#Quality Control Programs

[little-p-eng-engineering]

Navigating the Complexity of CRN ABSA Application with Little P.Eng.

In the realm of engineering and industrial processes, safety and compliance are paramount. The proper functioning of boilers, pressure vessels, and other equipment is not only essential for operational efficiency but also for the safety of personnel and the environment. This is where regulatory bodies like ABSA (Alberta Boilers Safety Association) come into play, ensuring that the design and fabrication of pressure equipment meet rigorous safety standards. To operate in Alberta, Canada, manufacturers and suppliers of pressure equipment must obtain Canadian Registration Numbers (CRNs) from ABSA. However, the application process can be intricate and demanding, requiring a deep understanding of both engineering principles and the regulatory framework. That's where Little P.Eng. steps in - offering CRN ABSA application services that streamline the process and ensure compliance.

Understanding CRNs and ABSA

Before delving into the services provided by Little P.Eng., it's crucial to comprehend what CRNs are and the role of ABSA in the safety and regulation of pressure equipment.

Canadian Registration Numbers (CRNs)

CRNs are unique identification numbers issued by Canadian provinces and territories for the design and construction of pressure equipment. These numbers signify that the equipment complies with the relevant safety codes and standards. In the case of Alberta, CRNs are issued by ABSA, which serves as the provincial authority responsible for boiler and pressure vessel safety.

ABSA (Alberta Boilers Safety Association)

ABSA is an independent, not-for-profit organization that administers the safety codes and standards in Alberta. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safe design, construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of boilers, pressure vessels, and pressure piping systems. ABSA's authority extends to various industries, including oil and gas, petrochemical, manufacturing, and power generation.

The Complexity of CRN ABSA Applications

Obtaining a CRN from ABSA is a multi-faceted process, and the complexity of the application often poses challenges for manufacturers, fabricators, and suppliers of pressure equipment. This complexity stems from several factors:

Diverse Equipment Types: Pressure equipment comes in various forms, including boilers, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and more. Each type may have distinct design and fabrication requirements.

Regulatory Landscape: ABSA follows a comprehensive set of safety codes and standards, including CSA B51, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, and others. Navigating these regulations requires expertise.

Design and Documentation: Detailed engineering drawings and calculations are essential for demonstrating compliance. These documents must align with the safety codes and standards.

Provincial Jurisdiction: CRNs are specific to provinces or territories, and manufacturers must secure CRNs for each location where they plan to operate pressure equipment.

Quality Assurance: Manufacturers must establish and maintain quality control programs to ensure that their equipment meets safety standards throughout its lifecycle.

Timely Processing: Delays in the application process can impact project timelines and market entry. Efficient processing is crucial.

Little P.Eng.: Your Partner in CRN ABSA Applications

Little P.Eng. Engineering Consultant is a trusted name in the engineering industry, renowned for its expertise in pressure equipment design and CRN ABSA applications. With a team of seasoned professionals and a commitment to excellence, Little P.Eng. provides comprehensive services that simplify the complexities of obtaining CRNs from ABSA. Here's how they do it:

1. In-Depth Knowledge of Codes and Standards

Little P.Eng. possesses an in-depth understanding of the Canadian safety codes and standards, including CSA B51 and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. This knowledge is foundational in guiding clients through the regulatory landscape.

2. Engineering Expertise

The firm's team of engineers brings years of experience to the table. They are well-versed in the design, fabrication, and quality control requirements for a wide range of pressure equipment, ensuring that designs align with safety standards.

3. Comprehensive Documentation

Successful CRN ABSA applications hinge on meticulous documentation. Little P.Eng. assists clients in preparing detailed engineering drawings, calculations, and other necessary documents, adhering to ABSA's rigorous standards.

4. Equipment Types

Little P.Eng. caters to a diverse clientele, including manufacturers and suppliers of boilers, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and other pressure equipment. Their expertise spans various equipment types.

5. Provincial Considerations

Understanding the nuances of provincial jurisdiction is crucial. Little P.Eng. helps clients navigate the intricacies of securing CRNs for specific regions, including Alberta.

6. Quality Assurance

Quality control is an integral part of pressure equipment safety. Little P.Eng. assists clients in establishing and maintaining effective quality assurance programs, ensuring that equipment complies with safety standards throughout its lifecycle.

7. Efficient Processing

Timeliness is a critical factor in project execution. Little P.Eng. prioritizes efficient processing, minimizing delays and ensuring that clients can enter the market promptly.

The Benefits of Partnering with Little P.Eng.

Collaborating with Little P.Eng. for CRN ABSA application services offers numerous advantages:

Regulatory Compliance: Little P.Eng. ensures that all pressure equipment designs align with ABSA's safety codes and standards, guaranteeing compliance.

Streamlined Processes: The firm's expertise simplifies the application process, reducing administrative burdens and minimizing potential delays.

Risk Mitigation: By adhering to safety standards, clients mitigate the risks associated with pressure equipment operation, ensuring the safety of personnel and the environment.

Market Entry: Obtaining CRNs expedites market entry, enabling manufacturers and suppliers to provide their products and services in Alberta with confidence.

Efficiency and Cost Savings: Efficient processing and compliance translate into cost savings and optimized project timelines.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of CRN ABSA applications for pressure equipment can be a daunting task, but with the expertise and support of Little P.Eng. Engineering Consultant, the process becomes more manageable. As a trusted partner, Little P.Eng. brings a wealth of knowledge, engineering acumen, and a commitment to safety and compliance, ensuring that clients can operate their pressure equipment with confidence and peace of mind. With Little P.Eng. by your side, the path to CRN certification with ABSA becomes clearer, safer, and more efficient.

Tags:

Regulatory Compliance

Engineering Expertise

Little P.Eng. Engineering Consultant

Risk Mitigation

CRN ABSA Application

Pressure Equipment Compliance

Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA)

Canadian Registration Numbers (CRNs)

Safety Codes and Standards

Pressure Equipment Design

Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety

Complexities of CRN Applications

Design and Documentation Requirements

Quality Control Programs

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

CSA B51 Standards

Efficient Processing

Provincial Jurisdiction

Market Entry

Safety and Environmental Protection

Streamlined Application Process

Timely CRN Certification

Meticulous Documentation

Quality Assurance Programs

Equipment Types

Compliance with Safety Standards

CRN Issuance

Engineering Drawings and Calculations

Efficient Project Execution

Little P.Eng. Benefits for CRN Applications

Engineering Services

Pressure Vessels Design Services

Located in Calgary, Alberta; Vancouver, BC; Toronto, Ontario; Edmonton, Alberta; Houston Texas; Torrance, California; El Segundo, CA; Manhattan Beach, CA; Concord, CA; We offer our engineering consultancy services across Canada and United States. Meena Rezkallah.

​

[vonkarma2]

you can think all of these things as a human though like do you even have a soul idk do YOU? what does it mean to think when you’re only a machine but like.. the brain is still controlled by electric or chemical impulses just bc it’s made of meat and more complex than a computer doesn’t mean that’s not the case. which is not to say I don’t think turning out to be a robot wouldn’t be scary or disturbing at all but I feel like whether youre biological or not doesn’t really matter

[farmerstrend]

10 Key Points on Male Poultry Breeder Farms Management for Better Fertility

In breeder poultry farming, hens are normally the focal point—egg production, hatchability, and feeding programs. Yet one of the most critical factors for flock fertility does not get the attention it deserves: the male. Proper male management is the key to high fertility, good hatchability, and flock productivity. Mismanagement of breeder males can lead to poor mating success, wasted eggs, and…

[sustainableyadayadayada]

those f-ed up spreadsheets

I’ve seen a lot of fucked up spreadsheets in my time. In fact, you could probably say most spreadsheets contain errors, and this article confirms it. Nonetheless, quality control procedures that apply to other types of software (and spreadsheets are a very useful kind of software because they are very powerful and have an easy learning curve, which is also their downfall) can and should be…

[townpostin]

Jamshedpur Tops Jharkhand in Clean Air Survey 2024

City ranks 17th nationally among million-plus population centers Key Points: • Jamshedpur outperforms Ranchi and Dhanbad in air quality assessment • City improves from 42nd to 17th place in national rankings • Survey emphasizes need for more tree planting and pollution control JAMSHEDPUR – The steel city has emerged as the leader in Jharkhand for air quality, according to the recent Clean Air…

[robertreich]

Friends, Since I offered you 10 reasons for modest optimism last week, discontent with the Trump-Musk regime has surged even further. America appears to be waking up. Here’s the latest evidence — 10 more reasons for modest optimism. 1. Trump’s approval ratings continue to plummet. The chief reason Trump was elected was to reduce the high costs of living — especially food, housing, health care, and gas. A new Pew poll shows these costs remain uppermost in Americans’ minds. Sixty-three percent identify inflation as an overriding problem, and 67 percent say the same about the affordability of health care. That same poll shows the public turning on Trump. The percent of those disapproving of Trump’s handling of the economy has risen to 53 percent (versus 45 percent who approve). Disapproval of his actions as president has risen to the same 53 percent versus 45 percent approval, which shows how essential economic performance is to the public’s assessment of presidents these days. The Pew poll also shows 57 percent of the public believes that Trump “has exceeded his presidential authority.” By making the world’s richest person his hatchet man, Trump has made more vivid the role of money in politics. Hence, a record-high 72 percent now say a major problem is “the role of money in politics.” Other polls show similar results. In the Post-Ipsos poll, significantly more Americans strongly disapprove of Trump (39 percent) than strongly approve of him (27 percent). Reuters, Quinnipiac University, CNN, and Gallup polls show Trump’s approval ratings plummeting (ranging from 44 percent to 47 percent). In all of these polls, more Americans now disapprove of Trump than approve of him. 2. DOGE is running amusk. DOGE looks more and more like a giant hoax. This week, reporters found that nearly 40 percent of the contracts DOGE claims to have canceled aren’t expected to save the government any money, according to the administration’s own data. As a result, on Tuesday DOGE deleted all of the five biggest “savings” on its so-called “wall of receipts.” The scale of its errors — and the misunderstandings and poor quality control that appear to underlie them — has raised questions about the effort’s broader work, which has led to mass firings and cutbacks across the federal government. DOGE has also had to reverse its firings. On Tuesday, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Douglas A. Collins celebrated cuts to 875 contracts that he claimed would save nearly $2 billion. But when veterans learned that those contracts covered medical services, recruited doctors, and funded cancer programs as well as burial services for veterans, the outcry was so loud that on Wednesday the VA rescinded the ordered cuts. After hundreds of nuclear weapons workers were abruptly fired, the Trump administration is scrambling to rehire them. After hundreds of scientists at the Food and Drug Administration were fired, they’re being asked to return. On Wednesday, Musk acknowledged that DOGE ��accidentally canceled” efforts by the U.S. Agency for International Development to prevent the spread of Ebola. But Musk insisted the initiative was quickly restored. Wrong. Current and former USAID officials say Ebola prevention efforts have been largely halted since Musk and his DOGE allies moved last month to gut the global-assistance agency and freeze its outgoing payments. The teams and contractors that would be deployed to fight an Ebola outbreak have been dismantled, they added. DOGE staff are resigning. On Tuesday, 21 federal civil service tech workers resigned from DOGE, writing in a joint resignation letter that they were quitting rather than help Musk “dismantle critical public services.” The staffers all worked for what was known as the U.S. Digital Service before it was absorbed by DOGE. Their ranks include data scientists, product managers, and engineers. According to the Associated Press, “all previously held senior roles at such tech companies as Google and Amazon and wrote in their resignation letter that they joined the government out of a sense of duty to…

Read the full list here: https://robertreich.substack.com/p/more-reasons-for-moderate-optimism

[ohnoitstbskyen]

You’ve probably been asked this before, but do you have a specific view on ai-generated art. I’m doing a school project on artificial intelligence and if it’s okay, i would like to cite you

I mean, you're welcome to cite me if you like. I recently wrote a post under a reblog about AI, and I did a video about it a while back, before the full scale of AI hype had really started rolling over the Internet - I don't 100% agree with all my arguments from that video anymore, but you can cite it if you please.

In short, I think generative AI art

Is art, real art, and it's silly to argue otherwise, the question is what KIND of art it is and what that art DOES in the world. Generally, it is boring and bland art which makes the world a more stressful, unpleasant and miserable place to be.

AI generated art is structurally and inherently limited by its nature. It is by necessity averages generated from data-sets, and so it inherits EVERY bias of its training data and EVERY bias of its training data validators and creators. It naturally tends towards the lowest common denominator in all areas, and it is structurally biased towards reinforcing and reaffirming the status quo of everything it is turned to.

It tends to be all surface, no substance. As in, it carries the superficial aesthetic of very high-quality rendering, but only insofar as it reproduces whatever signifiers of "quality" are most prized in its weighted training data. It cannot understand the structures and principles of what it is creating. Ask it for a horse and it does not know what a "horse" is, all it knows is what parts of it training data are tagged as "horse" and which general data patterns are likely to lead an observer to identify its output also as "horse." People sometimes describe this limitation as "a lack of soul" but it's perhaps more useful to think of it as a lack of comprehension.

Due to this lack of comprehension, AI art cannot communicate anything - or rather, the output tends to attempt to communicate everything, at random, all at once, and it's the visual equivalent of a kind of white noise. It lacks focus.

Human operators of AI generative tools can imbue communicative meaning into the outputs, and whip the models towards some sort of focus, because humans can do that with literally anything they turn their directed attention towards. Human beings can make art with paint spatters and bits of gum stuck under tennis shoes, of course a dedicated human putting tons of time into a process of trial and error can produce something meaningful with genAI tools.

The nature of genAI as a tool of creation is uniquely limited and uniquely constrained, a genAI tool can only ever output some mixture of whatever is in its training data (and what's in its training data is biased by the data that its creators valued enough to include), and it can only ever output that mixture according to the weights and biases of its programming and data set, which is fully within the control of whoever created the tool in the first place. Consequently, genAI is a tool whose full creative capacity is always, always, always going to be owned by corporations, the only entities with the resources and capacity to produce the most powerful models. And those models, thus, will always only create according to corporate interest. An individual human can use a pencil to draw whatever the hell they want, but an individual human can never use Midjourney to create anything except that which Midjourney allows them to create. GenAI art is thus limited not only by its mathematical tendency to bias the lowest common denominator, but also by an ideological bias inherited from whoever holds the leash on its creation. The necessary decision of which data gets included in a training set vs which data gets left out will, always and forever, impose de facto censorship on what a model is capable of expressing, and the power to make that decision is never in the hands of the artist attempting to use the tool.

tl;dr genAI art has a tendency to produce ideologically limited and intrinsically censored outputs, while defaulting to lowest common denominators that reproduce and reinforce status quos.

... on top of which its promulgation is an explicit plot by oligarchic industry to drive millions of people deeper into poverty and collapse wages in order to further concentrate wealth in the hands of the 0.01%. But that's just a bonus reason to dislike it.

[moniquill]

Here is a brief summary of what is happening in Wikipedia right now:

In the last few years (3-4 years) the WikiProject Indigenous peoples of North America, which was originally created to improve the quality and coverage of native issues and native articles on wikipedia, has been hijacked by a small number of users with an extremist agenda. They have been working diligently over the last few years to change the definition of both what it means to be an Indigenous American and even what it means to be state and federally recognized.

The four or five key players (Mainly Editor Yuchitown, Bohemian Baltimore, ARoseWolf, (now retired editor CorbieVreccan, Netherzone and Oncamera) who are part of the “Native American Articles Improvement Project” started implementing these changes slowly, but they started pursuing their goals aggressively after November 2023, when state-recognized tribes retained their voting rights in NCAI. Essentially, after the movement to delegitimize state-recognized tribes failed officially, the key players doubled down on altering and controlling the flow of information about Native Americans through Wikipedia.

The talk page of Lily Gladstone’s article has a relevant discussion here. Initially, the leaders of the WikiProject removed any reference to her being a “Native American Actress” and instead had her as “Self-identifying as Blackfoot” and “Self-identifying as Nez Perce” because her blood quantum was too low to be enrolled in either tribe.

You can see some of the discussion here:

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Lily_Gladstone

Eventually they relented and changed her category to being “Of Nez Perce Descent” but you can see in the discussion that they are referring to an article that these editors (Yuchitown, Bohemian Baltimore, and CorbieVreccan) themselves appeared to have mostly written and revised:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_identity_in_the_United_States

This statement is very much at odds with even the government’s description, as seen below;

The DOJ Office of Tribal Justice Office on their webpage “Frequently Asked Questions About Native American”, question “Who is an American Indian or Alaskan Native” states:

“As a general principle, an Indian is a person who is of some degree Indian blood and is recognized as an Indian by a Tribe and/or the United States. No single federal or tribal criterion establishes a person's identity as an Indian. Government agencies use differing criteria to determine eligibility for programs and services. Tribes also have varying eligibility criteria for membership.”

In addition, “List” pages have been created on Wikipedia for federally and state recognized tribes. The Wikipedia “List” page for state-recognized tribes is inaccurate in its interpretation of state recognition and not supported by expert reliable sources--(1) Cohen’s Handbook of Federal Indian Law 2012 edition, (2) NCSL.org current stand on state recognition (not the archived list from 2017 which NCSL no longer supports), (3) Koenig & Stein’s paper “Federalism and the State Recognition of Native American Tribes: a survey of state-recognized tribes and state recognition processes across the United States” (both 2008 & updated 2013 in book “ Recognition, sovereignty struggles, and indigenous rights in the United States: A sourcebook”)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State-recognized_tribes_in_the_United_States

State-recognized tribes who have received recognition through less formal but acceptable means have been moved from the Wikipedia list page on state-recognized tribes to the Wikipedia list page of unrecognized or self-identifying organizations.

The Wiki page "List of organizations that self-identify as Native American tribes", in particular, is being used to purposely defame legitimate Native American individuals who are members of the tribes/Native communities that are on this list. 

By the parameters set up on Wikipedia, only the colonizer’s governments can acknowledge who is Native American through either federal recognition or state recognition. If an individual is not a member of a federally or state-recognized tribe, then it is determined that they cannot be Native American and are, instead, considered “self-identifying” or only “a descendant of ...” (example Lily Gladstone). As a result, Native individuals are currently being tagged as “self-identifying” and their names are put on “list” pages that strongly imply they are “pretend” Indians.

These editors have indicated that they would like “self-identification” to be the default setting for any people who they deem do not fit within the parameters that they themselves created within Wikipedia.

Moreof, these editors are admin and senior editors within the Wikiproject Indigenous Peoples of North America, and are being called in specifically to weigh on Native Identity, and any project involving any Indigenous Group.

Any attempt to correct misinformation, add information, or change any of these articles is often met with being blocked, reported for various offenses, or reported for having a Conflict of Interest, whether or not that is actually applicable. They have use this strategically in many different pages for many different individuals and groups within the scope of their Wikiprojects.

While changing things in Wikipedia does not change the truth, it is a way to control how most people take in information, and thus they hope to manipulate the narrative to better suit their goals.

This is quick and messy but:

Here is a link to the google document with the other state recognized tribes (Including yours) that were edited by these editors. This is an incomplete list so far that only goes back to September 2023 but I am going to add to it. If you can add to your own part of this list, and send your complaints and information to the arbitrator committee (the email is below) with the involved editors, this will help our case.

The  more tribes who complain, and the more Wikipedia editors complain, the better our case will be. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YNDEjLTrrZ_mMIRCVxtvt69FwCYpJWKs71lBhWa5a9M/edit?usp=sharing

The place to make complaints on Wikipedia is oversight-en-wpwikipedia.org , and

arbcom-enwikimedia.org . It is most helpful to have an editing account on Wikipedia, because Yuchitown and the others will try to defend themselves using Wikipedia methodology and make anyone who confronts them look like the aggressor (see the other tribes who tried to fight back on Wikipedia I found).

The more people and tribes make complaints the more likely it is that this will work and we can rid ourselves of these monsters.

Some of the tribes I have spoken to are taking legal action against these editors. Any groups affected by their policies should also reach out to the news to make knowledge of this more widespread.

Thank you

- quoted with permission from an email sent by an associate of my tribe. Message me for their email address if you'd like to reach out to them.

[reasonsforhope]

"The existence and consumption of coffee has many advantages in human society, but perhaps the lesser reported advantage is what it can offer the environment.

There is arguably no other monocrop so capable of thriving in an intact, natural ecosystem, and in Ethiopia, where coffee is a major export, the adoption of climate-compatible and conservation strategies among coffee growers recently proved a major success, with over 5,000 acres of land reforested, 45% increases in household income, and a 70% increase in exported coffee.

Coffee is a major lifeblood of Ethiopia’s economy (we’re talking about a quarter of the whole), accounting for around half of the livelihood of 15 million people, 95% of whom are small landholding growers.

In the ecologically critical Ilu Ababor Zone of nation’s western region of Oromia, where Coffea arabica is native, Farm Africa led a project on sustainable agriculture among coffee growers inside 19 local forest management cooperatives totaling around 4,000 people between 2021 and 2024.

The results were better than a hot cup of coffee on a cold early morning, as the residents took to the skills, incentives, and even stakeholder meetings with great interest and dedication according to a report on the project entitled Coffee for Conservation.

Of the project aims regarding forest management and conservation, the objective was to instruct the landholders and growers in ways to get everything they needed from their forest homes without felling too many native trees.

For example, locals were shown how to cultivate fast-growing trees optimal for firewood in small plots, as well as methods on how to maximize the growth cycle of these fuel trees. Six tree nurseries were opened and staffed by around 60 people taught to sell seedlings for reforestation of native woodland in the area.

By the end of the project, over 300,000 seedlings had been planted over 5,000 acres of forest, and they enjoyed a five-year survival rate of 85%. Climate-smart practices such as cultivating bamboo for making the mats on which the coffee beans are dried, removed the need to truck in bamboo from other regions, while 66% of homes were able to be convinced to switch to energy-efficient wood stoves to reduce fuel consumption.

Most of the landholders growing coffee or managing the forest had plots for vegetable and fruit production to feed their families and those of their communities through trade. Percentages of these Ethiopians who adopted climate-smart farming techniques increased from 49% to 76%, while 10% more began growing fruit and vegetables. Income generated from the increased production amounted to around 280% more than what was made before the project, adjusted for inflation.

Coffee production, marketing, and returns, have all improved. 73% more coffee from the Ilu Ababor region is now export-quality than in 2021, and 44% meets the standards for specialty grade, which is up by 20% from 2021.

Connections with national financing intuitions have allowed some of the co-ops to buy proper equipment for drying and storage, as well as support by city marketing agencies who could work directly on behalf of the Ilu Ababor growers to carve out a space in the national and international markets.

“Prior to the project, our limited knowledge meant we had to sell our coffee to local traders at lower prices,” said Abde Musa, a member of the Abdi Bori forest management cooperative. “Now we’ve taken control and are the ones negotiating and determining the coffee prices.”

Co-op leaders received training in business management, quality control, and certification processes, which majorly improved their incomes. One of the 19 co-ops in particular grossed $58,500 on their coffee sales.

Project wide, incomes and access to financial services almost doubled, with the latter now reaching almost 100% of the community.

Lastly, deforestation plummeted in the area to just 0.08 acres a year.

There’s so much good news to read in the report on the project’s success beyond the headline data, like the Abdi Bori co-op’s incredible rise which saw coffee revenue increase by a multiple of 20 from 2018 to 2023, or Solomon Mekonnen’s story of turning his land into a forest farm that produces export-grade coffee, firewood, and organic honey, or the tremendous involvement of women at all levels of the education and participation.

It’s a document that captures the very real phenomenon that African problems are best solved with African solutions."

-via Good News Network, May 17, 2025

[lockea]

I've been seeing a lot of Discourse around outdoor cats that talks past one of the biggest problems addressing community cats/outdoor working cats so I thought I'd chime in with my two cents.

Many arguments I see just... don't think about the cats at all? Or don't consider the logistics of actually addressing the feral cat problem in a humane way. It's always about how outdoor cats shouldn't be outdoors, which is neither realistic nor helpful.

I used to volunteer at an municipal animal shelter in the USA that had a TNR program (Trap, Neuter, Return) and also adopted out community cats to local farms and businesses. Here's my side of the story.

"Your cat doesn't need to be outside" -- Yes, correct. Your domesticated (non-feral) house cat does not need to go outside at all. They can have a fully actualized life safely indoors. When I see this argument, proponents of indoor only cats are correct in most or all their arguments regarding this.

"Outdoor cats are the largest invasive species in the world, and decimate bird populations." -- This is also correct, and part of the reason why you can help by bringing your house cat indoors. Cats are the largest invasive species. Spay and Neuter your cats, bring them inside, and socialize them so they don't become feral.

"TNR doesn't work." -- False. Whether we like it or not, feral cats exist. We have two methods by which we can address the feral cat population -- decimating them (humanely euthanizing the whole colony) or TNR. For a long time, euthanasia was the preferred way to address the feral cat problem. Afterall, if the cats aren't there, doesn't that save the local wildlife population?

Except that we found, studying these colonies, that when a colony is wiped out, the cats of another colony will spread into their territory and continue to have kittens and the population of feral cats is neither controlled nor diminished.

Hence, TNR. What we found performing TNR on cat colonies was that this controlled the population of the colonies, allowing them to stay in their territory, which kept other colonies from spreading (especially colonies we hadn't performed TNR on yet). We at the shelter felt this was the most humane way to control the feral cat population and safely deflate their existence without dealing with the population blooms that euthanasia caused.

"What about kittens?" -- Kittens from these colonies were brought into the shelter, socialized, and fostered out until they could be adopted. Some of these semi-feral kittens needed special homes to be adopted into, but this was the best quality of life for these cats.

"What about cats that get missed during TNR?" -- We would return to the colony several times over a period of several years to perform TNR on the same colony. We mark cats that have been neutered by clipping their ear (this is done humanely, but is the most reliable way to tell if a cat has been neutered so the poor thing doesn't have to have surgery 3-4 times in their life). Also, during the TNR process the cats would be vaccinated to ensure disease did not spread from the colony (i.e. rabies). Still, even getting 60% of the colony TNR'd would dramatically reduce the number of kittens being added to the colony each year. This controlled the population by allowing the territory to naturally deflate in size over time, buying us time to address the larger feral cat problem.

"What if the colony was in an unsafe location?" -- There were two ways we addressed unsafe colony locations -- remember, we know that when the colony is removed, a new colony will move into its place, so we tried not to move the colony unless we really felt the cats or the public was unsafe -- one was to move the whole colony to a new location. Preferably someplace like a warehouse where we have an agreement with the owners of the warehouse. Some of the cats were even relocated to shelter grounds as our community cats. If the colony was small enough we would bring them into our Feral Cats room and adopt them out as community cats.

"What is a community cat?" -- The way the program worked, was that anyone who needed a working cat could apply to the program. These were often rural farmers or businesses with warehouses that needed rodent protection. We trained the farmers and businesses on how to acclimatize the cats to their new home, and as part of the agreement, they had to care for the cats (veterinary care, vaccinations, food and water). This gave businesses and farms an alternative to expensive and environmentally unfriendly rodent control, and also gave these feral cats good places to live out their natural lives.

"Can't you just adopt out feral cats?" -- No. Cats that have not been socialized around humans as kittens, or who have several generations of feral cat in them could not interact with humans in a way that did not cause them undue stress. This was not a humane way to handle feral cats. However, when a cat was brought into the feral cat room, they would be monitored for up to a week. If the cat displayed signs of being semi-social or fully social (hanging out outside of their den, allowing staff to pet them, showing interest in staff in the room), then we would either move the cat into the adoption room or place them in foster to be socialized before adoption. Feral cats who displayed signs of being able to live full and healthy lives with human companions were NOT adopted out as community cats. We also observed this behavior during TNRs and would do the same for those cats too.

"But aren't cats bad hunters?" -- Compared to other species, cats are not the most effective form of rodent control. This is true. However, you have to understand that feral cats exist. There is no "undo" button we can push to stop them from existing. We have to deal with the problem we have right now, which is to safely and humanely decrease the number of feral cats in our communities. And yes, we do that by using cats as rodent control in the community.

"What can I do?" -- Stop saying community cats shouldn't exist. That's not helpful and doesn't solve the problem we have. Bring your cat indoors. Spay and neuter your cats. Adopt from shelters. Volunteer with a TNR team. Support TNR efforts in your community. Recognize that those of us actively dealing with the community/feral problem are trying to do what is in the best interest of our communities and the animals we love. We aren't sitting over here saying these cats should exist -- a feral cat will not have the same quality of life as one that is indoors with a family -- but we have to address the problem in practical terms. We don't have the moral high ground to just do nothing while pontificating solutions that have no basis in actuality.

And yes, it's okay to celebrate community cats. If your local farm has a couple of working cats, that means that farm is helping participate in the safe deflation of the feral cat population. Don't shame a farm or business for using community cats. We're all doing the best we can to solve the problem that we have.

[thistlecrimes]

Things I've learned from getting covid for the first time in 2023

I wear an N95 in public spaces and I've managed to dodge it for a long time, but I finally got covid for the first time (to my knowledge) in mid-late November 2023. It was a weird experience especially because I feel like it used to be something everyone was talking about and sharing info on, so getting it for the first time now (when people generally seem averse to talking about covid) I found I needed to seek out a lot of info because I wasn't sure what to do. I put so much effort into prevention, I knew less about what to do when you have it. I'm experiencing a rebound right now so I'm currently isolating. So, I'm making a post in the hopes that if you get covid (it's pretty goddamn hard to avoid right now) this info will be helpful for you. It's a couple things I already knew and several things I learned. One part of it is based on my experience in Minnesota but some other states may have similar programs.

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The World Health Organization states you should isolate for 10 days from first having symptoms plus 3 days after the end of symptoms.

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At the time of my writing this post, in Minnesota, we have a test to treat program where you can call, report the result of your rapid test (no photo necessary) and be prescribed paxlovid over the phone to pick up from your pharmacy or have delivered to you. It is free and you do not need to have insurance. I found it by googling "Minnesota Test to Treat Covid"

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Paxlovid decreases the risk of hospitalization and death, but it's also been shown to decrease the risk of Long Covid. Long Covid can occur even from mild or asymptomatic infections.

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Covid rebound commonly occurs 2-8 days after apparent recovery. While many people associate Paxlovid with covid rebound, researchers say there is no strong evidence that Paxlovid causes covid rebound, and rebounds occur in infections that were not treated with Paxlovid as well. I knew rebounds could happen but did not know it could take 8 days. I had mine on day 7 and was completely surprised by it.

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If you start experiencing new symptoms or test positive again, the CDC states that you should start your isolation period again at day zero. Covid rebound is still contagious. Personally I'd suggest wearing a high quality respirator around folks for an additional 8-9 days after you start to test negative in case of a rebound.

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Positive results on a rapid test can be very faint, but even a very faint line is positive result. Make sure to look at your rapid test result under strong lighting. Also, false negatives are not uncommon. If you have symptoms but test negative taking multiple tests and trying different brands if you have them are not bad ideas. My ihealth tests picked up my covid, my binax now tests did not.

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EDIT: I'd highly suggest spending time with friends online if you can, I previously had a link to the NAMI warmline directory in this post but I've since been informed that NAMI is very much funded by pharmaceutical companies and lobbies for policies that take autonomy away from disabled folks, so I've taken that off of here! Sorry, I had no idea, the People's CDC listed them as a resource so I just assumed they were legit! Feel free to reply/reblog this with other warmlines/support resources if you know of them! And please reblog this version!

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I know that there is so much we can't control as individuals right now, and that's frightening. All we can do is try our best to reduce harm and to care for each other. I hope this info will be able to help folks.

[certeraed-techblogs]

Quality Control: Meaning, Advantages, and Career Paths

Ever wondered how companies ensure that the products and services you rely on meet high standards? Dive into the realm of Quality Assurance with us! In this article, we'll simplify the core concepts of Quality Assurance, delve into its significance, discuss its various forms, and shed light on potential career opportunities in this domain.

What is Quality Control?

Imagine you run a clothing business. Naturally, you'd want each piece of clothing you produce to maintain a consistent high quality, ensuring it fits just right and is free from any imperfections. To achieve this, you'd implement a Quality Control (QC) procedure, which might involve inspecting each item for issues like rips or mismatched colors, and ensuring the fit is as designed.

Diving deeper, Quality Control (QC) refers to the systematic process of verifying that a product or service aligns with specific quality standards before it reaches the consumer. It's a pivotal phase in production, pinpointing and rectifying any discrepancies or flaws before the final product lands in the hands of the consumer.

The significance of Quality Control isn't limited to manufacturers. Any entity that delivers a product or service harnesses QC to ensure that customers get exactly what they anticipate, preserving the integrity and reputation of the business.

Why Quality Control Matters

Imagine being a baker:

You're determined that every batch of cookies you whip up maintains a consistent high-quality standard – they should taste delightful and be free from any blemishes. To guarantee this, a robust Quality Control system is your best tool.

This might involve scrutinizing each cookie for imperfections like cracks or over-browning, tasting them for consistency, and confirming the freshness of the ingredients.

The primary goal? Making sure your patrons savor a delightful treat that surpasses their expectations, solidifying your standing as a trusted baker.

In the same vein, Quality Control is a cornerstone in the tech sphere for:

Boosting Customer Contentment: By ensuring products or services align with customer needs and desires, Quality Control heightens user satisfaction, paves the way for repeat business, and garners glowing testimonials.

Shielding Brand Image: The caliber of products and services is pivotal for upholding a brand's prestige. Quality Control acts as a sentinel, detecting and remedying flaws before they reach the user, mitigating adverse feedback and preserving the brand's esteem.

Economic Prudence: By pinpointing and rectifying defects at the earliest stages, Quality Control curtails expenses. This diminishes the need for reworking, conserves resources, and slashes the odds of replacing faulty items.

Optimizing Workflow: A meticulously curated Quality Control system augments the production trajectory, fostering efficiency. The outcome? A surge in output, diminished wastage, and bolstered profit margins.

Adherence to Standards: In various sectors, abiding by set guidelines and norms is non-negotiable. Quality Control acts as a safeguard, ensuring outputs conform to these stipulations, minimizing the peril of monetary penalties or legal entanglements.

Quality Assurance vs. Quality Control

Both Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) are crucial components in the realm of quality management. Though intertwined, they serve distinct roles in ensuring the utmost quality of products and services.

Quality Assurance (QA) emphasizes creating a robust system that ensures the consistent production of a top-notch product or service. Think of it as a proactive strategy: it's about establishing the right practices and standards from the start, aiming to prevent any defects from happening in the first place.

Quality Control (QC), conversely, is more about catching any slip-ups once they've occurred. This is a reactive approach, where products or services are examined, tested, and reviewed to ensure they adhere to the set quality benchmarks. The goal here is to spot and rectify any flaws that may have slipped through.

Interplay of Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Think of Quality Assurance (QA) as the blueprint of a building, and Quality Control (QC) as the inspection of that building once it's built.

QA sets the stage by establishing the systems, protocols, and standards – it's about designing a solid game plan from the outset. This proactive framework ensures that every phase of production is equipped to churn out a top-tier product or service.

QC, on the other hand, is the act of walking through the finished building, room by room, to ensure that everything has been constructed as per the blueprint. It's the subsequent check that validates the product against the standards set by QA and identifies any deviations. To further enhance your understanding of quality management, consider pursuing a Six Sigma online training and certification, which focuses on process improvement and quality control methodologies.

The Types of Quality Control

Quality Control (QC) comprises a spectrum of methods, each tailored to specific facets of production and quality checkpoints. Let’s unpack some of the most prevalent QC methodologies:

Process Control: Envision this as the orchestrator of a production symphony. Process Control is all about continuously overseeing and modulating the production processes. By monitoring the process, it's easier to pinpoint inefficiencies or roadblocks and then refine them to boost both productivity and quality.

Control Charts: Think of control charts as the pulse monitor of the production health. They chronicle a process's performance trajectory, flagging any inconsistencies or unusual patterns that might suggest a looming issue. A vigilant eye on these charts ensures early detection and mitigation of potential hitches.

Acceptance Sampling: This method is akin to tasting a spoonful from a pot of soup to judge its flavor. In Acceptance Sampling, a random subset of items from a produced lot is examined. If this sample aligns with quality benchmarks, the whole batch gets the green light. Conversely, if the sample isn't up to par, the entire batch might be discarded or sent for revision.

Product Quality Control: Here, the spotlight is on the finished product. It's about meticulously scrutinizing the final item, putting it through tests and evaluations to ensure it's in sync with the desired specifications. The goal is clear: ensuring that what reaches the consumer is impeccable and up to the mark.

Quality Control Career

For those with a keen eye for precision and a fervor for upholding product excellence, a career in Quality Control (QC) beckons. The QC domain offers a myriad of roles, catering to a range of expertise levels, from novices to seasoned professionals.

Quality Control Inspector: These vigilant experts examine products, parts, and raw materials to ascertain their alignment with set quality benchmarks. Their toolkit often encompasses measuring instruments, visual assessments, and performance tests.

Quality Control Technician: Sharing common ground with QC Inspectors, these technicians not only evaluate products but also delve into intricate testing and diagnostics, employing specialized machinery.

Quality Control Engineer: Tasked with designing and actualizing QC strategies, these engineers interface with multiple departments, such as production and engineering, fortifying the quality integrity of the manufacturing process.

Quality Control Manager: Helming the QC realm, they supervise every facet of the QC journey, ensuring procedural adherence and initiating quality-enhancing amendments when deemed necessary.

Calibration Technician: They are the custodians of the tools of the trade, fine-tuning and refurbishing measurement and diagnostic instruments to vouch for their precision.

Metrology Engineer: These engineers architect and fine-tune systems dedicated to product evaluation, affirming adherence to quality standards.

Statistical Process Control (SPC) Analyst: Armed with statistical prowess, they oversee and modulate the quality parameters of a process, safeguarding its consistency within designated confines.

Root Cause Analysis Specialist: When discrepancies arise, these specialists dive deep, discerning the fundamental triggers behind quality hitches and orchestrating rectifications.

Quality Documentation Specialist: Ensuring transparency and traceability, they curate and steward crucial QC documentation, from inspection transcripts to test summaries.

Supplier Quality Engineer: Collaborating with vendors, they assure that the procured components and raw materials are in congruence with stipulated quality criteria.

Quality Management System (QMS) Coordinator: These coordinators cultivate and uphold an organization’s quality paradigm, ensuring its resonance with globally recognized standards.

Evolution of Quality Control in a Tech-Driven Era

Quality control, fundamentally rooted in ensuring product and service excellence, is poised to undergo significant transformations in the tech-dominated landscape of tomorrow. As technology progresses at an unprecedented rate, the mechanisms underpinning quality control are set to be more cutting-edge, streamlined, and consumer-centric.

One pivotal transformation on the horizon is the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These tech juggernauts promise to overhaul traditional inspection methods by infusing automation. The outcome? Speedier, precision-driven inspections with diminished susceptibility to human oversight.

Moreover, in an era underscored by digital interactions, the consumer voice wields amplified power. The omnipresence of social media and online review platforms has democratized feedback, compelling brands to prioritize stellar quality, given its direct bearing on their public image.

In Conclusion

Quality Control remains the bedrock of any brand aiming to forge a legacy of trust and reliability. For aspirants drawn to the meticulous world of ensuring excellence, QC not only promises a plethora of career avenues but also the intrinsic reward of shaping products and services that resonate with quality.

With this exploration into the dynamic realm of Quality Control, we hope to have elucidated its intricacies, significance, and the promising avenues it harbors. Should your curiosity about Quality Control or associated domains persist, stay tuned for more insightful discourses that aim to satiate your inquisitiveness.

[chase-solidago]

Due to the USDA's CRP (Conservation Reserve Program), over 26 million acres of private farmland is rented by the US government. Instead of crops, they plant native plants. Benefits include conserving plant species, control soil erosion, improve water quality & enhance wildlife habitat.

The government (through the USDA Farm Agency) pays rent annually. Given the current administration's predilection for reneging on contracts, I'm concerned what's going to happen to these acres.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to quibble over CRP seed mixes; they're a concrete yet philosophical question of what makes a prairie a prairie, exactly. However, losing this much land is going to have a huge impact on plants, pollinators, & wildlife, especially grassland birds!

[cosmicsimsi]

Why You Shouldn’t Use GShade

Even after two years, I still see people using GShade and claiming it's a safe program, when it’s really not! There are already some older Tumblr posts about this, but I figured it’s worth refreshing the issue.

So please read this

Around two years ago, GShade’s developer added a code that could forcefully shut down your computer, not because of a bug or security measure, but on purpose. Why? Because he was mad that someone, specifically a 16-year-old made an alternative way to install GShade without using the official updater. Instead of handling it professionally, the dev decided to add a malicious code as "punishment" for anyone trying to modify GShade. That’s malware behavior.

(The first spark) ↓

At that time you also HAD to update Gshade to unistall it. ↓

(Developers "Apology") ↓

Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, but that was patched out, so it’s fine now, right?” Nope. Because the biggest issue isn’t just what he did, it’s the fact that he still thinks he did nothing wrong.

The Problem with Closed-Source Software Like GShade

GShade is closed-source, meaning no one except the developer can see or verify what’s actually in the code. This is a issue when dealing with someone who has already abused their control over the software.

With open-source programs (like ReShade), anyone can look at the code, verify it’s safe, and contribute to improving it. If something shady is added, people can catch it immediately. But with GShade, you have to just trust that the dev isn’t hiding anything malicious. And considering his past actions, that’s a massive risk to take.

Even if GShade is "safe" right now, nothing is stopping the dev from adding another backdoor, data collection, or something even worse in the future. Since no one can see the code, you wouldn’t know until it was too late. And given that he still defends his actions, there’s every reason to believe he’d do something similar again.

“But I’ve Never Had Issues With GShade”

A lot of people say GShade runs better than ReShade or has better effects. That might be true, but no amount of quality or convenience is worth putting your computer at risk. Just because something hasn’t caused problems yet doesn’t mean it won’t in the future. Malicious code can be slipped in at any time, and because it’s closed-source, no one would be able to warn you.

And honestly? You shouldn’t be using software made by someone who has already proven they’re willing to mess with your computer. If a developer intentionally inserts harmful code once, they can do it again.

What Should You Use Instead?

There’s a safe and open-source alternative: ReShade

It’s free and open-source, meaning the community can review the code to ensure it’s safe.

It can do almost everything GShade does, and while it may take some tweaking, it’s worth the effort.

Most GShade presets can be converted to work with ReShade with a bit of adjustment.

There are guides available to help transition from GShade to ReShade Here is one: How To Move To ReShade From GShade

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, it’s your computer, and you can do whatever you want with it. But if you choose to keep using GShade, just be aware of the risks you’re taking. The dev has already demonstrated that he’s willing to sabotage people’s computers when he feels like it. He still thinks he was justified. And because GShade is closed-source, he has complete control over what’s in the code without anyone being able to check.

So ask yourself: Is that really the kind of software you want to trust?

ReShade is a safer, open-source alternative that doesn’t put you at risk.

Thank you for reading

Here are some links that discusses the whole topic:

Twitter

Reddit

The persons Blog the code was directed at

[heyimkana]

i have an idea about teacher! Sung Jinwoo x teacher!Reader where they both teach in the same class and then like their students like basically ship them together and then one day when they both come to class together, the students make a prank that makes reader and jinwoo kiss (I would've made this but im like, lazy to write rn plus I have a bunch of other ideas 😭)

OOOOOOH WORKPLACE LOVERS TEACHER!JINWOO X TEACHER!READER 😩

in my head, reader definitely falls for him first—i mean who wouldn't right? just imagine teacher jinwoo... all dressed in black pants, crisp white button down with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. god, maybe he even wears glasses 😩 he's so articulate when he speaks, his mannerisms poised and polite, and he doesn't talk a lot but whenever he does, people will listen not because they have to but because they want to. he has unmatched charisma, very strict with his students when it comes to grades and assignments but is also very kind and nurturing at the same time. the male students think he's cool, the female students drools all over his shoes but jinwoo stays nonchalant as always, unfazed, unbothered.

then there's a little bit shy teacher!reader who dedicates all her life for her students, always going home late at night, trying to come up with new programs and schedules so they can improve more. she works hard, takes her job very seriously and jinwoo secretly admires her for that from afar. he doesn't try to date her or anything (i don't think that thought will ever cross his mind cause he's always so serious and he doesn't want to bring romance into his workplace), but before he knows it, he's grown protective of her and he wants to take care of her as best as he can, as friends (or so he thought lol).

he often shows his affection by bringing her coffee whenever he makes one for himself, or sometimes staying late just so he can offer to walk her home (because it's getting dark and he's worried about her safety). sometimes he brings two umbrellas to school when it's about to rain because he knows she always forgets to bring one with her. jinwoo always carries an umbrella with him regardless what the forecast tells him, so one time, when it suddenly poured, they walked together, sharing his umbrella and he made sure that she stayed dry even if it meant his shoulder would get drenched (and it did but he didn't mind at all).

so yeah naturally the students would start gossiping about them. one day, during the school festival, they made this fun booth called the "Love Fortune Booth" like a fun attraction where guests can come in pairs and get a "fortune" from the magical love machine. the booth is, of course, rigged. every pair that enters is basically forced to kiss or hug or make a love confession before they can walk free from the booth. the door will only open once they get to do the dare.

a student shouts "teachers should test it first for quality control!" and then they push jinwoo and reader into the booth. jinwoo is just like "these kids i swear 😑" but then he sees reader looking all flustered and nervous (and maybe excited?) and he can't help feeling a tiny bit nervous too.

the machine says something like: "Fate has spoken. A perfect match has been found. The bond shall only be sealed with a kiss!"

jinwoo huffs, "well, i guess the machine works just fine."

reader can't even meet him in the eyes, saying "yeah" under her breath

before he knows it, he's glancing at her lips—they're red and pretty and glossy and—he looks away, scratching the back of his neck. "We... don't have to do it, you know."

"I-I know."

but neither of them moves away.

she then shyly looks at him. "it says that... we have to do it if we want to unlock the door."

jinwoo sighs, running a hand through his hair "this is a trap."

but then he glances at her again and this time he catches her staring at his lips (just for a second) and his heart starts to pound. "Do you..." he can't even finish it. he doesn't know if he should.

she swallows nervously, heartbeat escalating. "i-i won't mind if... you're okay with it."

and something inside him snaps. his realization dawns on him. he wants this. no, he's been wanting to kiss her for so long. and so he leans in, cups her cheek in his hand, and he kisses her. Sweet, tender, tentative at first but immediately melts into the kiss when he feels her responding. they kiss languidly, deep but never too far (he tries to keep himself under control). when they break free, she's left a bit dazed, breathing out, "that... was for the prank?"

jinwoo glides his thumb across her lips, still captivated by how pretty, how sweet they taste. "No," he says quietly. "That was for me."

[seumyo]

you asked and i shall deliver!!!. never seen you before but whatever ehe

a bit cliche, but do a vtuber reader x idia. I've been obsessed with this concept for whatever reason but I am way too lazy to write about it!!

if you want to you can do other characters ofc, but I just need a vtuber reader lololol

- 🌼 (idk i just like this emoji)

IDIA SHROUD ✰ FANBOY.EXE

NOTE. I love this prompt now (ﾉ ˃ˋᗜˊ˂ )ﾉ I might make another post with another version—maybe a more in-depth headcanons of fanboy!idia and vtuber!reader; just really wanted Idia to be reader’s VTuber model artist in this one !!

It all started with the artist behind your VTuber model. You didn’t know him. Well, you did—technically. His username was Thanatos, a well-known but highly elusive illustrator and Live2D animator who had a reputation for only taking on projects he found personally interesting.

It had been pure luck that he accepted your request in the first place.

You had sent him a formal commission request with a concept sheet, expecting radio silence or maybe a polite rejection. Instead, you got a response within the same day.

Accepting the commission. No revisions after initial sketch.

It had been brief, almost cold, but that was fine. He was an artist in high demand, and you weren’t about to risk annoying him. True to his word, he worked quickly. Within a week, you had a breathtaking, fully rigged VTuber model that moved like an absolute dream. The expressions, the fluidity of motion—everything was perfect.

You were overjoyed. You followed it with a generous tip immediately and sent a long thank-you message.

Thank you so much!! It’s even better than I imagined! You’re amazing!!

No response. Not that you expected one. Thanatos had already moved on, and you should too.

-

Idia knew about your actual debut a month later.

He had no reason to be watching. None. He had no attachment to this commission—it was just another job. But the moment you went live, his fingers were captivated toward the keyboard before he even realized what he was doing.

You were streaming.

With the model he made.

Using the animations he painstakingly rigged for months.

…It wouldn’t hurt to check, right? Just a little? For quality control.

His screen was already open before he finished that thought.

At first, he convinced himself it was a professional curiosity. He was just making sure his work functioned properly in a real-time setting. But then he heard your voice.

“Hello, hello! How is everyone doing today?”

You had a warm, welcoming voice that filled the empty space of his room like a summer breeze through an open window. You weren’t overly polished or exaggerated—you just seemed genuinely happy to be here.

And the way you moved—

He hadn’t noticed before, when you two were going through some test runs via call, but you had an adorable habit of tilting your head slightly whenever you were thinking and how you bounced subtly in your seat whenever you got excited. These were all movements he had programmed, but seeing them now, paired with your real-time reactions, it felt… like something else.

Something that will haunt him very soon.

His chest felt tight. He didn’t like that feeling.

He minimized the tab.

He closed it entirely.

…Then reopened it in an incognito window.

Not because he cared. Obviously. It was just research.

Right.

At least, that was what he told himself. Until the next stream. And the next. And then, before he knew it, he was a regular viewer.

Not publicly, of course. No, he lurked in the chat like a ghost, watching you without making his presence known. Every laugh, every excited gasp, every soft, murmured “thank you” to your viewers kept him hooked in place. It wasn’t just your voice—it was the way you carried yourself. You were unguarded, genuine.

It’s rare for him to see that nowadays.

He started to recognize the regulars in chat. A user named StarGazer89 who always sent supportive messages. MuffinMan, who donated too much and made you flustered every time. VoidPrince, who constantly made inside jokes that you played along with.

Idia was none of these people.

His username? User492015.

Generic. Disposable. Untraceable.

Not that you’d ever notice him. Which was exactly how he wanted it.

Probably.

But then something happened.

One night, during a casual chatting stream, you leaned forward slightly, resting your chin in your hands as your model mirrored the motion. “Ahh, I really lucked out with my artist,” you mused, your voice warm with gratitude. “Thanatos, if you’re out there—thank you again! I still can't believe someone like you took my commission.”

His breath hitched.

His fingers hovered over his keyboard.

He could say something. Just a simple “you’re welcome”—no one would even know it was him. They’d probably think he was delusional.

Instead, he closed the stream.

His heart was beating too fast. It was stupid. He was being stupid.

This was just a job. Just a commission.

So why did he feel like some kind of phantom, watching from the shadows, unable to reach out? Why did he get attached to you?

-

Idia knew he shouldn’t make it a big deal.

That he’s a big deal or that you’re a big deal to him. He doesn’t understand anymore.

As much as he hated dealing with people, he couldn’t deny it—Thanatos was one of the most sought-after VTuber artists in the industry. Everyone wanted a model from him, from corporate VTubers to indie up-and-comers hoping for a miracle. His commissions filled up within seconds. His rates were high—stupidly high. And yet, people were more than willing to pay.

He was used to clients freaking out when they got a slot. Used to them gushing, spamming thank-you messages, treating him like some kind of god of Live2D.

You, on the other hand? You had been normal about it, though it was evident how excited you were to work with him.

Oh, thank you for accepting! I’m excited to work with you!

No excessive flattery, no begging for a rushed commission, and no asking for discounts despite his prices being borderline robbery. You had sent over your references, paid upfront, and patiently waited.

Professional. Efficient. A dream client.

So why—why—had he ended up like this?

Why was he sitting in his room, watching your stream every single night like some desperate, diehard fan? Why was he buying your merch, collecting keychains, standees, and even the limited-edition tapestry that sold out in minutes?

Why was he spending more money on you than you had on your model?

Idia groaned, slumping over his desk as your latest stream played on his second monitor.

“This is so bad. So bad. I’m supposed to be a professional. I’m literally a big-name artist—people in the industry respectme. And now I’m sitting here like some pathetic fanboy, throwing my money at her like—“

A notification popped up.

Your donation of ¥75000 has been sent successfully!

Idia froze.

He had done it again.

“NOOOOOOOOOOO—“

He slammed his forehead against the desk, as if that would somehow undo his actions.

Why was he like this?!

He had never donated to streamers before. Ever. But with you, it had started with small amounts—¥1000 here, ¥2000 there. And then it escalated. He had no self-control. He had literally spent more on your streams than you had paid him for your model at this point.

And the worst part? You noticed. Always.

“Oh! Another big donation from ‘GhostKing999’! Thank you so much!”

You didn’t even know GhostKing999 was Thanatos.

Since when did go from User492015 to GhostKing999?

Maybe that should’ve been a warning for him.

You sounded so genuinely happy. Idia felt like he was going to die. He probably should.

Not because he wanted you to notice him, specifically. No way. He wasn’t some creepy, obsessive fan trying to force attention. He just… liked supporting you. Liked seeing you excited when you reached a donation goal. Liked the way you always took the time to thank your chat, no matter how big you got.

But god, he was in so deep.

And then, as if the universe wanted to kill him completely, it happened. Again. A common question that would probably get him to be a millionaire whenever other people asked his former clients.

Someone in chat asked, “Who made your model?”

And just like every other time, you answered without hesitation.

“Thanatos! I was super lucky to get a slot in their commissions! And when I got another slot, I had to go all out and even commission my winter, summer, and formal looks.”

Idia screamed into his pillow.

Why—why—did you always say it like that? Like he was some kind of mythical being you had miraculously summoned into existence? Did you have any idea how much he respected you? How much effort had he put into making your model perfect, even going above and beyond what you paid for?

Maybe he liked your vision for your model.

Maybe he just liked you in general before he knew it.

Maybe he like-liked you the more he thought about it—

Ok, stop, Idia Shroud, think about how weird that sounds. He barely even met you in person.

He peeked back at the screen.

You had that little, thoughtful smile on your face. The one you did when you were about to get all sentimental.

“I know they don’t really talk much, but… yeah. I was really lucky,” you said softly. “Thanatos did an amazing job. I still can’t believe I have this model sometimes. If they’re ever watching—thank you. Seriously. And I wish all other aspiring VTubers manifest their slot in Thanatos’ commissions soon!”

Idia short-circuited.

His chair nearly tipped over as he wheezed, trying to process the fact that his client—his former client—his CRUSH was sitting there, thanking him in front of thousands of people, completely unaware that he was watching.

That he was always watching.

That he was your biggest fan now.

“Oh my god, I need to log off. I need to uninstall the internet. I need to throw my entire PC out the window—“

His phone buzzed.

Another donation confirmation.

¥100000

From him.

To you.

Well, most of the earnings he got from commission were certainly going somewhere.

He screamed again.

SEUMYO © 2025. PLEASE DO NOT REPOST, PLAGIARIZE, MODIFY OR TRANSLATE.