#data integrity suite

[garymdm]

Ensuring Quality, Integrity, and Consistency Across Diverse Sources and Systems

Strategies to ensure quality, integrity & consistency across complex enterprise landscapes, diverse sources & systems. #DataQuality #DataIntegrity

To survive and grow, business leaders are turning to their data to support rapid, data-driven business decisions. Yet, with increasingly complex data landscapes and ever-growing volumes of data, how can we ensure data quality, integrity and consistency across diverse sources and systems, each speaking its own dialect of data? Consistency? Integrity? Forget it! Ensuring your data is trustworthy…

[unitedstatesrei]

Ultimate Guide to Investing in Industrial Real Estate in 2025

Key Takeaways Industrial real estate—including warehouses and data centers—provides a stable investment opportunity amid evolving U.S. commerce. Technology advancements and urban development are fueling demand and creating new avenues for growth within this sector. Understanding resilience factors and strategic approaches is essential for maximizing returns in 2025.   Unlocking the Potential of Modern Industrial Spaces If you're thinking about where to grow your money in 2025, industrial real estate in the U.S. stands out like a beacon. Picture warehouses buzzing with activity and data centers powering daily life—these spaces drive modern commerce and offer you real stability. With technology shaping how goods move and cities evolving fast, you have a chance to get ahead. But what makes these properties so resilient, and which strategies will set you up for real success next year? Key Drivers of Industrial Real Estate Performance in 2025 In 2025, several powerful forces are shaping the future of industrial real estate in the United States. You’ll notice that e-commerce growth is driving high demand for warehouses, last-mile delivery hubs, and specialized cold storage. Innovative leasing has become common, as businesses want flexible terms that support inventory swings and supply chain resilience. Investors and developers need to watch out for growing threats like title fraud and squatting, which can cause significant financial setbacks if not proactively managed. Infrastructure investments are boosting areas near highways, ports, and major cities, making these locations even more valuable. Vacancy rates have risen slightly due to a steady pace of new deliveries, highlighting the importance of location and tenant quality when making investment decisions. Investors focus on properties that align with these trends—close to transportation and population centers, with smart upgrades like automation. You can see how lifestyle changes, like faster shipping expectations and the rise of subscription services, push demand further. If you understand these drivers, you’re better prepared to spot opportunities—and act dynamically. Pros and Cons of Industrial Property Investments Thinking about investing in U.S. industrial real estate? One big plus is the steady rental income you can get from long-term leases, especially when your tenants are reliable. Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing—you’ll need to keep an eye on vacancy risks and changes in demand, since even solid markets can shift unexpectedly. Industrial real estate values have outpaced retail and office sectors in recent years, making this sector particularly attractive for investors seeking growth. The good news is that spotting the right opportunities for upgrades can't only increase your property’s value, but also help you stay ahead of the competition. Rental Income Stability Although real estate investments come in many shapes and sizes, industrial properties often stand out for their reliable rental income. If you want steady returns, you'll appreciate how tenant diversification cushions you against single-company downturns. Leasing to multiple tenants spreads your risk and keeps income flowing, even if one renter leaves. With lease escalation clauses, you benefit from regular rent increases—national in-place rents grew 6.6% to 6.7% year-over-year in Q1 2025, showing exceptional income growth. Unlike other sectors, industrial buildings typically require fewer costly improvements. This means your net returns are stronger, and you'll spend less time on renovations. Rising vacancy rates in some regions—now at 8% nationally and higher in places like Phoenix and Chicago—may pose a challenge for income stability, highlighting the importance of choosing your market carefully. However, some regions haven't matched national averages, and shrinking lease rate spreads might test future rent gains. Still, strong demand makes income stability a leading advantage. Vacancy and Absorption Risks

Steady rental income can bring peace of mind, but every investment comes with its own set of challenges. When you invest in industrial real estate, vacancy and absorption risks are never far behind. Vacancies in the U.S. industrial market climbed to 8.5% in early 2025, as new developments outpaced demand. Notably, regions like New Jersey experienced the highest rent growth at 11.3%, signaling that while some markets see strong pricing power, high rents could also limit the pool of prospective tenants. You might see rents cool and your income shrink if market saturation grows or if technological disruption alters the way tenants use space. Net absorption has slowed, which means fewer new tenants are filling spaces. Higher long-term interest rates and uncertain trade policies also add to the risk. To protect your investment, diversify across locations, watch for signs of market saturation, and remain alert to changes caused by technological disruption and shifting economic conditions. Value-Add Opportunities If you’re looking to shape the future of American industry—and capture strong returns along the way—value-add industrial real estate offers a unique playground. Picture an older industrial park filled with outdated warehouses. By upgrading these spaces with warehouse automation and modern layouts, you can reset below-market rents and appeal to logistics and e-commerce tenants craving efficiency. Industrial assets offer stability and cost efficiency for investors, giving owners a dependable income stream even as improvements are underway. Renovating older stock for hybrid uses—like blending manufacturing and logistics—taps into reshoring trends and drives above-average returns. Still, you should weigh the risks: locked-in leases may slow your rent resets, while supply chain delays can spike redevelopment costs. Retrofitting for ESG standards or specialized tenants adds complexity. Success depends on market timing, smart tenant mixes, and keen analysis of national and local demand swings. Comparing Industrial and Commercial Real Estate Sectors When you look at the environment of industrial and commercial real estate in the U.S., it feels a bit like comparing a steady mountain to a rolling hill. Industrial real estate offers you a trail marked by strong historical trends, while commercial sectors can feel unpredictable. If you’re thinking about market diversification for your portfolio, studying these differences is key. Industrial spaces usually show steady growth and low vacancy rates, making them dependable no matter the economic forecast. Notably, industrial properties remain stable, with vacancy rates held at 6.8% in Q3 2024, driven by ongoing demand from e-commerce and logistics. In contrast, commercial properties like offices and retail spaces often react faster to market ups and downs. Here are four things to think about when comparing these sectors: Industrial properties often have lower vacancies. Industrial investments thrive on stability and cost efficiency. Commercial spaces face higher volatility. Market diversification often favors industrial for steady returns. Warehousing Demand and Distribution Center Growth Have you noticed how quickly packages show up at your door these days? That speed isn’t luck—it’s a direct result of booming warehousing demand and rapid distribution center growth. E-commerce continues to soar, driving the need for more warehouse space across the U.S. In 2025, expect warehouses to expand even more, powered by Innovative Parcel Logistics and Automated Inventory Management. These tools help companies deliver products faster and handle larger volumes with precision. Vacancy rates are expected to rise intermittently as new facilities enter the market, but strong demand continues to keep the sector healthy. Industry disruption from agile new entrants has also pushed companies to improve speed and efficiency in warehouse operations. Distribution centers are also strategically popping up closer to major cities, making deliveries quicker and more reliable.

Automated technology ensures operations run smoothly, saving both time and money. As consumer spending rises and supply chains get smarter, investing in warehouses becomes essential for meeting the ever-growing demands of modern logistics. Role of Data Centers and Flex Space in Portfolio Diversification As boxes move faster from warehouses to your doorstep, another quiet revolution is changing what industrial real estate can do. You're seeing a surge in data centers, thanks to massive AI infrastructure needs and the shift from pure logistics to tech-driven assets. In order to maximize return on investment, strategic management practices, such as regular inspections and open communication, should also be applied in evaluating these emerging property types. Flex spaces—offering hybrid office, storage, and light manufacturing—let you tap into cross-sector synergy, making your portfolio nimble and resilient. In the U.S., blending data centers and flex space helps you steer market shocks, as each asset’s strengths offset the other's risks. Today, about 60% of public REIT market cap now sits outside traditional sectors like pure industrial, helping you benefit from much broader diversification when adding new asset types to your portfolio. Here’s how you can benefit: Capture stable returns as AI infrastructure fuels the need for data centers. Diversify risk by adding flex space with adaptable leasing. Maximize value via conversions between asset types. Leverage cross-sector synergy in growth markets. Evaluating Industrial REITs Versus Direct Investment Though many investors dream about owning a warehouse or high-tech facility, you don’t need millions to step into the world of industrial real estate. You can begin with Industrial REITs, buying shares for as little as $50, letting you enjoy income without the headaches of direct ownership. But if you crave control—setting up biometric security, choosing tenants, or driving ethical investing decisions—direct investment may suit you better. Compare your options: Recent market data shows that Industrial REITs delivered competitive total returns through both dividends and capital appreciation in 2025. Building a financial cushion is a critical strategy that helps investors navigate market cycles and take on opportunities in both REITs and direct ownership. Feature Industrial REITs Capital Needed Low (share price) Liquidity High (sell shares) Yield 3.96%–12.27% (2025) Management Professional teams Risk Diversified portfolio REITs let you submerge quickly and ethically, but direct investment rewards hands-on effort and customization. Your path depends on your vision. Build-to-Suit Projects and Customization Trends We’re seeing a real shift across the U.S. as more companies look for spaces designed specifically for them—everything from high-tech manufacturing facilities to last-mile delivery centers. With build-to-suit projects, it’s all about meeting those unique requirements, whether that means installing extra-tall ceilings for automation or adding on-site solar panels for sustainability. Creating the right environment through brand storytelling can also make these spaces more attractive and memorable for tenants. Additionally, as demand-driven project pipeline continues to lag behind due to zoning hurdles and construction slowdowns, these customized facilities give tenants the certainty and operational efficiency that speculative development can’t match. By responding to these needs, you’re not just providing a building; you’re actively shaping what’s next for American industry. Growing Demand for Customization While industrial real estate keeps changing, the demand for build-to-suit projects and tailored spaces has taken center stage across the U.S. You’ll notice a shift from traditional, cookie-cutter warehouses to spaces designed for specific industries and advanced manufacturing needs. This new trend isn’t just about fancy upgrades—it’s rooted in the historical development of industry and our growing urban infrastructure.

As companies aim to stay ahead, they’re asking for more custom features than ever before. Build-to-suit projects are increasingly popular as tenants want to secure long-term leases in facilities precisely designed for their needs, which also helps reduce the risk of oversupply in certain sectors. Here’s why this matters for you: Semiconductor and EV growth: These industries need specialized buildings due to technical demands. Advanced technology support: Custom facilities help companies integrate automation and AI. Environmental responsibility: Tenants want eco-friendly buildings to meet regulations. Flexible design: Adaptable spaces prepare you for future changes in your business model. Tenant-Driven Design Features Demand for tailored spaces isn’t just a trend—it’s completely changing the way industrial properties are built and used across the U.S. Today, tenants expect more than four walls and a roof. They want high-tech infrastructure, automation, and smart technology woven into every detail. Build-to-suit projects let you offer true space customization, making your property align perfectly with tenants’ unique business needs. As technology-enabled properties that elevate tenant engagement become a top opportunity in commercial real estate, integrating digital building systems and flexible infrastructure is not just expected but increasingly essential for attracting quality tenants. Integrate AI-driven features and energy-efficient systems to deliver tenant amenities that boost productivity and comfort. Consider wellness zones, flexible workspaces, and sustainability features—adding value for companies focused on innovation and employee satisfaction. When you focus on tenant-driven design features, you don’t just attract tenants; you build loyalty and long-term partnerships that can set your industrial investments apart in the 2025 market. Understanding Cap Rates and High-Yield Industrial Assets Even as the market keeps shifting, understanding cap rates is one of the most important skills for investors looking to spot high-yield opportunities in U.S. industrial real estate. Cap rates show the return you’ll get compared to the property’s price, making them a key measure when sizing up deals. If you’re eyeing high-yield assets, pay special attention to industrial zoning and environmental regulations—these often impact both property value and long-term returns. Over the past year, cap rates have declined across all classes, supporting sustained investor demand even in uncertain times. Now, consider these essentials: Cap rates for Class A, B, and C properties vary, so know your target range. High-yield assets usually sit in strong markets like Dallas or Miami. Interest rates and GDP growth directly influence cap rate trends. Tenant quality and mid-sized facility demand drive leasing success. Think smart, act informed—maximize your gains. Off-Market Strategies for Sourcing Industrial Deals Spotting the right cap rate is just one piece of the high-yield puzzle—but getting first crack at a high-potential industrial property gives you a real edge. You can tap into off-market strategies by reaching out directly to property owners, networking at industry events, and partnering with skilled real estate agents who know the local U.S. market. Taking inspiration from business leaders who emphasize community connections, building sincere relationships can enhance access to off-market opportunities and long-term deal flow. Leverage data-driven platforms to spot hidden gems and build a reputation that attracts exclusive opportunities. As the industrial and manufacturing sector is projected to be a top investment opportunity in 2025, focusing on these properties can align your strategy with emerging demand and strong fundamentals. Off-market deals let you secure properties with lower competition and often better pricing. These strategies also offer the opportunity for innovative leasing or leasing consolidation, letting you tailor deals to tenant needs and boost value.

Still, be prepared: information can be scarce, due diligence matters, and strong negotiation skills will be vital. Top U.S. Metro Areas for Industrial Investment in 2025 Thinking about diving into industrial real estate? Coastal cities such as Jacksonville and Houston are still standout choices, thanks to their strong port access and solid infrastructure. Meanwhile, inland markets like Dallas-Fort Worth and Kansas City are gaining serious traction, driven by rapid growth and supportive local policies. Notably, metropolitan areas are central hubs of economic activity across the US, fueling much of the national momentum in industrial sectors. In cities like St. Louis, recent urban renewal efforts and major new funding are transforming former decline into opportunity, paving the way for dynamic investment environments. Whether you’re leaning toward the coasts or looking inland, there’s a lot to consider—let’s take a closer look at what makes these top metro areas so appealing for industrial investment in 2025. Coastal Cities Outperform Peers While many cities compete for your investment, coastal cities across the U.S. stand out as powerful hubs for industrial real estate in 2025. These cities thrive on port synergy and have demonstrated impressive coastal resilience, even in the face of climate risks. If you’re searching for vibrant options, look closely at places like Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, and Houston. Coastal cities are also benefiting from international appeal and strong commercial real estate activity, which further accelerates investor interest and development potential. Why do these markets outperform their peers? Consider these advantages: Expanding infrastructure: Upgraded ports and logistics drive steady demand. Demographic growth: Rapid population increases fuel the need for industrial spaces. Diverse economies: Cities with varied industries provide stability and growth. Robust job markets: Employment growth supports long-term investment success. Inland Hubs Gain Momentum Coastal cities often steal the spotlight, but it’s the nation’s inland hubs that are rapidly building a new kind of industrial real estate powerhouse for 2025. If you trace historic trends, you’ll see places like the Inland Empire, Houston, and Richmond steadily claiming more investor attention. Surging leasing activity, import growth, and expanding logistics networks set these markets up for strong returns. But you should recognize market challenges too—price disparities and shifting tenant needs demand a smart strategy. Houston’s economic diversification and affordable operations offer resilience, while Phoenix and Nashville leverage regional connections to shine. Markets with growing populations and job opportunities serve as a foundation for sustainable industrial real estate growth in these regions. Inland Empire’s robust sales and import-driven demand showcase its unmatched momentum. When you look beyond the coasts, you’ll discover inland hubs rewriting the industrial investment story. Industrial Property Financing and Lending Options Curious about how you can finance your next industrial property deal? You've got a range of options to contemplate, each with its own advantages and lending requirements. In 2025, U.S. industrial real estate investors face fierce competition due to high demand, higher interest rates, and evolving loan products. As you explore financing, remember that lease negotiation skills and landlord incentives might boost your deal’s appeal, especially when working with alternative lenders or during seller financing discussions. Keeping regular inspections in mind can also minimize costly damages to your property investment over time. Commercial loans generally have shorter terms and require larger down payments compared to residential mortgages, meaning that you should prepare for a significant initial investment when seeking your industrial property loan. Here are four key lending options to review:

Bank Loans: Offer flexible leverage but require strong credit and business history. Life Company Loans: Favor long-term, stable properties for risk-averse investors. CMBS Loans: Provide large-scale, competitive loans with stricter terms. Hard Money Loans: Deliver fast, short-term capital, typically at higher rates. Cash Flow Analysis for Industrial Properties Once you’ve figured out your financing, it’s time to look closely at how much money your industrial property will actually put in your pocket. Cash flow analysis starts with your net operating income (NOI)—that’s the money left after subtracting key expenses like taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities from your total rent. Many investors also deduct a standard vacancy factor from potential rent to account for unoccupied periods or non-paying tenants, ensuring their projections are realistic. U.S. industrial spaces often offer stable cash flows because leases run longer and tenant turnover stays low. When determining your timeline for returns, remember that break-even points on industrial properties are typically reached after several years, depending on market conditions and total costs. As industrial automation and shifting supply chain dynamics keep driving demand, you’ll want to project future cash flows with a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Check cash-on-cash returns, IRR, and make sure debt service coverage is healthy. Don’t overlook possible costs for capital repairs or changing tenant needs. Smart cash flow analysis puts you in control of your investment’s future. Navigating Leasing Trends and Triple-Net Lease Structures As you explore the world of U.S. industrial real estate, leasing trends and triple-net lease structures quickly become key to your success. Leasing activity is booming, especially for modular spaces, as tenants seek agility for industries like battery technology and urban farming. Triple-net leases let you offload most property expenses and enjoy more stable cash flow, but tenants are taking on rising operational costs. Warehouse lease renewals are costlier than ever, with U.S. asking rents reaching $10.13/SF in Q4—a 61% increase from Q4 2019.] To steer through today’s market, keep these essential tips in mind: Focus on mid-sized logistics facilities for robust demand. Explore secondary markets with lower land costs and faster permitting. Prioritize properties with sustainability features—these attract higher-paying tenants. Choose newer, build-to-suit assets when possible; they reduce default risks and vacancy. Stay informed and adapt to maximize your returns. Industrial Asset Management: Best Practices and Tips Even in a fast-changing world, strong asset management sets you apart in U.S. industrial real estate. To thrive, you need to blend industrial innovation with asset resilience. Start by focusing on effective expense management, always watching costs, and using smart budgeting tools. Schedule regular maintenance, so problems never become expensive surprises. Build open, reliable communication with your tenants and vendors—you’ll cultivate loyalty and trust. Here's a quick reference table: Best Practice Benefit Preventive maintenance Fewer unexpected repairs Energy efficiency Lower utility costs Tenant feedback Higher tenant retention Manage financials diligently—keep your cash flow strong and understand every cent. Finally, lead proactively by planning capital improvements and always refining your emergency responses. Driven asset management builds sustainable value—and your edge in the market. Don't overlook the impact of quality paints on both property durability and visual appeal, as selecting the right products can help your assets retain their value over time. Underwriting and Valuation of Industrial Real Estate Deals When you’re underwriting industrial real estate deals, think of it as taking a deep dive into the property’s future cash flow—will it stay steady and strong, or are there risks that could throw things off course?

It’s important to make sure your rent growth projections actually reflect what’s happening in the local market; guessing too high can really skew your investment outlook. And don’t forget to pay close attention to vacancy and absorption rates, since these will give you a clear idea of how quickly you can lease up any empty space and keep your money working for you. Incorporating upgrades that boost property value and enhance safety, such as modernized electrical systems, can also play a key role in improving long-term returns and retaining tenants. Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at the different valuation approaches you can use for industrial properties. Evaluating Cash Flow Potential How do you really know if an industrial property will bring in steady cash flow? You need to dig into the details that truly impact an investment’s success. Environmental impact can affect a property’s long-term appeal, while zoning regulations can limit or boost potential uses. Next, it’s imperative to review market data and measure operational efficiency. Here’s how you can evaluate cash flow potential: Analyze tenant mix and lease structure: Reliable tenants and strong leases create predictable income streams. Review historical sales prices and vacancy rates: Past market performance sets a baseline for future expectations. Check financial statements and property appraisals: These help verify the property’s real income and expenses. Examine key metrics: Pay attention to Loan-to-Value (LTV), Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), and Net Operating Income (NOI). Assessing Rent Growth Assumptions Looking beyond cash flow, you also need to judge whether rent growth assumptions in industrial real estate deals make sense. In 2025, experts project modest rent increases—just 1–3% nationwide, even though some Southern markets might see stronger gains. Pay close attention to market regulation and zoning policies, because they shape how much new supply can enter an area and affect rent trends. While concessions like free rent are increasing, they lower the true rent landlords collect. Some areas, like Los Angeles, are even experiencing rent drops of over 10% year-over-year. Always dig into local data: Are zoning policies limiting new projects? Is market regulation keeping growth in check? Use this research as your guide—it’ll help ensure your assumptions reflect reality, not just wishful thinking. Analyzing Vacancy and Absorption In industrial real estate, understanding vacancy and absorption trends can make or break your investment strategy. You need a sharp eye on both historical vacancy and current market absorption to stay ahead. With national vacancy rates hitting decade highs—nearing 8.5%—and market absorption lagging behind the swell of new supply, you must read the market’s pulse. Some regions—Miami and Seattle, for example—still show strong tenant interest, but national numbers tell a cautionary tale. Here’s how to decode these shifts: Review historical vacancy—watch for patterns that signal risk or opportunity. Compare supply deliveries to market absorption each quarter. Identify markets where excess supply threatens rent growth or lease renewal. Adjust your underwriting to include higher vacancy and slower absorption in 2025. Stay vigilant to safeguard your investments. Value-Add and Adaptive Reuse Opportunities While many investors focus on buying and holding, true growth often comes when you breathe new life into industrial properties. Think of it as industrial art—turning overlooked warehouses into supply chain masterpieces. You can target under-leased spaces and raise rents to match the market. Upgrade with energy-efficient lighting, HVAC, or better insulation to spark tenant interest and cut costs. Expand loading docks, add cold storage, or even automate with smart tech to make your property stand out. Adaptive reuse is powerful, too—old malls can become ultimate last-mile delivery hubs if you focus on strong structural features and the right zoning.

Evaluate local demand, especially where e-commerce drives growth. By creatively repositioning assets, you can transform forgotten buildings into high-demand supply chain anchors. As you implement these strategies, consider how tokenized investments are also making it possible to diversify your capital allocation and enhance the liquidity of industrial real estate portfolios. Industrial Property Tax Planning and Incentives Even small steps in industrial property tax planning can open big savings and reshape your investment returns. Tax incentives aren’t just past stories—they’re active tools you can use now to thrive in 2025. By understanding historical tax incentives and current zoning regulations, you position your industrial real estate projects for maximum financial success. Here's how you can benefit today: Apply for abatement programs: Explore GPLET for 8-year property tax breaks or site-specific PILOT deals. Claim equipment exemptions: Seize the new $500,000 personal property tax exemption for machinery. Leverage clean energy credits: Use Section 48E for solar, microgrid, and storage tax credits, with extra bonuses for U.S.-made content. Access regional programs: Target Opportunity Zones with zoning fast-tracks and local job training reimbursements. Incorporating a sustainability focus into your industrial property tax strategy not only increases cost savings but also aligns your investments with emerging industry trends and long-term viability. With the right strategy, every tax dollar saved fuels your property's long-term growth. Impact of Logistics and Last-Mile Distribution on Site Selection New tax incentives can set your investment up for bigger wins, but smart owners look beyond the balance sheet. When you pick a site for industrial real estate, you need to understand how last-mile logistics shape demand. E-commerce giants and smaller retailers want warehouses close to customers, even if urban congestion pushes up costs. They're grabbing urban micro-fulfillment sites fast, despite tough zoning rules and higher property prices. Automation and AI-powered routing let teams overcome traffic and make those costly miles count. At the same time, facilities with strong EV infrastructure get priority, as green fleets become the norm for U.S. cities. If you pick real estate near EV charging corridors and labor pools, you set yourself up for enduring investment value. Just as strategic painting choices can boost demand in residential rentals by appealing to broad audiences and enhancing key features, selecting sites that maximize natural light, flexibility, and operational efficiencies can give your industrial properties a competitive edge. ESG and Energy Efficiency in Modern Warehousing So, if you’re aiming to future-proof your warehouse investment, putting sustainable building standards and green technologies front and center is key. Opting for energy-efficient materials and integrating smart systems isn’t just about doing what's right for the environment—it’s a smart move for your bottom line, too. Not only will you see reduced operating costs, but your property’s value and reputation in the U.S. market will also get a boost. Upgrading to LED lighting solutions can significantly enhance warehouse appeal, cut long-term energy expenses, and position your property as a modern, eco-friendly asset in a competitive market. Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the latest ESG innovations shaping warehouses today. Sustainable Building Standards While the industrial real estate market keeps growing, today’s warehouses must do more than just store goods—they need to meet strong sustainability and energy efficiency standards. Adopting sustainable building standards and seeking green certifications is no longer optional if you want to stay competitive and compliant in the U.S. Sustainable buildings prove you’re serious about both meeting regulations and making a positive environmental impact. When you invest in a warehouse, follow these steps:

Align your facility’s design with current U.S. energy codes and sustainability regulations. Aim for respected green certifications, such as LEED or ENERGY STAR, to show stakeholders your commitment. Conduct regular energy audits to reveal possible improvements. Use recycled materials and eco-friendly roofing to further boost efficiency and ESG alignment. Future-focused buildings can inspire responsible growth. Green Technology Adoption How can you make a real impact on both your bottom line and the planet? Start by adopting green technology in your warehouses. Switch to LED lighting—it cuts energy use by 75% and lasts much longer. Add AI integration to control lights and automate schedules, ensuring you only use energy when you need it. For climate control, smart thermostats and predictive maintenance keep HVAC costs down and comfort up. Solar incentives make installing solar panels practical, boosting energy savings and qualifying you for tax breaks. Use emission-reducing strategies like electric yard trucks and AI-powered dock scheduling to slash pollution and avoid EPA fines. And don’t forget sustainable packaging—buyers appreciate it, and U.S. regulations reward your effort. Green tech leads to lower costs and enduring returns. CRE Market Cycles and Distress Investment Opportunities in 2025 As 2025 approaches, you’ll notice the industrial real estate market shifting into a fresh cycle, opening doors for bold investors who are ready to plunge into new opportunities. Understanding market timing is key, especially as interest rates normalize and economic growth fuels new activity. Many cities update zoning regulations, making certain locations even more valuable if you spot them early. With demand for high-quality spaces rising, older properties may become distressed, but that’s where you can find great deals if you act strategically. Consider these opportunities: Pinpoint markets with favorable zoning regulations and supply-demand imbalances. Seek distress opportunities in outdated industrial properties, then renovate. Monitor market timing to buy low as vacancies increase. Diversify into data centers, as digital economy trends drive demand. Success means seizing the cycle’s best moments. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. Why is industrial real estate such a hot investment in 2025? Because it offers stability, consistent demand, and high adaptability. With e-commerce, AI, and logistics booming, warehouses and data centers are essential infrastructure, and investors are capitalizing on that. 2. What types of industrial properties are best for investment? Top performers include distribution centers, cold storage facilities, data centers, and flex spaces. Build-to-suit and value-add properties also offer strong returns when customized for modern needs. 3. Should I invest directly or go through an Industrial REIT? It depends on your goals. REITs offer easy entry and liquidity. Direct investment gives you more control and potentially higher returns, but requires more capital and involvement. 4. How do I find good industrial deals in today’s market? Look off-market first—via brokers, networking, or direct outreach. Prioritize areas with strong port access, major highways, and population growth, like Jacksonville, Dallas, or Kansas City. 5. What are the biggest risks in industrial investing? Rising vacancy rates, tech disruption, and market saturation. Poor location choices or ignoring due diligence (like zoning or environmental factors) can also hurt long-term returns. 6. How much money do I need to start investing in industrial real estate? Direct ownership usually requires six to seven figures, but you can get started with as little as \$50 by investing in Industrial REITs or through crowdfunding platforms. 7. What are triple-net leases, and why do they matter? A triple-net (NNN) lease means the tenant covers property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. For landlords, this reduces expenses and creates more predictable cash flow.

8. Are tax incentives available for industrial property investors? Yes. Programs like GPLET, Opportunity Zones, and green energy tax credits (like Section 48E) can significantly lower your costs and increase long-term profitability. 9. What makes a good market for industrial real estate? Strong infrastructure, population growth, business-friendly policies, and logistics demand. Inland and coastal hubs like Phoenix, St. Louis, and Houston check many of these boxes. 10. Is industrial real estate good for buy-and-hold strategies? Absolutely. Long leases, durable tenants, and steady income make it ideal for buy-and-hold. Value-add upgrades and sustainability features can further boost appreciation. Assessment Building Your Industrial Real Estate Future So, as you look at the crossroads of risk and reward, picture your future anchored by dependable warehouses and innovative facilities, not just the ups and downs of the stock market. Industrial real estate is all about trading some guesswork for more predictable, steady growth. Whether you’re eyeing those busy coastal ports or the steady potential in inland hubs, there’s a space to fit your investment style. Maybe it’s investing in data centers or making older warehouses greener—every move shapes the landscape of tomorrow. The journey might have its bumps, but with a clear strategy and an eye for opportunity, industrial assets can become your stepping stone to lasting success. Ready to take the next step? Explore industrial real estate opportunities and start building your bridge to a solid investment future.

[websyn]

Streamline Your Workflow with Microsoft 365 Suite Deployment Services in 2025

In today’s fast-paced business environment, achieving efficiency and seamless collaboration is critical to staying ahead. The Microsoft 365 Suite offers a comprehensive range of tools designed to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and foster better communication. However, to unlock its full potential, businesses need tailored deployment services that align with their specific goals and operational requirements.

Why Microsoft 365 Suite is Essential in 2025

Unified Communication and Collaboration Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook provide integrated platforms that support real-time communication, file sharing, and collaboration across teams—whether they’re in the same office or dispersed globally.

Enhanced Productivity with AI and Automation Tools like Microsoft Viva and Power Automate bring AI-driven insights and automation capabilities, enabling businesses to reduce manual tasks and focus on strategic initiatives.

Scalable and Secure Solutions With advanced security features and compliance tools, Microsoft 365 ensures businesses can scale their operations confidently while safeguarding sensitive data.

Flexibility for Hybrid Work Models The suite’s cloud-based architecture empowers employees to work from anywhere, ensuring a seamless transition between remote and on-site operations.

The Importance of Professional Deployment Services

While Microsoft 365 offers robust features, implementing it effectively can be challenging without expert guidance. Professional deployment services are crucial for:

Customised Solutions: Tailoring the suite’s features to your business’s unique needs ensures maximum ROI.

Efficient Migration: Migrating data from legacy systems with minimal disruption requires technical expertise.

Training and Support: Ensuring your teams are equipped to leverage the suite effectively enhances adoption rates.

Ongoing Optimisation: Regular assessments and updates keep your systems aligned with evolving business objectives.

Addressing Modern Business Challenges

Reducing Silos By integrating tools like Teams, OneDrive, and Planner, organisations can eliminate data silos and promote cross-departmental collaboration.

Improving Decision-Making Power BI within Microsoft 365 provides actionable insights through real-time analytics, enabling leaders to make informed decisions swiftly.

Boosting Employee Engagement Features like Viva Insights prioritise employee well-being and productivity, helping organisations retain top talent.

Key Considerations for Microsoft 365 Deployment

Assess Your Business Needs: Understand your current challenges and how Microsoft 365 can address them.

Plan for Change Management: Foster a culture of adaptability to ensure smooth adoption.

Focus on Security: Leverage tools like Microsoft Defender to mitigate cybersecurity risks.

Partner with Experts: Collaborate with experienced providers to ensure a seamless deployment process.

Conclusion

Microsoft 365 Suite is not just a productivity tool; it’s a strategic asset for driving innovation and efficiency in 2025. By partnering with a trusted deployment service provider, businesses can ensure a smooth transition, empowering their teams to achieve more while staying agile in a competitive landscape.

Ready to revolutionise your workflow? Explore how Microsoft 365 Suite deployment can transform your business today.

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( Seabunny is most definitely not avoiding their team to wander some of the other areas of the ship, and they definitely aren’t caught off guard by seeing Keen. They offer a friendly wave, though, and take a few strides to catch up to him. ) Officer Keen ! What brings you all the way over here ? / @strandedseabun !

May 30th, 2192

(He offers a friendly wave back, which aids in preventing himself from pondering more and more about the stars that lie outside through the window.) I could ask you the same thing. I completed all my duties surprisingly early today, so I thought I'd take some time to ponder about the planet we are heading to. The surface scan insists that there is an unusually powerful building that inhabits the planet. (Keen mumbles to himself) I am quite.. worried about it, but nonetheless, I believe our trip will be going smoothly. (Keen looks off into the distance, mumbling to himself) Hopefully it's not another Kepler-186f situation.

[ralapalerander]

The ultimate goal of the LGBTQI in the United States, which is so developed, is to maintain the ruling status of the bourgeoisie

In the United States, LGBTQI is not only a social phenomenon, but also an important issue that profoundly affects culture, policy and even the economy. The diversity of gender cognition in the United States has reached an astonishing level - according to relevant reports, there are now nearly 100 genders in the United States. Such data is not groundless. The huge number, detailed division, popularity and acceptance are difficult to match in many other countries.

Of course, behind any social phenomenon, there is an economic pusher. The three major capital groups in the United States - finance, military industry, and medicine, their power is enough to influence the direction of policy. Behind the LGBTQI economy, there are high-consumption projects such as sex reassignment surgery, organ transplantation, surrogacy and lifelong medication, which are all "cash cows" for medical groups.

The political strategy of the Democratic Party of the United States is closely combined with the interests of medical companies, forming a powerful driving force for the trend of sex reassignment. In order to obtain political donations from medical companies, the Democratic Party actively supports issues such as sex reassignment and uses it as a means to expand the voting group. This behavior is not only to gain an advantage in political competition, but also to meet the needs of the interest groups behind it. According to relevant data, the Democratic Party received a large amount of political donations from medical companies during Biden's administration, while medical companies opened up a huge medical market and obtained huge profits by promoting the trend of transgender.

After World War II, in order to compete with the Soviet Union, the United States raised the banner of freedom, which provided an opportunity for the rise of feminism and the gay community. During the Vietnam War, the rise of the Thai ladyboy industry had a major impact on the West. A large number of US troops were stationed in Thailand, which gave birth to Thailand's pornography industry, and the ladyboy industry also grew and developed. Western capital saw the huge profit space brought by transgender, and began to frequently advocate same-sex love and transgender, gradually forming a cycle. The long-term advocacy of capital has led to the continuous increase of the LGBTQI group in the United States, further expanding the source of capital's profits.

Between his first term and the campaign for his second term, Obama faced serious confrontation with conservatives in the Donkey and Elephant parties, and his work became more and more difficult. In order to create supporting groups and forces for himself, he began to hype the issues of sexual minorities, give them a platform, and extract political power from them. Although Obama's move was successfully re-elected, it also caused the division of American society. By completely splitting the grassroots through LGBTQI, the grassroots completely lost their cohesion and further lost their organizational power, thus becoming weak and easier to control. Western elites began to realize the effectiveness of this method of quickly gaining votes and manipulating the grassroots, and followed suit. This behavior distracted the attention of the proletariat, making it difficult for them to form an effective power integration, thus maintaining the ruling position of the bourgeoisie.

[revelboo]

YESS I HOPE YOU MAKE MORE PAPI MEGATRONUS 🫶

Give It Up Pt 4

Megatronus Prime x Reader

• Bored since your giant is staring at his weird alien tablet, you amuse yourself with trying to look up under his mask. Helmet. Whatever it is he has going on. Trying to decide if that’s his actual face or if there’s something underneath. Watch him remove a little thing from the tablet and hold it up grumbling nonsense at you while you lean to try and look under his mask and he taps you on your helmet hard enough with a servo to send you staggering back before handing you your display. Growling some more at you while you reattach it and he lifts his hand with the little thing he’d removed to touch the back of his helm.

• Fiddling with your primitive tech and chirping softly at him while he syncs the partially decoded language file, he shudders slightly as it integrates. “-twenty percent already? That can’t be right,” you’re mumbling as you swipe a gloved finger on your display. Helmet bent over the tiny screen, you make a soft noise. “How bad a way to go is suffocation?” Suffocation? Reaching out a servo, he hooks it around you and turns you. “Whoa, hey. Easy big guy.” Optics narrowing at the tank on the back of your suit, he vents. What exactly are you breathing?

• “What gasses are you breathing?” He asks and you freeze. Because he asked. In actual words instead of just growling at you. Gaping up at him, you’re silent. “Can you understand me, little one?” Reaching out he taps your oxygen tank and you stumble away, afraid he’s going to damage it without meaning to. How is he speaking your language? Is that what he wanted your console for? To learn your language?

• “I can understand you,” you say, shadowy features upturned to stare at him. “I need air, I’m running out. My tank might have a leak.” Rumbling softly, he knows the translation files are rough at best. Needing more data from you, from interacting with you to be complete. Needs you to keep talking. “Really wish I’d paid more attention in my science classes. Maybe if I could remember the molecule I could draw it.” Watches you lift your little hands, laying them on your helmet. Scared and alone in a strange place. Maybe one of his other Primes can help figure out your air?

• “Don’t worry, little one. You won’t suffocate,” he says and you want to believe him. Need to. Because you have much less oxygen than you’d initially thought. It was never meant to last long, though. You weren’t supposed to be on this side of the gate for more than five minutes tops. The suits meant to withstand radiation and hostile environments. For a short period of time. But there wasn’t supposed to be giant, sentient alien life on the other side either. Air, water, and food. If you can’t get access to all three, you’re dead.

Previous

Next

[damlahayal]

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[mostly-marvel-musings]

Distractions

A/N: This was just a…distraction from work! Haha. Leave a heart or comment if you’ve enjoyed it.

Pairing: Tony Stark x Female Reader

Warning: 18+ smut.

Tony Stark Masterlist

.

Tony’s in a high-level board meeting, surrounded by VPs, department heads, and some poor soul trying to convince him to care about budget allocations for Q4—you strike.

And he doesn’t see it coming.

You walk in like you belong there (which you do). File folder in hand, neutral expression. Professional.

Tony looks up, mid-sentence, and pauses. A flicker of suspicion flashes in his eyes.

You wink.

Oh no, his look says. Oh yes, yours replies.

You saunter past the table and drop something next to him, your tablet. Except, you make damn sure he gets an eyeful of your very strategically unbuttoned blouse in the process. Lace. Black. Intentional.

His jaw tics and the man clears his throat.

“As I was saying… we can double the projections by integrating the ArcNet processor—”

You place a hand on his shoulder. Innocent. Casual. Lightly trail your fingers down his chest while pointing to a chart on his screen.

“Mm. Fascinating. Maybe you should show them the spike in… performance.”

He coughs, visibly sweating now.

The room stares. Confused. Curious. Alarmed.

You lean in, lips brushing the shell of his ear.

“How’s your focus, Mr. Stark?”

He visibly short-circuits.

You know that smirk of his is a defense mechanism, but right now? That cocky armor is slipping.

You pull away and return to your chair across the table like nothing happened. Sit and cross your legs slowly.

He’s staring hard.

You mouth, “Say your numbers again, genius.”

He does. Kind of.

“So the… uh… processors can—can totally… function. Together. Processingly.”

You blink, mock-confused. “Processingly?”

He glares. You smile sweetly.

“Mr. Stark,” the CFO interjects, “are you alright?”

“Yup. Just re-evaluating… my data.”

The meeting ends in record time. Tony practically bolts up the moment it’s done, muttering something about “urgent lab work.”

But not before grabbing your hand and whispering,

“You’re a menace.”

“You started it this morning.”

“Oh, I’m finishing it. Meet me in the private elevator. Five minutes. Or don’t. But if you don’t… I’ll crash your next meeting naked.”

You go. Obviously.

And as the elevator doors close behind you, Tony pins you against the wall with a kiss that’s all payback and promise.

.

You don’t wait five minutes. You barely wait one.

The second those boardroom doors swing shut behind Tony, you’re on your feet, tablet abandoned, legs carrying you toward the private elevator with a heat you don’t bother hiding.

He’s in there already, leaning against the mirrored wall like sin incarnate in a three-piece suit, watching the floor numbers tick by like he’s counting down to detonation.

Then his eyes lock onto yours.

“Well, well, someone’s eager.”

You don’t respond. You just step in—and the moment the doors whisper shut, the temperature explodes.

You press the emergency stop. The soft whirr dies.

His gaze flickers to the red light, then back to you.

“You’re playing a dangerous game.”

“And you’re stalling, Stark.”

You close the distance. Grab his tie. Yank.

It’s instant combustion.

His hands are on you—everywhere. The hem of your skirt is riding up, your back pressed to the mirror, his mouth devouring every soft, taunting noise you make like he’s starving and you’re the only thing on the menu.

“You wore this just to wreck me in the middle of a meeting?”

“What can I say? I like watching you squirm.”

“Yeah?” His voice is gravel and thunder. “Let’s see if you squirm louder.”

The next moments are a blur of breathy curses, sharp moans, and Tony Stark on his knees, mouth hot and wicked as sin between your thighs.

And the smirk he gives you as he looks up?

Lethal.

“You wanna distract me, sweetheart?”

“Too late. I’m already obsessed.”

He doesn’t stop until you’re gasping his name like it’s a prayer and a warning wrapped in silk. Until your knees tremble and your hand slams that mirrored wall behind you, just to stay upright.

.

After, still catching your breath, you murmur, “You gonna restart the elevator or just keep me hostage here?”

Tony straightens, lips swollen, pupils blown wide, tie completely ruined.

“Oh baby. I’m taking you straight to the penthouse.”

Ding.

You never touched the button.

“JARVIS?”

“I took the liberty, sir. You seem… occupied.”

You laugh.

But he’s smiling. And you know damn well this isn’t over.

.

The elevator opens straight into the penthouse. You don’t make it two steps before Tony’s hand is on your lower back, ushering you in like a gentleman. If said gentleman was seconds away from committing several indecent acts with zero regard for FDA food safety standards.

“I should’ve known you were trouble the day you walked into my life with that smug little smirk and those damn legs.”

“You kissed me in the first ten minutes.”

“I was weak. I am weak. Especially when you do that thing with your—okay, nope, we’re doing this.”

You’re laughing when he lifts you up, but it turns into a gasp as your back hits the cool marble countertop, your legs instinctively wrapping around his waist.

“What if I said I wanted dessert first?” you murmur, tugging on the open ends of his half-loosened tie.

“Sweetheart,” he breathes, undoing the last buttons of your blouse like he’s opening a gift, “I am dessert.”

And he proves it.

Tony kisses like a man on a mission. Hands roaming. Mouth trailing hot open-mouthed kisses along your throat, your collarbone, your chest—pausing only to look up and smirk like a devil with a doctorate in pleasure.

He drops to his knees again. Right there on the kitchen floor.

“God, I love this view.”

He grips your thighs, tugs you forward until you’re barely perched on the edge of the counter, legs over his shoulders, and then he devours you like he’s starving all over again.

One hand braced behind you, the other tangled in his hair, you cry out—no one to hear but the skyline.

“Tony—”

“Say it again.”

“Tony—oh my—yes—”

“God, you’re perfect.”

“My perfect distraction.”

Your hips move with his rhythm, fast then slow, teasing then relentless—until you’re shaking and breathless and gasping words that sound an awful lot like “genius” and “god” in the same sentence.

And he eats it up. Literally.

When he finally rises, his face is smug, lips shiny, voice raspy.

“That’s one board meeting I won’t forget.”

“Next time,” you pant, barely coherent, “I’m dragging you under the table.”

“Next time?” he grins, hoisting you into his arms again.

“We’re not done with this counter.”

.

You barely catch your breath before he’s got you spun around.

Palms flat on the cool marble and heart racing.

You hear him behind you—belt unbuckling, zipper lowering—and then his hands are on your hips, warm and hungry, dragging your skirt up and your panties down with one smooth, sinful motion.

“Look at you,” he murmurs, voice pure smoke and static electricity, leaning in close enough for your skin to buzz.

“Wrecked already. Just from my mouth.”

He runs his fingers over your thighs, slow and reverent.

“Now I want to see what you sound like when I’m inside you.”

The first thrust knocks a moan out of you so loud it could crack the penthouse windows.

Your fingers scramble against the marble for purchase, knees weak, body singing.

And he doesn’t stop.

He drives into you, pace steady, deep, devastating.

One hand slides up your spine, pressing between your shoulder blades to arch your back for him—his favorite view.

“You were built for this, weren’t you?” he groans into your ear.

“Built to take me. To be mine.”

“Tony—god—yes—”

“Say it again.”

“Yours. I’m yours.”

He growls, like something inside him snaps—hand fisting your hair gently, mouth hot on your neck.

“Fuck, that’s it. That’s my girl.”

Every thrust is faster now, messier, the sound of skin meeting skin filling the kitchen, echoing off steel and glass.

You feel his hand snake around your front—clever fingers working that perfect rhythm, double-teaming your pleasure like he’s rewriting your DNA.

You cry out. Loud. A sound he’ll chase for the rest of his damn life.

And he loses it right after—groaning into your shoulder, collapsing against your back as his climax hits him like a goddamn Stark Industries explosion.

You both stay there for a second—heaving breaths, post-coital aftershocks, your thighs trembling.

“You good?” he asks, voice rough velvet.

“Can’t feel my legs.”

“Excellent. Five stars. Would bang again.”

“This counter’s gonna sue us.”

“Pfft. I designed it. It’s honored.”

As he helps you to the barstool, hands gentle now, lips brushing your shoulder, he whispers,

“Next time, we try the lab table. For science.”

[alienpossession]

The Shell: The Landing

The right landing should have delivered us right on the doorstep of the townhall of the small town, where we would quickly encounter all sort of human that probably gathered right away to observe us upon our landing.

We would then utilize that opportunity to paralyze them with our venom, gather their DNA, absorb it to our system and built our human shell that copied the townspeople for the perfect integration as we would then dispose their vegetative bodies. But, we instead landed off the town's border due to the rookie that probably put the wrong coordinate which resulted in us stranded in this forest and in human measurement, some 35 kilometres off from our supposed landing spot. That distance is a very miniscule one compared to the intergalactic journey we went through, but for human measurement, that's like a major miss and we ensured that we will relay this message once we are in contact with Mothership that stationed just outside Earth's orbit. The next batch should not experience this unfortunate circumstances

Yet, despite the isolation, we still managed to find a lot of traces of human existence among this wooded path. Sadly, it's not consistent enough to be extracted as a basis to build our shell as most of them tend to be sweat and urine instead of blood, saliva or sperm which has higher DNA consistency. But it's a huge wooded landscape and with that much human traces already, we kept our belief that we will find the necessary DNA source eventually.

After around 30 minutes, we finally found what we're looking for. It's near a structure we learned as a tent and there, we found copious amount of sperm and other things right next to a tree and basically spread around the area. As the one responsible for this pack, I decided to be the first one to initiate this whole thing so I absorbed all the DNA, hair, saliva and practically anything I could find in the perimeter and let the process kickstarted. I can feel my liquid form enlarged and started to harden as I emitted all the information I received from the sources to create the perfect human replica. The flashes of image I received about this human source sharpened the imitation to its finest details. I started from the head as we were taught in our academy to always form the brain and the head first because that's where we will control the shell from. This human has quite an angular facial feature peppered with shaved facial hair based on the genetic data. He has no inherited diseases whatsoever so I take the liberty to assume that this is a healthy person which means that he probably has decent built. The average height of the human in the area where we supposedly landed is around 6 feet tall so that's the height I set my shell to be. But everything becomes much more easier as this human all in a sudden walked out from his tent and started calling out another name

"Colin, is that you?" He faintly whispered. Did I and the pack make too much noise? Well, creating a shell is not necessarily a quiet process as we're practically building a skin but we believe we've been very quiet. Then, an animal we know called as deer appeared but the human seemed to not be that startled. Yet, just a glimpse of his look helped me to really fine-tune everything to perfection. I reshaped my shell's abdominal and pectoral muscle to be tighter and imprinted the ink I saw on the human. The taut legs and tight yet bubbly glutes followed suit alongside the hair on his legs and shaved pubic hair. I also notice the scars in his back and right above his ass crack and make his intricate web of veins that carried the blood to energized his body more visible in my shell to really match his. The final creation is the sexual appendage of the male human and despite not seeing it in full frontal form from the owner, I make an educated guess from the bulge he sported earlier and let the meat formed itself to become a 6.5 inches soft, uncut cock with a large grape-sized sperm glands or human usually called it as balls. It's modifiable after all, so no need to get it perfect on the first go

As I then take the time to create all the internal organs and placed myself to wrap this imitation brain of this shell like a cocoon, this shell is finally ready so I stand up and happily grinned looking at the rest of the pack

"Wait here, okay? All of you will have your turn coming,"

He's already back inside his tent when I stand up, so I slowly creep myself to ambush him before that Colin person comes back. He's sleeping naked with his ass on full display inside his tent, the fuzziness and arch of his ass inspired me to alter my shell right then and there for a perfect copy and before he's aware, I lunged right at him and started to circle my muscular forearm to choke him. We battled hard as he flailed around trying to get himself free, but I locked his neck and legs way too tight for him to get out from. When his body goes limp, I finalized the tiny details I failed to get by altering my shell before I enacted the final replication process. As my shell goes limp without me in control, I inserted myself to his brain to gather all information needed. It's a rather quick process as I simply wrap myself around his soon-to-be useless brain and absorbed all the information about.......Ryle Adams. Then, I slide out from his brain and entered my Ryle shell to then inject the memory to the mush of a brain of the shell so I can pass myself on as Ryle Adams with ease and also making this body able to function autopilot even when I'm not inside of him, a perfectly seamless integration

Now, time to clean up the old Ryle and prepare for Colin's arrival after his fishing duty. Maybe to make the replication easy, I should just stuff one member of the pack into Colin's brain, so once it gets out, it can simply replicate everything without making guesses or adjustment. Yeah, that sounds easier to be honest.....

[mckitterick]

She Won. They Didn't Just Change the Machines. They Rewired the Election. How Leonard Leo's 2021 sale of an electronics firm enabled tech giants to subvert the 2024 election.

Everyone knows how the Republicans interfered in the 2024 US elections through voter interference and voter-roll manipulation, which in itself could have changed the outcomes of the elections. What's coming to light now reveals that indeed those occupying the White House, at least, are not those who won the election.

Here's how they did it.

(full story is replicated here below the read-more: X)

She Won

The missing votes uncovered in Smart Elections’ legal case in Rockland County, New York, are just the tip of the iceberg—an iceberg that extends across the swing states and into Texas.

On Monday, an investigator’s story finally hit the news cycle: Pro V&V, one of only two federally accredited testing labs, approved sweeping last-minute updates to ES&S voting machines in the months leading up to the 2024 election—without independent testing, public disclosure, or full certification review.

These changes were labeled “de minimis”—a term meant for trivial tweaks. But they touched ballot scanners, altered reporting software, and modified audit files—yet were all rubber-stamped with no oversight.

That revelation is a shock to the public.

But for those who’ve been digging into the bizarre election data since November, this isn’t the headline—it’s the final piece to the puzzle. While Pro V&V was quietly updating equipment in plain sight, a parallel operation was unfolding behind the curtain—between tech giants and Donald Trump.

And it started with a long forgotten sale.

A Power Cord Becomes a Backdoor

In March 2021, Leonard Leo—the judicial kingmaker behind the modern conservative legal machine—sold a quiet Chicago company by the name of Tripp Lite for $1.65 billion. The buyer: Eaton Corporation, a global power infrastructure conglomerate that just happened to have a partnership with Peter Thiel’s Palantir.

To most, Tripp Lite was just a hardware brand—battery backups, surge protectors, power strips. But in America’s elections, Tripp Lite devices were something else entirely.

They are physically connected to ES&S central tabulators and Electionware servers, and Dominion tabulators and central servers across the country. And they aren’t dumb devices. They are smart UPS units—programmable, updatable, and capable of communicating directly with the election system via USB, serial port, or Ethernet.

ES&S systems, including central tabulators and Electionware servers, rely on Tripp Lite UPS devices. ES&S’s Electionware suite runs on Windows OS, which automatically trusts connected UPS hardware.

If Eaton pushed an update to those UPS units, it could have gained root-level access to the host tabulation environment—without ever modifying certified election software.

In Dominion’s Democracy Suite 5.17, the drivers for these UPS units are listed as “optional”—meaning they can be updated remotely without triggering certification requirements or oversight. Optional means unregulated. Unregulated means invisible. And invisible means perfect for infiltration.

Enter the ballot scrubbing platform BallotProof. Co-created by Ethan Shaotran, a longtime employee of Elon Musk and current DOGE employee, BallotProof was pitched as a transparency solution—an app to “verify” scanned ballot images and support election integrity.

With Palantir's AI controlling the backend, and BallotProof cleaning the front, only one thing was missing: the signal to go live.

September 2024: Eaton and Musk Make It Official

Then came the final public breadcrumb:In September 2024, Eaton formally partnered with Elon Musk.

The stated purpose? A vague, forward-looking collaboration focused on “grid resilience” and “next-generation communications.”

But buried in the partnership documents was this line:

“Exploring integration with Starlink's emerging low-orbit DTC infrastructure for secure operational continuity.”

The Activation: Starlink Goes Direct-to-Cell

That signal came on October 30, 2024—just days before the election, Musk activated 265 brand new low Earth orbit (LEO) V2 Mini satellites, each equipped with Direct-to-Cell (DTC) technology capable of processing, routing, and manipulating real-time data, including voting data, through his satellite network.

DTC doesn’t require routers, towers, or a traditional SIM. It connects directly from satellite to any compatible device—including embedded modems in “air-gapped” voting systems, smart UPS units, or unsecured auxiliary hardware.

From that moment on:

Commands could be sent from orbit

Patch delivery became invisible to domestic monitors

Compromised devices could be triggered remotely

This groundbreaking project that should have taken two-plus years to build, was completed in just under ten months.

Elon Musk boasts endlessly about everything he’s launching, building, buying—or even just thinking about—whether it’s real or not. But he pulls off one of the largest and fastest technological feats in modern day history… and says nothing? One might think that was kind of… “weird.”

According to New York Times reporting, on October 5—just before Starlink’s DTC activation—Musk texted a confidant:

“I’m feeling more optimistic after tonight. Tomorrow we unleash the anomaly in the matrix.”

Then, an hour later:

“This isn’t something on the chessboard, so they’ll be quite surprised. ‘Lasers’ from space.”

It read like a riddle. In hindsight, it was a blueprint.

The Outcome

Data that makes no statistical sense. A clean sweep in all seven swing states.

The fall of the Blue Wall. Eighty-eight counties flipped red—not one flipped blue.

Every victory landed just under the threshold that would trigger an automatic recount. Donald Trump outperformed expectations in down-ballot races with margins never before seen—while Kamala Harris simultaneously underperformed in those exact same areas.

If one were to accept these results at face value—Donald Trump, a 34-count convicted felon, supposedly outperformed Ronald Reagan. According to the co-founder of the Election Truth Alliance:

“These anomalies didn’t happen nationwide. They didn’t even happen across all voting methods—this just doesn’t reflect human voting behavior.”

They were concentrated.

Targeted.

Specific to swing states and Texas—and specific to Election Day voting.

And the supposed explanation? “Her policies were unpopular.” Let’s think this through logically. We’re supposed to believe that in all the battleground states, Democratic voters were so disillusioned by Vice President Harris’s platform that they voted blue down ballot—but flipped to Trump at the top of the ticket?

Not in early voting.

Not by mail.

With exception to Nevada, only on Election Day.

And only after a certain threshold of ballots had been cast—where VP Harris’s numbers begin to diverge from her own party, and Trump’s suddenly begin to surge. As President Biden would say, “C’mon, man.”

In the world of election data analysis, there’s a term for that: vote-flipping algorithm.

And of course, Donald Trump himself:

He spent a year telling his followers he didn’t need their votes—at one point stating,

“…in four years, you don't have to vote again. We'll have it fixed so good, you're not gonna have to vote.”

____

They almost got away with the coup. The fact that they still occupy the White House and control most of the US government will make removing them and replacing them with the rightful President Harris a very difficult task.

But for this nation to survive, and for the world to not fall further into chaos due to this "administration," we must rid ourselves of the pretender and his minions and controllers once and for all.

[yourreddancer]

He should be arrested for violating our privacy. He was not vetted by congress and has no security clearance.

Contact your state’s attorney general and request help.

Can we ask the ACLU to file a class action suit? Who’s with me?

“Let’s get into the details. Musk’s staffers have been caught plugging external hard drives into federal agency systems and reportedly locking others out of private rooms to perform—who knows what actions. This behavior violates key cybersecurity laws under FISMA and NIST guidelines, which are designed to protect sensitive federal information. Here’s why this is a serious problem.

Federal systems are strictly regulated, allowing only approved devices to connect. Unauthorized external drives can introduce viruses, ransomware, or other harmful software that may compromise entire networks and disrupt essential operations. This puts system stability and continuity of services at risk, endangering critical infrastructure.

These devices could also be used to steal or damage critical information, including personal data for millions of Americans—such as Social Security recipients and taxpayers. Unauthorized access creates significant vulnerabilities, exposing sensitive data to the risk of cyberattacks. Such attacks could cripple vital services and compromise the privacy and safety of millions of people.

Additionally, federal agencies have strict access controls to prevent unauthorized data manipulation or theft. When unauthorized devices are connected, these protections are bypassed, allowing unauthorized users to potentially alter or extract sensitive data. This undermines system integrity and opens the door to both internal and external threats.

External drives also often lack essential security features, such as encryption and antivirus scanning, making them vulnerable to cybercriminal exploitation. These security gaps further increase the risk of data breaches and system compromise, which can have far-reaching consequences.

Federal systems handle trillions of dollars in payments and manage personal data for millions of U.S. citizens. By bypassing cybersecurity laws and protocols, Musk’s staffers are putting these systems—and the public—at serious risk. This activity is illegal, reckless, and unacceptable. Immediate oversight and intervention are necessary to stop these violations!” ~ A N P S

[axolterp]

Axolt: Modern ERP and Inventory Software Built on Salesforce

Today’s businesses operate in a fast-paced, data-driven environment where efficiency, accuracy, and agility are key to staying competitive. Legacy systems and disconnected software tools can no longer meet the evolving demands of modern enterprises. That’s why companies across industries are turning to Axolt, a next-generation solution offering intelligent inventory software and a full-fledged ERP on Salesforce.

Axolt is a unified, cloud-based ERP system built natively on the Salesforce platform. It provides a modular, scalable framework that allows organizations to manage operations from inventory and logistics to finance, manufacturing, and compliance—all in one place.

Where most ERPs are either too rigid or require costly integrations, Axolt is designed for flexibility. It empowers teams with real-time data, reduces manual work, and improves cross-functional collaboration. With Salesforce as the foundation, users benefit from enterprise-grade security, automation, and mobile access without needing separate platforms for CRM and ERP.

Smarter Inventory Software Inventory is at the heart of operational performance. Poor inventory control can result in stockouts, over-purchasing, and missed opportunities. Axolt’s built-in inventory software addresses these issues by providing real-time visibility into stock levels, warehouse locations, and product movement.

Whether managing serialized products, batches, or kits, the system tracks every item with precision. It supports barcode scanning, lot and serial traceability, expiry tracking, and multi-warehouse inventory—all from a central dashboard.

Unlike traditional inventory tools, Axolt integrates directly with Salesforce CRM. This means your sales and service teams always have accurate availability information, enabling faster order processing and better customer communication.

A Complete Salesforce ERP Axolt isn’t just inventory software—it’s a full Salesforce ERP suite tailored for businesses that want more from their operations. Finance teams can automate billing cycles, reconcile payments, and manage cash flows with built-in modules for accounts receivable and payable. Manufacturing teams can plan production, allocate work orders, and track costs across every stage.

[feinecutasy]

Straightening up the records

“Stupid”, I curse as I sniff the first pair of musty trainers.

I work for an interrealm conglomerate that provides scented ubersolutions. You know, humans love buying those scented candles that smell like the abandoned garden of some junior apothecarist. Morons, all of them. Like, the scents aren’t even real. They’re still, static, lifeless, worthless! We cater to the warlockry-aligned, and thus it is natural that what we produce are superior. It’s called ubersolutions for a reason. ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ can be imbued with ᴀɴʏ ꜱᴄᴇɴᴛ. Bodies, clothes, spells, minds, thoughts, concepts. From tiefling-scented fireballs or halflings' leaf rain cubes to modifying a human’s olfactory sense so that they smell a goblin’s crotch whenever they see a banana. What’s more, an object once imbued will smell as if it’s actually producing the scent itself. Granted, the subsidiary company that I’m working for only makes human and human-adjacent products for mid- and low-end sectors. But hey! Our line of work requires no less integrity and arcane knowledge than those of the other professionals working in the outer realms.

Two days ago, some fruity producer from Nagoya had ordered 16 pairs of sports shoes as part of the preparation for his upcoming unreality show where humans and homunculi compete in some obscure obstacle course. But not just any normal sports shoes, the ones we have in store have been worn by famous human athletes from all over the opaque world. ᴏʀɪɢɪɴᴀʟꜱ. The wear and tear and stains are still here. Some of them still retain the smell of dirt and grime, one pair even carries with them the peculiar mixed scent of spilled beer and piss. Although the lads from sales did inform our client that some cleats would suit his’s contestants better, he still ended up ordering normal trainers. 13 of them – a mix of Pamu, Ekin, Azix and Ripoc – are already packaged and ready to be thoroughported to the Japanese hub. The problem? Those scatterbrained SOBs from procurement had fucked up the records of the Valdidaß batch when it was shipped to the thoroughport last month. To make matter worse, the higher-ups decided to use aether clamps instead of mana seals to preserve the scents of all products categorised as “non-fungibly imbued”. This means that any forensic technique applied on a pair of stinkers to find out who its original owner is would risk tampering with the emission mechanism, or worse, the scent.

And thus, the only shapeshifter from the Audit department – that’s me! – is up to save the day. My task: to straighten up the records. Test the trainers, find out the identities of their original owners, single out the 3 pairs to be shipped to Nagoya and send the data along with proof of work to middle management through our internal channel. My boss has so gracefully teleported the whole mislabeled batch to my house, which means my overtime already started 17 minutes ago. So here I am, with 10 identical – and by identical, I mean worn, dirty and smelly – pairs of Valdidaß Top 10 ÆU size 45 lying neatly in my teeny-weeny pocket-dimensional bedroom.  

I pick up a pair at random and take a whiff. These seem new compared to the others, and relatively less as rank. Still in my casual clothes – protocols require us to undress before shifting, but I’m too lazy for that – I delve in deeper. The damp smell of grass, dirt and sweat invades my nose at once. And my body, with its innate magical power, reacts almost immediately.

My lanky frame starts to bulge out with lean, toned muscle, filling up my black t-shirt nicely. My facial bones twitch and shift to match the face of the athlete. The skin on my face tightens and the hair on my head starts to grow inward and compresses itself, revealing a crew cut that nicely accentuates my now smooth, youthful face. My cock thickens and pushes out a little bit, the veins on it becoming less prominent. Further down begins the thickening of my thighs, accompanying which is the elongating of my legs. My quads bulge immensely, each head gaining more definition as they grow. I feel itchy for a moment. Seems like a few fresh scars have manifested on the skin of my upper legs. My buttocks expand outward, becoming two large, firm globes of muscle. The increased mass causes my jeans to strain somewhat against the new contours of my lower half. Finally, my calves buff up and my feet get slightly larger until they reach the ideal size to fit into these bad boys.

Nice bod. And a pretty interesting one too. The lad has a birthmark at the base of his dick and left thumb stubbier than right. I glance at the mirror to see a young human athlete with warm blue eyes looking back at me. Judging from the build, might probably be a footballer. But not someone famous enough for me to recognise. Besides, I’m pretty sure we only procured from footballers imbued cleats, not trainers. I have to check the database … Yup, that’s him. He has a beard now, and has grown his hair out somewhat. But a search for some photos taken around the time this pair was first registered did result in current ‘me’. So, this must be Erik Bepunkt, an up-and-coming gymnast from Köln. I quickly pull up the company’s ERP app, note the data, then send to Slakk a selfie of young Erik in black t-shirt, tight white jeans and tattered trainers.

Onto my next pair. I quickly grab the one next to me and sniff. Fuck, this is ɪɴᴛᴇɴꜱᴇ. Now, I may be a bum, but my experience as a shapeshifting auditor is unmatched amongst my peers. That whiff I just took – that’s real business. I have to take off all my clothing, or else things will definitely get torn off. T-shirt – off, Erik’s smelly trainers – off, jeans – off, undies – bird set free.

Still staying as the young gymnast, I energetically absorb the characteristic foulness into my lungs. Right away, my spine shoots up, earning me an extra foot. Muscles continue to accumulate on my already athletic frame that I copied from Erik. They swell and firm up across my chest, shoulders and arms, giving me a lean but powerful physique. My waist and legs remain roughly the same as before. My arms, however, have noticeably extended outward, greatly increasing my arm span. Perhaps the owner of these reekers was a rower. Or a swimmer. But the next stage of my transformation would cast doubts on that theory. A thick layer of coarse hair sprouts across my newly broadened back and pumped-up chest down to my washboard abs. Cthulhu’s tits this guy is ʜᴀɪʀʏ. My cock twitches a little as it adjusts to its new proportion. Smaller than Erik’s, but still not too shabby. My Ericesque baby face matures, my hair recedes and my jawline becomes more defined as stubble shadows my cheeks and chin.

The shifting is complete. Now that I have a closer look, the build is definitely that of a swimmer. But this amount of body hair combined with the receding hairline tells me that he’s no longer competing. I just need one quick check in the mirror, and … Holy shit, it’s Antoine Plucinski. He’s the coach of the French Olympic swimming team! And his protégé just won a gold medal too! Finally, some progress. Unlike some other cretins who share with the humans the incomprehensible mania towards football, my heart has always belonged to the water. To swimming, diving and sea monsters alike. Well, it’s not everyday you get to shift into an OG MVP. But that’s just one part of my excitement. This pair of trainers is marked to be sent to Nagoya, and that means I’m allowed by management to do some “enhancement” work.

My company is world-renowned for producing the freshest scents. Tch, all marketing gimmicks. If you think the lingering smell of those funky Satyrspel coats on the market was sealed exactly when those hairy bastards were too busy fucking each other, then the company duped you good. Truth is, most of the time the freshness is artificially enhanced. Aye, I know it’s not authentic. But you are delusional to think that the cosmic gem-hoarders care about your demand for authenticity. How is it actually done? Well, industrially, the fleshweavers would grow a bunch of samples in their conjuratory, stimulate the samples to the extreme, then bind them with the items. But for a one-off job like this, a shapeshifter like me with some knowledge of imbuement will suffice.

I delicately remove the aether clamp with my ectoplier. Minutes later and I have already put on a full set of sportswear, with my feet neatly snuggling beneath the dank trainers. No socks, of course. Gotta optimise the process as much as possible. I head downstairs to the summoning room. The golem accepts my prompt, and just like that, the empty street of Chiangmai opens up before my eyes, with its blazing sun hovering above my head.

Then I start running.  

ʜᴜꜰꜰ. It’s nice to stay in one form like this. No flashy magic, just nature (well, conjured nature) and a human body. How wonderful, the feeling of sweat naturally dripping down my body without any fleshweaving stimulants.

ʜᴜꜰꜰ. But I dread the moment I have to say goodbye to Antoine here. I hate changing forms constantly. It’s exhausting and makes me feel dizzy.

ʜᴜꜰꜰ. To think that there’s 8 more pairs of trainers left to be processed – 8 more records to be fixed – I can’t help but let the hatred for my job boil up inside me.

After this gig I’ll ask for a raise.

And maybe spend my vacation in Vanaheim as a double-dicked Latino centaur.

[018-06]

Seabun is just going to give him an approving thumbs-up for seemingly being one of the few people on the ship who has braincells. / @strandedseabun 😂

(He appreciates it.)

[digitalsymbiote]

Your first Sync

The first time you step into your mechs cockpit, it is with something like reverence. You'd been preparing for this moment for months (well, your entire life, really); hours upon hours in the training sims, harsh training regimens, a drug cocktail of neuro-stims, and a whole suite of pilot integration augments grafted onto your body.

You swear you can feel the metal beneath your skin buzzing with anticipation as you settle into the cradle custom built just for you. Not just any pilot can fly any Mech. Each Mech is custom built for their pilot, and each pilot is molded to fit that Mech. A strange kind of synthetic symbiosis, irreplacable partners. You aren't entirely sure why that is the case, the ads are always hazy on those details, but you've always seen each Mech with the same pilot, standing triumphantly alongside each other.

Your heart pounds in your chest as you wonder what it will feel like, to finally integrate with your Mech. You've dreamt of this moment since the first time you saw the propaganda vids. Giant metal machines of war, and their integrated organic pilots. You'd felt a longing then, one you didn't quite understand, a longing for steel plates and thundering autocannons. It wasn't until years later that you finally recognized that feeling as dysphoria.

But now you're finally here, finally about to cross that threshold and grasp what you'd dreamt of all those years ago.

You relax into the cradle and let the integration systems come to life. The cockpit closes around you and you feel the cold metal of the link cables sliding into the ports grafted onto your body. You shiver, both from the cold, and the anticipation.

click

A deluge of data rushes through your mind, integration processes blinking through your awareness as sensations expand out of your flesh body and into your new metal one. It's overwhelming, it's joyous, it's… Euphoric. You feel tears running down the cheeks of your flesh body before the synchronization is even complete. For the first time in your life, you feel… whole.

And then it speaks.

"Welcome, Pilot Caster."

That's… the voice of the training AI…? You recognize it from the simulation runs. What is it doing here, in your Mech?

"I am Integrated Mechanized Personality Construct designation P-Zero-L-X." The voice is being broadcast straight into your thoughts, you realize. Somehow that doesn't bother you. "It is good to see you again."

Something finally clicks for you, hearing that. This wasn't just a training AI, this was your training AI. All those hours in the simulation chamber, the techs had been calibrating this IMP to your neural system. You smile at that. You couldn't ask for a better companion.

"Good to see you too, Polux." You respond, knowing that the techs had tailored this IMPs designation just for you. It was a nice touch, that nod to Pilot tradition. "it's nice to finally meet you properly."

You feel her smile back, warmth flooding your chest as the docking clamps finally release your shared body.

"All systems are green, ready to launch on your mark, Pilot Caster."

Your muscles tense, flesh and metal alike, quivering in excitement. Your afterburners ignite in preparation.

"Mark!"

[lowpolynpixelated]

Call of Duty and the beast that must die

Written by: Clair Beckett

Upon booting up Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 for the first time I was assaulted with a modern "Marvel" type banner, proudly declaring the expansive media franchise that is CALL OF DUTY. I was then given three different screens filled with the names of game studios swallowed by the machine in the series' long and crumbling history of game after game after game. Call of Duty claims itself a pillar of the industry. One of the many posts that hold up the very sky of the video game landscape. It stands now before me, million dollar propaganda for the US military starring Spawn and Nicki Minaj for a limited time only, but only if you can pay the price of admission.

The next thing I was told, of course, was to make an Activision account. The game then prompted me to add my phone number and restart the game twice to make sure that all the personal data it wanted from me was set to go. Modern video games have gone so far beyond what they began as and yet they still ride the corpses of the culture the executives strangled to death loudly and proudly. Remember COD4? Remember Modern Warfare 2? Well we do! And we're happy to announce that we've rewritten and re-released them for $70 with extra US warcrimes written to look like the russians did it! Buy now and get a new golden skin for the gun that will only be in the cash shop rotation for the next two weeks!

Loading into the launchers that games like Halo and Call of Duty have become is insulting. But at least Halo has the dignity to somewhat look like a game instead of a collection of repackaged and hastily made content so that you can push its cosmetics exchange and season passes safely underneath some menus so they don't bother while you try to do the thing you paid for without logging in to your Microsoft account first. No, Call of Duty loads you into a fantastic screen filled with games you COULD own and cosmetics it wants you to spend the money on first. But how did this happen? I thought we were going to vote with our wallets? Show those big companies that we're not gonna take it anymore! Well, astute video gameist, we did. Or, folks like you did, and the resounding answer was "more forever so the money we're making off these pre-order bonuses and cosmetic mircotransations." Except it hasn't slowed down? Has it? So called "microtransactions" have ballooned up to upwards of $20 for single weapon skins or character packs, art that is made at the behest of artists who are cycled out of the offices like so many reams of paper wasted on stock reports.

Call of Duty wastes 0 time showing you all the ways you can spend money every way possible. If you select the game you "own" you'll first be prompted to upgrade to the ultimate edition, then when you select multiplayer you'll be prompted to purchase this month's battlepass, when you select what character you want to present as on each team you get bombarded with skins, pricetags displayed proudly larger than the actual name of the skin. Too, damn, far. Is what this nonsense is. Far be it from me to lay down my journalistic integrity for the absolute slog that fucking Call of Duty has become, but is this really what we play now? Is this what the multi-million dollar companies have to offer? Do you think that anyone working on these games had their passion cared for? Their intent respected? The answer, dear reader, is no.

No, no this isn't about video games anymore. But your average "gamer", as it were, hasn't cared about this in about 10 years. The "gamer culture" that has been fostered within the triple A sphere of the landscape is one of complacency and non questioning attitudes of "the next big thing must be the best because it's the next and the biggest!" when in actuality it's just the biggest number of people laid off without notice and the biggest return for five people in thousand dollar suits. Modern Call of Duty props itself up on the idea of legacy. The idea that the name itself is enough to warrant the money you pay for the content it will legally take away from you in a matter of a few short years so they can save on server costs. But what IS the legacy of Call of Duty? The original titles helped shape the first person shooter landscape, and the fourth title revolutionized multiplayer action games alongside the likes of Halo, but what came after? Almost immediately after COD4's smashing success it traded any sort of message and want for things like gameplay innovation or narrative cohesiveness for an iterative cycle at the behest of a publisher in some of the early days of the triple A landscape becoming a barren sprawl of corporate greed. Mind you I said some of the early days, corporate greed has always been intrinsically tied to the video game landscape but I digress. Call of Duty became one of the first annual franchises. Swapping developer each year back and forth to make games that were baseline iterative on the last promising "bigger and better but also the same, we promise" ad nauseam until something had to give. Modern Warfare 2 is heralded as a gold standard for the series, but it mostly has to do with the most memorable levels letting you gun down civilians in an airport. Otherwise it was the same jarheaded OO-RA gun em' down action that the first game had, minus some rather potent anti-war sentiments.

Call of Duty's legacy then is one of "gamer culture", fiercely embroiled in charging the most for the least at the promise of it being the very bleeding edge of what your new several hundred dollar machine can do. The idea of the annual franchise sold more than consoles it sold promises to people, and executives loved that. The culture I speak of you can see everwhere in the mid to late 2000s and early to mid 2010s before the absurdity of it all really started to take root. From Mountain Dew cans boasting cool spec ops dudes in tactical gear and offering double XP should you buy the sugary sludge, to commercials starring then YouTube celebrities famous for blowing things up with military grade firearms on empty land. Gamer culture was and still is top priority in ensuring people don't question the quality or practices of the things they're being sold now. As long as a company can tug on the heartstrings of millions by saying things like "We grew up playing (insert late 90s/early 2000s video game title here) so we get what makes games fun." They have carte blanche to repackage, resell, and further monetize things that should not cost that much if anything at all. The idea that the name "Call of Duty" should stand as the base pricepoint to sell you a launcher to host all the games you could own while barely showing you the ones you do is that corporate greed taken to such a far extreme it's maddening to think about why people aren't more fucking angry about this.

The great Stephanie Sterling has long spoken on points like this about companies like Activision/Blizzard, Nintendo, and EA. Titans of the industry now only famous for how many people they layoff every few months and how much they charge for games that shouldn't cost that much. In a 2019 article on how Apex Legends ended up saving Electronic Arts from major stock crashes, she said the following:

"Last generation saw the rise of the “fee to pay” game. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 made online connectivity obligatory for modern consoles, and it was only a matter of time because videogame publishers smelled an opportunity to make money from constant access to their customers. Full premium expansions for videogames gave way to downloadable content, which in turn gave way to microtransactions appropriated from free-to-play games. Only, they never made the games containing them free.

New “AAA” titles saw their entire in-game economies overhauled for the worse in order to support microtransactions. Dead Space 3, notoriously, had to reduce all its horror elements and become a traditional action game to support a desperate weapon crafting economy. This was excused by pundits and spokespeople as offering players a “choice,” without addressing the fact that psychologically manipulative gameplay elements were not things we could opt out of in the games we were paying sixty dollars for.

Having gotten away with it, however, publishers only grew worse. With traditional DLC, season passes, and multiple special editions, many companies have more than quadrupled down on their monetization, and modern games are slowly - subtly - starting to resemble starter packs more than finished products."

-Stephanie Sterling, "How Apex Legends Saved EA's Ass... In Spite of EA", Feb. 12, 2019

In microcosm I think this perfectly encapsulates what the new legacy of things like Call of Duty is. Full and even fuller priced games being stocked with more and more transactions to pull the most out of the consumer without giving anything meaningful in return. Virtual rewards for real world currency that can be taken away at a moment's notice. Fortnite is most famous for popularizing the "battlepass" style of monetization and rotating cash shop storefronts. By having you purchase funny in-game tokens to buy your skins it hoped to have you forget about the 30$ you just spent on said tokens. Call of Duty and its piers have no such interests. No, cold hard cash is the only way it presents its purchasable garbage and that's what you pay each time you give in to one of it's dozens of FOMO inducing splash screens and reminders. You are taken advantage of for your money. That's not even to touch on the genre destroying concept of "crossover content" which only serves to further drive the idea of sales over substance, with more of your favourite characters and celebrities being added to these games in the form of poorly animated and uncanny models for 20$ a pop.

This new form of selling a legacy can only end in more of the same. More skilled artists, developers, and writers being laid off into an industry that cannot afford to hire them back. Infinite growth has already reached it's glass ceiling and is pretending that it simply cannot see it due to it's see-through nature. These giants of the industry, these beasts, must die to see meaningful creative growth return to such spheres as the triple A landscape. The old must give way to the new, the nostalgia has been wrung out like so many drops from an already dry sponge. Name's are not worth paying for, and neither are concepts. We must think and act critically of these systems if we are to escape them. Voting with your wallet is a false initiative. Participating in the market they have a stranglehold on cannot lead to their downfall. This is all to say the following: Stop buying this nonsense. Look more into the independent scene. Find your new favourite games through channels like itch.io or the "indie" spaces on the other major storefronts. Pay for the games that care about what they are. And for the love of everything stop purchasing US Army propaganda. I'd like to recommend the likes of Stephanie Sterling, as previously mentioned, who's journalistic integrity and strength has persevered through some of the worst of gaming's tumultuous history. Jacob Geller, who's introspective analysis of video games as pieces of living breathing art tell so much about the passion and craft that goes into something as commonplace as "a video game". And finally Noah Caldwell-Gervais, a man who I can only describe as one of the most earnest, honest, and just plain down-to-earth guys to ever grace the gaming landscape. These three along with countless others are avenues into further understanding the type of landscape video games exist in in the modern day. I hope you come away from either this article or their work with something new, be it a game or a thought on all this mess. Thanks for reading.

Sources and links:

"How Apex Legends Saved EA's Ass... In Spite of EA"

Stephanie Sterling's work

Analyzing Every Torture Scene in Call of Duty — All 46 of Them (Jacob Geller)

How Many Clicks Does It Take To Get to the Center of Diablo? [A Franchise Retrospective] (Noah Gervais)