, slick lips.

"Look at you. So pretty," he praises.

His baby blues penetrate your misty eyes. You don't know if he's just a great actor or as charming as people claim he is, but you believe, at least in the moment, that he thinks you're pretty. You continue to look up at him, playing into the camera, as this is a close up.

"Get on your back," he tells you.

As you turn over and Jax climbs over you, the cameraman steps out of your personal space, returning back to a wider shot. Jax leans down and smashes his lips over yours. His hand comes up to your face and cradles the side of it as he deepens the kiss. You kiss back, slipping your tongue between his lips and licking his pearly whites. He opens up his mouth and intertwines his own tongue with yours, tasting each other. Breaking the kiss, he pulls back, kneels and brings one of your legs up to spread them without blocking the camera’s view. He taps his cock against your clit and then slides the tip up and down your slit, teasing you, causing you to moan and your hips to jerk. He finally pushes inside of you and you arch your back. He pumps away as he holds your leg up, the muscles of his tattooed back flexing with each push and pull.

“Are you gonna cum again?” he asks.

You prop yourself up on your elbows and look down at where you meet. Your fingers reach in and you start rubbing your clit.

“Fuck, yeah, keeping touching yourself,” he encourages. “I want to feel you cum all over my cock again.”

With your next orgasm reaching the edge, your eyes wander to the man in the shadows behind Jax again. You see his hand is now in his pants and he’s unabashedly rubbing one out to this whole scene. Maybe he doesn’t think you can see him. You rub yourself a little faster and his hand matches your pacing.

“Oh god…” you start as you get closer to popping.

Jax drives into you faster and harder and before you know it, the coil snaps inside you and you cry out and arch up, thrashing as you ride the wave. You’ve already lost count of how many you’ve had as you’ve been doing this with Jax on and off already for the last hour or so.

“CUT! Okay, I think we’re gonna get to the money shot now. Are you ready for that Jax?”

“Yeah, I guess so,” he replies. “Can we get five?”

“Alright. Let’s do five!” the director shouts.

As the crew breaks, you let your legs fall to the sides and stretch out a bit while Jax slips off the bed, standing next to it. He starts massaging your hips and helps you rotate your leg one at a time.

“How do you feel? Do you need a longer break?”

“No, I’m good. Let’s just finish this,” you reply. “You really like to stretch me out. It’s like I’m getting a yoga session in whenever we pair up. In fact, it’s probably good for my body.”

“Here we go, biiiig stretch,” he says as he throws one of your legs over, twisting your torso and applying firm pressure on your thigh, stretching out your lower back and glutes. Then he does the same with the other side.

A satisfying moan rumbles from your throat as you feel your muscles loosening.

"Are you ready to show everyone what a fucking star you are?" Jax asks as you straighten your body out.

Your smile reaches your eyes and that tells Jax all he needs to know. You sit up and then bring your legs behind you to kneel on the bed. Jax licks his lips as he looks at you with an equally proud smirk. While biting your lower lip, you reach down and start stroking his semi-hard cock, bringing it back to life.

As people start returning to set, the director checks on the both of you.

“Just another minute,” Jax winks at the director as you continue to jerk him.

“Alright, everyone in your places!” 

You start changing up your pace and technique, making him hiss and groan.

“Lay back,” Jax directs you and you fall back to return to your previous position.

He climbs back onto the bed and repositions you to the same one he put you in before the break and pushes into you, your dampness still so present. Your body melts, feeling so delightfully full again. 

“Are we rolling?” the director asks. After confirmation, he calls action.

Jax pumps a few times into you, getting you both back on track. He pushes your leg back even more, spreading you out and changing his angle. When it feels like the right time, he then switches positions, curling up behind you and slipping himself back inside you, still holding your leg up and back.

His other hand snakes up to the front of your throat and he pulls your head back. You can hear him panting right into your ear as he thrusts away, You couldn’t be anymore exposed right now with your legs splayed open so wide and Jax fucking you from behind. Only way this could get better is if you had a few more cocks to fill your other holes.

“Look at all those people looking at you,” Jax grunts quietly into your ear, meant only for you and not the camera. “Watching you being such a fucking slut for me.”

His words just about pushed you closer to yet another orgasm which you know is the intentions behind them. You push back against him, trying to match his thrusts and get a deeper penetration as you glance over at all the people watching you. Jax starts pinching your nipple and you feel it shoot down below your belly.

“They’re memorizing how your juicy pussy looks and sounds as I pound into you. Imagining it’s their cock your pussy is gripping. The sexy sounds you make every time I stroke you just right. How shameless you are and loving every fucking second of it.” Jax’s dirty talk is rapidly fueling your next release and it’s evident as the wet sounds get even louder.

"I bet those perverts are gonna sniff these sheets after the shoot too just to feel a little closer to you."

Nothing gets you off more than knowing the power you know you have over your viewers. The thrill of them watching you getting stretched out and brazenly defiled especially when they need to jerk off to you, imagining they are the ones balls deep inside you. You don't get to see most of your actual audience but the thought is enough to intoxicate you. It also helps that Jax knows how you bring the inner slut out of you. The dirtier it gets, the more you want. You're putting on a different kind of show than what your viewers may think. You're not doing this for them; you're doing this purely for yourself, getting off on these people watching you on display.

“They’re storing it in their spank bank for later and when they need to rub one out, they’ll pull it right up, jerking themelves and cumming to you because you so desperately need to get fucked like a whore over and over again, cumming all over every cock that fills up your pussy,” Jax adds as he punches up into you, your ass slapping against the top of his thighs. The squelching increases with each thrust, pushing your arousal out of you.

You also get a different kind of rush from being so sexually freeing. The blood rushes to your face and your groin when you suddenly feel like you’ve been caught doing something so naughty. Shamefully being shameless as your holes get stuffed over and over again. Embarrassed to be seen in such a state but at the same time not wanting to stop because it just feels so damn good to the point you don’t care who is watching.

"You're gonna give me one more?" Jax asks as he continues to pound into you. “Huh, baby?”

He hooks his arm under your knee to hold it back, spreading you even wider and this time, it’s his long slender fingers that dip down between your legs to rub your clit. 

"Come on, baby. Cum on my cock again," he encourages. “Just one more time.”

You slam your hips back against him, chasing your next release. Between his fingertips digging into the sides of your neck, the sweet filthy words spilling into your ear and him driving his hard, thick and long cock into your cunt, your body is already close to the end, but now him rubbing your swollen clit, it launches you right over to the line.

“Be a good girl and cum for me,” he grits.”Cum for me, you fucking slut.”

With that, your eyes roll back and you cry out. You are convulsing over him, your walls clamping down hard over his cock. 

“That’s it! That’s my fucking girl,” he growls.

His pacing maintains even after you stop flopping around.

“Fuck, baby, I’m gonna cum too,” Jax pants, and then lets out a low moan as he empties himself inside you.

“Great! Danny, make sure you get a close up of the cream pie shot,” the director reminds him.

After Danny quickly repositions himself, Jax slowly pulls out of you and slaps your clit a few times, making you shudder. His hand reaches between your legs and spreads your lips open. You bear down and push his seed out of you. It leaks out of you and runs down to the crack of your ass. With your juices mixed in with his, he coats your lips with it using his fingers and runs it over your clit as well before sliding his fingers inside you, gently pushing it back in.

Jax turns your head to face him and leans in to kiss you tenderly. 

“Okay, that’s a wrap! Let’s break and clean up for the next shoot.” 

You continue to lazily make out with him, even well after cut was called. As the crew works around you and Jax, you stay lying in bed for a few more moments while stretching your muscles. Jax slips some shorts on and re-joins you, cuddling and spooning you after draping your robe over your naked body.

“Jax!” you giggle as he kisses a trail up the back of your shoulder and neck.

It’s almost unheard of but Jax always gives you aftercare after every shoot, especially the ones where it gets a bit degrading and painful. He does that with all his scene partners, but sometimes you like to imagine he only does it with you. Your mind starts drifting, falling into this comfortable and peaceful lull as he runs his fingers up and down your body that’s cocooned in his.

“Hey,” he nudges the tip of his nose against the back of your ear as he inhales your scent, waking you from your state.

“Hm?” you reply drowsily.

Then Jax finally pops the question you never thought he’d ask.

"You think you're ready for your first gang bang?" Jax asks.

Suddenly getting your second wind, you twist your body to face him and plant a kiss on his cheek, his smile now matching yours as your heart now grows full.

“Really?!” you ask as your eyes light up.

“I’ll even let you pick out your partners.”

Unable to contain your excitement, you squeal as your smile widens even more. 

“Okay, I think we should go get cleaned up and get outta here before they have to kick us out,” he suggests. “I’m laying on a wet spot.”

Jax affectionately boops the tip of your nose with this finger and then kisses your forehead before helping you out of bed.

[brostateexam]

Have not been saying much for a while because everything is hard.

I. My BiL has had c diff three times now and after the third time the oncologist decided to take a damn the torpedoes approach because they were wasting weeks that should have been devoted to chemo because he was too sick and too weak to withstand outpatient treatment. I haven't seen him irl since December but my mom says he looks rough and if his immune system is so messed up that he keeps getting c diff idk that I really want to visit him. What if I get him sick?

All of this is background to me, though, because mostly I'm invested in my sister. She wants to divorce him. He needs to be better enough that she won't face ostracization for doing so. I am invested in him getting better enough for that to proceed for her sake.

II. Something about my relationship with my mom has been bothering me and I finally figured out what it is: everything is equally important to her. She doesn't prioritize anything. If I am having a tough time and ask for help she'll say "well I'm busy every day this week but I can come over next week in Thursday for ninety minutes" and then when she comes over I ask her what she was up to, both to make conversation and because I'm nosy, and it's like... she volunteered for a clothing drive at the synagogue. She went grocery shopping. She went to a farmer's market. Thanks for fitting me into your schedule, I guess! Glad to know I am on the same level as farm fresh tomatoes.

III. I have been having a really tough time of it for the last few months. The vacation in Mexico was... Not restful. Shane had a seizure on the plane and I spent the first two days managing logistics related to that (and navigating the extra ~$2k I spent covering his medical costs while on the trip). His back is still fucked up almost two months later and so I get to do extra housework and chores because he can't lift or bend without being in pain.

IV. Resultant to III, I had a really awful period of about a month with an online friend who started being super short and terse with me because I've been around online less. It was really clear he felt like I was ditching him to go hang out with my cool friends or something, instead of the reality of the situation: I'm cleaning litter boxes and doing yard work and changing the sheets on the bed aka #livingthedream. I told him about all the stuff that was going on but it was clear he didn't believe me or resented my absence nevertheless. This came to a head with me basically texting him an essay about why he was being a bad friend. In a turn of good news, he listened, and apologized, and we mended fences. That was nice because I just don't know how much more bad news I can take right now.

V. I've been struggling with work but really it's just. My boss. My coworkers like me. My project sponsors like me. My skip level likes me. My exec likes me. It's just him. We don't have a good relationship and I don't know how to fix it. I don't know that it is fixable. This is a problem because this is the guy I need in my corner to advance my career and I don't know that he'll do that for me. The alternative is leaving my company, which sounds attractive on paper but in practice the job market is so so bad and it's just so discouraging. The idea of a new job sounds incredible. I wish I could do that. Maybe even a career change.

VI. Unfortunately, that's not gonna happen because of financial pressures. NGL, as much as I like my house (and I do -- I love its little windows, I love my pink dining nook and green bedroom, I love the mature fruit trees and pretty backyard full of wildflowers), I wish i had the cash in hand, instead. I feel trapped here, and like I'm making the most of it. That's a shit feeling to have.

VII. I've started regaining weight. Not a lot. Fifteen pounds since October. But it's scaring me. It's making me wonder if this whole surgery thing was pointless because I can't seem to stop myself from wanting to eat myself to death. So I'm trying to beat it back without resorting to "diet culture behaviors" (read: disordered eating) and that's tough.

There could be a separate post for things that are going well perhaps, but this is what's going not so well and it feels like a lot. Sometimes it feels like too much.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Monopolizing turds

Update 31 May 2023: an earlier edition of this article identified the price of Rebyota as $20,000; this was the rumored price prior to Rebyota’s release in December  2022, when Stephen Skolnick wrote the article I referenced. When Rebyota was actually released in 2023, the average wholesale price (AWP) was $10,800. Thanks to Benjamin Jolley for catching this error, and to Stephen Skolnick for getting to the bottom of it.

It’s been ten years — to the day! — since I first started writing about the bizarre, amazing world of turd transplants, in which a sick person receives a microbiotic infusion in the form of some processed poop from a healthy person:

https://web.archive.org/web/20130608030455/http://blogs.plos.org/publichealth/2013/05/29/why-diy-fecal-transplants-are-a-thing-and-the-fda-is-only-part-of-the-reason/

Gut biomes are one of those understudied, poorly understood medical areas that are both very promising and also full of sketchy medical claims from “supplement” companies, influencers, quacks and grifters. But in the decade since I first started tracking turd transplants (formally called “Fecal Microbiota Transplants” or FMTs), a growing body of sound science has emerged on the subject.

One thing that’s increasingly undeniable is that the composition of your microbial nation is related in significant ways to both your physical and mental health. What’s more, as antibiotic resistant “super bugs” proliferate, FMTs are becoming increasingly central to treating dangerous gut infections that otherwise stand a high chance of killing you.

“Eat Shit and Prosper” is Stephen Skolnick’s delightfully named newsletter about poop and health science. Skolnick is a physicist by training, but has a long history of collaboration with Openbiome, a nonprofit that coordinates between doctors, patients and donors to provide safe FMTs:

https://stephenskolnick.substack.com/

In an edition of Eat Shit from last December, Skolnick recounts the amazing history and dismaying future of FMTs. In 2013, the FDA announced it would regulate FMTs as “Investigational New Drugs,” which could only be administered as part of a registered clinical trial:

https://stephenskolnick.substack.com/p/a-monopoly-on-poop

At that point, FMTs were already in widespread use by docs to treat otherwise untreatable cases of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), an antibiotic resistant bacterial infection that literally makes you shit yourself to death. These doctors were in no position to run registered clinical trials, which meant that they would have to stop using the most effective therapy they had for a potentially lethal infection.

Doctors and patients kicked up a fuss, and the FDA walked back its guidance, announcing that it would exercise “discretion” in enforcing its Investigational New Drug rule, giving a pass to docs who were treating C. diff with FMTs:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/07/18/2013-17223/guidance-for-industry-enforcement-policy-regarding-investigational-new-drug-requirements-for-use-of

That’s where things have stood for the past decade or so. The “discretion” rule means that patients could still get FMTs, but their insurance wouldn’t cover it. But even if you had cash to pay for an FMT, your doc probably wouldn’t administer it for anything except a C. diff infection, despite the promising signs that FMT can help treat other conditions, and despite the generally safe nature of FMTs.

If your doc did give you an FMT, chances are good that they sourced their poop from Openbiome. Openbiome recruits very healthy people, gets them to poop in a bag, then processes the poop — removing nonbacterial solids, testing it for pathogens, freezing it, portioning it, and sending it to docs. All this is done at cost, and it’s not cheap: $1–2k/treatment, mostly due to cold-chain logistics (the poop is shipped at -80C).

Despite the cost, and despite the limitations on treatment, the Openbiome method has proved very reliable. Indeed, FMTs as a whole are pretty darned safe, with the most common side-effects being transient gas and bloating. In the past decade, there’ve been a total of six “adverse effects” associated with Openbiome’s 5,000+ procedures, all in severely immunocompromised people, and none conclusively linked to the treatment:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016508522003511/pdf

A decade into this system, the FDA has taken the next step forward — only it’s actually a step backwards.

During this intervening decade, a pharma company called Ferring has conducted clinical trials on FMTs and received approval for an FMT product called Rebyota. The process for making Rebyota is effectively identical to the process used by Openbiome: collect poop, remove solids, test for pathogens, add glycerol, freeze and ship.

The main difference between Rebyota and Openbiome’s poop is price. While Openbiome charges $1–2k per treatment, Rebyota charges $10,800

That’s some expensive shit!

Fine. Getting Rebyota through clinical trials means that insurers might start covering it, and perhaps some patients will prefer brand-name poop to open-source poop. But as part of the FDA’s approval of Rebyota, the agency also rescinded its “discretionary enforcement” guidance, making it illegal for docs to source their poop from Openbiome:

https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/enforcement-policy-regarding-investigational-new-drug-requirements-use-fecal-microbiota

For Ferring, this is a monopoly on shit, one that lets them charge patients $10.8k for poop that costs $1–2k to process. The FDA does not claim that this is being done in the name of safety. Instead, an FDA official told Skonick that the goal was to “incentivize innovation without creating an access crisis.”

That is, the FDA changed its guidance and put nonprofit stool banks out of business because it wants to incentivize pharma companies to perform expensive clinical trials, and it believes that these companies won’t pay for trials if they have to compete with the likes of Openbiome, which would make it impossible to charge 900% markups on poop.

Trials are important! Evidence-based medicine is important! But Ferring’s clinical trials didn’t tell us anything we didn’t already know. FMTs were already the best therapy we had for C. diff. Testing Rebyota against a placebo didn’t tell us anything new — unlike testing Rebyota against the existing therapies, e.g. product from open stool banks.

Such a trial might have given rise to a very different regulatory outcome, because the cure rate reported by Rebyota is much lower than the cure rate from Openbiome’s own interventions:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40265-022-01797-x

That is, using the $1k poop from Openbiome seems to be much more effective than using the $10.8k poop from Ferring. But Openbiome, a nonprofit, hasn’t been able to perform the kind of rigorous — and expensive — clinical trial that Ferring funded.

This points to a significant problem with the FDA’s model. The agency wants good clinical data for the medicines it regulates, as it should, It presumes that the only way to get that data is through granting commercial exclusivity to a for-profit, which ends up costing patients vast sums, and locking many patients out altogether.

This creates all kinds of new dangers. 150,000 people/year in the US contract Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection (RCdI). FMT increases the cure rate by 20% relative to antibiotics alone. That means that if everyone with RCdI gets a poop transplant, 30,000 extra people will get better. That’s a big number!

For well insured people, Rebyota probably represents a cash-savings — if your insurance covers the $10,800 procedure, you might pay $500 out of pocket, which is far less than the $1–2K you’d pay to get an Openbiome poop transplant. But if you’re uninsured or underinsured, the FDA’s new enforcement rules mean that you’re now on the hook for $10,800.

The FDA did carve out a loophole: if your doc or their hospital are willing to prepare the poop transplant themselves, they can administer that. On the one hand, preparing a poop transplant isn’t that hard — some people do them at home, on their own:

https://web.archive.org/web/20211015060558/https://thepowerofpoop.com/epatients/fecal-transplant-instructions/

But on the other hand, there’s been exactly one death conclusively linked to FMT, and it was from one of these hospital-prepared transplants (the patient had just had a marrow transplant for cancer that wiped out their immune system, and the donor had a novel pathogen that the hospital failed to test for).

So the FDA has created a situation where, if you can’t afford a $10,800 proprietary formulation, your only option is to convince your doc or hospital to prepare their own poop transplant, which will cost less than the $10.8k for Rebyota, but more than the $1–2k from Openbiome, which has all kinds of economies of scale. And if you do manage it, you’ll be getting a procedure that has a much worse safety track-record than the Openbiome process that the FDA just killed.

The FDA has an important role to play here, but as with so many policy questions, how the FDA plays that role depends on things that are far upstream from the agency and its decisions. The choice to fund medical trials through the promise of exclusivity — and with it, extremely high margins — puts the FDA in the position of choosing winners in the marketplace: Ferring wins, Openbiome loses.

Ironically, this is the thing that exclusivity is supposed to prevent. By using profit to incentivize medical research, the FDA is supposed to be recruiting the Invisible Hand as its partner in regulation. But exclusivity is incompatible with the idea of medicine as a public good. The tens (hundreds) of millions that Americans will pay for $10.8k poop transplants from Ferring will add up to far more than it would cost to underwrite clinical trials for an open process like Openbiome’s.

The result: both Americans’ wallets and Americans’ guts suffer.

Catch me on tour with Red Team Blues in Hay-on-Wye, Oxford, Manchester, Nottingham, London, and Berlin!

If you’d like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here’s a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/29/oh-shit/#rebyota

[Image ID: A poop emoji wearing a top hat and a monocle, posed against a backdrop of e coli bacteria seen through a high-resolution microscope.]

[netherworldpost]

TRICK OR TREAT

A small box, purple and ribboned green. Inside are things, pleasant yet not yet seen.

Dreams, maybe, of places yet visited -- or places visited yet not yet returned to, in quite some time.

Wrapped in woodsmoke, that pleasant, and a leaf -- no, two -- it has been a good year, let us celebrate this success with harmless excess.

rambling ->

This will (probably) be the only trick or treat I respond to this year. You're the first! That's the bad news, that I'll probably only write one of these this year.

The good news (in active progress all season) is that I'm working on a whole system of them.

<- rambling / making sense ->

In 2014, I ran a promo on Evil Supply Co. where folks were invited to write in "trick or treat" and I would come up with a unique ramble (as above) for them.

Just for them. A gift of text. No duplicates. Each wildly different. How was that so long ago question mark exclamation mark.

I peaked into whatever information they provided to write something specifically customized for them using all of my powers of deduction (i.e. reading + skill as a storyteller) TO WRITE A TINY ***CUSTOM MYTH*** FOR THEM

(see above) (for yours) (enjoy!)

Answered LOTS.

It ended up being dozens. I don't think it was actually 364, but I do believe I ended up doing a few hundred, but. Y'know. Gif. Can't pass it up.

Tons of fun.

Tons of work!

Tons of fun though.

"I think you might have said something about a plan?" you might be wondering.

I don't know you and I don't know how familiar you are with my work and I'm guessing this is just a fun ask without prompting.

However.

I never let a chance to ramble go to waste.

Netherworld Post Office is being built as "an independent media company".

Fancy words.

Means we do lots of stuff.

Right now we're making myths for back office clients.

We're building a front office shop. Cards and stickers and zines.

That's two of the "lots of stuff."

A third of the "lots of stuff" is a continual "trick or treat" blog.

I'll run through some logistics quickly. You didn't ask for any of this part but this is the trick to the treat.

The Trick or Treat blog will be a public archive. Some things I'll just write because the blog'll need some stuff to get going and keep going.

But sometimes there will be a "trick or treat!" shop entry. Limited quantity. Available until sold out. One per customer. Working out the details. Randomly during the year it'll come back in stock until it's out of stock again.

If you snag one, it is $0.00 with $0.00 shipping and handling. Anywhere in the world. Trick or treats are free!

I'll write a tiny myth like the above.

It'll get printed on a card.

We cover the printing and the postage.

It'll get mailed to you. Wherever you are in the world!

Tiny postcard print.

Written just for you.

Mailed to just to you. For free! Anywhere in the world!

Trick or treat!

Via the mail!

You caught me in a late night business session and I had a solid amount of sleep today for the first time in weeks and so I Am Full of Energy.

Enjoy your treat!

I've carved off the launch date because (uncomfortable laughter) the problems we thought we had solved were solved but they weren't the only problems lurking.

It's fine.

That's business.

I'm smart and I've added even smarter folks helping me figure out the complex problems.

netherworldpost.com has the mailing list if you're thinking "huh I like the idea of receiving a launch email sometime when this all sets up."

I've overstayed my welcome in answering this ask, so I'll see myself out after a big "Happy Halloween!" to everyone

(or small I guess, text size is structured for reading)

(and we're in a small text section)

(...wrapping up...)

Thanks for this space.

The Trick or Treat blog is in active idea-ation-stage-ization because it is October and the October Energy is Rampant so we're grabbing it while we can to figure out this very October thing.

This gif selection is reminding me I am due for a witch hair appointment

Paying that bill requires cash (fair and good and fine)

And remembering "oh stones, money exists"

means remembering "oh bones, I gotta market this machine lest it devolve into An Ungodly Expensive Hobby"

so

that URL for email signup

one last time

netherworldpost.com

(I am actively reducing coffee intake and increasing sleep intake and my schedule has coincided with "tonight is a coffee night" + "today was a heavy sleep day" and your ask came in on "I am planning a big project")

(let this be a joyous warning to folks who ask me things)

(I MAY ANSWER) (IT WILL BE LONG) (IT MIGHT NOT MAKE SENSE)

[thosearentcrimes]

Read The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert Caro. Very good book, worth a read, no wonder it won a Pulitzer.

One of the things about The Power Broker is that the whole way through you marvel at Caro's ability to locate information, to extract what are basically confessions, and so on. But it's only at the end of the book, once you reach the notes, that you realize just how exhaustive the reporting is, and how well-founded. And that's just the research that made it into the book in some form.

As far as the subject matter goes, there's too many interesting nuggets to list them out. Here's one though, only one among an endless number of questions raised or implied by the book.

In the 50s and 60s Americans were universally in the business of ruining their cities by running highways through them. Nowhere were they more in the business of doing this than in New York City, where it basically all occurred under the aegis of Robert Moses, Power Broker.

Now, the thing about running highways through cities is that it is consistently billed as a solution to devastating traffic problems, and is never actually a solution to these problems. The reasons for this are mildly complex and quite well-known these days, but fundamentally boil down to the fact that basic logistic features of the automobile make it non-viable as the primary form of transportation in anything that can remotely be called a city.

In the 50s and 60s, this was only slowly becoming apparent as the demand for automobiles turned out to be bounded only by road capacity, but surely the people in charge of highway planning would have been able to notice induced demand early? Like, they would have had to have seen eventually that they were constantly saying the next highway would solve traffic and that it never did? Did they, though? Moses' projections consistently underestimated future traffic on his bridges, for decades. Was he low-balling statistics that could be sold as demand for or interest in the bridge? If so, why?

The book doesn't say, and in fact doesn't particularly indicate that Robert Moses ever became aware of induced demand, but there are a handful of plausible reasons for him to notice and to then conceal it.

Obviously, the first explanation is that making the phenomenon of induced demand public would have reduced political interest in road construction. This would free Moses to explain the phenomenon to car companies, construction firms and unions, and bankers underwriting his bond issues privately to secure their continued support, without endangering municipal, state, and federal contributions. Perhaps.

Here's another one. Let's say Robert Moses puts together a correct projection of the number of cars going on a planned future bridge of his, and he goes up to federal authorities asking for a substantial contribution to build it. If they continue to believe it's worth building even though it'll obviously be a permanent traffic jam, they might still say "well with these projections, you could take on a significantly larger part of the costs with bond issues and still pay them down pretty quick from tolls".

Even if they hadn't responded that way, Robert Moses' power lied largely in his big pot of unregulated cash. That cash consisted of unexpected revenues from toll bridges, leveraged to the moon as new bonds. If he had accounted for those revenues during planning, he would have to pre-leverage them, and even if he didn't have to spend those new bonds on the bridge and hid them somehow, it would have probably made restructuring the bonds a lot less convenient. His money supply would have been irregular, maybe.

I dunno.

Anyway, car bad, damn near everything other than car good purely by comparison (except probably horse-carriage those seem worse). Public-private partnership is an exciting method of maximizing the rate of corruption involved in a given project. New York City is just absolutely dogshit at electing mayors, holy shit, what is wrong with these people.

[lady-byleth]

As we all know, I am a bit of an obsessive nerd. Not quite Silmaril hunting levels of obsessive but getting there

Today I shall use this power to draw up a few fun parallels between the most famous love story in Arda and Beren and Luthien (lol, I couldn't stop myself).

This is not going to be in chronological order because the parallels of the two stories don't happen at the same points and it might be a bit jumbled because I'm wicked sick with covid so bear with me

Let's start with the setup for both.

Broken down to its essentials, Beren and Maedhros are sent to retrieve a/the Silmaril/s from Melkor by a great elven King who happens to hate one part of the pairing.

Feanor is no fan of Fingolfin's line in general, Fingon being his half-brother's heir would not have been the most beloved person to Feanor. Thingol is also not particularly fond of Beren.

The difference is that Thingol is giving Beren this task because he deems it impossible and hopes Beren will either give up or straight up die while Feanor's sons swear the Oath so they can't stop unless they die.

In any case, the setup is quite similar at its core.

Of course they do not set off alone. Maedhros is accompanied by his family and the host of Feanor, sharing the Oath with his brothers. Beren meanwhile cashes in on his own family's good relationship with Finrod Felagund (himself a relative of Maedhros and Fingon) and gets his own company for his quest. Now we have an Oath of some sort on both sides and Finrod to connect them further.

Next we have Luthien and Fingon, who out of devotion themselves set off on a journey to follow their partner. Now, I don't quite remember where this comes up but Fingon, if memory serves, goes for two reasons: 1, cuz he too wishes to build something new in Middle-earth, a call to adventure if you will, and 2, because Maedhros is going. Luthien follows Beren when she senses he is in danger, so like Fingon there's a deep bond there that motivates her.

Maedhros and Beren both end up captured by the enemy (Maedhros after losing a significant portion of his company and Beren loses them while captured) and against the better judgment of just about any sentient being Luthien and Fingon both make the solitary treck to some of the most dangerous places on the planet to save them. Thangorodrim are three mountains/volcanos atop Melkor's stronghold Angband, teeming with evil creatures and magic. Dol-in-Gaurhoth belongs to Sauron at this point, where his werewolves make their lair. Incidentally, Beren and Luthien also head for Angband later on.

At this point, Luthien does manage to save Beren from Dol-in-Gaurhoth with the help of non other than Huan, a hound of the Valar gifted to Maedhros' brother Celegorm, again drawing a connection between the two tales that is not quite a parallel but interesting. We won't get into the logistics of how Luthien and Huan came to be a team but like her, Fingon also receives the help of a beast close to a Valar - Thorondor, King of the Eagles

How does Thorondor know to help? Well, Fingon manages to track Maedhros down by doing what every elf does when they are distraught: he sings. And Maedhros, by a small miracle, hears his song and answers, the same way Luthien found Beren in Angband because when all else fails, sing. Well, he sings. Actually they both do, at different points.

Anyway, Maedhros is weakened and in agony, and begs Fingon to kill him. And Fingon, because he sees no other way, raises his bow and prays to Manwe that his arrow might fly swift and true. And Manwe, despite all the bad blood between him and especially the Feanorians, despite the Doom of Mandos promising that everything the Kinslayers do ends in failure, and despite everything that went down between the Noldor and the Valar...sends Thorondor instead. Thorondor, who also appears to help Luthien bring a dying Beren back to Doriath, much like he carries Fingon and Maedhros back to Lake Mithrim.

Beren is currently dying because Carcaroth bit off his hand and poisoned him that way. His right hand, to be precise. Maedhros is in horrific shape because he was tortured for decades and then had his hand cut off.

So if I had a nickle for every time Thorondor carried someone on the quest for some shiny stones back home after they lose their right hand, I'd have two nickles.

Luckily both Maedhros and Beren survive their ordeals...until they both die with a Silmaril in their hands later on. But that's neither here nor there.

Luthien, in her grief, sings her sorrow to Namo, who consults with Manwe on her behalf. And Manwe hears her plea and does what he can do help her, like he heard Fingon's plea and helped him.

So, to summarize, dudes taller than most of their families set off (together with their respective companies, which include Finrod at some point) to retrieve Feanor's shiny stones because an elven King said so and end up captured by the bad guys. Pretty dark haired people follow them, against all odds find them (one of them even twice) and beg the Valar for help, who answer in unexpected ways. Tall dudes lose their right hands, Thorondor is there to play Great Eagle Airlines. Someone is found through singing. Both Maedhros and Beren end up dying very soon after reclaiming one Silmaril.

I hope this is halfway coherent because again, covid. It's probably jumbled all to hell but I think I made my point

Thank you for coming to my tedtalk

[princesscolumbia]

So a small sidebar to all the everything I'm doing, I'm kinda using "Code of Ethics" to function as a bit of a warm-up for producing original fiction that will sell under the 'self-publishing' model. I'd eventually like to be able to get a full publishing deal for something, but that won't happen until I can show off my writing chops in a non-fanfic level of writing.

(Just to reassure my fans of my Ranmafics and Horsefics, no, I have not abandoned writing any of those)

With that in mind, I've had a few projects that aren't fanfic based sitting in my "to write" pile that I haven't gotten to because I was operating under the notion that nobody would read my stuff if I wasn't writing fanfics. Well, CoE is damn near the closest to fully original fanfic I've ever written. Sure, I use QuietVallerie's framework and foundation for it, but I've got completely original characters (I've MENTIONED some names in the other Troubleverse books, but if I were to swap those out this would be a fully 'ties-cut' original fic from the character standpoint), a VRMMO setting that I'm stitching together from whole cloth and a lot of inspiration from a game QuietVallerie doesn't even play, and the ending isn't dependent on anything QuietValerie's doing whatsoever. She's even acknowledged that most of her work is blatantly 'inspired' by other sci-fi works, so even if all I did was change a few names it'd be a wholly original fic that simply drew from the same inspirational sources for Troubleverse.

That said, I want to keep CoE a firmly Troubleverse fic. Not only would I like to someday (hopefully, wishful thinking, please-please-please-please-please!!!) be granted 'canon' status by QV, I dislike the notion that I should divorce MY stuff from its origin just to make a little cash. The people that are reading CoE are doing so because I set it up as a Troubleverse fic, attempting to divorce my work from that franchise after I've gained a following would be disingenuous at best.

So all that brings me to my first (public) foray into original fiction. I've decided I'll be posting to the following with a 1-week gap when I publish a chapter, and I'll be aiming for 1 chapter per week:

Patreon

Scribblehub

Archive of Our Own

And what, you may ask, will be my first project? I put the choice to my most important audience in all the multiverse; my daughter. From the available options I gave her, she picked...

Goldrush, CO

Over a century after its establishment as a 'company town' for the Pinkerton Detective Agency, the town of Goldrush, Colorado was finally sold off "at cost" to the town citizens, fully separating them from the agency that jumped the shark during the union busting of the 1900s. The town has secrets, starting with the biggest one of all; Goldrush was founded as a 'dumping grounds' for the weird and unwelcome. From dumb artifacts that can control the weather (and corrupt the user) to steampunk androids to a pod of selkies, if the Pinkertons were hired to investigate and dispose of it and it was in some way 'supernatural,' then it went to Goldrush. Now that the town's independent, they still have an entire warehouse district of artifacts and paraphernalia that doesn't officially exist that needs to be stored and managed, so the town hires a logistics specialist. Lois is a woman who's just looking to start over after a nasty divorce that was followed by the tragic death of her ex-wife. So she packed her bags and moved to Goldrush from San Diego in hopes of immersing herself in the history of the unusual town to forget her own tragic history. If only she could do her job without bumping heads with the (unreasonably attractive, built like a Valkyrie from myth and legend, frustratingly stubborn) town sheriff the new job would be perfect.

If you're picking up shades of "Warehouse 13" and (more subtly) "Mystic Bayou," I've done my job in selling this right.

June will be all about finishing CoE as quickly as possible (while still maintaining the quality I demand of myself) so I can clear the decks and focus on doing as much with Goldrush, CO during July as I can before I start releasing on Patreon in August.

I'm excited about this, I hope you are, too!

[foxnangelseo]

Case Studies: Successful Foreign Companies' Investments in India

India's dynamic economy, large consumer base, and supportive business environment have attracted numerous foreign companies over the years. Many of these companies have made successful investments in India, leveraging the country's vast opportunities and realizing significant returns. In this blog, we will explore case studies of successful foreign companies' investments in India across various industries.

1. Amazon:

Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, entered the Indian market in 2013 with the acquisition of the local e-commerce company, Junglee. Since then, Amazon has made substantial investments in building its presence in India through its marketplace platform, fulfillment centers, and technology infrastructure. The company's strategic focus on customer experience, seller empowerment, and innovation has enabled it to capture a significant share of India's growing e-commerce market. Amazon's success in India is evident from its expanding customer base, strong brand presence, and robust growth in sales and revenue.

Amazon's entry and subsequent success in the Indian market serve as a compelling case study of a foreign company's strategic investments and adaptation to local market dynamics. Here's a breakdown of Amazon's journey in India:

1. Entry into the Indian Market:

Amazon officially entered the Indian market in 2013 with the acquisition of Junglee, a local price comparison and online shopping platform. Recognizing India's potential as a burgeoning e-commerce market with a large and growing consumer base, Amazon made a strategic decision to establish its presence in the country.

2. Investments in Infrastructure:

One of the key factors contributing to Amazon's success in India has been its significant investments in building robust infrastructure. The company has established fulfillment centers, delivery networks, and logistics operations across various regions to ensure efficient order processing and timely delivery of products to customers. These investments have enabled Amazon to offer a seamless shopping experience and compete effectively with local and international e-commerce players.

3. Marketplace Model and Seller Empowerment:

Amazon operates in India primarily through its marketplace model, which allows third-party sellers to list and sell their products on the platform. This approach has enabled Amazon to rapidly expand its product offerings, cater to diverse consumer preferences, and foster entrepreneurship among small and medium-sized businesses. The company provides sellers with access to its technology, marketing tools, and fulfillment services, empowering them to reach a wider audience and grow their businesses.

4. Focus on Customer Experience:

Amazon's relentless focus on customer experience has been a key driver of its success in India. The company prioritizes convenience, selection, and affordability, offering a wide range of products across categories such as electronics, fashion, home essentials, and groceries. Amazon has also introduced features such as one-day and same-day delivery, easy returns, and cash on delivery to enhance the shopping experience and build trust among Indian consumers.

5. Innovative Initiatives:

Amazon has introduced several innovative initiatives and programs tailored to the Indian market. For example, Amazon Prime, the company's subscription-based membership program, offers benefits such as free and fast delivery, exclusive deals, and access to streaming services. Additionally, Amazon has launched initiatives like Amazon Pay, Amazon Fresh, and Amazon Pantry to cater to specific needs and preferences of Indian consumers, further strengthening its competitive position in the market.

6. Localization and Cultural Sensitivity:

Amazon has demonstrated a deep understanding of local culture, language, and preferences in its approach to business in India. The company has invested in vernacular language support, regional content, and festive sales events to engage with diverse customer segments and capture the festive shopping season. By localizing its offerings and marketing strategies, Amazon has been able to resonate with Indian consumers and build long-term relationships with them.

7. Continuous Innovation and Expansion:

Amazon continues to innovate and expand its presence in India by launching new services, entering new categories, and exploring partnerships and acquisitions. The company has invested in initiatives such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Amazon Prime Video, and Amazon Pharmacy to diversify its portfolio and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the Indian market.

2. IKEA:

Swedish furniture retailer IKEA made its foray into India in 2018 with the opening of its first store in Hyderabad. Despite initial challenges related to sourcing, regulations, and market adaptation, IKEA has successfully expanded its footprint in India by offering affordable and well-designed furniture products tailored to local preferences. The company has invested in establishing multiple stores across major cities, online sales channels, and localized product offerings to cater to the diverse needs of Indian consumers. IKEA's investment in India has not only boosted its global revenue but also contributed to job creation, skill development, and sustainable business practices in the country.

IKEA's entry and success in the Indian market offer a fascinating case study of a foreign company navigating a complex and diverse market landscape. Here's an overview of IKEA's journey in India:

1. Market Entry Strategy:

IKEA, the Swedish furniture retail giant known for its affordable and stylish furniture offerings, entered the Indian market in 2018 with the opening of its first store in Hyderabad. The company's entry into India was preceded by extensive market research, feasibility studies, and regulatory approvals to ensure a smooth launch.

2. Localized Product Offerings:

One of IKEA's key strategies in India has been to offer products tailored to local preferences and lifestyles. The company conducted in-depth research to understand Indian consumers' needs, tastes, and cultural nuances, resulting in the development of products that cater to Indian homes, spaces, and sensibilities. IKEA's product range in India includes a mix of globally popular designs as well as locally inspired offerings, such as furniture suitable for small apartments and multifunctional living spaces.

3. Affordable Pricing and Value Proposition:

IKEA's value proposition of offering well-designed, functional furniture at affordable prices resonates strongly with Indian consumers, especially the burgeoning middle class and young urban population. The company has adopted a competitive pricing strategy to make its products accessible to a wide range of customers, while also maintaining high standards of quality, sustainability, and durability.

4. Investments in Local Sourcing and Manufacturing:

To support its operations in India and comply with local regulations, IKEA has made significant investments in local sourcing, manufacturing, and supply chain infrastructure. The company works with Indian suppliers and manufacturers to procure raw materials, components, and finished products, thereby contributing to job creation, skill development, and economic growth in the country. Additionally, IKEA has set up its first Indian manufacturing facility in Hyderabad to produce furniture products for domestic and export markets, further strengthening its commitment to the "Make in India" initiative.

5. Omni-Channel Retailing and Online Presence:

Recognizing the importance of digital channels in India's rapidly evolving retail landscape, IKEA has adopted an omni-channel approach to reach customers across online and offline channels. In addition to its physical stores, the company offers e-commerce services, click-and-collect options, and home delivery services through its website and mobile app. This multi-channel strategy allows IKEA to cater to the diverse preferences and shopping behaviors of Indian consumers, enhancing convenience and accessibility.

6. Sustainability and Social Responsibility:

Sustainability is a core pillar of IKEA's business philosophy, and the company has taken proactive steps to integrate environmental and social considerations into its operations in India. IKEA has implemented sustainability initiatives such as energy-efficient buildings, waste reduction, and renewable energy solutions in its stores and supply chain. Furthermore, the company has partnered with local communities and NGOs to promote social welfare, education, and women empowerment programs in India, demonstrating its commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen.

7. Expansion Plans and Future Growth:

Building on the success of its Hyderabad store, IKEA has announced plans to expand its presence in India with additional stores in major cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi-NCR. The company aims to establish a strong foothold in the Indian market and become a trusted destination for home furnishings and lifestyle products. With its customer-centric approach, innovative offerings, and commitment to sustainability, IKEA is well-positioned to capitalize on India's growing consumer market and contribute to the country's retail sector's growth and development.

3. Samsung:

South Korean electronics giant Samsung has been a key player in India's consumer electronics and mobile phone market for several decades. The company's strategic investments in manufacturing facilities, R&D centers, and marketing initiatives have solidified its position as a market leader in India. Samsung has capitalized on India's growing demand for smartphones, smart TVs, and home appliances by launching innovative products, expanding distribution networks, and offering competitive pricing. With a strong focus on localization, customer service, and community engagement, Samsung has built a loyal customer base and maintained its market dominance in India's highly competitive consumer electronics industry.

4. Volkswagen:

German automaker Volkswagen entered the Indian market in 2007 with the launch of its iconic hatchback, the Volkswagen Polo. Despite initial success, Volkswagen faced challenges related to brand perception, product reliability, and market competitiveness. However, the company persevered and made strategic investments in local manufacturing, product localization, and marketing campaigns to strengthen its presence in India. Volkswagen's commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability has resonated with Indian consumers, leading to increased sales, market share, and brand loyalty over the years. Today, Volkswagen is recognized as a reputable player in India's competitive automotive market, with a diverse portfolio of vehicles catering to different customer segments.

5. Coca-Cola:

American beverage giant Coca-Cola has been operating in India for over six decades, with a strong presence in the carbonated soft drinks, juices, and water segments. Coca-Cola's success in India can be attributed to its continuous investments in manufacturing, distribution, and marketing infrastructure, coupled with a deep understanding of local consumer preferences and cultural nuances. The company has introduced innovative products, packaging formats, and marketing campaigns tailored to the Indian market, driving growth and market penetration. Despite challenges such as regulatory issues and environmental concerns, Coca-Cola has remained committed to its long-term investment strategy in India, leveraging its global expertise and local partnerships to sustain its leadership position in the beverage industry.

In conclusion, these case studies highlight the success stories of foreign companies' investments in India across diverse industries. Through strategic investments, market insights, and adaptability to local conditions, these companies have capitalized on India's growth opportunities, expanded their market presence, and contributed to the country's economic development. As India continues to emerge as a key destination for foreign investment, these case studies serve as valuable lessons for other companies looking to enter or expand their operations in the Indian market.

This post was originally published on: Foxnangel

[animeandcatholicism]

In a leftist's perspective there is no such thing as an ethical millionaire because ultimately, the money made comes from the exploitation of labor by capital.

However, consider this hypothetical situation: a fairly skilled artist is contracted out to paint a mural by city's council, this also has unanimous public support like 95 percent in strong favor and opposition and indifference split the remaining 5 percent. After paying for expenses like food, supplies and shelter the artist will be paid 275k and the work will be completed on budget and on time. Said project is completed, the word spreads and another town wants something similar in their town. Same thing happens, artist agrees goes in and gets paid but, he also refuses to invest in something that gives him a return (stocks, bonds, commodities, ect). In this way he eventually becomes a millionaire, according to our Socialist friends or at least some of them, Mr. Artist should have his assets seized when crosses the threshold of 999,999 to one million dollars because, hoarding of wealth is always wrong. But, what if he doesn't hoard the wealth or actively uses it to do good. Or should we just confiscate the money from the investments because, he didn't actually earn that cash, even though he also pays his taxes, doesn't set up accounts on tax havens, blah blah blah.

The money for the commissions came from the public, the people and they wanted this, it wasn't imposed from by above. Or even becoming wealthy due to royalties or a steady drip of donations or commissions.

Even when you have a more traditional route like, a small business owner over the course of several years who pays his workers a fair wage, eventually becomes wealthy. The store is kept in good condition, your boots on the ground like your stockers, clerks and cashiers are both paid and treated well. Management is alright plus, logistics and accounting are quality and are listened to in the decision making process. By following this business model you eventually become wealthy and successful to the point where while you have competitors your profit margins and eventually expand your business or secure a contract where you become quite wealthy and share the wealth with your employees as well while still having enough money to be a millionaire, is it still unethical to have all that wealth?

The store owner starts the business and then divides the duties in order to expand his operation and eventually will become disconnected from the day to day going on of the store. But, if there is a major failure it's his neck on the chopping block and not the managers or those on the floor.

It also sounds wacky but, I worked for a company where the owners (two brothers) were rolling in cash as a machine shop operation, the shop itself was a small warehouse, treated its rank and file right and also made bank who took the heat when a welder or someone else dropped the ball HARD.

This problem with Socialism is that it sees all people equal in ability and that if one person can't have something then, no one can. Historically, the semi successful Socialist and Communist states like the USSR and the PRC realize that it's ultimately a pipedream and institutes some type of hierarchy even if the state itself pulls the strings. The biggest difference between them and their capitalist counter parts is that they can't be immediately be purged (and be sent to a gulag or worse)or promoted based upon the political brownie points you have with the ruling party.

[artisticdivasworld]

Navigating the Financial Impact of EPA Emission Standards: Strategic Insights for Trucking Companies

Renee Williams, CEO & PresidentFreightRevCon, a Freight Revenue Consultants, LLC. company The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new emission standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks represent a landmark move toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving public health. With these standards set to roll out from 2027 through 2032, they are projected to cut greenhouse gas…

[the-bjd-community-confess]

Hello, Oldie Chinese Diaspora Anon™️ here again to add in my two cents. This time it’s about Chinese indie doll makers refusing to work with anyone outside of China. A lot of great points have been raised here: https://the-bjd-community-confess.tumblr.com/post/702732098587459584/re-b3doll-other-chinese-shops-they-dont-like but I would like to just add in a little bit more. To round- out the picture if you will.

What most folks don’t fully realise is that China is essentially a closed (and closely-monitored) socio-financial system. The concept of “Free trade” is somewhat tenuous at best. And this shows up in internal commerce and the existence of a “Social credit” system (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Credit_System). Part of the social credit system is intimately tied to your financial history, and this is monitored through your public transactions. I hope I am not stepping out of line to say most folks have seen “Ali-Pay” as a payment option cropping up in many commercial places. I’ve explained it off as a Chinese version of PayPal, but that’s an understatement. In order to apply for an Ali-Pay account, you have to prove that you have a Chinese bank account that can be verified. While it might be easy to own a bank account in many countries (even if you are not a citizen of said country), it’s not the same in China. Yet, Ali-pay is so ubiquitous in the country that they have largely supplanted credit cards to become the most utilized form of payment. It’s better utilized than cash. And that’s saying something.

From what I have been told as a first-hand account, foreign travellers find it hard to pay for literally anything when off the beaten path. When not buying souvenirs or high-end items from tourist-traps, the simple transaction of buying street food can be difficult without an Ali-Pay account. But it’s nigh impossible for non-citizens to get one. The local friend had to pay for everything with the tourist paying them back in cash. (Note: This is pre-pandemic. Internal control has been getting worse since then.)

When one exists in a system like this, every transaction can (and is) monitored. Someone can track where the money is going, whether it’s foreign or domestic, and if there is anything that’s suspicious with the purchase. This has also fostered a system where people are highly aversive to cancelled orders (even for in-stock and second-hand items), as well as less-than-stellar feedback. Their “small claims” department of the police will take any complaints over $2500RMB ($330 USD) and it’s highly responsive to settle any dispute quickly. It means people who exist in this system are highly reluctant to work with anyone outside of the system. Foreigners literally have no credit (social or financial) within the system and therefore cannot be trusted. Even the money that’s wired in cannot be guaranteed – banks are unreliable sometimes, after all (https://www.npr.org/2022/07/25/1113528088/in-china-the-banking-scandal-is-causing-some-to-lose-faith-in-the-communist-part) is only about the most recent 2022 failure. There have been many failures before that.)

Seeing new Ali-pay symbols popping up everywhere scares me, honestly. It means the system of distrusting foreigners who are “without credit” is spreading outside of the country itself.

But that’s just the financial transaction, the harder part is shipping. FedEx and DHL don’t work very well in China. You are reliant on China Post (which… honestly, isn’t awful) but domestically, they are reliant on a logistics system that acts like a more efficient version of Amazon delivery. It’s cheap and reliable and you can choose to pay when the item arrives at your door instead of at time of purchase (which has its pros and cons and can also be exploited as well.) Larger companies that have been registered to deal with overseas customers usually have a contract with a logistics company that can ship abroad. But most independent artists do not. Take this, for example: https://www.facebook.com/163904020739383/posts/finally-were-able-to-provide-a-concrete-update-on-the-arc-doll-zilang-adult-ver-/1186736598456115/

Add the language barrier to this whole mix, you can see why most indie Chinese studios would rather give up your business. They put up the disclaimer up top to let you know that they literally do not want your money because of … well, it’s really not worth the trouble. If you are interested in any specific doll from a Chinese indie artist, I would still highly recommend using a proxy. It’s important to look around for a good one, but please understand that sometimes their fees are reasonable, once again, for all of the reasons above. Please, be kind to your proxies.

~Anonymous

[renee-writer]



Being a Jew-hating terrorist means never having to take responsibility. You can always blame the Jews, after all.

Amidst Israel’s attempts to root out Hamas from the Gaza Strip, Hamas is now receiving a helping hand from the international community and the legacy media. While Hamas sits on vast stockpiles of water, food, and medicine, the international community and legacy media have placed responsibility for Gaza’s civilian population … on Israel.

According to no less an anti-Israel authority than the New York Times this weekend:

As supplies of virtually every basic human necessity dwindle in Gaza, one group in the besieged enclave remains well-stocked: Hamas. Arab and Western officials say there is substance to Israeli claims of Hamas stockpiling supplies, including desperately needed food and fuel. … Hamas has hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel for vehicles and rockets; caches of ammunition, explosives and materials to make more; and stockpiles of food, water and medicine, the officials said.

A senior Lebanese official said Hamas, which is estimated to number between 35,000 and 40,000, had enough stocked away to keep fighting for three to four months without resupply. … The supply situation speaks to the relative sophistication of Hamas as a fighting force — an axiom among military professionals is that while amateurs talk about tactics, professionals talk about logistics. Yet with Gazans facing a humanitarian catastrophe, Hamas’s stockpiles raise questions about what responsibility, if any, it has to the civilian population.

There it is, that fabled New York Times objectivity: Hamas stealing billions of dollars from its citizens to fund its war machine “raises questions about what responsibility, if any, it has to the civilian population.”

Imagine that sentence in any other context.

Is there any question that the United States government has a responsibility for its civilian population? Or Israel’s government?

But being a genocidal, Jew-hating terrorist means you don’t have to take responsibility for the civilians you supposedly govern. You might not have any responsibility for those citizens. In fact, Gaza hospitals are right now complaining about a lack of fuel — but Hamas currently has 260,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel on hand.

But no matter. Hamas has no responsibility.

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Which is why Hamas’ friends are able to lament the plight of civilians in Gaza after having funded their impoverishment — and the current conflict, created by Hamas.

Aid dollars deployed to Gaza over the past 20 years have been embezzled by Hamas and used for its murderous plans. According to NBC News:

The unemployment rate in Gaza is 47% and more than 80% of its population lives in poverty, according to the United Nations. Hamas, however, has funded an armed force of thousands equipped with rockets and drones and built a vast web of tunnels under Gaza. Estimates of its annual military budget range from $100 million to $350 million, according to Israeli and Palestinian sources. … Since coming to power in the Gaza Strip 17 years ago, Hamas has filled its coffers with hundreds of millions in international aid, overt and covert injections of cash from Iran and other ideological partners, as well as cryptocurrency, taxes, extortion and smuggling, according to current and former U.S. officials and regional experts.

Much of the money is public and legal, including large sums of financial aid from Qatar via the United Nations, an arrangement encouraged and approved by Israel. The Qatari aid covers the salaries of civil servants, buys fuel for the power grid and provides cash to needy families. … Hamas’ leadership has invested its income in an international investment portfolio worth $500 million in real estate and other assets from companies in Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, which it uses to conceal and launder its money, according to a Treasury announcement.

But now, the international community and legacy media say it’s up to Israel to make humanitarian provision for Gaza’s civilians.

This, of course, is disingenuous.

None of the countries that voted in favor of a UN resolution pushing a ceasefire have offered to take in any Gazan civilians. None have called for Hamas to surrender to Israel, which would end the conflict immediately.

No, they say.

Israel must stop its attempts to destroy Hamas.

The innocents are suffering.

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Ep. 1839 - The Pogroms Are Back

A pogrom breaks out in Russia as the world makes excuses for Hamas; Hamas and its erstwhile allies call for Israel to stop its campaign to destroy the terror group; and Mike Pence drops out of the 2024 race.

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This is the height of cynicism. It’s on par with the old saw about the man who kills his parents and throws himself on the mercy of the court because he is an orphan. Hamas started this conflict. Hamas is the governing body in the Gaza Strip. Hamas has chief responsibility for the health and welfare of Gazan Palestinian civilians.

And they don’t give two whits about those citizens.

In fact, they want those citizens to die. Over the weekend, Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, called for the blood of Palestinian Arab women and children.

So here’s the math, apparently: If a population elects terrorist leadership, that terrorist leadership consolidates its control by wiping out its political rivals, that terrorist leadership steals billions of dollars in aid and impoverishes its own citizens in the process, and then that terrorist leadership murders 1,500 Jews and kidnaps another 233 people, then so long as that terrorist leadership hides in tunnels, the terrorists must be left alone.

This is insanity.

It is insanity no other country would be expected to weather. Not the United States, not the U.K., not France, not Germany.

No one.

There cannot be a ceasefire until Hamas surrenders.

Anyone in the world who is not calling on Hamas to do just that — in fact, those who are calling for a lengthening of the conflict by shipping in more resources for Hamas to steal — cannot pretend to care about human life, either Israeli or Palestinian.

There is a reason both Hamas and the UN are calling for a ceasefire, and it has nothing to do with human rights and everything to do with stopping Israel from protecting its own citizens, the mass murder of whom created this conflict in the first place.

Ben Shapiro

Editor Emeritus,

The Daily Wire

Top five headlines:

As Gazans Scrounge For Food And Water, Hamas Doing Fine

UN Chief: It’s Getting Desperate

Cornel West Goes to Pro-Hamas Rally

NYT’s Nicholas Kristoff: We’re Complicit in Gaza

Soros Funds Protesting Groups



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[omkateblogger]

Enhancing Manufacturing Excellence: 6 Key Benefits of SAP Business One

Staying ahead of the competition requires more than just producing high-quality products. It demands efficient operations, streamlined supply chains, and real-time decision-making capabilities. This is where SAP Business One, a robust Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution, steps in to transform the manufacturing sector. In this blog, we will explore six significant benefits that SAP Business One brings to manufacturers of all sizes, from small businesses to mid-sized enterprises.

Better Visibility

One of the primary challenges in manufacturing is maintaining visibility into the complex web of supply chains, operations, and inventory resources. SAP manufacturing software addresses this challenge by providing enhanced visibility through seamless integration with shipping logistics and supply chains. This integration empowers manufacturers with real-time data, enabling them to make well-informed decisions promptly.

Furthermore, the platform offers customized and interactive dashboards that offer a 360-degree view of the entire manufacturing process. This flexibility in analysis and insights allows manufacturers to adapt swiftly to changing customer demands and meet stringent deadlines.

Improved Productivity

SAP manufacturing software incorporates Material Requirements Planning (MRP) functionality, which replaces outdated production scheduling methods with a structured, multilevel production process. MRP also facilitates resource planning for machine maintenance, leading to overall productivity improvements.

Additionally, the MRP wizard streamlines material procurement and production planning, significantly reducing pre-production lead times. This efficiency boost directly contributes to enhanced productivity and better resource utilization.

Cost Control

Cost control is a paramount concern for manufacturing companies. SAP manufacturing software offers a solution by optimizing daily operations, reducing waste, and simplifying processes. Informed decision-making, enabled by SAP manufacturing software, aids in identifying cost-saving opportunities and increasing overall business profitability.

Working Capital Management

Managing working capital is essential for the day-to-day operations of manufacturing companies. SAP manufacturing software offers a comprehensive suite of modules and capabilities that help in managing working capital effectively. This includes overseeing accounts receivables, accounts payables, cash flow, liquidity, and inventory planning.

Customized purchasing reports provide real-time insights into working capital challenges, replacing the traditional year-end or month-end reports. This level of control from SAP services allows manufacturers to make proactive decisions, ensuring the stability of their operations.

Inventory Management

Effective inventory management is critical for manufacturing success. SAP Business One equips manufacturers with advanced warehouse tracking features and real-time stock reports. These features help document stock levels and monitor stock transfers between warehouses, ensuring a lean inventory management approach.

The ERP solution strikes an ideal balance between inventory stock and production capacities, facilitating on-time product deliveries, efficient inventory cost management, and meeting customer demands effectively.

Regulatory Compliance

Manufacturers must adhere to industry regulations at every stage of the manufacturing process, from procurement to final product delivery. SAP Business One plays a crucial role in improving regulatory compliance by integrating these standards into its operations seamlessly.

Furthermore, the platform empowers manufacturers to embed quality control into their manufacturing processes, providing insights into vendor performance and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

SAP system emerges as a powerful ally, offering a wide array of benefits to manufacturers. From improved visibility and productivity to cost control, working capital management, inventory optimization, and regulatory compliance, this ERP solution empowers manufacturing companies to thrive in a competitive environment. By embracing SAP Business One, manufacturers can embark on a journey toward excellence, ensuring they meet customer demands efficiently and maintain a strong position in the market.