#TOD-based Development

[track2trainingngo]

History of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

Daily writing promptWhat was the last live performance you saw?View all responses By Shashikant N Sharma Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a planning and design strategy that promotes compact, walkable communities centered around high-quality public transportation systems. The concept has evolved over time, drawing from various urban development practices, transportation innovations, and…

[starsreminisce]

I will preface this by saying I still do not give two shits whose book is next. But if we are looking at the plot threads that need to be addressed, I still believe Elucien's book is next, based on four key points.

The Trove is the bridge between ACOTAR and CC. In fact, we learned more about the Mask than we did about Truth-Teller.

Nesta and Elain still have not made up since their argument about finding the Trove.

There is nothing Elain could gain from Gwyn and Azriel getting together that she would not have already learned from her sisters' mating bonds, especially when she already has a mating bond of her own. If anything, the climax of ACOSF would have proven to Elain that ignoring the bond, for whatever reason, would not change the fact that she is mated to Lucien.

The final chapters of ACOSF already foreshadow what is next, with HOFAS reinforcing it. ACOSF ends with Cassian circling back to his observations about Beron's treatment of Eris and how it extended to Lucien. Nesta, in turn, places the rose marker from the HoW on their father's headstone in a flower field as she looks up to her mate. Then in HOFAS, Rhys and Nesta are shown to be disconnected about who actually owns the Trove, while Elain and Lucien remain notably absent.

The whole debate about who is suffering more, who is more or less developed, or who needs to do xyz is irrelevant when that is the entire purpose of the book itself. If we follow ToG's structure, Elide was introduced in HoF, played a major role in Manon's storyline, and then got a POV in EoS. Similarly, Yrene was introduced in AB before getting a POV in ToD. Both Elide and Yrene were not at their "lowest point" when they got their POV, but both were at a point where they needed to do something more to break their current status quo.

Elain and Lucien being absent from Bryce's arrival actually suggests an EoS/ToD setup, just like how Chaol was absent while Aelin and Dorian were gathering allies, only for him and Yrene to be the one to uncover the Valg's connection to their world.

Does CC/HOFAS set up the next ACOTAR book? Yes. In CC, we learned the Daglan and Asteri were the same beings and that their tools and influence still linger in Prythian. ACOSF also tells us, through Cassian, that a rejected mating bond is still felt even after death, only for HOFAS to reinforce just how deeply it affects the mates left behind.

I say all of this to explain why I believe Elucien's book is next. This is based on my reading of canon and how SJM structures her stories across her series. That does not mean I am diminishing Gwyn or Azriel's storylines or development.

But it is jarring that both Gwyn and Elain were healing from their own traumatic event, yet Gwyn was able to achieve her goal of stepping out of the library and becoming stronger in honor of her sister, while Elain was not only told to stay home but actively surveilled to ensure she did.

It is also telling that twice now, Azriel has fundamentally misunderstood the mating bond, first when he claimed Lucien was undeserving of his mate and second when he learned mates exist in Bryce's world and the possibility that his mate could be in another world entirely.

If we boil SJM's series down to just her mating bond lore, just like how everyone in TOG ended up cosmically paired, Azriel stands to gain a lot from witnessing through Lucien that a mate can be someone you have only just met and through Elain that accepting the bond is simply a matter of timing.

Meanwhile, what else can Elain do when the IC still did not even bother to bring her in to meet Bryce, just as they left her out of the discussion about finding the things left behind by Bryce's overlords?

That is where SJM always starts her stories.

The next book is going to bridge ACOTAR to CC, and it makes more sense to tell it through the POV of a couple who was not a part of it, especially when she can tease it to get people to buy the previous series. Not to mention, she has already established a vague connection by having Helion, Lucien's father, react to the mask and having Nesta feel vindicated in her decision to not let Elain near it.

[a-very-tired-jew]

Got told I'm lying again by another antisemite in my inbox. So let's take the time to learn about forensic entomology. What is forensic entomology? Well, you might also hear it called medicolegal entomology as many of the insects we look at have medical relevance as they relate to humans (there's also wildlife forensic entomology that was coined by Dr. Brundage, but we won't go into that nitty gritty detail) and the justice system. Typically when people think about forensic entomology they initially think about CSI Las Vegas and Gil Grissom, who was in part named after Dr. Neal Haskell who is one of the "godfathers" of my field. But the stuff we see in that show is exaggerated and/or completely inaccurate. This is the same for other procedural forensic shows which I'll talk about in another post. Most people are then familiar with the concept of "Time of Death". This is a common phrase that is used throughout procedurals, legal dramas, and so on. We used to develop what was called a post-mortem interval (PMI) that was usually presented as another way to determine Time of Death. However, after the 2009 NAS Report on the state of forensic science in the USA there came about some restructuring of the language we used and the development of new frameworks.

The argument goes that we don't actually develop a PMI that determines ToD because that would mean the insects are in the room immediately upon the victim's demise. While insects can show up in a matter of seconds based upon the volatiles that are released upon death, the likelihood is that minutes, hours, or even days can pass before they get access to the body and start doing what they do.

So post 09 we have the introduction of the terms minimum Post-Mortem Interval (minPMI) and maximum Post-Mortem Interval (maxPMI) that were intended to encapsulate the window of time that might have elapsed between insect oviposition and development on the corpse. This min/max method was the first framework that was put forward by entomologists such as Dr. Jeff Tomberlin and Dr. Aaron Tarone (and others), and was adopted for some time.

However, a recent development is the introduction of the term Time of Colonization (ToC) which changes the terminology from being focused on the post-mortem interval and instead focuses on when the insects arrived at the corpse itself. This term encapsulates one of the major issues that we experience in cases where a body might have been concealed in some manner that prevents insects from accessing it.

For example; if a body is frozen for some time and then thawed out, then the insects will have access to the corpse days, weeks, months, or even years after death occurred. This means that PMI or min/max-PMI that would be produced based upon their development rate would be inaccurate because they are only just getting access. ToC addresses this concern by stating that based upon the development rate and stage of the insect that the insect had access to the body and X amount of time has passed under Y environmental conditions for them to develop.

That's it.

It's not saying that insects determined Time of Death, but that they were on the body for X amount of time regardless of the body's condition and that said amount of time might coincide with a medical examiner, forensic pathologist, or coroner's report. But ToC can also help explain why there might be gaps in the timeline of events and is often used to bolster evidence in a case.

This term is being used more frequently though there is some pushback from older forensic entomologists like Dr. Haskell and Dr. Leon Higley who have testified under the original PMI framework. There is a fear that the ToC framework would undermine their work and testimony from before, but the fact of the matter is that it is just expanding and formalizing things that they would already testify to. As such, it has caused a bit of contention in the community and there has been quite a bit of headbutting amongst us for the past decade and change.

So let's stop there and if anyone has any questions I'll be happy to help. If anyone wants to peruse the 09 report that set this all off, here's the link: https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/228091.pdf

[sparrowinthewater]

“Gwyn can’t be paired with Azriel because she’s not a main character!”

One argument that some e/riels like to make is that Gwyn’s character is insignificant and thus cannot be paired with Azriel (a main character). I’ve even come across comments that deny her existence like “Who is gwyn? Can someone remind me who she is because I’ve read all the acotar books and i don’t recall this character at all.” 🤡🤡🤡

Well, let me just counter that argument.

*MAJOR Throne of Glass spoilers ahead!!!*

Let me introduce you to Yrene Towers - a new character that was introduced in Tower of Dawn (the 6th book of the TOG series). Once introduced, she is immediately given one of the three main POVs in TOD. Also, she ends up being Chaol’s (one of the main characters in the entire TOG series) forever person and marries him!! All within ONE BOOK!!

In Kingdom of Ash (final TOG book), Yrene was also the person who unalived one of the main antagonists of the TOG series.

Just based off Yrene’s arc, it is so apparent that SJM loves to introduce new characters into established plot lines and let them have impactful and heavy roles. The juncture of introduction does not matter at all.

Furthermore, from where we were left off in terms of Chaol’s arc right before Tower of Dawn, Chaol was still kind of hung up on Aelin and was looking into exploring something new with Nesryn. However, SJM decides to throw a curveball and make a completely new character his person in his book!

Another notable character is *Crescent City spoilers!!!* Lidia Cervos aka Agent Daybright. She did not have a heavy role in CC1 and it was only towards the end of CC2 that she was revealed to be Agent Daybright. She is also definitely going to be getting her own POV in CC3. My point is, again, you do not have to be an important person right from the start to be developed into a main character! This is just how SJM rolls.

I know many of us gwynriel enthusiasts are secure in our ship. I am too. It is just so frustrating to see people dismiss Gwyn as just a side piece in the grand scheme of things when SJM obviously has her set up to achieve great things.

I’d like to end this by saying that you can support Elriel or whichever other Azriel ship, to each their own! However, if you still think that Gwynriel is a crackship, you either have poor reading comprehension skills or you just love living in denial.

[aro-culture-is]

Aroallo culture is constantly feeling like a degenerate

I have... more than a few things to say on this topic, but I will restrain myself to the two major points that have caused me to delay posting this.

For one: Internalized sex negativity ahoy!

In all honesty? I genuinely do not understand how sexual attraction without romantic attraction (or any other form of attraction, really) is supposed to be bad. I genuinely cannot tell you how wild it is to think that sexual attraction, one of the instincts that has generally been selected for among all sexual species similar to us, is somehow... morally incorrect? How much must we hate ourselves, see ourselves as the monster in a bedtime story, for the invisible Thought Crime of feeling like another person is attractive? It's okay. Literally the only "bad" is if your actions in response to a feeling are performed in malice or cause harm, and even then there's nuance that requires thought and communication, not mind-reading and assuming others will be disgusted.

Sincerely, please please please look into sex positivity. Read about it. Follow sex positive accounts, movements, and people. Let yourself feel in response, and ask yourself what does and does not speak with you. Engage in the topic. You don't have to believe it right away, but I promise you, it is well worth your time to expose yourself to resources that teach you another perspective that does not demonize the vast majority of the world in some strange and non-productive way, producing shame and little to show for it.

Secondly... degeneracy.

What a very, very loaded word. To summarize some points from Wikipedia, in terms of fact: the concept of degeneracy in this usage originates from the 19th century theory of social degeneration. The concept of heredity had yet to be fully understood in social degeneration's 18th century development, and this movement largely believed that habits of parents changed their child's biology. This, in turn, was used to explain a perceived decline in civilization. It took little time for the theory to appear in medical and zoological works, with the intent to explain why different ethnic groups exist. You may recognize this concept by a directly related one: eugenics.

The theory of degeneracy first grew fame when used to explain racial differences, and quickly spread from the medical field to psychiatry (ie, mentally ill individuals will produce more severely mentally ill children, and therefore should not continue their lineage) and criminology (particularly when combined with phrenology). It was associated with authoritarian political attitudes such as militarism, scientific racism, and support for eugenics. The development of degenerate theory both partially predates and partially follows the works of Gregor Mendel in describing the theory of evolution, and frankly, largely based its so-called scientific backing on incorrect understandings of evolution and poor science, using such understandings to prop up eugenicist beliefs.

Why do I say all this? I think it is very, very important to recognize the sociopolitical bullshit that props up the absolute pseudoscience that social degeneracy revolves around, and to state that anyone who truly believes in degeneracy does not actually have the best interest of other's in mind or heart except that of the current in-groups. if people in your life are using these theories and words, I want to empower you with knowledge that they are, scientifically and historically, very much in the wrong. I want you to be able to look at their words, and understand the context behind their beliefs, even if they themselves do not.

also, real talk: if you can, form other social networks. join a club, play social games, go to community events, anything it takes to experience people outside of those who give you this message. it'll do wonders for you to build social circles outside of that stuff.

tl;dr:

the origins of the theory behind the word "degenerate", as used today, are scientifically bullshit, politically and socially motivated, and largely were used to justify eugenics. i would recommend not trusting people who genuinely believe in degeneracy to have anyone's best interest at heart but their own, and that you are perfectly normal and fine as you are.

[brokehorrorfan]

Tod Browning's Sideshow Shockers will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on October 17 via The Criterion Collection. The set collects three films directed by Tod Browning: Freaks, The Unknown, and The Mystic.

Freaks (also known as The Monster Story, Forbidden Love, and Nature's Mistake) is a 1932 horror film written by Willis Goldbeck and Leon Gordon. Wallace Ford, Leila Hyams, Olga Baclanova, and Roscoe Ates star.

The Unknown is a 1927 silent horror film written by Waldemar Young. Lon Chaney, Norman Kerry, Joan Crawford, and Nick De Ruiz star.

The Mystic is a 1925 silent drama film written by Browning and Young. Aileen Pringle, Conway Tearle, and Mitchell Lewis star.

Freaks has been digitally restored in 2K with uncompressed monaural sound. The Unknown has been digitally reconstructed and restored in 2K with a new score by composer Philip Carli. The Mystic has been digitally restored in 2K with a new score by composer Dean Hurley.

Raphael Geroni designed the cover art. Special features are detailed below.

Special features:

Freaks audio commentary by film scholar David J. Skal

The Unknown audio commentary by film scholar David J. Skal

The Mystic introduction by film scholar David J. Skal

Interview with author Megan Abbott about director Tod Browning and pre-Code horror (new)

Freaks archival documentary

"Spurs" - Reading of Tod Robbins' short story on which Freaks is based

Freaks prolgue, added to the film in 1947

Freaks alternate endings featurette

Freaks portrait video glalery

Essay by film critic Farran Smith Nehme

The most transgressive film produced by a major American studio in the 1930s, Tod Browning’s crowning achievement has haunted the margins of cinema for nearly one hundred years. An unforgettable cast of real-life sideshow performers portray the entertainers in a traveling circus who, shunned by mainstream society, live according to their own code—one of radical acceptance for the fellow oppressed and, as the show’s beautiful but cruel trapeze artist learns, of terrifying retribution for those who cross them. Received with revulsion by viewers upon its initial release, Freaks effectively ended Browning’s career but can now be seen for what it is: an audacious cry for understanding and a singular experience of nightmarish, almost avant-garde power.

The most celebrated and exquisitely perverse of the many collaborations between Tod Browning and his legendary leading man Lon Chaney, The Unknown features a wrenchingly physical performance from “the Man of a Thousand Faces” as the armless Spanish knife thrower Alonzo (he flings daggers with his feet) whose dastardly infatuation with his beautiful assistant (Joan Crawford)—a woman, it just so happens, who cannot bear to be touched by the hands of any man—drives him to unspeakable extremes. Sadomasochistic obsession, deception, murder, disfigurement, and a spectacular Grand Guignol climax—Browning wrings every last frisson from the lurid premise.

A fantastically atmospheric but rarely seen missing link in the development of Tod Browning’s artistry, set amid his favored milieu of shadowy sideshows and clever criminals, The Mystic provides a striking showcase for silent-era diva Aileen Pringle, who sports a series of memorably outré looks (courtesy of art-deco designer Erté) as Zara, a phony psychic in a Hungarian carnival who, under the guidance of a Svengali-like con man (Conway Tearle), crashes—and proceeds to swindle—American high society. Browning’s fascination with the weird is on full display in the eerie séance sequences, while his subversive moral ambiguity extends surprising sympathy to even the most seemingly irredeemable of antiheroes.

[todorsomething]

How to make a Fankid (Writing not art)

The title is slightly misleading. I will only be covering ONE thing today. I believe this is the most important part of Homestuck characters. Whether they are fanmade or not. Of course you don't have to agree, but I feel like this is a fun way to go about it. Without further ado, let's begin.

Interests

Now you may be like "Tod, why start here?" Well dear reader, I believe interests are the easiest place to start because this alone can say a lot about your character. I mean, just look at Homestuck! The character's interests are a HUGE part about Homestuck early on. Hell, even some of the interests can lead into character development later down the road. For this character I decided that they should be a fan of YTPs. If you don't know what that is, look it up. This enjoyment of YTPs has made them a fan of that era of the Internet as a whole. In fact, we can say they have a fondness for EVERYTHING from this era. This is why I start with interests. This fondness can be anything from Anime to TV shows to books and to even some early YouTubers! Them liking one specific thing can lead to many other ideas for interests. However their base interest is YTPs.

Now how will this interest manifest PHYSICALLY. Well their symbol could be something related to it. Maybe spaghetti?(Iykyk) They can have posters on the wall that reflect this interest too!

Stuff like this could work!(I'm aware that the second one isn't really YTP related but it looks like something from that time period) Get creative, people! An idea I had was that this character liked the Bee Movie but they were specifically obsessed with Vanessa. You can do a lot with something like this. It could just be a simple crush or it could be a representation for many things. If this character didn't have a strong female presence in their life this character could be a representation for this desire. Remember, obsession in this case doesn't have to be a romantic obsession. Maybe their love for this character can be a representation of them being transgender. Their adoration didn't come from loving her romantically but wanting to BEE her(Get it). I'm not trans so if this part is wrong please let me know! If their love for her IS romantic then you can show that easily too. Perhaps they have a shrine of her in their closet or something. Maybe if they're rich they have a whole ROOM dedicated to her. Remember, this is Homestuck. Make it ridiculous.

Now, I have a very important tip for you all. No matter how stupid the interest may seem to others it matters to the kid. Now this may seem obvious but stick with me. We all have at least one thing we love that may seem cringe to others but it holds a lot of value to us. For example, a lot of people love the band Slipknot. Slipknot has always been kind of cringe and ridiculous but to their fans it doesn't matter. Make your character truly care about their interest no matter how stupid and cringe it may seem. Cringe culture should burn in hell, btw.

(Just as a small note, they can like multiple interests from many places. I'm not saying it has to be one specific thing. No characters in Homestuck like only one specific thing. However if you go back and look every character has one thing at their core. For instance, shipping in Nepetas core interest and Fashion is Kanayas.)

This post is at its core about the core of Homestuck characters. This is purposefully barebones because it's the basis for characters. I didn't mention a lot of story related stuff for that reason. The core of these characters is a lot more important than a lot of people think. It can explain everything from how they act to their pesterchum handles to even their classpect.

Remember, make it cringe. Make it stupid. Make it weird. Make it ridiculous. But make sure it matters to your character. Because in turn, it will make the character matter to us.

(Sorry if this post is all over the place, I'm not used to writing long stuff like this but I swear I'll get better with time!)

[1997thebracket]

Round 1

End of Evangelion: It all returns to nothing. So says the haunting tune 'Komm, Süsser Tod' by Arianne, which soundtracks the fate of humanity in the End of Evangelion. The film serves as an alternate ending to the original anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, which bewitched viewers with the then-unconventional match of giant mecha and existential depression all wrapped up in religious iconography. The final episodes of the anime are incredibly cerebral and proved controversial for viewers at the time, which led to director Hideaki Anno further expressing himself in the 1997 film... which took the heady themes and conflicting stylistic choices of the show and put them in a high-octane blender, along with a tall glass of Human Tang. At its core, End of Evangelion asks if individualism is the one great folly of humanity and the source of our suffering, or if it is the very point of it; it shows the loss of barriers between people and subsequent extinction of loneliness as a sort of cosmic horror. Looking back at the scenes, imagery, and music most associated with the anime and its continued influence, much of the franchise's legacy stems from the End of Evangelion.

Yahoo! Mail: If you're still using the same Yahoo! email address you made in middle school, this round is for you. In 1997, Yahoo! outmaneuvered Microsoft in acquiring RocketMail, which forced users of the existing mail service to adapt or abandon ship. They chose this move based on the speed at which email communications and email hosting were growing, as they believed the six-month-minimum to develop and build Yahoo! hosting from scratch would lose them thousands of user registrations per week-- and once the user already had an email address, they were seemingly off the market. Nowadays, it's fairly uncommon to have one email address for your entire life, but preserving the login for dolphindreamsinpink13@yahoo.com is an honorable mission. Yahoo! Mail came clad in a stylish dark purple with a memorably funky font and logo; Yahoo! also embraced emoticon culture early on, and their brand marketing along with their later IM service would reflect this.

[scotianostra]

Sometimes there are details missing, or conflicting when I put together posts, it is the former with this one, there is no birthdate, but John Macgregor was christened on the 24th August 1802 at Fintry, he would go on to establish a shipbuilding yard on the River Clyde and do much to pioneer the development of iron ships.

John claimed that he was descended from Rob Roy MacGregor. The text in his biography reads The text reads: "Through my mother I am descended from Rob Roy. My mother was a daughter (of) Donald McGregor great grandson of James Mor the son of Rob who died in Paris….”

The family were incomers to Fintry, having moved from Balfron. They remained there for about 14 years, before moving on to Comrie in Perthshire, where the last two of their eight children were born. The stay in Comrie must have been short, although John received a rudimentary education there. When John was 16, the whole family came to Glasgow.

Macgregor began his apprenticeship as an engineer under David Napier at Camlachie. He went to Lancefield Foundry with the others in 1821 and was a sea-going engineer on the Belfast – which had Napier machinery – while still in his early 20s. The Belfast plied between Liverpool and Dublin, and was one of the earliest steamers to cross the Irish Sea. At David Napier’s he made the acquaintance of David Tod. Together, they ran the engineering department for a while and gained considerable managerial experience during this period. They probably also acted as guarantee engineers from time to time.

In 1833, Macgregor and David Tod formed a partnership to build steam engines. The partnership, Tod and Macgregor, was initially based at Carrick Street, Glasgow in 1834. The business grew quickly and moved to larger premises in Worroch Street, where they added boiler making to their engineering activities.

Towards the end of 1836, Tod and Macgregor opened a shipbuilding yard on the south bank of the River Clyde at Mavisbank. Finally, in 1845, the firm moved to a new purpose built yard at Meadowside in the Borough of Partick. Tod and Macgregor were described as "the fathers of iron shipbuilding on the Clyde", building famous ships such as the City of Glasgow and the City of Paris.

In about 1830, he is assumed to have married Margaret Fleming, the daughter of Margaret Biggar and James Fleming. Together they had seven children, of whom three daughters and two sons survived. In September 1848 his wife died at the age of 39, the cause of her death is not known. He went on to marry Margaret York, the daughter of Janet Masterton and William York, at Barony, Glasgow. Together they had two children.

In around 1874, after the deaths of both David Tod and John Macgregor, the shipbuilding business was sold and renamed as D. and W. Henderson and Company

John Macgregor died on 16th September 1858 from constipation, I must say it is the first time I have come across this as a cause of death, a condition that is so easily treated today. He is buried at Glasgow Necropolis.

When his funeral cortege took place, beginning at North Street, Anderston, the shops in Partick were closed, the route was lined with thousands of spectators with 'grieved countenances', the bells of the city churches were tolled from 2- to 3 o'clock’, and the flags in the harbour and on the shipping were at half-mast.

His obituary states: "At the comparatively early age of 57, in the full flush and vigour of his mature manhood, after an illness of only three days, of constipation of the bowels, Mr Macgregor departed this life, at half past eleven o'clock on Thursday night, at his town residence, Meadowside House, Partick.

[fitzrove]

Passing this on :p

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love! 💞

Ahhhhh thank you so much!!!!!! This is so nice of you to send >:] tysm <3

I'm going to recommend both Elisabeth and Endeavour fics because I've spent a lot of time writing for both!! So let's get to it, in no order of preference:

Feel The Night - Endeavour (TV) - rated T, Morse x Jakes, vampire AU, Victorian setting, mystery/romance, ballroom dancing, neck biting, strangers to lovers, 5 chapters / 23.5k

This is secretly a TdV / Endeavour fusion (from before my full-blown euromusical era hehehehehe). I think it's some of the best work on setting and mood that I've done - like I did a bunch of research and actually put that to the page ajdjjjg. Really proud of it even 3 years down the line!!

Flights of Angels - Elisabeth - rated M (references sex), Rudolf x Tod, post-canon, angst with a happy ending, character growth, historical references and commentary, 12 chapters / 20k

My todolf divorce fanfic xD Exploring the deep implications of the common trope of human-to-Todesengel; Tod backstory and worldbuilding, esp referencing the human-metaphor dichotomy inherent in Máté's portrayal; character growth and character development for Rudolf. Yeah I wax poetic but this is actually mostly an exploration of how Máté!Tod and Lukas!Rudolf (because they are very specific portrayals!!!!) could make a long-term relationship work. There are Implications to it. Also, Mizzi Kaspar appears!!!

Vögelein - Elisabeth - rated M (but one chapter might as well be E), Rudolf x Tod, lesbian todolf, 5+1, historical commentary and references, 6 chapters / 7.2k

Lesbian todolf!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's literally just "what if Rudolf was born a girl" (and Stéphanie a boy) and goes from there - ie. we end up in the Belgian court which comes with extremely unfortunate implications in the late 19th century. Also Tod is a woman (hehe lyrics reference) because I don't stand for heterosexuality sorry AHSHFHGH. Rudolf also keeps all his (= her) unsavoury historical womanizing because it's so integral to the character, in my opinion. I'm really proud of this >:]

Soft Like Summer Rain - Endeavour - rated M (but one chapter might as well be E), Morse x Jakes / Jakes x Hope / Morse x Jakes x Hope, mutual pining, 21 chapters / 51.6k

My longest fic to date!! I wrote it when I was 18 fun fact: largely in class too xD so some parts I can't bear to reread because I'm afraid I'll find lots of melodrama ahdjg, but it's one of a kind and I'm so proud of what it represents!! Plot: what if Morse visited Jakes over the summer after S3 and things kinda went from there. I can't believe Jakes asking him to come to the US with him actually became canon in S9, 4 years after this fic was published,, half-convinced Russ Lewis reads my fanfic...

Midnight Man - Elisabeth - rated E, Rudolf x Tod, modern AU, yeah um it's a one-shot that's rated E and only 2k words long you can do the math about what happens in it...

My first todolf fanfic xD Lawyer Rudolf. There's an entire unpublished modern AU universe based on this but it's more fun to think about than it necessarily is to write out, especially since the fun parts are just Tod forcibly inserting himself into Rudolf's life as common-law boyfriend/roommate (depression metaphor!!1) and getting up to shenanigans. I don't really have interesting things to say re: it being a modern AU, which makes it harder to write. I've worked on a ballet AU behind the scenes for like 2 years adjhfjjg which is a modern AU that takes the metaphors a lot further... but I haven't managed to write it because I'm not entirely sure how I'll approach it, especially the Tod characterisation in that. But I've done so much research that hopefully I will write something in that universe eventually...

Thank you again for sending this, it was so much fun to look back on what I've written!! >:]

[beardedmrbean]

ROME (AP) — A popular Italian influencer has been placed under investigation by prosecutors looking into the purportedly charitable sales of traditional Christmas cakes sold with her logo.

Chiara Ferragni, who has 29.5 million followers on Instagram, was already fined 1 million euros by Italy’s anti-trust authority last month. The agency said her company led consumers to believe that sales of the branded Balocco pandoro cakes would result in a charitable contribution to a Turin hospital.

Italian news agency LaPresse reported Monday that Milan prosecutor Eugenio Fusco had placed Ferragni and the head of the cake company, Alessandra Balocco, under investigation for aggravated fraud. Ferragni's publicist confirmed the news.

The development followed weeks of polemics over the “pandoro-gate” scandal and questions about the relationship between influencers and the products they are paid to promote, especially when claims of charitable donations are involved.

In a statement Monday, following word that she was now officially under investigation, Ferragni said she was calm and trusted in the work of the judiciary.

“I am calm because I have always acted in good faith and I am certain that this will emerge from the ongoing investigation,” the statement said. “I have full confidence in the work of the judiciary and with my lawyers. I immediately made myself available to cooperate and clarify every detail of what happened as soon as possible.”

Ferragni started as a fashion blogger and went on to sell clothing, accessories and makeup under her own brand in addition to doing promotional work as an influencer. She is also on the Tod’s luxury fashion group board of directors.

In an Instagram video post last month, after the agency fine, Ferragni said that she had not given sufficient oversight to the communications surrounding the sales of the Balocco-brand pandoro with her logo, and that she would no longer link charitable work with commercial activities.

Ferragni apologized and said she would donate 1 million euros to the Regina Margherita Hospital in Turin to give “concreteness” to her apology, but she said she would challenge the fine itself.

Italy’s anti-trust agency also fined Balocco 420,000 euros for giving consumers the impression that part of the earnings from sales of the cakes would benefit the Turin hospital. In reality, the agency said, Balocco had donated 50,000 euros before the campaign launched in November 2022 and made no additional donations.

The agency noted that the Ferragni-branded “Pandoro Pink Christmas” cakes sold for more than 9 euros apiece, compared with the usual 3.70-euro price tag.

There was no immediate response late Monday to emails and calls to Cuneo, Italy-based Balocco.

[crazytaizyart]

Let's blow the dust off of this with something - I currently have a comic going called Tides of Darkness (or ToD), based in The Legend of Spyro triology. Right now, it's covering the development of the Dark Master Malefor and it's just completed it's second chapter at 300 pages!

If you're interested in giving it a peek, you can find the comic on the following locations: ComicFury: https://tidesofdarkness.thecomicseries.com DeviantART (log-in required): https://www.deviantart.com/crazytaizy/gallery/49856085/tides-of-darkness

I look to update frequently (Monthly on Wednesdays, more uploads with more pages - so far weekly has been very consistant) though I am taking a small break before getting Tome 3 rolling, so now's a great time to binge read the story!

All Comic upload notifications like this will be tagged with ToDUpload [incase you want to block out these notifications].

[starsreminisce]

Soft power and Hard power for Elucien: What skills do you think Elain/Lucien is really good at? What are their weaknesses? How can their skills support the other? Also, happy elucien week!!!

Oh! Happy Elucien Week as well!

I think both Elain and Lucien are really good at adapting to change and making split-second decisions. They both process information quickly and come up with plans based on their gut feelings. We see this when they first meet the Illyrians. Their reactions are similar, and they even describe forest critters in the same way. They both choose to listen and accept after hearing them out. They make quick decisions during the battle—Lucien decides to find Vassa, and Elain suggests appealing to Graysen to shelter the trapped humans. They even decide to kill in self-defense against someone who intended to harm a sister.

However, I believe their weaknesses, which will be part of their growth, are that they often react rather than act proactively. They tend to accept circumstances without standing up for themselves until it's too late. They are accustomed to adapting and advising others while someone higher makes the decisions. Sometimes, they need to be more assertive and push back sooner. We’re starting to see this development in ACOSF. Lucien now demonstrates High Lord dominance, and Elain stands up to Nesta while searching for the trove. They are often underestimated and overlooked, which may lead them to doubt themselves. Lucien frequently says he doesn’t want to raise false hopes, and Elain’s reaction to the cauldron’s power made Feyre question bringing her along. It was Elain who gave Nesta the opportunity to behead Hybern, even though Elain dismissed the credit for it when Lucien offered.

As for how their skills can support each other, I think SJM is setting them up to have a dynamic similar to Jamie and Claire from Outlander. Lucien has qualities like Jamie, able to hold back when necessary but also snap back when pushed too far. Elain, like Claire, might be revealed to be more calculating about what she can and can’t reveal, considering how her development has been handled.

Lucien can read Elain exceptionally well, creating opportunities for them to play off each other. For example, Elain pretending to get visions while Lucien plays along, or Lucien supporting Elain without knowing all her plans. Lowkey, I’d love to see a scene where Elain and Lucien roleplay, with Elain needing "rescuing" from Lucien in order to gain access or information.

I'm really excited for their story because I think Elain and Lucien are starting from an equal place. I enjoyed EOS and TOD because Chaol, Dorian, Aelin, and others were all at a similar point of needing to unlearn past behaviors to meet the demands of their fates for the final confrontation.

Elain and Lucien have been avoiding their mating bond for as long as they have, which, to me, is similar to their avoidance of their fates as well.

Thank you for the question!

[raghavsharma456]

Top 5 OTT Platforms to Watch Hot Web Series in Hindi

In the age of digital entertainment, Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms have revolutionized how we consume content, offering viewers a wide range of options across genres and languages. One genre that has gained massive popularity in recent years is the “hot” or adult web series niche. These series explore mature themes, complex relationships, and bold narratives that traditional television often avoids. For Hindi-speaking audiences, several OTT platforms have emerged as top destinations for such content. Among them, Chull TV has quickly risen in prominence alongside other established players. Here's a closer look at the top 5 OTT platforms known for offering bold Hindi web series content, each with its own unique flair and storytelling style.

Chull TV App is a relatively new but fast-growing platform making waves with its bold and unconventional web series. Designed for audiences seeking edgy and adult-themed entertainment, Chull TV has carved a niche by offering content that is not only provocative but also engaging. Its user-friendly interface and smooth streaming capabilities make it appealing to a younger demographic that prefers on-the-go entertainment. What truly sets Chull TV apart is its focus on relatable storytelling combined with adult themes, often exploring taboo subjects with humor, drama, and realism. With regular content updates and exclusive series that cater to various tastes, Chull TV App is becoming a go-to destination for those interested in steamy Hindi web series.

Ullu is arguably the most recognized OTT platform when it comes to bold Hindi web series. Known for its daring approach, Ullu has consistently pushed the boundaries of adult entertainment by offering stories that are deeply rooted in Indian culture yet fearlessly explore modern relationship dynamics, infidelity, societal pressure, and hidden desires. Titles like “Charmsukh,” “Palang Tod,” and “Riti Riwaj” have become synonymous with the platform. Ullu’s vast content library, strong regional focus, and affordability have helped it capture a significant share of the OTT viewership looking for hot and thrilling web series in Hindi. The platform continues to dominate with its frequent releases and loyal fan base.

Another name that stands out in this niche is Kooku. Kooku has gained attention for its mix of sensuality and storytelling, with series that often blend comedy, romance, and eroticism. While the stories may appear simple, the platform thrives on connecting with the everyday emotions and fantasies of its viewers. Kooku’s appeal lies in its ability to present adult content with a lighthearted twist, making it both entertaining and easy to binge-watch. Series such as “Suno Sasurji” and “Rasmalai” have found popularity among viewers looking for bold content that’s also fun and dramatic. The platform keeps things fresh with frequent updates and new faces, adding to its charm.

Hotshots, though slightly more niche, has also gained a reputation for pushing the envelope. Known for its sleek production values and glamorous presentation, Hotshots caters to an audience that enjoys erotica with style. It features web series, short films, and even music videos that revolve around themes of lust, seduction, and passion. What makes Hotshots stand out is its willingness to showcase experimental narratives and boundary-pushing visuals. While it may not be as mainstream as Ullu or Kooku, Hotshots has developed a loyal audience that values its artistic take on sensuality and its bold, unapologetic content lineup.

Fliz Movies rounds out the top five with its explicit and raw storytelling. The platform is known for its uninhibited exploration of adult themes, often leaning toward the provocative end of the spectrum. While it has faced criticism for being overly explicit, it has also gained a solid viewership among those looking for unfiltered and no-holds-barred adult content. Fliz Movies tends to focus less on mainstream appeal and more on serving a specific niche audience that prefers adult stories without excessive censorship. It continues to thrive in the underground OTT scene by maintaining a steady stream of bold Hindi web series.

Read more: Chull TV – A Platform for Bold Short Movies and 18+ Web Series

In conclusion, the landscape of OTT platforms offering hot web series in Hindi is diverse and rapidly expanding. Platforms like Chull TV App have shown that there's still room for innovation and fresh voices in the adult content space. Whether you're looking for humor-laced erotica, deep emotional narratives with adult themes, or pure provocative storytelling, there’s an OTT platform that caters to your preferences. As digital consumption grows, these platforms are likely to evolve further, bringing even more daring and immersive content to screens across India and beyond.

Source:

[artbylenaaservicespage]

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Personalized Mannequin

Whether you are a fashion designer who is looking to make the right apparel fitting or want a boutique owner a unique performance, buying a personal mannequin can change your workflow and beauty. Unlike standard performance forms, a custom effigy body reflects your specific measurement or design preferences, providing an analog solution to show apparel or develop custom-fit clothing. But with so many options in the market, how do you make the right choice?

In this guide, we walk you through all the things you need to know - from the benefits of privatization to the features that you should give priority and how to find the right model for your needs.

Why Choose a Personalized Mannequin?

Personalized mannequins are produced on a large scale with average size that cannot correctly represent your target audience or specific design needs. Conversely, a individual effigy conforms to your accurate specifications - if necessary, for height, asana, measurement and even facial characteristics.

Advantages of a Custom Mannequin Body

A custom mannequin body more than the body beauty benefits. It acts as a practical design and fitting tool. Here are some compelling benefits:

Accurate Fit Development: Designers working with specific customers or size charts will make it easier to craft clothes that fit perfectly, the customer improves satisfaction.

Enhancened Visual Merchandising: Stores can display their collections on their collections that reflect their customers demographics, such as plus-signs, petit or athletic build. This makes products more reliable and attractive.

Long-term cost efficiency: While the initial investment may be higher, a customized model reduces frequent changes and testing clothing requirement.

Creative flexibility: You can choose posture, skin tone, head and organ features, allowing your effigy align with your brand identity.

Key Features to Look For

When purchasing an individual or custom effigy, all the features are not made the same. Required aspects should be considered here:

1. Material

Look for materials that balance the durability and purpose. Fiberglass and polyurethane foam are popular for their strength and flexibility. If you pin the fabric often, a pinnacable surface covered with clothes is ideal.

2. Adjustment

Some effigies offer adjustable parts such as weapons, heads and feet, or even removable components. This can be a valuable feature if you need to test various pose or performance accessories.

3. Base type

Depending on your performance or scope, you may need a wheel base for dynamics or a weighted one for stability. Check whether the base height allows adjustment.

4. Finish and beauty options

From matte finish to wooden weapons and facial detailing, aesthetics occur when your effigy is part of the visual merchandising or showroom of your store.

Tips for First-Time Buyers

Here are some practical suggestions in mind:

Take an accurate measure: If you are making a replica of a specific body, make sure you collect accurate data for bust, waist, hips, shoulders and more.

Consult the manufacturer: Discuss which features are optimized and ask for previous samples or customer admirers.

Plan for lead time: Custom takes time time. Be sure to ask about production and delivery deadline.

Budget wisely: While cheap options exist, quality and long -term durability often come with a slightly higher price. See it as a permanent business property instead of a simple props.

Maintenance and Care

Once you invest in an individual effigy, maintenance is necessary. Keep it clean, store it in a dry environment, and avoid unnecessary risk to direct sunlight, which can affect the finish. For the effigies used for frequently used for draping or sewing, sometimes check for wear and tears, especially on cloth cover or joints.

Whether you are developing a couture dress, casualwear, or costumes, this investment bridges the gap between imagination and correct execution. And today with so many adaptable options, it is much easier to find an effigy that fits your accurate vision.

For artists and designers looking for a reliable, custom-telled solution, the art offers the art beautifully designed by taking the art that mixes the task and form to bring your concepts into life.

[fiveprogrammers]

Top Features of Advanced Logistics Management Software in Riyadh

In the modern age of commerce, Riyadh’s logistics landscape is experiencing a digital revolution. As businesses across Saudi Arabia’s capital city aim for streamlined operations and faster delivery performance, adopting advanced logistics management software has become the new normal. Whether it’s optimizing supply chains or enhancing fleet performance, the right logistics software in Riyadh can make all the difference.

In this detailed blog, we’ll explore the top features that define the best logistics management solutions in the region, and how local leaders like Five Programmers are providing next-gen tools tailored specifically for Riyadh-based enterprises.

🚛 Why Logistics Management Software Is Crucial for Riyadh’s Businesses

Riyadh, being the economic center of Saudi Arabia, is home to a growing number of logistics-driven industries — including retail, eCommerce, construction, pharmaceuticals, and freight services. With increasing consumer demand and supply complexity, manual processes no longer suffice.

This is where intelligent logistics software in Riyadh comes in, offering real-time visibility, automation, and optimization that transform logistics from a cost center into a growth engine.

🌟 1. Real-Time Fleet Tracking

One of the most valuable features of advanced logistics software in Riyadh is GPS-enabled fleet tracking. Businesses can monitor every vehicle in real time, ensuring that deliveries are on schedule and routes are followed accurately.

Key benefits of real-time tracking:

Enhanced delivery accuracy

Improved driver accountability

Instant alerts for route deviations

Better customer communication

At Five Programmers, we develop custom GPS tracking modules that offer full visibility into your fleet across Riyadh’s vast road network.

⚙️ 2. Automated Route Optimization

In a bustling city like Riyadh, traffic congestion and inefficient routing can lead to delivery delays and increased fuel costs. Smart logistics systems include AI-powered route optimization that automatically identifies the most efficient paths.

Benefits include:

Reduced delivery time

Lower fuel consumption

Increased order fulfillment rates

With tools from Five Programmers, your business benefits from dynamic routing based on real-time traffic data, weather updates, and delivery priorities.

📦 3. Inventory Management Integration

Keeping track of stock is critical in any supply chain. Advanced logistics platforms integrate directly with your warehouse systems, allowing businesses in Riyadh to:

Monitor stock levels

Prevent overstocking or understocking

Track items across multiple locations

Automate reordering processes

Five Programmers builds inventory modules that adapt to your unique product flow, helping you manage operations across multiple warehouses in Riyadh and beyond.

📲 4. Mobile Access & Driver Apps

On-the-go access is a game-changer for logistics managers and drivers alike. Mobile-enabled logistics software in Riyadh allows real-time updates, route changes, and performance tracking — all from a smartphone or tablet.

Benefits of mobile access:

Faster communication with drivers

Real-time delivery status updates

Paperless proof of delivery

Easy customer feedback collection

Five Programmers develops intuitive mobile apps tailored for Arabic and English-speaking users, perfect for Riyadh’s bilingual workforce.

📊 5. Analytics and Business Intelligence (BI)

Modern logistics software in Riyadh is more than just automation—it’s about actionable insights. Through advanced analytics dashboards, businesses gain access to KPIs, performance metrics, and predictive reports.

What can you analyze?

Delivery success rates

Driver performance

Fuel usage trends

Customer satisfaction data

Five Programmers includes BI tools in every logistics solution to help Riyadh-based businesses make data-driven decisions and optimize operations.

🔐 6. Secure Cloud-Based Access

Data security is vital in today’s digital age. Top logistics software providers in Riyadh ensure that all your fleet and delivery data are safely stored and backed up on secure cloud platforms.

Cloud-based benefits:

Access from anywhere

Reduced hardware costs

Disaster recovery

Automatic software updates

Five Programmers builds secure cloud infrastructures that comply with local data protection laws and business policies in Riyadh.

🤝 7. Multi-User & Role-Based Access

Managing a large logistics operation involves multiple departments: dispatch, finance, operations, and customer service. Advanced logistics systems offer role-based access, ensuring each user only accesses what’s relevant to their role.

Features include:

Multi-user dashboards

Permission controls

Access logs and user activity tracking

Five Programmers develops role-specific interfaces for each team in your business, keeping operations secure and efficient in Riyadh.

🌐 8. Multilingual Interfaces for Local Teams

With Riyadh being home to a multicultural workforce, having bilingual or multilingual support in your logistics software is vital. The best systems offer Arabic and English interfaces for smooth communication.

Five Programmers ensures every logistics platform includes full Arabic localization, making it ideal for Riyadh-based teams and reducing training time.

🔄 9. Seamless ERP & E-Commerce Integration

If you’re selling online or using ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or Zoho, your logistics software should integrate seamlessly. This ensures a connected ecosystem where orders, inventory, and deliveries sync in real time.

Why integration matters:

Faster order fulfillment

Unified data management

Reduced human error

Our solutions at Five Programmers are API-ready, meaning we can connect your logistics software with any ERP or eCommerce platform used in Riyadh.

🎯 10. AI and Machine Learning for Predictive Operations

The future of logistics in Riyadh lies in predictive automation. Using AI and machine learning, software can anticipate delivery volumes, forecast stock needs, and predict maintenance schedules for vehicles.

With AI, you can:

Minimize delivery failures

Reduce downtime

Forecast demand peaks

Optimize workforce planning

Five Programmers offers AI-driven modules that empower Riyadh businesses to be proactive instead of reactive.

🏆 Why Choose Five Programmers for Logistics Software in Riyadh

As a homegrown tech company, Five Programmers understands the unique challenges of operating in Riyadh’s logistics environment. We offer:

Fully customized logistics platforms

Localized Arabic and English interfaces

24/7 technical support

On-site deployment and training

Integration with popular platforms

Affordable, scalable packages for SMEs and enterprises

We’re not just developers — we’re partners in your digital transformation.

📌 Final Thoughts: The Road to Smarter Logistics Starts Now

Choosing advanced logistics management software in Riyadh is no longer optional. It’s a strategic move that unlocks efficiency, improves customer satisfaction, and boosts profitability.

Whether you're just starting or expanding operations, Five Programmers provides tailored solutions to make your logistics operations faster, smarter, and future-ready. Let us help you lead the logistics revolution in Riyadh with confidence.