#agile delivery

[lostconsultants]

From Value Streams to Team Streams: Designing for Flow

Designing for flow is the cornerstone of modern digital delivery—but many organizations are still stuck optimizing for output instead of outcomes. Features are delivered, tickets are closed, yet customer impact remains unclear. Why? Because the way work flows through teams is just as important as what gets done. To unlock real performance, we must rethink how value flows—through people, teams,…

[modernmarketingmethods]

What Do Project Management Consultancy Services Actually Do? The Answer May Surprise You

When most people hear the term project management consultancy services, they assume it's all about timelines, task lists, and perhaps a few team meetings. But in reality, the role of project management consultants is far more impactful — and often underestimated.

Today’s business environment is defined by rapid change, increasing complexity, and fierce competition. In this climate, the ability to execute strategic initiatives smoothly and successfully is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. That’s where professionals like the Cognitude project management consulting services team step in. Their role goes far beyond traditional project tracking. They embed themselves into your business to transform your vision into results, often becoming the engine that drives sustainable growth.

So, what do these consultants actually do? Let’s uncover the real value of project management consulting services and why their contribution may be far greater than you think.

1. Strategic Project Planning and Scope Definition

At the foundation of every successful project lies strategic planning. Project management consultancy services don’t just manage what you already have — they help shape the entire project from the ground up. This includes defining project objectives, deliverables, timelines, budgets, and success metrics.

The Cognitude project management consultancy services team applies industry-specific frameworks to ensure your project isn’t just well-planned but fully aligned with business goals.

2. Risk Identification and Mitigation

Project risk is inevitable — but it’s manageable with the right expertise. Consultants use proven methods to perform detailed risk assessments early in the project lifecycle. They create contingency plans, allocate risk reserves, and monitor for red flags throughout execution.

Cognitude project management consulting services help organizations avoid budget overruns, schedule delays, and scope creep by anticipating problems before they occur.

3. Execution Support and Resource Management

One of the biggest values that project management consultancy services offer is hands-on execution support. They coordinate teams, manage vendors, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure tasks are delivered on time and to specification.

Efficient use of resources is a key factor in project success. By leveraging Cognitude project management consultancy services, companies can ensure that human, technological, and financial resources are utilized optimally without overburdening internal teams.

4. Agile and Scalable Project Delivery

In the modern world, agility is essential. Consultants are trained in methodologies like Agile, Scrum, Lean, and hybrid models that enable faster iteration, stakeholder feedback loops, and greater flexibility.

The Cognitude project management consulting services team implements scalable delivery frameworks, helping organizations handle both one-time initiatives and long-term project portfolios with equal effectiveness.

5. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Strategy

Stakeholder misalignment is a silent killer of projects. That’s why project management consultancy services prioritize communication planning as a core function. They identify key stakeholders, define their expectations, and establish communication protocols that keep everyone informed.

Cognitude project management consultancy services are known for creating transparent, timely, and customized stakeholder reporting mechanisms that drive trust and accountability.

6. Performance Monitoring and Real-Time Reporting

Using dashboards, KPIs, and automated reporting systems, consultants track performance metrics to ensure everything stays on course. Real-time data empowers leadership to make better decisions quickly.

Cognitude project management consulting services don’t just tell you how your project is doing — they show you, with full transparency and evidence-based insights.

7. Governance and Compliance Assurance

For industries where compliance and documentation are critical, project management consultancy services introduce governance models that meet regulatory standards. They help prepare audit trails, document deliverables, and adhere to industry-specific frameworks such as ISO, ITIL, or PMBOK.

Cognitude project management consultancy services support businesses in maintaining integrity and compliance while still moving quickly.

8. Post-Project Analysis and Organizational Learning

The value of a project doesn’t end at delivery. Consultants conduct post-project evaluations to assess what went right, what didn’t, and how future projects can improve. These insights are used to build internal capabilities and repeatable frameworks for long-term success.

Cognitude project management consulting services enable organizations to evolve and grow through continuous learning and refinement.

9. Customization for Industry and Company Size

Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, consultants tailor their strategies based on your industry, company maturity, and team dynamics. Whether you’re a fast-growing startup or a multinational enterprise, Cognitude project management consultancy services deliver customized support that fits your structure, budget, and objectives.

10. Driving Measurable Business Impact

Ultimately, consultants help drive results that matter. From reduced delivery times and lower costs to improved stakeholder satisfaction and increased agility, their impact touches every aspect of business performance.

The reason Cognitude project management consulting services are considered essential by leading organizations is simple — they make sure your strategy becomes reality, with minimal risk and maximum efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Far from being just task managers, today’s project management consultancy services act as strategic enablers. They bring together structure, agility, leadership, and clarity — turning complex projects into repeatable successes.

If you’ve ever wondered whether these services are worth the investment, consider this: the cost of failed or delayed projects is often far greater than the cost of expert guidance. Teams like Cognitude project management consulting services not only deliver projects but also empower businesses to grow, scale, and lead with confidence.

[gabaviggiano]

Agile tip: Continuous prioritization is the Gold key

Remember, the entire purpose of agile is to deliver high-quality and high-value products. Build sustainable and prosperous products. . Build powerful habits that drive your professional and personal growth. ¿Quieres saber más del tema? Estrategias que te permitan retomar el control de tus emociones y controlar de una vez y por todas esos ataques de ansiedad que limitan tu…

[agilesense]

In today’s fast-paced digital world, organizations are constantly striving to adapt, innovate, and deliver value faster. Agile methodologies have become the backbone of successful businesses, helping teams collaborate efficiently, respond to change swiftly, and drive continuous improvement. But mastering Agile is not just about understanding the frameworks—it’s about acquiring the right mindset and skills. This is where Agile Training and Certification and Agile Coaching Services come into play. At Agile Sense, we help professionals and organizations unlock their full potential through expert training and coaching.

[ajmishra]

API-First Development: Revolutionizing Digital Integration and Scalability

Explore how API-first development is transforming digital integration and scalability. Learn how this approach streamlines development, enhances flexibility, and enables seamless communication between systems, driving innovation and growth in modern applications. Visit now to read more: API-First Development: Revolutionizing Digital Integration and Scalability

[frankleong]

Delivery or Maturity?

In the face of declining market demand for agile coaches and scrum masters, one question being asked explicitly or implicitly by some organizations is, “What’s more important, ensuring delivery of what people have committed to or growing the maturity of the people to deliver?” High performing agile leaders rely on high performing agile teams to deliver on commitments. Achieving high performance…

[immensitylogistics]

Guiding the Transformative Shifts: The Evolving Landscape of the Logistics Industry

The logistics industry is going through a significant transformation driven by technological advancements, changing consumer demands, and global economic shifts. Immensity logistics is a leading player in the field and has embraced innovation to navigate this evolving landscape successfully. We will explore the key trends shaping the logistics industry and how Immensity Logistics has adapted to these changes.

Embracing Digitalization: Revolutionizing Supply Chains

Digitalization has revolutionized supply chains, enabling greater visibility, efficiency, and collaboration. Immensity Logistics has embraced digital technologies such as cloud-based platforms, IoT devices, and data analytics to optimize operations, track shipments in real-time, and improve touch with clients. By leveraging these innovations, Immensity Logistics has streamlined processes, reduced costs, and overall supply chain performance.

Automation and Robotics: Enhancing Efficiency and Accuracy

Automation and robotics have emerged as game-changers in the logistics industry. Immensity Logistics has integrated automated systems, including robotic process automation (RPA) and autonomous vehicles, to enhance warehouse operations, improve order fulfillment, and increase accuracy in inventory management. These technologies have increased efficiency and reduced human error, making logistics operations more reliable and cost-effective.

Sustainable Practices: Addressing Environmental Concerns

The logistics industry recognizes the importance of sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact. Immensity Logistics has taken proactive steps to integrate eco-friendly solutions, such as electric vehicles, green packaging materials, and optimized route planning, into its operations. By prioritizing sustainability, Immensity Logistics contributes to a greener future and meets the growing demand for environmentally conscious logistics services.

Agility and Flexibility: Adapting to Changing Market Dynamics

Immensity Logistics has embraced agility and flexibility as core principles, allowing it to adapt quickly to market shifts and meet evolving customer expectations by utilizing multi-modal transportation options and fostering strong partnerships. Immensity Logistics ensures seamless delivery even with unexpected challenges.

E-commerce and Last-Mile Delivery: Catering to Online Shopping Boom

E-commerce has significantly impacted the logistics industry, with a growing emphasis on last-mile delivery. Immensity Logistics has invested in specialized solutions, including dedicated e-commerce fulfillment centers, same-day/next-day delivery services, and advanced tracking systems to cater to the ever-increasing online shopping boom. Immensity Logistics helps businesses thrive in the digital era.

Conclusion: The logistics industry is experiencing a transformative shift driven by digitalization, automation, sustainability, agility, and the rise of e-commerce. Immensity Logistics has adapted to these changes by harnessing the power of technology, embracing sustainability, and prioritizing customer-centric solutions. By staying at the forefront of industry trends, Immensity Logistics continues to guide the landscape successfully, providing efficient, reliable, and innovative logistics services to its clients. As the industry continues, Immensity Logistics remains committed to delivering excellence and shaping the future of logistics.

[lostconsultants]

Is the Agile Hype Over?

Agile hype has been around for over two decades, sweeping through industries with promises of faster delivery, empowered teams, and customer-centric value. But ask around today — from developers and product managers to executives — and you’ll hear a different tone. Burnout from endless sprints. Disillusionment with ceremonies. Frustration with rigid frameworks masquerading as flexibility. So…

[raphael-moutot-blog]

Building, designing, refining and training the Agile delivery framework of the Bank!

By the end of December 2023, I am rewarded and listed among the few Agilists whom delivered more than a dozen of the immersive 1 day Agile foundational training within a year.

Actually it has been 3 years that the Agile center of excellence has been building, experimenting, improving, updating and eventually released the official Techcombank Agile way of working: the Techcomway. One thing which particularly helps while delivering the trainings or implementing the new way of working with new teams, is the deep and strong connection between the Agile Manifesto and the Techcombank’s core values :

Customer Centricity

Innovation and creativeness

Collaboration for common objectives

Self-development

Work efficiency

Leveraging on core the values of the bank is a really strong message to each Techcomer in my opinion. This is re-enforcing the importance of the transformation teams by continuously reminding the need to embrace the bank's beliefs.

I need to precise that the adoption of Agile frameworks (during execution) has been officially embedded as a part of the Project life cycle of the bank since early 2021 already, under the initiative of our previous Head of Transformation Timothy Kyle; which was a significant step! It has drastically evolved since then.

Today, the result is a solid way of working based on Scrum framework, using at scale components (Chapters, Scrum of Scrums, Joint events, Community of Practices…) which helps to drive the delivery and reach the expected business outcomes. The journey wasn’t easy at all to be honest, however it is now being recognized and endorsed by each foundational part of the bank as an absolutely enabler when it comes to implementation. Also meaning we have yet tackled Agile for discovery phase of a new business case, this should probably be the next big thing to tackle…

As a part of the Strategy & Transformation division, the dedicated Agile workforce have collaborated closely with Retail Detail Bank (+Digital Office & Marketing initiative), DNA (Data), IT (including Cloud Migration initiative), Business Banking... Each of them have embraced the Agile way of working, under Project Management Office and Agile Center of Excellence strong guidance. Since early 2022 our agile playbook is mandatory framework measured by clear KPI when it comes to delivering a large initiative (successfully!!). Here are the major topics it is dealing with:

Agile Mindset

Agile Manifesto

Techcombank core value & Agile

People & Structure

Roadmap & Releases

Scrum & Kanban Framework

Backlog Structure & Workflow

Toolings & Practices

Performance measurement

By the end of 2023, a Kanban based version has also been developed for specific initiatives, equipping Business As Usual teams with proper agile mindset and tools. We already leveraging on this and propagate the usage of it as we have we started the Agile Journey with several business department with no technology component involved: the technology part are just enablers to reach the outcome expected.

Longtime due, but for now we are focusing on building a deeper and more targeted training: a 3 days course, including, 1 full day Agile fundamental, 1 full day of simulation activities for Scrum and / or for Kanban; 1 day of “hands on” sessions with the internal tools and practices - absolutely needed for the current & future scrum masters. The main intent is to equip carefully selected candidates with new skills (which are not in their initial set of skills and experience).

Although it is collective effort, I am in charge of the design of the Scrum simulation, designing the serious games, the scenarios, the way to facilitate and enable the learning. For this exercise I need to collaborate with the pillars of our team :

Jatinder Datt (Director, Agile Transformation)

Andre Nguyen (Director, Agile Transformation)

Quang Ba (Agile Coach)

Nguyen Duc Hieu (Agile Coach)

Duong (Agile Academy)

It is obviously supervised by the head of Agile and I mostly need to absorb my colleagues feedback as much as I need to get their help: they will be running the 3 days sessions by their own, hence we definitely need to engineer this together!! A beautiful example of teamwork for a common objective! Can't wait to run it!

Note that this 3 days course is not an isolated training to equip seasonal scrum masters: these 3 days are just 1 component of the upskills program for existing teams member willing and qualified to become future scrum master, but let’s talk about this in another article!

Stay tuned, thanks for reading.

[advisedskills]

The Role of Agile Release Management in Continuous Delivery

🚀 Embracing the #Software Revolution with #AgileReleaseManagement (ARM)!

The digital landscape is transforming before our eyes, and ARM is at its forefront.

Discover how @advisedskills breaks it all down in our latest article.

Dive in now and be part of the revolution! 🌐 https://www.advisedskills.com/about/news/393-the-role-of-agile-release-management-in-continuous-delivery

[harshitasoni]

UAE logistics industry is concentrated with top 5 players contributing about 50% of the domestic express revenues in 2019- How will the 3 growth drivers help the market become sustainable in future? : Ken Research

1. UAE oil and gas logistics market is driven by high contribution of exports to UAE government

The Abu Dhabi National Oil and Gas Company is looking to raise crude production capacity to 5 million barrel per day (bpd) by 2030. Enhanced production provides an opportunity for Oil and Gas logistics firms to capitalize.

Currently ongoing and upcoming projects such as Upper Zakum- Production Capacity Enhancement  nearly $ 21 bn, Ruwais Refinery Complex around $ 20 bn  and Abu Dhabi North West Development – Hail and Ghasha Sour Gas around $ 15 bn are expected to be the driving force for Oil and Gas logistics going forward.

2. Growth in Online Selling and Increasing propensity of consumers to buy online is propelling growth in E-Commerce Logistics

UAE E-Commerce Logistics Market accounts for nearly 2.5% share in the logistics revenues in the country in 2019. High internet penetration, more concentration of millennial among new buyers and a rise in SMEs selling online have driven E-Commerce growth in the UAE.

E-Commerce business activities among express companies such as DHL and Emirates Post have been growing with nearly 40% Y-o-Y, since last 2-3 years.

COVID-19 induced lockdowns in the country, gave an opportunity to retailers and shopkeepers to sell products online, hence establishing a large need for delivery and e-commerce logistics.

3. Demand for COVID-19 related Medication, expected to drive Pharmaceutical Logistics Market growth

High rate of population growth, increased life expectancy and prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes have led to growth in the pharma industry in the UAE. The COVID-19 situation has led growth in pharma logistics with drugs such as Remdesivir and HCQ being imported into the country.

Around $1.2 Bn was allocated to healthcare in 2019 budget in the UAE, on top of the funds allocated in the ($ 540 Mn) innovation fund set up by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

[lara-cairncross]

So for the fairy rottmnt au… seeing as Leo’s wings are pretty massive proportionally, I can’t help but imagine a baby Leo being extremely clumsy. Like full on tripping over his own wings, knocking stuff over, like a puppy who hasn’t grown into its ears yet. Maybe he started relying on flying all the time from a young age because it was easier to control his wings, which also contributed to him being as strong as he is in agility and speed now.

Also the fact that he makes deliveries? 100% the face man like always ;) I imagine he knows all the gossip.

YES. ABSOLUTELY. baby Leo is constantly tripping over his wings, or losing his balance just from how heavy they are! he’s probably the most accident prone (and clumsy HAH) out of all of them as kids, although Mikey is a close second. Raph learned to be more cautious early on bc of his spikes, and Donnie kinda had no choice but to be really careful.

and yes, that does mean that Leo always relied on flying a lot more as a kid! he got the hang of flying wayyyyy before any of his brothers did, and was naturally a lot more graceful in the air than on land :D that doesn’t mean he still didn’t crash into like, walls and tree branches occasionally, but generally he preferred flying more than anything else! and teenage Leo is no different lmao. honestly even teenage Leo is clumsy as fuck on land, so it’s just less embarrassing for him to stick to flying as much as possible rip

as for the gossip thing,,, yeah. pretty much. he’s also just super nosey and eavesdrops on everybody hdhehfhehfb

[bestanimal]

Round 3 - Mammalia - Chiroptera

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Our next order of mammals is Chiroptera, commonly called “bats.” Chiroptera is the second largest order of mammals after Rodentia. Bats comprise about 20% of all classified mammal species worldwide, with over 1,400 species. They are divided into the families Pteropodidae (“megabats”), Rhinopomatidae (“mouse-tailed bats”), Craseonycteridae (“Kitti's Hog-nosed Bat”), Megadermatidae (“false vampire bats”), Rhinonycteridae (“trident bats”), Hipposideridae (“Old World leaf-nosed bats”), Rhinolophidae (“horseshoe bats”), Nycteridae (“slit-faced bats”), Emballonuridae (“sac-winged bats” and “sheath-tailed bats”), Myzopodidae (“sucker-footed bats”), Mystacinidae (“New Zealand short-tailed bats”), Thyropteridae (“disk-winged bats”), Furipteridae (“Smoky Bat” and “Thumbless Bat”), Noctilionidae (“bulldog bats”), Mormoopidae (“ghost-faced bats”, “mustached bats”, and “naked-backed bats”), Phyllostomidae (“New World leaf-nosed bats”), Natalidae (“funnel-eared bats”), Molossidae (“free-tailed bats”), Miniopteridae (“long-fingered” and “bent-winged bats”), Cistugidae (“wing-gland bats”), and Vespertilionidae (“vesper bats”).

Bats are the only mammals capable of true and sustained flight, with their forelimbs adapted as wings. Their wings are a patagium of skin stretched between 4 fingers, with their thumbs pointing forward and supporting the leading edge of the wing. The wings of bats are much thinner and consist of more bones than the wings of birds, allowing bats to maneuver more accurately and fly with more lift and less drag. The surface of the wings is equipped with touch-sensitive receptors on small bumps called Merkel cells, also found on human fingertips. In bats, each of these bumps has a tiny hair in the center, making it even more sensitive and allowing the bat to detect and adapt to changing airflow. While bats are highly agile in the air, they can only crawl or drag themselves awkwardly across the ground, and most of their time not in the air is spent roosting upside down. However, a few species, such as the New Zealand Lesser Short-tailed Bat (Mystacina tuberculata) and the Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus) are able to walk or even run on all fours. Most bats are insectivores, and most of the rest are frugivores (fruit-eaters) or nectarivores (nectar-eaters). A few feed on vertebrates, such as the specialized blood-drinking vampire bats (subfamily Desmodontinae), the bird-hunting Greater Noctule Bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus), the fish-catching Greater Bulldog Bat (Noctilio leporinus), the frog-eating Fringe-lipped Bat (Trachops cirrhosus), and the Spectral Bat (Vampyrum spectrum) and Ghost Bat (Macroderma gigas) which sometimes feed on other bats. Carnivorous bats make use of echolocation for navigation and finding prey, while herbivorous bats use their more well-developed eyesight. Apart from the Arctic, the Antarctic and a few isolated oceanic islands, bats exist in almost every habitat on Earth.

Some bats lead solitary lives, while others live in colonies of millions. In some, the females live in groups while the males are solitary, or males and females will live in separate groups. Most species are polygynous, where males mate with multiple females. Some species are promiscuous, where both sexes mate with multiple partners. A few species form monogamous pairs. Female bats use a variety of strategies to control the timing of pregnancy and the birth of young, to make delivery coincide with maximum food ability and other ecological conditions. In most bat species, females carry and give birth to a single pup per litter. The young emerges rear-first, possibly to prevent the wings from getting tangled, and the female cradles it in her wing and tail membranes. In social species, females give birth and raise their young in maternity colonies and may assist each other in birthing. A few species also assist in suckling other mothers’ young. Most of the care for a bat pup comes from the mother, but in monogamous species, the father will also play a role in childcare.

The fragile skeletons of bats do not fossilize well, but Chiroptera is assumed to have arisen in the Eocene. The oldest known bat fossils include Archaeonycteris praecursor and Altaynycteris aurora (55–56 million years ago), both known only from isolated teeth. The oldest complete bat skeleton is Icaronycteris gunnelli (52 million years ago).

Propaganda under the cut:

The eyes of most carnivorous bat species are small and poorly developed, leading to poor visual acuity, but no species is truly blind. Microbats may use their vision for orientation and while travelling between their roosting grounds and feeding grounds, as echolocation is effective only over short distances. Some species can even detect ultraviolet (UV) light.

The smallest mammal in the world is the Kitti's Hog-nosed Bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai), also known as the Bumblebee Bat (though the the Etruscan Shrew [Suncus etruscus] is smaller by body mass). An adult Kitti's Hog-nosed Bat is about 29 to 33 mm (1.1 to 1.3 in) in length and weighs around 2 g (0.071 oz).

On the other wing, the largest bat in the world is the Giant Golden-crowned Flying Fox (Acerodon jubatus) which can reach a weight of 1.6 kg (3.5 lb) and has a wingspan of 1.7 m (5 ft 7 in).

Bat dung is mined as guano from caves and used as a highly effective fertilizer due to the high content of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, all key nutrients essential for plant growth. Bat guano also contains fine particles of insect exoskeleton, which are largely composed of chitin. Chitin from insect exoskeletons is an essential compound needed by beneficial soil fungi, as chitin is a major component of fungal cell wall membranes. This fungi then improves soil fertility. However, unsustainable harvesting of bat guano may cause bats to abandon their roost. Many cave ecosystems are wholly dependent on bats to provide nutrients via their guano which supports bacteria, fungi, invertebrates, and vertebrates in the cave. The loss of bats from a cave can result in the extinction of species that rely on their guano.

The extinct bats Palaeochiropteryx tupaiodon and Hassianycteris kumari, both of which lived 48 million years ago, are the first fossil mammals whose colorations have been discovered. Both were reddish-brown.

The fastest flying bat, the Mexican Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis), can achieve a ground speed of 160 km/h (100 mph)!

Mexican Free-tailed Bats are one of the few species to "sing" like birds. Males sing to attract females.

Greater Bulldog Bats (Noctilio leporinus) “honk” to warn each other when they may be about to collide.

Carnivorous bats make use of magnetoreception, in that they have a high sensitivity to the Earth's magnetic field, like birds. These bats use a polarity-based compass, meaning that they differentiate North from South, unlike birds, which use the strength of the magnetic field to differentiate latitudes.

Scientists reported in January 2025 that they had discovered how some bats travel hundreds of miles in the spring to give birth in warmer temperatures: they surf storm fronts.

The Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum) can travel as much as 38.5 km (24 mi) in one night in search of food.

Many species of plants depend on bats for seed dispersal. The Jamaican Fruit Bat (Artibeus jamaicensis) has been recorded carrying fruits weighing 3–14 g or even as much as 50 g.

Nectar-eating bats have acquired specialised adaptations. These bats possess long muzzles and long, extensible tongues covered in fine bristles that aid them in feeding on particular flowers and plants. These long, narrow tongues can reach deep into the long cup shape of some flowers. When the tongue retracts, it coils up inside the rib cage. The Tube-lipped Nectar Bat (Anoura fistulata) has the longest tongue of any mammal relative to its body size.

Around 500 species of flowering plant rely on bat pollination. Because of this, some of these flowers have adapted to only open their flowers at night.

Due to the specialized metabolism of Vampire Bats (subfamily Desmodontinae) they are highly susceptible to starvation if they fail to feed within 70 hours. To combat this, vampire bats engage in reciprocal altruism, and will feed each other by regurgitating blood. If a bat cannot find food two nights in a row, due to injury, illness, or simple unluckiness, one of its colony mates may feed it. Vampire bats who are more “popular” in the colony may be fed more often.

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal disease in North American bats which has resulted in the dramatic decrease of the bat population in the United States and Canada, killing millions and causing a 90% decline in some areas. The condition is named for a distinctive fungal growth of Pseudogymnoascus destructans around the muzzles and on the wings of hibernating bats. It is likely the fungus was brought to North America from Europe by cavers who didn’t wash their equipment. Bats in Europe seem to be resistant to the fungus. The Forest Service estimated in 2008 that the die-off from white-nose syndrome means that at least 2.4 million pounds (1.1 million kg or 1,100 tons) of insects will go uneaten, possibly leading to crop damage or having other economic impact.

It has been estimated that bats save the agricultural industry of the United States anywhere from $3.7 billion to $53 billion per year in pesticides and damage to crops. This also prevents the overuse of pesticides, which can pollute the surrounding environment, and may lead to resistance in future generations of insects.

Homosexual relations have been observed in the Bonin Flying Fox (Pteropus pselaphon) and the Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus medius).

The Christmas Island Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus murrayi) was declared extinct in 2009. This extinction was likely caused by introduced, invasive species such as Domestic Cats (Felis catus), Black Rats (Rattus rattus), Common Wolf Snakes (Lycodon capucinus), and Yellow Crazy Ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes). The bats could have also been poisoned by the insecticide Fipronil, used to control Yellow Crazy Ant Colonies.

In China, bats have been associated with happiness, joy, and good fortune. Five bats are used to symbolise the "Five Blessings": longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue, and peaceful death.

A new threat to bats has arisen in the form of bat taxidermy. Bat taxidermy, where bats are either mounted in glass, encased in resin, articulated as a skeleton, or simply stuffed, is growing in popularity as “quirky” decor. However, many sellers will claim to be ethical when they are not, and are actually catching and killing bats to meet the rising demand of this new market. In some cases, entire caves will be gassed so that the bat carcasses can be harvested by the thousands. Many of the bat species used for oddity decor are declining or even endangered. The transport of bat carcasses overseas has also been linked to the spread of disease.

[cecilysass]

Mulder's Top 10 Out of Hand Jokes

(ranked from "mildly spicy" to "okay how was that on 90s prime time")

10. MULDER: Before anyone passes judgement, let me remind you that we're in the Arctic. (Ice, season 1) Rationale: Mild. Genitalia jokes in a professional capacity (and with more people than just your partner) a little iffy. But Mulder was trying to break the tension. 9. MULDER: Hey Scully, is this demonstration of boyish agility turning you on at all? (Schizogeny, season 5)Rationale: Fascinating choice to say to a co-worker, but ultimately low level flirty.

8. SCULLY: Mulder, did you see their eyes? If I were that stoned--MULDER: Ooh, if you were that stoned, what? (Deep Throat, season 1) Rationale: Vague but discernible innuendo, considerably aided by DD's delivery. 7. MULDER: Birds do it, bees do it, even educated MDs do it. (Small Potatoes, season 4) Rationale: In context seemingly a flippant comment about the case, but attractive partner being educated MD makes this more eyebrow-raising.

6. LANGLY: Obviously, you haven't read our August edition of The Lone Gunmen. MULDER: I'm sorry, boys. It arrived the same day as my subscription to Celebrity Skin. (Blood, season 2) Rationale: Direct pornography use joke (that is completely reality-based and everyone knows it.) 5. MULDER: You want to make that honeymoon video now? (Arcadia, season 6) Rationale: Actual joke fairly mild, but undercover married context gives it an added zing.

4. MULDER: I don't know about you, Scully, but I am feeling the great need to blast the crap out of something. (First Person Shooter, season 7) Rationale: On the surface, about firing weapons in a video game. In the episode? After Mulder has been lusting over Jade Afterglow? Sexual overtone at best, an absolutely filthy double meaning at worst.

3. SCULLY: Snake-handling – we didn't learn that in catechism class. MULDER: That's funny, I knew a couple of Catholic schoolgirls who were expert at it. (Signs and Wonders, season 7) Rationale: Wait … what did he say? To his Catholic partner?

2. KRYCEK: You must be losing it, Mulder. I can beat you with one hand. MULDER: Isn't that how you like to beat yourself? (The Red and the Black, season 5) Rationale: Arguably Mulder’s finest junior high boy one liner. Taking it to an art form.

1. SCULLY : I guess that's why we're going to Aubrey. MULDER : Yes, and also, I've always been intrigued by women named B.J.. (Aubrey, season 3) Rationale: It’s not even connected to anything! It’s just randomly out of hand! It makes you wonder if they named the character this only to set up the joke. And there is really no way to spin this other than the most obvious meaning.

Very special bonus out-of-hand Scully: MULDER: I was merely extending her a professional courtesy. SCULLY: Oh, is that what you were extending? (Fire, season 1)Rationale: One of the best tbh. You should have done it more, Scully.

[emma23]

The cravings commandments:

Steven/Marc/Jake x reader

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Jake Lockley had never thought he'd find himself sitting on a couch at 2:00 a.m., arguing about ice cream. But then again, life had taken a lot of unexpected turns since meeting Y/N. She was his wife, his everything, and currently, the most unreasonable person he had ever met.

"Jake," Y/N whined, hands cradling her swollen belly as she shifted on the couch. "I’m starving. And not for just anything. I want fries and ice cream. From Jerry’s. You know, the diner in my hometown?"

Jake blinked, his eyebrows rising. "You mean the one that's five hours away by plane?"

Y/N nodded, her face the picture of innocence, like she wasn’t asking for a Herculean feat. "Yeah. But it’s the only place that gets the fries crispy enough. And the ice cream? It’s the perfect mix of creamy and sweet."

Marc’s voice rumbled from the back of their shared mind. “She’s messing with you. No way she expects you to actually do it.”

But Steven, ever the people-pleaser, chimed in, “Jake, mate, she’s carrying our baby. If she wants ice cream, we should give it to her!”

Jake rolled his eyes. "Y/N, babe, can’t we just go to a place nearby? I’ll get the best fries and ice cream this side of the hemisphere."

Her lip wobbled, and Jake instantly regretted his words. She was about to cry.

"You don’t get it, Jake," she sniffled dramatically. "Jerry’s is… special. If you loved me, you’d understand."

Marc groaned internally. “Oh no. She pulled the ‘if you loved me’ card.”

Steven muttered, “Jake, just do it. It’s easier this way.”

Jake sighed, running a hand through his messy curls. He had survived gunfights, car chases, and Khonshu’s cryptic monologues, but nothing could prepare him for a pregnant Y/N and her cravings.

"Fine," Jake growled, grabbing his coat. "Get dressed. We’re flying to Jerry’s."

Y/N’s face lit up, and she jumped off the couch with surprising agility for someone in her condition. "You’re the best!"

Marc muttered sarcastically, “Yep. Best pushover I’ve ever seen.”

The flight to her hometown was uneventful, save for the constant commentary in Jake’s head.

"You know," Y/N began as they touched down, "I really appreciate this. I know I can be a little… difficult right now."

Jake shot her a look. "A little? Babe, you’ve got us crossing state lines for fries."

She grinned cheekily. "What can I say? I’m worth it."

Inside Jerry’s Diner, Y/N’s eyes lit up as she spotted the familiar red booths and retro jukebox.

"This is it," she said dreamily. "Heaven on Earth."

Jake slid into the booth across from her, leaning back with an amused smirk. "I better taste this ice cream if it’s so good you’d cry over it."

Minutes later, the food arrived. Y/N dug into her fries with such enthusiasm that Jake thought about recording her.

"Jake," she mumbled around a mouthful of food, "you’ve got to try this."

He chuckled, reaching over to steal a fry. "Alright, let’s see if it’s worth all the hype."

Hours later, back at their hotel, Y/N leaned against Jake, completely satisfied.

"You’re my hero, you know that?" she said sleepily.

Jake smirked, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Yeah, well, don’t get used to it. Next time, we’re sticking to local cravings."

Marc’s voice chimed in. “Yeah, sure, tough guy. Like you’ll ever say no to her.”

Jake scowled but didn’t argue.

Just as Y/N drifted off, she murmured, "I think I might want pancakes tomorrow. From that little place in Chicago…"

Jake groaned audibly.

"Pregnancy cravings are not a joke," Steven quipped internally.

And with that, Jake muttered to himself, "Next baby, she’s getting a treadmill and a map."

"Because there’s no way I’m becoming a cross-country snack delivery service!"