#Mobile Based Access Control System

[spintly-co]

Why Cloud-Based Access Control Is the Smartest Security Investment in 2025

As 2025 unfolds, physical security is no longer just about locked doors and ID cards. Organizations are embracing smart, agile technologies that align with modern work models, cybersecurity demands, and user expectations. One solution rising above the rest is cloud based access control. This approach offers more than just convenience - it delivers a strategic edge for businesses prioritizing flexibility, scalability, and resilience.

While many enterprises still rely on legacy systems that demand on-site servers and manual updates, the shift to cloud-powered access systems is accelerating. Solutions like Spintly are leading this evolution by offering seamless, scalable, and secure platforms tailored for forward-thinking organizations.

The Limitations of Traditional Access Control

Conventional access control systems, though once innovative, are now proving to be rigid and outdated. They require:

Physical server infrastructure

Manual software updates

On-premise IT support

High setup and maintenance costs

This creates limitations in terms of remote access, real-time visibility, and scalability - especially for growing businesses or companies operating across multiple locations.

What Is Cloud Based Access Control?

Cloud based access control moves access management functions—credential management, permissioning, reporting, and monitoring - to the cloud. Authorized personnel can manage access rights via a secure web interface or mobile app, eliminating the need for bulky hardware or complex IT intervention.

These systems leverage internet connectivity to communicate between access points (like smart locks or biometric readers) and centralized cloud servers. The result? Real-time data, seamless control, and enhanced security - accessible from anywhere.

Key Benefits of Cloud Based Access Control

1. Remote Management Across Locations

With remote work and distributed teams becoming standard, security administrators need the flexibility to manage access from anywhere. Cloud platforms allow them to:

Grant or revoke access in real time

Monitor who is entering or exiting

Receive alerts instantly

Manage multiple buildings or campuses from a single dashboard

Whether it's a facility in Mumbai or a satellite office in Bengaluru, companies using platforms like Spintly can centralize control with ease.

2. Scalability for Growing Businesses

As businesses expand, their security needs become more complex. A cloud based access control system scales effortlessly - new users, new doors, or even new branches can be added without major infrastructure changes. No need to install servers or hire local IT teams. Everything is managed centrally and updated instantly.

This flexibility is ideal for growing enterprises, co-working spaces, educational institutions, and multi-tenant buildings.

3. Reduced Hardware and Maintenance Costs

On-premise systems require regular maintenance, including hardware updates, data backups, and system repairs. Cloud based solutions reduce or eliminate these costs. Updates are automated, data is securely stored in the cloud, and hardware requirements are minimal.

Solutions like Spintly offer a cost-effective approach by removing dependence on complex server setups and minimizing ongoing maintenance.

4. Real-Time Access Logs and Data Analytics

Modern access control isn't just about entry and exit - it’s about intelligence. Cloud systems offer:

Live access logs

Visual dashboards

Predictive analytics

Customizable reports

This information is invaluable for audits, compliance, and understanding user behavior. Facility managers can make data-driven decisions to optimize traffic flow and reduce risks.

5. Improved User Experience

With mobile-first capabilities, cloud systems enable users to open doors using their smartphones no more fumbling with keycards or remembering PINs. For guests or contractors, temporary access credentials can be sent directly to their phones.

This enhances convenience and hygiene, especially in a post-pandemic world where contactless solutions are a priority.

Cloud Security: Is It Safe?

Understandably, businesses may have concerns about moving critical security infrastructure to the cloud. However, most cloud based access control providers use:

End-to-end encryption

Multi-factor authentication

Frequent security updates

GDPR and ISO-compliant data policies

These measures ensure data privacy and system integrity. In many cases, cloud systems offer better security than traditional on-premise setups vulnerable to outdated patches or limited oversight.

Cloud Based Access Control in Action

Let’s consider a growing mid-sized tech company in India with 5 regional offices. Their traditional access system required on-site support in each location, which created inefficiencies and high costs.

By switching to a cloud based access control solution from Spintly, they centralized access permissions, eliminated physical key management, and empowered administrators to monitor all locations from one dashboard. Mobile credentials replaced physical cards, improving both user experience and hygiene.

The IT team now spends less time on routine access tasks, and employees appreciate the streamlined entry process. The cost savings and operational efficiencies made a compelling case for cloud adoption.

Future-Proofing Your Security Investment

Technology is evolving rapidly. Investing in a system that can adapt is crucial. Cloud based access control platforms are regularly updated with:

New integrations (e.g., visitor management systems, video surveillance)

Biometric compatibility

Advanced analytics tools

AI-driven threat detection

These features allow organizations to keep pace with both security threats and user expectations without recurring hardware upgrades.

Why Spintly?

While many providers offer cloud solutions, Spintly stands out with a platform designed specifically for modern enterprises. Their system is:

Fully cloud native

Mobile-first and contactless

Easy to deploy and scale

Backed by strong encryption and compliance standards

Spintly combines sleek design with powerful backend architecture, offering a seamless balance of user experience and robust control. Whether you manage a co-working space, educational institution, or corporate facility, Spintly provides the devices to modernize your access strategy - without the complexity.

Conclusion

In 2025, the smartest security investments are those that align with agility, efficiency, and user convenience. Cloud based access control checks all the right boxes - enabling secure access from anywhere, integrating with other building systems, and providing real-time insights for better decision-making.

As more organizations recognize the limitations of legacy systems, the shift toward cloud access is no longer a matter of “if,” but “when.” For those ready to make the switch, trusted platforms like Spintly are paving the way with technology that is not only reliable but designed for the modern workplace.

[axolterp]

Axolt: Modern ERP and Inventory Software Built on Salesforce

Today’s businesses operate in a fast-paced, data-driven environment where efficiency, accuracy, and agility are key to staying competitive. Legacy systems and disconnected software tools can no longer meet the evolving demands of modern enterprises. That’s why companies across industries are turning to Axolt, a next-generation solution offering intelligent inventory software and a full-fledged ERP on Salesforce.

Axolt is a unified, cloud-based ERP system built natively on the Salesforce platform. It provides a modular, scalable framework that allows organizations to manage operations from inventory and logistics to finance, manufacturing, and compliance—all in one place.

Where most ERPs are either too rigid or require costly integrations, Axolt is designed for flexibility. It empowers teams with real-time data, reduces manual work, and improves cross-functional collaboration. With Salesforce as the foundation, users benefit from enterprise-grade security, automation, and mobile access without needing separate platforms for CRM and ERP.

Smarter Inventory Software Inventory is at the heart of operational performance. Poor inventory control can result in stockouts, over-purchasing, and missed opportunities. Axolt’s built-in inventory software addresses these issues by providing real-time visibility into stock levels, warehouse locations, and product movement.

Whether managing serialized products, batches, or kits, the system tracks every item with precision. It supports barcode scanning, lot and serial traceability, expiry tracking, and multi-warehouse inventory—all from a central dashboard.

Unlike traditional inventory tools, Axolt integrates directly with Salesforce CRM. This means your sales and service teams always have accurate availability information, enabling faster order processing and better customer communication.

A Complete Salesforce ERP Axolt isn’t just inventory software—it’s a full Salesforce ERP suite tailored for businesses that want more from their operations. Finance teams can automate billing cycles, reconcile payments, and manage cash flows with built-in modules for accounts receivable and payable. Manufacturing teams can plan production, allocate work orders, and track costs across every stage.

[whencyclopedia]

From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire

"From Cyrus to Alexander" by Pierre Briant offers a detailed history of the Persian Empire, focusing on its administration, culture, and military. Briant highlights Persia’s innovations in governance and its tolerant, multicultural approach. The book challenges traditional Greek-centric views, presenting Persia as a complex and influential empire with a lasting historical legacy.

Pierre Briant’s From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire is widely considered the definitive modern history of the Persian Empire. The book covers its origins under Cyrus the Great through its conquest by Alexander the Great. Originally published in French as Histoire de l’Empire Perse in 1996, the English translation made this monumental work accessible to a wider audience, expanding its influence in Near Eastern studies, ancient history, and comparative empires.

Briant’s book stands out for its focus on presenting the Persian Empire as an autonomous civilization rather than through the perspective of its Greek rivals. Historically, much of what Western scholars knew about the Persian Empire came from Greek sources like Herodotus, who often cast Persia as a monolithic enemy. By situating Persia at the center of its own narrative and making extensive use of archaeological findings, inscriptions, and administrative records, Briant counters this Eurocentric bias and offers a view of Persia as a sophisticated, multiethnic empire that left a significant legacy of governance, culture, and trade.

Briant structures the book in a way that mirrors the breadth of the Persian Empire, dedicating each section to a different aspect of the empire’s history, politics, economy, society, and culture. The organisation of the book reflects his emphasis on a systemic, comprehensive examination of the empire.

The early chapters detail Cyrus the Great’s conquests and policies of tolerance, which established a stable, expansive empire. Briant also examines governance, highlighting the balance between central control and local autonomy, the role of satraps, and the unifying use of Aramaic as an administrative lingua franca. Moreover, he analyses the Persian military apparatus, from its elite units like the Immortals to the logistical organisation enabling vast mobilizations by the Persians. He contextualises major conflicts, including the Persian Wars as part of a strategy to stabilize borders and secure valuable territories, rather than dominate all of Greece.

The book also dedicates significant attention to the Persian economy, exploring the empire’s agrarian base, trade networks, and taxation system. He shows how Persia’s economic policies were designed to support both the imperial treasury and local economies, creating a sustainable model that contributed to the empire’s longevity. The culture and religion section highlights Persia’s promotion of cultural integration and religious diversity. Briant shows how Persian art blended regional styles to symbolize royal authority and examines how Zoroastrian traditions coexisted with support for local religions, fostering loyalty among subjects.

One of Briant’s central arguments is that the Persian Empire’s strength lay in its policy of tolerance and inclusion. By allowing conquered peoples to retain their religious practices, local laws, and leaders, the Persians created a sense of allegiance that went beyond military domination. He also highlights the Persian administrative system as a model for later empires, like the Roman and Islamic. Innovations such as standardized taxation, the Royal Road, and an organised postal system enabled centralised yet flexible governance. His analysis of satrapies shows how Persia balanced regional autonomy with loyalty to central authority.

The book repositions the Persian Empire within a global context, highlighting its role in economic and cultural exchange across Asia and the Mediterranean. Through trade and diplomacy with regions like Egypt and Greece, Persia facilitated the flow of ideas and technologies, serving as a prototype for managing diverse populations and complex trade networks.

From Cyrus to Alexander is widely praised for its depth but critiqued for its daunting length and scholarly density. While excelling in its analysis of Persian administration and politics, it offers limited insight into the daily lives of ordinary Persians, focusing more on imperial strategies than social and cultural history.

This monumental work offers a detailed and balanced account of the Persian Empire, redefining its role in world history. Briant’s focus on understanding Persia on its own terms provides valuable insights into its governance, economy, and cultural integration, making it an essential resource for ancient Near Eastern studies.

Continue reading...

[captdedeyes]

Friendly reminder that Wix.com is an Israeli-based company (& some website builders to look into instead)

I know the BDS movement is not targeting Wix.com specifically (see here for the companies they're currently boycotting) but since Wix originated in Israel as early as 2006, it would be best to drop them as soon as you can.

And while you're at it, you should leave DeviantArt too, since that company is owned by Wix. I deleted my DA account about a year ago not just because of their generative AI debacle but also because of their affiliation with their parent company. And just last month, DA has since shown their SUPPORT for Israel in the middle of Israel actively genociding the Palestinian people 😬

Anyway, I used to use Wix and I stopped using it around the same time that I left DA, but I never closed my Wix account until now. What WAS nice about Wix was how easy it was to build a site with nothing but a drag-and-drop system without any need to code.

So if you're using Wix for your portfolio, your school projects, or for anything else, then where can you go?

Here are some recommendations that you can look into for website builders that you can start for FREE and are NOT tied to a big, corporate entity (below the cut) 👇👇

Carrd.co

This is what I used to build my link hub and my portfolio, so I have the most experience with this platform.

It's highly customizable with a drag-and-drop arrangement system, but it's not as open-ended as Wix. Still though, it's easy to grasp & set up without requiring any coding knowledge. The most "coding" you may ever have to deal with is markdown formatting (carrd provides an on-screen cheatsheet whenever you're editing text!) and section breaks (which is used to define headers, footers, individual pages, sections of a page, etc.) which are EXTREMELY useful.

There's limits to using this site builder for free (max of 2 websites & a max of 100 elements per site), but even then you can get a lot of mileage out of carrd.

mmm.page

This is a VERY funny & charming website builder. The drag-and-drop system is just as open-ended as Wix, but it encourages you to get messy. Hell, you can make it just as messy as the early internet days, except the way you can arrange elements & images allows for more room for creativity.

Straw.page

This is an extremely simple website builder that you can start from scratch, except it's made to be accessible from your phone. As such, the controls are limited and intentionally simple, but I can see this being a decent website builder to start with if all you have is your phone. The other options above are also accessible from your phone, but this one is by far one of the the simplest website builders available.

Hotglue.me

This is also a very simple & rudimentary website builder that allows you to make a webpage from scratch, except it's not as easy to use on a mobile phone.

At a glance, its features are not as robust or easy to pick up like the previous options, but you can still create objects with a simple double click and drag them around, add text, and insert images or embeds.

Mind you, this launched in the 2010s and has likely stayed that way ever since, which means that it may not have support for mobile phone displays, so whether or not you wanna try your hand at building something on there is completely up to you!

Sadgrl's Layout Editor

sadgrl.online is where I gathered most of these no-code site builders! I highly recommend looking through the webmaster links for more website-building info.

This simple site builder is for use on Neocities, which is a website hosting service that you can start using for free. This is the closest thing to building a site that resembles the early internet days, but the sites you can make are also responsive to mobile devices! This can be a good place to start if this kind of thing is your jam and you have little to no coding experience.

Although I will say, even if it sounds daunting at first, learning how to code in HTML and CSS is one of the most liberating experiences that anyone can have, even if you don't come from a website scripting background. It's like cooking a meal for yourself. So if you want to take that route, then I encourage to you at least try it!

Most of these website builders I reviewed were largely done at a glance, so I'm certainly missing out on how deep they can go.

Oh, and of course as always, Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[fantasy-anatomy-analyst]

Orc breast anon again. None-human reproductive biology and habits was one of the key things I’ve been trying to add to all my otherwise traditional fantasy beings for this current project. For some more examples…

Elves have the standard of low fertility and long pregnancies (about 14 months). However elven fertility is controlled partially by population and resources access, taking a nose dive if things get too stressful. Female elves are also taller and more socially dominant than men. Similar to goblins, elves have a strong cultural distinction between “romantic” & “reproductive” relationships, the elven concept of marriage being nothing more than a breeding contract, having no expectations of fidelity or romance.

Dwarves have little to no sexual dimorphism, both sexes being equally stout and hairy. Feminine characteristics like breast and wide hips only being visible when a dwarf women is pregnant, receding shortly after. Dwarf Soceity has no real gender roles, biological sex not being a factor in much of anything from work/ politics/ etc… . Dwarves are highly monogamous, things like infidelity and promiscuity are rare and seen as signs of mental illness. Dwarven monogamy is to the point that dwarves have greater emotional difficulty escaping toxic/abusive relationships, and in the case of a partners death the grieving spouse never remarries.

Ogres have a soceity similar to elephants, in that their Soceity is completely gender segregated and they only temporarily meet up to breed. Ogre women and children live together in settled communities, led the eldest female as matriarch. Ogre men are solitary nomads, kicked from their birth community by the time they become a teenager. The ogre religion strictly bans the union of genders, as a consequence of the ogre creation myth of the original male abusing the three original sisters and killing his progeny in jealously. He and his sons being forever cursed to wander the world as punishment for masculine ego.

Those are currently the most developed by their are more. Like trolls having wolf pack family dynamics/ fairies undergoing pupation to grow wings during puberty/ merfolk laying eggs like fish and harpies having exotic bird mating displays.

As for the brutality and “savagery” thing, I can see what you mean and how these traits may be misconstrued that way. My orcs and goblins are no less advanced then the other peoples,(being around a late renaissance era) having their own nations/ city states/ and so on. And that one of the main details I’m focusing on is that “Everyone is full of Sh*t”. All of the sapient beings in my world have problematic and barbaric practices, it not just being limited to the orcs and goblins. You got some universal issues like bigotry/ corporal punishment/ tyrannical leaders/ pointless wars/ widespread slavery/ etc… Then theirs some culture specific ones. Humans are ,ofcourse, very misogynistic as well and the major human empire is currently a colonizing and slavery based abusive superpower. Elves are practitioners of eugenics and purity culture, equating “beauty” with “moral goodness and spiritual purity”, with all the ugliness these entail. Dwarves have a rigid caste system ala dragon age, with no social mobility being possible except becoming a cast-less exile. Gnomes practice blood sacrifice and dark magics on a regular societal level. “serious STAY AWAY FROM THE GNOMES!!!”. And so much more.

This is all I’ve got for now of the current WIP of this project, and this has given me a lot to think about. Thank you once again for responding and your advice!

You've been putting a lot of work into this project! It's honestly really cool. I love seeing unique takes on fantasy people like this.

Having big issues in every group you write definitely helps balance things out! That's very good. You keep on having fun and building on your ideas!

[yodawgiheardyoulikemecha]

“Gundam Assemble is a tabletop strategy game where players use miniature Gunpla figures to create armies and engage in tactical battles,” said Tatsuro Kawashima, who built the mechanical system that the game is based on. “The core gameplay is focusing on the strategic unit placement, actually playing these objective-based missions. So it is designed to appeal to both hardcore miniatures gamers and the casual fan of the Gundam franchises. The game draws inspiration from miniature wargames — from 40K, to BattleTech, to Star Wars: Shatterpoint. Bandai is aiming to create an experience that’s accessible for new players while allowing strategic depth for the seasoned gamer.” Bandai explained that players will be in control of a Gundam team. They will then use that team to play through a story-driven campaign with objectives linking individual missions. “I think it’s most similar to BattleTech [...] but so far it’s a little bit difficult to [share] the details,” said Kawashima. “The basic concept is to play a big team featuring your favorite mobile suits. However, since this is a game based on Gundam IP, we also want to offer special scenarios, limited battles that evoke the original storyline to help the player to feel connected to the source material.” As far as terrain or other accessories, Bandai has not yet finalized what will come with Gundam Assemble The final product will likely include the game board, dice, and cards that show the details of each unit in-game — and in-fiction, including details like Gundam height. While hex-based movement is integral to the game at this time, Bandai said that it hasn’t ruled out other gameplay modes that use rulers or other tools to allow units to move more freely. That means massed battles of Gunpla could be on the horizon — but for now, at least, the company is laser-focused on this smaller footprint game. For the designers at Bandai, it was particularly important to translate the intricate detail of their large, elaborate models to the smaller size of a tabletop miniature. That meant actually making them a bit bigger than traditional 28 mm- or 32 mm-scale models. At 5 centimeters (roughly 2 inches) tall, each Gunpla miniature will tower over a traditional 40K Assault Intercessor, and will even have a bit of reach on a Captain in Gravis armor. They’re also very highly detailed. “Many of the models in this Assemble kit are based on existing High Grade Gunpla [kits],” said Jun Someya, a member of the Gundam Assemble planning and development staff. “In order to efficiently create cool poses with a small number of parts, the angle of the arms has been carefully adjusted. For parts that would not otherwise be visible, they were purposefully omitted or molded [in place].” Of course, most model-makers don’t paint their Gunpla. Tabletop gamers often do paint their miniatures, though, and Bandai is hoping its design will cater to their unique needs — especially folks who are looking to build up their “shelf army.” “We thought the size would satisfy customers who display their individual miniatures,” Someya said. “Also, the size would be perfect for painting Gundams, which have very small faces and armor plates. Maybe it would be bigger than other products, but we felt that 5 centimeters would be perfect for both these purposes.” Expect more information on Gundam Assemble soon. Early figures will be sold in special bundles with the Gundam Card Game — which Bandai confirmed is a completely separate product.

[dartagnantt]

Scout Roguish Archetype | Scouts that scout, not set up ambushes

PDFs of this and more can be found over on at my Patreon here! I release everything for free, so your support makes this possible. I've also started making a new system based off of 5e, 6th Dawn! Become a patron and join the playtest.

This week, as part of a theme most foul, I decided to go upon a foul task and revise our hired killer.

The second the theme this month is tracks, so I used it as an excuse to visit the scout archetype. I'm rather fond of it conceptually, but I will say, I was surprised when I realised that the latter half of its features are a better assassin than the official assassin. They get a second attack as a bonus action and can sneak attack with it too! Damn! That said, as cool as those are, I don't think a scout is best embodied by its ability to do devastating ambushes. Moreover, the rogue's base featureset is pretty good at doing that on it's own if you want to go that way. So, I opted to focus on mobility and detection.

Pathfinder

I won't lie, I couldn't resist calling this pathfinder. I didn't have to, but I wanted to. Anyway, the 5e scout gets nature and survival, which definitely gives it a ranger vibe, which is cool but not really the part of the ranger that fits this concept, instead I decided they'd be really good at navigating, reading maps, and making maps.

Skirmisher

This feature is really good in the base scout, so I kept it, and kind of made it its defining feature

Superior Mobility

While I kept the name of the scout feature, I decided that, as a class that can dash as a bonus action, they don't really need an additional 10 feet of movement speed. But they can probably do with other forms of mobility. Also, if you're going about in nature, not being slowed down sounds like a good idea.

Lookout

I'm not the proudest of this feature, seeing as half of it is part of my modified (and the oneD&D) alert feat, but quite frankly I had to try really hard not to make this subclass the Alert feat archetype. Which I mostly succeeded. But these are important skills for a scout to have. I am amused that it's basically the opposite of the lookout feature the other one gets.

Unfond Farewell

I enjoyed naming this one. This isn't much, but it does give the scout more to do during combat, instead of stuff largely surrounding combat.

Right Place, Right Time

I'm not sure if I'll keep this feature going into 6th dawn, but I have been toying with the concept that this one pulls off for a while. How did the monk or rogue evade the fireball and take no damage? By not being in the area, of course

And now to plug my stuff. I release homebrews weekly over on my Patreon. Anyone who pledges $1 or more per post don't have to wait a month to see them, and also help fund my being alive habit.

At the moment, they have exclusive access to the following:

Poisons: Reapplied

Finding the Trail

Skill Challenges

College of Epics

I also have four classes, and two splatbooks over on DriveThruRPG to check out:

The Rift Binder. A class specialising in summoning monsters and controlling the battlefield.

The Witch Knight. A class that combines swords and sorcery in the most literal way.

The Werebeast. A class that turns you into a half beast to destroy your foes.

The Beguiler. A spellcaster dedicated to illusions, enchantments, and general fuckery.

d'Artagnan's Adventurer Almanac. A compendium of races, subclasses, feats, spells, monsters and more!

d'Artagnan's Lycanthrope Survival Guide. A book of lore, stats, and werebeast subclasses for lycanthropes.

[darkeangel]

Been thinking about Gundam SEED lately and how i think its both simultaneously one of the greatest entries in the franchise and one of my least favorite Gundam shows.

I think what bothers me the most is how Cosmic Era has some of the most comprehensive world-building outside of UC and how it all kind of gets abandoned as the show progresses.

It’s hard to articulate, but the original SEED world is so well thought out. Artificially Enhanced Humans creates a genetic disparity which results in conflict. Humans being Humans, they throw nukes at the problem, so the Smarter (sic) Humans create a technology that renders nuclear power null and void. This in turn results in the development of battery-powered mobile suits; super weapons that can only be effectively controlled by the Genetically Superior Humans.

This all makes sense. And all that follows is logical. Of course the MS stay plugged in until the last possible second of launch, to maximize battery life. Of course they use physical weaponry, for the same reason.

And this in turn leads to the Earth Alliance developing weapons that have special armor that nullifies physical weapons. They perfect energy efficient beam weapons to have a one-up on their enemy, but their natural use OS isn’t perfected until the SUPER coordinator helps develop it. (Also maybe the neutral nation also develops it simultaneously, but I digress)

And the mobile suits of ZAFT are logical. Of course the ground types use a more stable quadruped design. Of course the underwater suits use a solid shell chassis, and sound-based weaponry.

I like how they draw attention to the fact that beam weaponry has a higher attenuation rate in atmosphere. I like how they make an issue that a mobile suit designed for space combat would need its auto-balancers readjusted for desert combat. I like how all the 1st gen Earth MS are based on the Strike, the one mobile suit they still had access to. (I like how the M1 Astrays are all based on the MBF prototypes for the same reason)

I enjoy how well thought out everything was and explained within the series and I get annoyed how it all gets sidelined for bigger spectacle and drama. And stuff stops making sense. I can see how Stargazer works; mirage colloid particles create a solar sail for interstellar travel when hit by a giant space laser. I can see that. So how does that turn into whatever the fuck the Destiny does? How is that the same system?

I hate how everything devolves into “everything is Gundam”. SEED has a spectacular MSV catalogue, but all the animation focuses on is Gundam Beam Spam. (And that’s a shame, because almost no other Gundam does large epic battlefields like SEED does.)

I dunno. The power scaling jumps the shark somewhere around the end of the first series, and by the time we get to SEED Freedom, it becomes basically meaningless.

I know other Gundam shows have fantastical technology; psycho-frames and GN Drives and GUND format and whatnot. But almost every time that stuff is baked in from the start and remains consistent throughout, or has some logical progression to it. SEED seems to just be chasing “how can we make this even more badass?” and it loses its credibility in the process. We’re left with Jesus Yamato in his rebaked Strike Freedom and his “beats everything” forehead laser. For a show that started on the premise of “let’s take away the nuclear-powered robots and see what happens” it seems like a betrayal of what was actually a beautifully grounded and self-actualized Gundam AU.

I still like SEED. I still think it’s deserving of its popularity. I’m just…disillusioned with it.

[fearfulfertility]

CONFIDENTIAL PROGRESS REPORT

DRC, Insemination Operations Command, Mobile Operations Unit

Date: [REDACTED]

To: Minister [REDACTED], Ministry of State Security

From: Administrator [REDACTED], Mobile Operations Unit

Subject: Cost of Conscripting Youth in Rural Communities

[REDACTED] (Arkansas, FEMA Zone 6) is an outlier for a small rural community with a population of [REDACTED] and a long history in the lumber industry. Of particular note, [REDACTED]% of the 18-25-year-old population has tested positive for high fertility markers and subsequently been conscripted as surrogates. The DRC Planning & Evaluation Office has been monitoring the situation as a case study of the economic impact of forced surrogacy conscription.

Mobile Paternity Units (MPU)

The newly deployed Mobile Paternity Units (MPUs) accelerate conscription rates by conducting field-based surrogate insemination protocols. The MPUs are fully equipped mobile hubs designed to identify, secure, and inseminate fertile surrogates in regions lacking the infrastructure or security to establish permanent paternity compounds.

Currently there are [REDACTED] MPUs in commission, operating in circular routes- - - - -

[SYSTEM RESPONSE]

[AUTHENTICATION PROTOCOL ENGAGED]

[SECURITY LEVEL]: [HIGH]

[USER IDENTIFICATION]: [Executive Level-01A]

[CREDENTIAL AUTHENTICATION IN PROGRESS...]

[ENTER PASSWORD]: [***************]

[PROCESSING INPUT...]

[VALIDATING PASSWORD...]

[█░░░░░░░░░░░░] 10% [███░░░░░░░░░░] 30% [███████░░░░░░] 60% [███████████░░] 90% [█████████████] 100%

[PASSWORD ACCEPTED]

[ACCESS GRANTED]: [HIGH CLEARANCE MODE ACTIVATED]

[SECURITY OVERRIDES]: [Enabled]

[REDACTED DATA]: [Unlocked]

MPU Background Context

The rural disruption program continues to be a success thanks to the deployment of the MPUs, which have been incredibly effective at deliberate societal destabilization.

As mentioned in last quarter's deployment report, in addition to the direct impact of mass insemination, MPUs employ covert biochemical measures to destabilize social order further. By introducing a cocktail of hormones and aphrodisiacs into the water supply, the MPUs incite heightened states of lust, confusion, and distraction among the population.

Among surrogates, this amplifies the effects of prenatal nymphomania, who, driven by uncontrollable desires, contribute to a pervasive atmosphere of hedonism and chaos. It also magnifies the feelings, thoughts, attractions, and behaviors of the non-surrogate members of the community, who participate in the physical activities with almost primal intensity.

The relentless pursuit of physical gratification prevents the community from focusing on its deteriorating condition, eroding familial bonds, productivity, and any sense of collective purpose. The combination of mass pregnancy, chemical manipulation, and social disarray leaves these towns paralyzed while serving the DRC’s objectives of surrogate acquisition and societal control.

By the time the vast majority of surrogates give birth and the MPUs return to collect the resultant offspring, the workforce is effectively crippled and vulnerable to collapse. Their ability to organize, resist, or rebel against external control diminishes, dependent on external support, unable to mount any meaningful opposition.

The cumulative consequences are both immediate and long-term, unraveling the town’s economic stability, social cohesion, and cultural identity.

I. Labor Market Collapse

As their pregnancies advance, these surrogates are unable to contribute meaningfully to the workforce. Compounding this crisis, the introduction of aphrodisiacs to the water supply inflames the atmosphere of widespread indulgence and physical fixation, leaving critical sectors paralyzed:

Agriculture: Fields go untended as the remaining workforce is too distracted or physically compromised to perform essential tasks.

Retail & Services: Shops and local businesses experience severe staff shortages, with employees increasingly abandoning their posts in favor of personal distractions. Productivity is reduced, and many businesses shut permanently.

Construction & Infrastructure: Public services (water supply, power, policing) are abandoned as skilled laborers become unavailable or uninterested.

This mass disengagement leads to a cascading failure across the economy. The distraction and incapacitation ensures that productivity never recovers.

“It’s like everything just… fell apart overnight. Most of the boys are now carrying these enormous pregnancies, some with 10, 12, or even 16 babies. They’re so big they can barely move, let alone work. My nephew is bedridden, his stomach so swollen and stretched it looks like he’ll burst. Businesses are shutting down left and right. The diner is now it’s closed because the staff is too preoccupied, too exhausted or too pregnant to keep things running.” - Victor Hayes, Charlevoix, Michigan, FEMA Zone 5

II. Population & Social Erosion

The breakdown of social order is exacerbated by prenatal nymphomania. This heightened state of physical fixation pervades the community, undermining traditional values and civic responsibilities:

Educational Decline: Schools lose both students and teachers as attendance drops. Classrooms empty out, and extracurricular programs vanish as the youth prioritize physical distractions over learning and participation.

Community Disintegration: Social events, youth programs, and local traditions deteriorate. The focus shifts away from community-building activities as families experience fragmentation and isolation as personal indulgence takes precedence over collective well-being.

The resulting social decay ensures that the community’s structure collapses from within, leaving it vulnerable and dependent.

“It’s like the entire town has lost its mind. My little brother is one of the surrogates. He’s just 19, and carrying 14 babies. He can barely move now, his belly is so massive and tight with those babies. And it’s not just him — every boy his age is the same. The weirdest part is they used to fight this, but now they seem so into it. And the rest of us? It’s like we’re all under a spell. Nobody wants to work, go to school, or even talk about what’s happening. Everyone’s just chasing some kind of high, day in and day out. There’s no sense of responsibility, no one to keep things running.” - Collin Tanner, Owensboro, Kentucky, FEMA Zone 4

III. Economic Ripple Effects

The economic consequences of the MPU deployment extend beyond immediate labor shortages. As the population becomes consumed by the chemically-inflamed environment, traditional economic functions disintegrate:

Real Estate Market Collapse: The prospect of family life and economic stability vanishes. Young adults are physically incapacitated or disinterested in establishing households or familial units.

Healthcare Strain: The need for prenatal care among the surrogates overwhelms local clinics. Meanwhile, rising cases of substance abuse and physical exhaustion further strain the system. Access to local healthcare diminishes, and locals become dependent on DRC resources.

This economic freefall ensures that recovery becomes unattainable, plunging towns into long-term decline.

“I’m 21, and I’m carrying 15 babies right now. My belly is so huge and heavy, I can barely get out through the front door. I used to work at the hardware store, and I was saving up to get my own place. But that dream’s gone now. Everyone my age is pregnant or taking care of someone who is. I’m too big and too tired to care. We’re all trapped in these enormous pregnancies, and there’s no help coming.” - S???-994-O, Andersonville, Georgia, FEMA Zone 4

IV. Collapse of Social Norms

These combinations contribute to a disintegration of social and familial distinctions, fostering an environment where traditional lines of propriety become increasingly obscured:

Dissolution of Familial Roles: As surrogates’ pregnancies advance and the community’s pervasive fixation on physical indulgence, interactions begin to appear that defy established familial roles. Young surrogates, often confined to their homes due to the extreme size of their pregnancies become focal points of attention in ways that undermine traditional respect and relational boundaries.

Loss of Interpersonal Distinctions: The community’s collective fixation results in behaviors and dynamics that would otherwise be constrained by societal norms. Familiarity within and outside households devolves into ambiguous interactions influenced by heightened compulsions.

The cumulative effect of these blurred boundaries ensures traditional norms are rendered obsolete, leaving the community adrift in a state of chaotic permissiveness.

“It’s hard to explain how things got this way. My cousin is one of the surrogates. He’s only 19, and his belly is just… massive... swollen beyond anything you’d think possible. He’s carrying 14 babies, and the sheer size of it, how tight and stretched his skin is... There’s something about seeing him like that — so heavy, so full — that just draws you in. Now, when I see my cousin leaning back against the couch, his huge belly dominating his frame, moaning as the babies kick and move inside him, I can’t stop myself from feeling drawn in. His body his so full and stretched... it’s mesmerizing.” - Derek Knight, Fulton, Illinois, FEMA Zone 5

V. Long-Term Consequences

The deployment of MPUs and the ensuing mass insemination drive the town into an inescapable cycle of decline:

Economic Decay: With the majority of the workforce incapacitated, businesses fail, infrastructure deteriorates, and investment ceases. The community becomes a “ghost town,” marked by derelict buildings and economic stagnation.

Dependency on External Aid: As self-sufficiency erodes, the town becomes reliant on DRC support. Demoralization set in, deepening the dependency cycle.

Loss of Cultural Identity: Traditions and community legacies fade as the surrogates’ incapacitation prevents participation in cultural life, collective heritage disintegrates into chaotic, aimless distraction.

“It’s like everything that held us together just fell apart. Both my brothers were turned into two swollen balls of babies by the end. Everyone their age was knocked up, fattened, and taken. The whole town looks like it’s been abandoned, a bunch of ghostly reminders of what used to be. We barely survive on government aid, but even that feels like a band-aid on a wound too big to heal. The town feels hollow.” - Jackson Bender, Northampton, Massachusetts, FEMA Zone 1

Conclusion

The deployment of MPUs and the ensuing biochemical manipulation devastate rural communities. The combined impact of enforced surrogacy, incapacitation, and chemically-induced distraction ensures that these towns collapse economically, socially, and culturally.

[SYSTEM RESPONSE]

[AUTHENTICATION PROTOCOL ENGAGED]

[SECURITY OVERRIDES]: [Disabled]

[REDACTED DATA]: [Locked]

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[fatehbaz]

[T]he political philosophy underlying Westphalian, modern sovereignty [...], foundations of the modern state, [...] [was at least partially formed] in relation to plantations. [...] [P]lantations [are] [...] laboratories to bring together environmental and labor dimensions [...], through racialized and coerced labor. [...] [T]he planters and managers who engineered the ordering and disciplining of these [...] [ecological] worlds also sustained [...] [p]lantations [by] [...] disciplining (and policing the boundaries of) humans and “nature” [...]. The durability and extensibility of plantations, as the central locus of antiblack violence and death, have been tracked most especially in the contemporary United States’ prison archipelago and segregated urban areas [...], [including] “skewed life chances, limited access to health [...], premature death, incarceration [...]”. [...]

Relations of dependence between planters and their laborers, sustained by a moral tie that indefinitely indebts the laborers to their master, are the main mechanisms reproducing the plantation system long after the abolition of slavery, and even after the cessation of monocrop cultivation.

The estate hierarchy survives in post-plantation subjectivities, being a major blueprint of socialization into work for generations and up to the present. [...] [Contemporary labor still involves] the policing of [...] activities, mobility and access to citizenship [...].

---

[There is] persistence - until the 1970s in most Caribbean and Indian-Ocean plantation societies, and even until today in Indian tea plantations [...] - of a system of remuneration based on subsistence wages [...]. Plantations have been viewed as displaying sovereign-like features of control and violence monopoly over land and subjects, through force as much as ideology [...]. [W]itness the plethora of references to “plantocracies” [...] ([...] sometimes re-christened “saccharocracies” in the Cuban and wider Caribbean context [...] [or] “sovereign sugar” in Hawai’i). [...]

[T]race the genealogy of contemporary sovereign institutions of terror, discipline and segregation starting from early modern plantation systems - just as genealogies of labor management and the broader organization of production [...] have been traced [...] linking different features of plantations to later economic enterprises, such as factories [...] or diamond mines [...] [,] chartered companies, free ports, dependencies, trusteeships - understood as "quasi-sovereign" forms [...].

---

[I]n fact, the relationships and arrangements obtaining in the space of the plantation may be analogous to, mirrors or pre-figurations of, or substitutes for the power and grip of the modern state as the locus of legitimate sovereignty. [...] [T]he paternalistic and violent relations obtaining in the heyday of different plantations (in the United States and Brazil [...]) appear as the building block and the mirror of national-imperial sovereignties. [...]

[I]n the eighteenth-century [United States] context [...], the founding fathers of the nascent liberal democracy were at the same time prominent planters [...]. Planters’ preoccupations with their reputation, as a mirror of their overseers’ alleged skills and moral virtue, can thus be read as a metonymy or index of their alleged qualities as state leaders. Across public and private management, paternalism in this context appears as a core feature of statehood [...]. Similarly, [...] in the nineteenth century plantations were the foundation of the newly independent Brazilian empire. [...] [I]n the case of Hawai’i [...], the mid-nineteenth-century institution of fee-title property and contract labor, facilitated by the concomitant establishment of common-law courts (later administered by the planter elite), paved the way to the establishment of sugar plantations on the archipelago [...].

---

[T]he control of movement, foundational to modern sovereign claims, has in the plantation one of its original experimental grounds: [...] the demand for plantation labor in the wake of slavery abolition in the British colonies (1834) occasion[ed] the birth of the indenture system as the origin of sovereign control on mobility, pointing to the colonial genealogy of the modern state [...].

The regulation of slaves’ mobility also represented a laboratory for the generalization of [refugee, immigrant, labor] migration regulation in subsequent epochs [up to and including today] [...] [subjugating] generally racialized and criminalized subjects [...]. [P]lantations appear as a sovereign-making machine, a workshop in (or against) which tools of both domination and resistance are forged [...].

---

All text above by: Irene Peano, Marta Macedo, and Colette Le Petitcorps. "Introduction: Viewing Plantations at the Intersection of Political Ecologies and Multiple Space-Times". Global Plantations in the Modern World: Sovereignties, Ecologies, Afterlives (edited by Petitcrops, Macedo, and Peano). Published 2023. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Presented here for criticism, teaching, commentary purposes.]

[mariacallous]

On February 10, employees at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) received an email asking them to list every contract at the bureau and note whether or not it was “critical” to the agency, as well as whether it contained any DEI components. This email was signed by Scott Langmack, who identified himself as a senior adviser to the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Langmack, according to his LinkedIn, already has another job: He’s the chief operating officer of Kukun, a property technology company that is, according to its website, “on a long-term mission to aggregate the hardest to find data.”

As is the case with other DOGE operatives—Tom Krause, for example, is performing the duties of the fiscal assistant secretary at the Treasury while holding down a day job as a software CEO at a company with millions in contracts with the Treasury—this could potentially create a conflict of interest, especially given a specific aspect of his role: According to sources and government documents reviewed by WIRED, Langmack has application-level access to some of the most critical and sensitive systems inside HUD, one of which contains records mapping billions of dollars in expenditures.

Another DOGE operative WIRED has identified is Michael Mirski, who works for TCC Management, a Michigan-based company that owns and operates mobile home parks across the US, and graduated from the Wharton School in 2014. (In a story he wrote for the school’s website, he asserted that the most important thing he learned there was to “Develop the infrastructure to collect data.”) According to the documents, he has write privileges on—meaning he can input overall changes to—a system that controls who has access to HUD systems.

Between them, records reviewed by WIRED show, the DOGE operatives have access to five different HUD systems. According to a HUD source with direct knowledge, this gives the DOGE operatives access to vast troves of data. These range from the individual identities of every single federal public housing voucher holder in the US, along with their financial information, to information on the hospitals, nursing homes, multifamily housing, and senior living facilities that HUD helps finance, as well as data on everything from homelessness rates to environmental and health hazards to federally insured mortgages.

Put together, experts and HUD sources say, all of this could give someone with access unique insight into the US real estate market.

Kukun did not respond to requests for comment about whether Langmack is drawing a salary while working at HUD or how long he will be with the department. A woman who answered the phone at TCC Management headquarters in Michigan but did not identify herself said Mirksi was "on leave until July." In response to a request for comment about Langmack’s access to systems, HUD spokesperson Kasey Lovett said, “DOGE and HUD are working as a team; to insinuate anything else is false. To further illustrate this unified mission, the secretary established a HUD DOGE taskforce.” In response to specific questions about Mirski’s access to systems and background and qualifications, she said, “We have not—and will not—comment on individual personnel. We are focused on serving the American people and working as one team.”

The property technology, or proptech, market covers a wide range of companies offering products and services meant to, for example, automate tenant-landlord interactions, or expedite the home purchasing process. Kukun focuses on helping homeowners and real estate investors assess the return on investment they’d get from renovating their properties and on predictive analytics that model where property values will rise in the future.

Doing this kind of estimation requires the use of what’s called an automated valuation model (AVM), a machine-learning model that predicts the prices or rents of certain properties. In April 2024, Kukun was one of eight companies selected to receive support from REACH, an accelerator run by the venture capital arm of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Last year NAR agreed to a settlement with Missouri homebuyers, who alleged that realtor fees and certain listing requirements were anticompetitive.

“If you can better predict than others how a certain neighborhood will develop, you can invest in that market,” says Fabian Braesemann, a researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute. Doing so requires data, access to which can make any machine-learning model more accurate and more monetizable. This is the crux of the potential conflict of interest: While it is unclear how Langmack and Mirski are using or interpreting it in their roles at HUD, what is clear is that they have access to a wide range of sensitive data.

According to employees at HUD who spoke to WIRED on the condition of anonymity, there is currently a six-person DOGE team operating within the department. Four members are HUD employees whose tenures predate the current administration and have been assigned to the group; the others are Mirski and Langmack. The records reviewed by WIRED show that Mirski has been given read and write access to three different HUD systems, as well as read-only access to two more, while Langmack has been given read and write access to two of HUD’s core systems.

A positive, from one source’s perspective, is the fact that the DOGE operatives have been given application-level access to the systems, rather than direct access to the databases themselves. In theory, this means that they can only interact with the data through user interfaces, rather than having direct access to the server, which could allow them to execute queries directly on the database or make unrestricted or irreparable changes. However, this source still sees dangers inherent in granting this level of access.

“There are probably a dozen-plus ways that [application-level] read/write access to WASS or LOCCS could be translated into the entire databases being exfiltrated,” they said. There is no specific reason to think that DOGE operatives have inappropriately moved data—but even the possibility cuts against standard security protocols that HUD sources say are typically in place.

LOCCS, or Line of Credit Control System, is the first system to which both DOGE operatives within HUD, according to the records reviewed by WIRED, have both read and write access. Essentially HUD’s banking system, LOCCS “handles disbursement and cash management for the majority of HUD grant programs,” according to a user guide. Billions of dollars flow through the system every year, funding everything from public housing to disaster relief—such as rebuilding from the recent LA wildfires—to food security programs and rent payments.

The current balance in the LOCCS system, according to a record reviewed by WIRED, is over $100 billion—money Congress has approved for HUD projects but which has yet to be drawn down. Much of this money has been earmarked to cover disaster assistance and community development work, a source at the agency says.

Normally, those who have access to LOCCS require additional processing and approvals to access the system, and most only have “read” access, department employees say.

��Read/write is used for executing contracts and grants on the LOCCS side,” says one person. “It normally has strict banking procedures around doing anything with funds. For instance, you usually need at least two people to approve any decisions—same as you would with bank tellers in a physical bank.”

The second system to which documents indicate both DOGE operatives at HUD have both read and write access is the HUD Central Accounting and Program System (HUDCAPS), an “integrated management system for Section 8 programs under the jurisdiction of the Office of Public and Indian Housing,” according to HUD. (Section 8 is a federal program administered through local housing agencies that provides rental assistance, in the form of vouchers, to millions of lower-income families.) This system was a precursor to LOCCS and is currently being phased out, but it is still being used to process the payment of housing vouchers and contains huge amounts of personal information.

There are currently 2.3 million families in receipt of housing vouchers in the US, according to HUD’s own data, but the HUDCAPS database contains information on significantly more individuals because historical data is retained, says a source familiar with the system. People applying for HUD programs like housing vouchers have to submit sensitive personal information, including medical records and personal narratives.

“People entrust these stories to HUD,” the source says. “It’s not data in these systems, it’s operational trust.”

WASS, or the Web Access Security Subsystem, is the third system to which DOGE has both read and write access, though only Mirski has access to this system according to documents reviewed by WIRED. It’s used to grant permissions to other HUD systems. “Most of the functionality in WASS consists of looking up information stored in various tables to tell the security subsystem who you are, where you can go, and what you can do when you get there,” a user manual says.

“WASS is an application for provisioning rights to most if not all other HUD systems,” says a HUD source familiar with the systems who is shocked by Mirski’s level of access, because normally HUD employees don’t have read access, let alone write access. “WASS is the system for setting permissions for all of the other systems.”

In addition to these three systems, documents show that Mirski has read-only access to two others. One, the Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS), is a nationwide database that tracks all HUD programs underway across the country. (“IDIS has confidential data about hidden locations of domestic violence shelters,” a HUD source says, “so even read access in there is horrible.”) The other is the Financial Assessment of Public Housing (FASS-PH), a database designed to “measure the financial condition of public housing agencies and assess their ability to provide safe and decent housing,” according to HUD’s website.

All of this is significant because, in addition to the potential for privacy violations, knowing what is in the records, or even having access to them, presents a serious potential conflict of interest.

“There are often bids to contract any development projects,” says Erin McElroy, an assistant professor at the University of Washington. “I can imagine having insider information definitely benefiting the private market, or those who will move back into the private market,” she alleges.

HUD has an oversight role in the mobile home space, the area on which TCC Management, which appears to have recently wiped its website, focuses. "It’s been a growing area of HUD’s work and focus over the past few decades," says one source there; this includes setting building standards, inspecting factories, and taking in complaints. This presents another potential conflict of interest.

Braesemann says it’s not just the insider access to information and data that could be a potential problem, but that people coming from the private sector may not understand the point of HUD programs. Something like Section 8 housing, he notes, could be perceived as not working in alignment with market forces—“Because there might be higher real estate value, these people should be displaced and go somewhere else”—even though its purpose is specifically to buffer against the market.

Like other government agencies, HUD is facing mass purges of its workforce. NPR has reported that 84 percent of the staff of the Office of Community Planning and Development, which supports homeless people, faces termination, while the president of a union representing HUD workers has estimated that up to half the workforce could be cut The chapter on housing policy in Project 2025—the right-wing playbook to remake the federal government that the Trump administration appears to be following—outlines plans to massively scale back HUD programs like public housing, housing assistance vouchers, and first-time home buyer assistance.

[spintly-co]

Cloud-Based vs On-Premise Access Control Systems: Pros and Cons

In today’s security - conscious world, access control systems have evolved from basic keycard readers to sophisticated, integrated platforms that secure buildings, track user behavior, and provide data insights in real-time. One of the most critical decisions businesses now face when deploying an access control system is choosing between cloud-based access control and traditional on-premise systems.

Both options offer unique benefits and limitations. Understanding these differences can help businesses make an informed choice that aligns with their operational needs, budget, and future growth plans. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of both models - and why more companies are leaning toward cloud-based access control for a smarter, scalable solution.

What Is On-Premise Access Control?

An on-premise access control system is hosted locally on a server within the business premises. All access data, user credentials, and software updates are managed in-house by the IT or security team. These systems typically rely on local hardware infrastructure and are often preferred by organizations that want complete control over their data and operations.

Pros of On-Premise Access Control

Data Control Businesses retain full ownership of their data and system infrastructure. Sensitive information remains within the organization's physical walls, which is a key concern for industries with strict compliance requirements.

No Internet Dependency On-premise systems can function independently of the internet, which may be a benefit for facilities in remote areas or in scenarios where uptime is critical.

Customization With local hosting, companies can tailor the software and integrations according to very specific or legacy requirements, often making it easier to interface with older infrastructure.

Cons of On-Premise Access Control

High Initial Costs Implementing an on-premise solution requires significant upfront investment in hardware, servers, software licenses, and IT personnel to maintain the system.

Limited Scalability Expanding the system to new locations or users often involves physical installations and manual configuration, making it less agile for fast-growing businesses.

Manual Updates and Maintenance All software patches, firmware updates, and system troubleshooting must be handled in-house, potentially leading to delays in updates and increased system vulnerabilities.

What Is Cloud-Based Access Control?

Cloud-based access control systems use a cloud-hosted server to store and manage all data. Users and administrators access the platform via a secure web interface or mobile app. These systems are designed to be flexible, scalable, and manageable from any location.

Cloud-based access systems like those provided by Spintly have surged in popularity, particularly among modern enterprises and multi-location businesses looking to reduce IT complexity while enhancing user experience.

Pros of Cloud-Based Access Control

Remote Management Admins can manage user permissions, monitor activity, and receive alerts from anywhere in the world. This is ideal for companies with distributed teams or multi-site operations.

Scalability and Flexibility Adding new users, devices, or locations is seamless. Cloud-based systems are designed for fast scaling with minimal physical infrastructure changes.

Cost-Efficiency With a subscription-based model, businesses avoid heavy upfront costs. Maintenance, software updates, and storage are handled by the provider, reducing internal IT burden.

Real-Time Data and Analytics Cloud systems deliver real-time access logs, user behavior analytics, and security alerts—enabling proactive decision-making and incident response.

Integration Ready Cloud platforms are built for integration. They easily connect with other cloud-based applications like HRMS, visitor management, video surveillance, and time tracking systems.

Spintly, for instance, offers a truly wireless, smartphone-based, and cloud-connected access control system that seamlessly blends into smart building ecosystems. It eliminates the need for keycards or biometric scanners tied to fixed locations - turning your phone into a secure digital credential.

Cons of Cloud-Based Access Control

Internet Dependency Since these systems rely on the internet, outages can potentially disrupt access. However, most providers, including Spintly, build in offline modes or local caching to prevent downtime.

Perceived Security Risks Although cloud systems follow strict encryption and compliance protocols, some organizations worry about hosting sensitive access data offsite. However, with robust end-to-end encryption and cloud security best practices, these risks are often overstated.

Recurring Costs While initial costs are lower, cloud systems operate on a subscription model. Over time, the total cost of ownership can be higher depending on system scale and features.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Business

The decision between cloud-based and on-premise access control ultimately depends on your organization’s specific needs.

Choose On-Premise If:

You require complete local control over data due to compliance.

Your IT team is equipped to manage and maintain complex systems.

You operate in a location with limited or unreliable internet access.

Choose Cloud-Based If:

You need flexibility, scalability, and remote access.

You operate across multiple locations or support hybrid workforces.

You want a cost-effective solution with minimal IT overhead.

You're planning to integrate access control with other cloud systems.

Industry Trends: The Shift to the Cloud

Across industries - from tech startups to co-working spaces, schools, and manufacturing plants - the shift toward cloud-based access control is gaining momentum. The pandemic accelerated this trend, with businesses prioritizing remote access, touchless entry, and smart building integrations. Cloud systems enable this level of agility and control without requiring extensive infrastructure or support.

Companies like Spintly are at the forefront of this transformation. Their cloud-based platform not only simplifies access control through smartphone credentials and mobile management but also integrates with other smart building technologies to deliver a unified security and operations solution. With a focus on zero-hardware dependency, Spintly allows organizations to modernize faster and with fewer constraints.

Conclusion

When it comes to securing your space and managing who gets in (and when), the system you choose matters. On-premise access control systems offer familiarity and direct control, but their rigidity and cost can be limiting. Cloud-based access control, on the other hand, offers unmatched flexibility, real-time insights, and easy scalability—especially vital in a world where agility is key.

As digital transformation reshapes building security, forward-thinking businesses are adopting cloud solutions not just for convenience but for future readiness. If you’re looking to make the switch or upgrade your access control infrastructure, Spintly provides a modern, mobile-first, and scalable option that’s trusted by enterprises across sectors.

Secure, smart, and seamless - cloud is the future of access control

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

"No one's getting vaccinated, but let's not even mention masks or air filters :) Low vax rates = ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ "

Not a bad article, it's just the lack of anything besides hoping millions of people will rush out for a vaccine right now that's driving me insane: If people don't want to vax 1. give them alternatives 2. remove barriers such as cost so they might change their minds easier 3. clean the air 4. inform people about the risk instead of changing the community levels again (looking at you, CDC).

By Brandelyn Clark

As COVID-19 is expected to surge this winter, communities across the Southwest face rising hospitalizations and new, resilient variants. Infection rates can be even more severe for marginalized populations in these states.

Limited health-care access and historically low vaccination rates amplify the burden on these communities and underscore long-standing health disparities. Following a summer surge, this new wave serves as a stark reminder of how these inequities continue to put vulnerable groups at greater risk.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is deploying mobile vaccine clinics to bring updated Moderna and Pfizer shots directly to high-risk areas.

Meanwhile, the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHC) continues to lead efforts on the ground through its network of “promotores” for Latino and Indigenous individuals. These community health workers help increase vaccination rates and provide essential health education.

Mar Velez, LCHS director of policy, spoke about the high stakes for families in these vulnerable areas.

“At the height of the pandemic, a lot of Latino and Indigenous workers were still going into work, still having to go in person. … Many of us are the sole provider of our families, and so we need to show up to work. It’s very much a similar situation now where folks are going into work, facing person-to-person interactions, and those infections are impacting us disproportionately,” Velez said. “We’re the ones that are out there on the front lines. The likelihood of us becoming infected is that much greater. We don’t have the luxury of staying at home.”

Several factors are expected to drive a winter surge in the Southwest, including the circulation of new variants like KP.2 and KP.3. Though more contagious, they are not particularly severe.

The week of August 10, the percentage of U.S. individuals testing positive for the virus reached its highest point since January 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cases, emergency department visits and hospitalizations for COVID-19 are currently declining nationally, with a positivity rate of 3.8% in California, Arizona and Nevada on November 9.

The CDC’s epidemic trend modeling suggests that COVID-19 cases are likely increasing in California and Arizona. These trends are based on data from emergency department visits and provide insights into whether infections are growing or declining at the state level.

Though death rates are down, experts say the statistics are still alarming and that in marginalized communities, the illness never really left.

“Latino and Indigenous communities are still feeling the impacts and the consequences of the pandemic. … Those infections and hospitalizations that are happening now are impacting communities of color, Latino … and Indigenous communities disproportionately,” Velez said.

Health disparities in marginalized communities are rooted in systemic factors such as discrimination and unequal access to social resources such as housing, education and employment. These inequalities lead to higher rates of chronic diseases and limited health-care access, while cultural, language and trust barriers worsen the challenges.

To address these disparities, the county public health department’s Mobile Vaccine Team organizes pop-up clinics in areas of “high need, prioritizing seniors, people experiencing homelessness, and those without health insurance,” according to a media representative from the county.

Between October and December last year, the team facilitated 3,643 events and administered over 31,000 vaccine doses at no cost. This year, 338 free mobile vaccine events are scheduled, along with in-home appointments for residents who are unable to visit vaccination sites.

Additionally, the county offered back-to-school clinics in underserved areas to provide updated COVID-19 and flu shots.

Arcenio López is the executive director of the Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP). The organization provides essential services and works closely with marginalized communities, including migrant populations.

He highlighted the longstanding funding disparities community-based organizations face. These groups, which have long advocated for financial support for programs that serve marginalized communities, often see funding only in response to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For years, we’ve been saying there’s these organizations who need financial support to develop programs, to do these initiatives, to do outreach and education. Those CBOs (community-based organizations), nonprofit organizations and groups that are doing the work are always the last to receive funding,” López said. “When we (ask for) government grants, they say there is no money. But, interestingly, when COVID happened, everyone was trying to send money to organizations.”

Marginalized communities often struggle with distrust toward outsiders, particularly in health-care settings. This mistrust, heightened during the pandemic, created challenges for health initiatives. Many hesitated to engage with health services due to a history of exploitation and communication barriers.

López’s and Velez’s organizations address this by relying on trusted community members who share the same language and experiences as the people they serve.

These peer-to-peer models have proven effective in overcoming resistance and improving receptivity to health initiatives, particularly vaccinations, by cultivating trust in a way outsiders cannot.

A study by LA-based nonprofit Cedars-Sinai found that COVID-19 vaccinations significantly reduced disparities in disease incidence between low- and high-income communities in Los Angeles. Although lower-income communities initially had lower vaccination rates, the impact of vaccination was more significant and helped reduce income-related disparities.

“Everything we do at LCHC is informed by and requires community participation. … Without the participation of our communities, then it’s not as effective,” Velez said. “Policy work is never perfect, but it’s even less perfect if we don’t have impacted voices at the table. We cannot design policy solutions without the participation of our community because we often … get it wrong (or) we’re not able to address the issues that are most important to our communities. It is at the heart of what we do.”

[ancientforgcd]

"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities."

-Levi

General Info:

Name: Levi Title: Yonkou, Unflooded Throne Age: ???'??? Birthday: December 4th Race: Dracontine Gender: Female Occupation: Yonkou / Emperor Allegation: The Undertide (Founder & Leader.) Handedness: Ambidextrous Height: 170 cm (Base) 340 cm (Hybrid), 1'250 meters (Full Zoan) Eye Color: Azure Hair Color: Blonde Misc: Has a blue halo.

Personality:

Levi was calm in a way that unsettled people. She rarely raised her voice and never spoke without thinking. Her tone stayed even, her pace slow. It gave the impression that she had already thought through every possible outcome before speaking.

She did not tolerate disorder. If someone under her command failed, they were given one chance to adjust. If they failed again, she removed them without drama. She did not humiliate people. She simply moved on. There was no room for sentiment.

Levi did not believe in blind loyalty. She expected betrayal from time to time and planned around it. In her view, loyalty made out of fear was weak. Loyalty built on mutual understanding and clear stakes lasted longer. She preferred people who understood how the game worked.

She had a dry sense of humor, but it did not surface often. When it did, it came in short, cutting remarks that landed without apology. She did not care about being liked. She cared about being followed when it mattered. Still, she held some respect for those who stood their ground. She noticed when someone did not flinch.

At her core, Levi was a strategist. She did not waste time on displays of power or drawn-out speeches. She acted when she had to and stayed quiet otherwise. She believed force should come like a tide. Not sudden. Not loud. Just inevitable.

Background:

Levi was born in Universe 12, far from the central bloodlines of Dracorex. She came from a minor Dracontine offshoot, one rarely mentioned in records. They lived near the edge of an oceanic system that saw constant storms and shifting territory. Survival depended less on strength and more on adaptation. Levi paid attention to that.

She did not rise through war campaigns or rebellion. She built her reputation quietly. When others fought over land or pride, she focused on resource control - ports, ships, supply routes. It earned her little glory, but it kept her alive. Over time, those who dismissed her started to depend on her.

Eventually, she disappeared. Some believed she died. Others thought she had joined a rival faction. In truth, she had found something. No one knew where or how, but she returned with the Mythical Zoan Fruit, Model: Leviathan. After that, the ocean stopped being her domain. It became her body.

She used it with precision. Whole fleets vanished without warning. Island chains found themselves underwater overnight. She didn’t claim territories the way others did. She made them uninhabitable until the locals begged to join her. Her power didn’t conquer through fear. It did so through erosion. Bit by bit, resistance wore away.

By the time the Universal Government tried to confront her, she had already secured half a quadrant. She accepted the title of Emperor, but she treated it as a formality. She had no desire to compete with the others. Her focus stayed on control. Not headlines. Not chaos. Just control.

Abilities:

Dracontine Physiology

Mythical Zoan – Umi Umi no Mi, Model: Leviathan A Mythical Zoan-class Devil Fruit that allowed Levi to transform into a colossal sea serpent known in Dracontine myth as the Leviathan. She had full mastery over her three forms:

Base Form: Retained humanoid appearance, but could use pressure attacks, hydrokinetic bursts, and regenerative traits.

Hybrid Form: Combined aquatic muscle density, scale armor, fin-based mobility, and Leviathan traits. Balanced for land, sea, and aerial combat.

Full Beast Form: Became a massive Leviathan, gaining full access to destructive pressure-based techniques, vapor breath, and hydrosphere manipulation.

Hydrokinetic Breath Released a highly pressurized burst of water vapor that cut through defenses with sustained force. In Full Beast Form, this technique could level fortified targets from a distance.

Ki Manipulation: Levi had refined control over her Ki, using it primarily to reinforce precision-based attacks, enhance pressure density, and stabilize her breath techniques, as well as to fly. She did not use flashy projections - only what was necessary to dominate the field.

Elemental Modulation:Levi could alter her breath attack to emit mist, scalding vapor, or corrosive brine. Each variant targeted different defenses or mobility types.

Tidal Strength: Her physical strength scaled with internal pressure regulation. Even in Hybrid Form, her tail strikes, grapples, and charges could crush reinforced alloy and rupture energy barriers.

Durability and Regeneration: Her Dracontine-Leviathan physiology granted her extreme resilience. She regenerated internal damage and withstood high-temperature and high-pressure environments.

Battle Continuity: Her stamina remained high across all forms. She adapted to aquatic and dry conditions fluidly, never showing visible fatigue even in prolonged engagements.

Weapon

Tidewound Type: Greatsword Length: 185 cm Weight: Heavy-class (requires Dracontine strength or equivalent) Primary Use: Pressure-channeling, armored combat, submerged execution

Description

Tidewound was forged from Solium, the rarest known alloy in the universe, refined from the blood of Azathoth. The blade had no sheen, no markings, and no magical ornamentation. It was dense, perfectly balanced, and immune to corrosion from salt, pressure, or heat.

Designed for underwater combat and atmospheric shifts, Tidewound used internal micro-channels to redirect pressure and ki mid-swing. This allowed Levi to cut cleanly through reinforced hulls, energy barriers, or living targets with minimal resistance. She used it not as a symbol, but as a tool - an extension of her discipline and intent.

The sword did not hum, burn, or glow. It simply worked. Levi carried it without a sheath, resting it across her back or impaled in the command deck. It was always within reach.

Haki Mastery

Armament Haki Used to reinforce her claws, tail, and high-pressure techniques. In close combat, she often layered it over her strikes to break through defenses or energy coating.

Observation Haki Used passively and with discipline. Levi predicted movements with several seconds of foresight, especially effective underwater where visibility was limited.

Emperor’s Haki Rarely used, but when activated, it created localized suppression zones. Rather than broadcasting power, it shut opponents down through sudden neurological pressure, inducing loss of consciousness or mental collapse.

Trivia:

Levi never refers to her Devil Fruit by name. She considers it an extension of herself, not a separate power. When asked about it, she usually redirects the conversation or ignores the question.

Unlike most Emperors, Levi rarely keeps a traditional flagship. Her domain is fluid, made up of dozens of moving outposts, submersibles, and underwater cities. No single location is more important than the system that links them.

She reads naval reports obsessively. Not for battle updates, but to track water currents, climate shifts, and migratory patterns. She believes control over the environment is more important than direct force.

She drinks but never gets drunk. Crew members say it’s impossible to tell when she’s celebrating or just passing time. She usually sits alone, glass in hand, watching the horizon. Some think it’s a ritual. No one has ever asked twice.

There are rumors she once negotiated with a Void Beast and won. The details were never recorded, but whatever agreement they made, the creature now patrols the borders of her territory without complaint.

[bortalis]

“The Ocean Marcher”

A concept for a mobile iterator and their placing within the world.

(ideas below)

-Purpose

Once it was determined that the first generation of Iterators were unlikely to come upon the solution to the great problem solely on their own, the second Iterator generation was announced. These plans not only consisted of improvements and optimizations of the previous generation, but goals to construct Iterators around their world on a large scale .

Iterator construction is no small feat. With the projects being on mountainous scales, the current logistical systems were stressed and overworked. With the goal of widespread placement of Iterators, accomplishing this without system upgrades would be nigh impossible. Creating a rail system to span the vast oceans was not feasible, nor did the current shipping logistics have the capacity nor specialization necessary for the planned constructions.

This Ship is to take the role of a mass cargo vessel. To construct an iterator requires complex components, and being biomechanical in nature means any transport requires external support for the microorganisms to not die off in masses. Considering the remote placement of future Iterators means the creation of these components cannot be done on site. These ships will not only transport but maintain Iterator parts to keep them in pristine condition for installation.

-Operation

Integrated within the upper decks of the vessel, lies the local Iterator. Unlike others, this model is specialized solely for operation of the ship. Having the Iterator at the top of the vessel reduces its exposure to the elements without reducing carrying capacity.  Much of the bulk of a typical Iterator model has been cut down to make more for cargo and storage. Any cargo is sealed away from the environment and weathering within the hull. Since these vessels have not been tasked with the great problem, there is no need for the extensive processing and computing power to run innumerable simulations. The puppet chamber and minimal peripherals have been kept to maintain course and cargo on the voyage. 

Over the journey the interior is kept at a much lower temperature than other iterators. This is to assist keeping cargo “fresh” and well. Biomachinery’s functions slow down when cooled, reducing the energy and maintenance required for long trips. Keeping the vessel at an optimal temperature is done through extensive heat pumps and exchangers. The ocean provides a near limitless coolant pool, and the Iterator onboard generates far less heat (due to doing less computational operations), making cooling a much simpler task here than on a traditional Iterator.

The majority of loading and unloading is done through either the Bow doors, or the Upper deck’s lifting crane. The Bow doors generally require pre-built infrastructure to fully utilize, but allow for the quickest and most open access to the storage levels. Manufacturing facilities normally have well developed dock access for this purpose, to decrease the loading time for the components. At less developed docks the ship relies on the crane and other peripheral doors/bays to unload.

-Movement

A Mobile iterator would be nigh impossible in any other environment. The only factor that allows for such a construction is the buoyancy taking weight of the can. The large economy of scale result in a surprising amount of efficiency for moving such a large structure

Prominently shown on the side are the main source of propulsion for the vessel. Two on each side, these four limbs hold the important task of getting this monolith of a ship moving and to keep it moving. They have two modes of function, maneuvering and cruise.

When within shallower waters or near destinations, maneuvering procedures are used. The limbs extend to the ocean floor to act as legs. This anchors the vessel and provides a higher degree of control than the water base methods of movement. With a solid connection to the rock below the vessel can avoid hazards and precisely line up for unloading despite the unyielding inertial of the ship. To a limited degree the legs can even lift up the Iterator from the water line to gain closer access to the shore, however it is advised to use this function fugally as it stresses the structure, reactor, and computing to perform such an movement. Subsequent immediate maintenance and inspection is required to keep safety standards.

In the deeper seas using the limbs to via contact is less efficient, leverage is reduced and in some cases the legs will not be able to reach the floor at all. Here the ship switches to cruising procedures. The legs are lifted, without the support from the limbs the water line of the ship raises. Water based manuving sections now submerged will be used as the main propulsion. These sections help reduce the drag the bulk of the hull creates during transit.

The mass and inertia of the vessel act as the primary stability method. It takes much more to shift the mountain of the ship than any other craft. However, as more iterators have been introducing heat and energy into the environment, these high level storms and dangerous ocean conditions have only increased in frequency and volatility. If needed during extremely violent ocean conditions, the limbs can extend as stabilizers to keep the ship level. This was a later addition to the ship’s procedures.

[satsu004]

Games where your choices truly matter

I've loved decision-making games for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I couldn't help but notice that lots of these games lie to you, only giving you the illusion that you have a choice. So here's a list in no specific order of games I've enjoyed, including for each game how much your choices actually matter. #1 Detroit become human

Starting with my personal favorite, dbh is quite transparent with how many choices you can make. It does suffer from some writing problems, but it is easily overshadowed by how much content the game has. The choices you make have actual consequences and the different characters you play as influence the state of the world as much as each others fates. Some might complain that this game lacks gameplay, to which I'll reply that the decision making IS the gameplay. #2 Baldur's gate 3

Takes place in the world of dungeons and dragons, it gives you lots of freedom and makes you almost feel like you're playing an irl dnd game. You can play the game with irl friends and/or the companion npc's you can recruit throughout the game. These npc's each have a story of their own with their own choices to make and most of them are also romancable. I recommend this one for those that enjoy roleplay and want to go on a memorable adventure. It also has a turn-based combat system which is very well done and lots fun.

#3 The Stanley Parable

This is one of those games with a short game loop and lots of endings. It's pure comedy and doesn't take itself seriously at all. It's lot's of fun to try out every single choice, not for the endings themselves, but for the narrator's reactions during it. I recommend this one for the gremlins that enjoy chaos. #4 Until dawn

This one is great if you enjoy horror. The story itself is pretty linear and can't be influened much. Your choices matter not to the plot itself, but to the survival of the different characters. You will control different members of a friend group and the goal is to make them all survive through the night, each choice matters. The game will also adapt itself to the player as to make it scarier to you specifically.

#5 Mystic Messenger

This game is in my top 3 fav romance games. It's a free mobile game with a virtual currency that can realistically be farmed through different means, so it's very accessible and doesn't make you feel forced to use real money. You communicate with the different characters through a chatting app in 'real time', which makes it feel much more personal than other otome games. The dialogue options you choose will first define which romance route you've unlocked, and then will define which of the different possible endings you will get. #6 RPG Maker horror games

Mad father, the witch's house, Ib, Pocket mirror, Corpse Party,... I can go on like this for a while. There was a period during which games like these were quite popular, and lots of them are still great. Most of the choices in these games were pretty straightforward, choose wrong and you die, but they also had more subtle choices. Actions that may at first seem unimportant, actually influenced which ending you will get. Special mention to Little Goody Two Shoes which is heavily inspired from these and also happens in the same world as pocket mirror. #7 Slay the princess

Another one of these short loop kind of games, but this one has a much different tone and a bigger overarching story. It's a horror visual novel with an interesting story. It's mostly dialogue options but each one you choose has it's importance as it influences the personality of the protagonist and his perception of the world. I can't say much more without spoiling but it's definitely worth checking out.

#8 Papers, Please

It's pretty chill and straightforward. You're an immigration inspector hard at work to provide for your family. You will be faced with complex situations questioning your morals. Your choices will influence the state and safety of both your family and the country you live in. #9 Please, don't touch anything

This one is very silly but I felt it was worth mentioning. You're sitting in front of a table with hidden puzzles, each leads to a different ending. Some of them are pretty funny, that's it, that's the game.

#10 7 days to end with you

It's a bit of an acquired taste as it can be quite difficult. In this game you will have to figure out a fictional language with little to no handholding. Your ability to get the different endings will be dependent on your ability to figure out the language and communicate with this kind woman who houses you .