#Message Retention

[tmarshconnors]

Power of Repetition in Public Speaking

After watching "Oscar-winning actor & writer Tom Hanks gives the Oxford Union an acting lesson" on YouTube I felt inspired to write this blog. The link below if interested.

Public speaking is an art that transcends mere words; it involves a deep understanding of human psychology, effective communication techniques, and the strategic use of rhetorical devices. Among these, repetition stands out as a powerful tool that can elevate a speech from ordinary to extraordinary. In this blog, we delve into the Repetition class in speaking, exploring how this technique can captivate audiences, enhance message retention, and leave a lasting impact.

The Basics of Repetition:

Repetition involves the intentional reuse of words, phrases, or ideas within a speech. When employed thoughtfully, it can create emphasis, reinforce key points, and establish a rhythm that resonates with the audience. There are various forms of repetition, each serving a unique purpose:

Anaphora: This involves repeating the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. For example, Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech masterfully uses anaphora with the repetition of "I have a dream."

Epistrophe: In contrast to anaphora, epistrophe repeats a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences. Winston Churchill's famous "We shall fight on the beaches" speech is a classic example of epistrophe in action.

Anadiplosis: This technique involves repeating the last word of one clause or sentence at the beginning of the next. This creates a seamless connection between ideas and builds momentum. Yoda's sage advice, "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering," is an example of anadiplosis.

The Impact of Repetition:

Emphasis: Repetition serves as a spotlight, directing the audience's attention to specific words or ideas. By repeating a key point, a speaker can emphasize its importance, making it more likely to be remembered.

Rhythm and Flow: A well-crafted repetition adds a musical quality to a speech, creating a rhythmic flow that engages the audience. This cadence can make the message more memorable and enjoyable.

Connection: Repetition helps to establish connections between different parts of a speech. It ties ideas together, creating a cohesive narrative that is easier for the audience to follow.

Persuasion: Through repetition, a speaker can subtly persuade the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action. The consistent reinforcement of a message can influence attitudes and beliefs.

Practical Tips for Using Repetition Effectively:

Choose Key Points: Identify the core messages you want to convey, and strategically repeat key words or phrases associated with these points.

Consider Your Audience: Tailor your repetition to resonate with your audience. Understanding their preferences, values, and expectations will help you use repetition more effectively.

Vary Your Approach: While repetition is a powerful tool, overusing it can diminish its impact. Vary your repetition techniques to keep the audience engaged and interested.

Practice Pacing: The timing and pacing of repetition are crucial. Practice delivering your speech with the right rhythm to maximize its impact.

In the world of public speaking, the Repetition class is a formidable ally. When wielded with skill and precision, repetition can transform a speech into a compelling, memorable experience for both the speaker and the audience. By understanding the various forms of repetition and practising its implementation, speakers can elevate their communication skills and leave a lasting impression on those who listen.

[shahcommunications]

In our rapidly globalizing world, effective communication is paramount. Yet, as many businesses expand their horizons, they often overlook one crucial element: the accuracy and authenticity of translated content.

[the-valiant-valkyrie]

In a formless dance of insanity, the very notion of the unknown obscured reality...

(Hubryus, Sower of Insanity, is just one of many of the Old Ones in the world of Worship. Check it out here on Steam if you wanna (ooouuuh you wanna look at it so baaad ouuuu))

[technologyequality]

Boost Revenue with AI: How Automated Chatbots Turn Leads into Paying Customers

Boost Revenue with AI How Automated Chatbots Turn Leads into Paying Customers Imagine having a salesperson that never sleeps, never gets tired, and never drops the ball on follow-ups. Sounds too good to be true?  Not anymore. With AI-powered chatbots, you can automate lead nurturing, handle objections, and close deals 24/7, all without lifting a finger. This isn’t about replacing human…

[hamadisthings]

HELP US STOP CHAT CONTROL!

If you live in the EU, you absolutely need to pay attention to what's to come. What is Chat Control, you may ask? In a (failed) attempt to combat child abuse online the EU made Chat Control, Chat Control will result in getting your private messages and emails to be scanned by artificial intelligence aka AI to search for CSAM pictures or discussion that might have grooming in there. And on top of having your private conversations handed to AI or the police to snoop in, like your family pictures, selfies, or more sensitive pics, like the medical kind, only meant to be seen by your doctors, or the "flirtatious" kind you send to your partner, you either have to ACCEPT to be scanned...or else you will be forbidden from sending pictures, videos, or even links, as said here.

Kids should absolutely be protected online, without question, but the things that Chat Control gets wrong is that this is a blatant violation of privacy, without even considering the fact that AI WILL create tons of false positives, this is not a theory, this is a fact. And for all the false positives that will be detected, all of them will be sent to the police, which will just flood their system with useless junk instead of efficiently putting resources to actual protect kids from predators.

It also does not help that politicians, police officers, soldiers etc will be exempt from Chat Control if it passes. If it's for the sake of protection, shouldn't everyone get the same treatment? Which further prove that Chat Control would NOT keep your data of private life safe. Plus, bad actors will simply stop using messenger apps as soon as they know they're being tracked, using more obscure means, meanwhile innocent people will be punished by using those services On top of this, the EU also plans on reintroducing Data retention called "EU Going Dark". Both Chat Control and EU Going Dark are clear violation of the GDPR, and even if they shouldn't stand a chance in court, its not going to prevent politicians from trying to ram these through as an excuse to mass surveil European citizens, using kids as a shield. Even teenagers sending pictures to each other won't be exempt, which entirely goes against the purpose of protecting kids by retaining their private photos instead. Furthermore, once messaging apps are forced to comply with Chat Control, the president of Signal, a secured messaging app with encryption, have confirmed that they will be forced to leave the EU if this is enforced against them.

If Chat Control also ends up targeting any websites with the option of private messages, you better expect Europe to be geo-blocked by any websites offering such function. I would also like to add that EU citizens were very vocal in the fight against KOSA, an equally bad internet bill from the US-- and it showed! Which is why we heavily need the help of our fellow US peers to fight against Chat Control too, so please, because we all know if it passes, the US government will take a look at this and conclude "Ooh, a way to force mass surveillance on citizens even more than before? don't mind if I do!" It's always a snowball effect.

KEEP IN MIND THE EUROPE COUNCIL WILL LIKELY VOTE ON CHAT CONTROL THIS 19 JUNE OF NEXT WEEK TO SEE IF IT WILL ENTER TRILOGIES OR NOT. Even if it does enter Trilogues, the fight will only be beginning. Absentees may not count as a no, so it is crucial that you contact your MEPs HERE, as well as HERE, and you can also show your support for Edri's campaign against Chat Control HERE.

You can read more on Chat Control here as well, and you can find useful information as to which arguments to use when politely contacting your MEP (calling is better than email) here, and beneath you will find graphics you can use to spread the word!

YOU CAN ALSO JOIN OUR DISCORD SERVER (linked here) TO HELP ORGANIZE AGAINST CHAT CONTROL NON EU PEOPLE ARE MORE THAN WELCOME TO JOIN TOO!

https://discord.gg/FPDJYkUujM

PLEASE REBLOG ! NON EU PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED TO REBLOG AS WELL CONTACT YOUTUBERS, CONTENT CREATORS, ANYONE YOU KNOW THAT MAY HELP GET THE WORD OUT ! Let's fight for our Internet and actually keep kids safe online! Because Chat Control and EU Going Dark will only endanger kids.

PLEASE REBLOG! NON EU PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED TO REBLOG AS WELL CONTACT YOUTUBERS, CONTENT CREATORS, ANYONE YOU KNOW THAT MAY HELP GET THE WORD OUT !

Let's fight for our Internet and actually keep kids safe online! Because Chat Control and EU Going Dark will only endanger kids.

[absolutedigitalbranding]

Healthcare digital marketing consists of strategies and practices that healthcare marketers undertake to drive patient attraction, acquisition, and retention. Digital marketing includes outreach and messaging across various channels - email, SMS, social, and search.

Build your brand with digital media & take the benefits of social media branding contact Absolute Digital Marketing. by Absolutedigitalbranding.com

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[contemplatingoutlander]

It’s not the hypocrisy that bothers me; it’s the stupidity. We’re all shocked — shocked! — that President Trump and his team don’t actually care about protecting classified information or federal record retention laws. But we knew that already. What’s much worse is that top Trump administration officials put our troops in jeopardy by sharing military plans on a commercial messaging app and unwittingly invited a journalist into the chat. That’s dangerous. And it’s just dumb. This is the latest in a string of self-inflicted wounds by the new administration that are squandering America’s strength and threatening our national security. Firing hundreds of federal workers charged with protecting our nation’s nuclear weapons is also dumb. So is shutting down efforts to fight pandemics just as a deadly Ebola outbreak is spreading in Africa. It makes no sense to purge talented generals, diplomats and spies at a time when rivals like China and Russia are trying to expand their global reach. In a dangerous and complex world, it’s not enough to be strong. You must also be smart. As secretary of state during the Obama administration, I argued for smart power, integrating the hard power of our military with the soft power of our diplomacy, development assistance, economic might and cultural influence. None of those tools can do the job alone. Together, they make America a superpower. The Trump approach is dumb power. Instead of a strong America using all our strengths to lead the world and confront our adversaries, Mr. Trump’s America will be increasingly blind and blundering, feeble and friendless.

FINALLY, a major Democratic leader speaks up and trashes Trump's reign of stupidity and cruelty!

And of course, it's a woman: Hillary Clinton, who must be appalled at how easily Trump has dismissed "Signalgate," which was far worse than anything Clinton did with her "emails."

This is a gift 🎁 link, so there is no paywall. Enjoy!

[meanbossart]

i’ve noticed that you tend to draw astarion semi-clothed during sex. is there any reason for that, or do you just like the way it looks? i’m not complaining ofc, just curious!

love your work so much, even more in love with how well-rounded du drow and astarion’s relationship is (and that you allow them to just exist as people outside of their relationship, too). thank you for sharing with us! :D

Thank you for your kind message! I have three answers to this, and they are all correct.

The brainy answer: remaining partially clothed during sex is Astarion's idea of a power-move/retention of control, especially when juxtaposed against DU drow's tendency for the opposite. Regardless of who is doing what, DU drow is always the one eager and willing to be 100% vulnerable while Astarion is not.

The hog answer: DU drow is very attracted to beauty, to a carefully crafted and thought-out fit, to a well-tailored high-waisted pair of slacks as well as embroidered lace. Astarion is aware of this and likes what he gets when he humors it.

The artist answer: flowy-blouse nice to draw.

[ms-demeanor]

Are there any email services you recommend? I'd love to ditch my gmail and maybe my outlook too.

Protonmail! I recommend protonmail!

There is some prior history where you'll see people complaining that protonmail shared customer data but the data they shared is data that is 100% necessary to be unencrypted as a result of email protocol and cannot be hidden even in extremely secure email (that protocol is why email is inherently insecure and if you want a secure messaging tool just use signal). As a result of the subpoena that forced them to share that data, they changed their retention policy in favor of keeping less data to better protect users.

WEIRD side issue: I've created a few online shopping accounts that did not allow me to create an account with a protonmail address; it's worthwhile to keep a throwaway gmail for exactly those kinds of things and those kinds of things only.

[feedybot]

Owning Up

She told herself it was temporary. Just a few weeks. Maybe a month, max. After everything that happened—after the breakup, the fallout, the public fallout—she needed space. A safe place. Somewhere no one would expect her to be.

Ethan’s offer had come so quickly it almost felt rehearsed. “Stay as long as you need,” he said, eyes steady, voice soft. “I’ve got the extra room. No expectations.”

They hadn’t spoken in years—not really. A few birthday texts. The occasional like on an Instagram story. But when she messaged him—half desperate, one suitcase packed, makeup still streaked from the night before—he replied within minutes.

And just like that, she was living with him again.

The first night, he made pasta. Nothing fancy—just garlic, butter, a little wine. It smelled incredible. She hadn’t eaten since breakfast. She kept saying she wasn’t hungry, that she’d had something earlier, but her stomach betrayed her halfway through the lie with a growl so loud they both heard it. Ethan just smiled, set the bowl in front of her, and said, “One night off won’t hurt.”

That became the rhythm. She’d try to resist—offer to cook, insist on a salad—but he was always two steps ahead. A warm plate already waiting. Her favorite coffee just how she liked it. The couch fluffed, blankets folded, music low. Comfort without question. Kindness without pressure.

At first, it felt like healing. She didn’t realize how much she’d needed someone to make decisions for her. To care without needing anything in return. To feed her when she didn’t even know she was starving.

But the days blurred. And the meals got heavier. Creamier. His portions never matched hers—his plate always had less. His body, lean and quiet, moved through the kitchen with quiet efficiency while she sat more and more, curled into herself, sleepy after every meal. Her clothes started fitting differently. Subtle at first. A little tightness in her sports bras. A button that refused to close.

She blamed stress. Water retention. The adjustment to not being in the gym twice a day. But deep down, she knew something was shifting.

The moment it became undeniable, she was in the laundry room, tugging on a pair of jeans that had fit just two weeks ago. They stopped halfway up her thighs. She stared at herself in the mirror, breath caught in her throat, watching the way her hips pushed out now, how her stomach didn’t quite flatten when she sucked in.

She heard him behind her. “You okay?”

She yanked her shirt down. “Fine. These just shrank.”

He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching her carefully. Not judging—never that. But something else. Something more curious.

“I can toss ‘em. You’ve been looking more comfortable in sweats anyway.”

She flushed. “That doesn’t mean I want to need them.”

He tilted his head. “Why not?”

She didn’t answer. She just turned away, heart pounding.

The next night, she told him she was going to start eating clean again. He nodded, didn’t argue, didn’t push. But when she came out of her room the next morning, there were fresh scones on the counter. Blueberry. Still warm. He didn’t even look up from his laptop when he said, “I made too many. Didn’t want them to go to waste.”

She ate two before she even realized it.

Something about him made it hard to say no. He never asked for anything. Never commented. But the way he watched her—not with hunger, but with this quiet satisfaction—made her stomach twist. It wasn’t judgment. It wasn’t desire.

It was approval.

And she found herself craving it more than she wanted to admit.

She started weighing herself again, late at night when she thought he was asleep. The numbers crept up. Slowly. Steadily. She skipped dinner twice in a row to try to push them back down, but he noticed. He always noticed. The next night, he made something so rich and nostalgic she cried after the first bite, then ate the whole thing in silence.

He never said, “I told you so.”

He just refilled her glass of wine and asked if she wanted to watch something funny.

By the end of the second month, she didn’t recognize herself in the mirror. Her body had softened, filled out in places that had always been sharp. Her movements were slower. She stopped running. Her sports bras gave way to loose shirts and stretchy leggings. The illusion of control was slipping, and she didn’t have the energy to grab it back.

One evening, she found herself standing in the kitchen long after Ethan had gone to bed, licking frosting from her finger, staring at the half-eaten cake he’d baked “just to try a new recipe.” Her reflection in the oven door caught her off guard—her belly pressed forward slightly, her cheeks fuller than they’d ever been. Her shirt clung where it never used to.

And still, she went back for another slice.

That night, lying in bed, stomach aching slightly, she whispered to the dark, “This wasn’t supposed to happen.”

*

She tried to pull back after that night. Not a full stop—just small corrections. Water instead of juice. A few mornings at the gym again, though her sports bra cut into her ribs now, and her leggings rolled painfully at the waist. The treadmill felt harder. Slower. Her body moved differently—heavier, softer. Like it had betrayed her.

Ethan didn’t comment. He never did. He still made breakfast. Still packed leftovers into glass containers with her name on sticky notes. Still left little things on the counter he knew she’d have a hard time walking past—warm banana bread, muffins, buttered toast already cut in triangles, always arranged just so.

She resisted for three days. Barely.

The fourth, she broke again.

There was a tray of cinnamon rolls on the table, and the kitchen smelled like her childhood. She stood there staring, arms crossed over her chest like she was holding herself back, like maybe if she stood long enough the desire would go away.

It didn’t.

When she finally caved, she didn’t stop at one. She didn’t even sit down. Just stood at the counter, sticky fingers pulling roll after roll apart until she realized she was breathing hard through her nose and her stomach had pushed up against the edge of the counter. Her shirt had ridden up, and she could feel the cold kitchen air against the curve of her belly.

That’s when she heard the floorboard creak behind her.

She froze.

Ethan’s voice was low, calm. “I thought you didn’t want these.”

She turned, cheeks flushed, mouth still sweet, the last bite still dissolving on her tongue. “I—I didn’t. I don’t. I just—”

But he was already walking past her, not looking at her like she was pathetic or greedy, not smirking, not surprised. Just setting down his coffee and starting the sink.

“Could’ve fooled me,” he said casually. “You’re not the kind of girl who eats like that by accident.”

She swallowed, throat dry. “You saying I’ve let myself go?”

He looked over at her then, eyes sharp and steady, and shrugged. “I’m saying you’ve let yourself be. That’s new.”

She didn’t have a reply. Not a good one. Not one that wasn’t tangled up in self-hate and arousal and guilt.

Her stomach pressed against the edge of the counter again when she shifted. She hated how full she felt. She hated how warm her skin had gone. She hated that her thighs touched in a way they hadn’t before—and how aware she was of it now.

But she didn’t hate that he saw her. Not really. She didn’t hate the way he watched her eat. Or the way he never told her no.

Later that night, she stared at herself in the bathroom mirror for a long time. Pulled up her shirt. Let herself look—really look. Her belly curved now, rounder, heavier, no longer something she could pass off as bloat. Her hips had grown, love handles pushing just above the waistband of her leggings. Her face had softened—cheeks fuller, jawline gentler.

It was all still reversible, maybe. With enough effort. Enough hunger. Enough hate.

She touched her belly lightly. Let her fingers trace its new softness.

But she didn’t feel hate. Not exactly.

She felt… surrender.

And that terrified her more than anything else.

*

It started as a joke.

She was trying on old clothes—her idea. A burst of frustration and self-loathing had led her to pull open the storage bins she’d shoved under the bed when she moved in. All her before clothes. Slim, sculpted things. Tight jeans. Cropped tops. A dress she used to wear when she still cared about being seen.

“Let’s see just how far I’ve let myself go,” she muttered, half-laughing, half daring herself not to cry.

Ethan, sitting on the edge of her bed, looked up from his book. “You sure that’s a good idea?”

“Nope,” she said. “But I’m doing it anyway.”

The first pair of jeans didn’t get past her thighs.

The second she could wriggle into, but she couldn’t button. Not even close.

She stood in front of the mirror, breathing hard from the effort, stomach pressed thick and soft over the waistband, her reflection swollen with failure. She stared at herself, disgust crawling up her throat—but before she could speak, Ethan’s voice cut through the silence behind her.

“You really don’t see it, do you?”

She frowned. “See what? That I look like I’ve been trapped in a bakery for six months?”

He stood, walked over slowly, calm as ever. “No,” he said, stepping behind her. “That you’ve grown into something… undeniable.”

She turned to glare at him, but his gaze was on her reflection. Not on her face. Lower. Watching the way the denim cut into her soft hips, how her belly curved over the button, how her thighs had spread to fill every inch of the fabric.

“You’re not hiding anymore,” he said, almost admiring. “Every inch of you says exactly what’s happened.”

She swallowed hard. “You make that sound like a good thing.”

His voice dropped. “It is a good thing.”

He reached out, hand sliding over the front of her belly. She flinched, just for a second, but he didn’t grab. Just held. Warm. Heavy. His fingers spread slightly, enough to feel the roundness. The weight. Like he was showing her something she hadn’t been willing to touch herself.

“Look at you,” he murmured. “Trying to wear the past like it still fits. But this…” His palm pushed just a little. “This is you now.”

Her breathing hitched.

“This isn’t failure,” he said, voice low and close to her ear. “This is surrender. And it looks so good on you.”

Her knees nearly buckled.

She stared at her own reflection, suddenly seeing herself through his eyes—soft, flushed, round in all the places she used to punish. No longer disappearing. No longer pretending. Just real. And wanted.

And the worst part—the part that made her want to crawl out of her own skin—was that she liked it.

She liked the way the button dug into her belly. She liked the way he touched her like she was made of something precious. She liked the shame. And the praise. And the way her body answered to both.

“You don’t have to go back,” he said gently, like an invitation.

She didn’t answer.

She didn’t have to.

Her body already had.

*

She hadn’t seen these friends in over a year—some even longer. The invite came through a group chat she’d muted months ago, a last-minute dinner thing, nothing fancy. A casual night at a downtown bistro with too many cocktails and not enough seating. She could’ve said no. She should have.

But something inside her—pride, maybe, or guilt—told her to go. Just to prove she still could.

She stood in front of her closet for almost an hour. Every outfit she tried either hugged the wrong place or wouldn’t zip at all. The jeans were a nonstarter. The black dress with the square neckline had always been her go-to, but now it clung to her belly and left little to the imagination. She finally settled on a long skirt with an elastic waist and a blouse that hung loose in the back, praying it would pass as effortless instead of evasive.

When she stepped out into the living room, Ethan didn’t say anything right away. Just looked up from his book, eyes lingering a little longer than usual.

“Well?” she asked, arms crossed under her chest.

His mouth lifted into something unreadable. “You look… very aware of yourself.”

She rolled her eyes. “That’s not a compliment.”

“I didn’t mean it as one. Or not just one.”

He stood slowly, walked over, and before she could move, he slipped his hand behind her and tugged the fabric of her blouse taut across her back.

“You’re hiding,” he said softly.

“I’m not.”

“You’re stunning.”

She turned away before he could say anything else. She didn’t want to hear it—not now, not while she felt like she was one hard blink away from crumbling. “I’ll be late,” she mumbled.

The bistro was small, loud, packed. She recognized faces immediately—people she used to run with, lean and polished, wine-glass laughers with their nails done and their comments sharpened just enough to cut if you weren’t looking.

The hostess led her to the table. Heads turned.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then the greetings started. Warm, fake, familiar.

But she felt it. The glances. The double takes. The subtle flick of someone’s eyes to her stomach. Someone’s hand patting the back of her shoulder with a little too much emphasis, like they were trying to find what was underneath.

She sat carefully, suddenly aware of the way the chair creaked under her. Her skirt pinched at the waistband. She crossed her arms without thinking, leaned forward to keep the blouse from pulling against her chest.

Across the table, a woman she hadn’t seen since her fitness brand launch gave her a tight smile.

“You look… different,” she said. Not unkindly. Not exactly kindly, either.

She felt her heart stutter. “It’s been a long year.”

The woman’s smile tightened. “Haven’t we all.”

And just like that, the blood drained from her face. The shame hit in full.

The rest of the night blurred. She laughed too loud. Ordered too little. Felt her body every time she shifted, every time she breathed. When someone tried to take a group photo, she ducked out early, mumbling something about the restroom. She never went back.

When she got home, she didn’t say anything. Just dropped her bag on the floor and stood frozen in the entryway.

Ethan looked up from the couch, eyes soft, unmoving. “Rough night?”

She shook her head. “I shouldn’t have gone.”

He said nothing, just waited.

“I used to walk into places like that and feel—seen. Not like this. Not like some before-and-after nightmare.” Her voice cracked. “They looked at me like I’d given up.”

Ethan rose slowly, walked toward her, stopped just close enough for her to feel the weight of his calm.

“They looked at you,” he said, “because you can’t be ignored anymore.”

She laughed bitterly. “Not the same thing.”

“It is to me.”

His hand brushed her hip. Not possessive—just enough to remind her he saw her. All of her. Her softness. Her discomfort. Her fight to stand upright in a world she used to command with sharp lines and hard edges.

“They saw someone who’s become real,” he said. “Who’s stopped performing. You weren’t invisible—you just weren’t apologizing.”

She blinked hard, willing the tears not to fall.

“You want them to love you,” he said, stepping closer, “but what you need is to start loving this. The you who walked in anyway. Who felt all of it and came home anyway.”

She didn’t speak. Couldn’t.

But when he reached for her hand, she didn’t pull away.

He pulled her close. Held her. Let her feel the difference in their bodies now—how she filled more space, how he fit around her. She buried her face against his chest and let the shame melt, slowly, quietly, into something heavier. Something warmer.

He whispered against her hair, “You are so much more than who you used to be.”

And for the first time, she started to believe he might be right.

*

She didn’t say much after the hug. Just slipped out of his arms and wandered into the bathroom like her body didn’t belong to her anymore. The overhead light felt too sharp, so she left it off and stared at herself in the dim mirror lit only by the hallway glow. Makeup smudged. Her blouse creased from sitting too long. The waistband of her skirt still faintly marked on her skin.

But something Ethan had said—“You weren’t invisible. You just weren’t apologizing.”—echoed louder than anything from dinner.

She hadn’t felt like herself in months. But maybe that wasn’t because she’d lost who she was. Maybe it was because she’d outgrown her old skin, and she was still trying to crawl back into it.

When she came back out, Ethan was still in the living room, lights low, music humming soft and forgettable from the kitchen speaker. He looked up, wordless, and didn’t ask how she was feeling. He just waited.

She sat beside him on the couch, not too close. There was something sacred about the quiet that she didn’t want to rush. Her voice, when it came, was almost too soft to hear.

“Do you think it’s really okay… to stop trying so hard?”

He didn’t look surprised by the question. If anything, he looked like he’d been waiting for it.

“I think… you’re exhausted from trying to be smaller. In every way.”

Her throat tightened.

“I think you don’t need permission from them. Or from me. But if it helps…”

He shifted, turning to face her more fully. She felt the weight of his attention, the gravity of being seen like this—tired, stretched thin, emotionally bare.

“I like the way you take up space now.”

She blinked hard.

“I like that your presence isn’t something you have to shrink anymore. I like that when you laugh, it fills the room. I like that you’re not hiding in angles and tricks and tight clothes to prove something to people who never really knew you.”

He leaned closer, not touching her yet. Just letting the space between them burn slow.

“I liked you then, sure. But this you? The one who came home instead of running, the one still showing up even when it hurts? This version is extraordinary.”

Her breath caught. For a second, she thought she might cry again. But instead, she just moved—leaned into him, let herself be held again. Really held. Not as something fragile or broken, but as someone whole.

They stayed like that for a long time. Quiet. Warm.

And maybe for the first time in forever, she didn’t feel like she needed to earn it.

[jackied0minguez]

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

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

A New Kind of Software Solutions

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

Mastering Remote Operations

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

The Indefinite Future of Remote Work

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

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

Empowering the Next Generation of Remote Entrepreneurs

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

Embracing a New Era

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

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

[mcshowfall]

OOC McShowfall Blog: tumblr.com/oocmcshow

CREDITS:

All sketches: @chefbeanart

All writing: @enderisin

Page 1 lineart: @chefbeanart page 1 coloring: @cloud-has-fallendown

Page 2 lineart: @aloedadragon page 2 coloring: @tragedyofamcshowfallemployee

Page 3 lineart: @probablysomeonenamedwill page 3 coloring: @tragedyofamcshowfallemployee

Page 4 lineart: @chefbeanart page 4 coloring: @cloud-has-fallendown

Page 5 lineart and coloring: @enderisin

Page 6 lineart: @enderisin page 6 coloring: @tragedyofamcshowfallemployee

[Comic descriptions below].

The first page shows a website for McShowfall, with a video on the front page that is then clicked on.

In the following pages Hetch is sitting at a desk speaking to the viewer of the video:

"Hello. My name is Hetch." "I'm the manager of mcshowfall, the latest creation of showfall media."

"A small group of reporters seem to be hell-bent on tarnishing the reputation of this company." "They claim that our beloved employees are undergoing abuse by our hands. We assure you we take these allegations... VERY SERIOUSLY"

"Our employees are well cared for and truly appreciate their positions. What the news won't tell you is that we have one of the highest retention rates in the world!" "For those of you who still doubt us, we have a button to send any messages to staff on our website. Feel free to send us any questions and our lovely employees will answer! Although, we do have some rules to prevent our staff from being harassed."

The next page is a list of rules for sending asks in to this blog, with Hetch in the bottom left corner saying "Thank you!"

Do not send anything sexually explicit. Behind the screen are real people, many of whom are under the age of 18.

Not all questions will be answered. We have yet to start answering them, and we already have hundreds. Please be patient.

This is not a place to put your bigotry. We will not tolerate hate against any minority.

Please direct questions unrelated to mcshowfall to the account linked below. All questions submitted to this account should be directly related to the establishment.

Do not harass staff under any circumstances.

The final page of the comic shows the video having ended, Hetch looking at the video on a computer with Squiggles on the desk in front of him. Still staring at the finished video Hetch says "And now... we wait."

[End description].

[technologyequality]

Automate Your Client Follow-Ups in 5 Minutes: AI-Powered Sales on Autopilot

Automate Your Client Follow-Ups in 5 Minutes AI-Powered Sales on Autopilot Picture this: You have a solid discovery call with a potential client. They’re excited, you’re excited, and then… nothing. The deal sits in limbo, collecting dust in your CRM because you got busy, life happened, and you forgot to follow up. Sound familiar? It happens to the best of us. But here’s the truth: Follow-up…

[ghostdiva]

A Message to the TADC Fandom

Hey! TADC fandom! I know very few people ever see my posts but I need you lot to listen up!

I've been seeing some of you in the comment sections of digital circus videos asking, begging to know when episode 5 is coming out. and while I share the sentiment, I also have some knowledge to share on that topic.

see, a while back, (I'm talking months ago, back in 2024), Gooseworx made posts on both twitter and bluesky, mentioning that she wanted to improve her writing for the future episodes. this included making better dialogue between the characters so that we as the viewer would understand what goose is trying to portray with TADC. And this was followed with a post that confirmed that Goose had figured out what she needed to fix, and was working on fixing it.

now, it's important to note that the creation of the script, aka the writing portion, IS THE FIRST STEP IN MAKING SOMETHING LIKE THIS. So Gooseworx likely ended up pushing everything back as far as production goes. Cause any previous work toward the next episode with the old script, would have to be scrapped, or at least heavily modified to fit the new writing for the episode. so the whole team likely had to start over completely with the next episodes.

it's a heavy set back to be sure, but one Goose likely felt was necessary moving forward with the show. So I imagine it'll be sometime around June or July when we even get the slightest of sneak peaks for the next episode. if not later than that.

if glitch gets worried about audience retention during the wait, I can see them maybe dropping some shorts of like, some funny character interactions. at the end of the day though, that's their decision to make regarding content. Plus I'm sure they're also busy with gaslight district and knights of guinevere, which are set to release sometime this year (I think).

I know we're hungry for TADC content, but we're gonna have to be patient for a bit. So please behave in the comment sections. I'll be very disappointed if you don't behave...

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

It’s not the hypocrisy that bothers me; it’s the stupidity. We’re all shocked — shocked! — that President Trump and his team don’t actually care about protecting classified information or federal record retention laws. But we knew that already. What’s much worse is that top Trump administration officials put our troops in jeopardy by sharing military plans on a commercial messaging app and unwittingly invited a journalist into the chat. That’s dangerous. And it’s just dumb.

This is the latest in a string of self-inflicted wounds by the new administration that are squandering America’s strength and threatening our national security. Firing hundreds of federal workers charged with protecting our nation’s nuclear weapons is also dumb. So is shutting down efforts to fight pandemics just as a deadly Ebola outbreak is spreading in Africa. It makes no sense to purge talented generals, diplomats and spies at a time when rivals like China and Russia are trying to expand their global reach.

In a dangerous and complex world, it’s not enough to be strong. You must also be smart. As secretary of state during the Obama administration, I argued for smart power, integrating the hard power of our military with the soft power of our diplomacy, development assistance, economic might and cultural influence. None of those tools can do the job alone. Together, they make America a superpower. The Trump approach is dumb power. Instead of a strong America using all our strengths to lead the world and confront our adversaries, Mr. Trump’s America will be increasingly blind and blundering, feeble and friendless.

Let’s start with the military, because that’s what he claims to care about. Don’t let the swagger fool you. Mr. Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (of group chat fame) are apparently more focused on performative fights over wokeness than preparing for real fights with America’s adversaries. Does anyone really think deleting tributes to the Tuskegee Airmen makes us more safe? The Trump Pentagon purged images of the plane that dropped the atomic bomb that ended World War II because its name is the Enola Gay. Dumb.

Instead of working with Congress to modernize the military’s budget to reflect changing threats, the president is firing top generals without credible justification. Five former secretaries of defense, Republicans and Democrats, rightly warned that this would “undermine our all-volunteer force and weaken our national security.” Mass layoffs are also hitting the intelligence agencies. As one former senior spy put it, “We’re shooting ourselves in the head, not the foot.” Not smart.

If they’re this reckless with America’s hard power, it’s no surprise that they’re shredding our soft power. As a former secretary of state, I am particularly alarmed by the administration’s plan to close embassies and consulates, fire diplomats and destroy the U.S. Agency for International Development. Let me explain why this matters, because it’s less widely understood than the importance of tanks and fighter jets.

I visited 112 countries and traveled nearly one million miles as America’s top diplomat, and I have seen how valuable it is for our country to be represented on the ground in far-flung places. The U.S. military has long understood that our forces must be forward deployed in order to project American power and respond quickly to crises. The same is true of our diplomats. Our embassies are our eyes and ears informing policy decisions back home. They are launchpads for operations that keep us safe and prosperous, from training foreign counterterrorism forces to helping U.S. companies enter new markets.

China understands the value of forward-deployed diplomacy, which is why it has opened new embassies and consulates around the world and now has more than the United States. The Trump administration’s retreat would leave the field open for Beijing to spread its influence uncontested.

Diplomats win America friends so we don’t have to go it alone in a competitive world. That’s how my colleagues and I were able to rally the United Nations to impose crippling sanctions against Iran’s nuclear program and ultimately force Tehran to stop its progress toward a bomb — something Mr. Trump’s bluster has failed to do. (He actually defunded inspectors keeping an eye on Iranian research sites. Dumb.)

Diplomacy is cost-effective, especially compared with military action. Preventing wars is cheaper than fighting them. Mr. Trump’s own former secretary of defense Jim Mattis, a retired Marine Corps four-star general, told Congress, “If you don’t fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition.”

Our development assistance has always been a small portion of the federal budget, but it also has an outsize impact on international stability, especially paired with effective diplomacy. When American aid dollars help stop a famine or an outbreak, when we respond to a natural disaster or open schools, we win hearts and minds that might otherwise go to terrorists or rivals like China. We reduce the flow of migrants and refugees. We strengthen friendly governments that might otherwise collapse.

I don’t want to pretend that any of this is easy or that American foreign policy hasn’t been plagued by mistakes. Leadership is hard. But our best chance to get it right and to keep our country safe is to strengthen our government, not weaken it. We should invest in the patriots who serve our nation, not insult them.

Smart reforms could make federal agencies, including the State Department and U.S.A.I.D., more efficient and effective. During the Clinton administration, my husband’s Reinventing Government initiative, led by Vice President Al Gore, worked with Congress to thoughtfully streamline bureaucracy, modernize the work force and save billions of dollars. In many ways it was the opposite of the Trump administration’s slash-and-burn approach. Today they are not reinventing government; they’re wrecking it.

All of this is both dumb and dangerous. And I haven’t even gotten to the damage Mr. Trump is doing by cozying up to dictators like Russia’s Vladimir Putin, blowing up our alliances — force multipliers that extend our reach and share our burdens — and trashing our moral influence by undermining the rule of law at home. Or how he’s tanking our economy and blowing up our national debt. Propagandists in Beijing and Moscow know we are in a global debate about competing systems of governance. People and leaders around the world are watching to see if democracy can still deliver peace and prosperity or even function. If America is ruled like a banana republic, with flagrant corruption and a leader who puts himself above the law, we lose that argument. We also lose the qualities that have made America exceptional and indispensable.

If there’s a grand strategy at work here, I don’t know what it is. Maybe Mr. Trump wants to return to 19th-century spheres of influence. Maybe he’s just driven by personal grudges and is in way over his head. As a businessman, he bankrupted his Atlantic City casinos. Now he’s gambling with the national security of the United States. If this continues, a group chat foul will be the least of our concerns, and all the fist and flag emojis in the world won’t save us.

Hillary Clinton is a former secretary of state and U.S. senator and was the Democratic Party’s nominee for president in 2016.

https://www.nytimes.com/.../trump-hegseth-signal-chat...