#distribution Line Monitoring

[poojagblog-blog]

The global Power Management System Market is projected to reach USD 7.5 billion in 2028 from USD 5.8 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 5.4% according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets™. Power Management System (PMS) is a set of hardware and software components designed to optimize and control the distribution and consumption of electrical power within a given system or facility. It plays a crucial role in modern power systems to ensure efficient energy utilization, reduce waste, and enhance overall system reliability and stability.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

The future of Amazon coders is the present of Amazon warehouse workers

I'm on a 20+ city book tour for my new novel PICKS AND SHOVELS. Catch me in BURBANK with WIL WHEATON TONIGHT (Mar 13), and in SAN DIEGO at MYSTERIOUS GALAXY on Mar 24. More tour dates here.

My theory of the "shitty technology adoption curve" holds that you can predict the future impact of abusive technologies on you by observing the way these are deployed against people who have less social power than you:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/11/the-shitty-tech-adoption-curve-has-a-business-model/

When you have a new, abusive technology, you can't just aim it at rich, powerful people, because when they complain, they get results. To successfully deploy that abusive tech, you need to work your way up the privilege gradient, starting with people with no power, like prisoners, refugees, and mental patients. This starts the process of normalization, even as it sands down some of the technology's rough edges against their tender bodies. Once that's done, you can move on to people with more social power – immigrants, blue collar workers, school children. Step by step, you normalize and smooth out the abusive tech, until you can apply it to everyone – even rich and powerful people. Think of the deployment of CCTV, facial recognition, location tracking, and web surveillance.

All this means that blue collar workers are the pioneering early adopters of the bossware that will shortly be tormenting their white-collar colleagues elsewhere in the business. It's as William Gibson prophesied: "The future is here, it's just not evenly distributed" (it's pooled up thick and noxious around the ankles of blue-collar workers, refugees, mental patients, etc).

Nowhere is this rule more salient than in Big Tech firms. Tech companies have thoroughly segregated workforces. Delivery drivers, customer service reps, data-labelers, warehouse workers and other "green badge," low-status workers are the testing ground for their employer's own disciplinary technology, which monitors them down to the keystroke, the eye-movement, and the pee break. Meanwhile, the "blue badge" white-collar coders get stock options, gourmet cafeterias, free massages, day care and complimentary egg-freezing so they can delay fertility. Companies like Google not only use separate entrance for their different classes of workers – they stagger their shifts so that the elite workers don't even see their lower-status counterparts.

Importantly, almost none of these workers – whether low-status or high – are unionized. Tech union density is so thin, it's almost nonexistent. It's easy to see why elite tech workers wouldn't bother with unionizing: with such fantastic wages and so many perks, why endure the tedium of meetings and memos? But then there's the rest of the workers, who are subjected to endless "electronic whipping" by bossware and who take home wages that look like pocket change when compared to the tech division's compensation. These workers have every reason to unionize, living as they do in the dystopian future of labor.

At Amazon warehouses, workers are injured at three times the rate of warehouse workers at competing firms. They are penalized for "time off task" (like taking a piss break). They are made to stand in long, humiliating body-search lines when they go on- and off-shift, hours every week, without compensation. Variations on this theme play out in other blue-collar sectors of the Amazon empire, like Amazon delivery drivers and Whole Food shelf-stockers.

Those workers have every reason to unionize, and they have done their damndest, but Amazon has defeated worker union drives, again and again. How does Amazon win these battles? Simple: they cheat. They illegally fire union organizers:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/03/31/reality-endorses-sanders/#instacart-wholefoods-amazon

And then they smear unions to the press and to their own workers with lies (that subsequently leak):

https://pluralistic.net/2020/04/03/socially-useless-parasite/#christian-smalls

They spend millions on anti-union tech, spying on workers and creating "heatmaps" that let them direct their anti-union efforts to specific stores and facilities:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/04/21/all-in-it-together/#guard-labor-v-redistribution

They make workers use an official chat app, and then block any messages containing forbidden words, like "fairness," "grievance" and "diversity":

https://pluralistic.net/2022/04/05/doubleplusrelentless/#quackspeak

That's just the tip of the iceberg. A new investigation by Northwestern University's Teke Wiggin draws on worker interviews and FOIA requests to the NLRB to assemble a first-of-its-kind catalog of Amazon's labor-disciplining, union-busting tactics:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/23780231251318389

Disciplining labor and busting unions go hand in hand. It's a simple equation: the harder it is for your workers to form a union, the worse you can treat them without facing labor reprisals, because individual workers' options are limited to a) quitting or b) sucking it up, while unionized workers can grieve, sue, and strike.

At the core of Amazon's labor discipline technology is "algorithmic management," which is exactly what it sounds like: replacing middle managers with software that counts your keystrokes, watches your eyeballs, or applies a virtual caliper to some other metric to decide whether you're a good worker or a rotten apple:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/11/26/hawtch-hawtch/#you-treasure-what-you-measure

Automation theory describes two poles of workplace automation: centaurs (in which workers are assisted by technology) and "reverse-centaurs" (in which workers provide assistance to technology):

https://pluralistic.net/2021/03/19/the-shakedown/#weird-flex

Amazon is a reverse-centaurism pioneer. Take the delivery drivers whose every maneuver, eyeball movement, and turn signal is analyzed and inevitably, found wanting, as workers seek to satisfy impossible quotas that can't even be met if you pee in a bottle instead of taking toilet breaks:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/20/release-energy/#the-bitterest-lemon

Then there's the warehouse workers who are also tormented with impossible, pisscall-annihilating quotas. Some of these workers are fitted with haptic wristbands that buzz to tell them they're being too slow at picking up an item and dropping it into a box, pushing them to faster, joint-destroying paces that account for Amazon's enduring position as the most worker-maiming warehouse employer in the nation:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/02/05/la-bookseller-royalty/#megacycle

In his paper, Wiggin does important work connecting these "electronic whips" to Amazon's arsenal of traditional union-busting weapons, like "captive audience" meetings where workers are forced to sit through hours of anti-union indoctrination. For Wiggin, bossware tools aren't just a stick to beat workers with – they're also a carrot that can be used to diffuse a worker's outrage ahead of a key union vote.

Algorithmic management isn't just software that wrings more work out of workers – it's software that replaces managers. By surveilling workers – both on the job and in social media spaces (like subreddits) where workers gather to talk, Amazon can tune the "electronic whip," reducing quotas and easing the pace of work so that workers view their jobs more favorably and are more receptive to anti-union propaganda.

This is "twiddling" – exploiting the digital flexibility of a system to "twiddle the knobs" governing its business logic, changing everything from prices to wages, search rankings to recommendations, in realtime, for every customer and worker:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/19/twiddler/

Twiddling combines surveillance data with flexible business logic to create an unbeatable house advantage. If you're an Amazon shopper, you get twiddled all the time, as Amazon replaces the best matches for your searches with paid results. If you buy that first product result, you'll pay an average of 29% more than the best match for your search:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/06/attention-rents/#consumer-welfare-queens

Worker-side twiddling is even more dystopian. When a nurse is assigned a shift by an "Uber for nurses" app, the app checks whether the worker has overdue credit card bills, which trigger lower wages (on the theory that an indebted worker is a desperate worker):

https://pluralistic.net/2024/12/18/loose-flapping-ends/#luigi-has-a-point

When it comes to union-busting, Amazon's found a new use for twiddling: lessening the pace of work, which Wiggin calls "algorithmic slack-cutting." The important thing about algorithmic slack-cutting is that it's only temporary. The algorithm that reduces your work-load in the runup to a union vote can then dial the pace of work up afterward, by small, random increments that are below the threshold at which they register on the human sensory apparatus. They're not so much boiling the frog as poaching it.

Meanwhile, Amazon gets to flood the zone with anti-union messages, including mandatory messages on the app that assigns your shifts – a captive audience meeting in every pocket.

Between social media surveillance and on-the-job surveillance, Amazon has built a powerful training set for algorithms designed to crush workplace democracy. That's how things go for Amazon's warehouse workers and delivery drivers, and the shelf-stockers at Whole Foods.

But of course, the picture is very different for Amazon's techies, who enjoy the industry standard of high wages and lavish perks.

For now.

The tech industry is in the midst of three years' worth of mass layoffs: 260K in 2023, 150k in 2024, tens of thousands this year. None of this is due to a shortfall in profits, mind: Google laid off 12,000 workers just weeks after staging a stock buyback that would have funded their salaries for 27 years. Meta just announced a 5% across-the-board headcount cut and that it was doubling its executive bonuses.

In other words, tech is firing workers not because it must, but because it can. When workers depend on scarcity – instead of unions – as a source of power, they dig their own graves. For well-paid, scarcity-based coders, every new computer science graduate is the enemy, eroding the scarcity that your wages depend on.

Amazon coders get to come to work with pink mohawks, facial piercings, and black t-shirts that say things their bosses don't understand. They get to pee whenever they want to. That's not because Jeff Bezos is sentimentally attached to techies and bears personal animus toward warehouse workers. Jeff Bezos wants to pay his workforce as little as he can. He treats his tech workers with respect because he's afraid of them, because if they quit, he can't replace them, and without their work, he can't make money.

Once there's an army of unemployed coders who'll take your job, Jeff Bezos doesn't have to fear you anymore. He can fire you and replace you the next day.

Bezos is obviously incredibly horny for this. Like most tech bosses, he dreams of a world in which entitled hackers can't call their bosses dumbshits and decline to frog when they shout "jump!" That's why Amazon PR puts so much energy into trumpeting the business's use of AI to replace coders:

https://www.hrgrapevine.com/us/content/article/2024-08-22-amazon-cloud-ceo-warns-software-engineers-ai-could-replace-your-coding-work-within-2-years

It's not just that they're excited about firing coders and saving money – they're even more excited about transforming the job of "Amazon coder," from someone who solves complex technical problems to someone who performs tedious code review on automatically generated code barfed up by a chatbot:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/01/human-in-the-loop/#monkey-in-the-middle

"Code reviewer" is a much less fulfilling job than "programmer." Code reviewers are also easier to replace than programmers. A code reviewer is a reverse-centaur, a servant to the machine. Every time you hear "AI-assisted programmer," you should substitute "programmer-assisted AI."

Programming is even more bossware-ready than working in a warehouse. The machines coders use are much easier to fit with surveillance technology that monitors their performance – and spies on their communications, looking for dissenting chatter – than a warehouse floor. The only thing that stopped Jeff Bezos from treating his programmers like his warehouse workers is their scarcity. That scarcity is now going away.

That's bad news for Amazon customers, too. Tech workers often feel a sense of duty to their users, a "vocational awe" that drives them to put in long hours to make things their users will enjoy. The labor power of tech workers has long served as a check on the impulse to enshittify those products:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/25/moral-injury/#enshittification

As tech workers' power wanes, they don't just lose the ability to protect themselves from their bosses' greediest, most sadistic urges – they also lose the power to defend all of us. Smart tech workers know this. That's why Amazon tech workers walked out in support of Amazon warehouse workers:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/01/19/deastroturfing/#real-power

Which led to their prompt dismissal:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/04/14/abolish-silicon-valley/#hang-together-hang-separately

Tech worker/gig worker solidarity is the only way workers can win against tech bosses and defeat the shitty technology adoption curve:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/01/13/solidarity-forever/#tech-unions

Wiggin's report isn't just a snapshot of Amazon warehouse workers' dystopian present – it's a promise of Amazon tech workers' future. The future is here, in Amazon warehouses, and every day, it's getting closer to Amazon's technical offices.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/03/13/electronic-whipping/#youre-next

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

[chadobi]

I promise guys , I’ll get to your requests soon! But for now, I hope you’ll enjoy this one💜

“Under a Blanket of Code”

Bayverse!Donatello x Reader

The power had flickered out about an hour ago.

Mikey screamed something about the pizza oven dying and Raph immediately took it as a sign of the apocalypse. Leo was trying to organize a response plan, but Donnie had already disappeared into the darker parts of the lair—heading toward his lab like a man on a mission.

You didn’t even ask. You just followed him.

It was quiet in his workspace. He had a few emergency lights wired up, casting everything in deep purple and gold. Small LEDs blinked from different shelves, some flickering faintly like fireflies. In the middle of it all, Donnie was crouched beside a stack of servers, furiously typing on a portable rig.

You leaned in the doorway, watching him. He muttered something about “backup fuses” and “secondary distribution lines,” and then paused.

“I know you’re there,” he said without looking. “And I’m not mad. Just… mildly panicked.”

You smiled. “I brought tea.”

That made him glance up. His glasses caught a soft glint of blue from a nearby monitor, and he blinked, surprised. “Oh. Uh. Thank you.” He took the thermos from you awkwardly, hands still faintly buzzing with static.

“Want some company?” you asked gently. “I figured you might need backup.”

Donnie hesitated for a second too long. Then he nodded. “Actually… yeah. That would be nice.”

He gestured to a low platform on the floor surrounded by wires, toolboxes, and glowing screens. You kicked off your shoes and stepped carefully between cables. A fuzzy blanket was already half-draped over the space, clearly something Mikey had tossed aside days ago.

You plopped down, crossing your legs. “So what’s the damage?”

“Main power grid’s fried,” Donnie murmured, sitting beside you. “Generator’s holding up, but I’m going to need to do a manual reroute.” He adjusted his glasses with a tired sigh. “In the meantime, I figured… might as well make the place livable.”

He grabbed a small remote and tapped a button. A string of soft purple lights lit up overhead—cheap LED strips, flickering slightly, but warm in their own way.

“Donnie,” you said, raising an eyebrow. “Did you build yourself a tech blanket fort?”

He looked flustered. “No. I mean—not intentionally. I was optimizing work conditions, and the blanket just… enhances acoustic absorption and comfort for long-term programming sessions.”

“So,” you grinned, “a blanket fort.”

He huffed. “Fine. Yes. A highly advanced blanket fort.”

You giggled and tucked the edge of the blanket around your shoulders. “I love it.”

He blinked. “You do?”

“Of course. It’s kind of perfect.” You leaned back slightly. “It’s warm, quiet, glowy… and it smells like solder and coffee. Very ‘you.’”

Donnie was silent for a beat. Then, he mumbled, “I wasn’t sure you’d like it down here.”

You turned to him. “Why wouldn’t I?”

He shifted awkwardly, fingers fidgeting with a loose wire. “Most people… wouldn’t exactly enjoy sitting in a dark lab full of failing circuits and overheating processors.”

“I’m not most people,” you said softly.

Donnie didn’t respond at first. He looked down at the blanket, at the way it pooled around the two of you, and then carefully set aside the laptop.

“You know,” he started, voice lower now, “sometimes I forget there’s a world outside this lab. Not in a dramatic way, just… I get stuck in my head. The math, the logic, the endless systems I can’t control—sometimes that’s all I focus on.”

You were quiet, letting him talk.

“And then you show up,” he continued. “With tea. And sarcasm. And blankets.” His gaze lifted to meet yours. “And suddenly the world feels… a little quieter. Like the code finally compiled.”

You smiled, heart thudding gently in your chest. “Is that your way of saying you like having me here?”

“Yes,” he said immediately. Then cleared his throat. “I mean—logically speaking, your presence has a statistically significant impact on my overall mood and cognitive focus.”

“Donnie,” you said, nudging his arm with your elbow, “just say you like me.”

He went red. Deep red. The color crept all the way to his bandana. “I—okay—fine. I like you. A lot.”

You laughed and leaned your head against his shoulder. He froze for a second, then slowly, slowly relaxed under the pressure.

“I like you too,” you whispered.

Donnie didn’t say anything, but you felt it—the soft exhale, the way his hand curled just slightly closer to yours under the blanket. He didn’t need grand declarations. Not tonight.

You sat together in the tech-fort, surrounded by quiet buzzes and blinking lights, with the world outside temporarily short-circuited.

And honestly?

You wouldn’t have it any other way.

[dessarchive]

SCRIPTING IDEAS. FAME & K-POP EDITION.

- all artists are paid fairly.

- companies aren’t so strict.

- there are no company diets.

- soloists get more recognition.

- all artists are aloud to sing live.

- no ones music ever gets leaked.

- makeup artists are very creative.

- live connections are always good.

- artists don’t have to cover their tattoos.

- every member in a group is treated fairly.

- all line distribution and screen time is fair.

- k-pop is open to any ethnicity and gender.

- all artists have say over what they release.

- artists are not forced to get plastic surgery.

- it’s easier to make friends with other artists.

- you always have amazing photo-card poses.

- the ticketing system for concerts are always fair.

- nobody camps outside artists homes or company.

- no one ever gets tired of you or your group’s music.

- all members popularity is equal and there's no ranking.

- your members, staff, and fans respect your boundaries.

- you or you and your group own the rights to your music.

- there are never any internal conflicts within any company.

- artists can dress more freely and wear whatever they want.

- any artist or trainee is allowed to see their family more often.

- many famous celebrities and artists come to your events and tours.

- survival shows aren’t rigged and still end up with a good lineup.

- artists can be affectionate with each other without being shipped.

- you, along with your partner, always fit the met gala theme perfectly.

- vlive does get deleted but all of the groups that used vlive will move to weverse.

- you’re on the cover of many magazines proving your it girl/boy/person status.

- artists are never forced to do any type of fan service or aegyo if they don’t want to.

- all of the magazines that feature you or your group sell out in less than 20 minutes.

- artists are allowed to bring gifts home from fans and they’re never poisoned or corrupted.

- there are always after-parties after events or awards shows but it isn’t required to go to them.

- not only do your or your group’s title tracks always become popular but your b-sides do as well.

- artists can interact with others on or off camera and don’t get romantically shipped unless intended too.

- you can choose to have album promo parties or album release parties with select fans or friends.

- your album sells are always amazing and continue to increase more and more with each release.

- you always know what to answer when interviewers ask you a question and have amazing media training.

- you become nominated for half of the grammy categories many times throughout your or your groups career.

- you start and end the tours with all the members, staff, and dancers and no one is ever injured or sick during tour.

- your creative team is amazing and many people say you/your group have the best music videos and album designs in the industry.

- you always get invited to big events but you’re never obligated to go if you have something else scheduled or just don’t want to go.

- artists have a lot of freedom when it comes to what they post on social media and companies don’t monitor what they post unless it’s for a brand sponsorship.

- you raise standards that are nearly impossible for the industry to break and officially become the biggest and most successful group or artist in the world.

- during performances, no one can get hurt and no accidents happen. artists are always safe and no one can be attacked, get something thrown at them, or get injured on stage.

- companies don’t control what artists do with their hair, it’s fully their choice. artists can dye and/or bleach their hair however many times they want and it will never be damaged.

- in-ear monitors work flawlessly, fit perfectly, are comfortable, and never hurt artists ears or damage their hearing. they don’t overheat or experience delays, and they don't get tangled in hair.

- although covid doesn’t exist, concerts are still online while still being in-person allowing international fans or fans that didn’t get to buy tickets a chance to see the concert or performance.

- dating bans aren’t a thing and artists are allowed to date freely without getting kicked out of their company or group. companies are always supportive of artists relationships.

- all companies and staff care about their artists and always respect and protect them. all companies and staff are trustworthy and supportive and won’t share information about their artists personal life without their permission. all companies handle scandals well, no matter how big or small they are. all companies and staff are better educated and more diverse. overall companies treat their artists well and put their health and wellbeing first.

[artifacts-and-arthropods]

Poplar Lappet Moths: these moths are able to mimic the dead leaves of a poplar tree (there is at least one moth in each of the photos below)

Above: the photo at the top shows two poplar lappet moths disguised as foliage (the two "leaves" on the left-most end of the branch are actually moths) and the photo on the bottom shows another poplar lappet moth clinging to a leaf

The scientific name of this species is Gastropacha populifolia, but it's more commonly referred to as the poplar lappet moth. It's also known as pappelglucke in German and feuille-morte du peuplier in French.

The moths are distributed across large sections of Europe, Russia, China, Korea, and Japan, but they're regarded as a rare species throughout most of Europe.

The shape, color, wing pattern, and resting position of this species all contribute to its unique disguise, as it bears an uncanny resemblance to a dead leaf. It even has a dark, snout-like projection (the labial palpi) that mimics the stem of a leaf, and its wing pattern completes the illusion with a dark, raised line forming the central "vein" of the leaf; the soft ridges and scalloped edges of its wings also add to the effect.

There are many other leaf-mimicking moths out there, but this species is particularly impressive.

The caterpillars also have a knack for blending in -- thanks to their cryptic coloration and fuzzy, setae-lined sides, they are easily camouflaged against the bark of a poplar tree.

Above: the photos at the top show Gastropacha populifolia caterpillars blending in by pressing their bodies flat up against twigs/branches, and the photo at the bottom shows one of the caterpillars in a more conspicuous setting

These moths are defended by more than just mimicry, though; they can also produce ultrasonic clicks that interfere with the echolocation signals of predatory bats, which allows the moths to avoid being detected (and ultimately eaten) by bats.

Above: the adorable face of a poplar lappet moth

Sources & More Info:

Nota Lepidopterologica: Continuous Long-Term Monitoring of Daily Foraging Patterns in Three Species of Lappet Moth Caterpillars

Catalogue of the Lepidoptera of Belgium: Gastropacha populifolia

Moths and How to Rear Them: Gastropacha populifolia

Wikipedia (German): Pappelglucke

Moths and Butterflies of Europe and North Africa: G. populifolia

EurekaMag: Effect of the Scale Coverage of the Moth Gastropacha populifolia on the Reflection of Bat Echolocation Signals

[alaskan-wallflower]

Do you think that Ponyboy would have a painkiller addiction and if so, what do you think that would look like through Darry and Sodapop's pov

It’s pretty much canon that he does-he himself in the book said that he took five a night to help him fall asleep.

I think it was Darry who found out because he thought Pony was trying to do something else with all that medicine (if you’re catching my drift) but eventually Pony was just like “no i just want to go to sleep” which did NOT help his case but he eventually explained he “used then to sleep” and Darry put the pieces together and had a near breakdown because how hadn’t he noticed?! But he starts hiding the aspirin and whenever Pony genuinely needs them or asks for them he distributes then to Pony himself. He seemed angry about it but in reality he was really stressed and it came out that way.

Soda definitely was more emotional-he heard from Darry after Pony had gone to bed and Soda just broke down because how hadn’t HE noticed? Pony told him everything. He just felt so incredibly upset with himself for not knowing and he tried confronting Pony but just broke down. When Darry isn’t home he monitors Pony a lot closer when it’s time for bed because he’s nervous-he hides the medicine too and distributes it to Pony himself

Again, I also think Pony ended up with stomach issues too because the aspirin wore away his stomach lining. So I think he was also dealing with the butt of it (well obviously)

[starcurtain]

1/?

I use an automatic translator, I'm terribly sorry in advance for any possible mistakes!First of all, I want to wholeheartedly thank the author for the excellent analytics of phaedei! It's hard to overestimate how useful this turned out to be for me as a person who is also starting to look at peyring, but wants to find this line between queerbating and queercoding, between real chemistry and potential and just a pragmatic desire to attract an audience "at any cost."

I would like to leave comments on the entire text, but it seems that I need time for the material to settle in my head and I can draw objective conclusions. But for now, I can write my thoughts on the thesis that it is "atypical" for Hoyoverse to portray MLM dynamics outside the heteronormative framework, because I don't quite seem to agree with him.

I can't say that ship with characters who don't have a clear imbalance of canonical feminine/masculine traits is something new and unusual for Hoyo games.The desire to reduce one character to a feminine image and the other to a masculine one is often more a product of fandom activity. In the canon, these qualities could be distributed much more heterogeneously and ambiguously.

Ayato and Thoma have an imbalance of power, but not femininity and masculinity, and many, on the contrary, interpret Ayato as more refined and aristocratic, "with delicate marble skin" and all that, and Thoma as a more down-to-earth person accustomed to rough and dirty physical work (he is not only a "housewife", but also a mercenary and a "problem solver").

Aventurine and Ratio have a size difference, which fandom can interpret as a classic "yaoi" pattern, but at the same time, Aventurine is not canonically more feminine, shows many traits associated in society with masculine and even toxically masculine behavior, and Ratio is more sexualized, wears makeup, monitors hygiene, contains in his lore and name, references to goddesses (the words "veritas" and "ratio" themselves are linguistically feminine) and does not show bright masculine features. Even the way the characters sit in the materials with them is an example that they did not try to position Ratio as a "big rude man", but Aventurine as an elegant twink.

Thank you for such a detailed response to the post! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts, and I read all the parts of the ask you sent in!

Regarding this point, I'm not sure if it was unfortunately lost in the translations, but I did actually mention this in the original post:

"I don't want to say that Hoyo's track record on this front is bad, because honestly it's not. Their male characters often have surprisingly complex expressions of gender identity, with interesting blends of masculine and feminine traits."

But in the long run... I'm just less concerned with how Hoyo conceived of their characters in totality and more concerned with how audiences are encouraged to perceive those characters, as ultimately, the "gain" Hoyo sees from creating queer characters comes from audiences' interest. I believe the developers are very conscious of how players perceive characters and what consumers want to see from male characters. I think no one knows better how audiences will reduce characters (both male and female) to one dimension than the devs themselves lol.

And so, I just don't think it's accidental that a massive majority of Hoyo's MLM ships can be easily crammed into heteronormative patterns by audiences. Hoyo knows what sells and what fandoms love to do with ship-baited characters, and they provide just enough fuel for the fire to achieve the sales they want. Even while developing decent three-dimensional characters of their own, they invoke the fandom tropes on purpose to sell to their specific target audiences.

Characters like Aventurine and Thoma have masculine traits, yes--but then Hoyo deliberately uses feminine traits to market them, so that fans can apply their stereotypical heteronormativity. There's no reason for Thoma to be a housekeeper as well as a mercenary, right? He could just be employed by the Kamisatos as a "problem-solver" alone, but Hoyo added the housekeeper bit for... what reason? He's only a housekeeper because that allows fans to imagine him in a specific heteronormative role. Almost his entire hangout focused on "feminine" aspects (like knitting sweaters, a cleaning challenge, literal housekeeping classes, etc.) intentionally to make him appeal to fans, who Hoyo knew would then feminize him even further. And Aventurine does have masculine traits, I agree, but one of the core traits Hoyo used to sell him is being "in need of rescue," so that the players can feel like white knights for him and generate entire narratives of Aventurine being "healed" by the love of a big strong man (lol), a stereotypical plot that Hoyo deliberately helped along by making Ratio one of his "saviors."

And even though I said Mydei and Phainon was an exception visually, I think they follow the exact same pattern in terms of personality. The reason there's so much bottom!Mydei in fandom is because the devs have intentionally marketed him to take that role. They didn't have to make him a sweet tooth, have characters in-game call him cute for drinking pink milk juice, have him play house, or make him the one who makes food for everyone. Hoyo invoked the trope of the housewife on purpose to sell him (largely to women, but also deliberately to yaoi fans), and the fandom responds by exacerbating that portrayal even further.

I do applaud Hoyo for creating characters that have depth and can play with gender-related concepts in interesting ways, but I'm not willing to say they're oblivious to how fandoms will perceive, adapt, and reduce those characters to stereotypes.

They know exactly what they're doing when they put out another twink next to a big buff man, I promise. 😂

[willowwindss]

100 Inventions by Women

LIFE-SAVING/MEDICAL/GLOBAL IMPACT:

Artificial Heart Valve – Nina Starr Braunwald

Stem Cell Isolation from Bone Marrow – Ann Tsukamoto

Chemotherapy Drug Research – Gertrude Elion

Antifungal Antibiotic (Nystatin) – Rachel Fuller Brown & Elizabeth Lee Hazen

Apgar Score (Newborn Health Assessment) – Virginia Apgar

Vaccination Distribution Logistics – Sara Josephine Baker

Hand-Held Laser Device for Cataracts – Patricia Bath

Portable Life-Saving Heart Monitor – Dr. Helen Brooke Taussig

Medical Mask Design – Ellen Ochoa

Dental Filling Techniques – Lucy Hobbs Taylor

Radiation Treatment Research – Cécile Vogt

Ultrasound Advancements – Denise Grey

Biodegradable Sanitary Pads – Arunachalam Muruganantham (with women-led testing teams)

First Computer Algorithm – Ada Lovelace

COBOL Programming Language – Grace Hopper

Computer Compiler – Grace Hopper

FORTRAN/FORUMAC Language Development – Jean E. Sammet

Caller ID and Call Waiting – Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – Marian Croak

Wireless Transmission Technology – Hedy Lamarr

Polaroid Camera Chemistry / Digital Projection Optics – Edith Clarke

Jet Propulsion Systems Work – Yvonne Brill

Infrared Astronomy Tech – Nancy Roman

Astronomical Data Archiving – Henrietta Swan Leavitt

Nuclear Physics Research Tools – Chien-Shiung Wu

Protein Folding Software – Eleanor Dodson

Global Network for Earthquake Detection – Inge Lehmann

Earthquake Resistant Structures – Edith Clarke

Water Distillation Device – Maria Telkes

Portable Water Filtration Devices – Theresa Dankovich

Solar Thermal Storage System – Maria Telkes

Solar-Powered House – Mária Telkes

Solar Cooker Advancements – Barbara Kerr

Microbiome Research – Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello

Marine Navigation System – Ida Hyde

Anti-Malarial Drug Work – Tu Youyou

Digital Payment Security Algorithms – Radia Perlman

Wireless Transmitters for Aviation – Harriet Quimby

Contributions to Touchscreen Tech – Dr. Annette V. Simmonds

Robotic Surgery Systems – Paula Hammond

Battery-Powered Baby Stroller – Ann Moore

Smart Textile Sensor Fabric – Leah Buechley

Voice-Activated Devices – Kimberly Bryant

Artificial Limb Enhancements – Aimee Mullins

Crash Test Dummies for Women – Astrid Linder

Shark Repellent – Julia Child

3D Illusionary Display Tech – Valerie Thomas

Biodegradable Plastics – Julia F. Carney

Ink Chemistry for Inkjet Printers – Margaret Wu

Computerised Telephone Switching – Erna Hoover

Word Processor Innovations – Evelyn Berezin

Braille Printer Software – Carol Shaw

⸻

HOUSEHOLD & SAFETY INNOVATIONS:

Home Security System – Marie Van Brittan Brown

Fire Escape – Anna Connelly

Life Raft – Maria Beasley

Windshield Wiper – Mary Anderson

Car Heater – Margaret Wilcox

Toilet Paper Holder – Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner

Foot-Pedal Trash Can – Lillian Moller Gilbreth

Retractable Dog Leash – Mary A. Delaney

Disposable Diaper Cover – Marion Donovan

Disposable Glove Design – Kathryn Croft

Ice Cream Maker – Nancy Johnson

Electric Refrigerator Improvements – Florence Parpart

Fold-Out Bed – Sarah E. Goode

Flat-Bottomed Paper Bag Machine – Margaret Knight

Square-Bottomed Paper Bag – Margaret Knight

Street-Cleaning Machine – Florence Parpart

Improved Ironing Board – Sarah Boone

Underwater Telescope – Sarah Mather

Clothes Wringer – Ellene Alice Bailey

Coffee Filter – Melitta Bentz

Scotchgard (Fabric Protector) – Patsy Sherman

Liquid Paper (Correction Fluid) – Bette Nesmith Graham

Leak-Proof Diapers – Valerie Hunter Gordon

FOOD/CONVENIENCE/CULTURAL IMPACT:

Chocolate Chip Cookie – Ruth Graves Wakefield

Monopoly (The Landlord’s Game) – Elizabeth Magie

Snugli Baby Carrier – Ann Moore

Barrel-Style Curling Iron – Theora Stephens

Natural Hair Product Line – Madame C.J. Walker

Virtual Reality Journalism – Nonny de la Peña

Digital Camera Sensor Contributions – Edith Clarke

Textile Color Processing – Beulah Henry

Ice Cream Freezer – Nancy Johnson

Spray-On Skin (ReCell) – Fiona Wood

Langmuir-Blodgett Film – Katharine Burr Blodgett

Fish & Marine Signal Flares – Martha Coston

Windshield Washer System – Charlotte Bridgwood

Smart Clothing / Sensor Integration – Leah Buechley

Fibre Optic Pressure Sensors – Mary Lou Jepsen

[creepyclothdoll]

Everything Is Fine (comic): Everything we know about the New Government (SPOILERS)

I just finished season three. I need to talk to someone about it.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

Up until the end of Season 3, I (like many) suspected Red Status was some sort of illusion, recording, deepfake, etc. That's still not off the table, but Season 3 gives us a lot of evidence that Red Status is real, that the children are genuinely being held on rooftop camps, and that at least some of them are genuinely brainwashed in favor of the New Government.

Since the start, I've felt that the New Government was probably aliens or rogue AI or some other sci-fi non-human entity, because it seems like no human being would have anything to gain at all from doing any of the stuff the New Government is doing. I'm sticking with this theory, that it's non-human, because of how organized yet indecipherable its actions seem to be.

So what do we know about this group or entity? I'm making a list. I haven't read the previous seasons since they came out, so I'll definitely miss details-- please feel free to add or correct me!

...

RESOURCES

It has vast resources. It is able to produce cat heads for every single person in these communities-- possibly for the entire world, and distribute them. It is able to produce and maintain inconceivably vast quantities of surveillance equipment. It is probable that it has built all of the dystopian cookie-cutter suburban homes shown in season one, but that could just be the actual suburbs, idk.

It was able to "source replacements" for all utilities immediately upon taking over, an improbable feat.

The takeover interfered with the communications of the International Space Station.

It was somehow able to gather and communicate with all children in either full secret or possibly instantaneously, leading the children to "join their cause" at the start of the takeover. Children were either very quickly or very secretly brainwashed and radicalized enough that some were willing to taunt and berate their own parents as they committed suicide at the command of the New Government.

It is able to somehow monitor every single person and sense when they are doing something "wrong." In the first season, this monitor's activity is depicted through red eye cameras, and it seems VERY nit-picky about people dropping the happy facade even slightly. HOWEVER, this monitoring seems like it can easily be tricked by people using cheeky turn-of-phrase and code (such as Judy asking Maggie how many square feet her 'turkey' has). It also doesn't seem to notice or care when someone suddenly goes off-line (entering a faraday cage). Its most effective monitors are human beings, however, as it highly incentivizes people to turn each other in.

...

THEMES IN BEHAVIOR

It has a sense of order which is completely unintuitive to human beings (groceries and products organized alphabetically, streets and businesses named by number, 'Art factory').

It encourages betrayal and persecution. It does not care whether anyone punished is legitimately guilty of anything-- the purpose seems to be to continue to make people inflict punishment on each other as much as possible.

It enables and encourages cruelty of individuals' own free will. The mayor of Lakeview must move one couple "up" each month, but there is no limit to the number they can red status. The mayor has extreme limitations on their power when it comes to helping people, but unlimited power when it comes to hurting them, which encourages abuse while also leaving the actual choice to abuse power up to free will.

It exterminates huge swaths of the population at a time. It seems like MOST people are probably killed under this regime.

It has an ultimate goal. The current status quo is not its end game. It created the numbered neighborhood society and then it destroyed it after about three years, allowing only a select few who "played the game" right (betrayed their neighbors) to escape.

It changes the rules from phase to phase, seemingly encouraging "cheating" in the second part of its game by providing everyone in Lakeview with an apparently unsurveilled boat. This could be ineptitude on its part, but it seems like a huge oversight for an otherwise over-the-top hyper-surveilling entity.

It is committed to control over aesthetic. It takes full responsibility of a mass-production strategy to feeding the population. Food is mostly canned, there are no brands, and the quality seems poor and inauthentic. Where are these resources coming from? Who is generating all this food, and where?

It is committed to aesthetic over functionality. (Charlie worked at the box factory, Sam worked in moving the boxes around, while Bob worked at the box incinerator, implying there is no value or purpose to many peoples' jobs other than busywork). They designated Ormel red status because the mask he was assigned was a misprint.

It needs human beings to enforce its will. An empowered individual must make the choice to "red status" someone else. It seems to overwhelmingly rely on citizens to use the tools it provides to enforce its rules and maintain its order. Is this an actual need, or a choice it makes? Would it be able to "red status" or possibly kill everyone if all of its enforcement officers refused to push the button?

...

HISTORY & METHODS OF REIGN

The military was likely targeted first, as the army was already executing people in the streets the same day the overthrow was announced.

The cat heads seem to be made of a combination of current human technology and sci-fi wildness, containing both cameras, tracking devices, and strange green ooze that can "heal."

The smiley sticker system was not invented by the New Government. The manipulative facade of a system where you can supposedly "buy" a merit with an unattainable amount of money was invented by Lakeview, as was the voting system. A large amount of the sinister system of Lakeview was created by Mayor Laura and the town council based on assumptions they made from reading between the lines. We don't know if this is what they New Government WANTS, but we definitely know it's ALLOWED.

They declared another lakeview-like town a "failed project" and redded everyone, possibly due to corruption and fighting in the town.

It often communicates through implication. When the New Government took over, it "implied" responsibility to the press.

It claims Lakewood's job is to determine who is "truly loyal." Lakewood must send one couple "up" and at least one "down" each month. It was up to the mayor of Lakewood to interpret what this meant, and she interpreted it as snuffing out rebellious activity.

It mandates the hunts in Lakewood. The practice of rewarding those who hunt down and kill red status people is a direct edict from the New Government.

Whatever happens to the children who do survive is bad enough that most of them are deeply psychologically scarred.

We may assume that the red-status children actually did jump, as we have more evidence for that now than we did before. We have seen what is implied to be dried blood from the splatter, but no bodies. It is implied that the bodies were removed with a vehicle. At the camp we have seen, it looks like of the six children camping there (estimated from the number of cots shown), four died.

...

ASSUMPTIONS & GUESSES

We have no proof or evidence that any real human beings are running the New Government. The highest-up official we have seen was described as just another victim herself.

Maggie said "This world takes people... and turns them into monsters." I suspect that is at least part of the goal of the New Government.

Winston's daughter Lucy said, as she was about to kill herself, that they were doing what they were told "so the people who deserve this world get to live in it." That seems like it must be very close to what the New Government is telling them.

Hillside is not the end of the "game." It is strongly implied that Hillside residents are still locked in some sort of betrayal-based "loyalty" test.

So what do you think? What is the nature of or purpose of "The New Government?" And how do you think Oscar fits in?

[fidogo]

severance au! john price x reader, wc: 1.4K, warnings: none You get a visitor in Distribution Supply. Someone new. a/n: idk just a Severance AU no one asked for

You follow the mocha-colored lines with your eyes.

Straight for 11 inches. Right angle.

Straight for 5 inches. Right angle.

Straight. Right. Straight. Right. The pattern repeats, looping over itself in the plush, cream carpet. It looks soft, and something inside you wants to kick off your shoes and let your feet sink into it. 

Your stomach curdles, and a cold feeling drips down your back. It anchors itself deep in your abdomen, and you snap to attention.

There's a dull ache behind your eyes from staring at your monitor. When Farah put you on the front desk today, you practically ran to the chair. It was something different.

But suffocating your thoughts was much harder when your only form of distraction was scrolling through the inventory log. Each and every item is precisely entered and accounted for.

You thump your fingers against your desk, trying to match the rhythm of the numberless wall clock. It's silent otherwise.

There's nothing else out here, the kitchenette and bathroom are both hidden neatly in the stockroom. Farah and Nikto are in there today, sorting, counting, and ordering. Knowing Farah's only company is Nikto, you imagine it can't be any louder than it is out here. Especially since it's not a delivery day. Regardless, they've gotta be doing more than you.

Any upper-floor requests that come through to your screen are forwarded to the internal computer in the stockroom. Besides that, you sit and wait for any internal requests from the Severed floor.

Which hardly ever come.

For the most part, random departments need more generic office supplies, but if you're lucky, it can get exciting when O&D requests raw materials for whatever it is they do, or if Livestock Cultivation needs more feeding bottles or plant seeds. But your shift's almost done, and it's been quiet.

Your eyes drift to the carpet again, tracing over the thick, brown lines. 

Maybe when Farah asks you to work the front, you should say no. At least when you're in the stockroom, you can talk about nonsense while physically doing something.

You start counting the rectangles. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Maybe you should be including the smaller rectangles that form from the overlap.... 1. 2. 3. 4.

"'scue me?" 

Your head snaps up, and you stay stone-still. 

A man's looking at you. A man you've never seen before. Someone new. 

You smile at him, straightening in your chair. 

"You're not Farah K?" It's a statement, but he says it as a question. His voice is simultaneously gruff and pleasant. You decide immediately you like the sound of it. Someone new. Nikto hardly ever speaks, and you've come to loathe Mr. Graves's voice. 

"No, I am not. Farah is in the stockroom. What can I help you with?" you rush out, leaning forward as you do. 

"We need more cups for our water dispenser." You nod, scrolling through your digital log until you find the requested item and click the request button.

"What department are you from?" you ask, looking at the tracker.

"MDR." 

For a second, you feel as if you're underwater (not that you'd know what that's like), and your heartbeat thumps away. A Macrodata Refiner. You know about them. You've never seen one before, knowledge limited to whispers you've overheard in the hallways.

You stare at the screen, ignoring your achey eyes as you input which department made the request. It'll help your department track how often their cups should be resupplied. Track their water usage. 

"The cups will be out shortly," you say in what you hope is a pleasant manner that won't incur his wrath. He nods at you, softly smiling. He has more facial hair than both Nikto and Mr. Graves, and the handful of people you've seen while working here. 

Muttonchops, your brain supplies. He has muttonchops. 

"MDR also needs a wrist rest, for the keyboard, so I'll be back in a few days for that," he says. He has blue eyes, warmer than Nikto's. They're quite pretty. For someone from MDR. Someone new.

"I can go ahead and order those for you as well." You start to scroll through your log, and frown. Wrist rests aren't in your inventory, which feels odd given the diverse amount of items you supply.

You swallow nervously, eyeing him from behind your screen. He's fairly large, built thick and sturdy. He could easily overpower you if things escalate.

"Actually, we don't have those," you say carefully, monitoring his response. "It might be a Wellness department request." Perhaps the additional information will make him merciful and willing to spare you. He grimaces; you tense.

"I guess that makes sense."

Oh. His eyes go blank for a second as his mind drifts away. Even if it makes sense, you know he's disappointed. The feeling sits in your stomach, and your leg bounces nervously. 

"But I can get them for you," you blurt out, heart speed picking up again. Someone new. You're not sure if you can, but you're pretty sure you could make a convincing argument to Farah, but there's always a chance Mr. Graves will deny it. 

The man's eyes flick back to you, observing.

"Or I can at least try," you saw weakly, slightly embarrassed by your need to please. Your behavior would not be considered handbook-compliant. But there's a glimmer of approval in the man's eyes, and he nods curtly. 

"What's your name?" You ask, trying to keep your eyes glued to the computer instead of the handsome man who seems to be absent of the discomfort that plagues you.

"John P." You make a notation in your log. Someone new. John. You smile up at him again, sinking back into the safety and comfort of the company-approved script.

"Someone should be out with the requested cups shortly."

The blank, white door behind you opens, as if on command, and Nikto walks out. He grunts as he deposits the sleeve of cups onto your desk, before disappearing through the unmarked door without a word. 

One of John's eyebrows lifts, and part of you feels a little embarrassed.

"That's Nikto. He's not particularly chatty." You smile at him apologetically. The last thing you need is for him to gather up the rest of MDR and take revenge on your department for a perceived slight.

"Are you? Chatty, that is?" John asks. You pause, a need to take stock of the situation coming over you. He's smiling kindly, making no effort to reach for the sleeve of cups, content to be here in this empty room with you. Maybe he's excited to meet someone new also.

The way your nerves settle almost instantaneously is comical. You lean back in your chair, looking up at him, and you're really looking at him now, no longer afraid of the hefty title of MDR.

"You know, I'm known to be a bit of a yapper," you admit. "Pretty sure that Nikto needed a break so they stuck me up here." He snorts at that, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Well, better you than him out here," he says, eyes roaming your face. "Better manners. Much prettier."

You freeze, words stuck in your mouth like a jammed printer. No one's ever called you pretty before. You're a little alarmed at the heat that washes over you, wondering if it's a normal reaction to being called pretty or one that occurs because John is the one saying it.

"Thank you," you whisper. You rise out of your chair, passing him the sleeve. 

"No, thank you," he says, eyes sparking with something you can't fully recognize. His fingers brush against yours for the briefest moment, and the cold feeling from earlier creeps down your back, despite the slight warmth at the contact.

You pull your hand back.

"Someone will let you know about the wrist rests," you say gently, steering this interaction back on script. He doesn't say anything, just smiles at you softly. 

You just stare back, quiet, nails digging into the skin of your clenched fist. John nods before beginning to walk away. He makes it to the door leading to the hallway before he stops, hands gripping the cup sleeve a little too tightly. 

"What's your name?" he asks. You answer. First and initial. He repeats it back to you, lips quirking up slightly. And then he's gone.

You sit back down, the silence washing over you uncomfortably. It's stifling. Your fingers begin to tap again, and you trace your eyes over the rectangles. 

1. 2. 3. 4. 5...

part 2

[pillowfort-social]

Site Update - 2/9/2024

Hi Pillowfolks!

Today is the day. Post Queueing & Scheduling is finally here for everyone. Hooray! As always we will be monitoring closely for any unexpected bugs so please let us know if you run into any.

New Features/Improvements

✨ *NEW* Queue & Schedule - One of the most highly requested features has finally arrived at Pillowfort. Users can now effortlessly Queue or Schedule a post for a future time.  

Queue helps keep your Pillowfort active by staggering posts over a period of hours or days. Just go to your Settings page to set your queue interval and time period.

How to add a post to your queue: 

While creating a new post or editing a draft, click on the clock icon to the right of the “Publish” button and choose “Queue.” Then click “Queue” when you’re ready to submit the post.

Schedule assigns a post a specific publishing time in the future (based on your timezone you’ve selected in Account Settings). How to schedule a post: 

While creating a new post or editing a draft, click on the clock icon to the right of “Publish” and choose “Schedule.” Enter the time you wish to publish your post, click on “Submit” and then click “Schedule.” 

How to review your queued & scheduled posts: 

On the web, your Queue is available in the user sidebar located on the left side of the screen underneath “Posts.” (On mobile devices, click on the three line icon located on the upper left of your screen to access your user sidebar.)

Note: the “Queue” button will only display if you have one or more queued or scheduled posts.

A CAVEAT: It is not currently possible to queue or schedule posts to Communities. We do intend to add this feature in the future, but during development it was determined that enabling queueing & scheduling to Communities would require additional workflow and use case requirements that would extend development time when this project has already been delayed, and so it was decided to release queue & scheduling for blogs only at the present time. We will add the ability to queue & schedule to Communities soon after the Pillowfort PWA (our next major development project) is complete.

✨ End of Year Fundraiser Reward Badges: End of Year Fundraiser Rewards Badges will begin to be distributed today. We'll update everyone when distribution is done.  

✨ End of Year Fundraiser Reward Frames: As a special thank you to our community for helping keep Pillowfort online we have released two very special (and cozy!) Avatar Frames for all users. 

As for the remaining End of Year Fundraiser Rewards - we will be asking the Community for feedback on the upcoming Light Mode soon. 

✨ Valentine’s Day Avatar Frame: A new Valentine’s Day inspired frame is now available!

✨ Valentine’s Day Premium Frames: Alternate colors of the Valentine’s Day frame are available to Pillowfort Premium subscribers. 

✨ Site FAQ Update - Our Site FAQ has received a revamp.  

Terms of Service Update

As of today (February 9th), we are updating our Terms of Service to prohibit the following content:

Images created through the use of generative AI programs such as Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, and Dall-E.

An explanation of how this policy will be enforced and what exactly that means for you is available here: https://www.pillowfort.social/posts/4317673

Thank you again for your continued support. Other previously mentioned updates (such as the Pillowfort Premium Price increase, Multi Account Management, PWA, and more) will be coming down the pipeline soon. As always, stay tuned for updates. 

Best, Staff

[sonyaheaneyauthor]

Ukrainian journalists fear USAID cuts opened up space for Russian disinformation campaigns

Media workers across Ukraine have had to cut back on reporting following USAID cuts, while many fear that this is feeding into the hands of the Kremlin's disinformation campaigns.

Larysa Hnatchenko has been at the helm of Slobidskyi Kray, the Kharkiv region’s oldest newspaper, for more than 14 years. 

However, following the Trump administration's decision to slash 90% of USAID grants in January, she has been doing something she did not expect she would have to do, just to keep working.

Hnatchenko has been dipping into her personal savings to ensure the publication's survival — using her money to pay salaries, office rent and fuel expenses.

"On top of this all, we were already owed two months' money when they paused the funding," she told Euronews.

While most of Slobidskyi Kray's team left Kharkiv in February 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion, they returned after the city's liberation, committed to continuing reporting.

The team began organising the distribution of 3,000 newspapers each week — for free — to humanitarian hubs located in 20 communities across the Kharkiv region.

"The goal of distributing the newspapers was not to generate a profit, but to ensure that people living in occupied territories and front-line regions got the news," Hnatchenko said.

"It's impossible to offer a subscription service in these areas, because people don't know where they will be from one day to the next due to the constant shelling."

"Many grandmothers would walk to humanitarian hubs by foot as they were determined to get the newspaper," added Hnatchenko.

This has now come to a halt due to a lack of funds. US grants previously made up 50% of the Slobidskyi Kray's funding — while nine out of 10 local Ukrainian outlets were also heavily reliant on USAID.

Hnatchenko fears that cuts to USAID are playing into the hands of the Kremlin, leaving many vulnerable individuals who are exposed to Russian disinformation, with no alternative news sources.

"It's a real issue, we can no longer afford to deliver our newspapers to areas which have no electricity or access to Ukrainian news. Many occupied and frontline territories also do not have Ukrainian signal but instead Russian signal, which is a trap," said Hnatchenko.

Opening the space to Russian disinformation

While Ukraine's media market has proven resilient, a report conducted by the media monitoring organisation Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF) prior to the axing of USAID funding found that Ukrainian media outlets needed $96 million (€86.3 million) over a three-year period to cover their costs. 

“There are no current figures on how many Ukrainian media outlets have had to close down since the end of USAID, but we know that more 330 outlets have had to shut down since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine,” Pauline Maufrais, Ukraine area manager for RSF, told Euronews.

“Russian propaganda outlets rejoiced in the end of USAID because it weakens the coverage from Ukrainian outlets especially in areas which are close to the front,” said Maufrais.

In January, RSF published an investigation into the International Reporters outlet, which publishes Moscow's propaganda and sends its contributors — such as French citizen and naturalised Russian national Christelle Néant — to interview the local population in occupied eastern Ukraine, including Avdiivka and Mariupol.

The International Reporters outlet is just one of the many Kremlin-funded propaganda networks, which use foreign propagandists to justify Russia's invasion of Ukraine internationally.

"If there are fewer journalists in the Ukrainian media because there are not enough financial resources to pay them back, this means that less topics will be covered," said Maufrais.

“Since USAID cuts, media outlets are able to hire fewer freelancers, staffers have lost their jobs, but it also means that there is less coverage on the ground coming out from Ukraine."

"Some outlets are running with only a few weeks of financing left, while others have said they can online survive until June," Maufrais added.

Documentaries on halt

Vgoru Media, based in Kherson — a city on the front lines of the war which was occupied by Russia for a period of nine months — previously relied on USAID to fund 80% of its projects.

"We have had to cut big projects, such as our documentary telling the story of women who were kidnapped and tortured by Russia, as all the funding was from USAID," Ustyn Danchuk, head of video journalism at Gwara Media told Euronews.

"We had already made 60% of the film when the cuts were implemented — but we hadn't even been paid for that work," he explained.

Many Vgoru journalists left Kherson when it was under Russian occupation, fearing being captured and tortured. Since they have returned, they must live with the daily threat of missiles, as well as constant fear... MORE

[dear-mrs-otome]

Would you please share crumbs of Jude's event? 👉👈

Yeah yeah! This goes for my other anon who was asking too...I won't go into any detail because I'm positive someone out there will do a much better job of translating but here's the super quick and dirty version, literally just copying what I was screeching to friends. see what i did there

Basically, Kate gets herself accidentally drugged shielding some woman when she and Jude are on a mission dealing with human traffickers, and she's high as fuck on this aphrodisiac stuff, just no brain cells left only horknee. Roger says she's just gotta wait it out and that someone should keep an eye on her overnight to make sure no bad side effects happen, and of course he volunteers.

Jude: he's just gonna try and get a piece -.-

Roger's like AS WOULD ANY OF US HERE and Jude's level of legit out loud just saying I'M SURROUNDED BY THE DREGS OF SOCIETY had me rolling.

Anyway, much to his surprise Kate picks him to be her monitor and he eventually gets exasperated with her not even being able to walk right, he's like I'm not standing here all night holding you up binch. You'll feel better if you just come, so here's my hand - go wild rubbing yourself on some fingers to get off.

He keeps giving her shit about her being pitiful and stuff but he never touches her anywhere else and only over her clothes as she comes a couple of times, and Kate finally implies that's why she picked him, because she knew he'd never take advantage of someone in her state. Jude teases her about how convenient it is to be able to blame all this sluttery on the drugs but he gets very serious (SOFT FACE ALERT) and tells her he's just yanking her chain - he knows she's not the sort of girl to give herself away so easily.

It's hilarious but also weirdly gentlemanly, and he helps her mentally get through it by commiserating with her rage that some guy is out there manufacturing this horrible stuff and putting women through what she's suffering through, and he basically says hang in there and after this is over how about you and I make sure we track down that fucker and give him hell 😈

There's a pretty amusing scene after the night ends, some time later when they HAVE caught the guy, and Kate's celebrating. Jude's confiscated all the aphrodisiac and taken over the supply lines, and Kate asks what he's gonna do with it, and he tells her he's gonna sell it. She's like WHAT but he very logically explains that if he doesn't, someone else will step up to make something possibly even worse, so he'll dilute it and control distribution safely (ostensibly to hopefully keep it safer) ((Jude for legalized marijuana amirite))

But then the shithead offers to sell her some with a sly grin and Kate's just difjfjfjdjd No NO THANK YOU

Jude: you sure? You SEEMED like you were enjoying yourself ;) leaving Kate just -.- And then he's basically like, eh i wouldn't mind being with you I guess your O face ain't so bad and poor Kate is left kind of like he's joking right? RIGHT? because if he isn't god help me and my poor heart

ANYWAYS...like I said, it was all kind of very twistedly chivalrous, and it really reinforced again that Jude's a dick but an equal opportunity one, he's never a dick to Kate because she's a woman. He drinks his respect juice, especially for exploited ladies it seems, even if he shows it strangely at times.

[ramblings-in-imagination]

Not Just Bad Sushi (Part Six)

They carefully settled her into the rig, the gentle hum of the engine filling the tight space as the team prepared for transport. But no sooner had they started moving than she began to thrash, trying to pull the IV line free, her fingers scrambling at the tape.

“I’m fine,” she insisted, her voice shaky but insistent. “Really. It doesn’t hurt anymore. It was just that stupid sushi playing weird tricks on me.”

Buck’s eyes widened as he caught Eddie’s worried glance. “Please, just let me go home,” she begged, reaching for Evan’s hand. “I’m sorry for overreacting. I just need my bed.”

Eddie’s gut dropped. His brother’s instincts and the severity of what he’d seen told him otherwise. Her appendix had most likely ruptured. She was lying to protect herself from the fear of the hospital, and from the reality of what was happening inside her body.

He leaned close to Chimney, who was driving, and quietly shared his concerns. “It’s probably ruptured,” Eddie murmured. “We can’t let her go home. Not like this.”

Chimney’s jaw tightened as he reached for the radio. “Dispatch, this is Rescue 51 en route to County General. Female patient, mid-twenties, appendix rupture suspected. Patient conscious but fading. Requesting immediate surgical prep.”

Inside the rig, the air seemed to grow heavier with every passing second. Her breathing had turned shallow and erratic, beads of sweat dripping down her forehead despite the November chill. Her skin, once flushed, was now an unhealthy grayish pallor.

Evan’s panic grew as he watched the love of his life slip further from him. “Eddie, what can I do?” he asked, his voice cracking as he clutched her hand. “Tell me what to do—I can’t just sit here and watch her like this.”

Eddie’s own jaw clenched, the worry etched into the lines of his face. “Just talk to her,” he snapped, not out of anger but sheer desperation. “Keep her with us…….she’s going septic, Buck. She’s going septic.”

Her heart rate monitor began to scream as tachycardia set in,her pulse racing in a dangerous rhythm. Hen called out from her position, “BP’s dropping, 80 over 40, she’s going into distributive shock. We need fluids, wide open, now!”

Chimney’s eyes darted from the road to the rearview mirror. “We’re only five minutes out,” he shouted.

“Not fast enough!” Eddie barked. “Hit the lights harder! Get us there now, Chim!”

Buck’s hands trembled as he watched Hen push another bolus of fluids into the IV line, his own breath coming in ragged gasps. “I should’ve stayed home with her,” he whispered, his eyes locked on her as tears threatened to spill.

Hen didn’t look up from her work. “Not your fault, Buck,” she said, voice tight. “We’ve got to focus….she’s turning septic and she’s going fast. Push another liter, get those antibiotics started. We need broad-spectrum coverage. Stat.”

Her breaths grew more labored, her chest rising and falling in uneven gasps. Confusion clouded her half-open eyes, her lips dry and cracked. “B-Buck?” she slurred, the words a fragile thread of sound.

“Hey, I’m here, baby. I’m here,” Buck whispered, pressing a trembling kiss to her forehead. “Just hold on. You can’t leave me yet, okay? You promised.”

Eddie’s own eyes glistened with unshed tears as he placed a firm hand on Buck’s shoulder. “She’s strong. She’s gonna make it,” he said, though his voice shook with uncertainty.

The rig’s sirens wailed louder as they approached the hospital. Inside, the air felt charged, every second a battle between hope and terror. Her body, weakened by the infection, trembled as the last vestiges of consciousness slipped through her fingers.

Hen’s voice rang out over the monitor’s steady beep. “We’ve got to get her on vasopressors as soon as we hit the doors. She’s too unstable.”

Chimney’s voice cut in from the front. “We’re here…brace yourselves.”

As the rig slowed to a halt at the ER entrance, her eyelids fluttered one last time. She managed a faint smile, the ghost of her former self, and whispered, “I’m just gonna get a little power nap in.”

And then she was gone, her body limp in the stretcher.

Buck’s heart cracked as he shouted, “No…. no, please, stay with me!” but the paramedics were already flying into action, the doors flung open, the rig filled with shouts and medical commands.

[enzaelectric]

Common Electrical Issues That a High-Quality Current Transformer Can Prevent

In today’s fast-paced industrial world, electrical reliability is more crucial than ever. A small error in current measurement can lead to serious system failures, downtime, and costly repairs. This is where high-quality current transformers (CTs) make a huge difference. But what exactly can a superior CT prevent? Let’s dive in.

What Is a Current Transformer?

A current transformer (CT) is an essential device used to measure alternating current (AC) by producing a scaled-down, manageable current for meters, relays, and other instruments. It enables safe monitoring and accurate metering in high-voltage environments, protecting both equipment and personnel.

Common Electrical Problems a High-Quality CT Can Prevent

1. Overloading and Equipment Failure

Problem: Without accurate current measurement, systems can easily become overloaded, causing motors, transformers, and cables to overheat.

How a CT Helps: A precision CT ensures real-time, reliable current monitoring. It detects overcurrent conditions immediately, allowing protective relays to trip and prevent expensive equipment damage.

2. Inaccurate Energy Billing

Problem: Incorrect current readings can lead to wrong billing, causing businesses to either overpay for energy or face disputes with utilities.

How a CT Helps: High-accuracy CTs provide precise energy data for billing and cost allocation, especially critical in commercial complexes, factories, and power plants.

3. Protection Relay Malfunction

Problem: If a CT delivers incorrect signals, protection relays may not operate during faults, leading to extended damage and system blackouts.

How a CT Helps: Reliable CTs ensure protection relays receive the correct fault current levels, enabling fast and accurate circuit isolation.

4. Short Circuits Going Undetected

Problem: A minor fault can escalate into a full-blown short circuit if the protection system doesn’t detect it early.

How a CT Helps: Quality CTs capture even small fault currents, triggering alarms or shutdowns before damage spirals out of control.

5. Phase Imbalance Issues

Problem: Imbalanced phases cause excessive heating, motor inefficiency, and damage to sensitive equipment.

How a CT Helps: High-precision CTs monitor each phase accurately, enabling detection of phase unbalance conditions early and preventing system inefficiencies.

6. Harmonic Distortions and Power Quality Problems

Problem: Harmonic distortions interfere with the performance of sensitive equipment and reduce the overall power quality.

How a CT Helps: Specialized CTs can detect abnormal waveform distortions, enabling corrective action through harmonic filtering or load balancing.

Why Invest in a High-Quality Current Transformer?

Accuracy: Achieve metering-class precision essential for both billing and protection. Durability: Longer lifespan even in harsh industrial environments. Safety: Better insulation, thermal stability, and overload capacity. Compliance: Meets international standards like IEC and ANSI.

How Enza Electric Ensures CT Excellence

At Enza Electric, we specialize in manufacturing current transformers built with precision, reliability, and global standards compliance. Whether you need CTs for commercial metering, industrial protection, or utility-scale power distribution, our solutions guarantee unmatched performance.

Customizable options for various ratings High dielectric strength for safety Long service life even in extreme conditions

Explore our Current Transformer Range

Final Thoughts

A high-quality current transformer isn’t just a tool — it’s a first line of defense for your electrical system. Investing in precision-engineered CTs prevents common electrical issues, boosts system longevity, ensures accurate billing, and improves overall operational safety.

If you’re serious about protecting your infrastructure and optimizing performance, choosing Enza Electric’s current transformers is a smart move.

[ficfield]

Memories

Chapter 10: Diversion

Following Ada’s escape. 

The storm hasn’t let up. 

You’re still soaked through, standing just behind Chris as he plants his hands on the console, the flickering glow from the monitors casting his face in harsh shadows. Rainwater drips from his jaw, but he doesn’t seem to feel it. His shoulders are still. Focussed. 

You step closer, heartbeat still kicking in your ears. You hadn’t even realised you were holding your beath until now. 

Ada’s gone.

And somehow, it doesn’t feel like a win. 

Pier’s voice cuts through the silence. “I’ve got something, feeding it through now.” 

The monitor flickers. 

A map of Chinese territorial waters flare to life. Multiple blinking red indicators speed across the display, vessels, all of them marked as potential bio-transport carriers.

You take a sharp step forward. “What are those?” 

Chris doesn’t answer at first. 

Because he already knows.

Piers glances between the two of you. “BSAA intel says those ships are carrying containers with the C-virus. The entire attack, it was just a smoke screen.” 

You exhale. “They were planning on releasing it here first?” 

Chris leans in, scanning the map. “They want to spread it globally. Sea routes would allow for silent distribution, thousands infected before anyone even sees the signs. 

Piers nods grimly. “We stop them, or the whole world goes under.” 

You bite down on the rising nausea in your chest. Not from the virus. From the scale of it. 

You glance at Chris again. His expression has hardened into something cold and familiar. The kind of anger he saves for monster, B.O.W.s, bioterrorists, and enemies who steal everything. 

“Where’s the ship?” he asks.

“Northwestern route, still in Chinese waters,” Piers replies. “But we’ll need to access the hangers. If there’s a transport or airship still operational, that’s our only shot.” 

Chris straightens. “Then we move. Fast.” 

He starts walking and relaying the plan to BSAA HQ through their comms.” 

And you follow.

Aircraft carrier – hanger access routeTwenty minutes later

The path to the hanger is hell.

Twisted metal lines the corridors. The storm outside sends rattling vibrations through the bulkheads, groaning like something alive. You pass fallen crew, shattered machinery, the scent of oil and smoke hanging thick in the air. 

Then you hear it.

Wet. slithering. wrong.

A shrill screech echoes from ahead. Piers steps up beside you, already raising his rifle. “Incoming.” 

From the shadows, they crawl. 

Gnezdo. 

Twisted, humanoid abominations with grotesque, oily skin. Parts of their bodies move independently, like their arms have minds of their own. One slams a fleshy, detaching appendage onto the wall beside you, the limb writhing like a centipede.

You fire without thinking. 

Chris dives beside you, covering your flank as the thing lashes out. It doesn’t die easily, your bullets tear through its torso, but it just keeps moving. Fast. Twitching.

You duck under a swipe and drive your knife up into it’s exposed nerve clusters. It screams, choked and insectile, then collapses in a mess of twitching limbs and yellowish fluid. 

Another slams into Chris, dragging him across the floor towards a hatch. 

“Chris!” you shout, already moving.

You unload your last three rounds into it’s chest. The creature shrieks, rears back, then a clean shot from Piers takes it down. 

Chris breaths hard, wiping grime from his mouth. “Thanks.” 

You reach out instinctively, grabbing his wrist, holding just a moment longer than you need to. 

His gaze meets yours.

And for a breath, it’s like something shifts behind his eyes. 

“I’ve got you,” you say quietly.

Chris doesn’t answer.

But he doesn’t let go.

Hangar Entrance – Minutes later 

you push open a blast door with both hands, entering a chamber lit in red. 

Dozens of maintenance catwalks, loading cranes, and shipping containers line the walks. Massive ventilation fans thrum overhead, and down below, the open maw of the hangar yawns like a throat.

And there, across the hangar, sits a VTOL aircraft. Still intact. 

Piers points. “That’s our ride.”

But between you and the aircraft? More Gnezdo.

Six, maybe more. Skittering over walls, splitting their bodies apart to launch twisted pieces across the hangar like missiles.

Chris exhales. “No time to play it safe.” 

He starts firing, and the whole hangar erupts. 

You sprint behind him, ducking beneath a flying limb that slams into the metal grate. Sparks fly. One Gnezdo leaps from above, but you throw your weight into a roll, coming up just in time to blast it back with a grenade.

Piers huffs behind you. “This is not what I signed up for!”

“Shut up and shoot!” you shout, swinging your rifle to take out another approaching mass.

Chris is already halfway to the VROL. You follow, unloading the last of your ammo into aa shrieking Gnezdo that explodes in a mess of sinew and smoke. 

Then, 

Silence. 

The last creature twitches. Dies. 

You double over, panting, hands trembling as adrenaline spikes and crashes through your veins.

Chris walks up, brushing slime off his vest. He pauses, his gaze flicks to you. 

“You alright?”

You nod. “You?”

He shrugs. “Getting used to you pulling my ass out of the fire.” 

There’s a beat.

A quiet, heavy pause as you stand in the flickering light.

He opens his mouth, like he might say something more, but Piers interrupts, climbing into the passenger seat of the VTOL. “You’re driving Chris, before more of those things crawl out of the walls.” 

Chris swallows the words.

He turns towards the VTOL.

You do too, but not before you look back once. 

At the hangar. At the blood. At the creatures that nearly tore you apart. 

And at him.

Something is coming. Something worse.

But for now?

You survived together. 

And that’s enough.