#Security and Protection Distributors

[gofordistributors]

finding the right Security and Protection Distributorship is crucial for effectively meeting your safety needs. By evaluating your requirements, considering your reputation and experience, assessing product range and brands, and ensuring excellent customer service, you can make an informed choice. Additionally, Go4Distributors offers an excellent solution for businesses seeking to expand their reach in the Indian market, providing a reliable platform to connect with potential dealers and distributors in the security and protection sector.

[writingmochi]

a terra incognita character introduction

cast: jake ✗ fem.reader

synopsis: as the world entered the middle of the 21st century, many things have changed for the better or for worse in the newly united korea peninsula: the preparation for the succession of the new conglomerates of the past decade, the uprising of deviant androids, and the new layer of life shield by walls of codes. in the middle of it, two beings are trying to understand each other and the situation of the world they live in; an unknown territory

genre: cyberpunk, cyber noir, psychological thriller, science fiction, dystopian future, politics and philosophies regarding artificial intelligence and humanity, romance, drama, angst, mature content (war and revolution, explicit smut)

based on: video game cyberpunk 2077 (2020) and detroit: become human (2018), anime serial experiments lain (1998), and tv show succession (2018-2023)

masterlist

from south seoul

shim laboratories is a korean multinational megacorporation dealing in manufacturers of machinery and artificial intelligence. the company is also one of the largest distributors of androids in the global market, pioneering the creation and usage of androids to be used on a day-to-day basis such as in domestic activities or even as soldiers. prior to the release of their android products, they also excelled in the usage of artificial intelligence in day-to-day life including hardware manufacturing or machinery used for city facilities, home appliances, and military technology such as drones that were used in the cyber war of 2027-2030.

jake

name: shim jaeyun ; jake shim

aliases: wolfe (cyberspace)

age: 20

species: human

gender: male

family: dad (alive), mom (alive), yoon (sister; alive)

affiliation: shim laboratories, shim conglomerate

backstory: born in 2030, jake is the eldest of the shim siblings and will succeed his father as the ceo of shim laboratories. a versatile man, he's currently doing a double major in business management and mechanical engineering at seoul national university while also doing training in the labs.

yoon

name: shim jayun ; nicole shim (portrayed by stayc's yoon)

aliases: gynger (cyberspace), yoon (nickname)

age: 18

species: human

gender: female

family: dad (alive), mom (alive), jake (brother; alive)

affiliation: shim laboratories, shim conglomerate

backstory: born in 2032, yoon is the youngest of the shim siblings and a so-called rebel among the conglomerate children. passionate in humanities, she wants to study anthropology after graduating high school.

park corp is a korean multinational megacorporation specializing in police contracting, personal & corporate security, and security consultancy services. they invest in the military-industrial manufacturing of advanced defence tools in united korea, producing weapons used to help defend the korea soil in the cyber war of 2027-2030. their role is pivotal to protect high-ranking people in united korea, making them successful post-war as their services are also used by people worldwide.

jay

name: park jongseong ; jay park

aliases: blu (cyberspace)

age: 20

species: human

gender: male

family: dad (alive), mom (alive), seonghwa (brother; missing), uncle (alive), aunt (alive), chaeyoung (cousin; alive), sunghoon (cousin; alive)

affiliation: park corp, park conglomerate

backstory: born in 2030, jay is the youngest of the park siblings and will succeed his dad to be the co-ceo of park corp, specializing in defence and weapons manufacturing, who works alongside his uncle (sunghoon's dad). studying business management and law, jay was pushed forward in the line of succession as his brother, park seonghwa (b. 2026), is currently missing.

sunghoon

name: park sunghoon ; benjamin park

aliases: frost (cyberspace)

age: 20

species: human

gender: male

family: dad (alive), mom (alive), chaeyoung (sister; alive), uncle (alive), aunt (alive), seonghwa (cousin; missing), jay (cousin; alive)

affiliation: park corp, park conglomerate

backstory: born in 2030, sunghoon is the youngest of the park siblings and will succeed his dad to be the co-ceo of park corp, specializing in security services, who works alongside his uncle (jay's dad). studying business management and law, sunghoon was pushed forward in the line of succession as his sister, park chaeyoung (b. 2025), decided to drop out of the line to go and live in aotearoa.

intelee is a korean multinational megacorporation that is working in the manufacture of computer software, information technology, and computer networks. their role is pivotal as they created the cyber wall to protect united korea in the cyber war of 2027-2030, utilizing their intelligence to defend against cyber warfare attacks such as malware and viruses. after the war, they contributed to connecting the technological network of the korean peninsula and recovered the internet after it was shut down during the war. their protective software and platforms are sought after by governments globally as they recover the fastest after the war.

heeseung

name: lee heeseung ; evan lee

aliases: roe (cyberspace)

age: 21

species: human

gender: male

family: dad (alive), mom (alive), jaehee (sister; alive), uncle (alive), aunt (alive), soojin (cousin; alive)

affiliation: intelee, lee conglomerate

backstory: born in 2029, heeseung is the eldest of the lee siblings and will succeed his father as the ceo of intelee. he's currently majoring in business management and computer sciences.

jaehee

name: lee jaehee ; monica lee (portrayed by weeekly's jaehee)

aliases: dion (cyberspace)

age: 18

species: human

gender: female

family: dad (alive), mom (alive), heeseung (brother; alive),uncle (alive), aunt (alive), soojin (cousin; alive)

affiliation: intelee, lee conglomerate

backstory: born in 2032, jaehee is the youngest of the lee siblings. passionate about healthcare, she wants to study biological engineering after graduating high school.

OTHER CHARACTERS

soojin

name: lee soojin (portrayed by weeekly's soojin)

aliases: katt (cyberspace)

age: 21

species: human

gender: female

family: dad (alive), mom (alive), uncle (alive), aunt (alive), heeseung (cousin; alive), jaehee (cousin; alive)

affiliation: intelee, lee conglomerate

backstory: born in 2029, soojin is part of the lee conglomerate as the cousin of both heeseung and jaehee. currently studying business management specializing in finance, she is in the line of succession to replace her dad as cfo of intelee.

jimin

name: kim jimin (portrayed by weeekly's monday)

aliases: lin (cyberspace)

age: 20

species: human

gender: female

family: dad (alive), mom (alive)

affiliation: kim conglomerate

backstory: born in 2030, jimin is the only child of the kim conglomerate who controls the current largest media company in united korea. she's currently studying communications and business management and will succeed her mom as ceo.

taglist: @raeyunshm @endzii23 @fluffyywoo @camipendragon @hiqhkey @wccycc @cha0thicpisces @y4wnjunz @yeehawnana @beansworldsstuff @kimipxl @blurryriki @reallysmolrenjun @frukkoneeeeg

© writingmochi on tumblr, 2021-2024. all rights reserved

[bardnuts]

my local grocery store (Harris Teeter) has introduced an ARMED SECURITY GUARD. with a GUN.

their explanation at the customer service desk was that "people keep 'forgetting to pay,' so his presence is to 'discourage them from forgetting to pay." I told them I was extremely uncomfortable with a very large armed man wandering around my local grocery store, and that I didn't understand why we had to introduce a fucking gun into the equation if his entire purpose is to intimidate customers into not stealing. I'm sorry, are you going to shoot Johnny Smith for stealing a fucking potato?

Obviously I'm really concerned for how this could disproportionately affect Black customers and customers of color.

I was told this comes from higher up/Harris Teeter corporate.

Personally I'm kind of chilled by the notion that grocery/food distributors have decided to protect their "assets" (food!!!!) with guns.

Anyway the number for the Harris Teeter corporate office is 704-844-3100.

[isleofdarkness]

Warnings- desperation, implied/referenced- starvation, genocide, forced famine, eating of pets, death, cannibalism, pollution, murder, massacre

"By the way," Maverick finally said, voice quiet and filled with something... if Ben hadn't known better, he would call it hopelessness. "We haven't gotten a barge in a month. The last one we got was full of livestock, but every single one of them was rabid. We had to euthanize and securely dispose of all of it, because we can't risk another outbreak and we don't want to take the chance you can get rabies from eating a rabid animal. Your dad didn't like that we checked them over before releasing them. All barges are now routed, by official orders, to Maleficent, and she distributes supplies as she sees fit.

"I can only manifest so much under the barrier and even if that weren't a problem, we have no way to distribute food. We would need carts, and those carts would need battalions we don't have to protect them because believe me, we tried, but Maleficent attacked what we sent out and stole everything before it could be distributed. Assuming we did have battalions, we would need an irregular drop schedule because Maleficent has the numbers to overpower us, and that irregular schedule would impair the amount of food we'd be able to hand out. We wouldn't be able to hand out anything in Villain's Keep of Barricade, because she can respond too quickly. We're using the ships to distribute, but that's not effective. Maleficent's men will attack people they notice going to the ships for food, kill them. If they see anyone carrying food, they take the food and kill the person. People are too scared to get food or supplies.

"It's only a matter of time before she starts attacking the ships. The Hope and the Secret are docked in places she can't get to yet, but it's only a matter of time before she sets her sights on the Roger, the Revenge, and even the Hurricane. The only one of those that's almost completely protected from her is the Hurricane. The Revenge is well-guarded but there's no way for them to cut off an enemy's access to the ship- the only way to access the Hurricane is a pipe, and that pipe can be blown the second Harriet give the order, but the Revenge is on the docks and the only way to cut off access would be to set sail. The Roger has pretty much zero protection- she's unable to sail, so if she gets attacked there's no way out. Also, the Hurricane is the only ship that has functioning long-range weapons. If the Hurricane is attacked while out at sea, they can fight back with more than just bows and arrows. The Revenge has no canons. As long as the Revenge is anywhere near the Isle, we run the risk of losing that one, too. And if we lose both of those, the only distributor will be Harriet and the Hurricane will be Maleficent's main target. And there would be a monumental loss of life.

"We could use the Broken Arrow, but Maleficent can still kill people going there for food and either way, we're monumentally fucked if the Arrow falls into her hands because she has a functioning model of the Tsar Bomba. Yeah, you heard me right.

"So really, we don't have an effective way of distributing food. Most of the Isle is reliant on barges, which they no longer have access to. It's only been a month but people are already getting desperate. I recovered seventeen corpses from The Woods last week alone.

"You have to realize that food on the Isle is entirely reliant on barges. Your father had the soil cursed so that it can't be farmed. The pollution kills sealife and plants, the only way we can fish is diving to the reef nearly two miles off the coast but the reef has sharks and a billion other hazards. We can't hunt unless we hunt rats and cats, because stepping into The Woods or the Wilds is a death sentence unless Tarzan or Mara happen to find you in time. We only have one source of fresh water, a well in Villain's Keep, and Maleficent controls access to it. We don't have ways to make our own textiles or other equipment, we don't have working electricity or gas to cook, and we don't have the equipment or knowledge required to build agricultural things in our basements. Don't even get me started on the hospital. Your father made us entirely reliant on his good grace and we're out of it for not letting another rabies outbreak happen.

"In two more weeks, people will get desperate. I've seen visions of it. They'll eat pets first, then, when they run out of those, they'll start eating other people. I see..." her eyes closed, "I see corpses, stripped of their flesh, left to rot in the streets. I see people being dragged out of their homes, dismembered, and cooked. I see thousands flocking to the few sources of food only to be murdered before they can even see the ships. Senseless murder, long, slow deaths, disease running rampant, innocent people being slaughtered in droves. I see mass exodus to the Isle of Exile, and I see the crazed eventually following us there. I see our last true refuge filled with thousands of people without room for thousands more suffering and dying.

"I see the end of everything we've built. I see our society crumbling under desperation. I see us being forced to leave our home because of your father's cruelty. And I see nothing I can do about it without giving your father an excuse to begin to massacre us.

"And I'm gonna be honest, what I see terrifies the fuck out of me. Because I don't know how to prevent it. I don't even know if it's possible to prevent." She finally looked him in the eyes, anxiety and desperation so strong it took Ben's breath away. "I want you to remember what I've said. And I want you to know that I've done what I've had to do. This is the only way forward I see, the only one where we have even the tiniest chance of survival. If you remember nothing else, remember that, Fenris."

[mariacallous]

On June 19, 2021, a convoy of armed men drove into the border city of Reynosa, Mexico, in the state of Tamaulipas, and opened fire on pedestrians. For more than eight hours, gunmen roamed four neighborhoods, kidnapping and killing 15 people, including two cab drivers, a nursing student, and a group of construction workers. After security forces were deployed throughout the city, four suspected gunmen were killed. In the days that followed, rumors spread on social media. People in Reynosa were afraid to go back out into the streets, factories shortened their night hours to protect their employees, and local businesses closed early.

Three days later, the attorney general of Tamaulipas, Irving Barrios Mojica, said the motive of the attack was to destabilize Mexican society. The attackers belonged to a cartel that was looking to gain control of the area surrounding the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, which straddles the U.S.-Mexico border. The authorities seized a formidable amount of weaponry from the men: about 180 cartridge cases in total, as well as five long guns, and several .223-caliber magazines, which are commonly used in AR-style semi-automatic rifles. These weapons had one thing in common: They came from the United States.

The Reynosa massacre is just one recent entry in a long list of violent acts committed with U.S.-made weapons in Mexican territory. At least 70 percent of guns recovered at crime scenes in Mexico between 2014 and 2018 were trafficked into the country from the United States. Although the exact number of weapons smuggled across the border is uncertain, a study quoted by the Mexican government estimates that 2.2 percent of the nearly 40 million guns manufactured annually in the United States make their way into Mexico, amounting to more than half a million weapons a year. Hidden inside vehicles, appliances, and furniture or trafficked by sea in sealed shipping containers, U.S.-made weapons are bringing violence from north to south, according to the Mexican government.

In 2021, Mexico filed an unprecedented lawsuit against U.S. weapons manufacturers and a firearms distributor in the District Court in Boston, the first suit filed by a foreign government against the U.S. gun industry. The lawsuit names gun manufacturers such as Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Colt’s Manufacturing Company, Smith & Wesson Brands, Glock, Beretta, and Century International Arms and aims to hold them responsible for facilitating the flow of weapons across the border.

The complaint was dismissed by the District Court in September 2022, and Mexico filed an appeal in March. On July 24, the Mexican government urged the U.S. Court of Appeals in Boston to revive the suit, arguing that a U.S. law does not protect U.S. gun manufacturers from being sued over gun trafficking that leads to violence in Mexico. A ruling is expected in the coming months, but this lawsuit could potentially set a precedent for cross-border litigation and strengthen the global fight against the illicit arms trade. The Mexican government is seeking at least $10 billion in damages for economic harm, yet the primary aim of the lawsuit is more ambitious: to curb gun trafficking by forcing changes to the business practices of U.S. gun companies and pushing for tighter controls on their distribution systems.

Mexico has strict national gun laws. There is only one store in the country where individuals can legally purchase a gun. The store is owned and operated by the military, and fewer than 50 gun permits are issued annually, mainly to prominent businesspeople, public figures, or individuals who have been the victim of a crime and need a firearm for protection, said Lt. Col. Israel Martínez Valdés from the Federal Registry of Firearms and Control of Explosives, responsible for gun permits.

After a U.S. ban on assault weapons expired in 2004, the Mexican government’s suit argues, U.S. gun manufacturers increased production, “particularly of the military-style assault weapons favored by the drug cartels.” The lawsuit alleges that this accompanied a dramatic increase in homicides across the border after 2004. One of the most common types of gun smuggling across the U.S.-Mexico border is the hormigas (“ants”) method, in which straw buyers—intermediaries with clean records who are sent to buy guns on behalf of third parties—pass weapons on to traffickers, who smuggle them in small quantities.

Zulia Orozco Reynoso and Gerardo Hernández, researchers at the Autonomous University of Baja California in northern Mexico, explained that local gun shows in the United States lack restrictions and controls, which makes it easier for weapons to cross the border undetected. Dealers purchase large quantities of guns from distributors and resell them at gun shows with no paperwork and no questions asked, the Mexican government’s suit states. Private or unlicensed sellers at gun shows in the United States are not required to conduct background checks or maintain records linking weapons to buyers, a fact known as the “gun show loophole” or “private sale exception.” Traffickers can buy several guns at once and smuggle them in private vehicles without being monitored by U.S. or Mexican authorities.

The California-Baja California border region, which stretches for 120 miles, is one of the busiest land border crossings in the world. Yet while an enormous law enforcement operation ensures that people do not travel from south to north unauthorized, movement from north to south is far less surveilled. The guns “come by land, by air, by sea, and through the tunnels along the border,” Hernández said.

Much of this trafficking is done by people with dual citizenship or Americans hired by drug cartels. Mexican citizens can face up to 10 years in prison for trafficking a gun and up to 30 years for trafficking weapons intended exclusively for military use. Yet foreigners introducing a single weapon to the country for the first time are merely fined, Orozco Reynoso said, and the weapon is returned to them when they leave the country.

“The risks for Mexicans are greater, or at least they are not given a second chance, unlike Americans,” Orozco Reynoso added.

Dangerous weapons don’t just end up in the hands of criminal cartels. Law enforcement and members of the Mexican defense ministry, the nation’s sole authorized importer of firearms, have also committed atrocities with U.S.-manufactured firearms. A 2018 report by the Mexican Commission for the Defense and Promotion of Human Rights affirms that legally imported firearms have been used by police and military units in gross human rights abuses. The local police who attacked the 43 Ayotzinapa students who disappeared in September 2014 were armed with legally imported Colt AR-6530 rifles. In 2011, a man was arrested in Tamaulipas for allegedly belonging to a criminal organization; while he was in custody, a navy lieutenant killed him with a 5.56 mm Colt M16 rifle.

Legally acquired firearms from military and law enforcement stocks are also diverted with the cooperation of corrupt authorities. Between 2006 and 2017, more than 20,000 firearms were reported as lost or stolen, according to the Mexican defense ministry. Last year, a leak of more than 4 million confidential documents from the ministry by the hacker activist group Guacamaya revealed that high-level military members had sold guns, grenades, and tactical equipment to criminal organizations.

U.S. gun manufacturers know that their marketing and distribution practices have caused harm in Mexican territory, the Mexican government claims. According to its complaint, U.S. gun manufacturers have not implemented public safety measures in their distribution systems, such as comprehensive training for dealers and a code of conduct that requires distributors to keep better track of their inventories. Mexico contends that U.S. gun manufacturers design semi-automatic rifles that can be easily modified to fire automatically, a feature sought after among cartels. These practices “aid and abet the killing and maiming of children, judges, journalists, police, and ordinary citizens throughout Mexico,” the lawsuit says.

For Alejandro Celorio, Mexico’s lead attorney and spokesperson for the foreign ministry, this “lack of care” facilitates the illegal trade in their weapons. “It’s the number of guns but also the type of guns that are sold in the United States with total irresponsibility,” Celorio said. In the United States, “guns are sold to someone who wants to kill children in a kindergarten or to someone who works with organized crime.”

Mexico argues that these companies have access to firearms trace data that identifies specific networks of distributors and dealers that regularly supply drug cartels in Mexico. Based on reports from the U.S. Justice Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Mexican government revealed that over a four-year period in the mid-2000s, more than 500 Century Arms WASR-10 rifles originally purchased in the United States were seized at crime scenes in Mexico. Yet Century Arms, the lawsuit claims, continued to supply its rifles to the same distributors and dealers. (Century Arms did not respond to a request for comment.)

The U.S. gun-makers filed a joint motion in 2021 to dismiss Mexico’s claims, arguing that the injury is not traceable to the gun manufacturers but rather stems from violence committed by criminals in Mexico. They further argue that allowing foreign law to apply “would invite other nations to likewise invoke their own laws to attack the U.S. firearms industry.”

“The scope of liability the complaint suggests well exceeds what any U.S. court would permit at common law, even under strict product liability. And such a pervasive assault on the firearm industry would imperil civilian access to firearms—a right guaranteed by both the U.S. and Massachusetts constitutions,” the joint motion states.

On Sept. 30, 2022, when Judge F. Dennis Saylor dismissed Mexico’s lawsuit, he stated that “while the Court has considerable sympathy for the people of Mexico,” the Mexican government’s claims do not outweigh the protections provided to gun manufacturers by the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), a U.S. federal statute that bars lawsuits seeking to hold gun manufacturers liable when individuals use their guns illegally. Since 2005, the PLCAA has granted gun manufacturers and dealers broad immunity from lawsuits when deadly crimes are committed with their products. Saylor added that while the PLCAA contains several exceptions, such as claims for damage caused by a defective firearm or for entrusting a gun to someone the dealer knows is high risk, none apply in this case.

However, in its appeal, the Mexican government argues that because crimes were committed on Mexican territory, U.S. federal law does not apply; instead, Mexico should be allowed to sue the companies for breaches of Mexican law. When U.S.-based corporations cause injury abroad, the U.S. Constitution and statutes allow other nations to sue for violations of their own laws, the lawsuit states. It further argues that the defendants violated Connecticut and Massachusetts consumer protection laws by knowingly marketing their products to criminals and drug cartels.

Heidi Li Feldman, a law professor at Georgetown University and an expert on gun litigation, said the Sandy Hook settlement provides a road map for how to circumvent PLCAA protections with consumer protection laws. In that case, the families of nine victims of the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School argued that Remington Arms, the manufacturer of the AR-style semi-automatic rifle used in the shooting, violated state laws by marketing its Bushmaster XM15-E2S to “at-risk” young men as a combat weapon and allowing the gun to be depicted in video games. They reached a $73 million settlement with Remington in 2022.

“The suit’s going to be fiercely fought on the grounds of whether PLCAA applies to it in the first instance,” Feldman said. The PLCAA was never meant to apply extraterritorially, she said, and it would be “politically unpopular” in the United States to allow foreign governments to sue.

Mexico filed a second lawsuit in a U.S. federal court in October 2022, this time against five gun dealers in Arizona. That lawsuit seeks to prove that the dealers knowingly sold weapons to straw purchasers.

The complex and extensive web of protections for U.S. gun manufacturers, mainly created by the PLCAA, makes it difficult for Mexico to beat the industry. But the lawsuits have received international support. Among those who submitted supporting amicus curiae briefs are U.S. prosecutors and district attorneys, activists, victims of armed violence from both sides of the border, and Latin American and Caribbean countries that argue that guns smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border do not end up only in Mexico—they continue to flow into other countries throughout the Western Hemisphere, while more weapons are transported from the United States directly to the rest of the region via shipping companies and commercial airlines.

“We have come a long way, and this conversation about the illicit arms trade is becoming more and more questioning about the irresponsibility of companies,” said Celorio, the lead attorney.

A new piece of legislation in the United States, the first major federal gun safety law passed in nearly 30 years, also may change smuggling patterns. Signed into law in June 2022, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act cracks down on straw purchasers, allowing them to be punished with up to 15 years in prison or 25 years if the firearms are linked to serious criminal activity such as drug trafficking. In September 2022, a 25-year-old U.S. citizen living in Mexico was driving south to the port in Laredo, Texas, with 17 handguns. He is the first person to be convicted under the new law. According to Justice Department officials, between Jan. 21, 2020, and July 11, 2022, the 25-year-old purchased 231 handguns.

The success of the Mexican lawsuits, however, depends largely on lifting the general immunity that the PLCAA grants to the powerful gun industry and lobby. A win for Mexico could open the door for other foreign governments to sue U.S. gun-makers for violence in their countries. Whatever the outcome, the litigation raises a question that the United States has not wanted to answer: Who will hold U.S. gun manufacturers responsible for the violence they cause abroad?

[olderthannetfic]

The EARN IT act has been reintroduced and fast-tracked. It will give an easy way out to CSEM consumers and distributors because it violates the 4th ammendment. Thus making evidence unusable in cases where there should be a convicted sex offender. It is also a security risk as it'd get rid of encryption, and a convenient way to censor LGBTQIA and adult media. Call 202-224-3121 to connect to your house and senate representative and tell them to VOTE NO on this bill that does not protect anyone and harms everyone.

--

[samiabadilah]

GreenBlade Lawn Care: Bringing Eco-Friendly Lawn Maintenance to Your Doorstep

Sourcing Eco-Friendly Products and Resources

One of the cornerstones of GreenBlade Lawn Care is our commitment to eco-friendly practices. To uphold this promise to our customers, we need to carefully source our products and resources. This includes:

Electric Mowers: We will need to invest in electric mowers to ensure quiet, emission-free lawn maintenance. Researching and purchasing these mowers will be a priority to have them ready for service.

Organic Fertilizers and Supplies: Finding suppliers of organic fertilizers and other lawn care supplies is essential to maintain our commitment to sustainability. We will explore local suppliers and distributors to ensure we have a steady supply of eco-friendly products.

Group Responsibilities

If working within a group, it’s crucial to assign roles and responsibilities to ensure smooth operations. Here’s how we plan to divide tasks:

Purchasing and Equipment Management: One team member will be responsible for researching and purchasing electric mowers and other necessary equipment. They will also oversee equipment maintenance and inventory management.

Supplier Relations: Another team member will focus on building relationships with suppliers of organic fertilizers and supplies. They will negotiate contracts, manage orders, and ensure timely delivery of products.

Legal Compliance: A third team member will handle legal matters, including obtaining any necessary licenses or permits required to operate our lawn care business. They will ensure that we comply with local regulations and environmental standards.

Licenses and Permits

Before launching our business, we need to ensure that we have all the necessary licenses and permits. This may include:

Business License: Obtaining a business license from the local government to operate a lawn care service.

Environmental Permits: Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, especially concerning the use of electric equipment and organic products.

Insurance: Securing liability insurance to protect our business and customers in case of accidents or property damage.

Tools and Items Needed to Start Selling

To start selling our lawn care services, we will need:

Marketing Materials: Flyers, business cards, and promotional materials to spread the word about our business.

Online Presence: A website and social media profiles to showcase our services and connect with potential customers.

Scheduling System: An online booking system or scheduling software to manage appointments and customer inquiries efficiently.

Uniforms and Branding: Uniforms or branded attire to present a professional image to customers during service visits.

Overall Vision for Launching GreenBlade Lawn Care

Our overall vision for launching GreenBlade Lawn Care is to create a seamless and sustainable lawn care experience for our customers. By focusing on eco-friendly practices, excellent service, and community engagement, we aim to differentiate ourselves in the market and build a loyal customer base. With careful planning, strategic sourcing of products, and effective division of responsibilities within our group, we are confident that we can launch our business successfully within the remaining six weeks of the course.

As we embark on this journey, we are excited to bring our vision to life and make a positive impact on the environment and our local community. Stay tuned for updates as we prepare to launch GreenBlade Lawn Care and revolutionize the lawn care industry, one blade at a time!

[beemawala]

What is Commercial Inland Marine Insurance?

– Provides 24/7, 365-day coverage.

– Safeguards businesses involved in importing, exporting, or transporting goods within India.

– Covers goods in transit via various modes, including road, rail, and air.

– Protects against potential damage, loss, accidents, and perils during operations

Key Benefits in a Nutshell

– Extensive coverage for various risks.

– Damage due to accidents, theft, natural disasters, and fire incidents included.

– General expenses like contributions to general average, salvage costs, and sue and labour expenses covered.

– Protection against liabilities arising from collisions, contact with other vessels, or property damage.

– Coverage for delays in transit, quarantine compensation, temperature-controlled cargo, and more.

Who Needs Commercial Inland Marine Insurance?

– Essential for importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, and businesses involved in goods transportation.

– Beneficial for those dealing with valuable items.

The Crucial Coverage – Explained

– Comprehensive coverage for goods in transit via various modes.

– Includes protection for damage due to accidents, theft, natural disasters, and fire incidents.

Standard Coverage under Marine Insurance Policy:

1. Accident Cover : This covers damage to cargo due to accidents during transportation.

2. Theft Cover: This covers the loss of cargo due to theft or pilferage.

3. Natural Disaster:This covers damage caused by natural disasters such as storms, floods, or earthquakes.

4. Fire Accident Cover: It provides coverage for losses resulting from fire incidents during transit.

5. General Expenses Cover:This covers general average contributions, salvage, and sue and labor expenses.

6. Liability Cover: It offers protection against liabilities arising from collisions, contact with other vessels, or property damage.

7. Delay in Transit Cover:This provides coverage for delays in transit that lead to financial losses.

8. Quarantine Compensation:This offers compensation for expenses incurred due to vessel detention or quarantine.

9. Temperature Sense Cover:This covers the deterioration or spoilage of perishable goods.

10. Riots, War & Civil War etc:It provides protection against risks associated with war or political unrest affecting transportation routes.

11. Business Financial Safety:It offers financial security for businesses involved in international trade or shipping.

Riding the Wave of Additional Coverage Options.

– Flexibility with additional coverage options.

– Protection for high-value goods.

– Coverage against strikes, riots, civil commotions, war, terrorism, and temperature-controlled cargo.

– Specialized coverage for items exhibited at trade shows or transported via oversized cargo.

Additional Add-ons Under the Open Marine Insurance Policy:

1. Extended Coverage for High-Value Goods: This add-on provides extra protection for transporting

valuable items, ensuring they are fully covered in case of any unforeseen incidents during transit.

2. Strikes, Riots, and Civil Commotions (SRCC) Coverage:This protects against losses or damages

caused by strikes, riots, or civil commotions during transit.

3. War and Terrorism Coverage: This provides coverage for losses or damages resulting from acts of war, terrorism, or political violence.

4. Temperature-controlled Cargo Coverage: This offers protection for perishable goods that require temperature-controlled transportation, covering losses caused by temperature deviations or equipment failures.

5. Exhibition or Trade Show Coverage: This extends coverage to goods displayed or exhibited at trade shows, exhibitions, or fairs.

6. Customised Coverage:This tailors the policy to meet the specific needs and requirements of the insured, providing additional coverage for unique or specialised goods or circumstances.

7. Valuable Papers and Documents Coverage: This add-on ensures the safety of important business documents during transit, covering the loss or damage of these valuable papers, offering financial security and minimising disruptions to your operations.

8. Loading and Unloading Clause: This clause provides coverage for any damages that occur while goods are being loaded onto or unloaded from the transport vehicle, protecting against potential losses during these critical stages.

9. ODC (Over Dimensional Cargo) Clause: The ODC clause offers specialised coverage specifically for transporting large or oversized cargo, ensuring protection for these unique shipments and addressing any potential risks associated with their transportation.

6. The Art of Claiming: How it Works

The claiming process involves systematic steps.

– Promptly notify the insurance company about the loss.

– Provide necessary documentation, including policy copy, a detailed statement, shipping documents, proof of value, and relevant evidence.

– The claim is assessed, and the eligible amount is determined for settlement.

6.1 Where are the following step which are carried out when a claim arises.

Notification: You should promptly inform the insurance company about any loss or damage that occurs during transit.

Documentation:You are required to submit necessary documents, including a copy of the policy, a detailed statement, shipping documents, proof of value, and relevant evidence.

Detailed Sales and Purchase Proofs: These documents should demonstrate your financial transactions from the policy start date to the claim initiation date.

Claim Form: You should complete and submit the provided claim form with essential information.

Additional KYC Documents: This involves including copies of identification documents, such as the Aadhaar card and PAN card, as well as a self-declaration letter of ownership.

Verification:The insurance company assesses the claim, conducts investigations if necessary, and may appoint a surveyor for assessment.

Settlement Decision:The insurance company determines the eligible amount and communicates this decision to the insured.

Additional Supporting Documents: You should also provide an image of a cancelled cheque, a subrogation letter (if applicable), and a discharge voucher.

[tubetrading]

Common Applications of GI Pipes in Construction and Infrastructure

In the dynamic landscape of construction and infrastructure development, the role of Galvanized Iron (GI) pipes has become increasingly significant.  As Tube Trading Co., a leading GI Pipe Dealer, Distributor, and Supplier in Gujarat, we understand the pivotal role that GI pipes play in various construction applications.  In this blog post, we will explore the common applications of GI pipes and shed light on why they are the preferred choice in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Understanding GI Pipes

Galvanized Iron pipes are steel pipes that have been coated with a layer of zinc to prevent corrosion.  This process, known as galvanization, not only protects the pipes from rusting but also enhances their longevity.  The combination of durability and cost-effectiveness makes GI pipes a popular choice for a wide range of applications in the construction industry.

Water Supply Systems

One of the primary applications of GI pipes is in water supply systems.  The corrosion-resistant nature of these pipes makes them ideal for transporting potable water over long distances.  As a GI Pipe Dealer in Gujarat, we have witnessed a surge in the demand for these pipes in municipal water supply projects and rural water distribution networks.

Plumbing Installations

GI pipes are widely used in plumbing installations due to their versatility and ease of installation.  Whether it's residential, commercial, or industrial plumbing, GI pipes provide a reliable solution for conveying water and other fluids.  Their strength and resistance to corrosion ensure leak-free plumbing systems, making them a preferred choice for plumbers and contractors.

Irrigation Systems

In agricultural settings, where water distribution is crucial for crop growth, GI pipes find extensive use in irrigation systems.  The zinc coating protects the pipes from the elements, ensuring a longer lifespan even when exposed to varying weather conditions.  As a GI Pipe Distributor in Gujarat, we have supplied pipes for irrigation projects that contribute to sustainable agriculture practices.

Structural Support in Construction

The strength and durability of GI pipes make them suitable for providing structural support in construction projects.  From scaffolding to framework structures, these pipes offer the required strength without compromising on safety.  As a GI Pipe Supplier in Vadodara, we have collaborated with builders and contractors who appreciate the reliability and structural integrity that GI pipes bring to their projects.

Fencing and Handrails

In the realm of infrastructure, GI pipes are frequently used for fencing and handrails.  The corrosion resistance and robustness of these pipes make them an ideal choice for creating secure and long-lasting barriers.  Whether it's for highways, bridges, or industrial facilities, GI pipes contribute to the safety and security of these structures.

Oil and Gas Pipelines

The oil and gas industry relies heavily on robust pipelines to transport resources from extraction sites to processing facilities.  GI pipes, with their corrosion-resistant properties, are employed in these pipelines, ensuring the efficient and safe transport of oil and gas over long distances.  As a trusted GI Pipe Supplier in Gujarat, we have been a part of projects that facilitate the energy infrastructure of the region.

Fire Sprinkler Systems

Fire safety is a critical aspect of any building, and GI pipes play a vital role in fire sprinkler systems.  The corrosion-resistant coating ensures that these pipes remain reliable even when not in constant use.  This makes GI pipes a preferred choice for fire protection systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Greenhouse Structures

In the realm of agriculture and horticulture, GI pipes are utilized in the construction of greenhouse structures.  The ability to withstand varying climatic conditions, coupled with their durability, makes GI pipes an excellent choice for creating the framework of greenhouses.  This ensures a conducive environment for plant growth and protection against external elements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the applications of GI pipes in construction and infrastructure are diverse and crucial for the development of resilient and long-lasting structures.  Tube Trading Co., as a prominent GI Pipe Dealer, Distributor, and Supplier in Gujarat, takes pride in contributing to the growth and sustainability of the region's construction and infrastructure sectors.  Whether it's supplying pipes for water supply, plumbing, irrigation, or structural support, GI pipes continue to be the preferred choice for builders, contractors, and engineers alike.

If you are in need of high-quality GI pipes for your construction projects, look no further than Tube Trading Co.  Our commitment to providing top-notch products and excellent service has made us a trusted partner in the construction and infrastructure industry.  Contact us today for all your GI pipe requirements in Gujarat and Vadodara.

[sylviajack0420]

Is Supply Chain Management the Same as Logistics?

Supply chain management and logistics are sometimes used synonymously. Some claim that there is no distinction between the two concepts and that supply chain management is the “new” logistics.

Logistics

Logistics management is the management process that incorporates the flow of capital, information, services, and goods from the procurement of raw materials till they reach their final customer. The goal of this procedure is to give the final consumer the correct product of the right quality at the proper time, location, and cost. Two major categories can be used to classify the logistical activities.

Inbound Logistics:

The tasks involved in material procurement, handling, storage, and transportation

Outbound Logistics:

The processes involved in the collection, maintenance, distribution, or delivery to the final consumer.

Supply chain management

Besides these, other activities include stock control, balancing supply and demand, fulfilling orders, protective packing, and warehousing. High-quality items will be produced, as well as cost and time savings.

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a group of related tasks. W are moved from raw materials to finished items and back again until they are delivered to the customer. Multiple groups worked together to make this chain of activities successful, and that success is the result of their combined efforts.

These organizations could be the businesses that the company now collaborates with as suppliers or partners, as well as producers, distributors, retailers, and customers. Integration, sourcing, procurement, production, testing, logistics, customer services, performance assessment, etc. may be among the activities.

With a focus only on the needs of the customer, supply chain management uses a multi-faceted approach to control the flow of raw materials, works in progress (semi-finished goods), and finished goods both inside and outside the organisation until they are received by the final consumer.

Exactly how similar are supply chain management and logistics?

Even though the two are related ideas, they differ greatly from one another.

Transporting, storing, and delivering commodities are all elements of supply chain management. In other words, logistics is in charge of delivering the appropriate goods to the appropriate customer at the appropriate time.

All activities involved in moving goods and services from production to consumption fall under the umbrella of supply chain management, which is a more general word. It covers every step of the production and distribution of commodities, from sourcing and acquisition to their manufacturing.

Firstly, to make sure that your organisation is operating smoothly and effectively, it is crucial to understand the main distinction between supply chain management and logistics. With this knowledge, you can create customized strategies for each sector and make sure your entire business functions flawlessly.

How does blockchain provide supply chain solutions?

Through the use of blockchain technology, businesses can track all kinds of transactions more securely and openly. On the supply chain function, there might be a huge influence.

Businesses are now able to follow a product’s history from its point of origin to its present location using blockchain technology. A permanent history is create from the point of manufacture. To the point of sale for every time a product is sale by securely documenting the transaction.

The time delays, additional costs, and human error that are usually connect to transactions might be significantly reduce with the use of this potent technology if parties work together on a single shared platform. The absence of middlemen in the supply chain also lowers the possibility of fraud. Furthermore, complete records make it easier for firms to pinpoint the origin of fraud, wherever it may occur.

A shared blockchain ledger provides a trustworthy and uncrackable audit trail of the transfer of information, stock, and money along a supply chain. Businesses may synchronize logistical data, track shipments, and automate payments using a common blockchain. They can share only the most pertinent data while doing so without substantially changing their legacy systems.

Development of supply chain management

The term “logistics” has a long history and was first used in the military. For describe the upkeep, storage, and transit of military personnel and equipment. After the development of the idea of supply chain management, this phrase is now use widely and not just in the military. Additionally, it has been claime that SCM includes logistics in addition to being an addition to logistics management. They couldnt separate. As a result, they are complementary rather than in conflict. SCM enables Logistics to communicate with the team in charge of transportation, storage, and distribution.

Tracefood offers the ideal way to collect data from supply chains. It is simple to subscribe to and donate to tracefood thanks to ready-made blockchain applications. Companies can also restrict users’ access to information using these tools. This allows for the privacy of sensitive information while only sharing essential information with other supply chain participants. The blockchain receives bundled data from IoT sensors, shop floor systems, and other devices via secure cloud gateways.

Improve inventory holdings, reduce trading fees, fraud prevention, and other benefits can all be attain through greater transparency and a higher level of traceability.

With innovative blockchain solutions created by top blockchain developers, Trace Food enables seamless and efficient control of the food supply chain. With the use of our cutting-edge Blockchain deliverables, we aim to create new paradigms for the fresh produce business.

[fearsmagazine]

BABY RUBY - Review

DISTRIBUTOR: Magnet

SYNOPSIS:  Jo is a successful lifestyle entrepreneur, happily pregnant and awaiting the arrival of her first child. Soon after Jo welcomes baby Ruby home, something starts to feel off-- even though she's assured it's all perfectly normal. Is something wrong with her? Is something wrong with Ruby? Why are seemingly perfect neighborhood moms so desperate to befriend her? As Jo fights to protect herself and her baby, she is plunged into a waking fever dream where everyone is a threat and nothing is what it seems. At last, she must confront the truth of her own darkness and contend with the ultimate human sacrifice: The one mothers make for their children.

REVIEW: Playwright Bess Wohl makes her feature film debut with a psychological horror film about the darkside of becoming a parent and motherhood. As a parent, I can understand and appreciate much of what she presents as the parent of a child whose mother experienced postpartum depression, but as a male I wasn’t aware of the depths of the terror that a woman can experience.

Wohl’s screenplay is as compelling as it is frightening. Like a Hitchcock film, she takes her main character Jo on a downward spiral into madness that begins with subtle, surreal touches. As Jo questions reality she puts the viewer on unsure footing so that we question what we are witnessing. Jo’s interaction with other characters presents conversations where they reveal dark thoughts about their experiences with parenting and Jo comments on how she feels like she is disappearing. These are thoughts and emotions I am positive people experience and often never get an opportunity to discuss and unburden themselves of. Wohl is skilled at mounting terror and dread like an Edgar Allan Poe tale.

Wohl’s location imparts a sense of isolation, yet she is close enough to the town where there is a group of mothers that feels like a homage to “The Stepford Wives.” There is a sequence where the mothers gather for a night out at the local waterhole that becomes this surreal fever dream that feels like a nod to “Rosemary’s Baby.” When Jo and Ruby come home and trying to find their schedule, Wohl builds this sequence where Jo is trying to quiet Ruby where she artistically presents Jo’s stress levels and her fracturing mental state. Pepper throughout the film is this horrifying sound design of Ruby’s cry. At times she presents that cry every parent knows, a nerve straining, gut wrenching, curdling cry that is so painful. Not only was it painful to hear, it ignited old muscle memories within my psyche. Wohl skillfully frames and edits the film to orchestrate the horror and add hairsplitting atmosphere. I think her theatrical vision and her imagination blossoms with the cinematic tools at her disposal.

While this is an excellent ensemble cast, actress Noémie Merlant is the lynchpin of the film. She provides a vast palette for the viewer to hang their emotions on. Likewise, she crafts a character that allows the viewer to never be secure about the reality of her situation.  I felt her French accent added an additional aspect to the character in terms of her being a stranger and isolated. Kit Harington, John Snow of “Game of Thrones” fame, does a solid job as Spencer, Jo’s husband, creating this rounded performance with moments that leave the viewer questioning his intentions. Likewise, actress Jayne Atkinson delivers this compelling and chilling performance as Spencer’s mother. She needs to take it to some dark places as the subject of Jo’s delusions.

Bess Wohl’s BABY RUBY is an outstanding feature directorial debut. It is a deeply disturbing film that is a complex character study brought to life with excellent performances and artistic production choices, including a terrifying sound design. Given what is up on the screen, the screenplay is worthy of a few writing awards and would probably make for an outstanding novelization. Wohl makes fascinating choices as she weaves an intense, shocking, emotional tale. It is sure to dredge up old emotions of parents, send expecting parents screaming up the aisle, and frighten young couples from becoming ones. At least it will spurn some interesting conversations. A couple of times in the film Wohl brings up the mother consuming her placenta. For me, that was the icing on the cake. I can remember some woman from the old country telling my pregnant wife at the time to make sure she got her placenta so she could consume it. Yes, it’s a thing! I wonder if it goes well with fava beans and chianti?

CAST: Noémie Merlant, Kit Harington, Meredith Hagner, Camila Canó-Flaviá, and Jayne Atkinson. CREW: Director/Screenplay - Bess Wohl; Producers - Brett Beveridge, Lauren Beveridge, Jeffrey Penman & Alex Saks; Cinematographer - Juan Pablo Ramírez; Score - Erik Friedlander; Editors - JC Bond, Arielle Sherman & Jin Lee; Production Designer - Dahlia Galler; Costume Designer - Tilly Grimes; Prosthetic Makeup Designer - Ben Bornstein; Visual Effects Artist - Chris Wells. OFFICIAL: www.magnetreleasing.com/babyruby/ FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/babyrubymovie TWITTER: N.A. TRAILER: https://youtu.be/b34goCcuKdk RELEASE DATE: In theaters and on demand February 3, 2023

**Until we can all head back into the theaters our “COVID Reel Value” will be similar to how you rate a film on digital platforms - 👍 (Like), 👌 (It’s just okay),  or 👎 (Dislike)

Reviewed by Joseph B Mauceri

[ghostchems]

The EARN IT act has been reintroduced and fast-tracked. It will give an easy way out to CSEM consumers and distributors because it violates the 4th ammendment. Thus making evidence unusable in cases where there should be a convicted sex offender. It is also a security risk as it'd get rid of encryption, and a convenient way to censor LGBTQIA and adult media. Call 202-224-3121 to connect to your house and senate representative and tell them to VOTE NO on this bill that does not protect anyone and harms everyone.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mariacallous]

Every software supply chain attack, in which hackers corrupt a legitimate application to push out their malware to hundreds or potentially thousands of victims, represents a disturbing new outbreak of a cybersecurity scourge. But when that supply chain attack is pulled off by a mysterious group of hackers, abusing a Microsoft trusted software model to make their malware pose as legitimate, it represents a dangerous and potentially new adversary worth watching.

Today, researchers on the Threat Hunter Team at Broadcom-owned security firm Symantec revealed that they'd detected a supply chain attack carried out by a hacker group that they've newly named CarderBee. According to Symantec, the hackers hijacked the software updates of a piece of Chinese-origin security software known as Cobra DocGuard, injecting their own malware to target about 100 computers across Asia, mostly in Hong Kong. Though some clues, like the exploitation of DocGuard and other malicious code they installed on victim machines, loosely link CarderBee with previous Chinese state-sponsored hacking operations, Symantec declined to identify CarderBee as any previously known group, suggesting it may be a new team.

Beyond the usual disturbing breach of trust in legitimate software that occurs in every software supply chain, Symantec says, the hackers also managed to get their malicious code—a backdoor known as Korplug or PlugX and commonly used by Chinese hackers—digitally signed by Microsoft. The signature, which Microsoft typically uses to designate trusted code, made the malware far harder to detect.

“Any time we see a software supply chain attack, it’s somewhat interesting. But in terms of sophistication, this is a cut above the rest,” says Dick O'Brien, a principal intelligence analyst on Symantec's research team. “This one has the hallmarks of an operator who knows what they’re doing.”

Cobra DocGuard, which is ironically marketed as security software for encrypting and protecting files based on a system of users' privileges inside an organization, has around 2,000 users, according to Symantec. So the fact that the hackers chose just 100 or so machines on which to install their malware—capable of everything from running commands to recording keystrokes—suggests that CarderBee may have combed thousands of potential victims to specifically target those users, O’Brien argues. Symantec declined to name the targeted victims or say whether they were largely government or private sector companies.

The Cobra DocGuard application is distributed by EsafeNet, a company owned by the security firm Nsfocus, which was founded in China in 2000 but now describes its headquarters as Milpitas, California. Symantec says it can't explain how CarderBee managed to corrupt the company's application, which in many software supply chain attacks involves hackers breaching a software distributor to corrupt their development process. Nsfocus didn't respond to WIRED's request for comment.

Symantec's discovery isn't actually the first time that Cobra DocGuard has been used to distribute malware. Cybersecurity firm ESET found that in September of last year a malicious update to the same application was used to breach a Hong Kong gambling company and plant a variant of the same Korplug code. ESET found that the gambling company also had been breached via the same method in 2021.

ESET pinned that earlier attack on the hacker group known as LuckyMouse, APT27, or Budworm, which is widely believed to be based in China and has for more than a decade targeted government agencies and government-related industries, including aerospace and defense. But despite the Korplug and CobraGuard connections, Symantec says it's too early to link the wider supply chain attack it has uncovered to the group behind the previous incidents.

“You can't rule out the idea that one APT group compromises this software, and then it becomes known that this software is vulnerable to this kind of compromise, and somebody else does it as well,” says Symantec's O'Brien, using the term APT to mean “advanced, persistent threat,” a common industry term for state-sponsored hacker groups. “We don't want to jump to conclusions.” O'Brien notes that another Chinese group, known as APT41 or Barium, has also carried out numerous supply chain attacks—perhaps more than any other team of hackers—and has used Korplug, too.

To add to the attack's stealth, the CarderBee hackers managed to somehow deceive Microsoft into lending extra legitimacy to their malware: They tricked the company into signing the Korplug backdoor with the certificates Microsoft uses in its Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher program to designate trusted code, making it look far more legit than it is. That program typically requires a developer to register with Microsoft as a business entity and submit their code to Microsoft for approval. But the hackers appear to have obtained a Microsoft signature through either developer accounts they created themselves or obtained from other registered developers. Microsoft didn't respond to WIRED's request for more information on how it ended up signing malware used in the hackers' supply chain attack.

Malware that's signed by Microsoft is a long-running problem. Getting access to a registered developer account represents a hurdle to hackers, says Jake Williams, a former US National Security Agency hacker now on faculty at the Institute for Applied Network Security. But once that account is obtained, Microsoft is known to take a lax approach to vetting registered developers' code. “They typically sign whatever you, as the developer, submit,” Williams says. And those signatures can, in fact, make malware far harder to spot, he adds. “So many folks, when they threat-hunt, they start by exempting things that are signed by Microsoft,” Williams says.

That code-signing trick, combined with a well-executed supply chain attack, suggests a level of sophistication that makes CarderBee uniquely worthy of tracking, says Symantec's O'Brien—even for those outside of its current targeting in Hong Kong or Chinese neighbor countries. Regardless of whether you’re in China’s orbit, says O’Brien, “it’s certainly one to look out for.”

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Mike Luckovich, Atlanta Journal Constitution

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

February 3, 2023

Heather Cox Richardson

Last night, former vice president Mike Pence came out and said it: “I think the day could come when we could replace the New Deal with a better deal.”

Pence was talking about Social Security—a centerpiece of the New Deal—saying: “Literally give younger Americans the ability to take a portion of their Social Security withholdings and put that into a private savings account.”

Privatizing Social Security is his plan to address the growing national debt by cutting expenditures, at least in domestic spending. “It’s absolutely essential that we generate leadership in this country that will be straight with the American people, that will take us off this trajectory of massive debt that we’re piling on the backs of those grandchildren,” Pence said at the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors summit in Washington, D.C.

Another way to reduce the debt would be to raise taxes on corporations and the very wealthy, even to where they were before the massive tax cuts Republicans passed in 2017, but current-day Republicans oppose taxes, claiming they redistribute wealth from hardworking people to those who want a handout. They believe that cutting taxes to enable those at the top to accumulate wealth will enable them to invest their money in businesses, creating more jobs. Wealth will trickle down, and everyone will do better.

Republicans like Pence believe the federal government should stay out of economic affairs, letting individuals make their own decisions in free markets (although the concept of a “free market” has always been more theoretical than real). Any federal attempts to regulate business or provide a social safety net are “socialism,” they claim, although they have largely forgotten how that argument was established in the United States.

This argument is what gives us the story Kayode Crown reported yesterday for the Mississippi Free Press: thirty-eight of Mississippi’s rural hospitals, more than half of them, are in danger of collapsing because Governor Tate Reeves refuses to allow the state to accept an expansion of Medicaid. The hospitals are required to treat all patients who need care, but since many patients are uninsured, without the expansion of Medicaid the hospitals don’t get paid.

On Monday, Reeves warned Republican lawmakers not to “cave under the pressure of Democrats and their allies in the media who are pushing for the expansion of Obamacare, welfare, and socialized medicine.” “Instead, seek innovative free-market solutions that disrupt traditional health-care delivery models, increase competition, and lead to better health outcomes for Mississippians.” Last month, in a poll from Mississippi Today/Siena College, about 80% of Mississippi voters wanted Medicaid expansion.  

This theory also says that the government should also stay out of the business of protecting civil rights, because state governments are the centerpiece of American democracy. That’s the idea behind yesterday’s decision by a panel of three judges of the right-wing Fifth Circuit. They ruled that a federal law prohibiting people who are under a domestic restraining order from owning a gun is unconstitutional.

In the 2022 New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decision, the Supreme Court said that the government must prove that any gun regulation is “consistent with this Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation,” and because the Constitution’s Framers didn’t stop domestic abusers from possessing guns, we can’t either. As Ian Millhiser points out in Vox, it was not until 1871 that a state court determined that “a husband has no right” to beat his wife.

Slate’s legal reporter Mark Joseph Stern notes, “There is no real doubt that the 5th Circuit's decision is going to lead to more abusers murdering their wives and girlfriends. It will also increase mass shootings. Domestic abuse[rs] are vastly more likely to commit heinous acts of gun violence.” Millhiser says it is very likely the Supreme Court will take up the case.

Under the Republicans’ theory, the country has seen wealth move upward dramatically, hollowing out the middle class and leaving it vulnerable to leaders who have attracted voters by telling them that minorities and women who want “socialism” are to blame for their loss of power.

Today an audio file from November 5, 2020, just after the presidential election, was leaked that shows members of Trump’s campaign staff in Wisconsin acknowledging Trump’s defeat before Andrew Iverson, who led the Wisconsin team, said, “Here’s the deal: Comms is going to continue to fan the flame and get the word out about Democrats trying to steal this election. We’ll do whatever they need. Just be on standby if there’s any stunts we need to pull.”

Iverson now runs operations in the Midwest region for the Republican National Committee.

In contrast to the Republican theory, President Joe Biden and the Democrats have revived the theory embraced by members of both parties between 1933 and 1981. That theory says that the federal government has a role to play in the economy, regulating business, providing a basic social safety net, investing in infrastructure, and protecting civil rights. Rather than freeing capital for those at the top, Democrats want to invest in ordinary Americans who will, they believe, spend their paychecks, thus building the economy as they move money directly into the hands of their neighbors.

Today at a Democratic National Committee finance event in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Biden explained that “when we build from the bottom up and the middle out, poor folks get a shot, the middle class does well, and the wealthy still do very well.” We have to invest in ourselves again, he said. “How…can you be the most successful, powerful nation in the world and have third-rate infrastructure?...  How can you attract business and commerce and keep things moving?”

“[W]e used to invest 2 percent of our G[ross] D[omestic] P[roduct] in research and development…. But about 25 years ago we stopped.” Investment dropped to 0.7 percent of GDP, he said, but now the CHIPS and Science Act will jump-start that research and development again. The administration is also bringing supply chains home and rebuilding foreign alliances. And Biden told the wealthiest people in the room today that they were paying an average of 3% in taxes and needed to pay their fair share. “I don’t want you to pay 90% again”—the top marginal income bracket in the Eisenhower years—but at least 15%, he said.

From the White House, Biden noted that the “strikingly good” new jobs report issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics this morning proved that his vision of society works. It showed an astonishing 517,000 new jobs added in January, the twenty-fifth straight month of job growth. Unemployment fell slightly to 3.4%, a low last seen in May 1969 (not a typo).

Between 1933 and 1981, Americans of both parties shared the idea of using the federal government to level the social, economic, and political playing fields. The current Republicans are rejecting that vision, reclaiming that of the business-oriented Republicans in the 1920s. Under Biden, the Democrats are trying to rebuild that shared vision, returning the parties to fights over the kinds and limits of government policies, rather than fights over whether they should exist at all.

Biden told his audience that “once every three, four, or five generations, there’s a fundamental shift in world politics and national politics” and that we are in such a shift now.

“What will happen [in] the next three or four years [is] going to determine what this country looks like for the next four or five decades…. We’re laying down a foundation, because the world is changing—dramatically changing. And we have a choice.”

—

Notes:

https://news.yahoo.com/pence-calls-for-social-security-reform-private-savings-accounts-181754393.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/02/03/january-jobs-labor-market/

https://www.mississippifreepress.org/30720/as-mississippi-hospitals-fail-leaders-kill-medicaid-expansion-efforts-again

https://flaglerlive.com/wp-content/uploads/Fulghamv.State_.pdf

https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2023/2/2/23583377/supreme-court-guns-domestic-abuse-fifth-circuit-second-amendment-rahimi-united-states

Steve Vladeck @steve_vladeckThe Fifth Circuit strikes again: Unanimous panel (Jones, Ho, Wilson) strikes down the federal statute prohibiting possession of firearms while subject to a domestic violence-related restraining order; holds it violates the Second Amendment under Bruen:

8:03 PM ∙ Feb 2, 20231,392Likes789Retweets

https://assets.nationbuilder.com/firearmspolicyfoundation/pages/3970/attachments/original/1675361904/United_States_v_Rahimi_Opinion.pdf

Mark Joseph Stern @mjs_DC

There is no real doubt that the 5th Circuit's decision is going to lead to more abusers murdering their wives and girlfriends. It will also increase mass shootings. Domestic abuse are vastly more likely to commit heinous acts of gun violence.

slate.com/news-and-polit…

8:23 PM ∙ Feb 2, 20231,119Likes554Retweets

https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2023-02-03/trump-campaign-wisconsin-promote-election-lies

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/02/03/remarks-by-president-biden-at-a-democratic-national-committee-finance-event/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/02/03/january-jobs-labor-market/

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LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[starindiaelectricals05]

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We are a trusted fan clamp manufacturer in India with a strong focus on providing high-quality products. Our fan clamps are crafted with precision and are designed to offer maximum support and safety, making them a popular choice across the country.

Fan Clamp Manufacturer

At Star Electrical Industries, we take pride in being a reliable fan clamp manufacturer. Our commitment to quality and innovation has allowed us to supply fan clamps that meet various customer needs, ensuring stability and peace of mind.

Cheap Fan Clamp Manufacturer in India

For those looking for cost-effective solutions, we are a cheap fan clamp manufacturer in India offering budget-friendly products without compromising on quality. Our affordable fan clamps are designed to meet the needs of price-conscious customers while maintaining safety and durability.

Bulk Fan Clamp Manufacturer in India

As a bulk fan clamp manufacturer in India, we cater to large-scale orders for businesses and contractors. Whether you need fan clamps for a commercial project or wholesale distribution, Star Electrical Industries can provide high-quality products in bulk at competitive prices.

Wholesaler Fan Clamp Manufacturer in India

We are also a leading wholesaler fan clamp manufacturer in India, supplying our products to retailers and distributors across the country. Our wholesale fan clamps are known for their reliability and affordability, making them a popular choice for bulk purchases.

Best Wholesaler Fan Clamp Manufacturer

Star Electrical Industries has earned the reputation of being the best wholesaler fan clamp manufacturer in India. We offer a wide range of fan clamps at wholesale prices, ensuring that our clients receive high-quality products in large quantities at reasonable rates.

Junction Box

A junction box plays a key role in organizing and protecting electrical connections in homes and commercial buildings. At Star Electrical Industries, we manufacture durable junction boxes that provide safe and secure housing for wiring systems, preventing potential hazards.

Best Junction Box Wholesaler

We are the best junction box wholesaler, offering top-quality junction boxes to retailers and contractors across the country. Our junction boxes are designed to meet industry standards, ensuring safety and reliability for all electrical installations.

Junction Box Manufacturer in India

Star Electrical Industries is a trusted junction box manufacturer in India, known for producing high-quality products. Our junction boxes are crafted from durable materials, offering excellent protection for electrical connections in both residential and commercial setups.

Junction Box Wholesaler

As a leading junction box wholesaler, we supply our products to various retailers and distributors. Our focus on quality and affordability makes us a preferred choice for businesses looking to source reliable junction boxes in large quantities.

Best Junction Box Manufacturers in India

We are recognized as one of the best junction box manufacturers in India due to our commitment to producing durable and safe products. Our junction boxes are designed to withstand harsh conditions, providing long-term protection for electrical wiring.

Top Junction Box Manufacturers in India

Being among the top junction box manufacturers in India, Star Electrical Industries ensures that each product is manufactured with the highest level of precision and care. Our junction boxes are trusted by electricians and contractors for their strength and safety features.

Top Junction Box Wholesaler

As the top junction box wholesaler, we are dedicated to providing high-quality products at competitive prices. Our wide range of junction boxes is perfect for wholesalers, retailers, and contractors who require dependable products for electrical installations.

Cheap Junction Box Manufacturers in India

For customers seeking affordable solutions, we are a cheap junction box manufacturer in India offering products that combine affordability with quality. Our junction boxes are budget-friendly yet meet all the necessary safety standards, ensuring both performance and protection.

At Star Electrical Industries, we are dedicated to delivering quality products that meet the needs of our customers, whether they are looking for fan clamps, junction boxes, or other electrical components.

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Logistics play a critical role in any successful supply chain, but they rarely step into the spotlight. However, in the case of foxglove, a small British plant with a surprisingly large international market, the company's ability to stay below the radar has been essential to their success.

Foxglove provides an agricultural product, which is sensitive and has numerous different suppliers, distributors and buyers. The plant’s logistics are a closely guarded secret, allowing the company to maintain its competitive edge. Without the secrecy surrounding the company’s operations, competitors and other entities could easily get a hold of their supply chain data and use it to their advantage.

The company is committed to protecting its supply chain from outside interference. It has either refused or only thinly covered requests for interviews and visits. It also maintains a rare "closed door" policy, where only people involved in the company’s logistics are allowed access.

To enforce their secrecy, the company also has an uncompromising approach to cyber security. Their well-trained security staff are constantly monitoring the company’s digital activities online, as well as implementing specialized firewalls and encryption protocols to keep out prying eyes.

Foxglove’s commitment to secrecy has allowed them to stay ahead of the competition and monopoly the production of their plant. By keeping tight-lipped about their operations, the company has been able to maintain their strong customer base, while also enjoying the financial benefits of being an industry leader. In the age of globalization and information, secrecy is one the best strategies to protect a company’s competitive edge.