#Database Systems 11th

[jscrawls]

Widows rest

My take on a Black widow! Reader x Batman and Batfam but with a slight twist, reader doesn't know the Bats but they seem to know them...

Warning: contains avengers infinity war spoilers, black widow spoilers, graphic violence, injuries, blood, accidental domestic violence? Guns, possible ooc,

Part 20: fireflies

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after that night in town you can’t focus on anything but.

there was no resting and recovering for you, your brain was locked in overdrive analyzing every detail of the night, from the way the woman first approached you to the exact symptoms of whatever the drug was. you wasted no time and went right to your phone as soon as your door shut behind you. dropping back on the bed limply while you get to work making a case file, there’s no record of a pam in your life online, but you quickly realize there isn’t any record of you at all before the wayne’s.

on the old wayne socials the other you mostly posted about the kids, the husband, various events and trips, but there's barely anything personal, there was reference of a college education, a social circle, family, but there's no actual evidence of any of it. it’s like that was all scrubbed from the web. this just makes everything pam said all the more suspicious, just what’s hidden in the other you’s past and how are the wayne’s involved?

going into the GCPD records shows nothing either, no criminal record, nowrite ups, not even so much as a speeding ticket, nothing before the gala incident. for days you sift and run through channels looking for something that tells you who’s body you’re in right now, but it just makes you more and more frustrated, one things for certain, someone’s scrubbed the other you’s life clean and did a damn fine job of it.

it’s like you’ve found yourself in the middle of a mission with no goal, no direction, and no idea what role you’re supposed to play in it all. where does this leave you? this time you’re withdrawn, not because you’re angry but because you’re researching.

two days after the encounter with pam, you find something. it had been a whim to check through the gotham university photos after the records were bone-dry, but there in one singular photoframe in the background of someone elses photo, there was a younger you standing beside the pam woman. you were putting some kind of ribbon around her neck while she proudly held up a potted plant like it was a trophy to the photographer, you couldn’t make out the writing on the ribbon so you don’t have context but you now have confirmation that you engaged with her in some capacity years ago. It's bare-bones, but it's something, you'll take any wins you can get here.

the next thing you do is sort through the GCPD systems for a red head named pam, which is obviously very tedious but you won’t risk running an AI program on their servers just yet. You thought you were lucky when you found her quickly, that is until you read her file.

Isley, Pamela, gendered, AFAB, pronouns, she/her, Caucasian, red hair, green eyes,

Isley, Pamela, charged with, eco terrorism, domestic terrorism, murder, suspected murder, theft, breaking and entering, assault, battery, manslaughter,

Pamela Lillian Isley, also known as alias, poison ivy, was last spotted escaping Arkham asylum at appr 3:48 AM on February 11th, during an insurrection wherein multiple squad cars responded to the scene, Pamela Isley is registered on the Meta database of America and is considered a threat to human life, do not approach on sight, report if suspected in area,

oh, fuck.

you’re not stupid, obviously this woman is trying to get you alone, regardless of motive you’re not walking into something like that unarmed and unprepared. even if the tantalizing call of offered info is like a sirens song through the fog. no you know better than to fall for free candy signs on vans.

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the back gardens actually quite nice this afternoon, you’d hauled yourself out of your little hidey hole and wandered the empty manor until you’d found yourself out here soaking up a little bit of the rare gotham sunshine on a deck chair. you need a breather before you make any moves.

breathe in, hold, exhale, and repeat. you try to meditate for a while, though you’ve never been great at it even after all these years. you can never quite empty your mind and let go of your surroundings. it’s too ingrained in you that safety isn’t earned through lack of vigilance.

still you try, you focus on the sound of a gentle breeze through the trees and shrubbery around you, the gentle warmth of the sun hitting your closed eyelids, the rustle of the dog dashing around and the various wildlife sounds in the distance, and the sound of your slowly steadying breathing.

it’s nearly twenty minutes later when you also hear the sound of the backdoor slowly sliding open, you relax your entire body and keep your breathing slow and even.

something shifts, the quietest clack of shoes on the concrete patio grow closer to you, it’s too quiet, you’re sick of being snuck up on.

something quickly pokes you in the shoulder, probably a hand if you had to guess. it isn’t until something cold and clearly metal presses against your neck do you react.

you quickly grab at the object and yank it forward while twisting it, you’d rather risk your hands than your throat. just as you start to roll out of the chair do you see who’s behind you….. tim quickly backs away with a surprised look on his face, hands raised placatingly. looking down you see a metal pen in your hand….

“….are…are you okay?” tim mumbles as he backs away, eyes wide and wild while his hands quickly go up in a placating gesture.

the pen quickly slips through your fingers onto the chair and you quickly stand, rubbing the back of your neck tiredly while you stretch your neck, you just can’t catch a fucking break huh. “mhmm, yeah. Don't scare me like that kiddo, I haven't been sleeping well since the incident.”

Tim looks away in that you can only assume is guilt as his eyes drop to the ground, his jaw clenched a he rubs at the back of his neck for a moment before his hand quickly drops back down to bury in his cropped hoodie pocket.

“…sorry….”

he avoids your form, he’s clearly feeling awkward around you which makes you all the more curious what he came out here to bother you for then. also isn’t it a weekday?…. “Don't mention it, you're off early aren't you? I thought you weren't off until five or six.”

sure you’re a bit blunt, but you’re not in the mood to play meek with him these days. especially not after he’d jabbed you with a pen, it’s like he’s just begging to get stabbed on accident.

his weight shifts foot to foot but he finally looks at you and meets your eye, his words make you tense.“something's going down in the city so I made everybody go home early.”

“something's going down?” you quickly step around the chair to grab his shoulder, grip firm.

he looks down at the hand for a moment, brows furrowed and his jaw tensed, he’s mad? “yeah…. Something about those pyromaniac's.”

your grip quickly tightens on him as if you’re trying to squeeze the information out of him, he’s far too hesitant in your opinion, that’s not something to mumble around! “What? Right now?”

tim frowns at you and gently shrugs your hand off his shoulder and straightens his hoodie out as if you’d wrinkled it in your pushy questioning.

“right now, why don't you come inside and calm down a bit.”

you swear your eye twitches a bit at his near-condescending reply.

“hang on a second, where's everyone else then? Are they inside too?” you tuck your own hands into your sweatshirt pockets and mirror his posture, you’re really trying not to look as tense as you feel at the moment, you’ve got a bad feeling about this….

again he avoids your eye, the kid really needs to work on that. “No, well Alfred's here. Bruce and everyone else is…. Out.”

now you’re just annoyed with him, what’s with the fucking attitude? your argument was with bruce it’s not like you called the whole family idiots, he’s acting like he’s personally offended by you. “Define ‘out’?”

his eyes narrow at you and you swear he stands up a little taller, his body language is clearly challenging now as his tone becomes almost accusatory. “what're you asking for.”

“So I can smother them obviously, why do you think I'm asking where everyone is?” you don’t even hide the eye roll as you step around him to head towards the backdoor.

his expression doesn’t waver as he twists to face you when you brush past him. “…. They're out.”

unfortunately for him, you know how to snap him out of his little stand off and take the wind out of his sails.

“Tim I don't have time for this, if Bruce is having an affair or something that's his business, you don't have to make excuses for him.”

“Woah what-!?” his shoes scuff the patio as he nearly trips over his own two feet, he rights himself and quickly trots after you with clear disbelief in his body language. But you don't let up with the saccharine sweet tone as you sigh deeply and continue your speil. “I'm just worried about your younger siblings getting caught up in something bad out there, aren't you?”

“…..I always am.”

Just as you expected, he drops his gaze and buries his hands deeper in his pockets in a slouch. His voice a barely audible mumble while he purses his lips together tightly.

“Are they still in school or….” you kinda regret not talking to anyone for so long as an awkward silence falls over the two of you, you wouldn't have had to grill Tim for details if you'd been around and talked to the people you live with.

“Yeah, I was gonna go and pick them up with Alfred Actually-” you cut him off quickly before he can finish that sentence. “I'm going with you two.”

“what, really?” he sounds downright disbelieving, like he can't comprehend you willingly locking yourself in a car with him and Alfred after the fight you and Bruce had, it's kinda annoying how flighty the kid is with you.

“Mhmm, fill me in on what's happening on the way. yeah?”

You don't give Tim time to rebuff you before you're stepping around him to slide the back doors open, but just before you step through you remember the last time you did something impulsive, you pull out you phone to send a quick, curt text to a certain someone.

I'm going to town with A and T, don't freak out.-

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You'd mercifully given Tim the front seat after all but forcing yourself into their trip, your fingers drum quickly and without pattern against the center console while you watch traffic moving in front of you. It's the off-work rush so not only is everyone in their cars in a bad mood, but there's an active attack taking place somewhere in the city. Clearly everyone's feeling the heavy tension, heads bowed and hands harshly grip steering wheels every which way you look.

“…. You didn't need to bother yourself with tagging along, master Wayne.” Alfred catches your eye in the rearview mirror after he speaks, his eyebrows raised in question or judgement as if you've committed some faux pas simply be being here.

You bite back any snappy remarks before they can pass your tongue, you know when you've earned a little harshness so you swallow your words. “I'm aware, but I'd like to see if the kiddos are okay myself.”

You glance out the side window just as two sets of eyes lock on your form, you ignore their heavy stares as you study the streets you're slowly passing through, memorizing Street names and signs just Incase.

The sidewalks are just about empty despite the early hour, and the few people you do see are clearly in a hurry as they quickly shuffle down the cracked concrete and avoid each other as much as they dodge the traffic, you watch as two men give each other wide berths and throw dirty looks at one another. whatever's happening must be bad.

It's Tim who breaks the silence this time, he's still studying you closely when you look forward. “…. So were you joking about the affair thing earlier?”

Tim's question gets Alfred to whip around to look at you for just a moment before he quickly turns back at the road, clearly he didn't like this conversation already. You just huff silently at the two of them and resist the urge to roll your eyes. “obviously, though I know it's not normal to be out all night every night, but whatever Bruce's up to isn't my business.”

You hope they can leave it at that and go back to the awkward silence, but they're clearly not satisfied with that as they both share a glance and focus back on you. Maybe they're finding entertainment in the potential drama of it all. The streets finally clear up a bit and the cars able to pick up a bit of speed since entering the city.

“…. He's definitely not running around with someone else…..” Tim's mumbled words nearly pull a laugh out of you, the kids clearly in the know about something judging by the surly tone and suddenly darting eyes, he can't even make eye contact while saying it. He needs to practice his lying a little more if he plans to stay in the world of business.

“Young Tim's correct, Bruce isn't that type of man at all master.” Alfred's better at it than Tim, clearly. he almost sounds scolding, he knows how to get you to doubt yourself a bit.

“I'll take your word for it-!” your words get cut off when something smacks into rear side of the car and jostles everyone, it wasn't hard enough for whiplash but that's not your concern right now as you watch the car that apparently t-boned you stop, and then it backs up so quickly their tires squeal. You already know what's coming when they back into a street sign to stop, and immediately start to pull forward again.

Apparently Tim does too as he shouts at Alfred. “that was intentional, They're trying to hit us!”

“I'm aware, Master Timothy.” Alfred mutters with surprising calmness as he throws the car into drive, you're slightly impressed at the man's composed tone and decent timing as he just barely avoids the car.

You lean forward into the center console to converse with the two of them, your nails still tapping on the damn wood. “just my fucking luck, you think they want us dead or alive.”

“most likely alive judging by how slowly they hit the car, maybe they want hostages or to kill us in person.” Alfred muses calmly, eyes locked on the rearview while you nod in acceptance of his reasoning. “Makes sense to me.”

Tim looks between the both of you with a panicked frown on his face, he keeps swiveling around to look at the car as it clumsily manoeuvers to follow. “Can you both not talk about dying so casually?”

“I'm quite old Timothy, part of my everyday is wandering when I'll die.” Alfred and you nearly speak over each other. “I already technically died at that gala, what's a little murder talk now, yeah?”

You watch the other car as well, how they seem determined to follow you through Gothams complicated streets. nearly clipping a firetruck pulling out of a grotto. You watch as a few pedestrians quickly run down alleys or into buildings to avoid the swerving cars. their panicked expressions blurring together in the light of the setting sun in your view.

alfred yanks on the wheel and takes a sharp turn when the car nearly runs into backed up traffic, narrowly avoiding getting stuck while you and tim are jostled and thrown about like rocks in the wash, you wince in sympathy when tim’s head smacks into the window and he quickly grabs at his temple. he nearly drops the phone he’d just pulled out of his pocket.

“don’t break something now.” you sigh out at him, turning around to watch the dark toyota sideline a stop sign but still manage to pull away and follow your vehicle, more distance between the cars now but it seems they’re determined.

“well there goes my evening plans!” tim’s sarcastic response would get a chuckle out of you if you weren’t watching the attackers speed up recklessly behind you.

“please, hang onto something!” alfred says quickly before slamming the breaks and turning the car around, you’re genuinely surprised he can drift.

both cars screech to a stop on opposite ends of the street, facing each other almost like some kind of game of chicken, your car, an SUV obviously has a little more weight in the frame so you know who’d win that. hopefully the other car isn’t stupid enough to try anyways.

“you think they’re part of the pyros?” you lean forward between the two front seats again to converse, you and alfred staring down the car while tim is quickly texting on his phone, hopefully he’s texting the younger boys to stay somewhere safe if they’re still at school. and maybe bruce and the police while he’s at it.

“i think it would be safe to assume so, (name).”

you go to reply but you quickly shut your mouth when the dark car suddenly throws itself into reverse and careens backwards down the street, you don’t really have time to question it when you catch something out of the corner of your eye. “shit-brace yourselves-!!”

You barely get the words out before something large and red slams into the side of the car.

Metal creaks like trees in a tornado as a firetruck hits the side of the car and rams it up against the face of a building, Alfred roughly smacks into the steering wheel gasping and Tim again hits against the door and window, he's lucky it was closed as all the doors are effectively pinned shut between the brick wall and the large vehicle. Your own bodies roughly smacked into Tim's seat at an awkward angle that immediately makes your neck ache at the force exerted on it.

“Christ on a cracker…. Are you both alive?….” Tim groggily mumbles as he sits up and glances at both you and Alfred, you give him a thumbs up while Alfred slowly straightens up and runs his hand through his thinning dark hair, his eyes hazy for the moment but he manages a nod. you're definitely bruised and hurting, but breathing.

“Mhmm, just peachy. We need out of here about ten seconds ago…” you mumble as you shake yourself out of your stupor, throwing a glance at the firetruck that's apparently been put into park for the moment, the engine idling down. You're quickly unbuckling yourself and grabbing at the headrest of the passenger seat, Muttering to yourself under your breath in a focused panic. “Come on, come on don't be one of those stuck ones…”

Tim twists and glances at you in confusion as you wriggle the cushion off and start to climb over the console into the front with him and Alfred. “What're you doing?”

“getting us out, this glass isn't bulletproof right?” there's no way to comfortably position yourself sitting on the center console but you don't care at the moment, you're in survival mode now. “I don't think so!?”

You turn the cushion around and use the metal prongs to ram at the corner of the windshield repeatedly, the loud scratchy thumping nearly drowning out the sound of a car engine getting closer, probably the Toyota from before. it takes a moment but the glass starts cracking eventually so you turn your face away and close your eyes as you blindly continue. Trying your hardest not to breathe in pulverized glass, been there done that. Wouldn't recommend doing that again. “Cover your faces if you don't wanna eat glass!”

You can only assume they do as you say as you blindly smash part of the window open, the sound of a car door opening somewhere prompts you to quickly drop the headrest and turn your body to donkey kick at the fractured spot until you break out about half the windshield.

You see two coming around the parked firetruck, one holding a bottle and a lighter while another carries something else, something you desperately want at the moment, a gun.

“Wait don't do anything rash-!” You drown out Tim's words, only casting a quick glance at the two unbuckling their seatbelts on either side of you before you move forward to crawl out of the windshield on your belly, fragments of glass dig into your body through your clothes and gouge scratches down your hands and front, but it’s not deep enough to worry about at the moment as you roll off the hood of the car right as the two approaching men reach you and try to grab at your clothes to hold you still. the one with the gun points it at you and tries to bark orders at all the three of you.

“freeze! none of you move if you want to keep this one's head intact-”

you don’t have time to let him go off as you see the other one start to flick his lighter under the bottle, so you shove the gun away from your temple and headbutt him in the kidney, as soon as you get up on your feet again you throat-punch the armed one as hard as you can. Roughly snatching the gun out of his hands as soon as he stumbles and tries to clutch at his neck, you’re lucky they’re slow on the uptake.

Of course you waste no time in clicking the safety off on the gun and threatening the other man. “drop that bottle and i’ll kill you slowly.”

you’re straight to the point as you threaten the still standing man, he seems to take you seriously after glancing down at the struggling and wheezing man on the ground because he slowly lifts his hands up in surrender. now with the upper-hand at the moment you shift your hold on the gun to gesture over your shoulder at the people in the car to climb out, not taking your eyes off the two wanna-be attackers for a second. “Get out of the car.”

you’re slightly surprised at how quickly they both get out, you thought the older man would’ve struggled at the least but it seems he manages well enough with Tim's help to crawl out and climb over the hood of the near-crushed car.

“What's the plan here, Skippy.” you casually place yourself in front of the two men behind you as you attempt to question the man, you don't want him getting any ideas with that bottle and lighter after all.

He scowls at you but you can clearly see he's all nerves, he's spilling small drops of the fuel on himself with how bad he's trembling, the adrenaline must be wearing off. “i ain't saying duck, rich pig.”

You fight back a sigh, it's as if him and the man from days ago read the same book with the same points in it, you wonder if the arsonists have a recruiting pamphlet or something.

“You just did though, where'd the truck come from?” You sneak a glance at the firetruck, peeling scratched paint and cracked glass everywhere, definitely an older model too, you shudder to think what that thing could've done to the car if they got it going full speed.

“Didn't you hear me? I said I ain't telling you-”

You're yanked backwards and away from the man as the dark Toyota from earlier narrowly misses ramming into you all, instead it hits the wall where you were just standing while a car alarm instantly starts going off. The two men start shrieking at the driver, well the standing one does, the other one is still wheezing.

You're surprised to see Tim behind you, hauling you with him by the back of your shirt while he also drags Alfred by the arm further away from the yelling men. “I think we need to leave!”

You can't argue with that, you check the mag and pull the slide back to see if the Glock is actually a threat, this one's indeed fully loaded with one in the chamber. meaning someone was prepared to use it, possibly on an old man or a barely adult aged teen? You hear glass shattering behind you and when you glance back, the empty car you'd just been in is going up in flames.

“Oh God damn it I just had that thing deep cleaned too…dad's gonna kick my ass” Tim bemoans pitifully at the sight but keeps yanking you around like a puppy on a leash. He tries to pull both you and Alfred away from the panicked pedestrians further down the street but you don't let him, you quickly unzip and throw your sweatshirt off and yank Tim's cropped hoodie up over his head and toss both things down an alley.

“you’re too standout, blend in like your life depends on it.” technically it does, but you figure you should probably try not to freak them out anymore than they actually are at the moment. You're caught off guard when Alfred drops his black suit over your shoulders. as he willingly follows you towards the smallish crowd.

“Your shirt is bloody, you should probably cover it up if you intend to hide in plain sight.”

you look down at yourself as if surprised, with the adrenaline rushing through your veins you’d forgotten all about the glass scratching you already, you wince when you see the thin red lines seeping through your white undershirt in slowly spreading rivulets. you slip the overcoat on and tuck your stolen gun in one of the inner pockets so you’ve got two hands free. that’s gonna be annoying later…

tim runs a stressed hand through his messy hair (courtesy of you pulling the hoodie) and reluctantly sticks close to the two of you, it’s clear he’d rather not follow your lead right now, you wonder if he’d even still be here if it was just you and him with no alfred in the mix, guess you’ll never know.

“i can’t believe this….what the hell are we supposed to do on the street? just wait for the cops and batman to sweep in while we’re literally being targeted like fish in a barrel?” tim grabs at your wrist and studies one of the scratches.

“would you have liked to have stayed in the currently burning car? cooked alive but we could’ve done it in luxury huh.” you scowl at the young man after snapping back, pulling your arm free from his and quickly turning a street corner.

alfred is already gasping quietly so you stop to let him catch his breath in the shadow of a tall building, he nods at you in acknowledgement yet still gives you a scolding look after he leans himself up against the scratchy bricks behind him. “master (name), tim is young. leave it alone.”

you shoot a glance at tim and watch him worriedly peering around the building looking up and down the street while biting his lip, he’s practically bouncing on the balls of his feet right now…you sigh quietly as you look away, awkward guilt curling in your gut like a parasite. goddamn it all.

“….yeah i know, that’s my bad. sorry kiddo.” you quietly call out to tim at the end of your sentence, you need to get a damn grip on yourself.

he glances over his shoulder at you with furrowed brows and quickly looks away, he’s quiet for long enough that you assume he’s not gonna reply but you just barely catch him quietly saying something after a few moments. “….don’t worry about it.”

some screaming down the street interrupts your little break so you sidle up beside tim to peek around the building corner, the orange glow getting brighter and reflecting off windows and metal signs let’s you know exactly what’s happening less than a block away. the gun feels all the heavier in your pocket when you realize the men are molotov-ing a storefront.

the infinity stone must have given you absolutely shit luck or something because how the hell do you keep winding up in situations like these here? if it’s not natalia pushing you to be a hero it’s your own stupid sentimental attachments to children and mean old butlers. you nudge tim’s shoulder with your own and gesture down the opposite street with your head.

“let’s go while we can, let alfred take point i’ll follow you both.”

alfred huffs loudly behind you and pushes off the wall to place a surprisingly firm hand on your shoulder. “this isn’t the titanic, mx (name). the elderly don’t need to be given priority. master tim doesn’t need to just follow us around as we want.”

in response you just pull the overcoat open and gesture at the gun handle poking out of the pocket. “i’m armed, i can give you two cover.”

you didn’t expect alfred to pull the edge of his shirt up and gesture at his belt. “i’m also armed.”

well shit, you had no clue he was a concealed carrier. you frown at him and cross your arms over your chest, is this really worth arguing about right now?

“well that’s all the more reason for you to take lead, you set a pace you can manage and we’ll both watch out for tim.”

tim loudly clears his throat and tries to step between the two of you before you get distracted. “i’m not a little kid that needs to hold someone’s hand, i’m literally a grown man! let’s just all try to find somewhere safe, i’m sure there’s police barricades everywhere?…”

you and alfred both shush him though, this ain’t about that.

“master tim, we’re simply just trying to deduce the most efficient way of traveling right now-” alfreds words are cut off by something shattering overhead as all hell breaks loose in the alley.

you don’t even have to look up to know what it is so you just immediately grab both of their arms and yank them out into the street, glancing them over for evidence of any glass or burning fuel on them. once you’re sure they’re probably okay you pull the gun out and point it in the direction the molotov was thrown from. catching sight of the familiar dark coat from earlier, guess you took too long figuring shit out.

the man’s lighting another bottle and there’s definitely more of his allies down the street if the various screams echoing between the buildings is anything to go by, you shoot one last glance at tim and alfred before you make the split second decision to shove them both the opposite direction before you throw yourself over a car hood and start running the other way.

you hear shouting behind you but you just hope the two of them aren’t stupid enough to play hero and chase you. After all you've got enough stupid for the trio, what the hell is your plan? You're not a costumed freak running around with a bone to pick with crime itself, you're just a killer with the wrong hands.

All thoughts of how stupid you are slip your mind as more glass shatters, this time just feet away from your shoes. Oh goddamn it! You go up and over another car hood and scowl to yourself, do they just have backpacks full of fuel bottles? Where the hell did they even get this much!? You force yourself to quiet down and breathe slowly and just focus.

This is what you're made for, you've gotta complete this just like any other mission you've ever been on. You're not allowed to fuck up. You listen closely, drowning out the other sounds of the city and wait.

As soon as the steps get louder you glance under the car and watch for them, glass crunches underneath a boot and that's when you move.

Throwing yourself over the boot of the car is easy, so is kicking out at the man and slamming your heel into his sternum and knocking him to the ground with a loud and pained grunt. You might've cracked something under your steel toe boot if the way he gasps and gags on air is anything to go by.

Someone rushes you and you just barely avoid the wildly swinging crowbar with a sidestep, you're not so lucky to avoid the first guys wild haymaker to the Gut though.

You have to fight the instinctive doubling over and only just manage to keep yourself upright enough to avoid the other man's attempt to smash a bottle over your head. You grab his wrist and twist it behind his back hard enough to sprain it and as soon as he drops the bottle you snatch it up and pull the rag out, the morons gonna light himself and his friend up waving an opened Molotov cocktail around all night.

“ow-fuck! Let go of me you cun-” you slam his head into the nearest wall to shut him up, you don't even feel bad about the teeth when you look around at all the lit up windows and screaming civilians around the block.

You're really in the middle of it huh, hopefully Tim and Alfred got the hell out of Dodge…

Fuck, fuck where the hell did the other one go!? Another bottles tossed nearby and the resounding burst of bright flame nearly has you doubling over squeezing your eyes shut, it's too bright, too hot. And now you're murderously pissed as well as panicking.

The other dark clothed attackers seem to be targeting windows and store fronts at the moment so you drop the knocked out man and let him pitifully slide down the wall so you have room to shred a part of Alfred's overcoat and make a makeshift mask, it won't protect you from smoke but it'll slow down inhaling some gas fumes at the least.

Another bottle thrown and you hear them whooping excitedly, you think you're starting to itch for your gun as you watch them target an apartment building next, you'd think a group seemingly targeting the rich wouldn't go after civilian life.

As soon as the closest one to you looks down to prep another bottle you dart around the corner of the building and throw another throat punch, if it works it works after all. He gags audibly as you pull him in front of you to avoid the second one swinging a knife at you, he awkwardly avoids his partner which gives you time to kick him between the legs, hard. Once he curls forward you throw another kick at his head.

A set of arms wraps around you from behind as the first man tries to bodily lift you off the ground, you're more surprised he shook off a punch to the Adams apple so quickly but whatever, you curl your legs up towards your chest like you're doing a crunch and then quickly kick out to throw him off balance with your weight, it works and as soon as he stumbles you plant your feet on the ground and drop all your weight, slipping out of his arms and stepping under his shoulder to get behind him so you can slap your hand over his ear as hard as you can. You know the stinging pain in your hand is nothing compared to what the now screaming man nursing his eardrum on the ground is going through.

The hell's that? Out of the corner of your eye you catch sight of a barely-visible spotlight in the near dark sky. It confuses you enough to pause in your step for just a second for a doubletake, these people are so weird about bats.

You need to get out of here, more importantly you need to find out where the others are. You pull your phone out and unlock it so you can pull up Bruce's contact, just as your thumb hovers over the press call button you hear rustling above you, you barely catch sight of the cape before you duck you drop kick aimed at your face.

The surprise heavy fist that followed slams into your jaw so hard you swear you feel all your teeth compress into your gums, the pain is near-instant, a combination of down-to-the-bone aching and the sharp, almost cold sting of your lip splitting. You'll be feeling that for a long time.

Another ones aiming for you so you grab the arm and throw your leg over it, twisting your body around to throw all your weight into the man's shoulders, your thighs squeezing around his neck. The dark figure grabs at your calves and slams himself backwards into the wall behind him which knocks some of out of your lungs, thoroughly pissed off you throw your weight forward and slip off him into a roll, stopping in a crouch a few feet from him, he tries to move after you just as quickly, angling himself for a kick that might just cripple you if it lands on your back so you use the near-empty Molotov bottle you still have in your possession and splash the remainder of it in the open part of his cowl, aiming for the mouth and nose.

As soon as he chokes and wipes at his face you smash the bottle on his head and use the jagged neck if the glass to swipe at him, aiming for the gaps in his armor around his armpit.

He tries to disarm you, gloved hands prying your struggling fingers open so you let him, as soon as your hands empty you pull the gun and use the barrel to strike him in the jaw. A kick to the kneecaps gets him to buckle so you knock him down and pin him with the gun pressed to his head, you've just pinned down Batman.

“Fucking…. What the hell’re you doing…?” Your words are coming out weird thanks to the punch, bit he seems to get it well enough as he suddenly stiffens under you just as you cock the hammer.

“….(Name)?”

“Yes?!” his shocked tone would've been downright comical if you hadn't just kicked each others asses, you yank your makeshift bandana down so you can properly scowl at the masked hero, licking the blood off your teeth.

“I…what are you doing out here?” he pushes you off him, though his hand stays on your shoulder as he seems to be examining you closely.

“Trying not to get set on fire that's what, my car got firebombed…. Well technically it's my husband's car.” you stand up, ignoring his offered hand of assistance even as your body protests the movement, damn your head hurts…you lean up against the brick wall and pocket the Glock before wiping at the blood dribbling down your chin.

He clearly takes the hint and gives you your distance for the moment. “I thought you were…the mask and the bottle didn't…how bad is it?”

He wipes at his mouth again almost awkwardly, his body language clearly conveying guilt as he leans towards you subconsciously.

“Dunno, my face is going numb. If I lose teeth you're paying for it.” your words are more reflex than anything, the type of thing you'd say to Natalia or Captain Rogers after a harsh training session gone a bit bruised and bloody. It happens.

Surprisingly he nods quickly at that, good. You selfishly almost hope he feels bad. You'll probably feel that way until your jaw stops aching.

“I'll take care of it, anything actually. I'm just…. I'm sorry.”

“I'll live, shut up. Barnes punches me a hell of a lot harder than you anyways.”

you don't even realize what you've done until he suddenly grabs your shoulder, masked head tilting as of he's studying ever inch of your whole face. His voice drops deeper and gruffer than you've heard him before.

“who the hell is Barnes?”

🔹🔹🔹

M.list | prev | next

A/n: I'm so tired y'all IDK if there's any mistakes in this, I'll spell check tomorrow✌️ hopefully it's not too long, hope y'all have a good day/night and enjoy a little treat for yourself today ❤️

Taglist: @cxcilla @mercuryathens @dind1n @redsakura101 @ninihrtss @let-me-dance @ladykamos @one-piecelover @cuntiesweet @omnivirgo @shirp-collector-of-fixations @spidermanluvr444 @br33zy-blizzardz @lunarapple @findingjaxx @4rachn3 @buckturd @tsxukikami @paastaboi @duskeras @ibelyss @1abi

[botanicalsword]

Moon & their security & emotional needs

Understanding Emotional Needs

Emotional stability is a state that can arise, varying based on our emotional needs and response.

>> Indicator • Nurturing your soul • what makes you a Healer

✧ Moon in the 1st House

Strong self-awareness

pursuit of validation

their emotional needs revolve primarily around themselves

exhibit nurturing qualities

Source of Security - independency, take care of others and your own emotions and needs more independently

✧ Moon in the 2nd House

A passionate worker - highly focused on work

place great importance on a sense of gain or loss

Excellent concentration skills

Source of Security - material foundations, financial stability

✧ Moon in the 3rd House

excel at gathering information

find satisfaction in gaining knowledge

Source of Security - lies in acquiring information, continuous learning, thirst for knowledge, the ability to effectively communicate and interact with others.

✧ Moon in the 4th House

are the guardians of their family

deeply care for and nurture their parents

strong sense of belonging to their home and family

Source of Security - A stable family, a familiar environment, a comfortable and safe space

✧ Moon in the 5th House

have a wide range of hobbies

find fulfillment through entertaining children

pet lovers

Source of Security - express through various forms of entertainment, adventure, creation, love, enjoyment

✧ Moon in the 6th House

workaholics

appearing stoic on the surface but harboring great passion within

find security in stable employment and a harmonious work environment

have sensitive digestive systems

Source of Security - serve the daily affairs of life, be organized, and pay attention to order, practicality and details

✧ Moon in the 7th House

yearn for companionship

nourish their souls through intimate relationships

Source of Security -  their significant other, harmonious interpersonal relationships, good reactions and feedback from others, natural and gentle atmosphere

✧ Moon in the 8th House

highly sensitive and intuitive

prone to emotional vulnerability

easily become engulfed in their emotions

Source of Security - Understanding the truth, motives, and real emotional needs of others provides them with emotional security

✧ Moon in the 9th House

prioritize self-improvement

seek to overcome inner unrest through constant learning and personal growth

Source of Security - exploring the unknown and seeking spiritual resonance

✧ Moon in the 10th House

strive for wealth, fame, and success

believe that achievements can repair their souls and provide them with a sense of security

Source of Security - their professional accomplishments

✧ Moon in the 11th House

excel at maintaining balance in their social relationships

susceptible to external influences

Source of Security - interactions with groups and older female figures, seeking validation, acceptance, and support

✧ Moon in the 12th House

conceal their emotions

display negative and depressive moods

struggle with expressing themselves

have fear or barriers when it comes to communicating with women

Source of Security - solace in spirituality, healing, wisdom, and acts of charity

✧

>> A note to ✦ Venus / Pluto aspect in Natal Chart

>> Back to Masterlist ✧ Explicit Content

Quick Access to : ❥ Astro / Asteroid Indicators ❥ Synastry / Composite Chart Observations ❥ House Stellium Observations ❥ Astro basic info / Brief reads ❥ Asteroid database ❥ Personal studies ✧ spiritual journal

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/ instagram : @le.sinex / @botanicalsword

[wordpress-blaze-241425893]

Midjourney Video

With the release of video (silent) on Midjourney, I just can't stop trying to generate images to animate! It's exceptionally easy, but some formats work better than others. Tutorial.

https://videopress.com/v/lSu3UXal?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&loop=true&playsinline=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

https://videopress.com/v/ATrZHeC9?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&loop=true&playsinline=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

https://videopress.com/v/HM4jFd1H?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&loop=true&playsinline=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

https://videopress.com/v/44IogZpY?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&loop=true&playsinline=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

Source: Midjourney Video

[herohimbowhore]

Something that keeps me up at night is Kevin Magnussen getting a podium on his debut with McLaren and never getting another podium after it.

He was P2 with Jenson Button in P3 (after Daniel was tragically disqualified from his P2 finishing, but still).

This is the face of man who’s expecting a great career with more podiums to come, but they never do.

Other than Lewis Hamilton, he is the most recent F1 driver to be on the podium at his debut race (I’m like 90% sure of this because there’s no singular database of all results for F1 to confirm). And he holds the record for most points scored on debut which is partially due to the points system changing.

Kevin had one of the best debut races since Lewis and then after it nothing. He drives for McLaren for that year and finishes in 11th. He gets replaced for 2015 by Fernando who crashes during preseason testing. Then he is supposed to start at the Australian GP in 2015 but he doesn’t due to an engine failure on the formation lap. Couldn’t go to IndyCar in 2015 because McLaren blocked it so he spent that year as a test driver. Drove for Renault in 2016 and finished 16th, then went on to Haas.

In the moment, the expectation would have been more podiums, but in hindsight, knowing that it’s the only podium he’s gotten, it feels bittersweet.

[mwolf0epsilon]

The Umbaran Pathogen - Day 21: Shock

Summary: While on their way to the basement floor, Kix's team is reunited with the rest of the 501st's medics. Finding a cure will have to wait just a little bit longer...

Warning: Slight gore warning due to injuries, but it's not overly descriptive (there is mention of a potential loss of limb)

Twitch belongs to @gaeasun Pitch belongs to @lost-on-kamino

Prev / Next

[In which the events on Umbara are worsened by an unknown pathogen taking hold of both the 501st and 212th. These series of drabbles will follow a non-linear timeline based on the AI-less Whumptober prompt list for 2023.]

THIS STORY IS ALSO ON AO3

---

The lift had been fingerprint-locked with a specific code for each set of prints that were logged into the security system's database. Neither Rex, Fives nor Kix had anything on them that they could use to slice into the system and bypass this security measure so, as a result, the trio had been forced to rush down flight after flight of stairs. Making them regret ever having climbed up a tree, to reach the exposed vents that were mounted up on the 11th floor of the hospital.

Usually running down a few stairs wouldn't tire them out this badly, but considering how grueling the campaign had been (for various reasons), suffice to say they were not in great shape at that exact moment. Sleep deprived, hungry and thirsty. And maybe a little cranky as well, which was more than a little fair.

That said, they were finally on the first floor. Sweating bullets and practically dragging themselves forward, while utilizing the facility's map to figure out where the basement hatch was located. Because of course the Umbarans had decided to make it hard for just anyone to stumble into their precious server rooms.

Nothing could be easy on this gods forsaken planet.

"It says right here that the hatch is in a tiny room behind the main lobby." Fives offered as they got closer and closer to the entrance of the hospital. Keeping an eye out, despite all of the halls they had traversed being virtually abandoned. "Probably so the receptionist can keep an eye on whoever goes in and out..."

"It's only gotten colder..." Rex sighed. "My HUD is giving off insane temperatures..."

"You know, the harder I think about it, the more sense it makes to keep the temperatures so cold in here." Kix looked around, his own HUD showing him just how frigid the halls really were. "A lot of terrestrial arthropods don't do well in the cold, and Dogma looked like he'd turned into some kind of insectoid. The infected would probably avoid coming in here because it'd mess with their bodies and senses."

"When you put it like that, the basement thing also makes sense." Rex mused as he kept on walking at an even pace. "If the entire building is cold, but one section produces noticeable heat, they'd try to break in and congregate in the warmer server rooms. By keeping them in the basement, they can at least mask the difference in temperatures..."

"Still sucks that we have to go down there." Fives pointed out.

They were now in the lobby, which was as deserted as the rest of the facility. Briefly, Kix wondered if maybe the staff had been evacuated once the two battalions had made it planet-side. Or maybe something else had happened while both armies went at it out in the woods?

He couldn't be sure, nor did he really ponder on it for long. Not when the entrance door swung open, revealing two very familiar figures carrying...

"Twitch?! Coric?!" Kix gasped at the state of the two standing medics, before his eyes focused on the two prone figures they were carrying on their backs. "Oh stars..."

"What happened to Pitch and Sponge?!" The second most experienced medic heard Fives exclaim, as he rushed forward to help. Settling the unconscious Sponge on the floor and noting their bruised and bleeding face, before moving to do the same for Pitch. Startling slightly when, despite not moving in the slightest, the blue-haired medic blinked up at him and darted his eyes about, trying to take in the scene.

"They're...." Twitch's legs shook as he collapsed onto his knees. All energy drained as he tried to catch his breath in loud shuddering gasps.

"Easy vod'ika..." Rex comforted the younger clone, kneeling besides him to rest a hand on his back. "Take deep breaths, like this..."

While the Captain took charge of the youngest, Fives muttered a loud curse as something suddenly occurred to him.

"Kark... Their buckets aren't on them, and their armor is pretty busted up. They're gonna freeze in here..." The ARC pointed out, seeing the poor state they all were in. There was no way their kit's thermoregulation systems were operative "I... Blankets. There's got to be blankets in a hospital right?"

Paying no mind as the ARC ran off to look for something to keep their injured vode warm, Kix instead began to assess the situation. Sponge had a broken nose, busted lip, several scratches and bruises, and their breathing wasn't sounding too good. Coming off rattly and wet-sounding, which he hoped was just because they were trying to breathe through a broken and bloodied nose.

Likely concussed to hell and back as well...

Pitch, meanwhile, seemed to be awake and aware but unable to move. Perhaps also unable to feel anything at the moment, since he'd definitely be passed out from both the horrific gashes on his face, and the huge gaping hole in his upper-thigh. Both of which were bleeding sluggishly.

"Dogma stung him..." Twitch mumbled. "He uh... He can't... Can't move or talk or.... Or..."

"Easy vod." Rex continued to comfort Twitch.

"Coric..." Twitch blinked tiredly. Looking towards the CMO who was standing there with his left arm dangling uselessly at his side.

Looking at his Ori'vod, Kix's heart began to race ever so slightly. He was still standing, but the wound on his shoulder looked bad. So bad in fact that he could just about see exposed bone. The way the arm hung limply also did not give him much hope that Coric had any use of it left, since the muscles and ligaments on the shoulder had definitely been torn off.

And then there was the far away look in his brother's eyes that gave him a lot of reason to worry. That glazed unseeing look that he mostly only saw on dead vode. Or, in some cases, the ones that just couldn't take the pressure of war anymore.

Resistant to stress his left nut and shebs...

"He's going into shock." Kix hissed, looking to Rex. "Get his armor off."

"But he'll free--"

"Now, Rex!" Kix barked out the order, giving no space for the blond to argue. Thankfully the Captain seemed to understand and moved over to Coric so as to begin removing his kit. Twitch joining in, the younger medic likely trying to use the repetitive motion as a way to ground himself and avoid going into shock himself.

"Fives, have you found those blankets?" He called out after the ARC, who was somewhere under the receptionist's desk fiddling with the drawers and storage boxes.

"Got some of those electric ones that we've got in the Resolute's medbay, and some emergency ones as well!" Fives replied as he held up both the familiar reflective material and a very large bundle with a wire and remote attached to it.

"Great! Bring them over, as many as you can carry!" Kix knelt back down to turn remove Sponge's kit and then turn them on their side to avoid any chances of aspiration. His fellow medic didn't need to drown in their own sick, or end up with a bout of pneumonia on top of everything they'd already gone through. "Rex, Twitch, wrap up Coric in one of each blanket. I need one of you to keep an eye on his breathing and heart rate, and the other to raise his legs up. I'm going to tend to Pitch and Sponge, and once I'm done I'll have a look at his arm."

Fives handed over two of the blankets to Rex, before moving on to wrap up Pitch who was watching quietly. Giving Kix space to work on Sponge, while offering the blue-haired medic some basic first-aid. Between the two of them, the other two and most injured troopers were quickly patched up and bundled up nice and warm.

Then, Kix moved on to treating Coric.

As he'd guessed, his arm was in terrible condition. With all of the damage his shoulder had received, it was very likely he'd be losing the arm altogether. Something which made Kix's heart ache just thinking about it.

A loud and inhuman sounding shriek outside made everyone jump slightly. Pitch's eyes immediately darted towards the door, while Twitch visibly tensed. The younger medic's trembling worsening considerably as he recognized the horrid sound.

"Oh crap, I think they're here..." Fives gulped as he squinted out one of the tinted windows, seeing some movement in the distance. "We need to get that cure, and fast..."

"We're down three medics." Kix pointed out. "Cure or not, going out there won't end well for any of us... Especially if they know they have us boxed in."

"They hit so fast..." Twitch whimpered. "They caught us by surprise and... And..."

"We get the picture kid..." Fives winced, looking towards the injured medics and back out the door. "We'll... Think of something... But first, lets get down into the basement and look for what we came here for in the first place..."

Things were not looking good in the slightest. But what else could they do other than proceed with their mission? Maybe once they knew what they had to do, they could then figure a way to change the tides.

[animusvenenatus]

( jesse williams, 43, cis man, he/him) — Look who it is! If you take a look at our database, you’ll find that TRENT SHAW is a JANITOR that works in SECTOR 3. According to the file, they’re a mutant with the power of SENTIENT DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. That must be why they’re CHARMING and SCATTERED. If you ask me, they remind me of maggots squirming inside of rotting meat, a bubbling anger threatening to spill over, black eyes and split lips. They are affiliated with NOBODY.

basic information:

character name: trent shaw

nickname(s): oogie

birthday: december 11th

sexuality: bisexual

moral alignment: chaotic neutral

3 positive traits: comical, generous, loyal

3 negative traits: clumsy, reckless, egotistical

biography (optional): tba!

questionnaire:

how do they feel about living in sol city? have they always lived there or did they travel from another settlement? i mean, sol city isn't exactly full of glamour and glitz, but trent enjoys it. there's plenty of fun to be had, and plenty of people to sleep with! they haven't always lived here. unfortunately for trent, he lived with his stinker of a brother (ezra) for a while.

do they trust the council’s leadership? why or why not? never trust anyone! trent is a very guarded person, due to things he's been through. he doesn't trust the council because he thinks anyone who is in a position of power will always turn to a corrupt lifestyle if it suits them.

if they chose their sector and profession, why did they make that choice? if they didn’t, why not? were they happy with their assignment or not? he chose it. being a janitor isn't for the weak of heart, but it suits him because of his mutation. his little wormy friends get to feed on the grim leftovers that he gets to clean up!

what’s one object that they always keep on their person? his mother's rosary beads, and a photo of his daughter, dotty.

mutant only section

what is your character’s ability (or abilities)? sentient digestive system

are they gen i or gen ii? gen ii

what can your character do? what are their strengths? the ability to have creatures pose as one's digestive system instead of having a regular digestive system. he can telepathically communicate with his little gut worms.

what can’t they do? what are their weaknesses? if you steal his worms, he will starve. please don't steal his worms!

is there anything else you’d like to specify about them? he is ezra's brother and does not support his grim shenanigans! he also has an 8 year old daughter, and her mutation is venomous saliva glands.

[dankusner]

DALLAS COUNTY Official: Jail system broken

As overcrowding crisis nears, leaders look to mental health solution

The Dallas County Jail is in crisis.

Daily population has fluctuated above 6,900 in recent weeks, a couple hundred people shy of hitting capacity and becoming a human and financial catastrophe.

County Administrator Darryl Martin said while a crisis is already here, he doesn’t want it to worsen like Harris County, which has spent $50 million sending inmates to Louisiana and Mississippi as its jail numbers surpass staffing levels.

With no short-term fix, Martin said there needs to be transformational change.

“It’s a system issue,” Martin said.

“The system is broken.”

Dallas County officials have labeled the jail in a state of emergency, and they are looking as far as Florida’s Miami-Dade County for potential solutions.

Over the past 20 years, Miami-Dade County has reduced its jail population and saved tens of millions of dollars by connecting people experiencing serious mental illness and substance abuse with treatment instead of incarceration.

Data shows the Dallas County Jail has a mental health problem of its own.

In 2024, 57% of all people booked into the jail had received mental health services from the state system within the prior three years, according to Continuity of Care Query data obtained by The Dallas Morning News.

The query is mandated by state law, requiring jails to run names through the public health database during booking to ensure they continue treatment.

Martin traveled to Miami last month to see its mental health diversion program for himself.

Later this week, a contingent of 20 judges, police and city and county officials are also going to tour the 11th Judicial Circuit Criminal Mental Health Project to learn more.

Martin said his next step is establishing a task force to see if Dallas County should implement Miami’s twofold model that focuses on pre- and post- arrest diversion programs.

“If they can make that work and close [a] jail and save millions of dollars a year, why can’t we do it?” he said.

Failing system

In discussions about the rising jail population in recent Commissioners Court meetings, Commissioner John Wiley Price has fretted over law enforcement taking too long to file cases against people waiting behind bars for indictments.

Martin even floated the idea of the county paying bail for low-level offenders to free up beds.

Over the last six years, the jail population has increased even as annual bookings have gone down.

In 2019, the jail reported a total of 61,339 bookings and an average population of 5,020.

Total bookings were 12% lower in 2024, but the average monthly population rose to 6,460.

Dallas County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Douglas Sisk said various factors are to blame, like increases in county population, special operations by law enforcement, judicial factors and technical issues.

The fact that almost three-fifths of people booked into the Dallas County Jail last year had a history with the public mental health system shows local mental health and behavioral health authorities are failing, said Krish Gundu, co-founder and executive director of Texas Jail Project, a nonprofit that advocates for incarcerated people.

Why, she asked, are people receiving treatment in the public health system ending up in jail?

She said solutions must also focus on prevention, which means addressing more than mental health, such as housing and access to basic health care.

As of Tuesday, 231 people in jail deemed incompetent were waiting to be transferred to a state mental hospital, according to county data.

The average time in jail for that group was 261 days, double the median stay of all inmates.

“The public mental health system is failing and pushing people into the criminal punishment system,” Gundu said.

Sisk said the department is in the initial stages of learning about Miami-Dade County’s diversion model for defendants with mental illness but supports collaborating with all stakeholders to find solutions.

“We absolutely support efforts that assist us in reducing jail population while getting individuals the help they need,” Sisk said. Change ‘essential’

A case in January 2000 haunted then-Miami-Dade County Court Judge Steve Leifman, prompting him to launch what would become the Criminal Mental Health Project.

A man in court for a minor offense had been in and out of jail, was homeless and far from his former life as a Harvard-educated psychiatrist.

A competency exam deemed the defendant unable to proceed, but Leifman had no power to order treatment for a misdemeanor.

“I had no authority to do anything but release him, there was no system in place and it was horrifying on every level,” Leifman said in an interview.

Leifman convened more than 20 stakeholders, including the state attorney’s office, the public defender, the police, sheriff’s office, judges, Department of Children and Families and others to discuss how the county handled people with mental health issues in the criminal justice system.

The parties formed a written agreement that led to the two-pronged system in place today to divert people with mental illness from jail before arrest or after booking.

“It wasn’t a mental health court, it was an actual structural change in how we address this,” Leifman said.

To avoid more people going to jail in the first place, law enforcement officers in all the county’s municipalities are given 40 hours of crisis intervention training to recognize the signs of mental illness. In some cases, they connect those people with help at hospitals or crisis stabilization units in lieu of arrest.

Between 2008 and 2019, arrests in Miami-Dade dropped 55%, according to data published by the 11th Judicial Circuit.

For the postarrest portion, eligible participants can be assigned community-based treatment and support programs with peer mentors in lieu of jail in coordination with the state and public defenders office.

Participants are monitored for up to a year and can have their charges dropped upon completion.

Over the past two decades, Leifman said the county’s jail population shrunk by 3,000, leading to the closure of one of three jails and a savings of $12 million a year.

“By attacking the problem, which is a complex problem … the way we did by using a population health model versus a criminal justice model, over time, you can get significant improvements and save your county from building unnecessary new jails,” Leifman said.

Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins declined to answer why the jail population is rising so markedly today and whether it is related to inefficiency of the courts, the sheriff’s office, the criminal case management software or something else.

He said, though, he encouraged Martin to explore the Miami model as an option for dramatic change.

“Just like Miami, we are reaching a crisis point where systemic change is essential,” Jenkins said in a statement to The News .

“Without it, we may soon be forced to spend millions of dollars to manage overcrowding in our jails.”

[juliebowie]

How to Become a Data Scientist after 10th: A Roadmap

Summary: Learn the essential steps and skills required to become a Data Scientist after 10th grade, including subject selection, additional courses, higher education paths, and gaining practical experience.

Introduction 

Data Science is revolutionising industries with its ability to analyse vast amounts of data for actionable insights. Pursuing a career in Data Science is highly beneficial due to the increasing demand for skilled professionals and the lucrative opportunities available. 

This article aims to guide students who have completed their 10th grade on how to become Data Scientists after 10th grade. It provides a clear roadmap highlighting essential steps, skills, and educational paths necessary to embark on this exciting career journey, ensuring students are well-prepared for future success in the dynamic field of Data Science.

Understanding Data Science

Data Science is an interdisciplinary field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data. It encompasses various techniques and tools for understanding and interpreting complex data sets. 

The scope of Data Science extends beyond mere data analysis; it includes data collection, data cleaning, data visualisation, and predictive modelling. Data Science turns raw data into actionable insights, driving decision-making across various industries.

Key Components and Skills Required in Data Science

To excel in Data Science, one must master several key components and skills. Firstly, a solid understanding of statistics is crucial. Statistics provides the foundation for making inferences about data and testing hypotheses. 

Secondly, proficiency in programming is essential. Languages like Python and R are widely used for data manipulation and analysis. Additionally, familiarity with SQL is vital for querying databases.

Furthermore, data analysis skills are necessary for exploring and interpreting data sets. This involves using statistical methods to identify patterns, correlations, and trends. Machine learning is another critical component, enabling Data Scientists to build predictive models and automate decision-making processes.

Lastly, data visualisation skills are essential for clearly presenting findings and compellingly using tools like Tableau and Power BI.

Different Roles and Career Paths Within Data Science

Data Science offers diverse career paths, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. A data analyst interprets data and generates reports to support business decisions. They often use large data sets to identify trends and provide actionable insights.

A data engineer builds and maintains the data generation, storage, and processing infrastructure. They ensure that data pipelines are robust and scalable, enabling efficient data flow within the organisation.

A machine learning engineer designs and deploys machine learning models. They work on developing algorithms that can learn from data and make predictions or decisions without explicit programming.

Other roles include data architects, who design data frameworks, and business intelligence analysts, who leverage data to drive business strategies. With such a broad array of opportunities, Data Science professionals can tailor their careers to their interests and strengths, making it a dynamic and rewarding field.

Roadmap to Becoming a Data Scientist after 10th

By following this roadmap and leveraging resources like Pickl.AI’s comprehensive Data Science courses and practical learning opportunities, you can set yourself on a successful path to becoming a Data Scientist.

Choosing the Right Subjects in 11th and 12th

Becoming a Data Scientist begins with the subjects you choose in your 11th and 12th grades. Mathematics forms the backbone of Data Science, providing the essential tools for statistical analysis, algorithm development, and problem-solving. Concepts such as calculus, linear algebra, and probability are fundamental to understanding Data Science methodologies.

Computer Science is another crucial subject. It introduces you to programming languages, data structures, and algorithms integral to data manipulation and analysis. Understanding how computers process data will give you a solid foundation for more advanced Data Science topics.

In addition, subjects like physics and economics can be beneficial. They help develop analytical thinking and an understanding of data science's real-world applications.

Recommendations for Additional Courses or Certifications during School

To further bolster your knowledge and skills, consider enrolling in additional courses or certifications related to Data Science. Online platforms offer courses specifically designed for high school students. Pickl.AI, for instance, provides some of India's best Data Science courses for beginners and professionals.

At Pickl.AI, you can benefit from:

Monthly Offline Interactions: Engage in face-to-face sessions with industry experts to clarify doubts and gain deeper insights.

Real Projects: Work on actual Data Science projects that provide hands-on experience and enhance your practical skills.

Doubt Clearing Sessions: Regular sessions address your queries and ensure you understand the concepts thoroughly.

Consider taking courses such as:

Data Science Bootcamp

Job Preparation Program

Data Science Course for Kids

Python for Data Science

Data Analytics Certification Course

ML 101 – Introduction to Machine Learning

ChatGPT Course

These courses offer a range of learning formats, from free one-hour sessions to comprehensive bootcamps with 100+ hours of expert-led lectures, placement support, and flexible learning options. 

Pursuing Relevant Higher Education

After completing 12th grade, the next step is pursuing an undergraduate degree in a relevant field. Degrees like B.Sc in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or Mathematics are highly recommended. These programs provide a structured curriculum covering essential Data Science theories and practices.

However, there are other paths to becoming a Data Scientist than traditional degrees. Diplomas and online courses can also be practical, especially for those who prefer a more flexible learning schedule. Many online platforms offer industry-recognised specialised Data Science courses that provide useful knowledge. Pickl.AI’s offerings, for instance, include:

Data Science Tools: Learn to use cutting-edge tech tools trusted by thousands of companies.

Free Anytime Learning: Flexible courses that you can start anytime.

Gaining Practical Experience

To excel in Data Science, you need more than just theory. Practical experience is crucial. Internships, projects, and practical training allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. 

Look for internships at companies that have strong Data Science teams. During internships, you will learn how to handle actual data, use Data Science tools, and work in a professional environment.

Participating in Data Science competitions and hackathons can significantly enhance your skills. Platforms like Kaggle host competitions that challenge you to solve complex data problems. These competitions provide an excellent opportunity to test your skills, learn from others, and gain recognition in the Data Science community.

Developing Key Skills

Proficiency in programming languages is a must for any aspiring Data Scientist. Start with Python, as it is widely used in the industry due to its simplicity and extensive libraries for data analysis. R is another valuable language, particularly for statistical analysis and data visualisation.

Beyond programming, you should also gain knowledge in databases, data visualisation, and machine learning. Understanding SQL and NoSQL databases is essential for managing and querying large datasets. 

Tableau and Power BI are crucial for visualising data and deriving insights. Machine learning, the core of Data Science, involves algorithms and models that can predict outcomes and identify patterns in data.

Building a Strong Portfolio

A strong portfolio showcases your skills and projects to potential employers. It is evidence of your practical experience and ability to apply Data Science concepts effectively. Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your expertise in different areas of Data Science, such as data cleaning, visualisation, machine learning, and statistical analysis.

To make your portfolio stand out, ensure each project is well-documented. Explain the problem you tackled, the approach you took, the tools and techniques you used, and the results you achieved. 

Use platforms like GitHub to host your projects and make them easily accessible to others. Regularly update your portfolio with new projects and improvements to showcase your continuous learning and growth in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can students pursue Data Science after 10th grade?

After 10th grade, students should choose Mathematics and Computer Science in 11th and 12th grades, take relevant online courses, gain practical experience through projects, and pursue higher education in Data Science.

What skills are essential for becoming a Data Scientist after 10th grade?

Essential skills include proficiency in statistics, programming (Python, R), data analysis, machine learning, and data visualisation. Students should also develop problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.

What higher education paths should students follow to become Data Scientists?

Students can pursue Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or Mathematics degrees. Online courses, diplomas, and practical training through internships and projects are also beneficial.

Conclusion

Becoming a Data Scientist after 10th grade involves strategic planning and dedication. By choosing the proper subjects, gaining relevant skills, pursuing higher education, and acquiring practical experience, students can build a strong foundation for a successful career in Data Science. 

With continuous learning and hands-on practice, the journey to becoming a proficient Data Scientist is achievable and rewarding.

[masterofd1saster]

CJ current events 27jun24

Judicial nominations don't work when you lie

Embry Kidd, is or was a magistrate judge in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Magistrates in the federal system don't have lifetime appointments. They don't preside in felony cases. They preside in misdemeanors, and they preside in pre-trial matters in felony cases. Pres Biden has nominated J. Kidd for the 11th Cir - a no-kidding federal appellate court.

Judicial appointments have no effect until the Senate confirms. J. Kidd omitted two important faux pas from the questionnaire he sent to the Senate. This has senators reasonably upset.

“Not only is this becoming a pattern, the content of these belatedly-disclosed cases is concerning,” Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the Senate Judiciary Committee’s ranking member, told the Washington Examiner. “With all due respect, these cases should have been disclosed. It is hard to provide advice and consent on a judicial nominee when the nominee doesn’t disclose highly relevant cases.”***

Sen Rick Scott noted:

“President Biden continues to nominate judges who are totally unfit for the federal bench in his continued efforts to weaponize our judiciary,” Scott said. “The Biden administration’s decision to advise nominees like Judge Kidd to not disclose bad rulings regarding child sex predators, some of which were later rightfully reversed by the supervising district judge, is disgusting, dangerous, and right on brand for this lawless administration.”

The Senate Judiciary Committee’s questionnaire includes a section asking nominees to provide a summary and citations for any of their prior court opinions “reversed by a reviewing court” or where their “judgment was affirmed with significant criticism of your substantive or procedural rulings.” The purpose of this section is for lawmakers to be able to vet nominees fully, many of whom have past ties that are ripe for scrutiny and, in some cases, lead to rejection from the upper chamber.***

Comments by the Democrats

keyed Republicans in on two cases that, the GOP says, had been wrongfully omitted from Kidd’s questionnaire. Senate staff investigators often use research tools such as Westlaw or LexisNexis to locate information about cases, but U.S. v. D’Haiti and U.S. v. King were oral rulings — meaning they are not indexed in these databases, and Republicans were not previously aware of them. U.S. v. D’Haiti pertained to a case in which the defendant, a male who was a cheerleading coach at a central Florida High school, was arrested in 2022 for possession of child pornography, court records show. The defendant, in one instance, reached his hands up a minor’s sports bra and fondled her. But Kidd, according to the court records, elected in July of that year to release the defendant based on his “high character,” “ties to the community,” and “lack of criminal history.” One month later, a district judge reversed that order based on further evidence and ordered the defendant to pretrial detention.

The teacher, 41-year-old Vigiland D’Haiti, was sentenced in October 2023 to 29 years in prison for coercing a minor to produce sexually explicit content. The second case, U.S. v. King, related to a convicted sex offender charged with receipt and possession of child sex abuse material. In April 2023, Kidd issued an order restricting only some of the defendant’s usage of the internet and devices. “All that’s been presented is that you downloaded images and that you had them on your phone, that you admitted to having them,” Kidd told the defendant. “While that does pose some danger, the danger that’s articulated is that the victims will be revictimized.”

“And I think that those will be sufficient to mitigate any risk of danger that you pose,” he added. In May 2023, a district judge revoked Kidd’s initial order releasing the defendant based on the danger he posed to the community and the “compulsion of pedophilia that he cannot control,” documents show. An FBI special agent later testified about the defendant’s attraction to a child at a restaurant, with the district judge concluding there were no conditions “that can assure the safety of the community, particularly young children.” The defendant was sentenced to roughly 24 years in prison. Both of these cases, no matter how controversial, should have always been included on Kidd’s questionnaire, according to Republicans. In written questions this month, Graham pressed Kidd on the omissions.***

How a judge could think that a child pr0n criminal should have internet access was not disclosed by DoJ or the White House.

***

Marlon Wayans interviews Nathan Wade for Daily Show

This is vulgar, but hilarious. https://youtu.be/-RFeOlxYxN4

***

Maybe if they labeled the money they paid to lawyers "legal expenses"....

Nearly all the protesters charged with storming and occupying Columbia University’s campus during heated anti-Israel demonstrations won’t face criminal charges, Manhattan prosecutors announced Thursday — drawing outrage from law enforcement and Jewish advocates. District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office dismissed cases against 31 of 46 people charged with trespassing in the Ivy League school’s Hamilton Hall after a dramatic April 30 NYPD raid rounded up protesters on the Morningside Heights campus. Prosecutors largely cited lack of evidence, such as security video footage, that could tie the students or staff to the building takeover for leaving them free and clear without even a slap on the wrist. The dismissals quickly drew fury from rank-and-file NYPD officers, higher education officials and Jewish leaders who spoke with The Post.*** Several police sources could barely contain their disbelief to The Post. “Lack of evidence?” one said. “Apparently body-worn camera wasn’t enough?” *** Jeffrey Wiesenfeld, who served 15 years as trustee on the governing board for CUNY, said it strained belief that authorities couldn’t identify anyone.***

+++

One person baffled by the decision was Lester Wilson, one of the janitors inside Hamilton Hall that night, who previously told The Free Press he thought he “could have been killed in there.” He called the prosecutor’s decision to dismiss the cases “wrong.”  “If they got dismissed and no charges were being brought, I feel it’s wrong, I feel it’s wrong, I feel it’s wrong,” he said. “Somebody should be charged. Somebody should be held accountable. I'm not saying jail time, but not dismissed. You should be found guilty.”  “We as the workers, y’all violated us,” he added. “Y’all really violated us, keeping us in that building, by taking over that building, you affected all our lives.” Some fourteen additional protestors, who had no affiliation with Columbia at the time of arrest, also had a hearing for their charges on Thursday. James Carlson, a 41-year-old heir to millions who the NYPD previously called a “long-time anarchist,” was one of them. Carlson—who was captured in a now-viral photograph getting in a physical altercation with Columbia janitor Mario Torres the night of the break-in—was arrested alongside the student protestors on April 30. He was charged with criminal trespass, criminal mischief, and arson—the last charge stemming from an incident a week before, in which he allegedly lit an Israeli flag on fire. As the prosecutor discussed Carlson’s arson incident with the judge, the keffiyeh-clad crowd whispered and laughed, before being scolded to be quiet by a court officer.  Carlson declined to take a plea deal of community service for his trespassing charge. The thirteen other people who weren't affiliated with the university were also offered dismissals pending good behavior; they also refused. ***

***

Sad case - mentally ill vic

The USC student who fatally stabbed a man allegedly breaking into cars on Greek Row is free after Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón declined to file charges against him on Thursday. Ivan Gallegos, 19, was arrested after the confrontation with Xavier Cerf, 27, at about 8:15 p.m. Monday in the 700 block of West 28th Street. Gallegos and two friends were walking down the street when they spotted Cerf, who was homeless, allegedly breaking into a vehicle, and when they confronted him, an altercation began, according to the Los Angeles Times. Gallegos claims he acted in self-defense and that Cerf claimed to have a gun, though police said no firearm was found. Gallegos’ friend Rafael Cardenas added that Cerf “gestured, put his hands in his pants, [indicating] that he had a gun.”*** Yema Jones, Cerf’s mother, has not commented since the decision to release Gallegos was made, but before that, she told the Los Angeles Times that Cerf suffered from mental illness and was “a peaceful person.”

Police ventilate a lot of people with a lot less reason. Does the name Daniel Shaver ring a bell?

***

Sad & angry

2 men accused of strangling 12-year-old in Houston are charged with capital murder

***Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel, 22, and Franklin Pena, 26, were charged Friday with capital murder of a child between 10 and 15 years old, according to authorities and court records. Jocelyn Nungaray was found about 6:15 a.m. Monday, and the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences determined she died by strangulation, according to Houston police.***

Of all the places on earth to rape and murder, these rapist-murderers chose Texas?

***

BB -

***

Way too easy

Alex Rosen, the founder of the Houston-based vigilante organization Predator Poachers, has uploaded a new video of Maryland’s Democrat LGBTQ Diversity Council Chair meeting up with a man he believed was 14 years old. Rosen wrote on X, “We just busted the head of the LGBTQ Dems of Maryland going after a 14-year-old.” According to Rosen, Michael Knaapen, chair of the Maryland Dem’s LGBTQ Diversity Council, attempted to meet up with a 14-year-old decoy after exchanging sexually inappropriate messages with the decoy, who told Knaapen he was 14. In Rosen’s stings, he usually uses both men and women who pose as minors in order to catch predators. Journalist Andy Ngo further reported on the bust and reported, “A leader in the Maryland Democratic Party was allegedly caught in a child s—x predator sting. Michael Knaapen, chair of the Maryland Dem’s LGBTQ Diversity Council, allegedly talked about wanting to r—pe a 14-year-old.”***

is really ugly

+++

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2024/06/white-house-visitor-logs-reveal-maryland-lgbtq-leader/

***

Prolly should have fixed yourself three years ago

Federal prosecutors have recommended to top Justice Department officials that airline manufacturer Boeing be criminally prosecuted, CBS News has learned.  While the recommendation to the Department of Justice's senior leadership is not a final decision, it is the latest development in the ongoing back-and-forth over Boeing's alleged violation of a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement. The exact nature of the newly recommended charges was not immediately clear. News of the recommended charges was first reported by Reuters. The Justice Department earlier this year found Boeing had violated the deferred prosecution agreement and indicated in court filings it might proceed with charges against the company for conduct tied to two deadly 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 and beyond.  The Justice Department has until July 7 to notify the federal court of its plans. *** The agreement stated Boeing would pay a $2.5 billion settlement and make certain organizational changes in exchange for the Justice Department dropping a fraud conspiracy charge after a period of three years. That three-year period would have ended in July, at which point the Justice Department would have closed the case against Boeing if it was determined the company had upheld its end of the agreement. But in May, federal prosecutors wrote that Boeing "breached its obligations" and allegedly failed to "design, implement, and enforce a compliance and ethics program to prevent and detect violations of the U.S. fraud laws throughout its operations." ***

***

Mostly peaceful riot redux

One person was arrested on misdemeanor charges Sunday during an altercation between pro-Palestinian protesters and counterdemonstrators supporting Israel outside a Los Angeles synagogue Sunday.  Police spokesman Tony Im told The Los Angeles Times that the person who was arrested was carrying a "spiked flag," which is prohibited at a protest. Im said the pro-Palestinian protesters started gathering near the Adas Torah Synagogue in the  Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles at about 11 a.m. local time and were quickly met by the counterdemonstrators.  The synagogue is located about four miles from the UCLA campus, where there have been Gaza encampment protests. ***

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/protests-israel-palestinians/2024/06/24/id/1169879

***

54 years in office?

CHICAGO - Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke was sentenced Monday to two years in prison and fined $2 million following his conviction on 13 political corruption charges last December. A federal jury convicted Burke on 13 corruption counts after hearing allegations that the longest-serving City Council member in Chicago history with a 54-year tenure had used his power to win private law business from developers. The corruption schemes occurred in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The jury of nine women and three men deliberated for 23 hours over four days before returning its verdict after weighing the testimony of 38 witnesses and hearing more than 100 recordings. Burke was found guilty of racketeering; corruptly soliciting, demanding, accepting, or agreeing to accept things of value; using an interstate facility to promote unlawful activity; and attempted extortion. He was acquitted on one count of conspiracy.***

The corruption sounds like the typical "hire my private business for your problem, and a lot of your problems will disappear."

***

BB -

***

Kill someone for a used car?

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – An Oakland County sheriff’s deputy who was shot and killed on Saturday night was remembered by colleagues as a hard working cop and a dedicated father and husband. Oakland County sheriff Michael Bouchard held a press conference at noon on Sunday, June 23, to provide information about the shooting to the public. Bouchard said that deputy Bradley Reckling was working for the auto theft unit and following a stolen vehicle in Detroit when the suspects opened fire, striking him multiple times and killing him. Reckling was among three deputies from the auto theft unit who were searching for a stolen 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The vehicle had been stolen sometime between 1 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. from the Red Oaks Waterpark in Oakland County on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Bouchard said Reckling was in an unmarked car when he located and began following the stolen vehicle, which means dashcam footage is not available. The preliminary investigation indicates that the vehicle suddenly stopped, the people inside the stolen vehicle got out, and opened fire on deputy Reckling. He was struck multiple times, including in the head and torso.*** The officer down call went out at 10:50 p.m. Detroit police and Michigan State Police rushed to the scene and set up a perimeter. Three people were arrested within that perimeter. Bouchard said more information about the suspects will come from Detroit police. Remembering deputy Bradley Reckling According to Bouchard, Reckling has a pregnant wife, a 1-year-old child, 4-year-old child, and a 5-year-old child. His family wanted the public to hear from people who worked with Reckling and knew who he was and what he was like. Reckling had been working at the Rochester Hills substation and had just recently moved over to the auto theft unit.***

[agentcable]

Law & Order Special Victims Unit Season 23 Ep. 19 "Tangled Strands of Justice"

As a rookie, Garland worked on a missing person case and now he is asking Benson to reopen it. Additionally, a suspect in Carisi's case has been arrested.

If you want to watch the series for yourself, stop reading! This post contains spoilers to the storyline

In 2001, the police searched for a missing child in Central Park. A police officer told Garland that children of this age are rarely found. The investigation was interrupted by news of the September 11th attack. Twenty years later, remains were discovered in Central Park.

Meanwhile, a woman fled from a hotel room after stealing thousands of dollars worth of watches from a wealthy man. He met her on the Sugar Babies website. The cop who questioned him didn't approve. She used a fake name, and he claims he was helping her get over being sexually assaulted.

Garland is watching the news about the discovery of the remains of a child.

The victim is shocked to discover that his girlfriend stole his watches.

During their meeting, Garland informs Benson that he believes the remains belong to the little girl from the case he was investigating on 9-11. Later, in the squad room, he discloses to the other officers that he now works for the mayor's office.

The original investigator, who is now on oxygen, initially cannot recall the case. He explains that the case was deprioritized due to the events of 9-11. Despite being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016, he considers himself fortunate to still be alive. Upon hearing that the body may belong to a child, he crosses himself.

It is revealed that the thief was brutally assaulted by Henry, a psychopathic child from a previous episode (Season 22 Ep. 14), and is now stealing from wealthy individuals to support herself. Benson suggests that Libby requires an advocate.

Due to the body's decomposition, the ME cannot provide much information, but it is possible that the body has been in the water for 20 years. Additionally, fetal bones were found, indicating that the girl was pregnant.

Aretha's grandfather regrets letting her go get her scooter alone. The mother recognizes the watch as one she gave her daughter. DNA sampling is required to confirm the identity of the body as Aretha's. The mother believed Aretha had run away.

Libby is unsure how she entered the system and used different names with each man she dated. Benson realizes that the police used the rape kit to identify Libby.

She speaks with the detective to learn more about how the identification was made, but she refuses to disclose any information. Benson shares her concerns with Carisi, who agrees that it is unlikely the medical examiner's office would allow the rape kit to be used in this manner.

The remains are identified as belonging to Aretha. DNA was extracted from the fetal bones, revealing that the father was African American and the fetus was male. The police informed Aretha's family and Cora expressed her desire to retrieve her daughter's remains. However, when informed that Aretha was 5 months pregnant, Cora and her father were skeptical.

It is not standard procedure to upload a victim DNA to any databases. Benson interviewed some doctors and discovered that Major Crimes had made a request. The detective was informed of an assault victim in 2021. The doctor received the information from Major Cases. The supervisor and the DA's office will be launching an investigation.

Cora visits the police and expresses confusion. Aretha was a diligent student who focused on her studies. It is unclear how she became pregnant, as she always came straight home from school and only had boys over to study, with her grandfather present. Velasco interviewed the grandfather to gather more information. He admits to occasionally going for a walk, but only when Red accompanies him. Velasco is unaware of Red's identity. It is revealed that Red is Cora's secret boyfriend.

Cora insists that Red would never do anything to harm her baby. However, Garland believes that finding Aretha may be significant. Cora admits that she did not mention her boyfriend to the police because he was married. They worked together at the hospital. He later moved to Uniondale after Aretha disappeared.

Maxwell is disgusted, especially since three cases were based on stolen rape kit evidence. Szabo made all six requests to Kent. Benson believes that Libby was on a downward spiral since her rape. Carisi states that they possess additional evidence apart from the DNA. Benson is indifferent.

Rollins and Velasco interview Cora's boyfriend who expressed his desire to help but was still married. He mentions that he used to assist Areht with her science homework as she aspired to become a doctor. They request his DNA. He will take a DNA sample as lons as his wife and kids are not aware. He also contemplates Nina, Aretha's sister, whom no one knew about.

Benson informs Szabo that she violated NYPD protocols and Szabo comes to yell at her. Szabo reminds Benson that being raped does not give someone a free pass to commit crrimes. Benson claims that rape victims are reluctant to come forward. Szabo accuses Benson of bias. Benson dismisses Szabo.

Nina was traumatized by the murder and is now struggling with drug addiction. She was in a rehab facility but appears to have run away after Cora's father visited her.

Meanwhile, Libby refuses to follow in Henry's footsteps and manipulate the system to avoid consequences. Benson warns that this sets a dangerous precedent. A grand jury in Queens has indicted Libby, but she was released on her own recognizance after arraignment. Szabo advises Benson that the girl should have accepted a plea deal. Maxwell informs her that all of her arrests will be reviewed. Maxwell introduces Benson to a judge who will contact her later regarding this matter. Maxwell and Benson speak with a DA who is reluctant to drop the case because it would send a message. The DA suggests that they return to the OCEME.

Rollins and Velasco apprehend a drug dealer who claims that Nina did not have enough money to purchase drugs from him. The police catch up with Nina, who is attempting to engage in prostitution. Nina admits to knowing that Aretha was pregnant but never wanted her mother to find out, as her grandfather had warned her that it would kill her. It is later revealed that the grandfather is actually the one who impregnated Aretha, despite not being her biological grandfather.

Grandfather's girlfriend falsely claimed to be Cora's mother when she got pregnant. When Aretha told him she was pregnant, he didn't want her to tell Cora. He shook her, causing her to fall against the tub and hit her head. He never meant to kill her and loved her dearly as she was the light of his life. It was not a sin because she was not his biological grandchild. The grandfather has pleaded guilty.

Maxwell tells Garland that she misses him around here. Maxwell then informs Benson that the judge is requesting a bench trial for Libby. Additionally, the DA had forged his signature on some wiretaps. The DA announced in a press conference that they found a flaw and will drop the charges due to privacy concerns. Addtionally, she is urging other DAs to support new legislation.

Cora is fed up and never wants to hear her father's' name again. She has reunited with Nina and does not blame her for not disclosing the information.

[engineersplanet]

Java Project for 11th & 12th Downloads

Java Projects For Class 11 and 12 all boards SL. PROJECT NAME DOWNLOAD 1. Password Generator. Download Project 2. Online Survey System. Download Project 3. Snake Game. Download Project 4. Number Guessing. Download Project 5. Currency Converter. Download Project 6. Calculator.  Download Project 7. To-Do List. Download Project 8. Quiz Game. Download Project 9. Simple Database. Download…

[nehaprem]

"From Oak to Java: Tracing the Evolution of a Revolutionary Programming Language"

Java's Origins:

Java, an Object-Oriented programming language, was conceived by James Gosling in the early 1990s, with the goal of creating a language for digital devices like set-top boxes and televisions. Initially considering C++ but facing memory constraints, Gosling shifted to creating a new platform, initially named "Greentalk," with the file extension .gt, which later transformed into "OAK."

Choosing "Oak":

The name "Oak" was inspired by an oak tree near Gosling's office, symbolizing strength and also being the national tree of several countries. However, due to trademark conflicts with Oak Technologies, the project was eventually renamed "JAVA" after an extensive brainstorming session, which included several other options like DNA, SILK, and RUBY. The unique and memorable nature of "Java," derived from a type of coffee bean, led to its selection, a name inspired by a coffee break near Gosling's office.

Java's Journey:

Built on principles of robustness, portability, platform independence, high performance, and multithreading, Java was recognized as one of the Ten Best Products of 1995 by TIME MAGAZINE. Presently, Java finds application in various domains such as internet programming, mobile devices, games, and e-business solutions.

Java's Evolution:

Over the years, Java has undergone significant transformations since JDK 1.0, with numerous additions and extensions to the standard library, expanding from a few hundred classes in JDK 1.0 to over three thousand in J2SE 5.

Highlighting Their Key Developments and Enhancements:

JDK Beta (1995): This was an early stage in Java's development, representing the initial testing and experimentation phase.

JDK 1.0 (January 1996): The Very first version was released on January 23, 1996. The principal stable variant, JDK 1.0.2, is called Java 1.

JDK 1.1 (February 1997):

It was released on February 19, 1997. There were many additions in JDK 1.1 as compared to version 1.0 such as

· A broad retooling of the AWT occasion show

· Inner classes added to the language

· JavaBeans

· JDBC

· RMI

J2SE 1.2 (December 1998):

“Play area” was the codename which was given to this form and was released on 8th December 1998. Its real expansion included: strictfp keyword

· the Swing graphical API was coordinated into the centre classes

· Sun’s JVM was outfitted with a JIT compiler out of the blue

· Java module

· Java IDL, an IDL usage for CORBA interoperability

· Collections system

J2SE 1.3 (May 2000):

Codename- “KESTREL” Release Date- 8th May 2000 Additions:

· HotSpot JVM included

· Java Naming and Directory Interface

· JPDA

· JavaSound

· Synthetic proxy classes

J2SE 1.4 (February 2002):

Codename- “Merlin” Release Date- 6th February 2002 Additions: Library improvements

· Regular expressions modelled after Perl regular expressions

· The image I/O API for reading and writing images in formats like JPEG and PNG

· Integrated XML parser and XSLT processor (JAXP) (specified in JSR 5 and JSR 63)

· Preferences API (java.util.prefs)

· Public Support and security updates for this version ended in October 2008.

J2SE 5.0 (September 2004):

Codename- “Tiger” Release Date- “30th September 2004”

Originally numbered as 1.5 which is still used as its internal version. Added several new language features such as

· for-each loop

· Generics

· Autoboxing

· Var-args

Java SE 6 (December 2006):

Codename- “Mustang” Released Date- 11th December 2006 Packaged with a database supervisor and encourages the utilization of scripting languages with the JVM. Replaced the name J2SE with java SE and dropped the .0 from the version number. Additions:

· Upgrade of JAXB to version 2.0: Including integration of a StAX parser.

· Support for pluggable annotations (JSR 269).

· JDBC 4.0 support (JSR 221)

Java SE 7 (July 2011):

Codename- “Dolphin” Release Date- 7th July 2011 Added small language changes including strings in the switch. The JVM was extended with support for dynamic languages. Additions:

· Compressed 64-bit pointers.

· Binary Integer Literals.

· Upstream updates to XML and Unicode.

Java SE 8 (March 2014): Released with the codename "Spider," this version introduced language level support for lambda expressions and default methods. It also included a new date and time API inspired by Joda Time.

Java SE 9 (September 2017): This version introduced Project Jigsaw, which aimed to modularize the Java SE platform. It implemented a standard module system for the Java SE platform and the JDK.

Java SE 10 (March 2018):

Released Date- 20th March Addition:

· Additional Unicode language-tag extensions

· Root certificates

· Thread-local handshakes

· Heap allocation on alternative memory devices

· Remove the native-header generation tool – javah.

· Consolidate the JDK forest into a single repository.

Java SE 11 (September 2018):

Released Date- 25th September, 2018 Additions-

· Dynamic class-file constants

· Epsilon: a no-op garbage collector

· The local-variable syntax for lambda parameters

· Low-overhead heap profiling

· HTTP client (standard)

· Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.3

· Flight recorder

Java SE 12 (March 2019):

Released Date- 19th March 2019 Additions-

· Shenandoah: A Low-Pause-Time Garbage Collector (Experimental)

· Microbenchmark Suite

· Switch Expressions (Preview)

· JVM Constants API

· One AArch64 Port, Not Two

· Default CDS Archives

In conclusion, Java's journey from its early inception as "Oak" to its eventual renaming as "Java" represents a fascinating tale of innovation and adaptability. Java's evolution, marked by its recognition as one of the Ten Best Products of 1995 by TIME MAGAZINE and its widespread adoption across diverse industries, is a testament to its enduring significance and impact on the modern technological landscape. As Java continues to evolve with each version, it remains a cornerstone of the programming world, embodying the principles of robustness, flexibility, and adaptability that have propelled it to its current prominence.

For individuals aiming to enhance their Java expertise, exploring the offerings of ACTE Technologies is highly recommended. With proficient instructors well-versed in Java instruction, ACTE Technologies provides a range of flexible learning options, accommodating both online and in-person preferences. Java program at ACTE Technologies includes certification options and support in finding job placements.

[messy-does-cosmology]

Astrophysics Tools for Research and Data Analysis!

Hi guys, I've been wanting to make a post about how to use various data analysis and research tools for astrophysics, because I had a pretty hands-off supervisor and had to figure things out myself, with my research partner, or by asking academics I knew (like my friend Will). So, this is going to be a quick rundown of how to find data catalogues, download them, and analyse them (using Topcat), and then also how to use search tools like the SDSS and SIMBAD. There is not going to be anything in here about finding research papers, or search terms for google scholar, because firstly I am a noob with those and secondly because there are already beautiful, detailed posts about that. This is specifically for when you want to get some data, analyse it, and search for sources in other catalogues.

First up: how do I find my data?

Well, we use VizieR.

This is a nice, sexy, unintuitive website where you can search for various data catalogues and download them. For this, you will probably want to already know what catalogue you want by the time you get there, so I would recommend reading around. The simplest way to do that is to search on google: "[instrument name] [source type] catalogue" and read whatever papers come up. For example, you might be looking in radio, at the FIRST survey, and decide you want to look at blazar data. So you should google "FIRST radio survey blazar catalogue" and see what comes up. You are going to want to eventually know as much as possible about your catalogue's selection criteria, and what it's specs are, but for now you can start by just skimming the paper and searching it up in VizieR.

Your next step is actually finding the catalogues.

VizieR looks like this, and you should be able to find your survey by typing in its name into the little search box you see here. Next, when you have searched and been able to find your survey, clicking on it should lead you to a page like this one:

The important thing here, is to switch some stuff under the preferences heading. If you're using Topcat, you want to switch the HTML table to a VOTable, and you want to switch the maximum number of rows from 50 to unlimited. This will allow you to download the full catalogue. I suspect that if you are using Python or RStudio for data analysis, you probably want to keep it in the HTML format.

So once you have your preferences looking like this, you click the "Submit" button in the bottom right of the page, and the table should start downloading.

Great! Now you have your data! How to analyse it though?

Use Topcat!

Topcat is a piece of software developed by Mark Taylor at Nottingham University, purely for the purpose of astrophysics data analysis. As a result of this, it has some really useful features and is in general much easier to use than writing your own code in, for example, Python.

Once you download Topcat, it might take some effort to get your computer to open it, because it is not by a verified developer. That being said, it is safe, so do what you can to get it open.

Loading it up, you should find yourself looking at a grey control panel. On the left will be a blank list of tables, and next to that will be a blank space, and above all of that there will be a toolbar. The first thing you want to do is load your table into Topcat.

So, to do that, you want to click on the left-most button on the toolbar, the one shaped like a file. There, you click "system browser" and go through your files and find the VOTable you downloaded from VizieR (unless you renamed it, it will be called VOTable). This will load your data in. Now, your table list should include your VOTable data. When you have this selected in the main panel, you can use different toolbar buttons to either look at the table itself or visualise the data. Full disclosure, I am not that seasoned with using Topcat's most advanced features, so if you need to know how to use them, I would recommend checking out Mark Taylor's video tutorial here.

For the basics, the first 3 buttons in the toolbar are used to import and export data, the next 6 buttons are used to look at the table, and the following 6 buttons are used to represent the data in graphs. After that, the next 3 buttons are used to: 1- match tables and combine them to make a new table, 2- query remote databases, 3- crossmatch sources against remote tables based on their sky position.

The most important buttons are the 4th one from the left, the 11th button along, and probably the one used for matching tables (it looks like a pair of matchsticks. Get it?). The 4th one allows you to look at and search through your tables, and the 11th one allows you to represent your data on a non-bar graph.

I won't go into a lot of depth here about how to use these 2-3 really important buttons, but if you have questions you can message me and I will try to answer!

Finally, what do you do if you find a source you think you want to investigate further, how do you find out more information about it?

Use SIMBAD, SDSS and other search tools!!

This is my final bit, so hang in there.

There are really convenient search tools for you to look up your sources in, and they all seemingly provide different things. SIMBAD has a bunch of different catalogues loaded into it, including transient catalogues, and you can input the location of your source, and it will either tell you what it thinks it is, or it will tell you what is nearby to your source's location. So firstly, you can find SIMBAD here, and when you go to that link, you should see this:

There are different query methods. You can search by coordinates, criteria, or identifier, so if you have the information for where the source is or what it's called, it should be not too hard to find what you're looking for.

I'm starting with an identifier query for M31, the Andromeda galaxy, just to show you how it works for a well-known, well-defined source:

You can see that SIMBAD has given me data about this source, including a little view of it on the sky, and what it's called and what it is. It has some information about the object's speed and its magnitude in different bands. Andromeda is probably one of the most observed galaxies ever, so there is a lot of information here.

Searching for a more obscure source yields fewer results, with less information about the sources and less certainty that the sources have been correctly identified.

This was a coordinate search for a source I have looked at in WISE data, and it says that there is not an accepted exact match for this source, but that the closest registered object is a white dwarf candidate 0.31 arcseconds away. I can click on that candidate and be provided with a page of information like I was for Andromeda, but with less concrete data. The source I'm searching for is actually an AGN candidate, but it is so un-researched that it simply doesn't show up as anything useful.

Our next thing is the SDSS, the sloan digital sky survey. This contains a lot of spectra for different sources, and does not tend to tell you about nearby sources. For the SDSS, you have to know the RA and DEC of your source in degrees, which is a little annoying. You can find them usually by looking in your table on Topcat.

The SDSS honestly looks like a kid's dress up game from mathgames dot com, but it's an actual serious tool. Sigh. The most important thing is to NOT USE this page at all, and to instead click the little "explore" link under the DR16 logo. That should look like this:

As you can see, this is a bunch of information about the source it automatically highlighted. It's useful info, but you probably don't want to know about this source. You probably want to find your own source here. So, to do that you have to click "search" on the left hand side, which should add these search boxes to the top of the page:

Here, you put in the RA and Dec, and then press the "Go" button next to it. This should give you an info page, like the one above, but with YOUR source. Otherwise, it will give you an error message saying it doesn't know where your source is and it doesn't have a record of it. That's ok, it doesn't mean it doesn't exist, but it could mean that this source is not documented in other large catalogues.

Well, that's all folks! Good luck!

[irispublishersmedicaljournals]

Iris Publishers - Current Trends in Clinical & Medical Sciences (CTCMS)

Ongoing COVID-19 Clinical Trials: A Pharmacological Perspective on Pneumonia

Authored by Prof. Dr. Amani E Khalifa

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019; the current pandemic, is a newly emerged viral pneumonia that was named COVID-19 by the WHO on February 11th, 2020 [1]. The causative agent of this viral pneumonia is the SARS-CoV-2 which was found to be closely similar to SARS-CoV with about 80% sequence identity [2]. Although the pathogenesis of COVID-19 disease including the mechanisms of antigen presentation is poorly understood, the high similarity between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV was reflected in the clinical course of the disease where the virus typically attacks the lungs in certain vulnerable populations in three phases; viral replication, immune hyper-reactivity, and pulmonary destruction [3].

Clinical studies of COVID-19 disease

The database registry of “ClinicalTrials.gov” run by the United States National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health includes all privately and publically funded clinical studies conducted in 211 countries around the world. Observational and interventional studies from Egypt (148 studies) and the rest of the world (4019 studies) are taking place [4]. Among such running clinical trials is our team’s principal investigation of the roles of Egyptian pharmacists in combating this disease that is available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04374513

Specifically, “Clinicaltrials.gov” database registry classified the overall listed clinical studies related to COVID-19 into many categories according to the targeted condition. Three categories are most prominent; one major category targeting the COVID-19 disease condition in general including mild, moderate and/or severe disease with or without evidence of pneumonia, another category of clinical studies targeting confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia, and a third category targeting COVID-19 associated ARDS, with some overlap that might exist among these categories. Among the updated total of 4019 studies on COVID-19 generally, the refined search strategy yielded only 747 on pneumonia in COVID-19 [5].

From a pharmacological point of view, it is important to focus on the second category of clinical studies targeting COVID-19 pneumonia rather than COVID-19 associated ARDS or the broad COVID-19 disease categories for many reasons. First, the majority of COVID-19 patients exhibit mild to moderate symptoms, and only 15% of patients progress to severe pneumonia cases within which about 5% eventually develop ARDS, septic shock, and/or multiple organ failure [3,6]. So, the disease can be tolerated by most patients with a positive outcome of viral load reduction/ clearance, followed by receding of inflammation and in this population, the benefit/risk ratio of any pharmacological intervention may not be ethically justified and may also negatively affect their otherwise capable immune system function. The category of clinical trials targeting the COVID-19 disease condition in general including mild, moderate, and/or severe disease, therefore may expose many cases to unneeded and unknown risk due to the medications’ side effects/toxicities in this novel disease. Also, the same pharmacological interventions may not be appropriate for all levels of disease severity given the reported multistage pathophysiology of CoVs discussed earlier. On the other hand, patients experiencing ARDS develop overwhelming lung hyper-inflammatory cytokine storm and acute respiratory failure; a critical and late condition in the course of COVID-19 disease that might not allow for a completely successful intervention. Therefore, in clinical trials targeting COVID-19 associated ARDS, reaching a safe and effective pharmacotherapy would be utterly difficult. Besides, treatment before the onset of ARDS could be a wise decision since the overall prognosis of ARDS is poor, with mortality rates of approximately 40% [7], and even if patients survive, they might face other life-long physical and psychological consequences after exhausting their economic and national healthcare systems.

It is also important to focus on the second category of clinical studies targeting COVID-19 pneumonia rather than COVID-19 associated ARDS or the broad COVID-19 disease category since the available clinical data indicates that the majority of COVID-19 patients had pneumonia while only small percentage had ARDS. In a Chinese cohort of 1,099 patients with COVID-19, 93.6% were hospitalized, 91.1% had pneumonia, 5.3% were admitted to the ICU, 3.4% had ARDS and only 0.5% had acute kidney injury [8]. In addition, a retrospective study that included 357 patients with ARDS who chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury before ARDS presentation did not have reported that pneumonia was the cause of ARDS in 83% of patients [9]. Therefore, safe and effective treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia is necessary, particularly if targeted to the cases with potential bad prognosis whose immune system could not otherwise overcome such illness without intervention (Figure 1).

To read more about this article: https://irispublishers.com/ctcms/fulltext/ongoing-covid-clinical-trials-a-pharmacological-perspective-on-pneumonia.ID.000533.php

Indexing List of Iris Publishers: https://medium.com/@irispublishers/what-is-the-indexing-list-of-iris-publishers-4ace353e4eee

Iris publishers google scholar citations: https://scholar.google.co.in/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=irispublishers&btnG=

[newstfionline]

Headlines

U.N. says yes to Bono, no to Celine Dion (Foreign Policy) India, Ireland, Mexico and Norway were elected to the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday after stiff campaigning at the international body. One seat is still unfilled after U.N. members voted and will go to either Kenya or Djibouti. The two-year term for the new members will begin on January 1, 2021. Canada missed out on a seat on the council despite wooing U.N. ambassadors with a Celine Dion concert. The Irish delegation was more successful—having curried favor by treating ambassadors to a U2 concert early in campaigning.

1.5 million more laid-off workers seek unemployment benefits (AP) About 1.5 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week, a historically high number, even as the economy increasingly reopens and employers bring some people back to work. The latest figure released Thursday marked the 11th straight weekly decline in applications since they peaked at nearly 7 million in March as the coronavirus shut down much of the economy and caused tens of millions of layoffs. The decline was much smaller, though, than in recent weeks, falling just 58,000. The total number of people receiving unemployment aid also fell slightly, reflecting the return of many to their old jobs.

Court rejects Trump bid to end young immigrants’ protections (AP) The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected President Donald Trump’s effort to end legal protections for 650,000 young immigrants, a stunning rebuke to the president in the midst of his reelection campaign. For now, those immigrants retain their protection from deportation and their authorization to work in the United States. The 5-4 outcome, in which Chief Justice John Roberts and the four liberal justices were in the majority, seems certain to elevate the issue in Trump’s campaign, given the anti-immigrant rhetoric of his first presidential run in 2016 and immigration restrictions his administration has imposed since then.

U.S. warns of pirates in southern Gulf of Mexico (Reuters) The U.S. government on Wednesday issued a warning about the threat posed by pirates to boats and oil installations in the southern Gulf of Mexico, in the latest sign of concern about ongoing security challenges facing Mexico. “Armed criminal groups have been known to target and rob commercial vessels, oil platforms, and offshore supply vessels in the Bay of Campeche area in the southern Gulf of Mexico,” the U.S. State Department said in an updated travel advisory.

A teen’s killing stirs Black Lives Matter protests in Brazil (AP) When Rafaela Matos saw police helicopters over her favela and heard gunshots, she fell to her knees and asked God to protect her son, João Pedro. Then she called the boy to make sure he was OK. “Be calm,” João Pedro wrote back, explaining that he was at his aunt’s house and everything was fine, Rafaela told The Associated Press. Minutes after he sent the message, police burst in and shot the 14-year-old in the stomach with a high-caliber rifle at close range. João Pedro Matos Pinto was one of more than 600 people killed by police in the state of Rio de Janeiro in the first months of this year. That’s almost double the number of people killed by police over the same period in the entire U.S., which has 20 times Rio’s population. Like João Pedro, most of those killed in Rio were black or biracial and lived in the city’s poorest neighborhoods, or favelas. As the Black Lives Matter movement brings hundreds of thousands to the streets around the world, demonstrators outraged by João Pedro’s death one month ago have been organizing the largest anti-police brutality demonstrations in years on the streets of Rio.

World War II forces sweetheart singer Vera Lynn dies at 103 (AP) Dame Vera Lynn, the endearingly popular “Forces’ Sweetheart” who serenaded British troops during World War II, has died at 103. During the war and long after, Lynn got crowds singing, smiling and crying with sentimental favorites such as “We’ll Meet Again,” and “The White Cliffs of Dover.” Lynn hosted a wildly popular BBC radio show during the war called “Sincerely Yours” in which she sent messages to British troops abroad and performed the songs they requested. The half-hour program came on during the highly coveted slot following the Sunday night news. “Winston Churchill was my opening act,” she once said. Amid this year’s coronavirus outbreak, Lynn and opera singer Katherine Jenkins released a charity version of “We’ll Meet Again.” Once again the public found comfort in her words of hope, which resonated in the locked-down country. In a reflection of her enduring appeal, Queen Elizabeth II also invoked the words of Lynn’s signature song as she addressed the nation in lockdown. The monarch, who served as an ambulance driver during the war, played on the song’s theme, promising that loved ones would be reunited in the end after being separated by the virus. “We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return,” the queen said. “We will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.”

Europe said U.S. influence had waned under Trump. Then Black Lives Matter protests rocked the continent. (Washington Post) Europeans have lamented that the United States has relinquished its role as a global moral leader under President Trump. But the proliferation of Black Lives Matter protests around the world has solidified belief here that American society remains a superpower of influence, even if its politicians do not. Protests have erupted in Australia, South Africa, Brazil. But nowhere outside the United States has the Black Lives Matter movement forced a more powerful reckoning than in Europe, where increasingly diverse societies have often done little to grapple with their colonial legacies and modern-day discrimination. In Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Madrid, Lisbon and cities across Britain, protesters have taken to the streets to express solidarity with Americans but also demand changes within their own countries. Black and minority activists in Europe have been working for years to push for more equitable societies. But they have often gotten a dismissive reception from their nations’ mostly white leaders. This time, though, just as in the United States, Floyd’s death appears to have forced an unusually broad-based reckoning.

Europe threatens digital taxes without global deal, after U.S. quits talks (Reuters) France said a U.S. decision to quit global talks on how to tax big digital firms such as Google, Amazon and Facebook was a “provocation” and the European Union said it could impose taxes even if no deal was reached by year-end. The latest transatlantic trade row was ignited after the Washington said on Wednesday it was withdrawing from negotiations with European countries over new international tax rules on digital firms, saying talks had made no progress. Nearly 140 countries are involved in the talks organised by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on the first major rewrite of global tax rules in a generation to bring them up to date for the digital era. European countries says tech firms pay too little tax in countries where they do business because they can shift profits around the globe with little physical infrastructure. Washington has resisted any new unilateral taxes on Silicon Valley companies in the absence of an OECD deal.

U.S. military aid to Ukraine (Foreign Policy) The U.S. Congress approved a $250 million defense package for Ukraine last week, aimed at boosting Ukrainian military capabilities in the face of Russian aggression. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv announced on Wednesday that $60 million worth of weapons and other military equipment was en route to Ukraine as part of the package. Military aid to Ukraine became a hot-button issue last year, when it was revealed that Trump had ordered his administration to withhold assistance to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate the business dealings of the family of Joe Biden—leading to Trump’s impeachment.

China Is Collecting DNA From Tens of Millions of Men and Boys, Using U.S. Equipment (NYT) The police in China are collecting blood samples from men and boys from across the country to build a genetic map of its roughly 700 million males, giving the authorities a powerful new tool for their emerging high-tech surveillance state. They have swept across the country since late 2017 to collect enough samples to build a vast DNA database, according to a new study published on Wednesday by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, a research organization, based on documents also reviewed by The New York Times. With this database, the authorities would be able to track down a man’s male relatives using only that man’s blood, saliva or other genetic material. The project is a major escalation of China’s efforts to use genetics to control its people, which had been focused on tracking ethnic minorities and other, more targeted groups. It would add to a growing, sophisticated surveillance net that the police are deploying across the country, one that increasingly includes advanced cameras, facial recognition systems and artificial intelligence.

Egypt thought it dodged the worst of the pandemic. But now hospitals are being overwhelmed. (Washington Post) For three months, Egypt seemed to escape the huge case numbers seen in many other nations, including those with far lower populations. But the number of reported cases in the country has steadily risen in recent weeks, with more than 1,500 infections per day since Friday, escalating pressure on a health-care system that was strained long before the pandemic. Egyptians are now posting dire messages on social media seeking scarce hospital beds and money to pay for treatment. Doctors are accusing the government of negligence, blaming it for shortages of personal protective equipment and a lack of adequate safety measures. Several hundred doctors and nurses have tested positive for covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, and scores have died. The medical union has warned that Egypt’s health system could “collapse.” “The patients are increasing in very rapid numbers,” said a 32-year-old doctor at a quarantine hospital in the southern city of Esna, where every bed was filled with coronavirus patients. “But you don’t have the capacity of beds, hospitals and staff numbers. It’s really exhausting for the staff.”

[theyoujourney-blog]

I voted for a Secular India

If you have been following the news, then you must have seen India in the headlines- protests all over the country for CAA (also known as CAB) and NRC bills, police brutality and deaths in protests. In this article I will provide a synopsis of CAA and NRC bills, talk about why these protests are taking place all over the country, why police brutality is being used and what the government is doing about it. 

Citizen Amendment Act (CAA) also known as Citizen Amendment Bill (CAB), was an act passed in Parliament of India, on December 11th, 2019 (think of Parliament as Congress in other democratic countries). This law grants citizenship of India to illegal immigrants (with me so far not a big deal right?). However, fine print states: if you are citizens of the following countries: Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan and belong to the following religions: Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism and Christianity, only then you will be granted a citizenship of India. Now: do you see certain faiths missing from the list? (I do, Islam (Muslims), Judaism (Jews), Atheists)).  

The protests for the CAA law, is for many reasons, but I will talk about two main reasons why this law has angered the public: first, this law is unconstitutional because- as a secular democracy, Indian government cannot make laws based on religion. This law for illegal immigrants excludes certain faiths (Islam, Judaism, Atheists to name a few).  So, protests are taking place because the law goes against the constitution, deliberately segregating based on religion, and completely ignores Jews, Muslims and persecutions that have taken place in these countries like- Ahmadia Muslims and Jews in Pakistan, Rohingya Muslims in Bangladesh and Muslims who have fled terrorist persecutions during Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

Second, this law only grants citizenship, it does not provide an action plan on resources its going to provide to help these illegal immigrants- no funds have been allocated on food, shelter, jobs, etc. And this has outranged the average Indian because the country’s current GDP is the lowest is has been in the past 6 years (EconomicTimes, 2019), the unemployment rate is rising in India (UN study, 2019). India currently ranks at 102/117 countries on the world hunger list, meaning that India is suffering from a serious hunger problem (Global Hunger Index, 2019) and India’s debt has increased by 2.6% in 2019 (IndiaToday, 2019). These are just some facts to show that India as an economy currently does not have the viable funds and resources in place to support it’s own country men; therefore, adding more citizens to the country- through this naturalization process is only going to further strain the economy. And so, protests are taking place to stop this law- not just by the Indian citizens but by state governments as well. They want the federal government to build plans for curbing- hunger, unemployment, suicide problems first. 

On the other hand, we have the bill, National Register of Citizens (NRC). This bill is not a federal law just yet; however, this bill requires that all residence in India will have to prove their citizenship (how do you prove citizenship?show your birth certificate. Thats easy and fair, right?). However, the fine print reads, you must show legal documentation proving- all your grandparents, both your parents and you have been an Indian citizen and paper work is required all the way to 1971. If you fail to provide, not just yours but documents for others, you will be considered illegal. 

Now this has spurred protests all over India and the world because, the average man in India and outside does not have legal documentations, readily available that prove their lineage. It would require them to go through government offices to get these paperwork; time and money spend on proving you are a citizen, because your birth certificate is not enough. This has angered the common man (Now I say- big deal you can stand in line and get paperwork). So, even if the common man in India can get this paperwork after going through a few rounds of the government office: this does not easily apply to the rural, the tribal, the indigenous,  the poor, the homeless, the orphaned, the disabled, etc. they will have no way to prove their identity (now this is NOT their fault); due to various corruptions that has been overlooked by the Indian governments for generations- folks like these have never existed in the system, and even if they do their paperwork is incorrect. So, even if they do go to these government offices to get paperwork, the government employees will not find them in the database, and thus, without having all and correct documents to prove their lineages, they will be considered illegal (its a classical case of which came first: chicken or egg). A pilot for this bill was instituted in the state of Assam, India, it turned out that due to lack of correct paperwork, lack of understanding & knowledge of the ask, immense fraud and corruption around 1.2 million people were considered illegal in the country. This pilot was considered a failure by the people, experts and even the state government. But, the federal government of India is adamant to make this bill a federal law. 

The combination of this NRC bill and CAA law, can be considered discriminatory, here is how: Imagine under the NRC you fail to prove you are citizen of India, so, you are now illegal. However, if you can prove that you are either a Hindu, Christian, Parsi, Buddhist, Sikh or a Jain and belong to the following countries: Pakistan, Afghanistan and/or Bangladesh, then under the CAA you can become a citizen of India. So who does this exclude? the poor man who was never in the system (regardless of religion), the Muslim, Jew, atheist- that has fled its country due to religious or other prosecutions, the orphan, and any individual who is of a different religion or cannot prove their lineage with no faults of their own. If this happens, then the question arises where are these people going to go? (ideally- if you are illegal, then you are deported to your country of birth, so, thats where one should go, right? makes sense to me). However, the federal government of India has stated, that they will NOT be deporting these potential individuals, but retain them in a detention center. That is exactly what they did in Assam, where this pilot project was launched.

Folks are outraged on the fact that the government is building and wants to place people in detention centers. The taxpayers money is being/going to be spend on these projects, and they do not want the CAA law and the NRC bill to be implemented. Therefore, more than 50 different universities around the country and world, various human rights institutions and organizations in India and the world, other political parties and simple citizens of India have come on the streets to non-violently protest these acts, bills, and the consequences it will have on the constitution, economy, employment, social system and generations to come in the country. These protests have been going on for almost a week now in India and other foreign countries, but unfortunately in Indian these protests they have been met by police brutality. In a democratic country, its illegal for the police to attack in a non-violent protest; however, this protocol has not been followed by the Indian police and due to the brutalities various people have been injured and 13 have been killed (BBC, 2019). Many suspect its because of the orders provided by the federal government- that control the police; however, it would be hard to judge, without a proper investigation. 

The federal government of India has published a statement- that these bills and laws do not discriminate; however, the Prime Minister of India and the Home Minister of India have done campaign rallies (in these past few days) making hateful remarks against the protestors, Muslims and others (is it just me, or what they say vs. what they write on paper don’t match?). These politicians  have yet to start a dialogue with its citizens and address their concerns, as this is what the protocol mandates in a democracy.

Democracy or not, the fundamentals here are WRONG! I am proud of all the people, who are going out there and protesting, raising awareness on social media and are having an educated dialogue with the ones who are neutral or support this cause- in and outside of India. These people see this for what it truly is- segregation, discrimination, and religious bias. People who also see this but are doing nothing - I ask: what kind of India do you want to live in? If its a secure, safe, financially stable, equal opportunity and secular India- then show your support. There are many ways to support, please do something. And the ones who have just come across this- I urge you to read more about this, follow the news and form your own educated opinion on this topic.