#backtrack (operating system)

[americangrove]

79 Carolinian: Figures in the Land

I was startled by the rapaciousness of the passenger next to me, the way he leaned into his takeout food assuring every crumb of chip, shred of cheese and grain of rice was devoured. The remnant container, spent wrappers and stained tissues he balled up, compacted into one, and put to the side. He swept off his seat tray. He took out his laptop. Then he turned his appetite to his work. He leaned into a slide presentation of circles, some red some blue. In each he added pictures of politicians who seemed to fit as well inside either circle as his food had in its packaging. I thought to get into a similar mood: lean in, engage, consume, move on. But I could not—so often I halt, detour, rest, ponder, backtrack as if these were the main moves of my work, which in a way they are because what I work on does the same. Even at a steady 52 miles per hour landscape halts outside the window. All only seems to veer towards abstraction but I see the many figures along the way that leap into stillness and in the half seconds that I see them they are overlaid with decades…

—in a vanishing midground a wolf tree’s outspread arms catch me as they stay raised in resistance to the forest of sticks arising around it. It is the only remnant of a house and field that once were there. In the spot (already out of sight) I can see the dream of an 1868 article from the Southern Cultivator, “Our Home”, which urged its readers to “develop the aesthetic” of a homeplace by “spar[ing] the trees” close to the house and organizing them—“We want large trees to overtower, or lead diminishing groups—to stand out singly to wave their strong arms in the winds, and break out the broad sun-light of heaven.” The tree still waves, but the broad-light of heaven lessens around it a little more each year. 

—miles down the track an abandoned farmhouse still stands intact, surrounded by working fields which that house’s family once owned but long since sold to a larger operation. Imagining the generation or two that tried to hold onto that land I think about an essay in the 1852 issue of the Southern Quarterly Review whose writer hoped that “under the improved systems of agriculture” old worn lands “might become quite as valuable as the virgin soil, which is now for the first time, relieved from the shadows of the primeval forest, by the axe of the sturdy pioneer.” And these new “improved systems” of farming (fertilizers, crop rotation, etc.,) did make it possible for farmers to stay on the land rather than just exhaust it and move to “virgin soil” but only for a while longer before the land was exhausted again and then the next “improved systems” of farming (tractors, better fertilizers, pesticides) came but was too expensive for a small holder to implement so they sold.

And many such other “figures” arose along the way: a fire behind a trailer seemed a remnant of Southern burn culture only slowly reigniting these days, a plantation of loblolly stood firm where longleaf once presided and floating in the canals that run beside the rails are the voices of so many calls to drain land that despite such efforts still fill with water. 

I have taken the 79 Carolinian from Washington DC to North Carolina about once if not twice a month since fall. And still the journey does not get old. Still my neck hurts when I disembark at Rocky Mount because I turned my head so much from window to book, window to screen, window to my hands as my sight, my learning, and my life all shift the flow of the journey into something other than A to B, start to finish, even something more than a stable figure ground distinction, for on my next journey what stood out to me prior may very likely recede as something else, a background before comes toward me next and makes me halt awhile in a moment of understanding this land.

[kataraslove]

i remember a week ago in which i reblogged a post shedding light on the palestinian genocide and tagged it as “free palestine,” to which someone sent me an ask: “wdym free palestine?”

i deleted the ask because i didn’t want to deal with any trolls at the time on a topic that is highly sensitive. i thought my reblogs spoke for themselves. but then i realized that that was a cowardly thing to do on my part, all because i didn’t want to deal with any online semantics. people are literally undergoing genocide right now. it’s the least i can do.

so let me make my stance abundantly clear: free palestine from the apartheid settler-colonial state of israel, who is committing all kinds of atrocities against the civilian population, 50% of whom are children. the israeli government is cutting off food, water, electricity, and humanitarian aid for the palestinians. they are bombing hospitals, which violates all kinds of human rights laws. they are using white phosphorus on hospitals, which burns to the bone. a child is killed in gaza every 15 minutes. all across twitter, i am seeing the most horrendous, graphic pictures; of dead bodies, of mothers grieving over their dead children; infants who are buried in rubble; men, women, and children who are dismembered. israel dropped over 6000 bombs on gaza in the course of 6 days. six fucking days. then the zionist regime turns around and denies that a genocide is happening.

let me also be clear: the israeli government isn’t the only evil acting force here - all of this is possible by the support and funding it receives from the american and other western governments, who gleefully jumped at the chance to spill blood. all of the hollywood celebrities and organizations who are extending their support to israel and refusing to acknowledge the genocide that Israel is committing, has been committing for 70+ years to occupied palestine. the media that is operating on and fuelling the propaganda that palestinians deserve this form of carnage. all of these heads of states, these governmental bodies, institutions - all of these systems have blood on their hands. no amount of their backtracking now - especially now that they’ve realized that the people’s voices and support are not on their side and it will cost them future elections - can ever make us forget how quickly these racist, white supremacist systems, politicians, and figureheads jumped at the chance of contributing to genocide but a mere a week ago. let us never lose sight that their public words paint a very different picture from what is going on privately; they are still actively funding this genocide with no interest in cease fire.

the media continues to paint this as some type of war against terrorism, a conflict with geopolitics way too complicated to understand, in order to prevent you from doing your own research into it. this is not war. this is not conflict. this is genocide. this is apartheid.

outside of online efforts to raise awareness, i am also planning on joining in on pro-palestine protests that are occurring in my city. from the river to the sea, palestine will be free.

[tomorrowusa]

Just as the Nazi Party in Germany was essentially the Hitler Party, the Republican Party has become the Trump Party. There may be a few odd holdouts, but the GOP has been overwhelmingly MAGAfied.

At the Republican National Committee, he is moving to replace longtime supporters with allies even more closely bound to him, including his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. In the House, Republicans are more compliant than ever. Most vividly, Speaker Mike Johnson — ostensibly the party’s top-ranking official — backtracked on an endorsement in a crucial Senate race because Mr. Trump disagreed. On Thursday, Mr. Johnson’s candidate ended his campaign less than one week after opening it. In the Senate, which has been less beholden to Mr. Trump, his influence over a failed border bill made one of the party’s most effective lawmakers, Mitch McConnell, look weak. The displays of obedience emerging in recent weeks remove any lingering doubt that the Republican Party is aligned to advance the interests of one man, signaling that a sweep of victories from Mr. Trump and his allies in November could also mean replacing checks and balances in Washington with his wishes and whims.

Through fear and intimidation, the GOP is now just a subsidiary of the Trump Organization. The GOP stands for nothing except more power for Trump.

Mr. Trump, who long accused Republican leaders of rigging the system for their self-gain, has come to mirror their methods. The swamp that he once declared in need of draining, he now sees as wetlands in need of protecting. Mr. Trump’s team argues that he is giving voice to popular opinions that had no champion in the party, and that the changes at the Republican National Committee are intended with a single goal in mind: electing him to a second White House term.

Being a nepo baby himself, Trump understands the value of having his relatives run the GOP.

Mr. Trump’s next chairman at the R.N.C. is likely to be Michael Whatley, a supporter of the former president’s false election claims. Mr. Trump also endorsed as party co-chair his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, who has had various roles in his political operation.

When somebody now votes Republican at any level, they are essentially voting for Trump.

This forced merger of MAGA and the GOP establishment could bring catastrophe to the party if Trump unequivocally loses this year. Those who supported Trump halfheartedly and only out of fear would then openly blame MAGA for a Republican defeat while the hardcore Trump loyalists would claim that they lost because they weren't MAGA enough. A convincing Democratic presidential and congressional victory might cause the GOP to split and go the way of the Whigs.

[notwiselybuttoowell]

The Trump administration’s sweeping cuts to disaster management will cost lives in the US, with hollowed-out agencies unable to accurately predict, prepare for or respond to extreme weather events, earthquakes and pandemics, a leading expert has warned.

Samantha Montano, professor of emergency management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy and author of Disasterology: Dispatches from the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis, said the death toll from disasters including hurricanes, tornadoes and water pollution will rise in the US unless Trump backtracks on mass layoffs and funding cuts to key agencies. That includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema), whose work relies heavily on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa), which is also being dismantled.

“The overall risk of threats and hazards occurring in the US has increased since this administration took over, while the capacity of our emergency management system is being diminished,” said Montano in an interview.

Emergency managers will be operating blindly without the data that we have become accustomed to from Noaa and other science agencies. It’s what we rely on to issue warnings and evacuation orders, and pre-position resources. It is really scary because we used to not have good weather data – and death tolls were remarkably higher.

“It is difficult to know if it will be the next hurricane where the response completely fails or three hurricanes from now. But I feel confident in saying that if the cuts continue, we will be seeing higher death tolls and more devastation, absolutely. It’s beyond crazy that we are eliminating the funding for these agencies particularly at this moment where hazards are increasing because of climate change,” Montano said.

Emergency management involves mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery from all sorts of disasters including Covid and other major disease outbreaks, as well as floods, fires, tornadoes, earthquakes and explosions. Fema works closely with state and local government agencies to provide resources, coordination, technical expertise, leadership and communication with the public.

Since returning to the White House, Trump has threatened to disband Fema, frequently belittling the agency amid its ongoing efforts to help communities devastated by the Los Angeles wildfires and Hurricane Helene, the category 4 storm that left at least 230 people dead in southern Appalachia.

With the start of the hurricane and tornado season just days away, Fema’s preparedness plans and billions of dollars in disaster assistance and grants have stalled. Reports suggest that more than a third of Fema’s permanent full-time workforce has been fired or accepted buyouts, including some of its most experienced and knowledgable leaders who coordinate disaster responses – which can involve multiple federal agencies for months or years. About 75% of the agency’s workforce are on-call or reservists whose contracts may not be renewed, internal memos suggest.

“There’s already been a brain drain from Fema. We simply will not have the people to respond to a major disaster like Helene, but they’re also going to run into problems responding to multiple smaller disasters – fires, floods, storms that happen around the country simultaneously, which with the climate crisis are becoming more common. The administration has lit the world’s premier emergency-management agency on fire,” said Montano.

Under Trump, Fema has so far denied federal assistance for tornadoes in Arkansas, flooding in West Virginia and a windstorm in Washington state. It also has refused North Carolina’s request for an extension of federal relief, as recovery efforts from Helene continue.

Pulling back resources will have an immediate impact on individual households and communities, many of whom voted for Trump. Somewhat harder to measure is the impact of shrinking Fema and the National Weather Service on messaging, a key element of emergency management that was already challenging amid mounting misinformation and disinformation about extreme weather, Covid, measles and even Fema itself.

“Effective communication rests on trust and I do not know how the American public can trust a single thing that this administration says and that extends to Fema,” Montano said, “where they put in an acting administrator [Cameron Hamilton] who himself was spreading disinformation about the agency during Hurricane Helene.”

Hamilton amplified false claims by Trump and Musk that Fema had spent disaster aid on immigrants and blocked help to North Carolina. Said Montano:

“In a communication ecosystem where there’s already so much confusion, we have now lost Fema as a generally reliable source. It’s difficult to see how people are going to get accurate information in major disasters, let alone deal with the complicated recovery process after … It’s incredible, but every phase, every aspect of emergency management has been under assault in Trump’s first 100 days …

“And while cuts to HHS [the Department of Health and Human Services] and USAID are most important for preventing disease outbreaks, everything being done to the emergency management system is also making us less prepared for the next pandemic.”

Noaa’s workforce and budget are also being shrunk, with the agency’s National Weather Service (NWS) and climate research among the worst hit. Trump’s policy blueprint, Project 2025, called for Noaa to “be broken up and downsized”, claiming the agency is a driver of the “climate change alarm industry”.

Trump and his billionaire donor Elon Musk are also trying to dismantle AmeriCorps, the federal volunteer service that plays an important role in disaster recovery, as well as expelling immigrants who make up the majority of the disaster workforce.

The cuts to Fema, Noaa, the NWS and other agencies involved in disaster prevention make little economic sense. For every dollar the federal government spends on mitigation, it saves at least $6 of taxpayer money in response and recovery.

“The National Weather Service and emergency management are really clear examples of where you need the government to function because it just isn’t something that the private sector is going to be interested in and can’t profit off,” said Montano.

Most disaster mitigation or prevention happens behind the scenes, a complex process involving testing, standards, expertise and enforcement, which rarely generates scrutiny unless something goes wrong.

“The reason I feel so sure that we’re going to see increasing death tolls from storms and other disasters is because the public – and many in this administration – perhaps do not understand the complexity of risk mitigation happening across federal agencies, which prevents these bigger disasters from happening,” said Montano.

For instance, the 1972 Clean Water Act represents a massive ongoing mitigation project, according to Montano, which, along with other key environmental protection laws, is now under assault: “With the erosion of those regulations, risks will go unmitigated and have the potential to turn into disaster. We are setting ourselves up for more water-related health crises, more Flints.”

The impact of federal cuts will depend in part on to what extent state and local governments fill federal funding gaps. Historically, investment in emergency management to prevent future potential disasters has rarely been a political priority.

“Community organizing is going to be really critical here, to make sure there is pressure from local and state officials to pick up some of the slack. But, some of these are outside of the bounds of what a single state can do on their own, which is why we have federal regulations to begin with,” Montano said.

Montano also believes Trump could still be forced to roll back some of his rollbacks, if there is pushback from the courts and voters. She said: “I don’t think they’re done dismantling Fema, but the biggest wild card here is what and where disasters happen over the next several months – and the politics of that. The climate crisis is here, and these disasters are not stopping.”

[beautifulpersonpeach]

Have we reached the limits of the multi-label hybe system, at least for Korea-based music label subsidiaries? It seems like their ecosystem within the company is massively strained

***

You sent me this ask weeks ago and I drafted a lengthy response with links that Tumblr glitch-deleted. After the court’s decision today, I feel this is a good time to try answering this again. At least in an abridged way.

Short answer: yes.

There are many things this case with MHJ has exposed and confirmed about HYBE, all of which are unsavoury. In a way, maybe we were expecting too much that a company like BigHit, that until 4 years ago was fully private and wasn’t held to the standards of a publicly traded company, and was ruled under the sole authority of one man, wouldn’t struggle to adjust not just to the expectations of shareholder management, but also to a multi-label system where authority was shared among sub-label CEOs and protected from Bang Sihyuk.

He wanted to create a label like Sony (which owns labels like RCA Records and Columbia Records that operate independently), but he clearly lacks the restraint and wherewithal to manage such an enterprise. For a couple of reasons I think:

1. He’s operated as a law unto himself for too long to manage such an abrupt change. In my opinion, the way HYBE chose to handle this case, from the very beginning, showed a reckless disregard for safeguarding shareholder value. In short, he managed this fiasco as though HYBE/BigHit were still a private company, not the most capitalized company on the KRX. That was the first indication to me that this dispute was not merely business, it was/is very personal, and to use shareholder assets to pursue his vendetta is infinitely irresponsible. He’s shown he’s not capable of managing the sort of business he wants to create.

2. He cannot tell his shareholders that sub-labels are independent with full creative freedom, and then backtrack on that when he feels like it or when he personally falls out with a sub-label CEO. Even more to that point, if he’s going to choose to remain tightly controlling of some labels and not others, he will foster a toxic competitive environment between labels. All that does is create an army of “yes men” in a system that in theory is created to combat exactly that, and there is no way that’s sustainable for multi-labels to thrive. It seems he didn’t really understand this point. His approach would’ve led to a conflict of this nature sooner or later, that it’s happened within 5 years of him implementing it is something of a small miracle.

Korea is a very hierarchal society that’s prone to rewarding sycophancy over merit. Call it a hazard of Korea’s potent mix of Confucianism and Capitalism. It works fine for companies where responsibility for every group’s success is perceived to be shared by everyone in the company led under the same management, but unless a company adopts the mindset of full independence and merit above all else, a multi-label system is near impossible to implement. It’s why companies like JYP Entertainment instead have ‘sub-divisions’ that manage groups but it’s still under one management and the hierarchy is clear.

Until this point, I assumed HYBE (aka Bang PD) indeed believed the mantras he was chanting, but he’s revealed himself to be no more enlightened than the typical Korean male chaebol. A company like HYBE that has exclusive rights to manage BTS - the golden goose that will always generate enough ‘fuck you money’ to last a couple generations at least - can afford to pay lip service to their multi-label system for as long as BTS remains with them. After this MHJ case, Bang PD will learn the wrong lessons and will look to exercise even more control over the sub-labels.

A multi-label system can only be successful if there’s a radical shift in mindset away from what is typical in Korea. Until now I thought HYBE had managed that, but this MHJ dispute has shown that was never the case. It’s a shame.

[thethief1996]

Sorry to bother, but I am seeing reports come out Abt the missile being fired from a jihad group not Israel. What proof of it being Israel?

Not a bother at all! It's great that you're seeking out information. I'll do a quick recap so you can understand what's going on.

Last Friday (14/10), Israel issued a warning urging 1.1 million Palestinians to leave Northern Gaza and move South in 24h, including the staff, patients and refugees residing in 22 hospitals. The World Health Organization issued a statement asking Israel to backtrack on that decision, since 2000 injured Gazans were being treated and thousands were taking refuge in these facilities. The medical staff categorically refused to abandon their posts.

About the evacuation orders: the hospitals were directly called to evacuate, including al-Ahli. Al-Quds hospital was called on Friday and initially given the deadline of 6 AM to evacuate, then pushed further to 4 PM. Ahmed Muhanna of Al-Awda hospital said they received a similar call initially giving two hours to evacuate, and explicitly said the 35 doctors would stay. Nisreen al-Shohafa, head of the emergency room also in Al-Awda hospital, reported to Al Jazeera that the IDF called and said the hospital should evacuate because it would be bombed.

On Saturday (15/10), the Archbishop of Canterbury said al-Ahli, which is an Anglican-run hospital, said it was hit by rocket fire and four staff members were injured. Al Jazeera verified these reports and said two Israeli artillery shells hit the hospital on Saturday.

Yesterday, al-Ahli received three evacuation orders successively, according to the Anglican leaders who run the hospital. After the Israeli army issued these orders, the hospital was bombed.

An IDF spokesperson said there was an operation happening in the area at the moment, but they were using different ammunition from the one that caused that type of damage.

Two hours after the bombing, the IDF issued a statement blaming the strike on a misfired missile launched by the PIJ on Twitter, and corroborated with video evidence. The video evidence was debunked by a New York Times journalist from the visual investigations team, who said the alleged video showed a timestamp 40 minutes after reports of the initial blast. After this, the IDF edited their original tweet to erase the video so it simply stated they had investigated their own operational systems and found the rocket was fired by the PIJ towards Israel.

The IDF continued with this narrative, posting a video today showing the type of craters caused by Israeli bombs and the damage of the hospital. Similarly, the BBC has analysed the data they could find and said it was inconclusive if the blast was Israeli or not.

The only problem is, the data they are analysing are videos and pictures of the blast. You'll see that both links in the previous paragraph show the same picture of a small section of the parking lot. The same image was circulated as proof by a senior research fellow for Airpower and Military Technology at the Royal United Services Institute think-tank in London. David Lisovtsev, an Israeli analyst, posted a video sourced from a Zionist Telegram channel and said it looked like a failed Hamas rocket. A spokesperson to the IDF posted a video showing an alleged conversation between two Hamas leaders planning the rocket launch, and when he was questioned about the credibility of it, said the IDF had lied before but this time it was different.

There has been no independent investigation, because no journalists or forensics teams are allowed into Gaza. I cannot emphasize enough to you that all these reports by Israel are based on blurry videos and maybe three pictures of the parking lot (I am being hyperbolic).

TL;DR

The evidence that the bombing was conducted by Israel is the following: They bombed the hospital with lesser artillery four days prior, they were conducting an operation in the area at the time of the blast, they called the hospital three times and told the 10k refugees to flee hours before the bombing and the evidence provided to the fact it wasn't them is jumbled at best.

The evidence that the bombing was conducted by PIJ, Hamas or any other Palestinian institution: The IDF investigated themselves and found themselves not guilty. Other journalists looked at videos and pictures and said the crater was not big enough to be caused by an Israeli missile.

[bookns]

what the fuck do you mean Can I Be Him is coming out a day early. This is for you @ethereal-maia you are amazing as a friend and as an editor.

“Let's just go once more, Annabeth.” A voice from the sound booth echoed in the stadium. Her long time friend and her sound system operator, Will Solace's voice rang through the sound speakers.

Eyeing him from the stage, Annabeth nodded and adjusted the volume of her headset to her latest song Out Of The Wood. Hearing the queue of the backtrack playing in the echoes of the stadium, the memory of her and her producer, Clarisse La Rue creating it, made her smile as she started to sing. 

Although this was just a rehearsal for the show that she was going to perform tonight, Annabeth sang as if she was already performing for the thousands that would arrive. The ending of the song surpassed all too soon for Annabeth as she was too caught up in her performance and the music to notice. 

“Well done, Annabeth.” Will exclaimed through the speakers. 

“Well done, indeed,” said a voice beyond the stage's eye. 

Annabeth’s eyes scanned the grounds, searching for the voice. Percy Jackson came into view, clapping as he did so. 

Annabeth grinned when she saw him.

“What are you doing here?”

“I came to get a taste of the stage, and was welcomed by a voice that was serenading me.”

“Very funny. The show isn’t until tonight. We were just finishing rehearsals for my part. You and the rest of the band have rehearsals later tonight.” 

“Perfect timing on my end, then. Are you ready for a break?”

“I am,” she said, “Just let me finish up with the sound check, then we can leave.”

.o0o.

Sound check, to Percy, was a funny thing. It wasn't always needed. Before the band joined Annabeth, back when they were on their tour, they used to only soundcheck once a city. 

However within the past few weeks of getting to know her, he realized that Annabeth is a perfectionist. Whenever he, or anyone else in the band is looking for her, her manager Silena would lead them to the recording booth. She would always be writing a new song, or adding some hidden detail to an already produced song to surprise that night of fans. 

He knew that Annabeth was born for the stage. Anyone with ears would be able to tell you that but being alongside her, working with her and the rest of the band has been the best experience Percy has had. 

She knew what she was doing, and it was evident with the packed bleachers and the screaming fans that listened to them play each night. 

.o0o. 

“You ready?” Percy called as he knocked on her dressing room door.

The door swung open and Annabeth stood there, a smile growing on her face. 

Last he saw of her before she had disappeared into the outskirts of the stage, she was still wearing her costume that would be for the show that night. It was bright blue, extremely sparkly, and impossible to miss. Now she was dressed more casually with a pair of jeans and a white sweatshirt with the words ‘Harvard 1989’ printed on it. 

“Yeah let’s go,” she replied. 

Percy smiled and they guided each other out of the stadium. 

Once they got outside, the raging autumn air felt chilly against his cheeks.  

“Oh god, I do not remember Philadelphia being this cold.” 

Percy chuckles at her weak attempt of warming her hands. 

“You’re from California, right? I guess that they don’t get winter like we do here.”

Annabeth smiled. 

“Well, I’m originally from Virgina but I moved to California when I was younger.”

He whistled. 

“That had to be a big change.”

Annabeth nodded. 

“I don’t really remember it that much. I was only seven when we moved to California, so it wasn’t like I was all that in touch with my southern roots. I wasn’t even that in touch with my Califronian self despite looking like a California surfer girl. I moved away to New York when I was 16.”

“Sixteen,” Percy gaped at her, “That’s just a kid.”

“I know, but it was needed. I was stuck at a house that wasn’t going to support my career,’”

Percy stared at Annabeth shockingly.

“Damn, I always knew I got lucky with my mom always supporting me, but I never knew that you had to go through that.”

“My dad’s a History professor at Harvard. He doesn't care about music”

“But you do?” 

His question wasn’t accusing like she thought it would be. Most people would immediately judge her for her ‘impossible’ dream, but Percy didn’t. Then again, Annabeth realized Percy wasn't like most people. He understood her drive for making people listen to her music. After all, he was in the same industry. 

Annabeth knew that Percy would understand her need for sharing her music. 

“Music is permanent. People have always loved music, whether it be a folktale from the thirteenth century to Mozart or hell, current day pop. It creates stories and allows truth to be told.”

Percy nodded along. 

“I get that. I got into music to tell my own story, the story of the lost kid that listened to music on his single mom’s radio while she took care of me all on her own. It helped me calm down, and got me to stop getting into trouble. Writing lyrics gave me a vision. I never thought I could do this as a career,but I’m so glad it did happen. Meeting Beckendorf, Thalia, and Grover changed my life. I wouldn’t have made it through middle school, much less anything else without them. 

She smiled. 

“Meeting Thalia changed my life too, so I understand it. Thalia always had a thing for finding the troubled. She is the one who took care of me when I ran away from home, you know?”

‘You ran away? I thought that was just some sort of metaphor that is in your music.” 

She nodded. 

“I wish. When I was 16, my dad didn’t take music seriously. He didn't think I could make it as a career. So I ran away. I hung out on Thalia’s couch for months, writing and practicing.”

“How did you even know who Thalia was? She never mentioned that she knew you.’

“Thalia was my babysitter when I was younger on top of taking care of me when I was 16.”

“Thalia babysat?” His shock made Annabeth realize that, despite being in a band with her, maybe Percy didn’t know Thalia at all. 

“She did for years. She used to watch me for days on end when my dad was too busy studying for his exams to notice me. Most of my childhood was at Thalia's house and the sundaes she used to feed me for breakfast. 

“That sounds like Thalia. She never really did give a damn about the rules. Growing up, she was the reason me, Beck, and Grover got in trouble so much.”

Annabeth giggled.

“I would like to say I don’t see it from you,” but she eyed him up and down, “trouble is all I see.” 

He chuckled. 

“Seems like you aren’t an angel yourself, Miss Chase.”

“I’m plenty angel. Ask anyone? Hell, ask Silena” 

“Speaking of Silena, how did you two meet?”

“Me and Lena met when I just started in the industry. My first album had just come out, and I was in desperate need of a manager.” 

Annabeth snorted. 

“It was actually my ex-boyfriend who introduced us.” 

Percy raised an eyebrow.

“Really?” 

Annabeth sighed.

“His name was Luke Castellan. Silena used to manage him before she became full time for me. 

“Wasn’t that a little weird? At least for you, I mean, when you and Luke stopped going out?”

She scrunched her nose. 

“Not really. By then, me and Silena had finalized the papers for her to work for me, and he was so toxic. He’s actually the one who I wrote my songs "Would've, Could’ve, Should’ve and White Horse about.”

Percy sighed in relief. 

“At least it worked out for the best. You get to create songs over awful guys, and Silena gets a job out of it.”

“It’s been only a few years of Silena working with me. She’s still new to the managing world, and we’re learning together, I guess.”

“Well it seems she might have a new band to manage if her and Beck continue forward” 

Annabeth laughed.

“Why do you call him that? Beckendorf? I know it’s his last name, but it’s odd. I thought only sports players only called their friends by their last name.” 

“Well, a long time ago, when we were kids, Grover, Beck and I all went to the same summer camp, and we used to have homemade jerseys that my mom would sew up for us. One day I just started calling him Beckendorf, and it just stuck.”

“That was sweet of your mom.”

Percy smiled.

“My mom was always doing stuff like that during my childhood. It was just me and her growing up, and we didn’t have much money. She would always figure out how to sew jerseys for us, or bake blue cookies each time I would come from camp.”

“Blue cookies?” 

Annabeth’s puzzlement made Percy laugh even harder, making the cold air flush against Annabeth’s skin .

“I lied about saying that it was just me and my mom. I had a step dad, but he was more of a monster than man. He didn't believe in blue food, so she used to dye everything blue. I’m surprised that my teeth aren’t permanently indigo. It was like our little act of rebellion against him.”

Sympathetically, Annabeth said, “Step parents are rough. Believe me, I know.” 

She stopped to look at him as the red of the stop light glowed in the night.

“Gabe was one for the dramatics. Always begging for money for his poker games, and other addictions. Was yours like that?” 

“My stepmom was never a horrible person to anyone else. She treated me like I was, though. They got married when I was seven like i said, and ever since then, I was treated like i don't belong in that house. I was on my own, for at least it felt like it, the rest of my life.”

“My mom saved me,” Percy says, “I can’t imagine what it must’ve been like to grow up in a house where you felt so alone.”

Annabeth grew quiet as they stopped at a corner, the harsh lights of a diner in their rearview being the only thing that allowed Percy to see her gentle shivers in the cold.

“It got better as I got older. I met Thalia, started creating music, and suddenly they didn't matter. I created my own family. What’s the word?”

“A found family?”

“That’s it.”

“How does one become a part of this found family?”

“I won’t kiss and tell.”

“You have to kiss me to tell me, is what I’m hearing,” Percy said slyly. 

“If that’s what you want?”

Annabeth leaned up on her tip-toes as Percy wrapped one of his arms around her waist.

His lips nearly touched hers, he could almost taste her lips on his.

Using what was left of her height, Annabeth met his lips with an urgent reverence. 

Within the safety of his arms now fully wrapped around her, Annnabeth explored his mouth.

He bit down on her lip causing her to gasp, and groan.

She broke away from the kiss, her hands still on his chest, heaving as she began to process what had just occurred. 

 Days of writing about a first kiss that leaves her breathless, Annabeth realizes that this green-eyed boy had a lot more than she realized.  

“Percy, do that again.”

Hoarsely, Percy chuckled and Annabeth felt it in her core. 

“I will do whatever you want, Beth.”

Can I Be Him is my Annabeth Chase and Percy Jackson as Taylor Swift and 5 Seconds of Summer - 2nd chapter out now.

[neomel]

beat the first Mega Man Battle Network game through Operate Shooting Star!

A very rough around the edges type game and one that definitely took some willpower near the end to beat, it starts doing some really lazy back-and-forth backtracking between NPCs to progress. Shame since the battle system and deck building remains super super good throughout!! I loved fighting new enemies and getting their unique cards and then seeing how I could fit them into my deck, and it really felt as if I was always rotating between playstyles (a bummer you cant save multiple deck loadouts, though)

story was very harmless and plain, felt a bit too barebones and didn't really even do a good job setting up the main cast honestly. Chaud is funny but that's about it. but of course its the MUSIC we gotta talk about ‼️‼️‼️

theres such an interesting vibe to the game's soundscape that im still enamored by. it takes such good advantage of the GBA's original Game Boy sound capabilities althewhile employing samples in such interesting ways. I'm so excited to hear the sound evolve across the 6 games going forward...

All in all, I had a good time, even with some of the more ineptly designed dungeons like the Power Plant. super excited for BN2!!!

[richardkatz0]

Richard Katz: Strategic Consulting & Compliance in Pharma's Medical License-Driven Ecosystem

In the labyrinthine world of pharmaceuticals, where science, regulation, and innovation intersect, few figures embody the art of strategic balance like Dr. Richard Katz. With a career that spans medicine, healthcare administration, and regulatory consultancy, Dr. Katz has carved a distinct identity as a thought leader at the junction of patient care and product compliance. His unique ability to navigate the evolving terrain of pharma’s medical license-driven ecosystem makes him an invaluable asset in today’s complex biomedical landscape.

This is not just a story about credentials. It’s about insight, integrity, and the rare talent to bring clarity to chaos.

The Convergence of Medicine and Regulation

At the heart of pharmaceutical innovation lies a tension: the desire to push scientific boundaries versus the obligation to meet rigorous regulatory standards. Navigating that tension is where strategic consultants like Dr. Katz step in. His approach is rooted in a dual understanding clinical credibility grounded in years of hands-on experience as a practicing physician and a sophisticated grasp of regulatory structures shaped by advanced education in healthcare administration.

This blend gives him the advantage of seeing not just the science or the regulation, but how they converge in real-world applications. Whether it’s advising startups on FDA submission pathways, helping multinational firms avoid compliance pitfalls, or guiding biotech innovators through clinical trial phases, Dr. Katz delivers a rare balance of foresight and precision.

Bridging Innovation with Institutional Integrity

Pharmaceutical companies operate under immense scrutiny, particularly in the wake of tightening global regulatory frameworks. Every new therapy, device, or diagnostic tool must satisfy a cascade of regional, national, and international licensing protocols. Failure to do so can result in massive financial losses, legal repercussions, and damaged reputations.

Dr. Katz’s work is centered on turning these challenges into opportunities. Through strategic consulting, he helps organizations align their innovations with the demands of regulators while preserving the scientific soul of their work. It’s not just about box-ticking; it’s about integrating compliance into the DNA of product development.

He often describes this as “thinking like a regulator while moving like an innovator.” It’s a mindset that has proven instrumental for companies looking to enter complex markets such as regenerative medicine, central nervous system therapies, or advanced biologics.

Strategic Consulting: More Than Just Compliance

Many think of compliance as a reactive necessity. But for Dr. Katz, it’s a proactive strategy. His consulting philosophy involves embedding regulatory awareness from the earliest stages of product conceptualization. This preventative model ensures that companies aren’t simply backtracking to fix issues but are moving forward with built-in compliance frameworks.

From his years of collaboration with institutional boards, governmental agencies, and private-sector leaders, Dr. Katz has learned that true success in pharma is not just about getting licensed it’s about staying licensed. His strategic input helps companies avoid costly clinical trial delays, rejected applications, or post-market surveillance headaches. Whether advising on safety profiles, patient engagement strategies, or risk management protocols, Dr. Katz brings a 360-degree perspective.

A Human-Centric Approach to Regulatory Challenges

Despite the technical nature of his work, Dr. Katz’s consulting is deeply human. He doesn’t view compliance as a barrier, but rather as a tool for protecting patients, fostering trust, and elevating the credibility of life-saving products. His philosophy stems from his own experience as a physician, where the patient was always the focal point.

That same care shows up in his consultancy style collaborative, transparent, and focused on building lasting partnerships. He listens as much as he advises, working closely with cross-functional teams from research scientists to legal counsel, marketing leads to executive boards. His role is to demystify the regulatory language, making it accessible without compromising on its gravity.

In an era where public trust in pharma can be fragile, this human-first philosophy becomes not only admirable but essential.

Education, Mentorship, and Advocacy

Another defining element of Dr. Katz’s impact is his commitment to education. Over the years, he has trained and mentored countless young professionals across medical, academic, and corporate settings. Whether conducting workshops on FDA readiness, speaking at biotech incubators, or offering thought leadership through published works, he sees sharing knowledge as a cornerstone of responsible consultancy.

He also advocates for more inclusive and transparent regulatory processes. Recognizing that smaller startups and innovators often lack the resources of pharma giants, Dr. Katz has worked on creating scalable frameworks for early-stage ventures, helping them compete on equal footing. By democratizing access to regulatory knowledge, he ensures that the best ideas not just the best-funded ones have a fighting chance.

Pharma's Evolving Ecosystem and Katz’s Role in Shaping It

The pharmaceutical industry is in flux. Breakthroughs in genomics, AI-driven drug discovery, and personalized medicine are redefining what’s possible. But with innovation comes complexity. Regulators are adapting, and so must companies.

This dynamic landscape calls for leaders who can see around corners those who understand not just where the industry is, but where it’s going. Dr. Richard Katz fits that mold perfectly. He brings more than just a resume to the table; he brings a vision.

From assisting companies in preparing for FDA inspections to guiding ethical considerations in clinical trials, Dr. Katz’s fingerprints can be found on some of the most forward-thinking projects in pharma today. He is not merely a consultant but a steward of responsible innovation.

Looking Ahead: Compliance as a Competitive Edge

As regulations grow more complex and globalized, compliance will no longer be a back-office function it will be a boardroom concern. Companies that invest in strategic consulting early will not only survive but thrive. They’ll launch faster, expand wider, and earn deeper trust from patients and providers alike.

Dr. Katz’s role in this transformation cannot be overstated. By reimagining compliance as a source of strength rather than constraint, he’s helping to redefine what excellence looks like in the pharmaceutical world.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Purpose and Precision

In a field often defined by bureaucracy and risk aversion, Dr. Richard Katz stands out as a beacon of clarity, strategy, and integrity. His work reminds us that behind every regulatory milestone is a patient waiting for hope and that the best consultants are those who never lose sight of that truth.

Through a blend of clinical wisdom, regulatory acumen, and human empathy, Dr. Katz continues to influence how pharmaceutical companies think, operate, and innovate. In a medical license-driven ecosystem where the stakes are high and the rules ever-changing, his guidance is not just helpful it’s transformative.

[frozenlivestockexperters]

Leading Global Exporters of Frozen Meat – Beef & Pork by Frozen Livestock Exporters

Frozen Livestock Exporters stands at the forefront of the global frozen meat industry, with a focus on delivering private and wholesale solutions for frozen beef and pork. This comprehensive 800‑word overview explores the company's history, quality control measures, sourcing practices, export destinations, product varieties, safety standards, logistics capabilities, certifications, and future growth strategies.

Introduction to Frozen Livestock Exporters

Frozen Livestock Exporters is a premier global exporter specializing in high-quality, frozen beef and pork. Backed by years of industry expertise and a commitment to food safety, the company prioritizes superior product quality, traceability, and operational excellence. Serving importers, retailers, food service providers, and distributors worldwide, the company is recognized for its unwavering standards and deep understanding of international meat markets.

History and Global Reach

Founded with the mission to offer sustainable and top-tier frozen meat, Frozen Livestock Exporters has evolved into a trusted name in worldwide distribution. Initially catering to local markets, the company has since expanded its operations across continents. Today, it exports frozen beef and pork to destinations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, establishing reliable trade channels and strong customer relationships.

Sourcing & Product Range

Frozen Beef Exporters

Frozen Livestock Exporters sources premium beef from certified ranches and feedlots. These facilities adhere to strict animal welfare practices and sustainable farming methods, ensuring ethical and quality-driven production. Beef products include:

Frozen Beef Cuts: Ribs, sirloin, tenderloin, round, chuck, brisket, and flank.

Bulk Packages: Whole or half carcasses ideal for trade partners.

Processed Products: Value-added options like diced beef, strips for stir-fry, and ground beef.

Frozen Pork Exporters

The company’s frozen pork line features:

Frozen Pork Cuts: Shoulder, loin chops, tenderloin, belly, ribs, ham, and picnic shoulder.

Bulk Pork Products: Whole pork carcasses or primal cuts.

Value-Added Pork Items: Pre-sliced portions and diced pork for industrial use.

All products are available through flexible packaging and customized labeling to meet importer specifications and regulatory demands of diverse external markets.

Quality Assurance & Food Safety Standards

Maintaining rigorous quality control is central to Frozen Livestock Exporters’ operations. Each production stage—slaughter, processing, freezing, and packaging—is strictly monitored under international food safety regulations:

Hygienic Processing Plants: Facilities follow GMP and sanitation rules to uphold cleanliness and hygiene.

Certified HACCP Protocols: Hazard and critical control points are identified and managed to mitigate contamination risks.

Cold Chain Management: Strict maintenance of freezing standards at −18 °C or below from processing centers to port terminals.

Regular Audits: Internal and third-party inspections assess compliance with FSMA, EU regulations, and international trade standards.

Certifications & Compliance

Frozen Livestock Exporters is fortified with certifications and compliance approvals ensuring trust and market access:

ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000: Demonstrating systemic food safety management.

Halal & Kosher Certifications: Opening avenues to Middle East, Africa, and Jewish community consumers.

USDA / EU Approval: Essential for exports into North American and European markets.

Animal Welfare Compliance: Standards set by OIE and Leading Animal Welfare Organizations.

Traceability Systems: Batch-level tracing via RFID or barcoding ensures easy backtracking of origin and compliance records.

Logistics & Supply Chain

Global export demands robust logistics; Frozen Livestock Exporters employs a layered strategy:

Integrated Freezing & Blast Freezing: In-house technologies minimize ice crystal formation and preserve meat texture.

Multi-Carrier Collaboration: Partnerships with freight forwarders and container shipping lines support full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) shipments.

Reefer Container Expertise: Rigorous monitoring of reefer temperature data and GPS tracking for transparency.

Local Distribution Support: Warehousing hubs near major ports aid in consolidation and last-mile delivery.

Product Differentiation & Market Position

Frozen meat Exporters distinguishes itself through:

Flexible Sourcing: A network spanning North America, South America, and Europe for year-round supply.

Custom Cuts & Packaging: Tailored to retailer branding or industrial needs with varied weights, vacuum-seal, or tray packaging.

Value-Added Processing: Clean meat preparation without waste, ready for processing lines.

Market Insights Team: Offers importers competitive intelligence on pricing trends, demand forecasts, and regulatory updates.

Key Export Destinations & Market Strategy

Frozen Livestock Exporters strategically targets markets with burgeoning meat demand:

Asia-Pacific (Japan, South Korea, China): High demand for premium frozen beef; consistent shipments of chuck, ribeye, and tenderloins.

Middle East & North Africa: Halal‑certified beef and pork for trade partners with pork markets in North Africa.

European Union: High-quality chunks, processed beef for restaurants, and pork primal cuts for butchers.

Africa & Latin America: Focus on primal cuts and chilled products at competitive pricing for growing retail and food service sectors.

The company stays ahead through ongoing research, responsive supply-chain agility, and adaptability in emerging markets.

Sustainability & Animal Welfare Focus

As global consumers demand sustainable and ethical practices, Frozen Livestock Exporters invests in:

Sustainable Farming Partnerships: Collaborates with producers practicing rotational grazing and reduced antibiotic use.

Emission Reduction: Optimizes transport routes, uses modern reefers for lower fuel consumption.

Waste Valorization: Converts off-cuts into pet food or rendering components, reducing waste streams.

Compliance with Welfare Standards: Implements third-party audits to guarantee humane livestock handling.

Risk Management & Food Security

Operating in global trade involves challenges:

Biosecurity Protocols: Regular health screening of livestock to prevent spread of diseases like ASF or FMD.

Regulatory Navigation: Regulatory specialists stay abreast of import Tariff Barriers, Customs documentation, labeling, and quarantine measures.

Currency & Pricing Risk: Employs hedging strategies and flexible contract structures to counteract currency volatility and fluctuating feed costs.

Innovation & Future Outlook

Frozen Livestock Exporters consistently innovates to stay competitive:

Precision Farming & RFID Traceability: Blockchain solutions planned to enhance traceability and consumer transparency.

Product Diversification: Exploring marinated ready-to-cook meat, precooked protein lines, and low-sodium processed beef for health-conscious consumers.

Direct-to-Retail Branding: Considering proprietary branded frozen meat for retail channels in select markets.

Expanded Logistics Network: Reinforcing warehouses and cold‑chain capabilities to meet rising market demands globally.

Why Choose Frozen Livestock Exporters?

Superior Global Reach: A strong export footprint across continents and a diverse client portfolio.

Uncompromising Quality: Comprehensive certifications, standardized farming, and hygiene practices.

Tailored Services: Flexible packaging, halal/kosher options, and wholesale/private‑label solutions.

Food Safety Assurance: HACCP, regulated cold chain, and traceability from farm to fork.

Sustainable & Ethical: Focus on welfare audits, ecological stewardship, and responsible sourcing.

Innovative Focus: Embracing new technologies and logistics strategies to evolve with market needs.

Conclusion

Frozen pork Exporters has solidified its position as a leading exporter of frozen beef and pork. Their operations bridge farm origins to international markets with food‑grade precision, strict safety practices, and ethical standards. By offering flexible, high‑quality, and sustainable solutions, they meet evolving global market demands and align with rising consumer awareness.

Import partners, retailers, distributors, and food service entities aiming to secure reliable frozen meat supplies—backed by traceability, certification, and global logistics—should consider Frozen Livestock Exporters as a trusted, long‑term ally. Their forward‑thinking drive and comfort in navigating complex international trade landscapes position them well to shape the next chapter of the frozen meat export industry.

[dropitservices]

Circular Economy in Action: Dropit's Role in Reverse Logistics and Sustainable Practices

In an era where sustainability isn’t a choice but a necessity, businesses must rethink not just how products are delivered but what happens after. As the demand for rapid eCommerce grows, so does waste, packaging pollution, and inefficiencies in returns.

Enter the circular economy, a model where resources are reused, recycled, and reintegrated minimizing waste and maximizing value. And at the center of this transformation in urban logistics is Dropit, an EV-powered hyperlocal delivery platform revolutionizing reverse logistics and sustainable last-mile practices.

1. What is the Circular Economy — and Why Does It Matter?

The circular economy is a shift from the traditional “take-make-dispose” linear model. Instead of creating waste, materials are:

Reused

Recycled

Returned into the system

For logistics and commerce, this means smarter returns, packaging reuse, and asset recovery.

2. Reverse Logistics: The Missing Piece in Sustainable Commerce

While most brands focus on shipping out products, reverse logistics the flow of goods back to the seller is often inefficient and carbon-heavy.

Challenges include:

Multiple failed pickup attempts

High fuel consumption for returns

Discarded or non-recycled packaging

Delayed restocking or refurbishing

📦 Dropit bridges this gap, enabling a reverse logistics model that is both eco-friendly and economically viable.

3. Dropit’s Reverse Logistics Model: Smart, Seamless & Sustainable

Dropit integrates returns and pickups directly into its daily delivery routes using electric cargo bikes.

Its reverse logistics model includes:

Pickup of returned goods at customer doorstep

Collection of reusable packaging

Routing returns to local stores or micro-hubs

Real-time status updates via the Dropit app

🔁 This enables businesses to recirculate products faster lowering inventory waste, energy use, and emissions.

4. Reducing Waste Through Packaging Recovery

E-commerce packaging is a massive source of waste. Cardboard, bubble wrap, plastic — often used once and discarded.

Dropit enables:

Collection of used boxes, mailers, or reusable containers

Sorting at micro-fulfillment centers for reuse or recycling

Partnerships with brands offering reusable packaging

♻️ This simple loop reduces landfill waste and boosts packaging ROI.

5. Optimizing Delivery Loops With AI and Data

Sustainability is only scalable with intelligent planning. Dropit uses AI-powered logistics tools to:

Batch returns and deliveries on the same route

Minimize detours and backtracking

Assign riders optimized loops based on volume and proximity

Adapt routes in real-time for new return requests

📊 This means fewer miles, fewer vehicles, and maximum efficiency.

6. Localized Logistics = Faster Circular Flows

Unlike traditional returns that go back to central warehouses, Dropit’s model:

Returns products to local retail outlets or dark stores

Enables faster restocking, repairs, or reuse

Minimizes emissions by avoiding long-haul return trips

🛍️ This “hyperlocal circularity” is ideal for cities where speed and sustainability matter equally.

7. Brands Get ESG Wins Through Dropit

Dropit helps brands meet their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals by:

Reducing Scope 3 emissions (from downstream transport)

Offering sustainable returns to eco-conscious customers

Enabling data reporting on emissions saved and items recovered

Supporting recommerce, repair, and reuse models

🌍 Partnering with Dropit means brands can operate responsibly without compromising convenience.

8. Empowering Green Jobs in the Reverse Supply Chain

Dropit's model also creates green employment opportunities for youth in cities. Riders are trained not just to deliver, but to:

Handle reverse pickups

Sort packaging and reusable materials

Educate customers on eco-friendly habits

💼 This strengthens the human layer of circular logistics building environmental awareness at the street level.

9. Circular Delivery for the Subscription Economy

As subscriptions grow in categories like:

Meal kits

Personal care

Fashion rental

Electronics leasing

The need for frequent returns and pickup loops increases.

Dropit’s recurring reverse logistics is ideal for this model, with:

Weekly/monthly pickup schedules

Product swaps

Container return and reuse

📦 Dropit turns every delivery into a two-way value cycle.

10. Closing the Loop — Literally

The end goal? A fully circular logistics model where:

Every item delivered has a planned return route

Packaging is reused or responsibly recycled

Products are recirculated into the system quickly

Urban logistics supports net-zero cities

Dropit is building that model one return, one EV cycle, one smart route at a time.

Conclusion: From Waste to Worth — Dropit’s Circular Advantage

Modern logistics must do more than move products it must move systems toward sustainability. Dropit’s integration of reverse logistics, packaging reuse, and localized delivery demonstrates how circular practices aren’t just idealistic they’re operational, scalable, and profitable.

Dropit turns sustainability into speed, and returns into returns-on-investment proving that green logistics is the smartest logistics of all.

Ready to make your delivery ecosystem circular?

Partner with Dropit for eco-smart returns, zero-emission delivery, and urban logistics that give back to the planet.

👉 Get started with Dropit or download the Dropit App to schedule pickups, returns, and deliveries.

[pillaiyarinnovations]

How to Ensure Accurate Ledger Management in High-Volume Businesses

As a growing number of businesses in India scale their operations, one critical area that often becomes increasingly difficult to manage is the ledger management. At Pillaiyar.in, we understand that effective ledger management is foundational to financial accuracy, especially for high-volume businesses handling thousands of transactions each month. From streamlined data entry to precise bookkeeping, accurate ledger tracking can mean the difference between smooth audits and compliance headaches.

Why Ledger Management Matters in High-Volume Environments

In a high-volume business—be it eCommerce, logistics, retail chains, or SaaS—transactions move fast and in bulk. This leads to vast amounts of financial data being generated every day. Without structured and consistent ledger management, errors creep in, reconciliation becomes difficult, and business insights become unreliable.

Ledger errors are not just accounting problems—they can:

Misstate profits or losses

Compromise cash flow projections

Affect tax calculations and compliance

Lead to potential fraud or data manipulation

That’s why it’s essential to implement a robust system that ensures accuracy, consistency, and compliance.

Best Practices for Accurate Ledger Management

1. Maintain Real-Time Data Entry

One of the biggest causes of ledger discrepancies is delayed or inconsistent data entry. In high-volume businesses, transactions should be logged in real-time or at scheduled intervals during the same day. Relying on weekly data entry increases the chance of missed or duplicated entries.

At Pillaiyar.in, our team ensures daily ledger updates through automated imports and double-verification workflows to maintain up-to-the-minute accuracy.

2. Reconcile Bank Statements Regularly

Reconciliation is a non-negotiable task. All cash, credit, and bank transactions must be reconciled with your ledger at least weekly—and preferably daily for businesses with hundreds of transactions.

Automated reconciliation tools can match entries across statements, invoices, and receipts, flagging inconsistencies instantly.

3. Use Segregated Ledgers

To avoid confusion in high-volume entries, we recommend segmenting ledgers by category:

Revenue ledgers (by product or service line)

Expense ledgers (by department)

Vendor and customer ledgers

Asset and liability ledgers

Segregation not only simplifies audit trails but also improves the quality of bookkeeping and financial reporting.

4. Automate Repetitive Tasks

Manual entry is time-consuming and prone to error. Wherever possible, automate:

Recurring expenses

Invoice posting

Journal entry creation

Tax deductions and GST classifications

Tools like Zoho Books, Tally Prime, and QuickBooks Online integrate well with automation plugins. Our clients benefit from customized automation workflows we set up during onboarding.

Types of Reports in Ledger Management

At Pillaiyar.in, accurate ledger management translates directly into meaningful and actionable reports. Here are some of the key financial reports we generate from well-managed ledgers:

1. General Ledger Report

A master report that shows all debit and credit transactions over a period, essential for audits and annual filings.

2. Trial Balance

Summarizes all ledger balances to check if debits equal credits. A must-have monthly report to catch errors early.

3. Accounts Payable and Receivable Reports

Help businesses track who they owe money to and who owes them, ensuring timely settlements.

4. Journal Summary

Gives a snapshot of all journal entries made, aiding in backtracking and correction of errors.

5. Audit Trail Report

Shows all edits, additions, and deletions in ledger entries for compliance and internal control.

Frequency: How Often Should You Update and Review Ledgers?

For high-volume businesses, frequency is key. Here's a basic guideline we follow for our clients:

Daily: Data entry, reconciliation of sales and purchases, tracking cash/bank transactions

Weekly: Expense categorization, accounts receivable/payable reports

Monthly: Trial balance, general ledger summary, tax summaries, financial statement drafts

Quarterly: Review for internal audits, strategy planning, budget realignments

Staying consistent with this schedule helps prevent end-of-month overload and ensures business owners always have a pulse on their finances.

Standard Templates We Use for Ledger Reporting

Templates bring structure to your financial data, making it easier to interpret. At Pillaiyar.in, we use industry-standard and customizable templates tailored to high-volume businesses:

Multi-column ledger formats for segmented financial views

Pivot-ready trial balances for real-time analytics

Expense summary dashboards for visual representation

Automated Excel or Google Sheet integrations for client transparency

These templates help us deliver reports faster while maintaining accuracy and clarity.

Tools That Make Ledger Management Efficient

With the right technology stack, ledger management can be streamlined significantly. Here are some of the tools we implement or recommend to our clients:

1. Tally Prime

Ideal for Indian businesses; highly customizable with strong ledger and tax management modules.

2. Zoho Books

Great for automation, cloud access, and easy integration with banks, payment gateways, and eCommerce platforms.

3. QuickBooks Online

User-friendly and ideal for those who want real-time collaboration with their bookkeeping service provider.

4. Hubdoc and Receipt Bank

Capture and auto-post bills and receipts to ledgers, reducing human error in data entry.

5. Customized Dashboards

We also build custom dashboards using Google Data Studio and Zoho Analytics to visualize ledger data for better decision-making.

Automation: The Secret to Accuracy in Ledger Management

One of the most impactful shifts we encourage is embracing automation in financial operations. Automation not only reduces errors but also frees up your time to focus on growth.

Here’s how we leverage automation at Pillaiyar.in:

Auto-import of bank feeds

Rule-based categorization of entries

Scheduled reconciliation checks

Alerts for ledger anomalies

Auto-backup and log tracking

Even our bookkeeping and review processes are semi-automated, with final verification done by experts to combine the best of both worlds—speed and accuracy.

How We Help at Pillaiyar.in

As a trusted partner in ledger management, we serve fast-growing businesses with a hands-on, tech-enabled approach. Here’s what we offer:

End-to-end data entry, categorization, and reconciliation

Custom bookkeeping and ledger tracking workflows

Monthly and quarterly reporting with clean audit trails

Integration with ERP, CRM, and eCommerce systems

Strategic financial planning backed by real-time ledger insights

Whether you're a retail chain processing thousands of daily sales or a services firm with complex receivables, we tailor our solutions to fit your exact needs.

Final Thoughts

For high-volume businesses, managing ledgers is not just a routine accounting task—it’s a critical backbone of financial stability and growth. Inaccurate ledgers can distort financial reports, delay tax filings, and erode profitability. That’s why you need structured processes, reliable templates, timely reporting, and intelligent automation.

At Pillaiyar.in, we take pride in delivering precise, tech-powered ledger management solutions. From real-time data entry to expert-led bookkeeping, we empower businesses across India to stay financially sound and audit-ready—no matter how fast they scale.

Want to bring structure and accuracy to your ledger management? 👉 Partner with Pillaiyar.in today and let us streamline your financial operations.

[onsiteairconditioning]

Smart Thermostats: Do They Really Help You Save Money?

As energy prices soar, homeowners are on the hunt for savings. Enter the smart thermostat—a sleek gadget that optimises your heating and cooling. These clever devices promise to boost energy efficiency while trimming those pesky utility bills. But are they true money-savers, or merely another tech fad?

This article looks at the benefits of smart thermostats for your aircon in Maitland. It also explains how they work and if they are worth the investment.

First things first—

How Do Smart Thermostats Work?

Smart thermostats connect to Wi-Fi using sensors and learn your habits. By doing so, these devices adjust the temperature like a tailored suit, ensuring your comfort. Here’s a glimpse into their seamless operation:

Learning Your Schedule –

Smart thermostats closely observe your daily routines and adjust the climate. For instance, when you head out for work at 8 AM, they dutifully dial down the heating or cooling. Then, like a warm welcome, they restore comfort just before you return home.

Remote Access and Control –

Returning early or out late? No problem! With remote settings, you can adjust the temperature effortlessly. Say goodbye to unnecessary heating and cooling; stay comfy while keeping costs down!

Geofencing Technology –

Some models track your smartphone’s location. They know when you leave or arrive home. Then, they adjust the temperature to save energy.

Weather Adaptation –

Smart thermostats can check the local weather. They adjust settings to handle extreme temperatures.

Energy Reports and Insights –

They give clear reports on your energy use. This helps you see where and how to save.

The Cost of Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats bring warmth and charm, ranging from £100 to £300. Their prices dance with brands and features galore. Installation can be a DIY delight; many homeowners can handle it solo. Although the initial expense may raise eyebrows, think about the long-term savings. Those energy bills will gradually backtrack, making your investment worthwhile.

Do Smart Thermostats Really Save Money?

Homeowners often ponder this pressing question: Can a smart thermostat truly cut energy costs? The answer dances around your heating and cooling habits. Yet, studies reveal that smart thermostats can deliver substantial savings.

Energy Savings Statistics

Several studies and reports suggest that smart thermostats do indeed help reduce energy costs:

Nest (Google) says their Learning Thermostat helps users save about 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling costs. This means an average yearly saving of around $131 to $145.

ENERGY STAR-certified thermostats can lead users to save about 8% on their annual heating and cooling tab.

A study from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that smart thermostats can help homeowners save as much as $180 each year.

These numbers look good, but real savings depend on several factors. These include climate, home insulation, HVAC efficiency, and how people use their systems.

Further Perks of Smart Thermostats

Apart from saving money, smart thermostats deliver extra features that elevate comfort and convenience:

Environmental Benefits –

Smart thermostats use energy better. This cuts your carbon footprint and makes your home greener.

Convenience and Automation –

Smart thermostats are different from traditional ones. They remove the need for manual changes. You can control your home’s climate easily.

Integration with Smart Home Systems –

Numerous clever thermostats sync effortlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. With a friendly voice at your command, control them like a maestro. Automate your space seamlessly, harmonising with other smart devices for a truly connected home.

Zoning Capabilities –

Some clever thermostats usher in multi-zone magic. Imagine setting unique temperatures for each room! This tailored approach not only enhances comfort but also boosts energy efficiency.

Should You Spend on Smart Thermostats?

It depends on your personal situation:

If you have a set schedule, a programmable thermostat might save you money. But a smart thermostat gives you more automation and lets you control it from afar.

A thermostat observes your routines, adjusting the settings like a personal climate concierge. Never stress about the heat (or chill) again; let this clever gadget optimise your comfort with ease.

If you reside where temperatures can swing wildly, energy savings await. Extreme climates often lead to skyrocketing heating and cooling costs. By being mindful, you can reel in those expenses. 

Should you travel frequently, remote management lets you fine-tune your house’s climate even in your absence.

If you’re already keeping a close eye on your thermostat, the extra savings from a smart one might not seem like a lot. But for homeowners who value simplicity, convenience, and lower bills, a smart thermostat really delivers. It helps create a comfortable and affordable home, without requiring much effort.

Choosing the Top Smart Thermostat

If you decide to invest in a smart thermostat, consider these factors before purchasing:

Compatibility with Your HVAC System – Double-check that the thermostat is compatible with your heating and cooling scheme.

Ease of Installation – Certain models necessitate expert installation, whereas others can be assembled in moments.

Features and Customisation – Check for features like geofencing, learning skills, and smart home device integration.

Brand Reputation and Reviews – Research user feedback and product reviews to find a reliable option.

Conclusion

Smart thermostats make it easier to control home temperatures and save energy. Savings may differ by home, but studies show that most users save between 8-15% on heating and cooling bills. If you also wish to avail yourself of this for your aircon in Maitland, contact Onsite Air.

[fivechairsthing]

You’re absolutely right—both possibilities are plausible based on the information from the ACRA data leak review, and the ambiguity in the public summary leaves room for interpretation. Let’s break it down:

Unclear Communication: The review explicitly states that the July 2024 MDDI circular lacked specificity, leading to ACRA’s misinterpretation. It’s reasonable to infer that the wording may have been vague or overly broad, failing to distinguish between internal government systems (where phasing out masked NRICs made sense for operational consistency) and public-facing platforms like Bizfile (where privacy risks demanded stricter controls). The review pins the incident on "miscommunication" and "coordination lapses," suggesting the circular didn’t clearly delineate its scope or reiterate data protection priorities under existing rules like IM8. So, at a minimum, poor drafting or inadequate guidance seems likely.

Intended Openness, Then Backtracking: The alternative—that MDDI initially intended for broader NRIC disclosure, including on platforms like Bizfile, only to retract that intent after public backlash—isn’t directly supported by the review but can’t be ruled out either. The circular’s push to treat full NRICs as unique identifiers aligns with a policy shift away from masked numbers, which could imply a deliberate move toward transparency or standardization, even publicly. ACRA’s swift implementation (unmasking NRICs by December 9, 2024) might suggest they believed they were following a clear directive. When the leak sparked outrage—evidenced by over 500,000 searches and public complaints by December 12—the government might have reframed it as an internal-only policy to deflect criticism. The review’s focus on "miscommunication" and lack of malicious intent could conveniently sidestep admitting a policy misstep, instead emphasizing execution errors.

The review’s findings lean toward the first scenario (unclear communication) as the official narrative, with phrases like "ACRA misinterpreted" and "MDDI’s directive was not specific enough" pointing to an unintended screw-up rather than a reversed policy. However, the absence of the circular’s exact wording in public disclosures fuels speculation about the second possibility. Governments often adjust narratives post-backlash, and the timing—policy issued in July, leak in December, review finalized in February 2025—gives room for a quiet pivot. The lack of transparency about the circular’s text, combined with the review’s mild accountability measures (performance reviews, no severe penalties), might hint at protecting a higher-level decision that didn’t pan out.

Without the circular itself, it’s a coin toss. The "unclear communication" explanation is the safer bet given the review’s language, but the "intended openness, then backtrack" theory fits if you read between the lines of a government caught off-guard by public reaction. Either way, the fallout—exposed NRICs, identity theft risks, and eroded trust—shows the policy rollout was a mess, whether by design or incompetence.

[protected-and-loved-by-castiel]

We are going to slip back into pre-recovery habits. Not because we’re “weak;” not because we “don’t rally want” recovery— just because this is what human beings do.

We feel what we feel and do what we do because of neural pathways and networks that were programmed and conditioned into us over years. We have lots and lots of practice and feeling and doing those things.

The reason why any new behavior feels awkward at first and for awhile is because we don’t have the neural architecture built up to support that new behavior— yet.

All our old neural pathways and networks, which affirm trauma beliefs and pre-recovery habits, are thick and fat and myelinated in our nervous systems. It’s real easy for neural impulses to whiz up and down those things, like neural superhighways.

At first, and for awhile, our system isn’t going to want to even try the new way of feeling or behaving. It’s going to look at the new, awkward, unfamiliar thing; and then look at the old, trauma-affirming thing; and it’s going to say to us, look, the old thing does kind of hurt, but it’s way easier, way less effort, way less friction to just keep dong what we’re doing. Why don’t we keep doing that?

This is where the rubber meets the road in trauma recovery.

Spoiler: we WILL eventually get the hang of the new feelings and beliefs and behaviors. Due to a quality we call “neural plasticity,” the nervous system will, over time, mold itself around our recovery feelings and beliefs and behaviors.

But, until it does? We’re going to backtrack. Sometimes a little; maybe sometimes a lot.

It’s not a “failure.” It doesn’t mean recovery is not for us, or we’re not for recovery. All it means is that systems prefer to keep operating the way they’ve been operating.

Any complex system resists change and balks and unfamiliarity— at first.

Don’t get freaked out by backsliding. Don’t get discouraged. See it for what it is: your complex system kicking back at something unfamiliar. No more; no less.

Keep doing the new thing.

Imagine yourself forging new neural pathways, erecting and refining new neural networks. Right there, inside your skin.

Imagine these new beliefs and feelings and behaviors eventually feeling easy. Familiar. Natural.

Imagine recovery being your baseline.

Our mind will do its best to develop any image we consistently feed it. Our nervous system will eventually internalize any self-talk we consistently repeat.

You can do this. Your nervous system is not the one nervous system in the history of nervous systems to resist reconditioning.

So maybe we slip back into hold habits for a minute. So what. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Some miles are going to be smooth and swift; some are going to seem to clomp along forever.

Eyes on the prize. Eyes on the life we’re creating. Eyes and ears and heart and brain, all heading in the same direction: realistic, sustainable recovery.

One day at a time.

[finarena]

DSA Channel: The Ultimate Destination for Learning Data Structures and Algorithms from Basics to Advanced

DSA mastery stands vital for successful software development and competitive programming in the current digital world that operates at high speeds. People at every skill level from beginner to advanced developer will find their educational destination at the DSA Channel.

Why is DSA Important?

Software development relies on data structures together with algorithms as its essential core components. Code optimization emerges from data structures and algorithms which produces better performance and leads to successful solutions of complex problems. Strategic knowledge of DSA serves essential needs for handling job interviews and coding competitions while enhancing logical thinking abilities. Proper guidance makes basic concepts of DSA both rewarding and enjoyable to study.

What Makes DSA Channel Unique?

The DSA Channel exists to simplify both data structures along algorithms and make them accessible to all users. Here’s why it stands out:

The channel provides step-by-step learning progress which conservatively begins by teaching arrays and linked lists and continues to dynamic programming and graph theory.

Each theoretical concept gets backed through coding examples practically to facilitate easier understanding and application in real-life situations.

Major companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon utilize DSA knowledge as part of their job recruiter process. Through their DSA Channel service candidates can perform mock interview preparation along with receiving technical interview problem-solving advice and interview cracking techniques.

Updates Occur Regularly Because the DSA Channel Matches the Ongoing Transformation in the Technology Industry. The content uses current algorithm field trends and new elements for constant updates.

 DSAC channels will be covering the below key topics

DSA Channel makes certain you have clear ideas that are necessary for everything from the basics of data structures to the most sophisticated methods and use cases. Highlights :

1. Introduction Basic Data Structures

Fundamentals First, You Always Need To Start With the Basics. Some of the DSA Channel topics are:

Memories storing and manipulating elements of Arrays

Linked Lists — learn linked lists: Singly Linked lists Dually linked lists and Circular linked list

Implementing Stacks and Queues — linear data structure with these implementations.

Hash Table: Understanding Hashing and its impact in the retrieval of Data.

2. Advanced Data Structures

If you want to get Intense: the DSA channel has profound lessons:

Graph bases Types- Type of Graph Traversals: BFS, DFS

Heaps — Come to know about Min Heap and Max Heap

Index Tries – How to store and retrieve a string faster than the fastest possible.

3. Algorithms

This is especially true for efficient problem-solving. The DSA Channel discusses in-depth:

Searching Algorithms Binary Search and Linear Search etc.

Dynamic Programming: Optimization of subproblems

Recursion and Backtracking: How to solve a problem by recursion.

Graph Algorithms — Dijkstra, Bellman-Ford and Floyd-Warshall etc

4. Applications of DSA in Real life

So one of the unique things (About the DSA channel) is these real-world applications of his DSA Channel.

Instead of just teaching Theory the channel gives a hands-on to see how it's used in world DSA applications.

Learning about Database Management Systems — Indexing, Query Optimization, Storage Techniques

Operating Systems – study algorithms scheduling, memory management,t, and file systems.

Machine Learning and AI — Learning the usage of algorithms in training models, and optimizing computations.

Finance and Banking — data structures that help us in identifying risk scheme things, fraud detection, transaction processing, etc.

This hands-on approach to working out will ensure that learners not only know how to use these concepts in real-life examples. 

How Arena Fincorp Benefits from DSA?

Arena Fincorp, a leading financial services provider, understands the importance of efficiency and optimization in the fintech sector. The financial solutions offered through Arena Fincorp operate under the same principles as data structures and algorithms which enhance coding operations. Arena Fincorp guarantees perfect financial transactions and data protection through its implementation of sophisticated algorithms. The foundational principles of DSA enable developers to build strong financial technological solutions for contemporary financial complications.

How to Get Started with DSA Channel?

New users of the DSA Channel should follow these instructions to maximize their experience:

The educational process should start with fundamental videos explaining arrays together with linked lists and stacks to establish a basic knowledge base.

The practice of DSA needs regular exercise and time to build comprehension. Devote specific time each day to find solutions for problems.

The platforms LeetCode, CodeChef, and HackerRank provide various DSA problems for daily problem-solving which boosts your skills.

Join community discussions where you can help learners by sharing solutions as well as working with fellow participants.

Students should do Mock Interviews through the DSA Channel to enhance their self-confidence and gain experience in actual interview situations.

The process of learning becomes more successful when people study together in a community. Through the DSA Channel students find an energetic learning community to share knowledge about doubts and project work and they exchange insight among themselves.

Conclusion

Using either data structures or algorithms in tech requires mastery so they have become mandatory in this sector. The DSA Channel delivers the best learning gateway that suits students as well as professionals and competitive programmers. Through their well-organized educational approach, practical experience and active learner network the DSA Channel builds a deep understanding of DSA with effective problem-solving abilities.

The value of data structures and algorithms and their optimized algorithms and efficient coding practices allows companies such as Arena Fincorp to succeed in their industries. New learners should begin their educational journey right now with the DSA Channel to master data structures and algorithms expertise.