#Performance Support Training in E-learning

[martiniluvr]

18+ minors dni

1,000 follower celebration!! I love u all wow. thank you for all your support, truly. be warned, this is long. enjoy 💫

warnings: nsfw alphabet for dick grayson and jason todd, so there’s a variety of things under the cut. please proceed with caution 🩷

★・・・★・・・★・・・★

A | Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

jason is very different after sex. it’s a major act of trust for him, so when it’s done, all he really wants is to be close to you. in other words: he’s a big cuddler. he’ll mumble some things into your skin as you run your fingers through his hair, and after, you usually end up ordering enough food to feed a small family, because that man can eat.

dick is a loverboy at heart. once the dust has settled and you’re both down from your highs, he’s doting on you—bringing you water, a snack, cleaning you up with a damp cloth—with doe eyes and a big old grin. always invites you to have a shower with him afterwards, and you always say yes, because his shoulder rubs are divine.

B | Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

unsurprisingly, jason has some…issues with his body from all the shit it’s been through. that being said, I think he intentionally trains his back and shoulders the most. it’s what makes him look as huge as he does. as for his favourite thing about you, jason todd is an ass man, argue with the wall. he likes something he can grab. hard.

dick grayson knows his ass is fat. he’s not shy about it. but his favourite body part is actually his arms, and how muscular they’ve become over the years. as for you, he loves your hips. they trigger something primal in him; the second you put on a fitted dress, he’s thinking about giving you his children.

C | Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

jason gets nasty. he’ll cum anywhere on your body just for the obscene sight, but he especially loves to cum in your mouth when he’s feeling that extra bit dominant. he doesn’t care if you spit or swallow, it turns him on either way—but, god, he’s proud when you open your mouth to show him it’s all gone.

let’s cut to the chase. dick wants to cum inside you over and over again. he hardly even contemplates doing it anywhere else; that man wants to fill you up and watch you drip. maybe it’s his out-of-control breeding kink, maybe it’s how intimate it feels—whatever the case may be, rest assured dick grayson loves a creampie.

D | Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

voyeurism. jason likes to watch. it happened accidentally once when he walked in on you practicing some self-care, and he’s thought about it ever since. he enjoys the performance aspect of it; it’s a power play, watching you get yourself off, knowing he’s right there but refusing to help you.

this ties in with Q, but dick borders on exhibitionism sometimes. fucking you in his car, in the bathroom at a charity event, or in a changing room—anywhere you might get caught, really—god, it gets him going. it’s the daredevil in him, constantly yearning to test the limits of what he can do.

E | Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

I think jason had very limited to no experience before his death, and most of what knows today he learned by being with you. ever the fast learner, though, he sure as shit knows what he’s doing now. I think he’s very in-tune with your body and his needs, and it shows in the way he fucks you.

we have to face facts here. dick definitely got around before committing to a serious relationship. despite that, I think he knows what he’s doing thanks to his impeccable observational skills; sometimes you think he knows your body better than you do (but don’t tell him that; it goes straight to his head).

F | Favorite position (this goes without saying)

jason is a sucker for good old-fashioned doggy style, of course, but fuck, does he adore the prone bone position. trapping you under his body, hitting you deep with each thrust, and he gets to watch your ass jiggle at every movement? it borders on religious ecstasy for him.

dick goes feral—feral—for the mating press position. it’s erotic, carnal, and raw, and that’s exactly what he wants when he’s fucking you. he’s also partial to cowgirl, especially when he can tell you want to take control. the view it offers him is enough to have him whining underneath you for more.

G | Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

jason is more on the serious side; sex with him, intense as it may be, is still a big act of vulnerability on his part, so he doesn’t treat it lightly. he will, however, crack a warm smile on those occasions when you make love in the small hours of the morning, when he thinks you can’t see his face clearly.

dick is a tease, and sex with him is fun. he likes to flirt with you while he bends you into compromising positions, and he gets very cocky when you cum. he can’t help but make little quips after the fact, either; “something wrong with your leg, baby?” as your limbs twitch and tremble from your orgasm. jerk.

H | Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

in keeping with his rugged exterior, jason is only doing what he needs to in order to keep things manageable and convenient. he is not dedicating hours to manscaping. much to your elation, that means he keeps his happy trail intact.

dick is a little more meticulous in his grooming, being the “pretty boy” that he is. he prefers keeping himself neatly trimmed, partly to ensure more comfort in his nightwing suit—he’s learned the hard way that the pornstar look is a one-way ticket to chafing when you’re jumping off of buildings.

I | Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

jason really restrains himself from being outwardly intimate. he finds it hard to be that vulnerable, and while he loves the passion between you when you fuck, he’s only really able to tap into the romantic aspect if he’s wholly at ease. that’s not to say it never happens! it definitely does, just give him time.

he may be cocky and unserious when he’s fucking you, but sex with dick is always very openly intimate. he sees the beauty and romance in what you do together, and it’s truly special to him that he gets to witness you like this. sex is absolutely one of the ways he expresses his love and admiration for you.

J | Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

jason only really masturbates when he’s away from you on a mission, and needs to take the edge off. it’s less interesting without you, so he wants it done quick. he imagines you touching yourself as he does it—legs wide and eyes hazy—and that gets him to his peak extremely efficiently.

dick likes to edge himself. I said what I said. he’s thinking about how he’d much rather save his load for your pretty cunt, so he’s bucking his hips and screwing his eyes shut as he forces himself to stop right before his climax, reminding himself how good it’ll feel when he gets to fill you up.

K | Kink (one or more of their kinks)

overstimulation is jason’s go-to; he gets off on dragging orgasm after orgasm out of you until you’re hardly able to speak. he also loves forced eye contact, especially when you can barely keep your eyes open. oh, and he has a massive size kink. when you’re as huge as he is, everyone is small by comparison, and he likes how big you make him feel.

say it with me. dick grayson has a breeding kink. the visual aspect of cumming inside you is enough to drive him crazy, but the thought of getting you pregnant…now that makes him rabid. face-sitting is another big one; any variation of pussy-eating drives him wild, but having you sit on his face is his favourite way to do it.

L | Location (favorite places to do the do)

if you’re at home, anywhere is fair game to jason. he’s fucking you in the kitchen, in the bedroom, on the sofa, against the wall, in the office—anywhere. outside of home, he’s more restrictive, but he has thought about fucking you in the batmobile on the many occasions he’s stolen it.

the bedroom is definitely dick’s favourite place to fuck you; aside from making things feel more romantic, he wants you to be comfortable as he’s bending you into crazy positions. he also loves a shower quickie and car sex, impractical though they may be. don’t worry, he’s an acrobat. it’ll work.

M | Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

is it crazy to say that jason gets turned on when you argue? because he does. a moderate disagreement where you’re getting huffy with him is a surefire way to get bent over the sofa. oh, and if he feels even a little jealousy creeping over him, you’re in for a ride. also, if you nestle into him during the night, you’ll be contending with his hard cock pressed against your lower back until one of you caves.

dick is whipped. whatever you’re doing can get him going. cooking, reading, wearing his clothes—he loves everything you do. but, he’s particularly turned on whenever you dress up for a special occasion. it can be a little inconvenient when you’re running late for an event and he’s groping you over your gown in the limo, but how can you refuse those blue eyes?

N | No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

jason would be very resistant to anything that puts him in a submissive role (this goes for ak!jason too). this includes both sex acts and the use of props/toys that take control away from him; he’s just not into it. he’d also refuse any kind of roleplay, saying it’s unnecessary. he’s a pragmatic guy.

I think dick would really dislike the idea of hurting you. he’s not opposed to spanking, and he’ll even engage in some light breath play (ahem, headlock, anyone?), but he would never take it any further than that. if he bruised you through anything other than hickies, he’d be sick with guilt.

O | Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

it should come as no surprise that jason loves receiving head. there are few sights as enticing as watching you take his cock in your mouth while he instructs you to keep your eyes on him. he’s also very skilled in returning the favour, and his preference is eating you from the back so he can see your pretty ass move each time you squirm.

you know my stance on this. dick is a munch. he’s eating pussy like it’s his last meal before the end of the world, and he’s doing it for him. needless to say, he’s fucking good at it. receiving head is quite literally the last thing on his mind. that being said, when he does remember to let you reciprocate, all he can think about is how pretty you look while doing it.

P | Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

jason can get pretty rough, and he likes to fuck you hard, but he knows how much you can take. sex for him is partially an emotional release. but, he’s good at alternating between destroying you one day and being gentle the next; despite his tough facade, jay enjoys soft, passionate sex as much—if not more—than you do.

dick is kind of a hedonist; once he starts feeling pleasure, he doesn’t want it to end—especially when you start feeling it too. he’s happy to give you fast and rough if it’s what you want, but his preference is sloppy, erotic fucking. the messier you get, the better. although, if he’s got you in a mating press, the roughness seeps back in quickly.

Q | Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

while he’ll never say no to a quickie, jason prefers to take his time with you. once he starts, he finds it hard to stop, and he loves to see how much you can take from him before you’re spent. quickies are sporadic with him; he prefers to enjoy your body at his pace.

if he gets the chance to fuck you—hell, even just tease you—dick is going to take it. he loves the thrill and the sense of urgency that comes with quickies. whether it’s a hookup in his car or an impromptu blowjob when he’s supposed to be on patrol, his eyes are lighting up like it’s christmas.

R | Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

jason is not a risk-taker. he needs time to warm to any kind of experimentation, but he’s more likely to try things on you than on himself, like using light restraints on you or dabbling in sensory play. as long as he feels he has some control.

dick is a different story. he’s willing to try most things at least once, and he’s able to laugh it off if something goes south. he’s not opposed to switching (ha) things up and giving you the lead, either; he likes a woman in charge.

S | Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

maybe it’s his extensive training, maybe it’s just who he is; whatever the case may be, jason can go for a long time. but, it’s usually just one round that he draws out so he can really work you to your limit.

dick can handle multiple rounds if you give him time. his recovery consists of burying his face between your legs until he’s ready to go again, which doesn’t take very long once you start convulsing against his tongue.

T | Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

jason wouldn’t even think to use sex toys unless you brought it up, but he’d be open to using them on you if you asked. he’s quick to see the potential in your little pink vibrator when he holds it against your clit while he fucks you, noticing how much easier it is to overstimulate you this way.

ever the experimentalist, dick isn’t opposed to trying out toys in the bedroom. in fact, he’s the one who would show up with fuzzy blue handcuffs (“I got them in my colour!”) to restrain your hands behind your back, so he can devour your cunt without interference from you.

U | Unfair (how much they like to tease)

he’d like to tease you more, but jason doesn’t really have the restraint for it. as soon as you’re splayed out in front of him, he wants to take you. when he does tease, though, he likes to touch you everywhere but where you need him most, until you’re begging for him to make you feel good. then, he likes to make you regret it—over and over again.

dick is the world’s biggest tease, and you can look that up. he’s got you grinding on his lap, making out with you until you’re panting, only to say he needs to do some work as he stands up with a smirk. and when he finally gets you naked, he makes you tell him what you need while his fingers hover over your aching pussy, never reaching you.

V | Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

jason isn’t very loud at all, but the sounds he does make range from grunts and groans to the occasional low moan if you tug at the hair on the nape of his neck. he’s a big dirty talker, and he likes to get up in your ear to do it, so he knows you’re listening. he notices the way you shiver at his gravelly voice, and it drives him crazy.

dick is far less concerned about being quiet. he’s moaning, swearing, telling you how pretty you are, even occasionally whining, and he’s not worried about what your neighbours think—in fact, he’s making sure you’re just as vocal as he is, insisting you tell him how you feel. he’s also expressive when he cums, especially when he does it inside you.

W | Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

I know this is controversial, but jason would never agree to a threesome. this man is possessive. the mere thought of seeing someone else touch you in front of him is enough to make him see red, so no—he’d end up committing murder (not that it’s a far leap for him on a good day).

dick has a thing for watching you work out, especially when you’re doing yoga in the living room in those skin-tight pants. watching the way your limbs elongate and contract as you bend and stretch does things to him, but he never interrupts; the images stay in his mind for those long missions.

X | X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

jason is a behemoth of a man all over. and I do mean all over. he’s packing. an easy 8 inches (slightly more), thick, with a slight upwards curve and a prominent vein from the base to the tip—which is a mauvy pink, by the way. you’re still shocked you’re able to take him, and he was too the first time.

‘prettiest man alive also has a pretty cock’ would be dick’s headline. just over 6 inches, with enough girth to make you feel full, and a rosy pink tip that matches his lips…you could honestly just stare at it if he’d let you (and he probably would). he fits you like a glove every single time.

Y | Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

jason’s sex drive is pretty consistent; it’s always simmering a little ways below the surface. he’s able to compartmentalise it when he has to, but sex doubles as a form of stress-relief for him, so it happens…often.

dick has an incredibly high sex drive. like jason, he can reel it in when needed, but if it were up to him, you’d fuck every single day, twice even. I also truly believe that he’s regularly plagued by morning wood.

Z | Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

he’s going to make sure you’re comfortable and taken care of, but the truth is jason could probably pass out in your arms about 10 minutes after you’re done. take it as a sign of how safe he feels with you as he’s snoring softly into your neck.

he’s definitely tired after sex, but dick is waiting until he notices you dozing off before he closes his eyes. once he’s out, though, good luck waking him up again without an air horn. he’s going to need his full eight hours to recharge.

[usafphantom2]

#TomcatTails

#TomcatTuesday

That Time I Bagged an F-16

I’ve written quite a bit about the challenges when flying the F-14A Tomcat against the F-16 Viper. It’s a very formidable Fighter, highly maneuverable, light weight, nearly 1 to 1 thrust ratio, fast roll rate, 9+ G capable, etc., etc. In contrast, the F-14A is much larger, heavier, .75 to 1 thrust ratio at best, slower roll rage, 7 G capable, etc., etc. It’s similar to two boxers, one with longer reach, more muscles, and better footwork; you know how it’s normally going to end. You’ve also heard me quote the Red Baron about the importance of “the man in the box”, vice the box itself. That will always be true but in reality, some boxes are REALLY good and can make even a mediocre pilot fairly formidable. At any rate, enough excuse making.

As one gets better in the air-to-air arena over time, you learn your own personal limitations but also discover a few of your own techniques that seem to work for you. The more time you spend on it, your BFM (Basic Fighter Maneuvers) get better and better and your skills improve, just like any endeavor (mental or physical or both). Wikipedia, for what it’s worth, has a pretty good section describing BFM in great detail and defines them as:

“The tactical movements performed by fighter aircraft during air combat maneuvering (ACM, also called dogfighting), to gain a positional advantage over the opponent. BFM combines the fundamentals of aerodynamic flight and the geometry of pursuit, with the physics of managing the aircraft's energy-to-mass ratio, called its specific energy.”

OK, pretty good start. The advanced stuff comes with practice and experience and instruction by the highly qualified bogey drivers at the Aggressor squadrons and for the purposes of this #TomcatTail we’re talking about the VF-126 Bandits at Miramar, CA.

When you’re between cruises and deployments, Fighter Squadrons have time for Unit Level Training (ULT) that doesn’t require the rest of the air wing to support. This is great since the squadrons are pretty scattered (Tomcats/E-2s at Miramar, S-3s at North Island, Hornets in Lemoore, A-6/EA-6 at Whidbey Island). This is also the time you take on some new Nuggets and focus on the basic A/A and A/G skills. One way we did this as a community was an annual flight line wide contest known as “Fighter Derby”. While the specific rules escape me (it WAS 30 years ago, please), it’s essentially hosted/run by the Bandits and all squadrons field 3 or 4 sections to compete against the rest of the squadrons on the base.

As you may imagine, something like this got HIGHLY competitive. As such, so was Bombing Derby that measured your A/G skills with precise times on target, etc. There were a number of other flight line contests and awards to be won at Miramar that all factored into the annual competition to win either the coveted “Battle E” for excellence or the even MORE coveted “Mutha” trophy for the most shit hot, coolest squadron on the flight line. The Mutha story would take a book, so I’ll leave it to another time, but that was THE trophy to win.

Our squadron, the VF-24 Renegades, began to prepare for the contest by focusing strictly on ACM for a couple weeks. We assigned crews to their specific sections (two planes are a section, four planes are a division). Just my luck, I got paired up with our only former Bogey Driver from VF-126, “Space”. Space was one of those rare salty dudes that just seemed older than he should be and spent a long time as a Lieutenant, eventually got selected for Lieutenant Commander, but likely wasn’t going much beyond that. That’s not a dig by any means, he just managed to stay in the cockpit his entire career and didn’t get those “checks in the block” that put one on track for higher ranks.

He was a WIZARD with the Tomcat because, as you’ve heard me say often, them damn Bogey Drivers were just SO good at ACM in any platform they flew. He had F-16N Viper time, A-4M Skyhawk time, and F-5E Tiger II time. He could transform the often lumbering F-14A Tomcat into quite the nimble minx (mostly) and would routinely beat up anyone in the squadron. He knew when to control energy to keep the fight going, when to transition into a vertical looping fight or a slow flat-scissors fight, and when to sell the farm (knots) and take a lethal shot. All in all, that’s a GREAT guy to go into Fighter Derby with!!

The day comes for VF-24 to throw their sections at the Bandits and it’s (naturally) beautiful weather. As I recall the scenario, we’d meet in the Restricted Area 2301 West to the west of MCAS Yuma. That’s a huge training range with a TACTS range inside of it (tracked your aircraft) as well as a great target complex called “Cactus West”. A little Fighter lore; years ago the VF-2 Bounty Hunters (callsign “Bullet”) lost a jet out there due to a departure and flat spin. It impacted in a mountain pass in the Barry Goldwater Range and to this day, the site is called “Bullet Pass.” (aircraftarchaeology.com/f14goldwater.h…)

Space and I launch out of Miramar, as ready as we’ll ever be (me at least). After our transit to R-2301 we check in with Range Control and check in with the Bogeys. They were already on-site as they’re doing one engagement per section (you get one run) so they can cycle through 2 or 3 sections pretty easily before they have to RTB to Miramar. Today, a Viper and a Dog (A-4) are on the menu. Or is it going to be Tom Kitty for lunch? We’ll see.

The basics here are that you start with a 30-mile set to give both sections time to acclimate and maneuver as needed to provide the most advantageous merge. The overall score is determined by time-to-kill and if you lose anyone. Key to note is that this is a training evolution. The Bogeys are going to give you a HARD problem, but not an IMPOSSIBLE problem. They will fight you hard but they will not just spank the shit out of you. You’re being judged on how you engage, how you react to perceived bogey mistakes, if you make any mistakes, etc. Again, I will be a hard fight but you can both survive. The question is can you kill them faster than everyone else?

So the set up is ready and we call “Fights On”. Space is on the left (lead) and I’m on the right in 1 mile combat spread, stepped down about a thousand feet (don’t be co-altitude, too easy on the bogies). As we march in, we get radar on the Bogies. At this point we can see two, about a mile apart but don’t know which one is which, Viper or Dog. What you DON’T want to do here is let them “bracket” your section (where both pass outboard me and Space….kiss of death) and you don’t want to meet off center so either Space or I go down their middle; also not good. Best scenario is you bracket THEM, and Space on the left turns right to attack my guy with angles and me on the right, turn left to engage HIS guy with angles. Classic “switch”. Break the hands/pens out, take a minute and think that through…..I’ll wait.

Once you’re within 10 or 15 seconds of a merge, you’re not allowed to try and cross over someone’s nose to change the pass from left-to-left to right-to-right because you could screw it up and collide nose on. Not good (but frankly not painful as you’d never know it happened). As luck would have it, we face the Kobayashi Maru; we’re getting bracketed and can’t maneuver to change it. Wonderful. And I get the Viper……down my right side. Nuts.

As I’m merging with the Viper I take a peak at the Dog passing down Space’s left…..oooh, he’s going nose high right. Towards me but nose up. I have several options, mostly bad, but one that I think might work. Space follows him nose up near vertical to get separation, the Viper turns across my tail and starts pulling for Space, and I elect to roll right and pull OUT of the fight and away from the Dog. Strange, but it works out. You’ll see.

So I’m pulling for my life to get back in the fight, the Dog is struggling to catch up since I got such separation, and the Viper is chasing Space up hill and left. After a 180° I then pitch it pure nose low (straight down) and roll my lift vector to where I THINK Space and the Viper are going to be in about 20 seconds and pull….HARD. The lift vector is an imaginary plane coming out the top of my jet and it’s where you’re pulling to in space. Did I say I was pulling HARD?

After a few seconds, the gray-out starts to impact my vision. When you’re pulling that many G's and you’re body is fighting 7 times the force of gravity in sometimes awkward positions in the cockpit, it’s not hard to let the G get in front of you. You’re doing your “HOOK” maneuver, straining your stomach to keep blood in your head and your G-suit is full inflated, but sometimes it’s not enough. If you’re sitting there looking straight ahead, imagine your peripheral vision going gray at the far left and right and then slowly getting more gray toward the middle, and eventually it takes a circle shape where 80 or 90% of your view is now gray. That’s gray out. The harder you pull the smaller that circle gets. If you ease off, the circle gets bigger. You’re conscious, you talking to your RIO (in this case “Watts”) and you’re flying your jet, you just can’t see all that good.

The timing wasn’t quite right to ease the pull yet; that’s the instinctual part of ACM. You just KNOW how fast you’re turn rating across the sky and you just KNOW when you’ll be nose on the bogie based on where he was and what he’s was doing 30 seconds ago. You just KNOW. I can’t really explain it past that.

I keep the pull on and I’m mostly grayed out for a few more seconds. And then it’s time. Relax the pull and Voila!, I’m in a nose up position looking at beautiful blue sky. And wonder of wonders there’s a Viper in my windscreen and his left rear quarter is showing me some leg. He’s closing in on a shot on Space but my Sidewinder seeker head is already staring to growl. Quick finger fire to get the ‘Winder to lock and “Fox 2 the Viper in a left turn…….kill Viper.”

The Dog is still a bit behind me and not nose on and Space keeps his hard turn in and gets nose on the Dog pretty quick. I come hard left now to get the Dog to chase and he does. A few seconds later Space bags the Dog with a ‘Winder at about a mile. “Knock it off” and head home for a quick debrief and probably beers at the O’Club. That tended to be the default at Miramar.

We didn’t win Fighter Derby that year but our flight did reinforce a few key lessons:

1. I’d rather be lucky than good.

2. Even a blind squirrel finds a Viper once in a while.

@RSE_VB via X

[clocktowerechos]

(Art by beauviolette, not mine nor commissioned, all credit to them)

[Pictured above: Ranger Cpl. Isenryna, Specialist Markswomen of the 717th Cadian-Ulthwe Combined Infantry Division]

Cadian-Ulthwe Regiments

Over the many thousands of years, the Alliance has stood, the Imperium and the Eldar have fought together across countless worlds. While an Imperial Guard regiment can typically rely on integrated Aspect Warriors, Guardian support, or other xenos allies, few are as interconnected as the Cadian-Ulthwe regiments.

Cadians are said to be able to field strip a lasgun by age 5, learn basic Eldar at age 8, perform artillery drills by age 12, and swear in Eldar at age 15. They have fought alongside Ulthwe for generations, Kasrkin training alongside Aspect Warriors and experienced Guardians giving lessons to new White Shields. Whenever the forces of Chaos seep from the Eye of Terror, it is Ulthwe and Cadia who are the first line of defense. The Craftworld itself houses the second largest force of stationed Imperial defenders on a Craftworld, behind only the highly militarized and extremely aggressive Biel-Tan.

The Eldar of Ulthwe are known to favor the use of Imperial patterns of equipment with many wearing adapted flak armor or using lasguns. Those who do prefer the harsh utilitarianism of Imperial wargear, whose destruction is calculated in its production value, as opposed to the graceful technology of the Eldar. It is easier to replace a laspistol than a shuriken catapult after all.

Ulthwe farseers are sometimes attached as liaisons and advisors for field commanders, allowing some level of prediction to aid the army's advance. In rare cases, they may even take up the mantle of command in a more direct route, such as in the case of Colonel-Farseer Taldeer of the Cadian 412th, her service record often compared to that of Colonel-Commissar Ibrahim Gaunt.

It is perhaps because of this close working relationship that actual relationships between Cadians and Ulthwe are common. The long lives of Eldar mean that many Cadians families are familiar with an Eldar " great uncle/aunt" who personally knew their great grandparents. Likewise, some Eldar have become adopted "god-guardians" of Cadian families or are named as such upon the birth of a child. It is said that the legendary Lord Castellan Ursarkar E. Creed was first found by a passing Ulthwe Farseer who took notice of his sharp mind, even as a starving orphan. He then tutored him personally in his adult years for command, honing Creed's tactical brilliance into something truly incredible.

Cadia and Ulthwe also see the largest number of Human-Eldar relationships and marriages anywhere in the Imperium. While no children have been born of such a union, it is certainly not due to a lack of trying.

"Ulthwe may have never escaped the grasp of Hell, but Cadia makes sure it never gets pulled in. Cadia may have to face the Great Enemy first, but Ulthwe makes sure we never have to face them alone." ~ Lord Castellan Ursarkar E. Creed

[thekinkyqueerarchive]

What is Risk Aware Consenual Kink (RACK)? a brief summary

( I couldn't find a post so um ... heres me trying to explain it - please feel free to add on)

Risk-Aware Consensual Kink (RACK) is a framework used within the Kink community to ensure that activities are carried out in a safe, consensual, and informed manner. Many (if not all) kinks have some level of risk attatched to them by nature.

Participants need to be fully aware of the risks involved in the activities they are engaging in. This means that they have a thorough understanding of the potential physical, emotional, and psychological consequences.

AND freely give their informed consent to the activities. Consent must be explicit, enthusiastic, and can be withdrawn at any time.

well then - How do you be Risk Aware? A) Education and Research:

Understand the Activities: Learn about the specific kinks or activities you are interested in. This includes understanding the physical, emotional, and psychological risks involved.

Resources: Use books, articles, workshops, and online forums to gather information. Reputable sources include BDSM community websites, educational materials from experienced practitioners, and classes or workshops offered by knowledgeable instructors. B) Communication:

Discuss with Your Partner(s): Have open and honest conversations with your partner(s) about the activities you want to engage in. Discuss boundaries, limits, and expectations.

Establish Safewords: Agree on a safewords or signals (in the case that a verbal safeword cannot be used) to pause or stop the activity if anyone feels uncomfortable or unsafe. heres a helpful execrpt from The New Topping Book (2003) by Dossie Easton & Janet W. Hardy on what to do in the event of a safeword

C) Preparation and Planning:

Set Boundaries: Clearly define and respect each other’s limits and boundaries. Know what is off-limits and what is acceptable.

Have a Plan: Create a plan for the activities, including steps to take in case of an emergency. This might include having first aid supplies on hand or knowing the location of the nearest hospital. heres a post by @/houndmother // pansy-butch giving some excellent advice about planning and running a scene

D) Risk Assessment:

Identify Potential Risks: Consider the potential risks of the activities. This includes physical risks (e.g., injury), emotional risks (e.g., trauma), and social risks (e.g., privacy concerns). these will be diffrent for diffrent kinks.

Mitigation Strategies: Develop strategies to minimize these risks. This might involve using safe words, ensuring you have the necessary skills and equipment, and having a clear aftercare plan.

E) Skill Building:

Training and Practice: some kinks may need necessary skills to perform activities safely. This might involve practicing techniques, learning from experienced practitioners, and participating in training sessions or workshops.

Continuous Learning: Stay updated with new information and techniques. The BDSM community is continually evolving, and staying informed helps ensure safer practices.

F) Aftercare:

Plan for Aftercare: Aftercare is the process of attending to the physical and emotional needs of all participants after a scene. This might include providing comfort, discussing the experience, and ensuring everyone feels safe and supported. Aftercare is crucial and non optional. it may look diffrent in diffrent dynamics, and that is valid so long as everyone feels adequately supported and cared for

Check-Ins: Follow up with your partner(s) after the activity to discuss how they felt and address any issues that may have arisen. heres a great post on aftercare by @//babygirlbondage

[jobyoda-philippines]

Exploring Career and Job Opportunities in Davao City Philippines

Davao City, recognized as one of the Philippines' most progressive cities, continues to experience remarkable economic growth, creating a vibrant job market that attracts professionals from across the country. The city's diverse economy offers numerous employment opportunities, from entry-level positions to executive roles, making it an attractive destination for job seekers at all career stages.

The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector stands as one of the largest employers in Davao City, providing thousands of jobs across various specializations. Companies in this sector actively recruit customer service representatives, technical support specialists, and quality assurance analysts, offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages. The industry's continued expansion has created numerous opportunities for career advancement, with many organizations promoting from within and providing extensive training programs.

Part-time employment opportunities have also flourished in Davao City, catering to students, professionals seeking additional income, and individuals preferring flexible work arrangements. The retail sector, food service industry, and education field offer numerous part-time positions with varying schedules and responsibilities. These roles often provide valuable work experience and can serve as stepping stones to full-time careers.

The Information Technology sector in Davao has seen significant growth, with many companies seeking software developers, web designers, and IT support specialists. This growth has been fueled by the city's improving technological infrastructure and the increasing number of tech-focused businesses establishing operations in the region. Tech professionals can find opportunities in both established companies and startups, with many positions offering competitive compensation and the possibility of remote work arrangements.

Davao's hospitality and tourism industry continues to expand, creating jobs in hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and tour operations. The sector offers positions ranging from entry-level service roles to management positions, with many employers providing training and development opportunities. The industry's growth has also sparked demand for professionals in events management and tourism marketing.

The education sector presents numerous opportunities for both full-time and part-time employment. Educational institutions regularly seek teachers, tutors, and administrative staff. The rise of online learning has created additional opportunities for English language teachers and academic consultants who can work flexible hours from home or teaching centers.

Job hiring  in Davao, the digital economy has opened new avenues for employment. E-commerce specialists, digital content creators, and social media managers are in high demand as businesses increasingly establish their online presence. These positions often offer the flexibility of remote work while providing competitive compensation packages.

Professional development resources are readily available in Davao City, with numerous institutions offering skills training programs and industry certifications. Job seekers can access career counseling services, resume writing assistance, and interview coaching through various employment support organizations. These resources prove invaluable in helping candidates prepare for and secure desired positions.

The financial services sector in Davao has also experienced substantial growth, creating opportunities for banking professionals, insurance specialists, and investment consultants. These positions typically offer attractive compensation packages, including performance bonuses and health benefits, making them highly sought after by experienced professionals.

Davao's agricultural sector continues to evolve, combining traditional farming with modern agribusiness practices. This has created opportunities for agricultural technologists, food processing specialists, and supply chain professionals. The sector offers both technical and management positions, with many companies providing specialized training and development programs.

For those entering Davao's job market, proper preparation is essential. Successful job seekers typically maintain updated resumes, prepare comprehensive portfolios, and stay informed about industry developments. Professional networking, both online and offline, plays a crucial role in discovering opportunities and advancing careers in the city.

The future of Davao's job market looks promising, with emerging industries creating new employment opportunities. The city's commitment to economic development, coupled with its strategic location and robust infrastructure, continues to attract businesses and investors, ensuring a steady stream of job opportunities for qualified candidates.

Whether seeking full-time employment or part-time job in Davao City offers a diverse range of opportunities across multiple industries. Success in this dynamic job market often comes to those who combine proper preparation with continuous skill development and effective networking. As the city continues to grow and evolve, its job market remains a beacon of opportunity for professionals seeking to build meaningful careers in Mindanao's premier business hub.

[compneuropapers]

Interesting Papers for Week 32, 2024

In and Out of Criticality? State-Dependent Scaling in the Rat Visual Cortex. Castro, D. M., Feliciano, T., de Vasconcelos, N. A. P., Soares-Cunha, C., Coimbra, B., Rodrigues, A. J., … Copelli, M. (2024). PRX Life, 2(2), 023008.

An event-termination cue causes perceived time to dilate. Choe, S., & Kwon, O.-S. (2024). Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 31(2), 659–669.

Stimulus-dependent differences in cortical versus subcortical contributions to visual detection in mice. Cone, J. J., Mitchell, A. O., Parker, R. K., & Maunsell, J. H. R. (2024). Current Biology, 34(9), 1940-1952.e5.

Sexually dimorphic control of affective state processing and empathic behaviors. Fang, S., Luo, Z., Wei, Z., Qin, Y., Zheng, J., Zhang, H., … Li, B. (2024). Neuron, 112(9), 1498-1517.e8.

Post-retrieval stress impairs subsequent memory depending on hippocampal memory trace reinstatement during reactivation. Heinbockel, H., Wagner, A. D., & Schwabe, L. (2024). Science Advances, 10(18).

An effect that counts: Temporally contiguous action effect enhances motor performance. Karsh, N., Ahmad, Z., Erez, F., & Hadad, B.-S. (2024). Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 31(2), 897–905.

Learning enhances representations of taste-guided decisions in the mouse gustatory insular cortex. Kogan, J. F., & Fontanini, A. (2024). Current Biology, 34(9), 1880-1892.e5.

Babbling opens the sensory phase for imitative vocal learning. Leitão, A., & Gahr, M. (2024). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(18), e2312323121.

Information flow between motor cortex and striatum reverses during skill learning. Lemke, S. M., Celotto, M., Maffulli, R., Ganguly, K., & Panzeri, S. (2024). Current Biology, 34(9), 1831-1843.e7.

Statistically inferred neuronal connections in subsampled neural networks strongly correlate with spike train covariances. Liang, T., & Brinkman, B. A. W. (2024). Physical Review E, 109(4), 044404.

Pre-acquired Functional Connectivity Predicts Choice Inconsistency. Madar, A., Kurtz-David, V., Hakim, A., Levy, D. J., & Tavor, I. (2024). Journal of Neuroscience, 44(18), e0453232024.

Alpha-band sensory entrainment improves audiovisual temporal acuity. Marsicano, G., Bertini, C., & Ronconi, L. (2024). Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 31(2), 874–885.

Excitability mediates allocation of pre-configured ensembles to a hippocampal engram supporting contextual conditioned threat in mice. Mocle, A. J., Ramsaran, A. I., Jacob, A. D., Rashid, A. J., Luchetti, A., Tran, L. M., … Josselyn, S. A. (2024). Neuron, 112(9), 1487-1497.e6.

Incidentally encoded temporal associations produce priming in implicit memory. Mundorf, A. M. D., Uitvlugt, M. G., & Healey, M. K. (2024). Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 31(2), 761–771.

Intrinsic and Synaptic Contributions to Repetitive Spiking in Dentate Granule Cells. Shu, W.-C., & Jackson, M. B. (2024). Journal of Neuroscience, 44(18), e0716232024.

Dynamic prediction of goal location by coordinated representation of prefrontal-hippocampal theta sequences. Wang, Y., Wang, X., Wang, L., Zheng, L., Meng, S., Zhu, N., … Ming, D. (2024). Current Biology, 34(9), 1866-1879.e6.

Calibrating Bayesian Decoders of Neural Spiking Activity. Wei 魏赣超, G., Tajik Mansouri زینب تاجیک منصوری, Z., Wang 王晓婧, X., & Stevenson, I. H. (2024). Journal of Neuroscience, 44(18), e2158232024.

Attribute amnesia as a product of experience-dependent encoding. Yan, N., & Anderson, B. A. (2024). Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 31(2), 772–780.

A common format for representing spatial location in visual and motor working memory. Yousif, S. R., Forrence, A. D., & McDougle, S. D. (2024). Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 31(2), 697–707.

Unified control of temporal and spatial scales of sensorimotor behavior through neuromodulation of short-term synaptic plasticity. Zhou, S., & Buonomano, D. V. (2024). Science Advances, 10(18).

[buysellram]

KIOXIA Unveils 122.88TB LC9 Series NVMe SSD to Power Next-Gen AI Workloads

KIOXIA America, Inc. has announced the upcoming debut of its LC9 Series SSD, a new high-capacity enterprise solid-state drive (SSD) with 122.88 terabytes (TB) of storage, purpose-built for advanced AI applications. Featuring the company’s latest BiCS FLASH™ generation 8 3D QLC (quad-level cell) memory and a fast PCIe® 5.0 interface, this cutting-edge drive is designed to meet the exploding data demands of artificial intelligence and machine learning systems.

As enterprises scale up AI workloads—including training large language models (LLMs), handling massive datasets, and supporting vector database queries—the need for efficient, high-density storage becomes paramount. The LC9 SSD addresses these needs with a compact 2.5-inch form factor and dual-port capability, providing both high capacity and fault tolerance in mission-critical environments.

Form factor refers to the physical size and shape of the drive—in this case, 2.5 inches, which is standard for enterprise server deployments. PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is the fast data connection standard used to link components to a system’s motherboard. NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is the protocol used by modern SSDs to communicate quickly and efficiently over PCIe interfaces.

Accelerating AI with Storage Innovation

The LC9 Series SSD is designed with AI-specific use cases in mind—particularly generative AI, retrieval augmented generation (RAG), and vector database applications. Its high capacity enables data-intensive training and inference processes to operate without the bottlenecks of traditional storage.

It also complements KIOXIA’s AiSAQ™ technology, which improves RAG performance by storing vector elements on SSDs instead of relying solely on costly and limited DRAM. This shift enables greater scalability and lowers power consumption per TB at both the system and rack levels.

“AI workloads are pushing the boundaries of data storage,” said Neville Ichhaporia, Senior Vice President at KIOXIA America. “The new LC9 NVMe SSD can accelerate model training, inference, and RAG at scale.”

Industry Insight and Lifecycle Considerations

Gregory Wong, principal analyst at Forward Insights, commented:

“Advanced storage solutions such as KIOXIA’s LC9 Series SSD will be critical in supporting the growing computational needs of AI models, enabling greater efficiency and innovation.”

As organizations look to adopt next-generation SSDs like the LC9, many are also taking steps to responsibly manage legacy infrastructure. This includes efforts to sell SSD units from previous deployments—a common practice in enterprise IT to recover value, reduce e-waste, and meet sustainability goals. Secondary markets for enterprise SSDs remain active, especially with the ongoing demand for storage in distributed and hybrid cloud systems.

LC9 Series Key Features

122.88 TB capacity in a compact 2.5-inch form factor

PCIe 5.0 and NVMe 2.0 support for high-speed data access

Dual-port support for redundancy and multi-host connectivity

Built with 2 Tb QLC BiCS FLASH™ memory and CBA (CMOS Bonded to Array) technology

Endurance rating of 0.3 DWPD (Drive Writes Per Day) for enterprise workloads

The KIOXIA LC9 Series SSD will be showcased at an upcoming technology conference, where the company is expected to demonstrate its potential role in powering the next generation of AI-driven innovation.

[blogwriter7950]

Business for Sale in Germany: A Smart Move for Strategic Investors in 2025

Germany stands as Europe's economic engine, offering unmatched infrastructure, financial stability, and an innovation-driven economy. If you’re planning to expand your portfolio or relocate for business, looking into a business for sale in Germany could be the most strategic investment you make in 2025.

From small family-owned enterprises to scalable tech startups, Germany offers incredible diversity for global entrepreneurs.

Why Choose Germany for Business Acquisition?

1. Robust Economic Performance

Germany is Europe’s largest economy and the fourth-largest globally. It remains a world leader in manufacturing, automotive, logistics, and renewable energy.

2. Supportive Business Environment

Germany offers:

Access to EU markets

Strong intellectual property protection

World-class transport and logistics

Government funding for innovation and SMEs

3. Skilled Workforce

With a deep talent pool and strong vocational training systems, Germany makes it easy to hire competent, qualified employees.

Top Cities to Consider

Berlin: A startup magnet with creative and tech ecosystems

Munich: Finance, biotech, and advanced manufacturing hub

Hamburg: Logistics and port-based businesses

Stuttgart: Automotive and engineering excellence

Types of Businesses in Demand

Industrial suppliers and manufacturers

E-commerce and software firms

Automotive and transport services

Cafés and specialty restaurants

Green energy startups and consultancies

Explore listings for a business for sale in Germany that offer detailed revenue insights, asset breakdowns, and seller support.

Legal and Operational Considerations

Foreign Ownership: No citizenship requirement to buy a business

Taxation: Understand German VAT, corporate tax, and double taxation treaties

Licensing: Some sectors require industry-specific permits

Language: Consider hiring bilingual legal advisors

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can foreigners buy businesses in Germany? A: Yes, there are no restrictions on foreign ownership. However, you may need a visa or residency to operate it.

Q: Do I need to know German? A: While not mandatory, speaking German or hiring bilingual staff makes operations smoother.

Q: How long does the business transfer take? A: On average, 3–6 months, depending on due diligence and regulatory steps.

Q: Is financing available? A: Yes, local banks and international lenders offer financing options, especially for asset-backed purchases.

📌 Looking to step into one of Europe’s strongest economies? Begin your journey by exploring your ideal business for sale in Germany on World Businesses for sale.

🎥 Watch international investor success stories on our YouTube Channel to learn what’s working right now.

[a-araiguma-a]

Between the serving and Her smile

Chapter 3. Ups and Downs

Fandom: Harry Potter Pairing: Oliver Wood x fem!OC, Charlie Weasley x f!OC, <?> Warning: fluff, mutual pining, friends-to-lovers drama, first love, jealous

Summary: He was the captain and keeper of the Gryffindor team, and his quest to win the Quidditch Cup became an obsessive goal. All his thoughts revolved around tactics, training and strategies, but sometimes his own heart reminded him of another, equally important side of life. He believed that love and Quidditch could coexist in his life. He swore to himself that he would do everything possible to preserve these two treasures, even if it required the impossible from him.

Start - Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8

At the same time, Oliver Wood was full of determination and ambition, eagerly awaiting the chance to showcase his skills on the field. After making it onto the Gryffindor team, he finally felt that his dream was starting to come true.

Training became the most important part of his life at Hogwarts. Under the leadership of Captain Charlie Weasley, he learned discipline, tactics, and teamwork. Charlie was a true leader—quick, attentive, and a skilled Seeker. He always knew how to motivate the team and direct their efforts in the right way.

"Remember, we need to feel the game, anticipate the opponent's moves, and act decisively," Charlie often said during practice. "Don’t doubt your actions, and be confident in yourself."

Oliver listened to his advice with respect and tried to perform to the best of his abilities. His determination and hard work didn’t go unnoticed.

The practices were intense. Spending a lot of time in the air, perfecting his technique for defending the hoops, as well as working on endurance and speed, training early in the morning or late at night, regardless of the weather or fatigue. However, for Oliver, it wasn’t a burden—he loved Quidditch and felt alive when he was on his broom.

The first major match of the season—Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw—proved to be a real test for Oliver. The tension was palpable from the start of the game, and Oliver was determined to prove himself. But just as he was getting into the game, a Bludger, seemingly guided by ill intent, struck Oliver right in the head. Losing consciousness, he fell from his broom. Madam Hooch immediately stopped the game, and he was rushed to the hospital wing. Despite this, the match continued, but without the main Keeper, it was difficult to defend the hoops. Charlie wanted to catch the Snitch quickly and end the game, but Ravenclaw ended up winning.

Margaret, Sophie, and Emma, watching the game from the stands with the other supporters, were disappointed by the loss but also worried about their classmate, so they went straight to visit Oliver in the hospital wing after the game. He spent a week in a coma, but upon waking, he showed even more enthusiasm for training and promised that next time he would do better and be more careful.

The match against Hufflepuff went smoothly. The Hufflepuff team was known for its resilience, but under Charlie's leadership, the team confidently defended the hoops and batted away bludgers until Charlie caught the Snitch, securing Gryffindor's victory.

The stands erupted in cheers as Charlie raised his hand with the golden ball. Margaret and her friends jumped with joy, shouting along with the other supporters. For Oliver, it was his first major victory, and he felt the adrenaline coursing through his veins. Receiving numerous praises from his teammates, he was especially pleased to hear Charlie’s words of approval.

"Great job, Oliver," Charlie said, clapping him on the shoulder. "You’re getting better and better. Keep it up." 

"Thanks, Charlie. I’ll do my best," Oliver replied, his eyes shining with joy.

Soon, the games became an integral part of Oliver's life at Hogwarts. He knew this was only the beginning of his Quidditch journey, but each match, every word from Charlie, and the support from his friends strengthened his confidence in his abilities, and he was determined to reach even greater heights.

At each stage, the competition was fierce, and the games were thrilling. Slytherin, which had dominated in previous years, continued to play with intensity and confidence, once again becoming the season’s finalists. Despite their best efforts, Ravenclaw couldn’t break Slytherin’s winning streak, and they finished second. Gryffindor came in third, while Hufflepuff took fourth place.

Thus, the school year came to an end, and the atmosphere in the castle was bittersweet. Everyone knew that this time they would be saying goodbye to those who were leaving the school forever—friends they had come to know and bond with. The graduation ceremony and the farewell ritual were the most significant events at the end of the school year.

The seventh-year graduates prepared for this day with special reverence. They were not just receiving their diplomas but also symbolically saying goodbye to Hogwarts, which had been their home for so many years. This year, one of the graduates was William Arthur Weasley, known to everyone as Bill. He was one of the best students in Gryffindor, known for his intelligence, bravery, and excellent leadership as both a Prefect and Head Boy.

When the day of the ceremony arrived, the weather was perfect. The sky was clear, the sun shone brightly but not too hot, and a light breeze added freshness to the air. The students gathered in the Great Hall. The headmaster, Professor Albus Dumbledore, stood on the stage, his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon glasses. When everyone was assembled, he raised his hand to call for silence and began his speech.

"Today, we bid farewell to our graduates," he began, his voice warm and full of pride. "They have faced many challenges and adventures, experienced the joys of victory and the hardships of defeat. And now they are ready to take the next step in their lives, leaving these walls but always remaining a part of Hogwarts."

After Dumbledore's speech, the diploma ceremony began. The graduates came to the stage one by one to receive their diplomas, each met with applause and support. When Bill Weasley received his diploma, the rest of the Gryffindor students applauded especially loudly. Bill was not just a good Head Boy—he was an example to many, inspiring them with his hard work and dedication.

After all the diplomas had been awarded, it was time for the farewell ritual. The seventh-year graduates gathered by the lake, where the enchanted boats that had brought them to Hogwarts before their first year were waiting for them. Now, they were to board these boats once again, but this time to symbolically leave the school.

The other students, including Margaret and her friends, gathered by the lakeshore to see off their older peers. There was a mix of sadness and joy in the air. It was a moment of farewell, but also a moment of embarking on a new chapter in life.

Bill, along with the other graduates, slowly stepped into one of the boats. He turned to take one last look at the castle, and a gentle smile spread across his face. He knew this day would be one he remembered for the rest of his life, as would everyone who stood on the shore watching the boats depart.

The boats began to glide across the lake, moving smoothly over the water. The students left on the shore watched them go, sending off the graduates with warm looks and quiet wishes of good luck. The lake’s water, reflecting the rays of the setting sun, shimmered with a silvery hue, and the boats soon disappeared into the light mist that enveloped the distant shore.

Margaret stood beside Emma and Sophie, feeling tears well up in her eyes. It was a touching moment that reminded her that her own time would come one day, but for now, she still had a few more years at this amazing school, and she was determined to make the most of them, enjoying every moment.

As the boats vanished from sight, the students slowly began to disperse, returning to the castle. But in the heart of each of them remained the memory of how they had bid farewell to their friends heading into adulthood, and the knowledge that one day, their path would also lead them to this shore, to take one last look at Hogwarts, their first home.

Summer holidays became a much-anticipated time for Margaret to rest and once again immerse herself in her beloved books. Though Hogwarts had become her second or third home, she still gladly returned to her family in London. But, as always, her thoughts continued to revolve around magic. Her free time flew by as she studied new topics awaiting her in the next school year. Books on Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Potions filled her days. Margaret enthusiastically studied spells and alchemical formulas, delving into the world of magic and discovering new facets of her abilities.

Her room, filled with books and notes, became a true sanctuary. A summer spent studying not only brought her joy but also gave her confidence that she would be ready for the new school year.

The relationship between Margaret and Miranda had noticeably improved. They spent more time together, and Miranda tried to become a real mother to the girl. They cooked meals together, took walks in the park, and discussed the books Margaret was reading. These shared moments brought them closer, and Margaret began to feel that Miranda genuinely cared about her.

"I’m glad we’ve grown closer," Miranda said one evening over tea. "I always wanted us to have this kind of relationship, and now I feel we’re becoming closer."

Margaret smiled, feeling warmth from these words. Despite all the difficulties, Miranda had indeed become an important person in her life.

However, her relationship with her father remained complicated. Bennett sincerely tried to reconnect with his daughter, but years of estrangement and accumulated resentment didn’t fade away so quickly. Their conversations were often awkward and reserved, but Bennett didn’t give up. He started inviting Margaret for walks, tried to discuss her studies with her, but often felt clumsy and didn’t know how to start a conversation.

"How’s your studying going, Margaret?" he asked one day as they sat in the garden. 

"It’s going well, Dad," she replied, smiling slightly but feeling the conversation hang in the air. "I’m preparing for new lessons." 

"That’s wonderful," he nodded, then fell silent, unsure how to continue.

"You… You’re a smart girl, Margaret. I’m proud of you." 

These words touched Margaret, but she still felt a barrier between them. Her father was trying, but she couldn’t immediately forget all those years when he had been cold and distant.

With Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild, Margaret still experienced inner turmoil. Despite their care and love, she couldn’t shake the fear that they might disappear from her life again. The closeness with them was pleasant, but at the same time, she felt uncertainty, afraid to get too attached.

"We’ll always be here for you, Margaret," Mrs. Fairchild said one day, noticing how her granddaughter had withdrawn into herself. "We won’t leave you."

"I know," Margaret replied, but deep down, she still had doubts. The fear of being alone, as had happened before, was too great.

And so, September arrived once again. Margaret found herself back on the familiar Platform 9¾, ready for a new school year. Familiar faces surrounded her as students bustled about, loading their belongings onto the Hogwarts Express, hugging parents and friends, and preparing for the journey.

Margaret looked around, and her heart filled with warmth at the sight of familiar faces. 

"Margaret!" Sophie exclaimed from the crowd. "I’m so glad to see you again!" 

Margaret was about to step closer when she suddenly noticed two familiar redheads. It was Charlie and his brother Percy, surrounded by their family. Beside them were two younger boys, almost copies of Charlie, only smaller. This brought a smile to Margaret’s face, and she quietly laughed, imagining the Weasleys filling up all of Hogwarts.

"Even more Weasleys," she joked as she joined her friends. "It seems their family will never end. The younger brothers’ red hair and cheerful faces were just like Charlie’s."

"And that’s great," Emma replied, laughing. "More Weasleys means more fun!" This brought a quiet laugh among them. 

Charlie noticed her gaze and the smile on her face and approached her. 

"Looks like our family clan is growing," he said with a grin. "These are Fred and George. They’ll be starting at Hogwarts soon too." 

Margaret laughed and waved at the boys, who immediately stared at her with interest. 

"It’s nice to see familiar faces," she said, feeling that everything was falling back into place. "This year is going to be even more exciting." 

"No doubt," Charlie agreed. "Gryffindor awaits us." 

Margaret smiled back, feeling the anticipation for the new year grow stronger. 

"We have so much to do this year."

Together, they headed toward the train, ready for a new school year among friends, wondering if it would bring many new adventures and discoveries.

[briankeene]

AuthorCon V PRELIMINARY Programming

What follows is the PRELIMINARY Programming Schedule for AuthorCon V (a Scares That Care charity event), which you can purchase tickets to and learn more about here.

Jonathan Janz and myself have worked very hard to accommodate everyone who requested to be inluded in programming and have cross-checked this schedule 507 times. HOWEVER… mistakes will invariably creep in. Which is why this is the PRELIMINARY schedule.

All participants should read over this carefully. If you asked for a panel or reading, you should be included. In most, but not all, cases, you may have multiple programming slots. Everyone should have at least one, however.

If you see that Janz and I have double-booked you (say a reading and a panel with overlapping times) or if you were somehow left off the list even after filling out a programming survey, or if you somehow ended up doing something you have no desire to do, you have until 11:59pm on Monday, May 17th to let me know. The only acceptable way to let me know is to send an email to briankeene @ live dot com and put AUTHORCON V in the Subject Heading. If you send me a Direct Message via social media or a text message or a carrier pigeon, they will be ignored.

— Brian Keene

Preliminary Programming Schedule For AuthorCon V

THURSDAY

7:00pm to 10:00pm - Spirited Giving (Auditorium): The popular Spirited Giving reading series makes it Scare That Care  debut! Host James Sabata emcees and evening of live readings by Jamie Flanagan, Rebecca Cuthbert, and D.M. Guay. Plus, the debut of an original LIVE Midnight Pals performance  with Midnight Pals creator Bitter Karella and a bevy of your favorite  horror authors playing themselves (including Laurel  Hightower, Todd Keisling, Wile E. Young, Stephen Kozeniewski, and Brian Keene). Cocktail hour and mixer from 6pm to 7pm with drinks designed by Scares That Care's very own Sonora Taylor.  Show begins at 7pm sharp. All proceeds benefit Scares That Care. 

FRIDAY

3:00pm to 4:00pm – Relaxation and Wellness Session (Second Floor, Room J): Time and opportunity to learn and practice several wellness activities, including breathing exercises and supportive games. Designed to get you ready to enjoy a busy day of fun convention activities. This one-hour session is facilitated by Scares That Care board member Alfred Guy, Training Officer at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work UMB-SSW. Take home a custom yoga mat (available only at this event) along with meditation scripts and affirmations. Participate at your own level of comfort and attend any or all three of the sessions. This is a ticketed event. Tickets are available at convention registration.

4:00pm to 5:00pm – Opening Ceremonies (First Floor, Auditorium): Brian Keene and Joe Ripple welcome all Guests of Honor, vendors, and attendees, give you important weekend information, and present the 3rd annual Wilburn-Thomas Award and the 12th annual Crystal Award. Attendance by all is strongly encouraged.

5:00pm to 9:00pm – Vendors (Ballroom and Promenade)

5:00pm to 9:00pm – Silent Auction (First Floor, Auditorium)

5:00pm to 9:00pm – Brian Keene’s Horror Comic Museum (First Floor, Rooms A & B): Selections of horror comic books from throughout the years, all taken from Brian Keene’s personal collection.

5:00pm to 10:00pm – International Film Festival (First Floor, Amphitheater)

6:00pm to 8:00pm – Ask An Agent (First Floor, Center Lounge) – Literary agent Becky LeJeune (Bond Literary Agency) hosts this workshop for writers of all levels. Learn how to pitch your manuscripts to an agent, how to write the perfect query letter, and much more. This is a ticketed workshop. Tickets are available for purchase at convention registration.

8:00pm to 10:00pm – Found Money For Writers (First Floor, Center Lounge): There are thousands of grants available for writers every year, but most writers never take advantage of this resource. Regardless of if you're just starting out or already a full-time writer, you can benefit from grants. In this two-hour workshop, best-selling author Maurice Broaddus teaches you the tips and tricks for finding them, applying for them, and what to do when you get them. This is a ticketed event. Tickets are available at convention registration.

10:00pm – Music Trivia (First Floor, Auditorium): Test your musical and horror knowledge. Hosted by Thomas R. Clark and Chase Will.

Readings:

Second Floor, Room 8

6:00pm – 6:45pm: Nathan D. Ludwig and Viggy Parr Hampton 7:00pm – 7:45pm: Jonathan Janz and Wesley Southard 8:00pm – 8:45pm: Wile E. Young and Kenzie Jennings

Second Floor, Room 11

6:30pm – 7:15pm: Thomas R Clark and M Ennenbach 7:30pm – 8:15pm: Shane Hawk and Dorian J. Sinnott 8:30pm to 9:15pm: Anton Cancre and Cassandra Celia

Second Floor, Room 12

6:45pm – 7:30pm: Laurel Hightower and Todd Keisling 7:45pm – 8:30pm: Gary Frank and Craig Brownlie

Panels:

Second Floor, Room 16

5:30pm – 6:15pm: Writing Short Stories – Dorian J. Sinnott (moderator), Shane Hawk, Eric LaRocca, Valerie B. Williams, Bert Lestrange, and Rebecca Rowland discuss their tips and tricks for writing effective short horror fiction.

6:30pm – 7:30pm: Ask A Prison Guard – Correctional Officers and horror authors John Lynch and Dan Shrader lead this informal discussion and answer all of your questions about what really goes on inside prison.

7:45pm – 8:45pm: Writing and Producing For Stage and Screen –Derik Cavignano (moderator), Jamie Flanagan, Douglas Ford, Nathan D. Ludwig, and Craig Brownlie discuss what’s involved in writing horror for film, television, and theater productions.

9:00pm – 10:00pm: Kill, Marry, Shag (Monster Edition) – Host James Sabata and panelists Philip Fracassi, Gemma Amor, V Castro, Mike Slater, Bitter Karella, Scott Cole, and Elizabeth Broadbent decide which monster they’d most love to kill, wed, or shag. Attendee Discretion Is Advised.

Second Floor, Room 17

7:00pm – 8:00pm: Indie Publishing In A World Gone To Hell – Joshua Loyd Fox (moderator), Katherine Silva, L.P. Hernandez, Sirrah Medeiros, and Andrew Van Wey discuss the challenges facing small press and indie publishing in 2025.

8:30pm – 9:30pm: Horror Writer’s Guide To Networking Etiquette – Joseph Pesavento (moderator), Shane McKenzie, B.C. Lienesch, John Lynch, and Rebecca Rowland discuss the Dos and Don’ts of networking with authors, editors, publishers, and agents.

Second Floor, Room 18

5:30pm – 6:30pm: Blending Genres: Stephen Kozeniewski (moderator), Derik Cavignano, Jennifer L. Collins, Rowan Hill, and Andrew Najberg discuss mixing your horror peanut butter with the chocolate of other genres.

6:45pm – 7:45pm: Hagsploitation: Witches In Horror – Daniel Braum (moderator), Tony Evans, Garrett Boatman, and Chris DiLeo discuss the history of witches and crones in horror.

8:00pm – 9:00pm: Writing YA Horror – Christopher Golden, Adam Cesare, and Heather Mihok lead this informal discussion and answer all of your questions about writing for Young Adults.

9:15pm – 10:00pm: Self-Defense Made Easy: Experts Patrick Tumblety and Wrath James White lead this informal discussion and answer all of your questions about self-defense and what a real fight feels like.

SATURDAY

9:00am to 10:00am – Relaxation and Wellness Session (Second Floor, Room J): Time and opportunity to learn and practice several wellness activities, including breathing exercises and supportive games. Designed to get you ready to enjoy a busy day of fun convention activities. This one-hour session is facilitated by Scares That Care board member Alfred Guy, Training Officer at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work UMB-SSW. Take home a custom yoga mat (available only at this event) along with meditation scripts and affirmations. Participate at your own level of comfort and attend any or all three of the sessions. This is a ticketed event. Tickets are available at convention registration.

10:00am to 5:00pm – Silent Auction (First Floor, Auditorium): Winners will be announced at 5:00pm sharp.

10:00am to 6:00pm – Vendors (Ballroom and Promenade)

10:00am to 6:00pm – Brian Keene’s Horror Comic Museum (First Floor, Rooms A & B): Selections of horror comic books from throughout the years, all taken from Brian Keene’s personal collection.

Noon to 7:00pm – International Film Festival (First Floor, Amphitheater)

8:30am to 10:00am – Just Add Writer / From Script To Page (First Floor, Center Lounge): Bestselling, award winning author Tim Waggoner teaches you all of the ins and outs of writing media tie-in fiction, and movie novelizations. This is a ticketed workshop. Tickets are available for purchase at convention registration.

1:00pm to 2:00pm – How to Create an Amazing Author Website (First Floor, Center Lounge): In order for readers, agents, and publishers to find you online, you need a website. In this seminar, author and digital communications professional Sonora Taylor will share the unique advantages a website has over other online spaces like social media, then walk you through what makes a great author website. There will also be a Q&A session to answer any questions you may have. If you don’t have a website or you have one that’s in serious need of updating, then this seminar is for you. This is a ticketed workshop. Tickets are available for purchase at convention registration.

7:00pm to 8:00pm – An Evening with Psychic and Medium Dakota Lawrence (Second Floor, Room 17): In this group setting, renowned psychic and medium Dakota Lawrence will conduct live readings regarding loved ones, participant’s lives, and more. This is a ticketed event. Tickets are available for purchase at convention registration. Please note that participants will be chosen at random, and a ticket does not guarantee a reading.

8:00pm – The Fowl Players of Perryville Murder Mystery Event! (Second Floor, Room 18): Join us for this fun and interactive Murder Mystery event - where "The Fowl Players of Perryville" utilize YOU to help figure out the killer! Cash bar and light fare will be served. This is a ticketed workshop. Tickets are available for purchase at convention registration.

10:00pm – The Gross-Out Contest (First Floor, Auditorium): A 35+ year tradition continues as a new generation of your favorite horror authors square off once again in the literary world’s most vile, hilarious, and incendiary showdown. Each contestant has five minutes to gross out the crowd and impress hosts Stephen Kozeniewski and Wile E. Young, and celebrity judges L.P. Hernandez, Kenzie Jennings, Bitter Karella, Eric LaRocca, and Judith Sonnet. Adults Only. No One Under 18 Permitted. No Phones or Recording Devices. Attendee Discretion Is Strongly, Strongly, Strongly Advised.

Readings:

Second Floor, Room 8

10:15am – 11:00am: Shane McKenzie and Sultan Z. White 11:15am – Noon: Amanda Headlee and Katherine Silva 12:15pm – 1:00pm: Philip Fracassi and Ronald Malfi 1:15pm – 2:00pm: Tim Waggoner and Robert Swartwood 2:15pm – 3:00pm: John Durgin and Tony Evans 3:15pm – 4:00pm: Wrath James White and Judith Sonnet 4:15pm – 5:00pm: Nikolas P. Robinson and Austin Shirey 5:15pm - 6:00pm: D.W. Hitz and Alex Matsuo

Second Floor, Room 11

10:30am – 11:15am: Adam Cesare and Scott Cole 11:30am – 12:15pm: RJ Roles and Lucas Milliron 12:30pm – 1:15pm: Bitter Karella and Stephen Kozeniewski 1:30pm - 2:15pm: Douglas Ford and Jay Bower 2:30pm - 3:15pm: Justin Holley and Larry Hinkle 3:30pm – 4:15pm: Stephen Mark Rainey and Richard Dansky 4:30pm – 5:15pm: Carol Gyzander and Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar

Second Floor, Room 12

10:45am – 11:30am: Chase Will and Zach Lamb 11:45am – 12:30pm: Dan Shrader and Edwin Callihan 12:45pm – 1:30pm: Tommy B. Smith and Joseph Pesavento 1:45pm - 2:30pm: Valerie B. Williams and Jenny Allen 2:45pm – 3:30pm: Chris DiLeo and Andrew Najberg 3:45pm – 4:30pm: Kit Power and Justin Lutz 4:45pm – 5:30pm: Rowan Hill and Erin Kelly

Panels:

Second Floor, Room 16

10:30am – 11:30am: Teaching Writing -- Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar (moderator), Jonathan Janz, Tim Waggoner, Mary SanGiovanni, and Andrew Najberg discuss how to effectively teach writing.

11:45am – 12:45pm: Horror In Gaming – Richard Dansky (moderator), Mike Slater, Jamie Flanagan, Anton Cancre, and Andrew Najberg discuss what goes into creating good horror tabletop role-playing and video games.

1:00pm – 2:00pm: Horror Nonfiction -- Mark Sieber (moderator), Victoria Price, Mike Slater, Kit Power, Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar, Rick Hipson, and Nikolas P. Robinson discuss writing biographies, memoirs, reviews, literary criticism, and more.

2:15pm – 3:15pm: LGBTQIA+ Storytelling – Cat Voleur (moderator), Jamie Flanagan, Dorian J. Sinnott, Cassandra Celia, Amanda Headlee, discuss what they’d like to see more of and what they’d like to see less of when it comes to LGBTQIA+ representation in horror fiction.

3:30pm – 4:30pm: Marketing For Indie Writers: Joshua Loyd Fox (moderator), Jay Bower, John Durgin, Sirrah Medeiros, Chase Will, and Andrew Van Wey discuss guerilla marketing and DIY promotion.

4:45pm – 5:45pm: Creature Features – James Sabata (moderator), Chase Will, Gary Frank, Tom Rimer, and Garrett Boatman discuss their favorite creature features.

6:00pm – 7:30pm: The End Of The World As We Know It: New Tales of Stephen King’s The Stand – Brian Keene, Christopher Golden, V Castro, Wrath James White, Jonathan Janz, Ronald Malfi, and Maurice Broaddus discuss the most anticipated anthology of the year, all while signing signature sheets for the limited edition.

Second Floor, Room 17

10:15am – 11:15am: Writing Thrillers, Crime, Noir, and True Crime – Marie Lestrange (moderator), Laurel Hightower, Robert Swartwood, Edwin Callihan, and Robert Whitmore discuss their favorites from the genre, and tips for writing it.

11:30am – 12:30pm: Podcasting 101 -- Kit Power (moderator), Viggy Parr Hampton, and Rick Hipson tell you everything you want to know about starting your own podcast.

12:45pm – 1:45pm: Paranormal nonfiction and investigation Justin Holley (moderator), Alex Matsuo, and Nikki Nelson-Hicks discuss investigating and documenting real-life paranormal occurrences.

3:00pm – 3:45pm: Victoria Price In Conversation: Angel Hollman moderates this Q&A with author and public speaker Victoria Price.

Second Floor, Room 18

10:45am – 11:45am: Editing and Publishing Anthologies: Stephen Kozeniewski (moderator) Shane Hawk, Carol Gyzander, Rebecca Rowland, and Candace Nola discuss the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of editing anthologies.

Noon – 1:00pm: Time To Roar (Not Just Another Women in Horror Panel) – Mary SanGiovanni (moderator), Laurel Hightower, Red Lagoe, Gemma Amor, V Castro, Candace Nola, Jenny Allen, and Elizabeth Broadbent discuss what’s improved for Women In Horror over the last thirty years, what hasn’t improved, and what the hell they’re going to do about it. Note: ALL women are welcome to attend this panel. Fellas are invited to attend something else, per Brian Keene and Joe Ripple. If any fellas have a problem with that, take it up with them. Or better yet, take it up with the panelists. They’ll be glad to correct you.

1:15pm – 2:15pm: Full-Time/Time-Full – Lucas Milliron (moderator), Red Lagoe, Philip Fracassi, Scott Cole, Adam Cesare, Wesley Southard, and Ben Farthing discuss writing full-time, writing part-time with a full-time job, and other combinations of time management.

2:30pm – 3:30pm: Our Favorite Reads of 2024 – B.C. Lienesch (moderator), Eric LaRocca, Shane Hawk, Gemma Amor, V Castro, Erin Kelly, and Eric Butler discuss the books and stories that stuck with them over the last year.

3:45pm – 4:45pm: Grief Horror – Dorian J. Sinnott (moderator), Laurel Hightower, Red Lagoe, William F. Gray, Katherine Silva, and Chris DiLeo discuss why this sub-genre has become so popular, and the joys and perils of writing and reading it.

5:00pm – 6:00pm: Folk Horror Thomas R. Clark (moderator), Todd Keisling, Tony Evans, Marie Lestrange, RJ Roles, Douglas Ford, and Nikki Nelson-Hicks discuss folk horror’s history and enduring popularity in these modern times.

SUNDAY

9:00am – 10:00am – Worship Service (First Floor, Auditorium): Maurice Broaddus leads this non-denominational service, open to all attendees and members of all faiths.

9:00am to 10:00am – Relaxation and Wellness Session. (Second Floor, Room J): Time and opportunity to learn and practice several wellness activities, including breathing exercises and supportive games. Designed to get you ready to enjoy a busy day of fun convention activities. This one-hour session is facilitated by Scares That Care board member Alfred Guy, Training Officer at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work UMB-SSW. Take home a custom yoga mat (available only at this event) along with meditation scripts and affirmations. Participate at your own level of comfort and attend any or all three of the sessions. This is a ticketed event. Tickets are available at convention registration.

10:00am to 3:00pm – Vendors (Ballroom and Promenade)

Readings:

Second Floor, Room 8

10:30am – 11:15am: Marie Lestrange and Nikki Nelson-Hicks 11:30am – 12:15pm: S. M. Sykes and B.C. Lienesch

Second Floor, Room 11

10:45am – 11:30am: Andrew Van Wey and Kalvin Ellis 11:45am – 12:30pm: Joshua Loyd Fox and Patrick Tumblety

Second Floor, Room 12

11:00am – 11:45am: Red Lagoe and Elizabeth Broadbent

Panels:

Second Floor, Room 16

10:15am – 11:15am: Splatstick – James Sabata (moderator), Bitter Karella, Viggy Parr Hampton, Nathan D. Ludwig, Stephen Kozeniewski, and Wile E. Young discuss the thin line between humor and horror.

11:30am – 12:30pm:

Second Floor, Room 18

10:30am – 11:30am: Music and Horror – Justin Lutz (moderator), Edwin Callihan, Craig Wesley Wall, Tommy B. Smith, and Cassandra Celia discuss the long connections between music and horror.

11:45am – 12;45pm:

1:30pm – 2:30pm: The Twenty-Fifth Annual Yell At Brian Keene Panel – Brian Keene, Brian Smith, Jake Lerner, Joe Ripple, Sonora Taylor, Angel Hollman, Alfred Guy, and the rest of the Scares That Care staff welcome your feedback in this open forum, so that we can implement it next year. Please don’t really yell at Brian, though… (Second Floor, Room 18)

[dionysus-is-my-dude]

Tell me of your love for Dionysus and how it begun (if you are comfortable with sharing) <3

I don't even remember how far back I even learned about Dionysus. It must have been in grade school when we learned about Ancient Greece as part of world history or something. I've been on stage since I was a toddler. My mom had me in ballet, tap, jazz, BOSS, you name it until we finally got me into our local park district's junior theatre. It felt like I was MEANT to be on stage, singing, dancing, performing. I got into Wicca when I was twelve and did a year and a day of training before self-initiating myself at thirteen. I practiced that all the way up until college when I got even more serious about theatre and was taking classes and doing more adult shows. theatre history brought me back to Ancient Greece and really introduced me to Dionysus.

After that, I got into Hellenic Paganism and prayed to Dionysus before shows. I was dealing with a LOT of stress from serious mental illnesses. I'd been diagnosed with depression and anxiety at fourteen, and then, at nineteen, I spent 10 days in a psych ward and got diagnosed with bipolar II, but wasn't told that. So my mental health was plummeting and my only joy in life was theatre. It was like a catch-22, y'know? I didn't have the energy or time outside of being a full-time student in clubs and theatre, plus a part-time job to really get into my practice. It also took SEVERAL years to get on a good medication regiment and getting away from bad therapists and uncaring psychiatrists. I also stopped and started finishing college many times, jumping from job-to-job. I was a MESS.

But, it wasn't until around 2015/2016-ish that I picked back up on Hellenic Polytheism, and I just KNEW from the get-go that Dionysus was my favourite. Theatre? Yes. Madness? Yes. Celebrating life's pleasures? Yes. I was still working on a good medication regiment, struggling to find a therapist, and my bipolar hypomania driving me to make bad choices. To this day, I don't really focus much on rituals, but my love for Dionysus has really just solidified. I now work with my local theatre group -the oldest in my town, whether on-stage or producing. I'd love to work back-stage at some point, as well. I'm now on a much better medication regiment, and I managed to get a virtual psych. I don't have therapy right now, but I'm doing alright right now. I work part-time instead of full-time, prioritize my mental AND physical health, and I practice my craft a bit more, like praying and manifesting. I have e-altars on my Pinterest account for the theoi I work with.

But Dionysus is still my patron god. I think of him everyday. I pray to him before shows still. His push for me to join this theatre group has not only reunited me with an old friend, but has given me a support group I'm so grateful to have. My relationships with my loved ones has improved, and with me working less, I have more time to spend with them. My physical health ain't that great, but my mental health is much better. All of this, I feel like Dionysus has helped provide for me. He has pushed me to reignite my passion for performing, helped me accept and actively work on my mental health, and has made me feel more comfortable in my body and my self-expression. I call him my goofy uncle and "my dude" because, whenever I think of him, normally, I see him dressed in flamboyant leopard prints, smiling wide at me and cheering a glass of wine encouragingly....and then cracks a joke to cheer me up. He makes me feel safe and free and accepted as I am, while still giving me a little nudge to be kinder to myself.

I'm not supposed to drink, so whenever I can, I either get sparkling grape juice or regular grape juice and give him a toast back! Hail Dionysus!

[beardedmrbean]

The Philadelphia school district failed to show it protected Jewish students from harassment despite “repeated, extensive notice” that students, teachers and administrators were engaging in antisemitic behavior, the U.S. Department of Education has concluded after a federal civil rights investigation.

Philadelphia school administrators did not adequately address allegations that students were performing Nazi salutes, drawing swastikas on school property and uttering slurs and threats against Jewish students — in some cases neglecting to even document the incidents, the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights found. Federal investigators also cited complaints about allegedly antisemitic social media posts by a school board member, an assistant superintendent and four teachers.

The Philadelphia district, among the largest public school systems in the U.S., did not evaluate whether a hostile environment existed in its schools, and did not demonstrate that it took steps to “eliminate any such hostile environment and prevent its recurrence," the civil rights office said in a Dec. 18 letter to the district's lawyers.

The letter noted that Philadelphia officials have agreed to take various steps to resolve the case. The agreement includes annual training for administrators, faculty and staff; age-appropriate anti-harassment programming for students; better documentation of complaints; and an anti-harassment statement.

“The Philadelphia School District has committed to taking essential steps to redress any hostile environment in its schools so that Jewish students, like all students, can learn in an environment free from discriminatory harassment,” Catherine E. Lhamon, assistant secretary for civil rights, said in a statement.

The Anti-Defamation League, a prominent Jewish advocacy group, was among several Jewish groups to file complaints against the district earlier this year. The Education Department opened an investigation to determine whether district officials appropriately responded to the alleged harassment as required under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on shared ancestry.

ADL said it hopes the agreement between the Education Department and the school district will help prevent additional harassment and targeting of Jewish students.

“We are grateful for the Jewish students and parents who had the courage to speak out against the pattern of antisemitic harassment, abuse and bullying they were experiencing,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL’s chief executive officer.

ADL has filed similar complaints against other school districts, including Berkeley and Santa Ana in California.

The Philadelphia district said it “takes all complaints of bullying, harassment, and discrimination seriously, including allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia.” The district also said it’s committed to “continue efforts to create welcoming and inclusive environments that allow our students to feel safe and heard.”

Federal investigators said they were concerned that district staff had retaliated against parents who filed complaints. In one such incident, a teacher identified the complainant by name on her Instagram account and wrote she was “taking the gloves off,” adding: “Zionism is Racism,” the civil rights office said in its letter. Another teacher reposted the first teacher’s post and wrote: “These are some disgusting, cowardly, genocide supporting fools. They thought they could hide.”

Andrew Goretsky, the director of ADL’s Philadelphia office, said ADL believes that antisemitic harassment, assault and vandalism are underreported because of fears of retaliation.

[metamagazine]

Bammie Zoells is one of the leading international models today, known not only for her stunning beauty but also for her incredible ability to seamlessly transition between various styles with naturalness and elegance. She is a true fashion chameleon, capable of embodying and reinventing any look, whether it’s a classic and sophisticated style or something more daring and contemporary. Her versatility makes her an indispensable figure on runways and in fashion editorials around the world.

INTERVIEW

How did you get to know the metaverse?

answer : Metaverse is an integrated and immersive virtual world concept, where people can interact, work, play, and perform various digital activities through their avatars. I've known metaverse through several ways since the pandemic. This situation has accelerated the adoption of digital technology and virtual interaction, which in turn raises interest in metaverse. Indirectly, I use this sims community as a means of expanding the metaverse I use. I have a lot of friends from abroad, even one country with me joining this metaverse the sims community.

What are your main occupations here?

answer : My current profession is modeling at a prominent agency. A model isn't just a walking shirt. They are artists who use their bodies as canvas, expressing the vision of designers and photographers through poses, expressions, and body movements. Every step on the catwalk is the result of countless hours of practice. Every perfect photo is the fruit of dozens, even hundreds of prints. In this digital age, the profession of modeling is growing. Not only on the fashion stage or in magazines, now models are also flooding the world of social media and e-commerce. The ability to promote products online becomes as important a skill as posing in front of the camera.Nevertheless, a career as a model is often short-lived. Trends change, new faces emerge. As a result, many models start thinking about long-term careers early on, either in the fashion industry as designers or managers, or in other areas that leverage their networking and experience.

Do you have any projects for the future?

answer : As a model, I have some plans for the future aimed at continuing to develop myself and contributing positively to this industry. First of all, I'd like to explore a variety of collaborative opportunities with photographers, designers, and brands that have the same vision. It will not only help me build a more diverse portfolio but also expand my professional network. Besides, I plan to keep learning about the latest trends in fashion and beauty. By following this development, I can remain relevant and give a fresh appearance at any shooting or performance. I also want to invest in training, like acting classes or speaking in public, to expand my skills and open up possibilities in the entertainment industry.

Talk about relationships and friends you've built here!

answer : During my time here, I've built meaningful relationships with my friends and colleagues. Each interaction brings a unique experience that increasingly enriches my life. This relationship is not only limited to professional aspects, but also establishes a strong personal bond. Besides, I also believe that good friendship can drive personal growth. Many of my friends have different backgrounds and expertise, and through our discussions, I can see new perspectives and learn a lot of new things. It not only broadened my insight, but also helped me become a better individual in many respects.I also very much appreciate the community that has been formed around me. We often collaborate on projects, share ideas, and encourage each other to reach our best potential. There's a strong sense of mutual trust, where we give each other constructive feedback and help each other in achieving a goal. Overall, the relationship I've built here means a lot to me. They've provided support, inspiration, and comfort on this journey. I look forward to continuing to deepen this bond of friendship and creating more beautiful memories in the future. Every day, I realize how important it is to have people who support and encourage us to be the best version of ourselves.

Leave a message for your friends and admirers!

answer : To all my friends and fans who have supported me, I would like to express my greatest gratitude. Your support all this time has been an incredible source of motivation and inspiration for me. Every message, comment, and speech of enthusiasm that I receive is meaningful and makes me feel not alone on this journey. I want you to know that this journey is not just about individual achievements, but also about the communities we build together. You have been part of every step I take, and that makes all the sacrifices and efforts very valuable. I hope what I'm doing can inspire and help you believe in your own potential. I also want to remind you to always take care of your mental health and self-happiness. We all face difficulties, and it's important to talk about feelings and seek support when needed. Together, we can create a positive and mutually supportive environment.

[findaitools]

What is Generative Artificial Intelligence-All in AI tools

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a type of deep learning model that can generate text, images, computer code, and audiovisual content based on prompts.

These models are trained on a large amount of raw data, typically of the same type as the data they are designed to generate. They learn to form responses given any input, which are statistically likely to be related to that input. For example, some generative AI models are trained on large amounts of text to respond to written prompts in seemingly creative and original ways.

In essence, generative AI can respond to requests like human artists or writers, but faster. Whether the content they generate can be considered "new" or "original" is debatable, but in many cases, they can rival, or even surpass, some human creative abilities.

Popular generative AI models include ChatGPT for text generation and DALL-E for image generation. Many organizations also develop their own models.

How Does Generative AI Work?

Generative AI is a type of machine learning that relies on mathematical analysis to find relevant concepts, images, or patterns, and then uses this analysis to generate content related to the given prompts.

Generative AI depends on deep learning models, which use a computational architecture called neural networks. Neural networks consist of multiple nodes that pass data between them, similar to how the human brain transmits data through neurons. Neural networks can perform complex and intricate tasks.

To process large blocks of text and context, modern generative AI models use a special type of neural network called a Transformer. They use a self-attention mechanism to detect how elements in a sequence are related.

Training Data

Generative AI models require a large amount of data to perform well. For example, large language models like ChatGPT are trained on millions of documents. This data is stored in vector databases, where data points are stored as vectors, allowing the model to associate and understand the context of words, images, sounds, or any other type of content.

Once a generative AI model reaches a certain level of fine-tuning, it does not need as much data to generate results. For example, a speech-generating AI model may be trained on thousands of hours of speech recordings but may only need a few seconds of sample recordings to realistically mimic someone's voice.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Generative AI

Generative AI models have many potential advantages, including helping content creators brainstorm ideas, providing better chatbots, enhancing research, improving search results, and providing entertainment.

However, generative AI also has its drawbacks, such as illusions and other inaccuracies, data leaks, unintentional plagiarism or misuse of intellectual property, malicious response manipulation, and biases.

What is a Large Language Model (LLM)?

A Large Language Model (LLM) is a type of generative AI model that handles language and can generate text, including human speech and programming languages. Popular LLMs include ChatGPT, Llama, Bard, Copilot, and Bing Chat.

What is an AI Image Generator?

An AI image generator works similarly to LLMs but focuses on generating images instead of text. DALL-E and Midjourney are examples of popular AI image generators.

Does Cloudflare Support Generative AI Development?

Cloudflare allows developers and businesses to build their own generative AI models and provides tools and platform support for this purpose. Its services, Vectorize and Cloudflare Workers AI, help developers generate and store embeddings on the global network and run generative AI tasks on a global GPU network.

Explorer all Generator AI Tools

Reference

what is chatGPT

What is Generative Artificial Intelligence - All in AI Tools

[emblematicemblazer]

World building and theories of Engage

Solm and freedom

Solm is associated with the theme of freedom and this is represented by the royal family. Unlike the royalty of the other kingdoms they are bound by duty to their castles. Sefonia, Timerra and Fogado freely travel throughout the kingdom to perform their duties. In Chapter 12; The Sentinels and Chapter 13; Heroes of the Oasis, Diamant, Alfred and Alear are surprised to learn that the Prince and princess are hardly ever at the castle, Alfred comments that

 “You can't leave your castle whenever you want.”

 The freedom to leave the castle is one way Solm and freedom are related, another is the way the Prince and Princess get to choose their retainers. There are no educational or strength requirements, no cronyism and their mother does not select for them. Fogado chose Bunet as his personal chef and retainer because of their friendship and his cooking talents. As his retainer he could make certain that he would never lose track of his friend again. Pandreo was chosen due to friendship as well. Timerra selected Merrin because Martin dreamed of being a knight and Panette was a fierce friend who she fought alongside. Fogado and Timerra prioritise friendship over anything else. Their friends could be anyone from a chef turned mercenary, a partying cleric, the runaway matriarch of a tribe or a thuggish lady taking her rage out on people. 

The royalty have no rules or standards of etiquette as discovered in Panette's support conversation with Boucheron. She learns that Firene has quite rigid standards whereas Solm has none. This freedom of behaviour is reflected throughout Solm society; Alcryst learns that there are no restrictions nor rules at a party when he finds it hard to enjoy a Pandreo party in their support conversations. He starts to enjoy himself when he is free to move as he pleases. 

Singing is another Solm symbol of freedom. Anyone can sing, no matter how out of tune they may be.

Each retainer expresses freedom by defying expectations and living as they please.

Bunet - he desires to live as a chef, despite being a retainer, he is hardly ever seen training or fighting in his supports instead he tends to his garden and comes up with flavour combinations. H e has the freedom to expand his flavour experiences beyond the kitchen, anything from a chandelier in the Somniel to a flower in a flower crowd could be a flavour adventure. Sometimes people are taken aback by the way he interacts but Fogado understands him. 

Pandreo - His love for partying represents his freedom to show his devotion in his unique way, even if some clergymen disapprove. There are no rules at his parties, you can dance as you please, interact how you want and enjoy yourself. Pandreo is opened minded enough to offer prayers to Veyle and to pray beside Mauvier who is a worshipper of the Fell Dragon. Commoner (Louis) and noble (Alcryst) alike are invited to party with him. 

Merrin - She was destined to be the matriarch of her tribe but her destiny to become a knight made her leave and explore Solm. Once she had left her tribe she was free to carve her path as a knight, fortunately she happened upon Timerra and became her friend. 

Panette - Her freedom started with her leaving her parents and raging around Solm looking for a fight. When she met Timerra and became a retainer she was free to adjust her personality as she desired. She felt the need to be more ladylike. Timerra was happy to love and accept whoever she wanted to be, even when other people called her a fake. 

The wolf and birds are two animals used to represent Solm and can both symbolise freedom. 

Seadall was part of a travelling caravan who was free to live beside nature and roam as pleased. As an orphan he was invited to join and become part of a large family where he was taught to dance. 

[nsimdigitalmarketing]

Why NSIM is the Stylish hard Digital Marketing Institute?

Still, your hunt ends at NSIM – The National School of Internet Marketing, grounded in South Delhi, If you’re searching online for the stylish “ Digital Marketing Course Institute Near Me ”. In the moment’s digitally driven world, businesses of all sizes are shifting to online platforms. This shift has created an inviting demand for digital marketing professionals who can drive brand mindfulness, leads, and deals.

That’s where NSIM stands out — not just as a training center but as a career- structure hustler for digital marketing learners. Whether you are a pupil, entrepreneur, job candidate, or working professional, NSIM is your gateway to a successful digital marketing career.

What Makes NSIM the Stylish Digital Marketing Course Institute Near You?

When opting a digital marketing institute, utmost learners look for placement backing, practical training, affordability, and recognition. NSIM ticks all these boxes — and further. It offers an advanced class, endured coaches, and hands- on experience, helping scholars gain real- world digital marketing moxie.

H2 Comprehensive and streamlined Course Curriculum

One of the primary reasons NSIM ranks as the stylish digital marketing course institute near me is its assiduity- streamlined syllabus. The course includes 30 digital marketing modules, each designed to give in- depth literacy with a strong focus on live operation.

Crucial Modules Covered

Hunt Machine Optimization( SEO)

Pay- Per- Click Advertising( Google Advertisements)

Social Media Marketing( SMM)

Affiliate Marketing

Content Marketing

Mobile Marketing

Dispatch Marketing

Online Character operation( ORM)

Google Analytics

E-commerce Marketing

Lead Generation

Each content is tutored in detail using live systems and real- time juggernauts to help scholars apply their knowledge virtually.

H2 Endured Faculty with Assiduity Background

NSIM boasts a platoon of pukka digital marketing coaches who bring times of assiduity experience. The coaches are n't just preceptors they are digital marketing advisers who’ve worked with top brands and startups. Their real- world perceptivity help scholars understand what works in the digital space and what does n’t.

Each coach ensures substantiated guidance, making sure no pupil is left behind anyhow of their background or experience.

H2 100 Practical Training with Live systems

Unlike other institutes that concentrate only on proposition, NSIM emphasizes 100 practical literacy. Every pupil works on live juggernauts, SEO checkups, announcement operation, and website analytics under expert supervision.

By working on real- time systems, scholars learn how to

Rank websites on Google

produce effective announcement juggernauts

figure brand presence on social media

Generate leads for businesses

Optimize marketing performance using tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, and Ahrefs

H2 Encyclopedically honored instruments

NSIM ensures that its scholars walk down not only with knowledge but also with 15 encyclopedically accepted instruments that add weight to their capsule. These include

Google Advertisements instrument

Google Analytics Certification

HubSpot Content Marketing Certification

NSIM Course Completion Certificate

Facebook Blueprint Certification( Optional)

These instruments are accepted by top digital marketing agencies and companies across the world.

H2 Excellent Placement Record

Another name point of NSIM is its robust placement support system. The institute has partnered with further than 500 hiring companies and digital marketing agencies across Delhi NCR. The placement cell works nearly with each pupil to prepare them for job interviews and guide them through the placement process.

Placement Services Include

Resume structure and Portfolio Creation

Mock Interviews

Personality Development Sessions

One- on- One Interview Preparation

Direct Job Referrals

numerous NSIM alumni are presently working in top companies similar as Zomato, Flipkart, Amazon, HCL, and digital marketing agencies across India.

H2 Affordable freights with EMI Option

NSIM offers a budget-friendly figure structure, making quality digital marketing education accessible to all. The course figure is among the most competitive in the request, with no concession on quality.

Plus, NSIM provides easy yearly EMI options, so scholars do n’t have to worry about outspoken payment.

H2 Flexible Batch Timings

Whether you are a council pupil, full- time hand, or a partner, NSIM provides flexible batches to suit your schedule. They offer

Weekday and Weekend Classes

Online and Offline Batches

Fast- track Courses for Professionals

Provisory Classes for Missed Sessions

Their classroom structure is ultramodern, and online classes are delivered via interactive platforms with full support.

H2 Internship and Freelancing Support

NSIM provides externship openings with reputed digital marketing companies. This allows scholars to gain hands- on commercial exposure before applying for full- time places.

For those looking to work singly, NSIM offers freelancing guidance, tutoring you how to

Find transnational guests

produce freelance biographies on Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer

quotation pricing and submit proffers

Deliver successful customer systems

H2 Student witnesses – Real Success Stories

“ NSIM changed my life. I searched for a ‘ digital marketing course institute near me’ and set up this gem. Within 4 months, I landed a job as an SEO Administrative in a digital agency. ”

– Ravi Kumar

“ I run a exchange business in South Delhi. After joining NSIM, I learned how to grow my business through Facebook and Instagram Advertisements. Now 70 of my orders come through social media. ”

– Megha Bhatia

“ I joined NSIM while studying in council. Their training helped me start freelance systems and earn from home. Now I work with 4 transnational guests. ”

– Shivam Goel

H2 Who Can Join NSIM’s Digital Marketing Course?

You do n’t need any specialized or marketing background to join NSIM. Their training is freshman-friendly and suitable for

scholars( 10th, 12th, UG, PG)

Working Professionals

Entrepreneurs

Housewives

Job Seekers

Freelancers

With just 3- 6 months of training, you can launch a promising career in digital marketing.

H2 Career openings After NSIM

Digital marketing opens the door to multiple high- paying jobs. After completing your course from NSIM, you can apply for

SEO Administrative/ Specialist

Digital Marketing Analyst

PPC crusade director

Social Media director

Dispatch Marketing Expert

Content Marketing Executive

Digital Marketing Manager( with experience)

The average starting payment ranges between ₹ 3.5 LPA to ₹ 6 LPA, with rapid-fire growth as you gain experience.

H2 Why South Delhi Location is a Big Plus

Located in South Extension, NSIM’s lot is well- connected via metro and public transport, making it accessible for scholars from across Delhi NCR. South Delhi is a thriving mecca for tech startups,e-commerce brands, and marketing agencies perfect for job openings right later course completion.

Final studies Choose NSIM – The Best hard Digital Marketing Institute

Still, NSIM stands as the top choice with its career- acquainted class, certified coaches, If you are authentically searching for a" digital marketing course institute near me". It's not just an institute it’s your stepping gravestone to erecting a thriving career in digital marketing.

Don’t stay to make your future. Enroll at NSIM moment and unlock endless digital career openings!

NSIM Contact Details

Address South Extension, South Delhi – India

Phone +91- 9811020518 Website https// www.nsim.in

Dispatch info@nsim.in